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In a stunning House vote, lawmakers began an attempt to end the war without presidential approval — creating conditions for a potentially historic legal showdown, potentially setting the stage for a legal showdown over the limits of executive power.

Last month, Vietnam marked the 58th anniversary of the Mỹ Lai massacre, when US soldiers killed hundreds of defenseless civilians. US public memory largely ignores the history of atrocities like Mỹ Lai, making it easier to repeat them in the future.

What does the Rhodes interview indicate about the future of Oath Keepers?

The message reminding military personnel that they must not obey illegal orders ricocheted through the political world like a rifle shot. In fact, there are two military oaths, and the one for officers places a special responsibility on them.

Trump roundly decried for Truth Social post after lawmakers told military personnel to refuse illegal orders. Mike Johnson, the Republican House speaker, defended Trump’s claim that the Democrats had engaged in “sedition”. Watch original message.

The U.S. is continuing to blow up boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific despite growing international condemnation, while the Trump administration reportedly considers launching airstrikes on Venezuela or even assassinating President Nicolás Maduro.

Though many wrote it off as a political stunt, it was clear the gathering was much more important than many realized, offering the clearest articulation yet of how the Trump administration thinks about and hopes to use military power.

In an unprecedented move, Pete Hegseth has summoned all U.S. generals and admirals from around the globe to an in-person meeting. The purpose is not clear. Here are some questions these military leaders should be asking, and some answers.