Republican leaders embrace viral World Cup fans they say are discovering the 'real America'

As foreign soccer fans descend on the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, some visitors are going viral for documenting their enthusiasm for distinctly American experiences — from Waffle House and Buc-ee's to college football and Southern hospitality.

While political battles over immigration and travel policy continue to dominate discussion ahead of the World Cup, foreign fans are going viral for celebrating a very different side of America.

Videos celebrating iconic restaurants, sprawling highways, local traditions and everyday hospitality have racked up millions of views online and drawn reactions from political leaders who say they highlight America's enduring appeal.

The upbeat posts have not gone unnoticed in Washington.

INTERNET FALLS IN LOVE WITH GERMAN SOCCER FAN DISCOVERING AMERICAN SOUTH AHEAD OF 2026 WORLD CUP

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was among the officials to weigh in, sharing one of several viral posts from German soccer fan FreddyLA7, whose enthusiastic dispatches from across the United States have become a social media sensation ahead of the World Cup.

In a post on X, Duffy pointed to Freddy's journey through Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama as an example of the uniquely American experiences drawing attention online.

"There's no better way to see our country than on a road trip," Duffy wrote. "Because to LOVE AMERICA you have to SEE AMERICA."

WORLD CUP FANS FALL IN LOVE WITH AMERICAN CULTURE, COMFORT FOOD CLASSICS

He concluded the post by asking followers to suggest additional destinations for the German fan to visit as he continues his travels across the United States.

Freddy's posts have attracted millions of views for their enthusiastic portrayal of everyday American life, with the German fan praising everything from Waffle House and Taco Bell to Buc-ee's and Bass Pro Shops as he travels the country following the German national team.

After Freddy made stops across Alabama, Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., joined the conversation on X, highlighting the state's role in the German fan's increasingly viral American road trip.

After Freddy marveled at the atmosphere inside Auburn University's Jordan-Hare Stadium, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey invited him back for football season, writing: "Y'all ought to come back in the fall to see just how we do Saturdays in Alabama."

DeSantis similarly welcomed Freddy to Florida after the soccer fan posted footage from the Gulf Coast. The governor playfully corrected Freddy's description of the water as "the sea" before encouraging him to enjoy what he called some of the best beaches in the world.

As the United States prepares to welcome millions of visitors for the World Cup next year, Freddy's viral road trip has offered an early preview of the tournament's potential to showcase American culture far beyond the soccer pitch.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/republican-leaders-embrace-viral-world-cup-fans-say-discovering-real-america

Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker misses Seahawks' ring ceremony after signing $45M deal with Chiefs

The Seattle Seahawks received their Super Bowl rings on Thursday night, but one person from the team was notably absent: the game's Most Valuable Player.

Kenneth Walker earned Super Bowl LX honors in Santa Clara after he had 27 carries for 135 yards, making him by far the best offensive player on the field.

Walker had no choice but to be the bell cow for the Seahawks after Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL in the NFC Championship game two weeks prior.

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But there was a price to pay for the Seahawks, as Walker signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs a month later.

Walker was the only member of the championship-winning team to not be in attendance, but it should be noted that the Chiefs' mandatory minicamp still took place on Thursday.

By the second quarter, Walker had already joined Timmy Smith and Marcus Allen with multiple 25-yard runs in a Super Bowl.

KENNETH WALKER FOCUSED ON NEW CHIEFS CHAPTER DESPITE SEAHAWKS GM'S REPLACEMENT COMMENT: 'THAT'S ON HIM'

Walker was unable to find the end zone — in fact, Seattle’s only offensive touchdown came from A.J. Barner. However, Walker’s dominance on the ground helped get Seattle into scoring position. Jason Myers went 5-for-5 on his field-goal attempts after Walker’s ground-and-pound effort.

Walker’s 135 yards on the ground are tied for the eighth-most in Super Bowl history and the second most he has ever had in a game, including playoffs.

Walker’s rushing prop had been hovering around 70 yards, which he surpassed in the first half.

