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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Ben Shapiro of The Ben Shapiro Show

Published

7 years ago

January 29, 2020

QUESTION: Welcome back to the Ben Shapiro Show. We’re joined on the line by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Obviously, the Secretary has very busy day. Secretary, really appreciate your time, sir.

SECRETARY POMPEO: Ben, it’s great to be back on the show with you.

QUESTION: So let’s start by sort of going through some of the details of the Trump peace plan, the deal of the century. Obviously, you would expect the resistance from the usual points of view, but what are the actual kind of barebones of the plan being presented by President Trump today?

SECRETARY POMPEO: Ben, the President’s taken on one of the longest challenges, toughest challenges in foreign policy. And it is the most detailed, most realistic plan ever presented. And what’s important for everyone to know is there’s now a live offer on the table – and this hasn’t been the case before – a live offer on the table for the Palestinians to consider over a four-year period.

I can go through a bunch of the details. For the first time, there’s a plan that ensures Israeli security, that’s endorsed by the Israeli security establishment. Israel will be able to defend itself. It creates a viable path for the Palestinians to get a state, conditioned on a reasonable set of milestones being achieved over a reasonable period of time. Jerusalem remains an open city under Israeli control and sovereignty inside the security barrier. And no change in the status on the Temple Mount; the status quo will be preserved there.

We think this is a reasonable basis for the parties to begin to engage in a vision that can lead to peace and prosperity and security.

QUESTION: Now Secretary Pompeo, what the plan really represents, for those who are knowledgeable about the region at all, is a reflection of just basic realities on the ground. Jerusalem cannot be divided; there’s no physical way to divide it. When it was divided in the past, before 1967, it was barred to entry for Jews as well as many Christians. The notion that Israel is going to dismantle major Jewish areas outside of the 1967 lines not only ignores Israel having an actual claim to that land – it’s a disputed claim by the Palestinians, but they do have a legitimate claim – it recognizes that Israel is not going to dismantle cities that have tens of thousands of people living in them. It also recognizes that the Palestinians are not going to be abandoning the West Bank, or Judea and Samaria, or the Gaza Strip anytime soon, and it recognizes the security challenges that are faced when in what is an extremely crowded neighborhood.

Does the fact that there are so many people who are kicking back against the plan I think is recognition of the fact that people are unwilling to recognize realities on the ground, particularly with issues like the so-called right of return, this idea that suddenly Israel is going to allow millions of Palestinians to demographically settle in Israel and then vote for the dissolution of the state.

SECRETARY POMPEO: Ben, what we’ve tried to do and what the President Trump tried to do in this process is to take history into account and the reality on the ground as it stands today into account. And I think you just ticked through half a dozen ways in which this plan does that. It shows incredible respect and dignity for the Palestinian people, too. It simply asks them, whether that’s in the West Bank or in the Gaza Strip, to stop paying terrorists, stop inciting hatred, to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. These are things that are fundamental, that are facts, that are unchanging, and delivers the possibility of a peaceful outcome.

There are – there’s no one under this plan that will be required to uproot. No Israeli will be required to uproot; no Palestinian will be required to uproot. These are just recognizing fundamental facts, and we think presents a basis upon which to build.

I know there’ll be people that will push back. But what we’ve seen in the region so far to date is a lot of individuals who had an expectation for what they thought might be in the plan realizing that this vision for peace and for the region is one that is worthy of consideration.

QUESTION: Well, this is one of the things about the peace plan that I find so interesting, is the fact that there are a bunch of Arab states that showed up, actually brought envoys to this event – obviously, Oman, the UAE – there were several different countries that actually showed up who never in the past would have shown up to anything remotely like —

SECRETARY POMPEO: That’s right. The Bahraini ambassador was there. That’s correct, Ben. Yep.

QUESTION: Right, exactly. And that signifies a change in mindset on the part of many of the Arab states that have been dedicated for decades to the proposition that the Jewish state was simply going to disappear, suddenly recognizing that that is never going to be a reality.

SECRETARY POMPEO: This has been something that I’ve worked on, the President’s worked on, that Jared Kushner has worked on, for three years now, trying to make clear that – just the ordinary nature of what needed to take place in the region, that the threat was from the Islamic Republic of Iran, that there were shared interests between Israel and many of the Arab states, and that there was a path forward for those states to live in peace and harmony in the region.

