Latest news with #PowerTheFuture
Fox News
17 hours ago
- Business
- Fox News
House witness flips script on Dem who ambushed him during hearing with unearthed tweet: 'Iceberg is ahead'
FIRST ON FOX: A House committee witness that was called out by Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia of California during a hearing this week is pushing back after the congressman unearthed a past social media post on Social Security in an attempt to discredit his testimony. During a House oversight DOGE subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, Garcia grilled Power the Future CEO Dan Turner while holding up a posterboard of a past tweet calling Social Security a "government-sponsored Ponzi scheme." "Madoff went to jail for it. Congress runs on it," the post said. "I should be able to keep 100% of my money and not watch government waste it with a paltry percentage return." Garcia then suggested that post was evidence that Turner lacks the credibility to be testifying about the billions of federal tax dollars directed to left-wing NGOs. "A Ponzi scheme and so I think it's interesting, of course, as one of our Republican witnesses is calling Social Security a Ponzi scheme, and that's the person that we should be taking advice from here today," Garcia said. "Without Social Security, 22 million people would be pushed into poverty. That includes over 16 million seniors and nearly 1 million children. And in fact, Elon Musk has also said and agreed with you, sir, that this is a Ponzi scheme. I think it's ironic that you are one of our witnesses talking about efficiency when you want to attack the single best program that we have to support people not just out of poverty, but across this country to uplift them, to ensure they can afford a decent life." Fox News Digital spoke to Turner, who stood by his post and outlined his belief, echoed by many, that Social Security is structured like a Ponzi scheme by definition. "Rep Garcia does not know the definition of Ponzi scheme," Turner said. "Social Security is the ultimate Ponzi, demanding more and more people at the bottom pay in to fund the people at the top, expect our demographics have this now reversed. The system will default. Mr. Garcia nor I will likely never see a dime. That should worry him more than my social media feed." Turner told Fox News Digital that if Garcia's staff spent as much time trying to save Social Security as it did "combing through my social media" then "perhaps the Ponzi scheme can survive long enough for me to get a small percentage of what the government confiscated during my lifetime." Turner explained that his father received a "paltry percentage" of what he paid into the program and the the government "kept the rest" when his father died. "That's not just a Ponzi scheme, it's government greed and politicians running a money-laundering operation to get reelected. No one should be compelled to pay into a failed system, yet in a free America, you don't have that choice." In addition to Turner and Elon Musk suggesting that Social Security is by definition set up like a Ponzi scheme, Fox News Digital previously spoke to James Agresti, president of the nonprofit research institute Just Facts, who said the characterization has "validity." "A Ponzi scheme operates by taking money from new investors to pay current investors," Agresti said. "That's the definition given by the SEC, and contrary to popular belief, that's exactly how Social Security operates." Agresti explained to Fox News Digital that Social Security, a program mired for decades with concerns about waste, fraud, and improper payments, "doesn't take our money and save it for us, as many people believe, and then give it to us when we're older" like many Americans might believe. "What it does is, it transfers money when we are young and working and paying into Social Security taxes," Agresti said. "That money, the vast bulk of it, goes immediately out the door to people who are currently receiving benefits. Now there is a trust fund, but in 90 years of operation, that trust fund currently has enough money to fund two years of program operations." The trust fund only being able to last for two years is not a result of the fund being "looted," Agresti explained, but rather it was put in place to "put surpluses in it" from money that Social Security collects in taxes that it doesn't pay out immediately and pays interest on. "The interest that's been paid on that has been higher than the rate of inflation," Agresti said. "So, the problem isn't that the trust fund has been looted. The problem is that Social Security operates like a Ponzi scheme." Democrats have vocally pushed back against efforts by Republicans and DOGE to reform Social Security or make cuts to what they say are examples of wasteful or improper spending from the department. "There's been a lot of misinformation about that as of late," Agresti told Fox News Digital. "You know, when DOGE came in and suggested that the Social Security Administration cut, I think it was about 10,000 workers, Democrats erupted that this is going to weaken Social Security. But the fact of the matter is that Social Security pays those workers who are for administrative overhead from the Social Security trust fund. So, by cutting out the money that they're paying them, you actually strengthen the program financially." Agresti told Fox News Digital that the current administrative overhead for Social Security is $6.7 billion per year, which is enough to pay more than 300,000 retirees the average old age benefit. "Every single study shows social security going completely bankrupt in the next few years. Garcia and other democrats know the iceberg is ahead but rather than turn the ship, they are yelling at the iceberg about the senior citizens onboard," Turner said. "This Ponzi scheme is collapsing fast, and turning my tweets into posters is not going to stop it."
