Reposted by Steph Chabot
Status Coup’s @jordanchariton.bsky.social speaks with Erica Barbanel, who has spent months requesting a meeting with NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill. Barbanel was dragged by ICE officers while protesting at the Delaney Hall Detention Center and continues to demand direct dialogue with state leadership.
![CENTCOM commander
Cooper speaks at the CENTCOM change of command ceremony in Tampa, Florida, on 8 August 2025
In June 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that Cooper was President Donald Trump's nominee for commander of the U.S. Central Command, with the grade of admiral.[22] Cooper was selected by the Trump administration over Army general James Mingus, who had been expected to receive the position,[20] in what was interpreted as a prioritization of naval operations ahead of a potential confrontation with Iran and the ongoing mission against the Houthis. Cooper is a critic of Iran and a supporter of Israel, like his predecessor Michael Kurilla.[18] Kurilla recommended him to Trump, who took that into consideration and chose Cooper over several other candidates.[12] On 8 August 2025, he succeeded Kurilla as commander of Central Command,[23] becoming the first naval officer to hold the post since William J. Fallon in 2008, as it was traditionally held by Army or Marine generals.[18]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:axcevwb2ys5byxu6mwi4qzbi/bafkreieeuguhsxhdv6chmsxcmxa3xrowniks6y5ge5wrmjbbdmqxqm6tue)
