EXCLUSIVE — Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a top candidate to be Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate on the presidential ticket, is minimizing the role that Chinese investing played in a high-altitude surveillance company that the former astronaut co-founded.

Tucson-based World View, which was created in 2012 and contracts with the federal government and private companies, received an unknown amount of funding in the years that followed from Chinese tech giant Tencent in at least two rounds of venture capital funding.

Kelly’s former ties to World View, which he separated from prior to becoming a senator but maintains a financial stake in, received fresh scrutiny in 2023 after Chinese spy balloons flew in American airspace and again this month as his name floated to the top of Harris’s vice presidential list. Kelly’s company is not linked to the Chinese spy balloons that were shot down over U.S. airspace.

However, the incidents brought renewed attention to the financial ties Chinese companies have in American companies such as Kelly’s. Kelly declined to address to the Washington Examiner on Wednesday the role that Chinese investing played in the firm.

“Myself and some other folks formed a company that has supported Department of Defense, NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration], special operations, to provide our warfighters with capabilities that they need,” said Kelly, who is also a former U.S. Navy combat pilot.

Kelly disclosed to the Senate in July 2021 that he’d placed his stock in World View, valued between $100,001-$250,000, in a blind trust, according to a financial disclosure report. He ceased working with the company in 2019 prior to unseating former Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ) in 2020.

Kelly’s career is under the microscope amid vetting by Harris’s team to potentially join her on the ticket, and such episodes from his past that would be put further in the spotlight as a vice presidential candidate could present political liabilities for both Harris and some down-ballet Democrats.

Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), one of the Senate’s most vulnerable members this cycle as Democrats fight to keep their one-seat majority, also downplayed Kelly’s connections, telling the Washington Examiner that he had never heard of Kelly’s ties to the company before.

“That son of a bitch,” Tester quipped. “What you just told me is the first time I’ve heard of it.”

Montana, home to nuclear missile silo fields, was among the states where a Chinese spy balloon was spotted flying over in 2023.

Tencent contributed at least twice in separate rounds of venture capital funding, including one in 2016 that was valued at $15 million. Tencent’s portion was unclear. An earlier investment in 2014 was also for an undisclosed amount.

Tencent previously told Axios it maintains “a very small stake” in World View that does not include a board seat or investment rights. Once World View shifted from its earlier focus on space tourism to its more current role as a U.S. government contractor, Tencent said they “stopped investing and no longer have any active communications with the company.”

Kelly met with the head of Tencent’s U.S. operations in 2014, according to an interview former World View CEO Jane Poynter gave that year to Chinese news outlet Pengpai. The article, when translated to English, reported that Poynter credited Kelly for having “introduced him to space travel technology” and said Tencent was “very interested and was willing to invest at this stage.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Kelly described that conversation with Tencent in a 2020 Arizona Republic pre-election interview as a “very brief conversation with one individual that lasted about 30 seconds, maybe a minute.”

The campaign arm of Senate Republicans at the time accused Kelly of having “sold out in order to persuade Chinese communist executives to invest in his space company.”

2024-07-31 20:53:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F3106307%2Fharris-vp-contender-mark-kelly-downplays-founding-chinese-funded-spy-balloon-company%2F?w=600&h=450, EXCLUSIVE — Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a top candidate to be Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate on the presidential ticket, is minimizing the role that Chinese investing played in a high-altitude surveillance company that the former astronaut co-founded. Tucson-based World View, which was created in 2012 and contracts with the federal government and private,

EXCLUSIVE — Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a top candidate to be Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate on the presidential ticket, is minimizing the role that Chinese investing played in a high-altitude surveillance company that the former astronaut co-founded.

Tucson-based World View, which was created in 2012 and contracts with the federal government and private companies, received an unknown amount of funding in the years that followed from Chinese tech giant Tencent in at least two rounds of venture capital funding.

Kelly’s former ties to World View, which he separated from prior to becoming a senator but maintains a financial stake in, received fresh scrutiny in 2023 after Chinese spy balloons flew in American airspace and again this month as his name floated to the top of Harris’s vice presidential list. Kelly’s company is not linked to the Chinese spy balloons that were shot down over U.S. airspace.

However, the incidents brought renewed attention to the financial ties Chinese companies have in American companies such as Kelly’s. Kelly declined to address to the Washington Examiner on Wednesday the role that Chinese investing played in the firm.

“Myself and some other folks formed a company that has supported Department of Defense, NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration], special operations, to provide our warfighters with capabilities that they need,” said Kelly, who is also a former U.S. Navy combat pilot.

Kelly disclosed to the Senate in July 2021 that he’d placed his stock in World View, valued between $100,001-$250,000, in a blind trust, according to a financial disclosure report. He ceased working with the company in 2019 prior to unseating former Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ) in 2020.

Kelly’s career is under the microscope amid vetting by Harris’s team to potentially join her on the ticket, and such episodes from his past that would be put further in the spotlight as a vice presidential candidate could present political liabilities for both Harris and some down-ballet Democrats.

Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), one of the Senate’s most vulnerable members this cycle as Democrats fight to keep their one-seat majority, also downplayed Kelly’s connections, telling the Washington Examiner that he had never heard of Kelly’s ties to the company before.

“That son of a bitch,” Tester quipped. “What you just told me is the first time I’ve heard of it.”

Montana, home to nuclear missile silo fields, was among the states where a Chinese spy balloon was spotted flying over in 2023.

Tencent contributed at least twice in separate rounds of venture capital funding, including one in 2016 that was valued at $15 million. Tencent’s portion was unclear. An earlier investment in 2014 was also for an undisclosed amount.

Tencent previously told Axios it maintains “a very small stake” in World View that does not include a board seat or investment rights. Once World View shifted from its earlier focus on space tourism to its more current role as a U.S. government contractor, Tencent said they “stopped investing and no longer have any active communications with the company.”

Kelly met with the head of Tencent’s U.S. operations in 2014, according to an interview former World View CEO Jane Poynter gave that year to Chinese news outlet Pengpai. The article, when translated to English, reported that Poynter credited Kelly for having “introduced him to space travel technology” and said Tencent was “very interested and was willing to invest at this stage.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Kelly described that conversation with Tencent in a 2020 Arizona Republic pre-election interview as a “very brief conversation with one individual that lasted about 30 seconds, maybe a minute.”

The campaign arm of Senate Republicans at the time accused Kelly of having “sold out in order to persuade Chinese communist executives to invest in his space company.”