Fox News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Watchdog finds 'no evidence' Biden knew of crucial climate EOs, demands answers on who signed autopen
Print Close By Andrew Miller Published May 28, 2025 FIRST ON FOX: A pro-energy group is renewing its call for an investigation into over half a dozen Biden administration executive actions related to climate that it believes should be deemed null and void due to them being signed by an autopen without any public comment from former President Joe Biden confirming his knowledge of them. Power the Future, a nonprofit organization that advocates for American energy jobs, reviewed eight Biden executive orders that it says were significant shifts in domestic energy policy and said it found no evidence of the president speaking about any of them publicly, raising concerns that the orders were signed by autopen and that he was not aware of them. "These are not obscure bureaucratic memos; these were foundational shifts in American energy policy, yet not once did Joe Biden speak about them publicly," Daniel Turner, founder and executive director of Power The Future, told Fox News Digital. The executive orders reviewed by Power the Future include an Arctic drilling ban in 2023, a 2021 executive order committing the federal government to net-zero emissions by 2050, an executive order mandating "clean energy" AI centers and an offshore drilling ban executive order shortly before leaving office in 2025. PRO-ENERGY GROUP URGES AG BONDI TO PROBE BIDEN'S AUTOPEN ON CRUCIAL DECISIONS THAT DEVASTATED INDUSTRY Finding no evidence of Biden publicly speaking about the executive orders on climate, Power the Future sent letters this week to the DOJ, EPA, DOI, DOE, along with the House and Senate Oversight Committees, calling for an investigation to determine who made the decisions, drafted the executive orders and ultimately signed them. "In light of the growing evidence that actions purportedly taken by the former president may not have been approved or signed by him, but instead promulgated by a small coterie of advisers in his name without his knowledge or over his signature using an 'autopen,' the need for congressional access to information has grown in importance with these revelations," the letter to GOP House Oversight Chair James Comer states. "Congress deserves to know how or whether these executive actions were authorized, and whether the former President was aware of such orders before they were implemented by the federal bureaucracy. Were these actions taken on behalf of the president and purporting to execute his authority undertaken with the president's knowledge and approach? It appears incumbent upon Congress to inquire, about all parties involved in these actions, who instructed them to do what, when." WHAT IS AN AUTOPEN? THE SIGNING DEVICE AT THE HEART OF TRUMP'S ATTACKS ON BIDEN PARDONS Fox News Digital reached out to Biden's office for comment but did not hear back by press time. The presidential autopen has been a topic of conversation with Republicans in recent weeks and months as questions continue about Biden's mental acuity during his presidency, particularly the last few years, which have faced increased scrutiny after the release of Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's book "Original Sin." "Power The Future remains concerned that key policies of major economic and national security significance directed by the White House during the Biden administration may have been undertaken without presidential awareness and approval, but perhaps instead by a small coterie of staff," the letter states. "Although this likelihood has become more apparent by claims made in a recent book titled Original Sin, those claims merely support information that had already emerged." An autopen is a device that physically holds a pen and is programmed to replicate a person's signature. The Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel determined in 2005 that the president is permitted to use an autopen to sign bills into law, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued a ruling in February that said the absence of "a writing does not equate to proof that a commutation did not occur." In March, President Donald Trump claimed that Biden's pardons of lawmakers who served on the House Select Committee to investigate the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot, and others, are "VOID," alleging that they had been signed via an autopen and that Biden did not even know about them. DAVID MARCUS: OLD MAN BIDEN'S AUTOPEN PARDONS SHOULD BE NULL AND VOID Despite Trump's concerns over the validity of Biden's pardons due to the alleged use of an autopen, constitutional scholar Jonathan Turley told Fox News Digital that the odds of successfully legally challenging them in court are "vanishingly low." "Presidents are allowed to use the autopen, and courts will not presume a dead-hand conspiracy," Turley said. Power the Future's letter references House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who in January shared that Biden, during a meeting, appeared to forget that he signed an order to pause LNG exports. A report published by an arm of the Heritage Foundation claimed that the majority of official documents signed by Biden were allegedly an autopen signature. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "During the Biden administration, hundreds of billions of dollars were funneled towards pet green projects, while the American fossil fuels industry was punished, and there is no evidence that Biden ordered it, directed it, or was even aware it was happening in his name," Turner told Fox News Digital, adding that the American people "deserve to know" who was signing the executive orders "behind closed doors." "This autopen scandal is evidence that these green EOs are invalid, and the instigators should be thoroughly investigated by the DOJ for violating the trust of the American people and perpetuating a great fraud on the nation." Fox News Digital's Diana Stancy contributed to this report. Print Close URL
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Power The Future recognizes Pfluger as April 2025 Energy Champion
May 21—WASHINGTON, D.C. — Power The Future is proud to announce Congressman August Pfluger is their April 2025 Energy Champion. Congressman Pfluger demonstrates unwavering commitment to American energy dominance and served as the leading voice to repeal the Biden Administration's natural gas tax. His work delivered a significant victory for American energy workers and working families. His leadership continues to reinforce the importance of affordable and reliable energy as the cornerstone of national and economic strength, a news release said. "Congressman Pfluger not only stood against the flood of attacks and incompetence that was the Biden Administration and the green movement, he also masterfully repealed the natural gas tax within the first 100 days of the new administration," said Daniel Turner, Founder and Executive Director for Power The Future. "Congressman Pfluger understands that energy isn't just policy-it's people. We need more leaders with his common sense and his courage."
Fox News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Bernie and the Jets
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content. Here's what's happening… -David Hogg slams 'fast-track' effort to oust him as DNC vice chair -Small nodule found in Joe Biden's prostate during physical: report -Knives out for Fetterman: Maverick senator joins long line of Dems punished for breaking from left FIRST ON FOX: As Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders continues to travel around the country on his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, while at the same time defending his use of private jets to do so, an energy watchdog group has calculated the true scope of the carbon emissions his flights have emitted. During the 16 stops of the tour, which Sanders embarked on with the help of progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, his private jet emitted a total of 62.15 tonnes, or metric tons, of carbon dioxide, according to an estimate from Power the Future. To put that in perspective, Power the Future said in a press release that the emissions equate to burning 62,600 pounds of coal, driving a gas-powered SUV 150,000 miles, powering every home in Sanders' hometown of Burlington, Vermont, for weeks, and powering nine U.S. homes for an entire year…READ MORE DEMOCRATS' 2028 FEVER: Less than four months into Trump's second term, Dems are already eyeing the 2028 race 'COMMERCE, NOT CHAOS': Trump condemns 'interventionalists,' pitches 'more hopeful future' in Middle East speech GOLD AND DIAMOND: Trump's $400 million Qatar jet gift follows long history of unusual presidential presents BIDEN THEIR TIME: Biden aides allegedly fretted then-president would need wheelchair if re-elected, new book reveals ROAD TO DAMASCUS: Trump's Mideast tour begins with Syria looming as strategic opportunity 'MORE VIOLENT': Emerging Venezuelan gang 'more violent' than Tren de Aragua targets rural America, expert warns 'WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY': Edan Alexander's release offers 'window of opportunity' for wider hostage deal amid Trump Mideast visit 'FULL FORCE': Netanyahu pledges to 'complete' fight against Hamas in coming days 'SUSPICIOUS' FIRE: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's London home targeted, suspect arrested TAX DAY: GOP, Dems to square off over Trump's sweeping tax plan in high-stakes meeting today FROM THE CRADLE: Ted Cruz wants Uncle Sam to give each American baby $1,000 PAYING THEIR SHARE: House Republicans unveil new food stamp work requirements for Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' BILLIONAIRE BOON: Billionaires boomed in Biden era as Fed became 'engine of income inequality' powered by pandemic policies 'POWER DYNAMICS': Republican group lays out plan to gain ground in 2 key Dem-leaning states in 2025 elections 'FAST-TRACK' REMOVAL: DNC panel voids David Hogg's election as party vice chair Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on
Fox News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Energy watchdog exposes eye-popping carbon footprint of Sanders' jet-setting tour: 'Fake socialist'
Print Close By Andrew Miller Published May 13, 2025 FIRST ON FOX: As Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders continues to travel around the country on his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, while at the same time defending his use of private jets to do so, an energy watchdog group has calculated the true scope of the carbon emissions his flights have emitted. During the 16 stops of the tour, which Sanders embarked on with the help of progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, his private jet emitted a total of 62.15 tonnes, or metric tons, of carbon dioxide, according to an estimate from Power the Future. To put that in perspective, Power the Future said in a press release that the emissions equate to burning 62,600 pounds of coal, driving a gas-powered SUV 150,000 miles, powering every home in Sanders' hometown of Burlington, Vermont, for weeks, and powering nine U.S. homes for an entire year. Power the Future also calculated that Sanders generated more carbon dioxide emissions on this single tour than the average American produces in five years. Additionally, the group says that the emissions undo the carbon-capturing work of nearly 2,900 trees over the course of a year. JAMES CARVILLE AND DEMOCRATIC REP CALL OUT ILHAN OMAR, SAY PARTY NEEDS TO PRAISE GREATNESS OF USA "Sen. Sanders has voted for legislation punishing people for their carbon footprint and threatening fossil fuel executives with prison for climate change hysteria, but his personal actions demonstrate he's just another limousine liberal, a fake socialist, unwilling to live what he wants to impose on you," Dan Turner, Power the Future founder and executive director, told Fox News Digital. "The climate movement is dead, and Bernie Sanders' hypocrisy helped kill it." Sanders, in a recent interview with Fox News, refused to apologize for his private jet travel and argued that oftentimes it is not possible or feasible to fly commercially. SEN BERNIE SANDERS: WE HAVE A GOVERNMENT OF BILLIONAIRES, BY BILLIONAIRES AND FOR BILLIONAIRES "That's the only way to get around," Sanders told Bret Baier. "No apologies for that. That's what campaign travel is about. We've done it in the past. We're gonna do it in the future." "You run a campaign, and you do three or four or five rallies in a week. [It is] the only way you can get around to talk to 30,000 people. You think I'm gonna be sitting on a waiting line at United…while 30, 000 people are waiting?" Power the Future noted that one of the private jet flights taken by Sanders was from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles, a route that offers more than a dozen commercial flights per day. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Sanders' campaign committee, Friends of Bernie Sanders, spent over $221,000 chartering private jets during the first quarter of 2025, according to Federal Election Commission filings reviewed by Fox News Digital and first reported by The Washington Free Beacon. The filing, which was released last month, shows that Sanders dropped the massive haul between three private jet companies: Ventura Jets, Cirrus Aviation Services and N-Jet. Last month, Fox News Digital exclusively reported that Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez were spotted using a private jet worth up to a staggering $15,000 an hour for several West Coast stops on their "Fighting Oligarchy" tour. "Champagne socialists Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez demand Americans surrender their pick-up trucks, air conditioning and meat from the luxe leather seats of their private jets that cost more per hour than most Americans earn in months. Their hypocrisy is staggering," National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Ben Petersen told Fox News Digital at the time. Fox News Digital reached out to Sanders' office for comment. Print Close URL
