Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth embarks on a diplomatic journey to strengthen U.S.-Panama relations through military cooperation and regional security discussions.
According to Breitbart, Hegseth's two-day visit to Panama City starting Monday will focus on the 2025 Central American Security Conference and meetings with American troops stationed in the region.
The conference, co-hosted by the United States and Panama, aims to enhance regional defense capabilities through joint operations and cybersecurity initiatives.
U.S. Southern Command has organized extensive military training exercises involving 50 U.S. Marines, along with sailors and soldiers who will work alongside Panamanian service members from the National Aeronaval Service.
President Donald Trump has recently intensified efforts to secure better terms for U.S. access to the Panama Canal. The strategic waterway, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has become a focal point of American foreign policy. Trump's administration has expressed concerns about potential Chinese influence over the canal's operations.
A significant development occurred on March 4 when Hong Kong-based CK Hutchinson Holding agreed to sell its controlling stake in canal port operations. The sale transferred control to a consortium including BlackRock, Inc., effectively placing the ports under American management. This transaction impacts 43 ports across 23 countries, including crucial facilities at both ends of the Panama Canal.
During his Joint Address to Congress in March, Trump outlined his vision for the canal's future. He emphasized the historical American investment in the waterway's construction and criticized the previous transfer agreement.
The ongoing military exercises showcase a comprehensive approach to regional cooperation. American forces will conduct specialized training in naval infantry skills, including marksmanship, land navigation, and jungle warfare tactics. The deployment includes four F-18 Hornets, a C-130 Hercules, a P-8 Poseidon, two Navy vessels, and a Coast Guard cutter.
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell highlighted the significance of these bilateral meetings. The discussions aim to reinforce partnerships with Panama and other Central American nations. The ultimate goal remains achieving a secure Western Hemisphere through collaborative efforts.
The U.S. military presence in Panama has maintained continuity through various training exercises and exchanges. Special operations forces from both nations have recently participated in joint training programs, strengthening their operational capabilities.
Trump stated during his congressional address:
To further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal, and we've already started doing it. Just today, a large American company announced they are buying both ports around the Panama Canal and lots of other things having to do with the Panama Canal and a couple of other canals. The Panama Canal was built by Americans for Americans, not for others, but others could use it. But it was built at tremendous cost of American blood and treasure.
The strategic importance of the Panama Canal extends beyond military considerations. Trump has criticized the current transit fee structure, describing it as "exorbitant." The administration's focus on securing better terms reflects broader efforts to protect American interests in the region.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to Panama marks a crucial step in strengthening U.S.-Central American security cooperation. The two-day diplomatic mission centers on the 2025 Central American Security Conference and military training exercises involving U.S. and Panamanian forces. These activities align with President Trump's broader strategy of asserting American influence over the Panama Canal, particularly following the recent acquisition of port operations by a U.S.-led consortium.
A veteran journalist's revelations about the Democratic Party's leadership decisions in 2024 have sparked renewed discussions about party dynamics.
According to The Daily Caller, journalist Mark Halperin disclosed on Fox News why Democrats found themselves unable to field alternatives to Joe Biden or Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential race.
The complicated situation emerged after Biden's poor debate performance against President Trump led to his withdrawal from the race. This decision came amid mounting pressure from Democratic politicians and a significant decrease in campaign funding, culminating in his departure on July 21.
Both Biden and former President Barack Obama reached a crucial agreement regarding Harris's electoral prospects. This consensus played a vital role in shaping the party's strategy during the critical pre-election period.
Halperin revealed during his appearance on "Special Report with Bret Baier" that despite concerns about Biden's cognitive abilities, a more complex dynamic was at play. The situation extended beyond simple observations about Biden's mental state.
Key Democratic leaders, including Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, harbored serious doubts about both candidates' ability to secure victory against Trump. This created a challenging predicament for party leadership.
Top Biden aides had explicitly cautioned donors against replacing him with Harris. Their aggressive communication strategy highlighted what they perceived as Harris's significant limitations as a candidate.
The timing of these warnings proved critical as Biden's campaign faced mounting challenges. His team continued to assert his capability to win the general election, pointing to his previous victory over Trump in 2020.
Biden's withdrawal decision followed a substantial decline in campaign funding. The financial struggles coincided with increasing pressure from influential Democratic figures seeking his replacement.
The absence of alternative candidates willing to enter the race late in the process effectively secured Harris's position as the nominee. This occurred despite reservations from party leadership about her electoral viability.
The evolving situation created what Halperin described as a "horrible dilemma" for the Democratic Party. Each day that passed without Biden's withdrawal strengthened Harris's grip on the nomination, as potential challengers became increasingly hesitant to launch last-minute campaigns.
Obama's subsequent distancing from the party operations added another layer of complexity to the situation. This development left the Democratic Party struggling to maintain unity and direction during a crucial electoral period.
The Democratic Party's predicament stemmed from a combination of Biden's debate performance against Trump, internal party dynamics, and the absence of viable alternative candidates. These factors collectively led to Harris becoming the party's standard-bearer despite widespread concerns about her electoral prospects. The situation highlighted significant challenges within the Democratic Party leadership structures and decision-making processes. Party officials found themselves navigating between maintaining unity and addressing serious concerns about their presidential candidates' viability.
In a powerful 1996 speech on the House floor, Rep. Nancy Pelosi called for caution in granting trade advantages to China.
Decades later, her predictions appeared prescient as studies revealed the harsh impact on American manufacturing and job numbers stemming from free trade policies with China, as Breitbart reports, with some suggesting her current stance against Trump policies smacks of hypocrisy as a result.
In the mid-1990s, the U.S. Congress debated whether to continue offering Most Favored Nation (MFN) trade status to China. During this period, Pelosi voiced her strong opposition, arguing that such a status harmed the economic interests of the United States. The growing trade deficit, which had ballooned from $3.5 billion after the Tiananmen Square crackdown to $34 billion by 1996, was a focal point of her argument.
Pelosi pointed out the disparity in tariffs, highlighting that China's 35% average MFN rate on U.S. goods was vastly higher than the U.S.'s 2% rate on imports from China. She noted that only a small fraction of American exports were permitted into Chinese markets, while Chinese products faced few barriers in the U.S. These trade imbalances, she argued, resulted in a significant loss of American jobs.
In her speech, Pelosi estimated that trade with China supported just 170,000 U.S. jobs compared to at least 10 million jobs in China. She criticized the policy as benefiting a regime she accused of human rights abuses and maintained it was harmful to American workers. Pelosi urged her colleagues to reconsider the arrangements, suggesting, "How much more repression, how big a trade deficit and loss of jobs...before members of this House...say, ‘I will not endorse the status quo?'"
Pelosi's concerns would find validation in subsequent years. A 2018 report by the Economic Policy Institute highlighted the consequences of the U.S.-China trade relationship, noting the country lost 3.4 million jobs from 2001 to 2017 due to the trade deficit with China. The manufacturing sector bore the brunt, losing over 2.5 million jobs during this period. States like California, Texas, and New York saw significant job losses.
Further examination by the U.S. International Trade Commission in 2022 shed light on the wider societal impact of trade policies. It concluded that such policies fueled offshoring, wage suppression, and devastated local communities and support industries. The fallout included increased mental health issues and other societal challenges in regions heavily dependent on manufacturing.
Beaver County, Pennsylvania, offered a poignant example of this economic upheaval. Plant closures there led to a series of business failures in the surrounding area, severing the economic lifeline for local families. Across the country, communities like those in Lansing, Michigan, and Lordstown, Ohio, were similarly affected by the shutdown of General Motors plants.
The Cooper Tire situation in Finley, Ohio, illustrated a broader challenge. Unfair competition from Chinese manufacturers put jobs at risk, leading to unstable work schedules and economic uncertainty. In northeast Ohio, once represented by Tim Ryan, roughly 25,000 manufacturing jobs vanished, and the area faced a staggering rise in drug-related deaths.
Formerly vibrant cities such as Youngstown, Ohio, suffered greatly, losing population and witnessing extensive neighborhood decay. Observers noted a vicious cycle of decline, exacerbated by former manufacturing workers moving away. Pelosi’s arguments in the ’90s echoed through these tales of economic distress.
In more recent times, Pelosi also leveled criticism at Trump over his proposed reciprocal tariffs, which she described as a catastrophe for the economy and families across America. She pointed to these as an ineffective strategy, labeling them as one of the largest proposed tax increases on American citizens.
The 2018 and 2022 reports underscored how trade policies contributed to widespread job losses. Local businesses, particularly those relying on affected workers, faced closures, and broader economic inactivity spread through the supply chains. A retired steelworker further argued these downturns also jeopardized pensions, affecting workers' long-term financial security.
Reflecting Pelosi's earlier warnings, union representatives and industry veterans observed how loopholes in trade policies often were leveraged by foreign countries to the detriment of U.S. workers. Communities that once thrived on industrial growth now faced adverse socioeconomic conditions, echoing Pelosi's 1996 concerns.
The conflict between the U.S. and Houthi rebels in Yemen has intensified following the downing of a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, heightening existing hostilities.
This incident marks the third drone downed by the Houthis since March 3 amid persistent U.S. airstrikes and fresh sanctions targeting rebel financial networks, as Fox News reports.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed to Fox News that the Houthis successfully targeted an additional U.S. drone, highlighting an escalation in their aerial defense capabilities. The shooting down of this high-cost asset, valued at approximately $30 million, underscores persistent tensions in the region.
This recent incident brings the total number of U.S. drones shot down by the Houthis to thirteen since October 2023, with some accounts suggesting the true number could be as high as seventeen. The MQ-9 Reaper, primarily utilized for intelligence gathering, is also capable of carrying significant payloads, including laser-guided missiles, necessitating sophisticated tactics to counter such threats.
Beginning shortly after the first drone was shot down, the U.S. initiated a campaign of daily airstrikes, which has now continued for 20 days. Despite ongoing military activities, both the Pentagon and the Defense Department have offered limited public updates during this period.
The sustained engagement stems partly from broader geopolitical maneuvers, including the Trump administration's latest sanctions against networks supplying the Houthis. The sanctions were introduced amid allegations of weapons smuggling operations that bolster the rebels' ability to counter U.S. assets.
The State Department has continued its financial offensive against the Houthis by targeting individuals and organizations facilitating illicit funding. This tactical move aims to undermine the rebels' economic capabilities and disrupt their operational infrastructure.
These sanctions emerged in the aftermath of the early March incident involving the downing of an initial MQ-9 Reaper drone. Accusations pointing to illicit arms transfer networks accentuated international concerns over escalating tension in this volatile region.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz spoke on the strategic motivations behind the airstrikes during an appearance on CBS' Face the Nation. He pointed out the wide-ranging implications that such actions have on global trade routes and their relation to U.S. national defense.
Waltz emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to maintaining the open operation of strategic sea lanes. He compared the situation to the threat posed by groups such as al Qaeda and ISIS, noting the advanced weaponry provided to the Houthis by external actors, notably Iran. "Keeping the sea lanes open, keeping trade and commerce open, is a fundamental aspect of our national security," Waltz remarked. His statements underscore the critical importance placed by the U.S. on ensuring unfettered access to key maritime transport pathways.
With the U.S. avoiding direct engagement with Tehran-backed Houthis, operation transparency remains low, with tight-lipped updates emerging sporadically from official channels. This strategic ambiguity complicates public understanding of the on-ground situation and prospective developments.
The MQ-9 Reaper drones represent a core component in the U.S.'s intelligence and defense strategy, equipped with state-of-the-art reconnaissance and offensive capabilities. As of December 2024, official counts indicated the presence of 230 units within the U.S. military's arsenal. These drones are tasked with a variety of mission-critical roles -- from surveillance endeavors to targeted strike operations -- across various theaters. Their deployment requires effective coordination across military branches to maximize operational efficacy and safety.
The increasing incidents involving drone shootdowns, however, prompt critical questions regarding the future trajectory of U.S. military strategy in Yemen. The ongoing situation continues to challenge U.S. defense policy development, efficacy in drone technology application, and broader international relations considerations.
President Donald Trump's administration has made sweeping changes to the National Security Agency's top positions with the dismissal of its director and reassignment of its civilian deputy.
According to Fox News, Gen. Timothy Haugh, who served as both NSA Director and U.S. Cyber Command commander, was fired from both positions, while civilian Deputy Director Wendy Noble has been reassigned to a different role within the Defense Department.
The dramatic leadership changes occurred amid heightened cybersecurity concerns following recent Chinese cyber attacks. No official explanation has been provided for the sudden dismissals, which have sparked immediate reactions from key intelligence committee members in Congress.
Senator Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed serious concerns about the timing of Haugh's removal. He emphasized the general's three decades of distinguished military service and questioned the wisdom of removing a cyber security leader during a period of increased threats from foreign actors.
Rep. Jim Himes, who serves as the ranking member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, offered a stark assessment of the situation. He highlighted Haugh's reputation for honest leadership and commitment to national security.
House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Himes stated:
I have known General Haugh to be an honest and forthright leader who followed the law and put national security first—I fear those are precisely the qualities that could lead to his firing in this Administration.
The dismissals come amid allegations regarding the influence of far-right activist Laura Loomer on national security staffing decisions. These claims have added another layer of complexity to an already contentious situation.
Warner directly addressed these concerns in his statement, suggesting that the president might be taking staffing guidance from what he termed a "discredited conspiracy theorist." The senator also criticized the timing of the dismissals, particularly in light of recent security breaches within the administration.
Trump has publicly denied Loomer's involvement in any national security personnel decisions. However, the coinciding dismissal of several National Security Council employees on the same day has fueled speculation about the connection.
The leadership changes occur at a crucial moment for U.S. cybersecurity efforts. The recent Salt Typhoon cyberattack from China has highlighted the ongoing threats facing American digital infrastructure.
Warner drew attention to this timing in his statement, questioning how removing experienced leadership during such a sensitive period could enhance American security. He particularly noted the contrast between Haugh's dismissal and the administration's response to recent security breaches.
Noble's reassignment to the office of the undersecretary of defense for intelligence represents a significant shift in the agency's civilian leadership structure. The move has raised questions about continuity in the NSA's operations and decision-making processes.
President Trump's decision to remove Gen. Timothy Haugh from his dual roles as NSA Director and U.S. Cyber Command commander, along with the reassignment of Deputy Director Wendy Noble, marks a significant shift in America's cybersecurity leadership. The changes occurred amid increasing cyber threats from foreign actors, particularly following the Salt Typhoon attack from China. As the administration moves forward with these changes, questions remain about the future direction of America's cyber defense strategy and the impact on ongoing security operations.
A robust deportation initiative underscores the second term of President Donald Trump.
Breitbart reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has conducted over 100,000 deportations since President Donald Trump assumed office in January 2025, marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement.
The Department of Homeland Security source revealed to the New York Post that ICE officials have made 113,000 arrests alongside the deportations, showcasing an aggressive implementation of Trump's immigration policies. The surge in deportations reflects Trump's campaign promises to address illegal immigration, which he immediately acted upon by declaring an emergency at the nation's border on his first day in office.
The administration's deportation campaign has rapidly gained momentum, with ICE reaching maximum detention capacity within the first three months. Officials are now seeking additional congressional funding to expand detention facilities after recording 32,000 arrests in the initial 50 days of implementation.
Recent polling data from Pew Research Center indicates substantial public support for deportation measures. The survey revealed that 32 percent of Americans favor deporting all illegal aliens, while 51 percent support partial deportation policies.
The majority of deportees are believed to be sent to Mexico, though specific details about the detainees' criminal records, case status, and nationalities remain unclear. ICE officials emphasize that these actions align with voter expectations and campaign promises.
The administration has escalated its efforts by invoking the Alien Enemies Act to deport illegal alien gang members, particularly targeting the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs, which have been designated as terrorist organizations. An ICE source told the New York Post: "He's doing what he was voted in to do. Point blank!"
However, these efforts face legal challenges as left-wing groups secured a temporary restraining order from Judge James Boasberg, halting the administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act for gang member deportations. The appellate court's decision to uphold this order has prompted the administration to seek intervention from the Supreme Court.
The Trump administration has filed an emergency request with the Supreme Court, seeking both an immediate administrative stay and the complete vacation of Boasberg's order. This legal battle represents a crucial test of presidential authority in immigration enforcement.
The administration has particularly emphasized deporting individuals with serious criminal records, including those convicted of child rape and murder. El Salvador has become a primary destination for these deportations, with the country's mega-prison receiving multiple flights of deportees.
ICE's expanded operations demonstrate a marked shift from previous policies, with the agency utilizing all available resources to maximize deportation efforts. The administration's approach reflects a broader strategy to address illegal immigration and public safety concerns.
This intensified enforcement has created increased pressure on detention facilities, leading to requests for additional resources and infrastructure to support the ongoing operations. The administration maintains that these measures are essential for national security and public safety.
The Trump administration's aggressive deportation campaign has resulted in over 100,000 removals since January 2025, marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement policies. These actions stem from campaign promises to address illegal immigration and strengthen border security, which Trump immediately prioritized upon taking office. As ICE continues its operations with public support indicated by recent polls, the administration faces both logistical challenges in detention capacity and legal hurdles in implementing its deportation strategies.
A search and rescue operation in Lithuania took a tragic turn as military officials scrambled to locate missing American soldiers in a training exercise gone wrong.
According to Just The News, three U.S. soldiers were discovered deceased after their armored vehicle was engulfed by a peat bog during a training mission in Lithuania, while one service member remains unaccounted for.
Military authorities confirmed the discovery on Monday following days of uncertainty and conflicting reports about the soldiers' fate. The incident occurred when their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle became submerged while attempting to repair and retrieve an immobilized tactical vehicle during exercises in the Baltic nation.
The announcement came after a series of contradictory statements from NATO officials regarding the soldiers' status. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte prematurely declared the soldiers' deaths during his visit to Warsaw last week, despite lacking complete information about the situation.
Acting NATO spokesperson Allison Hart subsequently issued a correction, stating that search efforts were still ongoing at that time. The conflicting messages highlighted communication challenges within the alliance during crisis situations.
The military has maintained strict privacy protocols, withholding the identities of the affected service members pending proper notification of their families.
The discovery of the submerged vehicle in the peat bog presented unique challenges for recovery teams. Peat bogs, known for their unstable nature and ability to preserve materials for extended periods, complicated the extraction efforts.
Search operations continue for the fourth missing soldier, with specialized equipment and personnel deployed to navigate the treacherous terrain. The military has not disclosed specific details about the ongoing search methodology.
The incident has raised questions about safety protocols during training exercises in unfamiliar environmental conditions.
The soldiers were conducting routine maintenance operations when the tragedy occurred. Their mission involved recovering and repairing tactical vehicles, a common practice during NATO training exercises in the Baltic region.
The M88A2 Hercules, designed for heavy vehicle recovery operations, proved vulnerable to the unique characteristics of the peat bog environment. This incident may prompt reviews of equipment deployment protocols in similar terrain.
The loss of three U.S. service members in Lithuania during a training exercise marks one of the most significant non-combat military casualties in recent years. The incident began when their armored recovery vehicle became trapped in a peat bog while conducting vehicle maintenance operations.
As search efforts continue for the fourth missing soldier, military authorities maintain their commitment to understanding the full scope of the incident and preventing similar tragedies in future training exercises. The combination of challenging terrain and complex recovery operations highlights the risks service members face even during routine training missions in foreign territories.
A former Hamas captive who endured sexual assault during her time in Gaza will receive recognition for her bravery and advocacy work.
According to Times of Israel, Amit Soussana, an Israeli attorney and survivor of the October 7 attacks, has been selected to receive the U.S. State Department's International Woman of Courage Award, which will be presented by First Lady Melania Trump at an upcoming ceremony.
Soussana's selection for this prestigious honor comes after her tireless efforts advocating for hostages still held by Hamas. Since her release, she has traveled globally to raise awareness about the plight of captives, sharing her personal experiences of trauma and survival to shed light on the conditions faced by those who remain in captivity.
Following her liberation from Hamas captivity, Soussana demonstrated remarkable resilience by becoming a powerful voice for those still held hostage.
Her legal background, including an LLB from Sapir College and membership in the Israel Bar Association since 2014, has equipped her with unique capabilities to advocate effectively. Her professional experience spans nearly a decade at Luzzatto & Luzzatto, where she specialized in intellectual property law and managed international patent registrations.
Soussana has broken significant barriers by openly discussing the sexual assault she experienced during captivity. Her courage in sharing these traumatic experiences has helped illuminate the severity of conditions faced by hostages. Her testimony has become a crucial element in understanding the full scope of hostage treatment under Hamas control.
In response to receiving the award, Soussana stated:
I accept this award on behalf of the women who fought in the war, and on behalf of the women who suffered in captivity — who found strength in one another in order to survive the unimaginable.
The State Department's decision to honor Soussana reflects the international community's acknowledgment of the October 7 attacks' lasting impact.
Their official announcement emphasized the significance of her advocacy work, particularly in raising awareness about the conditions faced by remaining hostages. The recognition comes at a crucial time when international attention on the hostage crisis remains vital.
The award presentation ceremony will serve as a platform to amplify Soussana's message and maintain focus on the ongoing hostage situation. Her selection alongside seven other women worldwide underscores the global significance of her advocacy work. The ceremony will provide an opportunity to highlight the continued plight of those still held captive.
The State Department's commendation specifically noted:
Amit Soussana uses her voice to courageously advocate for survivors by using her own lived example to describe the trauma she suffered as a hostage of the October 7th attack in Israel. Ms. Soussana has raised awareness of the conditions faced by the women, men, girls, and boys who remain hostages of Hamas.
Former captive Amit Soussana, whose experience has become emblematic of the broader hostage crisis following the October 7 attacks, will receive the International Woman of Courage Award from First Lady Melania Trump. Her selection acknowledges both her personal ordeal and her subsequent dedication to advocating for those still in captivity.
This recognition brings renewed attention to the ongoing situation of hostages held by Hamas, while highlighting the importance of survivor advocacy in maintaining international focus on the crisis. The award ceremony will serve as a platform to amplify these crucial messages and maintain pressure for the release of remaining captives.