U.S. Military Begins Process of Handing Ukraine Military Assistance Lead to Europe

August 1, 2026 | Sundance |

The Security Assistance Group (SAG) is a unit of NATO command operated inGermanythat specificallyfocuses on the military training and developmentin support ofUkraine. The U.S. is transitioning out of SAG leadership andhanding the responsibility to Europe or Canada.

EUROPE – Another NATO member will eventually take over running the Security Assistance Group, according to a U.S official and three people familiar with the plan, which hasplayed a central rolein equipping and training Ukrainian troops since the full-scale Russian invasion began. But the removal of U.S. leadership from a pivotal program on the continent reinforces theextent to which America is distancing itself from European partners.

The move will meanthe U.S. no longer helps shape what Ukraine’s future militarywill look like. It follows a swath of changes the Trump administration has made to the decades-old alliance. ThePentagon has reduced the number of American officers running commands in Europeand canceled some rotations. Officials are reassessing troops stationed on the continent andwarning countries they won’t receive assistance unless their defense spending increases.

“A European or Canadian officer taking command … would be yet another example of allies taking on greater responsibility,” said a NATO official, who like others, was granted anonymity to discuss the unannounced plan.

The transition of leadership will take up to a year, the people said, but insisted it won’t interrupt the work done with Ukraine. While NATO will lead the program, the U.S. European Command will stay involved through an American deputy. (read more)

NATO advocates are framing the transition as an example of the USA abdicating military leadership to European counterparts who support Ukraine. However,the role of the USA in the Strategic Assistance Group was always supposed to be temporary, with Europe ultimately taking responsibility.

• […] Still, some inKyiv are worriedthat putting the command withinNATO’s complex bureaucracymightslow downgetting assistance to the frontlines, the official said. “No one can replace American satellitereconnaissance, target designation and logistics capabilities of U.S. heavy transport aircraft.” (I guess Zelensky couldn’t get what he wanted meeting Trump during Graham’s funeral. KEK)

But the Trump administration is pressing ahead.

Speaking to NATO defense ministers in Brussels last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saidU.S. allies “must step up.”

Trump “has beenvery clearon this point for many years,” Hegseth continued, “and over two administrations,and for too long, NATO has been a paper tiger and a one-way street. No more.” (more)

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2026/08/01/u-s-military-begins-process-of-handing-ukraine-military-assistance-lead-to-europe/

(The US pulling out allows the “willing countries”, that are “incapable” to deliver what Kiev wants. Trump doesn’t want to destroy the relationship with Putin and Russia, and vice versa; Trump has said from the beginning it’s a useless war. Ukraine knows NATO countries are incapable to fund the money to Ukraine. That should dry up the war pretty quick. Many of the countries have said they gave all the money they could in the last 4 years. And they can’t do it in the future. What will end the war, is to cut off the money, that is mostly embezzled by corruption in the Kiev government!)

Steve Gruber Extensive Maganomic Interview with President Trump

August 1, 2026 | Sundance |

During an episode of Day Break, Steve Gruber holds an extensive interview with President Trump for a wide-ranging conversation on election integrity, American manufacturing, national security, faith, energy, and the future of the nation.

Steve Gruber's Exclusive Interview With President Donald J. Trump

(President Donald J. Trump joins Steve Gruber for an exclusive, in-depth interview on the biggest issues facing America today.

In this special episode of Day Break, Steve Gruber sits down with the 45th and 47th President of the United States for a wide-ranging conversation on election integrity, American manufacturing, national security, faith, energy, and the future of the nation.

In this interview, President Trump discusses:

-The fight to secure America’s elections and the push for voter ID

-Restoring confidence in the electoral process

-The rise of socialist and DSA-backed candidates and what it could mean for America’s future

-Bringing manufacturing jobs back to the United States

-His recent visit to Michigan’s GM Proving Ground and the resurgence of American industry

-Strengthening domestic supply chains through rare earth production and projects like REAlloy

-Making America the world’s leading energy producer

-Anthony Fauci’s refusal to answer questions before Congress

-The creation of the U.S. Space Force and plans for the Golden Dome missile defense system

-National security challenges facing the Western Hemisphere

-Faith in America, the White House Faith Office, and protecting religious liberty

The conversation also explores why President Trump’s message continues to resonate with working families, blue-collar communities, and voters across Michigan and what many call “Forgotten America.”

From the factory floor to the ballot box, from national defense to religious freedom, this is a comprehensive discussion about the issues shaping America’s future.

(https://youtu.be/cI3GHIk_GEU

In this interview, President Trump discusses:

-The fight to secure America’s elections and the push for voter ID

-Restoring confidence in the electoral process

-The rise of socialist and DSA-backed candidates and what it could mean for America’s future

-Bringing manufacturing jobs back to the United States

-His recent visit to Michigan’s GM Proving Ground and the resurgence of American industry

-Strengthening domestic supply chains through rare earth production and projects like REAlloy

-Making America the world’s leading energy producer

-Anthony Fauci’s refusal to answer questions before Congress

-The creation of the U.S. Space Force and plans for the Golden Dome missile defense system

-National security challenges facing the Western Hemisphere

-Faith in America, the White House Faith Office, and protecting religious liberty

The conversation also explores why President Trump’s message continues to resonate with working families, blue-collar communities, and voters across Michigan andwhat many call “Forgotten America.”

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2026/08/01/steve-gruber-extensive-maganomic-interview-with-president-trump/

Trump cancels planned attack on Iran

The US president said the outlines of a deal had been agreed that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end what he called Iran’s nuclear threat

Published 2 Aug, 2026 10:37 |

US President Donald Trump has canceled a planned attack on Iran after saying the outlines of an agreement had been reached that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address what he described as Tehran’s “nuclear threat.”

CBS News reported that the US and Israel had been preparing a major bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic’s energy infrastructure that could begin as early as the weekend. The network said the proposed operation, which it described as potentially one of the harshest campaigns against Iran to date, was expected to target power plants and oil refineries, while military officials also reportedly discussed cutting electricity across Tehran.

In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump wrote that despite the US being “locked and loaded” to strike Iran at “levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II,” he had agreed to requests from Tehran and Middle Eastern nations to hold off on the attack because the “parameters” of a deal had been agreed upon.

Trump said the proposed agreement would include “the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat.”

“Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL,” Trump wrote, adding that Israel had joined Washington in the commitment.

Iranian officials, however, disputed Trump’s account. A source described by the Fars News Agency as being close to Iran’s negotiating team said there were no plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and insisted it would remain closed “as long as the US continues its hostile actions.” According to the source, commercial shipping would only be permitted through a route designated by Iran and with the permission of the IRGC Navy.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto leader, reportedly spoke to Trump on Saturday and raised concerns about a further escalation. A source familiar with the conversation told AP that Riyadh feared US attacks on Tehran’s key infrastructure could prompt retaliatory strikes against energy facilities in Gulf countries. The crown prince also reportedly sought clarity about the military action Trump was considering.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to AP that the conversation had taken place but did not disclose any details.

Despite joining the US in strikes on sites used by alleged Iran-aligned militias in Iraq,Saudi Arabia has reportedly been urging Washington and Tehran to resume negotiations to end the five-month-old conflict. Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, the crown prince’s brother, traveled to Washington on Wednesday for meetings with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance to discuss Iran strategy.

The escalation followed a brief pause in hostilities. Earlier this week, the US military said it had thwarted an Iranian missile attack on an American base in Jordan, Tehran’s first regional attack since the fighting subsided.

On Friday, Trump told reporters that the US “just want[s] to win” in Iran, vowing to hit the country “very hard” until it “can’t take it anymore.”

https://www.rt.com/news/643765-trump-cancels-planned-attack-iran/

Sunken Nazi warships resurface in Europe amid record heatwave(PHOTOS)

A prolonged drought has pushed the Danube River to record-low levels, revealing long-submerged relics

Published 2 Aug, 2026 14:45 |

Several sunken World War II-era Nazi warships have resurfaced in the Danube River amid a major heatwave and prolonged drought. The vessels became visible as the water level in Europe’s second-longest river fell to record lows.

Photos and videos posted on social media showed massive shipwrecks lying in the water and on a sand ridge in the middle of the waterway near the village of Prahovo in Serbia.

Elsewhere, the wreck of aHungarian cargo ship that sank in 1937 resurfaced near the Croatian village of Opatovac.

Some 200 vessels could be lying on the bottom of the Danube River, according to the European Investment Bank. River transport has nearly come to a halt due to the low water levels, according to Hungary’s Transport Ministry.

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar also said thatthe Paks nuclear power plant, which covers nearly half of Hungary’s electricity needs, could be shut down for weeks because of insufficient water levels

In Budapest, a German WWII artillery shell was found near Margaret Bridge – one of the city’s major traffic arteries– last week. The discovery prompted brief safety closures as a bomb disposal team was deployed to the area. Hungary’s national weather authority also reported a record-low water level of 23cm in the Danube as it flows through the city. The previous all-time low, set in 2018, was 33cm.

In northernBulgaria, the drying-up river revealed what is believed to be the remains of a mammoth. The bones were found by a local resident of the village of Ryahovo. Nikolay Nenov, a director of a regional history museum in the nearby town of Ruse, called the discovery “very important for science.”

The Danube is expected to go even lower in the coming days, with no significant rain forecast and temperatures expected to exceed 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees F) in the region, according to AP.

https://www.rt.com/news/643756-nazi-warships-europe-heatwave/

https://x.com/volkova_ma57183/status/2083383873694495003

ASEAN: The last place where serious diplomacy still happens 1/3

With conflict spreading and old forums faltering, Manila became one of the rare places where powers still chose dialogue

Published 2 Aug, 2026 11:47

In late July, the Philippines did something that has become increasingly rare.It made great powers sit down. Under the chairmanship of the Philippines, the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manilaand its dense constellation of related gatherings turnedthe capital into one of the few reliable stages where rivals still appear in the same rooms, exchange views, and keep channels open.

From July 20 to 24, foreign ministers from Southeast Asia, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, India, Europe, and beyondconvened against a distinctly unsettled backdrop of escalating hostilities between the US and Iran and rising tensions between Beijing and the Philippinesafter incidents in the South China Sea.

Yet ASEAN did what it has long done best – it refused to let the friction dictate the terms. The organization offered something that is in very short supply in the modern world of competing geopolitical blocs:a neutral platform where conversation remains possible and practical cooperation continues.

A region under pressure

The timing was anything but comfortable. The Middle East conflict has already begun to squeeze energy prices, shipping insurance, and supply-chain calculations across Asia. For a region whose growth remains tightly linked to imported fuel, the risks are very real. Closer to home, the South China Sea incident added another layer of sensitivity to an already delicate maritime equation.All of these were live pressures that tested ASEAN’s claim to remainthe primary driving force in the regional architecture.

Yet the Joint Communiqué adopted on July 21 showed neither panic nor denial. Ministersreaffirmed the peaceful resolution of disputes, full respect for international law including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the principle of ASEAN centrality. Negotiations on a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea continued, with eyes fixed on further progress ahead of the November Summit.

On Myanmar, the Five-Point Consensus remained the central reference, with discussion focused on measurable steps rather than rhetorical gestures. ASEAN would address its challenges on its own terms, without allowing external turbulence to rewrite the regional script.

The power of the side table

What gave the Manila meetings their particular charge wasnot only the formal agenda but the density of bilateral encounters conducted on its margins. ASEAN does not pretend to mediate every dispute or to impose outcomes on larger powers.Its real craft lies in creating the conditions under which those powers can still speak.

https://www.rt.com/news/643359-lavrov-rubio-meet-manila/

>>24895902

2-3

The first-ever meeting of the Quad foreign ministers on the sidelines of ASEAN-led events reaffirmed support for a “free and open Indo-Pacific” while explicitly endorsing ASEAN’s unity and centrality. Concurrent sessions of the ASEAN Plus Three, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the ASEAN Regional Forum further illustrated the layered architecture that continues to revolve around ASEAN as its institutional core. In a period when many multilateral forums have become arenas of performance, Manila still functioned as a workplace.

Lavrov and Rubio

Among the most closely watched encounters was the meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The American side initiated the talks –an important detail in itself. It signaled that even in a period of sharp differences, Washington recognizes the necessity of sustained contact between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.

The discussion covered the Ukraine conflict, the state of bilateral relations,and regional questions of mutual concern. Lavrov set out Russia’s positions with characteristic clarity. Both ministers welcomed the resumption of full contacts between Roscosmos and NASA andspoke in favor of expanding inter-parliamentary exchanges and cultural ties. Rubio indicated that the US remains prepared to play a constructive role in efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Expanding partnerships in a crowded landscape

ASEAN’s external relations received concrete reinforcement.Türkiye was admitted as the organization’s 12th Dialogue Partner, joining a diverse group that already includes China, India, Russia, the US, and the EU.Germany and Qatar were elevated to Sectoral Dialogue Partner status. These decisionsreflected continued international confidence in ASEAN’s capacity to manage its own agenda and to offer partners meaningful avenues for engagementwithout demanding alignment on every geopolitical question.

The 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asiaprovided an additional opportunity to widen the circle. New accessions further illustrated the treaty’s enduring appeal as a foundation for peaceful interstate relations.The steady expansion of ASEAN’s partnership network stands as evidence of practical attraction rather than mere ceremonial goodwill.

Energy as the new front line

Few issues illustrated the collision of distant conflict and regional interest more sharply than energy. The flare-up involving the US and Iran has returned attention to the vulnerability of petroleum supply routes and the need for collective resilience.Ministers highlighted the continuing relevance of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security and the practical advances already achieved under the ASEAN Power Grid.

These mechanisms, developed through years of patient technical work, now function as instruments for managing risk.In the Joint Communiqué, energy security, food security and supply-chain stability were treated central to the region’s ability to absorb external shocks. The emphasis on accelerating implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation reflected a clear understanding: geopolitical turbulence abroad quickly becomes an economic and social challenge at home.

https://www.rt.com/news/643359-lavrov-rubio-meet-manila/

>>24895906

3/3

Centrality is key

Throughout the meetings, ASEAN ministers returned repeatedly to the concept of centrality. As major-power rivalries intensify globally, the organization’s insistence on remaining the primary driving force in the regional architecture is both a principle and a practical necessity. The Joint Communiqué underscored the determination to project common positions, to leverage ASEAN-led mechanisms, and to contribute to an order anchored in international law.

ASEAN does not seek to exclude external partners or to pretend that differences do not exist. The region’s preferences – for consensus, for non-interference, and for inclusive dialogue – continue to shape the terms of engagement. The presence of representatives from the full spectrum of major powers in Manila was itself a recognition of that reality.

The Manila lesson

The meetings in the Philippines capital showed that inclusive, ASEAN-centered diplomacy retains practical value even when the global atmosphere grows more polarized. The Lavrov-Rubio conversation, the discussions between Rubio and Wang Yi preparing the ground for higher-level contacts, the expansion of formal partnerships, and the steady attention to energy and maritime cooperation all pointed in the same direction.

The region faces real pressures: an unsettled Middle East, maritime tensions in the South China Sea, and the structural competition between major powers that shapes the wider Indo-Pacific. ASEAN’s response to these pressures, as seen in Manila, is to insist that dialogue is better than conflict and silent treatments, centrality is better than fragmentation, and that patient institution-building is the best path through turbulence.

For an international community searching for spaces where conversation is still possible, the message from Manila was both timely and consequential.

When the storm rises, ASEAN still sets the table. And for now, that may be the most valuable service of all.

https://www.rt.com/news/643359-lavrov-rubio-meet-manila/

>>24895906

3/3

Centrality is key

Throughout the meetings, ASEAN ministers returned repeatedly to the concept of centrality. As major-power rivalries intensify globally, the organization’s insistence on remaining the primary driving force in the regional architecture is both a principle and a practical necessity.The Joint Communiqué underscored the determination to project common positions, to leverage ASEAN-led mechanisms, and to contribute to an order anchored in international law.

ASEAN does not seek to exclude external partners or to pretend that differences do not exist. The region’s preferences – for consensus, for non-interference, and for inclusive dialogue – continue to shape the terms of engagement. The presence of representatives from the full spectrum of major powers in Manila was itself a recognition of that reality.

The Manila lesson

The meetings in the Philippines capital showed that inclusive, ASEAN-centered diplomacy retains practical value even when the global atmosphere grows more polarized. The Lavrov-Rubio conversation, the discussions between Rubio and Wang Yi preparing the ground for higher-level contacts, the expansion of formal partnerships, and the steady attention to energy and maritime cooperation all pointed in the same direction.

The region faces real pressures: an unsettled Middle East, maritime tensions in the South China Sea, and the structural competition between major powers that shapes the wider Indo-Pacific. ASEAN’s response to these pressures, as seen in Manila, is to insist that dialogue is better than conflict and silent treatments, centrality is better than fragmentation, and that patient institution-building is the best path through turbulence.

For an international community searching for spaces where conversation is still possible, the message from Manila was both timely and consequential.

When the storm rises, ASEAN still sets the table. And for now, that may be the most valuable service of all.

https://www.rt.com/news/643359-lavrov-rubio-meet-manila/

'OF COURSE WE NEED BORDERS': Dem weighs in on DSA policies

Fox News Clips

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., joins 'Fox News Sunday' to discuss the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) inside the Democratic Party. He also speaks on the upcoming Michigan Senate election.

(Why is fox airing the DSA it only gets their message to millions?)

8:01

https://youtu.be/-m4DF7Pxpm8

JUST IN: Sparks Fly When RFK Jr. Is Pressed On Vaccines, Pandemic Prevention During CNN Interview

21:04

https://youtu.be/MPP5exb-2rw

>>24896000

Wow what a fucking lying bitch, she’s challenging RFKjrs facts and demanding her facts are right, when she can’t name studies that prove her propaganda right. She’s actually challenging the appointed secretary of FDA etc. Wow CNN now thinks they know more than a Secretary over all healthcare. She’s quoting comments and liars that leak to the outlets ie CNN.

This is bigger fight for them, then even the Jan 6 lies! CNN knows they are wrong because they chose the lying scientists, their whole goal for the channel is to destroy Trump’s presidency and his win with MAGA

Dana Bash should be bashed with multiple lawsuits!

>>24896072

She is an awful fallen one! Why is cnn on the air still? You can tell when she is lying, it’s everytime she opens he mouth!

Sen. Bernie Moreno says former son-in-law Rep. Max Miller ‘should not serve’ in Congress over abuse allegations

By Michael Williams, CNN

Updated: 12:48 PM EDT, Sun August 2, 2026

Ohio GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno on Sunday said his former son-in-law, Republican Rep. Max Miller, “should not serve” in Congress because of abuse allegations levied by Moreno’s daughter against Miller.

“As he has admitted privately, Max Miller needs serious psychological help••,” Moreno said on X. “He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter.”==

“He should not serve in the House of Representatives,” Moreno said.

Moreno’s statement came shortly after Miller appeared on a livestream in which he denied allegations of abuse andsaid he’s staying in his race. “I’m not getting out of this race, and I’m winning in November,” Miller said.

The statement from Moreno marked his first extensive public comment on the abuseallegations that have embroiled Miller for monthsand that could threaten the congressman’s chances to be reelected to represent Ohio’s 7th District. PresidentDonald Trump won the district by 11 points in 2024, and it has long been considered a solidly safe Republican seat.

Responding to his former father-in-law’s statement, Miller said on X: “You know this isn’t true and the only reason you are speaking out now is to hide from your own media circus.”

Miller was married to Moreno’s daughter, Emily Moreno, from 2022 to 2025, and they share a daughter.Their divorce led to a highly contentious and public custody battle.

In a statement responding to Miller’s livestream, during which Miller said no court or government agency had substantiated the allegations, a spokesperson forEmily Moreno said there is a “documented trove of evidence that Miller has a history of violent and dangerous behaviorand no amount of victim shaming will change that.”

“It is despicable and abhorrent that Miller lied on an unhinged and humiliating video for their daughter to watch one day,” Stefan Mychajliw said. “No loving parent would have ever used their daughter as a PR pawn to save their own political career.”

Republican control of the House could be imperiled if Miller loses the race against his Democratic opponent, Brian Poindexter.

If Miller were to drop out of the race, the deadline for the Ohio GOP to replace him on this fall’s ballot is August 10.

(https://lite.cnn.com/2026/08/02/politics/bernie-moreno-max-miller-abuse-allegations

(Did this come because Moreno condemned Fauci? Weird timing!

Trump only backed him because other republicans backed him. Someone should have told him about the rumors)

>>24896147

Full statement issued by Bernie, difficult subject.

Bernie Moreno

Senate Republicans

@berniemoreno

As a father and husband, I can tell you the last two years have been pure hell for my wife Bridget, our daughter Emily, me, and our entire family in the aftermath of Emily's divorce.

It has been horrific to watch this play out in full public view,all while knowing an innocent two-year-old girl is caught in the middle. Our priority has always been protecting our daughter and our granddaughter. Out of concern for the safety of my family,

I hoped to keep this matter private but Max Miller’s increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior has made that impossible.

As he has admitted privately, Max Miller needs serious psychological help. He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter.

If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them.He should not serve in the House of Representatives. I believe Max Miller needs to seek professional help to end the clear pattern of abuse he has left in his wake. I believe he should not be free to continue endangering others until he does.

I ran for office because I wanted to make a difference for the country that gave me every opportunity to succeed, and to leave this nation better for my children and grandchildren. That sacrifice has been especially hard on my wife Bridget, whose big heart and steady support have never wavered. I owe it to her, to Emily, and to my granddaughter to speak the truth now.

3:22 PM · Aug 2, 2026

https://lite.cnn.com/2026/08/02/politics/bernie-moreno-max-miller-abuse-allegations