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俄军连续第六天空袭基辅 至少四死逾10伤

2026年9月1日 11:52 / 联合早报

俄军星期一（8月31日）向乌克兰基辅地区发动空袭，当地消防人员正在一个遇袭起火的仓库灭火。 （法新社）

俄罗斯星期二（9月1日）持续空袭乌克兰首都基辅及周边地区，造成至少四人死亡、逾10人受伤。这也是基辅及周边地区连续第六天遭到俄军袭击。

路透社报道，基辅市政府说，市内有三人死亡、五人受伤，一处非住宅区发生火灾。

乌克兰基辅州行政首长特卡琴科称，鲍里斯皮尔市另有一人死亡、九人受伤，包括一名儿童；当地一座公寓楼及一处商业设施遭导弹和无人机袭击。

星期二凌晨，乌克兰大部分地区拉响防空警报。连日袭击已影响数百万人的日常生活。

乌克兰总统泽连斯基星期一（8月31日）说，他与美国总统特使威特科夫和特朗普的女婿库什纳通电话，双方正敲定两人访问乌克兰的日期，以推动和平进程。

与此同时，俄罗斯首都莫斯科市长索比亚宁说，俄军击落十多架飞往莫斯科方向的无人机。俄罗斯萨马拉州也遭空袭，当地民用设施受损。

俄军连续第六天空袭基辅 至少四死逾10伤

2026年9月1日 11:52 / 联合早报

俄军星期一（8月31日）向乌克兰基辅地区发动空袭，当地消防人员正在一个遇袭起火的仓库灭火。 （法新社）

俄罗斯星期二（9月1日）持续空袭乌克兰首都基辅及周边地区，造成至少四人死亡、逾10人受伤。这也是基辅及周边地区连续第六天遭到俄军袭击。

路透社报道，基辅市政府说，市内有三人死亡、五人受伤，一处非住宅区发生火灾。

乌克兰基辅州行政首长特卡琴科称，鲍里斯皮尔市另有一人死亡、九人受伤，包括一名儿童；当地一座公寓楼及一处商业设施遭导弹和无人机袭击。

星期二凌晨，乌克兰大部分地区拉响防空警报。连日袭击已影响数百万人的日常生活。

乌克兰总统泽连斯基星期一（8月31日）说，他与美国总统特使威特科夫和特朗普的女婿库什纳通电话，双方正敲定两人访问乌克兰的日期，以推动和平进程。

与此同时，俄罗斯首都莫斯科市长索比亚宁说，俄军击落十多架飞往莫斯科方向的无人机。俄罗斯萨马拉州也遭空袭，当地民用设施受损。

White House says deal to take control of Venezuelan oil will rely on North American Blue Energy Partners

2026-08-31T23:15:39-0400 / CBS News

The Trump administration’s plan to take a stake in tens of billions of barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves will hinge on a private company called North American Blue Energy Partners, the White House announced Monday, offering more details on the agreement.

Under the deal, the Venezuelan government granted 100-year concessions to NABEP to drill in 17 oil fields, the White House said in a fact sheet released late Monday. Those oil fields contain about 65 billion barrels, roughly one-fifth of Venezuela’s total proven oil reserves.

The U.S. Defense Department will be granted a 35% stake in the company, according to the White House. The State Department will then have the right to buy 20% of NABEP’s output at the cost of production, and it will have the right of first refusal to buy everything else.

Run by Venezuelan executive Alejandro Betancourt, NABEP describes itself as Venezuela’s second-largest private oil producer, pumping more than 200,000 barrels of oil per day.

In a statement confirming the structure of the deal, NABEP said it is aiming to increase daily production in the near-term to over 1 million barrels. (By comparison, the U.S. consumed about 20.6 million barrels of petroleum daily last year, according to government figures.)

“Venezuela is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, hardworking people and untapped potential,” Betancourt said in a statement thanking President Trump and interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez. “This transaction will unleash that potential to the great benefit of both Venezuelans and Americans.”

Rodriguez said in a speech over the weekend the ultimate goal is to produce more than 1.5 million barrels per day. She described it as a 25-year deal.

The White House said NABEP has “developed an ambitious plan to rapidly scale production by investing up to $100 billion in new oil infrastructure in Venezuela.” It also said the deal will be executed at “no cost to the American taxpayer.”

Mr. Trump has argued the deal will bring more oil to the U.S. market, pushing down energy prices and allowing the government to replenish its Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Since the U.S. military removed former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power in January, Mr. Trump has sought to ramp up oil production in Venezuela, which claims to have the world’s largest oil reserves but has languished for years due to underinvestment.