QUESTION: Now, meanwhile – quick note – the final question for you, the Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas has already said that he’s rejecting the plan. That, of course, is not a surprise, since the Palestinian leadership has rejected literally every peace plan ever presented to them, including incredibly generous offers in both 2000 and 2008. So what exactly is the future of the plan if the Palestinians don’t decide to accept the plan and move forward with negotiations?

SECRETARY POMPEO: In the end, the Palestinian people are going to have to make a decision about whether they want to continue to difficult challenges they face today with the absence of prosperity, the terrorism that exists, and the corruption that has existed in the region for a long time, or if they want to turn the page and deliver an outcome for themselves and for their children and their grandchildren that’s better, a brighter future.

That opportunity is now on the table. They don’t have to do it today or tomorrow, but I am confident that as they stare at this, as the Palestinian people stare at what the opportunity is, a plan that might put as much as $50 billion into their places of living, a million new jobs created – when they stare at those opportunities, I am convinced that the Palestinian people will, over the coming weeks and months – and we’ve given them four years – will see that this is a better option for them. I’m hopeful that they will. I pray that they’ll make that choice.

QUESTION: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, I know that you’re on a short time schedule. I really appreciate your hard work on this. Thanks so much for your time.

SECRETARY POMPEO: Ben, thank you so much, sir. Have a great day.

Business

Addition Financial, Rosen Preschools Partner to Expand Financial Literacy for Central Florida Children

Published

2 weeks ago

September 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

Representatives from Addition Financial, Rosen Preschools, the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County and Junior Achievement of Central Florida participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program.

Now in its fourth year, ADDing FUNdamentals introduces children as young as 4 to saving, needs versus wants and other basic money concepts through classroom activities and take-home resources.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Addition Financial Credit Union is expanding its ADDing FUNdamentals community impact program through a new partnership with Rosen Preschools, bringing financial literacy education to children as young as 4 while providing resources designed to extend those lessons into their homes.

Now in its fourth year, ADDing FUNdamentals introduces preschool-aged children to basic money-management concepts through interactive, age-appropriate learning experiences.

Developed through a partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Florida and the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, the program uses Junior Achievement’s JA Ourselves curriculum to teach children foundational concepts including making choices, distinguishing needs from wants and saving money.

Rosen Preschools is participating in the program for the first time, expanding the initiative’s reach to more children and families in Central Florida.

Community partners and preschool students gather around an Addition Financial playhouse during an ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program event at Rosen Preschools.

Addition Financial Credit Union, Rosen Preschools and community partners celebrate the expansion of the ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program, which introduces preschool-aged children to basic money-management concepts through hands-on learning and imaginative play.

Financial Lessons Extend Beyond the Classroom

As part of the initiative, volunteers from Addition Financial, Junior Achievement and Rosen Hotels & Resorts assembled backpacks filled with educational resources designed to help children follow along with classroom lessons and continue learning at home with their families.

A portion of the backpacks will be distributed to Rosen Tangelo Park Preschool and Rosen Preschool in Parramore.

Addition Financial is also providing playhouses modeled after miniature credit unions, giving students an opportunity to practice basic money-management concepts through imaginative play.

The combination of classroom instruction, hands-on activities and take-home materials is designed to reinforce financial concepts while encouraging families to continue conversations about money outside the classroom.

Rosen CEO: Financial Literacy Is a Critical Life Skill

Frank Santos, president and CEO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, said his professional background in finance has made financial literacy an issue he strongly supports.

“We are very proud to partner with Addition Financial to bring the ADDing FUNdamentals program to the Rosen Preschools,” Santos said. “Having spent a majority of my career in finance, I am a big advocate for financial literacy.”

Santos called financial literacy a critical life skill and said introducing foundational lessons early, while also sending educational materials home to families, can help prepare children for long-term success.

Addition Financial Focuses on Starting Financial Education Early

Kevin Dougherty, chief operations officer at Addition Financial Credit Union, said the partnership with Rosen expands the program’s ability to introduce financial concepts during children’s formative years.

“We are incredibly grateful to have an organization of Rosen’s caliber become a part of the ADDing FUNdamentals program,” Dougherty said. “The students at Rosen Preschools will now get a jump start on developing key skills many of us take for granted — understanding and managing money.”

