Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth captivated the audience at the United States Military Academy commencement ceremony with an unexpected and humorous start to his speech. He kicked off his address by mimicking former President Donald Trump, playfully granting a “complete and total pardon” to cadets for any minor infractions they might have committed.

Hegseth, who was confirmed as the keynote speaker for the 2026 graduation just two days prior, successfully drew laughter and applause from the crowd by adopting Trump’s distinctive speaking style mid-sentence.

“For all those cadets who’ve committed minor infractions or violations of the regulations of the United States Military Academy… as President Trump might say, ‘a complete and total pardon,'” Hegseth quipped, to the delight of the audience.

Social media users on X praised his performance, describing it as a “fantastic” portrayal and remarking on how effectively he captured Trump’s mannerisms.

However, the lighthearted moment was quickly succeeded by a passionate and politically charged speech. Hegseth asserted that the military’s period of “woke” leadership had come to an end, criticizing diversity initiatives for detracting from the primary focus on combat readiness.

The speech came as reports emerged that Trump recently unloaded on Hegseth after the defense secretary abruptly canceled the deployment of thousands of US troops to Poland, blindsiding one of Washington’s closest European allies.

The White House and Pentagon did not deny the report but insisted Trump and Hegseth remained aligned on troop deployments in Europe.

‘President Trump appreciates all the secretary has done and will continue to do in executing the America First agenda within our military and prioritizing our warfighters like never before,’ White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said.

Soon after the reported blow-up, Trump announced plans to send another 5,000 troops to Poland in a move aimed at reassuring the NATO ally of continued US support.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth broke into a Donald Trump impression while speaking to graduating cadets at West Point, jokingly offering a ‘complete and total pardon’ for minor academy infractions

Hegseth used his commencement speech at West Point to blast DEI initiatives and declare the military’s era of ‘woke’ leadership was over

Speaking to the graduating Class of 2026, Hegseth mocked the phrase ‘our diversity is our strength’ as ‘the single dumbest phrase in military history.’

‘We had generals saying this with a straight face on national television. It was absolute nonsense,’ he said. ‘Diversity is not our strength. Unity is our strength.’

He accused previous military leaders of lowering standards and prioritizing race and gender politics over discipline and lethality.

‘We saw woke and weak leaders trying to make West Point look like woke Princeton,’ Hegseth said. ‘They embraced the DEI craze and tried to introduce diversity and inclusion studies.’

At another point in the speech, he took aim at gender identity debates in the military.

‘The battlefield does not grade on a curve, and you can’t throw your pronouns at the enemy,’ he told cadets. ‘Combat is the ultimate test, and our best Americans must ace it.’

Hegseth repeatedly framed the graduating cadets as part of what he called the military’s ‘snapback.’

‘Many of you… have endured what I call the slow slide of the US Army,’ he said. ‘You’ve seen standards lowered. You’ve seen an obsession with race and gender.’

The fiery speech came amid reports Trump recently unloaded on Hegseth over the abrupt cancellation of a planned troop deployment to Poland

Hegseth repeatedly described the graduating cadets as the military’s ‘snapback’ generation that would restore tougher standards and combat-focused leadership to the Army

‘The slow slide here at West Point and across the United States Army is over,’ he declared. ‘You, this group, represents the snapback.’

He also told cadets they would not be judged by race or identity quotas.

‘You will not see color. And you will not try to meet arbitrary quotas based on immutable characteristics,’ Hegseth said. ‘You do not have time to celebrate identity months.’

The defense secretary stressed that combat readiness and lethality should be the military’s top priorities.

‘You are not an army of one. And you are certainly not an army of woke,’ he said.

Hegseth also vowed to back military commanders who make split-second battlefield decisions without fear of political blowback.

‘No more walking on eggshells. Order is being restored,’ he said. ‘Lawyers don’t run battalions. Commanders do.’

‘No matter what, President Trump and I will have your back when tough decisions are made,’ Hegseth added. ‘Understand, your hands are untied.’

Tensions have escalated in the eastern Congo, as evidenced by an incident on Thursday when an Ebola treatment facility became the target of arson. The center, located in the heart of the outbreak, was set ablaze following confrontations between local residents and authorities over the handling of a suspected Ebola victim’s body.

A witness recounted to The Associated Press that the unrest began when local youths attacked Rwampara Hospital, trying to reclaim the body of a friend believed to have succumbed to Ebola. “The police attempted to defuse the situation, but their efforts fell short,” shared Alexis Burata, a student who witnessed the events. “In the chaos, the youths set fire to the facility. That’s how things unfolded,” he explained.

Reports from the AP indicated that individuals had broken into the hospital, setting fire to items within. A journalist on the scene also observed what seemed to be the remains of at least one suspected Ebola victim being incinerated inside the building.

The AP reported that people broke into the center and set fire to objects inside. A reporter also witnessed what appeared to be the body of at least one suspected Ebola victim being burned inside the facility.

EBOLA OUTBREAK REPORTED IN AFRICAN COUNTRY — HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A security guard runs in front of an Ebola treatment center in flames in Rwampara, Congo, Thursday, May 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Dirole Lotsima Dieudonne)

The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) said two tents used to treat Ebola patients were set on fire at the hospital. The organization said six people were receiving treatment for Ebola at the center.

Patrick Muyaya, a government spokesperson for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said medical care was continuing normally, and all six patients were accounted for.

He called for calm while condemning violence against health facilities and medical staff.

WHO DECLARES EBOLA OUTBREAK IN CENTRAL AFRICA A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY AFTER 80 SUSPECTED DEATHS

Flames and smoke rise from an Ebola treatment center in Rwampara, Congo, Thursday, May 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Dirole Lotsima Dieudonne)

Deputy Senior Commissioner Jean Claude Mukendi, head of the public security department in Ituri Province, said the individuals who burned the tents did not understand the protocols surrounding Ebola burials.

The incident underscored growing tensions between health officials enforcing strict Ebola containment measures and local customs surrounding funerals and burial rites.

“His family, friends, and other young people wanted to take his body home for a funeral even though the instructions from the authorities during this Ebola virus outbreak are clear,” Mukendi said. “All bodies must be buried according to the regulations.”

‘DISEASE X’ HAS KILLED DOZENS IN THE CONGO — HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE MYSTERY ILLNESS

Charred hospital beds stand in a smoldering Ebola treatment center in Rwampara, Congo, Thursday, May 21, 2026, after it was set on fire by people angry at being stopped from retrieving a body, according to a witness and police. (AP Photo/Dirole Lotsima Dieudonne)

In its statement, ALIMA condemned the spread of “incorrect or unconfirmed information on social media and the internet,” warning that misinformation could fuel fear and mistrust toward health facilities.

The violent clash comes as Congolese health officials reported 160 suspected deaths and 671 suspected Ebola cases across two provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United Nations said earlier this week that neighboring Uganda had reported two cases, including one death.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency Sunday, and the U.S. issued an urgent travel warning for the DRC shortly afterward.

US ISSUES URGENT TRAVEL WARNING AS DEADLY EBOLA OUTBREAK SPREADS OVERSEAS

Congolese police personnel and civilians stand near the burning Ebola treatment center, as aid agencies intensify efforts to contain a new Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain outbreak, in Rwampara general hospital in Rwampara outside Bunia, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 21, 2026. (REUTERS/Gradel Muyisa Mumbere)

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said earlier this week he was “deeply concerned about the scale and speed of the epidemic.”

Officials said the outbreak was caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a rarer variant for which existing vaccines may be less effective.

Nearly $4 million in emergency funding has been approved by the WHO to support national authorities responding to the outbreak.

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The key to enhancing swimming prowess might be residing within your digestive system.

Emerging research reveals that a chemical commonly found in plastic containers and other everyday items could be negatively impacting male fertility. This industrial compound, prevalent in various consumer products, is linked to decreased sperm counts, reduced motility, and an increased likelihood of abnormalities.

Excitingly, scientists now believe a dietary supplement from Japan could mitigate some of these adverse effects — and its origins trace back to a substance often discarded without consideration.

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University spearheaded a new study aimed at combating the influence of Bisphenol A (BPA).

This synthetic compound, integrated into plastics and resins since the 1950s, enhances strength, durability, and heat resistance. It’s commonly found in food packaging and as a protective lining for metal cans.

But BPA doesn’t always stay locked inside those materials. Studies show it can leach into food and drinks from the containers they’re stored in, quietly making its way into the human body.

In fact, government scientists estimate that more than 90% of Americans have detectable levels in their system.

Over time, exposure to BPA has been linked to a range of health concerns, including developmental issues and problems with reproduction.

To better understand the impact, the researchers exposed rodents to the chemical in a lab. They found it triggered oxidative stress — or an imbalance between the body’s natural antioxidant defenses and unstable, highly reactive molecules known as free radicals that can damage healthy cells. 

The effects on the rodents’ sperm showed up quickly. Within just one week of BPA exposure, the scientists observed a spike in free radical production in the animals’ swimmers. 

By eight weeks, the damage was more pronounced. The sperm weren’t moving as well across several key measures, including speed and the subtle “head movements” that help guide them toward an egg and play a role in fertilization.

Because free radicals can be neutralized by antioxidants, the research team began looking for compounds that might help reduce the oxidative stress triggered by BPA in sperm.

That search led them to a newer category of supplements known as paraprobiotics, with one in particular standing out: FK-23.

FK-23 is derived from a type of bacteria known as Enterococcus faecalis that naturally lives in the human digestive tract and is commonly found in fecal matter.

While in the gut, it’s normally harmless and helps support digestion and the immune system. But if it escapes the intestines or overgrows, it can cause infections in other parts of the body.

That’s why scientists don’t use live bacteria when making FK-23. Instead, the microbes are grown in a lab and then killed with heat.

This process prevents them from reproducing or causing infection while preserving their structural components, which are believed to trigger beneficial effects in the body.

Researchers believe it may work through what is known as the gut–immune axis, a two-way communication system between the digestive tract and the rest of the body that can influence inflammation and oxidative stress.

To test its effects on sperm already damaged by BPA, the researchers gave the rodents FK-23. They found that their sperm movement improved despite continued exposure to the chemical, while signs of cellular stress in their reproductive tissue were significantly reduced.

“These findings suggest that components derived from lactic acid bacteria exert protective effects against reproductive toxicity caused by environmental chemicals,” Visiting Professor Yukiko Minamiyama of the Graduate School of Medicine at OMU, who led the research team, said in a press release. 

Looking ahead, the researchers said more work is needed to figure out exactly how the gut is driving these effects, and to confirm whether the same results happen in people.

If they do, Minamiyama said it could “pave the way” for using the dietary supplement as a way to support reproductive health.

The study findings come as BPA’s presence in consumer products has declined over the past decade.

In the US, the Food and Drug Administration prohibits its use in baby bottles and sippy cups, and many manufacturers have switched to “BPA-free” plastics.

However, BPA is still allowed in other food-contact materials and certain consumer goods. The FDA maintains that, based on current evidence, the small amounts that can leach from these products are not considered harmful.

Other parts of the world have taken a stricter approach. In the European Union, for example, BPA is banned from use in food containers.

Beyond its potential impact on sperm, scientists have also linked the chemical to a range of other health concerns, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, early puberty, immune system dysfunction, diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

Vice President JD Vance made a hasty return to the White House in preparation for an important call with war negotiators. This urgency follows President Donald Trump’s announcement that he is equally balanced between agreeing to a peace accord or launching a significant military strike against Iran.

Footage circulating on social media captured the vice president’s armored motorcade speeding along a Washington, D.C., highway with a police escort, cutting short his Memorial Day weekend.

This rapid development coincides with Trump’s absence from his son Don Jr.’s wedding, which he attributed to pressing ‘government-related circumstances.’

Today, President Trump is scheduled to meet with his negotiation team to deliberate over Iran’s latest proposal. In an interview with Axios, Trump revealed he might resume military actions by Sunday if a decision isn’t reached.

Trump has reportedly called for a meeting with his national security advisors this afternoon to focus on the situation in the Middle East. Additionally, he plans to conduct a conference call with leaders from the Gulf region to discuss the unfolding events.

Earlier on Saturday, Trump mocked the war-torn country by sharing a map of the Middle East showing Iran filled in with an American flag, titling it the United States of the Middle East? 

The two countries have been engaging in peace talks this week, but it is rumored Trump is preparing for a fresh round of strikes. 

While no final decision had been made as of Friday afternoon, multiple sources told CBS News the strikes were being prepared.

It is unclear if the meeting with his team today will pertain to the rumored prepared strikes.  

President Donald Trump released a map showing Iran as the United States of the Middle East as peace talks continue

JD Vance was seen rushing back to the White House on Saturday  in video shared to social media

An armored motorcade believed to be escorting Vance was seen racing down a Washington DC highway, escorted by police 

Those sources said that administration intelligence and defense officials joined President Trump in canceling their Memorial Day weekend plans and updating recall rosters for US bases overseas.

The president also told Axios he is a ‘solid 50/50’ on whether or not he would take the latest peace deal or ‘blow them to kingdom come,’ the outlet reported. 

