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Michigan holds off UConn to capture first men's basketball national title since 1989
The Michigan Wolverines are finally national champions once more in men’s basketball, taking down the UConn Huskies, 69-63, to finish a thrilling NCAA Tournament in style at Lucas Oil Stadium on Monday night.
This is the first time Michigan has won since 1989, and just the second time in program history they’ve called themselves champions.
Meanwhile, the Huskies were looking to win their third title in the last four tournaments, but their shooting failed them in the end.
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While both team’s offenses came into this game working like a machine, it was a low-scoring affair to kick off this game. Michigan only owned a 33-29 first-half lead by the buzzer, but it wasn’t Yaxel Lendeborg leading the way in the points department for the Wolverines.
The Michigan star, who is playing on a sprained left MCL and left ankle, which came during the win over Arizona in the Final Four, was just 1-of-5 shooting for four points in the first half. It was Morez Johnson Jr. (10 points) and Elliot Cadeau (seven points) finding some rhythm for the Wolverines.
UCONN'S DAN HURLEY HEARS BOOS AFTER FINAL FOUR WIN OVER ILLINOIS
But it didn’t help that Michigan was scoreless from beyond the arc and shooting just 37% from the field. Meanwhile, UConn wasn’t doing themselves any favors either.
The Huskies shot just 33% in the first half, with Alex Karaban hitting two of his five three-point attempts. Solo Ball, who was spotted in a walking boot entering the game with "some type of foot sprain," according to head coach Dan Hurley, had eight points on 3-of-4 from the field.
While they were down, UConn was certainly playing the type of game they wanted against Michigan – a rugged battle, especially on the glass. Michigan has shown its prowess of taking momentum and sprinting with it offensively, dominating opponents all year long, including this NCAA Tournament.
However, the Huskies know their scratching and clawing abilities for 40 minutes allows them to never let an opponent feel comfortable. Just ask the Duke Blue Devils what happened in the Final Four.
The Huskies had that same demeanor in the second half, though it didn’t help they took a page out of the Wolverines’ first-half playbook – they couldn’t find the stroke from range. UConn was desperate to hit a three-pointer, but despite open looks, they couldn’t get one to fall as the Michigan lead eventually got to 11 points after Cadeau finally broke the seal for his squad on the opposite end, burying a three-pointer to get to a double-digit lead.
But Hurley was firing up the crowd as the Huskies never quit, cutting the lead to five with less than nine minutes to play in the game. Lendeborg, though, after shaking his head on the bench as he wasn't having the game he hoped in the national championship, stepped up when he checked back in.
Lendeborg saw a sweet pass from Cadeau in transition and got the lead back to 11 with a tough layup, making it 56-45 with less than six minutes to play. He would also come in clutch with another two points following a Braylon Mullins three-pointer.
Once again, the Huskies wouldn't quit, as Mullins finally found his shot beyond the arc, knocking that Michigan lead back to single digits with a follow-up three-pointer again to Lendeborg's layups. But, just as gritty as the Huskies played, the Wolverines seemed to always have the answer in this hard-fought contest.
A key example of that was, after Karaban buried a three-pointer to cut the Michigan lead to six, Trey McKenney stepped back and drilled a 26-footer with 1:49 left in the game to get the lead back to nine points. The Wolverines faithful in the crowd went ballistic, knowing how much that basket meant considering what UConn has been able to do in this tournament.
With 37 seconds left in the game, Ball got some help from the backboard, making a three-pointer to cut the lead to 67-63 for the Wolverines. Roddy Gayle Jr. made things more interesting in this game, as he couldn't knock down his two free throw attempts for Michigan. But Karaban didn't have another clutch three-pointer in him, coming up short with 13 seconds left.
That was it for UConn's desperation attempt, and Michigan celebrated their win.
In the box score, Cadeau led all scorers with 19 points on 5-of-11 shooting and 8-of-9 from the free throw line. Lendeborg was just 4-of-13, though he still had 13 points. Johnson had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Wolverines as well.
Cadeau was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
Michigan was just 2-of-15 from the three-point line, and head coach Dusty May even noted after the game getting dominated on the glass, as they were out-rebounded by UConn, 46-39.
The Huskies, though, couldn’t find it offensively. Karaban finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds, but shot just 4-of-14 and 3-of-10 from three-point territory. Tarris Reed Jr. had a double-double as well with 13 points and 14 rebounds, while Mullins, the hero against Duke with his half court shot, was only 4-of-17 for 11 points.
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Nutella capitalizes on greatest free advertising moment in history on NASA Moon mission
Nutella is capitalizing on what internet users are calling the greatest free advertising moment in history.
A tub of the beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread has achieved liftoff — not just into space, but straight into viral fame.
The scene unfolded aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission, where a tub of Nutella casually floated out of the spacecraft’s kitchen like it had a call time and a lighting crew. In zero gravity, the jar drifted, turned, and practically posed — label-forward, perfectly framed — delivering a product shot so pristine it looked storyboarded.
Within hours, the clip rocketed across social media, with users marveling at what many say no marketing team on Earth could ever replicate.
ASTRONAUT VICTOR GLOVER PRAISED FOR SAYING MOON MISSION IS 'HUMAN HISTORY,' NOT 'BLACK HISTORY'
"The greatest free advert in history," one user joked.
"Nutella may have just got the greatest ad… ALL FOR FREE!" another account quipped.
Another commented: "Nutella just got the most bada-- free ad in maybe human history."
TRUMP HYPES MOON MISSION AS ARTEMIS II PREPARES TO LIFT OFF UNDER PRESSURE FROM PAST FAILURES
The clip caught the attention of Nutella’s marketing team. The brand shared video of the delicious advertising accident, writing: "Honored to have traveled further than any spread in history. Taking spreading smiles to new heights." It included spaceship and heart emojis in the post that’s been viewed nearly 200,000 times as of Monday evening.
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center got in on the fun, writing in a post on X: "Enjoying sweet treats while our Artemis crew takes sweet photos of the Moon!"
The jar of chocolatey comfort’s primetime showcase happened about four minutes before the Artemis II crew made history Monday, surpassing Apollo 13’s 1970 distance record of 248,655 miles from Earth.
ARTEMIS II CREW DESCRIBES LIFE ABOARD ORION SPACECRAFT ON HISTORIC JOURNEY TO THE MOON AND BACK
The Artemis II crew safely regained contact with mission control after a planned 40-minute communications blackout as their Orion spacecraft passed behind the Moon’s far side on Monday.
During the blackout, the astronauts became the most isolated humans in history, while also making their closest approach to the Moon at roughly 4,057 miles above its surface.
After reestablishing contact around 7:25 p.m. ET, the mission continued with another historic moment: astronauts observed a rare solar eclipse from near the Moon, capturing images of the Sun’s corona and multiple planets during the flyby.
It will now take four days for the crew to return home to Earth. The capsule will aim for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego on April 10, nine days after its Florida launch.
The crew is made up of four astronauts: Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency.
Fox News Digital reached out to Nutella's parent company, Ferrero, for comment but has not yet heard back.
Coach K invokes Bill Belichick's rough UNC debut when asked about Michael Malone's Tar Heels hire
NBA champion or not, legendary Duke Blue Devils head basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski isn’t too worried about Michael Malone, who was reportedly hired to replace Hubert Davis with the UNC Tar heels, getting the program back on track.
After all, Krzyzewski’s biggest rival during his illustrious Duke tenure was UNC. And he invoked Bill Belichick when asked about the Malone hire during his appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Monday.
"They had an NFL champion hired as the coach, and Duke beat Carolina football this year," Krzyzewski told McAfee and A.J. Hawk with a smirk on the program. "That doesn’t mean coach Belichick isn’t a great coach, but there is time for adjustments. It takes longer coming from the pros to college."
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Belichick learned that firsthand last season, his first in college football with the Tar Heels. While Duke finished with a 9-5 overall record, and won the ACC title, UNC was a paltry 4-8 with a 2-6 ACC record.
Also, as Krzyzewski mentioned, Duke defeated Belichick’s UNC crew, 32-25, to end his first season with a loss.
Of course, the college game has completely changed now, with name, image and likeness (NIL) deals paving ways for richer programs to pay for the cream of the crop in the transfer portal as well as out of high school.
Belichick and his staff will need to be more creative, and perhaps open the checkbooks more, as this new college system continues to stay in place.
But football isn’t king at Chapel Hill – basketball reigns supreme. Krzyzewski knows this, as the Blue Devils were usually pitted against the Tar Heels as top teams in the country fighting for not just bragging rights, but national titles.
Malone coached the Denver Nuggets for 10 seasons, which included an NBA title in 2023. However, he was fired in April 2025, quickly taking a sports media role with ESPN one month later.
The Tar Heels, who fired Davis following UNC’s crushing loss to VCU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, are taking a similar route as the football program – a coach with a great track record in the pros, but no head coaching experience in college.
Malone was an assistant at Oakland, Providence and Manhattan before transitioning to the NBA with the New York Knicks in 2001. His first NBA head coaching gig came with the Sacramento Kings before cementing his spot in Denver.
"Mike is a terrific coach and a terrific guy, there’s a learning curve," Krzyzewski added. "Whatever the reasoning is, maybe they’re changing; they now have two pro coaches coaching in college. The infrastructure of their athletic department is now going to become more of a pro-organization, which I think everybody should be doing that. He knows how to do that, and so does coach Belichick. Maybe it’s a sign that they’re moving in that direction organizationally."
Malone is hoping for a better inaugural season in Chapel Hill than Belichick, who returns for another football season looking to turn the tides on the gridiron.
CM Punk torches Pat McAfee after he's inserted into major WWE feud, demands WrestleMania ticket prices lowered
WWE star CM Punk torched ESPN broadcaster Pat McAfee in the opening segment of "Monday Night Raw" after the former NFL player was inserted into a major feud ahead of WrestleMania 42.
McAfee aligned himself with Randy Orton as "The Viper" goes for the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes. McAfee’s appearance on SmackDown and his late entrance into the rivalry with a few weeks to go before WrestleMania 42, sparked aggravation from pro wrestling fans on social media.
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The former Indianapolis Colts punter explained during his promo on Friday night that he wanted to change the business for the better, and expressed his desire for the company to return to the days of the Attitude Era. He said people like him have "been forgotten about." He doubled down on his criticism during his show on Monday afternoon and took a swipe at the internet wrestling community, calling them "dips---s."
McAfee also expressed confusion as to why there were still tickets available for WrestleMania.
Punk, who is in the middle of his own feud with Roman Reigns and will defend the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42 against him, dedicated the first 10 minutes of "Monday Night Raw" to Reigns. But then, he had time for McAfee.
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He chided the broadcaster, calling him, "Pat MAGA-Fee" in an apparent reference to President Donald Trump’s appearance on his show last year and then took aim at McAfee’s agent, Ari Emanuel, who is also the CEO and director of TKO Group Holdings – WWE’s parent company.
"You think you can come here to the business, my business, to pro wrestling, and run your mouth. Well, you just wrote a check that your narrow a-- can’t cash," Punk said. "You want to talk about ticket sales? Do me a favor, call up that agent that was foolish enough to shoehorn you into this business and this show and tell him to lower the ticket prices.
"I’ll be damned if I’m gonna have you, somebody who kicked a football for a living, come to my business and talk to me about selling tickets and putting a--es in seats. You got a receipt coming to you."
Fox News Digital reached out to TKO Group Holdings for comment.
WrestleMania 42 is set to take place on April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Punk and Reigns are sure to be in action with Rhodes taking on Orton. Those matches are the two likely main events for the show.
The official card is set to be revealed on Tuesday.
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Economist editor says European leaders now fear a true NATO 'divorce' after Trump pullout threat
The Economist’s editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes, said on Monday that European leaders are coming to terms with the possibility of a true "divorce" among NATO.
President Donald Trump said he is strongly considering pulling the United States out of NATO over the alliance’s refusal to join his administration’s efforts in the Iran conflict, according to a report. The president, long a critic of the military alliance, which has been pivotal in maintaining global order since World War II, said reconsidering the matter was "beyond consideration."
His comments have come after European nations reportedly rejected Trump’s request that allies send warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply travels. Iran has threatened or moved to restrict access to the strait in reaction to the U.S. offensive against Iranian targets, raising concerns about global energy markets and economic stability.
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Beddoes, speaking on an episode of CNN's "Global Public Square" with Fareed Zakaria, spoke about how European leaders are enraged by Trump's recent remarks.
"They‘re furious about being called cowards and other insults by the president of the United States when, remember, you know, the only time NATO‘s Article 5 has been invoked was after 9/11 and thousands of Europeans and NATO forces served with distinction in Afghanistan," she said.
This, she noted, is in addition to European leaders' concerns about their own energy needs as they heavily rely on fossil fuels from the Gulf.
"They see the impact on their economy. And on top of that, now they have the president of the United States and the secretary of state basically saying, you know, 'NATO is finished,'" she said.
TRUMP IS RIGHT ABOUT NATO’S WEAKNESS — THE REAL QUESTION IS HOW DOES AMERICA FIX IT
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"I think there‘s a growing realization in Europe, even amongst those European countries that have always seen the glass half full and have always hoped that they can maintain some kind of special relationship with the United States, that this time something really might be different," Beddoes said.
The flare-up over Iran, she argued, is the latest, perhaps most serious, in a litany of warnings, ranging from Trump's calls for Europeans to pay for their own defense, which she said is a good idea, to tariffs, to "verbal attacks" on Greenland.
"I think there‘s a recognition in Europe that, you know, maybe this is a divorce," she said.
Influencer Jake Paul says Charlie Kirk would have been 'the next president'
Boxer and influencer Jake Paul mourned the death of TPUSA co-founder Charlie Kirk in a new interview, saying that he would have inevitably been elected president someday if he had lived.
Becoming President someday, for Kirk, "was like his job and his purpose and all of that," Paul told Theo Von, suggesting it would have made more sense than he, a boxer, aiming for the same position. "Charlie Kirk was clearly going to be the next president."
Paul is an influencer with tens of millions of subscribers, and is noteworthy for having converted his online fame into a boxing career, real-world business ventures, and possibly a future career in politics. Paul has also been a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, and during a March 13 rally in Hebron, Kentucky, Trump offered him a "complete and total endorsement" should Paul choose to pursue political office.
Paul spoke with Von about his concerns about getting involved in politics, noting in today’s environment, assassination is a legitimate concern. Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
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Nonetheless, he noted that he has been flirting with politics, saying, "I think it goes back to Marcus Aurelius, of, like, helping society and like that's the number one thing you can do." Aurelius has numerous quotes about how it is the duty of the powerful to be involved in politics for the public good.
He went on to argue that if there is a "dumb--- running and opposing, I will enter the game and risk getting assassinated, but I don't want to."
"I could see you running. I could see something like that," his interviewer said. "It does take something inside of people. I feel like they feel a sense of purpose and a calling to something. And if they can make sure that that's not just attached to their own ego, and they can make sure that there is a sense of like, ‘I can do something better, and I'm willing to put myself out there to do that.’"
Paul credited Trump for being such a person who has not only signed himself up for such a demanding job, but noted this is also a job one burdens their families and all of their loved ones with.
"Like Charlie would have been the guy," Paul lamented. "It’s f---ing sad, bro. He's so f---ing awesome."
Paul noted that he did not spend time with Kirk personally, but followed all of his social media, and his takeaway was, "He was like aiming for it, though."
Obama Center takes heat as critics cry foul over ID rules for free entry — while Dems blast voter ID laws
The Obama Presidential Center is facing a wave of backlash ahead of its opening, with critics blasting its admission policies and raising broader concerns about the project’s cost and management.
Conservative commentators on social media are taking aim at the center’s requirement that Illinois residents show valid identification to receive free admission on certain days, arguing it contrasts with Democratic opposition to voter ID laws.
"They’re making you show ID… to visit the Obama Library… in Chicago. You can’t make this stuff up!" one social media user wrote.
"The Obama Presidential Library is making people show an ID for proof of Illinois residency to get in for free," another posted. "So residents have to prove who they are for this, but not to vote?"
Others echoed the sentiment more bluntly, with one account writing: "It turns out Democrats support requiring ID… but only for free admission into Obama’s library."
Obama's website clearly states that Illinois residents "must be able to provide proof of residency. Be prepared to show proof of residency at the Museum with a valid photo ID, Illinois driver’s license, state ID, or city-issued ID."
Critics have also pointed to reported restrictions tied to early ticket giveaways, including claims that some promotions are limited to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
The latest controversy builds on a string of prior criticisms surrounding the $850 million project.
OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER SLAMMED FOR PROMOTING ‘FAR-LEFT' AGENDA ON PUBLIC LAND
Earlier this year, the Obama Foundation drew backlash after seeking 75 to 100 unpaid volunteers, dubbed "ambassadors," to help operate the center, even as top executives collect substantial salaries. Federal filings show CEO Valerie Jarrett has earned roughly $740,000 annually in recent years, while overall compensation at the foundation has climbed significantly.
The project has also faced mounting scrutiny over its financial impact on taxpayers.
Former President Barack Obama once described the center as a "gift" to Chicago, emphasizing it would be privately funded. While construction of the 19.3-acre campus is being financed through private donations, the surrounding infrastructure needed to support the site, including road redesigns, utility relocations and drainage systems, is being paid for with public funds.
Early estimates put those infrastructure costs at roughly $350 million, split between the city and state. But more recent figures show Illinois alone has committed approximately $229 million, while Chicago has allocated more than $200 million in related improvements — though officials have not provided a clear, consolidated total of taxpayer spending tied to the project.
"No single agency appears to oversee the full scope" of the infrastructure work, and critics say the lack of transparency has made it difficult to determine the true public cost.
Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi criticized the project, saying taxpayers are being left "on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars" while accusing state leaders of mismanagement.
The controversy is further fueled by the nature of the site itself. The center sits on nearly 20 acres of historic Jackson Park land transferred under a long-term agreement, with significant roadway changes, including the removal of a major thoroughfare, and utility overhauls required to accommodate the campus.
Foundation officials have defended the project, saying the center is funded by $850 million in private investment and will serve as an economic catalyst for Chicago’s South Side, generating jobs, community programs and public amenities.
Despite the backlash, the center is pressing ahead with its long-awaited debut.
Tickets for the museum will go on sale April 21 for "Founding Members," with general public sales beginning May 6. Visitors can reserve timed-entry tickets for dates between June 19 and November 30.
Admission is set at $30 for adults and $23 for children ages 3 to 11, with discounted rates available for Illinois residents who provide proof of residency. Children 2 and under can enter for free, and Illinois residents will be eligible for free admission on Tuesdays.
All entries will be timed, with officials urging guests to arrive within 10 minutes of their scheduled slot. The museum will feature four levels of exhibits, including a replica Oval Office and the Sky Room.
Much of the surrounding campus, including gardens, walking trails, a playground, a Chicago Public Library branch and dozens of newly commissioned artworks, will be free and open to the public.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Obama Foundation and the Barack Obama Presidential Library for comment.
Fox News Digital's Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.
Bikini skiing takes off on slopes as record warmth forces resorts into survival mode
Bikinis are replacing ski jackets as unusually warm temperatures hit western ski resorts.
Skiers have been spotted hitting the slopes in swimsuits and shirtless outfits as record heat melts snow across the region.
The unseasonably warm weather, combined with a lack of snowfall, has forced many resorts to close early, delay openings or shut down altogether.
SNOW DROUGHT GRIPS SKI INDUSTRY AS RESORTS TURN TO GEN Z SKIERS, NEW ACTIVITIES TO FILL LIFTS
At Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, crews have been forced to move snow from remote parts of the mountain onto ski runs in an effort to keep trails open, according to Reuters.
In Colorado, conditions have deteriorated to the point where fewer than 20% of trails remain open at some resorts, with brown patches of dirt replacing snow-covered slopes, the agency reported.
Despite the poor conditions, some skiers are still making the most of what remains of the season.
Posts circulating on social media show people swapping traditional winter gear for swimwear while navigating slushy terrain.
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"Highly recommend skiing with your besties in bikini tops," one user wrote.
"Annual bikini ski came early this year," another user commented.
One Reddit user who said he previously worked at a ski lift recalled that warmer days often brought skiers dressed in tank tops or sports bras.
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He said that by the end of the day, many returned with arms and torsos covered in scratches — warning that snow can cause serious skin injuries.
Fox News Digital previously reported that the lack of snowfall is already reshaping the ski industry.
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After a winter marked by record-low snow totals, some resorts have begun shifting their strategy to attract younger visitors and keep business steady.
Vail Resorts, for example, recently cut prices on its Epic Pass by 20% for skiers and snowboarders ages 13 to 30 in an effort to draw in Gen Z travelers.
Industry leaders say younger visitors are increasingly viewing skiing as a social experience, prompting resorts to add events, concerts and other activities beyond traditional skiing.
The shift comes as the average age of U.S. skiers continues to rise and warmer winters create ongoing challenges for resorts that rely on consistent snowfall.
Jessica Mekles of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.
ABC News had a 75-person division dedicated to 'get' Trump, Billy Bush claims
Former TV host Billy Bush alleged ABC News had an entire "division" dedicated to "get" Donald Trump during the 2016 election.
"ABC News had a division. They had a division dedicated with 75 people in it — because I knew the guy who ran the division, which was dedicated to basically getting him," Bush said on Thursday's installment of the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast.
Bush, who was swept up in the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape that nearly derailed Trump's first presidential campaign, recalled the last meeting he had with then-NBC News chairman Andy Lack before Bush was ousted at the Peacock network.
"I said, 'Andy, I understand what you want to do with this [the "Access Hollywood" footage] and what you want to weaponize this because there's a debate on Sunday night, the second debate with Hillary and Donald,'" Bush said. "And sure enough, it was the first question to come out of Anderson Cooper's mouth. He was the moderator."
"This was it! This was – there has always been an 'it' to get Trump, but this was definitely it at the time," he continued. "But I said, 'Look, it's wrong. I understand that you've got something here that you think is relevant, but it's wrong. I mean, I chit-chat with Sean Hannity, you know, 15 minutes before we sit down for an interview. The camera happens to be rolling. Whatever we talk about is not usable... that can't be [weaponized] but this was a special circumstance because of who was running and how they felt about him."
When asked for comment, Bush declined to identify who allegedly ran the alleged anti-Trump division at ABC News but suggested the person no longer works at the network. ABC News did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
The Disney-owned network has had a long, contentious relationship with Trump. In 2017, ABC News was forced to retract a report alleging that fired National Security Adviser Michael Flynn would testify that Trump had ordered him to make contact with Russians about foreign policy while Trump was still a candidate. The report raised the specter of Trump’s impeachment and sent the stock market plummeting. Brian Ross, the chief investigative correspondent behind the false report, was later forced out of the network.
In December 2024, just weeks before Trump was sworn into office for his second term, ABC News paid a $16 million settlement to Trump after he filed a defamation lawsuit earlier in the year for comments made by "This Week" anchor George Stephanopoulos.
Stephanopoulos had falsely claimed that Trump was "found liable for rape" in the E. Jean Carroll case when, in fact, a civil jury ruled he was liable for "sexual abuse." ABC News issued an apology as part of the settlement, which was reportedly approved by then-Disney CEO Bob Iger.
Last year, longtime ABC News correspondent Terry Moran was fired for attacking Trump and White House aide Stephen Miller on social media.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin signals closer scrutiny of customs at major sanctuary city airports
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin raised the possibility of restricting customs privileges at airports in sanctuary cities during an appearance on "Special Report" Monday.
In his first interview as secretary, Mullin told Fox News that DHS will be taking a closer look at customs enforcement operations at major international airports located in sanctuary jurisdictions, questioning their efficacy.
"If they're a sanctuary city, should they really be processing customs into their city?" Mullin asked.
"If they're a sanctuary city and they're receiving international flights, and we're asking them to partner with us at the airport, but once they walk out of the airport, they're not going to enforce immigration policy — maybe we need to have a really hard look at that."
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) are examples of major customs hubs that DHS could be looking into, as both are located in sanctuary cities. According to Port Authority, roughly 3 million people pass through customs each month at JFK.
"I'm going to have to be forced to make hard decisions," Mullin said. "I am not going outside the policies that Congress passed for me, and we're not trying to push those, but we're saying you've got to partner with us."
Mullin also warned that sanctuary cities more broadly may be at risk under his leadership of DHS, claiming they are unlawful.
"I believe sanctuary cities, it’s not lawful," he told Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier. "I don't think they're able to do that. And so, we're going to take a hard look at this."
MULLIN SWORN IN AS DHS CHIEF AFTER GOP FRACTURE FORCED DEM TO SAVE NOMINATION
Mullin took the helm of DHS after his predecessor, Kristi Noem, was fired by President Donald Trump March 5, after she carried out Trump’s mass-deportation agenda for more than a year.
Trump was reportedly "furious" with Noem saying during a Senate hearing that he knew about a taxpayer-funded ad contract. The White House told Fox News Digital Trump did not know about the contract.
Mullin shared his plans for leading the department that has become embattled with controversy.
"My job is to empower them [employees] to do their jobs," he explained. "How do I make sure that they have the tools and the assets they need and the manpower they need to be able to go out and deliver the mission that Congress and the president has tasked us with?"
During his confirmation hearing, Mullin said one goal is that within six months, he hopes DHS will not be in the headlines every day.
"Right now, we get more correspondence from media than the White House does," Mullin revealed.
"It’s become such a political hotbed. And really, why is Department of Homeland such a political hotbed? All they're doing is trying to keep our streets safe, trying to keep our nation secure, trying to keep bad actors from having terrorist attacks on the homeland. It should be something we all get behind," he added.
Mullin also spoke about the ongoing partial government shutdown as Congress fails to agree on a funding plan for DHS. He accused Democrats of putting the country in a vulnerable state amid conflict with Iran.
"It’s putting our mission at risk," he said. "We have some very challenging times right now."
"How we get past this is that we've got to put the partisan bickering aside and say, 'What's best for America? What's best for moving forward?'"