Stephen Semler

1 month ago | progressivehub.net | Stephen Semler |Sarah Lazare

As Trump and Musk slash social spending, military spending is set to soar. By Stephen Semler and Sarah Lazare, In These TimesIt’s a striking headline. ​“Trump administration orders Pentagon to plan for sweeping budget cuts,” reports the Washington Post. ​“Hegseth orders major Pentagon spending cuts,” says Politico. Such news is remarkable because, while reducing the Pentagon’s budget is popular with the public, it’s largely considered profane in Washington. There’s just one problem: It didn’t happen.

1 month ago | rsn.org | Stephen Semler |Sarah Lazare

As Trump and Musk slash social spending, military spending is set to soar. It’s a striking headline. “Trump administration orders Pentagon to plan for sweeping budget cuts,” reports the Washington Post. “Hegseth orders major Pentagon spending cuts,” says Politico. Such news is remarkable because, while reducing the Pentagon’s budget is popular with the public, it’s largely considered profane in Washington. There’s just one problem: It didn’t happen.

1 month ago | inthesetimes.com | Stephen Semler |Sarah Lazare

It’s a striking headline. ​“Trump administration orders Pentagon to plan for sweeping budget cuts,” reports the Washington Post. ​“Hegseth orders major Pentagon spending cuts,” says Politico. Such news is remarkable because, while reducing the Pentagon’s budget is popular with the public, it’s largely considered profane in Washington. There’s just one problem: It didn’t happen.

Jan 17, 2025 | commondreams.org | Stephen Semler

The Israeli government is slated to meet today to ratify the recently-announced cease-fire deal with Hamas, despite mixed messages from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on implementation and resistance from some of his most extreme ministers. For its part, Hamas remains committed to the cease-fire agreement, and has reportedly urged president-elect Donald Trump to pressure Israel to honor its initial commitment. Pressure is what had been missing from Joe Biden’s approach.

Jan 17, 2025 | responsiblestatecraft.org | Stephen Semler

Joe Biden delivered his foreign policy farewell address Monday at the State Department. The speech was largely a celebration of his own (perceived) accomplishments — all the things he wants to be remembered by as a foreign policy president.