Happy New Year 2025

Tag: speech

  • Brittney Griner exits: WNBA star found threatening note ahead of speech

    Brittney Griner exits: WNBA star found threatening note ahead of speech

    Brittney Griner, a 10-time WNBA All-Star, was a no-show for a speaking engagement she was booked for just outside of Washington, D.C. 

    The Atlanta Dream center’s decision stemmed from a note she discovered near the entrance to her hotel room in National Harbor, Maryland. Griner was scheduled to speak at the Women Grow Leadership Summit on Feb. 17. But, event organizers informed attendees that Griner pulled out after she saw “threatening objects and words” outside her hotel room.

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    Oct 29, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz, U.S.; WNBA player Brittney Griner joins Poder Latinx to promote “Cabalgata to the Polls”, a horseback riding event and live Banda music to celebrate National Vote Early Day. (Joe Rondone/The Republic/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

    The note in question contained the words “Gay Baby Jail,” WUSA 9 reported. The words appeared to be written on a piece of duct tape.

    The Prince George’s County Police Department confirmed the launch of an investigation at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, the site of the conference.

    2025 WNBA DRAFT NO. 1 PICK ODDS: PAIGE BUECKERS HEAVILY FAVORED

    “Detectives have learned the phrase ‘gay baby jail’ is commonly used as a video game reference,” a statement from police obtained by TMZ Sports read. “At the time the tape was located, a large convention was taking place at the Gaylord which attracts thousands of people, many with an interest in anime as well as video game enthusiasts. At this time, detectives have uncovered no link to or threat against the guest who located the tape.”

    Brittney Griner with the flag

    Gold medallist Brittney Griner of United States holds the U.S. flag. (REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein)

    Women Grow is an organization that brings women together with the goal of promoting leadership within the cannabis industry. Women Grow CEO Dr. Chanda Macias told WUSA9 that the hotel staff claimed the message was a cruel joke which a previous guest left, which was ultimately not removed by housekeeping.

    “I don’t know what their protocols are, but I don’t know why rooms wouldn’t be cleaned,” Macias said.

    Investigators did add that “detectives are working to determine who placed the piece of tape, when it was done and the intention behind it.”

    A 2013 interview with Sports Illustrated is believed to have marked the first time Griner pubically discussed her sexuality. During the interview, Griner was asked about the differences in public acceptance as it related to male athletes vs. female athletes revealing their sexuality.

    Brittney Griner WNBA game

    Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner pauses on the court during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Sept. 3, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

    “I really couldn’t give an answer on why that’s so different,” Griner told the outlet at the time. “Being one that’s out, it’s just being who you are. Again, like I said, just be who you are.” Griner added that she did not prioritize what others thought of her personal life.

    “Don’t worry about what other people are going to say, because they’re always going to say something, but, if you’re just true to yourself, let that shine through. Don’t hide who you really are,” she said.

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    Griner, a two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, has been married to Cherelle Griner, since 2019. The couple welcomed their first child together in July 2024.

    Griner spent the first 11 seasons of her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury. She signed a contract with the Dream in January.

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    Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

  • Kamala Harris mocked over speech to Broadway stars

    Kamala Harris mocked over speech to Broadway stars

    Former Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a so-called nonsensical “word salad” during an attempt to deliver an inspirational message to the cast of Broadway’s “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical.”

    Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were seen attending two Broadway productions over the weekend, the other being “Gypsy,” the New York Post reported. 

    Following a standing ovation for “A Wonderful World,” Harris delivered her speech to the cast and crew.

    LIZ CHENEY CAMPAIGNS WITH VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS AHEAD OF THE ELECTION

    Kamala Harris chats with the cast at the new musical “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical” on Broadway at Studio 54 Theatre on Saturday 2025 in New York City.   (Bruce Glikas/WireImage)

    “When we think about these moments where we see things that are being taken, but also let’s see it, you know, nature abhors a vacuum,” Harris tells the musical’s cast in a clip shared on X.

    “Where there’s a vacancy, let’s fill it. Let us know that the reality is that the progress of our nation has been about the expansion of rights, not the restriction of rights,” she added. “We’re seeing a U-turn right now. For those rights to be maintained, which means we have to be vigilant. It’s just the nature of it.”

    Harris was mocked online for her remarks, with some comparing her to someone under the influence of alcohol.

    “Kamala Harris hit Broadway and, of course, served up her signature word salad. A friendly reminder of what we dodged in the White House,” one person wrote on X. 

    She was similarly ridiculed after leaving office when she spoke to firefighters in California as they were battling wildfires in Los Angeles. 

    KAMALA HARRIS MOCKED ONLINE FOR ANOTHER ‘WORD SALAD’ ABOUT ‘COMMUNITY’ DURING FIRE DEPARTMENT VISIT

    Kamala Harris stands with Broadway performers on Saturday.

    Dionne Figgins, Darlesia Cearcy, Kamala Harris, Kim Exum, Jennie Harney- Fleming, Ella Fleming and Olivia Fleming pose at the new musical “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical ” on Broadway at Studio 54 Theatre on Saturday in New York City.   (Bruce Glikas/WireImage)

    “As I said to these courageous and extraordinary firefighters, you know moments of crisis really do reveal the heroes among us,” she said. “We went and visited World Central Kitchen. I mean, the volunteers who were there, some of them who lost their own homes, are there doing the work of taking care of perfect strangers, who, in the face of that stranger, they see a neighbor.”

    As vice president, Harris once said: “I grew up understanding the children of the community are the children of the community.”

    Since leaving the White House, Harris has dodged questions about her political future, amid rumors she may be considering a run to become governor of California.

    Newsom at podium

    Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at podium in California.  (Getty Images)

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    The state’s current governor, Gavin Newsom, a political ally of Harris’, is term-limited from seeking another term. 

    California voters will elect a new governor in 2026. 

  • Tearful chair of Munich Security Conference expresses ‘fear’ after blistering Vance speech in farewell address

    Tearful chair of Munich Security Conference expresses ‘fear’ after blistering Vance speech in farewell address

    The outgoing chairman of the Munich Security Conference delivered an emotional farewell speech that ended in tears, after he expressed “fear” over Vice President JD Vance’s blistering speech to the annual conference on international security policy.

    “This conference started as a trans-Atlantic conference,” German diplomat and chair of the conference Christoph Heusgen said Sunday. “After the speech of Vice President Vance on Friday, we have to fear that our common value base is not that common anymore. I’m very grateful to all those European politicians that spoke out and reaffirmed the values and principles that they are defending. No one did this better than President Zelenskyy, who has been fighting for these values – democracy, freedom, rule of law for the past three years.” 

    Heusgen’s speech marked the close to his leadership of the Munich Security Conference, as former Secretary-General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg takes the reins of the international security forum. Heusgen had served as leader of the forum since 2022. 

    Social media critics began posting snippets of Heusgen’s speech to X Sunday, claiming the German diplomat and longtime advisor to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel broke down in tears over his frustrations with Vance’s blistering speech to the international body. The conference clarified on X that the diplomat reportedly broke down due to his speech being his last as chairman of the forum. 

    CBS HOST BLASTED FOR ‘BONKERS’ CLAIM THAT NAZI GERMANY ‘WEAPONIZED’ FREE SPEECH

    Christoph Heusgen’s speech marked the close of his leadership of the Munich Security Conference. (Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images )

    “Our former Chair Christoph Heusgen did not shed a few tears out of ‘frustration.’ It was his farewell speech as he was leaving the MSC after this year’s conference. He was saying goodbye to the team at this very moment. The video snippet here is edited together,” the conference posted to X Monday morning. 

    The full video of Heusgen’s speech shows him breaking down into tears after warning that “our rules-based international order is under pressure.” 

    VANCE JOKES ABOUT GRETA THUNBERG AS HE GOES SCORCHED EARTH ON EUROPEAN CENSORSHIP

    “It is clear that our rules-based international order is under pressure,” he said. “It is my strong belief… that this multipolar world needs to be based on a single set of norms and principles, on the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This order is easy to disrupt, it’s easy to destroy, but it’s much harder to rebuild, so let us stick to these values. Let us not reinvent them, but focus on strengthening their consistent application.” 

    JD Vance in Munich

    Vice President JD Vance, in his speech at the 61st Munich Security Conference Feb. 14, 2025, lambasted “Soviet”-style European censorship and joked about left-wing environmentalist Greta Thunberg. (Thomas Kienzle/AFP via Getty Images)

    HEGSETH SAYS HE AND VANCE ARE ‘ON THE SAME PAGE’ DESPITE VP’S REMARK ON US TROOPS IN UKRAINE

    President Donald Trump has frequently taken shots at the United Nations since his first administration, and said earlier in February that the U.N. was “not being well run” and needs to get its “act together.” 

    Christoph Heusgen

    A spokesperson for the Munich Security Conference reiterated to Fox News Digital that Christoph Heusgen teared up solely because he was ending his three-year term leading the forum. (Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images)

    “Let me conclude. And this becomes difficult,” Heusgen said, choking up, before leaving the podium on the stage and hugging various members of the audience. 

    A spokesperson for the conference reiterated to Fox News Digital Monday that Heusgen teared up solely due to the fact that he was ending his three-year term leading the forum and that “many long-time participants and friends were in the Conference Hall to say goodbye” to the diplomat. 

    “I was truly touched by the warm farewell I received from the entire MSC team and so many friends after my last MSC as chairman,” Heusgen added in comment to Fox News Digital. “It was a very emotional moment on stage at the end of my term. A video is circulating on the internet that takes this scene of my departure out of context. Unfortunately, this once again shows how the mechanisms of disinformation work.”

    VANCE EVISCERATES ‘SOVIET’-STYLE EUROPEAN CENSORSHIP IN ADDRESS TO MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE

    His speech to the assembly followed Vance’s on Friday, where the U.S. vice president lambasted “Soviet”-style European censorship, joked about left-wing environmentalist Greta Thunberg, and slammed ongoing immigration woes that have throttled European nations and the U.S. under the Biden administration. 

    “Trust me, I say this with all humor,” Vance said at one point of his speech. “If American democracy can survive 10 years of Greta Thunberg scolding, you guys can survive a few months of Elon Musk.” 

    Vance also took issue with current immigration practices across the world, calling them “out-of-control migration” policies that include allowing unvetted migrants into foreign nations. Vance’s comments followed a suspect identified as an Afghan migrant ramming a car into pedestrians at a trade union demonstration in Munich Thursday, killing a mother and child and injuring at least 37 others. 

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    “But why did this happen in the first place?” Vance said in his speech of the Munich car attack. “It’s a terrible story, but it’s one we’ve heard way too many times in Europe, and unfortunately, too many times in the United States, as well. An asylum seeker, often a young man in his mid-20s, already known to police, rams a car into a crowd and shatters a community. How many times must we suffer these appalling setbacks before we change course and take our shared civilization in a new direction?” 

    Vance at Munich Security Conference

    Vice President JD Vance also took issue with current immigration practices across the world, calling them “out-of-control migration” policies. (Matthias Schrader/The Associated Press)

    Other world leaders seemingly took issue with Vance’s speech during the forum, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz saying the day after Vance’s speech that Germany rejects “outsiders intervening in our democracy.”

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    Stateside, conservatives have celebrated Vance’s speech as “almost Reaganesque,” “pro-American” and pro-free speech on social media and during Fox News interviews.

    Fox News Digital reached out to the Munich Security Conference on Monday for additional comment regarding Heusgen’s speech and did not immediately receive a reply. 

  • Saquon Barkley exudes confidence in fiery pre-Super Bowl speech: ‘They can’t f— with us’

    Saquon Barkley exudes confidence in fiery pre-Super Bowl speech: ‘They can’t f— with us’

    The Philadelphia Eagles were clearly a confident team heading into Super Bowl LIX, despite the Kansas City Chiefs going against them looking for their third straight Lombardi Trophy. 

    Saquon Barkley’s pre-game speech, which was filmed leading up to the “Big Game,” proved that confidence was high for one of the team’s most important players. 

    Barkley, along with other senior members of the Eagles, gave a team speech in which he delivered a fiery assessment of the matchup ahead. 

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    Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley speaks with the media during a press conference at Hilton New Orleans Riverside. (Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)

    “As I watch film throughout the whole week, my confidence grows even more, and I hope you guys are feeling the same thing. These guys can’t f— with us. They really can’t.”

    The Eagles were riding high from a blowout victory over the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship to earn their spot in the Super Bowl.

    But all week talk about potential NFL history for the Chiefs was discussed, and no matter how good a team may be, it could be a daunting task to face a team that has won back-to-back NFL titles. 

    SAQUON BARKLEY LEFT SPEECHLESS AFTER FIRST SUPER BOWL TITLE: ‘YOU CAN’T USE WORDS’

    However, Barkley was frank with how he felt about the Chiefs’ comfortability in this game.

    “I don’t care how many times they’ve been here,” Barkley continued. “I don’t care how many times they’ve won it. They haven’t seen a team like this.” 

    Barkley’s words were proven true as the Chiefs looked like the team not ready for the moment while the Eagles blew them out, 40-22, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans to win the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy.

    Saquon Barkley celebrates Super Bowl LIX win

    Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley talks to the media with his daughter, Jada, after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

    Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was named Super Bowl LIX MVP, also gave a speech that was recorded as well. He said that going to the Super Bowl two seasons ago was a life-changing moment. 

    “I put on a good show, but I left that motherf—er empty,” Hurts said, referencing the close loss the Eagles had against Kansas City in the end. 

    “Ask yourself how you want to be remembered,” Hurts said to his teammates. 

    In the end, this Eagles team will be remembered not only as the squad that halted NFL history, but also as one of the best teams ever assembled to win it all. 

    Saquon Barkley at the Eagles victory parade

    Eagles running back Saquon Barkley celebrates during the Super Bowl LIX championship parade and rally on Feb. 14, 2025, in Philadelphia. (Caean Couto-Imagn Images)

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    And while the play on the field is the main grab, the mindset was clearly set by the team’s stars to get them prepared for what was to come on game day.

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    Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

  • Rubio defends Vance’s Munich speech as CBS host suggests ‘free speech’ caused the Holocaust

    Rubio defends Vance’s Munich speech as CBS host suggests ‘free speech’ caused the Holocaust

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Vice President JD Vance’s speech in Germany slamming Europe’s penchant for censorship on Sunday.

    Rubio clashed with CBS host Margaret Brennan on “Face the Nation” after she suggested that free speech had been “weaponized” to bring about the Holocaust in Nazi Germany.

    Brennan highlighted Vance’s speech to the Munich Security Conference in Germany last week, which criticized European allies for adopting a “soviet”-style approach to censorship.

    “What did all of this accomplish, other than irritating our allies?” Brennan asked.

    HEGSETH SAYS HE AND VANCE ARE ‘ON THE SAME PAGE’ DESPITE VP’S REMARK ON US TROOPS IN UKRAINE

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected claims from a CBS host that “free speech” caused the holocaust. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

    “Why would our allies or anybody be irritated by free speech and by someone giving their opinion? We are, after all, democracies,” Rubio said. “The Munich Security Conference is largely a conference of democracies in which one of the things that we cherish and value is the ability to speak freely and provide your opinions. And so, I think if anyone’s angry about his words, they don’t have to agree with him, but to be angry about it, I think actually makes his point.”

    VANCE WARNS THE US WILL USE SANCTIONS, MILITARY ACTION IF PUTIN DOESN’T AGREE TO UKRAINE PEACE DEAL: REPORT

    “Well, he was standing in a country where free speech was weaponized to conduct a genocide,” Brennan replied. “He met with the head of a political party that has far-right views and some historic ties to extreme groups. The context of that was changing the tone of it. And you know that.”

    Margaret Brennan

    CBS Host Margaret Brennan claimed that Nazis had “weaponized” free speech “to conduct a genocide” in Germany. (Screenshot/CBS)

    “Well, I have to disagree with you. No- I have- I have to disagree with you,” Rubio said as the pair talked over one another. “Free speech was not used to conduct a genocide. The genocide was conducted by an authoritarian Nazi regime that happened to also be genocidal because they hated Jews and they hated minorities and they had a list of people they hated, but primarily the Jews.”

    He added, “There was no free speech in Nazi Germany. There was none. There was also no opposition in Nazi Germany. They were the sole and only party that governed that country. So that’s not an accurate reflection of history.”

    Vance at Munich Security Conference

    Vice President JD Vance rebuked European allies for their penchant for censorship last week. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

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    Rubio went on to reiterate Vance’s point that European leaders should be able to continue working with the U.S. and other like-minded nations despite facing criticism, at which point Brennan ended the segment.

    Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to [email protected], or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.

  • Austria suffers another IS-motivated attack day after Vance’s Munich speech

    Austria suffers another IS-motivated attack day after Vance’s Munich speech

    Austrian authorities said Sunday that the suspect who they believe fatally stabbed a 14-year-old boy and wounded five others in the village of Villach is a Syrian refugee who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. 

    At a press conference, Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said the 23-year-old Syrian national was arrested seven minutes after Saturday’s attack unfolded in the village of just about 60,000 people bordering Italy and Slovenia. 

    “This is an Islamist attack with an IS connection by an attacker who radicalized himself within a very short time via the internet online,” Karner told reporters, according to the Associated Press. 

    Regarding mass migration and asylum-seekers, Karner, a conservative, said it will ultimately be necessary to “carry out a mass screening without cause because this assassin was not conspicuous.” 

    CAR DRIVER IN MUNICH PLOWS INTO CROWD 1 DAY BEFORE VANCE AND WORLD LEADERS GATHER FOR SECURITY CONFERENCE

    Carinthia’s police chief, Michaela Kohlweiss, Austria’s Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, Carinthia’s Gov. Peter Kaiser and the mayor of Villach, Guenther Albel, address a press conference on Feb. 16, 2025, at the knife attack site. (Gerd Eggenberger/APA/AFP via Getty Images)

    “There’s compassion, there’s sadness, but in these moments there’s also understandably often anger and rage,” Karner added, according to Reuters. “Anger at an Islamist attacker who randomly stabbed innocent people here in this town.”

    The attack came a day after Vice President JD Vance rebuked European leaders at the Munich Security Conference over mass migration, as well as crackdowns on free speech. 

    As authorities revealed the alleged “Islamic terror motive,” Austria’s far-right leader Herbert Kickl, whose party won a national election four months ago, called for “a rigorous crackdown on asylum” in the wake of the attack.

    Kickl wrote on X Saturday that he is “appalled by the horrific act in Villach.”

    “At the same time, I am angry – angry at those politicians who have allowed stabbings, rapes, gang wars and other capital crimes to become the order of the day in Austria. This is a first-class failure of the system, for which a young man in Villach has now had to pay with his life,” Kickl said.

    “From Austria to the EU – the wrong rules are in force everywhere. Nobody is allowed to challenge them, everything is declared sacrosanct,” he said, adding that his party had outlined what he viewed as necessary changes to immigration laws in its election platform.

    The suspect is charged with murder and attempted murder. Austrian police said the suspect recorded himself pledging allegiance to IS, according to Reuters. 

    State police director Michaela Kohlweiß said authorities searched the suspect’s apartment with sniffer dogs and found IS flags on the walls. 

    No weapons or dangerous objects were found, she added, but police seized mobile telephones. Police were investigating whether the suspect had any accomplices.

    “The current picture is that of a lone perpetrator,” Kohlweiß said, according to the AP. 

    Carinthia State Gov. Peter Kaiser thanked another Syrian national, a 42-year-old man working for a food delivery company, who drove toward the suspect and helped prevent the situation from getting worse. 

    SUSPECT IN MUNICH CAR ATTACK HAD ‘ISLAMIST MOTIVATION,’ PROSECUTOR SAYS

    “This shows how closely terrorist evil but also human good can be united in one and the same nationality,” Kaiser said. 

    The mayor of Villach, Guenther Albel, said the attack was a “stab in the heart of the city.”

    Austrian conservative party leader Christian Stocker said on X that the attacker “must be brought to justice and be punished with the full force of the law.”

    “We all want to live in a safe Austria, adding that this means political measures need to be taken to avoid such acts of horror in the future,” he said.

    The day before Vance visited the Munich Security Conference, an Afghan refugee on Thursday plowed a car into a crowd in the German city, injuring dozens of people, including a mother and her 2-year-old daughter, who later died. 

    Vance at Munich Security Conference

    Vice President JD Vance addresses the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

    “The number of immigrants who entered the EU from non-EU countries doubled between 2021 and 2022 alone, and of course, it’s gotten much higher since,” Vance said Friday. “It’s the result of a series of conscious decisions made by politicians all over the continent. Others across the world over the span of a decade. We saw the horrors wrought by these decisions yesterday in this very city. And of course, I can’t bring it up again without thinking about the terrible victims who had a beautiful winter day in Munich ruined. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and will remain with them. But why did this happen in the first place?” 

    “It’s a terrible story, but it’s one we’ve heard way too many times in Europe, and unfortunately too many times in the United States as well,” Vance said. “An asylum seeker, often a young man in his mid-20s, already known to police, rams a car into a crowd and shatters a community. How many times must we suffer these appalling setbacks before we change course and take our shared civilization in a new direction?” 

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    The stabbing in Villach on Saturday marked what is believed to be the second deadly Islamic terror attack in Austria in recent years. In November 2020, a man who had previously attempted to join the Islamic State carried out a rampage in Vienna, armed with an automatic rifle and a fake explosive vest, killing four people before being fatally shot by police. Last August, Austrian authorities said they thwarted a planned attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna by a teenager who had also allegedly pledged allegiance to IS.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

    Danielle Wallace is a breaking news and politics reporter at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on X: @danimwallace. 

  • Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shaprio mocked for Cowboys dig at Eagles’ Super Bowl parade speech

    Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shaprio mocked for Cowboys dig at Eagles’ Super Bowl parade speech

    Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro couldn’t help bringing up the Dallas Cowboys while celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles Friday. 

    During the Eagles’ victory parade celebrating Sunday’s Super Bowl victory, Shapiro gave a speech in which he suggested the Eagles are “America’s Team.”

    “People love to hate on the Eagles. People love to hate on Philly. I think we became America’s Team in all of this. I hope Dallas hears this,” Shapiro yelled during his speech. 

    Shapiro then reposted a Sports Illustrated article that covered his comments on X. Many critics were quick to mock him for the comments in response. 

    “Crazy thinking about a team that hasn’t won a Super Bowl in 30 years during the parade,” one user wrote. 

    “We don’t want to be America’s team. Why would you think we do? Just stop,” wrote another user.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM 

    Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in his office in the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., Dec. 20, 2023.  (AP Photo/Daniel Shanken)

    Other critics were quick to point out the Eagles share a state with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have a longer history of success than the Eagles, with six Super Bowl wins compared to the Eagles’ two. 

    “They’re not even Pennsylvania’s team,” one user wrote. 

    Another user asked, “If the Steelers win next year…what will you say?”

    Many users pointed out how much time Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker took during their speeches. Parker was even booed during hers and was met with chants of “wrap it up!” from fans. 

    “You and the mayor should’ve just said “Go Birds” and then exited the stage. No one was there to see either of you. I said what I said,” one user wrote in response. 

    NFL FANS INTERVENE AFTER RESTAURANT OWNED BY EAGLES’ CJ GARDNER-JOHNSON’S MOM HIT BY UNWARRANTED BAD REVIEWS

    Cherelle Parker

    Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker next to the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the Super Bowl championship parade and rally.  (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

    Another user wrote, “You and Cherelle hogged way too much time at the podium. Nobody wanted to listen to either of you.” 

    Shapiro has come under fire from conservatives after suing President Donald Trump‘s administration Thursday to unfreeze federal funds. Shapiro said the administration’s decision jeopardizes Pennsylvania projects, including “reclaiming abandoned mine land, capping and plugging orphan wells, and lowering consumer costs.” 

    Meanwhile, the Commonwealth is incurring debt on federally approved projects. 

    “The federal government has entered into a contract with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, promising to provide billions of dollars in congressionally approved funding that we have committed to serious needs – like protecting public health; cutting energy costs; providing safe, clean drinking water; and creating jobs in rural communities. With this funding freeze, the Trump administration is breaking that contract, and it’s my job as governor to protect Pennsylvania’s interests,” Shapiro said.  

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    Josh Shapiro

    Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro waves to Eagles fans during the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl victory parade along South Broad Street in Philadelphia, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (Daniella Heminghaus/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

    “While multiple federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze this funding, access has not been restored, leaving my administration with no choice but to pursue legal action to protect the interests of the Commonwealth and its residents.”

    The Trump administration has called the legal challenges to Trump’s executive orders “an attempt to undermine the will of the American people.” The White House on Thursday dismissed Shapiro’s lawsuit as an extension of the “left’s resistance.” 

    “Radical leftists can either choose to swim against the tide and reject the overwhelming will of the people, or they can get on board and work with President Trump to advance his wildly popular agenda. These lawsuits are nothing more than an extension of the left’s resistance — and the Trump administration is ready to face them in court,” White House principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields said. 

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

    Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.

  • Philadelphia mayor jeered by Eagles fans during Super Bowl parade speech: ‘Wrap it up!’

    Philadelphia mayor jeered by Eagles fans during Super Bowl parade speech: ‘Wrap it up!’

    Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has already made a spelling error in one speech about the Philadelphia Eagles, and now she may have gone over the word count in another. 

