House Speaker Mike Johnson’s chief of staff, Hayden Haynes, was arrested for drunk driving after his vehicle struck a Capitol Police vehicle following President Trump’s address to Congress. Capitol Police confirmed the arrest and issued a citation. Speaker Johnson publicly expressed his continued support for Haynes, citing their longstanding relationship and Haynes’ reputation. The case will be prosecuted by the D.C. Office of the Attorney General, rather than the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a distinction noted given recent controversies involving the interim U.S. attorney.
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During his address to Congress, President Trump highlighted the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) budget cuts, specifically citing $8 million allegedly spent on “making mice transgender” and $40 million for “improving the social and economic inclusion of sedentary migrants.” He lauded Elon Musk’s leadership of DOGE while simultaneously imposing surprise 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, sparking trade war concerns. The speech was punctuated by Rep. Al Green’s expulsion for protesting Medicaid cuts and contrasting statements on law and order alongside pardons for January 6th rioters, including those who assaulted police officers. Democrats repeatedly interrupted with chants of “January 6th.”
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The U.S. Air Force warned current and former service members about recruitment efforts by Chinese aviation companies with military ties, emphasizing the threat to national security posed by the transfer of Western military knowledge. These companies, including TFASA, BCAT, and Stratos, are allegedly targeting pilots and engineers to train the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and Navy. The Air Force urged individuals to report any suspicious recruitment attempts to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. This warning follows updated laws in allied nations increasing penalties for aiding adversaries and reflects the Pentagon’s view of China as a top strategic competitor.
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A halt in US military shipments to Ukraine poses a severe threat, particularly concerning the irreplaceable Patriot air defense systems, the only defense against Russian ballistic missiles. While some equipment can be sourced elsewhere or domestically produced, the lack of Patriot missiles leaves Ukraine vulnerable to devastating ballistic missile attacks. Ukrainian officials express urgent concern over dwindling Patriot missile supplies, potentially lasting only weeks. Alternative systems exist but lack the capabilities of the Patriots against advanced Russian missiles.
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Macron’s announcement of a meeting of European army chiefs in Paris next week signals a significant shift in the European landscape. This gathering underscores a growing sense of urgency and a newfound determination to bolster Europe’s collective defense capabilities. It’s a clear indication that Europe is awakening from a period of relative strategic passivity, finally acknowledging the need for stronger, unified action in the face of increasingly complex global challenges.
The timing of this meeting is particularly noteworthy. It follows a period of heightened geopolitical tension, marked by ongoing conflict in Ukraine and escalating rhetoric from various global powers. The urgency is palpable, suggesting that the current situation is prompting a significant reassessment of Europe’s security posture.… Continue reading
Italy is experiencing a significant shift in its enthusiasm for a proposed €1.5 billion deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink. The initial excitement surrounding the prospect of enhanced satellite-based communications is now overshadowed by a growing unease regarding the reliability and trustworthiness of Musk himself, as well as the inherent security risks associated with utilizing a foreign-owned and operated system.
The concern stems from Musk’s demonstrably erratic behavior and his willingness to wield his technological power in unpredictable ways. Instances of Starlink service being disabled, even in situations perceived as critical, raise serious questions about the dependability of the system for a nation’s critical infrastructure.… Continue reading
In a prime-time address, President Macron urged Europe to prepare for a scenario where the U.S. does not provide further aid to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for increased European defense capabilities to deter Russian aggression. He stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine’s resistance and securing a lasting peace agreement, acknowledging the possibility of European military involvement to ensure peace following such an agreement. This comes amidst strained U.S.-Ukraine relations, highlighting the need for Europe to strengthen its own security posture, independent of American assistance. Macron’s speech followed recent discussions with British Prime Minister Starmer, reflecting a joint Anglo-French effort to navigate the complex geopolitical situation.
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Following the U.S.’s imposition of 25% tariffs on Mexican imports, President Sheinbaum announced that Mexico may seek alternative trade partners, potentially including Canada and other nations. This decision hinges on the continuation of the tariffs after upcoming discussions between Sheinbaum and President Trump. The auto sector, a significant portion of Mexico’s economy, is particularly vulnerable to these tariffs. Sheinbaum plans to address the situation publicly on Sunday, outlining a response that may include retaliatory tariffs.
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President Mulino strongly denounced President Trump’s claim that the U.S. was “reclaiming” the Panama Canal following the sale of a Chinese-owned port company’s stake to a U.S. consortium. Panama insists the transaction was purely private and that China never held influence over canal operations, rejecting any notion of U.S. “reclaiming” the waterway. Mulino further refuted suggestions of U.S. pressure influencing the sale, emphasizing Panama’s sovereign control over the canal. The $23 billion deal, involving CK Hutchison Holdings and BlackRock, still requires Panamanian government approval.
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The United States abruptly halted a crucial intelligence feed to Ukraine at 2 PM Kyiv time, including real-time targeting data for HIMARS systems and long-range strike information. This action, reportedly linked to a Trump administration decision to suspend military aid, effectively froze key intelligence channels between Washington and Kyiv. The UK was also barred from sharing US intelligence with Ukraine. Sources expressed outrage, connecting the intelligence cutoff to a perceived lack of gratitude from the Ukrainian government.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood