Social Media

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is facing a difficult balancing act as tensions grow between Europe and U.S. President Donald Trump. While she has worked hard to maintain strong ties with Trump and his allies, including billionaire Elon Musk, her efforts to bridge the trans-Atlantic divide are proving increasingly difficult. Meloni was hesitant to join a recent video call with European leaders discussing the potential deployment of peacekeeping troops to Ukraine—an idea she strongly opposes. When she eventually dialed in, she made her position clear, criticizing leaders from France and the U.K. for strategizing without involving the United States. "It’s simply counterproductive to antagonize the United States," Meloni reportedly told them. "We cannot replace American support." She instead proposed a trans-Atlantic summit on Ukraine, but many European leaders are determined to move forward without waiting for Washington’s approval. Meloni has positioned herself as a key figure in maintaining ties between Europe and Trump, as uncertainty over America’s commitment to European security grows. While Trump has alarmed European leaders with threats of trade tariffs and by pressuring Ukraine to make concessions to Russia, many countries are beginning to discuss reducing their reliance on the U.S. for defense—an idea that Meloni strongly opposes. Despite her close relationship with Trump and Musk, Meloni has yet to see tangible benefits from her alignment with them. Trump has made sweeping threats against European trade, declaring, "The European Union was formed in order to screw the United States. That’s the purpose of it." Meloni has urged the European Union not to retaliate against potential tariffs, warning Italian lawmakers that a trade war could harm ordinary citizens. "I am not sure it is necessarily wise to respond to tariffs with tariffs," she said. "Italy’s efforts should focus on finding common sense solutions between the United States and Europe." Meloni, who leads one of Italy’s most stable governments in recent history, is in a better position than many of her European counterparts to engage with Trump. Her strong stance against immigration and "gender ideology" has made her a political ally of the former U.S. president, who has called her a "fantastic woman." She was also the only European head of government to attend his inauguration and has developed a personal friendship with Musk. This connection has yielded some results. During a dinner at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in January, Meloni secured Trump’s support for a prisoner-exchange deal that led to the release of an Italian journalist held in Iran. However, her influence over Trump’s broader foreign policy remains limited. In a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference last month, Meloni urged continued U.S. support for Ukraine, calling it a nation where "a proud people fight for their freedom against a brutal aggression." Her appeal was met with silence. Weeks later, Trump publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, briefly cut off military aid, and signaled a possible shift in U.S. alignment toward Russia, triggering panic among European leaders. As Washington’s support for Ukraine becomes less certain, European leaders are scrambling to bolster their own military capabilities. Meloni, a staunch defender of the Western alliance, now faces the real possibility that a second Trump administration could turn its back on Europe. Her insistence that European leaders should remain aligned with the U.S. is beginning to isolate her. "Washington has no desire to build a bridge with the European Union—and no one in Europe asked Meloni to play that role," said Teresa Coratella, an analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Meloni recently proposed extending NATO’s mutual defense guarantee to Ukraine, despite the country not being a member. Trump has so far dismissed calls for U.S. security guarantees for Kyiv. At the same time, she has backed a major European plan to increase military spending but has cautioned against moves that might drive the U.S. further away. Nicola Procaccini, a senior member of Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party in the European Parliament, warned, "One thing is doing our part by investing in military spending, as we rightly should. But it’s a fallacy to think that we can do without the United States, that there can be a European defense outside NATO." At a recent EU summit, Meloni sought to include a statement praising Trump’s efforts to broker peace in Ukraine. Other European leaders rejected the idea, wary of Trump’s unpredictable negotiations with Putin and concerned that he might prioritize repairing U.S.-Russia relations at Ukraine’s expense. Another test of Italy’s approach will be whether Meloni signs a long-term deal with Musk’s SpaceX to provide Starlink satellite communications for Italian embassies and military missions. While the Italian government views Starlink as a cutting-edge solution, there is growing debate within Meloni’s administration about the risks of relying on Musk, who has made controversial remarks about Ukraine’s military dependence on Starlink. His statement that Ukraine’s defenses would "collapse" without Starlink was widely interpreted as a veiled threat, sparking concerns in Rome. In response, Italy has begun exploring alternatives, including the French-owned satellite company Eutelsat. As the divide between the U.S. and Europe continues to grow, Meloni’s efforts to maintain strong trans-Atlantic ties are facing serious obstacles. With Trump’s influence reshaping global alliances, Italy’s leader finds herself in a difficult position—one where both Europe and the U.S. may be moving in directions beyond her control. Based on a report by WSJ 2025-03-22

US President Donald Trump couldn’t resist taking a jab at his predecessor, Joe Biden, during a recent interview where he revealed one ability the current president has that he simply cannot match. During a conversation with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham on The Ingraham Angle, the 78-year-old Trump was asked about his sleeping habits. Ingraham pointed out that he doesn’t seem to get much sleep and inquired about what he does when he wakes up in the middle of the night. "When you can't fall asleep, you wake up in the middle of the night, how do you go back to sleep?" she asked. Trump responded by highlighting what he humorously called “the only thing I totally admired about Sleepy Joe Biden.” "He'd go to a beach, he'd lay down on a cot, barely able to get his feet through the sand, he'd lay down, and within minutes he's sleeping," Trump said, shaking his head in disbelief. "I could never do that." The president has long mocked Biden with the nickname “Sleepy Joe,” and despite Biden no longer holding office, Trump continues to target him. "I would never be able to sleep like that," Trump added, emphasizing that this was the one thing about Biden that he found “wonderful.” However, the compliment didn’t last long, as Trump quickly pivoted back to his usual criticism, calling Biden a “disaster.” Reflecting on his own sleep habits, Trump admitted that he simply doesn’t sleep much. "A lot of people that love what they're doing don't sleep much, I find. And so far it's been OK," he remarked. During his first term, Trump’s White House physician, Dr. Ronny Jackson, reported that he functioned on just four to five hours of sleep per night. His late-night and early-morning activity on social media has long been a topic of discussion. While Trump enjoys golfing in his free time, Biden frequently vacationed at Rehoboth Beach during his presidency. Cameras often captured him relaxing on the sand with his family, a sight Trump has repeatedly mocked. This isn’t the first time Trump has ridiculed Biden for his beach getaways. During a campaign rally in Iowa last year, Trump took aim at Biden’s beach appearances, even making a bold claim about their physical fitness. "He spends so much time at the beach," Trump told the crowd. "How do you do that? And you know, I have a much better body than him, but I'm not really sure that I want to expose it." Even with Biden out of the political spotlight, it seems Trump has no plans to let up on his long-running rivalry. Based on a report by The Daily Mail 2025-03-22

No appetite for change inside the ultimate private members’ club as Thomas Bach will be succeeded by his preferred candidate at end of 12-year Lausanne reign In a closely watched election that unfolded in southern Greece, Kirsty Coventry emerged victorious over Sebastian Coe, securing the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a result that many saw as a win for continuity rather than reform. While the election of Coventry—the first female president of the IOC—is being hailed as a historic milestone for gender equality in sports leadership, the reality behind the scenes suggests otherwise. This was, in many ways, a confirmation of outgoing president Thomas Bach’s enduring influence, ensuring that his preferred successor would take over when his 12-year reign in Lausanne officially ends. Sports Correspondent asks IOC President Kirsty Coventry whether the sports body will comply with Donald Trump's stance that trans women should be banned from women's sport at the Olympics. Despite publicly insisting that he had no favored candidate, the 71-year-old Bach’s support for Coventry was an open secret. The election, which some anticipated would be a drawn-out affair, concluded within minutes, with the official announcement taking slightly longer—more akin to an Oscars-style awards ceremony than a contentious leadership race. For Lord Coe, the outcome was a significant setback, though not an unexpected one. As the reformist candidate in a seven-person contest, his vision for modernization never gained the traction he had hoped for. His defeat became all but inevitable when Bach, who was also named honorary life president, delivered an emotional farewell speech that underscored the organization’s reluctance to embrace change. Of the 97 IOC members eligible to vote, Coventry secured 49 votes, surpassing the minimum majority needed. Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. followed with 28, while Coe trailed far behind with only eight. Many within the IOC found the prospect of electing Samaranch—son of a former IOC president with ties to China and Spain’s Franco-era politics—unpalatable, making Coventry’s path to victory all the more straightforward. Coe, ever the sportsman, accepted his defeat with grace. He acknowledged his disappointment but emphasized the importance of having an athlete at the helm of the Olympic movement. Yet the election results underscored a harsh reality: the most qualified or reformist candidate does not always win. "The machine has won on this occasion," remarked one well-placed observer, pointing out that nearly three-quarters of the IOC’s voting membership was appointed during Bach’s tenure. Some, like Japan’s Morinari Watanabe, fought hard for their visions of change—his proposal of an Olympics spanning five continents, with 24-hour rolling TV coverage, was met with skepticism, earning him only three additional votes (assuming he voted for himself). Meanwhile, Coe had assembled a robust campaign team, but it was ultimately no match for Coventry’s seemingly effortless victory. Despite lacking a high-profile PR operation, she secured the presidency with little more than a modest manifesto written alongside her husband and a single PR aide, who was absent from the proceedings due to prior commitments. Reports suggest that Bach and his allies actively lobbied for Coventry deep into the election process. While he denied mentoring her directly, it was clear that she was the candidate he trusted to preserve the status quo. His remarks following the election contained a subtle rebuke to Coe and other critics of the IOC’s secretive voting process. “There is a good democratic rule: when you don’t win an election, you don’t blame the voters and you don’t blame the procedure,” Bach said, reinforcing the idea that the organization had no appetite for structural reform. As Coventry took the stage for her first press conference as president-elect, she was immediately questioned about her political ties to Zimbabwe. Her acceptance of a $100,000 cash reward from Robert Mugabe in 2008 after winning her second Olympic gold had long been a point of controversy. However, more significant concerns center on her role as Zimbabwe’s minister of sport and youth in a government led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa—nicknamed “The Crocodile” for his ruthless leadership—who remains under sanctions from the UK and the US. International human rights groups have condemned Mnangagwa’s administration for its repression of journalists and political opponents. The UK government has called on Zimbabwe’s leaders to uphold democratic principles and human rights. Critics argue that Coventry’s involvement in such a regime raises ethical questions about her suitability to lead the IOC. Addressing these concerns, Coventry defended her position, stating, “In terms of my country, I chose to try to create change from the inside. It gets criticized, and that’s OK. But I don’t think it’s right to scream from the sidelines. You have to be at the table.” While her remarks are unlikely to quell skepticism about her political affiliations, they reflect her belief in working within existing structures rather than challenging them outright—an approach that may have resonated with IOC members seeking stability over transformation. She also fielded questions about how she would handle geopolitical tensions, particularly with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon and the potential return of Donald Trump to the US presidency. “I’ve dealt with difficult men in high positions since I was 20 years old,” she said. “Communication is key. But my firm belief is that President Trump is a big fan of sports, and he will want these Games to be significant.” For Coe, the defeat marked the end of what may have been the toughest race of his career. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “You can only do what is in front of you. What I tried to do was really understand what the challenges were, articulate them, and then it was up to the membership.” Some observers in Greece quipped that Coventry’s victory was the biggest win for her namesake since the 1987 FA Cup final. But for many, this was no joking matter. It was a missed opportunity for meaningful reform, a testament to Bach’s enduring influence, and a moment that cemented the IOC’s resistance to change even as its leadership shifts. Based on a report by The Times 2025-03-22

TOPIC UPDATE: Columbia caves to Trump’s demands after $400M threat over campus antisemitism, will institute mask ban and more oversight Columbia University has caved to the demands of the Trump administration to restore $400 million in federal funding that was yanked over antisemitism on campus, according to a report Friday. The Morningside Heights university — which had become the epicenter of violent anti-Israel protests — agreed to implement a mask ban and put new leadership in charge of reviewing curriculum for its Middle East, South Asian and African Studies department and Center for Palestine Studies, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing a memo to the administration. The school will also empower 36 campus cops to arrest students. The Trump administration yanked roughly $400 million in grants and contracts from the elite school back on March 7 over its failure to stamp out antisemitism on its campus. The threats only escalated last week when the administration released a list of nine demands that Trump officials called a “precondition” for receiving any future federal cash. “Universities must comply with all federal antidiscrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding. For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus. Today, we demonstrate to Columbia and other universities that we will not tolerate their appalling inaction any longer.” Based on a report by NYP 2025-03-22

Russell Brand recently fell for a bizarre hoax suggesting that British actress Penelope Keith was responsible for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The comedian and actor shared a now-deleted post on X, quoting what he believed to be an FBI document from the latest release of classified JFK files. The fake document stated: “We are sure, without uncertainty, that the assassination of President Kennedy was NOT carried out by Mr. Lee Harvey Oswald or any member of any organized crime syndicate.” The document then made the shocking claim that “The lone shooter in Dallas, Texas on 22 November 1963 was Miss Penelope Keith, star of the BBC television program The Good Life.” Brand swiftly deleted the post, but not before social media users had a field day with the absurdity of the claim. One user commented, “This is perhaps the funniest thing in the history of the internet.” Another joked, “She killed him with that withering look she was known for, right across the pond. Deadly!” While conspiracy theories surrounding JFK’s assassination have persisted for over six decades, the official narrative has always pointed to Lee Harvey Oswald as the lone shooter. This was reaffirmed when the Trump administration released thousands of classified documents on Tuesday, none of which suggested an alternative culprit. Penelope Keith, now 84, is best known for her roles in classic British sitcoms such as The Good Life and To The Manor Born. She was made a dame in 2014 for her contributions to drama and charity work. She has yet to comment on the hoax that unexpectedly thrust her into the realm of American conspiracy theories. Brand, however, did not stop at sharing misinformation about Keith. In another post that remains on X, he shared a separate document allegedly showing a letter from John F. Kennedy Jr. to President Joe Biden, accusing Biden of being a “traitor.” Brand wrote, “WAIT!! Did JFK Jr. warn us that Joe Biden was a traitor to America before he was killed!?” However, this document was not part of the FBI’s newly released JFK files but originated from an entirely different FBI investigation into death threats against Biden. This latest controversy comes amid legal troubles for Brand. In February, he was sued in the U.K. over allegations of sexual abuse, following a similar lawsuit in the U.S. late last year. He has denied all accusations against him. Based on a report by The Daily Beast 2025-03-22

After spending more than two years detained in Afghanistan, American airline mechanic George Glezmann has finally been released by the Taliban. Glezmann, who was taken into custody in December 2022 while visiting the country as a tourist, landed in Qatar on Thursday evening before continuing his journey back to the United States. "President Trump — amazing. Thank God he's in the White House where he's at and thank God he got me out." His release was confirmed following a meeting in Kabul between the Taliban government’s foreign minister and a US delegation led by Adam Boehler, the US hostage envoy. Also present was Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US envoy to Kabul. This marked the highest-level direct talks between the two governments since President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. The Taliban’s foreign ministry stated that Glezmann’s release was granted "on humanitarian grounds" and as "a goodwill gesture." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the outcome, calling it "a positive and constructive step." Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, official contact between the two governments has typically taken place outside Afghanistan. However, Qatar played a crucial role in facilitating the negotiations that secured Glezmann’s freedom. Afghanistan’s foreign ministry emphasized in a statement on X that the agreement demonstrated the country’s willingness to engage "all sides, particularly the United States of America, on the basis of mutual respect and interests." Glezmann, a 65-year-old mechanic for Delta Air Lines, is now on his way to being reunited with his wife, Aleksandra. Rubio expressed gratitude to Qatar for its "instrumental" role in ensuring his safe return. Photographs taken at Kabul airport show Glezmann before his departure, accompanied by Boehler, Khalilzad, and Qatari officials. While in captivity, he was able to maintain only "periodic and limited telephone contact" with his wife, according to the James Foley Foundation, which tracks cases of Americans detained overseas. His return marks a rare instance of direct diplomatic success between the US and the Taliban, offering a glimpse of potential future engagements despite the complex relationship between the two governments. Based on a report by BBC | X 2025-03-22

TOPIC UPDATE: Heathrow resumes some flights and hopes to run full operation tomorrow The first flights are landing at Heathrow after a fire at a nearby electrical substation shut down Europe's busiest airport for most of the day Heathrow says it is prioritising customers diverted to European airports, and warns people not to travel to the airport unless advised by their airline The airport hopes to run a full service on Saturday - chief executive Thomas Woldbye apologises to passengers, calling the incident "as big as it gets for our airport" Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, but the Met Police says there's currently no indication of foul play A source from the airport says back-up generators kicked in, but they weren't enough to power the whole airport - an air industry boss says it raises "serious questions" Read more BBC LIVE Report 2025-03-22

Please remain on topic which is specific to the comprehensive and broad report in the OP if you do not want you're post removed. @newbee2022 any more trolling posts and you will also be removed

A baiting troll post has been removed @beautifulthailand99 if you can't discuss the subject without trolling then you will be removed next.

@Jeff the Chef the report and link are already in the OP, the full report needs to be read not your attempts to discredit it and deflect from the facts contained. 3 posts already removed, make it a fourth and you will be next.

Off topic posts removed along with a post deflecting the topic by attacking the crediblity of the report. New UK Parliament Report: Unveiling the Horrors of 7 October A Truth That Cannot Be Denied

@MalcolmB enough of your trolling on this topic, two of your posts removed already

A post making false claims about Putin instructing Trump to withdraw from the Iran Nuclear treaty to destabilize NATO has been removed. @cjinchiangrai "Topics or posts deemed to be scaremongering, deliberately misleading or which deliberately distort information will be removed. In factual areas such as news forums and current affairs topics member content that is claimed or portrayed as a fact should be supported by a link to a relevant reputable source."

//Closed// The topic is already running here. Trump Moves to Dismantle Department of Education Having Signed Executive Order

A stark new report warns that climate change is spiraling out of control, with many of its effects now deemed irreversible. In 2024, records were shattered for greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures, and sea level rise, marking an alarming acceleration in the planet’s warming trajectory. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), last year was officially the hottest in the 175-year record and the first time the Earth's average surface temperature surpassed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This threshold was set under the Paris Agreement as a critical limit, yet the consequences of breaching it, even temporarily, could be felt for centuries, if not millennia. The WMO's report highlights cascading effects on the planet’s climate system, including the rapid retreat of glaciers and ice sheets, intensified extreme weather events, and rising ocean temperatures. Although a warming El Niño event contributed to 2024’s extreme heat, scientists confirm that greenhouse gas emissions were the primary driver. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere reached an unprecedented 3.276 trillion tonnes—the highest in over 800,000 years. The concentration of CO2 hit 420 parts per million (ppm) in 2024, an increase of 2.3 ppm from 2022 and 151% above pre-industrial levels. “The latest planetary health check tells us that Earth is profoundly ill. Many of the vital signs are sounding alarms,” said Professor Stephen Belcher, chief scientist at the UK Met Office. Surface temperatures continued their upward trajectory, with 2024’s global mean surface temperature measuring 1.55°C above the pre-industrial average. While this figure is higher than the 1.5°C threshold set in the Paris Agreement, the agreement remains technically intact, as its warming limits are based on long-term averages rather than single-year data. The WMO estimates that the long-term warming trend now stands at 1.34–1.41°C above pre-industrial levels. The world’s oceans, which absorb 90% of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases, reached their highest temperatures in recorded history in 2024. The rate of ocean warming has also surged dramatically, with data showing that from 2005 to 2024, the pace of ocean warming more than doubled compared to the period between 1960 and 2005. Even in the most optimistic low-emissions scenarios, ocean temperatures are projected to continue rising for the rest of the century. Since CO2 lingers in the atmosphere for generations, the effects of today's emissions will be felt for centuries. “The data for 2024 show that our oceans continued to warm, and sea levels continued to rise,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. “The frozen parts of Earth’s surface, known as the cryosphere, are melting at an alarming rate: glaciers continue to retreat, and Antarctic sea ice reached its second-lowest extent ever recorded.” Both the maximum and minimum sea-ice extents in Antarctica in 2024 ranked as the second lowest since records began in 1979. This marks the third consecutive year that the minimum daily sea-ice extent has fallen below two million square kilometers. In the Arctic, the minimum sea-ice extent of 4.28 million square kilometers was the seventh lowest on record. Glacier loss is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. Over the past three years, the world has experienced the largest three-year loss in glacier size, with particularly severe shrinkage observed in Norway, Sweden, Svalbard, and the Andes. Earth's glaciers are now melting so quickly that they contribute 273 billion tonnes of ice into the ocean each year. Since 2000, this has raised global sea levels by 1.8 cm, making glacier melt the second biggest contributor to rising oceans. Sea level rise is now at its highest point since satellite records began in 1993. The rate of increase is also accelerating, with the annual rise from 2015 to 2024 doubling that of the period from 1993 to 2002, increasing from 2.1 mm per year to 4.7 mm per year. Extreme weather events intensified globally in 2024, displacing more people than in any of the previous 16 years. “Meanwhile, extreme weather continues to have devastating consequences around the world,” Saulo warned. As a warmer climate holds more moisture and energy, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. Some regions are experiencing rapid swings between extreme wet and dry conditions, a phenomenon scientists call “climate whiplash.” In the United States, Hurricanes Helene and Milton both made landfall on Florida’s west coast in October as major hurricanes, causing tens of billions of dollars in damages. Hurricane Helene alone was responsible for over 200 deaths due to extreme rainfall and flooding—the deadliest mainland U.S. hurricane since Katrina in 2005. Despite the dire findings, scientists insist that the worst impacts of climate change can still be mitigated. “We are making progress but need to go further and need to go faster,” Saulo stressed. She pointed out that only half of all countries worldwide have adequate early warning systems, a gap that must be addressed urgently. UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while the planet is sounding ever more urgent distress signals, action is still possible. “Our planet is issuing more distress signals—but this report shows that limiting long-term global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is still possible,” Guterres said. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-03-21

The Treasury Department has appointed two IRS whistleblowers to examine alleged political interference in the investigation into Hunter Biden’s tax practices. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Tuesday that Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, both former IRS investigators who claimed the original inquiry was compromised, will serve as senior advisers at the department. Shapley and Ziegler’s new roles will focus on uncovering any misconduct within the IRS related to the case. “We’ll learn what’s been going on at the IRS, what’s been wrong, how could this Hunter Biden nonsense have happened. And we’re going to make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone again, whether they’re Republicans, Democrats or independents,” Bessent said during an appearance on Fox Business. He emphasized that they would have a year to investigate the issues surrounding the IRS’s handling of the matter. In addition to their investigative duties, Bessent stated that the two would contribute to broader IRS reforms. “They will help further the agency’s focus on collections, modernization, and customer service, so we can deliver a more effective and efficient IRS experience for hardworking American taxpayers,” he said in a separate statement. Senator Chuck Grassley, a senior Republican from Iowa and a longtime advocate for whistleblowers, welcomed the decision. He had previously urged Bessent to appoint Shapley and Ziegler to leadership roles within the IRS. “If we reinstate whistleblowers who have been retaliated against, it will send a clear signal that pointing out wrongdoing is an honorable thing to do,” Grassley said. Shapley and Ziegler have consistently argued that political pressure played a role in shielding Hunter Biden from more serious consequences in the tax probe. Their testimony before Congress, as well as public statements, have suggested that the Justice Department interfered in the yearslong investigation. Hunter Biden ultimately pleaded guilty last year in California to several federal tax offenses, after an earlier plea agreement collapsed. His father, former President Joe Biden, issued a pardon for his son late last year, just before leaving office. Shapley, Ziegler, and their congressional supporters have also claimed that the IRS retaliated against them for speaking out. Their new positions within the Treasury Department mark a significant shift, as they will now have the opportunity to scrutinize the very agency they accused of wrongdoing. Based on a report by Politico 2025-03-21

House Republicans are increasingly setting their sights on federal judges for impeachment, primarily targeting those who have issued rulings unfavorable to the Trump administration. This move marks a significant departure from historical precedent, as impeachment has traditionally been reserved for judges accused of gross personal misconduct, financial corruption, or other severe criminal offenses. Former President Donald Trump has actively encouraged the effort, calling for judicial impeachments, though some Republican lawmakers remain hesitant. U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts weighed in on Tuesday, issuing a rare statement to push back against the movement. "For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision," Roberts stated. "The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose." House Republicans have introduced or threatened impeachment articles against more than six federal district court judges who have ruled against Trump in various cases. While Republican leaders in the House have not dismissed the idea of moving forward with impeachment votes, their narrow two-seat majority—along with some Republican lawmakers' reluctance—makes such votes difficult to pass. Removing any of these judges would require all Senate Republicans and at least 14 Democrats to vote for conviction, a nearly impossible hurdle. Among the judges being targeted is Chief Judge James Boasberg of the District of Columbia, who angered Trump by ordering a plane deporting about 250 alleged Venezuelan gang members to turn around as he reviewed the administration's application of the Alien Enemies Act of 1789. Trump lashed out on Truth Social, saying, "This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!" In response, Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) introduced articles of impeachment the same day, with backing from five Republican co-sponsors. Judge Paul Engelmayer of the Southern District of New York also faces impeachment threats after ruling last month to block the Department of Justice from accessing Department of Treasury records containing sensitive personal data. Reps. Derrick Van Orden (R-Ariz.) and Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) introduced impeachment articles against Engelmayer, with Crane's measure garnering support from seven Republican co-sponsors. Judge John Bates of the District of Columbia drew the ire of Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) after ordering the Trump administration to restore health agency websites that had been shut down under an executive order targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Ogles introduced impeachment articles, accusing Bates of promoting "socially divisive and destructive LGBTQI+ content" and claiming his conduct was "so utterly lacking in intellectual honesty and basic integrity that he is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors." Judge Amir Ali, also of the District of Columbia, ruled that Trump did not have "unbounded power" to withhold foreign aid appropriated by Congress and ordered the administration to resume frozen aid payments. Ogles introduced impeachment articles against Ali, denouncing the ruling as "arbitrary and capricious" and echoing similar claims of lacking integrity. Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of the District of Rhode Island has been targeted for impeachment after blocking an Office of Management and Budget order that temporarily froze all federal grants, loans, and financial assistance programs. Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) recently announced his intention to introduce impeachment articles against McConnell. Judge Adam Abelson of the District of Maryland is also facing scrutiny after issuing a ruling last month blocking Trump's executive order to eliminate all federal funding for DEI-related programs. Eli Crane hinted at impeaching Abelson in a post on X, an idea that gained traction after receiving support from Trump confidante Elon Musk. Finally, Judge Theodore Chuang, also of the District of Maryland, is under fire for ruling that the Trump administration likely violated the Constitution by shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development. Ogles, in a post on X, simply wrote: "Impeach him!" Despite the mounting pressure from Trump allies, the likelihood of these impeachment efforts succeeding remains low. With strong institutional resistance from the judicial branch and a divided Congress, removing federal judges over policy disagreements faces significant legal and political obstacles. Based on a report by AXIOS 2025-03-21

The NHS and police forces in the UK have been urged to collect data on biological sex rather than solely relying on self-declared gender identity, following an independent review commissioned under Rishi Sunak’s leadership. Currently, many public bodies record only an individual’s gender identity, meaning biological men who identify as women are officially listed as female. Critics argue that this practice undermines research into women’s issues and hinders the ability to identify trends in rape cases, medical studies, and gender pay disparities. The review has concluded that public bodies must not conflate sex and gender identity in their data collection. However, the government has not yet confirmed whether it will implement these recommendations. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has previously altered his stance on gender issues, stating in 2023 that “99.9 per cent of women haven’t got a penis” before later acknowledging “the biology” of “men having penises and women having vaginas.” Professor Alice Sullivan from the Social Research Institute at University College London, who led the review, emphasized that public bodies should record individuals' biological sex and, where applicable, separately note their gender identity. She warned that the increasing tendency to treat gender identity as interchangeable with sex has made public records unstable, posing risks to individuals, especially minors. The report highlighted an urgent need for the NHS to stop assigning new identification numbers based on self-declared gender identity, as this could lead to patients being invited to incorrect medical screenings. It also called on the Home Secretary to mandate all 43 police forces in England and Wales, along with the British Transport Police, to record sex rather than gender identity. Professor Sullivan argued that those possessing a Gender Recognition Certificate should be recorded according to their biological sex rather than their legal sex. She also recommended that official forms should avoid the phrase “sex assigned at birth,” stating that sex is determined at conception. Speaking to The Telegraph, Professor Sullivan described the conflation of sex and gender identity across public bodies as “systematic.” She said, “There seems to be a legal fiction that public bodies cannot collect data on sex. This report should show them that they can collect data on sex.” The report follows previous concerns about the recording of gender identity in official statistics. In 2021, the Office for National Statistics had to revise its data after a flawed wording in the census led to an overestimation of the number of transgender individuals in the UK. Professor Sullivan’s findings indicated that administrative and survey data in the health and justice sectors have become unreliable due to shifting definitions of gender over the past decade. She explained, “In some cases, the loss of data on sex poses risks to individuals. This is particularly apparent within health and social care. The risks are especially high in the case of minors.” She also found that organizations were frequently merging data on sex and gender identity. For example, rape crisis centres in Scotland used a data management system allowing multiple gender options for both victims and perpetrators, including male, female, intersex, genderqueer, and other categories. The report urged a clear distinction between biological sex and gender identity, recommending that the term “gender” be avoided altogether due to its multiple interpretations. Professor Sullivan explained that while some use it as a synonym for biological sex, others see it as referring to personal identity. Furthermore, the report emphasized that government departments should foster open discussions on sex and gender rather than silencing those with gender-critical views who emphasize the importance of biological sex. Explaining why people with a Gender Recognition Certificate should still be categorized based on their biological sex, she stated, “Sex as a biological category is constant across time and across jurisdictions, whereas the concept of ‘legal sex’ subject to a GRC may be subject to change in the future and varies across jurisdictions. Using natal sex future-proofs data collection against any such change, ensuring consistency.” The review, commissioned by former Conservative science secretary Michelle Donelan, was quietly published on the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s website. Maya Forstater, chief executive of women’s rights charity Sex Matters, described the review’s conclusions as “devastatingly clear” in outlining the damage caused by the mismanagement of sex data. She said, “This review is devastatingly clear about the harms caused by carelessness with sex data and a decade-long failure of the civil service to maintain impartiality and uphold data standards.” She argued that the loss of reliable sex data has caused real harm, impacting individuals and research while undermining the integrity of policy-making. “The destruction of data about sex has caused real harm to individuals and research and undermined the integrity of policy-making. The problems are everywhere, from NHS records that do not record biological sex to police forces that record male sex offenders as women. Conflating sex and gender identity is not a harmless act of kindness but a damaging dereliction of duty,” she said. Forstater further criticized bureaucrats for allowing data standards to deteriorate, attributing the situation to officials seeking recognition from advocacy groups like Stonewall. “These corrupted data standards have been set by bureaucrats insulated from the impact of their decisions, and competing for Stonewall awards,” she said. She concluded that the government should act quickly to adopt the review’s recommendations. “The Government should swiftly implement the recommendations of the Sullivan Review in order to restore administrative integrity in every place the state collects data on the sex of its citizens.” Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-03-21

U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly set a two-month deadline for Iran to reach a new nuclear agreement, according to a U.S. official and two sources briefed on the matter. The ultimatum was included in a letter sent to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, raising the stakes for potential diplomatic talks or military action. It remains unclear whether the two-month deadline began when the letter was delivered or if it will start once negotiations commence. However, if Iran rejects Trump’s proposal and refuses to negotiate, the risk of U.S. or Israeli military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities will significantly increase. Iran’s nuclear program has advanced considerably over the past four years, making it closer than ever to producing a nuclear weapon. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possesses enough 60% enriched uranium to build six nuclear bombs if further enriched to 90%. Iran, however, denies that it is pursuing nuclear weapons. Two weeks ago, Trump disclosed in an interview with Fox News' Maria Bartiromo that he had sent a letter to Khamenei offering direct negotiations. The following day, he warned that the U.S. was "down to the final moments" regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “We can't let them have a nuclear weapon. Something is going to happen very soon. I would rather have a peace deal than the other option, but the other option will solve the problem,” he stated. The letter was delivered recently by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff to the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed Bin Zayed (MBZ), in a meeting in Abu Dhabi. The next day, MBZ’s envoy Anwar Gargash traveled to Tehran and handed the letter to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Sources familiar with the letter described it as “tough.” While it proposed negotiations for a new nuclear agreement, it also included warnings about potential consequences if Iran rejected the offer and continued its nuclear program. Trump emphasized that he did not want open-ended negotiations and explicitly stated a two-month period for reaching a deal, according to two sources. Before delivering the letter, the White House briefed key U.S. allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, on its contents. Neither the White House nor the Iranian mission to the United Nations has commented on the matter. Last week, Khamenei dismissed Trump’s letter and proposal as “a deception” designed to create the impression that Iran was unwilling to negotiate. While he stated he was against talks with the U.S., the Iranian mission to the UN later released a statement that did not entirely rule out discussions. “If the objective of negotiations is to address concerns vis-à-vis any potential militarization of Iran’s nuclear program, such discussions may be subject to consideration,” the statement read. However, the Iranian mission made it clear that if the talks were aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear program to claim a diplomatic victory over the Obama-era nuclear deal, “such negotiations will never take place.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry recently told reporters that Trump’s letter is still under review and that a response is being prepared. Meanwhile, tensions in the region continue to escalate. Trump warned on Monday that the U.S. would hold Iran responsible for any further attacks by the Houthis in Yemen, threatening “dire consequences.” Iran has denied controlling the Houthis. On Wednesday, Trump claimed on Truth Social that there were reports of Iran reducing its military support for the Houthis but added that they were “still sending large levels of supplies.” He reiterated his demand for Iran to cease aiding the Houthis. Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, reinforced the administration’s stance, stating that Iran must “hand over and give up” all aspects of its nuclear program, including missiles, weaponization, and uranium enrichment, or face “a whole series of other consequences.” Waltz emphasized that Iran had been offered a diplomatic solution but warned that failure to comply could have severe repercussions. Based on a report by AXIOS 2025-03-21

A jury in North Dakota has ruled against Greenpeace, holding the environmental organization liable for defamation and other allegations tied to its opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline. The verdict, delivered on Wednesday by a nine-member jury, found Greenpeace responsible for significant damages sought by Energy Transfer, the Dallas-based company behind the controversial pipeline. The legal battle stems from the widespread protests in 2016 and 2017 against the Dakota Access Pipeline’s route beneath the Missouri River, just upstream of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s reservation. The tribe has long argued that the pipeline threatens their water supply, fueling a movement that drew international attention. Despite these concerns, the pipeline has been in operation since mid-2017, carrying crude oil across multiple states. Energy Transfer and its subsidiary, Dakota Access, filed the lawsuit against Greenpeace International, Greenpeace USA, and Greenpeace Fund Inc., accusing them of defamation, civil conspiracy, trespassing, nuisance, and other unlawful actions. The jury ultimately sided with the company, awarding them damages in the hundreds of millions. Attorney Trey Cox, representing the plaintiffs, argued that Greenpeace engaged in a deliberate effort to halt the pipeline’s construction. During his opening statement, Cox alleged that Greenpeace provided funding to bring outside activists into the protest area, supplied materials for blockades, facilitated protest training sessions, and spread false information about the project to obstruct its progress. Greenpeace, however, strongly denied these claims. Legal representatives for the organization maintained that there was no concrete evidence linking Greenpeace to the alleged misconduct. They asserted that Greenpeace employees had minimal to no direct involvement in the protests and insisted that the organization played no role in delaying the pipeline’s construction or affecting Energy Transfer’s financial operations. Following the verdict, Greenpeace representatives described the case as a significant challenge to First Amendment rights, emphasizing that the lawsuit could set a dangerous precedent for free speech and protest activities. The organization expressed concern that the ruling could have far-reaching consequences, potentially threatening its ability to advocate for environmental causes in the future. Energy Transfer, on the other hand, framed the lawsuit as a matter of legal accountability rather than an attack on free speech. A company spokesperson previously stated, "The lawsuit is about Greenpeace not following the law, not free speech." The ruling marks a major legal victory for Energy Transfer and raises questions about the future of advocacy groups involved in high-profile environmental protests. As Greenpeace weighs its next legal steps, the outcome of this case may shape the landscape for activism and corporate accountability in the years to come. Based on a report by NYP 2025-03-21

The Kurdish troops patrolling the sprawling detention camps of northeast Syria face constant danger. Stones and rocks pelting their armored vehicles are minor compared to the frequent knife attacks and bombings from ISIS-affiliated detainees. For over six years, these soldiers have guarded camps filled with the wives and relatives of ISIS fighters, but the threat is only growing stronger. Kane Ahmed, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) troops overseeing the al Hol camp, paints a grim picture. “The threat of ISIS has increased both inside and outside the camp... especially after the fall of the Syrian regime. It’s gone up a lot, and we see attempts by them to escape on almost a daily basis.” The perimeter fence, reinforced multiple times, remains inadequate. Three round-the-clock CCTV rooms monitor the area, but intelligence reports confirm that ISIS cells outside the camp are smuggling in weapons and aiding escapes. “We know they are receiving help,” the commander explains. Delivery trucks have been used to hide detainees in hollowed-out seats, while waterways have become escape routes for smuggling children out. These children are the next generation of ISIS fighters, indoctrinated from birth. More than 60% of al Hol’s population consists of children—22,000 of them. Many have never known life beyond the confines of the camp. They regard outsiders with hostility, throwing stones at soldiers and journalists, kicking cameras, and shouting threats. Armed troops escort visitors, warning them to wear protective vests and helmets. “You will be attacked,” camp management cautions. Raids on tents frequently uncover weapons, homemade bombs, and grenades. The radicalization is evident in the children’s words. “We will behead you,” they chant. “One day we will be in charge. ISIS is coming back.” A woman cloaked in a burqa echoes their sentiments. “We love the Islamic State. We were free with them. Here, we are captives.” The fragile agreement between the Kurdish-led SDF and Syria’s interim president is seen as a step forward in relations between the Kurdish minority and the Islamist authorities now in power. However, the pressing question of what to do with the ISIS detainees remains unanswered. The power vacuum left in Syria is giving ISIS room to regroup and strengthen. Commander Ahmed delivers a stark warning: “We need help to control ISIS from the international coalition. We cannot do this on our own.” As the situation inside the camps worsens, the international community faces a looming crisis—one that could see ISIS rise again from within the very places meant to contain it. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-03-21

The grim reality of the events of 7 October can no longer be concealed. The 7 October Parliamentary Commission Report, chaired by Lord Andrew Roberts, has now been released, offering a meticulously detailed, forensic examination of the atrocities committed against Israel by Hamas. The report serves as a crucial document preserving the stark and harrowing truth of the mass murder, torture, and sexual violence inflicted upon innocent civilians. It stands as an unshakable testament, ensuring that these horrors are recorded in history, beyond the reach of those who might attempt to distort or deny them. The very necessity of such a report speaks volumes about the unsettling times in which we live. That Britain’s parliament must painstakingly document the massacre of nearly 1,200 people—marking the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust—simply to ensure it is believed is both shocking and obscene. And yet, this is the reality of the modern world, where Jewish suffering is often met with skepticism, where atrocities against Israelis are subject to hedging, justification, or outright denial. It is for this reason that the work of Lord Roberts and his parliamentary colleagues is so vital. Their efforts go beyond merely recording history; they serve to prevent its manipulation and erasure by those with an agenda to obscure the truth. Lord Andrew Roberts, one of Britain’s most esteemed historians, is renowned for his scholarly works on Churchill, Napoleon, and World War II. His biography Churchill: Walking with Destiny has been widely praised for its meticulous research and analytical depth, while Napoleon the Great strips away myth to present an unvarnished portrayal of the legendary figure. However, Roberts is not merely a chronicler of the past; he is a custodian of truth in the present. He understands that historical memory is not just about preserving facts but about what society is willing to accept as truth. In an era where denial spreads faster than evidence, his determination to ensure the 7 October Report is published, studied, and widely disseminated is an act of profound moral significance. The report lays bare, with irrefutable detail, the full scale of the attack. It confirms that Hamas’ invasion of southern Israel was not an impulsive act but a meticulously planned operation, years in the making. As early as 2018, Palestinian armed groups had begun collaborating through the so-called ‘Joint Room for Palestinian Resistance Factions,’ pooling resources and strategies for a future large-scale assault. On the morning of 7 October, that plan was executed with chilling precision. More than 7,000 attackers breached Israel’s defenses at 119 separate points along the border. The assault was methodical, utilizing land, sea, and air forces. Terrorists deployed drones to disable surveillance systems, paragliders to bypass security barriers, and specialized explosives to break into safe rooms where civilians sought refuge. What followed was an unspeakable massacre. The report captures in shocking detail the mass slaughter that took place, including the horrific attack on the Nova music festival, where 375 people were killed as Hamas gunmen hunted down civilians, tossing grenades into bomb shelters and shooting those attempting to flee in their vehicles. Families were systematically targeted in their homes, women subjected to rape as a weapon of war, and bodies desecrated. The youngest victim, newborn Naama Abu Rashed, was shot while still in her mother’s womb, surviving for 14 agonizing hours before succumbing to her wounds despite desperate medical efforts. The oldest, 92-year-old Holocaust survivor Moshe Ridler, was murdered when Hamas operatives fired a rocket-propelled grenade into his safe room. The report further corroborates evidence of sexual violence, aligning with the findings of Pramila Patten, the UN’s special representative on such crimes. It confirms that Hamas terrorists gang-raped women before executing them, that female victims’ bodies were discovered stripped, bound, and mutilated. The report systematically dismantles Hamas’ denials, exposing their calculated deceit—even when confronted with video evidence recorded by the perpetrators themselves. It documents Hamas’ methodical approach, with instruction manuals found on captured fighters detailing procedures for taking hostages, pre-planned routes for looting, and organized destruction. This document is now a permanent parliamentary record, created to ensure that the events of 7 October cannot be rewritten by historical revisionists. The need for such a report in the UK—the fact that Jewish suffering must be chronicled with exhaustive, forensic precision to be acknowledged—reveals something profoundly troubling about today’s moral climate. Yet this publication remains indispensable. It is not merely a record of terror; it is a stand against those who would attempt to deny, justify, or downplay its significance. Thanks to this report, when future generations look back on 7 October 2023, they will not be forced to sift through conspiracy and distortion to uncover what truly happened. They will see the undeniable truth, laid bare in black and white. And that is what matters. Because history is not shaped by those who shout the loudest in protest or those who seek to bury the past beneath propaganda and slogans. It belongs to those who tell the truth. Based on a report by The Spectator | Original Report pdf Download 2025-03-21

UPDATE: Scientist who just returned from Antarctic SANAE IV base where assault occurred reveals harrowing details of living in extreme isolation: ‘Lot of unknowns’ Dr Herman Van Niekerk, a geologist at the University of Johannesburg, has just come back from a two-month expedition to SANAE IV, the Antarctic base where a South African team of scientists have pleaded for help following the “deeply disturbing” behavior of a crew member. “The Antarctic is often romanticized, but when people realize what’s waiting for them, well, there’s not a lot of people who feel they’re up to it,” Van Niekerk told The Telegraph. In a situation described as a “real-life horror movie,” one of the nine trapped crew members sent a desperate email about a coworker they said violently beat, threatened and sexually harassed at least two others on the base, as first reported by South Africa’s Sunday Times newspaper. They described their colleague’s descent into “deeply disturbing” behavior, saying it had created “an environment of fear and intimidation. I remain deeply concerned about my own safety, constantly wondering if I might become the next victim.” All crew members undergo “psychometric tests” before heading to the base, Van Niekerk explained, “but you just can’t predict how that will affect people in reality when there’s no life for miles.” Despite close vetting, Van Niekerk described the moment when one student freaked out. “People only reveal who they are when they’re exposed to the extreme conditions,” he said, describing how the student refused to leave their tent on the expedition while they were stranded some 124 miles from SANAE IV. The crew — stranded until at least December on the 1997-built base 2,500 miles from South Africa — includes engineers, scientists, and a doctor, but no one to manage security, Van Niekerk explained. “There’s a doctor, mechanics and members of the South African National Space Agency. But there is nobody in charge of security, no firearms or anything like that,” Van Niekerk said. On top of the deathly cold, with temperatures plummeting to lows of -9F, and winds reaching up to 135 mph, the upcoming Antarctic winter presents a fresh disorientating challenge. From March, the base will be in almost complete darkness for the next 10 months. As report by NYP 2025-03-21

Conor McGregor has declared his intention to run for President of Ireland, making the announcement after meeting with Donald Trump. The former UFC champion posed in front of a private jet, wearing a red hat emblazoned with the slogan "Make Ireland Great Again." Taking to Instagram, McGregor addressed the European Union Migration Pact, stating, "Ireland must fully implement the EU Migration Pact by June 12, 2026. So between now and 12 June 2026, several pieces of legislation have to be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas & then signed by the President. The next presidential election must take place by 11 Nov 2025. Who else will stand up to Government and oppose this bill? Any other Presidential candidate they attempt to put forward will be of no resistance to them. I will!" He continued, "For clarity also, as President, I would put forth this bill to referendum. Although I oppose greatly this pact, it is neither mine nor governments choice to make. It is the people of Ireland’s choice! Always! That is a true democracy!" Earlier in the day, McGregor also took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to rally support. "Ireland, the choice is yours and it is an easy one. Vote for me as your President and we will SAVE IRELAND TOGETHER!" During a speech before a press conference with Donald Trump, McGregor criticized the Irish government, expressing concern that Ireland was at risk of "potentially losing its Irishness." He described the current administration as one of "zero action with zero accountability" and criticized government spending, saying, "Our money is being spent on overseas issues that is nothing to do with the Irish people." McGregor’s invitation to the White House followed Trump naming him as one of his favorite Irish figures. When the two met, McGregor praised the former U.S. president’s "work ethic" as "inspiring." The pair posed for photographs, shaking hands in front of a map labeled the "Gulf of America" in the Oval Office. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked in a briefing, "We couldn't think of a better guest to have with us on St. Patrick's Day." McGregor’s appearance in Washington was met with criticism from Irish leaders. Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated that his remarks did "not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, or the views of the people of Ireland." The fighter has previously hinted at a presidential run, particularly in December 2023 amid tensions surrounding riots in Dublin. At the time, he took to social media to argue why he would be a strong candidate. "Potential competition if I run. Gerry [Adams], 78. Bertie [Ahern], 75. Enda [Kenny], 74. Each with unbreakable ties to their individual parties’ politics," he wrote. "Regardless of what the public outside of their parties feel. These parties govern themselves vs govern the people. Or me, 35. Young, active, passionate, fresh skin in the game. I listen. I support. I adapt. I have no affiliation/bias/favoritism toward any party. They would genuinely be held to account regarding the current sway of public feeling. I'd even put it all to vote." McGregor has received support from high-profile figures, including Elon Musk, now acting as Trump’s cost-cutting adviser. Musk responded to McGregor’s post, saying, "I think you could take them all single-handed. Not even fair." Andrew Tate, who is facing legal issues in Romania, also endorsed McGregor, writing, "My grandfather is from Limerick. I have the Irish passport. I will vote for you. We must do something before it's too late." McGregor’s political ambitions come as he deals with ongoing legal issues. His visit to the White House followed a High Court ruling in Dublin, where he was found civilly liable in a case brought by Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ní Laimhín. Hand accused McGregor of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. Following a three-week trial, the jury ruled against McGregor, awarding damages and costs to Hand. A judge later stated that the jury had "conclusively determined" that McGregor had committed rape. Following the ruling, major retailers cut ties with McGregor, ceasing sales of his Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey. He was also removed from the video game Hitman. McGregor is currently appealing the outcome of the civil case. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-03-21

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at shutting down the Department of Education, marking the first formal step toward dismantling the federal agency. Speaking as he signed the order, Trump declared that "everybody knows this is the right thing to do" and expressed hope that Democrats would support the measure. "We have to get our kids educated," Trump stated, arguing that the US has failed to properly educate students for a long time. He emphasized that the federal government should not be in charge of education and that the responsibility should return to individual states. In his speech, Trump announced that the order would "begin eliminating the federal Department of Education once and for all," a statement met with applause from the audience. Among those present were Education Secretary Linda McMahon, whom Trump hopes will be the "last secretary of education," along with Texas Governor Gregg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, both of whom he acknowledged during his remarks. Trump insisted that the closure of the department would happen as quickly as possible, claiming that the US spends "more money on education by far than any other country" but ranks "near the bottom of the list in terms of success." He assured teachers that they would be supported regardless of whether they were part of a union and concluded his speech by wishing McMahon good luck, adding that they would "find something else" for her to do. Shortly after Trump signed the order, the Department of Education issued a statement calling it a "history-making action" that would "free future generations of American students and forge opportunities for their success." The statement echoed Trump’s assertion that eliminating the department would return education to the states, "where it so rightly belongs." A common misconception, the statement noted, is that the Department of Education directly operates schools or sets curricula, when in fact those responsibilities fall to states and local districts. Only about 13% of funding for primary and secondary schools comes from federal sources. The statement assured that closing the department "does not mean cutting off funds from those who depend on them," pledging continued support for students with special needs, college students, and other beneficiaries. "We’re going to follow the law and eliminate the bureaucracy responsibly by working with Congress and state leaders to ensure a lawful and orderly transition," the department said. However, despite Trump’s executive action, shutting down the Department of Education is far from certain. The president cannot unilaterally abolish the agency—he would need congressional approval, likely requiring a supermajority in the Senate, meaning 60 out of 100 senators would have to vote in favor. With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority, at least seven Democrats would need to support the move, making it a difficult political challenge. Even in the House of Representatives, the proposal faces strong resistance. A previous attempt to abolish the department failed when 60 Republicans joined all Democrats in voting against it. Trump has recently pushed to reduce the size of several federal departments, though the legality of these efforts has been questioned. Whether his bid to dismantle the Department of Education will gain the necessary legislative backing remains uncertain, but the order signals his determination to pursue one of his long-standing policy goals. Based on a report by BBC 2025-03-21