    During the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory parade on Friday, Parker took to the podium to deliver her speech to the team’s gathered fans. But eventually, those in attendance started to boo her and chant “Wrap it up!” once they felt her speech went on too long. 

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    Parker’s speech ultimately ended up going more than five minutes. Most of the other speeches on Friday were brief. 

    The parade also featured Eagles general manager Howie Roseman getting hit in the head with a beer can, which caused him to bleed, and a shooting that injured two women. 

    The mayor’s Eagles-related speeches became a point of criticism in January ahead of the team’s divisional round playoff victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 19, when she misspelled the team name. During a chant to celebrate the Eagles’ playoff run, the Democratic mayor attempted the fan base’s signature chant of spelling out the team name. However, she spelled it “E-L-G-S-E-S.”

    MICS CATCH SAQUON BARKLEY, FIANCÉE’S EMOTIONAL EXCHANGE AFTER EAGLES’ SUPER BOWL VICTORY: ‘SO PROUD’

    Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker rings a ceremonial bell before the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Houston Rockets at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Jan 15, 2024. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

    The error prompted mass online mockery. 

    Parker addressed this mistake during a press conference just days later. 

    “We don’t promise perfection, I’m so happy I never have,” she told the gathering. “Especially after I couldn’t spell ‘Eagles’ right.”

    Reporters in attendance laughed in response. 

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    Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker next to the Vince Lombardi Trophy

    Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker stands next to the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX championship parade and rally on Friday. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

    The Democrat’s misspelling was then turned into a T-shirt by the independent Philadelphia sports apparel business Philly Goat.

    Parker is in her first term after winning the mayoral election in 2023, becoming the first woman mayor in the city’s history when she defeated Republican David Oh.

    Parker served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2005-15, and then on the Philadelphia city council from 2015-22. 

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

    Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.

  • House Republican introduces transgender lawmaker as ‘the gentleman … Mr. McBride’ for floor speech

    House Republican introduces transgender lawmaker as ‘the gentleman … Mr. McBride’ for floor speech

    Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., referred to Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Del. — who identifies as a transgender woman — as “Mr. McBride.”

    “The chair recognizes the gentleman from Delaware, Mr. McBride, for five minutes,” Miller said in the House chamber on Thursday.

    “Thank you, Madam Speaker,” McBride replied, before proceeding to deliver a speech.

    While McBride did not respond to Miller’s comment, when Miller next recognized Rep. Nanette Barragán, D- Calif., to deliver a speech, Barragán began by saying, “Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”

    TRANSGENDER CONGRESS MEMBER ‘MYSTIFIED’ THAT GOP ‘PRIORITIZES’ TRANS ATHLETE BANS IN GIRLS SPORTS

    Left: U.S. Rep. Mary Miller hosts the Illinois Republican Party Delegation Breakfast in Oak Creek, Wisc., on July 16, 2024; Right: Rep. Sarah McBride at the Human Rights Campaign Greater New York Dinner held at New York Marriott Marquis on Feb. 1, 2025 in New York, N.Y. (Left: E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images; Right: Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images)

    Fox News Digital reached out to McBride’s office to request a comment from the lawmaker on Friday — a spokesperson pointed to McBride’s full floor speech, which is featured in a post on the @Rep_McBride X account. 

    “This morning, I delivered my first speech on the floor of the house,” the Feb. 6 tweet begins.

    During the speech, the Democrat declared, “Piece by piece, department by department, the Trump administration is defunding critical federal services, purging employees, consolidating power, and cutting and gutting programs that Delawareans rely on. They are trying to decimate the federal government and sell it for parts to line the pockets of donors at the expense of working people.”

    SPEAKER JOHNSON MAKES CLARIFICATION AFTER STATEMENT REGARDING TRANSGENDER HOUSE MEMBER

    “They do not want to make government more efficient. They want to prove that government can’t work, by making it not work,” McBride asserted.

    Miller, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, declared in a post on X that she had “refused to deny biological reality” on the chamber floor.

    FIRST OPENLY TRANS REP-ELECT CLAIMS GOP SPOTLIGHTING TRANSGENDER ISSUES AN ‘ATTEMPT TO DISTRACT’ VOTERS

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    “President Trump restored biological truth in the federal government, and I refuse to perpetuate the lie that gender is open to our interpretation. It is not,” the Republican added.

    Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.