Lt. Gen. John Daniel Caine's unconventional nomination to the Joint Chiefs chairmanship marks a significant shift in military leadership under President Trump's second term.
According to Fox News, the Senate confirmed Caine as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with a vote of 60-25, including support from 15 Democrats, following Trump's dismissal of Gen. C.Q. Brown in February.
The confirmation represents several historic firsts for the position. Caine becomes the first National Guard general to serve as chairman, the first to assume the role without achieving four-star rank, and the first to be called back from retirement. His appointment required a special waiver since he had not previously served as a combatant commander or service chief.
Trump's selection of Caine stems from their previous collaboration during the president's first term, particularly their meeting at Al Asad airbase in Iraq in December 2018. During this encounter, Caine presented Trump with a strategy to swiftly defeat ISIS by intensifying military operations and reducing engagement restrictions.
During his confirmation hearing, Caine addressed concerns about his unconventional nomination. He emphasized his commitment to maintaining political neutrality in his role as the president's top military advisor.
Caine specifically refuted Trump's claim about him wearing a MAGA hat during their first meeting. During the hearing, he stated:
Sir, for 34 years, I've upheld my oath of office and my commitment to my commission, and I have never worn any political merchandise.
Caine's career includes significant experience as an Air Force F-16 pilot and various leadership positions. From 2021 to 2024, he served as the associate director of military affairs for the CIA, demonstrating his expertise in national security matters.
His diverse background includes founding a regional airline in Texas and serving as a White House fellow at the Agriculture Department. He also worked as a counterterrorism specialist on the White House's Homeland Security Council.
The new chairman emphasized his commitment to providing unbiased military advice to the president. He explained his approach to leadership during the confirmation hearing:
The role starts with being a good example from the top and making sure that we are nonpartisan and apolitical and speaking the truth to power.
Trump's decision to replace Brown came after controversy surrounding a 2022 memo outlining diversity goals for the Air Force. The president's actions extended beyond Brown's removal, including stripping former chairman Gen. Mark Milley of his security clearance and removing his portrait from the Pentagon.
The confirmation process faced some political hurdles when Democrats initially rejected a Republican attempt to expedite Caine's confirmation on Thursday. However, the final vote early Friday morning secured his position with bipartisan support.
Trump praised Caine's qualifications when announcing his nomination, highlighting his accomplishments as a pilot, national security expert, and successful entrepreneur.
Lt. Gen. John Daniel Caine's historic confirmation as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff represents a significant shift in military leadership under President Trump's administration. The Senate's approval of his nomination, despite his unconventional background, demonstrates bipartisan support for the new military chief. Caine's appointment comes at a crucial time as he assumes leadership of the Joint Chiefs following the dismissal of Gen. C.Q. Brown. His commitment to maintaining political neutrality while serving as the president's top military advisor will be essential as he navigates his historic role as the first National Guard general to hold this prestigious position.
"The View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg ignited a heated debate about egg prices during a recent episode of the daytime talk show.
According to Breitbart, Goldberg made false claims about egg prices, stating they have not decreased "one cent" since President Donald Trump took office, while data shows prices have actually fallen by 44 percent since the start of 2025.
The sharp decline in egg prices contradicts Goldberg's assertion, with Trade Economics data revealing a significant drop from $6.41 on January 21, Trump's first full day of his second term, to $3.23 as of Wednesday. Co-host Sunny Hostin supported Goldberg's inaccurate statement by suggesting prices were actually increasing.
Daily Caller reporter Nicole Silverio presented evidence showing the dramatic price fluctuations during both administrations. Under Biden's presidency, egg prices surged from $1.46 per dozen in January 2021 to $4.14 in December 2024. The increase was largely attributed to an avian influenza outbreak that devastated egg-laying hen populations.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt pointed fingers at the Biden administration's Department of Agriculture, claiming their policies led to the "mass killing" of 100 million chickens. The controversial culling practices implemented during Biden's term significantly impacted market prices.
USDA data confirms that 108 million egg-laying hens have died since 2022, with 13 million deaths recorded in 2025 alone. The deaths resulted from both natural causes and preventive culling measures designed to contain the virus spread.
March 2025 brought welcome relief to consumers as egg prices experienced a 15 percent decrease. The USDA reported the average price for a dozen eggs dropped to $6.85, marking a $1.20 reduction from February's prices.
The price stabilization coincided with improved supply conditions and fewer reported cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza. These positive developments helped ease market pressures and contributed to the overall price reduction.
Industry experts attribute the recent price improvements to better disease control measures and the gradual recovery of egg-laying hen populations. The absence of significant HPAI outbreaks in recent weeks has allowed producers to maintain more stable supply levels.
Goldberg's comments during "The View" sparked immediate reactions from fact-checkers and media outlets. Her statement:
[Trump] did promise to lower the price of groceries, I have not seen an egg fall one cent since this man got in.
This assertion prompted Daily Caller's Silverio to present contradicting evidence through comprehensive price tracking data. The public discussion highlighted the importance of accurate reporting on consumer goods prices.
The egg price debate has become a focal point in broader discussions about economic policies and their impact on everyday Americans. Media coverage has emphasized the need for fact-based dialogue when addressing consumer concerns.
The controversy surrounding Whoopi Goldberg's statements about egg prices under Trump's administration has highlighted the complexities of market dynamics and price tracking. The significant drop in egg prices since January 2025, from $6.41 to $3.23 per dozen, demonstrates the market's recovery from previous highs during Biden's presidency. Consumer relief continues as supply chain issues improve and avian influenza outbreaks decrease. The situation exemplifies how public figures' statements about economic matters can influence public perception and spark broader discussions about market conditions and government policies.
President Donald Trump's economic policies face renewed scrutiny as his administration tackles inflation rates and consumer pricing challenges.
According to Breitbart, U.S. consumer prices experienced their first decline in nearly three years this March, dropping 0.1 percent despite widespread predictions that Trump's tariff policies would trigger price increases.
The unexpected price decline marks a significant milestone in Trump's economic agenda, particularly given that this represents only the second decrease since the Biden administration witnessed record-high inflation rates. This development challenges the dire predictions of economic experts who argued that Trump's tariff policies would lead to increased consumer costs.
Core consumer prices, which exclude volatile food and energy components, showed a minimal increase of 0.1 percent, the lowest rise since Trump's first presidential term. Energy costs declined by 2.4 percent, with gasoline prices dropping significantly by 6.3 percent.
The transportation sector demonstrated notable improvements, with consumers benefiting from reduced prices in airline fares, motor vehicle insurance, and used vehicles. Additionally, smartphone prices decreased by 1.1 percent, while new car prices showed a modest 0.1 percent increase.
Food costs, however, continued their upward trajectory, with grocery prices rising by 0.5 percent and restaurant dining costs increasing by 0.4 percent. Clothing prices also saw a 0.4 percent uptick, though this represented a slowdown from previous months.
President Trump addressed inflation concerns during his campaign, making bold claims about his ability to control consumer prices. He stated:
Starting on day one, we will end inflation and make America affordable again, to bring down the prices of all goods
The March report's findings appear to validate Trump's economic strategy, contradicting economists who expressed skepticism about the possibility of achieving absolute price level reductions.
Annual inflation metrics show promising trends, with the consumer price index rising 2.4 percent compared to the previous year, marking the lowest annual increase since February 2021. Core prices maintained a 2.8 percent annual increase, representing the smallest rise since March 2021.
The broader economic landscape remains complex, with ongoing trade disputes affecting various sectors. Core goods prices decreased by 0.1 percent, while core services experienced a minimal 0.1 percent increase, the lowest since August 2021.
These developments occur against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions, particularly with China, which has responded aggressively to Trump's tariff policies. The situation continues to evolve as global markets adjust to new trade paradigms.
Trump's economic measures have sparked intense debate among policymakers and analysts about the long-term implications of his approach to international trade and domestic price control.
President Trump's March inflation victory represents a crucial turning point in his economic agenda, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of his controversial tariff policies. The unexpected decline in consumer prices, marking the first such decrease in nearly three years, has challenged conventional economic wisdom about the relationship between tariffs and inflation. As markets continue to respond to these developments, the administration's ability to maintain this downward pressure on prices while managing international trade relationships remains a critical focus of economic observers and policymakers.
A tragic helicopter tour in New York City ended in devastating loss when aircraft fuel issues led to a fatal crash in the Hudson River.
According to Daily Mail, all six people aboard, including Siemens Spain CEO Agustín Escobar, his wife, three children, and the pilot, died when their tour helicopter plunged into the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon after reporting fuel problems.
The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. near the New Jersey side of the Hudson River off Lower Manhattan's tip. Emergency services received distress calls at 3:17 p.m., just 17 minutes after the helicopter's departure from downtown Manhattan.
Michael Roth, the 71-year-old owner of the New York Helicopter tour company, shared the pilot's last communication. The pilot had radioed about needing to land for fuel, with an estimated three-minute arrival time. When the aircraft failed to appear after 20 minutes, another company pilot discovered the wreckage.
Roth expressed his company's devastation over the incident. His statement revealed the emotional toll on the entire organization, particularly noting his wife's continued distress over the tragedy.
Heartbreaking photos showed the Spanish family posing on the helipad and inside the aircraft moments before their fatal flight. The images captured their final moments together before the devastating crash.
The Bell 206L-4 helicopter, registered as N216MH, took off from the Wall Street Heliport. It completed a circle near the Statue of Liberty before heading up the Hudson River toward the George Washington Bridge at approximately 1,000 feet.
Weather conditions at the time included cloudy skies with winds between 10 and 15 mph, gusting up to 25 mph. Despite good surface visibility of 10 miles, the approaching weather system brought light rain to the area. Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter "split in half" before crashing near Pier 40. One observer described hearing what sounded like a "sonic boom" before the aircraft's rapid descent.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced that the Jersey City Police Department would lead the investigation until National Transportation Safety Board officials arrive at the scene.
The incident adds to a concerning pattern of helicopter accidents in New York City. Statistics show at least 32 fatalities from helicopter crashes in the city since 1977. The most recent previous incident occurred in 2018 when five passengers drowned after their helicopter crashed into the East River. That accident was attributed to the aircraft's tail getting caught on the fuel shutoff lever.
Prior to the tragic accident, Escobar had been leading Siemens' Spanish operations since his 2022 appointment as CEO. His career included extensive experience in Spain's energy sector from 1998 to 2010.
The Spanish Consulate of New York City is working closely with authorities regarding the incident. The Spanish Foreign Ministry's communications team confirmed their involvement in handling the tragic situation. Michael Roth of New York Helicopter expressed the profound impact of the loss:
He called in that he was landing and that he needed fuel, and it should have taken him about three minutes to arrive, but 20 minutes later, he didn't arrive. We're all devastated. Every employee in our company is devastated. My wife has not stopped crying. The death of the child of any human being, is a monumental disaster.
The helicopter crash that claimed six lives in the Hudson River has left a devastating impact across multiple communities. The victims included Siemens Spain CEO Agustín Escobar, his wife, their three children, and the pilot, whose identity remains unreleased. The aircraft experienced fuel-related issues shortly after takeoff from downtown Manhattan, leading to its crash near the New Jersey side of the Hudson River. As Jersey City Police Department leads the initial investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board is expected to conduct a thorough examination of the incident's cause and contributing factors.
A complex legal battle unfolds as the Supreme Court intervenes in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
According to Breitbart, the Supreme Court issued a ruling requiring the Trump administration to take steps toward facilitating the release of Garcia, who was erroneously deported to El Salvador and imprisoned alongside alleged Venezuelan gang members on March 15.
The unanimous decision partially granted and rejected an emergency request from the Justice Department challenging a lower court order. The ruling specified that while immediate retrieval is not mandatory, the administration must demonstrate its efforts and potential future actions to address Garcia's situation.
The three liberal justices, led by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, emphasized the necessity of providing Garcia with proper legal procedures.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration's position with serious allegations against Garcia. She asserted that credible intelligence linked him to human trafficking operations and identified him as a leader of MS-13, which the administration has designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
The Justice Department celebrated aspects of the ruling, interpreting it as an affirmation of presidential authority in foreign affairs. A department spokesperson emphasized that the decision recognized the executive branch's exclusive right to conduct foreign policy.
The administration maintains its stance despite a 2019 immigration judge's ruling that prohibited Garcia's deportation to El Salvador due to persecution risks.
The Supreme Court's decision criticized District Judge Paula Xinis for potentially exceeding judicial authority by ordering the government to "effectuate" Garcia's return. The ruling directed the lower court to revise its order while respecting presidential powers in foreign affairs.
Garcia's legal team described his deportation as a "Kafka-esque mistake." They highlighted that their client, a Beltsville resident with a wife and three children, had no pending charges and had consistently complied with U.S. immigration requirements.
Immigration officials acknowledged that Garcia's deportation resulted from an "administrative error," despite initially labeling him as an MS-13 member.
The Supreme Court's ruling creates a delicate balance between judicial oversight and executive authority in immigration matters. The decision requires the Trump administration to work toward Garcia's release while maintaining respect for diplomatic protocols.
While the administration must now demonstrate its efforts to assist Garcia, the exact timeline and methods remain undefined. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement policies and individual rights protections.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia remains in an El Salvador prison following his March 15 deportation alongside alleged Venezuelan gang members. The Supreme Court's ruling requires the Trump administration to facilitate his release while respecting diplomatic channels and executive authority. As the administration maintains its allegations about Garcia's gang connections and human trafficking involvement, his legal team continues to fight for his return to his family in Maryland, where he previously resided without charges or violations of immigration requirements.
A sightseeing helicopter carrying a Spanish tech executive, his wife, and their three young children plunged into the Hudson River during what was meant to be a scenic tour of New York City.
According to Daily Mail, the tragic incident occurred at 3:15 pm on Thursday when the aircraft's main rotor blades separated from the body and sliced through its tail, creating an "unrecoverable event" that sent the helicopter crashing into the water.
Siemens executive Agustín Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their children aged four, five, and eleven had just arrived from Barcelona when they decided to take the ill-fated helicopter tour. The 36-year-old pilot, who remains unidentified, also perished in the crash after radioing the base about running low on fuel.
Former military aviator and attorney Jim Brauchle of Motley Rice LLC shared his analysis of the crash footage:
From the footage, it appears that the main rotor struck the body of the helicopter, cutting off the tail of the helicopter, which created an unrecoverable event. The two main causes of this phenomenon are mechanical failure or excessive maneuvering. Still, a full investigation is needed to understand why this tragedy occurred.
Michael Roth, the 71-year-old owner of New York Helicopter, which operated the tour, confirmed the pilot's distress call about low fuel. He expressed shock at the incident, noting that in his 30 years in the helicopter business, he had never witnessed such a catastrophic rotor blade failure.
The helicopter took off from Wall Street Heliport and flew for approximately 16 minutes, circling the Statue of Liberty before heading up the Hudson River toward the George Washington Bridge at an altitude of about 1,000 feet.
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft "split in half" before it plummeted into the water near Pier 40. The crash produced what one observer described as a "sonic boom" sound that echoed across the area.
Rashmi Kamkeri, a 30-year-old engineer working from her Newport Park apartment, provided a firsthand account of the crash. She initially mistook the sound for thunder before witnessing the helicopter's final moments roughly 10 feet above the water.
Emergency responders worked through Thursday night to recover the wreckage, with dive teams from the NYPD and New Jersey State Police scheduled to resume their search on Friday for remaining aircraft parts.
The incident has renewed attention to helicopter tour safety in New York City, where at least 32 people have died in helicopter crashes since 1977. The most recent fatal crash occurred in 2018 when five passengers drowned after their helicopter went down in the East River.
At the time of Thursday's crash, weather conditions included cloudy skies with 10-15 mph winds and gusts up to 25 mph. While surface visibility was good at 10 miles, the approaching weather system brought light rain to the area.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a "go team" to investigate the precise cause of the crash, which could take several months to determine.
The Escobar family perished during what was meant to be their first day exploring New York City. Heartbreaking photos taken shortly before the crash showed the family posing happily on the helipad and inside the aircraft.
Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were transported to nearby hospitals where they later succumbed to their injuries. The water temperature was approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of the crash.
The investigation continues as authorities work to recover all parts of the aircraft and determine the exact sequence of events that led to this devastating loss of life.
In a significant move for the pharmaceutical industry, Swiss drug manufacturer Novartis is preparing for a major transformation of its American operations.
According to Breitbart, the pharmaceutical company has unveiled plans for a $23 billion investment in the United States over five years, including the construction of seven new facilities and expansion of existing operations, following President Donald Trump's announcement of impending tariffs on imported drugs.
The ambitious expansion project aims to ensure all key Novartis medicines for U.S. patients will be manufactured domestically. This strategic decision comes with the promise of creating approximately 5,000 jobs across various locations, with 1,000 positions directly within Novartis and an additional 4,000 related positions in supporting industries.
President Trump made his stance clear during a National Republican Congressional Committee dinner, emphasizing the need for domestic pharmaceutical production. He highlighted the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic about America's dependence on foreign drug manufacturing. The administration's response includes plans for substantial tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals.
Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan addressed the timing of the announcement, attempting to distance the decision from Trump's tariff threats. While acknowledging that tariffs would be painful for the company, he maintained they were not the primary motivation behind the expansion.
The pharmaceutical giant's investment strategy includes specific plans for specialized facilities. Two manufacturing plants dedicated to radioligand therapy will be established in Florida and Texas, while locations for four additional manufacturing facilities remain undetermined.
The expansion encompasses both new construction and enhancement of existing facilities. Novartis will establish a biomedical research innovation center in San Diego, demonstrating its commitment to advancing pharmaceutical research and development within the United States.
Current facilities in Indiana, New Jersey, and California will undergo significant upgrades as part of the comprehensive investment plan. These improvements aim to increase production capacity and modernize existing operations.
The company's decision aligns with a broader trend of major corporations increasing their U.S. presence. Similar moves have been made by technology and manufacturing giants, including substantial investments from companies like Stargate and Apple.
Trump's broader economic strategy appears to be yielding results as major international companies respond to his tariff policies. The President has consistently emphasized the importance of bringing manufacturing back to American soil.
The pharmaceutical sector's transformation could have lasting effects on the U.S. economy and healthcare system. Domestic production may lead to more stable supply chains and potentially influence drug pricing structures.
Industry experts are closely monitoring how other pharmaceutical companies might respond to these developments, as Novartis's decision could set a precedent for the sector.
Novartis's $23 billion investment represents a transformative moment for pharmaceutical manufacturing in the United States. The Swiss company's commitment includes constructing seven new facilities and expanding three existing ones across multiple states, promising to create 5,000 new jobs in total. This strategic move comes amid President Trump's push for domestic pharmaceutical production through tariff policies, though Novartis maintains its decision is not primarily driven by these measures. The comprehensive investment plan will ensure that key Novartis medicines for U.S. patients are manufactured domestically, marking a significant shift in pharmaceutical manufacturing dynamics and potentially influencing future industry trends.