The Seahawks won the game, 29-13, over the New England Patriots for their second Lombardi Trophy.

Ring highlights include 50 white diamonds around the logo in honor of the team's 50th season, a piece of a game ball inside the ring, a removable topper that can be used as a chain pendant and much more.

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

source https://www.foxnews.com/sports/super-bowl-mvp-kenneth-walker-misses-seahawks-ring-ceremony-signing-45m-deal-chiefs

Texas overtakes California as 'America’s center of gravity,' claims Treasury Sec Bessent

FIRST ON FOX — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the stark difference he sees emerging between Texas and California as well as the "tale of two states" cropping up between red and blue jurisdictions.

"In California, I saw firsthand what years of failed governance looks like: a tax system that is hostile to ambition. A regulatory state that smothers enterprise. An economic climate indifferent to consequence," he said during a meeting at the Petroleum Club of Houston on Friday in remarks shared exclusively with Fox News Digital.

California has seen a number of high-profile defections in recent years, with many businesses and wealthy individuals citing the state’s regulations and taxation regime as the reasons for their exit. 

CORPORATE AMERICA IS ON THE MOVE, AND THESE RED STATES ARE CASHING IN

Chevron, Tesla, Charles Schwab and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, to name a few, have all abandoned their California headquarters and shifted operations to Texas. IRS migration data also shows that the Golden State is hemorrhaging high-earning taxpayers, imperiling its finances.

"Here in Texas, meanwhile, the contrast is so striking that it begins to feel like a tale of two states," Bessent said.

And it's true that the Lone Star State's business-friendly policies and lower taxes have attracted more American families and businesses to move from other states to Texas. 

THE RED-STATE WINNERS IN THE CLIMB TO BECOME AMERICA’S NEXT ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE

During the meeting on Friday, Bessent also highlighted the importance of energy policy as a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s economic policies.

"The AI race may be accelerated by the elegance of our code, but it will be won by the abundance of our energy," he said. "More than strengthening an economy, energy abundance also secures a nation. Economic security is national security."

RED STATES ARE THE ONES GOING GREEN AND WINNING THE CLEAN ENERGY RACE

He said that Texas is spearheading that growth.

Texas has rapidly expanded its energy production to meet booming demand, partially spurred by the construction of new data centers, recently surpassing California as the state with the most utility-scale solar capacity and hitting record-breaking levels for both crude oil production and low-carbon electricity generation.

"Texas has become America’s center of gravity because it is fostering the conditions for families and businesses to flourish," Bessent went on.

Data indicates that Texas has seen considerable success in attracting businesses and taxpayers to the state. 

Of the 725 companies that relocated headquarters between 2018 and 2025, per a CBRE report, 230 of them moved to Houston, Dallas and Austin alone. IRS migration data also shows that the Lone Star state saw a net increase of 56,000 tax filers between 2022 and 2023.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-overtakes-california-americas-center-gravity-claims-treasury-sec-bessent

White House blasts Washington Post's claim Reflecting Pool 'looks almost the same' after Trump renovations

The Washington Post faced backlash, including from the Trump administration, after suggesting that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool "looks almost the same" following President Donald Trump's renovations.

"After Trump's $10 million renovation, the Reflecting Pool is full again — and looks almost the same," The Washington Post wrote alongside an image comparison of the Reflecting Pool in 2022 and 2026 on X Tuesday.

The paper also shared an article from last week on the renovations in an X post that read, "The Reflecting Pool on the National Mall has been refilled following President Trump’s renovations. The project ultimately took six weeks and cost more than $10 million, far more than Trump initially projected."

TRUMP TORCHES 'STUPID' QUESTION FROM REPORTER ON BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS AMID IRAN WAR

The social media post quickly went viral as several social media commentators remarked that images The Washington Post shared already showed differences made by Trump's renovations.

The backlash also extended to Trump's team, which called out the paper for allegedly misleading readers.

"The water was green. Now it's not. Hope this helps," the Trump War Room account posted along with an older image of the Reflecting Pool.

"This successful renovation not only made the Reflecting Pool more beautiful, but it was completed at a fraction of the time and cost of Obama's botched project — AND it finally addressed the leaks that caused millions of gallons of water loss per year. But the Fake News @washingtonpost won't acknowledge that," the White House Rapid Response 47 account wrote.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's communications director, Cody Sargent, commented, "Why is the @washingtonpost so committed to this stupid lie? Here’s an actual before and after from @EarthCam."

Sargent also posted two images of the Reflecting Pool from March 2026 and June 2026.

WASHINGTON POST SLAMMED FOR DESCRIBING AYATOLLAH KHAMENEI AS ‘AVUNCULAR’ WITH ‘EASY SMILE'

Several other commentators and political figures called out the Post for its claim as well.

"Why put this spin on it when it’s obvious that it looks much better? Not exactly helping in the media credibility department," Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., commented.

Podcast host Katie Miller remarked, "The original cost estimate was $300 million way more than the $10 million it cost. President Trump saved the taxpayers $290 million."

"It works. It doesn’t leak. It doesn’t smell like wet dog hair. It doesn’t have algae swirling in it. Go pound sand," Media Research Center President David Bozell commented.

Fox News Digital reached out to The Washington Post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

CNN PANEL ERUPTS OVER TRUMP'S $13M LINCOLN MEMORIAL REFLECTING POOL RENOVATION AFTER DOGE-ERA CUTS

Trump announced intentions to fix what he called the "absolutely filthy" Reflecting Pool in March with the intention of having it repaired by the time of July 4 celebrations.

Critics have voiced concerns over the pool resurfacing with "industrial-grade" material in the color "American flag blue," with a nonprofit called the Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF) going so far as to file a lawsuit against the National Park Service (NPS) to halt the project.

Trump confirmed last week during a White House event that renovations were complete.

source https://www.foxnews.com/media/white-house-blasts-washington-posts-claim-reflecting-pool-looks-almost-same-after-trump-renovations

No hazard found after 'severe' Pentagon alert sparks emergency response

Certain areas in the Pentagon went on lockdown Thursday morning due to an "air quality incident" that was later revealed to be a false alarm. 

An alert, shared with Fox News Digital, carrying a "severe" rating was sent to employees in multiple corridors of the building directing them to shelter in place. All other personnel were told to avoid the area. As of 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time Thursday, the lockdown order was lifted, according to Pentagon officials. 

"Earlier this morning, Pentagon occupants were notified of a potential air quality issue, prompting immediate precautionary safety measures and evaluation. Subsequent testing confirmed no hazard exists, and normal operations have resumed," chief spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a Thursday statement. 

"We express our sincere appreciation to the first responders for their swift actions to ensure the safety of all personnel," he said. 

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A hazardous materials team scrubbed several locations in the Pentagon's A ring, the center-most location in the building, according to a Pentagon official. 

Approximately 23,000 to 27,000 people work in the Pentagon on any given day. 

PENTAGON DROPS 180 FAITHS FROM MILITARY'S RECOGNIZED RELIGIONS LIST

Secretary Pete Hegeth's office and chairman of the joint chiefs Gen. Dan Caine's office are not located in the corridors placed under lockdown. 

Systems detected a problem with the air quality in part of the building and a device picked up a biohazard scent, the Pentagon source told Fox News. 

The Arlington, Virginia, fire department confirmed on X it sent its Hazardous Materials team to support the Pentagon Force Protection Agency’s Hazmat team with the incident.

The last notable Pentagon lockdown was in August 2021, when a Pentagon police officer was killed during a violent incident at the Pentagon Transit Center. 

The Pentagon has spent years developing systems designed to detect and contain airborne threats inside the building. 

Following the Sept. 11 attacks, officials launched the Pentagon Shield program, which uses sensors, computer modeling and building ventilation controls to help identify chemical, biological and radiological hazards and limit their spread through the Pentagon's five-ring structure. 

Building systems can adjust airflow and isolate affected areas while emergency responders assess a potential threat.

