On Tuesday, President Trump signed the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act into law, prompting positive reactions from Taiwan and criticism from China. The new law mandates that the U.S. State Department regularly review and update guidelines for official interactions with Taipei, reflecting the United States’ role as Taiwan’s primary international supporter despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties. China’s Foreign Ministry expressed strong opposition, reiterating its stance that Taiwan is part of China and a core interest. The legislation follows the earlier lifting of restrictions on U.S.-Taiwanese official contact by the Trump administration in 2021 and is seen by Taiwan as a step toward closer relations.
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The FBI Director, Kash Patel, vehemently refuted a New York Post op-ed report criticizing his leadership and professionalism within the bureau, dismissing it as inaccurate and stemming from disgruntled sources from prior administrations. The report, compiled from anonymous internal sources, accused Patel of being out of touch, focusing too much on public image, and cited instances of unprofessional conduct, including a bizarre incident where he allegedly refused to disembark from a plane without an FBI raid jacket. Patel countered these claims on Fox News, calling the allegations false, defending his actions, and highlighting his personal life, including using the FBI jet to visit his girlfriend.
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The current administration has been accused of authorizing and carrying out extrajudicial killings, violating the rules of engagement and potentially committing war crimes. Multiple strikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean have resulted in at least 83 deaths, targeting individuals not officially at war with the U.S. Despite this, orders have been given to kill all targets, including survivors of initial strikes, directly contradicting both military and international law. American service members are reminded that they have the right and duty to disobey unlawful orders, as the “just following orders” defense has been rejected for over half a century. Ultimately, those carrying out these actions, not the commanders, are the ones at risk of facing court-martials, federal indictments, and imprisonment for their actions.
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In a controversial turn of events, New York City Council member Chi Ossé will not challenge Representative Hakeem Jeffries in the 2026 Democratic primary, despite earlier considerations and the support of some. This decision followed intervention from Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, influencing a narrow vote against Ossé’s candidacy at a Democratic Socialists of America forum. The article argues that Jeffries is a weak leader with problematic stances on key issues and a record of suppressing socialist candidates, and that the lack of a primary challenge will be to the detriment of the public. Ultimately, the article posits that even if a challenger is not victorious, a primary election is a valuable exercise for socialists.
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The Defense Department Inspector General’s report found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared classified information regarding a military operation in Yemen via an unclassified Signal chat. This information, marked as “secret,” included details about the timing of U.S. strikes and could have endangered American troops if intercepted. Furthermore, the report concluded that Hegseth violated military regulations by using his personal phone for official business, although the inspector general did not address if proper steps were taken to declassify the shared information. Despite the findings, a Pentagon spokesman stated that the review was a “TOTAL exoneration” and declared the matter closed, while Senator Mark Kelly noted the violation of regulations and cautioned against future occurrences.
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The White House announced that fans from Haiti and Iran will be barred from attending the World Cup, alongside the possibility of immigration raids targeting supporters. While visas will be denied to individuals deemed a potential threat, the administration stated its welcome to international supporters wanting to spend money in the US. Despite heightened anti-immigration rhetoric, the White House anticipates millions of fans will visit for the tournament.
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Tanzanian President Samia Hassan Suluhu defended the police’s use of force during election protests in October, claiming protesters intended to overthrow the government. She asserted the government deployed necessary force to quell what she characterized as violent acts, not mere protests. Furthermore, President Hassan criticized international bodies, including the European Union, for condemning the violence, accusing them of colonialist attitudes. The October election was marred by an internet shutdown, opposition candidate disqualifications, and a brutal crackdown on protesters, with numerous fatalities reported and condemned by international observers.
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Pete Hegseth, the current Defense Secretary, is portrayed as a man whose public persona of toughness is merely a façade. He is accused of prioritizing showmanship over genuine strength, exemplified by his preference for aggressive terminology and his efforts to purge women from the military. His actions, including his reported involvement in ordering strikes that killed civilians, are presented as cowardly behavior. Moreover, Hegseth’s reaction to the ensuing scandal demonstrates a pattern of evading accountability and shifting blame, further undermining his image of strength. Ultimately, Hegseth is presented as a bully, masking his insecurities and lack of integrity.
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Following reports of potentially unlawful airstrikes in the Caribbean, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a cartoon depicting Franklin the Turtle targeting “narco terrorists,” a move deemed childish and unprofessional. This post was made in the context of increasing scrutiny over the administration’s actions, including allegations of a second strike against survivors, potentially constituting a war crime. Regardless of the legal justifications for the attacks, Hegseth’s post, which also sends a poor message to the military, is deeply inappropriate and offensive. Investigations are being demanded by congressional leaders concerning the legality of the attacks, and the administration has refused to release requested information.
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Pete Hegseth, the US Secretary of Defense, should be charged with murder due to his involvement in strikes on boats in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of approximately 83 civilians. Despite claims of a “war” against drug cartels, the article argues that these actions constitute murder, as the victims were unarmed civilians not posing an imminent threat. Even if a war were declared, international laws of war still prohibit the intentional killing of non-combatants, making the attacks war crimes. Hegseth’s alleged order to “kill everybody” after an initial strike and his subsequent statements reinforce the argument that his actions are criminal and warrant prosecution under federal murder statutes.
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John Q. Hosedrinker