Mirror: US territory fears military pawn status after decoy role in Iranian attack

Guam’s senator and former Guam delegate have shared their fears of the federal government violating Guam’s right to transparency following the US strikes on Iran

Concerns are rising among Guam supporters who suspect the island has become a chess piece for the U.S. military, following Guam’s involvement in a ploy aimed at Iranian nuclear targets. The Pentagon disclosed that B-2 bombers were sent to Guam to distract from classified flights en route to Iran over the Atlantic Ocean.

Guam Senator Chris Barnett has voiced fears about the island’s participation in this strategic ruse, suggesting potential adverse implications both regionally and globally.

“Dragging Guam into the U.S. military’s deception tactics—without consultation, transparency, or regard for the people of Guam and those who serve in uniform—is ‘unacceptable,'” Barnett said.

While Barnett affirmed the “United States’ right to defend itself and protect its interests,” he criticized Guam’s role in Operation Midnight Hammer, stating it was “not about defense; it was about deception.”

Barnett highlighted that the people of Guam have long served the nation “honourably for generations.” He said: “We should not be used without consent or even acknowledgment.”

He criticized the exploitation of Guam as a strategic decoy, saying it “sends the wrong message to our allies, that Guam is expendable; to our adversaries, that we are divided; and to our own people, that we are invisible.” He proclaimed: “Guam deserves better.”

https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/territory-fears-military-pawn-status-1236537

Mirror: Trump executive order lets VA doctors deny care to Democrats or unmarried veterans

An executive order from President Donald Trump has given the VA the power to deny healthcare to veterans based on their political affiliation and marital status

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that allows the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to refuse healthcare to veterans based on their political beliefs and marital status, sparking fears that Democratic or single veterans could be denied medical services.

On January 30, Trump signed an executive order titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” While its primary aim was to roll back federal protections for transgender people, it also brought about sweeping changes within the VA.

Caplan expressed concern that under the new policies, doctors might ask patients inappropriate questions, such as whether they have attended a Trump rally or support the LGBTQ+ community. “These personal views are irrelevant to patient care. So, why should we risk denying anyone access to care for such reasons?” he questioned.

The VA, serving over 9 million vets through its extensive network of 170 hospitals and 1,000 clinics, has made sweeping changes to its policy by striking down shields against bias tied to political leanings, marital status, sexual preference, and country of origin. Its latest regulations now permit healthcare workers at VA institutions to refuse care for characteristics not covered by national laws.

https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/trump-executive-order-lets-va-1211769

Irish Star: Karoline Leavitt [Bimbo #1] gives baffling response when asked about massive tariff on Madagascar

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed concerns about the impact of Trump’s sweeping tariffs on low-income countries with high poverty rates, such as Madagascar.

“The reciprocal tariff rates were implemented by countries were focused on the monetary tariff those countries imposed on the United States, and the non-monetary barriers, making it harder for America to export to these countries,” Leavitt explained.

But in reality:

Madagascar, which has a trade surplus with the United States, is now facing a hefty 47% tariff on all its exports to the US, including vanilla. Despite Madagascar’s minimal dependence on U.S. exports, the steep tariff essentially aims to curb American consumption of over a thousand tons of vanilla annually.

According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who expressed his views on CNBC, Madagascar was accused of “picking on us.”

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/karoline-leavitt-gives-baffling-response-when-asked-about-massive-tariff-on-madagascar/ar-AA1CxAhr