August 3, 2023 - Your Daily Digest

Trump enters a plea, Poland warns of further provocation, Navy sailors arrested, and more in today's digest

Today is August 3, 2023, and here are five stories that you need to know about. If you enjoy my newsletter, please consider a monthly subscription to support my work, get access to exclusive content, and more.

1) Trump Pleads Not Guilty

Today, Donald Trump plead not guilty to four federal criminal charges associated with his actions on January 6, 2021. At this hearing, prosecutors did not seek detention of the former President, and the Magistrate Judge set the first hearing before Judge Chutkan for August 28, 2023 at 10 AM. Donald Trump will not need to appear at this next hearing. Special Counsel Jack Smith was present at today’s hearing. As a reminder, Trump faces four criminal charges with a maximum penalty of 55 years in federal prison (although if convicted, he would be sentenced to much less per the sentencing guidelines). It remains to be seen how soon Donald Trump will face trial in this latest criminal case. Stay tuned for more.

2) Two Navy Sailors Arrested

The United States Attorney for the Southern District of California has announced charges against two United States Navy sailors for sharing highly sensitive national defense information with China. According to prosecutors, the sailors entered into a “handler/asset” relationship with a Chinese intelligence officer in February 2022. The sailors then, allegedly, sent numerous photographs and videos of Navy ships to the Chinese officer, along with technical and mechanical manuals relating to the ships’ layout and weapons systems. In exchange, at least one of the sailors received monetary compensation. The two have been arrested and are pending arraignment.

3) Poland Warns of Further Provocation

Poland’s Prime Minister is warning of additional provocation from Belarus as tensions in the region continue to increase. In a post on Twitter, the Polish Prime Minister wrote: "We warn against provocations from Russia and Belarus. The Wagner group may carry out sabotage actions, and all those who underestimate this threat may be responsible for further provocations and intrigues from that side.” Four days ago, the public was made aware of more than 100 Wagner mercenaries moving toward a thin strip of land, known as the Suwalki gap, between Poland and Lithuania. In the past 48 hours, Poland has also alleged that two Belarusian helicopter violated Polish airspace. Poland has since summoned the Belarusian ambassador over the incident. This situation is worth monitoring closely, and I will update you as we learn more.

4) US Considering Major Iran-Related Action

According to initial reports, the United States government is considering a plan to put armed troops on civilian ships in an effort to stop seizures by the Iranian military. The troops would be placed on ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. As you may know, over the past several years, Iran has seized a number of ships in the strait as part of its plans to pressure the United States over the now-collapsed Iran Nuclear Deal. The United States is considering this drastic measure to deter future seizures, and comes as thousands of marines are currently on their way to the Persian Gulf on the USS Bataan and the USS Carter Hall. Stay tuned for more.

5) Situation in Niger Continues to Worsen

Today, the situation in Niger continued to worsen as the military junta currently in charge of the country cut the signal to french media RFI and France24. This comes as the ECOWAS Standby Force, which includes a military rapid-reaction force used by the economic community of West African states, has reportedly been placed into an “Combat-Alert Status.” Meanwhile, an ultimatum given by the ECOWAS to the military junta to seize control of Niger expires this Sunday. According to reports, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Benin will send troops to Niger to assist the ECOWAS if requested, while Mali and Burkina Faso would fight alongside the junta currently in control of Niger. Stay tuned for more.