A leaked conversation among top Trump administration officials revealed significant disagreement regarding a potential strike against the Houthis in Yemen. While the strike was ostensibly for protecting maritime trade and countering Iran, Vice President Vance argued for delaying it, citing the disproportionate impact on European trade and the need for clearer messaging to justify US intervention. Vance’s stance reflects his broader Euroscepticism and belief that the US disproportionately shoulders European security burdens, a view shared by other officials but ultimately overruled by President Trump. This incident underscores growing concerns among European leaders about Vance’s influence and his potentially damaging impact on US-European relations.
Read More
Readers are encouraged to submit news tips to The Daily Beast. The submission process is simple and confidential. Information shared may contribute to future reporting and investigations. All tips are reviewed and considered. Help us uncover important stories.
Read More
Steve Witkoff, a U.S. envoy involved in Russia-Ukraine peace efforts, sparked controversy by claiming residents of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories support Russian rule, citing disputed referendums. This statement drew sharp criticism from Ukrainian officials, including calls for his removal from negotiations. While some Ukrainian lawmakers expressed concern, others emphasized that Witkoff’s views don’t necessarily reflect official U.S. policy. Despite the criticism, the ongoing peace talks, involving separate U.S. discussions with both Ukraine and Russia, continue to progress.
Read More
Following a contentious Oval Office meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy, the White House pressured UK Prime Minister Starmer to publicly criticize Zelenskyy. Starmer instead opted to mediate, dispatching his national security advisor to Kyiv to facilitate reconciliation. Subsequently, Starmer briefed Trump on the progress and helped arrange a call between the two presidents, resulting in Zelenskyy expressing support for Trump’s peace initiatives. This diplomatic intervention followed an earlier scheduled departure of Zelenskyy from the White House and aimed to repair damaged relations. Starmer’s actions prioritized de-escalation over immediate compliance with US pressure.
Read More
Following his expulsion from the U.S. and declaration as persona non grata by the Trump administration, former South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool returned home to a hero’s welcome. Rasool’s expulsion stemmed from comments he made about the MAGA movement and demographic shifts in the U.S., which he maintains were an academic analysis of political phenomena, not an attack on the nation. Despite the Trump administration’s cutting of all funding to South Africa and accusations of anti-Americanism, Rasool emphasized the importance of repairing the relationship between the two countries. He also affirmed South Africa’s commitment to its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, rejecting pressure to drop the case.
Read More
Amidst President Trump’s repeated threats to annex Greenland, the Trump administration sent high-ranking officials, including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Second Lady Usha Vance, on separate visits to the territory. Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute B. Egede condemned these visits as “highly aggressive,” viewing them as power plays rather than harmless diplomatic engagements. These trips follow previous attempts by the Trump administration to purchase Greenland, all of which have been firmly rejected by both the Danish and Greenlandic governments. The visits have heightened tensions, despite a longstanding defense agreement between the U.S. and Denmark allowing U.S. military operations in Greenland.
Read More
Following the announcement of a US delegation’s visit to Greenland, including the US second lady and national security advisor, Greenland’s prime minister Múte B Egede condemned the visit as foreign interference and urged the international community for greater support. This visit comes amidst ongoing coalition talks in Greenland following a recent election and past threats from the US president to acquire Greenland. Both Greenlandic and Danish leaders expressed concerns about the timing and nature of the visit, emphasizing the need to respect Greenland’s sovereignty. The Danish government pledged close coordination with Greenland’s future government in addressing the US’s actions.
Read More
Greenland’s government strongly criticized upcoming visits by US Second Lady Usha Vance and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, deeming them provocative and unwelcome given President Trump’s past attempts to acquire the island. While Vance’s visit is framed as a cultural celebration, and Waltz’s trip focuses on security and energy, Greenlandic leaders view both as demonstrations of American power and a lack of respect for their autonomy. The visits follow a history of US interest in Greenland’s strategic location and resources.
Read More
The US envoy’s dismissal of the UK’s “coalition of the willing” peacekeeper plan highlights a significant rift in the international response to the ongoing conflict. This dismissal, seemingly driven by a pro-Russian stance, undermines established alliances and casts doubt on US foreign policy objectives. The envoy’s comments, particularly when considering the context of his interview with a known figure on the political right, suggest a deliberate attempt to derail international efforts towards peace.
The underlying sentiment expressed in the envoy’s dismissal reflects a troubling shift in US foreign policy. The rejection of a multilateral peacekeeping initiative, especially one proposed by a close ally, signals a prioritization of narrow interests that directly conflict with the established norms of international cooperation and diplomacy.… Continue reading
Venezuela’s minister of information claims that none of the individuals deported from the United States to El Salvador were members of the Tren de Aragua gang. He asserts this with complete confidence, stating that he has reviewed lists of deportees obtained from both US media and his own sources, and found no connection to the organization.
However, the assertion of the gang’s extinction is questionable, to say the least. Many dispute this claim, pointing out that the gang’s continued activity contradicts the minister’s statement. The minister’s credibility is also heavily debated, with some pointing to his past and current legal status—a $25 million bounty on his head—to cast doubt on his claims.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood