U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a memo on Monday that the Pentagon will seek approval from President Joe Biden by the middle of September to require 1.3 million military members to get vaccinated against COVID-19, anticipating full regulatory clearance for a vaccine by then.
PENTAGON SPOKESPERSON JOHN KIRBY: “You can consider this warning today as what we would consider a warning order.” The Pentagon on Monday said that it will seek U.S. President Joe Biden's approval by mid-September to require 1.3 million military members to get vaccinated against COVID-19, anticipating full regulatory clearance for a vaccine by then.
After setting COVID-19 rules for federal workers, Biden last month directed the Pentagon to look into "how and when" it will require members of the military to take the vaccine.
Pentagon Spokesperson John Kirby called Monday’s memo issued by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin a “warning order.” KIRBY: “This is coming.
And we want you to be ready for it as well.
And, obviously, we’d prefer that you get the vaccine now, and not wait for the mandate.” The Defense Department is targeting mid-September for a vaccination deadline based on expectations for the Food and Drug Administration to give full approval to the Pfizer vaccine.
Currently it falls under an emergency use authorization.
The deadline could be moved up if the FDA approves the vaccine earlier, the secretary said in the memo.
Austin said that he could act even sooner or recommend a different course if the situation worsened… The U.S. military says around half the U.S. armed forces have had their shots.
Rates are highest in the Navy, which suffered from a high-profile outbreak last year aboard an aircraft carrier… Biden threw his support behind the move -- saying the Delta variant is spreading rapidly through unvaccinated populations... adding, quote; “We are still on a wartime footing, and every American who is eligible should take immediate steps to get vaccinated right away.”
Republican figures, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, have criticized President Biden’s potential nuclear support for Ukraine, claiming it could provoke a dangerous escalation with Russia. The controversy emerged after reports of discussions on supplying nuclear weapons to Ukraine as a deterrent. This move has raised concerns about global security and the risks of provoking a nuclear conflict.
#Biden #Ukraine #NuclearWeapons #Russia #Green #USPolitics #MilitaryAid #GlobalSecurity #USForeignPolicy #RepublicanCriticism #Escalation #Oneindia #OneindiaNews
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President Joe Biden kicked off his final holiday season in the White House with a mix of cherished traditions and heartfelt moments. In a festive South Lawn ceremony, he pardoned two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, as part of the Thanksgiving tradition, sharing stories about resilience and gratitude. The festivities didn’t end there, as the president also lit the National Christmas Tree, officially marking the start of the holiday season.
#BidenHolidayTradition #TurkeyPardon2024 #WhiteHouseChristmas #PeachAndBlossom #HolidaySeason #NationalTreeLighting #ThanksgivingTradition #BidenFarewell #FestiveSpirit #MilitaryFamilies #HolidayReflection #ChristmasAtTheWhiteHouse #PeachAndBlossomPardon #WhiteHouseCeremonies #BidenLastHoliday
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The White House has officially confirmed a policy shift, allowing Ukraine to strike targets within Russia using U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that Ukraine now has the green light to deploy these weapons for immediate defensive needs, particularly in areas like Russia's Kursk region. This move follows heightened speculation over the past week, during which Kyiv reportedly used ATACMS in strikes on Russia’s Bryansk region.
The U.S. and NATO allies have continuously supplied advanced weaponry to Ukraine since 2022 while asserting that this support does not make them direct participants in the conflict. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned of severe repercussions, including nuclear escalation, if NATO’s involvement crosses certain thresholds. In September, Putin emphasized that Kyiv's use of long-range weapons could alter the nature of the war, effectively drawing NATO into direct confrontation.
#WhiteHouse #UkraineConflict #RussiaUkraineWar #ATACMS #NATO #MilitaryAid #Geopolitics #Putin #KyivStrikes #USPolicy
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U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith has filed to drop federal charges against President-elect Donald Trump, reversing course on two high-profile cases. Smith, who led the Justice Department’s efforts in election interference and classified documents cases, charged Trump in 2023 with four felony counts, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and obstruct an official proceeding. Smith’s motion emphasizes that Justice Department policy prohibits criminal prosecution of a sitting president, regardless of the severity of the charges.Trump faced allegations of pressuring election officials to overturn Joe Biden’s 2020 victory and inciting the January 6 Capitol riots. Despite the dropped charges, the government maintains confidence in its evidence and legal merits. Smith, who Trump has publicly criticized as “crooked” and a “lunatic,” is expected to resign before Trump’s January 2025 inauguration. Meanwhile, Trump’s sentencing in a separate New York case has been postponed indefinitely, signaling further legal uncertainties ahead.
#TrumpChargesDropped #JackSmith #USPolitics #DonaldTrump #ElectionInterference #JusticeDepartment #CapitolRiots #BidenVictory #PresidentialTransition #LegalBattle
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The Pentagon confirmed Houthi fighters launched multiple drones and missiles at US warships USS Stockdale and USS Spruance near Yemen. All attacks were successfully repelled with no damages or casualties. The Houthis claimed an 8-hour assault, including targeting USS Abraham Lincoln, which the Pentagon denied. Since November 2023, Houthis have attacked over 90 vessels in solidarity with Palestinians, prompting US-UK retaliatory strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.
#HouthiRebels #HouthiAttacks #Yemen #HouthiAttack #AbrahamLincoln #USSLincoln #IsraelGazawar #IsraelHamas #Gazawarlive #Oneindia #Oneindianews
In a stunning turn of events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s latest plea for advanced missile systems was rejected by the Pentagon, leaving Kiev empty-handed in its bid to counter Russia's ongoing military offensive. Despite Zelensky’s urgent request for long-range missiles to boost Ukraine's defenses, U.S. defense officials have opted to prioritize established international buyers over Ukraine, signaling a potential shift in Washington's support strategy. The denial comes as a major blow to Zelensky, who had banked on securing vital military aid to bolster his nation’s resistance against Russia. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has seized the moment to mock Zelensky’s failed attempt, casting doubt on Ukraine’s future prospects in the conflict and sending ripples across the geopolitical landscape.
#PutinScare #Zelensky #PentagonRejection #UkraineMissileRequest #USPolicyShift #UkraineDefense #MilitaryAid #USUkraineRelations #RussiaUkraineWar #USSupportForUkraine #PutinMocksZelensky #PentagonDecision #UkraineMissileDenial #GeopoliticalTensions #UkraineStruggles
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As tensions escalate in Eastern Europe, U.S. officials have raised alarms about the growing military presence along the Russian-Ukrainian border. The Pentagon has warned that up to 50,000 troops, consisting of Russian forces and North Korean soldiers, are preparing to launch an offensive against Ukraine. According to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, these troops are being integrated into Russian military units in the Kursk region, located near the border with Ukraine. Austin expressed concerns that these forces could soon be engaged in combat, signalling a dangerous escalation in the ongoing war. The buildup of these foreign troops, along with reports of Russia providing North Korea with oil, anti-aircraft missiles, and economic aid in exchange for military support, has raised fears of a significant intensification of hostilities. As the conflict continues to evolve, both Russia and North Korea have become increasingly intertwined in military strategy, with the possibility of further destabilising the region. Ukraine, still recovering from its initial offensives, remains on high alert as this new threat looms large.
#PutinsWWIII #RussianTroops #NorthKoreanTroops #UkraineConflict #USDefense #WorldWar3 #KurskRegion #RussianInvasion #MilitaryEscalation #UkraineWar #PutinWar #NorthKorea #EasternEuropeTensions #RussianAlliance #USResponse
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The U.S. ramps up its military presence in the Middle East with the deployment of ballistic missile destroyers and B-52 bombers, as tensions rise following Iranian threats against Israel. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has ordered these strategic assets to enhance deterrence and protect American personnel and allies in the region. This deployment coincides with reports of Iran potentially preparing to launch strikes against Israel, heightening concerns ahead of the U.S. presidential election. As the conflict escalates, including Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, the U.S. reaffirms its commitment to regional stability and defense.
#USMilitary #MiddleEast #IranThreat #IsraelDefense #BallisticMissiles #B52Bombers #MilitaryDeployment #NationalSecurity #GazaConflict #TensionsRise #Pentagon #DefenseStrategy #RegionalStability #USIranRelations #GlobalSecurity
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Some hospitals in England were within "six or seven hours" of running out of personal protective equipment in the early stages of the COVID pandemic, a former.. Sky News
Eva Longoria has revealed that she and her family have moved out of the United States. In a new interview with publication Marie Claire, Longoria said of the U.S., "I had my whole adult life here. But even before [the pandemic], it was changing. The vibe was different. And then COVID happened, and it pushed it over the edge. Whether it's the homelessness or the taxes, not that I want to s*** on California — it just feels like this chapter in my life is done now."
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:15Published
Donald Trump’s latest pick to head the Pentagon has raised eyebrows: Pete Hegseth, a Fox News veteran with no senior military experience, is nominated to lead the U.S. Department of Defense. Known for his strong pro-Israel stance and vocal criticism of "woke-ness" in the military, Hegseth's nomination is sparking debate. Can a TV host truly navigate the complexities of global military leadership, especially amid ongoing international crises? In this video, we dive into Trump’s controversial choice, the implications for U.S. military policy, and what it means for America's relationship with Israel.
#Trump #PeteHegseth #Pentagon #FoxNews #ProIsrael #DefenseSecretary #MilitaryLeadership #USPolitics #Israel #WokenessInTheMilitary #NationalSecurity #Trump2024
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Customers in Brussels can now receive a COVID-19 vaccine at several different stores in an effort to boost the vaccination rate in the Belgian capital.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 02:24Published
In the face of the Delta variant, COVID-19 vaccines are proving to be highly effective against hospitalization. Veuers Maria Mercedes Galuppo has the story.