US NATIONAL NEWS
US to boost military presence in Mideast, sending fighter jet squadron and keeping carrier in region
Published
9 months agoon

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. will move a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and maintain an aircraft carrier in the region, the Pentagon said Friday, beefing up the American military presence to help defend Israel from possible attacks by Iran and its proxies and safeguard U.S. troops.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has also ordered additional ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers to the European and Middle East regions and is taking steps to send more land-based ballistic missile defense weapons there, the Pentagon said in a statement Friday evening.
The shifts make good on a promise President Joe Biden made to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a call Thursday afternoon, Biden discussed new U.S. military deployments to protect against possible attacks from ballistic missiles and drones, according to the White House. In April, U.S. forces intercepted dozens of missiles and drones fired by Iran against Israel and helped down nearly all of them.
U.S. leaders worry about escalating violence in the Middle East in response to recent attacks by Israel on Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, which triggered threats of retaliation. Iran also has threatened to respond after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on Wednesday, a day after senior Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur was killed in Beirut.
Israel has vowed to kill Hamas leaders over the group’s Oct. 7 attack, which sparked the war in Gaza.
Austin is ordering the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, which is in the Gulf of Oman but scheduled to come home later this summer. That decision suggests the Pentagon has decided to keep a carrier consistently in the region as a deterrent against Iran at least until next year.
The Pentagon did not say where the fighter jet squadron was coming from or where it would be based in the Middle East. A number of allies in the region are often willing to base U.S. military forces but don’t want it made public.
The Pentagon has options to provide additional land-based ballistic missile defense, such as the Patriot or the terminal high altitude area defense, known as THAAD, both of which launch interceptor missiles from specialized trailer-based mobile launching systems. The Pentagon did not identify what system it would be deploying to augment defenses in the region.
The White House in a statement said Biden “reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.”
Earlier Friday, Sabrina Singh, Pentagon spokeswoman, told reporters that moves were in the works. She said Austin “will be directing multiple” force movements to provide additional support to Israel and increase protection for U.S. troops in the region.
Military and defense officials have been considering a wide array of options, from additional ships and fighter aircraft squadrons to added air defense systems or unmanned weapons. In many cases the U.S. does not provide details because host nations are very sensitive about the presence of additional U.S. forces and don’t want those movements made public.
It’s unclear what new ships would move to the Middle East.
The U.S. has had a consistent warship presence there and in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, including two Navy destroyers, the USS Roosevelt and the USS Bulkeley, as well as the USS Wasp and the USS New York. The Wasp and the New York are part of the amphibious ready group and carry a Marine expeditionary unit that could be used if any evacuation of U.S. personnel is required.
In addition, a U.S. official said that two U.S Navy destroyers that are currently in the Middle East will be heading north up the Red Sea toward the Mediterranean Sea. At least one of those could linger in the Mediterranean if needed. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss troop movements.
You may like
US NATIONAL NEWS
Trump Hints at Possible Third Term, Suggests “Methods” to Stay in Office
Published
4 weeks agoon
March 30, 2025By
Willie David
WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – President Donald Trump refused to rule out the idea of a third term, despite the constitutional limits set by the 22nd Amendment, stating there are “methods” that could allow him to return to the Oval Office.
In a Sunday morning phone interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker, Trump touted his high approval ratings, claiming, “You have to start by saying, I have the highest poll numbers of any Republican for the last 100 years. We’re in the high 70s in many polls, in the real polls, and you see that. We’re very popular.”
When asked directly whether he would seek another term in 2028, Trump did not deny the possibility, saying:
“Well, there are plans. There are—not plans. There are, there are methods which you could do it, as you know.”
22nd Amendment & Legal Hurdles
Trump’s comments come in direct conflict with the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states:
“No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”
This amendment, ratified in 1951, was introduced largely due to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency. It makes no exception for presidents who serve non-consecutive terms, which means Trump would legally be barred from running again in 2028 after a second presidency.
Trump’s Strategy: JD Vance as a Placeholder?
During the NBC News interview, Trump hinted at potential workarounds to bypass the 22nd Amendment, including having Vice President JD Vance run in 2028 and later stepping aside to allow Trump to return to office.
“Well, that’s one,” Trump said. “But there are others too. There are others.”
This raises legal and ethical concerns, as it would be seen as a direct attempt to circumvent the Constitutional limit on presidential terms.
Steve Bannon & MAGA Allies Push for 2028
Trump’s close ally Steve Bannon, host of the War Room podcast, has been a vocal proponent of the idea, stating in December that Trump could “credibly seek another term” in 2028. The idea has gained traction among MAGA hardliners, with some advocating for legislative changes or legal loopholes that could allow Trump to reclaim the presidency.
White House Response: “Too Early” to Decide
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung downplayed the speculation, stating:
“Americans overwhelmingly approve and support President Trump and his America First policies. As the President said, it’s far too early to think about it, and he is focused on undoing all the hurt Biden has caused and Making America Great Again.”
What’s Next?
While Trump’s comments have sparked debate over the Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, legal scholars and political analysts emphasize that any attempt to bypass the presidential term limit would likely face significant legal challenges and Congressional pushback.
As Trump continues to tease 2028, Democrats and legal experts are expected to push back against any potential constitutional maneuvering.
___________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
US NATIONAL NEWS
Global Tesla Takedown Protests Target Elon Musk and DOGE
Published
4 weeks agoon
March 30, 2025
MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) – The global anti-Tesla protest movement intensified on March 29, as demonstrators targeted hundreds of Tesla dealerships and showrooms worldwide. Protesters voiced outrage over Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s influence on U.S. government policies, layoffs in federal agencies, and budget cuts affecting critical programs.
Protesters Condemn Musk’s Influence in Government
The demonstrations, dubbed the “Tesla Takedown”, were fueled by frustration over what activists call Musk’s unchecked power over federal decision-making. Protesters argue that Musk, the world’s richest man, has used his political and financial leverage to lay off thousands of workers, slash government agency budgets, and consolidate power.
“Nobody voted for Elon,” one protester stated. “He’s hijacking our government, cutting funding for essential programs, and treating workers as disposable.”
Anti-Tesla Movement Gains Momentum
The anti-Tesla sentiment is spreading across multiple countries, with protestors uniting under a common goal: hurting Musk’s bottom line. Demonstrators held boldly worded signs with statements such as:
“Fire Musk”
“We Don’t Need This Fascist”
“Honk If You Hate Nazis”
“No Swastikas – No Fascists”
Some placards even depicted Musk as an oligarch gaslighting the public, drawing comparisons between his leadership style and authoritarian regimes.
DOGE Backlash and Government Cuts
The protests also criticized Musk’s role in cryptocurrency manipulation, particularly regarding DOGE (Dogecoin). Many believe Musk’s influence over financial markets has led to instability, impacting small investors.
Moreover, demonstrators highlighted concerns over Musk’s reported backroom deals with the Trump administration, which they claim have resulted in:
Massive layoffs across federal agencies
Defunding critical public programs
Deregulation that benefits corporations while hurting workers
Protesters Demand Change
As the Tesla Takedown movement grows, activists vow to escalate demonstrations, urging consumers to boycott Tesla products and Musk-owned companies.
“We refuse to support a billionaire who disregards democracy, fires workers, and cuts essential programs,” said one organizer. “This is just the beginning.”
US NATIONAL NEWS
Former Trump Impeachment Manager Val Demings Calls Trump Officials’ Response to War Plans Leak “A Shameless Mountain of Lies”
Published
4 weeks agoon
March 26, 2025
WASHINGTON (FNN) – A major national security scandal has erupted after top officials from President Donald Trump’s administration reportedly shared classified U.S. military strike plans in a private Signal chat, raising alarms about national security breaches and possible legal violations.
Former Trump Impeachment Manager Val Demings Speaks Out
Former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, who served as a Trump impeachment manager, strongly condemned the breach, describing it as “a shameless mountain of lies” and a reckless compromise of military strategy.
“As a former member of the Intelligence and Homeland Security committees, the thought of these people sharing strategic military operations on Signal is shocking. Those who testified before the Senate were under oath. Power built on endless lies is not power at all—it’s a house of cards. America, this will end badly unless you demand better,” Demings wrote in a statement on her personal Facebook page.

Val Demings is a former U.S. Congresswoman, former Trump Impeachment Manager, former member of the Intelligence and Homeland Security Committees, and retired Orlando Chief of Police.
Details of the Leaked War Plans
The National Security Council has confirmed the authenticity of the leaked messages, which included classified operational details of upcoming U.S. military strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The leaked documents allegedly contained:
- Target locations for military strikes
- Weapon deployment strategies
- Attack sequencing and operational details
The sensitive war plans were reportedly shared with The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, in a private Signal group chat involving:
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Vice President JD Vance
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz
Possible Violations of Federal Laws & National Security Rules
The unauthorized disclosure of sensitive military operations may violate multiple federal laws, including:
- Espionage Act (18 U.S. Code § 793) – Unlawful disclosure of classified national defense information
- Presidential Records Act – Mishandling of government records and sensitive communications
- Federal Records Act – Unauthorized sharing of government communications
- Insider Threat Program Violations – Breach of classified intelligence security measures
- UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) Violations – If military personnel were involved in the leak
Congress Calls for Full Investigation
Bipartisan leaders in both the Senate and House are calling for an investigation into the war plans leak. Lawmakers are demanding:
- Public hearings to address the security breach
- Testimony from top Trump officials named in the leak
- Legal consequences for those responsible
During the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Vice Chair Mark Warner (D-VA) described the actions of the nation’s top intelligence officials as “sloppy, careless, incompetent behavior.”
“If this was the case of a military officer or an intelligence officer and they had this kind of behavior, they would be fired,” he said.
What’s Next?
- Congressional Hearings on the national security breach
- Potential criminal charges for those responsible
- Wider political fallout for Trump’s national security team
_________________________________________________________________________
Florida National New
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Trending
- Sports5 days ago
Orlando Pride Drops First Match of 2025 Season in 1-0 Loss to Washington Spirit
- Faith & Family5 days ago
Happy Easter from Florida National News
- Politics1 day ago
Alan Grayson Shakes Up Senate District 15 Race, Targeting ‘Family Feud’ Candidates, an Attorney, and a GOP Hopeful
- Entertainment1 day ago
Get Ready for a Soulful Night with Fantasia Barrino and Anthony Hamilton at Addition Financial Arena