Watch live: House Republicans give remarks amid Hegseth turmoil

The publisher of the Franklin the Turtle children's book series has condemned a recent online post by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that depicted the character in a violent context. This condemnation highlights concerns over the appropriateness of using children's characters in controversial political discourse.

The White House has distanced itself from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding allegations that he ordered military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of all individuals on board. A spokesperson clarified that while Hegseth gave the order for strikes, he did not instruct to 'kill everybody.'

The publisher of 'Franklin the Turtle' has condemned U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his unauthorized use of the beloved children's character in a meme that targets narco-terrorists. This condemnation highlights concerns over the appropriateness of depicting a children's character in a violent context.

John Yoo, the author of the Torture Memos, criticized the Trump administration's military strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean, asserting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated the U.S. law of war manual by allegedly ordering troops to 'kill everybody' on board. Yoo emphasized that soldiers should not have obeyed such orders, highlighting the legal and ethical implications of these actions.

The Trump administration has announced plans to invest $150 million in xLight, a startup focused on developing laser technology to enhance semiconductor manufacturing. The Commerce Department confirmed that it has signed a non-binding preliminary letter of intent to offer federal incentives to the company under the CHIPS and Science Act in exchange for equity.

The Trump administration has paused all asylum decisions and halted visa issuance for Afghan nationals following a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., which critically injured two members of the National Guard. This decision has left many asylum seekers, including those from Afghanistan, in a state of uncertainty regarding their immigration status and future in the U.S.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an investigation into allegations that tax money from Minnesota was funneled to the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab, based in Somalia. This inquiry follows reports suggesting that millions in taxpayer funds were misappropriated through welfare fraud schemes, potentially benefiting the group.

A recent report indicates that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a military strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean on September 2 but did not instruct the killing of any survivors from the attack. This clarification comes amid allegations that he directed a broader lethal operation against all individuals aboard the vessel.