US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is set to be interviewed on Wednesday in a closed-door session with the House Oversight Committee about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.The scheduled appearance was confirmed in the supplied material, which says the committee will question Lutnick behind closed doors.No further details were provided on the scope of the interview or whether any documents are expected.The hearing places a senior member of President Donald Trump's cabinet under congressional scrutiny over a matter linked to Epstein, whose associations have continued to draw political attention.The closed format suggests lawmakers are treating the session as a sensitive oversight... [Continue Reading]
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran. If they don't agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" - "The White House Ballroom is going up rapidly on the East... [Continue Reading]
Republicans are proposing $1 billion in an immigration bill for security improvements linked to a construction project at the White House East Wing.The plan includes a new ballroom that President Donald Trump has said would be built with private dollars.The only confirmed detail in the proposal is that the money would be directed to security improvements as part of the wider East Wing project.The row does not say when the funding would be considered or how it would be allocated.The proposal matters because it ties a major federal immigration bill to work at one of the most sensitive government sites... [Continue Reading]
A grand jury in Washington has added a new assault charge to the case against a California man accused of trying to assassinate Donald Trump at a gala in the capital.The indictment, unsealed on Tuesday, also keeps in place attempted-assassination and firearms counts.Prosecutors say Cole Tomas Allen, 31, is accused of assaulting a US officer or employee with a deadly weapon.Court documents say the new charge relates to a Secret Service officer who was shot but not seriously wounded during the incident at the White House Correspondents Dinner on 25 April.Allen was previously charged last week by criminal complaint and... [Continue Reading]
At least five Trump-backed candidates have won Republican primary races in Indiana after President Donald Trump endorsed challengers against seven GOP lawmakers who had opposed his redistricting push.The confirmed wins came in contests involving Republican incumbents who broke with Trump over the redistricting effort.The supplied material says the challengers were backed by Trump, but does not identify the individual races or candidates.The result matters because it shows Trump's influence remains strong in Indiana Republican primaries and could reshape the state party's balance of power.It also underscores the political cost for lawmakers who resisted his redistricting plan.The races were triggered by... [Continue Reading]
US President Donald Trump has paused a United States military operation to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, after saying there had been progress towards a final deal with Iran.The move affects Project Freedom, the escort plan announced only a day earlier, and comes after Trump said the pause would be for a short period.He also cited a request from Pakistan.The decision is significant because the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most sensitive shipping routes, and any change in security arrangements there can quickly affect commercial traffic and energy markets.That was reflected in market reaction... [Continue Reading]
Pope Leo has responded to criticism from Donald Trump by saying his mission is to preach the Gospel and peace, after the US president accused him of endangering Catholics over comments on Iran and the Middle East.The pope said anyone was free to criticise him, but added that he hoped to be listened to because of the value of God's words.He said the Church's mission was to preach peace and repeated that he would continue to call for it.The exchange comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due at the Vatican for a two-day visit.The State Department said... [Continue Reading]
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social at 5 May 2026 at 19:59 BST: "Good luck to those Great Indiana Senate Candidates who are running against people who couldn't care less about our Country, or about keeping the Majority in Congress. There are eight Great Patriots running against long seated RINOS, Let's see how those RINOS do tonight! TRUMP" Explanation: President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social at 5 May 2026 at 19:59 BST: he is endorsing, in effect, a slate of Indiana Senate candidates he calls "Great Patriots" against "long seated RINOS, " and framing the races as a... [Continue Reading]
A Secret Service agent in Miami has been charged with indecent exposure after police said he was seen masturbating in a hotel hallway.The officer, identified as John Spillman, was in the city for an event attended by President Donald Trump over the weekend, according to the supplied report.The immediate consequence is a criminal charge against a federal law enforcement officer, raising questions about conduct while on assignment.No further details about the charge, court process or any internal response were provided in the supplied material.The case matters because it involves a member of the Secret Service, an agency responsible for protecting... [Continue Reading]
The U.S. military carried out an aerial strike on a boat in the Caribbean, killing two people, according to the supplied report.The strike was part of an ongoing campaign against boats the Trump administration accuses of smuggling drugs.The latest attack brought the death toll in that campaign to at least 187.No further details were provided in the supplied material about the boat's route, the identities of those killed, or any immediate response from U.S. officials.The reported toll underlines the scale of the campaign and suggests the strikes remain active.It also adds to scrutiny of the administration's approach to alleged drug-smuggling... [Continue Reading]
Donald Trump used a White House event for Small Business Week to present the US economy in upbeat terms, describing it as "roaring" and saying gas prices would go down soon.The remarks came as he addressed the economic backdrop of the Iran war, but the supplied material does not include any new policy announcement or specific economic measures.The comments are notable because they frame the conflict's economic impact in political messaging terms rather than as an immediate domestic crisis.They also suggest the White House is seeking to reassure businesses and consumers about prices.The event was held at the White House... [Continue Reading]
Dimitri Simes is challenging charges brought during the Biden administration over his work connected to Russian television, arguing that the case violates free speech protections.The row identifies Simes as a former Trump adviser and says the administration described him as a Russian propagandist.It does not provide further details on the specific charges or the court handling the challenge.The dispute adds to a politically sensitive legal case involving speech, foreign media work and allegations tied to Russia.It also places the Biden administration's actions under direct legal challenge from a figure with past ties to Donald Trump.Simes has been described in the... [Continue Reading]
The Trump administration is discussing whether to impose oversight on artificial intelligence models before they are made publicly available, according to the supplied report.The discussion marks a shift from the administration's earlier noninterventionist approach to AI.The idea under consideration is pre-release vetting, rather than action taken after a model has already been released.No decision, rule or enforcement action has been announced.The report does not say what form any oversight might take or which models would be covered.The development matters because it suggests the White House is weighing a more active role in AI policy at a time when governments are... [Continue Reading]
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "Greg Abbott is the strong and highly respected Governor of Texas, a State I love and WON BIG three times, including with 6.4 Million Votes in 2024 (The most Votes in History, BY FAR)! Thanks to Greg's bold and effective Leadership, the wonderful people of Texas will have the opportunity to elect 5 new MAGA Republicans in the 2026 Midterm Elections with the passage of their new, fair, and much improved, Congressional Map, A BIG WIN for Republicans in The Lone Star State, and across the... [Continue Reading]
The European Commission has rejected Israel's advance beyond the Gaza ceasefire line, saying any attempt at territorial change in the enclave is unacceptable.The comments came after Israeli forces pushed past the so-called yellow and orange lines established under a US-brokered ceasefire.Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni made the remarks in Brussels, citing the Trump peace plan and UN Security Council resolution 2735.The row centres on reported Israeli Defence Forces movement beyond the marked boundary of Israeli-controlled territory.The reported advance has also complicated aid operations.Aid organisations are said to need coordination with Israeli authorities to move in the area, while reports say... [Continue Reading]
The United States has announced it will withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, prompting fresh attention on Washington's military role in Europe and the wider response to the Iran war.The Pentagon said on Friday that the troops would be removed from Germany, where more than 36,000 US personnel are currently stationed.Donald Trump said the following day that he would go "a lot further" than the initial drawdown.The move comes as NATO and European leaders assess how to adapt to a possible reduction in the US commitment to the continent's security.Mark Rutte, the NATO chief, said Europeans had "gotten the message" and... [Continue Reading]
Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani has been hospitalised and is in critical but stable condition, according to his spokesperson and a public post by Donald Trump.Ted Goodman said Giuliani was in hospital but did not say why he had been admitted or how long he had been there.Trump described Giuliani as having been hospitalised and said he was in critical condition.Goodman later said Giuliani was a fighter who had faced every challenge in his life with unwavering strength.No further medical details were given.The development is significant because Giuliani remains a prominent political figure in the United States and a... [Continue Reading]
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to travel to Italy this week for meetings in Rome, including a planned audience with Pope Leo, according to Vatican and Italian sources.The meeting is understood to take place on Thursday.Reports said the visit is intended to help ease tensions after weeks of strain linked to criticism from US President Donald Trump of the pope's anti-war rhetoric.Rubio is also expected to meet Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.An Italian government source said he had asked for a meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and media reports... [Continue Reading]
Iran says it has received a US response to its latest peace proposal, with the reply delivered via Pakistan and now under review, according to Iranian state-linked media.The reported exchange comes amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington, and follows comments by US President Donald Trump that he would soon review the plan but could not imagine it being acceptable.Iranian state media said the 14-point proposal calls for an agreement within 30 days and for hostilities to end, including fighting beyond Iran.It also reportedly seeks the withdrawal of US forces from near Iran's borders and an end to the naval... [Continue Reading]
Attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army could derail Pakistan's plans for a billion-dollar mining deal linked to the Trump administration.The threat is centred on Balochistan and the Reko Diq project, according to the supplied reporting.No further details were provided on the timing, location of any specific attack, or the terms of the deal.The reported risk matters because the mining agreement is described as a major economic ambition for Pakistan.Any sustained insurgent violence in the area could complicate efforts to move the project forward.Balochistan has long been the focus of separatist violence, and the Baloch Liberation Army has been one of... [Continue Reading]
Former President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Andy Barr for the US Senate seat in Kentucky.This endorsement comes as Nate Morris, a candidate backed by Elon Musk, announced his withdrawal from the Senate race.Morris revealed he would be joining the Trump administration, a decision made shortly after a meeting with Trump the previous day.The immediate facts confirm that Morris's exit consolidates support behind Barr in the Kentucky Senate race.Morris's withdrawal and subsequent appointment to the Trump administration mark a significant shift in the political landscape of the race.No casualties or disruptions have been reported in relation to this political development.The... [Continue Reading]
The National Institutes of Health (N.I.H.) has reinstated Jenna Norton, an employee who was previously placed on leave.Norton had publicly criticized research funding cuts implemented during the Trump administration.She filed a whistleblower complaint alleging that the agency's leadership retaliated against her for her criticism.The complaint led to a review of her case, resulting in her reinstatement at the N.I.H.Details about the specific terms of her return or any changes in agency policy have not been disclosed.No further disciplinary actions have been reported.This incident highlights ongoing tensions within federal research agencies regarding political influence and funding decisions.Norton's case underscores concerns about... [Continue Reading]
The United States Department of Defense has announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany over the next six to twelve months.This move fulfills a threat made by former President Donald Trump following tensions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz related to the ongoing war in Iran.Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the withdrawal, stating that the decision follows a thorough review of the department's force posture in Europe and reflects theatre requirements and conditions on the ground.The troop reduction represents approximately 14 percent of the 36,000 American service members currently stationed in Germany.The US maintains several major military facilities in Germany,... [Continue Reading]
President Donald Trump has informed Congress that hostilities between the United States and Iran have ceased due to an ongoing ceasefire.He stated that there has been no exchange of fire since April 7, 2026, marking the termination of hostilities that began on February 28, 2026.Trump's notification comes on the 60th day since he formally informed Congress of US strikes against Iran.Under the War Powers Resolution, US law requires the president to end the use of armed forces within 60 days unless Congress authorizes a continuation or declares war.The president argues that because of the ceasefire, he does not need congressional... [Continue Reading]
US President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's latest peace proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between the two countries.The proposal was submitted via Pakistan, which has been mediating between Washington and Tehran.Trump stated that the terms contained in the Iranian offer were unacceptable and that he was "not satisfied" with the deal.He warned that negotiations may fail and that conflict could resume if an agreement is not reached.The ceasefire between the US and Iran has been in place for three weeks, temporarily halting hostilities that began after US-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28.Despite this pause, talks... [Continue Reading]
US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union will be increased to 25% starting next week.This decision marks a significant escalation in trade tensions between the United States and the EU.The current tariff rate on EU vehicles is 15%, established under a trade deal negotiated last July.Trump accused the EU of "not complying with our fully agreed to trade deal" but did not provide specific details on the alleged non-compliance.The tariff hike affects a key European industry, with countries like Germany and France likely to be impacted due to their... [Continue Reading]
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico is currently under significant pressure from the Trump administration to arrest a Mexican governor.This demand places her in a challenging political position with limited options.The immediate fact is that the Trump administration has explicitly requested the arrest of a governor allied with the Mexican government.This request has not yet been acted upon.No confirmed reports of arrests or official responses from President Sheinbaum's administration have been made public.The situation has the potential to disrupt Mexico's internal political dynamics and strain diplomatic relations with the United States.This matter is significant as it highlights the influence of the... [Continue Reading]
The United States has intensified its naval blockade of Iran, with President Donald Trump confirming no plans to lift the siege amid ongoing economic turmoil.The blockade, in place since late February, aims to exert maximum economic pressure on the Iranian regime.On April 30, the Iranian rial plummeted to a historic low of 1.8 million rials per US dollar, marking a significant depreciation since the conflict began.The euro also traded at 2.1 million rials, reflecting the accelerated collapse of the currency.This currency freefall has exacerbated Iran's inflation crisis, with annual inflation reaching 53.7% in the first month of the Iranian calendar... [Continue Reading]
US President Donald Trump announced on 30 April 2026 that he is reviewing the possible reduction of US troops stationed in Germany.This statement follows recent critical remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the US approach to the ongoing conflict with Iran.Trump stated that the US is "studying and reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time." The US currently maintains a significant military presence in Germany, with over 36,000 active duty troops deployed across various bases.The announcement came shortly after Chancellor Merz accused the US of... [Continue Reading]
The United States is currently "studying" the possibility of reducing the thousands of troops it has stationed in Germany, US President Donald Trump announced via social media.This announcement follows recent criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the US approach to the war in Iran.Trump stated he is "studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time." The US maintains a significant military presence in Germany, with over 36,000 active duty troops assigned to bases across the country as of late 2025.Chancellor Merz criticized the US... [Continue Reading]
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth testified before Congress on April 29 regarding the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.This marked his first public hearing on the war since it began on February 28.During the testimony, Pentagon officials revealed that the war has cost the United States approximately $25 billion so far.The majority of these expenses have been attributed to munitions, deployment of additional assets to the Middle East, and equipment losses.Hegseth defended the Trump administration's war policy and the Pentagon's request for a $1.45 trillion defense budget, representing a 40% increase from the previous year.The hearing included tense exchanges with... [Continue Reading]
King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on April 29, 2026, as part of their ongoing four-day state visit to the United States.The royal couple laid flowers at the memorial and met with families of the victims and local leaders, including New York City's Mayor Zohran Mamdani.The visit took place a day after King Charles addressed the US Congress, where he emphasised the United Kingdom's and NATO's military support for the United States following the September 11, 2001 attacks.The couple's presence at the memorial was marked by a note in the king's handwriting... [Continue Reading]
The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill challenging the state's ban on federal immigration agents wearing masks during operations.New Jersey is among a small number of states that have enacted such restrictions.The lawsuit was announced on April 29, 2026, highlighting the federal government's opposition to the state's policy.Governor Sherrill's administration has sought to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from concealing their identities with masks while conducting enforcement activities.No immediate information on casualties or disruptions has been reported in connection with the lawsuit.The legal action represents a formal dispute between state and federal... [Continue Reading]
Former FBI Director James Comey surrendered to authorities on Wednesday to face charges alleging that an Instagram post he shared threatened the life of President Donald Trump.The post contained a photo of seashells arranged to read "86 47," which prosecutors interpret as a call to violence against Trump, the 47th president of the United States.Comey denies any wrongdoing, stating he was unaware of the meaning behind the numbers and claims the prosecution is politically motivated.He did not enter a plea during his brief court appearance in Virginia.The charges include knowingly and willfully making a threat to take the life of... [Continue Reading]
Jerome H.Powell will continue as a governor at the Federal Reserve after his term as chair ends, aiming to protect the central bank's independence from political interference.Powell's decision follows concerns about the Trump administration's attempts to influence the Federal Reserve.He will remain on the board for an undetermined period, potentially until January 2028.This move prevents President Donald Trump from appointing a new member to the Fed's seven-member board, maintaining continuity amid ongoing legal and political pressures.Powell cited unprecedented legal attacks from the Trump administration as a key reason for his continued presence, expressing concern that these could undermine the institution... [Continue Reading]
The United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, testified publicly before Congress on April 29 regarding the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran, which began on February 28, 2026.This marked Hegseth's first public appearance since the conflict started.During the hearing, the Pentagon officially disclosed that the war has cost approximately $25 billion so far.This figure was detailed by Jules Hurst III, the Pentagon's acting comptroller, who noted that most of the expenditure was on munitions, deployment of assets to the Middle East, and equipment lost in the fighting.Hegseth faced intense questioning from lawmakers about the war's long-term goals and timeline.He defended... [Continue Reading]
US President Donald Trump has ordered the cancellation of a planned second round of peace talks with Iran, scheduled to take place in Islamabad.Trump instructed US envoys not to attend the talks, citing frustration with Iran's approach to negotiations.He warned Iran to "get smart soon" and agree to a peace deal, posting on social media that "No more Mr Nice Guy" would apply if Iran failed to comply.The peace talks were intended to be held in Pakistan, with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner set to participate.However, Trump stated that the US holds "all the cards" and refused... [Continue Reading]
As a journalist in my mid-fifties, I thought my skin had thickened to the point of being impenetrable. I have covered the rise and fall of regimes, the grinding gears of the Cold War's leftovers, and the digital revolutions that promised to unite us. I thought I had seen every trick in the political playbook. Then came Donald Trump’s 2026 foreign policy, and I realized I was not watching a statesman; I was watching a child play with a chemistry set he does not understand. The Willy Wonka of the West: Rule by Whim Walking into a press briefing lately... [Continue Reading]
A Voice in the Wilderness of War: Who Still Dares to Speak Truth While Empires March There are moments in history when the world suddenly accelerates toward disaster, moments when anyone who has studied history can feel the temperature rising even before the explosions reach their peak. The current escalation in the Middle East is one of those moments. According to the facts we now see unfolding, the United States and Israel made the unilateral decision to attack Iran without the approval of the United Nations, without a global coalition mandate, and without the support of most of the international... [Continue Reading]
A Region on Edge: The Latest Escalation In recent months, tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified once again, fueled by disputes over regional security, nuclear development, maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, and the broader strategic balance in the Middle East. Officials in Washington have expressed renewed concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, while leaders in Tehran have accused the United States of economic warfare through sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The fragile equilibrium that followed earlier rounds of indirect negotiations appears increasingly strained, with both sides engaging in sharp rhetoric at the United Nations, reinforcing military postures... [Continue Reading]
Power, Greed, Oil, and the Theater of Modern Geopolitics The Business Model of Power Donald Trump does not govern like a traditional politician. He governs like a negotiator who believes every geopolitical crisis is leverage, every war threat is a bargaining chip, and every market panic is an opportunity. When markets tremble, someone profits. The question is, who? Global markets react instantly to political tension. Gold rises when conflict looms. Oil spikes when instability threatens production. Stock markets collapse on fear, then rebound on reassurance. Volatility is not chaos, it is opportunity. Historically, gold has surged during major geopolitical crises,... [Continue Reading]