Politics
Bruce Springsteen's drummer says on Trump: 'Gotta have respect'
Bruce Springsteen's Former Drummer Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez Pushes Back: "You Gotta Have Respect for the President "Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez, the original drummer for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, is publicly urging his former bandmate to show respect for President Donald Trump despite the rock icon’s repeated onstage attacks during his ongoing “Land of Hope and Dreams” American Tour. Since launching the tour on March 31, 2026, in Minneapolis, the 76-year-old Springsteen has used his platform to deliver blistering political speeches against the Trump administration. He has described it as “corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless and treasonous,” referred to Trump as a “wannabe king,” and mocked the president as someone who “can’t handle the truth.” The rants, often delivered during songs like “My City of Ruins,” have drawn strong reactions from both fans and critics, with some calling the shows more of a political rally than a concert. In a recent interview with the New York Post, Lopez, now 77, pushed back firmly.“Trump is the president of the United States — everyone should have respect for him,” Lopez said from his winter home in Largo, Florida. “He is the president of the United States. And if I were standing there talking to him, I would have much respect for the man.” He added with a chuckle that he “wouldn’t talk to him about anything that’s going on” politically. Lopez emphasized basic respect for the office regardless of political differences, a stance that contrasts sharply with Springsteen’s vocal opposition. The former drummer also expressed hope that positive outcomes could emerge from Trump’s policies: “I would love to see something good come out.”
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Fetterman says Democrats have NO leader, claims party rattled by Trump Derangement Syndrome
Sen. John Fetterman Says Democratic Party Has No Leader, Is 'Governed by TDS' Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman stated during a recent appearance on the "All-In Podcast" that the Democratic Party currently lacks a clear leader and is instead being driven by "TDS"—Trump Derangement Syndrome. When co-host David Friedberg asked, "Who do you think leads the Democratic Party today?" Fetterman replied, "We don't have one." He elaborated, "I think the TDS, that’s the leader right now. You know, right now our party is governed by the TDS."Fetterman, known for occasionally breaking with party lines, argued that this dynamic has made it "virtually impossible without being punished as a Democrat to agree something’s good, or ‘I agree with the other side.’" He cited support for aspects of Operation Epic Fury—the ongoing U.S. military campaign against Iranian threats—as an example of positions that face internal backlash due to reflexive opposition tied to former President Trump. The comments, from an interview posted Wednesday, highlight ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party amid broader political shifts and foreign policy debates. Fetterman has increasingly positioned himself as a more independent voice, often criticizing what he sees as extreme elements in his party. The full episode is available on YouTube and major podcast platforms. Reactions have been swift, with supporters praising his candor and critics questioning the term's implications for party unity. What does this say about the future of the Democrats?
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Trump 'not happy' with Iran's choice of Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader
President Donald Trump has expressed strong disapproval following Iran's appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei — the 56-year-old son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — as the Islamic Republic's new Supreme Leader. The decision, announced by Iran's Assembly of Experts just days after the senior Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes that ignited the current conflict, has been met with sharp criticism from the White House. Trump described the selection as a "big mistake" and stated he is "not happy" with the outcome, emphasizing that the move would likely lead to "more of the same problem" for Iran. In interviews with outlets including Fox News, ABC News, and The New York Post, the President made clear his view that Mojtaba Khamenei is an "unacceptable" and "lightweight" choice who fails to meet the criteria for bringing "harmony and peace" to the region."He's going to have to get approval from us," Trump asserted in one exchange, suggesting that any new Iranian leader's tenure would depend on U.S. recognition. He went further by warning that without such approval, the new supreme leader "is not going to last long" — a pointed reference to the fate of his father, who was eliminated early in Operation Epic Fury. Trump has repeatedly indicated he believes the U.S. should play a role in Iran's leadership transition, drawing parallels to past U.S. involvement in other nations' political outcomes. The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, a cleric long rumored to be groomed for succession but previously kept out of the public spotlight, signals continuity for Iran's hardline regime. Backed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has pledged allegiance to the new leader, the choice appears designed to project defiance amid ongoing U.S. and allied military pressure. Mojtaba has been accused in the past of involvement in suppressing dissent and human rights abuses, further solidifying the regime's uncompromising stance. Despite the escalation in rhetoric, President Trump has maintained that the war remains on track for a swift resolution. He has reiterated that the conflict is "very complete, pretty much" and a short-term "excursion" aimed at eliminating threats like Iran's nuclear program, proxy networks, and regional aggression. However, the selection of another Khamenei has raised concerns that Tehran intends to double down rather than negotiate or capitulate. U.S. intelligence and counterterrorism officials continue to monitor for potential retaliatory actions, including the activation of sleeper cells abroad as previously reported. With oil markets stabilizing somewhat after Trump's assurances of a quick end, the focus now shifts to whether Iran's new leadership will seek de-escalation or provoke further strikes. As America First policies drive decisive action against the Iranian regime, President Trump shows no signs of backing down. The message is clear: regime change in behavior — or leadership — may be inevitable if hardliners persist in their defiance.
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Trump warns Iran: New leader won’t ‘last long’ without his approval
Iran's Assembly of Experts Nears Decision on New Supreme Leader Amid Ongoing War. Cleric Acknowledges Progress but Notes Remaining Hurdles Ayatollah Mohammadmehdi Mirbaqeri, a member of Iran's Assembly of Experts—the body responsible for selecting the supreme leader—told Mehr News Agency that the panel has largely reached a majority consensus on a successor to the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He did not name any candidates but confirmed that "some obstacles" persist in finalizing the process. The comments come as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran enters its second week, with security concerns complicating in-person gatherings and deliberations. Other assembly members have suggested using remote or alternative arrangements to complete the selection, given the risks posed by continued airstrikes. Trump Open to Successor with Ties to Previous Regime In recent interviews, President Donald Trump indicated flexibility on Iran's next leader, suggesting he could support someone connected to the old regime if they meet certain criteria."I would, in order to choose a good leader, I would, yeah, I would. There are numerous people who could qualify," Trump said, according to ABC News reporting. Trump has repeatedly emphasized that any new supreme leader would require U.S. approval to endure long-term, warning that without it, the individual "is not going to last long." He has described the goal as ensuring lasting regional stability and preventing future conflicts. Potential Contenders in the Succession DiscussionReports from various sources highlight several figures frequently mentioned as possible successors: Mojtaba Khamenei — The 56-year-old son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with close links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and often viewed as a frontrunner for continuity. Ali Reza Arafi — A senior Shiite cleric and trusted figure in regime institutions, including leadership of seminaries and roles in the Guardian Council. Hassan Rouhani — Former president (2013–2021), known for moderate leanings and involvement in the 2015 nuclear deal. Hassan Khomeini — Grandson of Islamic Republic founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, seen as a potential moderate voice, though less embedded in current power structures. Mohammed Mehdi Mirbagheri — A hardline cleric and head of the Islamic Cultural Center in Qom, popular among conservative factions. These names reflect the range of hardline, moderate, and dynastic options under consideration amid intense external pressure. Israel Vows to Target Any Appointed Successor Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a strong warning last week, stating that any successor attempting to "destroy Israel, threaten the United States and the free world and the countries of the region, and suppress the Iranian people" would become an "unequivocal target for elimination.""It does not matter what his name is or the place where he hides," Katz declared in a post on X, underscoring Israel's intent to disrupt regime continuity through military means. Recent Israeli strikes have focused on Iranian internal security command centers, reportedly aimed at weakening control and potentially encouraging an internal uprising. Related Developments in the Conflict Iran has postponed a planned large-scale farewell ceremony for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, originally scheduled to draw massive crowds. Organizers cited security concerns and the expected turnout as reasons for the delay, with no new date announced yet. The succession process unfolds against a backdrop of escalating military operations, including fresh Israeli airstrikes on regime targets, and global market volatility from energy supply disruptions. (Details compiled from reports by Reuters, AP, ABC News, and other international sources as of March 8-9, 2026.)
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Noem THANKS Trump for new Shield of the Americas role after DHS ousting
Noem Thanks Trump, Transitions to New Envoy Role at Shield of the Americas Summit Outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump on Saturday for appointing her to a newly created position as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, following her removal from the position of DHS secretary. Speaking at the summit held at Trump National Doral near Miami, Noem showed no resentment and highlighted her pride in the department’s accomplishments.“I do want to thank the president for creating this and for giving me the honor and the opportunity to serve as a special envoy to this region, to the Western Hemisphere,” she said. “This Shield of the Americas will be a powerful example to the rest of the world about what’s possible.”Noem framed the new role as an expansion of border security cooperation across the Western Hemisphere, emphasizing shared values of freedom, democracy, and safety. Defending Her DHS Record Noem defended her tenure at DHS, claiming significant progress on immigration enforcement.“In the last year, as secretary of Homeland Security, we have focused on securing our border,” she said. “We’ve transformed our country from one that was being invaded… We’ve secured that border. We’ve focused on removing public safety threats, and over 3 million people have been deported or removed from our country in the last year.”She argued that strengthened U.S. borders now enable greater diplomatic and economic engagement with neighboring countries to help them address their own security challenges. Trump Announces Replacement Trump announced earlier this week via Truth Social that Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) will take over as DHS secretary effective March 31, while Noem assumes the special envoy position. The summit drew high-level attendance, including Trump Cabinet members such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Participating Western Hemisphere leaders included Argentina’s Javier Milei, El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, Costa Rica’s Rodrigo Chaves Robles, Panama’s José Raúl Mulino, and others from Bolivia, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Honduras, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. Notably absent were the leaders of Mexico and Venezuela. (Details based on summit remarks and official announcements as of March 8, 2026.)
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