Donald Trump has escalated tensions with key NATO allies, threatening to withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain after criticizing Germany for not contributing naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, the US president stated he would consider pulling troops from bases in both countries due to their unwillingness to support his military actions against Iran.
Trump's Criticism of NATO Allies
The threat follows Trump's earlier criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whom he accused of allowing America to be "humiliated" by Iran. Trump has repeatedly urged NATO members to send their navies to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open, a vital commercial shipping lane. When asked about Spain and Italy, Trump replied, "Yeah, probably. Why shouldn't I? Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible."
Congressional Reactions
Meanwhile, a senior Democrat in the Senate grilled US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Thursday, accusing him of providing Trump with an inaccurate picture of the war on Iran. The lawmaker claimed Hegseth resorted to "dangerously exaggerated" statements to create a false narrative of a US military triumph.
White House Dinner Attack Footage Released
Federal prosecutors released security camera footage on Thursday showing the moment Cole Tomas Allen allegedly attempted to storm the White House Correspondents' Association dinner last week in an alleged assassination attempt on Trump. The video, posted by top federal prosecutor Jeanine Pirro, appears to show Allen casing the hotel the night before and shooting a Secret Service agent while rushing through a metal detector checkpoint. Allen agreed to remain in custody as his federal criminal case proceeds.
60 Minutes Journalist Speaks Out
Veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi expressed concern about "the spread of corporate meddling and editorial fear" at CBS News after she pushed back on a directive to alter a December segment about Venezuelans sent to El Salvador's Cecot prison. Alfonsi received the Ridenhour prize for courage at the National Press Club, acknowledging uncertainty about her job: "Thank you for this award. I didn't know that the theme was hope. My hope recently has been that I still have a job."
Other News Highlights
- Voting Rights: Advocates for majority-minority districts across the US south are regrouping after a Supreme Court ruling weakened the Voting Rights Act.
- Oscar Statuette Stolen: The Oscar belonging to Pavel Talankin, star and co-director of the documentary Mr Nobody Against Putin, disappeared at New York's JFK airport.
- FIFA Re-election: Gianni Infantino confirmed his intention to stand for a third full term as FIFA president after a failed handshake attempt between Palestinian and Israeli delegates.
Press Freedom at 25-Year Low
Press freedom worldwide has reached its lowest level in a generation, according to the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. The average score for 180 countries was the lowest in the index's 25-year history. Trump's attacks on the press were described as a "systematic policy," pushing the US down to 64th place.
Culture: The Devil Wears Prada 2
The sequel to The Devil Wears Prada reflects a struggling media industry, with Runway magazine collapsing and Miranda Priestly eating in the cafeteria. The film captures millennial anxieties about job insecurity and the cost of raising children.
White House Dinner Dress Controversy
Jennifer Rauchet, wife of Pete Hegseth, sparked partisan debate by wearing a dress resembling a $42 Shein gown to the White House correspondents' dinner, highlighting attitudes toward fast fashion.
Climate: Hope and Science
At a landmark climate meeting in Santa Marta, Colombia, nearly 60 countries discussed ending fossil fuel use. Delegates described the atmosphere as "euphoric," marking a shift in mood from often frustrating UN climate summits.
Shark Chase Caught on Video
Ron Takeda and Tavis Boise were foil boarding off Santa Barbara when a massive shark chased them. Footage shows Boise shouting "Don't fall!" as they narrowly escaped.
