Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is capitalizing on growing criticism of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ahead of a crucial European Parliament confidence vote. Orbán condemned von der Leyen over undisclosed communications with Pfizer’s CEO during the pandemic, calling the vote a test of Europe’s future amid corruption and competence concerns. This attack follows the EU urging Hungary to adopt stricter fiscal measures, … Continue reading ‘Time to go,’ Orbán tells von der Leyen on eve of confidence vote

President Trump met with leaders from five African nations—Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal—at the White House to discuss business opportunities, economic development, security, and infrastructure. Trump praised Africa’s natural resources and highlighted recent peace efforts on the continent. While the five countries are unlikely to face US tariffs, concerns remain over US trade policies and visa restrictions, which African officials criticize as harmful. The … Continue reading White House hosts West African leaders to discuss trade and development

A new book, 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, describes First Lady Jill Biden’s growing influence as President Joe Biden’s political fortunes declined. The authors say Jill Biden emerged as a powerful, protective figure who encouraged Biden to stay in the 2024 race even after a disastrous debate against Donald Trump raised concerns about his age and cognitive fitness. Her … Continue reading New book exposes Jill Biden’s power grab amid husband’s political demise

President Donald Trump’s recent letters announcing steep new U.S. tariffs on imports from over a dozen countries, including allies, have prompted “shock” and “regret” abroad while leaving room for further negotiations. Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and South Africa all expressed disappointment at the new tariffs—ranging from 20% to 36%—but signaled they would continue talks with the U.S. to try to reduce them before the … Continue reading Japan calls Trump’s latest tariff salvo ‘regrettable’

The U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution Monday urging Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to end their escalating oppression of women and girls and to eliminate all terrorist groups. Despite U.S. and Israeli opposition, the resolution passed 116–2 with 12 abstentions. It also calls for economic recovery and humanitarian aid for Afghanistan. The measure is nonbinding but signals global condemnation of the Taliban’s harsh policies since 2021, … Continue reading UN adopts resolution on Afghanistan’s Taliban rule over US objections

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte began a three-day state visit to the UK, greeted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Windsor. It is the first French presidential state visit to Britain since 2008 and the first by an EU leader since Brexit. The visit aims to strengthen UK–France ties, with talks expected on migration, defence, security, and economic growth. Macron … Continue reading French president greeted by King Charles as state visit begins

An imposter used AI-generated audio to mimic Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s voice and contacted senior U.S. officials and foreign ministers through Signal, according to a State Department cable. At least five people, including three foreign ministers, a U.S. governor, and a member of Congress, received fake voicemails or texts from the impersonator, who also created a fake Signal account using Rubio’s name. The scheme … Continue reading Rubio impostor using AI voice to call high-level officials

Billionaire Elon Musk announced on X that his new “America Party” will support the Second Amendment, Bitcoin, free speech, and reduced regulations. He endorsed a platform with goals like cutting debt, modernizing the military with AI, promoting tech, and centrist policies elsewhere. Musk said the party aims to challenge the two-party system and focus first on House and Senate races before potentially backing a presidential … Continue reading Elon Musk indicates his new political party will be pro-gun, pro-bitcoin

Former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit died by apparent suicide on Monday, hours after President Vladimir Putin fired him.  He was found with a gunshot wound in his car near Moscow. Russian investigators said the main theory is suicide, amid reports he faced arrest for alleged embezzlement of funds meant for fortifications in the Kursk region, where he was previously governor, CNN has reported. His … Continue reading Russian minister dies by suicide hours after getting fired by Putin, officials say

President Trump threatened an extra 10% tariff on countries aligning with what he called the “Anti-American policies of BRICS,” as the bloc met in Rio de Janeiro. BRICS leaders issued a joint statement criticizing rising unilateral tariffs—implicitly targeting Trump’s trade policies—warning they violate WTO rules and hurt the global economy. The BRICS group (including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members like Iran … Continue reading Trump threatens extra 10% tariff on countries that align with ‘Anti-American’ BRICS policies

The BRICS bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members including Indonesia and Iran) issued a joint declaration at a summit in Brazil condemning rising unilateral tariffs without naming the U.S. or Trump. They warned such measures violate WTO rules and harm global trade and supply chains. The statement comes as Trump’s 90-day pause on new tariffs nears its end. He has threatened … Continue reading BRICS group raises ‘serious concerns’ with increased tariffs

President Trump aims to secure a Gaza ceasefire deal with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu during their White House meeting on Monday, according to U.S. officials. The proposed agreement includes a 60-day truce and the release of 10 live and 18 deceased Israeli hostages. Trump hopes it will lead to a broader peace deal following months of stalled negotiations. Key issues to be discussed include who … Continue reading Trump hopes to align with Netanyahu on Gaza war endgame during visit

Trinidad and Tobago awarded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi its highest civilian honor, the Order of the Republic, on Friday—the first time it has gone to a foreign leader. During his first official visit to the country, Modi emphasized the historic ties between the two nations, dating back to Indian indentured laborers arriving in 1845. The visit focused on strengthening partnerships in energy, health, and … Continue reading Indian PM Modi receives Trinidad and Tobago’s highest honor

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy met Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus on Saturday, restoring diplomatic ties after 14 years of conflict and tension. The visit follows the ouster of Bashar Assad in December by al-Sharaa’s forces. Britain pledged £94.5 million ($129 million) in new aid to support Syria’s recovery, humanitarian needs, and chemical weapons removal, the Associated Press has reported. Lammy also visited Beirut to … Continue reading UK foreign secretary visits Syria, renewing ties after 14 years of conflict

Brazil will host a BRICS summit Sunday and Monday, with leaders expected to discuss sensitive issues like Israel’s attack on Iran, the Gaza crisis, and U.S. trade tariffs carefully. Analysts say the bloc’s recent expansion has made it less cohesive, limiting its ability to challenge Western dominance. Brazilian President Lula wants to focus on topics like artificial intelligence and climate change, while key leaders like … Continue reading Brazil hosts BRICS summit

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein vetoed four Republican-backed bills targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and transgender policies. Stein called the DEI measures “mean-spirited” and divisive, criticizing them for marginalizing vulnerable groups while the legislature failed to pass a budget. The bills would have banned DEI programs and funding in state and local governments. The transgender bill, originally focused on age verification for adult … Continue reading North Carolina governor vetoes Republican-led anti DEI and trans legislation

Elon Musk announced he is launching a new political party, the “America Party,” after a public feud with President Trump. Promising to “give back your freedom,” Musk made the announcement on X following a poll in which over 65% of his followers supported the idea. Details about the party’s registration, leadership, or policies remain unclear. Musk cannot run for president himself since he was born … Continue reading Elon Musk says he is launching new political party

President Donald Trump announced that the White House will host a UFC championship fight next year as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of American independence. Speaking in Iowa, Trump said the event will draw 20,000-25,000 spectators and highlighted his long friendship with UFC president Dana White. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the event “EPIC.” Trump has attended several UFC events and previously … Continue reading White House to host UFC fight, Trump announces

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone Thursday, but made no progress toward ending the war in Ukraine. Trump, who has long claimed he could quickly broker peace, admitted, “I didn’t make any progress.” The nearly two-hour call also covered Iran, but no breakthrough was reported. Putin’s aide confirmed the two did not discuss the reported pause in U.S. weapons shipments … Continue reading Trump says no progress on Ukraine in call with Putin

Democrats fiercely condemned the passage of Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill, calling it a cruel giveaway to billionaires at the expense of working Americans. Party leaders accused Republicans of gutting Medicaid, food assistance, and health coverage while boosting immigration enforcement and delivering permanent tax breaks for the wealthy. Figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib slammed the bill as “disgusting” and “violent,” warning … Continue reading Democrats furious over Trump bill’s passage

President Trump is celebrating the narrow passage of his massive “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping domestic policy package that includes major tax cuts, immigration crackdowns, and spending priorities drawn from his 2024 campaign promises. Despite Trump’s claim that the bill is “very popular,” national polls show most Americans oppose it, with many worried it will hurt their families. The $3.4 trillion package extends his … Continue reading Trump touts ‘very popular’ domestic policy bill ahead of White House signing

At a supposedly bipartisan event in Des Moines, Iowa, celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, former President Donald Trump used his speech to attack Democrats, declaring, “I hate them, too.” Speaking at the podium in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, Trump immediately started firing off political cannons. “They wouldn’t vote only because they hate Trump, but I hate them, too, you know?” Trump said, referring to … Continue reading Trump Kicks Off Celebration of America by Declaring His Hatred for Democrats

The House of Representatives’ progress on Donald Trump’s $3.3 trillion “big, beautiful bill” was halted by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who used a procedural privilege to deliver a marathon speech criticizing the bill’s cuts to social programs and tax breaks for the wealthy. The bill, which includes permanent Trump-era tax cuts, new deductions, defense spending boosts, and stricter work requirements for benefits, advanced in a narrow … Continue reading Jeffries stalls Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ for hours after House GOP mutiny breakthrough

US President Donald Trump will meet with the leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal from July 9 to 11, in a move seen as part of growing US diplomatic engagement with Africa. The mini-summit is expected to focus on trade and investment, reflecting Trump’s push to boost business ties instead of traditional aid. It follows a US-brokered peace deal between Rwanda and the … Continue reading President Trump announces surprise summit with five African Nations

The European Parliament will hold a no-confidence vote next week against the European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen. The motion, launched by a right-wing Romanian MEP over transparency concerns about vaccine deal text messages with Pfizer, is unlikely to pass but highlights growing frustration in Brussels. If successful, it would force the entire Commission to resign, the DW has reported. The vote comes … Continue reading Von der Leyen’s European Commission faces no-confidence vote