Tensions in the South China Sea are escalating as the United States reaffirms its military alliance with the Philippines. During a high-profile visit to the Pentagon, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with full honours, signalling a deepening of defence ties.
The US vowed to defend Philippine forces and assets in the Pacific, directly warning China against continued aggression in disputed waters. Marcos’ upcoming meeting with U.S President Donald Trump is expected to further solidify the alliance, with defense cooperation and tariffs on the agenda.
#SouthChinaSea #USPhilippinesAlliance #Marcos #ChinaWarning #PentagonVisit #MutualDefenseTreaty #IndoPacific #USChinaTensions #MarcosTrump #Geopolitics #WestPhilippineSea #ChinaAggression #DefenseNews
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The Pentagon is facing yet another high-profile departure as Justin Fulcher, a senior advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is set to step down after only six months on the job. Fulcher is now the sixth senior official to leave the department since Hegseth's controversial appointment, raising serious questions about the stability and leadership within one of the world's most powerful military institutions. The news, first reported by CBS News as a firing, was quickly disputed by the Pentagon, with spokesman Sean Parnell calling the claim "false" and unfair to Fulcher.
This wave of resignations comes amid a turbulent tenure for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He has been at the center of multiple scandals, most notably a major security breach involving a Signal chat group discussing sensitive military operations, such as strikes in Yemen. In an unprecedented move, Hegseth reportedly added an editor from The Atlantic to this top-secret chat, a scandal that sent shockwaves through the defense community.
Justin Fulcher himself was no stranger to conflict within the Pentagon's walls. He reportedly stormed out of a heated meeting with the Pentagon's DOGE team in April and later claimed the Pentagon Force Protection Agency was actively searching for him. This incident allegedly infuriated Hegseth, who then personally confronted DOGE team lead Yinon Weiss for targeting his advisor. Despite the drama, Fulcher's departure statement was diplomatic, calling his time working with the Pentagon's personnel "incredibly inspiring." This video breaks down the full story behind the chaos at the Pentagon.
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Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Defense Department’s cloud services were previously supported by China-based engineers, raising national security concerns. Microsoft admitted to using teams in China for technical assistance but assured that no China-based staff will be involved moving forward. ProPublica revealed that limited U.S. oversight left critical Pentagon systems vulnerable, with personnel lacking the expertise to manage them effectively. Amid growing tensions with Beijing, Microsoft has pledged stricter controls to secure DoD cloud services against potential foreign risks.
#Pentagon #Microsoft #China #CyberSecurity #Defense #NationalSecurity #DoD #CloudServices #TechNews #DataSecurity #MilitaryTech #PeteHegseth #FrankShaw #ProPublica #USChinaTensions #SecurityBreach #CyberThreats #DefenseCloud #MilitaryCloud #MicrosoftChina #TechControversy #USGovernment #CloudComputing #SupplyChainSecurity #Outsourcing #CyberRisk #WashingtonDC #ChinaUS #PentagonNews #MicrosoftUpdate #BreakingNews
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In a major shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a fresh $300 million military aid package to Ukraine, reportedly including rare Patriot surface-to-air missiles and medium-range rockets. The decision follows a brief and controversial Pentagon pause ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a known skeptic of increased aid to Kiev.
Trump’s move marks the first use of his Presidential Drawdown Authority, allowing emergency arms transfers directly from U.S. stockpiles. While the Pentagon claimed the pause was a limited stockpile review, it had caused concern among European allies and Ukrainian officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that most weapons shipments were never stopped. Trump, who has reopened ceasefire talks with Russia, acknowledged the high cost of Patriot systems but said Ukraine still needs them. The Kremlin has warned the continued weapons flow contradicts peace efforts and further complicates diplomacy.
#TrumpUkraineAid #PatriotMissiles #UkraineWeapons #TrumpVsPentagon #KremlinWarning #MarcoRubio #PresidentialDrawdown #UkraineWar #USMilitaryAid #PentagonPause #UkraineCrisis #TrumpRussiaTalks #PutinOnUSAid #UkraineConflict #CeasefireEfforts #NATOTensions #RussiaUkraine #USArmsShipment #HighCostWeapons #UkraineMissileDefense
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In a dramatic turnaround, the Trump administration has resumed shipping weapons to Ukraine after a brief but controversial pause ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The move had caught even White House officials off guard and temporarily halted deliveries of key systems including Patriot missiles, GMLRS rockets, and 155 mm Howitzer rounds. Trump claimed no knowledge of the pause, stating he hadn’t given the order. Pentagon officials say the review was part of a broader stockpile assessment.
But amid growing pressure from both allies and U.S. lawmakers, shipments resumed quietly—now including precision-guided rockets and artillery shells. Trump cited Russia’s rising brutality and President Putin’s conduct as reasons for restoring deliveries. The weapons—especially the 155 mm rounds—are critical in Ukraine’s defense. With the largest drone attack yet launched by Russia, Trump’s decision underscores the escalating urgency of the war. Over $67 billion in U.S. military aid has been sent since 2022.
