Joe Kasper, chief of staff under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is departing his role but will remain as a Special Government Employee. This follows several other departures from senior Pentagon positions amidst a leak investigation and accusations of slander. Hegseth is also facing scrutiny for reportedly discussing Yemen strikes via Signal, though the White House has expressed its support.
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Donald Trump's trade policies created confusion. He suspended import taxes after initially imposing them. This action followed market instability. Businesses faced uncertainty and some delayed plans. Companies like Stellantis and Cleveland-Cliffs cut jobs. The Federal Reserve noted hiring pauses. Delta Air Lines saw stalled travel demand. Trade tensions with China escalated. The WTO warned of global economic damage.
A New Jersey mother claimed that United Airlines staff repeatedly pressured her to remove her disabled son's ventilator during a flight, despite having all required medical documentation. The incident caused distress and public outcry, leading to demands for United Airlines to be held accountable under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Defence Secretary, faced a challenging Senate confirmation hearing on allegations of misconduct, including sexual assault and inappropriate views on women in combat. Despite these, Hegseth defended his military experience, pledging to foster a 'warrior culture' at the Pentagon. Hegseth's confirmation could depend on whether he can win over enough votes from both parties.
French police are investigating the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old who refused to give up his phone to two teenagers in Paris, police and prosecutors said. The boy was leaving a football training session on Friday evening in southern Paris when the two demanded his phone, the prosecutor's office told AFP. When he refused, one stabbed him in the shoulder and the boy died in hospital.
Internet personality Nick Sortor claimed AOC's team stopped him forcefully when he confronted her about the incident of a woman killed in the New York subway after being set on fire by a Guatemalan migrant. The video went viral, with Sortor accusing AOC of inaction on the border crisis and unsafe subways in her district.
A Georgian court has sentenced former President Mikheil Saakashvili to an additional 4½ years for illegal border crossing, extending his total imprisonment to 12½ years. Saakashvili, who accuses the authorities of politically motivated prosecution, vows to continue fighting against what he calls unjust charges.
Barack Obama's tribute to Michelle for her 61st birthday sparked rumors about their marriage. Michelle's absence at Jimmy Carter's funeral and her frequent stays at Martha's Vineyard have fueled speculation. The couple has admitted to facing marital challenges due to Barack's political career, but Michelle has denied interest in running for president.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba deems US President Donald Trump's tariffs on Japanese goods a national crisis. Ishiba has called for cross-party discussions to mitigate the tariffs' impact on Japan's economy and ensure compliance with international trade agreements. The Nikkei 225 witnessed a significant decrease reflecting market concerns.
US President Trump indicated that the high tariffs on Chinese imports, currently at 145%, will be reduced substantially, emphasising that the previous zero-tariff situation was detrimental to the US. Treasury Secretary Bessent acknowledged the unsustainability of the current trade standoff, while the White House claims many countries are interested in new trade arrangements.
A Twitter spat erupted as Elon Musk called Senator Mark Kelly a 'traitor' following Kelly's Ukraine visit and support for US assistance in the conflict. Kelly defended his stance, emphasizing the importance of standing with Ukraine for freedom. This incident highlights ongoing tensions over US foreign policy towards Ukraine and Russia.