The Marine Corps general tapped to lead U.S. military operations in Latin America says he's ready to oversee an expanded presence but isn't sure what the Trump administration has planned.
Democrats and Sen. Angus King , a Maine Independent, pressed Donovan for details on how he would oversee Southern Command and for the broad outline of the Trump administration's long-term plans for the region.
Donovan, however, said he didn't know. “So you don’t know what the plan is now? You don’t know why all those ships and aircraft and soldiers are there?” King asked. “Senator, I do not,” Donovan said, explaining that he isn't involved in military plans for the region in his current role as vice commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command. But Donovan acknowledged that the renewed interest in Latin America is likely to bring changes to the Southern Command, which is headquartered in Doral, Florida. “Do you expect, because of this pivot to the Western Hemisphere, that SouthCom this year is going to have to be much different than SouthCom last year?" asked Sen. Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat.The confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Service Committee was the latest effort by some lawmakers to question the Trump administration over its military operations in Latin America and its justification for the boat strikes, which have prompted concernsLawmakers also questioned Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, nominated to lead the National Security Agency, over his views on surveillance and concerns that the NSA could be used against innocent Americans. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, a former CIA analyst, said she worries that the Trump administration could order the NSA to spy on Americans because of their political views or speech, something she said is expressly forbidden by federal law.one of several Democratic lawmakers who say they face criminal investigation by the Trump administration“Senator, if confirmed, I will execute my responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution and all applicable laws,” Rudd said.. The NSA director also runs the Pentagon's Cyber Command, giving it a critical role in the nation's defensive and offensive cyber capabilities. Lawmakers from both parties said they expect the nominations to be approved. A vote has not been announced. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Chilly Thursday gives way to freezing weather in Northeast Florida, Southeast GeorgiaBelgian man on a mission to locate relatives of Jacksonville WWII soldierWhy do ICE agents cover their faces? That's a question many religious leaders want answered▶23-year-old Gainesville mother calls 911 to admit she drowned her 7-month-old in bathtub: police say23-year-old Gainesville mother calls 911 to admit she drowned her 7-month-old in bathtub: police say2 Gainesville police officers who were injured in shootout released from hospitalMan killed in shootout with Gainesville police▶Fruit Cove Estates residents unite against proposed Daily’s gas station for the 3rd time since 2016Jaguars reflect on breakthrough season, turn focus to building on 13-Win campaign▶DID SOMEONE SAY ICE CREAM? 🍦🍪😍City Council to vote on $3M sale of historic downtown Armory buildingClay County road construction traffic headachesDeSantis delivers final State of the State addressSt. Marys Elementary to remain closed Tuesday as crews remove bats found in buildingSplit Happens Ep. 6: Why courtroom etiquette matters more than you thinkJacksonville Free Press reporter's comments to Jags coach Liam Coen after playoff loss spark debateJacksonville Free Press reporter's comments to Jags coach Liam Coen after playoff loss spark debateCold front to bring chilly temperatures to Northeast Florida, Southeast GeorgiaDeSantis announces ‘historic’ rate reductions for Citizens Insurance policyholdersSheriff Waters on recent officer-involved shootings▶Buffalo Bills fans make their presence known ahead of Sunday's playoff showdownCapt. Duval came over from London and shares his love for the Jags and the people of Duval CountyCapt. Duval came over from London and shares his love for the Jags and the people of Duval CountyMayor Donna Deegan welcomes Buffalo fans but predicts they'll be going home sadJaguars Jeopardy: Do you know as much about the Jags as our contestants?
Elissa Slotkin Joshua Rudd Mark Kelly Alvin Holsey Washington News Francis Donovan World News Nicolas Maduro Donald Trump Tim Haugh
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