Happy New Year 2025

Tag: North

North Korea vows to expand nuclear forces, blasts US for ‘outdated’ denuclearization plan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North Korea’s foreign ministry denounced the joint pledge between the U.S., South Korea and Japan as an “outdated, absurd plan” and warned of “overwhelming and decisive counteraction” against its rivals who threaten its security.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.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

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
Amazon workers in North Carolina vote against unionizing

Check out what’s clicking on FoxBusiness.com.

Amazon workers in North Carolina have voted against a proposal to unionize, a win for the retail giant in its fight against organized labor at its facilities.

About 4,300 employees at an Amazon fulfillment center in Garner, a suburb of Raleigh, were eligible to cast ballots in last week’s voting to decide whether to join a grassroots labor organization called Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment, the National Labor Relations Board said.

Amazon workers voted at the warehouse nearly 3-to-1 against joining former and current Amazon workers in the independent union.

The federal labor agency said 2,447 workers voted against unionizing while 829 voted in favor of joining the union.

AMAZON INCREASES AD SPENDING ON X IN MAJOR REVERSAL: REPORT

An Amazon spokeswoman said Saturday that the company already offers workers safe and inclusive workplaces and competitive pay. ( Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images, File / Getty Images)

An Amazon spokeswoman said Saturday that the company already offers workers safe and inclusive workplaces and competitive pay, items in line with what most unions request.

“We’re glad that our team in Garner was able to have their voices heard, and that they chose to keep a direct relationship with Amazon,” Amazon spokesperson Eileen Hards said in a statement.

Amazon warehouse workers in Garner, N.C., voted against joining an organized labor union last week. (Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)

AMAZON TO PAY $4M TO SETTLE SUIT ACCUSING COMPANY OF STEALING TIPS FROM DRIVERS

Amazon’s efforts to stop organized labor from forming at its facilities haven’t always been successful.

Wolf Financial chief strategy officer Shay Boloor analyzes Amazon and discusses the demand for A.I. on ‘Making Money.’

Last month, workers at a Whole Foods location in Philadelphia made history as the first group to successfully unionize under the grocery chain, which is owned by Amazon.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

In 2022, Amazon workers at a warehouse in Staten Island, N.Y., voted to unionize. Amazon has yet to recognize the election result or negotiate with organizers over a contract.

February 17, 2025
Punjab Police’s Valentine’s Week campaign on fake news attracts audiences in North America, Australia and NZ | Chandigarh News

You can take a Punjabi out of Punjab but you cannot make him forget the Punjab Police. This could be why the Punjab Police anti-fake news drive during Valentine’s Week attracted large audiences from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The campaign aimed to educate people on the dangers of misinformation and the importance of verifying news before sharing it online.

The Punjab Police have lately focused on cyber campaigns to enhance the reach of public safety messages and have a dedicated team that prepares internet campaigns.

Story continues below this ad

A viewer engagement and demographic analysis done by the Punjab Police on their online campaign showed that very heavy traffic was generated from overseas.

“With widespread visibility and participation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram, and WhatsApp, the initiative sparked important conversations on responsible digital behaviour. The campaign went viral across WhatsApp groups, amplifying the message to think before forwarding unverified information,” said a senior officer involved in the campaign.

The data underscores a strong connection with younger demographics across Punjab and key diaspora communities, validating the campaign’s strategic impact, he added.

Police officers said a high viewership was also recorded across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Urban centres like Chandigarh and Ludhiana led in interactions.

Story continues below this ad

“A growing interest was noted in the Middle East and the United States, presenting expansion opportunities. The audience comprised 65 per cent males and 35 per cent females, indicating a need for more gender-balanced content. The highest viewership in Punjab was observed in Ludhiana, Patiala, Mohali, Jalandhar, and Amritsar. There was a strong resonance with individuals aged 18-35, emphasizing the importance of youth-centric messaging,” an officer said.

The Punjab Police have lately cultivated an increased social media presence to strengthen community relations and enhance public safety. Their platforms serve as channels for real-time updates, public advisories, and community outreach.

“The aim of the newly focussed digital strategy is to support swift communication during emergencies but also promote proactive engagement with citizens, contributing to a more informed and resilient community,” a senior officer said.

According to senior officials, the week-long initiative generated 11-12 million impressions, reinforcing the importance of media literacy and responsible social media use.

Story continues below this ad

“The Punjab Police will continue leveraging digital platforms to combat fake news, promote cyber awareness, and strengthen public trust. Citizens are encouraged to engage with official sources, think critically before sharing information, and report any misleading content to authorities. To report fake news or seek assistance, dial 112,” said an officer involved in cyber strategy.

February 17, 2025
North Carolina school board member rips ‘mediocre White men’ in rant against DEI critics

A member of North Carolina’s largest school district’s board slammed critics of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and said the term is being bandied about by people who are racist in place of the “n-word.”

Wake County Schools board member Sam Hershey began his remarks at last week’s meeting in Raleigh by saying that if people are “searching for truth, we’re going to have to wait about four more years for that because, man, I’ve never seen someone lie so much as that person,” in an apparent reference to President Donald Trump.

Hershey, who is White, said that in recognition of Black History Month, he wanted to make some remarks about DEI in a meeting video posted to YouTube.

“I really want to highlight, as Dr. Ng mentioned, we’re celebrating 250 [years of America] next year that … it’s really important to talk about people being hired based on their skin color. And for 250 years, it has been mediocre White men who have been hired based on their skin color.”

DOGE SLASHES $100M IN DEI FUNDING AT US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

“And those are facts. – I’ve heard people say DEI is racist. If that’s what you believe, you know nothing about diversity, equity, inclusion, and you know nothing about racism. And that speaks to you as a human being.”

Speaking about Wake County as a whole, which includes Raleigh as well as Fuquay-Varina and Zebulon, Hershey said DEI ensures kids who need more educational help receive it without lowering standards.

“That’s the thing that drives me nuts the most,” Hershey said. “That’s being real. And I’ve said this before: People who throw around ‘DEI hire,’ they’re just replacing the n-word with ‘DEI hire.’ That’s what they want to say. We get it. You guys are all losers.”

BALTIMORE SUES TRUMP FOR DITCHING DEI

He referenced the recent helicopter-plane collision above Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia, where some pundits were hypothesizing about the personal identifiers of the pilots involved.

“Should I see a Black pilot or do I think they’re a DEI hire? No, that’s racism to think that way.”

In Wake County Schools, he said, candidates are hired based on their qualifications and that it would be insulting not to do so.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“We’ve got vacancies, so we’re not turning away people because they’re White,” he said.

A communications official for Wake County Schools told Fox News Digital, “I don’t have any information to share with you,” when reached on Thursday.

Superintendent Robert Taylor did not respond to multiple requests for comment, and several assistant superintendents, as well as Hershey, did not respond to emailed inquiries whether any reprimand or other action was being considered because of his remarks.

On X, formerly Twitter, Hershey’s comments led to criticism, including one user who asked if he had ever listened to speeches from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“What happened to a world where one is not judged by the color of his skin (or other immutable outward characteristics for that matter?). Why should anyone consider skin color in hiring?”

“Sam Hershey has decades of experience in ‘white man mediocrity,” another user wrote. “Not exactly the best and brightest Wake County has to offer.”

Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital.

He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant.

Charles covers media, politics and culture for Fox News Digital.

Charles is a Pennsylvania native and graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].

February 13, 2025
President Trump says ‘we will have relations with North Korea’; ‘big asset’ that he gets along with Kim

Join Fox News for access to this content

Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.

By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.

Please enter a valid email address.

Having trouble? Click here.

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

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

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.

NORTH KOREAN SOLDIERS IN RUSSIA RESORT TO SUICIDE AMID CAPTURE OF FIRST POWS BY UKRAINE

President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, at the White House Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

“We had a good relationship. And I think it’s a very big asset for everybody that I do get along with them,” the president said.

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

Trump said Japan would welcome renewed dialogue with North Korea because relations between Japan and North Korea remain tense since diplomatic relations have never been established.

“And I can tell you that Japan likes the idea because their relationship is not very good with him,” Trump said.

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

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

Ishiba said it’s a positive development Trump and Kim met during Trump’s first term. And now that he has returned to power, the U.S., Japan and its allies can move toward resolving issues with North Korea, including denuclearization.

“Japan and U.S. will work together toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea,” Ishiba added.

Prime Minister Ishiba also addressed a grievance involving the abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s. Although North Korea released some of the prisoners in the early 2000s, Pyongyang never provided Japan with any explanation for the abduction of its citizens, and there can be no normalization of relations between Japan and North Korea until the issue is resolved.

“And so our time is limited,” Ishiba warned.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“So, I don’t know if the president of the United States, if President Trump is able to resolve this issue. We do understand that it’s a Japan issue, first and foremost. Having said that, we would love to continue to cooperate with them,” the prime minister added.

February 7, 2025
North Korea slams Rubio’s ‘rogue state’ label as ‘nonsense’

North Korea is criticizing Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s description of the country as a “rogue state,” calling it “nonsense” while vowing to take “tough counteraction” to any provocations from the Trump administration.

Rubio made the remark last week during an appearance on “The Megyn Kelly Show,” where he was speaking about the goals of U.S. foreign policy.

“It’s not normal for the world to simply have a unipolar power. That was not – that was an anomaly. It was a product of the end of the Cold War, but eventually you were going to reach back to a point where you had a multipolar world, multi-great powers in different parts of the planet. We face that now with China and to some extent Russia, and then you have rogue states like Iran and North Korea you have to deal with,” Rubio said, according to the State Department.

North Korea’s foreign ministry said in response that Rubio “talked nonsense by terming the DPRK a ‘rogue state’ while enumerating the foreign policy of the new U.S. administration.”

TRUMP’S ‘DENUCLEARIZATION’ SUGGESTION WITH RUSSIA AND CHINA: HOW WOULD IT WORK?

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, left, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP/Mark Schiefelbein)

“The Foreign Ministry of the DPRK deems the U.S. State Secretary’s hostile remarks to thoughtlessly tarnish the image of a sovereign state as a grave political provocation totally contrary to the principle of international law which regards respect for sovereignty and non-interference in other’s internal affairs as its core and strongly denounces and rejects it,” read a statement published by North Korean state media.

“Rubio’s coarse and nonsensical remarks only show directly the incorrect view of the new U.S. administration on the DPRK and will never help promote the U.S. interests as he wishes,” the statement added, taking a swipe at the Trump administration.

NORTH KOREAN SOLDIERS IN RUSSIA RESORT TO SUICIDE AMID CAPTURE OF FIRST POWS BY UKRAINE

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

“We will never tolerate any provocation of the U.S., which has been always hostile to the DPRK and will be hostile to it in the future, too, but will take tough counteraction corresponding to it as usual,” it concluded.

Rubio said during the interview that “now more than ever, we need to remember that foreign policy should always be about furthering the national interest of the United States and doing so, to the extent possible, avoiding war and armed conflict, which we have seen two times in the last century be very costly.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, right, waves after being welcomed by Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha, left, upon his arrival at the presidential palace in Panama City on Sunday, Feb. 2. Panama is Rubio’s first trip abroad as secretary of State. (AP/Mark Schiefelbein)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“They’re celebrating the 80th anniversary this year of the end of the Second World War. That – I think if you look at the scale and scope of destruction and loss of life that occurred, it would be far worse if we had a global conflict now. It may end life on the planet,” he also said. “And it sounds like hyperbole, but that’s – you have multiple countries now who have the capability to end life on Earth. And so we need to really work hard to avoid armed conflict as much as possible, but never at the expense of our national interest. So that’s the tricky balance.”

Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.

February 3, 2025
Verizon clears $10M in debt for North Carolina residents impacted by Hurricane Helene

Check out what’s clicking on FoxBusiness.com.

Verizon is teaming up with ForgiveCo to clear $10 million in consumer debt for more than 6,500 North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The communications company said the debt relief campaign is aimed at assisting with the ongoing recovery following the September 2024 storm.

ForgiveCo’s “random acts of kindness” purchased the debts in the form of medical, financial and other debts of necessity in the affected areas without any applications required and notified the lucky recipients through surprise letters, emails and text messages.

HURRICANE HELENE DEVASTATION COULD COST UP TO $34B, MOODY’S SAYS

ForgiveCo CEO Craig Antico and his son, Erik. (ForgiveCo)

“Unpayable debt is a heavy burden that causes hardship for countless hardworking Americans,” said Craig Antico, ForgiveCo Founder and CEO. “Often triggered by sudden medical events or accidents, the impact of natural disasters can further destabilize families and limit opportunities for generations. Through this effort, Verizon will bring transformative change to the lives of North Carolinians in crisis, leaving a lasting mark on future generations.”

A news conference at Verizon’s South Asheville store announced that the debt had been forgiven and that no other action would be required by the recipients.

Workers, community members, and business owners clean up debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Marshall, North Carolina on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The random act of kindness was in addition to Verizon’s initial $400,000 donation to United Way of North Carolina following the storm.

“Verizon believes in the power of connection, not only through our technology but through the bonds we build with the communities we serve,” said Leigh Anne Lanier, president of Verizon’s Atlantic South Market. “To the 6,500 individuals impacted by this initiative and the broader Western North Carolina community, we are with you. We will always stand by you, not just as a business, but as a partner and a neighbor.”

NORTH CAROLINA LAWMAKER WARNS HURRICANE HELENE RECOVERY COULD TAKE ‘YEARS’

In this photo illustration Verizon Wireless logo seen displayed on a smartphone and in the background. (Photo Illustration by Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) (Photo Illustration by Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Basketball Hall of Fame coach and Asheville native, Roy Williams, signed on to deliver the news to the impacted families.

“Verizon’s random acts of kindness will lift up thousands of North Carolinians that were left vulnerable to Hurricane Helene’s devastation. These are challenging times, but I’ve seen the strength and resilience of this community. Verizon’s support is a powerful reminder that no one is alone, and together, we’ll rise stronger. It’s a privilege to share this message of hope with the incredible people of North Carolina,” he said.

February 3, 2025
American Airlines subsidiary announced corporate HQ move from Ohio to North Carolina hours before deadly crash

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy provides details during an update on the midair collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army Helicopter.

On Wednesday — the same day as the deadly midair collision between a military helicopter and a passenger airplane that occurred Wednesday night — PSA Airlines had announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters from Ohio to North Carolina, reports indicate.

PSA Airlines made the announcement “hours before” the fatal crash, the Dayton Daily News reported.

PSA is a subsidiary of American Airlines Group. According to American Airlines, American Eagle Flight 5342, the flight involved in the incident, “was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700.”

DC PLANE CRASH INVESTIGATORS RECOVER AMERICAN AIRLINES BLACK BOXES AFTER MIDAIR COLLISION

An American Eagle, operated by PSA Airlines, a CRJ-700 aircraft arrives at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan 22, 2025 in Arlington, Va. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

Fox News Digital reached out to American Airlines and PSA Airlines for comment about the announced headquarters relocation, but did not receive comment in time for publication.

It appears that there was a page on the PSA airlines website about the headquarters relocation announcement — but the link to that press release, as well as other links to the PSA Airlines website, currently redirect to the homepage of the American Airlines website.

THE MOST RECENT COMMERCIAL AVIATION ACCIDENTS IN THE US

The Punaro Group CEO Gen. Arnold Punaro (ret.) weighs in on the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the D.C. plane crash and Tulsi Gabbard’s Senate confirmation hearing.

“We chose to relocate PSA’s headquarters to Charlotte for several important reasons, including that Charlotte is where most of our daily departures occur and almost all our training is based,” PSA president and CEO Dion Flannery noted, according to the Dayton Daily News. “Charlotte is a vibrant community and home to the world’s seventh-busiest airport.”

“While we’re looking forward to getting integrated into the Charlotte community, I want to sincerely thank the city of Dayton, its leaders and the entire Dayton community for embracing and supporting PSA for so many years. We will continue to have a presence in Dayton with a maintenance hangar and crew base, including more than 550 Dayton-based team members,” he noted, according to the outlet.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CEO ON AMERICAN AIRLINES CRASH IN DC: ‘OUR HEARTS GO OUT’

Helicopter pilot Dean Wegner argues there’s ‘a longer story’ behind the tragic American Airlines and helicopter aircraft collision and shares his condolences.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Dozens lost their lives due to the deadly crash.

“Sadly, there are no survivors,” President Trump said on Thursday.

The incident is under investigation.

The National Transportation Safety Board’s media relations division noted in Thursday a post on X that “NTSB investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the Bombardier CRJ700 airplane involved in yesterday’s mid-air collision at DCA. The recorders are at the NTSB labs for evaluation.”

January 31, 2025
Trump announces FEMA overhaul during visit to Helene-stricken North Carolina

President Donald Trump said he plans to overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency as North Carolina still recovers from Hurricane Helene – more than 120 days after the storm struck the state.

“I’ll also be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, or maybe getting rid of FEMA,” Trump told reporters in North Carolina Friday morning. I think, frankly, FEMA is not good.”

Trump also promised his administration would step in and assist North Carolina to fix the damage quickly, vowing to “do a good job” for the state.

“We’re going to fix it, and we’re going to fix it as fast as you can,” Trump said. “It’s a massive amount of damage. FEMA has really let us down. Let the country down. And I don’t know if that’s Biden’s fault or whose fault it is, but we’re going to take over. We’re going to do a good job.”

Trump also said he would like to see the states assume more responsibility when disaster strikes, arguing those familiar with the state are better equipped to provide disaster response and relief.

TRUMP, GOP LEADERS MEET AT WHITE HOUSE AS PRESIDENT PLANS VISIT TO NC, DEFENDS EXECUTIVE ORDERS

An aerial view of destroyed and damaged buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene flooding on Oct. 8 in Bat Cave, N.C. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Trump also promised to work with three of the lawmakers whose areas were affected by Hurricane Helene, claiming that FEMA was “not on the ball” in assisting North Carolina in the aftermath of the hurricane.

