Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addresses ongoing controversies while highlighting significant improvements in military recruitment under the Trump administration.
According to Breitbart, during Wednesday's Cabinet meeting, Hegseth reported unprecedented recruitment numbers across all military branches, marking a dramatic shift from the challenges faced during the Biden administration.
The Defense Secretary emphasized how the military's transformation since Trump's return to office has attracted more recruits. He pointed to several policy changes, including the restoration of traditional fitness standards and the reversal of base name changes implemented during the previous administration. The department has also welcomed back service members who were discharged due to COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
Recent data supports Hegseth's claims about recruitment success. As of mid-May, the Army had enlisted 51,837 recruits, achieving 85% of its fiscal 2025 target of 61,000 personnel. This surge in military recruitment coincides with similar trends in law enforcement and firefighting sectors nationwide.
President Trump acknowledged the widespread improvement in public service recruitment, noting that many departments now maintain waiting lists. This marks a significant turnaround from the recruitment challenges faced just six months ago.
The Department of Defense's cultural overhaul under Hegseth's leadership has played a crucial role in attracting new recruits. The secretary shared his perspective on the department's controversial decisions:
Well, Mr. President, I think we're controversial because we're over the target. And like so many things, Mr. President, you inherited a demoralized military that couldn't recruit, that was perceived as weak after what happened in Afghanistan and elsewhere because of Joe Biden. What we have seen since your election and the inauguration has been nothing short of a recruiting renaissance.
The positive recruitment news comes amid renewed media scrutiny of Hegseth regarding "Signal-gate." The New York Times recently published allegations about Hegseth sharing attack plans in a separate Signal chat, similar to those revealed in March when a left-wing journalist was accidentally added to a different chat group.
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell strongly refuted these claims. He dismissed the allegations as politically motivated attacks from recently terminated employees. Parnell emphasized that no classified information was shared in any Signal chat conversations.
The spokesman defended the administration's progress:
Another day, another old story—back from the dead. The Trump-hating media continues to be obsessed with destroying anyone committed to President Trump's agenda. This time, the New York Times — and all other Fake News that repeat their garbage — are enthusiastically taking the grievances of disgruntled former employees as the sole sources for their article. They relied only on the words of people who were fired this week and appear to have a motive to sabotage the Secretary and the President's agenda.
In recent months, the Defense Department has focused on reversing policies implemented during the previous administration. These changes include reinstating traditional military base names like Fort Benning and Fort Bragg, strengthening physical fitness requirements, and eliminating what Hegseth describes as "wokeness" from military operations.
The recruitment renaissance has extended beyond the military to other public service sectors. Police departments and fire stations across the country report similar improvements in recruitment numbers, suggesting a broader shift in public service appeal.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's report at Wednesday's Cabinet meeting highlighted the military's successful recruitment efforts under the Trump administration. The unprecedented surge in enlistment numbers across all service branches reflects the impact of recent policy changes and cultural shifts within the Department of Defense.
The positive recruitment trends, despite ongoing controversies like Signal-gate, demonstrate the effectiveness of the administration's military reforms. As the Department of Defense continues implementing changes, officials maintain their focus on strengthening military readiness and personnel quality while addressing media scrutiny of their methods and decisions.
A federal judge in Florida expressed shock and dismay after the state's attorney general instructed local law enforcement to disregard her order halting a new immigration law.
According to the Washington Examiner, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams voiced her strong disapproval of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's letter suggesting police could ignore her temporary restraining order against a statute criminalizing undocumented migrants' entry into Florida.
The controversial law, passed in February 2025, makes it a misdemeanor for undocumented immigrants to enter Florida while evading immigration officials. Judge Williams had previously issued a temporary restraining order to pause the enforcement of this law, citing constitutional concerns.
Judge Williams expressed her frustration during a court hearing, emphasizing the gravity of an attorney general appearing to undermine a federal court order. She announced plans to issue a preliminary injunction against the law and extended her temporary order by 11 days after learning about approximately 15 arrests, including one U.S. citizen.
Uthmeier's decisions have caused uncertainty among law enforcement. He first told officers to stop making arrests under the law but later changed course in a second memo. Even after the reversal, no further arrests have been made.
The judge responded to Uthmeier’s actions by saying he was offended by any suggestion that his order could be ignored or was not valid.
Acting Florida Solicitor General Jeffrey DeSousa attempted to defend Uthmeier's actions, arguing that the letter merely explained the defendants' legal position rather than encouraging disobedience. The defense also contended that the plaintiffs should have included other law enforcement agencies in their lawsuit.
The state's attorneys have requested a pause on the law's suspension, citing concerns about sovereign harm and ongoing illegal immigration. They submitted a motion arguing that individual plaintiffs continue to violate federal and state laws while organizational plaintiffs support such violations.
Judge Williams rejected the defense's argument, minimizing Uthmeier's influence over criminal enforcement efforts. She determined that evidence suggests the attorney general maintains significant control over state and local law enforcement agencies' immigration-related activities.
A court hearing has been scheduled for May 29 to discuss potential contempt sanctions against Attorney General Uthmeier. The judge ordered him to explain why he shouldn't face legal consequences for his controversial letter to law enforcement agencies.
Judge Williams emphasized her position through strong language:
Even prior to any formal discovery, there is evidence that AG Uthmeier has used his authority to encourage local law enforcement to continue making arrests under a law the Court has, for the time being, found unconstitutional.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier faces potential legal consequences after instructing local police to ignore a federal judge's order pausing the state's new immigration law. The dispute centers around a February 2025 statute making it a misdemeanor for undocumented migrants to enter Florida while evading immigration officials.
Judge Kathleen Williams has scheduled a May 29 hearing to determine whether contempt sanctions should be imposed while the state continues to argue for the law's necessity in addressing illegal immigration concerns.
A young Indonesian man's viral TikTok series documents his battle with a rare skin infection that developed after wearing second-hand clothing without washing them first.
According to the Daily Mail, TikToker @onenevertwhoo_one contracted molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection that manifests as clusters of small, raised bumps on the face and neck, after wearing pre-owned clothes directly from a thrift store.
The social media influencer has been sharing his journey with the disease since August 2024, showing followers the progression of symptoms through multiple videos. His experience serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of properly cleaning second-hand clothing before wear, as unwashed garments can harbor various pathogens from previous owners.
Dr. Primrose Freestone, a senior lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, emphasizes that second-hand clothes often contain numerous harmful organisms. She explains that these garments may carry bacteria, fungi, and viruses capable of causing various health issues ranging from minor skin irritations to more serious infections.
The expert advises that pre-owned fashion items should be thoroughly disinfected before wearing. This precautionary step helps eliminate potential pathogens that could lead to health complications.
Dr. Freestone provided specific guidance for cleaning second-hand clothing:
It's recommended that you wash newly purchased secondhand clothes with detergent at a temperature of around 60°C. This will not only clean any dirt from the clothes, but will also remove germs and inactivate pathogens. Cold water will not work as well to get rid of pathogens within clothing. So if a high-temperature wash isn't possible, then use a laundry disinfectant to kill any germs present.
The viral infection typically spreads through direct skin contact or contaminated objects. While it often resolves independently, the condition can persist anywhere from six months to two years, making prevention crucial.
Molluscum contagiosum affects approximately six million Americans annually, with children between ages one and fourteen comprising the majority of cases. The infection produces characteristic symptoms including raised, round, skin-colored bumps smaller than six millimeters in diameter.
Medical professionals recommend various treatment options, including topical medications such as potassium hydroxide, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tretinoin to accelerate recovery. These treatments can help manage symptoms and potentially reduce the duration of the infection.
Experts suggest keeping newly purchased second-hand clothes separate from regular laundry to prevent cross-contamination. This isolation practice helps contain any potential pathogens present in the pre-owned items.
A recommended cleaning method involves soaking second-hand clothing in hand-hot water with antibacterial laundry detergent for two to three hours. Following this initial soak, clothes should undergo a regular machine wash cycle.
The Indonesian TikToker's experience with molluscum contagiosum from unwashed thrift store clothing has sparked discussions about second-hand shopping safety. His viral videos document the progression of skin lesions, primarily affecting his face and neck areas, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of proper clothing hygiene.
Healthcare experts emphasize that while thrift shopping offers economic and environmental benefits, taking proper precautions with pre-owned clothing is essential for preventing the transmission of various infectious diseases. The incident underscores the need for awareness about potential health risks associated with wearing unwashed second-hand clothing and the importance of following recommended cleaning protocols.
In a significant setback to the Biden administration's energy conservation initiatives, the Senate has delivered a decisive blow to appliance regulations through a Republican-led resolution.
According to The Hill, the Senate voted 52-46 to pass a joint resolution that nullifies the Biden administration's Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards, impacting certification requirements, labeling mandates, and enforcement provisions for 20 different household and commercial products.
The resolution, which cleared the House in March, represents a notable victory for freshman Senator Jon Husted, who has positioned the measure as a direct response to what Republicans view as an excessive regulatory burden on manufacturers and consumers. The measure targets a wide range of appliances, including dishwashers, central air conditioners, and washing machines.
Husted, who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Vice President JD Vance of Ohio, achieved this significant legislative accomplishment just before his 100th day in the Senate. The timing of this victory adds particular weight to his early tenure in Congress. His rapid ascension to prominence within the Republican Party demonstrates the party's commitment to regulatory reform.
Husted has framed the resolution as a necessary step toward reducing bureaucratic obstacles for American manufacturers. The freshman senator's stance aligns with broader Republican criticism of Biden administration policies. This legislative achievement establishes Husted as an emerging voice in regulatory policy discussions.
Senator Husted explained his position:
It's important that my first bill to go to the president's desk eliminates regulations for American people instead of adding to them. The Biden era Department of Energy put additional testing components, labeling components for energy standards on all of these appliances. It doesn't provide any additional energy conservation outcomes but it's more reporting and compliance components, which I feel are just so unnecessary.
The resolution's passage marks a significant shift in appliance regulation policy. Industry stakeholders have long argued that such requirements create unnecessary costs without delivering meaningful environmental benefits. The move affects various sectors of the manufacturing industry, particularly those producing common household appliances.
The implications of this legislative action extend beyond immediate regulatory relief. Manufacturers may now face fewer compliance requirements, potentially leading to streamlined production processes. This could influence product development cycles and market availability of various appliances.
The resolution's supporters argue that removing these regulatory requirements will benefit consumers through potentially lower prices and increased product options. Critics, however, worry about the long-term environmental implications of reduced oversight.
The successful passage of this resolution represents a clear challenge to the Biden administration's regulatory approach. With both chambers of Congress now having approved the measure, attention turns to potential executive responses and implementation challenges.
Environmental advocates and industry representatives are closely watching the aftermath of this vote. The resolution's impact on energy conservation efforts and manufacturing practices will likely influence future policy discussions in this arena.
The bipartisan vote suggests a broader appetite for regulatory reform in Congress. Senator Husted's success in shepherding this resolution through the Senate, particularly as a freshman legislator, may set the stage for similar initiatives.
The Senate's 52-46 vote to nullify Biden's appliance regulations marks a significant shift in energy conservation policy. Freshman Senator Jon Husted's resolution, which targets certification requirements and labeling mandates for 20 household and commercial products, successfully passed both chambers of Congress. The measure aims to reduce the regulatory burden on manufacturers while potentially lowering costs for consumers, though its long-term environmental impact remains a subject of debate. The resolution's passage occurred during Husted's first 100 days in the Senate, following his appointment to fill Vice President JD Vance's vacant Ohio seat.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces mounting pressure following the sudden departure of his press secretary, John Ullyot.
According to the Kansas City Star, Ullyot's resignation came after disagreements with Hegseth over his role in the Department of Defense, marking another significant departure in a series of high-profile exits from the Pentagon.
The resignation follows controversy surrounding Ullyot's directive to remove military online content promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This decision sparked internal debates and added to growing tensions within the department's leadership structure. The timing of his departure coincides with an ongoing investigation into unauthorized leaks of national security information, which has resulted in three senior officials being placed on administrative leave.
The Defense Department's organizational structure continues to face significant changes as Joe Kasper, Hegseth's chief of staff, prepares to transition to a different agency role. This staffing shuffle adds to the growing list of departures that have occurred under Hegseth's leadership since early 2025.
Ullyot's extensive experience in government service, including roles as National Security Council spokesperson and assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs during the Trump administration, makes his departure particularly significant. His replacement, Afghanistan War veteran Sean Parnell, has already assumed the position of Pentagon's chief spokesperson.
The recent personnel changes appear to be part of a larger pattern of leadership turnover following the removal of several senior military officers earlier in the year. This restructuring has raised concerns about continuity and stability within the department.
Ullyot, in his departing statements, offered a stark assessment of the current state of affairs at the Pentagon. He shared the following critique:
I made clear to Secretary Hegseth before the inauguration that I was not interested in being number two to anyone in public affairs. Last month, as that time approached, the secretary and I talked and could not come to an agreement on another good fit for me at DOD. So I informed him today that I will be leaving at the end of this week.
The former press secretary's most pointed criticism came in his evaluation of the current leadership:
The building is in disarray under Hegseth's leadership. The dysfunction is now a major distraction for the president — who deserves better from his senior leadership. The last month has been a full-blown meltdown at the Pentagon — and it's becoming a real problem for the administration.
The ongoing personnel changes have created uncertainty about the department's ability to maintain effective operations. Observers note that the frequent turnover in key positions could impact the Pentagon's ability to address critical national security matters.
These developments occur against the backdrop of broader challenges facing the Defense Department, including the investigation into security leaks and the implementation of new policies. The situation has drawn increased scrutiny from both within and outside the administration.
The timing of these changes raises questions about their potential impact on military readiness and national security operations. Critics argue that the leadership vacuum could affect the department's ability to respond to emerging global challenges.
John Ullyot's resignation as Pentagon press secretary marks a critical moment in Pete Hegseth's tenure as Defense Secretary. The departure follows disagreements over departmental roles and controversial decisions regarding diversity initiatives in military communications.
With key positions now vacant and an ongoing investigation into security leaks, the Defense Department faces significant challenges in maintaining operational stability and effectiveness. As Hegseth's leadership comes under increasing scrutiny, questions emerge about his ability to retain his position and restore order to the Pentagon's upper echelons.
A public dispute erupted between two prominent House Republican leaders when Conference Chair Elise Stefanik openly contradicted Speaker Mike Johnson's statements about discussing her potential gubernatorial run.
According to Fox News, Stefanik publicly accused Johnson of making false claims about having conversations with her regarding the New York governor's race, creating a significant rift in House GOP leadership.
The conflict began when Johnson told reporters he was having "conversations" with both Stefanik and Rep. Mike Lawler about the upcoming New York gubernatorial election. Stefanik swiftly responded on social media platform X, formally Twitter, stating that no such discussions had taken place between her and the Speaker regarding the governor's race.
Johnson attempted to clarify his position after the public contradiction, describing Stefanik as "one of my closest friends" while acknowledging they hadn't specifically discussed her potential gubernatorial candidacy. The Speaker's spokesperson later referred to these follow-up remarks when asked for comment about the situation.
The clash comes at a particularly sensitive time for House Republican leadership, as Stefanik recently returned to her congressional duties full-time. She had previously stepped down from several important positions, including her role as House GOP Conference chair and committee assignments on intelligence and education panels.
This public disagreement highlights the delicate balance of power within House Republican leadership, especially given the chamber's narrow majority and the need for unity among party leaders.
When asked about potential conversations with both Stefanik and Lawler regarding their political futures, Johnson shared his thoughts at the press conference:
I love them both. They're two of my favorite people and most trusted colleagues. And, and they're both super talented, which is why they get talked about for doing other things… I mean, my preference is they all stay here with me, right. But I don't begrudge anybody for having other opportunities. And we ultimately support them in whatever they do.
The situation has become more complex due to Stefanik's recent career trajectory. She had been positioned to become President Trump's new UN ambassador but withdrew from consideration due to concerns about maintaining the House's slim Republican majority and the competitive nature of her New York district.
Despite the setback, Trump directed Johnson to find a new leadership role for Stefanik, resulting in her appointment as chair of House Republican leadership. However, shortly after this appointment, sources revealed her potential interest in running for New York governor.
The tension between Johnson and Stefanik represents more than just a simple miscommunication. It reflects the challenges facing House Republican leadership as they navigate internal politics while maintaining party unity.
The incident has drawn attention to the relationship between two key figures in House Republican leadership, potentially affecting their ability to work together effectively on crucial legislative matters.
This development comes as Republicans continue to work on various legislative priorities, including tax policy, with Stefanik noting her anticipated discussion about State and Local Taxes with New York members.
The public dispute between House Speaker Mike Johnson and Conference Chair Elise Stefanik has exposed apparent communication gaps within House Republican leadership. The controversy began when Johnson claimed to have had conversations with Stefanik about the New York governor's race, which she promptly denied. As this situation unfolds, questions remain about how this disagreement might affect their working relationship and the broader dynamics of House Republican leadership, particularly as they face crucial legislative challenges and maintain their narrow majority in the chamber.