President Trump orders strikes on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, emphasizing military protection for U.S. interests. He warns Iran about its support for the Houthis. Additionally, he announces cuts to certain federal agencies and critiques news outlets. Select political and legal challenges involving Trump and his administration are also discussed, including a lawsuit against Rep. Mace and Pentagon restructuring.
President Trump authorized strikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, stating that these operations would persist until the Houthis cease their assaults on shipping routes. The president described the military actions aimed at targeting terrorist bases and defenses as critical to ensure navigational freedom and protect American assets. He emphasized that no terrorist group would hinder the free passage of commercial and naval vessels globally.
Trump also issued a warning to Iran regarding its support for the Houthis, declaring that it would be held accountable for the group’s actions. Furthermore, in a recent executive order, he proposed substantial cuts to federal agencies, including the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America and Radio Free Asia, as part of a broader reduction of government functions.
In a notable incident, Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled South Africa’s Ambassador to the U.S., Emrahim Rasool, as persona non grata, citing his critical remarks about Trump and the U.S. political climate. Rasool had linked Trump’s actions to a rise in white supremacist sentiments, highlighting demographic shifts in the U.S. electorate that suggest a looming majority of minority voters.
In legal news, Rep. Nancy Mace faces a defamation lawsuit related to accusations of sexual abuse she made during a recent speech on the House floor. Meanwhile, the Senate passed legislation to prevent a government shutdown despite objections from most Democrats, demonstrating significant bipartisan support.
Trump publicly criticized news organizations that he alleges consistently report negatively about him, branding them as corrupt and illegal. He called for action against these outlets, claiming they act as political operatives rather than ethical journalists.
Vice President JD Vance indicated that a high-level agreement concerning TikTok is imminent, one that would assure national security while creating a distinctly American TikTok enterprise. He emphasized the urgency of finalizing these agreements by early April.
At the Justice Department, Trump delivered a speech that blurred traditional lines of separation between politics and federal law enforcement. He condemned previous DOJ leadership and encouraged investigations into his political adversaries, asserting that his victories provided a mandate for thorough investigation into Democrats. Furthermore, he praised a judge for dismissing his classified documents case, while also criticizing opposing lawyers.
In a separate administrative move, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the closure of the Pentagon’s Office of Net Assessment, which advised military leaders on future conflicts, indicating a major reshaping of military planning operations under his leadership. This was framed within a broader restructuring aimed at reallocating personnel to critical missions.
The article highlights significant developments regarding U.S. military action in Yemen against Houthi rebels, changes in federal agency structure, tensions in U.S.-South Africa relations, ongoing political and legal conflicts involving Trump, and adjustments in military planning at the Pentagon. These events underscore the intersection of military, political, and media landscapes within the current administration, revealing challenges and controversies surrounding leadership and accountability.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
