US to Withdraw 5,000 Troops from Germany Amid NATO Tensions
The Pentagon announced on Friday that 5,000 US troops will be withdrawn from Germany over the next six to 12 months, following through on President Donald Trump's threats to reduce the US military presence in Europe. The move comes as tensions between the US and its NATO allies escalate over the war in Iran, with Trump criticizing Germany, Italy, and Spain for their lack of support in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
A senior Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that recent German rhetoric had been "inappropriate and unhelpful." Germany, which hosts approximately 35,000 active-duty US military personnel, is the largest US basing location in Europe and serves as a key training hub. The withdrawal is expected to be completed over the next year, though it remains unclear how much support Trump would have for a significant drawdown from Congress. Since the end of the Cold War, US bases in Europe have been vital forward-staging sites and logistical hubs for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran.
Video Shows Shooter Attempted to Storm White House Dinner
Federal prosecutors released security camera footage on Thursday showing the moment Cole Tomas Allen allegedly tried to storm the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in an attempt to kill President Trump. The top federal prosecutor in Washington DC, Jeanine Pirro, released the edited footage amid questions about whether Allen fired his weapon before being subdued.
Pentagon Plans AI-First Fighting Force
The Pentagon announced on Friday that it has reached agreements with seven leading AI companies, including SpaceX, OpenAI, Google, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services, to accelerate the transformation of the US military into an "AI-first fighting force." The agreements aim to maintain decision superiority across all domains of warfare.
Voting Rights Groups Sue to Block Louisiana Primary Suspension
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on Friday on behalf of Louisiana voting rights groups, asking a state court to block Governor Jeff Landry and Secretary of State Nancy Landry from suspending congressional elections.
Trump Tears Up EU Tariff Deal, Hikes Car Import Duties
President Trump announced he is tearing up part of the tariff deal struck with EU leaders last summer, increasing tariffs on cars and lorries imported from the EU from 15% to 25% starting next week. He criticized Brussels for taking too long to ratify the deal, blindsiding EU officials on a public holiday.
Cuban Immigrant Dies in Georgia Detention Center
A Cuban immigrant died inside an immigration detention center in Georgia earlier this week, according to a congressional notification sent on Friday and reviewed by the Guardian.
Lawmakers Say DoJ Rushed SPLC Indictment
A whistleblower told House Democrats that a Justice Department lawyer in Todd Blanche's office pressured prosecutors to file criminal charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center despite concerns about the strength of the case.
Other Developments
- CBS News: Veteran correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi expressed concern about "the spread of corporate meddling and editorial fear" and uncertainty about her job after pushing back on a directive to change her segment on Venezuelans sent to El Salvador's Cecot prison.
- California Democratic Party: The chair wants to eliminate the state's open primary system, calling it a failure that risks allowing a Republican to win the governorship in a blue state.
- CNN Panel: Pro-Trump commentator Scott Jennings swore at a fellow panelist on live TV after being pressed to name a concession from the Iran war.
- Bard College: President Leon Botstein is stepping down after an independent review found his interactions with Jeffrey Epstein could have facilitated Epstein's abuse.
- Spirit Airlines: The airline is preparing to cease operations after running out of cash and a Trump administration rescue attempt stalled.
