A North Carolina woman is being celebrated after a video clip of her physically detaining a suspected pickpocket in Venice went viral on social media.
In the video, Christina Cadieu Greene can be seen holding onto a teenager’s ponytail and refusing to let go for just under an hour until law enforcement arrived.
Greene’s daughter Karis McElroy shared the video and later posted a longer explanation on TikTok. She said that Greene and her husband were walking in a crowded area when they noticed three girls getting close to them. When the couple arrived at their Airbnb, they realized Greene’s purse containing her passport, Apple AirPods, credit cards, and cash was missing. 
The North Carolina resident decided to use Find My Friends to locate the AirPods and the suspected thief.
“She was frantic trying to get this back. Her and my stepdad immediately started tracking her purse through her AirPods on Find My Friends and they were able to track it down back to those three girls because my mom already knew, like, these people must have been it,” McElroy said in the video.
Once she tracked down the girls, she grabbed one by the hair. This inspired a second accomplice to flee the scene while the third girl stood by her friend. Greene did not let go of her hair even as the girl struggled and screamed at her. 
“You stole my purse with my passport in it,” she told the teen. “You are not getting away. I&#8217;m not stopping, kid. You are not getting away. I have eight kids, you don&#8217;t get to me.”
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McElroy shared a screenshot of a text thread from her mom on the post that said, “Something just came over me and I was so angry, and I went after them and grabbed the youngest of the three by the ponytail and wrapped my hand around the ponytail and would not let go.”
“One girl stayed [and] another one ran off. I ended up holding her by her ponytail with it wrapped around my hand for 50 minutes. She would be screaming at me, cussing at me, and I would scream back and tug harder on her hair. I would pull her down and I would pull her up with her hair.”
Greene said the crowd was cheering “because pickpockets are so bad in this area.”
“The man who runs the Airbnb was wonderful. He came out and called the police, but [it] still took a long time for the police to get there. When the police got there, I released the girl and the [other] one with her went crazy. They were insane,” McElroy said. “They started kicking and fighting with police to get away.”
Greene said one of the girls swung her bag with a metal water bottle in it, which injured her face. “I was bleeding pretty bad. I had a gash on my head and it was running down my face,” she said.
Meanwhile, the third accomplice who had run away with the bag had returned it to a United States liaison office at the airport to avoid being prosecuted. Greene did get her bag back, minus $200 in cash and the AirPods that helped her track it down in the first place.
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@karismcelroy/video/7539305072782626078" data-video-id="7539305072782626078" data-embed-from="oembed" style="max-width:605px; min-width:325px;">
<section> <a target="_blank" title="@karismcelroy" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@karismcelroy?refer=embed">@karismcelroy</a> 
Replying to @kennedy STORY TIME <a title="pickpocketing" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/pickpocketing?refer=embed">#pickpocketing</a> <a title="foryoupage" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/foryoupage?refer=embed">#foryoupage</a> 
 <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - karis" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7539305136381463327?refer=embed">♬ original sound &#8211; karis</a> </section>
</blockquote>
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Per <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15017655/You-messed-wrong-mom-Daughter-US-tourist-held-ponytail-14-year-old-pickpocket-50-MINUTES-reveals-brilliant-way-tracked-thief-Venice-crowds.html">The Daily Mail</a>, the two underage suspects were arrested and released on bail.

Venice

North Carolina Mom Of 8 Goes Viral For Holding Ponytail Of Italian Pickpocket For 1 Hour

Crime

Italy

North Carolina

Theft

World

(Reuters) — Hurricane Erin, churning north in the Atlantic hundreds of miles offshore, is expected to trigger a dangerous storm surge and tropical storm conditions on Wednesday along North Carolina’s Outer Banks and other stretches of the U.S. East Coast.
The National Hurricane Center warned that roads in the low-lying barrier islands may become impassable, with waves as high as 20 feet crashing ashore. The heavy surf is likely to result in significant beach erosion, it said in its 8 a.m. EDT update.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, freeing up state money and manpower to help during the storm and its aftermath.
Tropical storm and storm-surge warnings are in place for other parts of the North Carolina coastline.
Earlier in the week, the coastal counties of Dare and Hyde — which encompass most of the Outer Banks — ordered residents and tourists to evacuate the vulnerable Ocracoke and Hatteras islands, whose populations swell during the summer months.
Local media reported that ferries took more than 2,220 people off Ocracoke, with the final sailing scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Ferries to Hatteras will keep operating as long as conditions allow, ABC News affiliate WCTI reported.
But Chris Styron, manager of the Pony Island Inn on Ocracoke, is ignoring the evacuation orders and staying to watch over the 50-room hotel.
&#8220;We&#8217;re used to storms like this,&#8221; Styron said. &#8220;I&#8217;m born and raised here. We&#8217;re not really worried — it&#8217;s so far offshore.&#8221;
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The eye of Erin, rated as a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h), was expected to move midway between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda on Wednesday and Thursday as it traveled northward, the NHC said. That trajectory will keep the worst of its winds offshore.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 265 miles (426 km) from the storm’s center, with hurricane-force winds extending for 90 miles.
Even so, the NHC warned beachgoers along most of the East Coast to stay out of the water because of &#8220;life-threatening surf and rip currents.&#8221;
Along the New Jersey shore, swimming and other water activities were prohibited on beaches from Cape May north to Sandy Hook, with high surf and rip current warnings in effect into Friday, the NWS said. Coastal flooding is expected to peak during high tide on Thursday.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams ordered all city public beaches — including Coney Island and Brighton Beach — to close on Wednesday and Thursday.
Fortunately, temperatures in New York were expected to be seasonably cool on Wednesday and Thursday, with highs only reaching 70°F, well below the average of 82°F.
Erin, the fifth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic season and the first to attain hurricane status, had strengthened to a Category 5 storm. The last Atlantic storm to reach that intensity was Hurricane Milton in October 2024.
(Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Frank McGurty and Mark Porter)

Hurricane Erin

Hurricane Erin Threatens North Carolina’s Outer Banks With Storm Surge

Hurricane

Severe Weather

Tropical Storm Erin intensified to become the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, with Caribbean residents bracing for what forecasters warn could become a dangerous Category 3 storm as early as Sunday.
The National Hurricane Center confirmed Hurricane Erin reached sustained winds of 75 mph Friday morning, with the storm currently located approximately 460 miles east of the nearest Caribbean islands, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/hurricanes/tropical-storm-erin-expected-strengthen-first-atlantic-hurricane-2025-rcna225175" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NBC News reported</a>.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hurricane <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Erin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Erin</a> Advisory 17: Erin Becomes the First Hurricane of the 2025 Season. Expected to Pass Near Or North of the Leeward Islands On Saturday. <a href="https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb">https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb</a>
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic/status/1956367281778253889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
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According to the <a href="https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2025-08-14-tropical-storm-hurricane-erin-caribbean">Weather Channel</a>, next week, &#8220;Erin is expected to pass between North Carolina and Bermuda,&#8221; with several northern Caribbean islands likely impacted, and forecasters are noting there remains some uncertainty regarding the hurricane&#8217;s impact on the U.S. East Coast.
&#8220;Erin is turning toward the west-northwest as it strengthens. This path will take Erin toward progressively warmer waters, which, in tandem with low wind shear, should allow Erin to become a major hurricane this weekend as it makes a close brush, or travels just north of the Caribbean islands,&#8221; The Weather Channel added.
Given its current trajectory through warm water in the open ocean, the National Hurricane Center projects Hurricane Erin reaching Category 4 status as early as next week.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
JUST IN: Erin has been upgraded to a Category 1 Hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.
It is the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season.
Erin is forecast to become a Major Hurricane late weekend/early next week, topping out as a Category 4. <a href="https://t.co/FeSdBfnHWd">pic.twitter.com/FeSdBfnHWd</a>
— MyRadar Weather (@MyRadarWX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MyRadarWX/status/1956367640659734666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for several Caribbean islands, including Anguilla, Barbuda, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten, meaning tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours, Fox Weather <a href="https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/prep-file-hurricane-erin-becomes-first-hurricane-2025-atlantic-season">reported</a>.
The system is forecast to dump between two and four inches of rain in its early stages, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to six inches, potentially triggering flash/urban flooding, landslides, and mudslides across the northernmost Leeward Islands, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and southern and eastern Puerto Rico, per NBC.
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The disturbance that eventually became Hurricane Erin caused significant destruction in the African Cabo Verde islands earlier this week. Images from the island of São Vicente showed extensive flooding with muddy water rushing through streets and damaging homes, killing multiple people, per Fox Weather.
Emergency management officials in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are urging residents to review hurricane plans and secure emergency supplies despite forecasts showing the storm&#8217;s center remaining offshore.

National Hurricane Center Monitors Tropical Storm Erin

First 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Barrels Toward Caribbean, Forecasters Warn Of Rapid Intensification

Natural Disaster

Puerto Rico

U.S.

