The War on News clip: Trump’s Epic Tantrum War, Biometric Nightmare & Luxon’s Train-Wreck Response

This week on The War on News, Martyn Bradbury lays waste to the latest imperial tantrums, biometric betrayals, and a prime minister whose statement on war was like watching someone read from a checklist of excuses.

🔥 Trump & Israel’s War on Iran — Ground Zero Confusion: The United States and Israel launched major military strikes against Iran in what they’re now calling Operation Epic Fury (or Lion’s Roar by Israeli leadership). The justifications have shifted daily — from “imminent threats” that intelligence later admitted didn’t exist, to missile fears, to regime change, to Israel supposedly planning attacks first — all without a coherent legal basis. The U.S. strikes have killed senior Iranian leaders, including Iran’s Supreme Leader, and sparked retaliatory attacks across the region. Many international observers and political figures argue the action lacks clear congressional authorisation and breaches international law, prompting global criticism and concern.

🧬 Biometric Data for Kiwis — Really?: Amid this chaotic war, the U.S. government threatened to revoke visa-free travel for countries in its Visa Waiver Program unless they agree to hand over far more biometric data. This would include sensitive personal information that could be accessed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — a force already criticised for heavy-handed tactics. Given Trump’s increasing disregard for international law, handing over DNA details to a secretive enforcement arm amid a war raises serious questions about trust and security.

🇳🇿 New Zealand’s Leadership Response — A Train Wreck: Back home, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s attempts to explain New Zealand’s support for the U.S. and Israeli strikes were rambling and incoherent. Critics — including former leaders — have slammed the government for a muted and servile response to a conflict widely seen as illegal and provocative. Some commentators argue New Zealand should emphasise international law and diplomacy rather than reflexive alignment with a war that lacks clear justification.

From shifting war rationales to surrendering sensitive data and a prime minister lost for words — it’s been a brutal week in global and domestic politics. It’s not news. It’s the War on News.