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Keep up with the latest news on the Trump administration Friday as the president touts a “very productive” call this morning with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as the leaders move toward a deal to keep TikTok alive in the US.

On Capitol Hill, the House narrowly passed a stopgap funding bill today — only for it to be rejected by the Senate hours later as the government careens toward a shutdown at the end of this month.

And it’s a chaotic scene outside Chicago as anti-ICE protesters clash with feds making arrests during the illegal immigration crackdown, dubbed Operation Midway Blitz, that got underway earlier this month.

Not all Epstein victims cooperated with feds, House GOP chairman says

By Josh Christenson

WASHINGTON — Not all of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged victims cooperated with a federal probe into the late financier's sex trafficking, according to the head of the House Oversight Committee.

"We're still digging in and this is gonna be a very long transcribed interview," said Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.).

House Oversight Chairman James Comer speaks to the press, during a House Oversight Committee closed deposition about his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein case, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. U.S., September 19, 2025.
"We're still digging in and this is gonna be a very long transcribed interview," Rep. James Comer said. "We're trying to find out more who dropped the ball," referencing the outcome of Jeffrey Epstein's case. REUTERS

"One of the things that Mr. Acosta has implied is that in in talking with some of the victims, there were some that gave answers that that weren't consistent with others," he went on. "Some wanted to cooperate, some didn't, but we've got a whole binder full of questions."

"We're trying to find out more who dropped the ball," Comer added. "Was it Acosta? Was it the FBI? Was it the local prosecutors? Was it the Department of Justice? Those are the questions I think we need to know, because that was part of what the victims asked us to do, was to hold people accountable in the government that failed to do their job."

Anti-ICE protest near Chicago goes haywire, feds make arrests during Trump's Operation Midway Blitz: pics, video

By Sarah Ng

Protesters outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Illinois, clashed with authorities Friday in a chaotic scene, and some were arrested.

Demonstrators carried signs in protest of ICE agents in Chicago, demanding that tax money go to healthcare measures instead.

ICE work in the area are part of Trump's Operation Midway Blitz to crack down on illegal immigration, that launched earlier this month.

A demonstrator is taken into custody by federal law enforcement agents as tear gas fills the air during a protest outside of an immigration processing center on September 19, 2025 in Broadview, Illinois.
A demonstrator is taken into custody by agents as tear gas fills the air during a protest outside of an immigration processing center in Broadview, Illinois. Getty Images
Demonstrators clash with federal law enforcement agents outside of an immigration processing center on September 19, 2025 in Broadview, Illinois.
Demonstrators clash with federal law enforcement agents in Broadview, Illinois. Getty Images
A demonstrator is taken into custody following a clash with federal law enforcement agents outside of an immigration processing center on September 19, 2025 in Broadview, Illinois.
A demonstrator is taken into custody following a clash with federal law enforcement agents outside of an immigration processing center in Broadview on Friday. Getty Images
ant-ice protesters
Demonstrators carried signs in protest of ICE agents in Chicago, demanding that tax money go to healthcare measures instead. AP
Demonstrators confront federal law enforcement agents outside of an immigration processing center on September 19, 2025 in Broadview, Illinois.
Officers confronted the crowds of demonstrators. Getty Images
Getty Images

Federal agents used tear gas on the protesters during the chaos, causing injuries.

Protesters were then taken into custody.

A demonstrator is overcome with tear gas fired by federal law enforcement agents during a clash outside of an immigration processing center on September 19, 2025 in Broadview, Illinois.
A demonstrator is overcome with tear gas fired by federal law enforcement agents during a clash outside of an immigration processing center on Friday. Getty Images
A demonstrator is taken into custody following a clash with federal law enforcement agents outside of an immigration processing center on September 19, 2025 in Broadview, Illinois. The demonstrators were protesting a recent surge in ICE activity in the Chicago area, part of the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants in the area dubbed Operation Midway Blitz.
A demonstrator is taken away by federal law enforcement agents. Getty Images
Demonstrators block a driveway to prevent vehicles from entering or leaving as they protest outside of an immigration processing center on September 19, 2025 in Broadview, Illinois. The demonstrators were protesting a recent surge in ICE activity in the Chicago area, part of the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants in the area dubbed Operation Midway Blitz.
Demonstrators block a driveway to prevent vehicles from entering or leaving as they protest outside of an immigration processing center, part of the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Getty Images

People filmed the interactions between protesters and the authorities during the conflict.