, EXCLUSIVE — Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a top candidate to be Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate on the presidential ticket, is minimizing the role that Chinese investing played in a high-altitude surveillance company that the former astronaut co-founded. Tucson-based World View, which was created in 2012 and contracts with the federal government and private companies, received an unknown amount of funding in the years that followed from Chinese tech giant Tencent in at least two rounds of venture capital funding. Kelly’s former ties to World View, which he separated from prior to becoming a senator but maintains a financial stake in, received fresh scrutiny in 2023 after Chinese spy balloons flew in American airspace and again this month as his name floated to the top of Harris’s vice presidential list. Kelly’s company is not linked to the Chinese spy balloons that were shot down over U.S. airspace. However, the incidents brought renewed attention to the financial ties Chinese companies have in American companies such as Kelly’s. Kelly declined to address to the Washington Examiner on Wednesday the role that Chinese investing played in the firm. “Myself and some other folks formed a company that has supported Department of Defense, NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration], special operations, to provide our warfighters with capabilities that they need,” said Kelly, who is also a former U.S. Navy combat pilot. Kelly disclosed to the Senate in July 2021 that he’d placed his stock in World View, valued between $100,001-$250,000, in a blind trust, according to a financial disclosure report. He ceased working with the company in 2019 prior to unseating former Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ) in 2020. Kelly’s career is under the microscope amid vetting by Harris’s team to potentially join her on the ticket, and such episodes from his past that would be put further in the spotlight as a vice presidential candidate could present political liabilities for both Harris and some down-ballet Democrats. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), one of the Senate’s most vulnerable members this cycle as Democrats fight to keep their one-seat majority, also downplayed Kelly’s connections, telling the Washington Examiner that he had never heard of Kelly’s ties to the company before. “That son of a bitch,” Tester quipped. “What you just told me is the first time I’ve heard of it.” Montana, home to nuclear missile silo fields, was among the states where a Chinese spy balloon was spotted flying over in 2023. Tencent contributed at least twice in separate rounds of venture capital funding, including one in 2016 that was valued at $15 million. Tencent’s portion was unclear. An earlier investment in 2014 was also for an undisclosed amount. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., stops to talk with reporters as he boards an elevator in the basement of the U.S. Capitol Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) Tencent previously told Axios it maintains “a very small stake” in World View that does not include a board seat or investment rights. Once World View shifted from its earlier focus on space tourism to its more current role as a U.S. government contractor, Tencent said they “stopped investing and no longer have any active communications with the company.” Kelly met with the head of Tencent’s U.S. operations in 2014, according to an interview former World View CEO Jane Poynter gave that year to Chinese news outlet Pengpai. The article, when translated to English, reported that Poynter credited Kelly for having “introduced him to space travel technology” and said Tencent was “very interested and was willing to invest at this stage.” CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Kelly described that conversation with Tencent in a 2020 Arizona Republic pre-election interview as a “very brief conversation with one individual that lasted about 30 seconds, maybe a minute.” The campaign arm of Senate Republicans at the time accused Kelly of having “sold out in order to persuade Chinese communist executives to invest in his space company.”, , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mark-kelly-downplays-chinese-funding-spy-balloon-company.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Ramsey Touchberry,

Podcast host Joe Rogan argued that voters are “giving into the bulls***” to oppose former President Donald Trump in the election, which could lead to Vice President Kamala Harris‘s victory.

Rogan was assessing the current state of the 2024 election with author and fellow podcast host Michael Malice, which saw President Joe Biden bow out of his reelection bid and Trump narrowly survive an assassination attempt in the last month. With Harris as the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party, Rogan contended that he could “see her winning” against Trump in a possible matchup.

“I feel like we are in this very bizarre time where people are giving into the bulls*** in a way that I never suspected people would before,” Rogan said on The Joe Rogan Experience. “They just want no Trump, no matter what, and they’re willing to gaslight themselves, and by the way, I think Hillary could win.”

Regarding the assassination attempt on Trump, Rogan said he thought the event would have guaranteed Trump’s victory in the election, a prediction sports journalist Stephen A. Smith had also made. However, he noted how the press has “memory-holed” the historic attempt on Trump’s life very quickly.

Malice agreed, noting how he initially thought the assassination attempt would have resulted in “corporate journalists” spending several years writing about the dangers of hate speech translating into violence. However, the break on attacks against Trump only lasted about “a week” before they resumed.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Earlier this year, Rogan indicated that he would vote for independent presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. should he make it onto the ballot. Kennedy met with Trump two days after the assassination attempt to discuss “national unity,” with the two also reportedly discussing a possible administration role for Kennedy in a hypothetical second Trump presidency.

Polling data between Trump and Harris has shown the former president holds a razor-thin lead by 1%, with the poll’s margin of error at plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. Noticeably, Harris has received a boost in her favorability polling since Biden dropped his reelection bid, jumping from 35% to 43%.

2024-07-31 20:36:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3106444%2Fjoe-rogan-suggests-harris-win-because-people-giving-into-bulls%2F?w=600&h=450, Podcast host Joe Rogan argued that voters are “giving into the bulls***” to oppose former President Donald Trump in the election, which could lead to Vice President Kamala Harris‘s victory. Rogan was assessing the current state of the 2024 election with author and fellow podcast host Michael Malice, which saw President Joe Biden bow out,

Podcast host Joe Rogan argued that voters are “giving into the bulls***” to oppose former President Donald Trump in the election, which could lead to Vice President Kamala Harris‘s victory.

Rogan was assessing the current state of the 2024 election with author and fellow podcast host Michael Malice, which saw President Joe Biden bow out of his reelection bid and Trump narrowly survive an assassination attempt in the last month. With Harris as the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party, Rogan contended that he could “see her winning” against Trump in a possible matchup.

“I feel like we are in this very bizarre time where people are giving into the bulls*** in a way that I never suspected people would before,” Rogan said on The Joe Rogan Experience. “They just want no Trump, no matter what, and they’re willing to gaslight themselves, and by the way, I think Hillary could win.”

Regarding the assassination attempt on Trump, Rogan said he thought the event would have guaranteed Trump’s victory in the election, a prediction sports journalist Stephen A. Smith had also made. However, he noted how the press has “memory-holed” the historic attempt on Trump’s life very quickly.

Malice agreed, noting how he initially thought the assassination attempt would have resulted in “corporate journalists” spending several years writing about the dangers of hate speech translating into violence. However, the break on attacks against Trump only lasted about “a week” before they resumed.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Earlier this year, Rogan indicated that he would vote for independent presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. should he make it onto the ballot. Kennedy met with Trump two days after the assassination attempt to discuss “national unity,” with the two also reportedly discussing a possible administration role for Kennedy in a hypothetical second Trump presidency.

Polling data between Trump and Harris has shown the former president holds a razor-thin lead by 1%, with the poll’s margin of error at plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. Noticeably, Harris has received a boost in her favorability polling since Biden dropped his reelection bid, jumping from 35% to 43%.

, Podcast host Joe Rogan argued that voters are “giving into the bulls***” to oppose former President Donald Trump in the election, which could lead to Vice President Kamala Harris‘s victory. Rogan was assessing the current state of the 2024 election with author and fellow podcast host Michael Malice, which saw President Joe Biden bow out of his reelection bid and Trump narrowly survive an assassination attempt in the last month. With Harris as the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party, Rogan contended that he could “see her winning” against Trump in a possible matchup. “I feel like we are in this very bizarre time where people are giving into the bulls*** in a way that I never suspected people would before,” Rogan said on The Joe Rogan Experience. “They just want no Trump, no matter what, and they’re willing to gaslight themselves, and by the way, I think Hillary could win.” Regarding the assassination attempt on Trump, Rogan said he thought the event would have guaranteed Trump’s victory in the election, a prediction sports journalist Stephen A. Smith had also made. However, he noted how the press has “memory-holed” the historic attempt on Trump’s life very quickly. Malice agreed, noting how he initially thought the assassination attempt would have resulted in “corporate journalists” spending several years writing about the dangers of hate speech translating into violence. However, the break on attacks against Trump only lasted about “a week” before they resumed. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Earlier this year, Rogan indicated that he would vote for independent presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. should he make it onto the ballot. Kennedy met with Trump two days after the assassination attempt to discuss “national unity,” with the two also reportedly discussing a possible administration role for Kennedy in a hypothetical second Trump presidency. Polling data between Trump and Harris has shown the former president holds a razor-thin lead by 1%, with the poll’s margin of error at plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. Noticeably, Harris has received a boost in her favorability polling since Biden dropped his reelection bid, jumping from 35% to 43%., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Joe-Rogan-UFC-scaled-1024×683.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Asher Notheis,

President Joe Biden’s Title IX changes are getting rolled up by the courts as the school year approaches, which is great news for due process and for people who don’t want boys in girls’ locker rooms.

Biden’s destructive Title IX changes are being held up in half the country by legal challenges and may be delayed in more due to unclear guidance from the Biden administration amid those challenges. Biden’s changes included stripping students of due process rights on college campuses, a return to Obama-era policies that resulted in hundreds of successful lawsuits against universities by students who were expelled or otherwise disciplined through the witch hunt system Biden wants to impose.

Biden’s Education Department is telling schools to push ahead with these rules, even though they may be tossed out or further restrained by the courts in the middle of the school year, and thus in the middle of university Title IX “investigations.” The Biden administration is trying to get the Supreme Court to at least allow the rule forcing schools to let boys into girls’ restrooms and locker rooms to be enforced while the due process provisions are reviewed, and has begun instructing schools on how to “draft new nondiscrimination policies” to fit the questionable rules.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

As a result of Biden pushing these rules even as they remain caught up in the courts, school officials are scrambling to figure out what they should even be doing. It is a fitting result, given how sporadic and incompetent Biden’s policies and decisions have been on every other policy. Hopefully, the courts make this process a lot easier and strike down Biden’s terrible rule changes that deprive students of due process and corrupt Title IX gender protections to fit transgender ideology.

As it stands, schools are stuck in the middle of a legal stalemate, with students about to return to classrooms and campuses across the country. It is another Biden failure that is, hopefully, enough of a failure that the courts are able to correct it for the good of students and for the administrators scrambling to find workable policies on short notice.

2024-07-31 20:32:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F3106670%2Fbiden-forces-schools-into-uncertainties-as-students-return%2F?w=600&h=450, President Joe Biden’s Title IX changes are getting rolled up by the courts as the school year approaches, which is great news for due process and for people who don’t want boys in girls’ locker rooms. Biden’s destructive Title IX changes are being held up in half the country by legal challenges and may be,

President Joe Biden’s Title IX changes are getting rolled up by the courts as the school year approaches, which is great news for due process and for people who don’t want boys in girls’ locker rooms.

Biden’s destructive Title IX changes are being held up in half the country by legal challenges and may be delayed in more due to unclear guidance from the Biden administration amid those challenges. Biden’s changes included stripping students of due process rights on college campuses, a return to Obama-era policies that resulted in hundreds of successful lawsuits against universities by students who were expelled or otherwise disciplined through the witch hunt system Biden wants to impose.

Biden’s Education Department is telling schools to push ahead with these rules, even though they may be tossed out or further restrained by the courts in the middle of the school year, and thus in the middle of university Title IX “investigations.” The Biden administration is trying to get the Supreme Court to at least allow the rule forcing schools to let boys into girls’ restrooms and locker rooms to be enforced while the due process provisions are reviewed, and has begun instructing schools on how to “draft new nondiscrimination policies” to fit the questionable rules.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

As a result of Biden pushing these rules even as they remain caught up in the courts, school officials are scrambling to figure out what they should even be doing. It is a fitting result, given how sporadic and incompetent Biden’s policies and decisions have been on every other policy. Hopefully, the courts make this process a lot easier and strike down Biden’s terrible rule changes that deprive students of due process and corrupt Title IX gender protections to fit transgender ideology.

As it stands, schools are stuck in the middle of a legal stalemate, with students about to return to classrooms and campuses across the country. It is another Biden failure that is, hopefully, enough of a failure that the courts are able to correct it for the good of students and for the administrators scrambling to find workable policies on short notice.

, President Joe Biden’s Title IX changes are getting rolled up by the courts as the school year approaches, which is great news for due process and for people who don’t want boys in girls’ locker rooms. Biden’s destructive Title IX changes are being held up in half the country by legal challenges and may be delayed in more due to unclear guidance from the Biden administration amid those challenges. Biden’s changes included stripping students of due process rights on college campuses, a return to Obama-era policies that resulted in hundreds of successful lawsuits against universities by students who were expelled or otherwise disciplined through the witch hunt system Biden wants to impose. Biden’s Education Department is telling schools to push ahead with these rules, even though they may be tossed out or further restrained by the courts in the middle of the school year, and thus in the middle of university Title IX “investigations.” The Biden administration is trying to get the Supreme Court to at least allow the rule forcing schools to let boys into girls’ restrooms and locker rooms to be enforced while the due process provisions are reviewed, and has begun instructing schools on how to “draft new nondiscrimination policies” to fit the questionable rules. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER As a result of Biden pushing these rules even as they remain caught up in the courts, school officials are scrambling to figure out what they should even be doing. It is a fitting result, given how sporadic and incompetent Biden’s policies and decisions have been on every other policy. Hopefully, the courts make this process a lot easier and strike down Biden’s terrible rule changes that deprive students of due process and corrupt Title IX gender protections to fit transgender ideology. As it stands, schools are stuck in the middle of a legal stalemate, with students about to return to classrooms and campuses across the country. It is another Biden failure that is, hopefully, enough of a failure that the courts are able to correct it for the good of students and for the administrators scrambling to find workable policies on short notice., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Joe-Biden-student-loans.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Zachary Faria,

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued an order to strike Israel directly in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, according to a report.

Three Iranian officials, including two members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, told the New York Times the order was issued after an emergency meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Wednesday. The reported order comes as the Iranian government publicly vowed retaliation after the head of one of its allies was killed in the heart of its capital.

However, the exact nature of the attack is still unclear and possibly not even decided yet. The Iranian officials said multiple options are being considered, including missile and drone strikes against military targets in Tel Aviv and Haifa. Another option being considered is a coordinated attack from Iran, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.

The officials also said Iran would make a point not to hit civilian targets, likely to avoid escalation.

Khamenei also told the armed forces to prepare for a potential response from Israel or even the United States, anticipating a possible expansion of the war.

The description of the retaliation options sounds similar to that undertaken by Iran in April in response to the assassination of an IRGC leader and other officers in a Damascus air strike.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

In April, Iran launched its first-ever direct missile attack against Israel, though most of the missiles were intercepted and Israel suffered only minor casualties and damage.

Hezbollah, a close ally of Iran based in Lebanon, is also likely planning retaliation for the assassination of Fuad Shukr, a senior commander who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Iran and the group could coordinate their response to raise their chances of breaching Israel’s vaunted missile defense system.

2024-07-31 20:26:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fforeign-policy%2F3106510%2Fayatollah-khamenei-orders-strike-israel-directly%2F?w=600&h=450, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued an order to strike Israel directly in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, according to a report. Three Iranian officials, including two members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, told the New York Times the order was issued after an emergency meeting of Iran’s Supreme,

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued an order to strike Israel directly in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, according to a report.

Three Iranian officials, including two members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, told the New York Times the order was issued after an emergency meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Wednesday. The reported order comes as the Iranian government publicly vowed retaliation after the head of one of its allies was killed in the heart of its capital.

However, the exact nature of the attack is still unclear and possibly not even decided yet. The Iranian officials said multiple options are being considered, including missile and drone strikes against military targets in Tel Aviv and Haifa. Another option being considered is a coordinated attack from Iran, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.

The officials also said Iran would make a point not to hit civilian targets, likely to avoid escalation.

Khamenei also told the armed forces to prepare for a potential response from Israel or even the United States, anticipating a possible expansion of the war.

The description of the retaliation options sounds similar to that undertaken by Iran in April in response to the assassination of an IRGC leader and other officers in a Damascus air strike.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

In April, Iran launched its first-ever direct missile attack against Israel, though most of the missiles were intercepted and Israel suffered only minor casualties and damage.

Hezbollah, a close ally of Iran based in Lebanon, is also likely planning retaliation for the assassination of Fuad Shukr, a senior commander who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Iran and the group could coordinate their response to raise their chances of breaching Israel’s vaunted missile defense system.

, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued an order to strike Israel directly in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, according to a report. Three Iranian officials, including two members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, told the New York Times the order was issued after an emergency meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Wednesday. The reported order comes as the Iranian government publicly vowed retaliation after the head of one of its allies was killed in the heart of its capital. Iranian protesters hold a poster of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and an anti-Israeli placard in a demonstration to condemn the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) However, the exact nature of the attack is still unclear and possibly not even decided yet. The Iranian officials said multiple options are being considered, including missile and drone strikes against military targets in Tel Aviv and Haifa. Another option being considered is a coordinated attack from Iran, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq. The officials also said Iran would make a point not to hit civilian targets, likely to avoid escalation. Khamenei also told the armed forces to prepare for a potential response from Israel or even the United States, anticipating a possible expansion of the war. The description of the retaliation options sounds similar to that undertaken by Iran in April in response to the assassination of an IRGC leader and other officers in a Damascus air strike. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER In April, Iran launched its first-ever direct missile attack against Israel, though most of the missiles were intercepted and Israel suffered only minor casualties and damage. Hezbollah, a close ally of Iran based in Lebanon, is also likely planning retaliation for the assassination of Fuad Shukr, a senior commander who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Iran and the group could coordinate their response to raise their chances of breaching Israel’s vaunted missile defense system., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ayatollah.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Brady Knox,

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump sought to limit the impact that vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance‘s comments about Democratic women without children would have on his campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a largely chaotic panel at the National Association of Black Journalists’s conference Wednesday in Chicago, Trump claimed that he did not know of Vance’s comments about “childless cat ladies” before he selected him as his running mate.

“No, I know this: He is very family-oriented, and he thinks family is a great thing,” Trump told a panel consisting of ABC’s Rachel Scott, Fox News’s Harris Faulkner, and Semafor’s Kadia Goba. “I know people with families, I know people with great families, I know people with very troubled families, and I also know people with no families. They didn’t meet the right person. Things happen. You go through life, you don’t meet the right person.”

After more questioning from Scott and Goba, Trump reiterated the comment “He strongly believes in family.”

“What he’s saying is that he thinks the family experience is a very important thing,” Trump elaborated. “It’s a very good thing. But that doesn’t mean that if you grow up and you grow older and you don’t meet somebody that would be wonderful to meet and would have been good that that’s a bad thing. He’s not saying that.”

Later on, Trump sought to flip the script, saying that Democrats were the ones who are struggling to appeal to families.

“I think that the Democrat Party is really the one that has the problem. I think they’re radical on abortion because they’re allowing abortion in the ninth month,” Trump said before the moderators claimed that abortion at that late stage is illegal in every state.

Trump was again asked if his campaign supports Vance’s statement that people with children should have more votes than a person without children.

“Well no,” he responded. “But it’s not something I have ever heard before.”

Vance has faced steep backlash for his comments since joining Trump’s ticket during the Republican National Convention earlier in July, which Faulkner questioned the former president about.

“I chose him because he’s a very strong believer in work and the working man and woman, and especially the working man and woman who have been treated very unfairly,” Trump said.

Vance is the author of the popular book Hillbilly Elegy, which was produced as a movie in 2020. Trump pointed to the Ohio senator’s ability to appeal to working-class people in the Midwest, a critical area he needs to win to be elected president again.

“He’s a very smart guy, without the benefit of having a family that has contacts, like a father that was well connected,” Trump said. “He got into Yale Law School. He’s somebody that was born in a rough situation. Most of the people know that situation because it was very well-documented in his book. And I have a lot of respect for somebody that can get into Yale and become one of the best students in Yale that meets a young woman at Yale who was also outstanding and getting married. They have a beautiful family.”

But when Faulkner asked if Vance would be ready on Day One, Trump equivocated in his response and did not completely answer yes.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“I’ve always had great respect for him and for the other candidates too,” Trump started. “But I will say this, and I think this is well-documented: Historically, the vice president, in terms of the election, does not have any impact. I mean, virtually no impact. You have two or three days where there’s a lot of commotion as to who, like you’re having it on the Democrat side, who it’s going to be, and then that dies down, and it’s all about the presidential pick. Virtually never has it mattered.

“Historically, the choice of a vice president makes no difference,” Trump continued. “You’re voting for the president, and you can have a vice president who’s outstanding in every way. And I think J.D is, I think that all of them would have been but, but you’re not voting that way. You’re voting for the president. You’re voting for me. If you like me, I’m going to win. If you don’t like me, I’m not going to win.”

2024-07-31 20:26:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fpresidential%2F3106473%2Ftrump-downplays-vance-childless-cat-ladies-comments%2F?w=600&h=450, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump sought to limit the impact that vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance‘s comments about Democratic women without children would have on his campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris. In a largely chaotic panel at the National Association of Black Journalists’s conference Wednesday in Chicago, Trump claimed that he did not know,

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump sought to limit the impact that vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance‘s comments about Democratic women without children would have on his campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a largely chaotic panel at the National Association of Black Journalists’s conference Wednesday in Chicago, Trump claimed that he did not know of Vance’s comments about “childless cat ladies” before he selected him as his running mate.

“No, I know this: He is very family-oriented, and he thinks family is a great thing,” Trump told a panel consisting of ABC’s Rachel Scott, Fox News’s Harris Faulkner, and Semafor’s Kadia Goba. “I know people with families, I know people with great families, I know people with very troubled families, and I also know people with no families. They didn’t meet the right person. Things happen. You go through life, you don’t meet the right person.”

After more questioning from Scott and Goba, Trump reiterated the comment “He strongly believes in family.”

“What he’s saying is that he thinks the family experience is a very important thing,” Trump elaborated. “It’s a very good thing. But that doesn’t mean that if you grow up and you grow older and you don’t meet somebody that would be wonderful to meet and would have been good that that’s a bad thing. He’s not saying that.”

Later on, Trump sought to flip the script, saying that Democrats were the ones who are struggling to appeal to families.

“I think that the Democrat Party is really the one that has the problem. I think they’re radical on abortion because they’re allowing abortion in the ninth month,” Trump said before the moderators claimed that abortion at that late stage is illegal in every state.

Trump was again asked if his campaign supports Vance’s statement that people with children should have more votes than a person without children.

“Well no,” he responded. “But it’s not something I have ever heard before.”

Vance has faced steep backlash for his comments since joining Trump’s ticket during the Republican National Convention earlier in July, which Faulkner questioned the former president about.

“I chose him because he’s a very strong believer in work and the working man and woman, and especially the working man and woman who have been treated very unfairly,” Trump said.

Vance is the author of the popular book Hillbilly Elegy, which was produced as a movie in 2020. Trump pointed to the Ohio senator’s ability to appeal to working-class people in the Midwest, a critical area he needs to win to be elected president again.

“He’s a very smart guy, without the benefit of having a family that has contacts, like a father that was well connected,” Trump said. “He got into Yale Law School. He’s somebody that was born in a rough situation. Most of the people know that situation because it was very well-documented in his book. And I have a lot of respect for somebody that can get into Yale and become one of the best students in Yale that meets a young woman at Yale who was also outstanding and getting married. They have a beautiful family.”

But when Faulkner asked if Vance would be ready on Day One, Trump equivocated in his response and did not completely answer yes.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“I’ve always had great respect for him and for the other candidates too,” Trump started. “But I will say this, and I think this is well-documented: Historically, the vice president, in terms of the election, does not have any impact. I mean, virtually no impact. You have two or three days where there’s a lot of commotion as to who, like you’re having it on the Democrat side, who it’s going to be, and then that dies down, and it’s all about the presidential pick. Virtually never has it mattered.

“Historically, the choice of a vice president makes no difference,” Trump continued. “You’re voting for the president, and you can have a vice president who’s outstanding in every way. And I think J.D is, I think that all of them would have been but, but you’re not voting that way. You’re voting for the president. You’re voting for me. If you like me, I’m going to win. If you don’t like me, I’m not going to win.”

, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump sought to limit the impact that vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance‘s comments about Democratic women without children would have on his campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris. In a largely chaotic panel at the National Association of Black Journalists’s conference Wednesday in Chicago, Trump claimed that he did not know of Vance’s comments about “childless cat ladies” before he selected him as his running mate. “No, I know this: He is very family-oriented, and he thinks family is a great thing,” Trump told a panel consisting of ABC’s Rachel Scott, Fox News’s Harris Faulkner, and Semafor’s Kadia Goba. “I know people with families, I know people with great families, I know people with very troubled families, and I also know people with no families. They didn’t meet the right person. Things happen. You go through life, you don’t meet the right person.” After more questioning from Scott and Goba, Trump reiterated the comment “He strongly believes in family.” “What he’s saying is that he thinks the family experience is a very important thing,” Trump elaborated. “It’s a very good thing. But that doesn’t mean that if you grow up and you grow older and you don’t meet somebody that would be wonderful to meet and would have been good that that’s a bad thing. He’s not saying that.” Later on, Trump sought to flip the script, saying that Democrats were the ones who are struggling to appeal to families. “I think that the Democrat Party is really the one that has the problem. I think they’re radical on abortion because they’re allowing abortion in the ninth month,” Trump said before the moderators claimed that abortion at that late stage is illegal in every state. Trump was again asked if his campaign supports Vance’s statement that people with children should have more votes than a person without children. “Well no,” he responded. “But it’s not something I have ever heard before.” Vance has faced steep backlash for his comments since joining Trump’s ticket during the Republican National Convention earlier in July, which Faulkner questioned the former president about. “I chose him because he’s a very strong believer in work and the working man and woman, and especially the working man and woman who have been treated very unfairly,” Trump said. Vance is the author of the popular book Hillbilly Elegy, which was produced as a movie in 2020. Trump pointed to the Ohio senator’s ability to appeal to working-class people in the Midwest, a critical area he needs to win to be elected president again. “He’s a very smart guy, without the benefit of having a family that has contacts, like a father that was well connected,” Trump said. “He got into Yale Law School. He’s somebody that was born in a rough situation. Most of the people know that situation because it was very well-documented in his book. And I have a lot of respect for somebody that can get into Yale and become one of the best students in Yale that meets a young woman at Yale who was also outstanding and getting married. They have a beautiful family.” But when Faulkner asked if Vance would be ready on Day One, Trump equivocated in his response and did not completely answer yes. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER “I’ve always had great respect for him and for the other candidates too,” Trump started. “But I will say this, and I think this is well-documented: Historically, the vice president, in terms of the election, does not have any impact. I mean, virtually no impact. You have two or three days where there’s a lot of commotion as to who, like you’re having it on the Democrat side, who it’s going to be, and then that dies down, and it’s all about the presidential pick. Virtually never has it mattered. “Historically, the choice of a vice president makes no difference,” Trump continued. “You’re voting for the president, and you can have a vice president who’s outstanding in every way. And I think J.D is, I think that all of them would have been but, but you’re not voting that way. You’re voting for the president. You’re voting for me. If you like me, I’m going to win. If you don’t like me, I’m not going to win.”, , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Trump-speaks-at-NABJ.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Mabinty Quarshie,

The United Auto Workers has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president ahead of Harris’s visit to Detroit next week.

The UAW said its executive board voted to endorse the president on Wednesday.

“Our job in this election is to defeat Donald Trump and elect Kamala Harris to build on her proven track record of delivering for the working class,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement. “We stand at a crossroads in this country. We can put a billionaire back in office who stands against everything our union stands for, or we can elect Kamala Harris who will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our war on corporate greed.”

“This campaign is bringing together people from all walks of life, building a movement that can defeat Donald Trump at the ballot box. For our one million active and retired members, the choice is clear: We will elect Kamala Harris to be our next President this November,” Fain added.

The UAW said Harris walked the picket line with striking autoworkers in 2019 and cited her work to combat corporate price gouging.

It said Harris will travel to Detroit next Wednesday to rally with UAW members, as well as meet directly with union members and leaders.

The UAW is one of the largest labor unions in the United States and has more than 400,000 active members, according to its website.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The union had previously endorsed President Joe Biden in January before Biden dropped his reelection bid earlier this month.

Its endorsement of Harris comes after Fain and former President Donald Trump have repeatedly traded jabs, with Trump calling for Fain to be fired at the Republican National Convention and the union calling Trump a “scab and a billionaire” in a post on X in July. 

2024-07-31 20:25:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fpresidential%2F3106560%2Fuaw-endorses-kamala-harris%2F?w=600&h=450, The United Auto Workers has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president ahead of Harris’s visit to Detroit next week. The UAW said its executive board voted to endorse the president on Wednesday. “Our job in this election is to defeat Donald Trump and elect Kamala Harris to build on her proven track record of,

The United Auto Workers has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president ahead of Harris’s visit to Detroit next week.

The UAW said its executive board voted to endorse the president on Wednesday.

“Our job in this election is to defeat Donald Trump and elect Kamala Harris to build on her proven track record of delivering for the working class,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement. “We stand at a crossroads in this country. We can put a billionaire back in office who stands against everything our union stands for, or we can elect Kamala Harris who will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our war on corporate greed.”

“This campaign is bringing together people from all walks of life, building a movement that can defeat Donald Trump at the ballot box. For our one million active and retired members, the choice is clear: We will elect Kamala Harris to be our next President this November,” Fain added.

The UAW said Harris walked the picket line with striking autoworkers in 2019 and cited her work to combat corporate price gouging.

It said Harris will travel to Detroit next Wednesday to rally with UAW members, as well as meet directly with union members and leaders.

The UAW is one of the largest labor unions in the United States and has more than 400,000 active members, according to its website.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The union had previously endorsed President Joe Biden in January before Biden dropped his reelection bid earlier this month.

Its endorsement of Harris comes after Fain and former President Donald Trump have repeatedly traded jabs, with Trump calling for Fain to be fired at the Republican National Convention and the union calling Trump a “scab and a billionaire” in a post on X in July. 

, The United Auto Workers has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president ahead of Harris’s visit to Detroit next week. The UAW said its executive board voted to endorse the president on Wednesday. “Our job in this election is to defeat Donald Trump and elect Kamala Harris to build on her proven track record of delivering for the working class,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement. “We stand at a crossroads in this country. We can put a billionaire back in office who stands against everything our union stands for, or we can elect Kamala Harris who will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our war on corporate greed.” “We stand at a crossroads in this country. We can put a billionaire back in office who stands against everything our union stands for, or we can elect Kamala Harris who will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our war on corporate greed…”— UAW (@UAW) July 31, 2024 “This campaign is bringing together people from all walks of life, building a movement that can defeat Donald Trump at the ballot box. For our one million active and retired members, the choice is clear: We will elect Kamala Harris to be our next President this November,” Fain added. The UAW said Harris walked the picket line with striking autoworkers in 2019 and cited her work to combat corporate price gouging. It said Harris will travel to Detroit next Wednesday to rally with UAW members, as well as meet directly with union members and leaders. The UAW is one of the largest labor unions in the United States and has more than 400,000 active members, according to its website. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The union had previously endorsed President Joe Biden in January before Biden dropped his reelection bid earlier this month. Its endorsement of Harris comes after Fain and former President Donald Trump have repeatedly traded jabs, with Trump calling for Fain to be fired at the Republican National Convention and the union calling Trump a “scab and a billionaire” in a post on X in July. , , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/uaw-president-shawn-fain.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Audrey Baker,

Former President Donald Trump is holding a campaign rally in the swing state of Pennsylvania with 97 days until Election Day.

Trump’s rally in Harrisburg is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. EDT.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The former president’s rally comes hours after he attended a Q&A session at the National Association of Black Journalists annual convention in Chicago, where he questioned Vice President Kamala Harris’s black identity.

In Pennsylvania, Trump leads Harris, 48.2%-45.5%, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average in the state.

2024-07-31 20:25:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fpresidential%2F3106084%2Fwatch-live-trump-campaign-rally-pennsylvania%2F?w=600&h=450, Former President Donald Trump is holding a campaign rally in the swing state of Pennsylvania with 97 days until Election Day. Trump’s rally in Harrisburg is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. EDT. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The former president’s rally comes hours after he attended a Q&A session at,

Former President Donald Trump is holding a campaign rally in the swing state of Pennsylvania with 97 days until Election Day.

Trump’s rally in Harrisburg is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. EDT.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The former president’s rally comes hours after he attended a Q&A session at the National Association of Black Journalists annual convention in Chicago, where he questioned Vice President Kamala Harris’s black identity.

In Pennsylvania, Trump leads Harris, 48.2%-45.5%, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average in the state.

, Former President Donald Trump is holding a campaign rally in the swing state of Pennsylvania with 97 days until Election Day. Trump’s rally in Harrisburg is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. EDT. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The former president’s rally comes hours after he attended a Q&A session at the National Association of Black Journalists annual convention in Chicago, where he questioned Vice President Kamala Harris’s black identity. In Pennsylvania, Trump leads Harris, 48.2%-45.5%, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average in the state., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/trump-rally-pa-july-2024.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Jack Birle,

The United States launched a strike on Iranian-backed forces in Iraq, marking its first operation in the country since February.

According to Iraqi officials, U.S. fighter jets struck several Iranian-aligned militia groups in Babil province, south of Baghdad, on Tuesday. 

The strike killed four members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which includes several Iran-backed armed militias, and injured four others.

PMF denounced the attack and called on Iraq to “unite efforts to make an immediate decision for the expulsion of foreign forces from our country.”

U.S. officials told Reuters that American forces carried out this attack in response to a drone threat that posed a risk to U.S. and coalition forces from these militias.

Yehia Rasool, a spokesman for Iraq’s armed forces commander, condemned the strike as a “reckless and irresponsible aggressive act.”

“Such serious and uncalculated transgressions can significantly undermine all efforts, mechanisms, and frameworks of joint security work to combat ISIS in Iraq and Syria,” Rasool said in a post on X.

“They also risk dragging Iraq and the entire region into dangerous conflicts and wars. Therefore, we hold the coalition forces fully responsible for these consequences following this flagrant aggression.”

Last week, Iranian-backed militias targeted U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria for the first time since early February.  

Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder confirmed these two attacks were unsuccessful and caused no injuries. 

“We certainly condemn the attack by an Iran-aligned militia group against U.S. forces in Syria,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said after last week’s attack.

“We’ve seen these attacks, obviously, in the past. We have made quite clear to Iran, we’ve made quite clear to Iran’s proxy groups that we will defend our interests, we will defend our personnel, and that continues to be the case.”

Since Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack in Israel, these Iranian-aligned militias have targeted U.S. troops at least 170 times.

In January, militias killed three U.S. troops at a small base in Jordan, prompting the United States to respond with a strike in February.

Moreover, the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have persistently attacked ships in the Red Sea.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

According to Reuters, Iraqi officials are seeking the withdrawal of the roughly 2,500 U.S. troops fighting terrorism by September and aim to end the coalition by next year.

This latest U.S. strike coincided with Israel killing top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and another strike in Iran that killed top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

2024-07-31 20:25:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F3106487%2Fus-launches-strike-on-iran-backed-forces-in-iraq%2F?w=600&h=450, The United States launched a strike on Iranian-backed forces in Iraq, marking its first operation in the country since February. According to Iraqi officials, U.S. fighter jets struck several Iranian-aligned militia groups in Babil province, south of Baghdad, on Tuesday.  The strike killed four members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which includes several Iran-backed,

The United States launched a strike on Iranian-backed forces in Iraq, marking its first operation in the country since February.

According to Iraqi officials, U.S. fighter jets struck several Iranian-aligned militia groups in Babil province, south of Baghdad, on Tuesday. 

The strike killed four members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which includes several Iran-backed armed militias, and injured four others.

PMF denounced the attack and called on Iraq to “unite efforts to make an immediate decision for the expulsion of foreign forces from our country.”

U.S. officials told Reuters that American forces carried out this attack in response to a drone threat that posed a risk to U.S. and coalition forces from these militias.

Yehia Rasool, a spokesman for Iraq’s armed forces commander, condemned the strike as a “reckless and irresponsible aggressive act.”

“Such serious and uncalculated transgressions can significantly undermine all efforts, mechanisms, and frameworks of joint security work to combat ISIS in Iraq and Syria,” Rasool said in a post on X.

“They also risk dragging Iraq and the entire region into dangerous conflicts and wars. Therefore, we hold the coalition forces fully responsible for these consequences following this flagrant aggression.”

Last week, Iranian-backed militias targeted U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria for the first time since early February.  

Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder confirmed these two attacks were unsuccessful and caused no injuries. 

“We certainly condemn the attack by an Iran-aligned militia group against U.S. forces in Syria,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said after last week’s attack.

“We’ve seen these attacks, obviously, in the past. We have made quite clear to Iran, we’ve made quite clear to Iran’s proxy groups that we will defend our interests, we will defend our personnel, and that continues to be the case.”

Since Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack in Israel, these Iranian-aligned militias have targeted U.S. troops at least 170 times.

In January, militias killed three U.S. troops at a small base in Jordan, prompting the United States to respond with a strike in February.

Moreover, the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have persistently attacked ships in the Red Sea.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

According to Reuters, Iraqi officials are seeking the withdrawal of the roughly 2,500 U.S. troops fighting terrorism by September and aim to end the coalition by next year.

This latest U.S. strike coincided with Israel killing top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and another strike in Iran that killed top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

, The United States launched a strike on Iranian-backed forces in Iraq, marking its first operation in the country since February. According to Iraqi officials, U.S. fighter jets struck several Iranian-aligned militia groups in Babil province, south of Baghdad, on Tuesday.  The strike killed four members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which includes several Iran-backed armed militias, and injured four others. PMF denounced the attack and called on Iraq to “unite efforts to make an immediate decision for the expulsion of foreign forces from our country.” U.S. officials told Reuters that American forces carried out this attack in response to a drone threat that posed a risk to U.S. and coalition forces from these militias. Yehia Rasool, a spokesman for Iraq’s armed forces commander, condemned the strike as a “reckless and irresponsible aggressive act.” “Such serious and uncalculated transgressions can significantly undermine all efforts, mechanisms, and frameworks of joint security work to combat ISIS in Iraq and Syria,” Rasool said in a post on X. “They also risk dragging Iraq and the entire region into dangerous conflicts and wars. Therefore, we hold the coalition forces fully responsible for these consequences following this flagrant aggression.” Despite extensive efforts through political and diplomatic channels, as well as the efforts of the higher military commission, which have reached advanced stages in the efforts of ending the presence and operations of the Global Coalition against Daesh in Iraq and transitioning… https://t.co/mKteduOdjw — المكتب الإعلامي لرئيس الوزراء (@IraqiPMO) July 31, 2024 Last week, Iranian-backed militias targeted U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria for the first time since early February.   Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder confirmed these two attacks were unsuccessful and caused no injuries.  “We certainly condemn the attack by an Iran-aligned militia group against U.S. forces in Syria,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said after last week’s attack. “We’ve seen these attacks, obviously, in the past. We have made quite clear to Iran, we’ve made quite clear to Iran’s proxy groups that we will defend our interests, we will defend our personnel, and that continues to be the case.” Since Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack in Israel, these Iranian-aligned militias have targeted U.S. troops at least 170 times. In January, militias killed three U.S. troops at a small base in Jordan, prompting the United States to respond with a strike in February. Moreover, the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have persistently attacked ships in the Red Sea. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER According to Reuters, Iraqi officials are seeking the withdrawal of the roughly 2,500 U.S. troops fighting terrorism by September and aim to end the coalition by next year. This latest U.S. strike coincided with Israel killing top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and another strike in Iran that killed top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/defense-department-education-dei-2024-scaled-1024×543.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Ailin Vilches Arguello,

The U.S. Army is hoping to recoup $6 million from the United Football League after a $11 million sponsorship deal failed to not only bring in any new recruits but actually lead to the loss of 38 enlistments.

League owner Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was an integral part of the Army’s deal, as he agreed to make five posts promoting the Army on his social media page. However, Johnson did not hold up his end of the bargain and only made two posts.

Documents show the Army valued each post at a million dollars, Military.com reported. With over 396 million followers on Instagram, the Army saw Johnson’s popularity and high-profile status in the entertainment industry as influential in the Army’s recruitment efforts.

There was concern about partnering with UFL, the minor league version of the National Football League, given the recently created franchise’s low viewerships. A merger between the Extreme Football League and the United States Football League, the UFL boasted higher views than seen in the other two franchises, but it still failed to garner the high viewership found in the NCAA, which generates ten times the number of viewers. 

Despite the concerns, Gen. Randy George, Army chief of staff, went ahead with the partnership deal. 

The deal included having Army signage throughout the stadiums, the Army logo on the players’ uniforms, and the previously mentioned social media campaign with Johnson. With the UFL season running from March to June, Johnson hadn’t posted anything to his Instagram related to the Army since April. The two social media posts he posted consisted of clips of his tour of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland and photos of him surrounded by generals. 

“In terms of The Rock, it’s unfortunate he was pulled away at a time when we expected him to be present with us to create content for his social media channels,” Col. Dave Butler, a spokesman for George, told Military.com in a statement. “But we’re working with the UFL to rebalance the contract. The Rock remains a good partner to the Army.”

Internal documents reveal the UFL staffing was “inexperienced” and caused many communication breakdowns between the Army in terms of rendering out marketing plans.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“UFL’s lack of experience liaising between brand/networks was very apparent during planning [the] process and created a significant amount of additional work,” the document said.

The recent recruitment bust comes as the Army and other branches struggle to meet their recruitment goals, with 70% of applicants deemed disqualified for service upon initial screening, mainly due to obesity and drug use.

2024-07-31 20:13:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3106475%2Fdwayne-johnson-ufl-army-recruitment-deal-backfired%2F?w=600&h=450, The U.S. Army is hoping to recoup $6 million from the United Football League after a $11 million sponsorship deal failed to not only bring in any new recruits but actually lead to the loss of 38 enlistments. League owner Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was an integral part of the Army’s deal, as he agreed,

The U.S. Army is hoping to recoup $6 million from the United Football League after a $11 million sponsorship deal failed to not only bring in any new recruits but actually lead to the loss of 38 enlistments.

League owner Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was an integral part of the Army’s deal, as he agreed to make five posts promoting the Army on his social media page. However, Johnson did not hold up his end of the bargain and only made two posts.

Documents show the Army valued each post at a million dollars, Military.com reported. With over 396 million followers on Instagram, the Army saw Johnson’s popularity and high-profile status in the entertainment industry as influential in the Army’s recruitment efforts.

There was concern about partnering with UFL, the minor league version of the National Football League, given the recently created franchise’s low viewerships. A merger between the Extreme Football League and the United States Football League, the UFL boasted higher views than seen in the other two franchises, but it still failed to garner the high viewership found in the NCAA, which generates ten times the number of viewers. 

Despite the concerns, Gen. Randy George, Army chief of staff, went ahead with the partnership deal. 

The deal included having Army signage throughout the stadiums, the Army logo on the players’ uniforms, and the previously mentioned social media campaign with Johnson. With the UFL season running from March to June, Johnson hadn’t posted anything to his Instagram related to the Army since April. The two social media posts he posted consisted of clips of his tour of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland and photos of him surrounded by generals. 

“In terms of The Rock, it’s unfortunate he was pulled away at a time when we expected him to be present with us to create content for his social media channels,” Col. Dave Butler, a spokesman for George, told Military.com in a statement. “But we’re working with the UFL to rebalance the contract. The Rock remains a good partner to the Army.”

Internal documents reveal the UFL staffing was “inexperienced” and caused many communication breakdowns between the Army in terms of rendering out marketing plans.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“UFL’s lack of experience liaising between brand/networks was very apparent during planning [the] process and created a significant amount of additional work,” the document said.

The recent recruitment bust comes as the Army and other branches struggle to meet their recruitment goals, with 70% of applicants deemed disqualified for service upon initial screening, mainly due to obesity and drug use.

, The U.S. Army is hoping to recoup $6 million from the United Football League after a $11 million sponsorship deal failed to not only bring in any new recruits but actually lead to the loss of 38 enlistments. League owner Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was an integral part of the Army’s deal, as he agreed to make five posts promoting the Army on his social media page. However, Johnson did not hold up his end of the bargain and only made two posts. Documents show the Army valued each post at a million dollars, Military.com reported. With over 396 million followers on Instagram, the Army saw Johnson’s popularity and high-profile status in the entertainment industry as influential in the Army’s recruitment efforts. There was concern about partnering with UFL, the minor league version of the National Football League, given the recently created franchise’s low viewerships. A merger between the Extreme Football League and the United States Football League, the UFL boasted higher views than seen in the other two franchises, but it still failed to garner the high viewership found in the NCAA, which generates ten times the number of viewers.  Despite the concerns, Gen. Randy George, Army chief of staff, went ahead with the partnership deal.  The deal included having Army signage throughout the stadiums, the Army logo on the players’ uniforms, and the previously mentioned social media campaign with Johnson. With the UFL season running from March to June, Johnson hadn’t posted anything to his Instagram related to the Army since April. The two social media posts he posted consisted of clips of his tour of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland and photos of him surrounded by generals.  “In terms of The Rock, it’s unfortunate he was pulled away at a time when we expected him to be present with us to create content for his social media channels,” Col. Dave Butler, a spokesman for George, told Military.com in a statement. “But we’re working with the UFL to rebalance the contract. The Rock remains a good partner to the Army.” Internal documents reveal the UFL staffing was “inexperienced” and caused many communication breakdowns between the Army in terms of rendering out marketing plans. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER “UFL’s lack of experience liaising between brand/networks was very apparent during planning [the] process and created a significant amount of additional work,” the document said. The recent recruitment bust comes as the Army and other branches struggle to meet their recruitment goals, with 70% of applicants deemed disqualified for service upon initial screening, mainly due to obesity and drug use., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AP24070847670705.jpg.optimal.jpg, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Elaine Mallon,

The White House dismissed concerns about President Joe Biden‘s light public schedule, with the president hosting no public events for the second consecutive day.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was repeatedly pushed Wednesday on Biden’s schedule since Vice President Kamala Harris replaced him as the 2024 Democratic nominee last week.

“No, he’s not done governing at all. I think that appearance would be false,” Jean-Pierre told reporters.

Since stepping up, Harris provided a statement last week after her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but Biden did not after his own sit-down. In addition, Harris will deliver a eulogy for Texas Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on Thursday, a responsibility Biden has assumed in the past. Biden has also not addressed Hamas‘s claim political leader Ismail Haniyeh has been assassinated in the middle of Gaza ceasefire talks, risking peace in the Middle East.

Jean-Pierre reiterated how Biden spoke with reporters on the South Lawn at 1 a.m. Tuesday after he returned from his own trip to Texas on Monday.

On Wednesday, Biden received his intelligence briefing, known as the “president’s daily brief,” or PDB, and was updated on the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act before having lunch with Harris. He is also scheduled to meet with U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker. All four items on his agenda were not permitted to be covered by members of the press.

During her own briefing, Jean-Pierre could not say when Biden and Harris would appear publicly for the first time together since Biden stood down.

“That’s a good question. I don’t have anything for you now,” she said.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

But she did add that Biden was “proud” of his decision to step down as the Democratic nominee as Harris draws large crowds and fundraising contributions.

“Wouldn’t you feel reassured?” she said.

2024-07-31 20:12:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fpresidential%2F3106405%2Fwhite-house-insists-biden-not-done-governing%2F?w=600&h=450, The White House dismissed concerns about President Joe Biden‘s light public schedule, with the president hosting no public events for the second consecutive day. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was repeatedly pushed Wednesday on Biden’s schedule since Vice President Kamala Harris replaced him as the 2024 Democratic nominee last week. “No, he’s not done governing at,

The White House dismissed concerns about President Joe Biden‘s light public schedule, with the president hosting no public events for the second consecutive day.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was repeatedly pushed Wednesday on Biden’s schedule since Vice President Kamala Harris replaced him as the 2024 Democratic nominee last week.

“No, he’s not done governing at all. I think that appearance would be false,” Jean-Pierre told reporters.

Since stepping up, Harris provided a statement last week after her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but Biden did not after his own sit-down. In addition, Harris will deliver a eulogy for Texas Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on Thursday, a responsibility Biden has assumed in the past. Biden has also not addressed Hamas‘s claim political leader Ismail Haniyeh has been assassinated in the middle of Gaza ceasefire talks, risking peace in the Middle East.

Jean-Pierre reiterated how Biden spoke with reporters on the South Lawn at 1 a.m. Tuesday after he returned from his own trip to Texas on Monday.

On Wednesday, Biden received his intelligence briefing, known as the “president’s daily brief,” or PDB, and was updated on the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act before having lunch with Harris. He is also scheduled to meet with U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker. All four items on his agenda were not permitted to be covered by members of the press.

During her own briefing, Jean-Pierre could not say when Biden and Harris would appear publicly for the first time together since Biden stood down.

“That’s a good question. I don’t have anything for you now,” she said.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

But she did add that Biden was “proud” of his decision to step down as the Democratic nominee as Harris draws large crowds and fundraising contributions.

“Wouldn’t you feel reassured?” she said.

, The White House dismissed concerns about President Joe Biden‘s light public schedule, with the president hosting no public events for the second consecutive day. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was repeatedly pushed Wednesday on Biden’s schedule since Vice President Kamala Harris replaced him as the 2024 Democratic nominee last week. “No, he’s not done governing at all. I think that appearance would be false,” Jean-Pierre told reporters. Since stepping up, Harris provided a statement last week after her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but Biden did not after his own sit-down. In addition, Harris will deliver a eulogy for Texas Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on Thursday, a responsibility Biden has assumed in the past. Biden has also not addressed Hamas‘s claim political leader Ismail Haniyeh has been assassinated in the middle of Gaza ceasefire talks, risking peace in the Middle East. Jean-Pierre reiterated how Biden spoke with reporters on the South Lawn at 1 a.m. Tuesday after he returned from his own trip to Texas on Monday. On Wednesday, Biden received his intelligence briefing, known as the “president’s daily brief,” or PDB, and was updated on the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act before having lunch with Harris. He is also scheduled to meet with U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker. All four items on his agenda were not permitted to be covered by members of the press. During her own briefing, Jean-Pierre could not say when Biden and Harris would appear publicly for the first time together since Biden stood down. “That’s a good question. I don’t have anything for you now,” she said. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER But she did add that Biden was “proud” of his decision to step down as the Democratic nominee as Harris draws large crowds and fundraising contributions. “Wouldn’t you feel reassured?” she said., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/karine-jean-pierre-3-scaled-1024×692.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Naomi Lim,