Fox News' Liz Friden contributed to this report.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/no-hazard-found-after-severe-pentagon-alert-sparks-emergency-response

'Whalefall' trailer is here to add getting swallowed by a sperm whale while SCUBA diving to your list of fears

The 1975 Steven Spielberg classic "Jaws" famously made several generations of people afraid of the ocean.

Now, in 2026, it looks like the upcoming movie "Whalefall" is here to kickstart a whole new bunch of people who will stick to the sand next time they hit the beach.

The film is based on Daniel Kraus' 2023 book of the same name, and while there's a lot of depth to the story, it's the boiled-down premise that is going to put butts in seats: man gets swallowed by a sperm whale while scuba diving.

I mean, yeah, the Bible already did it, but I'm intrigued.

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And it's hard not to be intrigued by the trailer that 20th Century Studios just put out because it doesn't pull any punches and shows you what everyone wants to see, and that's star Austin Abrams doing his best impression of chum.

Nope. Nope. Nope.

Now, I'm a big sperm whale guy. I think they're so cool. They overcame a name that will make any middle schooler chuckle to become one of nature's most underappreciated badasses.

Moby-Dick? He was a sperm whale, and he drove a one-legged sea captain to the point of madness.

That's awesome.

And you know what's cooler than that? Real sperm whales cruise around in the ocean going to war with giant squid. Why? I really have no idea, but for some reason sperm whales and giant squids are like the Hatfields and McCoys of the ocean.

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But imagine coming face to face with one in the open ocean as you saw in that trailer, and then getting swallowed by it.

That would be the worst. Your fear of the ocean would go away — which is nice — but it would be quickly replaced with claustrophobia, because the inside of a whale isn't exactly roomy.

That's bad.

I think I'm sold. I'll probably be venturing out to see this one — which also stars Josh Brolin — when it comes out Oct. 16.

source https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-culture/whalefall-trailer-add-getting-swallowed-sperm-whale-scuba-diving-list-fears

Idris Elba rejects 'woke' James Bond casting push, warns audiences 'won't go for a Black male' in the role

When it comes to stepping into the role of James Bond, Idris Elba is being "realistic."

In a new interview with British GQ, the 53-year-old actor opened up about the longstanding rumors about him being cast as the next 007 and explained why the audience won't go for a "Black male."

"I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing," he told the outlet. "James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it. And also, I think, in realistic terms, some markets just don’t go for that. Bond is big all over the world. And [audiences] won’t [all] go for a Black male, an African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture. Period."

JAMES BOND'S ‘FRESH, EXOTIC NEW’ VISION SPARKS CONTROVERSY ONLINE

"Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke," Elba continued. "I think you’ve got to be pure to what it is: escapism. Don’t try and answer the world’s taste. Just be Bond."

This isn't the first time Elba has addressed his possible role in the franchise.

In 2023, Elba brought up the persistent discussions about him taking over as Ian Fleming’s famed British spy while speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai.

"You know, a lot of people talk about another character that begins with ‘J’ and ends with ‘B,’ but I’m not going to be that guy. I’m going to be John Luther. That’s who I am," he said.

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"If we spent half the time not talking about the differences and the similarities between us, the entire planet would have a shift in the way we deal with each other," he also told Esquire U.K. at the time. "As humans, we are obsessed with race. And that obsession can really hinder people’s aspirations, hinder people’s growth."

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James Bond was most recently played by Daniel Craig. However, the actor's character died in the last installment of the franchise, "No Time to Die."

Elba responded to backlash over the comments via X.

"There isn't a soul on this earth that can question whether I consider myself a BLACK MAN or not," Elba wrote. 

"Being an 'actor' is a profession, like being an 'architect,' they are not defined by race. However, If YOU define your work by your race, that is your Perogative (sic). Ah lie?"

Last month, Amazon shared an update on the next installment, which will be helmed by director Denis Villeneuve.

"The search for the next James Bond is underway," the post on X reads. "While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right."

source https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/idris-elba-rejects-woke-james-bond-casting-push-warns-audiences-wont-go-black-male-role