Epstein had abused 40 minors when feds took over Florida probe, House Dem says

By Josh Christenson

WASHINGTON — Jeffrey Epstein had abused 40 victims by the time the federal government took over a state investigation into the financier for soliciting sex from young girls, a House Democrat alleged Friday.

"It is our understanding from the victims' attorneys that there were at least 40 minors who gave sworn statements to the FBI -- as part of the investigation, before a decision was made in this case -- that they had been raped, abused, and trafficked," said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM).

This March 28, 2017 photo, provided by the New York State Sex Offender Registry, shows Jeffrey Epstein.
A House Democrat alleged Jeffrey Epstein had abused 40 victims by the time the federal government took over a state investigation. AP

The New Mexico Democrat made the stunning remarks after hearing testimony from former South Florida US Attorney Alex Acosta before the House Oversight Committee.

"What Mr. Acosta just told us is that based on his assessment of the case with his team, that he did not see sufficient evidence to move forward prosecuting the case, there were weaknesses in the case," Stansbury went on.

Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and former Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta, center, walks to an interview with the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025
"What Mr. Acosta just told us is that based on his assessment of the case with his team, that he did not see sufficient evidence to move forward prosecuting the case," Rep. Melanie Stansbury said. AP

"When asked if he made the decision as to whether or not to prosecute, fully prosecute this case, he took responsibility for it," she added. "He said it was the decision of him and his team, but when asked if he had directly reviewed the evidence itself in this case, he said that he had not actually read the statements of the victims."

Acosta 'evasive' and 'not believable' about Epstein case, House Dems say

By Josh Christenson

WASHINGTON — House Democrats said that former Labor Secretary Alex Acosta was also "evasive" in his answers to questions about whether his involvement in a federal non-prosecution agreement for Jeffrey Epstein was discussed before he was confirmed in the first Trump administration.

Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) claimed Acosta "didn't have much recollection of specific questions that the administration might have asked him about the Epstein case when they were vetting him and considering him to be on the president's cabinet" after the 2016 election.

U.S. President Donald Trump announces the resignation of Labor Secretary Alex Acosta (R) before departing for travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, U.S., July 12, 2019.
The federal non-prosecution agreement for Jeffrey Epstein in question was discussed before Acosta was confirmed in the first Trump administration. REUTERS

"I was a law professor at UC Irvine," added Rep. Dave Min (D-Calif.). "His answers were evasive, they obfuscated, and they were just not believable."

California Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight panel where the interview took place, accused Acosta of being "involved in the broader cover up that is happening right now, clearly being directed by the White House and the Attorney General."

House Dems rip 'deeply flawed' Epstein probe while grilling Alex Acosta

By Josh Christenson

WASHINGTON — House Democrats tore into former South Florida US Attorney Alex Acosta amid a lengthy interview with the ex-Trump labor secretary on Friday, saying that he presided over a "deeply flawed" probe into the now-deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

House Oversight Committee ranking member Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) told reporters outside the closed-door sitdown that Acosta "would not admit that Mr. Epstein received a sweetheart deal."

U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) and other Democratic representatives speak to the press during a House Oversight Committee closed deposition about his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein case, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. U.S., September 19, 2025.
Robert Garcia said that Acosta "would not admit that Mr. Epstein received a sweetheart deal." REUTERS
Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and former Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta, right, walks to an interview with the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwel on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.
The non-prosecution agreement that Acosta oversaw resulted in Epstein being sentenced to "only 18 months" in prison. AP

Acosta "stood by those decisions and would not claim any responsibility to the victims and in fact said ... he had no knowledge of what happened to those victims even to this day," Garcia said.

The non-prosecution agreement that Acosta oversaw resulted in Epstein being sentenced to "only 18 months" in prison after pleading guilty to state charges of committing two sex crimes, including solicitation of a minor for sex.

Epstein was ultimately confined for 13 months, with much of that time on work release.

"During that time," Garcia said, "he went on to abuse multiple women that he raped."

Trump announces Turkey's Erdogan visiting White House Thursday

By Diana Nerozzi

President Trump has announced that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will come to the White House on Thursday.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan delivers a speech during the Teknofest, the country's largest aerospace and technology festival, in Istanbul, Turkey, September 19, 2025.
"President Erdoğan and I have always had a very good relationship. I look forward to seeing him on the 25th!" Trump wrote on Truth Social about an upcoming visit from the Turkish president. REUTERS

"We are working on many Trade and Military Deals with the President, including the large scale purchase of Boeing aircraft, a major F-16 Deal, and a continuation of the F-35 talks, which we expect to conclude positively," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"President Erdoğan and I have always had a very good relationship. I look forward to seeing him on the 25th!"

Florida judge strikes Trump’s $15B defamation lawsuit against New York Times, reporters for being too long

By Samuel Chamberlain

A Florida federal judge ordered President Trump‘s $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against the New York Times struck from the record Friday, calling the length of the complaint “improper and impermissible.”

In a scathing, four-page order, Tampa US District Judge Steven D. Merryday gave Trump 28 days to file an amended complaint that “must not exceed” 40 pages in length.

Donald Trump speaking to the press on Air Force One.
A Florida judge has ruled President Trump's $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times "improper and impermissible." AFP via Getty Images
The New York Times building with people walking by.
"Alleging only two simple counts of defamation, the complaint consumes eighty-five pages," wrote the judge. REUTERS

“Alleging only two simple counts of defamation, the complaint consumes eighty-five pages,” wrote the judge, appointed to the federal bench by President George H.W. Bush.

“Even assuming that each allegation in the complaint is true … — a complaint remains an improper and impermissible place for the tedious and burdensome aggregation of prospective evidence, for the rehearsal of tendentious arguments, or for the protracted recitation and explanation of legal authority putatively supporting the pleader’s claim for relief.”

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Dozens of Democrats vote against resolution honoring Charlie Kirk

By Josh Christenson

Nearly 60 House Democrats on Friday voted down a resolution honoring the life and legacy of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Four of those Dem lawmakers hailed from New York -- Reps. Yvette Clark, Adriano Espaillat, Nydia Velazquez and "Squad" pol Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez -- and three represent New Jersey: Reps. Robert Menendez, Bonnie Watson Coleman and LaMonica McIver.

 Items are displayed in the makeshift memorial for Charlie Kirk outside the headquarters of Turning Point USA on September 19, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10th while speaking at an event for his "American Comeback Tour" at Utah Valley University.
Items are displayed in the makeshift memorial for Charlie Kirk outside the headquarters of Turning Point USA on Friday in Phoenix, Arizona. Getty Images

The resolution condemned "in the strongest possible terms" the assassination of the Turning Point USA co-founder and commended law enforcement for arresting and charging Kirk's alleged killer.

It further expressed condolences to his wife, Erika Kirk, and their two young children and celebrated Charlie's "steadfast dedication to the Constitution, civil discourse, and Biblical truth" that "inspired a generation to cherish and defend the blessings of liberty" and asked Americans "to reject political violence, recommit to respectful debate, uphold American values, and respect one another as fellow Americans."

Another 38 Democrats voted "present" and 22 did not vote, while 215 Republicans and 95 Democrats supported the resolution.

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Trump touts 'very productive' call with China's Xi to approve deal to keep TikTok in the US

By Diana Nerozzi

WASHINGTON — President Trump claimed Friday that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping "made progress" on a deal to keep TikTok available in the US — and announced that he will visit Beijing early next year.

"I just completed a very productive call with President Xi of China. We made progress on many very important issues including Trade, Fentanyl, the need to bring the War between Russia and Ukraine to an end, and the approval of the TikTok Deal," Trump wrote on Truth Social following the morning call.

China and U.S. flags are seen near a TikTok logo in this illustration picture taken July 16, 2020.
"We made progress on many very important issues including Trade, Fentanyl, the need to bring the War between Russia and Ukraine to an end, and the approval of the TikTok Deal," Trump wrote on Truth Social. REUTERS

Trump, 79, also said that he and Xi, 72, agreed to meet at the APEC summit set for Oct. 31-Nov. 1 in South Korea and the Chinese leader would come to the US "at an appropriate time."

"The call was a very good one, we will be speaking again by phone, appreciate the TikTok approval, and both look forward to meeting at APEC!" the president concluded.

Trump has delayed on four separate occasions the implementation of a law requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to divest itself of the video-sharing app or face a ban in the US over national security concerns.

He told reporters Thursday in England that he sees "value" in TikTok, arguing it helped boost his standing among young voters in the 2024 election.

House passes stopgap funding bill

By Josh Christenson

WASHINGTON — House Republicans passed a stopgap funding bill on Friday as the government careens toward a shutdown at the end of this month.

A general view of the United States Capitol Building and steps of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, DC on April 15, 2025.
The stopgap funding bill passed 217-212, with one Democrat joining 216 Republicans in voting "yea." Christopher Sadowski

The measure passed 217-212, with one Democrat joining 216 Republicans in voting "yea."

Two GOP lawmakers voted against the bill.

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Comer to question Alex Acosta about 'sweetheart' Epstein plea deal

By Josh Christenson

WASHINGTON — House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) told reporters Friday that he plans to press former South Florida US Attorney Alex Acosta about the scope of a non-prosecution agreement crafted more than a decade ago that gave Jeffrey Epstein a slap on the wrist.

"We wanna know what went on during the prosecution, when many believe that Epstein was awarded a sweetheart plea deal," Comer said before a transcribed interview with Acosta, who later served as President Trump's labor secretary during his first term.

U.S. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) gestures as he speaks, on the day of a U.S. House Oversight Committee closed deposition about Former U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta's involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein case, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. U.S., September 19, 2025.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said he plans to press former South Florida US Attorney Alex Acosta about the scope of a non-prosecution agreement regarding Jeffrey Epstein. REUTERS

"This is a very serious, very fast-moving investigation," the GOP chairman added. "We want it to be bipartisan, so we're gonna continue."

FBI Director Kash Patel testified before Congress earlier this week that the 2008 non-prosecution agreement -- in which Epstein pleaded guilty to state child prostitution charges -- "hamstrung" federal investigators.

Asked by The Post whether he plans to question the former federal prosecutor about that agreement, Comer said, "Yes."

The Department of Justice's Office of Professional Responsibility determined that Acosta exercised "poor judgment" in signing off on the deal.

Trump calls Xi Jinping to discuss TikTok, trade

By Diana Nerozzi

President Trump called Chinese leader Xi Jinping Friday morning, per a White House official.

The two leaders are expected to discuss the ownership details of Chinese-owned TikTok. Trump has said the popular social media app will likely continue to function in the US -- but that he wants to negotiate the ownership to potentially get the algorithm to be controlled by the US.

President Donald Trump, left, shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping during a meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019
The two leaders are expected to discuss the ownership details of Chinese-owned TikTok. AP

"There is tremendous value and I hate to give away value," Trump told reporters in England on Thursday.

"I like TikTok. It helped get me elected," he added, noting that TikTok users are largely young -- a key demographic needed for the Republican Party.

Trump and Xi will also talk trade and try to ease tensions between the world's two largest economies.

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