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Tag: Forces

North Korea vows to expand nuclear forces, blasts US for ‘outdated’ denuclearization plan

North Korea on Tuesday vowed to expand its nuclear forces under Kim Jong Un and criticized the U.S. and its neighbors in Asia for pushing a denuclearization plan against the authoritarian regime.

North Korea’s foreign ministry denounced the joint pledge between the U.S., South Korea and Japan as an “outdated, absurd plan” and warned of “overwhelming and decisive counteraction” against its rivals who threaten its security.

“As long as the U.S. and its vassal forces’ hostile threat exists, the DPRK’s nukes are means for defending peace and sovereignty and a means for legitimate self-defense entrusted by the constitution of the state,” an unnamed ministry spokesperson said in a statement picked up by the North’s Korean Central News Agency, Reuters reported.

The criticism comes after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi met during a security conference in Germany and reaffirmed their commitment to the Hermit Kingdom’s “complete denuclearization” and maintaining sanctions on the country’s weapons program.

TRUMP MUST NOT REPEAT HIS KIM JONG UN MISTAKE WITH IRAN, SECURITY EXPERT WARNS

North Korea’s foreign ministry vowed to expand its nuclear forces under Kim Jong Un, pictured, and criticized the U.S. and its neighbors in Asia for pushing a denuclearization plan against the authoritarian regime. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File)

The countries also agreed to bolster defense and deterrence, including by expanding three-way military exercises and strengthening Japan and South Korea’s military capabilities, according to a joint statement released after the meeting.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 7, 2025. (JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

President Donald Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the White House earlier this month and said the U.S. will have relations with the North Korean regime of dictator Kim Jong Un.

NORTH KOREA SLAMS RUBIO’S ‘ROGUE STATE’ LABEL AS ‘NONSENSE,’ VOWS TO PUSH BACK AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

“We will have relations with North Korea, with Kim Jong Un. I get along with them very well,” Trump told reporters alongside Ishiba.

President Donald Trump first met with Kim Jong Un in Singapore in June 2018, during his first term as president. (AP/Evan Vucci)

Trump, who first met Kim in 2018 in Singapore and became the first sitting president to meet with the leader of North Korea, is looking to build off his personal diplomacy he established with Kim during his first term.

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Trump met Kim again in 2019 and became the first president to step foot inside North Korean territory from the demilitarized zone.

Fox News Digital’s Chris Massaro and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

February 18, 2025
Trump’s executive order forces NJ to cancel its first offshore wind farm

President Donald Trump’s executive order banning offshore wind projects has brought New Jersey’s first offshore wind project to a standstill. Federal permitting uncertainty and Shell pulling back on clean energy halted negotiations, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities said.

Christine Guhl-Sadovy, president of New Jersey BPU, said Monday it would “not be a responsible decision at this time” to award New Jersey’s fourth offshore wind solicitation, effectively pausing offshore wind projects in the state.

An executive order signed by Trump on his first day back in the Oval Office banned offshore wind leasing and called for a review of the federal government’s permitting practices for wind projects.

Yet, New Jersey remains committed to offshore wind development to “achieve energy independence,” Guhl-Sadovy said in a statement.

NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR SUGGESTS HE’S HOUSING A MIGRANT AT HIS HOME, TELLS FEDS ‘GOOD LUCK’ TRYING TO GET HER

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy delivers his State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature at the statehouse in Trenton, N.J., Jan. 9, 2024. (AP)

Gov. Phil Murphy, who has led the state’s push for offshore wind development since he took office in 2018, Monday night continued to champion the offshore wind industry’s potential for New Jersey to “secure energy independence” and create “cost-effective energy solutions.”

TRUMP TO SIGN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO KEEP BIOLOGICAL MEN OUT OF WOMEN’S SPORTS

But as the state ends negotiations on its latest wind power project, it’s unlikely offshore wind farms will be a part of Murphy’s legacy.

Energy giant Shell paused its deal with Atlantic Shores Thursday. BPU’s announcement Monday ended further bids on Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, canceling New Jersey’s first offshore wind project that was approved under President Joe Biden. Wind turbine projects are unlikely during the Trump administration.

Wind turbines at the Block Island Wind Farm tower above the water Oct. 14, 2016, off the shores of Block Island, R.I. (Don EmmertAFP via Getty Images)

“I support the BPU’s decision on the fourth offshore wind solicitation, and I hope the Trump Administration will partner with New Jersey to lower costs for consumers, promote energy security, and create good-paying construction and manufacturing jobs,” Murphy said in a statement appealing to the Trump administration.

