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The US Army is set to revise the records of transgender soldiers to reflect only their sex at birth, following internal guidance revealed by Reuters. This directive, part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration, aims to enforce a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, a move supported by a recent Supreme Court ruling. The 14-page memo outlines that personnel records and administrative systems will be updated accordingly, with commanders instructed to use pronouns that align with biological sex and designate access to intimate spaces based on this classification. Currently, there are approximately 4,240 active-duty and National Guard transgender troops, though advocates suggest the actual number may be higher. Critics, including LGBTQ rights groups, have condemned the directives as harmful to military readiness and vindictive. Public support for transgender service members has decreased, with a Gallup poll indicating that 58% of Americans now back their inclusion in the military. 
Published: May 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed speculation of a rift with the U.S. following President Donald Trump's recent visit to the Gulf, which notably excluded Israel. Trump's trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE resulted in significant business deals but sparked media commentary regarding Israel's absence, despite it being a key U.S. ally in the region. This visit coincided with Trump's decision to halt U.S. airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, who continue to threaten Israel. Netanyahu revealed he spoke with Trump about ten days prior, during which the president reaffirmed his commitment to Israel. Amid increasing international calls for a resolution to the conflict in Gaza, Trump has highlighted the humanitarian crisis resulting from an ongoing Israeli blockade. Netanyahu also noted that U.S. Vice President JD Vance urged him to disregard "fake news" about any supposed discord between the two nations.
Published: May 22 2025, 6 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump's ambitious "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative faces substantial technical and political hurdles, with costs likely exceeding initial estimates. Aiming to shield against a range of threats, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and drones, Trump seeks to have the system operational within three years. However, four months post-initiative launch, details remain sparse. Experts like Melanie Marlowe from the Center for Strategic and International Studies highlight challenges in funding and the need for advancements in defense technology. Trump has proposed an initial $25 billion budget, estimating total costs at around $175 billion, a figure some analysts deem unrealistic. The Congressional Budget Office has projected costs for space-based interceptors could soar between $161 billion and $542 billion over two decades. As geopolitical tensions rise, particularly with China and Russia, the complexities of implementing such a comprehensive defense system are becoming increasingly evident.
Published: May 22 2025, 6 ameznews.inIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the media in Jerusalem on Wednesday, discussing the ongoing Gaza conflict and tensions with Iran. He confirmed that there are currently 20 living hostages in Gaza and up to 38 deceased, asserting Israel's commitment to bringing them all home. Netanyahu expressed willingness for a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the return of more hostages. On Iran, he emphasized the importance of a potential U.S. agreement to prevent the nation from acquiring nuclear weapons, while reiterating Israel's right to self-defense. Regarding the military offensive in Gaza, he stated that Israeli forces are making significant territorial gains to eliminate Hamas and secure the region. Netanyahu underscored the need to avoid a humanitarian crisis to maintain operational freedom and pledged to end the war under conditions that ensure Israel's security, aiming to defeat Hamas, free hostages, and reshape Gaza's future.
Published: May 22 2025, 6 ameznews.inAt Columbia University's graduation ceremony on Wednesday, pro-Palestinian student protest leader Mahmoud Khalil was notably absent, prompting chants of "Free Mahmoud" from attendees. Khalil, a prominent figure in nationwide protests against Israel's actions in Gaza, has been detained for over two months by US authorities and faces deportation despite being a permanent resident. The ceremony, attended by 16,000 graduates, was marked by tension, with interim president Clare Shipman acknowledging Khalil's absence and defending free speech amid increasing government scrutiny of campus activism. Students expressed shame over the university's handling of pro-Palestinian protests, particularly following recent arrests of 80 students. As graduates celebrated, the atmosphere remained charged, reflecting broader concerns about academic freedom and the impact of the Trump administration's policies on student activism. Outside the campus, pro-Palestinian demonstrators highlighted ongoing struggles, with one sign reading: "There is no graduation in Gaza today."
Published: May 22 2025, 6 ameznews.inPresident Donald Trump acknowledged on Wednesday that his administration's cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and its global aid programs have been "devastating," particularly for African nations. Speaking alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House, Trump emphasized the need for other countries to contribute financially, stating, "The United States always gets the request for money. Nobody else helps." While the administration has defended the cuts as a means to eliminate waste, they have sparked controversy and are the subject of several federal lawsuits. The U.S. remains the largest humanitarian aid donor, contributing $61 billion last year, with South Africa receiving significant support for healthcare. However, recent funding reductions have impacted the country's response to its severe HIV epidemic, where testing and monitoring of patients have notably declined since the cuts were implemented.
Published: May 22 2025, 1 ameznews.inRussia's alliance with Armenia is deteriorating as Moscow struggles to meet its defense commitments amid the ongoing Ukraine war. Armenia, frustrated by a lack of military support during conflicts with Azerbaijan, is now seeking arms from France, which raises alarms in Moscow. Historically reliant on Russia for weapons, Armenia's growing ties with Western nations are seen as a shift in its strategic direction. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov acknowledged delays in fulfilling Armenia's orders, attributing these issues to the conflict with the West. He cautioned Yerevan about its increasing defense relationship with France, labeling it a concern given France's antagonistic stance towards Russia. Additionally, Armenia's recent withdrawal from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and its dissatisfaction over the protection of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh further highlight the rift in their long-standing alliance.
Published: May 22 2025, 1 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump faced criticism after a tense exchange with an NBC reporter regarding the Pentagon's announcement of a modified Qatari Boeing 747, which is set to serve as a temporary Air Force One. During a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump dismissed the reporter's inquiries as a distraction from more critical issues, including violence against white farmers in South Africa. He labeled the reporter "terrible" and "not smart enough" for his role, further condemning NBC and its parent company, Comcast, as a "disgrace" and calling for an investigation into their operations. The aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, was accepted by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and is intended for presidential use until new aircraft are delivered. Trump clarified on social media that the jet is a gift to the US government, not personally to him, emphasizing Qatar's longstanding alliance with the US.
Published: May 22 2025, 2 ameznews.inAn Indian-origin man, Paresh Patel, was shot dead in the U.S. by a robber posing as a customer, with the incident captured on CCTV. Patel, hailing from Dingucha village in Gujarat, was working in his shop when the assailant attempted to rob him at gunpoint. Despite complying with the robber's demands, Patel was fatally shot after the theft. This tragic event is part of a worrying trend, as the Indian government reported that 86 Indian nationals faced violent attacks abroad in 2023, including 12 in the U.S. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh emphasized that the safety of Indians overseas is a top priority, with government missions actively monitoring incidents and ensuring thorough investigations in collaboration with local authorities.
Published: May 22 2025, 12 ameznews.inDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar to be used as Air Force One for President Donald Trump, as confirmed by the Pentagon on Wednesday. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the Defense Department will implement necessary security measures to ensure the aircraft's safety for presidential use, adhering to federal regulations. Trump defended the gift during his recent Middle East trip, arguing it would save taxpayers from incurring costs, stating, "Why should our military... pay hundreds of millions of dollars when they can get it for FREE?" However, the decision has sparked concerns over potential constitutional violations regarding foreign gifts, as well as the financial and logistical implications of retrofitting the plane for security compliance. Trump has not articulated a national security need for an expedited upgrade, especially given the ongoing development of new Air Force One jets by Boeing.
Published: May 22 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe United States has unveiled its $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense shield, designed to counter threats from China and Russia, with President Donald Trump appointing Space Force General Michael Guetlein to lead the initiative. The project has drawn sharp criticism from China, which warns it could escalate militarization in outer space and trigger an arms race. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused the U.S. of pursuing a "U.S.-first" policy that undermines global security and stability, urging Washington to halt the development of the global missile defense system. Russia echoed these concerns, describing the Golden Dome as "deeply destabilizing" and a potential catalyst for conflict in space. The system is intended to intercept missiles at all stages of an attack, including those launched from distant locations or space, a capability Trump emphasized as crucial for national survival.
Published: May 22 2025, 12 am
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