INTERNACIONAL
Trump aims to reset war powers clock with controversial bid to bypass Congress
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
President Donald Trump informed Congress Friday that a ceasefire with Iran has ended hostilities and reset the clock on congressional war powers limits, but legal experts say ongoing military operations complicate that claim.
«For War Powers Resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28 have terminated,» a senior administration official told Fox News Digital.
«Both parties agreed to a 2-week ceasefire on Tuesday, April 7 that has since been extended,» the official went on. «There has been no exchange of fire between U.S. Armed Forces and Iran since Tuesday, April 7.»
The White House formally notified Congress in a letter Friday under the War Powers Resolution that it considers hostilities to have ended following the ceasefire.
LIVE UPDATES: IRAN THREATENS ‘LONG AND PAINFUL STRIKES’ ON US POSITIONS AS TRUMP FACES WAR POWERS DEADLINE
U.S. Marines aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) stand watch in the Arabian Sea during naval blockade operations against Iran. As of today, 44 commercial vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port, according to U.S. Central Command. (U.S. Central Command)
«Despite the success of United States operations against the Iranian regime and continued efforts to secure a lasting peace, the threat posed by Iran and its proxy forces remains significant. Accordingly, the Department of War continues to update its force posture in the AOR in select areas to counter Iranian proxy forces’ threats and to protect the United States and its allies and partners,» Trump wrote in a letter to Congress Friday.
«As the situation evolves, I will continue to update the Congress on noteworthy changes in the United States Armed Forces presence, consistent with the War Powers Resolution.»
For decades, presidents of both parties have pushed the limits of the War Powers Resolution, seeking flexibility to conduct military operations without being hindered by a congressional vote.
The law requires the president to end the use of U.S. forces within 60 days of entering hostilities unless Congress authorizes the operation, with a limited extension allowed for withdrawal.
The more than two-month conflict has exposed sharply different interpretations of the law and whether the White House must seek congressional approval. Bombing ceased on April 7, but U.S. forces continue enforcing a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz — an operation widely considered an act of war.
«A ceasefire does not automatically suspend the War Powers 60-day clock,» said John Bellinger, who served as legal adviser to the State Department and National Security Council under President George W. Bush.
The U.S. military has been enforcing a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, even during the ceasefire. (U.S. Central Command)
He pointed to the continued presence of U.S. warships and thousands of troops enforcing a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, arguing American forces «are clearly still conducting military operations and are in potential danger.»
U.S. forces have continued boarding and seizing vessels suspected of violating the blockade, at times using force to disable ships before Marines conduct inspections.
Stephen Pomper, policy chief at the International Crisis Group and a former senior National Security Council official, was more direct.
«I don’t think it’s a very credible interpretation. It’s certainly not based on the text of the statute,» Pomper said.
«There’s still an enormous American deployment. There’s an active blockade, which is an act of war.»
Trump is far from the first president to test the limits of the War Powers resolution, experts noted.
During the late 1980s «Tanker War» with Iran, the George H.W. Bush administration argued that individual naval engagements did not amount to sustained hostilities. In 1999, the Clinton administration maintained that congressional funding for the Kosovo campaign effectively constituted authorization.
More recently, the Obama administration argued that U.S. involvement in Libya did not rise to the level of «hostilities» under the War Powers Resolution, even as American forces supported air operations. The Biden administration made similar arguments in defending certain U.S. deployments tied to Yemen.
«We have seen Republican and Democratic administrations alike bypass the act in creative ways,» Nicholas Creel, Associate Prof. of Business Law at Georgia College and State University told Fox News Digital.
PELOSI’S WAR POWERS FLIP-FLOP EXPOSED IN RESURFACED OBAMA-ERA CLIP CONTRADICTS TRUMP CRITICISM ON IRAN
Congress has periodically challenged similar interpretations in past conflicts but has rarely forced a withdrawal of U.S. forces. Courts have also largely stayed out of War Powers disputes, leaving presidents with significant latitude to define the scope of hostilities.
If Congress does not act, the administration could continue operations without new authorization.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
«It’s really up to Congress, and as often as not, Congress doesn’t want to push back,» Pomper said.
Matt Zierler, an international relations professor at Michigan State University, told Fox News Digital that Congress likely does not have the «real will» to fully execute the War Powers Act because other powers, such as passing appropriation bills that would restrict defense spending, would be more effective. Even so, Zierler said sequestration measures could come at a political loss.
«It’s a big political loss, potentially for Congress, if they start cutting off funding,» Zierler said, suggesting that the president could claim the cut in funds by Congress is hurting troops and national security.
«It is a political or symbolic game, but it’s not necessarily something that most members of Congress want to play, because, you know, they don’t have all the intelligence,» Zierler said. «They don’t know what’s going on, and it can get really messy.»
Asked about the 60-day clock on Thursday, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., told reporters: «I have not spent a great deal of time worrying about that.»
wars, conflicts, congress, armed forces, war with iran, politics
INTERNACIONAL
California leaders mum on $1B high-speed rail detour aimed at preserving disgraced labor leader’s memorial
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
California taxpayers may be on the hook for a roughly $1 billion detour project as part of the state’s new high-speed rail construction meant to prevent disruption of a monument honoring the disgraced labor leader Cesar Chavez.
Despite tearing down and vacating memorials for Chavez, top California lawmakers did not immediately respond when asked if taxpayers in their state should still be on the hook for a roughly billion-dollar detour project meant to prevent the state’s new high-speed rail from coming near the monument nestled in the mountains. The detour, according to 2020 estimates from the California High Speed Rail Authority, would cost taxpayers close to $1 billion when accounting for inflation.
California leaders, universities and beyond immediately began stripping honors they had bestowed on the late labor leader after news of him sexually abusing and grooming minors and adults, including one girl who was as young as 13 at the time of the abuse and another who became pregnant twice following their encounters.
CALIFORNIA TO CHANGE CESAR CHAVEZ DAY TO FARMWORKERS DAY AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDAL
Cesar Chavez, head of the United Farm Workers, makes a point in a press conference in Sacramento. (Getty Images)
The Chavez-founded labor union, United Farm Workers, called the allegations «profoundly shocking» and decided earlier this year to cancel its upcoming annual celebrations honoring him. Meanwhile, the César Chavez Foundation opted to do the same, describing the allegations as «disturbing» and noting they were «deeply shocked and saddened.»
The Chavez Foundation, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, successfully lobbied for the roughly $1 billion detour known as the «Refined César E. Chávez National Monument Design Option,» which moved the high-speed rail track roughly three-quarters of a mile from the Chavez monument’s boundary. The monument, part of the National Park Service, is a sprawling 187 acres and includes Chavez’s and his wife’s burial spots. It is also reportedly the location where Chavez founded his labor movement.
The monument already sits along a key transportation corridor with a single track looping around the site that carries dozens of freight trains a day. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the train creates a constant rumble for those walking around the site.
DEMS FACE RECKONING AFTER PUTTING DECEASED LABOR LEADER ON PEDESTAL AS SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS EMERGE
Then-President Barack Obama and Cesar Chavez’s late wife walk from Chavez’s grave site during a tour of a memorial garden at the Chavez National Monument October 8, 2012, in Keene, California. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
«I have been to the monument,» Adriana Rizzo, a member of Californians for Electric Rail, told the San Francisco Chronicle. She noted it «is right next to a freight corridor» leading her to question «why this quieter, less-polluting train would have to be invisible.»
«This is a billion dollars we don’t have. There are a lot of other things we need. If there is a better route, we’re always open,» California High Speed Rail Authority board director, Ernest Camacho, said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Martha Escutia, another board director, reportedly said she is «always willing to reopen current commitments to ensure we get the best savings for taxpayers.»
Estimates for the high-speed rail project have been north of $200 billion, but the rail authority has challenged those estimates, telling CBS47 and KSEE24 the estimate is closer to $125 billion.
A rendering shows a high-speed rail train as it enters a station during an informational open house by the California High Speed Rail Authority at the Hilton DoubleTree in downtown Fresno, California, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. (Craig Kohlruss/The Fresno Bee/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News Digital reached out to top California leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, to inquire whether there should even be a debate over whether to get rid of the detour plans, particularly when many of them have taken actions to strip honors and memorials to the disgraced labor leader. However, none of them replied in time for publication.
california, taxes, transportation, politics, gavin newsom
INTERNACIONAL
Yamandú Orsi visitó el portaaviones USS Nimitz invitado por el embajador de Estados Unidos
El presidente uruguayo Yamandú Orsi viajó este sábado a visitar el portaaviones USS Nimitz, invitado por el embajador de Estados Unidos en Uruguay, Lou Rinaldi. La actividad se dio en el marco de los ejercicios “Mares del Sur 2026” y la visita del mandatario se dio por la cercanía del portaaviones con la costa de Uruguay.
A su regreso, el presidente evaluó que su visita fue a algo “muy desconocido” que simplemente conocía a través de “la televisión o las películas”. “No hay otro contacto más que ese. Es una tecnología y una forma de concebir la defensa bastante diferente a lo que tenemos nosotros, a la infraestructura que tenemos por acá pero también a la visión geopolítica o a la dimensión de las cosas”, dijo el presidente Orsi en declaraciones a los medios públicos.
Consultado sobre la señal política que significa este viaje, el mandatario dijo que entre Uruguay y Estados Unidos hay una “relación de años” y sostuvo que es una muestra del “diálogo necesario permanente” que deben tener las naciones. Además, recordó que “hace no mucho tiempo” hubo una reunión de los jefes de Estado Mayor de la Defensa de todo el continente en Estados Unidos para coordinar los principales problemas de la región.
“Acá no hay un cambio. Quizás el cambio sea que por estar cerca invitan a los jefes de Estado a que estén”, expresó el presidente.
La visita de Orsi se dio después de la del argentino Javier Milei y la del chileno José Antonio Kast.
Por su parte, el embajador de Estados Unidos en Uruguay dijo que su país no se va a “interponer” en el comercio de Uruguay.
“Solamente seguimos los procesos que hace Uruguay, que hace el mundo. Creo que lo que está haciendo el gobierno uruguayo está muy bien, estamos en buena conexión en este momento, en buenas relaciones. No hay ninguna situación preocupante para nosotros”, dijo Rinaldi.
Consultado sobre si Estados Unidos tiene la intención de tener una lista de países amigos y enemigos, el embajador dijo: “No, yo creo que no. De ninguna manera. Yo estoy aquí para fortalecer al Uruguay (…) Vamos a trabajar juntos lo mejor que podemos”.
El comandante del Comando Sur de las Fuerzas Navales de Estados Unidos, Carlos Sardiello, explicó que el despliegue “ofrece una oportunidad única para mejorar la interoperabilidad y aumentar la competencia con las fuerzas” de las naciones “socias en todo el dominio marítimo”, según consta en su página web.
“Despliegues como este demuestran nuestro compromiso inquebrantable para garantizar un hemisferio occidental seguro y estable. Esta misión es un ejemplo brillante de nuestra dedicación a fortalecer las alianzas marítimas, generar confianza y trabajar juntos para contrarrestar las amenazas comunes”, señaló.
El caso también tuvo repercusiones políticas en Uruguay.
La visita generó molestia en el opositor Partido Nacional. El diputado Federico Casaretto señaló que el viaje de Orsi implica una violación de la Constitución. “El gobierno omitió enviar al Parlamento la solicitud de venia para que ingresara esta aeronave militar extranjera a territorio nacional”, escribió en un mensaje en la red social X.
“Tuvimos sesión de Diputados el martes y del Senado el jueves, donde perfectamente lo podríamos haber tratado y aprobado. El gobierno del Frente Amplio optó por violar la Constitución de la República”, agregó.
El 30 de abril, Milei viajó al portaaviones nuclear USS Nimitz para participar de una actividad conjunta organizada por el Comando Sur (SOUTHCOM) y la Embajada de Estados Unidos en Argentina, en el marco de los ejercicios navales Passex 2026 que se desarrollan en el Atlántico Sur. El presidente partió desde Aeroparque a las 10 de la mañana y aterrizó en la cubierta del buque una hora y media más tarde; volviéndose para el continente cuatro horas después.
Javier Milei,USS Nimitz,Southern Seas 2026,Argentina,Estados Unidos,cooperación,naval,portaaviones,diplomacia,relaciones bilaterales
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
China is developing AI-enabled robotic «wolf packs» designed to scout, supply and potentially support combat operations alongside troops in a future war — including a possible invasion of Taiwan — according to a new report.
The analysis from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) says Beijing is reshaping how wars can be fought by integrating artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous systems directly into frontline operations.
At the center of that effort are quadruped robots — often referred to in Chinese reporting as «robotic wolves» — that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is testing as part of its push toward what it calls «intelligentized warfare.»
While China has showcased robotic dogs in recent years, the report argues the People’s Liberation Army is moving beyond demonstrations and beginning to integrate these systems into coordinated battlefield units designed to operate at scale — particularly in high-risk scenarios such as the opening phase of a Taiwan invasion.
CHINA LAUNCHES CENTER TO TRAIN 100-PLUS HUMANOID ROBOTS SIMULTANEOUSLY
FDD report warns China is preparing to reimagine warfare with its ‘robot wolf.’ (VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
The report warns that a force built around expendable, networked machines could allow Chinese commanders to sustain offensive operations while reducing risks to personnel, potentially lowering the political and military costs of conflict for Beijing.
«China is not just modernizing its military,» the report states. «It is reimagining how future wars will be fought.»
The U.S. military is also developing robotic and autonomous systems, though analysts say China’s ability to leverage its commercial technology sector could give it advantages in scaling production.
In testing and demonstrations cited in the report, the robotic systems are used primarily for reconnaissance and support roles, moving ahead of troops to map terrain, detect threats and carry supplies through hazardous areas. The quadrupeds can navigate difficult terrain, including stairs and debris-filled urban environments, and operate in coordinated groups to extend a unit’s reach.
Some Chinese reporting also depicts armed variants operating alongside troops and drones during simulated assaults, though many of these capabilities have not been independently verified.
«China is not just modernizing its military,» the report states. «It is reimagining how future wars will be fought.» (Photo by Li Gang/Xinhua via Getty Images)
The report identifies a potential conflict over Taiwan as the most likely scenario for deploying the systems.
An amphibious invasion would force Chinese forces to operate in dense urban terrain, contested coastal zones and degraded communications environments — conditions where unmanned systems could be used to clear routes, absorb initial losses and maintain momentum as troops push inland.
Despite the rapid development, the systems face limitations. They rely on communications links and battery power, making them vulnerable to jamming, cyber interference and logistical disruptions.
They are also susceptible to small arms fire and environmental conditions such as smoke or debris that can degrade sensors. The report notes that human operators remain in the loop for lethal decisions, limiting the systems’ autonomy in combat.
While China has showcased robotic dogs in recent years, the report argues the People’s Liberation Army is moving beyond demonstrations and beginning to integrate these systems into coordinated battlefield units designed to operate at scale. (SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The report calls on U.S. policymakers to prioritize countering China’s autonomous systems, including developing strategies to disrupt robotic platforms and strengthening domestic technology capabilities. Analysts warn that as unmanned systems become more integrated into combat operations, they could shape the pace, risk and outcome of future conflicts.
artificial intelligence, wars, military tech, taiwan, robots
Transferir dividendos del banco central al tesoro no es una buena idea
Encuesta nacional: Milei alcanza su peor nivel de aprobación y crece el malestar económico
Endrick: ‘Me gustaría quedarme en el Lyon’
California leaders mum on $1B high-speed rail detour aimed at preserving disgraced labor leader’s memorial
Luis Novaresio armó una familia ensamblada con los hijos de su marido Braulio: “Se conocieron para ser padres”
Javier Milei y sus medidas, EN VIVO: el Gobierno reabre la sala de periodistas y se espera que Manuel Adorni hable en conferencia de prensa
Agustín Aristarán y su inesperada separación de Fernanda Metilli: ataques de pánico y terapia psiquiátrica
La emoción de un cronista al enterarse en vivo de su nominación a los Martín Fierro de Televisión Abierta 2026
Susana Giménez se bajó de los Martín Fierro por un insólito motivo: “Estoy cansada de…”
Mother-in-law of slain beauty queen arrested after international manhunt
CHIMENTOS3 días agoAgustín Aristarán y su inesperada separación de Fernanda Metilli: ataques de pánico y terapia psiquiátrica
- POLITICA23 horas ago
Adorni y después: Milei adoctrinó al Gabinete a la espera de la recuperación económica
- CHIMENTOS2 días ago
Escándalo en Ariel en su salsa: está todo mal con Mica Viciconte y evalúan una limpieza de sus integrantes
