Thursday morning news: May 22, 2025

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Pentagon accepts Qatari aircraft » The Pentagon says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has accepted a gifted Boeing 747 from Qatar to be used as Air Force One for the president.

President Trump says accepting the jet is a no-brainer, adding it will save money for U.S. taxpayers.

TRUMP: They’re giving the United States Air Force a jet, okay? And it’s a great thing.

Boeing is working on two new replacement aircraft to serve as Air Force One … but the program has faced delays and cost overruns.

A Pentagon spokesman says the Defense Dept will work to make sure the plane is safe for the president. He added that the jet is being accepted “in accordance with all federal rules and regulations.”

Critics have raised concerns about the aircraft being a violation of the Constitution’s prohibition on foreign gifts.

South African leader at the White House » At the White House on Wednesday, the president hosted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and pressed him about violence against white farmers in his country, which Trump called “genocide.”

TRUMP:  People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety. Their land is being confiscated, and in many cases they're being killed.

He played videos during the meeting that he said depicted the racially driven persecution of those farmers.

The meeting came after the White House expedited the refugee approvals of roughly 60 white South African farmers.

Ramaphosa told Trump that the victims of violence are both white and black. He added that those calling for the deaths of white farmers represent a minority political group … that does not reflect the views of his government.

RAMAPHOSA: Our government policy is completely, completely against what he was saying.

Ramaphosa says he is seeking a partnership with the US to combat crime and improve trade relations at the White House.

GOP 'big bill' push » The president also met with Republican lawmakers at the White House yesterday, looking to sway holdouts in the push to pass what Trump calls his “one big beautiful bill.” The legislation would cover his top priorities.

Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters:

JOHNSON:   That was a very productive meeting at the White House. It was a, a collection of, of leaders from the house and most of 'em, uh, freedom Caucus leaders, and, and we had a good discussion.

The White House also said the meeting was “productive” and that it moved the ball in the right direction.

Several conservative members are looking for more savings to lower the deficit as part of any reconciliation bill.

Speaker Johnson said he still plans to hold a final vote this week.

Congressman dies » Congressman Gerry Connolly has died.

The longtime Virginia Democrat joined the U.S. House in 2009 eventually serving as ranking member of the House Oversight Committee.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries:

JEFFRIES: He really was a member’s member, someone who conducted himself with the highest degree of intellect, brilliance, resilience, integrity, humor and wit.

Connolly last year announced an esophageal cancer diagnosis. His family says he died at home Wednesday surrounded by family members. He was 75 years old.

DOJ religious liberty suit » The Department of Justice is suing the city of Troy, Idaho in a religious liberty case. WORLD’s Benjamin Eicher has more.

BENJAMIN EICHER: The DOJ says the city unfairly blocked a church from holding services in a downtown building. Christ Church had planned to use a former bank building for Sunday worship.

While the city allows similar uses—like clubs, art galleries, and museums—it denied the church’s request. The DOJ says that’s because some residents didn’t agree with the church’s beliefs. IF true, that could violate federal law protecting religious groups from being treated differently under local zoning rules.

The DOJ is asking the court to require Troy to approve the permit and to provide training for city officials on religious freedom laws.

But Troy City Attorney Todd Richardson told WORLD that locals voiced concerns about traffic flow from the building, not the church’s beliefs.

For WORLD, I’m Benjamin Eicher.

Hong Kong journalists » A media group in Hong Kong says tax authorities in the territory, which is now under the thumb of the Chinese communist government … are weaponizing the tax system against free speech.

Selina Cheng chairs the Hong Kong Journalists Association.

CHENG:  In the current case, if a number of media outlets or journalists are coming under financial duress created by unwarranted audits, then it does affect their ability to be able to work continually.

The group says tax authorities have targeted at least 20 people, including journalists, current or former heads of media organizations and their families, with audits without sufficient evidence.

Authorities in Hong Kong have taken a number of steps to crack down on criticism of the government since Beijing effectively seized control of the territory in 2020.

I'm Kent Covington.

Straight ahead: President Trump unveils plans for a missile defense system. Plus, what’s next for Afghan refugees after losing their Temporary Protected Status?

This is The World and Everything in It.

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