Several prominent US news organizations have publicly rejected a controversial new Pentagon policy that restricts journalists’ access to the Department of Defense unless they agree to report only officially authorized information. Major outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN have refused to comply, arguing that the policy undermines press freedom and the public’s right to know. Reporters who fail to sign the agreement by 17:00 EST on Tuesday will be required to surrender their media credentials and vacate Pentagon facilities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to the backlash on social media with a dismissive hand-waving emoji, signaling a stark departure from traditional press relations. The Trump administration defends the policy as necessary for national security, with Hegseth stating that ‘Pentagon access is a privilege, not a right.’ A memo outlining the changes, sent to reporters last month, mandates that all information, even unclassified, must be approved for public release by an authorized official. The Pentagon Press Association has criticized the policy as an unprecedented act of intimidation, warning that it stifles free speech and discourages unapproved interactions with the press. Other major media organizations, including The Associated Press, Reuters, and The Guardian, have also refused to sign the agreement. In a joint statement, ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News Media, and NBC News emphasized their commitment to covering national security issues without compromising journalistic independence. The new 21-page policy document imposes strict requirements, including pre-approval for military personnel to share information with the media. While journalists are not explicitly barred from reporting on unclassified information, they risk being labeled a ‘security or safety risk’ if they disclose such information without Pentagon clearance. The policy has sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing it as an escalation of restrictions on press access under Hegseth, who has faced scrutiny for his handling of sensitive information in the past.
分类： politics
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US strikes another boat accused of carrying drugs in waters off Venezuela, killing 6, Trump says
The Trump administration has carried out its fifth deadly strike in the Caribbean, targeting a small boat allegedly involved in drug trafficking off the coast of Venezuela. President Donald Trump announced the operation on social media, stating that six individuals aboard the vessel were killed, and no U.S. forces were harmed. The strike was ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and executed in international waters, with intelligence confirming the boat’s association with narcoterrorist networks and its presence on a known drug trafficking route. This marks the latest in a series of aggressive actions by the administration, which has classified alleged drug traffickers as unlawful combatants subject to military force. However, the strikes have sparked growing bipartisan frustration on Capitol Hill. Republicans are demanding more details on the legal justifications, while Democrats argue that the operations violate both U.S. and international law. The Senate recently voted on a war powers resolution to restrict such strikes without congressional authorization, but it failed to pass. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has yet to provide concrete evidence to lawmakers proving the targeted boats were indeed carrying narcotics. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino has accused the U.S. of using false drug-trafficking claims to justify its actions, warning of a potential escalation and describing the U.S. approach as ‘anti-political, anti-human, warmongering, rude, and vulgar.’
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Starmer hails ‘great leader’ Blair but avoids endorsing him for possible Gaza role
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described Tony Blair as a ‘great leader’ who could ‘make a huge contribution’ to the peace board proposed by Donald Trump to oversee Gaza’s governance. Blair, who served as Labour Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007, has been a polarizing figure, particularly for his role in the 2003 Iraq invasion, which Starmer once protested and labeled as illegal. Since leaving office, Blair has remained active on the international stage, recently advocating for a transitional authority to govern post-war Gaza and positioning himself to lead it.
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Military says it has seized power in Madagascar after president moves to ‘safe place’
In a dramatic turn of events, Madagascar’s elite military unit, CAPSAT, has declared the seizure of power from President Andry Rajoelina, following weeks of escalating youth-led protests. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of CAPSAT, announced the military’s intention to form a transitional government and hold elections within two years. Key democratic institutions, including the electoral commission, have been suspended. Randrianirina emphasized the importance of incorporating the demands of the Gen Z protesters, stating, ‘The movement was created in the streets, so we have to respect their demands.’ The apparent ousting of Rajoelina has been met with widespread celebration in the capital, Antananarivo, where thousands have taken to the streets waving flags and cheering. However, the constitutional court has recognized Randrianirina as the new leader, while the president’s office has denounced the move as an ‘attempted coup d’etat,’ asserting that Rajoelina remains in charge. Rajoelina’s current whereabouts are unknown, though he claims to be in a ‘safe place’ following an alleged assassination attempt by ‘military personnel and politicians,’ which CAPSAT denies. Unconfirmed reports suggest Rajoelina may have fled the country aboard a French military aircraft. The unrest began over two weeks ago, driven by youth-led protests against chronic water and power shortages, which quickly escalated to reflect broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina’s government over issues such as high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis. Clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to the UN, though the Malagasy government disputes these figures. CAPSAT, which initially supported Rajoelina’s rise to power in 2009, joined the protesters on Saturday. Rajoelina, once hailed as a fresh start for Madagascar, has faced mounting criticism over allegations of cronyism and corruption. Despite efforts to dissolve the national assembly, lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to impeach him. The African Union has condemned military interference in Madagascar’s political affairs, while French President Emmanuel Macron expressed deep concern over the situation. Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest nations, continues to grapple with political instability and economic hardship.
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NATO seeks more arms for Ukraine as Western support fades and allied airspace concerns mount
BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO defense ministers are set to gather on Wednesday to address the urgent need for increased military support for Ukraine, as weapon and ammunition deliveries to the war-torn nation have significantly declined in recent months. The meeting will also focus on a proposal from NATO’s commander to remove restrictions on the use of alliance aircraft and equipment, aiming to enhance the defense of NATO’s eastern border with Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. This comes amid escalating concerns over a series of mysterious drone incidents and airspace violations by Russian warplanes, which some leaders interpret as President Vladimir Putin testing NATO’s defensive capabilities. Moscow has denied these allegations, dismissing claims of probing NATO’s defenses. Meanwhile, Russia’s ongoing conventional war against Ukraine has shifted focus to targeting the country’s power grid, leaving civilians vulnerable to harsh winter conditions. According to the Kiel Institute, Western military aid to Ukraine plummeted by 43% in July and August compared to the first half of the year, despite European allies purchasing American weapons under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). Notably, countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden have been actively contributing, while others, including Italy and Spain, have lagged behind. A senior NATO diplomat warned that if Ukraine falls, defense expenditures could far exceed NATO’s current target of 5% of GDP. The diplomat, speaking anonymously, highlighted economic challenges faced by some member states, with France opting to invest in Europe’s defense industry rather than participating in PURL. NATO’s efforts to bolster its eastern flank include the establishment of air defense operations like Eastern Sentry, following Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace. However, restrictions on the use of fighter jets and other equipment continue to hinder NATO’s effectiveness. U.S. Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander, is conducting a review of the alliance’s needs to address these challenges, with plans to present his findings to member countries early next year.
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Man who set fire to Pennsylvania governor’s mansion sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison
In a significant legal development, Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old arsonist, has been sentenced to 25 to 50 years in state prison for setting fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in April. The sentencing was part of a plea deal, with Balmer pleading guilty to charges including attempted murder, aggravated arson, 22 counts of arson, burglary, and other offenses during a court hearing on Tuesday. The incident, which occurred during Passover, severely damaged the official residence in Harrisburg, though all occupants, including Governor Shapiro, his family, and staff, escaped unharmed. Governor Shapiro expressed his family’s support for the plea agreement, emphasizing their reliance on faith during the recovery process. The attack is part of a broader trend of political violence in the U.S., including high-profile cases involving Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, former President Donald Trump, and others. Balmer admitted to using Molotov cocktails in the attack and harboring intense animosity toward Shapiro, even stating he would have assaulted the governor with a hammer if given the chance. Shapiro, a Democrat and former state attorney general, has been a prominent political figure, often mentioned as a potential future presidential candidate.
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Erdogan opposed Netanyahu’s attendance at summit, Turkish official confirms
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan orchestrated a diplomatic effort to prevent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from attending a high-level summit in Egypt, according to a senior official. The summit, held at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, aimed to support the ceasefire in Gaza. Omer Celik, spokesman for Erdogan’s ruling party, confirmed that Turkey had actively worked to block Netanyahu’s participation, marking the first public acknowledgment of Ankara’s role in the matter. Erdogan, a vocal critic of Netanyahu’s military actions in Gaza, reportedly gained support from several nations to ensure the Israeli leader’s absence. Netanyahu’s office initially accepted a last-minute invitation but later cited a Jewish holiday as the reason for his withdrawal. Erdogan, who maintains ties with Hamas, signed a four-party declaration alongside U.S. President Donald Trump and the leaders of Egypt and Qatar. In a speech, Erdogan hailed the declaration as a significant step toward halting what he described as ‘genocide’ in Gaza, a claim Israel strongly denies. The Turkish president also emphasized the long-term challenges of rebuilding Gaza, stating that the devastation may never be fully repaired. Meanwhile, Erdogan’s plane aborted its landing at Sharm el-Sheikh due to a runway issue, dismissing rumors of a boycott threat.