Dougherty said the response to the program since its launch demonstrates interest in providing financial education at an early age.

“The positive response and success we’ve seen since launching the program speaks to the need of fostering financial education at an early age,” Dougherty said.

Building Financial Skills Through Community Partnerships

The collaboration brings together a credit union, hospitality organization and education-focused community partners around a shared effort to introduce financial concepts to children early in life.

Rather than limiting the experience to classroom instruction, ADDing FUNdamentals combines curriculum, interactive play and educational materials that children can take home and share with their families.

The addition of Rosen Preschools in the program’s fourth year further expands its presence in Central Florida and brings the financial literacy initiative into the Tangelo Park and Parramore communities.

Through lessons on saving, choices and needs versus wants, participating children receive an early introduction to concepts they will encounter throughout their lives.

Central Florida News

Mario Andretti Headlines First 15 Drivers Named to Sebring’s Historic ‘Class of 75’

Published

3 weeks ago

September 15, 2026

FNN SPORTS

Mario Andretti prepares for the 1970 Twelve Hours of Sebring, where he helped deliver Ferrari an overall victory in one of the most memorable finishes in the endurance race’s history. Photo: Rainer Schlegelmilch

Sebring International Raceway begins honoring 75 of the event’s most successful drivers ahead of the historic 75th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 20, 2027

SEBRING, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Racing legend Mario Andretti headlines the first group of drivers selected for Sebring International Raceway’s “Class of 75,” recognizing 75 of the most successful drivers in the history of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

The recognition comes ahead of the 75th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 20, 2027.

A 10-person panel of sports car racing experts debated and voted on the 75 drivers. The selections have been divided into five groups of 15, with additional names scheduled to be announced monthly through January.

The first Twelve Hours of Sebring was held March 15, 1952. Since then, the endurance race has been canceled only once, in 1974 amid the global energy crisis.

First 15 Drivers Named to ‘Class of 75’

The inaugural group includes Bob Akin, Mario Andretti, Joao Barbosa, Geoff Brabham, Derek Daly, Phil Hill, Bruce Jennings, Sascha Maassen, John Morton, Jim Pace, Hans Stuck, Nick Tandy, Richard Thompson, Fermin Velez and Andy Wallace.

Together, the drivers represent generations of Sebring history, from the race’s formative years to the modern IMSA era.

Andretti’s Place in Sebring History

Andretti made six starts at Sebring, earning three overall victories and one additional class win.

His overall victories came in 1967, 1970 and 1972. His 1970 triumph remains one of the race’s most celebrated finishes.

Andretti started that race from the pole in Ferrari’s No. 19 entry but retired the car with gearbox problems. Ferrari later moved him into the No. 21 Ferrari 512S for the closing stages.

Andretti ultimately defeated Peter Revson by 23.8 seconds, which at the time represented the closest finish in Sebring history.

Champions Across Generations

The Class of 75 also includes Phil Hill, a three-time overall Sebring winner who competed 13 times between 1953 and 1966. Hill won overall in 1958, 1959 and 1961 and added three class victories.

Hans Stuck also earned three overall victories, beginning with BMW’s landmark 1975 win. He returned to Victory Lane with Porsche in 1986 and 1988 and added two class victories during his Sebring career.

Geoff Brabham won overall in 1989 and 1991 during Nissan’s GTP era, while Derek Daly recorded two victories in three Sebring starts.

Fermin Velez captured consecutive overall victories in 1995 and 1996 driving a Ferrari 333SP, while Andy Wallace won back-to-back overall titles in 1992 and 1993 in the Toyota Eagle Mk III.

Tandy Represents Sebring’s Modern Era

Among the modern-era selections is Nick Tandy, who has accumulated one overall victory, three class wins and five podium finishes in 12 Sebring starts.

After class victories with Porsche in 2018, 2019 and 2020, Tandy joined Porsche Penske Motorsport’s prototype program.

His long-awaited overall Sebring victory came in 2025, when he teamed with Felipe Nasr and Laurens Vanthoor in a Porsche 963. The trio defeated the sister Penske entry by just 2.2 seconds.

Privateers and Sebring Mainstays Recognized

The selections extend beyond overall winners.

Bruce Jennings made 18 Sebring appearances and became one of the event’s notable privateer competitors. His 1962 debut produced a class victory and third-place overall finish.

Richard Thompson, known as the “Flying Dentist,” competed in the inaugural 1952 race. Thompson reportedly drove his MG-TD from Washington to Sebring, finished eighth and then drove the car home. He ultimately made 14 Sebring starts and earned two class victories.

Sascha Maassen recorded five Sebring victories, including four consecutive class wins from 2001 through 2004 with Alex Job Racing.

The group also recognizes the achievements of Bob Akin, Joao Barbosa, John Morton and Jim Pace, each of whom earned overall Sebring victories during their careers.

Four More Groups Coming

Sebring will unveil the remaining 60 members of its Class of 75 in four installments.

The next 15 drivers will be announced Oct. 13, followed by additional groups on Nov. 10, Dec. 15 and Jan. 12.

The complete list will ultimately recognize 75 drivers representing the history of America’s oldest major endurance race.

75th Twelve Hours of Sebring Tickets

Tickets, hospitality packages, car corral parking and reserved RV locations are currently in a renewal period through Sept. 16.

General admission tickets and parking passes are scheduled to go on sale Oct. 1. Highlands County resident tickets will also become available Oct. 1 with proof of residency and must be purchased in person at the raceway ticket office.

Fans can find ticket information and join waiting lists for hospitality, car corrals and trackside RV parking through Sebring International Raceway.

The 75th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring is scheduled for March 20, 2027.

Business

Addition Financial Foundation Awards $175,000 to 10 Central Florida Nonprofits

Published

4 weeks ago

September 10, 2026

FNN NEWS

Members of the Addition Financial Foundation’s 2026 Community Giving Class are recognized during the fifth annual Community Giving Celebration at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando. The foundation awarded $175,000 in unrestricted grants to 10 Central Florida nonprofits supporting communities across the region.

Fifth annual Community Giving Celebration recognizes organizations serving families, students and communities across the region

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Addition Financial Foundation honored 10 Central Florida nonprofit organizations Wednesday during its fifth annual Community Giving Celebration, awarding $175,000 in unrestricted grants and providing recipients with year-round organizational support.

The breakfast and awards ceremony was held at Addition Financial Arena on the University of Central Florida campus, bringing together representatives from the nonprofit, government, education and business communities.

Established in 2021, the foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lake Mary-based Addition Financial Credit Union. Each organization selected for the 2026 Community Giving Class was nominated by an Addition Financial team member based on its work in communities served by the credit union.

10 NONPROFITS RECEIVE COMMUNITY GIVING GRANTS

Three organizations — Central Florida Community Arts, Children’s Safety Village and Embrace Health — each received $20,000 grants. Seven additional nonprofits received $15,000 each: Empowered Girls Inc., First Tee Central Florida, Foundation for Foster Children, Gentian Creek Preserve, Prospera, Save a Life Pet Rescue and Tech Sassy Girlz.

The grants are unrestricted, allowing the organizations to direct the funding toward areas they determine will have the greatest impact.

“The Community Giving Celebration gives us an opportunity to shine a light on nonprofit organizations that are addressing important needs and creating meaningful change across our community,” said Cristina Lehman, executive director of the Addition Financial Foundation.

Lehman said the foundation’s involvement extends beyond the grants, including connecting organizations with volunteers, resources and opportunities throughout the year.

ADDITIONAL $5,000 AWARDS PRESENTED

Two additional $5,000 awards were presented during the celebration.

The Greatest Investment Girls Empowerment Program, a previous Community Giving Class participant, received one award. Save a Life Pet Rescue received another following a vote by Addition Financial team members who contribute to the foundation.

In addition to financial support, the 2026 class will receive volunteer assistance from Addition Financial employees, complimentary use of the organization’s community room and workshops on topics including media relations, fundraising and grant writing.

YEAR-ROUND COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

The Community Giving program is designed to build relationships between Addition Financial and nonprofit organizations beyond a single grant cycle.

This year’s recipients work across a range of areas, including arts and culture, child safety, health, youth development, education, foster care, environmental conservation, entrepreneurship, animal rescue and technology education.

Through unrestricted grants and continuing support, the foundation said the program is intended to help nonprofits strengthen their operations while expanding their impact throughout Central Florida.