Murphy is term-limited this year. As the Democratic governor of the Garden State, Murphy made “clean energy” solutions and climate change policies pillars of his administration. He spearheaded offshore wind development under the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act designed to “combat the threat of global climate change,” create alternative energy resources and boost the state’s economy.

President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Trump’s executive orders should come as no surprise. Trump has long said he doesn’t like wind turbines.

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Five days before he took office this year, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Windmills are an economic and environmental disaster. I don’t want even one built during my Administration. The thousands of dead and broken ones should be ripped down ASAP. Most expensive energy, only work with massive government subsidies, which we will no longer pay!”

Deirdre Heavey is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.

February 5, 2025
Trump, Musk join forces to bring stranded NASA astronauts back via SpaceX after Biden admin ‘abandoned’ them

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President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he has tasked his new Department of Government Efficiency head, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, with bringing home two astronauts who he said have been “abandoned” by the Biden administration.

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been in space for the last 8 months and Trump blasted the former president for not acting sooner.

“I have just asked Elon Musk and @SpaceX to ‘go get’ the 2 brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden Administration. They have been waiting for many months on @Space Station. Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe. Good luck Elon!!!” posted Trump.

MUSK’S SPACEX TO HELP RETURN ASTRONAUTS DESPITE FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS OF BILLIONAIRE’S BUSINESSES

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were the flight crew on Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which is recovering from a series of issues. (NASA / Getty Images)

Musk also took to social media to express his disdain and vowed to bring them home “as soon as possible.”

“The @POTUS has asked @SpaceX to bring home the 2 astronauts stranded on the @SpaceStation as soon as possible. We will do so,” Musk posted via X Tuesday evening. “Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long.”

NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test Commander Butch Wilmore (L) and Pilot Suni Williams walk out of the Operations and Checkout Building on June 05, 2024 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Wilmore and Williams have been in space since June. The mission was initially only meant to be a week long.

The NASA pilots arrived at the International Space Station on a Starliner, but issues with the capsule developed in the form of helium leaks and thruster problems making it too risky for people to utilize the ship to travel back to Earth.

BOEING STARLINER LAUNCHES 2 NASA ASTRONAUTS INTO SPACE IN FIRST PILOTED TEST FLIGHT

A plan was in place to rescue the two on a SpaceX capsule arriving back on Earth by February, but it was delayed. (Fox News )

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A plan was in place to rescue the two on a SpaceX capsule arriving back on Earth by February, but it was delayed.

Musk has delayed the launch of replacement astronauts at this time. Once the replacement astronauts reach the space station, the pair can go home.

January 29, 2025
Republic Day Parade 2025 Live Streaming: Watch March Past by Armed Forces, Tableaux Display, Acrobatic Motorcycle Ride and Fly-Past at Kartavya Path in Delhi on Gantantra Diwas

The Republic Day Parade 2025 is set to start at Kartavya Path in Delhi. YouTube channels of the Press Information Bureau and state broadcaster Doordarshan are hosting live streaming of the Republic Day Parade. The parade is a key element of the Republic Day (Gantantra Diwas) celebrations held annually on January 26. The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar. Tableaux from 16 states/UTs and 10 central ministries/departments highlighting “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas”, will participate in the parade this year. From march past by contingents of armed forces to tableaux display, and from acrobatic motorcycle rides to fly-past, watch India’s 76th Republic Day Parade live streaming to witness everything. Republic Day 2025 Celebrations Live Streaming: Watch Live Coverage of National Flag Unfurling, Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path in Delhi on India’s 76th Gantantra Diwas.

Republic Day Parade 2025 Live Streaming

India 76th Republic Day Parade Live Streaming

Virtual Tour of India’s Republic Day Parade From 360 Degree

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January 26, 2025
Senate forces rare weekend vote to push through Kristi Noem as Homeland Security chief

The Senate will hold votes over the weekend to accelerate the confirmation of one of President Donald Trump’s key Cabinet nominees.

Lawmakers will meet for a rare Saturday session to hold a vote on whether to confirm South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security, to the top Cabinet position.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., indicated earlier in the week that the Senate would stay over the weekend to push through the confirmation process if Democrats blocked voting efforts.

“Do we want a vote on these folks on Tuesday or vote on them on Friday, Saturday and Sunday? Because that’s what we’re going to do,” Thune said after Democrats blocked a confirmation vote for Trump’s CIA director nominee, John Ratcliffe, who has bipartisan support. “This can be easy or this can be hard.”

SCHUMER SUPPORTS DEMOCRATS DELAYING ALL TRUMP NOMINEES WHO LACK UNANIMOUS SUPPORT

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is sworn in during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on her nomination to be Secretary of Homeland Security, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 17, 2025. (Getty)

“This is about America’s national security interests, and we’re stalling, so that’s not going to happen,” Thune said.

Noem was questioned by lawmakers on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee during her confirmation hearing earlier in the week.

CONFIRMATION DELAYS STACK UP FOR TRUMP NOMINEES AS PAPERWORK LAGS IN FEDERAL OFFICES

The Department of Homeland Security deals with national security and immigration issues, making Noem’s confirmation top of mind for Trump as he makes the crisis at the southern border a priority during his second term.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., Thune indicated earlier in the week that the Senate would stay over the weekend to push through the confirmation process if Democrats blocked voting efforts. (Getty Images)

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Several of Trump’s nominees remain unconfirmed after the 47th president’s first week in office. But Thune promised while speaking on the Senate floor on Friday that he “will continue to ensure that the Senate works as quickly as possible to get President Trump’s team in place.”

Fox News’ Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.

Aubrie Spady is a Writer for Fox News Digital.

January 25, 2025
Israel Defense Forces will receive hostages Sunday

Israel Defense Forces prepare for return of hostages

IDF personnel in coordination with the Israeli Health Ministry prepared Saturday for the return of hostages. The hostages are expected to return to Israel from the Gaza Strip Sunday. (Credit: Israel Defense Forces)

The Israel Defense Forces, in coordination with the Health Ministry, additional government ministries and security authorities, completed final preparations Saturday to receive the first of the hostages being released by Hamas from the Gaza Strip Sunday.

The preparations included home-like conditions inside trailers for the hostages to sleep before they head to hospitals to be looked over and all the comforts of home, including baskets of toiletries and fresh clothes.

Inside the trailers, the hostages will have couches and potted plants for a bit of décor. Outside, they can sit on outdoor patio furniture accented with colorful oversize pillows.

The receiving locations also have necessary medical provisions.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE HOSTAGES AND CEASE-FIRE DEAL BETWEEN ISRAEL AND HAMAS SET TO BEGIN SUNDAY

The receiving locations for the hostages were set up to feel like home. (IDF)

From there, the hostages will be taken to hospitals, where they will be reunited with their families.

The IDF said it requests “patience and sensitivity” from the public as the hostages return.

“We ask everyone to respect the privacy of the hostages and their families,” the IDF said. “The public is requested only to refer to official updates and announcements and refrain from sharing unverified information.”

ISRAEL-HAMAS CEASE-FIRE, HOSTAGE RELEASE DEAL REACHED: ‘AMERICANS WILL BE PART OF THAT’

An IDF soldier makes preparations at a site where hostages are expected to arrive Sunday. (IDF)

The hostages have been held by Hamas for nearly 500 days since Hamas’ unprovoked attack on Israel Oct. 7, 2023.

Three hostages are expected to be released first on Sunday after a cease-fire agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas Wednesday.

IDF personnel make preparations at the various sites and in the hospitals where the hostages will arrive. (IDF)

The first hostages released are expected to be female.

In all, 33 hostages will be released, including two Americans. More than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be returned by the Israelis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday Israel wouldn’t move forward with the outline of the deal until it receives a list of the hostages to be released. That was agreed upon after the names didn’t arrive from Qatar as expected Saturday.

“Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement,” he said. “The sole responsibility is on Hamas.

“In the … war, we make it clear to our enemies — we make it clear to the whole world — that when the people of Israel stand together, there is no force that can break us.

Thirty-three hostages are expected to be released by Hamas. (IDF)

“To date, we have brought home 157 of our abductees, of which 117 are alive. In the agreement now approved, we will bring home 33 more of our brothers and sisters, most of them alive.”

He also credited both President Biden and President-elect Trump with helping reach a cease-fire deal.

“As soon as he was elected, President Trump joined the mission of freeing the hostages,” Netanyahu said. “He talked to me on Wednesday night. He welcomed the agreement, and he rightly emphasized that the first step of the agreement is a temporary cease-fire. That’s what he said, “temporary cease-fire.’”

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Netanyahu said Biden and Trump “gave full backing to Israel’s right to return to fighting if Israel comes to the conclusion that negotiations on Phase B are futile.”

Netanyahu also said he appreciated Trump’s decision to “remove all remaining restrictions on the supply of essential weapons and armaments to the State of Israel.”

January 23, 2025