US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon will end military diversity programs. He said all combat troops will now have to meet the highest male standard. His comments came during a defense meeting where President Donald Trump spoke to senior military leaders from around the world.
The event marked a major change in Pentagon policy and sparked strong reaction in Washington.The government is also facing a shutdown deadline with funding set to expire at midnight.
Even though Republicans control Congress and the White House they still need support from Senate Democrats to pass a deal.
If no agreement is reached federal services could stall. Past shutdowns have stopped food inspections delayed immigration hearings and slowed federal lending for homebuyers. Americans now wait to see if lawmakers can strike a last minute deal before time runs out.
