Hegseth promises stop to promoting diversity in the military
Secretary of Defense Hegseth spoke to a gathering of hundreds of military officers flown in from around the world today and declared an end to the era of promoting racial diversity in the military. He also promised to walk back efforts that have been made to make places for women. Hegseth called for loyalty to the commander-in-chief, who currently is Donald Trump and reminded the officers that they are required to follow his orders. Trump also spoke and made it clear that he expects loyalty from the ranks of the military. He repeated his false claim to have settled seven wars since returning to office. There was no applause when Trump walked into the room.
Possible government shutdown ahead
Congress is barreling toward a government shutdown, which is set to occur if the House and Senate fail to reach a spending deal by midnight. Republican lawmakers have been pushing Democrats to pass a stopgap bill to temporarily fund the government until an agreement can be reached. However, Democrats have no interest in delaying issues they want addressed now. Democratic lawmakers say they want the funding bill to include provisions to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies and to reverse Medicaid cuts, among other demands. If both sides fail to come together to pass a full-year spending bill or a short-term extension, many government agencies will shut down until Congress approves additional funding.
Trump posts another fake video
Donald Trump has posted another fake video on his social media site. This one was posted shortly after Trump met with Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer at the White House yesterday regarding the possible government shutdown. The video, which appears to be AI-generated, depicted Jeffries wearing a sombrero and a mustache and Schumer speaking in a fake voice. The fake soundtrack had Schumer disparaging Democrats with foul language and saying that minority votes hate Democrats. Other fake videos posted by Trump recently, excerpts of which were shown on MSNBC, include one which claims Trump had a magic bed that will keep anyone alive forever and can instantly grow back severed legs or arms. Another fake video posted by Trump claimed to prove that marijuana use can cure all diseases.
Trump and Epstein statue again confiscated
The people who created a statue of Donald Trump holding hands with sex trafficker and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein that was removed from the Washington Mall by National Park Service personnel got the statue back and obtained a second permit to display the statue on the mall. However, when they arrived at the mall to put the statue back on display they were greeted by agents, including some in unmarked vehicles, who said the new permit had been revoked and again confiscated the statue. The statue carried a plaque that celebrated the friendship of Trump and Epstein.
Gaza peace plan in limbo
President Donald Trump declared that he is “very close” to bringing an end to the war in Gaza and securing the release of all the remaining hostages. At the White House on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he had agreed to Trump’s 20-point plan, which outlines the parameters of a ceasefire. Now, the clock is ticking for Hamas to respond, as the proposal calls for the release of the hostages within 72 hours of Israel accepting the agreement. The plan contains several provisions that the terror group has previously rejected. Both Trump and Netanyahu have warned of dire consequences if Hamas turns down the proposal.
Trump again threatens tariffs on foreign films
Donald Trump said in a social media post that he will be imposing a 100% tariff “on any and all movies that are made outside of the United States.” The president did not specify when or how the tariff could be enacted. Trump initially threatened a 100% tariff on foreign-produced movies in May, arguing that other countries offer tax incentives that have drawn filmmakers abroad. His announcement comes as movie ticket sales are down in the US, and as consumers have shifted their viewing habits to streaming platforms to watch at home.
