Pope Leo XIV on Sunday (Jul 20) slammed the "barbarity" of the Gaza war, urging for a peaceful resolution. His statement comes days after the Israeli military carried out a deadly strike on the only Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip. Speaking at the end of the Angelus prayer at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence near Rome, the Pope urged against the "indiscriminate use of force" and said,“I once again ask for an immediate end to the barbarity of the war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict”. His statement comes as reports suggest that the Donald Trump administration and the White House were growing more alarmed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's increasing aggression in Gaza. The leader of the war-torn nation was acting "like a madman", bombing "everything all the time", White House officials told Axios, referring to the recent Israeli attack on the Syrian presidential palace. The unnamed US official, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname, said, "Bibi acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time." They added that the Israeli PM's actions “could undermine what Trump is trying to do.”<h2>“Something new every day”</h2>As Israel conducted airstrikes in Damascus, hitting government offices and the compound of the only Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip – the Holy Family Catholic Church – another senior official said, "The feeling is that every day there is something new. What the f***?". Following the attack on the church, Trump, as per reports, had even called up Bibi demanding an explanation.Netanyahu's trigger finger was too itchy, said a third US official, while noting that "Netanyahu is sometimes like a child who just won't behave." In total, six senior US officials revealed that despite the recent US-brokered ceasefire between Syria and Israel, the White House has become significantly more alarmed at Netanyahu's antics. However, despite that, Trump has yet to voice public criticism of Netanyahu.&nbsp;<h2>US-brokered truce</h2>On Saturday (Jul 19), amid an eruption of violence between Druze and Bedouin communities in the southern province of Sweida, the US announced that it had brokered a truce in Syria. US special envoy Tom Barrack, currently serving as ambassador to Turkey, said early Saturday that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa "have agreed to a ceasefire" negotiated by the United States following days of behind-the-scenes diplomacy.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-brokers-syria-israel-ceasefire-as-druze-bedouin-clashes-spiral-death-toll-crosses-600-1752886811132">US brokers Syria-Israel ceasefire as Druze-Bedouin clashes spiral</a>The deal, Barrack said, was jointly backed by Turkey and Jordan. "We call upon Druze, Bedouins and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours," Barrack said in a statement on X. Previously, on Wednesday (Jul 9) the US, as per AFP, had announced an earlier deal in which the Sharaa government pulled out forces from Sweida.

The unnamed US official, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname, said, "Bibi acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time." They added that the Israeli PM's actions "could undermine what Trump is trying to do.".

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday (Jul 20) slammed the "barbarity" of the Gaza war, urging for a peaceful resolution. His statement comes days after the Israeli military carried out a deadly strike on the only Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip. Speaking at the end of the Angelus prayer at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence near Rome, the Pope urged against the "indiscriminate use of force" and said, “I once again ask for an immediate end to the barbarity of the war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict”. His statement comes as reports suggest that the Donald Trump administration and the White House were growing more alarmed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's increasing aggression in Gaza. The leader of the war-torn nation was acting "like a madman", bombing "everything all the time", White House officials told Axios, referring to the recent Israeli attack on the Syrian presidential palace. The unnamed US official, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname, said, "Bibi acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time." They added that the Israeli PM's actions “could undermine what Trump is trying to do.” “Something new every day” As Israel conducted airstrikes in Damascus, hitting government offices and the compound of the only Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip – the Holy Family Catholic Church – another senior official said, "The feeling is that every day there is something new. What the f***?". Following the attack on the church, Trump, as per reports, had even called up Bibi demanding an explanation. Netanyahu's trigger finger was too itchy, said a third US official, while noting that "Netanyahu is sometimes like a child who just won't behave." In total, six senior US officials revealed that despite the recent US-brokered ceasefire between Syria and Israel, the White House has become significantly more alarmed at Netanyahu's antics. However, despite that, Trump has yet to voice public criticism of Netanyahu. US-brokered truce On Saturday (Jul 19), amid an eruption of violence between Druze and Bedouin communities in the southern province of Sweida, the US announced that it had brokered a truce in Syria. US special envoy Tom Barrack, currently serving as ambassador to Turkey, said early Saturday that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa "have agreed to a ceasefire" negotiated by the United States following days of behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Also read | US brokers Syria-Israel ceasefire as Druze-Bedouin clashes spiral The deal, Barrack said, was jointly backed by Turkey and Jordan. "We call upon Druze, Bedouins and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours," Barrack said in a statement on X. Previously, on Wednesday (Jul 9) the US, as per AFP, had announced an earlier deal in which the Sharaa government pulled out forces from Sweida.

The unnamed US official, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname, said, "Bibi acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time." They added that the Israeli PM's actions "could undermine what Trump is trying to do.".

Pope urges immediate end to 'barbarity' of Gaza war as Trump aides slam Netanyahu, call him 'a child who just won't behave'

The leaders of Brazil and Canada have set examples on how standing up to US President Donald Trump can boost their popularity. Leaders around the world might do well to follow events in South America’s biggest country and America’s neighbour and biggest trading partner.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the US follows the schedule it has set for its global trade war, imports from Canada will carry a tariff of 35 per cent beginning on August 1. For Brazil, the rate will be a staggering 50 per cent. Unlike for the rest of the world, the reason for Brazil’s stiff rate is entirely political.&nbsp;&nbsp;On April 2, a date Trump called Liberation Day, Trump signed an executive order on a package of import duties designed to end America’s persistent trade deficits, which he termed a national emergency. The US buys more goods from most countries than it sells to them.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are exceptions. Brazil has a trade surplus with the United States, and Trump laid out his rationale for the 50 per cent levy in a letter to Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, popularly known as Lula. Posted on Trump’s social media site, Truth Social, the letter is an extraordinary example of the unique way the US President conducts foreign policy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here is the first paragraph of the letter. It is so far from mainstream diplomacy that many readers, including Lula, first thought it was an Internet fake.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Dear Mr. President: &nbsp;I knew and dealt with former President Jair Bolsonarao, and respected him greatly, as did many other Leaders of Countries. The way that Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace. The Trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end immediately.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The second paragraph complained about Brazilian rules regulating content on US social media platforms and added: “Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Brazil a tariff of 50% on any and all Brazilian products sent into the United States.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Bolsonaro, who has called himself “the tropical Trump” is facing trial on charges of leading an attempted coup to overturn the results of the 2020 elections and prevent Lula from taking office.&nbsp; The case is handled by Brazilian Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes who has been the focus of an intense lobbying campaign in Washington by Bolsonaro’s son Eduardo, who has been demanding financial sanctions against the judge. The campaign had partial success.&nbsp;&nbsp;On July 18, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Moraes had his US visa revoked. The decision was announced a few hours after the judge ordered Bolsonaro to wear an ankle monitor and banned him from contact with foreign governments.&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;US administration’s interference in Brazilian domestic affairs and a pending trial are almost certain to boost the popularity of Lula, whose approval ratings already ticked up after a reference to Trump as a would-be world president at the end of a two-day meeting in Rio de Janeiro of the BRICS countries. The term BRICS was coined in 2001 by a Goldman Sachs economist and stood for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It gradually expanded and now embraces ten countries with a combined population of 3.75 billion, almost half the population of the globe.&nbsp;&nbsp;The American political analyst Ian Bremmer, head of the Eurasia Group, a political risk research firm, described the US campaign in favour of Bolsonaro as “a flag-wrapped gift” for Lula. Escalating the clash allows him to cast himself as the defender of Brazilian sovereignty.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lula clearly intends to ratchet up the row. On July 17, in an interview with Christiane Amanpour of CNN, he said he had been surprised not only by the US tariff announcement but also by the way it was delivered, on a social media site. He said his government had suggested negotiations in a formal letter.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I’ve been saying publicly that we will use all the words that exist in the dictionary in trying to negotiate. That’s how the trade world works. What we cannot have is President Trump forgetting that he was elected to govern the US He was not elected to be the emperor of the world.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The spat between Lula and Trump brings to mind a long Trump campaign to make Canada the 51st state. The US leader was in the habit of calling then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “governor”. Trudeau resigned in January, and his Liberal Party lagged in the polls and looked set for defeat in elections on April 28.&nbsp;&nbsp;But then Trump turned the contest on its head with oft-repeated suggestions that Canada should be the 51st US state, in effect a threat of annexation. Within weeks, the Conservative Party’s 25-point lead had evaporated and was overtaken by the Liberals, who waged an anti-Trump campaign. Liberal leader Mark Carney won. His first foreign visit, a week after his electoral victory, was to Washington.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Oval Office meeting between Trump and Carney was congenial, and the discussion, inevitably, came to the 51st state idea.&nbsp; Solemnly, Carney said: “Canada is not for sale. As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale. We are sitting in one now. Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the (election) campaign, last several months, it’s not for sale. Won’t be for sale, ever.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite the congenial atmosphere of the encounter, there was no change in the US assessment of tariffs. But there was a change in the approval rating of Carney. Polls showed a marked increase.&nbsp;

If the US follows the schedule it has set for its global trade war, imports from Canada will carry a tariff of 35 per cent beginning on August 1. For Brazil, the rate will be a staggering 50 per cent. Unlike for the rest of the world, the reason for Brazil’s stiff rate is entirely political. 

The leaders of Brazil and Canada have set examples on how standing up to US President Donald Trump can boost their popularity. Leaders around the world might do well to follow events in South America’s biggest country and America’s neighbour and biggest trading partner. If the US follows the schedule it has set for its global trade war, imports from Canada will carry a tariff of 35 per cent beginning on August 1. For Brazil, the rate will be a staggering 50 per cent. Unlike for the rest of the world, the reason for Brazil’s stiff rate is entirely political. On April 2, a date Trump called Liberation Day, Trump signed an executive order on a package of import duties designed to end America’s persistent trade deficits, which he termed a national emergency. The US buys more goods from most countries than it sells to them. There are exceptions. Brazil has a trade surplus with the United States, and Trump laid out his rationale for the 50 per cent levy in a letter to Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, popularly known as Lula. Posted on Trump’s social media site, Truth Social, the letter is an extraordinary example of the unique way the US President conducts foreign policy. Here is the first paragraph of the letter. It is so far from mainstream diplomacy that many readers, including Lula, first thought it was an Internet fake. “Dear Mr. President: I knew and dealt with former President Jair Bolsonarao, and respected him greatly, as did many other Leaders of Countries. The way that Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace. The Trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end immediately.” The second paragraph complained about Brazilian rules regulating content on US social media platforms and added: “Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Brazil a tariff of 50% on any and all Brazilian products sent into the United States.” Bolsonaro, who has called himself “the tropical Trump” is facing trial on charges of leading an attempted coup to overturn the results of the 2020 elections and prevent Lula from taking office. The case is handled by Brazilian Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes who has been the focus of an intense lobbying campaign in Washington by Bolsonaro’s son Eduardo, who has been demanding financial sanctions against the judge. The campaign had partial success. On July 18, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Moraes had his US visa revoked. The decision was announced a few hours after the judge ordered Bolsonaro to wear an ankle monitor and banned him from contact with foreign governments. The US administration’s interference in Brazilian domestic affairs and a pending trial are almost certain to boost the popularity of Lula, whose approval ratings already ticked up after a reference to Trump as a would-be world president at the end of a two-day meeting in Rio de Janeiro of the BRICS countries. The term BRICS was coined in 2001 by a Goldman Sachs economist and stood for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It gradually expanded and now embraces ten countries with a combined population of 3.75 billion, almost half the population of the globe. The American political analyst Ian Bremmer, head of the Eurasia Group, a political risk research firm, described the US campaign in favour of Bolsonaro as “a flag-wrapped gift” for Lula. Escalating the clash allows him to cast himself as the defender of Brazilian sovereignty. Lula clearly intends to ratchet up the row. On July 17, in an interview with Christiane Amanpour of CNN, he said he had been surprised not only by the US tariff announcement but also by the way it was delivered, on a social media site. He said his government had suggested negotiations in a formal letter. “I’ve been saying publicly that we will use all the words that exist in the dictionary in trying to negotiate. That’s how the trade world works. What we cannot have is President Trump forgetting that he was elected to govern the US He was not elected to be the emperor of the world.” The spat between Lula and Trump brings to mind a long Trump campaign to make Canada the 51st state. The US leader was in the habit of calling then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “governor”. Trudeau resigned in January, and his Liberal Party lagged in the polls and looked set for defeat in elections on April 28. But then Trump turned the contest on its head with oft-repeated suggestions that Canada should be the 51st US state, in effect a threat of annexation. Within weeks, the Conservative Party’s 25-point lead had evaporated and was overtaken by the Liberals, who waged an anti-Trump campaign. Liberal leader Mark Carney won. His first foreign visit, a week after his electoral victory, was to Washington. The Oval Office meeting between Trump and Carney was congenial, and the discussion, inevitably, came to the 51st state idea. Solemnly, Carney said: “Canada is not for sale. As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale. We are sitting in one now. Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the (election) campaign, last several months, it’s not for sale. Won’t be for sale, ever.” Despite the congenial atmosphere of the encounter, there was no change in the US assessment of tariffs. But there was a change in the approval rating of Carney. Polls showed a marked increase.

If the US follows the schedule it has set for its global trade war, imports from Canada will carry a tariff of 35 per cent beginning on August 1. For Brazil, the rate will be a staggering 50 per cent.&nbsp;

Brazil and Canada push back on US interference in their domestic affairs

Amid concerns about US President Donald Trump's swollen ankles and bruised hand, his Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also revealed details about his heart health. She said that the US president underwent an echocardiogram as part of the evaluation and his heart function was normal. This came even as Leavitt revealed that Trump is suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, a blood circulation issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;Karoline Leavitt said, "Amid all the tests, the President underwent bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasound, which assesses the blood flow to the legs, according to Levitt. His tests also included a total blood count, and he underwent an echocardiogram as part of the evaluation. The heart test “confirmed normal cardiac structure and function.”<h2>Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency</h2>White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday revealed that Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a blood circulation issue, after “mild swelling was noticed in his lower legs.” Leavitt was addressing concerns over visible swelling in President Trump’s ankles and bruising on his hand when she made the disclosure and said that it was assessed to be “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin” as a preventative heart-health measure. After investigating ankle swelling, doctors determined that Trump has blood pooling in his veins, a condition Leavitt described as common among individuals over the age of 70. As for the bruising on the hand, Leavitt said it was “consistent” with irritation from “frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin”.&nbsp;&nbsp;She emphasised that the tests showed “no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.” “I know that many in the media have been speculating about bruising on the president’s hand and also swelling in the president’s legs. In the effort of transparency, the president wanted me to share a note from his physician ... all results were within normal limits,” Leavitt said.<h3>Rumours about POTUS' health</h3>An X user shared photos of Trump's hand and ankles and pointed out that it was swollen. “Swollen ankles at the World Cup. Bruised hand at today’s press availability. Is the Trump administration hiding the President’s health?” the X user said. Another X user commented on the sitting posture of the POTUS, "He walks slumped over and sits in a way that looks like he is compensating for some breathing difficulty." Another user added, "He also looks like he has some skin health issues that should be looked into." A user said, “Yup I saw the ankles, and that can be a sign of cardiac or BP sometimes, chemo treatments, some medication too. I bet Trump falsified his health report. Well, obviously did where he said he was 224 lbs, and clearly that is not accurate just by looking at him.”<h2>Donald Trump's health report&nbsp;</h2>In April this year, the White House released a report by its physician stating Trump is in "excellent cognitive and physical health." In the first annual physical of his second presidential term, Trump was also found to have scarring "on the right ear from a gunshot wound", after an assassination attempt last July. "President Trump remains in excellent health, exhibiting robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical function," his doctor, Captain Sean Barbabella, said in a memo. At 78, Trump is the oldest president to take office.