A left-wing organization is pumping money into an effort to kill legislation that would prevent banks from denying loans to farmers based on political considerations. The organization, The Daily Wire has learned, has ties to a deeper network of far-left groups, including one that appears to be flush with foreign money.
Unlocking America’s Future is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ads/library/?active_status=all&amp;ad_type=all&amp;country=US&amp;is_targeted_country=false&amp;media_type=all&amp;search_type=page&amp;view_all_page_id=163734473485371">running ads</a> on Facebook targeting North Carolina and opposing legislation that would <a href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/house-agriculture-committee-approves-anti-esg-farmers-protection-act/">prevent</a> banks from denying loans to farmers based on controversial environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. The group has spent just shy of $30,000 on Facebook ads from early July to early August.
The legislation, its Republican sponsors say, would prevent farmers from being compelled to go along with a political agenda and ensure that lending remains “based upon whether they have good credit or not but not based upon their ESG score.”
But Unlocking America’s future is just a trade name used by an organization set up by established left-wing organizations to bolster Biden in the 2020 election.
Unlocking America’s Future, <a href="https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_dc/EXTUID_4337124">according</a> to a non-profit database and the Washington, D.C., corporate registry, is a trade name used by Climate Power. This left-wing organization was created in the lead-up to the 2020 election as a <a href="https://www.eenews.net/articles/this-climate-group-has-80m-to-help-biden/">joint project</a> of the Sierra Club, the American Progress Action Fund, and the League of Conservation Voters. The group came on the scene with $80 million ready to deploy in an effort to boost then-candidate Joe Biden.
Under the name “Unlocking America’s Future,” the organization has launched an ad campaign opposing the Farmers Protection Act, targeting Raleigh and other areas with paid ads calling on several state representatives and Governor Josh Stein to reject the proposal.
“Billionaires want to force banks to ignore financial risks, putting North Carolina’s economic future at risk,” read the paid Facebook ads, which began in late May and have continued into August. “Stand up for North Carolina’s economic future by focusing on responsible investing, lowering costs, and creating jobs.”
While the ads grandstand against “billionaires” attempting to exert influence on North Carolina’s politics, the organization has ties to a network of left-wing activist groups tied to a Swiss billionaire.
Climate Power is a project of the Fund for a Better Future, which has been <a href="https://apnews.com/article/dark-money-democrats-wyss-politics-elections-601d40cd01569190559d545418afe396">scrutinized</a> as a vehicle that’s allowed foreign money to flood into American politics through issue-advocacy groups, allowing foreigners to exert influence on America’s politics despite a prohibition on foreign donors directly bankrolling candidates for public office.
Swiss billionaire and prominent left-wing donor Hansjörg Wyss was a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/dark-money-democrats-wyss-politics-elections-601d40cd01569190559d545418afe396">major backer</a> of the Fund for a Better Future, the Associated Press reported as Climate Power sought to boost Biden’s legislative agenda and support Democratic congressional candidates.
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Climate Power has also pushed the diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda, at least internally, according to organization documentation. The organization’s 2023 registration form reveals that the group employed racially discriminatory practices when selecting board members.
“The makeup of the board shall be reflective of the diversity of the progress movement and the corporation staff,” the document reads. “The board should not be less than approximately 40% Board members who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color and 51% of Board members who identify as women.”
“The corporation shall use best efforts to ensure that the diversity of the Board is no lesser than the diversity of staff.” it goes on to add.
Climate Power did not respond to a request for comment.

Hansjorg Wyss

Leftist Network With Foreign Ties Tries To Kill Bill Protecting Farmers From ESG Agenda

Banking

Banks

Climate Change

Dark Money

Donors

Environmentalism

The North Carolina General Assembly overrode Gov. Josh Stein&#8217;s veto to ban state funding of transgender medical procedures for minors.
&#8220;No State funds may be used, directly or indirectly, for the performance of or in furtherance of surgical gender transition procedures, or to provide puberty-blocking drugs or cross-sex hormones to a minor, or to support the administration of any governmental health plan or government-offered insurance policy offering surgical gender transition procedures, puberty-blocking drugs, or cross-sex hormones to a minor,&#8221; the law says.
The ban also ends transgender medical procedures for prisoners incarcerated in the state prison system.
The legislation was part of H.B. 805, which also states that there are only two sexes, defines &#8220;female&#8221; and &#8220;male,&#8221; restricts pornographic content to prevent exploitation of women and minors, and gives parents more control in schools and libraries.
Conservative activist Riley Gaines celebrated the bill&#8217;s passing on social media.
&#8220;NC legislature just overrode Gov Stein&#8217;s veto of HB 805,&#8221; she said. &#8220;BOOM.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
NC legislature just overrode Gov Stein&#8217;s veto of HB 805.
This bill: 
&#8211; defines &#8220;woman&#8221; &amp; &#8220;man&#8221; 
&#8211; restricts pornographic content 
&#8211; prohibits state funding for chemical/surgical castration for minors and prisoners 
&#8211; gives parents more control in schools
BOOM👏🏼 <a href="https://t.co/Yb4lWETEF2">pic.twitter.com/Yb4lWETEF2</a>
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Riley_Gaines_/status/1950219969163125073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Stein vetoed multiple bills in early July, including H.B. 805, calling them &#8220;mean-spirited.&#8221;
&#8220;At a time when teachers, law enforcement, and state employees need pay raises and people need shorter lines at the DMV, the legislature failed to pass a budget and, instead, wants to distract us by stoking culture wars that further divide us,&#8221; Stein said. &#8220;These mean-spirited bills would marginalize vulnerable people and also undermine the quality of public services and public education.&#8221;
Stein is a Democrat, but Republicans hold a majority in the state House and Senate. Despite being one seat short of a supermajority in the House, Republicans were able to override Stein&#8217;s veto of multiple bills thanks to Democrats breaking with their party.
Another override was H.B. 318, the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act.
&#8220;This commonsense law requires sheriffs to check immigration status when someone is charged with a serious crime — and if they&#8217;re here illegally, they must be turned over to [Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)],&#8221; Majority Leader Brenden Jones said on social media.
A few bills passed the Senate override, but are waiting on votes in the House, CBS17 <a href="https://www.cbs17.com/news/capitol-report/slew-of-bills-become-law-in-north-carolina-as-veto-overrides-pass-senate-and-house/">reported</a>. They include bills banning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in higher and public education; a bill requiring cooperation with ICE; and a bill allowing individuals over 18 to carry a gun without a concealed carry permit. It is unclear if those bills will clear the supermajority threshold in the House.

Latino voters in the swing state of North Carolina

North Carolina Lawmakers Override Dem Gov’s Veto, Ban State Funding For Trans Procedures On Minors

Prisons

Social Issues

Transgender

Former North Carolina Democratic Governor Roy Cooper jumped into what many predict will be the most competitive race of the 2026 midterms on Monday, announcing his campaign for the U.S. Senate in a video posted to social media.
&#8220;I never really wanted to go to Washington … but these are not ordinary times,&#8221; the former governor said. “I thought on it and prayed about it, and I’ve decided: I want to serve as your next United States senator, because even now, I still believe our best days are ahead of us.”
Cooper&#8217;s entry comes after incumbent GOP Senator Thom Tillis <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/tillis-buckles-to-trump-threat-wont-seek-reelection">announced</a> last month he wouldn&#8217;t seek reelection following President Trump&#8217;s public attacks on his vote opposing a motion to advance the Big, Beautiful Bill, which was signed into law on July 4.
Cooper, who served as North Carolina&#8217;s governor from 2017 to 2025, enters the race as a formidable candidate — a two-term governor who won statewide elections in 2016 and 2020, while Trump carried North Carolina, according to POLITICO.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I have thought on it and prayed about it, and I have decided: I am running to be the next U.S. Senator from North Carolina. <a href="https://t.co/jXvuioO1T0">pic.twitter.com/jXvuioO1T0</a>
— Roy Cooper (@RoyCooperNC) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyCooperNC/status/1949801503801155964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The former governor&#8217;s announcement, combined with Tillis&#8217; exit, has bolstered Democrats&#8217; otherwise slim chances of retaking control of the Senate, where Republicans currently maintain a 53-47 majority.
Cook Political Report <a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings">rates</a> North Carolina as Democrats&#8217; only &#8220;toss-up&#8221; pickup opportunity, while listing Susan Collins&#8217; Maine seat as &#8220;Lean Republican.&#8221; Republicans have their own &#8220;toss-up&#8221; chances in Democrat-held seats in Georgia and Michigan — both states Trump carried in 2024 — meaning Democrats are likely to hold just 49 seats even in their best-case scenario.
Cooper brings a proven ability to appeal to swing voters and donors that Democrats desperately need, but also an extreme record that has drawn <a href="https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article311488761.html">criticism</a> from conservatives.
During his tenure, he vetoed multiple Republican-backed bills, including legislation banning trans surgery for minors and a bill requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE. His handling of COVID-19 restrictions sparked controversy, with many Republican lawmakers accusing him of government overreach.
Republicans quickly dismissed Cooper, with the National Republican Senatorial Committee branding him a &#8220;Democrat lapdog.&#8221;
&#8220;North Carolina wants a senator who will champion working families, safety, and American values, not an incompetent, far-left career politician like Cooper who will wreck everything they care about,&#8221; <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/28/roy-cooper-north-carolina-senate-campaign-00479710">said</a> NRSC communications director Joanna Rodriguez, per POLITICO.
Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley is expected to announce his bid in the coming days, although he has already <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-endorses-two-america-first-candidates-in-battle-for-senate-control">received</a> an endorsement from President Trump.
Lara Trump <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/lara-trump-steps-aside-clearing-path-for-rnc-chairmans-senate-bid">cleared</a> the path for Whatley&#8217;s candidacy, announcing last week she would not seek the seat. Whatley previously served as the North Carolina Republican Party chairman before assuming leadership of the RNC under President Trump.

2024 Democratic National Convention: Day 4

Leftist Former Gov Roy Cooper Runs For Senate, Turning North Carolina Into 2026’s Key Battleground

2026 Midterms

Abortion

Elections

Politics

Senate

President Donald Trump made endorsements for two critical Senate seats on Thursday in high-profile races that are expected to draw a lot of attention. 
In a Truth Social post, Trump told his followers to support Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley in representing North Carolina in the U.S. Senate. While Whatley hasn’t officially announced a campaign, it is widely expected that he will jump into the race in the coming days. 
“Mike would make an unbelievable Senator from North Carolina. He is fantastic at everything he does, and he was certainly great at the RNC where, in the Presidential Election, we won every Swing State, the Popular Vote, and the Electoral College by a landslide! But I have a mission for my friends in North Carolina, and that is to get Michael Whatley to run for the U.S. Senate. He is STRONG on the Border, stopping Crime, supporting our Military/Veterans, cutting Taxes, and saving our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump posted. 
“I need him in Washington, and I need him representing YOU!” Trump added. “So, should Michael Whatley run for the Senate, please let this notification represent my Complete and Total Endorsement. HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
The North Carolina seat became open after GOP Senator Thom Tillis announced he would not seek re-election after he opposed Trump’s signature spending package and the president threatened to support a primary challenger. Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law and a Fox News host, had been floated as a potential candidate for the seat, but she <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/lara-trump-steps-aside-clearing-path-for-rnc-chairmans-senate-bid" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> on Thursday that she would not launch a campaign. 
On the Democratic side, former Governor Roy Cooper is expected to launch a campaign on Monday, aiming to flip the seat. 
Trump also endorsed former Florida Republican Party chair and state Senator Joe Gruter to head up the RNC if Whatley runs for U.S. Senate. 
Former Congressman Mike Rogers also earned Trump’s backing in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race. Rogers narrowly lost a previous Senate election in 2024 to Elise Slotkin, but is running again after Democrat Sen. Gary Peters announced his upcoming retirement. Trump praised Rogers as an “America First Patriot.”
“From the U.S. Army to Congress, Mike has served our Nation with distinction, and will bring that same Fighting Spirit to the U.S. Senate,” Trump said on Truth Social. “As your next Senator, Mike will work tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE by keeping the price of Gasoline, Oil, and all forms of Energy VERY LOW (CHEAP!), Help Secure our now VERY Secure (Record Setting!) Southern Border, Support our Incredible Military/Veterans, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”
Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI), who had been considering a Senate run, announced Thursday that he would not enter the race. Huizenga, who reportedly spoke to Trump last week, did receive the president’s endorsement for his congressional seat. He is up for re-election in November 2026.

US-POLITICS-TECHNOLOGY-AI

Trump Endorses Two ‘America First’ Candidates In Battle For Senate Control

Donald Trump

Michael Whatley

Michigan

Republican National Committee (RNC)

Thom Tillis

U.S. Senate

Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of the president, has opted against running for retiring Sen. Thom Tillis’s North Carolina seat, clearing the way for Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley&#8217;s candidacy.
Whatley is expected to announce his bid to replace Tillis within the next 10 days, according to <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/24/whatley-senate-north-carolina-trump-00473419">Politico</a>. Trump, who served as co-chair with Whatley over the RNC last year, is expected to back Whatley and keep her weekend show on Fox News.
&#8220;After much consideration and heartfelt discussions with my family, friends, and supporters, I have decided not to pursue the United States Senate seat in North Carolina at this time,&#8221; Trump posted to X on Thursday morning. &#8220;While I am not running in this election, my passion for Making America Great Again burns brightly, and I look forward to the future, wherever that leads.&#8221;
Tillis announced his intention to leave the U.S. Senate after voting against the One Big, Beautiful Bill, putting him at odds with President Donald Trump.
Before heading the RNC, Whatley led the Republican Party in North Carolina and is thought to have a solid understanding of the state’s electorate, as well as relationships with key power brokers and donors.
The president is expected to name his pick to replace Whatley at the RNC around the time the current RNC chief announces his bid for the Senate.
Whatley will likely face ​​former two-term North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who top Democrats have recruited to run for Tillis’s seat. Cooper is expected to announce his bid for the U.S. Senate next week, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/24/us/politics/michael-whatley-north-carolina-senate.html">The New York Times</a>.
Whatley earned the approval of the president during the 2020 election, when Whatley mobilized an army of poll watchers to keep tabs on election processes in North Carolina. The president won the state by slim margins in 2020 and 2024.
The president endorsed Whatley to head the RNC and replace former chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel, who had fallen out of favor with the president amid questions over her record of success leading the Republican Party. RNC members approved Whatley as the party’s head in early 2024.
Lara Trump <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/lara-trump-stepping-down-from-co-chair-role-at-rnc">stepped down</a> from the RNC in December amid speculation that she wanted to replace former Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who joined the president’s cabinet as Secretary of State. Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis later tapped his former state attorney general, Sen. Ashley Moody, to fill the seat.

Lara Trump, Michael Whatley

Lara Trump Steps Aside, Clearing Path For RNC Chairman’s Senate Bid

Lara Trump Bows Out Of Senate Run, Clearing Way For RNC Chairman

Lara Trump

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said on Sunday that he will not seek reelection in 2026 less than 24 hours after President Donald Trump <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-whacks-at-tillis-with-primary-threat-for-voting-against-big-beautiful-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">threatened</a> to support a primary challenge against the lawmaker following his vote against the &#8220;One Big, Beautiful Bill.&#8221;
The announcement marks a turnaround as Tillis had <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/congressional/3257243/thom-tillis-begins-rough-path-2026-reelection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">indicated</a> in December of last year that he was pursuing a third term in the upper chamber.
&#8220;In Washington over the last few years, it&#8217;s become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species,&#8221; Tillis said in a <a href="https://x.com/frankthorp/status/1939375244831228256" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>.
He added later, &#8220;As many of my colleagues have noticed over the last year, and at times even joked about, I haven&#8217;t exactly been excited about running for another term. That is true since the choice is between spending another six years navigating political theatre and partisan gridlock in Washington or spending that time with the love of my life Susan, our two children, three beautiful grandchildren, and the rest of our extended family back home. It&#8217;s not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election.&#8221;
Tillis was one of two Republican senators who voted against a motion to proceed with debate on the &#8220;One Big, Beautiful Bill&#8221; on Saturday evening. He did so while raising concerns about the legislation&#8217;s proposed Medicaid cuts. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) was the other GOP lawmaker.
Ultimately the bill <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trumps-big-beautiful-bill-clears-key-senate-hurdle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed</a> through the procedural hurdle, but not before Trump took aim at Tillis on his Truth Social account.
&#8220;Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against &#8216;Senator Thom&#8217; Tillis,&#8221; Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114764184133829613" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>. &#8220;I will be meeting with them over the coming weeks, looking for someone who will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina and, so importantly, the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter!&#8221;
Among other things he said, Trump declared, &#8220;I can’t believe that the Great People of North Carolina, a State that I love and won all three times, and a State that I just brought back with money, blood, sweat, and tears, from the recent tragic floods, when Sleepy Joe Biden let them DROWN, right up until the end of that Administration, without doing anything — I was given an A+ Rating for the job we did in bringing it back, and Tillis, despite being a Republican, was MISSING IN ACTION — North Carolina will not allow one of their Senators to GRANDSTAND in order to get some publicity for himself, for a possible, but very difficult Re-Election.&#8221;
With his statement, Tillis indicated that he plans to finish out the rest of his term before retiring from Congress.
&#8220;I still look forward to continuing to serve North Carolina over the next 18 months,&#8221; Tillis said. &#8220;I look forward to solely focusing on producing meaningful results without the distraction of raising money or campaigning for another election. I look forward to having the pure freedom to call the balls and strikes as I see fit and representing the great people of North Carolina to the best of my ability.&#8221;
Trump has also <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/not-maga-trump-vows-to-help-crush-massie-in-primary-after-iran-strike-criticism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pushed</a> for a primary challenge against Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who voted against the &#8220;One Big, Beautiful Bill&#8221; and criticized the recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC)

Tillis Buckles To Trump Threat, Won’t Seek Reelection

Congress

Election

President Donald Trump threatened on Saturday evening to support a primary challenger to Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) after the lawmaker voted against moving ahead with the &#8220;One Big, Beautiful Bill.&#8221;
The legislation, which is working its way through Congress through the reconciliation process, was stuck in limbo when Trump criticized Tillis. It has since passed that procedural hurdle.
&#8220;Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against &#8216;Senator Thom&#8217; Tillis,&#8221; Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114764184133829613" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> in a post on Truth Social. &#8220;I will be meeting with them over the coming weeks, looking for someone who will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina and, so importantly, the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter!&#8221;
Tillis, who is up for re-election in 2026 midterm elections, announced earlier that he could not support the &#8220;One Big, Beautiful Bill&#8221; in its current form after the Senate made changes to the legislation since it passed through the House a little more than a month ago.
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&#8220;I will always do what is in the best interest of North Carolina, even when that puts me at odds with my own party. When Senate leaders of my party presented this bill, I did what every American should expect from their U.S. Senator: I worked to gather the facts and comprehensively analyze what the impact would be on the people I swore an oath to represent,&#8221; Tillis said a <a href="https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2025/6/tillis-statement-on-senate-reconciliation-vote" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>. &#8220;It would result in tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for North Carolina, including our hospitals and rural communities.&#8221;
&#8220;This will force the state to make painful decisions like eliminating Medicaid coverage for hundreds of thousands in the expansion population, and even reducing critical services for those in the traditional Medicaid population. We can and must do better than this. The Senate should return to the House’s Medicaid approach. That plan includes commonsense reforms to address waste, fraud, and abuse, and implements work requirements for some able-bodied adults to ensure taxpayer-funded benefits are going to our most vulnerable neighbors,&#8221; he added. &#8220;There is a lot for North Carolinians to love about the rest of the One Big Beautiful Bill, including extending the historic Trump Tax Cuts, increasing the child tax credit, providing historic funding for border security, and ending wasteful spending. We can and must accomplish this without hurting our rural communities and hospitals, and without jeopardizing access to care for hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians who need it the most.&#8221;
Although Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) had also opposed proceeding with consideration of the bill along with the Democrats, Trump singled out Tillis liked he <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/not-maga-trump-vows-to-help-crush-massie-in-primary-after-iran-strike-criticism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently did</a> with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) for criticizing the U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Johnson eventually came around changed his vote and the Senate was allowed to <a href="https://x.com/CraigCaplan/status/1939159925386510819" target="_blank" rel="noopener">press ahead</a> with the legislation. A final vote could happen in the upper chamber over the next few days.
&#8220;Looks like Senator Thom Tillis, as usual, wants to tell the Nation that he’s giving them a 68% Tax Increase, as opposed to the Biggest Tax Cut in American History! At the same time, he is unable to understand the importance of a Debt Extension, which Republicans gave to the Democrats just prior to the November 5th Election, because of its significance, and how important it was for the future of the U.S.A. Sadly, the Democrat Politicians probably won’t reciprocate on a Debt Extension because they’re nasty people who actually hate our Country. Tillis is also willing to throw the very important Tobacco Industry in North Carolina, &#8216;out the window,&#8217; for reasons nobody seems to understand. He loves China made windmills that will cost a fortune, ruin the landscape, and produce the most expensive Energy on Earth,&#8221; Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114764131885531801" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> in another Truth Social post.
&#8220;I can’t believe that the Great People of North Carolina, a State that I love and won all three times, and a State that I just brought back with money, blood, sweat, and tears, from the recent tragic floods, when Sleepy Joe Biden let them DROWN, right up until the end of that Administration, without doing anything — I was given an A+ Rating for the job we did in bringing it back, and Tillis, despite being a Republican, was MISSING IN ACTION — North Carolina will not allow one of their Senators to GRANDSTAND in order to get some publicity for himself, for a possible, but very difficult Re-Election,&#8221; Trump continued. &#8220;America wants Reduced Taxes, including NO TAX ON TIPS, NO TAX ON OVERTIME, AND NO TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY, Interest Deductions on Cars, Border Security, a Strong Military, and a Bill which is GREAT for our Farmers, Manufacturers and, Employment, in general. Thom Tillis is making a BIG MISTAKE for America, and the Wonderful People of North Carolina!&#8221;

President Donald Trump

Trump Whacks At Tillis With Primary Threat For Voting Against ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

Spending Bill

A Democrat lawmaker in North Carolina is facing blowback over a photo she posted to social media depicting a beheaded President Donald Trump.
State Rep. Julie von Haefen published a video over the weekend showing a number of images from a &#8220;No Kings&#8221; protest in Raleigh, including one of a woman holding up a sign with a guillotine and a message that read, &#8220;In these difficult times some cuts may be necessary.&#8221; On one end hung what appeared to be Trump&#8217;s head with a powdered wig. A man&#8217;s head with a swastika emblazoned on the forehead hung from the other side.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wow this is sick. North Carolina State Rep Julie von Haefen (D) posted a photo from the “no kings” protest which calls for Trump to be beheaded‼️ <a href="https://twitter.com/FBI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBI</a> <a href="https://t.co/ETn7O6e8cu">pic.twitter.com/ETn7O6e8cu</a>
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) <a href="https://twitter.com/libsoftiktok/status/1934099871557976378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The Libs of TikTok account on X shared a screen grab of the violent image, calling it <a href="https://x.com/libsoftiktok/status/1934099871557976378" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&#8220;sick&#8221;</a> and tagging the FBI. Von Haefen <a href="https://x.com/libsoftiktok/status/1934269780397338734" target="_blank" rel="noopener">deleted</a> her X account and Libs of TikTok noted the lawmaker reposted her video on Facebook, but edited to remove the execution-themed photo.
Von Haefen later released a statement.
&#8220;Yesterday, I posted a video on social media containing crowd photos from the No Kings protest in Raleigh. One of the images of a protestor holding a sign was inappropriate, and I later edited the video to remove the photo,&#8221; she said on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/juliefornc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>.
Von Haefen also made reference to the shootings in Minnesota in which House Democrat leader Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed and another lawmaker and his wife were injured. A suspect, Vance Boelter, has been <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/authorities-catch-suspected-minnesota-assassin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apprehended</a> by authorities and could face the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/06/16/us/minnesota-shootings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death penalty</a> if convicted on murder charges.
&#8220;Let me be clear: I condemn political violence in all forms,&#8221; von Haefen claimed. &#8220;My focus remains on bringing people together and fighting for the values that matter to North Carolinians. Like so many, I was horrified by the violence in Minnesota. There is no place for that kind of extremism in our democracy, no matter the target, no matter the party.&#8221;
Still, a number of Republican lawmakers expressed their disgust with von Haefen.
&#8220;Political violence is not okay — the Left should stop encouraging it,&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/RepMarkHarrisNC/status/1934329543206093034" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC).
North Carolina&#8217;s Speaker of the House Destin Hall said in a <a href="https://x.com/libsoftiktok/status/1934371481313808412" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> that he was &#8220;examining next steps with our legislative attorneys to ensure this behavior does not continue&#8221; in response to von Haefen&#8217;s actions.
&#8220;On the same weekend that a gunman in Minnesota targeted state lawmakers in an act of political violence, and after two attempted assassinations of President Trump within the past year, Representative von Haefen (D-Wake) shared an image of a ‘protest sign’ that glorifies violence against her political opponents- including President Donald Trump,&#8221; Hall said. &#8220;Her disgraceful behavior fails to meet the standards expected from House members and sets a dangerous precedent in an already volatile political climate.&#8221;
The North Carolina GOP <a href="https://x.com/libsoftiktok/status/1934643461090627700" target="_blank" rel="noopener">called</a> for von Haefen to <a href="https://x.com/NCGOP/status/1934277389812724165" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resign</a>.
Back in 2017, comedian Kathy Griffin <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/election-night-kathy-griffin-retweets-infamous-pic-of-her-with-trumps-severed-head" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posed</a> for a photo while she held a mock severed Trump head, a move that led to a firestorm of criticism.

State Representative Julie Von Haefen

‘Sick’: Democrat Under Fire Over Beheaded Trump Photo

General

Protests

The crowd of U.S. Army soldiers at North Carolina&#8217;s Fort Bragg roared their response to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as he trashed the &#8220;woke garbage&#8221; that he&#8217;s promised to root out and remove from the American military.
Hegseth, fresh off his testimony before the House Appropriations Committee earlier in the day on Tuesday, joined President Donald Trump at Fort Bragg to honor the U.S. Army&#8217;s 250th birthday. Hegseth repeated some of the same priorities and goals he&#8217;d laid out on Capitol Hill — and the soldiers voiced their apparent approval in loud cheers.
WATCH:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> &#8220;Standards, accountability, readiness, training, war fighting, lethality.
We’re not a college or university.
We’re not interested in your WOKE GARBAGE or your POLITCIAL CORRECTNESS.&#8221; <a href="https://t.co/HHxcwaxm5D">pic.twitter.com/HHxcwaxm5D</a>
— DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DODResponse/status/1932535880113393960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;So at the Defense Department, we&#8217;re doing three critical things at [President Trump&#8217;s] direction,&#8221; Hegseth began. &#8220;Number one, we&#8217;re restoring the Warrior Ethos.&#8221;
A few shouts could be heard from the crowd: &#8220;Yeah!!&#8221;
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&#8220;We&#8217;re getting back to basics,&#8221; Hegseth said, laughing a little at the outbursts, and then louder cheers followed.
&#8220;Standards, accountability, readiness, training, war fighting, lethality. We’re not a college or university. We’re not interested in your woke garbage or your political correctness,&#8221; he said &#8212; and the crowd erupted in wild cheers and applause.
President Trump also spoke to the troops — and got a few laughs himself when he mocked former President Joe Biden for changing the name of the base.
WATCH:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
. <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> &#8220;It’s a beautiful sight to be with you in a place called Fort Bragg.&#8221; <a href="https://t.co/bf8NgT4MK2">pic.twitter.com/bf8NgT4MK2</a>
— DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DODResponse/status/1932538609636376884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;It’s a beautiful sight to be with you in a place called Fort &#8230; Bragg,&#8221; Trump said, his tone dropping as he emphasized the last word, prompting raucous cheers and applause.
&#8220;Can you believe they changed that name in the last administration for a little bit?&#8221; Trump asked when the cheers died down, and loud boos from the crowd quickly followed. &#8220;But we — we&#8217;ll forget all about that, won&#8217;t we? We&#8217;re gonna forget all about it.&#8221;

President Trump Visits Fort Bragg To Honor U.S. Forces

Hegseth Trashes ‘Woke Garbage’ In Fort Bragg Speech, And Soldiers Roar Their Response

Joe Biden

Military

U.S. Army

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