“This deal secures our energy dominance for the next century—all at zero cost to the United States,” the White House said.

Rodriguez has celebrated the deal, calling it a “historic agreement” that will bring scores of private investment to Venezuela’s oil industry and draw hundreds of billions in tax revenue. She has said that Venezuela will retain control over its natural resources.

Some oil industry experts are skeptical that the deal will lead to lower prices at the pump any time soon. It could take years — or more than a decade — for new Venezuelan oil production to start reaching the U.S. market and impacting prices, according to analysts.

The country’s energy infrastructure needs to be rebuilt, and Venezuelan oil tends to be “heavy” (or dense) and “sour” (or high in sulfur), making it harder to refine than the light, sweet crude often found in the United States.

The deal has also drawn pushback from both American and Venezuelan political figures. Some Rodriguez opponents have called it an “asset grab” and questioned the legal basis for handing the U.S. government a stake in a large share of the South American country’s oil reserves.

Democratic Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called the plan to give the Pentagon a stake in the Venezuelan oil venture “a blatant abuse of power and taxpayer dollars.”

“President Trump has been explicit about his desire to extract Venezuela’s oil,” Reed said in a statement. “His administration removed Nicolás Maduro from power, threw its weight behind the unelected leadership that replaced Maduro, and is now attempting to use U.S. military assets and taxpayer-backed financing to boost a private oil venture.”

What to know about new U.S. oil deal with Venezuela https://www.cbsnews.com/video/what-to-know-about-new-us-oil-deal-with-venezuela/

What to know about new U.S. oil deal with Venezuela

(04:00)

New York cannot enforce $75 billion climate ‘superfund’ law, US judge rules

2026-08-31 21:33:30 / Reuters

By Nate Raymond and Jonathan Stempel

August 31, 2026 9:33 PM UTC Updated 1 hour ago

Rain clouds over the New York City skyline of Manhattan and the Hudson River as heavy storms impacted the northeast U.S., as seen from Fort Lee, New Jersey, August 3, 2026. REUTERS/Mike Segar Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

Summary

• Ruling prevents New York from enforcing climate change law targeting fossil fuel companies
• Judge says Clean Air Act does not authorize state emissions compensation schemes
• Law applies to companies linked ​to 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions

NEW YORK, Aug 31 (Reuters) – A federal judge ‌ruled on Monday that New York cannot enforce a 2024 state law that sought to force fossil fuel companies to contribute $75 billion over 25 years into a fund to pay for damage caused by climate change.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda Sannes in Syracuse, New York sided, opens new tab with 22 Republican ​state attorneys general, as well as industry groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in finding the state ​measure preempted by federal law.

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Sannes, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, said the Clean Air ⁠Act, which gave the federal Environmental Protection Agency authority to regulate carbon-dioxide emissions, did not authorize states to adopt emissions ​compensation schemes such as New York’s.

She said enforcing New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act risked upsetting the balance between preventing global ​warming, “a project that necessarily requires national standards and global participation,” and promoting economic growth, energy production, foreign policy interests and national security.

“The Climate Act conflicts with the overriding need for a uniform rule of decision on matters influencing national energy and environmental policy, and basic interests of ​federalism,” she wrote.

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West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey, a Republican who led the states’ opposition, in a statement hailed the ​decision, calling the state law “a money grab by the elites in New York.”

The office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat who signed ‌the state ⁠law in December 2024, is reviewing the decision to determine possible next steps, spokesperson Ken Lovett said.

“Taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for damages caused by polluters,” Lovett said.

New York was the second U.S. state to create an industry-financed “superfund” to address climate change. Vermont was the first state, and its law also faces legal challenges.

The New York law required fossil fuel companies ​to contribute $3 billion annually to ​the superfund starting in 2028, ⁠divided based on their greenhouse gas emissions between 2000 and 2018.

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The law applied to companies that the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation considered responsible for 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas ​emissions during that period. Money would have gone to build roads, water systems, sewage systems ​and other infrastructure ⁠to protect communities and coastlines from weather events such as extreme heat and flooding.

In their February 2025 lawsuit, the Republican attorneys general called New York’s law a politically motivated “overreach,” which punished traditional energy companies that now comply with applicable laws. They said payouts from ⁠coal, oil ​and natural gas producers could wipe out thousands of jobs if the ​producers were forced to shut down.

The U.S. Department of Justice under Republican President Donald Trump had filed a similar lawsuit last year and supported the state attorneys ​general in the case before Sannes.

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Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston and Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by David Gregorio

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Trump’s Canada tariff fight reaches critical point as House GOP summons trade chief

August 31, 2026 4:13pm EDT / Fox News

Two sources say they expect lawmakers to raise Trump’s trade war with Canada during the weekly RSC lunch

By Elizabeth Elkind Fox News

A trade dispute intensifies as President Trump renames Lake Ontario to Lake America by executive order.

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FIRST ON FOX: President Donald Trump’s top trade advisor will huddle with House Republicans on Wednesday as the commander in chief’s tariff strategy is quickly becoming a flashpoint on the campaign trail.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is attending the Republican Study Committee’s weekly lunch this week, a source familiar with planning told Fox News Digital.

Two additional sources told Fox News Digital they expect lawmakers to raise the issue of Trump’s trade war with Canada.

VANCE SAYS CANADA FRIENDLIER TO CHINA ON TRADE THAN TO US: ‘INSANITY’

President Donald Trump meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office at the White House on May 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C.(Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

It comes as tensions escalate between the U.S. and its northern ally.

Trump accused Ontario of ripping off American businesses in a post on Truth Social Sunday, claiming Canada wants “to be treated like a state, but they aren’t one.”

‘CAPTAIN CANADA’ FIREBRAND UNLOADS ON TRUMP WITH PROFANE ONE-LINER AS TRADE WAR ESCALATES

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer testifies before the Senate Finance Committee on April 8, 2025, in Washington, D.C.(Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

“They’ve been ripping us off for decades, and it’s going to stop,” Trump wrote.

The U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on a range of Canadian goods in late July, with the duties going into effect earlier this month. Canada responded with its own tariffs of up to 50% on U.S. imports.

TRUMP JUST EXPANDED HIS TARIFF PLAYBOOK WITH A POWERFUL TRADE WEAPON NO PRESIDENT HAS EVER USED

Trump also escalated tensions with the country this month by signing an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”

It’s not clear when the meeting between Greer and RSC was planned, nor is it clear if Fox News Digital’s sources expect questions or outright opposition to the trade war.

President Donald Trump signs an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America” during an event in the Oval Office of the White House on Aug. 27, 2026, amid an ongoing trade war with Canada.(Getty Images)

But Trump’s tariffs have been a political lightning rod for much of his second term.

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The House passed a bill in February aimed at reversing Trump’s earlier Canada tariffs, with six Republicans voting in support. Just one Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, voted against it.

Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.

Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com

‘No plans’ to deploy troops to midterm elections polling sites, top US general says

2026-08-31T21:16:37.34Z / Reuters

By Idrees Ali and Jasper Ward

August 31, 2026 9:16 PM UTC Updated 1 hour ago

Voting stations sit at a polling station during a Republican primary runoff between U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-SC) and U.S. Representative Ralph Norman (R-SC) for the U.S. Senate seat, in Cayce, Lexington County, South Carolina, U.S., August 25, 2026. REUTERS/Sam Wolfe/File Photo

WASHINGTON, Aug 31 (Reuters) – The top U.S. general said the military has no plans to send federal military personnel ​or National Guard troops to polling places during this year’s ‌midterm elections.

In a letter to U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat from Michigan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine said election administration ​and security remain the responsibility of state and local officials.

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Caine’s letter, ​which was obtained by Reuters, was sent in response ⁠to a request from Slotkin, who had sought assurances from senior ​military leaders, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, that the Trump administration would ​not interfere in the November elections.

While stressing that no such deployment is planned, Caine said the military has no plans to seize ballots, voting machines or other ​election-related material.

“I have neither received nor anticipate receiving any unlawful order ​concerning the role of the Joint Force in the upcoming November 2026 midterm elections,” ‌Caine ⁠wrote.

The letter was received August 28, according to an official.

Millions of Americans are due to vote on November 3 in congressional, gubernatorial and local elections.

Democrats, including Slotkin, have raised concerns that the Trump administration could ​seek to use ​troops or other ⁠armed federal personnel near polling places.

Those concerns were fueled in part by comments Trump made in May ​when, asked whether he would send National Guard troops ​or Immigration ⁠and Customs Enforcement agents to voting locations, he said he would “do anything necessary to make sure we have honest elections.”

Federal law generally prohibits the ⁠deployment ​of U.S. troops at polling places or ​their use in overseeing elections, reflecting long-standing restrictions on military involvement in the electoral process.

blob:https://www.reuters.com/d13c37dd-e1db-46d7-9951-fdd488e20fc5

Reporting ​by Idrees Ali and Jasper Ward in Washington; Editing by Caitlin Webber

Trump’s White House ballroom construction gets another lifeline from SCOTUS amid heated legal fight

Chief Justice John Roberts dissented, calling the privately funded East Wing project ‘likely unlawful’

2026-08-31T16:26:35-04:00 / Fox News

By Stepheny Price , Bill Mears, Fox News

Published August 31, 2026 4:26pm EDT | Updated August 31, 2026 5:21pm EDT

Trump continues ballroom construction after Supreme Court win

Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson joins ‘Fox News Sunday’ to discuss President Donald Trump’s continuation of ballroom construction after the Supreme Court’s temporary order. Tomlinson also discusses the Freedom 250 Grand Prix race in Washington, D.C., and the president’s economic campaign against the Iranian regime.

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The Supreme Court has again sided with the Trump administration, allowing construction on the White House ballroom project to continue while the case continues to be litigated in the lower courts.

The court split 5-4 in granting the emergency request. The decision replaces a temporary order Chief Justice John Roberts issued just hours before a lower-court ruling blocking the work was set to take effect. The underlying litigation will continue in the lower courts, but court documents indicate key parts of the project could be completed within months, potentially outpacing the legal process.

Trump quickly celebrated the decision, declaring that the high court had cleared the way for the massive project to move forward “without any further contingency, doubt, or threat.”

“We are living in the Golden Age of America, and this Building will be one of the Greatest ever constructed in Washington, D.C.,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

TRUMP’S WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM FOES FACE ‘VERY TOUGH ARGUMENT’ AT SUPREME COURT, LEGAL EXPERTS SAY

A view of ongoing construction of the East Wing ballroom at the White House, as seen from the Washington Monument observation deck in Washington, DC on August 28, 2026.(Aaron Schwartz / AFP via Getty Images)

Trump said the “magnificent Ballroom and Military Complex” is expected to be completed in summer 2028 and predicted it will be “something that the entire Country is very proud of.”

He also took a swipe at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, blasting its legal challenge as a “baseless lawsuit” and claiming the project is both under budget and ahead of schedule.

“The Ballroom is totally funded by Great Patriots and Corporations and, therefore, is a Gift — At no cost to the American Taxpayer,” Trump wrote.

The president’s victory lap came as Chief Justice John Roberts issued a strongly worded dissent from the latest order, declaring that construction of the ballroom is “likely unlawful” and warning that allowing the project to proceed risks infringing on Congress’ constitutional powers.

“The President ordered the demolition of the East Wing of the White House to make way for a new, privately funded state ballroom in its place,” Roberts wrote. “Construction of the ballroom has proceeded apace for the better part of a year.”

APPEALS COURT SAYS FEDERAL JUDGE MUST RECONSIDER BLOCKING WH BALLROOM, WEIGH NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS

“That construction is likely unlawful,” he wrote.

Roberts pointed to federal law that prohibits the construction of any “building or structure” on federal government parkland in Washington, D.C., without express authorization from Congress.

The chief justice argued that the ballroom falls squarely within that restriction because it is being built on President’s Park, federal land that encompasses the White House and surrounding grounds.

“The ballroom is a building or structure being erected on federal park grounds—President’s Park—in the District of Columbia,” Roberts wrote. “Yet Congress has not passed any law resembling ‘express authority’ for the Executive’s construction of it.”

TRUMP SAYS WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM RULING JEOPARDIZES LIVES OF FUTURE PRESIDENTS, VOWS SUPREME COURT APPEAL

Construction on the new White House ballroom is seen from the Washington Monument, Monday, April 20, 2026, in Washington.(Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)

The Supreme Court’s decision allows construction to continue while the underlying legal challenge plays out, but it does not settle the ultimate question of whether the ballroom project is lawful.

The case remains in litigation in the lower courts, meaning Roberts’ assertion that the construction is “likely unlawful” represents his view in dissent rather than a final determination by the Supreme Court.

DOJ CITES WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS’ DINNER SHOOTING IN PUSH TO DROP LAWSUIT AGAINST BALLROOM

Heavy machinery tears down a section of the East Wing of the White House as construction begins on President Donald Trump’s planned ballroom on October 22, 2025.(Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

Roberts also took issue with the court’s treatment of Alison Hoagland, who originally challenged the project, arguing that both the historic nature of the White House and her interest in its preservation deserved greater weight.

“The White House is not just any building, and—when it comes to historic preservation—Hoagland is not just any person,” Roberts wrote.

REPUBLICANS QUESTION TRUMP’S ‘PRIVATELY FUNDED’ BALLROOM AFTER REPORT POINTS TO TAXPAYER BURDEN

An excavator works to clear rubble after the East Wing of the White House was demolished on Oct. 23, 2025 in Washington, D.C.(Eric Lee/Getty Images)

“In failing to appreciate as much, the Court misconceives the plaintiff’s injury, allowing the Executive’s likely infringement of the Legislature’s power of the purse and authority to regulate federal property in the District of Columbia to continue,” he wrote.

“Today’s decision is no victory for the separation of powers.”

Roberts closed his dissent by invoking former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and issuing a pointed warning about how decisions involving the White House are made.

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“Winston Churchill once remarked that ‘[w]e shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us,’” Roberts wrote.

“All the more reason to ensure that those responsible follow the rules in deciding what to tear down and what to build up at the People’s House.”

“I respectfully dissent,” he wrote.

In addition to Roberts, Justices Sotomayor, Kagan and Jackson also dissented.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Stepheny Price is a Writer at Fox News with a focus on West Coast and Midwest news, missing persons, national and international crime stories, homicide cases, and border security.

Trump administration plans $4 million for right-wing media in Europe, sources say

2026-08-31T22:19:06.283Z / Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he delivers remarks on the “Trump Accounts” tax-advantaged investment program at Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia, U.S., July 22, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

• Summary

• State Department notified Congress on Aug 21 of plans, four people familiar say
• Package includes $3 million to track “democratic backsliding” tied to migration and media, sources say
• Funding expected to be finalized by end-September, three people familiar ​say

WASHINGTON/BERLIN, Aug 31 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump’s administration is planning to spend $4 million to bolster right-wing media in ‌Europe, part of a package of at least $25 million for civil society groups working on conservative causes in the region, according to four people familiar with the funding.

The grants risk deepening tensions between the Trump administration and European governments, some of which have already accused Washington of interfering in their domestic politics.

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The U.S. ​State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) says the funding is meant to strengthen transatlantic ties and promote ​free speech. It comes as European countries prepare for elections over the next couple of years, and ⁠as the Trump administration openly backs Europe’s populist right-wing and far-right parties.

The State Department notified Congress of its intent to allocate these ​funds on August 21, according to the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the plans.

Three million dollars were earmarked for ​a program to “document and analyze democratic backsliding in Europe as it relates to mass and illegal migration, the independent media landscape, and legislative agendas by supranational entities,” according to the people.

Another $1 million aims to create a consortium of independent journalists covering issues including national sovereignty, natural rights, and religious freedom in Europe, ​they added.

Reuters could not determine which organizations or journalists are likely to receive grants.

A State Department spokesperson said that the DRL does not ​fund political parties and that the Trump administration remains committed to defending democracy and human rights around the world, including in Europe.

The European Commission did ‌not immediately ⁠respond to a request for comment.

FOCUS ON CONSERVATIVE VOICES

The Trump administration has largely moved away from the traditional U.S. promotion of democracy and human rights, focusing instead on economic and trade issues.

It has also been advocating for selective causes, particularly those linked to right-wing politicians and what it sees as a muzzling of conservative voices online.

Around $10 million of funding has already been made public through three State Department notices ​for applicants in July and August. ​The August 21 funding notification ⁠is part of an additional at least $15 million, bringing the total grant amount to Europe-related work up to a minimum of $25 million.

The funding has prompted a backlash from some European capitals.

“France and the Europeans ​will not tolerate any attempt at foreign interference in their electoral processes, regardless of where it comes ​from,” French Foreign ⁠Minister Jean-Noel Barrot wrote on X in July, in response to the funding announcements.

The Europe grants are part of a bigger funding proposal from the State Department totaling nearly $180 million that includes a mix of programs, including grants on documenting “abuses” against South African minority communities and supporting civil ⁠society to ​counter “judicial overreach and censorship” in Brazil.

The funding package includes numerous grants for traditional democracy ​promotion focusing on oppressive governments such as China and North Korea.

The funding is expected to be finalized by the end of September, three people familiar with the efforts said.

Reporting by ​Humeyra Pamuk in Washington and Paul Carsten in Berlin; Additional reporting by Gabriel Stargardter in Paris; Editing by Don Durfee and Sanjeev Miglani

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submits resignation to Trump

August 31, 2026 6:20pm EDT / Fox News

The White House has not yet accepted Driscoll’s resignation, according to a senior US official

By Sophia Compton, Jennifer Griffin, Liz Friden, Fox News

https://www.foxnews.com/video/6360664094112

Fox News Flash top headlines for August 31

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Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump, a senior U.S. official confirmed to Fox News.

The resignation remains pending and has not been accepted by the White House, the official said.

A source familiar with the matter told Fox News that Driscoll had raised concerns with the administration about the Army’s transformation and readiness, including his belief that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth had hindered those efforts.

“Driscoll brought up concerns with the administration surrounding Army transformation and readiness and Hegseth’s blocking those efforts specifically by firing the Generals who were responsible,” the source said.

TRUMP’S WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM CONSTRUCTION GETS ANOTHER LIFELINE FROM SCOTUS AMID HEATED LEGAL FIGHT

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump, a senior U.S. official confirmed to Fox News.(Tom Brenner/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Tensions reportedly intensified as Hegseth removed several senior Army leaders, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George.

Driscoll addressed George’s departure during an April 16 House Appropriations subcommittee hearing, recalling he was in North Carolina on vacation with his family and drove directly to the general’s home after learning that George had been asked to submit his resignation.

HEGSETH UPGRADES ABBEY GATE MARINES’ VALOR AWARDS AFTER 5-YEAR DELAY: ‘THOSE DAYS ARE OVER’

Driscoll is reportedly expected to leave the Pentagon in the coming days.(Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

“We walked right in, and we all gave him a hug,” Driscoll said. “There is no person that has more respect for General George and his 42 years of service, his Purple Heart, his wife, Patty, their grandkids, their kids. I adore them, and he was an amazing, transformational leader.”

He added, “The design of our system is that they get to pick the leaders that they want, and we execute on those orders.”

PROGRESSIVE PRAISE FOR TRUMP AS WARREN BACKS PUSH TO CURB DEFENSE CONTRACTOR CEO PAYOUTS

Tensions reportedly intensified as Hegseth removed several senior Army leaders.(Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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Driscoll is expected to leave the Pentagon in the coming days, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Driscoll, a close ally of Vice President JD Vance, attended Yale Law School with Vance after both served in the military.

As Army secretary, Driscoll has worked with Silicon Valley companies to expand the Army’s drone capabilities.

Sophia Compton is a Writer at Fox News Digital. Sophia was previously a business reporter covering finance, energy and tourism and has experience as a TV news producer. She graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Story tips can be sent to sophia.compton@fox.com.

Trump says it’s ‘very early’ to talk about a Hegseth 2028 presidential campaign

August 31, 2026 11:01 PM UTC / Reuters

By Steve Holland and Bo Erickson

August 31, 2026 11:01 PM UTC Updated 1 hour ago

U.S. President Donald Trump listens as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a cabinet meeting at Camp David in Thurmont, Maryland, U.S., July 31, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Heuer/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

WASHINGTON, Aug 31 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters it was too soon to discuss his ​potential successor, sidestepping talk of a 2028 campaign by ‌Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Asked about an NBC News report that the Pentagon chief has discussed a potential White House run, Trump said Hegseth is doing ​a “fantastic job, but it’s very early to talk about that.”

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“We ​have to get through the midterms first,” Trump told ⁠reporters in the Oval Office.

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The president’s Republican Party is fighting ​to maintain control of both chambers of the U.S. Congress in ​November’s elections.

Hegseth, an Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News Channel (FOXA.O) television host, campaigned for Republicans this month at the politics-heavy Iowa State Fair. He ​called the report on his 2028 presidential ambitions “100% false” in ​a social media post last week.

Trump, who is limited to two terms as ‌president, ⁠has not named a successor to lead his “Make America Great Again” movement after he leaves office in 2029. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have both been encouraged by ​their supporters to ​run.

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“I’ll bet there’s ⁠a lot of people considering it that you don’t know about,” Trump said. “Right now, all he ​loves is – and all he cares about is – the military ​and ⁠taking care of the military.”

Trump has wielded his endorsement power in 2026 races, even boosting some Republican challengers to success over sitting senators. “It ⁠is, ​without question, the strongest Endorsement in the ​History of Politics,” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday.

blob:https://www.reuters.com/8e1ad7ce-8179-444e-90bb-854154a3518c

Reporting by Steve ​Holland and Bo Erickson; Editing by Trevor Hunnicutt and Jamie Freed

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.