Latest news with #MAGA-aligned
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arabian Post
US Mobilises as Strike Looms Over Iran Nuclear Sites
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Senior officials in Washington have quietly activated contingency plans for military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, marking a dramatic shift in US posture amid escalating Israeli–Iranian hostilities. According to multiple reports, including Bloomberg and Reuters, the White House and Defence Department are preparing the operational infrastructure needed to engage Tehran directly. President Donald Trump, speaking on 18 June outside the White House, offered only ambiguity: 'I may do it. I may not do it… nobody knows what I'm going to do.' Meanwhile, senior US generals, defence secretaries and intelligence chiefs are said to be readying federal agencies for a possible weekend strike. Forces in the Middle East have been repositioned; aircraft and ships have been moved from bases such as Al‑Udeid in Qatar and Bahrain's Fifth Fleet port to reduce vulnerabilities. ADVERTISEMENT Sources indicate that the primary target could be Iran's underground Fordow uranium enrichment plant — a hardened bunker facility situated within a mountain and long deemed beyond Israel's military reach without US bunker‑busting capacity. With Israel continuing airstrikes on Iran as part of 'Operation Rising Lion', analysts assess that a US strike would dramatically escalate the conflict. Within the White House, debate is intensifying. The New York Times and Washington Post report that Trump, influenced by hawkish advisors such as Senator Lindsey Graham and defence chiefs, has signed off on strike plans but is awaiting final approval. His delay aims to allow Iran a final diplomatic window — offering a chance to curb uranium enrichment before force is used. Opposition persists even within Trump's own camp. A divide between hawks, advocating for decisive action, and MAGA-aligned isolationists, including Vice President Vance and media figure Tucker Carlson, highlights the internal tug-of-war shaping presidential decision‑making. Trump has underscored this dynamic: advisors like Gen. Dan Caine and CIA Director John Ratcliffe have pressed for a more aggressive stance, while isolationists urge restraint. Politically, the administration faces calls for a formal congressional mandate. Critics argue the Constitution requires authorisation for military action beyond self‑defence; proponents counter the urgency of neutralising Iran's perceived nuclear threat demands swift action. Diplomacy continues in parallel. The UK, France and Germany are convening in Geneva to press Iran on de-escalation — a track the US has distanced itself from. Tehran has responded with warnings to Washington, promising strong retaliation if US forces become involved. Markets have reacted with caution. Observers note fears of a broader Middle East conflict, amplified oil price volatility, and rising inflationary risks tied to increased military spending. Central banks, notably the Federal Reserve and Bank of England, must weigh geopolitical shocks alongside inflation outlooks. On the ground, Israeli airstrikes have continued across Iran, targeting nuclear infrastructure including Arak and Natanz, with over 1,100 sites reportedly struck since mid‑June. Iran has launched multiple missile barrages at Israeli territory; civilian casualties are said to be in the hundreds on both sides. The timing of any US strike remains uncertain. Sources cite a possible weekend window, with final orders likely to be issued at the last moment. Pentagon leadership, including SecDef Hegseth and Gen. Caine, are expected to have operational control, while the president retains final authority. As conflicting pressures swirl — military readiness, strategic diplomacy, domestic political debates — all eyes are on whether President Trump will strike at Iran's underground sites or continue hedging amid rising global risk.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Wayne Gretzky's Donald Trump ties and hockey symbolism left Canadians feeling betrayed by their Great One
Wayne Gretzky, once a revered Canadian icon, faces backlash due to his political associations with Donald Trump (Getty Images) For decades, Wayne Gretzky was more than just Canada's greatest hockey player—he was a national icon. A symbol of humility, grace, and sportsmanship, Gretzky once embodied everything Canadians admired in a public figure. But in recent months, the "Great One" has been caught in a storm of political controversy that many feel has tarnished his legacy. Wayne Gretzky's political associations have cast a long shadow over his once untouchable Canadian legacy While Wayne Gretzky has always maintained dual citizenship with the United States, his visible alignment with Donald Trump has stirred deep resentment among Canadians. His attendance at Trump's second inauguration, his MAGA-aligned media appearances, and his increasingly America-first image have fractured his once-unifying status. — macrurdn (@macrurdn) What began as discomfort for some escalated into outrage after Gretzky served as the honorary captain for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey final in Boston—yet appeared more like a guest of Team USA. Dressed in a navy suit with no visible Canadian symbolism, Gretzky walked onto the ice from the U.S. bench, gave a thumbs-up to American players, and noticeably avoided acknowledging Team Canada. The red 'Be Great' hats he handed the Canadian players after their win—eerily reminiscent of MAGA caps—only fueled suspicions of political signaling. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now That night, Gretzky was booed in Canadian bars and slammed across social media. Calls to remove his statue from Edmonton's Rogers Place intensified after it was smeared with feces. A petition to rename Wayne Gretzky Drive surpassed 13,000 signatures. Meanwhile, Canadians recalled that Gretzky had never even collected his Order of Canada honor in person. Rather than defend his actions, Gretzky remained silent. Trump offered a lukewarm defense on Truth Social, and Gretzky's wife Janet posted—then deleted—an Instagram statement: 'It has broken his heart to read and see the mean comments.' Critics argue Gretzky should have anticipated the backlash. As Globe and Mail columnist Cathal Kelly noted, 'He's a 64-year-old man of the world of now… the polar opposite of what Canada wants in a representative.' Also Read: No longer Canadian: Wayne Gretzky's Canadian identity questioned after Donald Trump friendship sparks controversy Wayne Gretzky, once the pride of a nation, now finds himself facing the cold reality of a divided fanbase—and a legacy no longer taken for granted.
India Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Why MAGA isn't going gaga about Trump backing Israel
As Israel and Iran exchanged strikes amid escalated tensions over the latter's nuclear ambitions, US President Donald Trump and his MAGA supporters found themselves at political crossroads, exposing seemingly deep divisions within the Republican base. While Trump publicly supported Israel's actions and urged Iran to abandon its nuclear plans, much of his MAGA-aligned base responded with hesitation or must be seen against the backdrop of how Trump's rise to political power has been strongly tied to his "America First" approach, which emphasises staying out of foreign has frequently criticised the prolonged US military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, conflicts initiated under President George W Bush and extended during President Barack Obama's REMINDS TRUMP: 'AMERICA FIRST' Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, a non-profit organisation, asked his 5 million followers whether the US should join Israel's war against Iran. By Friday afternoon, over 3,50,000 people had voted, and most of them said "No".During a Thursday night podcast, as Charlie Kirk read United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement on the strikes, right-wing activist Jack Posobiec — well-known among MAGA supporters — cut in, saying the message wasn't host Owen Shroyer, among those pardoned by Trump over the January 6 Capitol attack, shared a video on X casting the latest conflict as a defining moment for the MAGA base."America, the Trump movement, MAGA — whatever you call it — is going to go through serious soul-searching as this unfolds, because a lot of MAGA is anti-war," Shroyer said."What's the point of 'Make America Great Again' if we can't stay out of a war-torn region, if we're constantly dragged into foreign conflicts fuelled by hate?" asked added, "We'll never be able to make America great again if we stay entangled in the Middle East."REPUBLICANS ARE A PRO-ISRAEL PARTY: TRUMP ADVISORadvertisementBut Israel's latest action pits traditional Republican support for the Jewish state, and antipathy toward Iran, against the MAGA base's fear that the US will be drawn into a new foreign war, according to a report on NBC even within Trump's MAGA wing, there's a long-running split over American backing of Israel. Trump has always been on the pro-Israel side of the divide, according to the report."Republicans are a pro-Israel party, and the president hasn't wavered on that," the news channel quoted one long-time Trump adviser, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, as saying."I think the challenge here is not how to move forward. The question is how to sell that to the recalcitrant base," the adviser launched its strike in an effort to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and to pressure Tehran into abandoning its nuclear LAURA LOOMER SUPPORTS ISRAEL POLICYMeanwhile, Trump-aligned far-right commentator Laura Loomer shared multiple posts backing both Trump and Israel."Iran," Loomer said, "must never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon."Mehek Cooke, an attorney and pro-Trump political commentator active in the MAGA movement, said, "Israel's strikes were not just justified; they were inevitable."advertisement"This matters to every American, including the MAGA movement. You can't negotiate with regimes chanting 'Death to America'," NBC quoted her as cited a Rasmussen poll indicating that 57% of respondents support US military action to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions. She expressed confidence that Trump's MAGA base will stay unified in backing InMust Watch
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Los Angeles riots: MAGA boxer Ryan Garcia who praised and voted for Donald Trump now slams him for ICE raids
Boxer Ryan Garcia , who was once one of Donald Trump 's most vocal celebrity supporters, is now publicly speaking out. His abrupt shift occurred following the president's aggressive ICE raids in Los Angeles. MAGA-aligned boxer Ryan Garcia has condemned the former president's harsh ICE raids in Los Angeles. Citing his own Mexican heritage and immigrant roots, Garcia condemned the crackdown as inhumane, arguing that immigration policy should be tough without sacrificing compassion or tearing families apart. Garcia previously visited Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, where he shadowboxed for him and hailed him as "the best president." On social media, he even wrote, "I love you, Trump," and in other posts, he vehemently defended him. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Enlarged Prostate Has Nothing to Do with Age. Just Stop Doing This One Common Thing! Health Benefits Undo He, however, attacked President Trump on Thursday in response to his contentious immigration crackdown that has triggered protests in Los Angeles and in which Trump has called in the National Guard , a move that critics have criticized as a significant, unnecessary, and polarizing escalation. Ryan Garcia posted on X, the former Twitter, saying, "I may have voted for Trump, but I can't stay silent about what's happening with ICE in L.A." Live Events I may have voted for Trump, but I can't stay silent about what's happening with ICE in LA. These aren't just 'illegals' or statistics they're people. Hardworking immigrants, especially Mexicans, who pay taxes, raise families, build our communities, and are part of the people we… — RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) June 12, 2025 How did Garcia defend immigrants? The pugilist, who was born and raised in Victorville, whose grandparents were Mexican, said, "These aren't just 'illegals' or statistics they're people." He frequently wears both the Mexican and American flags when he enters the ring. "Devoted immigrants, particularly Mexicans, who contribute to our communities, raise families, pay taxes, and are a part of the people we care about," Garcia went on. "Taking them from their homes is painful; it's not just policy." He asserted that humanity can be maintained while having borders. FAQs Why is Ryan Garcia criticizing Donald Trump now? He's outraged by Trump's ICE raids in Los Angeles, calling them painful and inhumane. Didn't Garcia support Donald Trump? Yes, he supported Trump and even paid him a visit, but he says he can't stay silent any longer.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
US reacts to Israeli strikes: GOP backs Israel, Democrats push diplomacy
Reactions in the US to Israel's overnight strikes on Iran largely fell along party lines: Several Republican leaders backed Israel's actions and its right to defend itself from Iran's nuclear threat, while Democrats pushed for restraint. However, some MAGA-aligned conservatives questioned the value of another war in the Middle East, as negotiations over Gaza have faltered. The White House appeared to distance itself from Israel's decision. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US was not involved in the attack, and that Israel's decision was 'unilateral.' President Donald Trump said he had been made aware of Israel's plans to strike Friday, but emphasized there was no US military involvement. Israel and Iran have made clear they will continue to retaliate, sparking concerns about a wider regional conflict. Trump said he will attend a National Security Council meeting today, though it is unclear if Sunday's planned talks with Iran will go ahead. Many Republicans backed Israel's right to strike Iran, as they continue to support Israel as a key US ally. Sen. Tom Cotton said on X that 'Iran is the world's worst state sponsor of terrorism [and] has the blood of thousands of Americans on its hands… We back Israel to the hilt, all the way.' Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned Iran of US intervention should violence escalate: 'Iran should heavily consider the consequences before considering any action against Americans in the region.' Sen. Ted Cruz, responded with a similar warning: 'To the Ayatollah: If you attack American military bases, President Trump will respond with overwhelming force.' Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham, wrote on X, 'Game on,' adding 'Pray for Israel.' Some 'America First' conservatives feared that Israel's strikes may end up pushing the US toward yet another disastrous war in the Middle East. 'The question is,' Trump ally Charlie Kirk said moments after Israel's attack began, 'How does the America First foreign policy doctrine and foreign policy agenda … stay consistent with this right now?' Dan Caldwell, who briefly served as a senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, said, 'Another major war in the Middle East where America sends another generation of its sons and daughters to die… is the last thing we need right now.' Far-right influencer Jack Posobiec wrote ahead of the strikes that 'a direct strike on Iran right now would disastrously split the Trump coalition.' Democrats largely focused their messaging on de-escalating relations between Israel and Iran and avoiding all-out war. Sen. Tim Kaine said he 'cannot understand why Israel would launch a preemptive strike at this juncture,' given ongoing nuclear talks, and said Americans 'have no interest in another forever war.' Sen. Chris Murphy, said the attack was 'clearly intended to scuttle the Trump Administration's negotiations with Iran' and risks a regional war. 'We have no obligation to follow Israel into a war we did not ask for and will make us less safe,' Murphy added. Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a statement: 'Israel's alarming decision to launch airstrikes on Iran is a reckless escalation that risks igniting regional violence.'
