International
Trump pens executive order to get ‘transgender ideology’ out of military
President Trump signed multiple executive orders Monday night that could reshape the management and composition of the military, with provisions addressing diversity measures, transgender service members, and troops who were discharged for refusing COVID vaccinations.
He also signed an executive order to establish a process to develop what the administration is calling an American Iron Dome — a missile defense shield for the homeland.
(Iron Dome is the name often used for Israel’s system for intercepting rockets, which was developed with U.S. support.)
Mr. Trump signed the four orders aboard Air Force One as he flew back to Washington from a stop in Florida.
One of the orders would reinstate members of the military who were discharged for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
About 8,200 service members were discharged for refusing to comply with the Pentagon’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, according to data provided by the service branches.
However, the mandate was rescinded in January 2023 by the Biden administration, and since then, about 110 service members have rejoined the military.
The president also signed an executive order directing the Pentagon to determine a policy for transgender service members based on readiness within 30 days.
The action does not immediately ban transgender service members, however, it does state that the Defense Department’s policy for troop readiness is “inconsistent with the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals with gender dysphoria.
“The order also states that identifying as a gender that is inconsistent with one’s biological sex “conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in one’s personal life” and that those doing so “cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service.”
Speaking about his plans at a retreat with House Republicans Monday at his property in Doral, Florida, Mr. Trump said, “To ensure we have the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military.
It’s going to be gone.”Another order addresses diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the military, banning the use of race- or sex-based preferences in the armed forces, the Defense Department and the Homeland Security Department.
“I ordered the end to all of the lawless diversity, equity and inclusion nonsense policies across the government and all across the private sector and the military,” Mr. Trump said at the House GOP retreat.
“We’re getting it out and we’ve gotten it out pretty much. We did that in one week, and it wasn’t that easy, but everybody wanted it.
“Under this order, the defense secretary and homeland security secretary are to review the curriculum at the service academies and other academic institutions to ensure DEI and “gender ideologies” are eliminated.
The president announced plans last week to end DEI initiatives across the federal government, and the Office of Personnel Management ordered all federal DEI employees to be placed on leave.
The FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office on Friday released video footage of the man suspected of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk fleeing a rooftop after the incident on September 10, 2025.
The bureau, in a statement accompanied by the video link shared on X on Friday, noted that the video shows the shooter climbing onto a rooftop shortly before the attack and then jumping off and fleeing the scene after firing the fatal shots.
Investigators also reportedly found the weapon and ammunition used in the shooting in a wooded area near the university.
The agency wrote, “The FBI has released a video and more photos of the shooter in the Utah Valley shooting. The subject is seen jumping from the rooftop of a building after the shooting.
“Around 12 pm Mountain Time on September 10, 2025, the subject climbed up to a rooftop; after he shot and killed Charlie Kirk, he jumped off and ran away. He left a gun and ammunition in a wooded area near the university.
“Trace evidence collected from the rooftop scene included shoe impressions, a forearm imprint, and a palm print. Anyone with information in this case should call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit fbi.gov/utahvalleyshooting.”
The bureau added that it is working closely with law enforcement partners to seek justice in the murder of Charlie Kirk.
Credit: X| FBISaltLakeCity
Burkina Faso’s military government has eliminated visa fees for all African nationals, aiming to strengthen Pan-African ties and promote regional integration.
The announcement was made Thursday by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana following a cabinet meeting led by junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
“From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to go to Burkina Faso will not pay any amount to cover visa fees,” Sana said. However, visitors must still complete an online application, subject to approval.
The move aligns Burkina Faso with other African nations like Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya, which support the African Union’s free movement agenda.
While West African nationals had already enjoyed visa-free access under ECOWAS, the new policy extends this to all Africans—months after Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger exited the bloc, accusing it of advancing Western interests.
Officials say the visa waiver reflects Burkina Faso’s Pan-Africanist vision and is expected to boost tourism, cultural exchange, and the country’s global profile.
The decision comes amid ongoing security challenges, as the country continues to battle a growing Islamist insurgency controlling parts of its territory.
International
Trump vows to hunts down killers of Charlie Kirk, global leaders react
Kirk, a powerful voice in conservative politics at just 31 years old, was shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University in Utah, Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump says :”My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it.”
Trump said on a video posted to his Truth Social website hours after Kirk’s murder, hailing Kirk as a “martyr for truth,described the atrocity as a “Dark moment for America.”
Other world leaders strongly condemned the politically-motivated murder of right-wing activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, a powerful voice in conservative politics at just 31 years old, was shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University in Utah, Wednesday.
Here’s how world leaders reacted to his death:
“No justification’ – Canada
“I am appalled by the murder of Charlie Kirk. There is no justification for political violence and every act of it threatens democracy,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on X.
‘Must be free to debate’ – Britain
“We must all be free to debate openly and freely without fear — there can be no justification for political violence,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X.
‘Deep wound for democracy’ – Italy
An atrocious murder, a deep wound for democracy and for those who believe in freedom. My condolences to his family, to his loved ones, and to the American conservative community,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on X.‘
Murdered for speaking truth’ – Israel
“Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom. A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization,” wrote Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on X.
“I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel. Sadly, that visit will not take place.”
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