#TrumpUkraineAid #UkraineWar #WeaponsToUkraine #PentagonPause #PatriotMissiles #GMLRS #TrumpHegseth #UkraineRussiaWar #MilitaryAid #UkraineDefense #TrumpVsPentagon #ArtilleryToUkraine #HowitzerRounds #PutinWarCrimes #WhiteHouseConflict #UkraineCrisis #USUkraineSupport #PrecisionWeapons #AbruptPolicyShift #TrumpReversesPause
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UK Defence Secretary John Healey has issued a stark warning to China, declaring that Britain may consider military action if Beijing invades Taiwan. In a show of force, the UK is deploying the HMS Prince of Wales, F-35B jets, and Royal Marines to the Indo-Pacific. The move is part of a wider deterrence strategy as China intensifies activity near Taiwan. Healey emphasized cooperation with allies like Australia, signaling that the UK intends to uphold peace through strength in the region.
#UKChinaTensions #TaiwanCrisis #HMSPrinceOfWales #IndoPacificSecurity #SouthChinaSea #RoyalNavy #UKMilitary #ChinaTaiwanConflict #F35B #UKDefence #Geopolitics #JohnHealey #ChinaWarning #TaiwanStrait #MilitaryPosturing #GlobalSecurity #UKAustraliaAlliance #OneChinaPolicy #TaiwanDefense #BreakingNews #AsiaPacificCrisis
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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump were deep in conversation before the North Atlantic Council plenary meeting during the Nato Summit at the Hague, Netherlands.
Sir Keir Starmer entered Wednesday’s meeting alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The prime minister was accompanied by Defence Secretary John Healey, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Mr Healey hails the UK's committment to buy a fleet of new fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapon. John Healey attends the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands. Among other matters, members are to approve a new defence investment plan that raises target for defense spending to 5% of GDP. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The UK's nuclear weapons centre in Berkshire is set to be expanded, the defence secretary has said. John Healey visited the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) at Aldermaston to mark its 75th anniversary, saying the site is providing security for "generations to come".
Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has strongly criticized the Centre's silence regarding US President Donald Trump's 25% tariff imposition on Indian exports. Ramesh.. IndiaTimes
President Donald Trump has unveiled plans for a massive $200 million addition to the White House — a 90,000-square-foot state ballroom off the East Wing. This ambitious project, reportedly funded by Trump and private donors, would be one of the largest renovations to the historic building in decades. While Trump calls it a legacy-defining move, critics raise questions about feasibility, costs, and potential conflicts of interest. What does this mean for the future of the White House and American history? Watch as we break down the bold plan and the reactions it’s stirring.
#Trump #WhiteHouse #Ballroom #Renovation #Politics #Legacy #Controversy #WhiteHouseExpansion #TrumpLegacy #USPolitics #BreakingNews
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President Donald Trump has officially brought back the original Presidential Fitness Test for American public schools. The test, which includes pull-ups, push-ups, a one-mile run, a shuttle run, and flexibility drills, was discontinued in 2012 by President Obama in favor of a less intense health-focused program. Now, over a decade later, Trump says it's time to "make America fit again" — but not everyone agrees.
Is this a return to discipline — or outdated physical pressure for kids? We break it all down.
#Trump #PresidentialFitnessTest #SchoolFitness #GymClass #EducationPolicy #Obama #ExecutiveOrder #Politics #BreakingNews #FitnessTest #MakeAmericaFitAgain #USSchools
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Donald Trump’s approval ratings have hit a second-term low across major polls. Reuters/Ipsos shows just 40% support, while Gallup reports 37%. Even traditionally favorable outlets like Fox News show net disapproval. Swing states such as Florida, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin report negative ratings, with Trump underwater in 13 of 31 states he won in 2024. Key issues include dissatisfaction over his tariff policies and handling of the Epstein case. Voters give him mixed marks on the economy and immigration.
#TrumpApproval #2025Polls #DisapprovalSurge #SwingStatesShift #TrumpUnderwater #ElectionWatch #GOPWoes #TariffBacklash #EpsteinControversy #MidtermMomentum #PollTrends #PoliticalTurbulence #TrumpRatings #PublicOpinion #PresidentialApproval #RedStateBlues #TrumpVsVoters #SecondTermStruggles #TrumpControversies #USPolitics #GallupPoll #FoxNewsPoll #ReutersIpsos #SwingStateWatch #BreakingPolls #VoterBacklash
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Hollywood actor Brian Cox has told Sky News that Donald Trump is talking "bollocks" after suggesting there should be 50 or 75 years between Scottish independence.. Sky News
A 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison at a summer camp, which led to eight children being taken to hospital as a precaution. Leicestershire Police have put up a cordon in Canal Lane, Stathern, Leicestershire, where children became unwell at a summer camp. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
There has been widespread disruption at UK airports after an air traffic control glitch. Aviation analytics company Cirium said 84 departures and 71 arrivals were cancelled up to 10pm on Wednesday. National Air Traffic Services (Nats) say the glitch was caused by a radar-related issue and that "there is no evidence that this was cyber related." Heathrow and Gatwick airports say they’ve now resumed normal operations. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The business secretary has unveiled plans to crack down on late payments to ease the burden on small businesses. Jonathan Reynolds said the small business commissioner is to be given powers to fine large companies which continue to pay their suppliers late. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Keir Starmer has announced plans to stabilise business rates and allow easier access to loans in a bid to support small businesses. In a speech delivered in Wiltshire on Thursday, the prime minister said 38 businesses are forced to shut every day due to late payments, costing the economy "ÂŁ11bn per year". Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The government are cracking down on late payments by cutting red tape for small businesses. Discussing the plans, Business Minister Gareth Thomas said: "We are determined to crack down on late payments. It costs ÂŁ11bn to the UK economy every year. Potentially very significant fines if companies continue to make payments later in the day."
Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn