Tulsi Gabbard has been confirmed as the first Hindu Director of National Intelligence in the United States, winning a Senate vote of 52-48. Despite endorsing Bernie Sanders in two presidential campaigns, he voted against her confirmation, sparking questions about his loyalty. Gabbard, known for her stances against regime change wars and mainstream Democratic policies, faced challenges following her 2019 presidential run.
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Indian research scholar Ranjani Srinivasan fled to Canada after her US student visa was unexpectedly revoked, with US authorities labeling her a 'terrorist sympathiser' supporting Hamas without evidence. Despite trying to continue her studies at Columbia University, Srinivasan faced aggressive ICE actions and termination of her enrolment, highlighting alarming immigration enforcement on political activism.
Canada imposed a 25% tariff on non-CUSMA-compliant US vehicles in response to US auto tariffs. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that this move aims to protect the Canadian auto industry and will not affect auto parts. The government is also pursuing legal action through the World Trade Organization to challenge the US tariffs.
During a congressional hearing on US aid to Europe, Rep. Keith Self misgendered transgender Rep. Sarah McBride, sparking a heated confrontation. Rep. William Keating demanded proper recognition of McBride's identity, leading to an abrupt session end. Self later defended his actions citing a Trump-era policy. This incident is not McBride's first of such treatment.
Bannon said Elon Musk has had some influence over the Cabinet picks and policy discussions but he doesn’t “have the ability to actually make decisions and inform those decisions and drive those decisions.†Steve Bannon said Elon Musk wanted Howard Ludnick to be the secretary of the treasury but it was Scott Bessent who was picked by Trump.
UK law enforcement arrested six Afghan nationals wanted in Belgium for their alleged role in a people-smuggling network. The group, active since 2022, reportedly trafficked migrants from Afghanistan to western Europe and facilitated illegal crossings to the UK. Extradition proceedings have begun, with authorities emphasizing the persistent threat of organized immigration crime. The operation follows previous arrests and convictions of traffickers in Belgium.
Chinese state-sponsored hackers infiltrated the US Treasury Department's computers, accessing sensitive information related to sanctions, international affairs, and intelligence. The breach affected over 400 devices and included unclassified documents. No evidence suggests the hackers accessed classified systems. The attack, attributed to a group known as Silk Typhoon, prompted Treasury to contemplate alternative contractors.
Two top security officials at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) were placed on administrative leave after refusing to grant access to Elon Musk’s DOGE team. The Trump administration increased control over federal agencies, leading to more suspensions and resignations at USAID.
Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg detailed how he was added to a Signal group on March 11 by Donald Trump's national security adviser Michael Walz. He wrote that he initially thought somebody was probably masquerading as Waltz trying to trap him. Two days later, Goldberg was added to a Signal chat group called 'Houthi PC small group' where JD Vance, Pete Hegseth debated on the attack on Houthis before it happened.
Federal immigration agents detained Mahmoud Khalil, a notable pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, under Trump's executive orders. His arrest, claimed to be due to antisemitism, has sparked outrage from civil rights groups. His green card revocation is unusual, lacking criminal conviction.
Donald Trump Jr attended the Superbowl Sunday with his new girlfriend Bettina Anderson. While they were clicked together at the event, Anderson posted a series of Instagram stories from the Superbowl. Don Jr's ex-fiancee Kimberly Guilfoyle too was present at the Superbowl. Guilfoyle posted photos with Vivek Ramaswamy, actor Kevin Costner among many others.