Amid concerns about US President Donald Trump's swollen ankles and bruised hand, his Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also revealed details about his heart health

Amid concerns about US President Donald Trump's swollen ankles and bruised hand, his Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also revealed details about his heart health. She said that the US president underwent an echocardiogram as part of the evaluation and his heart function was normal. This came even as Leavitt revealed that Trump is suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, a blood circulation issue. Karoline Leavitt said, "Amid all the tests, the President underwent bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasound, which assesses the blood flow to the legs, according to Levitt. His tests also included a total blood count, and he underwent an echocardiogram as part of the evaluation. The heart test “confirmed normal cardiac structure and function.” Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday revealed that Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a blood circulation issue, after “mild swelling was noticed in his lower legs.” Leavitt was addressing concerns over visible swelling in President Trump’s ankles and bruising on his hand when she made the disclosure and said that it was assessed to be “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin” as a preventative heart-health measure. After investigating ankle swelling, doctors determined that Trump has blood pooling in his veins, a condition Leavitt described as common among individuals over the age of 70. As for the bruising on the hand, Leavitt said it was “consistent” with irritation from “frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin”. She emphasised that the tests showed “no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.” “I know that many in the media have been speculating about bruising on the president’s hand and also swelling in the president’s legs. In the effort of transparency, the president wanted me to share a note from his physician ... all results were within normal limits,” Leavitt said. Rumours about POTUS' health An X user shared photos of Trump's hand and ankles and pointed out that it was swollen. “Swollen ankles at the World Cup. Bruised hand at today’s press availability. Is the Trump administration hiding the President’s health?” the X user said. Another X user commented on the sitting posture of the POTUS, "He walks slumped over and sits in a way that looks like he is compensating for some breathing difficulty." Another user added, "He also looks like he has some skin health issues that should be looked into." A user said, “Yup I saw the ankles, and that can be a sign of cardiac or BP sometimes, chemo treatments, some medication too. I bet Trump falsified his health report. Well, obviously did where he said he was 224 lbs, and clearly that is not accurate just by looking at him.” Donald Trump's health report In April this year, the White House released a report by its physician stating Trump is in "excellent cognitive and physical health." In the first annual physical of his second presidential term, Trump was also found to have scarring "on the right ear from a gunshot wound", after an assassination attempt last July. "President Trump remains in excellent health, exhibiting robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical function," his doctor, Captain Sean Barbabella, said in a memo. At 78, Trump is the oldest president to take office.

Amid concerns about US President Donald Trump's swollen ankles and bruised hand, his Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also revealed details about his heart health

White House reveals details about Trump's heart health after concerns about his swollen ankles: 'Test confirmed that...'

&nbsp;United States President Donald Trump has doubled down on his threats against the BRICS group of developing nations and repeated that he would impose a 10 percent tariff on imports from its members. Trump also repeated his 'dollar is king' remark and said he would preserve its global status. He also said that he will never allow the creation of central bank digital currency in America.&nbsp;"When I heard about this group from BRICS, six countries, basically, I hit them very, very hard. And if they ever really form in a meaningful way, it will end very quickly," Trump said without naming the countries. "We can never let anyone play games with us."&nbsp;Trump had on June 7 issued warning to countries aligning with BRICS saying that they would be charged an additional 10 percent tariff. He termed the BRICS group follows an "Anti-American policy." The US President did not clarify or expand on the “anti-American policies” reference.&nbsp;"Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social.<h2>BRICS grouping&nbsp;</h2> The BRICS bloc of developing nations condemned the increase in tariffs and attacks on Iran, but refrained from naming Donald Trump. BRICS initially included India, Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa, among other countries. Last year, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia were added as members of the group. In the BRICS 2025 summit that took place in Brazil in the first week of June, the members took an indirect swipe at the US, the group’s declaration raised “serious concerns” about the rise of tariffs which it said were “inconsistent with WTO (World Trade Organization) rules.” The BRICS added that those restrictions “threaten to reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty.”

United States President Donald Trump has doubled down on his threats against the BRICS group of developing nations and repeated that he would impose a 10 percent tariff on imports from its members.

United States President Donald Trump has doubled down on his threats against the BRICS group of developing nations and repeated that he would impose a 10 percent tariff on imports from its members. Trump also repeated his 'dollar is king' remark and said he would preserve its global status. He also said that he will never allow the creation of central bank digital currency in America. "When I heard about this group from BRICS, six countries, basically, I hit them very, very hard. And if they ever really form in a meaningful way, it will end very quickly," Trump said without naming the countries. "We can never let anyone play games with us." Trump had on June 7 issued warning to countries aligning with BRICS saying that they would be charged an additional 10 percent tariff. He termed the BRICS group follows an "Anti-American policy." The US President did not clarify or expand on the “anti-American policies” reference. "Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social. BRICS grouping The BRICS bloc of developing nations condemned the increase in tariffs and attacks on Iran, but refrained from naming Donald Trump. BRICS initially included India, Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa, among other countries. Last year, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia were added as members of the group. In the BRICS 2025 summit that took place in Brazil in the first week of June, the members took an indirect swipe at the US, the group’s declaration raised “serious concerns” about the rise of tariffs which it said were “inconsistent with WTO (World Trade Organization) rules.” The BRICS added that those restrictions “threaten to reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty.”

United States President Donald Trump has doubled down on his threats against the BRICS group of developing nations and repeated that he would impose a 10 percent tariff on imports from its members.

‘I hit them very, very hard’: Trump repeats 10% tariff threat against BRICS | Here's what he said

The Congress on Saturday took a sharp dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Donald Trump's claim that five jets had been lost during the recent&nbsp;India-Pakistan conflict, questioning his friendship and "huglomacy" with the US President. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said that PM Modi must break the silence on whether&nbsp;India lost fighter jets during the conflict. "We don't want a substitute batsman," he quipped.&nbsp;"Since May 10 till today, US President Donald Trump has repeated two things 24 times. First, he stopped the war between India and Pakistan; second, &nbsp;he says that the war should stop if India and Pakistan want trade with the US... Now he has claimed something new that five fighter jets went down... The Parliament is about to begin, and the PM should break his silence... Any other leader will not do. The Congress and the entire Opposition will demand a special discussion, and the PM must answer... We don't want a substitute batsman. Only the PM must answer," he said.&nbsp;Jairam Ramesh demanded a statement by PM Modi in the parliament.&nbsp;"The sensational new revelation by President Trump this time around is that five jets may have been downed. The Prime Minister, who has had years of friendship and huglomacy with President Trump going back to Howdy Modi in Sept 2019 and Namaste Trump in Feb 2020, has to now himself make a clear and categorical statement in Parliament on what President Trump has been claiming over the past 70 days," the Congress Rajya Sabha MP posted on X.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-reiterates-india-pakistan-conflict-claim-says-5-jets-were-shot-down-1752894494296">Also read: Donald Trump's big claim on India-Pakistan conflict, Operation Sindoor: ‘5 jets were...’</a>&nbsp;Donald Trump has claimed on several occasions that it was the US that brokered a ceasefire understanding between warring India and Pakistan in May. India has refuted the claim, saying Pakistani DGMO called his Indian counterpart, seeking a cessation of hostilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also claimed that five jets had been downed during the aerial skirmishes.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious, India and Pakistan, that were going on. Planes were being shot out of there. I think five jets were shot down, actually. These are two serious nuclear countries, and they were hitting each other. You know, it seems like a new form of warfare. You saw it recently when you looked at what we did in Iran, where we knocked out their nuclear capability, totally knocked out that," he said.&nbsp;India hasn't officially communicated that it lost aircraft. However, some of the Indian defence officials have hinted at initial losses during the four-day-long conflict.

The Congress on Saturday took a sharp dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Donald Trump's claim that five jets had been lost during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, questioning his friendship and "huglomacy" with the US President.