“So we’re going to be doing something on FEMA that I think most people agree [with],” Trump said. “I’d like to see the states take care of disasters, let the state take care of the tornadoes and the hurricanes and all of the other things that happen. And I think you’re going to find it a lot less expensive. You’ll do it for less than half, and you’re going to get a lot quicker response.”

So far, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers claim that only half of debris recovery for Hurricane Helene is complete. Additionally, thousands of families in North Carolina remain in hotels FEMA is footing the bill for under its Transitional Housing Assistance (TSA) program.

TRUMP SAYS NEWSOM IS TO ‘BLAME’ FOR ‘APOCALYPTIC’ WILDFIRES

Photo of Hurricane Helene aftermath provided to Fox News Digital by the office of Congresswoman Kat Cammack. (Office of Congresswoman Kat Cammack)

While these families were approaching a late January deadline that would have removed them from the hotels, FEMA announced this week it extended the deadline to May 26. In total, more than 3,000 families are eligible for the program extension.

“It’s been a horrible thing the way that’s been allowed to fester and we’re going to get it fixed up,” Trump told reporters at the White House Friday prior to departing for North Carolina. “It should have been done months ago from the hurricane that took place almost four months ago. North Carolina’s been treated very badly so we’re stopping there.”

FAST-MOVING HUGHES FIRE ERUPTS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY AS CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS ORDER EVACUATIONS

U.S. President Donald Trump boards Air Force One as he departs for North Carolina at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, U.S., January 24, 2025. (Leah Millis/Reuters)

Trump said Wednesday in an exclusive interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity that “Democrats don’t care about North Carolina” and that’s why he would visit the state for his first official trip as president during his second term.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Trump is slated to visit California on Friday as well to survey the damage from wildfires that have ravaged the state this month.

“It looks like something hit it, we won’t talk about what hit it,” Trump said. “But it is a bad, bad situation.”

Fox News’ Jacqui Heinrich and Aubrey Conklin contributed to this report.

Diana Stancy is a politics reporter with Fox News Digital covering the White House.

January 24, 2025
Bill Belichick’s North Carolina contract details show staggering salary, interesting clauses

Bill Belichick has already been on the recruiting trail, but it’s officially official that he’s North Carolina’s next head football coach after he signed his contract.

And it’s a contract with eye-popping numbers.

The Tar Heels released Belichick’s deal, which continues through the end of 2029, Thursday. The 72-year-old will be making $10 million per season, though his official base salary is $1 million.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

New North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick at Loudermilk Center for Excellence. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)

The other $9 million will be coming from what is described as “supplemental income.”

Belichick, the six-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, immediately becomes one of the top 10 highest-paid head coaches in college football. Seven coaches made $10 million or more in 2024, according to USA Today.

The highest-paid coach in the country is Georgia’s Kirby Smart at over $13 million per season. Clemson’s Dabo Swinney ($11.13 million), Texas’ Steve Sarkisian ($10.6 million), USC’s Lincoln Riley ($10.043 million) and Ohio State’s Ryan Day ($10.021 million), fresh off a national championship win, round out the top five.

NORTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL GM MAINTAINS BILL BELICHICK WILL STAY AT SCHOOL, SAYS NFL CAN GET TOO POLITICAL

Like many other contracts, Belichick’s has incentives that would trigger massive paydays if they’re met, including a $750,000 bonus if the Tar Heels reach the College Football Playoff. If they win a national title, Belichick would receive a $1.75 million bonus.

Other incentives include a $150,000 bonus for reaching a bowl game as well as a $350,000 bonus if the team makes an “elite” non-playoff bowl. Those would include the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Gator Bowl, Duke’s Mayo Bowl and a few others.

The North Carolina Tar Heels’ new head coach, Bill Belichick, speaks to the media at Loudermilk Center for Excellence. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)

Finally, a top 25 ranking at the end of the regular season would also trigger a $250,000 bonus for Belichick. And he’d like get his $350,000 bonus for an elite bowl game if the Tar Heels finish in the Top 25.

There is also confirmation that Belichick does have a buyout clause, which was widely reported as North Carolina’s stipulation if he were to leave for a job in the NFL. If Belichick leaves UNC before June 1, the university is owed $10 million. After June 1, the buyout drops to $1 million.

However, despite multiple NFL teams reportedly reaching out to Belichick, he said during his introductory press conference he’s in Chapel Hill to stay.

North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick answers questions during a press conference at Loudermilk Center for Excellence. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

He’s already showing his commitment to the program by hitting the road and talking to recruits as he aims to build a playoff roster through the new NIL system.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

January 24, 2025