Kesha says White House using her song is 'disgusting and inhumane'

Keshais criticizingPresident Donald Trump'sadministration after the White House used one of her songs without permission on TikTok.

"It's come to my attention that The White House has used one of my songs on TikTok to incite violence and threaten war. Trying to make light of war is disgusting and inhumane. I absolutely do NOT approve of my music being used to promote violence of any kind," Keshawrote on social mediaon March 2.

"Love always trumps hate. please love yourself and each other in times like this," she continued. "This show of blatant disregard for human life and quite frankly this attack on all of our nervous systems is the opposite of what I stand for."

The singer also referenced mentions ofTrump in the Department of Justice's files on Jeffrey Epstein, writing, "Also, don't let this distract us from the fact that criminal predatorDonald Trumpappears in the Files over a million times."

On Feb. 10, the White House's TikTok account posted avideocompilation of military fighter jets to Kesha's 2010 song, "Blow" with the caption, "Lethality."

Trump's second term saw aggressive immigration and trade moves, federal downsizing, and assertive foreign interventions in Venezuela and Iran. President Donald Trump has doubled down on an aggressive immigration agenda, emphasizing record-low levels of illegal border crossings and a sweeping expansion of enforcement. In his February 2026 State of the Union address, Trump highlighted a nine‑month period in which, he claimed, "zero illegal aliens" were admitted into the U.S.—a statement that fact-checkers noted conflated admission with release on parole, though data does show no parole releases during that period.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The administration has also promoted major enforcement gains: significant declines in illegal crossings, a dramatic reduction in interior releases, expanded deportation operations, and tightened border controls, according to a February 2026 White House summary of its immigration actions. More broadly, the administration continues implementing executive actions that restrict entry at the southern border and increase immigration enforcement nationwide, including policies tied to TrumpÕs 2025 proclamation invoking federal authority to suspend certain entries. [whitehouse.gov]

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Donald Trump has intensified his tariff‑driven economic strategy in his second term, expanding duties across global partners while positioning tariffs as a central tool to bolster U.S. industry. Despite broad tariff hikes, the U.S. trade deficit surged in late 2025, reaching a record goods shortfall even as the administration sought to curb imports and revive domestic manufacturing—a goal undercut by a decline in factory employment during the same period.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Donald Trump has undertaken an unprecedented downsizing and restructuring of the federal government during his second term, marked by aggressive workforce reductions, major agency overhauls, and expanded executive authority over civil service rules.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Federal workforce cuts accelerated sharply in 2025, with estimates showing reductions ranging from 220,000 to more than 300,000 employees through voluntary departure incentives, pressure campaigns, buyouts, and targeted firingsÑresulting in the smallest federal workforce share recorded since the 1930s.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was created at the start of President Trump's second term to drive sweeping federal workforce reductions. DOGE spearheaded mass buyouts, layoffs, and restructuring across agencies, including the rollout of the Deferred Resignation Program and guidance encouraging the firing of probationary employees. Its initiatives contributed to a net loss of more than 150,000 federal workers early in Trump's second term, with broader governmentwide workforce reductions continuing into 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Elon Musk was appointed to lead DOGE and initially served as the public face of Trump's government‑shrinkage agenda. However, his influence declined significantly after he stepped away from the department and entered a public feud with President Trump. Many DOGE staffers left government during this period, and DOGE became associated with controversial actions including the dismantling of USAID and alleged improper access to agency data. Musk originally claimed DOGE would identify $2 trillion in government savings, but the department's website later estimated only $215 billion, a figure analysts say was overstated.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill", signed July 4, 2025, reshaped federal tax law by extending lower individual tax rates from the 2017 TCJA, increasing standard deductions, and adding new temporary deductions for tips and overtime.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The law also phases out clean‑energy incentives and cuts programs like Medicaid and SNAP, with the Congressional Budget Office projecting a $4.1 trillion increase in deficits over 10 years due to the package.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Trump has aligned many social policies with the goals of Project 2025, targeting reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections, DEI programs, and gender‑affirming care. His administration has signed executive orders eliminating transgender protections, removing DEI offices across federal agencies, and directing schools to deny funding if they allow transgender girls to compete in girls' sports. He has also pursued efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and restrict reproductive‑health access—though not all proposed measures have succeeded.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Trump has moved aggressively to remake federal cultural institutions, ordering the removal of what he calls "anti‑American ideology" from museums, national parks, and research centers. Actions include restoring Confederate statues, removing slavery‑related exhibits and Native‑American history signage from national parks, and pressuring institutions like the Smithsonian and Kennedy Center while installing political allies onto boards. Civil‑rights groups warn these moves risk erasing critical historical truths and reversing decades of social progress

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> During his second term, President Donald Trump has systematically dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government. Executive orders have eliminated DEI offices and policies, with agencies placing all DEI‑related staff on administrative leave and shutting down DEI programs entirely. His administration also removed DEI departments at major cultural institutions such as the Smithsonian and National Gallery of Art in early 2025. Trump has framed DEI initiatives as "anti‑American ideology," directing agencies and cultural institutions to strip references to DEI, sexual orientation and gender identity from rules, grants, and regulations. These moves reflect a broader cultural agenda aimed at reversing equity‑focused policies across education, federal agencies, and the arts sector.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> On January 3, 2026, President Donald Trump ordered a large‑scale U.S. military operation in Venezuela—Operation Absolute Resolve—resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. U.S. forces conducted coordinated strikes across northern Venezuela to suppress air defenses before extracting the pair, who were flown to New York to face narco‑terrorism–related charges. The Trump administration framed the action as a law‑enforcement mission with military support, asserting inherent presidential authority, while Venezuela and several regional governments condemned it as a violation of sovereignty.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> In late February and early March 2026, President Donald Trump announced that the United States had begun "major combat operations in Iran," launching strikes alongside Israel targeting Iranian leadership, military infrastructure, and missile capabilities. The joint assault targeted high‑level officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, and was framed by Trump as necessary to eliminate "imminent threats" and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Trump second term marked by turbulent moves. See photos

Trump's second term saw aggressive immigration and trade moves, federal downsizing, and assertive foreign interventions in Venezuelaand Iran. President Donald Trump has doubled down on an aggressiveimmigrationagenda, emphasizing record-low levels of illegal border crossings and a sweeping expansion of enforcement. In his February 2026 State of the Union address, Trump highlighted a nine‑month period in which, he claimed, "zero illegal aliens" were admitted into the U.S.—a statement that fact-checkers noted conflated admission with release on parole, though data does show no parole releases during that period.

More news:Justin Timberlake sues to keep video of DWI arrest private

White House responds to Kesha after criticism over use of her song

In response to Kesha's post, White House Communications Director Steven Cheungwrote on X,"All these 'singers' keep falling for this. This just gives us more attention and more view counts to our videos because people want to see what they're bitching about. Thank you for your attention to this matter."

Kaelan Dorr, another member of the White House's communications team, alsowrote on X: "Kesha quotes are like Popeye's Spinach to this team Memes? They'll continue. Winning? Will also continue."

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When contacted by USA TODAY for comment, the White House referred to Cheung and Dorr's posts.

After the pair of responses from the White House, Kesha madeanother post on X, writing, "Stop using my music, perverts @WhiteHouse."

Kesha is the latest to disapprove of Trump administration's music use

Kesha joins a growing list of singers who have condemned the Trump administration for using their music on social media.

In December 2025, theWhite House deleted a videofeaturingSabrina Carpenter'ssong "Juno" after shecalled the post "evil and disgusting."

"Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda," Carpenter wrote on X on Dec. 2. The White House's post showed individuals being detained byImmigration and Customs Enforcementwhile the pop star's song played.

Similarly, in November 2025, after theDepartment of Homeland Security used Olivia Rodrigo's song"all-american bitch" on a post promoting deportations, the singer commented, "Don't ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda."

Others who have spoken out against the Trump administration for using their music includeSemisonic,Isaac Hayes,Jess Glynneand evenPokémon.

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached atmelina.khan@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Kesha slams White House for using her song on TikTok

byDonna Devi

in

March 03, 2026

Kesha says White House using her song is 'disgusting and inhumane'

Keshais criticizingPresident Donald Trump'sadministration after the White House used one of her songs without permiss...

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Inside Macron’s new deterrence strategy: 8 European allies, 1 French nuclear button

PARIS (AP) — France is moving to align its nuclear deterrent strategy more closely with European allies while keeping full control over any strike decision — anunprecedented coordinationthat French PresidentEmmanuel Macrondescribed as crucial to bolstering the continent's strategic autonomy.

France Defense

Experts say the plan reflects growing doubts across Europe about U.S. reliability when it comes to the continent's defense. France has beenthe only nuclear power in the European Unionsince Britain's exit from the bloc in 2020.

Macron's move reflects that, in case of a nuclear crisis, France would be the one offering "some form of a nuclear security guarantee," said Florian Galleri, a nuclear deterrence expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's security studies program.

Speaking Monday from a top-secret submarine base in Western France, Macron announced "a new step of France's deterrence."

His speech marked what could be the start of a major shift in policy that would allow, for the first time, temporary deployment of French nuclear-armed aircraft to allied countries.

Macron said that Paris has started nuclear talks with eight nations — Britain, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark. Partners joining the initiative would see their territory "gain a clearly affirmed link to our deterrence," Macron said.

Europe would shoulder more of its own security

American allies have played a central role in Europe's defense since the end of World War II, protecting the continent through NATO's nuclear mission.

However, Macron noted, recent U.S. national security and defense strategies reflect a reshuffling of American priorities.

Faced with heightened tensions with Russia, which has a vast nuclear arsenal and is developing new missiles, and as China expands its nuclear forces, "our way of thinking must change," Macron said.

Outlining the new strategy he called "forward deterrence," Macron insisted that France won't share any decision-making since under its constitution, the president remains solely responsible for any decision on using nuclear weapons.

Still, that stance underscores a fundamental contradiction, Galleri said. "The strategic backing intended to integrate French nuclear deterrence into a collective European defense framework necessarily requires a degree of coordination and joint planning," he argued.

"One cannot, for example, carry out a nuclear strike without consulting a partner," he added.

France's new approach offers the possibility for partners to participate in deterrence exercises, Macron also said. In case of crisis, French nuclear forces could be supported by some European conventional capabilities.

That could involve early warning systems — allies' satellites and radars detecting and tracking missiles, engaging air defense and anti-drone protections and long-range deep-strike capabilities, he said.

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Ultimately, the new doctrine would allow the temporary deployment of nuclear-armed aircraft to allied countries across Europe, Macron added.

Strengthening France's nuclear arsenal

Macron also said that evolving defenses among France's competitors, the emergence of regional powers, possible coordination among adversaries and proliferation risks had led him to conclude that France must increase its number of nuclear warheads, for the first time since the 1990s and the end of the Cold War.

France currently possesses an estimated 290 warheads.

Héloïse Fayet, a nuclear deterrence specialist at the French Institute of International Relations, a Paris-based think tank, cited a part of Macron's speech where the president said France's nuclear deterrent is designed to inflict on an adversary "damage from which they would not recover."

That means "we must always be able to inflict that kind of damage," Fayet said while deploring Macron's decision not to publicize the numbers of France's warheads.

If Russia, for example, improved its defense systems, then France would need "more nuclear warheads," Fayet said.

Complementing NATO's mission

Macron made clear that any European coordination would come in addition to NATO's nuclear mission, in which France does not participate, and be compatible with the alliance's role in European security.

Ian Lesser, a NATO expert and distinguished fellow at the German Marshall Fund, said Macron's move "reflects the state of security in Europe" following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as the "growing uncertainty about the American security commitment to Europe."

Europe now has to "deal with a more aggressive Russia for some time to come," Lesser said.

NATO's deterrence works through a strong American troop presence in Europe, with U.S. nuclear weapons stationed there, including in Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands.

"The bulk of Europe's conventional deterrence is lodged in NATO — strategic command and organization, design and deployment," Lesser stressed.

"NATO is critical," he added and "France is really not looking to weaken that. So the point about it being complementary is important."

Associated Press writer Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report.

byDonna Devi

in

March 03, 2026

Inside Macron’s new deterrence strategy: 8 European allies, 1 French nuclear button

PARIS (AP) — France is moving to align its nuclear deterrent strategy more closely with European allies while keeping ful...

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Football is life! Cristo Fernandez from 'Ted Lasso' trying out for USL team

In the category of "life imitates art," it appears Dani Rojas is looking to take his talents to a real soccer field.

Rojas lines up at center forward for AFC Richmond in the wildly popular Apple TV show "Ted Lasso."

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Now the actor who portrays Rojas, Cristo Fernández, is on trial with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive, per multiple reports.

Fernández, 35, has been training with El Paso since last week and,per KTSM 9 News, he played 30 minutes in Saturday's preseason scrimmage against New Mexico United.

The Mexican actor can be seen prominently in the club's Instagram post following the matchup against New Mexico.

byDonna Devi

in

March 03, 2026

Football is life! Cristo Fernandez from 'Ted Lasso' trying out for USL team

In the category of "life imitates art," it appears Dani Rojas is looking to take his talents to a real soccer f...

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Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton's Whirlwind "Friends With Benefits" Timeline

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

We're only a few weeks into 2026 and we already have our first unexpected celebrity relationship: Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton have arrived. Though, apparently things are very casual and it's a "friends with benefits" situation, so don't get too excited. That said, these two have a lot of history despite the fact that their relationship is pretty fresh. Keep reading for a deep dive on their timeline–plus how Lewis responded to those Kendall Jenner rumors.

September 2, 2015

Kim and Lewis are photographed for the first time (with Nicole Scherzinger and Kanye West) at theGQMen Of The Year awards. Obviously, they're both in relationships with other people, so the vibes are strictly platonic!

March 5, 2015

Kim and Kanye hang with Lewis again at the Balmain Aftershow Dinner during fashion week.

September 14, 2015

The internet starts speculating that Lewis and Kendall Jenner are dating, which he promptly denies, tellingE! News"Me and Kendall have been friends for a while, so we're just friends."

November 1, 2021

Kim and Lewis hang at theWSJ. Magazine2021 Innovator Awards. (Note: she was dating Pete Davidson at the time!)

December 31, 2025

Kim and Lewis both attend Kate Hudson's New Year's Eve party in Aspen, but it's an event packed with celebrities so no one really pays any attention. Pics below....

January 28, 2026

Kim opens up about her dating life to Khloé Kardashian on her podcast, saying—when asked if she's with anyone—"Honestly, no. Isn't that crazy?" She adds, "I just feel like my kids need me. It's really hard when I have to put them to bed every night. I get them up. I take them to school. I get them ready. They sleep in my bed. I haven't had time — and I'm okay with that. I thought, 'You know what? I'm going to be studying. I won't have time. When I'm done, I'll open myself up.' I opened myself up. But it's just, I haven't found anyone. And that's okay."

February 1, 2026

News of Kim and Lewis' relationship leaks thanks toThe Sunrevealing they spent the previous night on a romantic mini getaway to the Cotswolds. An insider says "They had a couples massage booked in and had full use of the facilities for just the two of them. It was all kept very quiet—they clearly wanted to have some time for just the two of them. In the evening, they had dinner in a private room so they didn't have other guests around. Estelle Manor is an incredible place to have a date, it's so luxurious and glamorous."

The couple allegedly spend the night of February 1 in London at the Rosewood Hotel, and a sourcesays"it was 'Netflix and chill' vibes — and they couldn't have been happier. When Kim went out to her event, Lewis stayed at the hotel and waited for her to come back."

February 2, 2026

Kim and Lewis head to Paris and Kim's spotted heading to a date at Aqua Kyoto in a totally transparent catsuit.

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Meanwhile, a source tellsThe Sunthey spent "most of their time together in their room and ordered food there" and were trying to be low key, "using side entrances at hotels, or are using hotels which have underground car parks. They'll then use lifts straight to their room. It's like a military operation moving them from place to place but Kim has her two bodyguards and Lewis has his close protection officer on hand to help things run smoothly."

February 3, 2026

Daily Mailreports that Lewis and Kim's relationship is just "friends with benefits" and that "Lewis and Kim are not dating exclusively. He's not looking to settle down with anyone, including Kim, but they are very cool with embracing the rumors and having a friend with benefits vibe."

Another insider added that Kim and Lewis "has a very calm spirit and he has been there for Kim through her complex co-parenting situation with Kanye," but that he "isn't looking to be a stepdad, not looking to be the 'it' couple with Kim. Their schedules are so demanding right now so this set up works for them."

February 8, 2026

Kim and Lewis are spotted at the Super Bowl!

February 9, 2026

Fans think they hear Lewis in the background of this video!

February 11, 2026

A source tellsPeopleKim "feel safe" and she "genuinely enjoys spending time with him."

"There's a comfort level there, because they've known each other for years," they add. "Kim's gone on dates and met people over the years, but Lewis is the first guy she's really into in a long time. She always liked him. She's excited about their romantic connection."

That said, Kim is "just taking things moment by moment and seeing where it goes. Her life is very much centered in Los Angeles with her kids and work. She's not thinking about the future right now, or putting any pressure on it."

March 2, 2026

Lewis and Kim arespottedat Lake Powell by paps, and then they share photos from their trip.

Stay tuned for updates!

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Who attacked a girls' school in Iran, and will there be accountability?

WASHINGTON – The search for the dead in the apparentU.S. or Israeli missile strikeon the Shajareh Tayyebehall-girls' elementary schoolin Iran has officially ended.

But the questions surrounding the attack that killed at least 175 people have just begun, as international condemnation and calls for investigations – and accountability – were amplified on March 2.

"All alleged violations − including indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks, deliberate targeting of civilians or civilian infrastructure, and attacks on medical facilities and schools − must be promptly, independently, and transparently investigated," one of the world's oldest human rights organizations, the Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), said in a March 2 statement.

"Where evidence of war crimes or other serious violations is found," it added, "those responsible, regardless of rank or official capacity, must be held accountable in accordance with international law."

This picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency shows the site of a strike on a girls' school in Minab, in Iran's southern Hormozgan province, on February 28, 2026. The strike killed at least 175 people, according to Iranian media and officials.

According to President Donald Trump, the United States joined Israel in launching military strikes, as well as "major combat operations," to target Iran's missile capabilities. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the joint strikes with Israel on Iran, an Israeli source confirmed to USA TODAY. Trump also confirmed on Truth Social that the leader had been killed.

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Over 100 killed at girls' school in Iran amid US-Israeli strikes, state media reports

This picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency shows the site ofa strike on a girls' school in Minab, in Iran's southern Hormozgan province, on February 28, 2026.The strike killed at least 175 people, according to Iranian media and officials.According toPresident Donald Trump, the United States joined Israel inlaunching military strikes, as well as "major combat operations," to target Iran's missile capabilities. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the joint strikes with Israel on Iran, an Israeli source confirmed to USA TODAY. Trump also confirmed on Truth Social that the leader had been killed.

The Trump administration has neither ruled out nor admitted responsibility for the attack, which occurred during the opening wave of the U.S.-led operations on Feb. 28.

The Pentagon says it is reviewing the incident, but so far it has not publicly committed to a formal investigation, disciplinary action or other accountability measures.

"It would be difficult to establish a lawful basis for the strike on the school building at a time when it is full of children," David Scheffer, an international law expert who served as the first U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues, told USA TODAY. "It likely is a mistaken targeting decision or based on flawed intelligence about the use of that building."

Here's what to know.

What happened at Shajareh Tayyebeh?

The military strike on the elementary school in Minab, in the southern Hormozgan province near the Sea of Oman, is considered one of the biggest civilian casualty attacks in the newly launched U.S.-Israel war against Iran.

President Donald Trumphas defended the war as necessary in depriving a hostile enemy of nuclear weapons and missile capabilities.

The majority of victims were children, including dozens of young girls between the ages of 7 and 12, according to theIranian news agency IRNA and Iranian officials, in what they allege was an indiscriminate attack on civilians.

Hossein Kermanpour, a spokesman for Iran's health ministry,shared an X post on Feb. 28, calling the majority of those killed at the school "young child martyrs."

"God knows how many more children will be pulled out of the rubble," he wrote. "May God give their families strength and patience."

When the strike hit, the school washolding its first of multiple rotating school shifts, according to Hengaw, a Norway-based organization focusing on human rights violations in Iran. The group added that around 170 students are enrolled in the school's morning shift; however, it is unclear how many were in the building during the strike.

Why was the school struck?

It was not immediately clear why the school was targeted, but old satellite images indicate that the school was previously connected to a facility of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC. Recent satellite images from 2016 showed that the school had since been separated from the IRGC base by a wall,The New York Timesreported.

Video footage of the area circulated online appears to show that the IRGC base was also targeted in the attack, which occurred during the opening phase of the U.S.-Israeli military campaign that began Feb. 28.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks to Cabinet Secretaries during military operations in Iran, in the Situation Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. February 28, 2026. The United States launched military strikes and "major combat operations" against Iran on Saturday, President Donald Trump said, targeting the country's missile capabilities.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the joint strikes with Israel on Iran, an Israeli source confirmed to USA TODAY.

This image was provided by The White House.

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See inside White House and Mar-a-Lago as US leaders monitor attack on Iran

U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks to Cabinet Secretariesduring military operations in Iran, in the Situation Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. February 28, 2026. The United Stateslaunched military strikesand "major combat operations" against Iran on Saturday, PresidentDonald Trumpsaid, targeting the country's missile capabilities.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the joint strikes with Israel on Iran, an Israeli source confirmed to USA TODAY.This image was provided by The White House.

What do US officials say?

So far, the response from the Trump administration has been muted.

The White House has not commented. The Defense Department has offered little response except to say it is probing reports of civilian casualties.

"We are aware of reports concerning civilian harm resulting from ongoing military operations. We take these reports seriously and are looking into them," said Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for the U.S. Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the region.

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"The protection of civilians is of utmost importance," Hawkins said, "and we will continue to take all precautions available to minimize the risk of unintended harm."

The bombing of the school did not come up at Secretary of DefensePete Hegseth's news briefing March 2 with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine.

But Hegseth described the mission of the U.S. campaign, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," as being "laser-focused" on destroying Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities.

"We're hitting them surgically, overwhelmingly and unapologetically," Hegseth told reporters.

"As the President warned," Hegseth also said, "an effort of this scope will include casualties. War is hell and always will be."

What do war crimes and humanitarian laws say?

Such attacks on schools, especially intentional ones, can be war crimes under international and even U.S. rules of engagement, legal experts told USA TODAY March 2.

At the very least, they are grounds for intensive investigations into how the target was chosen, who authorized it and whether it was intentional.

Col. Morris Davis, a former war crimes prosecutor who retired as the director of the Air Force Judiciary, said the laws of war are clear: Schools and other civilian targets cannot be targeted unless there is clear evidence that enemy forces are using the facility for operations, to store weapons, to quarter troops or for other acts of war.

"You saw that in Gaza, where you can have a protected site that is converted to a prohibited use, and it loses protected status," Davis said.

"Obviously, this is a monumental incident and typically an investigation would be convened to determine two things," said Davis, the former chief prosecutor at the U.S. military base in Guantanamo Bay. "One is to determine accountability, and another for lessons learned. How do we prevent this from happening again?"

In an investigation, some of the questions that should be asked would include: Was the school the intended target? Was it struck while attacking the nearby IRGC facility? And if so, what intelligence supported the strike, and were civilian risk estimates conducted?

Such investigations would be ordered and overseen by the military leader in charge of that theater, according to military policy, in this case, the commander of Central Command, Davis told USA TODAY.

"But I think that's something that in the current environment, would be a good way to be unemployed come Monday," Davis said, citing remarks about the current war by Hegseth and other officials. "So do I expect anybody to be held accountable? No."

What are human rights organizations saying?

Iran's government labeled the attack on the school a war crime and demanded action by the United Nations.

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, alsocondemned the attackon the school as "a grave violation of humanitarian law."

A satellite image shows black smoke rising and heavy damage at Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026. Khamenei was killed in the joint strikes with Israel on Iran, an Israeli source confirmed to USA TODAY.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

See inside White House and Mar-a-Lago as US leaders monitor attack on Iran

A satellite image shows black smoke rising and heavy damage at Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound,following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026. Khameneiwas killed in the joint strikes with Israel on Iran, an Israeli source confirmed to USA TODAY.

UNSecretary-General António Guterresalso condemned the attack, as well as the retaliatory strikes by Iran that hit several Middle Eastern countries.

The International Federation for Human Rights was one of numerous organizations to call on the U.S. and Israel to quickly investigate the matter to determine who ordered the strike, what information they possessed at the time.

The group singled out the attack on the school targeting civilian infrastructure, saying "a majority" of the victims were children. But it cited other reports indicating that hundreds of civilians have also been killed in various Iranian cities, including in attacks on hospitals.

Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Rights groups want answers in attack on Iran girls school. Here's why

byDonna Devi

in

March 03, 2026

Who attacked a girls' school in Iran, and will there be accountability?

WASHINGTON – The search for the dead in the apparentU.S. or Israeli missile strikeon the Shajareh Tayyebehall-girls' ...

Read More