The Congress on Saturday took a sharp dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Donald Trump's claim that five jets had been lost during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, questioning his friendship and "huglomacy" with the US President. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said that PM Modi must break the silence on whether India lost fighter jets during the conflict. "We don't want a substitute batsman," he quipped. "Since May 10 till today, US President Donald Trump has repeated two things 24 times. First, he stopped the war between India and Pakistan; second, he says that the war should stop if India and Pakistan want trade with the US... Now he has claimed something new that five fighter jets went down... The Parliament is about to begin, and the PM should break his silence... Any other leader will not do. The Congress and the entire Opposition will demand a special discussion, and the PM must answer... We don't want a substitute batsman. Only the PM must answer," he said. Jairam Ramesh demanded a statement by PM Modi in the parliament. "The sensational new revelation by President Trump this time around is that five jets may have been downed. The Prime Minister, who has had years of friendship and huglomacy with President Trump going back to Howdy Modi in Sept 2019 and Namaste Trump in Feb 2020, has to now himself make a clear and categorical statement in Parliament on what President Trump has been claiming over the past 70 days," the Congress Rajya Sabha MP posted on X. Also read: Donald Trump's big claim on India-Pakistan conflict, Operation Sindoor: ‘5 jets were...’ Donald Trump has claimed on several occasions that it was the US that brokered a ceasefire understanding between warring India and Pakistan in May. India has refuted the claim, saying Pakistani DGMO called his Indian counterpart, seeking a cessation of hostilities. He also claimed that five jets had been downed during the aerial skirmishes. "We stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious, India and Pakistan, that were going on. Planes were being shot out of there. I think five jets were shot down, actually. These are two serious nuclear countries, and they were hitting each other. You know, it seems like a new form of warfare. You saw it recently when you looked at what we did in Iran, where we knocked out their nuclear capability, totally knocked out that," he said. India hasn't officially communicated that it lost aircraft. However, some of the Indian defence officials have hinted at initial losses during the four-day-long conflict.

Donald Trump's ‘five jets’ downed claim: Jairam Ramesh demanded a statement by PM Modi in the parliament.

Congress takes 'huglomacy' dig at Modi over Trump's 'five jets shot down' claim

US President Donald Trump reiterated on Saturday his claim that he had stopped several wars during his presidency, including the recent India-Pakistan conflict. He also claimed that five jets were shot down during the conflict.&nbsp;"We stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious. India and Pakistan were going on. Planes were being shot out of there. I think five jets were shot down. These are two serious nuclear countries, and they were hitting each other. You know, it seems like a new form of warfare," he claimed.&nbsp;Pakistan had claimed it downed several Indian fighter jets, including Rafales, during the conflict, triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed in April. India hasn't officially responded to the unconfirmed reports. However, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan admitted to some initial losses in the conflict.&nbsp;"I think what is important is not the jet being downed but why they were being downed. The good part is that we were able to understand the tactical mistakes that we made; we remedied, rectified, and then implemented them again after two days. We flew all our jets again targeting long range," he was quoted as saying by Bloomberg in May.&nbsp;India categorically denies that the ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan was US-brokered. New Delhi says that after India's tactical strikes, Pakistan's DGMO called his Indian counterpart and requested a cessation of the four-day-long hostilities.&nbsp;In June, a Navy official claimed that India had lost some jets during the conflict with Pakistan. He, however, didn't specify the number and type of aircraft India allegedly lost.&nbsp;"I do agree that we did lose some aircraft and that happened only because of the constraint given by the political leadership to not attack the military establishments and their air defences,” Captain Shiv Kumar, a navy officer, said at a seminar in Jakarta. He further said India changed its tactics after early losses and attacked Pakistan's strategic bases.&nbsp;The Indian Embassy in Jakarta later said he was quoted out of context.&nbsp;Donald Trump further said that the US ended the India-Pakistan conflict by offering trade.&nbsp;"You saw it recently when you looked at what we did in Iran, where we knocked out their nuclear capability, totally knocked out that... But India and Pakistan were going at it, and they were back and forth, and it was getting bigger and bigger, and we got it solved through trade. We said, you guys want to make a trade deal. We're not making a trade deal if you're going to be throwing around weapons, and maybe nuclear weapons, both very powerful nuclear states," he added.&nbsp;Under Operation Sindoor, India destroyed nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan reacted angrily, attacking India's civilian areas and military installations. The Indian military thwarted most of these attacks. The conflict ended after India attacked Pakistan's&nbsp;air bases.

US President Donald Trump reiterated on Saturday his claim that he had stopped several wars during his presidency, including the recent India-Pakistan conflict. He also claimed that five jets were shot down during the conflict.

US President Donald Trump reiterated on Saturday his claim that he had stopped several wars during his presidency, including the recent India-Pakistan conflict. He also claimed that five jets were shot down during the conflict. "We stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious. India and Pakistan were going on. Planes were being shot out of there. I think five jets were shot down. These are two serious nuclear countries, and they were hitting each other. You know, it seems like a new form of warfare," he claimed. Pakistan had claimed it downed several Indian fighter jets, including Rafales, during the conflict, triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed in April. India hasn't officially responded to the unconfirmed reports. However, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan admitted to some initial losses in the conflict. "I think what is important is not the jet being downed but why they were being downed. The good part is that we were able to understand the tactical mistakes that we made; we remedied, rectified, and then implemented them again after two days. We flew all our jets again targeting long range," he was quoted as saying by Bloomberg in May. India categorically denies that the ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan was US-brokered. New Delhi says that after India's tactical strikes, Pakistan's DGMO called his Indian counterpart and requested a cessation of the four-day-long hostilities. In June, a Navy official claimed that India had lost some jets during the conflict with Pakistan. He, however, didn't specify the number and type of aircraft India allegedly lost. "I do agree that we did lose some aircraft and that happened only because of the constraint given by the political leadership to not attack the military establishments and their air defences,” Captain Shiv Kumar, a navy officer, said at a seminar in Jakarta. He further said India changed its tactics after early losses and attacked Pakistan's strategic bases. The Indian Embassy in Jakarta later said he was quoted out of context. Donald Trump further said that the US ended the India-Pakistan conflict by offering trade. "You saw it recently when you looked at what we did in Iran, where we knocked out their nuclear capability, totally knocked out that... But India and Pakistan were going at it, and they were back and forth, and it was getting bigger and bigger, and we got it solved through trade. We said, you guys want to make a trade deal. We're not making a trade deal if you're going to be throwing around weapons, and maybe nuclear weapons, both very powerful nuclear states," he added. Under Operation Sindoor, India destroyed nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan reacted angrily, attacking India's civilian areas and military installations. The Indian military thwarted most of these attacks. The conflict ended after India attacked Pakistan's air bases.

Operation Sindoor: India categorically denies that the ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan was US-brokered.

Donald Trump's big claim on India-Pakistan conflict, Operation Sindoor: '5 jets were...'

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jul 18) filed a staggering $10 billion lawsuit against media mogul Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal, accusing them of defamation over a bombshell report linking him to disgraced financier and accused sex trafficker of underage girls, Jeffrey Epstein. The lawsuit, lodged Friday in a Miami federal court, names not just Murdoch and his media empire News Corp., but also two WSJ reporters, and claims the story is entirely fabricated, malicious, and timed to inflict maximum political damage.<h2>Trump's 'POWERHOUSE' lawsuit</h2>In a post on Truth Social late on Friday, the 79-year-old politician called the Wall Street Journal a “rag” and said, “We have just filed a POWERHOUSE Lawsuit against everyone involved in publishing the false, malicious, defamatory, FAKE NEWS 'article' in the useless 'rag' that is, The Wall Street Journal."

Referring to himself as “your favourite president” he said that the lawsuit was filed not only on his behalf “but also in order to continue standing up for ALL Americans who will no longer tolerate the abusive wrongdoings of the Fake News Media. I hope Rupert and his 'friends' are looking forward to the many hours of depositions and testimonies they will have to provide in this case.”Trump's lawsuit categorically denies the letter's existence. It accuses the Journal of peddling a false story already viewed by hundreds of millions, and insists the timing of the article shows "malicious intent." As per reports, it states, "Given the timing of the Defendants' article, which shows their malicious intent behind it, the overwhelming financial and reputational harm suffered by President Trump will continue to multiply".Trump and Epstein were once seen together at parties in the 1990s and early 2000s, but there has never been evidence publicly linking Trump to Epstein's alleged crimes. The issue remains radioactive for Trump, especially among his far-right MAGA base, many of whom believe there's a powerful international elite cabal of paedophiles tied to Epstein's sex trafficking network.

The lawsuit, lodged Friday in a Miami federal court, names not just Murdoch and his media empire News Corp., but also two WSJ reporters, and claims the story is entirely fabricated, malicious, and timed to inflict maximum political damage.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jul 18) filed a staggering $10 billion lawsuit against media mogul Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal, accusing them of defamation over a bombshell report linking him to disgraced financier and accused sex trafficker of underage girls, Jeffrey Epstein. The lawsuit, lodged Friday in a Miami federal court, names not just Murdoch and his media empire News Corp., but also two WSJ reporters, and claims the story is entirely fabricated, malicious, and timed to inflict maximum political damage. Trump's 'POWERHOUSE' lawsuit In a post on Truth Social late on Friday, the 79-year-old politician called the Wall Street Journal a “rag” and said, “We have just filed a POWERHOUSE Lawsuit against everyone involved in publishing the false, malicious, defamatory, FAKE NEWS 'article' in the useless 'rag' that is, The Wall Street Journal."

The lawsuit, lodged Friday in a Miami federal court, names not just Murdoch and his media empire News Corp., but also two WSJ reporters, and claims the story is entirely fabricated, malicious, and timed to inflict maximum political damage.

Trump launches 'POWERHOUSE lawsuit' against Rupert Murdoch and WSJ, sues for $10 billion over Epstein letter report

US President Donald Trump signed a landmark bill, the Genius Act, to regulate cryptocurrency on Friday, just a day after the bill passed the House despite some opposition from conservatives. The legislation, called the Genius Act, will be the first major law governing digital currency, establishing a regulatory framework for the $250 billion stablecoin market. Stablecoins are viewed as a relatively safe type of cryptocurrency, backed by assets that are seen as reliable, such as the dollar. “This afternoon, we take a giant step to cement American dominance in global finance and Crypto technology, as we sign the landmark GENIUS Act into law,” said Trump.&nbsp;“We worked hard. It’s a very important act, the GENIUS Act. They named it after me,” the president joked in the East Room to open the signing ceremony. “And I want to thank—I want to thank you. This is a hell of an act.”&nbsp;“I also remain fully committed to my pledge never to allow the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency in America. It won’t happen,” he added.“The GENIUS Act creates a clear and simple regulatory framework to establish and unleash the immense promise of dollar-backed stablecoins. This could be perhaps the greatest revolution in financial technology since the birth of the internet itself.”“I pledged that we would bring back American liberty and leadership and make the United States the Crypto Capital of the world—and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”&nbsp;Members of Congress and top executives from crypto and financial firms like Robinhood, Tether, Gemini and others attended the signing ceremony at the White House.&nbsp;The legislation is a huge milestone for the once fringe industry, which has been lobbying Congress over regulation for years and dispensed millions into last year’s election, backing candidates that included Donald Trump.&nbsp;The bill passed the House on Thursday with the support of 206 Republicans and 102 Democrats.&nbsp;The fate of the Genius Act was in question earlier this week when a dozen conservatives stymied a procedural vote. A compromise was ultimately reached, and the holdouts allowed the legislation to proceed.&nbsp;Lawmakers also approved two other cryptocurrency bills, capping what they dubbed the “Crypto Week” in Congress. The Clarity Act would regulate digital commodities beyond stablecoins, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act prevents the Federal Reserve from issuing any retail central bank digital currency directly to Americans.

The landmark legislation is a huge milestone for the once fringe industry, which has been lobbying Congress over regulation for years and poured millions into last year’s US presidential election, backing candidates that included Donald Trump. The bill passed the House on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump signed a landmark bill, the Genius Act, to regulate cryptocurrency on Friday, just a day after the bill passed the House despite some opposition from conservatives. The legislation, called the Genius Act, will be the first major law governing digital currency, establishing a regulatory framework for the $250 billion stablecoin market. Stablecoins are viewed as a relatively safe type of cryptocurrency, backed by assets that are seen as reliable, such as the dollar. “This afternoon, we take a giant step to cement American dominance in global finance and Crypto technology, as we sign the landmark GENIUS Act into law,” said Trump. “We worked hard. It’s a very important act, the GENIUS Act. They named it after me,” the president joked in the East Room to open the signing ceremony. “And I want to thank—I want to thank you. This is a hell of an act.” “I also remain fully committed to my pledge never to allow the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency in America. It won’t happen,” he added. “The GENIUS Act creates a clear and simple regulatory framework to establish and unleash the immense promise of dollar-backed stablecoins. This could be perhaps the greatest revolution in financial technology since the birth of the internet itself.” “I pledged that we would bring back American liberty and leadership and make the United States the Crypto Capital of the world—and that’s exactly what we’ve done.” Members of Congress and top executives from crypto and financial firms like Robinhood, Tether, Gemini and others attended the signing ceremony at the White House. The legislation is a huge milestone for the once fringe industry, which has been lobbying Congress over regulation for years and dispensed millions into last year’s election, backing candidates that included Donald Trump. The bill passed the House on Thursday with the support of 206 Republicans and 102 Democrats. The fate of the Genius Act was in question earlier this week when a dozen conservatives stymied a procedural vote. A compromise was ultimately reached, and the holdouts allowed the legislation to proceed. Lawmakers also approved two other cryptocurrency bills, capping what they dubbed the “Crypto Week” in Congress. The Clarity Act would regulate digital commodities beyond stablecoins, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act prevents the Federal Reserve from issuing any retail central bank digital currency directly to Americans.

The landmark legislation is a huge milestone for the once fringe industry, which has been lobbying Congress over regulation for years and poured millions into last year’s US presidential election, backing candidates that included Donald Trump. The bill passed the House on Thursday.

Trump signs landmark crypto bill, the Genius Act, jokes ‘They named it after me’

US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House said on Friday. The diagnosis was revealed days after his heavily bruised hand and swollen legs were noticed by social media users. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the 79-year-old leader, who is the oldest person ever to assume the presidency, was also suffering from discoloration of his right hand -- a condition attributed to "tissue irritation from frequent handshaking". His health, however, was described by presidential physician Sean Barbabella as "excellent".&nbsp;Leavitt said Trump had been suffering from mild swelling in his lower legs. Ultrasound tests “revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”<h2>What's chronic venous insufficiency?</h2>Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition characterized by damaged leg veins that fail to keep blood flowing. The condition is common in older adults, said Dr Matt Heinz, an internist and hospitalist from Tucson, Arizona.This is caused when the vein valves become less effective.&nbsp;"It comes with age, gravity, and obesity doesn't help if that's a condition that people suffer from. I know the president's been losing some weight, though, so I think that’s probably a little better," he said.&nbsp;The condition doesn't pose a serious risk to Trump, because there is no evidence of arterial disease.&nbsp;&nbsp;Its symptoms are: achy or tired legs; burning, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensation in your legs; cramping in your legs at night; discolored skin that looks reddish-brown; Edema (swelling) in lower legs and ankles; flaking or itching skin on legs or feet; leathery-looking skin on legs; ulcers near ankles.

Trump had been suffering from mild swelling in his lower legs. Ultrasound tests “revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”

US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House said on Friday. The diagnosis was revealed days after his heavily bruised hand and swollen legs were noticed by social media users. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the 79-year-old leader, who is the oldest person ever to assume the presidency, was also suffering from discoloration of his right hand -- a condition attributed to "tissue irritation from frequent handshaking". His health, however, was described by presidential physician Sean Barbabella as "excellent". Leavitt said Trump had been suffering from mild swelling in his lower legs. Ultrasound tests “revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.” What's chronic venous insufficiency? Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition characterized by damaged leg veins that fail to keep blood flowing. The condition is common in older adults, said Dr Matt Heinz, an internist and hospitalist from Tucson, Arizona. This is caused when the vein valves become less effective. "It comes with age, gravity, and obesity doesn't help if that's a condition that people suffer from. I know the president's been losing some weight, though, so I think that’s probably a little better," he said. The condition doesn't pose a serious risk to Trump, because there is no evidence of arterial disease. Its symptoms are: achy or tired legs; burning, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensation in your legs; cramping in your legs at night; discolored skin that looks reddish-brown; Edema (swelling) in lower legs and ankles; flaking or itching skin on legs or feet; leathery-looking skin on legs; ulcers near ankles.

Donald Trump's disease: The diagnosis was revealed days after his heavily bruised hand and swollen legs were noticed by social media users.

What's chronic venous insufficiency? How dangerous is Donald Trump's disease? Symptoms

A 'bawdy' letter allegedly sent by Donald Trump to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has rocked US politics, with the Republican United States President threatening to sue the Wall Street Journal for publishing the content of the purported birthday wishes in the early 2000s. Ghislaine Maxwell, the jailed girlfriend of Epstein, had compiled a birthday album for the disgraced financier in 2003, with a bouquet of letters with birthday wishes, including Trump's sexually explicit letter.&nbsp;The leather-bound album was assembled before Epstein was first arrested in 2006 for a sex offense. Apart from Trump, many other friends of Epstein wrote similar messages for him in their respective letters, claimed the American publication.<h2>What was in Donald Trump's alleged letter?</h2>WSJ described Trump's letter as 'bawdy'. It said several lines were typewritten within the outline of a naked woman. The woman's silhouette was drawn by a heavy marker. "A pair of small arcs denotes the woman’s breasts, and the future president’s signature is a squiggly ‘Donald’ below her waist, mimicking pubic hair," it reported.&nbsp;Inside the outline of the naked woman was a typewritten note styled as an imaginary conversation between Trump and Epstein.&nbsp;“Voice Over: There must be more to life than having everything,” the note begins.&nbsp;Donald: Yes, there is, but I won’t tell you what it is.&nbsp;Jeffrey: Nor will I, since I also know what it is.&nbsp;Donald: We have certain things in common, Jeffrey.&nbsp;Jeffrey: Yes, we do, come to think of it.&nbsp;Donald: Enigmas never age, have you noticed that?&nbsp;Jeffrey: As a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you.&nbsp;Donald: A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.&nbsp;The album, according to WSJ, contained poems and photos from businesspeople, academics, and other eminent personalities. Billionaire Leslie Wexner and attorney Alan Dershowitz were among those who wrote these letters. A Harvard economist had also written the letter.Epstein was Wexner’s money manager at the time. The billionaire wrote, "I wanted to get you what you want... so here it is". He drew a woman's breasts below the text.&nbsp;The album also had a report card from his school in Brooklyn and a note from a former assistant, saying: "Jeffrey, oh Jeffrey!/ Everyone loves you!/ Fun in the sun!/ Fun just for fun!/ Remember…don’t forget me soon!/ Epstein…you rock!/ You are the best!”<h2>JD Vance slams WSJ, says it didn't show the letter to Trump</h2>Meanwhile, Donald Trump's deputy, JD Vance, dismissed the report as "complete and utter bulls**t". He claimed the publication never showed the letter to the Trump administration before publishing its contents.&nbsp;"Forgive my language, but this story is complete and utter bulls**t. The WSJ should be ashamed for publishing it. Where is this letter? Would you be shocked to learn they never showed it to us before publishing it? Does anyone honestly believe this sounds like Donald Trump?" Vance said in the post.&nbsp;"Doesn't it violate some rule of journalistic ethics to publish a letter like this without showing it to the victim of this hit piece? Will the people who have bought into every hoax against President Trump show an ounce of skepticism before buying into this bizarre story?" he added.&nbsp;Epstein, a disgraced financier, died in jail awaiting trial over the accusations of sex trafficking involving underage girls.

A 'bawdy' letter allegedly sent by Donald Trump to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has rocked US politics, with the Republican United States President threatening to sue the Wall Street Journal for publishing the content of the purported birthday wishes in the early 2000s.

A 'bawdy' letter allegedly sent by Donald Trump to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has rocked US politics, with the Republican United States President threatening to sue the Wall Street Journal for publishing the content of the purported birthday wishes in the early 2000s. Ghislaine Maxwell, the jailed girlfriend of Epstein, had compiled a birthday album for the disgraced financier in 2003, with a bouquet of letters with birthday wishes, including Trump's sexually explicit letter. The leather-bound album was assembled before Epstein was first arrested in 2006 for a sex offense. Apart from Trump, many other friends of Epstein wrote similar messages for him in their respective letters, claimed the American publication. What was in Donald Trump's alleged letter? WSJ described Trump's letter as 'bawdy'. It said several lines were typewritten within the outline of a naked woman. The woman's silhouette was drawn by a heavy marker. "A pair of small arcs denotes the woman’s breasts, and the future president’s signature is a squiggly ‘Donald’ below her waist, mimicking pubic hair," it reported. Inside the outline of the naked woman was a typewritten note styled as an imaginary conversation between Trump and Epstein. “Voice Over: There must be more to life than having everything,” the note begins. Donald: Yes, there is, but I won’t tell you what it is. Jeffrey: Nor will I, since I also know what it is. Donald: We have certain things in common, Jeffrey. Jeffrey: Yes, we do, come to think of it. Donald: Enigmas never age, have you noticed that? Jeffrey: As a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you. Donald: A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret. The album, according to WSJ, contained poems and photos from businesspeople, academics, and other eminent personalities. Billionaire Leslie Wexner and attorney Alan Dershowitz were among those who wrote these letters. A Harvard economist had also written the letter. Epstein was Wexner’s money manager at the time. The billionaire wrote, "I wanted to get you what you want... so here it is". He drew a woman's breasts below the text. The album also had a report card from his school in Brooklyn and a note from a former assistant, saying: "Jeffrey, oh Jeffrey!/ Everyone loves you!/ Fun in the sun!/ Fun just for fun!/ Remember…don’t forget me soon!/ Epstein…you rock!/ You are the best!” JD Vance slams WSJ, says it didn't show the letter to Trump Meanwhile, Donald Trump's deputy, JD Vance, dismissed the report as "complete and utter bulls**t". He claimed the publication never showed the letter to the Trump administration before publishing its contents. "Forgive my language, but this story is complete and utter bulls**t. The WSJ should be ashamed for publishing it. Where is this letter? Would you be shocked to learn they never showed it to us before publishing it? Does anyone honestly believe this sounds like Donald Trump?" Vance said in the post. "Doesn't it violate some rule of journalistic ethics to publish a letter like this without showing it to the victim of this hit piece? Will the people who have bought into every hoax against President Trump show an ounce of skepticism before buying into this bizarre story?" he added. Epstein, a disgraced financier, died in jail awaiting trial over the accusations of sex trafficking involving underage girls.

Donald Trump row: The leather-bound album was assembled before Epstein was first arrested in 2006 for a sex offense

Trump letter row: 'Squiggly Donald below her waist'- what's inside Jeffrey Epstein birthday album

Flags at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-to-co-host-reception-for-trumps-inauguration-8623368">US Capitol</a> will be raised to full-staff on Inauguration Day before being lowered again the next day to honour the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, House Speaker Mike Johnson said.
The decision by the Republican Speaker ensures that President-elect Donald Trump&rsquo;s second inauguration will not take place under a half-mast flag, something he had previously complained about.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-panel-recommends-action-against-individual-with-earlier-criminal-links-8624536">Indian govt panel recommends action against individual with 'earlier criminal links'</a>
&ldquo;On Jan. 20, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump. The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter,&rdquo; Johnson wrote on X.
Similar directives have been issued by Republican governors in at least five states, including Florida, Iowa, Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee, where US flags will also be raised to full-staff for the inauguration and lowered to half-staff on 21 January in Carter&rsquo;s memory.&nbsp;
While President Joe Biden&rsquo;s executive order mandates flag-lowering on federal properties, state governments are not legally required to follow suit, though many traditionally align with federal guidelines.
In a statement on Monday, Governor Greg Abbott (R-Texas) said, &ldquo;While we honour the service of a former president, we must also celebrate the service of an incoming President and the bright future ahead for the United States of America.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-been-privilege-us-president-joe-biden-pens-letter-for-americans-ahead-of-farewell-speech-8624528">'It's been privilege': Biden pens letter for Americans ahead of farewell speech</a>
Trump, five days after Carter&rsquo;s death, voiced his objections on social media regarding flags potentially being at half-staff during his inauguration. He claimed, without evidence, that Democrats were &ldquo;giddy&rdquo; at the thought.
&ldquo;In any event, because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an inauguration of a future President, be at half-mast. Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Let&rsquo;s see how it plays out,&rdquo; Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-was-never-an-ally-of-us-white-house-john-kirby-joe-biden-8624608">Pakistan was never an ally of US, technical or tactical: White House official John Kirby</a>
"They think it&rsquo;s so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they don&rsquo;t love our Country, they only think about themselves," he said.
"Look at what they&rsquo;ve done to our once GREAT America over the past four years - It&rsquo;s a total mess!" Trump added.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The decision by the Republican Speaker ensures that President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration will not take place under a half-mast flag, something he had previously complained about.

