Trump's USA

Trump's spat with the Pope
Pope calls for a more moderate debate in the US

Leo XIV, the first American pope, calls for a more "moderate" debate in his homeland. He says this in a video speech ahead of the 250th anniversary of the United States, writes AFP.

In the speech - where he does not mention Donald Trump by name - the Pope also urges Americans to strive for consensus and unity, and emphasizes that immigration has shaped the country.

Trump has taken a wild swing at the Catholic leader, calling him "weak" and "lousy" on issues of crime and foreign policy. The Pope, in turn, has said that he is "not afraid" of Trump. 

NATO's future
Sources: Hegseth wanted to bring home even more soldiers

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth planned to go to Brussels last month to announce a major reduction in the US troop presence in Europe, sources told the Wall Street Journal.

However, his plan was reportedly stopped by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top administration officials. Instead, all that resulted was a halt to an armored brigade to Poland, an infantry brigade sent home from Romania and a six-month review of troop presence.

- Secretary of Defense Hegseth made sure that his message was in line with the president's goals and agenda, and did not want to infringe on the president's decision-making space, says Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.

The incident underscores the disagreement within the administration about the future role of the US in NATO and Europe, the newspaper writes.