Mika fact checks Hegseth's new claim that 'left-wing reporters' got a hold of Signal chat
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday defended his use of Signal and claimed that 'left-wing reporters from the Atlantic' got a hold of the chat. Mika Brzezinski fact checks Hegseth's claims.
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Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Miami Herald
US Aircraft Carrier Holds ‘Warfighting' Drills on China's Doorstep
A United States nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was conducting operations in the contested South China Sea, the Navy said, to showcase its ability to maintain warfighting advantages. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. A naval strike group led by USS Nimitz-the oldest U.S. aircraft carrier in active service-has been operating in the South China Sea, where sovereignty claims by several countries overlap, since late May as part of its regularly scheduled deployment to the western Pacific. Meanwhile, China has deployed both of its two operational aircraft carriers to waters beyond the First Island Chain-an island defense line formed by Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines as part of a U.S. maritime containment strategy intended to restrict China's naval activities. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group conducted "maritime security operations"-including flight operations, maritime strike exercises, and tactical training between surface and air units-in the South China Sea on Wednesday, according to the aircraft carrier's public affairs officer. "Carrier operations in the South China Sea are part of the U.S. Navy's routine presence in the Indo-Pacific," the press release stated. U.S. warships frequently operate in the South China Sea to maintain freedom of navigation, challenging excessive maritime claims by regional countries. Rear Admiral Fred Goldhammer, commander of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, said the deployment aims to build proficiency and conduct flight operations supporting the "full spectrum of operations," adding that the unit operates "wherever international law allows." The Nimitz's deployment in the South China Sea follows a warning from U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about China's threats in the Indo-Pacific region. He said the East Asian power seeks nothing less than hegemony and is increasingly willing to resort to force. In response to Hegseth's remarks on the South China Sea, the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the U.S. of being the "primary factor" undermining peace and stability, while claiming that there has never been any problem with freedom of navigation and overflight. Rear Admiral Fred Goldhammer, commander of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, said in a press release on Wednesday: "We are doing more than ever to strengthen peace, stability, and deterrence across the Indo-Pacific." The public affairs officer of USS Nimitz said in a press release on Wednesday: "The operations include both day and night flight evolutions. These activities support maritime security, enhance interoperability with regional partners, and maintain the U.S. Navy's ability to project power across the theater." An unnamed spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on June 1: "China has always been committed to working with countries concerned to properly handle differences through dialogue and consultation, while safeguarding China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with laws and regulations." It remains to be seen whether the Nimitz will head toward the broader western Pacific after concluding its operations in the South China Sea to counter the two Chinese aircraft carriers. Related Articles Iran Threatens to Attack U.S. Forces if Israel Strikes Nuclear SitesMarco Rubio Says US 'Committed' to Russian PeopleMap Shows States Invaded by Ants That Can Cause Life-Threatening ReactionTrump Puts Iran Nuclear Deal in Doubt, Raising Risk of War 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
The Hill
an hour ago
- The Hill
US Embassy in Israel restricts employees' travel as tensions in region intensify
The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv is restricting its employees from traveling amid heightened tensions in the region between Israel and Iran. 'Due to the increased regional tensions, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be'er Sheva areas until further notice,' the embassy said in a Thursday security alert. The update comes a day after the Trump administration announced Wednesday that it is scaling back the number of personnel in the Middle East amid the growing conflict between Israel and Iran. On Wednesday, President Trump confirmed the move to reporters but gave no further details. 'Well, they are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we'll see what happens,' Trump said, adding later that 'we've given notice to move out.' The U.S. has also recently started downsizing its presence in Iraq, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has greenlighted the voluntary departures of military dependents across northeast Africa, the Middle East and portions of South and Central Asia. 'President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad,' a State Department official told The Hill in a statement Wednesday. 'In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies.' In Thursday's alert, the U.S. Embassy in Israel stated that it 'reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness — including knowing the location of the nearest shelter in the event of a red alert as security incidents, including mortar, rocket, and missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) intrusions, often take place without any warning.' The advisory also comes as nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran have largely remained stalled. Another rounds of talks in expected to take place later this week. Asked on Wednesday how to calm tensions in the region, Trump responded 'very simple, they can't have a nuclear weapon.'
The Hill
an hour ago
- The Hill
Watch live: Hegseth, Joint Chiefs chair face House questioning on Defense budget
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan 'Razin' Caine will testify Thursday morning before the House Armed Services Committee on the Pentagon's fiscal 2026 budget request. The hearing comes a day after the duo faced tense questioning from the Senate. Hegseth took heat from both sides of the aisle on the Russia-Ukraine war, deployment of Marines to Los Angeles amid immigration protests and President Trump's other defense priorities. The Trump administration also signaled Wednesday the U.S. would scale back the number of personnel in the Middle East, even as tensions rise between Israel and Iran. The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. EDT. Watch the live video above.