‘I think one of two things will happen: Either I hit them harder than they have ever been hit, or we are going to sign a deal that is good,’ Trump said. ‘Some people would much rather have a deal and others would rather resume the war.’ 

Iran signaled ‘narrowing differences’ in negotiations with the US after Pakistan’s army chief held more talks in Tehran, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told journalists in India that ‘there’s been some progress made’ and ‘there may be news later today’. 

According to two officials and a diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity, there is hope that a final decision on the Pakistan-prepared draft could come within 48 hours as both sides review it.

They said US Vice President JD Vance and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner played significant roles in helping bridge remaining gaps, and that Qatar played a key role by sending a senior official to Tehran to support Pakistan’s mediation efforts.

Still, both Iran and the US emphasized their key positions and have warned of the risks of resuming attacks.

Iran state TV quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei as describing the draft as a ‘framework agreement’ and adding: ‘We want this to include the main issues required for ending the imposed war and other issues of essential importance to us. 

In another jest to the Middle Eastern country, the map showed Iran colored in with an American flag 

‘Then, over a reasonable time span, between 30 to 60 days, details are discussed, and ultimately a final agreement is reached.’

He said the Strait of Hormuz is among the topics discussed.    

The war on Iran has gone mostly quiet since early April, when a temporary ceasefire was agreed, but they have yet to produce a more lasting peace.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there has been ‘slight progress’ in peace talks, just days after Trump said he was holding off on a military strike against the Islamic Republic because ‘serious negotiations’ were underway.

Trump has been threatening for weeks that the ceasefire reached in mid-April could end if Iran does not make a deal, with shifting parameters for striking, such as an agreement.

Rubio said he did not want to exaggerate the progress, saying there had been ‘a little bit of movement and that’s good.’

Repeated claims of progress have emerged in recent weeks, but a deal has stayed out of reach.

Trump has repeatedly set deadlines for Tehran and then backed off. But he has also previously indicated he would hold off on military action to allow talks to play out, only to turn around and launch strikes.

Smoke rises from Southern Lebanon on Saturday after Israel issued strikes. Secretary of State Macro Rubio has said a little process has been made in the peace talks, as Trump is rumored to be preparing more strikes 

Men inspect damage in Lebanon on Saturday. Trump reportedly canceled his Memorial Day plans – including attending his son’s wedding – to deal with the Iranian conflict 

A former top-ranking Navy commander has revealed that he believes President Donald Trump is preparing the military for renewed combat operations in Iran.

The US-Israeli-led military operation in Iran has dragged on since the end of February, leaving gas prices surging due to the Strait of Hormuz’s closure and cities devastated across the Middle East.

Retired US Navy Commander Kirk Lippold told Fox News on Friday night that he believes renewed combat operations are on the horizon, defiantly declaring that ‘it’s a matter of not if, but when.’

‘President Trump right now, I think, is giving the United States military that opportunity – to rearm, refuel and be ready for combat operations,’ he said.

Lippold said that Admiral Cooper, the senior US military officer overseeing the Iran War, has briefed Trump, signaling the potential renewal of military strikes.

‘At the end of the day, I think that the Iranians understand that we are going to now take down their economy and potentially take down their economic future,’ he continued.

‘And what we need to do is create the conditions for the Iranian people to once again rise up.’

On late Friday, the president has also created tensions again with Greenland, which he wishes to acquire, by repeatedly sharing an AI-generated image of him peeking over the mountains in the country with the caption: ‘Hello, Greenland.’ 

He also took to social media to infuriate Greenland again as Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry arrived to the island to open a new American consulate on the island on Thursday 

The first post came just hours after the US’ special envoy to Greenland was met with furious protesters when he arrived to open a new American consulate on the island. 

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry received a frosty reception in downtown Nuuk on Thursday, as more than 500 Greenlanders marched through the capital Nuuk waving red-and-white Greenlandic flags and holding signs reading ‘Go Home USA,’ ‘Make America Go Away!’ and ‘We are not for sale.’

‘Greenland belongs to us. It’s our country. It doesn’t belong to Denmark or the United States. We are a people and we live here,’ Greenland resident Grethe Kramer Berthelsen told the AFP during the rally. 

He also posted an AI photo showing a ‘golden dome’ over the White House to keep it protected from any future attacks. 

The Golden Dome is Trump’s version of Israel’s Iron Dome, a military defense mechanism. 

Trump also posted an AI photo of Chinese citizens smiling happily and waving Chinese and American flags with the words: China Loves Trump.