Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Tehran Times: Iran and the United States are ready to start new negotiations.
The source told SANA that the government calls on the SDF to engage in implementing the March 10 agreement and urges international mediators to move all negotiations to Damascus.
The source told SANA that the conference violates the commitments the Syrian government has begun implementing, including the formation of a transitional justice body and the dialogue process.
A Syrian source told SANA that the government considers this conference an attempt to internationalize Syrian affairs, invite foreign intervention, and reimpose sanctions.
A Syrian government source told SANA that the Syrian government will not participate in planned meetings with the Syrian Democratic Forces in Paris.
TASS news agency, citing a Kremlin official: Putin and Trump will meet in Alaska on August 15.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli drone strike targets vehicle on Zahrani - Tyre Highway.
Israeli media: Israeli Prime Minister's Office: The security cabinet has approved Netanyahu's proposal on Gaza.
Al Mayadeen correspondent: The Lebanese Council of Ministers approved the general objectives of the US paper unanimously by the ministers who remained in the session.
Hezbollah, Amal Movement ministers withdraw from the Lebanese cabinet session as it discusses the proposal of US envoy Tom Barrack.

Schumer calls on Trump to fire Hegseth over Ukraine arms delay

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 11 Jul 2025 09:19
3 Min Read

As the Senate advances new sanctions on Russia, questions grow over Defense Secretary Hegseth’s handling of Ukraine aid and Trump’s response.

Listen
  • x
  • President Donald Trump, left, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
    President Donald Trump, left, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington (AP)

US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called on US President Donald Trump to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from office following reports of a weapons shipment delay to Ukraine, a move that has ignited bipartisan concern amid escalating tensions with Russia.

"To no one’s surprise — Secretary Hegseth continues to be an embarrassment and a liability," Schumer posted on X.

To no one’s surprise—Secretary Hegseth continues to be an embarrassment and a liability.

Trump should fire him and pick someone else to serve as Secretary of Defense. pic.twitter.com/yHiSTPA2ED

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 10, 2025

"Trump should fire him and pick someone else to serve as Secretary of Defense," he added, referencing a CNN report alleging Hegseth authorized a pause in arms deliveries without notifying the White House.

Confusion over Pentagon decision

Last week, US media reported that the Pentagon had halted shipments of air defense systems and other advanced weaponry to Ukraine due to concerns over dwindling domestic reserves. On Monday, both Trump and the Department of Defense confirmed that additional military aid would proceed, despite earlier disruptions.

Related News

Iran rejects US-backed corridor through Armenia, will defend interests

US-Israeli plot to disarm Hezbollah will fail: Iran leader's advisor

At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump appeared to distance himself from the pause. When asked if he had approved the decision, Trump, seated beside Hegseth, said, "I don’t know, why don’t you tell me?"

Pressed again on Thursday, Trump told NBC News: "I don’t know anything about it," but added that Hegseth is "doing a great job."

Sanctions bill gains traction in Senate

The controversy comes as Trump ramps up criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and considers new measures against Moscow. On April 1, Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal introduced the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, proposing a 500% tariff on imports from countries that purchase Russian energy or resources.

Commenting on the bill Thursday, Trump said he expected it to pass, calling it a measure that gives him broad discretion. “It’s a bill that the Senate is passing that very respectfully lets the president do whatever he wants, as you know,” he said. “They’re going to pass a very major and very biting sanctions bill, but it’s up to the president as to whether or not he wants to exercise it.”

Senator Graham added that the legislation could shift the geopolitical landscape. “If media reports are accurate, the combination of ending defensive weapons to Ukraine and having congressional sanctions available for President Trump’s use against Putin and his customers will be a game changer. Big miscalculation by Putin,” he wrote on X.

President Trump has earnestly sought to end the bloodbath in Ukraine. Putin’s refusal to be reasonable is going to be met with resistance by President Trump.

If media reports are accurate, the combination of sending defensive weapons to Ukraine and having congressional…

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 11, 2025

Trump weighs emergency weapons authority

Some reports suggest that Trump is considering invoking the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows the president to send weapons directly from existing US stockpiles during emergencies. The last use of this authority came on January 9, when former President Joe Biden approved a $500 million arms package for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking from Rome after meeting Senators Graham and Blumenthal, voiced strong support for the proposed sanctions. "Without a doubt, this is exactly the kind of leverage that can bring peace closer and make sure diplomacy is not empty," he posted on X.

Meanwhile, Trump announced plans to deliver a “major statement” on Russia this coming Monday, though he provided no further details.

  • United States
  • Chuck Schumer
  • Russia
  • Ukraine war
  • Pete Hegseth
  • Donald Trump

Most Read

Shiekh Naim Qassem giving a speech commemorating the anniversay of martyr Mohammed Saeed Izadi, August 5, 2025, in Lebanon

Sheikh Qassem threatens 'Israel', warns against foreign intervention

  • Politics
  • 5 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025
Hezbollah says disarming Resistance is a blow to Lebanon’s sovereignty

Hezbollah to overlook cabinet decision; Amal urges corrective approach

  • Politics
  • 6 Aug 2025
India halts $3.6B Boeing deal after Trump slaps harsh tariffs

India halts $3.6bln Boeing deal following Trump's harsh tariffs

  • Economy
  • 6 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
President Donald Trump, joined by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, right, and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, speaks during a trilateral signing ceremony in the State Dining Room of the White House, Aug. 8, 2025. (AP)
Politics

Iran rejects US-backed corridor through Armenia, will defend interests

Palestinians collect humanitarian aid packages from the United Arab Emirates after they were airdropped into Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (AP)
Politics

Gaza Media Office: 23 martyrs, 124 hurt in unsafe aid airdrops

ap
Politics

Witkoff misread Putin's ceasefire terms on troop withdrawal: Bild

The Microsoft logo is seen, April 12, 2016, in Issy-les-Moulineaux, outside Paris. (AP)
Technology

Microsoft probes Israeli Unit 8200 for Azure use in Gaza, WB spying

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS