
Trump backs Gabbard, Bondi, rejects calls to fire Noem over Minneapolis killings
India Today
Donald Trump rejected calls to fire Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who drew criticism after federal officers shot and killed two Americans protesting Trump's tough migrant deportation policies in Minnesota.
US President Donald Trump defended three members of his cabinet whose actions have drawn scrutiny and touted US military strength in a free-wheeling speech on Thursday at the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington.
Trump frequently strayed off the teleprompter in remarks to religious leaders and lawmakers, pushing themes of law and order and American might abroad in a speech that he could easily have given at one of his ubiquitous political rallies.
He warned Hamas fighters in Gaza to disarm or face consequences, promoted first lady Melania Trump's new documentary and praised El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, who has championed a mega-prison called CEGOT where the United States has sent hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants.
In one of his few religious references, he quoted the biblical verse "blessed are the pure in heart" and wondered if he would qualify. "I'm not sure that applies to me necessarily," he said. "Does that apply to me? I try."
He also mused about his chances of going to heaven, saying "I really think I probably should make it" while noting he was "not a perfect candidate."
Trump rejected calls to fire Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who drew criticism after federal officers shot and killed two Americans protesting Trump's tough migrant deportation policies in Minnesota.

The world is facing an energy crisis as Iran blocked supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz after strikes by the US and Israel. Vital subsea cables that carry global internet traffic also pass through Hormuz. Any damage to them could trigger internet outages and hit financial systems across countries, including in India.

Images of pre-Islamic Zoroastrian kings and warriors have been unveiled in Iran, evoking courage and resilience. Many say the Ayatollah regime in Iran revives the country's Persian identity during conflicts with Israel and the US. But this Persian heritage has always run deep, and is visible from time to time, in both dissent and unity.

The US-Israel war was meant to decapitate Iran's hardline leadership, but the killing of the "pragmatic" Ali Larijani might have done the opposite. By eliminating consensus-builder Larijani, the Israelis might have removed any scope of talks and pushed Iran into deeper hardline control. This could be a ploy to keep the war going.










