Trump Orders Military Strikes on Houthis Amid Federal Agency Cuts…

President Trump orders military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, continuing until they cease maritime attacks. Cuts to federal agencies are announced, including Voice of America. Secretary Rubio labels South African Ambassador Rasool as ‘persona non grata.’ Mace faces a defamation lawsuit, while the Senate avoids a government shutdown despite Democratic opposition. Trump criticizes media as illegal, and Vance announces probable TikTok agreement targeting national security.

President Donald Trump has ordered strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, asserting that these military actions will persist until the Houthis cease their attacks on maritime vessels. He emphasized that the United States military is carrying out aerial assaults to protect American interests and restore maritime freedoms, stating that terrorism will not hinder the safe passage of vessels. Additionally, he conveyed a warning to Iran to halt its support for the Houthi group.

In a significant move, the Trump Administration indicated plans to cut federal agencies, including the U.S. Agency for Global Media which oversees outlets such as Voice of America and Radio Free Asia, amidst an executive order aimed at reducing government expenditure. These changes could impact various programs addressing issues from homelessness to public libraries.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared South Africa’s Ambassador to the U.S., Emrahim Rasool, as ‘persona non grata,’ criticizing him as a divisive figure unfit for diplomatic relations. Rasool, responding to the criticisms, suggested that Trump’s tactics represent a broader assault on incumbency in both domestic and foreign politics, pointing out demographic shifts within the American electorate.

Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina faces a defamation lawsuit from an individual she accused of sexual abuse in a recent House speech. This legal action highlights the contentious environment surrounding allegations of misconduct and accountability in political discourse.

The Senate has successfully navigated a crucial procedural vote to avert a government shutdown, despite significant objections from Senate Democrats regarding the partisan nature of the proposed legislation. Only one Republican senator voted against the bill, showcasing bipartisan support amid larger political tensions.

In remarks made to federal prosecutors, Trump expressed belief that predominantly negative media coverage against him is indicative of illegal political bias, asserting that major news outlets have aligned themselves with Democratic interests to undermine him. He criticized these outlets, declaring their actions unlawful and detrimental to judicial fairness.

Vice President JD Vance announced that a substantial agreement regarding TikTok is likely, emphasizing a need for reconciliatory actions that consider national security while enabling the establishment of a distinct American TikTok entity.

Trump recently criticized the Department of Justice’s legal actions against him and his affiliates, referring to them as unfounded. He commended a judge for dismissing the classified documents case against him and labeled opposing attorneys as unworthy of their roles, indicating a tumultuous relationship between the executive branch and law enforcement.

In further developments, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated the dismantling of the Pentagon Office of Net Assessment, which was responsible for strategic military planning. This restructuring raises questions regarding the future approach to military readiness in potential conflict scenarios.

During a recent address at the Justice Department, Trump delivered remarks that blurred lines between federal law enforcement independence and political rhetoric, suggesting that previous government officials sought to undermine his administration. This unprecedented intersection signifies a shift in the typical operational boundaries of federal agencies as Trump continues to rally support amid ongoing investigations into his conduct.

In summary, President Trump has escalated military actions against the Houthis in Yemen, emphasizing a commitment to protect American shipping interests. Concurrently, significant federal agency cuts have been announced amid political controversies, including a lawsuit against Representative Nancy Mace. The Senate has kept the government operational despite partisan disputes, while Trump continues to challenge the media and the Justice Department’s actions against him. Lastly, the restructuring of military assessment offices and ongoing negotiations regarding TikTok reflect the broader implications of national security and political strategy under the current administration.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk