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Justice Department officials in 'ongoing discussions' on Hunter Biden special counsel, sources say
High-level officials within the Justice Department are in "ongoing discussions" on whether to appoint a special counsel to take over the investigation into Hunter Biden, with some believing it is "warranted," two sources familiar told Fox News on Wednesday. Attorney General William Barr, who stepped down Wednesday after announcing his resignation last week, said earlier this week that he had "not seen a reason" to appoint a special counsel to probe Joe Biden's 50-year-old son, who is under federal investigation for his "tax affairs." Meanwhile, in his first -- and only -- interview since being named acting attorney general, Jeffrey Rosen told Reuters he would continue "to do things on the merits and to do things on the basis of the law and the facts." Republicans, for weeks, have demanded that a special counsel be appointed to continue the federal investigation into Hunter Biden to ensure that it continues through the incoming Biden administration. President Trump reportedly had been discussing a potential special counsel for that investigation. CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON OUR TOP STORY.
In other developments:
- Hunter Biden still owns 10% stake in Chinese private equity firm, business records show
- Jonathan Turley: Joe Biden dodges questions on Hunter by ridiculing reporters. But why talk about ponies?
- Barr says he has 'no plan' to appoint election, Hunter Biden special counsels
- Biden's claim he won't discuss Hunter case with AG pick shows need for special counsel: Sen. Kennedy
- KT McFarland: Hunter Biden should be investigated by special counsel — national security demands it
- Rand Paul opposes Hunter Biden special counsel but says federal probe must continue
Trump heads to Mar-a-Lago for Christmas with government funding, coronavirus stimulus unresolved
President Trump headed to Palm Beach, Fla., on Wednesday to celebrate Christmas -- with the coronavirus stimulus bill and a government spending plan both still in limbo due to his dissatisfaction with the proposals.  Trump will spend the holiday at his golf club resort Mar-a-Lago. The president sent shockwaves throughout Washington Tuesday night when he pushed out a Twitter video of himself blasting the omnibus package. House and Senate leaders reached agreement on coronavirus relief after months of being at an impasse. The president has five days to sign the bill or the government will shut down. He demanded lawmakers amend the coronavirus stimulus package they passed Monday to include $2,000 checks for individuals instead of $600 checks. He also insisted that "wasteful and unnecessary" items be cut from the year-end spending package that was attached to the pandemic aid. CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
In other developments:
- Kevin McCarthy slams Pelosi, calls for House GOP to reject foreign aid in coronavirus bill
- Socialists blast Kamala Harris in COVID-19 relief battle saying she has been 'nowhere to be found'
- Chaffetz blasts 'wasteful spending and misplaced priorities' in omnibus package
- Pelosi presses McCarthy to agree to bigger stimulus checks after Trump intervention
- Trump puts GOP on its heels with 11th-hour stimulus demands, throws wrench into Georgia Senate race
- Flashback: Trump in 2018 on massive spending bill 'nobody read': 'I will never sign another bill like this'
Trump issues new wave of 26 pardons, three commutations
President Trump issued a wave of 26 pardons and three commutations Wednesday, with prominent recipients including former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and adviser Roger Stone. Both were convicted in former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into foreign interference in the 2016 election. Trump has now pardoned four people convicted in that investigation, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former campaign adviser George Papadopoulos, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. 
Manafort, who was released to home confinement due to COVID-19 concerns, had been sentenced to more than seven years in prison for financial crimes related to his work in Ukraine and was among the first people charged as part of Mueller's investigation into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
In other developments:
- Roger Stone reacts to pardon, calls Trump 'greatest president since Abraham Lincoln'
- Former Rep. Chris Collins released from prison after Trump pardon
- George Papadopoulos 'ecstatic' over Trump pardon, hints at possible lawsuit
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#The Flashback: CLICK HERE to find out what happened on "This Day in History."
SOME PARTING WORDS
 Roger Stone, a longtime GOP consultant and lobbyist, discussed the pardon he received from President Trump on Wednesday during an appearance on "Tucker Carlson Tonight." "We have confirmation from the White House media office that it is indeed accurate," Stone told host Tucker Carlson. "We're very happy. I have an enormous amount of gratitude to God Almighty for giving the president the strength and courage to recognize my prosecution was a completely politically motivated witch hunt and my trial was a Soviet-style show trial in which the judge denied us any powerful line of defense." Not signed up yet for Fox News First? Click here to find out what you're missing. Fox News' Go Watch page is now available, providing visitors with Pay TV provider options in their area carrying Fox News Channel & Fox Business Network.
Fox News First was compiled by Fox News' Jack Durschlag. Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! Have a Merry Christmas. We'll see you again Monday. | 
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