Category: National Security

Trump’s Pentagon hires Jan 6 rioter for highly sensitive counterterrorism role | The Independent

The Trump administration hired Elias Irizarry, a convicted January 6 Capitol rioter, to serve in the Pentagon's Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict office, which oversees counterterrorism, hostage rescues, and embassy security operations. Irizarry, who was 19 years old during the insurrection, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for entering the Capitol through a broken window while holding a metal pole and now holds a sensitive position influencing military strategy in dangerous environments.

Pentagon officials defended the appointment, with a spokesman calling Irizarry "a qualified, patriotic young professional," and DOJ official Ernie Sampera attesting to his character and loyalty. However, an anonymous Pentagon insider told the Washington Post that placing someone "so junior and new to DOD, and with such a checkered background, into such a sensitive portfolio" for rescue and extraction missions operating in complex combat zones contradicts basic security protocols for positions handling classified counterterrorism information.

Irizarry had previously apologized to the court for his January 6 involvement, stating his participation "brought great shame upon myself, my family, and, unfortunately, my country." He later reframed his Capitol riot participation as evidence of commitment to the "America First movement" during an unsuccessful campaign for South Carolina state legislature, characterizing prosecution of rioters as targeting "nonviolent activities."

Trump pardoned Irizarry alongside more than 1,500 others convicted or accused of January 6 participation. The administration has systematically hired multiple individuals connected to the insurrection, including another accused rioter prosecutors say urged violence against law enforcement, now employed at the Justice Department.

Congressional Democrats have initiated investigations into whether the Department of Homeland Security is hiring former January 6 participants. Trump's proposed $1.8 billion fund to compensate victims of alleged DOJ "weaponization" has triggered concern among lawmakers that federal money could be redirected to compensate insurrectionists.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-elias-irizarry-january-6-pentagon-b2988374.html)

White House App Exposes Users to Data Theft Via Undisclosed Third Parties

The Trump White House's official app collects and shares user data with third-party vendors without proper disclosure, according to cybersecurity researchers who analyzed its code. The app's privacy manifest on Apple's App Store is blank despite the fact that it transmits IP addresses, time zones, device identifiers, and mobile carrier information to companies including OneSignal and Elfsight, a Russia-founded software vendor. Philip Fields, a cybersecurity researcher and former FBI intelligence analyst, stated that "having an amateur WordPress developer running the White House's public presence puts everybody who visits it at risk," especially while the U.S. is engaged in military conflict.

The app fails to meet federal security standards and bypasses established oversight mechanisms. Federal apps and websites are required to use certified cloud services such as FedRamp or GovCloud, which have been vetted and certified by Congress for security compliance. Instead, the White House contracted with 45Press, an Ohio-based WordPress development company with no disclosed mobile app experience, which was awarded over $1.4 million in February. The app lacks basic security protections including code obfuscation and certificate pinning, making its code and network traffic vulnerable to reverse engineering.

Data sharing with third parties violates the app's stated privacy disclosures to users. Apple's app store requires developers to declare all data collection in privacy manifests; the White House app's manifest is completely blank, falsely indicating no data collection occurs. Cybersecurity researcher Thereallo noted that "users downloading an official government app would reasonably expect their data to stay within the US government systems, not flow to commercial third-party platforms." OneSignal's chief marketing officer acknowledged the company collects functional data but stated it is Apple's responsibility to ensure developers disclose this collection accurately.

The White House defended the app's security practices, claiming third-party vendors underwent full IT review and that data sharing is "standard" for applications. However, Sen. Dick Durbin, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, criticized the administration's cybersecurity failures, stating "in true Trump White House fashion, their lackluster app appears to pose a cybersecurity threat to its users," particularly as the administration simultaneously cuts funding from cybersecurity agencies. The app ranks as the third-most downloaded news app on Apple's App Store after its launch last week, with Trump promoting it as providing "front-row access" to his administration.

The White House has deployed four updates to the app within one week of its release, with developers attributing two updates to "minor bug fixes." Initial versions included inactive location-tracking permissions that were subsequently removed. Cybersecurity expert Adam Enger warned that state-sponsored attackers possess far more sophisticated analysis capabilities than independent researchers and are actively monitoring the app for vulnerabilities, stating "if I could find this by myself in an hour on Friday night, then how far along are our adversaries with this?"

(Source: https://www.notus.org/technology/trump-white-house-app-cybersecurity)

Pentagon Bans Press Office Access via Classified Room

The Pentagon eliminated journalist access to its press office by redesignating the space as a "Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility" (SCIF), according to Acting Pentagon Press Secretary Joel Valdez's announcement Monday. The Trump administration justified the ban by claiming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's speechwriters require access to classified material and SIPRNet (Secret Internet Protocol Router Network), making the office incompatible with reporter presence. Valdez dismissed concerns by stating "There's nothing controversial about that" while claiming the Pentagon operates with unprecedented transparency.

This escalation follows a pattern of Pentagon press restrictions under Hegseth. In October, dozens of journalists surrendered their Pentagon press badges after the Defense Department imposed rules requiring pre-approval of all reporting and mandatory escorts for reporters moving through the building. Major news outlets, including Fox News and Newsmax, rejected these restrictions. In December, The New York Times sued the Pentagon, arguing the rules violated freedom of speech and due process rights.

A federal judge ruled in March that key security provisions were unlawful, forcing the Pentagon to revise its policy. Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell announced a compromise allowing press access to an annex facility outside the building with mandatory escort requirements. The New York Times filed a second lawsuit last month, contending that mandatory escorts for Pentagon access violate the Constitution.

Mark Schoeff Jr., president of the National Press Club, characterized the SCIF redesignation as a "remarkable and troubling escalation in the Defense Department's ongoing effort to restrict independent reporting." Parnell defended the latest restrictions by claiming the New York Times lawsuit "is nothing more than an attempt to remove the barriers to them getting their hands on classified information," asserting the policy is "completely lawful and narrowly designed to protect national security information."

The Pentagon's progressive elimination of press office access mirrors broader efforts to suppress information flows to journalists through federal employee NDAs and reflects the administration's hostility toward independent oversight of military operations and defense policy.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/pentagon-bans-reporters-press-office-b2987592.html)

The Latest: Trump sending Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan for talks with Iran’s foreign minister | The Independent

Trump is deploying private envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan to participate in a second round of ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran, the White House announced Friday. Witkoff and Kushner lack formal government positions and operate as Trump’s personal representatives, following Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s arrival in Islamabad for preliminary talks with Pakistani officials. Vice President JD Vance will not attend the negotiations.

The Trump administration simultaneously announced economic sanctions targeting a major China-based oil refinery and approximately 40 shipping companies and tankers transporting Iranian oil as leverage in negotiations. This action implements the administration’s threat of secondary sanctions on entities conducting business with Iran, designed to eliminate Iran’s oil export revenue. Trump previously claimed the outcome of Iran negotiations makes “no difference” to American interests, while also accusing Iran of committing a “serious violation” of ceasefire terms.

Pakistan’s capital Islamabad entered near-lockdown conditions Saturday as security forces established checkpoints, road closures, and diversions throughout the city in preparation for the high-level talks. Hundreds of thousands of residents faced disrupted commutes, with soldiers and police stationed at intersections and helicopters circling overhead, particularly near the airport where Iran’s delegation arrived. Pakistan is hosting the negotiations as part of mediation efforts between the United States and Iran.

Iran executed another man Saturday over alleged ties to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency and participation in anti-government protests, continuing a pattern of executions following the conflict. Human rights advocates have documented that Iran conducts closed-door trials without permitting defendants adequate legal defense, with recent executions targeting alleged spies, protesters, and members of Iranian opposition groups in exile.

Germany announced plans to deploy minesweeper ships to the Mediterranean with potential transfer to the Strait of Hormuz following hostilities, pending parliamentary approval. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari is traveling to China for a week-long visit to discuss economic cooperation and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, with discussions expected to include Pakistan’s role in facilitating U.S.-Iran negotiations.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/pakistan-iran-islamabad-jared-kushner-jd-vance-b2964803.html)

Trump Says Iran Has Committed ‘Serious’ Ceasefire Violation

President Donald Trump accused Iran of committing a “serious violation” of a ceasefire agreement after Iranian forces fired on two Indian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, according to reporting by ABC News’ Jonathan Karl on Sunday. Trump stated that a peace deal would be reached “one way or another,” claiming the outcome would depend on whether Iran chose the “nice way or the hard way.”

In a Truth Social post following the call with Karl, Trump escalated his rhetoric, characterizing Iran’s actions as a “Total Violation” and threatening military strikes against Iranian infrastructure. Trump wrote that his representatives would travel to Islamabad, Pakistan for negotiations, while simultaneously warning that “if they don’t take the DEAL, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran.”

Trump’s statement contradicted his earlier claim of restraint, as he declared “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY” and framed potential military action as an “Honor” that previous administrations had failed to execute. He falsely claimed the United States had already blockaded the Strait of Hormuz and stood to lose nothing economically from its closure, while Iran stood to lose “$500 Million Dollars a day.”

The Republican president characterized his proposed agreement as “very fair and reasonable” while simultaneously threatening comprehensive destruction of Iran’s power and transportation infrastructure. Trump asserted that military action against Iran was overdue, stating it “should have been done to Iran, by other Presidents, for the last 47 years.”

The ceasefire violation allegation came as Trump’s administration prepared peace negotiations with Iran, though Trump’s public threats of devastating military action directly contradicted diplomatic efforts. Trump’s statements also echoed previous rhetoric from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterizing military action against Iran as justified.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/no-more-mr-nice-guy-trump-seethes-at-irans-total-violation-of-ceasefire/)

Trump warns he will ‘blow up’ Iran if peace deal not reached | The Independent

President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s infrastructure, stating the “whole country is going to get blown up” if the nation does not reach a peace agreement with the United States. Trump’s ultimatum comes as a two-week ceasefire expires on Wednesday and follows the collapse of peace talks in Pakistan that Vice President JD Vance led.

The core dispute centers on Iran’s nuclear program, with the U.S. demanding its complete dismantling. The United States has implemented a blockade of Iranian ports to restrict oil sales as leverage in negotiations. Trump framed his threat as a shift in approach, declaring “no more mr Nice Guy” while threatening new military strikes on Iran if a deal is not finalized.

Negotiations are expected to resume with special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, though confusion persists regarding Vice President Vance’s role in future discussions. The escalation reflects Trump’s pattern of issuing inflammatory threats as negotiating tactics, following Pentagon briefings touting military operations against Iran as successful.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/iran-war-peace-deal-trump-b2960611.html)

Trump tells DHS to pay TSA despite government shutdown after agents miss another paycheck | The Independent

President Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum on Friday directing the Department of Homeland Security to pay TSA employees using undisclosed funds, following weeks of missed paychecks during a partial government shutdown. The directive covers approximately 50,000 security officers at airports and came after a six-week funding lapse that has caused excruciatingly long security lines and prompted nearly 500 TSA agents to quit while thousands more called out sick at record rates. Trump framed the action as necessary to address an “emergency situation compromising the Nation’s security,” though the source of the funds remains unclear.

The shutdown resulted from Democratic refusal to fund DHS until the Trump administration agrees to reforms for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. Trump rejected a Senate bill passed Friday morning that would have funded most DHS functions, including TSA, because it excluded ICE and CBP funding. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated Democrats would not provide funding without reforms, calling the administration’s immigration enforcement tactics “lawless and deadly.”

Trump’s memorandum blamed Democrats for the shutdown while emphasizing security vulnerabilities created by depleted TSA staffing and wait times exceeding three hours at some airports. DHS announced that TSA employees would begin receiving pay as soon as Monday. The administration has faced criticism for its aggressive immigration crackdown, including a January incident in Minneapolis where immigration agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens, which the administration characterized as self-defense.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-pay-tsa-shutdown-b2947422.html)

Trump Threatens Iran 48-Hour Ultimatum on Strait

President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran via Truth Social on Saturday evening, demanding the country “FULLY OPEN” the Strait of Hormuz without threat or face U.S. military destruction of its power plants. Trump stated the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iran’s power infrastructure, beginning with the largest facility, if the demand was not met within the specified timeframe. The threat followed joint U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei three weeks prior, part of an operation dubbed “Operation Epic Fury.”

The war with Iran has severely disrupted maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor through which roughly one-fifth of global oil trades. According to the BBC, maritime traffic through the passage plunged 95 percent in March, dropping from approximately 138 daily ship transits to about 100 since military operations commenced. Trump previously denounced NATO allies as cowards for refusing to deploy troops to reopen the strait, revealing his unilateral approach to the conflict has alienated potential partners.

Oil prices have surged dramatically as a direct consequence of the reduced shipping volume and ongoing military operations. A barrel of crude oil cost $98.09 at the close of Friday trading, representing a 47 percent increase since military strikes against Iran began. This economic disruption stems from Trump’s decision to initiate military action alongside Israel without prior diplomatic coordination with international allies.

Trump previously claimed Iran has “effectively ceased to exist as a threat” while simultaneously requesting $200 billion in additional congressional funding for continued military operations, demonstrating contradictory messaging about the conflict’s status and objectives. When challenged by New York Times reporter David Sanger over unmet war objectives, Trump posted on Truth Social that “The United States has blown Iran off of the map” and claimed success ahead of schedule, dismissing the reporter’s analysis as that of a “lightweight analyst.”

Operation Epic Fury has eliminated dozens of Iranian regime leaders beyond Supreme Leader Khamenei since the initial strikes three weeks ago. Trump stated he is considering winding down military operations in the Middle East while the war continues, claiming U.S. forces are approaching stated objectives, though the pattern of contradictory statements about war progress and outcomes demonstrates systematic disinformation surrounding the conflict’s purpose and accomplishments.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-threatens-iran-you-have-48-hours-to-fully-open-strait-of-hormuz-or-else/)

No H.I.V. Aid Without More Access to Minerals: U.S. Ponders ‘Sticks’ Against Zambia – The New York Times

The Trump administration is considering withholding lifesaving H.I.V. treatment and tuberculosis and malaria medications from 1.3 million Zambians as leverage to force the southern African nation to grant the United States greater access to its mineral resources, particularly copper, lithium, and cobalt. A State Department memo obtained by The New York Times states the administration will “only secure our priorities by demonstrating willingness to publicly take support away from Zambia on a massive scale,” with potential cuts to aid through PEPFAR beginning as soon as May.

Zambia’s critical minerals are central to the green energy transition globally, and the Trump administration views China’s access to these resources as a strategic threat. Unlike agreements with other nations that focus primarily on health spending commitments, the administration is attempting to weaponize health aid to coerce Zambia into signing a deal that prioritizes U.S. mineral access over public health needs.

This tactic follows the Trump administration’s broad cuts to foreign aid announced last year. The State Department has been pressuring countries to sign new agreements, with 24 nations having signed deals worth $20 billion in health aid over five years, though most agreements simply require recipient governments to increase their own health spending rather than serve geopolitical extraction goals.

Other African nations are resisting similar demands tied to aid. Zimbabwe’s government recently rejected negotiations, citing demands about data and biological sample sharing as intolerable sovereignty violations. Activists in Kenya have taken their country’s agreement to court over comparable concerns, signaling widespread resistance to conditioning essential health assistance on unfavorable terms.

The abuse of power represented by weaponizing H.I.V. treatment demonstrates how the Trump administration subordinates human life to resource extraction and geopolitical positioning, directly sacrificing the health and survival of vulnerable populations in service of mineral interests and competition with China.

(Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/health/zambia-hiv-aid-minerals-trump.html)

Trump’s Unilateral Iran War Backfires as Allies Reject Strait Coalition

Trump launched military strikes on Iran alongside Israel without coordinating diplomatically with allies, then scrambled to pressure nations to help manage the fallout. After initiating the conflict unilaterally, he requested roughly a half-dozen countries deploy warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping passage through which one-fifth of global oil trades. Trump signaled he would leverage his scheduled trip to China to coerce Beijing into joining a coalition to restore tanker traffic, though his treasury secretary later attempted damage control on that statement.

Trump’s pressure campaign has failed to generate commitments from potential partners. China remains noncommittal, France offered conditional participation only when “circumstances permit,” and Britain declined to deploy a warship, instead discussing limited mine-hunting drone assistance. Australia’s transport minister stated the country will not send a ship, and Italy rejected expanding naval missions to include the Strait. Trump’s insistence that the United States does not need the waterway due to domestic oil access contradicted his simultaneous demand that other nations sacrifice resources to secure it.

The oil price surge resulting from Trump’s unilateral war decision has driven up gas prices domestically as midterm election season accelerates. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed war-related economic disruption and accused media outlets of manufacturing a crisis, claiming prices would stabilize after the conflict concludes. Trump dismissed advisers’ assessments of fuel price duration, stating he relies on personal instinct rather than expert counsel.

Trump’s willingness to delay his late-March summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping to pressure Beijing on the strait situation carries substantial economic risk, as tensions between the world’s largest economies remain strained over tariffs. Bessent explicitly discouraged negative market reaction to a potential postponement, framing any reschedule as logistical rather than strategic. China’s slowed growth projection to 4.5-5% for 2026, the lowest since 1991, means prolonged strait disruptions could inflict long-term damage on Beijing’s economy as well.

Trump’s approach mirrors his pattern of unilateral decision-making followed by attempts to extract concessions from allies. The Republican president previously leveraged tariffs and accusations of NATO freeloading to secure increased defense spending commitments, but global resistance to his Strait of Hormuz coalition reveals limits to coercive tactics when nations perceive no direct benefit or mutual agreement. His administration continues the pressure campaign despite repeated rejections, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt arguing that securing Iran’s disarmament serves the entire Western world regardless of countries’ voluntary participation.

(Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-suggests-may-delay-china-043633731.html)

1 2 3 … 11