Trump slams diversity policies, touts military overhaul at West Point
US President Donald Trump, in a campaign-style commencement speech at West Point, criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the military and claimed credit for rebuilding the armed forces.
Wearing a "Make America Great Again" cap, Trump slammed programs like critical race theory and transgender support as "ideological experiments" that weakened military readiness. He said his administration had eliminated these practices, increased recruiting, and refocused the military on strength and fighting, Reuters reported..
He also denounced decades of US overseas actions and chastised NATO and other allies for plundering American resources. Cadets' applause was varied, and officers avoided political comments.
West Point professor Graham Parsons resigned in protest, accusing the academy of promoting political indoctrination under Trump's influence, according to Reuters.
Chad inaugurates China-Donated Olympic Stadium
Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno on Friday inaugurated the Marshal Idriss Deby Itno Olympic Stadium, a 30,000-seat facility in the capital, constructed and donated by China.
China's Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group built the country's largest stadium, which was officially handed over to Chad on May 12. President Deby commended the initiative as a symbol of strong Sino-Chadian collaboration, founded on mutual respect and common vision, as reported by Xinhua.
Chinese Ambassador Wang Xining described the stadium as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations, expressing hope it will boost Chad’s presence on the international sports stage.
Israeli airstrikes kill 32 in Gaza
At least 32 Palestinians were killed Saturday in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza’s Civil Defense, Xinhua reported.
Seventeen people were killed in attacks on a house and gatherings in Khan Younis, while ten people were killed in Gaza City by drone strikes, including three women and a girl. Five more people died as a result of additional attacks in central and northern Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces said it hit over 100 targets in the past 24 hours, including militant sites and underground infrastructure, as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots.
Since March 18, 3,747 Palestinians have been killed, with over 10,500 injured. According to local health authorities, the total dead toll in Gaza since October 2023 is 53,901, with over 122,000 wounded, according to Xinhua.
Russia, Ukraine conducts significant prisoner swap
Russia and Ukraine exchanged 307 prisoners on Saturday, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The swap was part of a larger deal made during recent talks in Istanbul, Reuters reported.
As stated by the ministry, 307 Russian servicemen were returned from Ukrainian custody in exchange for the release of an equivalent number of Ukrainian captives. This exchange follows another swap on Friday involving 270 military personnel and 120 civilians from each side.
Officials verified that both parties agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, marking the largest such exchange since the conflict began in 2022. Russia indicated that large-scale prisoner swaps would continue, according to Reuters.
