Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reveals strategic measures to counter Chinese influence in one of the world's most vital waterways.
According to Breitbart, President Donald Trump's administration has secured historic agreements with Panama to strengthen U.S. military presence and control over the Panama Canal, directly challenging China's growing influence in the region.
The strategic initiative includes two significant agreements that grant priority passage to U.S. military vessels and establish an expanded American military presence at Fort Sherman. These developments come as part of Trump's broader strategy to counter Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in critical infrastructure and transportation routes.
Defense Secretary Hegseth shared details about the first agreement with the Panama Canal Authority, which ensures U.S. military and auxiliary vessels receive priority passage through the canal without fees. The second agreement, a memorandum of understanding with Panama's defense ministry, facilitates the reopening of Fort Sherman as a joint military installation.
President Trump's administration identified Chinese influence over the Panama Canal as a significant national security concern during a State of the Union address. The Defense Department has since documented numerous Chinese infrastructure projects and surveillance activities in the region.
Panama's President Molina, described by Hegseth as pro-Trump and pro-America, has demonstrated strong support for the U.S. initiative despite potential political risks. The cooperation reflects growing concerns about Chinese Communist Party influence in Latin America.
Hegseth elaborated on the critical nature of securing the canal:
Well, President Trump said at a State of the Union address, China has too much influence over the Panama Canal, and America is gonna take it back, and that's exactly what I was charged to do, what we're continuing to do. Chinese influence cannot control our own backyard, especially a critical waterway key terrain like the Panama Canal.
The Defense Secretary emphasized that approximately 75% of ships passing through the canal are involved in port-related activities. This statistic underscores the waterway's crucial role in global maritime commerce and military logistics.
Recent intelligence reports suggest Chinese companies have been actively pursuing infrastructure contracts and political influence in Panama. These efforts have raised concerns about potential threats to U.S. military mobility and commercial interests in the region.
Defense Secretary Hegseth praised Panama's commitment to the strengthened partnership:
I want to thank President Molina, a pro-Trump, pro-America president of Panama who's sticking his neck out against communists, whose influence was real there. Maria, we could see it; you could feel it. The communist Chinese want to control politicians. They're building infrastructure projects. They want to surveil. They want to take that canal. President Trump says not on our watch and we are fighting back.
The revival of Fort Sherman represents a significant milestone in U.S.-Panama military cooperation. The base will serve as a hub for joint operations and training exercises between the two nations' armed forces.
Military analysts suggest this enhanced presence will provide better monitoring of Chinese activities and strengthen regional security partnerships. The move also demonstrates America's commitment to maintaining its influence in Latin America.
The Trump administration's initiative to secure the Panama Canal reflects growing concerns about Chinese influence in Latin America's critical infrastructure. Through two landmark agreements with Panama, the U.S. has established priority passage for military vessels and expanded its military presence at Fort Sherman. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that these measures directly counter Chinese attempts to gain control over the strategic waterway, with strong support from Panama's President Molina despite communist pressure in the region.
Stephen Miller launched a vigorous defense on Fox News regarding the administration's handling of a controversial deportation case.
According to Daily Wire, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy firmly rejected claims that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported to El Salvador, instead pointing fingers at a Department of Justice lawyer whom he labeled a "saboteur."
Miller's appearance on Monday morning's Fox News segment with host Bill Hemmer centered around addressing what he describes as seriously flawed reporting and accusations against the Trump administration regarding the deportation case. The senior White House official emphasized that Abrego Garcia's removal from the United States was executed in accordance with proper legal procedures, citing a 2019 deportation order.
The controversy intensified when Miller revealed that a DOJ lawyer, who has since been terminated, incorrectly filed documentation suggesting Abrego Garcia's deportation was a mistake. Miller characterized this lawyer as a Democrat attempting to undermine the administration's immigration enforcement efforts.
The case has brought attention to the complexities surrounding withholding orders in immigration proceedings. Miller explained that while such orders typically prevent deportation to specific countries, they become invalid when the individual is associated with foreign terrorist organizations.
The administration's position hinges on allegations of Abrego Garcia's connection to MS-13, though the deportee has consistently denied any gang affiliation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's accusations stem from information provided by a confidential informant.
Miller provided additional context regarding the administration's decision to proceed with the deportation, specifically addressing concerns about potential persecution in El Salvador. He asserted that the 18th Street gang, which Abrego Garcia claimed would persecute him, no longer operates in El Salvador.
Miller stated:
He was not mistakenly sent to El Salvador. He is an illegal alien from El Salvador. In 2019, he was ordered deported. He has a final removal order from the United States. These are things that no one disputes. Where is he from? El Salvador. Where is he a resident and citizen of? El Salvador. Is he here illegally? Yes. Does he have a deportation order? Yes.
The White House official further elaborated on the legal framework supporting the deportation decision:
Now some have said, 'well, but he had a thing called a withholding order' – so a withholding order means you've been ordered deported, but an immigration judge is saying you cannot go back to a particular country. Here's the thing: if you are a member of a foreign terrorist organization, you cannot have a withholding order.
The case has sparked intense debate about the implementation of immigration policies and the internal dynamics within federal agencies. Law enforcement sources indicate that local police played a crucial role in providing information about Abrego Garcia's alleged gang connections.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement priorities and due process considerations. Various advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the reliability of confidential informant testimony in immigration cases.
The administration maintains its position that proper procedures were followed throughout the deportation process, despite the internal DOJ dispute that led to the termination of the involved attorney.
The deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, initially questioned due to a DOJ lawyer's filing, has become a focal point of immigration policy debate. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller defended the action on Fox News, citing a valid 2019 deportation order and allegations of MS-13 membership as justification. The case continues to draw attention to the complex intersection of immigration enforcement, gang allegations, and internal government operations, with the administration standing firm on its decision while facing ongoing scrutiny from various stakeholders.
Nancy Pelosi's grip on Democratic Party leadership faces mounting challenges from younger members and progressive voices seeking change.
According to the New York Post, the 85-year-old former House Speaker has filed paperwork to run for Congress in 2026 despite growing pressure to step aside following the Democratic Party's devastating losses in the 2024 election cycle.
The veteran politician has already amassed nearly $10 million in campaign donations, signaling her determination to maintain influence within the party. Her refusal to relinquish power comes after she played a crucial role in the controversial decision to replace Joe Biden with Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, resulting in defeats across the White House, Senate, and House races.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reportedly wants Pelosi to reduce her involvement in party decisions. Sources close to the situation reveal tension between the two leaders, with Pelosi maintaining significant influence over Jeffries' leadership decisions.
Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, who has known Pelosi for over 50 years, defends her continued presence in politics. The 91-year-old Democrat considers her an irreplaceable figure in the party.
Willie Brown shared his perspective on Pelosi's leadership:
As long as Nancy takes a breath, she is going to do what she wants to do. She's the heart and soul of the Democratic Party, particularly for Californians.
Saikat Chakrabarti, 39, a former chief of staff to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has announced his bid to challenge Pelosi in the 2026 Democratic primary. The software engineer and progressive advisor criticizes the party's resistance to change following the 2024 election losses.
Jake Rakov, 37, represents another voice of opposition as he campaigns for a Congressional seat in Southern California. The former communications consultant aims to challenge incumbent Brad Sherman, who has served in Congress for nearly three decades.
Chakrabarti expressed his frustration with the current leadership:
She basically made the case for how the Democrats don't really need to change. You know, that they ran a great race, did their best, and nothing needs to change. That was the first warning sign to me.
Nancy Pelosi's estimated net worth of $250 million and her husband's recent stock trading activities have intensified scrutiny of the family's financial dealings. Paul Pelosi executed $38 million worth of stock trades, including significant sales of Apple and Nvidia shares, just before Trump took office in January.
The couple continues to face criticism over potential conflicts of interest related to Paul Pelosi's stock trading activities. Nancy Pelosi maintains that her husband makes investment decisions independently, though she must disclose his trades as required by law.
Campaign finance experts suggest Pelosi might eventually step down mid-term to facilitate her daughter Christine's succession through a special election. Christine Pelosi, 58, has significant experience in Democratic Party politics and previously served in the Clinton administration.
The seasoned politician who made history as the first female House Speaker continues to shape Democratic Party decisions despite calls for new leadership. Her determination to seek reelection at age 85 exemplifies the ongoing struggle between established party figures and those advocating for generational change. The Democratic Party faces crucial decisions about its future direction as younger members push for reforms while veteran leaders like Pelosi maintain their influence.
A legal battle ensues as President Donald Trump's Department of Justice challenges a federal judge's authority to force the return of a deported El Salvador citizen.
According to Breitbart News, DOJ lawyers filed a response in Maryland federal court arguing that judges lack the power to compel the executive branch to negotiate with foreign governments for migrant returns.
The case centers around Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who pro-migration lawyers claim was illegally deported to El Salvador. These attorneys are part of a larger movement seeking to impede Trump's deportation initiatives. The legal team has escalated the situation by requesting the judge hold DOJ lawyers in contempt if they fail to facilitate Garcia's return to American soil.
The Justice Department's stance draws significant support from a recent Supreme Court ruling issued on April 10. The ruling instructs lower courts to respect presidential authority in foreign policy matters. Trump administration lawyers emphasize that this decision reinforces their position that courts cannot dictate how the executive branch conducts international relations.
DOJ attorneys presented a robust defense of presidential powers in foreign affairs. They argue that attempts to force diplomatic negotiations with El Salvador would infringe upon constitutionally protected executive authority. The administration maintains that such matters fall exclusively under presidential jurisdiction.
Current reports confirm that Abrego Garcia remains in El Salvador's custody. Embassy officials in San Salvador have verified his detention at the country's Terrorism Confinement Center, where he is being held under El Salvador's domestic authority.
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has expressed visible frustration with the Justice Department's approach. During a Friday hearing, she questioned Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign about the government's efforts to comply with her order for additional information regarding Abrego Garcia's case.
The judge's aggressive questioning highlighted the growing tension between the judiciary and executive branch. When Ensign admitted to lacking personal knowledge about actions taken, Xinis interpreted this as confirmation of government inaction.
The case has drawn increased attention as it coincides with diplomatic developments between the U.S. and El Salvador. President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has demonstrated cooperation with Trump's immigration policies by accepting deportees from various nations.
The timing of this legal confrontation proves particularly significant as El Salvador's President Bukele prepares for his White House visit. The meeting, scheduled for April 14, is expected to face intense scrutiny from immigration-focused media outlets.
El Salvador's cooperation with U.S. immigration enforcement extends beyond this single case. Under Bukele's leadership, the country has agreed to accept deported MS-13 gang members and migrants from other nations, including Venezuela and China.
Trump's immigration officials emphasize the importance of maintaining positive diplomatic relations with El Salvador. They argue that court interference could jeopardize these crucial international arrangements and complicate ongoing immigration enforcement efforts.
The dispute over Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation has evolved into a significant test of executive branch authority in immigration matters. DOJ lawyers continue to defend President Trump's exclusive power to manage foreign relations and immigration enforcement without judicial interference. The case represents a broader conflict between the administration's aggressive deportation policies and pro-migration groups' legal challenges. As El Salvador maintains custody of Abrego Garcia in their Terrorism Confinement Center, both sides await further legal developments.
A recent Rasmussen Reports poll reveals deep partisan divisions over President Donald Trump's executive order to shut down the Department of Education.
According to Breitbart, the survey found that 51 percent of likely U.S. voters approve of Trump's directive to dismantle the federal agency, with 37 percent expressing strong approval. The poll also indicated that 47 percent disapprove of the move, including 35 percent who strongly oppose it.
The survey, conducted between March 30 and April 1 with 1,088 likely voters, revealed an even split on the Department of Education's impact since its establishment in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter. Forty-one percent believe the department has improved American schools, while an equal percentage think it has made them worse. The remaining 13 percent see no significant difference in educational outcomes.
Republican and Democratic voters showed stark differences in their perspectives on the federal agency's effectiveness. The poll found that 62 percent of Democrats believe the department has enhanced American education, while 57 percent of Republicans say it has been detrimental to schools.
Independent voters presented a more nuanced view, with 33 percent seeing positive impacts from the department, 44 percent noting negative effects, and 17 percent reporting no substantial change. The partisan divide extends to Trump's executive order, with 78 percent of Republicans supporting it and 73 percent of Democrats opposing it.
Support among unaffiliated voters was evenly split, with 48 percent approving and disapproving of the department's elimination.
President Trump, who signed the executive order on March 20, has tasked Education Secretary Linda McMahon with initiating the department's shutdown. The White House points to concerning statistics about American students' academic performance to justify the decision.
The administration highlighted that despite the Department of Education spending over $3 trillion since its creation and a 245 percent increase in per-pupil spending, student achievement shows little improvement. Recent Nation's Report Card results indicate math and reading scores have hit their lowest levels in decades.
Trump's team also emphasized that U.S. students rank 28th out of 37 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries in mathematics, demonstrating significant room for improvement in educational outcomes.
The Education Department has already begun its transformation under Secretary McMahon's leadership. The agency has eliminated nearly $1 billion in grants, removed over 2,300 webpages related to diversity and inclusion initiatives, and announced plans to reduce its workforce by 50 percent.
Trump's executive order represents a significant step toward his campaign promise to return educational authority to states and local communities. However, the department's complete dissolution requires congressional approval, with Senate Republicans recently introducing legislation to formally eliminate the agency.
McMahon, whom Trump joked should "put herself out of a job," has already initiated substantial changes. At the executive order signing, Trump expressed optimism about bipartisan support:
We're going to eliminate it, and everybody knows it's right, and the Democrats know it's right. And I hope they're going to be voting for it, because ultimately it may come before them.
The Rasmussen Reports survey, with its ±3 percentage points margin of error, demonstrates the complex nature of federal involvement in American education. The poll results show that Trump's executive order to dismantle the Department of Education has garnered majority support from U.S. voters, though by a narrow margin. While Republicans push forward with legislation to eliminate the department, the deep partisan divide suggests a challenging path ahead for the complete dismantling of the federal agency.
The Saint Louis Zoo community faces a heartbreaking loss as one of its most beloved residents takes his final breath.
According to Breitbart News, Othello, an Aldabra giant tortoise estimated to be over 100 years old, was humanely euthanized due to complications from a gastrointestinal health issue at the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri.
The gentle giant arrived in the United States as a mature adult in 1938 alongside another Aldabra tortoise named Ray, who continues to reside at the zoo. Given that these tortoises require several decades to reach full maturity, zoo officials confirm that Othello had surpassed the century mark at the time of his passing.
Othello's remarkable life at the Saint Louis Zoo began during the Great Depression era, making him one of the oldest animals under the facility's care. His presence at the zoo witnessed numerous historical events and generations of visitors who formed special connections with him over the years.
The friendly tortoise became known for his sociable nature, often seeking interaction with his keepers and delighting countless zoo visitors. His personality helped create lasting memories for both staff members and guests throughout his extended lifetime.
The loss resonates deeply within the zoo community, where Othello served as an ambassador for his vulnerable species. The Aldabra giant tortoise population faces threats of extinction, representing one of the few remaining giant tortoise species globally.
The Saint Louis Zoo shared their emotional announcement through social media, acknowledging Othello's significant contribution to wildlife education and conservation efforts:
While we don't know his exact age, Othello was thought to be one of the oldest animals at the Saint Louis Zoo. Othello and Ray, another Aldabra giant tortoise still living at the Zoo, arrived in the U.S. as mature adults in 1938. Since it takes several decades for Aldabra giant tortoises to reach full size, Othello was well over 100 years old at the time of his passing.
These remarkable creatures have proven to be among Earth's most enduring species. According to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Aldabra tortoises potentially represent the longest-living animals, though precise documentation remains challenging as they frequently outlive their scientific observers.
The species continues to thrive in their native habitat on the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, one of the world's largest coral islands. Their impressive size, with some individuals weighing over 575 pounds, makes them among the largest land tortoises on the planet.
Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from visitors sharing their memories of Othello. Many expressed their appreciation for the exceptional care he received throughout his life at the Saint Louis Zoo.
Local residents have already begun suggesting ways to memorialize the celebrated tortoise, with some calling for the creation of a statue in his honor. The proposal reflects the deep impact Othello had on multiple generations of zoo visitors.
The zoo's dedication to providing outstanding care for Othello throughout his life demonstrates their commitment to wildlife conservation and education. His legacy will continue through ongoing efforts to protect and preserve his vulnerable species.
The Saint Louis Zoo's century-old resident, Othello the Aldabra giant tortoise, was humanely euthanized after developing severe digestive health issues. Having arrived at the zoo as a mature adult in 1938, he spent nearly nine decades delighting visitors and contributing to conservation awareness for his vulnerable species. The loss of this beloved ambassador leaves a lasting impact on the zoo community, while his companion Ray continues to carry on their shared legacy at the Saint Louis Zoo.
A mysterious CIA document detailing an extraordinary encounter between Soviet military forces and an unidentified flying object has captured widespread attention across social media platforms.
According to Fox News, the declassified CIA document, which was released to the public in May 2000, describes a shocking incident where aliens allegedly transformed 23 Soviet soldiers into stone after their UFO was shot down over a military base.
The report, which summarizes articles from Canadian Weekly World News and Ukrainian paper Holos Ukrayiny, outlines events that supposedly occurred between 1989 and 1990. The incident involved Soviet military personnel who encountered a saucer-shaped aircraft during training exercises, leading to a confrontation that would later become the subject of intense speculation.
The document describes how Soviet forces fired a surface-to-air missile at the unidentified craft, causing it to crash near their military installation. What followed was an extraordinary sequence of events that would challenge conventional understanding of extraterrestrial capabilities.
Five humanoid beings, described as having large heads and black eyes, emerged from the wreckage. In an unprecedented display of apparent defensive capabilities, these beings reportedly merged into a single entity that emitted an intense, bright light.
Former CIA agent Mike Baker offered his perspective on the document:
If there was an incident, regardless of the nature of the incident, I suspect that the actual report doesn't look much like what has now come out from five or six or seven iterations of what originally was [written].
The Pentagon's creation of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) in 2020 marks a significant step in official investigations of such incidents. The program's primary objective focuses on identifying potential national security threats posed by unexplained aerial phenomena.
The investigation of unidentified objects remains a critical component of national security protocols. Military and intelligence agencies continue to document and analyze unusual aerial phenomena, regardless of their potential origin.
President Donald Trump's recent order to declassify decades of government UFO files has generated considerable interest among researchers and the public. This development could potentially reveal previously unknown information about government investigations into unexplained phenomena.
According to the document, the petrified remains of the soldiers and the spacecraft wreckage were transported to a classified research facility near Moscow. Scientists examining the victims discovered their molecular structure matched that of limestone, suggesting an unknown energy source caused the transformation.
The CIA document included a striking assessment from an unnamed representative:
If the KGB file corresponds to reality, this is an extremely menacing case. The aliens possess such weapons and technology that go beyond all our assumptions. They can stand up for themselves if attacked.
The two survivors of the incident reportedly escaped the transformation because they were standing in a shaded area, protected from the mysterious light burst that affected their fellow soldiers.
The recently declassified CIA document about Soviet soldiers encountering a UFO in 1989-1990 has reignited discussions about government knowledge of extraterrestrial activities. The incident, which allegedly resulted in 23 soldiers being transformed into stone after shooting down an alien spacecraft, occurred during routine military exercises near a Soviet base. While the Pentagon continues its official investigations into unidentified aerial phenomena through the UAPTF program, President Trump's declassification order may provide additional context for understanding these historical incidents and their implications for national security.
A gruesome discovery in Waukesha, Wisconsin, has unveiled a teenager's alleged plan to overthrow the U.S. government.
According to the New York Post, 17-year-old Nikita Casap murdered his mother and stepfather to access funds needed for his plot to assassinate President Trump and initiate a revolution.
Federal authorities uncovered documents written by Casap detailing his plans for a presidential assassination and his vision of "saving the white race." The teen's writings contained Nazi imagery, including pictures of Adolf Hitler accompanied by white supremacist slogans.
FBI investigators found evidence linking Casap to "The Order of Nine Angles," a network associated with neo-Nazi and racially motivated extremist ideologies. The discovery was made through material found on the suspect's mobile device.
The teenager had allegedly established communication with other parties regarding his assassination plans. These individuals were reportedly aware of his intentions and provided assistance in acquiring weapons, including a drone and explosives intended for use as weapons of mass destruction.
Authorities are now pursuing multiple federal charges against Casap, including conspiracy, presidential assassination, and use of weapons of mass destruction.
Local law enforcement conducted a welfare check at the family residence on February 28 after Casap's two-week absence from Waukesha West High School raised concerns. Officers made a horrifying discovery inside the home.
The bodies of Tatiana Casap, 35, and Donald Mayer, 51, were found concealed under piles of clothes and blankets. The teen's mother had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to her neck, upper torso, abdomen, and right wrist, while his stepfather was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Due to advanced decomposition, authorities had to employ alternative methods to confirm the victims' identities.
The FBI investigators outlined the severity of Casap's alleged plans in their federal affidavit:
He was in touch with other parties about his plan to kill the President and overthrow the government of the Unites States. And he paid for, at least in part, a drone and explosives to be used as a weapon of mass destruction to commit an attack. Other parties, with whom Casap was in contact, appear to have been aware of his plan and action and to have provided assistance to Casap in carrying them out.
In addition to two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of hiding a corpse, Casap faces charges of theft exceeding $10,000 and misappropriating identification to obtain money. He appeared in court on April 9 for a preliminary hearing on state charges.
The suspect remains in custody awaiting his May 7 arraignment. He has not yet entered a plea for any of the charges against him.
Nikita Casap, a 17-year-old Wisconsin resident, stands accused of murdering his mother, Tatiana Casap, and stepfather, Donald Mayer, in their Waukesha home. The killings were allegedly committed to finance his plot to assassinate President Trump and initiate a revolution aimed at "saving the white race." The teenager now faces multiple state and federal charges, including first-degree murder, conspiracy, presidential assassination, and use of weapons of mass destruction. His arraignment is scheduled for May 7, where he will formally respond to the charges that could dramatically alter the course of his life.