DOHA, Qatar (FNN) – U.S. President Donald Trump received an extravagant welcome upon his arrival in Qatar this week. The striking reception included a convoy of red Tesla Cybertrucks, mounted camels, and vibrant traditional dancers.

The bold, high-energy display highlighted Qatar’s blend of futuristic innovation and rich cultural heritage.

MANDALAY, Myanmar (FNN) – The devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has now claimed the lives of more than 1,700 people, with emergency responders racing against time to find survivors in the rubble, according to the country’s military-led government.

Government spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun confirmed that the death toll has climbed to 1,700, with an additional 3,400 injured and more than 300 people still missing. The military initially reported 1,644 deaths, but Monday’s update revealed the toll has risen significantly as more bodies are recovered.

Widespread Destruction and Collapsed Buildings

The Myanmar 7.7 magnitude earthquake caused widespread destruction, affecting major cities such as Naypitaw and Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city with a population of 1.5 million. Reports indicate that many buildings, including mosques, homes, and infrastructure, have completely collapsed.

Tun Kyi, a member of the Spring Revolution Myanmar Muslim Network, stated that around 700 worshippers were killed when mosques collapsed during Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramadan. Reports also suggest that at least 60 mosques were either damaged or destroyed, with distressing footage circulating online showing structures crumbling as terrified civilians ran for safety.

Lauren Ellery, deputy director of programs in Myanmar for the International Rescue Committee, warned that the true scale of destruction remains unclear due to telecommunication outages and challenging conditions on the ground.

“We’re really not clear on the scale of the destruction at this stage,” Ellery told The Associated Press.
“Some areas near Mandalay reportedly saw 80% of buildings collapse, but due to damaged communication lines, these reports have been slow to emerge.”

Search and Rescue Operations Face Extreme Challenges

Myanmar’s military government has declared a state of emergency in six regions, deploying emergency teams to assist in rescue operations. However, a lack of heavy machinery and extreme heat—with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F)—have slowed efforts, forcing rescuers to search for survivors by hand.

In neighboring Thailand, at least 18 people were killed when a partially built high-rise in Bangkok collapsed. Another 33 people have been injured and 78 remain missing, primarily at the construction site near the Chatuchak market.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that rescue teams detected potential signs of life beneath the debris, though they have yet to confirm if it was an error in the detection equipment.

“Even if one life is saved, it is worth all the effort,” Chadchart said.

What’s Next?

• Continued search and rescue efforts are underway in Myanmar and Thailand.

• International aid organizations are assessing the situation and mobilizing resources.

• Myanmar’s military government is expected to provide further updates on casualties and damages.

• Humanitarian groups are calling for global assistance as the region struggles with medical emergencies, food shortages, and displacement.

WASHINGTON, DC (FNN) – American leadership is back in the Western Hemisphere, and we’re ready to stand with our regional partners. Putting America First means prioritizing relationships within our own hemisphere to ensure stability, security, and prosperity.

As part of this renewed focus, my first international trip as Secretary of State will take me to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic—nations that stand to benefit from stronger ties with the United States. For too long, American foreign policy has overlooked our closest neighbors while focusing on distant regions. That changes now.

A New Era of Regional Diplomacy

President Trump’s bold foreign policy begins at home, securing our borders and working with regional allies to control illegal migration. Diplomacy plays a key role in this effort. We must collaborate with nations across the Western Hemisphere to prevent further migrant flows and ensure the repatriation of those in the U.S. unlawfully. These discussions may be challenging, but they are absolutely necessary.

Beyond migration, our engagement will create economic opportunities that benefit both the U.S. and our regional allies. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of America’s reliance on global supply chains. By relocating critical industries closer to home, we can boost economic growth in our hemisphere while securing our own economic future.

A Stronger Hemisphere for a Stronger America

Our goal is to create a cycle of prosperity: stronger U.S. partnerships lead to more jobs and growth in the region, reducing incentives for illegal immigration. This economic stability provides governments with the resources to fight crime and invest in their own development, making them less susceptible to foreign influence.

Countries like China have sought to expand their influence in our region, making empty promises that fail to deliver real results. By strengthening our alliances, we can ensure that our neighbors build their futures alongside the United States, not under the influence of adversarial powers.

Confronting the Challenges of Mass Migration and Security Threats

Mass migration has created widespread instability. Drug cartels—now officially recognized as foreign terrorist organizations—have fueled violence and the fentanyl crisis across our communities. Additionally, illegitimate regimes in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are exploiting this chaos, while China exerts economic and diplomatic pressure, including at the Panama Canal.

Our approach is based on real, shared interests—not vague ideals or utopian promises. The U.S. will extend its hand to nations committed to genuine partnership, confident that together, we can achieve lasting stability and prosperity.

Building a More Secure and Prosperous Future

By reinforcing trade, security, and diplomatic cooperation, the U.S. and its regional partners will achieve mutual benefits. My mission as Secretary of State is clear: to make our alliances stronger, our borders more secure, and our economic future more resilient.

It is an extraordinary privilege to serve in this role, and I look forward to keeping you informed on the vital work being done by our incredible State Department team. America’s leadership in the Western Hemisphere is back—stronger than ever.