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Trump administration looks for ways to pay federal officers during shutdown
As the US government shutdown enters its third week, federal law enforcement officers, deemed ‘essential,’ are required to continue working despite not receiving their salaries. The Trump administration is actively seeking alternative funding mechanisms to ensure these officers are compensated, even as Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over the budget impasse. President Donald Trump has already authorized the use of previously allocated Pentagon funds to pay military personnel, but the financial resources needed to cover law enforcement officers remain unclear. A spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) confirmed that alternative payment solutions are being explored. Affected agencies include the FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), US Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Meanwhile, Vice-President JD Vance has warned of further ‘painful’ cuts if the shutdown persists. Approximately 750,000 federal employees, or 40% of the workforce, have been furloughed or sent home without pay, with layoffs already affecting at least seven agencies. In a separate development, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced an ‘innovative’ method to ensure Coast Guard members are paid, though details were not disclosed. Additionally, tariff revenue is being redirected to fund the Special Supplementation Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which supports over 6.5 million beneficiaries. However, the National WIC Association cautioned that this is not a permanent solution, and prolonged shutdown could jeopardize millions of recipients. Congressional Democrats are reportedly drafting legislation to safeguard WIC funding, emphasizing its importance beyond the annual budget process. The Senate is set to vote again on government funding, though passage remains unlikely.
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Trump: ‘I’m talking about rebuilding Gaza’
During a press briefing aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump addressed questions regarding the stability of the recently negotiated ceasefire in Gaza. The BBC’s Tom Bateman pressed the President on whether the fragile truce would hold. Trump responded by emphasizing his focus on the broader vision of rebuilding Gaza, stating, ‘I’m talking about rebuilding Gaza.’ This statement underscores the administration’s commitment to not only maintaining peace but also fostering long-term development in the region. The ceasefire, brokered amidst escalating tensions, has been a critical point of discussion in international diplomacy. Trump’s remarks suggest a shift from immediate conflict resolution to sustainable reconstruction efforts, potentially signaling a new phase in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
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Can Trump’s ‘shock and awe’ doctrine extend beyond Gaza?
U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Israel and Egypt marked a pivotal moment in his second term, as he oversaw the initial implementation of the Gaza peace agreement. This accord, aimed at ending the two-year conflict in the region, is being hailed as a potential cornerstone of Trump’s foreign policy legacy, potentially surpassing the Abraham Accords of his first term, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. The swift negotiation of this ceasefire has brought renewed attention to the so-called ‘Trump Doctrine’—a high-energy, unconventional approach to global diplomacy. Central to this doctrine is a leaner, more agile decision-making structure within the administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as National Security Adviser, has streamlined the National Security Council, reducing staff from 350 to 150. This restructuring has enabled faster, more decisive action, though it has not been without controversy. For instance, the use of Signal app group chats for classified discussions led to security concerns and the ousting of Trump’s first national security adviser, Michael Waltz. Rubio has since implemented a more sustainable communication method, relying on direct channels with key advisers like Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The administration’s reliance on special envoys, such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has also drawn both praise and criticism. While their unorthodox roles have facilitated high-level negotiations, questions about conflicts of interest persist. Trump’s personal diplomacy, characterized by a ‘shock and awe’ approach, has been instrumental in securing the Gaza deal. His ability to balance public support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with private interventions, such as preventing the annexation of the West Bank, underscores his unique style. However, the sustainability of these breakthroughs remains uncertain. Critics point to the vagueness of Trump’s 20-point peace plan and the potential for it to unravel. As Trump pursues separate diplomatic deals with China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, the true test of his doctrine will be whether he can drive a wedge between these adversaries and weaken their strategic alliances. The Gaza accord may be a significant achievement, but its long-term impact on global geopolitics is yet to be seen.