Trump’s recent comments regarding the potential use of the US military to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal have understandably caused significant concern. The very suggestion of such actions, especially considering the established alliances and international laws involved, is deeply unsettling. The casual manner in which this possibility was broached is particularly alarming, painting a picture of disregard for both diplomatic norms and the potential ramifications of such aggressive actions.
The idea of a military takeover of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO member, is especially problematic. This action would directly violate the core principles of the NATO alliance, potentially triggering Article 5 and bringing the US into a conflict with its own allies.… Continue reading
A $1.25 billion military aid package for Ukraine is expected to be announced on Monday, comprising munitions for advanced air defense systems, Stinger missiles, and artillery rounds. This presidential drawdown authority funding will leave approximately $4.35 billion in previously allocated Pentagon funds. The aid aims to bolster Ukraine’s position before a potential negotiation with Russia, though concerns remain about the incoming administration’s commitment to continued support. This latest package brings total U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to over $64 billion since the February 2022 invasion.
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Over 2,500 Okinawans rallied on December 22nd to protest recent sexual assaults committed by U.S. servicemen, holding both the Japanese and U.S. governments accountable for failing to prevent recurring incidents. Participants passed a resolution demanding an apology and compensation for victims and emphasized the need to prevent future assaults. The protest highlighted the government’s failure to notify local authorities of the assaults, despite existing reporting systems. Young Okinawans, some of whom have participated in similar protests for years, vowed to ensure such incidents never happen again.
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The Philippines plans to acquire the U.S. Typhon missile system to bolster its defense capabilities in the South China Sea, prompting condemnation from China. This decision follows the U.S. Army’s deployment of the system in the northern Philippines earlier this year and escalating tensions between the Philippines and China over disputed territories. China views the acquisition as a provocative act that could escalate regional tensions and trigger an arms race. The Typhon system’s intended use is to protect Philippine maritime assets within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
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Despite a looming government shutdown, the U.S. military will maintain its defense responsibilities, though personnel will go unpaid until Congress approves new funding. This includes active-duty military, reservists, and federal civilian employees. Failure to reach a funding agreement will severely disrupt Department of Defense operations. A last-minute deal between House Speaker Johnson and Democrats fell apart due to opposition from President-elect Trump and Elon Musk.
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A senior US military official reported that several hundred North Korean troops have suffered casualties, ranging from light wounds to fatalities, while fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region. These inexperienced soldiers, deployed as part of a larger reinforcement effort, are reportedly suffering heavy losses against Ukrainian forces. This deployment follows a strengthened military pact between North Korea and Russia. The revelation comes amidst ongoing concerns about the future of US military aid to Ukraine under the incoming administration.
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Representative Gaetz has announced he will not be seeking re-election to the 119th Congress, citing a desire to support other qualified candidates from Florida. This decision follows his resignation from the 118th Congress amidst an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sex trafficking. While Gaetz denies the allegations, the committee reportedly obtained evidence supporting the claims. Despite his stated intention not to run, Gaetz remains eligible for future political office in Florida.
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Reports suggest President-elect Trump’s administration plans to reshape the U.S. military by creating a review board of retired officers and replacing senior leadership with individuals more aligned with his views. This politicization of the military threatens decades of non-partisanship, potentially leading to decreased effectiveness as merit is replaced by political loyalty. Such actions risk undermining civilian control, jeopardizing crucial objective advice, and eroding unit cohesion within the armed forces. Ultimately, this could culminate in the use of the military against domestic political opponents, severely damaging military effectiveness and America’s global standing.
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Since the US Congress approved additional funding for Ukraine in April 2024, the US has delivered a significant portion of the promised military aid, including 83% of ammunition, 67% of air defense capabilities, and 60% of fire capabilities. This includes thousands of artillery shells, armored vehicles, HIMARS rockets, and anti-tank weapons, as well as dozens of artillery systems and hundreds of air defense missiles. The Pentagon is committed to providing Ukraine with the resources it needs to deter and fight Russian aggression, utilizing both existing stockpiles and funding for new orders from manufacturers. While the current US administration plans to use all remaining funds for military assistance to Ukraine by January 2025, the future of this aid remains uncertain, contingent upon the outcome of the upcoming presidential election.
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Following a recent phone conversation with Vladimir Putin, President-elect Trump expressed his intention to prevent an escalation of the war in Ukraine, emphasizing the substantial US military presence in Europe. Trump, who had previously claimed to be able to end the war within a day, expressed interest in future discussions aimed at achieving a swift resolution to the conflict. This conversation comes amidst ongoing efforts by the Biden administration to ensure a peaceful transfer of power and emphasize the importance of continued US support for Ukraine.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker