NewzIntel.com

Category: Trump

  • Hopes fade for Texas flood victims as death toll tops 95

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Search teams plodded through muddy riverbanks and flew aircraft over a flood-ravaged central Texas landscape on Monday as hopes dimmed for finding more survivors among dozens still missing from a disaster that has claimed at least 96 lives, many of them children.

    Three days after a torrential predawn downpour transformed the Guadalupe River into a raging, killer torrent, a Christian girls’ summer camp devastated by the flash flood confirmed that 27 campers and counselors were among those who had perished.

    Ten girls and a camp counselor were still unaccounted for, officials said on Monday, as search-and-rescue personnel faced the potential of more heavy rains and thunderstorms while clawing through tons of muck-laden debris.

    The bulk of the death toll from Friday’s flooding was concentrated in and around the riverfront Hill Country town of Kerrville, including the ill-fated grounds of Camp Mystic.

    By Monday afternoon, the bodies of 84 flood victims – 56 adults and 28 children – were recovered in Kerr County, most of them in the county seat of Kerrville, according to the local sheriff.

    As of midday Sunday, state and local officials said 12 other flood-related fatalities had been confirmed across five neighboring south-central Texas counties, and that 41 other people were still listed as missing outside Kerr County.

    The New York Times, one of numerous news media outlets publishing varying death tolls on Monday, reported that at least 104 people had been killed across the entire flood zone.

    ‘ROUGH WEEK’ AHEAD

    While authorities continued to hold out hope that some of the missing would turn up alive, the likelihood of finding more survivors diminished as time passed.

    “This will be a rough week,” Mayor Joe Herring Jr said at a briefing on Monday morning.

    Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old Christian girls’ retreat on the banks of the Guadalupe was at the epicenter of the disaster.

    “Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,” the camp said in a statement on Monday.

    Richard “Dick” Eastland, 70, Mystic’s co-owner and director, died trying to save children at his camp from the flood, multiple media, including the Austin American-Statesman reported. He and his wife, Tweety Eastland, have owned the camp since 1974, according to its website.

    “If he wasn’t going to die of natural causes, this was the only other way, saving the girls that he so loved and cared for,” Eastland’s grandson, George Eastland, wrote on Instagram.

    MISHAP IN THE SKY

    Authorities lost one of their aviation assets on Monday when a privately operated drone collided in restricted airspace over the Kerr County flood zone with a search helicopter, forcing the chopper to make an emergency landing. No injuries were reported, but the aircraft was put out of commission, according to the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office.

    National Weather Service forecasts on Monday predicted that up to 4 more inches of rain could douse Texas Hill Country, with isolated areas possibly receiving as much as 10 inches (25 cm).

    Allison Santorelli, a meteorologist with the NWS Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland, said the potential for renewed flooding was particularly heightened by the saturated condition of the soil and mounds of debris already strewn around the river channel. A flood watch was posted until 7 p.m.

    State emergency management officials had warned on Thursday, ahead of the July Fourth holiday, that parts of central Texas faced the possibility of flash floods based on National Weather Service forecasts.

    But twice as much rain as was predicted ended up falling over two branches of the Guadalupe just upstream of the fork where they converge, sending all of that water racing into the single river channel where it slices through Kerrville, City Manager Dalton Rice said.

    Rice said the outcome, the result of an unpredictable combination of circumstances, was unforeseen and unfolded in a matter of two hours.

    “Why didn’t we evacuate? Well, evacuation is a delicate balance,” he said in response to reporters’ questions on Monday. “If you evacuate too late, you then risk putting buses, or cars, or vehicles or campers on roads into low-water areas, trying to get them out, which then can make it even more challenging.”

    “It’s very tough to make those calls, because what we also don’t want to do is cry wolf.”

    The chief meteorologist for commercial forecaster AccuWeather, Jonathan Porter, said authorities had ample time to move people to higher ground before the flood struck.

    Rice and other public officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, said the circumstances of the flooding, and the adequacy of weather forecasts and warning systems, would be scrutinized once the immediate situation was brought under control.

    Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday asked a government watchdog to investigate whether budget cuts imposed by the Trump administration contributed to any delays or inaccuracy in forecasting the floods.

    U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, said there would be time to examine whether more could have been done to prevent the loss of life but that now was not the time for “partisan finger-pointing.”

    (Reuters)

  • China warns Trump on tariffs, threatens retaliation on supply chain deals

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    China warned the Trump administration on Tuesday against reigniting trade tension by restoring tariffs on its goods next month, and threatened to retaliate against nations that strike deals with the United States to cut China out of supply chains.

    Washington and Beijing agreed to a trade framework in June that restored a fragile truce, but with many details still unclear, traders and investors on both sides of the Pacific are watching to see if it will unravel or lead to a lasting detente.

    On Monday, President Donald Trump began notifying trade partners of sharply higher U.S. tariffs from August 1, after he delayed all but 10% of his April duties on most countries to give them time to strike deals with the world’s largest economy.

    China, initially singled out with tariffs exceeding 100%, has until August 12 to reach an agreement with the White House to keep Trump from reinstating additional import curbs imposed during tit-for-tat tariff exchanges in April and May.

    “One conclusion is abundantly clear: dialogue and cooperation are the only correct path,” the official People’s Daily said in a commentary, referring to the exchanges in the current round of China-U.S. trade tension.

    The article was signed “Zhong Sheng”, or “Voice of China”, a term the paper uses to express views on foreign policy.

    Reiterating Beijing’s view that Trump’s tariffs amount to “bullying”, the paper added, “Practice has proven that only by firmly upholding principled positions can one truly safeguard one’s legitimate rights and interests.”

    The remarks set the stage for another round of tariff war should Trump stick to what the ruling Communist Party’s official daily said was “a so-called ‘final deadline.’”

    The average U.S. tariff on Chinese exports now stands at 51.1%, while the average Chinese duty on U.S. goods is 32.6%, with both sides covering all their trade, the Peterson Institute for International Economics said.

    The paper also took a swipe at regional economies that are considering striking tariff reduction deals with the United States that cut China out of their supply chains.

    Last week, Vietnam secured a tariff reduction to 20% from 46% with a deal for goods “transshipped” through it, typically originating from China, to be subjected to a levy of 40%.

    “China firmly opposes any side striking a deal that sacrifices Chinese interests in exchange for tariff concessions,” the paper said.

    “If such a situation arises, China will not accept it and will respond resolutely to protect its legitimate interests.”

    (Reuters)

  • Netanyahu meets Trump at White House as Israel, Hamas discuss ceasefire

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump, hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, said the United States had scheduled talks with Iran and indicated progress on a controversial effort to relocate Palestinians out of Gaza.

    Speaking to reporters at the beginning of a dinner between U.S. and Israeli officials, Netanyahu said the United States and Israel were working with other countries who would give Palestinians a “better future,” suggesting that the residents of Gaza could move to neighboring nations.

    “If people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave,” Netanyahu said.

    “We’re working with the United States very closely about finding countries that will seek to realize what they always say, that they wanted to give the Palestinians a better future. I think we’re getting close to finding several countries.”

    Trump, who initially demurred to Netanyahu when asked about the relocating of Palestinians, said the countries around Israel were helping out. “We’ve had great cooperation from … surrounding countries, great cooperation from every single one of them. So something good will happen,” Trump said.

    The president earlier this year floated relocating Palestinians and taking over the Gaza Strip to turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Gazans criticized the proposal and vowed never to leave their homes in the coastal enclave. Human rights groups condemned the plan as ethnic cleansing.

    Trump and Netanyahu met for several hours in Washington while Israeli officials continued indirect negotiations with Hamas aimed at securing a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal. Netanyahu returned to the Blair House guest house late on Monday, where he is due to meet Vice President JD Vance at 9:30 EDT on Tuesday.

    Netanyahu’s visit follows Trump’s prediction, on the eve of their meeting, that such a deal could be reached this week. Before heading to Washington, the right-wing Israeli leader said his discussions with Trump could help advance negotiations under way in Qatar between Israel and the Palestinian militant group.

    It was Trump’s third face-to-face encounter with Netanyahu since returning to office in January, and came just over two weeks after the president ordered the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites in support of Israeli air strikes. Trump then helped arrange a ceasefire in the 12-day Israel-Iran war.

    Trump said his administration would be meeting with Iran. “We have scheduled Iran talks, and they … want to talk. They took a big drubbing,” he said.

    Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said the meeting would take place in the next week or so.

    Trump said he would like to lift sanctions on Iran at some point. “I would love to be able to, at the right time, take those sanctions off,” he said.

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in an interview released on Monday that he believed Iran could resolve its differences with the United States through dialogue.

    Trump and his aides appeared to be trying to seize on any momentum created by the weakening of Iran, which backs Hamas, to push both sides for a breakthrough in the 21-month Gaza war.

    The two leaders, with their top advisers, held a private dinner in the White House Blue Room, instead of more traditional talks in the Oval Office, where the president usually greets visiting dignitaries.

    Outside, hundreds of protesters, many wearing Palestinian keffiyeh scarves and waving Palestinian flags, gathered near the White House, waving banners that read “Stop Arming Israel” and “Say No to Genocide”. They also called for Netanyahu’s arrest, referring to the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against the Israeli leader over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

    Netanyahu met earlier on Monday with Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He planned to visit the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday to see congressional leaders.

    During their meeting, Netanyahu gave Trump a letter that he said he had used to nominate the U.S. president for the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump, appearing pleased by the gesture, thanked him.

    Ahead of their visit, Netanyahu told reporters Israeli negotiators were driving for a deal on Gaza in Doha, Qatar’s capital.

    Israeli officials also hope the outcome of the conflict with Iran will pave the way for normalization of relations with more of its neighbors such as Lebanon, Syria and Saudi Arabia.

    SECOND DAY OF QATAR TALKS

    Witkoff, who played a major role in crafting the 60-day ceasefire proposal at the center of the Qatar negotiations, will travel to Doha this week to join discussions there, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters earlier on Monday.

    In a sign of continued gaps between the two sides, Palestinian sources said Israel’s refusal to allow the free and safe entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza remains the main obstacle to progress in the indirect talks. Israel insists it is taking steps to get food into Gaza but seeks to prevent militants from diverting supplies.

    On the second day of negotiations, mediators hosted one round and talks were expected to resume in the evening, the Palestinian sources told Reuters.

    The U.S.-backed proposal envisages a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza and discussions on ending the war entirely.

    Hamas has long demanded a final end to the war before it would free remaining hostages; Israel has insisted it would not agree to halt fighting until all hostages are released and Hamas dismantled.

    Trump told reporters last week that he would be “very firm” with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza deal and that the Israeli leader also wanted to end the war.

    Some of Netanyahu’s hardline coalition partners oppose halting military operations but, with Israelis having become increasingly weary of the Gaza war, his government is expected to back a ceasefire if he can secure acceptable terms.

    A ceasefire at the start of this year collapsed in March, and talks to revive it have so far been fruitless. Meanwhile, Israel has intensified its military campaign in Gaza and sharply restricted food distribution.

    Gazans were watching closely for any sign of a breakthrough. “I ask God almighty that the negotiating delegation or the mediators pressure with all their strength to solve this issue, because it has totally became unbearable,” said Abu Suleiman Qadoum, a displaced resident of Gaza city.

    The Gaza war erupted when Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Some 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.

    Israel’s retaliatory war in Gaza has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, according to the enclave’s health ministry. Most of Gaza’s population has been displaced by the war and nearly half a million people are facing famine within months, according to United Nations estimates.

    Trump has been strongly supportive of Netanyahu, even wading into domestic Israeli politics last month by criticizing prosecutors over a corruption trial against the Israeli leader on bribery, fraud and breach-of-trust charges that Netanyahu denies.

    (Reuters)

  • Japan will continue trade talks with US for mutually beneficial deal, Ishiba says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Tuesday that he would continue negotiations with the U.S. to seek a mutually beneficial trade deal, after President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on goods from Japan starting August 1.

    Trump on Monday started notifying trade partners, from major suppliers like Japan and South Korea to minor players, of steep U.S. tariff hikes, but later indicated a willingness to delay implementation if countries made acceptable proposals.

    While Tokyo and Washington have yet to reach a deal, Ishiba noted that recent talks had helped Japan avoid even steeper tariffs of around 30-35% as suggested previously by Trump.

    “We have received a proposal from the United States to swiftly proceed with negotiations towards the newly set August 1 deadline, and that depending on Japan’s response, the content of the letter could be revised,” Ishiba said at a meeting with cabinet ministers to discuss Japan’s strategy on tariffs.

    Japan will “actively seek the chance of an agreement that benefits both countries, while protecting Japan’s national interest,” he added.

    Ishiba also asked his cabinet ministers to take steps to mitigate the blow from tariffs on industries and jobs.

    The latest development in the U.S. trade war drove the dollar up to a two-week high of 146.24 yen, potentially lifting already rising import costs.

    Japan failed to clinch a deal with the U.S. before a July 9 expiration of a temporary pause on reciprocal tariffs, due to its focus on eliminating a 25% tariff on automobiles – a mainstay of its export-reliant economy.

    With an upper house election on July 20, Ishiba has repeatedly said Japan will not make “easy concessions” for the sake of an early deal with Washington.

    Recent media polls have shown Ishiba’s ruling coalition may fail to maintain a majority in the upper house, which could complicate trade negotiations, analysts say.

    U.S. tariffs also add to woes for Japan’s economy, which shrank in the first quarter on soft consumption.

    Real wages in May fell at the fastest pace in nearly two years, while the government on Monday made the bleakest assessment on the economy in nearly five years.

    “While Japan likely averted the worst-case scenario, 25% tariffs would still hurt exporters’ profits by up to 25%,” said Kazuki Fujimoto, an analyst at Japan Research Institute.

    “If corporate profits worsen, it’s hard to avoid companies from toning down on efforts to hike wages,” he added.

    (Reuters)

  • Japan will continue trade talks with US for mutually beneficial deal, Ishiba says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Tuesday that he would continue negotiations with the U.S. to seek a mutually beneficial trade deal, after President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on goods from Japan starting August 1.

    Trump on Monday started notifying trade partners, from major suppliers like Japan and South Korea to minor players, of steep U.S. tariff hikes, but later indicated a willingness to delay implementation if countries made acceptable proposals.

    While Tokyo and Washington have yet to reach a deal, Ishiba noted that recent talks had helped Japan avoid even steeper tariffs of around 30-35% as suggested previously by Trump.

    “We have received a proposal from the United States to swiftly proceed with negotiations towards the newly set August 1 deadline, and that depending on Japan’s response, the content of the letter could be revised,” Ishiba said at a meeting with cabinet ministers to discuss Japan’s strategy on tariffs.

    Japan will “actively seek the chance of an agreement that benefits both countries, while protecting Japan’s national interest,” he added.

    Ishiba also asked his cabinet ministers to take steps to mitigate the blow from tariffs on industries and jobs.

    The latest development in the U.S. trade war drove the dollar up to a two-week high of 146.24 yen, potentially lifting already rising import costs.

    Japan failed to clinch a deal with the U.S. before a July 9 expiration of a temporary pause on reciprocal tariffs, due to its focus on eliminating a 25% tariff on automobiles – a mainstay of its export-reliant economy.

    With an upper house election on July 20, Ishiba has repeatedly said Japan will not make “easy concessions” for the sake of an early deal with Washington.

    Recent media polls have shown Ishiba’s ruling coalition may fail to maintain a majority in the upper house, which could complicate trade negotiations, analysts say.

    U.S. tariffs also add to woes for Japan’s economy, which shrank in the first quarter on soft consumption.

    Real wages in May fell at the fastest pace in nearly two years, while the government on Monday made the bleakest assessment on the economy in nearly five years.

    “While Japan likely averted the worst-case scenario, 25% tariffs would still hurt exporters’ profits by up to 25%,” said Kazuki Fujimoto, an analyst at Japan Research Institute.

    “If corporate profits worsen, it’s hard to avoid companies from toning down on efforts to hike wages,” he added.

    (Reuters)

  • Japan will continue trade talks with US for mutually beneficial deal, Ishiba says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Tuesday that he would continue negotiations with the U.S. to seek a mutually beneficial trade deal, after President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on goods from Japan starting August 1.

    Trump on Monday started notifying trade partners, from major suppliers like Japan and South Korea to minor players, of steep U.S. tariff hikes, but later indicated a willingness to delay implementation if countries made acceptable proposals.

    While Tokyo and Washington have yet to reach a deal, Ishiba noted that recent talks had helped Japan avoid even steeper tariffs of around 30-35% as suggested previously by Trump.

    “We have received a proposal from the United States to swiftly proceed with negotiations towards the newly set August 1 deadline, and that depending on Japan’s response, the content of the letter could be revised,” Ishiba said at a meeting with cabinet ministers to discuss Japan’s strategy on tariffs.

    Japan will “actively seek the chance of an agreement that benefits both countries, while protecting Japan’s national interest,” he added.

    Ishiba also asked his cabinet ministers to take steps to mitigate the blow from tariffs on industries and jobs.

    The latest development in the U.S. trade war drove the dollar up to a two-week high of 146.24 yen, potentially lifting already rising import costs.

    Japan failed to clinch a deal with the U.S. before a July 9 expiration of a temporary pause on reciprocal tariffs, due to its focus on eliminating a 25% tariff on automobiles – a mainstay of its export-reliant economy.

    With an upper house election on July 20, Ishiba has repeatedly said Japan will not make “easy concessions” for the sake of an early deal with Washington.

    Recent media polls have shown Ishiba’s ruling coalition may fail to maintain a majority in the upper house, which could complicate trade negotiations, analysts say.

    U.S. tariffs also add to woes for Japan’s economy, which shrank in the first quarter on soft consumption.

    Real wages in May fell at the fastest pace in nearly two years, while the government on Monday made the bleakest assessment on the economy in nearly five years.

    “While Japan likely averted the worst-case scenario, 25% tariffs would still hurt exporters’ profits by up to 25%,” said Kazuki Fujimoto, an analyst at Japan Research Institute.

    “If corporate profits worsen, it’s hard to avoid companies from toning down on efforts to hike wages,” he added.

    (Reuters)

  • Japan will continue trade talks with US for mutually beneficial deal, Ishiba says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Tuesday that he would continue negotiations with the U.S. to seek a mutually beneficial trade deal, after President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on goods from Japan starting August 1.

    Trump on Monday started notifying trade partners, from major suppliers like Japan and South Korea to minor players, of steep U.S. tariff hikes, but later indicated a willingness to delay implementation if countries made acceptable proposals.

    While Tokyo and Washington have yet to reach a deal, Ishiba noted that recent talks had helped Japan avoid even steeper tariffs of around 30-35% as suggested previously by Trump.

    “We have received a proposal from the United States to swiftly proceed with negotiations towards the newly set August 1 deadline, and that depending on Japan’s response, the content of the letter could be revised,” Ishiba said at a meeting with cabinet ministers to discuss Japan’s strategy on tariffs.

    Japan will “actively seek the chance of an agreement that benefits both countries, while protecting Japan’s national interest,” he added.

    Ishiba also asked his cabinet ministers to take steps to mitigate the blow from tariffs on industries and jobs.

    The latest development in the U.S. trade war drove the dollar up to a two-week high of 146.24 yen, potentially lifting already rising import costs.

    Japan failed to clinch a deal with the U.S. before a July 9 expiration of a temporary pause on reciprocal tariffs, due to its focus on eliminating a 25% tariff on automobiles – a mainstay of its export-reliant economy.

    With an upper house election on July 20, Ishiba has repeatedly said Japan will not make “easy concessions” for the sake of an early deal with Washington.

    Recent media polls have shown Ishiba’s ruling coalition may fail to maintain a majority in the upper house, which could complicate trade negotiations, analysts say.

    U.S. tariffs also add to woes for Japan’s economy, which shrank in the first quarter on soft consumption.

    Real wages in May fell at the fastest pace in nearly two years, while the government on Monday made the bleakest assessment on the economy in nearly five years.

    “While Japan likely averted the worst-case scenario, 25% tariffs would still hurt exporters’ profits by up to 25%,” said Kazuki Fujimoto, an analyst at Japan Research Institute.

    “If corporate profits worsen, it’s hard to avoid companies from toning down on efforts to hike wages,” he added.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump says US will send more weapons to Ukraine

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday the United States would send more weapons to Ukraine, primarily defensive ones, to help the war-torn country defend itself against intensifying Russian advances.

    Washington’s decision to halt some weapons shipments to Kyiv prompted it to warn the move would crimp its ability to fend off Russia’s air strikes and battlefield advances, while drawing criticism from Democrats and some of Trump’s fellow Republicans.

    “We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves,” Trump told reporters at the White House at the start of a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    “They’re getting hit very hard now,” he added. “We’re going to have to send more weapons, defensive weapons, primarily.”

    In a statement the U.S. Defense Department later said it would send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine at Trump’s direction, to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while efforts continue to secure a lasting peace.

    The Pentagon said its initiative to evaluate military shipments around the world stayed in effect.

    On Friday, Trump had told reporters Ukraine would need Patriot missiles to defend itself, but he did not mention them again specifically on Monday. The Pentagon statement gave no details on the weapons to be shipped to Ukraine.

    After a telephone call with Trump on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had agreed to work on increasing Kyiv’s capability to “defend the sky” as Russian attacks escalated.

    The leaders had discussed joint defense production, purchases and investments, he added.

    Ukraine has been asking Washington to sell it more Patriot missiles and systems that it sees as key to defending its cities from intensifying Russian air strikes.

    Germany said it was in talks on buying Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine to bridge the gap.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump says US will send more weapons to Ukraine

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday the United States would send more weapons to Ukraine, primarily defensive ones, to help the war-torn country defend itself against intensifying Russian advances.

    Washington’s decision to halt some weapons shipments to Kyiv prompted it to warn the move would crimp its ability to fend off Russia’s air strikes and battlefield advances, while drawing criticism from Democrats and some of Trump’s fellow Republicans.

    “We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves,” Trump told reporters at the White House at the start of a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    “They’re getting hit very hard now,” he added. “We’re going to have to send more weapons, defensive weapons, primarily.”

    In a statement the U.S. Defense Department later said it would send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine at Trump’s direction, to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while efforts continue to secure a lasting peace.

    The Pentagon said its initiative to evaluate military shipments around the world stayed in effect.

    On Friday, Trump had told reporters Ukraine would need Patriot missiles to defend itself, but he did not mention them again specifically on Monday. The Pentagon statement gave no details on the weapons to be shipped to Ukraine.

    After a telephone call with Trump on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had agreed to work on increasing Kyiv’s capability to “defend the sky” as Russian attacks escalated.

    The leaders had discussed joint defense production, purchases and investments, he added.

    Ukraine has been asking Washington to sell it more Patriot missiles and systems that it sees as key to defending its cities from intensifying Russian air strikes.

    Germany said it was in talks on buying Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine to bridge the gap.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump says US will send more weapons to Ukraine

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday the United States would send more weapons to Ukraine, primarily defensive ones, to help the war-torn country defend itself against intensifying Russian advances.

    Washington’s decision to halt some weapons shipments to Kyiv prompted it to warn the move would crimp its ability to fend off Russia’s air strikes and battlefield advances, while drawing criticism from Democrats and some of Trump’s fellow Republicans.

    “We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves,” Trump told reporters at the White House at the start of a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    “They’re getting hit very hard now,” he added. “We’re going to have to send more weapons, defensive weapons, primarily.”

    In a statement the U.S. Defense Department later said it would send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine at Trump’s direction, to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while efforts continue to secure a lasting peace.

    The Pentagon said its initiative to evaluate military shipments around the world stayed in effect.

    On Friday, Trump had told reporters Ukraine would need Patriot missiles to defend itself, but he did not mention them again specifically on Monday. The Pentagon statement gave no details on the weapons to be shipped to Ukraine.

    After a telephone call with Trump on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had agreed to work on increasing Kyiv’s capability to “defend the sky” as Russian attacks escalated.

    The leaders had discussed joint defense production, purchases and investments, he added.

    Ukraine has been asking Washington to sell it more Patriot missiles and systems that it sees as key to defending its cities from intensifying Russian air strikes.

    Germany said it was in talks on buying Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine to bridge the gap.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump says US will send more weapons to Ukraine

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday the United States would send more weapons to Ukraine, primarily defensive ones, to help the war-torn country defend itself against intensifying Russian advances.

    Washington’s decision to halt some weapons shipments to Kyiv prompted it to warn the move would crimp its ability to fend off Russia’s air strikes and battlefield advances, while drawing criticism from Democrats and some of Trump’s fellow Republicans.

    “We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves,” Trump told reporters at the White House at the start of a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    “They’re getting hit very hard now,” he added. “We’re going to have to send more weapons, defensive weapons, primarily.”

    In a statement the U.S. Defense Department later said it would send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine at Trump’s direction, to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while efforts continue to secure a lasting peace.

    The Pentagon said its initiative to evaluate military shipments around the world stayed in effect.

    On Friday, Trump had told reporters Ukraine would need Patriot missiles to defend itself, but he did not mention them again specifically on Monday. The Pentagon statement gave no details on the weapons to be shipped to Ukraine.

    After a telephone call with Trump on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had agreed to work on increasing Kyiv’s capability to “defend the sky” as Russian attacks escalated.

    The leaders had discussed joint defense production, purchases and investments, he added.

    Ukraine has been asking Washington to sell it more Patriot missiles and systems that it sees as key to defending its cities from intensifying Russian air strikes.

    Germany said it was in talks on buying Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine to bridge the gap.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump says US will send more weapons to Ukraine

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday the United States would send more weapons to Ukraine, primarily defensive ones, to help the war-torn country defend itself against intensifying Russian advances.

    Washington’s decision to halt some weapons shipments to Kyiv prompted it to warn the move would crimp its ability to fend off Russia’s air strikes and battlefield advances, while drawing criticism from Democrats and some of Trump’s fellow Republicans.

    “We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves,” Trump told reporters at the White House at the start of a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    “They’re getting hit very hard now,” he added. “We’re going to have to send more weapons, defensive weapons, primarily.”

    In a statement the U.S. Defense Department later said it would send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine at Trump’s direction, to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while efforts continue to secure a lasting peace.

    The Pentagon said its initiative to evaluate military shipments around the world stayed in effect.

    On Friday, Trump had told reporters Ukraine would need Patriot missiles to defend itself, but he did not mention them again specifically on Monday. The Pentagon statement gave no details on the weapons to be shipped to Ukraine.

    After a telephone call with Trump on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had agreed to work on increasing Kyiv’s capability to “defend the sky” as Russian attacks escalated.

    The leaders had discussed joint defense production, purchases and investments, he added.

    Ukraine has been asking Washington to sell it more Patriot missiles and systems that it sees as key to defending its cities from intensifying Russian air strikes.

    Germany said it was in talks on buying Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine to bridge the gap.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump says US will send more weapons to Ukraine

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday the United States would send more weapons to Ukraine, primarily defensive ones, to help the war-torn country defend itself against intensifying Russian advances.

    Washington’s decision to halt some weapons shipments to Kyiv prompted it to warn the move would crimp its ability to fend off Russia’s air strikes and battlefield advances, while drawing criticism from Democrats and some of Trump’s fellow Republicans.

    “We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves,” Trump told reporters at the White House at the start of a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    “They’re getting hit very hard now,” he added. “We’re going to have to send more weapons, defensive weapons, primarily.”

    In a statement the U.S. Defense Department later said it would send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine at Trump’s direction, to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while efforts continue to secure a lasting peace.

    The Pentagon said its initiative to evaluate military shipments around the world stayed in effect.

    On Friday, Trump had told reporters Ukraine would need Patriot missiles to defend itself, but he did not mention them again specifically on Monday. The Pentagon statement gave no details on the weapons to be shipped to Ukraine.

    After a telephone call with Trump on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had agreed to work on increasing Kyiv’s capability to “defend the sky” as Russian attacks escalated.

    The leaders had discussed joint defense production, purchases and investments, he added.

    Ukraine has been asking Washington to sell it more Patriot missiles and systems that it sees as key to defending its cities from intensifying Russian air strikes.

    Germany said it was in talks on buying Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine to bridge the gap.

    (Reuters)

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    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on June 26, 2025 2025-07-08 Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of June 26, 2025.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

    By Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND)

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of June 26, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

    (The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

    Zhang Xiaogang: Friends from the media, good afternoon. Welcome to this month’s regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China. I have no information torelease. The floor is open for questions.

    Journalist: It is reported that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers’ Meeting was held in Qingdao, Shandong Province. Please brief us on the Chinese military’s participation in SCO defense and security cooperation.

    Zhang Xiaogang: The SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting was held in Qingdao, Shandong Province from June 25 to 26. China’s Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun presided at the meeting and delivered a speech. This year, China is the rotating chair of the SCO, and hosting the Defense Minister’s Meeting is an important activity to perform the chair’s duties.

    Defense and security cooperation plays a significant role in the establishment and development of the SCO. The Chinese side actively promotes strategic communication and substantive cooperation within the SCO and initiated many cooperation programs. First, we organized or participated in meetings of SCO defense ministers, chiefs of general staff, and international military cooperation organs to communicate and build consensus with other member states and send a “SCO voice” on international and regional security issues. Second, we hosted or participated in Peace Mission joint exercises, Fanfare for Peace military tattoos and expert working group meetings, and conducted professional exchanges on military medicine, military transportation, and military translation to deepen cooperation across the board. Third, we initiated and hosted the SCO Seminar for Senior-Level Officers, the SCO Junior-and-Middle-Level Officers’ Exchange, and the SCO+ Young Scholars’ Salon to enrich exchanges among service members of the member states and strengthen their friendship and mutual trust.

    He who walks with others walks far. The Chinese military will work with militaries of other SCO member states to carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, further broaden and deepen defense cooperation, join hands in building a common home featuring solidarity and mutual trust, peace and tranquility, prosperity and development, good-neighborliness and friendship, and fairness and justice, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

    Journalist: It is reported that India refused to sign the joint statement of the recent SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting due to disagreements over terrorism issues. Besides, could you provide some information about the meeting between the defense ministers of India and China?

    Zhang Xiaogang: As far as I know, with joint efforts of all parties, the SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting achieved a full success. We will release information on the meeting between the Chinese and Indian defense ministers in a timely manner.

    Journalist: I have two questions. First, according to media reports, sea trial of PLANS Fujian is steadily advancing and the PLA Navy will soon have three operational aircraft carriers. Does that mean China’s third aircraft carrier will be commissioned soon? What role will the three carrier task groups play in safeguarding China’s overseas interests and maintaining regional stability? Second, it is reported that the US side recently invited representatives of Taiwan’s military to observe a joint air exercise between the US and its allies. Lately, the US House Appropriation Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriation Act, which includes a $500 million budget for military assistance to Taiwan. What’s your comment?

    Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, building a strong and modernized navy is a century-old dream of the Chinese nation. China builds aircraft carriers in line with our national security needs and the development of equipment and technology. Starting from scratch, the PLA Navy has made leapfrog progress in aircraft carrier development. After successive commissioning of PLANS Liaoning and PLANS Shandong capable of ski jump launch, we now have the first carrier with electromagnetic catapult launch, PLANS Fujian. It should be emphasized that China develops weapons and equipment only to safeguard our national sovereignty, security and development interests. The Chinese military remains a staunch force for world peace. The more capable we are, the stronger the force in defending peace and preventing war.

    On your second question, we firmly oppose any form of military collusion between the US and China’s Taiwan region. Such collusion, be it military aid, arms sale or under any other excuse, reveals the extremely malicious intention of the US to mislead Taiwan into the flames of war, harming Taiwan itself and destroying its interests. We urge the US side to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, and stop sending wrong signals to the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. We warn the DPP authorities that “soliciting US support for independence” is doomed to fail, and “resisting reunification by force” is a dead end.

    Journalist: I have two questions. First, it is reported that the poll initiated by the Democratic Culture and Education Foundation in Taiwan showed that 66% of the respondents believed that the US may sell out Taiwan for its own interests; 67% believed that the US mainly uses Taiwan as a bargaining chip in its rivalry with the Chinese mainland. What’s your take on that? Second, the leader of the Taiwan region Lai Ching-te recently launched a so-called “10 talks on unity”, which include many contents on cross-Strait relations. May I have your comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, the US always puts its own interests first and this won’t be different when it comes to the Taiwan question. Acting as a pawn, the DPP authorities cannot escape the fate of being abandoned. Many more compatriots in Taiwan have now realized that “Taiwan independence” is a dead end, foreign support is unreliable, and China’s reunification is inevitable. Those who act against the trend of reunification and attempt to separate the country will never have a good end.

    On your second question, Taiwan is a part of China. It has never been and will never be a country. Lai Ching-te has distorted historical facts and made up false theories with an ill attempt to provoke for independence and escalate tensions across the Strait. His delirious talks will never change the legal fact that Taiwan is a part of China and the international community’s commitment to the one-China principle, and will never stop the historical trend that China will and must be reunified. The PLA shows zero tolerance towards “Taiwan independence” separatist activities. We will strengthen military training and combat readiness and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Journalist: It is reported that the US plans to deploy another Typhon mid-range missile system in the Philippines. The Philippine side claims that the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Intervention System (NMESIS) would remain within the Philippines after a recent military exercise with the US and serve as a deterrence to those attempting to coerce or invade the Philippines. Do you have any comment?

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of June 26, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

    Zhang Xiaogang: The Asia-Pacific region is a key hub for peaceful development rather than an arena for major-power rivalry. The Philippines has intensified its efforts to introduce strategic and tactical weapons, tied itself to the US war chariot, and become a co-conspirator in destabilizing the region. These actions severely undermined common interests of the peoples in the region. Those who “invited wolves into the house” will ultimately have themselves harmed and their home destroyed. We urge the Philippine side to take lessons from history and avoid making a same mistake.

    Journalist: I have two questions. First, the recent Jiangsu Football City League has been extremely popular. Many netizens commented in the account of the PLA Eastern Theater Command, hoping that on the day of the final game, fighter jets such as J-10 can fly over the stadium, emulating the practice of the US NFL “Super Bowl”. What’s your comment on this? Second, two warships of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), helicopter destroyer JS Ise and frigate JS Suzunami, recently docked at the Port of Manila in the Philippines to hold joint training with the Philippine military. Rear Admiral Takashi Natsui of the JMSDF accused China of increasing activities in waters surrounding Japan and unilaterally changing the status quo with strength, which posed a serious challenge to the international order. He said that Japan would closely monitor movements of the PLA Navy to ensure full vigilance and leave no room for error. What’s your comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, the Jiangsu Football City League is such a big hit recently. Fans show quite strong patriotic sentiments. I should say our fighter planes will always be on their combat posts to safeguard all of us.

    On your second question, Japan is not a party concerned in the South China Sea issue and therefore should not support provocative actions of some certain country. We urge the Japanese side to stop stirring up troubles on the South China Sea issue, stop undermining regional peace and stability, and do not head further down a wrong path.

    Journalist: The DPP authorities claimed that 46 PLA fighter jets crossed the Taiwan Strait and six PLA vessels circled around Taiwan within 24 hours, which is the largest PLA operation around the island recently. What’s your comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: PLA military drills around the Taiwan Island are necessary actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as stern warnings against the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and the interference of external forces. They are fully justified, legitimate, and reasonable. The Lai Ching-te authorities have taken continued actions to seek independence, which could push Taiwan into a dangerous situation of war. They are the culprits who undermine security and well-being of Taiwan compatriots and will surely be disdained by the people and judged by the time.

    Journalist: A former commander of the US Pacific Command has reportedly said that 2027 is a critical year for the PLA not only to attack Taiwan but also to become a world-class military. The Chinese side now sails its aircraft carriers and other large vessels beyond the Second Island Chain to put pressure on Taiwan, Japan and the US. He called it “gunboat diplomacy”. Do you have any comment?

    Zhang Xiaogang: The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair. How to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people, which brooks no foreign interference. The operation and training activities conducted by Chinese aircraft carrier task groups conform to international law and practices, and do not target at any third party. In addition, China has never done such things as “gunboat diplomacy”. We urge the US side not to perceive China with its own hegemonic mindset, and stop misinterpreting China’s legitimate actions with false ideas.

    Journalist: China will hold a grand military parade on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. According to the information released on June 24, weapons and equipment to be displayed in the parade are all domestically developed. What new weapons and equipment will be on display?

    Zhang Xiaogang: I believe many of you are interested in this question. Please be patient about the new weapons and equipment to be displayed. And no spoilers from me.

    Journalist: It is reported that the US Secretary of Defense recently claimed at a congressional hearing that China is a “pacing threat”, and that the US will prioritize re-establishing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region to “achieve peace through strength”. The One Big Beautiful Bill of the US would allocate 12 billion US dollars for the “Pacific Deterrence Initiative”, further strengthening combat readiness of US forces in the Indo-Pacific and boosting defense capabilities of Taiwan. What’s your comment?

    Zhang Xiaogang: Zero-sum game should not be the way that major countries handle each other, and peaceful coexistence should be a bottom line both China and the US hold. China’s development poses no threat to other countries and we never resort to deterrence or coercion preferred by some certain country.

    The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair which brooks no foreign interference. The US side has repeatedly gone back on its own words and kept arming Taiwan, which would only backfire. We urge the US side to have an objective and rational perception of China, stop blaming China on everything, and stop deceiving and misleading the US public and the international community, so as to create favorable conditions for developing state-to-state and mil-to-mil relations between China and the US.

    Journalist: I have two questions. First, it is reported that this year’s enrollment in military academies in Taiwan has been hotly discussed, with the number of female cadets in many academies surpassing that of male cadets. “When male soldiers are not enough, female soldiers have to fill the gap”. Such a situation does not reflect gender equality, but rather a fact that no one want to throw their lives away for “Taiwan independence”. Do you have any comment? The second question, it is reported that the Trump administration planned to significantly increase arms sales to Taiwan during the second term. In the following four years, military sales to Taiwan is expected to surpass the $18.3 billion approved during the first Trump administration. The US side is also reportedly pressuring Taiwan’s opposition parties not to obstruct the DPP authorities’ efforts to raise defense budget. In addition, Lai Ching-te said that Taiwan’s defense budget should reach 3% of its GDP or even higher, and expressed the hope that Taiwan-US security cooperation would evolve beyond military procurement to joint production and joint research and development. What’s your comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: There is a good point in your first question, no one want to throw their lives away for “Taiwan independence”. It is unworthy and meaningless to be cannon fodders for the armed forces of “Taiwan independence”.

    On your second question, Lai Ching-te and his kind are trying to find all kinds of ways to pay “protection fees” to their US masters, which squandered hard-earned money of the people in Taiwan. This is exactly “selling off the farmland of one’s family without being conscience-stricken”. We warn the DPP authorities that their attempts to solicit US support for “Taiwan independence” and resist reunification by force will only fail.

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of June 26, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

    Journalist: According to reports, during its summit in the Hague from June 24 to 25, NATO accused China of providing Russia with key support in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and expressed concerns over the South China Sea, the East China Sea and the Taiwan question. NATO Secretary General recently said that China is significantly strengthening its military capabilities, building the world’s largest navy, and expanding its nuclear arsenal. Therefore, NATO should strengthen its partnership with Indo-Pacific countries to deal with the military challenges posed by China. What’s your comment?

    Zhang Xiaogang: China adheres to the path of peaceful development, and is committed to a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. China’s military development is purely aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests. China-Russia cooperation does not target at any third party, nor will it be interfered by any third party.

    As a product of the Cold War and the largest military bloc in the world, NATO stirs up troubles and provokes conflicts and wars in various regions, making itself a true war machine. In recent years, NATO has overstretched its geographic boundary stipulated by its own Treaty, and ill-expanded its power and authority, arousing high vigilance among regional countries. We firmly oppose NATO using China as an excuse to “expand eastward into the Asia-Pacific” and urge NATO to reflect on its own behaviors, change course, and contribute more to global security and stability.

    Journalist: It is reported that when meeting with heads of the world’s leading news agencies, Russian President said that China and Russia are strengthening their extensive military cooperation on defense industries and other fields. The two sides hold joint exercises on a regular basis. The Russian Defense Ministry has made a detailed road map to deepen cooperation with China. What’s your take on that?

    Zhang Xiaogang: Based on the principle of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting at any third party, cooperation between China and Russia has maintained a steady and sound momentum.

    Journalist: According to media reports, Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine Hai Kun recently completed its maiden sea trial. Do you have any comment on that?

    Zhang Xiaogang: The “Taiwan independence” separatist forces tried very hard to build the submarine Hai Kun only to find a form of psychological comfort. It can be easily defeated by the PLA.

    Journalist: It is reported that the Philippines has launched a so-called “New Hero-Fisherfolk” Program to encourage its fishermen to exploit fishing resources in waters near Nansha to the fullest extent. What’s your take on that?

    Zhang Xiaogang: China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. The Philippine side attempts to use fishing activities as a pretext to infringe upon China’s sovereignty and make provocations. This will never work. The Chinese side will strengthen administrative control of relevant waters in accordance with laws and regulations, and firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

    Journalist: A former Chief of Staff of Japan Self-Defense Force said that China has increased its maritime presence near Diaoyu Dao over the past two years. The increasingly aggressive actions taken by the Chinese side recently may be preparations for a landing operation to take control of Diaoyu Dao. What’s your comment on that?

    Zhang Xiaogang: Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China’s inherent territory. Patrols and law enforcement activities conducted by the Chinese side in waters under China’s jurisdiction are legitimate actions. It is the Japanese side who is undermining stability and escalating tensions in the relevant region.

    Journalist: It is reported that the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute of Sweden recently released its annual report on global nuclear forces, stating that China currently possesses 600 nuclear warheads, ranking third in the world. It says China’s stockpile is increasing at a speed of approximately 100 per year, faster than that of any other country. What is your comment?

    Zhang Xiaogang: I will not comment on this kind of speculative reports. China adheres to a nuclear strategy of self-defense, and commits itself to a nuclear policy of no first use of nuclear weapons. We keep our nuclear force at a minimum level required for national security and have no intention to engage in arms race with any country. China will continue to safeguard its legitimate security interests and uphold world peace and stability.

    Zhang Xiaogang: If there are no other questions, it concludes today’s press conference.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Joins U.S. Cabinet, Congressional Leadership and Governors in Announcement of National Farm Security Action Plan

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Joins U.S. Cabinet,  Congressional Leadership and Governors in  Announcement of National Farm Security Action Plan

    LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen will join top leaders from President Donald Trump’s administration, members of Congress and other governors in announcing the rollout of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Farm Security Action Plan. The aim of this initiative is to protect American agriculture from foreign threats. The news conference will start at 8:00 a.m. (CT) tomorrow from the USDA Whitten Building in Washington D.C.

    In addition to Gov. Pillen, event participants include Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Defense Pet Hegseth, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

    ***Media Note*** This event is scheduled to broadcast on YouTube. An update will be provided with the link prior to the event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump announces 25-40 pct tariffs on 14 countries

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt showcases U.S. President Donald Trump’s letter to the Japanese prime minister during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on July 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday on social media that 25-percent tariffs will be imposed on imports from Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), respectively, beginning Aug. 1.

    In his letters addressed to the leaders of the two countries, Trump said the new tariffs will be separate from all other sectoral tariffs.

    Later on, he announced that similar letters were sent to the leaders of 12 other countries, namely Malaysia, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Myanmar, Laos, Tunisia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Cambodia, and Thailand, informing them that tariffs ranging 25 percent to 40 percent will be charged starting next month.

    The tariffs rate on Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Tunisia will be 25 percent, and it will be 30 percent for South Africa and BiH. Indonesia will face a tariffs rate of 32 percent, and Bangladesh and Serbia will see 35 percent. Tariffs rate on Cambodia and Thailand will be 36 percent, and for Laos and Myanmar it will be as high as 40 percent.

    In the almost identical letters, Trump asked leaders of these countries to understand that the tariffs rates number “is far less than what is needed to eliminate the Trade Deficit disparity we have with your Country.”

    Trump warned that if these countries raise their tariffs in response, the United States will increase its tariffs by the same amount.

    He said that there will be no tariff if these countries or their companies decide to build or manufacture products within the United States, and that “in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely — In other words, in a matter of weeks.”

    He also said that “if you wish to open your heretofore closed Trading Markets to the United States, and eliminate your Tariff, and Non Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter.”

    White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday afternoon that Trump plans to issue an executive order to extend the pause on “reciprocal tariffs” from July 9 to Aug. 1.

    “So, the reciprocal tariff rate or these new rates that will be provided in this correspondence to these foreign leaders will be going out the door within the next month or deals will be made,” said Leavitt.

    On Wednesday, Trump said that the United States had struck a trade deal with Vietnam that includes a 20-percent tariff on the Southeast Asian country’s exports to the United States.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Texas floods raise doubts over US weather warnings, response levels

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    As the desperate search continues for survivors of the flash floods in Central Texas, concerns have already been raised about the shortcomings of the United States’ weather warning service and the response of local authorities.

    The death toll stood at 82 late on Sunday, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott saying that 41 people were unaccounted for across the state, adding that more people could be missing, local media reported.

    In Kerr County, home to Camp Mystic and other youth camps in the Texas Hill Country, searchers have found the bodies of 68 people, including 28 children, said Sheriff Larry Leitha, who pledged to keep searching until “everybody is found”.

    The flash floods happened in a region where the natural beauty of rivers, lakes and hills has made it a popular destination for summer vacations. The Guadalupe River bank area had attracted many visitors for the long Fourth of July weekend.

    However, before daybreak on Friday destructive, fast-moving waters rose rapidly on the river in only 45 minutes, washing away homes and vehicles.

    Questions are growing about whether enough warnings were issued in an area long vulnerable to flooding and whether enough preparations were made.

    Families were allowed to look around Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the river where 10 girls and a counselor were still unaccounted for, on Sunday morning.

    One girl was seen walking out of a building carrying a large bell. A woman and a teenage girl, both wearing rubber waders, briefly went inside one of the cabins, which stood next to a pile of soaked mattresses, a storage trunk and clothes. At one point, the pair doubled over, sobbing before they embraced.

    Father’s sacrifice

    Several of those who died in the floods have already been praised by loved ones for their heroism.

    Julian Ryan, 27, died trying to save his mother, his fiancee Christina Wilson, and the couple’s two young children, according to local media reports.

    Wilson told a Houston television station the water came to the front step of their trailer home near the river in Ingram before dawn on Friday and rose fast. Their mattress began to float. The door was stuck shut and Ryan broke a window with his arm for the family to escape. However, he suffered serious cuts from the broken glasses and soon bled to death.

    “He had lost so much blood and knew he wasn’t going to make it,” Wilson said. “He said, ‘I love you. I’m so sorry.’ In minutes, he was gone. He died trying to save us.”

    Camp Mystic director Dick Eastland, 70, died while trying to rescue campers during the catastrophic flooding, according to a tribute shared by his grandson on Instagram on Saturday.

    “If he wasn’t going to die of natural causes, this was the only other way — saving the girls that he so loved and cared for,” George Eastland wrote. “That’s the kind of man my grandfather was. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and a mentor to thousands of young women.”

    A Camp Mystic employee, Glenn Juenke, told CNN Eastland died “remaining a true hero until the very end”.

    Almost a century old and founded in 1926, Camp Mystic had been run by Dick and Tweety Eastland since 1974 and can host up to 700 children.

    In Kerrville, Tivy High School boys soccer coach Reece Zunker and his wife Paula died in the flood, according to a Facebook post. Their two young children were missing.

    The Guadalupe River Heart O’ the Hills Camp announced on its website that its director and co-owner Jane Ragsdale was killed in the flood. Luckily no children were at the camp at the time.

    Two sisters from Dallas, Blair and Brooke Harber, 11 and 13 respectively, were staying with their grandparents in a cabin along the Guadalupe River, which was washed away by the flood. The sisters were confirmed dead and their grandparents were missing, according to The New York Times.

    Too late, inaccurate

    The National Weather Service first issued a forecast on Thursday afternoon that heavy rain was coming and flooding was possible. It predicted 127 to 177 millimeters of rain.

    The flood warning was issued at 1:14 am on Friday when most people were asleep. It triggered Wireless Emergency Alerts which sent notifications to all the mobile phones in the emergency area.

    However, it’s a feature that mobile phone users can disable and parts of the Hill Country lack good mobile phone reception.

    The rain began to fall around midnight, but actual rainfall far exceeded the forecast. Some local weather stations recorded 305 mm of rainfall by sunrise on Independence Day, local meteorologists said.

    The water level rose rapidly. The water gauge in a section of the Guadalupe River gauge where it forks recorded a 6.7-meter rise in only two hours, Bob Fogarty, a meteorologist at the NWS Austin/San Antonio office said.

    In Kerrville, the water level rose from 0.3 meters to 10.3 meters between 2 am and 7 am on Friday.

    Fogarty said the alert was updated nine times throughout Friday. The most serious warning came at 4:03 am when NWS issued a flood emergency, warning of an “extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation “and urging “immediate evacuations”.

    The riverbank overflow occurred about three hours after the first flood warning, with the strong torrent washing away cabins and vehicles.

    Some meteorologists said local authorities are partially responsible for the devastating consequences of the floods.

    “The heartbreaking catastrophe that occurred in Central Texas is a tragedy of the worst sort because it appears evacuations and other proactive measures could have been undertaken to reduce the risk of fatalities had the organizers of impacted camps and local officials heeded the warnings of the government and private weather sources, including AccuWeather,” AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter wrote in a statement on Saturday morning.

    Local officials blamed the NWS for inadequate weather information. Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management pointed to NWS forecasts that projected up to 152 mm of rain. “It did not predict the amount of rain that we saw,” Kidd said.

    Facing questions on why officials didn’t organize evacuations, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said: “We didn’t know this flooding was coming. Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.”

    Kelly said they deal with floods frequently and locals know the area as “flash flood valley”. However, Kerr County doesn’t have a flood warning system in place. Kelly said the county considered implementing one a few years ago, but the plan was put aside due to the cost.

    Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice told the media that the suddenness and intensity of the flood caught city officials flat-footed.

    “This happened very quickly over a very short amount of time that could not be predicted,” Rice said,”… things like this happen in a very strategic, very isolated area and when those two things converge you have what happened today.”

    Staff shortage at NWS

    The unexpectedness of the flood has led many to question whether the understaffed NWS has contributed to the tragedy.

    Its ability to help the entire country prepare for natural disasters was also questioned due to funding cuts under the Trump administration’s Big Beautiful Bill which was passed the day before July 4.

    Federal funding cuts made earlier by the Department of Government Efficiency led to staff cuts in the NWS, which the service says has resulted in many of its local offices being understaffed.

    Its mission statement is to: “Provide weather, water and climate data, forecasts, warnings, and impact-based decision support services for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy.”

    Accurate weather warnings are the key to “give every individual a fighting chance to survive nature’s worst”, it adds.

    Since President Donald Trump took office, almost 600 people have left the NWS, equivalent to the total number of employees who left the service in the past 15 years.

    Many of those who left were seasoned meteorologists with experience in dealing with a variety of weather scenarios. Experts had previously warned that the service had already been crippled due to its large number of vacant positions and sudden departure of senior staff.

    The NWS Austin/San Antonio Office, which oversees flood-devastated Kerr County, is currently short six staff members. A senior hydrologist, staff forecaster and meteorologist in charge were missing, according to the NWS website.

    While no one at the NWS has explained the big gap between the forecast and actual rainfall, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the administration, saying that it’s hard to accurately predict rainfall.

    Noem argued that the technology was “ancient” and that the Trump administration is working to upgrade it.

    “We know that everybody wants more warning time, and that’s why we’re working to upgrade the technologies that have been neglected (for) far too long,” Noem said at a Saturday news conference.

    Houston has a problem

    Jason Walls, a Houston resident, told China Daily the tragedy unfolding in Central Texas had made him worried about his own safety in Houston.

    “We are in the hurricane season right now. I can’t imagine how many people would die from an inaccurate weather forecast and inadequate warning because we are much more populated than Central Texas. I am very concerned,” Walls said.

    He’s aware that the NWS Houston/Galveston Office has a serious staff shortage with 11 positions out of 25 vacant. The departures happened after a number of experienced meteorologists left due to the DOGE cuts.

    The vacancies include meteorologist-incharge, warning coordination meteorologist, science and operations officer, and port meteorological officer. In addition, four meteorologists, including two senior positions, are also vacant.

    Meteorologist Jeff Masters, a former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hurricane hunter, earlier told the Texas Tribune that most of the roles won’t be able to be filled in time for the 2025 hurricane season.

    “This was done very inefficiently,” Masters told the newspaper. “First, all of the probationary employees were fired, then incentives were given to get the most experienced managers out through early retirement. Now they’re trying to do some rehiring, and then it’s just not being done very efficiently.”

    Masters said that the local offices across the country have lost critical institutional knowledge and expertise. Nationwide, reduced staff numbers have meant fewer weather balloon launches, therefore fewer data critical to accurate storm modeling is available.

    Currently, the Houston office is being helped by members from other NWS locations, and a meteorologist in Oklahoma is helping as an acting meteorologist-incharge for Houston.

    “Look at what happened in Kerr County when the NWS local office is without a warning coordination meteorologist,” Walls said. “We are in a worse situation in Houston — we don’t have a warning coordinator, we don’t have one in charge, we are missing almost half of very critical positions. How can we be ready for any weather disaster in the coming months?”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: EU races to finalize trade deal with US before July 9 tariff deadline

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The European Union (EU) is intensifying its efforts to finalize a trade agreement with the United States before the looming July 9 deadline, aiming to avert a new wave of punitive tariffs.

    European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill confirmed on Monday that “political and technical contacts” between Brussels and Washington are ongoing, with the EU still committed to securing an agreement in principle by Wednesday.

    While hopes for a comprehensive trade deal have been abandoned due to time constraints, the EU remains focused on establishing a framework that can prevent further tariff increases. If no agreement is reached, U.S. tariffs on most EU imports are expected to rise from the current 10 percent to 20 percent, and potentially up to 50 percent, in line with rates announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2.

    On Friday, the European Commission held consultations with EU member states to assess the situation. Further high-level engagement took place over the weekend, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaking by phone with President Trump on Sunday. Although no formal breakthrough was reported, officials described the call as a “good exchange.”

    On Sunday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that tariffs for countries that had not reached an agreement with the United States would take effect on Aug. 1 instead of July 9. Trump said that the United States would begin issuing tariff notification letters to a dozen countries starting Monday at 12 p.m. Eastern Time (1600 GMT).

    The European Commission continues to weigh its options. A retaliatory tariff list has been prepared and reviewed with member states and industry stakeholders. However, according to Gill, there are no immediate plans to activate it, as “diplomatic efforts remain the priority.”

    Germany, France, and Italy remain closely engaged in the negotiations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized the need for a deal to protect industries vulnerable to tariffs, including the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors.

    As the July 9 deadline approaches, analysts remain skeptical about the feasibility of concluding multiple lasting agreements within such a short period.

    “Trade deals typically take years to negotiate. It would be surprising to see long-term deals materialize so quickly,” said Andrew Lapping, chief investment officer at Ranmore Fund Management.

    “Trump is in a teasing mood, hinting at more deals while keeping markets guessing. Investors are bracing for fresh volatility,” said Susannah Streeter, head of Money and Markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, a British financial services company. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: When You Cut Taxes, The Economy Grows

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Joins Fox Business to Discuss the Yale Budget Lab and the Reconciliation Bill.
    Washington – On Monday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Jason Chaffetz on Fox Business’ The Evening Edit to discuss the Yale Budget Lab and their incorrect read on the impact the reconciliation bill will have on hard-working American families and the American economy.

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full remarks.
    On the Yale Budget Lab being a partisan, left-wing think tank:
    “This Yale lab is actually another Democrat think tank … they’re the type of economists that got it wrong under John F. Kennedy’s tax cuts and President Reagan’s tax cuts, and Trump 45 tax cuts as well. They don’t realize that when you cut taxes, the economy grows. And that’s where the biggest difference is when you listen to their opinion versus our opinion, versus this White House’s opinion – that we read these tax cuts as giving tax breaks for small businesses and for manufacturing, that’s going to help the economy grow, especially as well. You know, I think about being able to write off new manufacturing equipment, being able to write off accelerated depreciation, those types of things.”
    On how the Reconciliation Bill will help save Medicaid:
    “I want to emphasize that on our Medicaid plan, we actually increase the spending. We increase the spending faster than the rate of inflation – $200 billion a year more. That we’re trying to strengthen Medicaid and save it for those who really need it the most. So, we’re going to make sure that seniors in nursing homes, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and children that they have Medicaid.
    “The only ones that are going to lose Medicaid going forward are people that were on that are fraudulently on it, or people that are unwilling to work, even just 20 hours a week. Or they can go to school, or they can volunteer. You know, I’ve said this before, but we have folks back home harvesting wheat that are working 20 hours a day. So that’s not too much to ask of people. And by the way, I think helping people get a job is a good thing.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: When You Cut Taxes, The Economy Grows

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Joins Fox Business to Discuss the Yale Budget Lab and the Reconciliation Bill.
    Washington – On Monday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Jason Chaffetz on Fox Business’ The Evening Edit to discuss the Yale Budget Lab and their incorrect read on the impact the reconciliation bill will have on hard-working American families and the American economy.

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full remarks.
    On the Yale Budget Lab being a partisan, left-wing think tank:
    “This Yale lab is actually another Democrat think tank … they’re the type of economists that got it wrong under John F. Kennedy’s tax cuts and President Reagan’s tax cuts, and Trump 45 tax cuts as well. They don’t realize that when you cut taxes, the economy grows. And that’s where the biggest difference is when you listen to their opinion versus our opinion, versus this White House’s opinion – that we read these tax cuts as giving tax breaks for small businesses and for manufacturing, that’s going to help the economy grow, especially as well. You know, I think about being able to write off new manufacturing equipment, being able to write off accelerated depreciation, those types of things.”
    On how the Reconciliation Bill will help save Medicaid:
    “I want to emphasize that on our Medicaid plan, we actually increase the spending. We increase the spending faster than the rate of inflation – $200 billion a year more. That we’re trying to strengthen Medicaid and save it for those who really need it the most. So, we’re going to make sure that seniors in nursing homes, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and children that they have Medicaid.
    “The only ones that are going to lose Medicaid going forward are people that were on that are fraudulently on it, or people that are unwilling to work, even just 20 hours a week. Or they can go to school, or they can volunteer. You know, I’ve said this before, but we have folks back home harvesting wheat that are working 20 hours a day. So that’s not too much to ask of people. And by the way, I think helping people get a job is a good thing.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Scott Talks Foreign Relations, Iran Intelligence Briefing, and Fed Renovation Spending on Fox News Sunday 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Shannon Bream to discuss President Donald Trump’s strike on Iran’s nuclear program.

    [embedded content]

    Click here or on the image above to watch the full interview.

    On President Trump’s relationship with Putin…

    “President Trump has done what he has always done, which is to focus on solutions and looking for ways to end the conflict. We just heard him say Putin is killing thousands of people unnecessary.That’s why he’s been in constant communication, trying to deescalate the situation and at the same time, having Secretary Hegseth, focus on our responsibility of keeping Americans safe here at home and abroad.”

    On the Senate Intelligence Briefing on the Iran Nuclear Site Strikes…

    “I believe the intelligence community when they say President Trump’s original comments were 100% accurate. We have devastated Iran’s nuclear program.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Scott Talks Foreign Relations, Iran Intelligence Briefing, and Fed Renovation Spending on Fox News Sunday 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Shannon Bream to discuss President Donald Trump’s strike on Iran’s nuclear program.

    [embedded content]

    Click here or on the image above to watch the full interview.

    On President Trump’s relationship with Putin…

    “President Trump has done what he has always done, which is to focus on solutions and looking for ways to end the conflict. We just heard him say Putin is killing thousands of people unnecessary.That’s why he’s been in constant communication, trying to deescalate the situation and at the same time, having Secretary Hegseth, focus on our responsibility of keeping Americans safe here at home and abroad.”

    On the Senate Intelligence Briefing on the Iran Nuclear Site Strikes…

    “I believe the intelligence community when they say President Trump’s original comments were 100% accurate. We have devastated Iran’s nuclear program.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump calls Musk’s new political party ‘ridiculous’

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s threats to form a third political party.

    “I’m saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely ‘off the rails,’ essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks,” Trump posted on social media Sunday night.

    He was referring to Musk’s threats to form a third political party to rival Democrats and Republicans.

    The president called that idea “ridiculous,” adding that it would cause confusion.

    The feud between the two billionaires began in early June after Musk blasted Trump’s landmark One Big Beautiful Bill, a gargantuan tax and spending package that Trump signed into law on Friday, the Independence Day.

    Musk lambasted the legislation, saying it could add trillions of U.S. dollars to the national debt.

    “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom,” Musk said on social media.

    In response, Trump posted on social media that third parties “have never succeeded in the United States,” adding that “the one thing (they) are good for is the creation of Complete and Total DISRUPTION & CHAOS.”

    Musk’s announcement caused shares of his company Tesla to take a dive. On Monday, the stock saw its largest single-day loss since June 5.

    Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College in the northeastern state of New Hampshire, told Xinhua: “Right now, Republicans have narrow margins in both chambers of Congress. If Musk were to fund primary challengers or independent general election candidates… that could cost Republicans in next year’s midterms.”

    “Building a real party, rather than a vanity project, would involve finding and running credible candidates up and down the ballot, for unglamorous offices like school board and city council,” Galdieri said.

    Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua: “Things like this have been tried not very long ago… The problem is that a political party needs a core idea.”

    “This venture would have to attract people younger than 45 who are already politicians on some level, and who have real political talent,” Ramsay said.

    “If Musk were to just concentrate on knocking out specific Republican senators and members, that would be a slightly better plan than starting a new political party,” Ramsay added.

    Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua: “There are lots of people who would like choices between the two major parties. Each has moved to the extremes and does not represent the broad swathe of America.”

    “He needs to find someone to lead the party who could appeal to more people,” West said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Available to Texas Small Businesses, Residents, and Private Nonprofits Impacted by July Storms and Flooding

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In response to the disaster declaration issued by President Donald J. Trump on July 6, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest rate federal disaster loans to Texas small businesses, residents, and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding beginning July 2.

    The disaster declaration covers the primary Texas county of Kerr which is eligible for both physical disaster loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the SBA. Small businesses and most PNP organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA EIDLs: Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kimble, and Real.

    “As we pray for those impacted by the devastating flooding in Texas, as well as our first responders, the SBA is mobilizing to provide critical on-the-ground resources necessary for recovery,” said Kelly Loeffler, SBA Administrator. “As a result of President Trump’s immediate disaster declaration, the agency is now offering physical and economic injury disaster loans in Texas Hill Country. We are working closely with our state, local, and federal partners, and are committed to delivering robust relief and support as recovery begins in the days and months ahead.”

    Businesses and PNP’s are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades to reduce the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs and 2.813% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    As soon as the Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open in the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Sept. 4, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 6, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Ensures Accountability and Prioritizes Public Safety in Federal Hiring

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    ESTABLISHING POLICIES THAT DRIVE ACCOUNTABLE HIRING: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum that requires many federal hires to be approved by an agency’s presidentially appointed leadership, to end incompetence and “equity” over results.
    This prohibits filling vacant federal civilian positions or creating new ones without approval from agency leadership, with certain exceptions.
    Exemptions from the policy for immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety positions shall remain, which apply to roles like Department of Veterans Affairs medical personnel, food safety inspectors, firefighters, air traffic controllers, and National Weather Service employees.

    This Memorandum provides that the policy applies through October 15, 2025.
    The Memorandum allows hiring that is directly approved by senior agency leadership appointed by the President.
    This ensures democratic accountability, rather than hiring being driven by the bureaucracy, and that hiring decisions are based on agency priorities.

    It also clarifies that any hiring of employees be consistent with the Merit Hiring Plan issued by the Administration on May 29, 2025.
    PROMOTING FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY: President Trump is strengthening accountable hiring practices to ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.
    In the last two years of the Biden Administration, government was directly responsible for the creation of more than 1 in every 4 jobs.
    President Trump is committed to reversing this trend by prioritizing private-sector job growth and maintaining oversight of hiring by presidentially appointed leadership.
    This ensures the Federal workforce remains focused on essential functions and fully aligned with administration priorities. 

    REFORMING THE FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY: The American people elected President Trump to drain the swamp and end ineffective government programs that empower government without achieving measurable results.
    The government wastes billions of dollars each year on duplicative programs and frivolous expenditures that fail to align with American values or address the needs of the American people.
    The Trump Administration is committed to streamlining the Federal Government, eliminating unnecessary programs, and reducing bureaucratic inefficiency.
    President Trump launched a 10-to-1 deregulation initiative, ensuring every new rule is justified by clear benefits.
    President Trump authorized buyout programs to encourage federal employees to leave voluntarily.
    Through these actions, President Trump is keeping his promise to restore efficiency and accountability in the Federal Government.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Continues Enforcement of Reciprocal Tariffs and Announces New Tariff Rates

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    KEEPING AMERICA IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order determining that certain tariff rates, which were initially set to expire on July 9, will expire on August 1, 2025. President Trump also sent tariff letters to many countries informing them of their new reciprocal tariff rates, which will take effect on August 1.
    President Trump took these actions based on information and recommendations from senior officials, including information on the status of trade negotiations.
    Since President Trump modified the tariff rates roughly 90 days ago, dozens of countries have agreed or offered to lower their tariff rates and eliminate non-tariff barriers to move toward a more balanced trade relationship with the United States.
    Notwithstanding this significant and historic progress, the U.S. trade deficit remains severe.
    While the United States is open to additional trade discussions and deals, President Trump is taking action to establish trade relations going forward.

    President Trump sent letters to many countries explaining that, starting August 1, they will be subject to new reciprocal tariff rates designed to make the terms of our bilateral trade relationships more reciprocal over time and to address the national emergency caused by the massive U.S. goods trade deficit.
    In some instances, countries will be subject to a revised reciprocal tariff rate that is lower than the rate initially announced on April 2.
    For others, the reciprocal tariff rate may be higher than the previous rate.

    The President may send more letters in the coming days and weeks. The countries he sent letters to today include:
    Japan (25%)
    Korea (25%)
    South Africa (30%)
    Kazakhstan (25%)
    Laos (40%)
    Malaysia (25%)
    Myanmar (40%)
    Tunisia (25%)
    Bosnia and Herzegovina (30%)
    Indonesia (32%)
    Bangladesh (35%)
    Serbia (35%)
    Cambodia (36%)
    Thailand (36%)

    TAKING BACK OUR ECONOMIC SOVEREIGNTY: Today’s Order, combined with letters sent to trading partners, underscores President Trump’s commitment to take back America’s economic sovereignty by addressing many nonreciprocal trade relationships that threaten our economic and national security.
    President Trump is the best trade negotiator in history. His strategy has focused on addressing systemic imbalances in our tariff rates that have tilted the playing field in favor of our trading partners for decades. 
    Countries that aren’t serious about addressing the tariff and non-tariff trade barriers that impede American exports and harm American workers, farmers, and businesses are facing the consequences.
    President Trump welcomes the business of our trading partners on American soil: as these countries are aware, there will be no tariff if they decide to build or manufacture products in our country.
    President Trump has committed that the United States will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely to bring back manufacturing jobs for Americans.

    President Trump is using tariffs as the necessary and powerful tool to put America First after many years of unsustainable trade deficits that threaten our economy and national security. 
    LIBERATING AMERICA FROM UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES: Since Day One, President Trump challenged the assumption that American workers and businesses must tolerate unfair trade practices that have disadvantaged them for decades and contributed to our historic trade deficit.
    On April 2, President Trump declared a national emergency in response to the large and persistent U.S. goods trade deficit caused by a lack of reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships, unfair tariff and non-tariff barriers, and U.S. trading partners’ economic policies that suppress domestic wages and consumption.
    President Trump continues to advance the interests of the American people by calling on trading partners to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers and expanding market access for American exporters.
    Today’s announcement, based on reciprocity and fairness, will help usher in a Golden Age for the American People.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Ends Market Distorting Subsidies for Unreliable, Foreign-Controlled Energy Sources

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    ENDING AMERICAN DEPENDENCE ON UNRELIABLE ENERGY SOURCES: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to eliminate subsidies for unreliable “green” energy sources like wind and solar in furtherance of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
    The Order directs the Secretary of the Treasury to terminate the clean electricity production and investment tax credits for wind and solar facilities and implement the enhanced Foreign Entity of Concern restrictions each as identified in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
    The Order directs the Secretary of the Interior to revise regulations and policies to eliminate preferential treatment for wind and solar facilities compared to reliable, dispatchable energy sources.
    SECURING AMERICAN ENERGY AND ENSURING AMERICAN PROSPERITY: President Trump is committed to unleashing American energy and preventing American taxpayers from funding expensive and unreliable energy policies from the Green New Scam.
    Unreliable wind and solar energy sources displace affordable, dispatchable energy, compromise America’s electric grid, and denigrate the beauty of our Nation’s natural landscape. 
    Reliance on so-called “green” subsidies threatens national security by making the United States dependent on supply chains controlled by foreign adversaries. 
    Ending the massive cost of taxpayer handouts to unreliable energy sources is vital to energy dominance, national security, economic growth, and the fiscal health of the Nation. 
    UNLEASHING AMERICAN ENERGY: President Trump believes in all forms of reliable, dispatchable energy, harnessing nuclear, fossil fuels, and emerging technologies to secure American energy independence and fuel economic growth. 
    On Day One, President Trump declared a National Energy Emergency to eliminate bureaucratic barriers, unleash innovation, and restore America’s position as the world’s leading energy producer. 
    President Trump established the National Energy Dominance Council to develop a strategy to achieve energy dominance by cutting red tape, enhancing private sector investments, and advancing innovation. 
    Unleashing American energy will create jobs and economic prosperity, improve the United States’ trade balance, help our country compete with hostile foreign powers, strengthen relations with allies and partners, and support international peace and security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wasserman Schultz, DeLauro Slam Trump Plan to Cut 30,000 Veterans Affairs Employees

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

    Wasserman Schultz, DeLauro Slam Trump Plan to Cut 30,000 Veterans Affairs Employees

    Washington, July 7, 2025

    “President Trump and the VA refuse to answer simple questions and share information on what positions are not being filled and what the impact will be of this massive reduction in force. We need answers. The American people need answers. Our veterans deserve answers.”

    If slashing the workforce by 30,000 employees is not a “large-scale reduction in force,” what is?

    WASHINGTON — House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Ranking Member Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) released the following statement on President Trump’s Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plan to reduce VA staff by 30,000 employees:

    “Our veterans make significant sacrifices in service of our country, but those sacrifices do not seem to matter to President Trump. The men and women who bravely served our country need additional services, shorter wait times, and more support, not less. Make no mistake, reducing the VA workforce by 30,000 employees is a large-scale reduction in force that will eliminate job opportunities for veterans and hinder the VA’s ability to serve our veterans.

    “President Trump and the VA refuse to answer simple questions and share information on what positions are not being filled and what the impact will be of this massive reduction in force. We need answers. The American people need answers. Our veterans deserve answers.”

    MIL OSI USA News –