Flags at the US Capitol will be raised to full-staff on Inauguration Day before being lowered again the next day to honour the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, House Speaker Mike Johnson said. The decision by the Republican Speaker ensures that President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration will not take place under a half-mast flag, something he had previously complained about. Also read: Indian govt panel recommends action against individual with 'earlier criminal links' “On Jan. 20, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump. The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter,” Johnson wrote on X. Similar directives have been issued by Republican governors in at least five states, including Florida, Iowa, Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee, where US flags will also be raised to full-staff for the inauguration and lowered to half-staff on 21 January in Carter’s memory. While President Joe Biden’s executive order mandates flag-lowering on federal properties, state governments are not legally required to follow suit, though many traditionally align with federal guidelines. In a statement on Monday, Governor Greg Abbott (R-Texas) said, “While we honour the service of a former president, we must also celebrate the service of an incoming President and the bright future ahead for the United States of America.” Also read: 'It's been privilege': Biden pens letter for Americans ahead of farewell speech Trump, five days after Carter’s death, voiced his objections on social media regarding flags potentially being at half-staff during his inauguration. He claimed, without evidence, that Democrats were “giddy” at the thought. “In any event, because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an inauguration of a future President, be at half-mast. Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Let’s see how it plays out,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Also read: Pakistan was never an ally of US, technical or tactical: White House official John Kirby "They think it’s so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they don’t love our Country, they only think about themselves," he said. "Look at what they’ve done to our once GREAT America over the past four years - It’s a total mess!" Trump added. (With inputs from agencies)

Flags to fly full-staff on Trump Inauguration day despite Carter mourning period

Former United States president and Republican candidate Donald Trump said on Tuesday (Nov&nbsp;5), that he would “acknowledge” losing the presidential&nbsp;election “if it’s a fair one.”

Trump made these comments to the press after casting his vote in Palm Beach, Florida. He said, “If I lose, if it's a fair election, I believe I’d be the first to admit it. And I think it is. Well, so far, I believe it’s been fair. I think there have been many court cases. Both sides have their lawyers ready.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/majority-of-trump-supporters-eye-2028-run-if-he-loses-can-he-legally-run-in-2028-773576">Majority of Trump supporters eye 2028 run if he loses: Can he legally contest in 2028?</a>

He continued, “I feel very confident. You know, we started today with a significant lead, and it appears that Republicans have turned out in large numbers. So, we’ll see how it turns out, but it seems they’ve really come out in full force.”

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Reflecting on his campaign, Trump&nbsp;said, “You always have regrets. I can't think of any, to be honest. To use her expression, I can't think of any. Oh, I look, I ran a great campaign. I think it was maybe the best of the three. We did great in the first one. We did much better in the second one, but something happened and this was the best, I would say, this was the best campaign we ran.”

He concluded, “I'm not a Democrat. I'm able to make a speech on pretty quick notice. If I win, I know what I'm going to say and I don't even want to think about the losing part. I would like to tell all of the people that are in line to stay in line. We have tremendous Republican lines, and I've been asked actually to say it takes a while. I'd like to just make the statement that I'd like the Republicans to stay on line. Democrats, if they'd like, they can leave. But I'd like the Republicans to stay on line.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Former United States president and Republican candidate Donald Trump said on Tuesday (Nov 5), that he would “acknowledge” losing the presidential election “if it’s a fair one.

Former United States president and Republican candidate Donald Trump said on Tuesday (Nov 5), that he would “acknowledge” losing the presidential election “if it’s a fair one.” Trump made these comments to the press after casting his vote in Palm Beach, Florida. He said, “If I lose, if it's a fair election, I believe I’d be the first to admit it. And I think it is. Well, so far, I believe it’s been fair. I think there have been many court cases. Both sides have their lawyers ready.” Also read: Majority of Trump supporters eye 2028 run if he loses: Can he legally contest in 2028? He continued, “I feel very confident. You know, we started today with a significant lead, and it appears that Republicans have turned out in large numbers. So, we’ll see how it turns out, but it seems they’ve really come out in full force.” × Reflecting on his campaign, Trump said, “You always have regrets. I can't think of any, to be honest. To use her expression, I can't think of any. Oh, I look, I ran a great campaign. I think it was maybe the best of the three. We did great in the first one. We did much better in the second one, but something happened and this was the best, I would say, this was the best campaign we ran.” He concluded, “I'm not a Democrat. I'm able to make a speech on pretty quick notice. If I win, I know what I'm going to say and I don't even want to think about the losing part. I would like to tell all of the people that are in line to stay in line. We have tremendous Republican lines, and I've been asked actually to say it takes a while. I'd like to just make the statement that I'd like the Republicans to stay on line. Democrats, if they'd like, they can leave. But I'd like the Republicans to stay on line.” (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump casts vote in Florida, says he’ll accept defeat if it’s 'a fair election'

Iran on Wednesday (Nov. 6) downplayed the outcome of the US presidential election, stating that "it does not matter" who becomes the next American president, after Donald Trump declared his victory.

Iran on Wednesday (Nov. 6) downplayed the outcome of the US presidential election, stating that "it does not matter" who becomes the next American president, after Donald Trump declared his victory. In Tehran, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani addressed reporters, stressing that Iran’s “general policies” remain steady. "The US elections are not really our business. Our policies are steady and don't change based on individuals. We made the necessary predictions before and there will not be change in people's livelihoods," Mohajerani said, as reported by the Tasnim news agency. Iran’s currency falls to record low against the dollar Meanwhile, Iran’s currency, the rial, fell to a record low against the dollar on Wednesday following Trump's re-election, marking potential new challenges for Iran amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Traders in Tehran reported the rial trading at 703,000 to the dollar, though the rate could vary throughout the day. Iran’s Central Bank might again introduce more foreign currency into the market to stabilise the rate, as it has done before. US-Iran ties during Trump's presidency Trump, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, was known for his tough stance on Iran. During his first term, Trump reintroduced sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from a 2015 nuclear agreement that had eased economic restrictions on Iran in return for limits on its nuclear programme. Trump also ordered the targeted killing of Qassem Soleimani, one of Iran's top military officials and a key figure in the country's hierarchy. Soleimani, head of the IRGC's Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq in January 2020, along with a senior Iraqi commander. In September, while speaking in New York, Trump mentioned he was open to resuming discussions for a new nuclear agreement. “We have to make a deal because the consequences are impossible. We have to make a deal,” he stated. The re-imposition of US sanctions in 2018 severely affected Iran's oil exports, reducing government revenues and pushing Iran towards difficult economic measures like increasing taxes and running large budget deficits, keeping inflation close to 40% annually. (With inputs from agencies)

US election 'not really our business,' says Iran as its currency rial hits record low post-Trump win

Former United States (US) president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump announced on Thursday (Oct 11) that his daughter Tiffany was pregnant.

Former United States (US) president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump announced on Thursday (Oct 11) that his daughter Tiffany was pregnant. Trump made this remark while addressing the Detroit Economic Club in Michigan on a campaign stop, American media reported. Trump recognised businessman Massad Boulos, who is the father of Tiffany's husband, Michael Boulos. "He happens to be the father of Tiffany’s husband, Michael, who’s a very exceptional young guy. And she’s an exceptional young woman. And she’s going to have a baby. So that’s nice," Trump added. Tiffany and Michael got married in 2022 A report by Fox News said that Tiffany and Michael got married in 2022 after they had dated since 2018. Tiffany is Trump's youngest daughter. She graduated from Georgetown Law in 2020 and works as an attorney, the report said. Also read | Trump rules out another parley with Harris, says 'nothing to debate': 'There will be no rematch!' Tiffany's mother is Trump's second wife, actress Marla Maples. Tiffany, 30 recently took to social media following the assassination attempt on her father in Butler in July. "Political violence is never the answer. God bless the Secret Service and law enforcement who fearlessly intervened. Please include the families of the victims in your prayers. As you saw today, my father is a fighter and he will continue to fight for you and the USA," she wrote. Who are Donald Trump's other children? Trump has five children from three marriages- Don Jr, Ivanka, and Eric Trump with Ivana Trump; Tiffany Trump with Marla Maples; and Barron Trump with Melania Trump. Barron, who was born in 2006, is Trump's youngest child. The former US president has 10 grandchildren. (With inputs from agenices)

Donald Trump says his youngest daughter Tiffany is pregnant

Former United States (US) president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said that he would not make a fourth consecutive run for the presidency if he loses the November 5 election, as per an interview released on Sunday (Sept 22).

Former United States (US) president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said that he would not make a fourth consecutive run for the presidency if he loses the November 5 election, as per an interview released on Sunday (Sept 22). Asked if he saw himself running again in four years if he is not successful in his third consecutive bid for the White House, Trump told Sharyl Attkisson's "Full Measure" program: "No I don't. I think that will be — that will be it. I don't see that at all. Hopefully, we will be successful." Trump launched his first reelection bid for the 2020 election on the same day he was inaugurated in 2017 and announced his latest White House bid two years ago in November 2022. A tight race against Kamala Harris Trump is facing a tight race against his rival- Democratic presidential candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris. Polls showed Trump and Harris neck-and-neck in key battleground states that are likely to be decisive in determining the winner, even as Harris has begun to edge up in nationwide polls. More details will be added soon...

Trump says he will not run for US election again if he loses November 5 polls

A controversial biopic of Donald Trump that depicts the former president raping his wife and which has drawn legal threats from his attorneys will hit US theatres this October, it was reported Friday. Tiny indie studio Briarcliff Entertainment plans to release "The Apprentice" for US audiences less than a month before Trump takes on Kamala Harris in the country's razor-tight presidential election, the Hollywood Reporter said. 
 
Representatives for Briarcliff did not immediately respond to AFP queries.

The explosive film about Trump's younger years caused shockwaves at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Its most talked about scene shows Trump raping his first wife, Ivana, after she belittles him for growing fat and bald.

In real life, Ivana accused Trump of raping her during divorce proceedings but later rescinded the allegation. She died in 2022. The movie also shows Trump suffering erectile dysfunction and undergoing liposuction and surgery for hair loss.

Just hours after "The Apprentice" premiered in May, Trump's lawyers vowed to sue the producers, calling the film "garbage" and "pure malicious defamation." Further complicating the film's prospects for US release is that one of its early financial backers was pro-Trump billionaire Dan Snyder, who was reportedly displeased with its depiction of Trump and sought to block the movie.

He has now been bought out of his financial stake in the movie, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The film is set to be released in US theatres on October 11, the Los Angeles Times said.

Sebastian Stan's lead performance as young New York property tycoon Trump received largely positive reviews at Cannes. The film's screenplay was written by Gabriel Sherman, a journalist who covered real estate for the New York Observer and regularly spoke to Trump.

Far from a simple hatchet job, the film depicts Trump as an ambitious but naive social climber desperately trying to navigate the cutthroat world of Manhattan property deals and politics.&nbsp;The Times of London argued it would "make you feel sympathy for Trump."

But Trump's decency is gradually eroded as he learns the dark arts of dealmaking and power from his mentor Roy Cohn, played by "Succession" star Jeremy Strong. Film director Ali Abbasi told AFP he included the rape scene to show how Trump distanced himself from "human relationships that define him and that hold him in check as a human being."

Stan, best known for the Marvel superhero movies, added that Trump's early behaviour "is much more relatable than we want to admit." Briarcliff Entertainment launched in the late 2010s. Its founder, Tom Ortenberg, previously helped steer Oscar campaigns for best picture winners "Spotlight" and "Crash."

He is expected to promote "The Apprentice" in Hollywood's upcoming award season. The news comes on the same day "Reagan," another biopic of a former Republican president, Ronald Reagan, hits US theatres.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

A controversial biopic of Donald Trump that depicts the former president raping his wife and which has drawn legal threats from his attorneys will hit US theatres this October, it was reported Friday.

A controversial biopic of Donald Trump that depicts the former president raping his wife and which has drawn legal threats from his attorneys will hit US theatres this October, it was reported Friday. Tiny indie studio Briarcliff Entertainment plans to release "The Apprentice" for US audiences less than a month before Trump takes on Kamala Harris in the country's razor-tight presidential election, the Hollywood Reporter said. Representatives for Briarcliff did not immediately respond to AFP queries. The explosive film about Trump's younger years caused shockwaves at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Its most talked about scene shows Trump raping his first wife, Ivana, after she belittles him for growing fat and bald. In real life, Ivana accused Trump of raping her during divorce proceedings but later rescinded the allegation. She died in 2022. The movie also shows Trump suffering erectile dysfunction and undergoing liposuction and surgery for hair loss. Just hours after "The Apprentice" premiered in May, Trump's lawyers vowed to sue the producers, calling the film "garbage" and "pure malicious defamation." Further complicating the film's prospects for US release is that one of its early financial backers was pro-Trump billionaire Dan Snyder, who was reportedly displeased with its depiction of Trump and sought to block the movie. He has now been bought out of his financial stake in the movie, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The film is set to be released in US theatres on October 11, the Los Angeles Times said. Sebastian Stan's lead performance as young New York property tycoon Trump received largely positive reviews at Cannes. The film's screenplay was written by Gabriel Sherman, a journalist who covered real estate for the New York Observer and regularly spoke to Trump. Far from a simple hatchet job, the film depicts Trump as an ambitious but naive social climber desperately trying to navigate the cutthroat world of Manhattan property deals and politics. The Times of London argued it would "make you feel sympathy for Trump." But Trump's decency is gradually eroded as he learns the dark arts of dealmaking and power from his mentor Roy Cohn, played by "Succession" star Jeremy Strong. Film director Ali Abbasi told AFP he included the rape scene to show how Trump distanced himself from "human relationships that define him and that hold him in check as a human being." Stan, best known for the Marvel superhero movies, added that Trump's early behaviour "is much more relatable than we want to admit." Briarcliff Entertainment launched in the late 2010s. Its founder, Tom Ortenberg, previously helped steer Oscar campaigns for best picture winners "Spotlight" and "Crash." He is expected to promote "The Apprentice" in Hollywood's upcoming award season. The news comes on the same day "Reagan," another biopic of a former Republican president, Ronald Reagan, hits US theatres. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Explosive Trump biopic to hit US theatres before election: Reports

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump suggested on Sunday (Aug 25) that he might skip the September 10 ABC News debate with Democratic presidential candidate and current United States Vice President Kamala Harris.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump suggested on Sunday (Aug 25) that he might skip the September 10 ABC News debate with Democratic presidential candidate and current United States Vice President Kamala Harris. “I watched ABC FAKE NEWS this morning, both lightweight reporter Jonathan Carl’s (K?) ridiculous and biased interview of Tom Cotton (who was fantastic!), and their so-called Panel of Trump Haters, and I ask, why would I do the Debate against Kamala Harris on that network?” Trump said in a post on his social network, Truth Social. The only debate both campaigns committed to The September 10 ABC News debate is the only one that both the Trump and Harris campaigns officially committed to with a network. This was not the first time that Trump suggested he would back out of the ABC News debate. Also read | RFK Jr reveals why he dropped out of presidential race and endorsed Trump Earlier in August, the former president said he would no longer appear at the September 10 debate, previously scheduled with President Joe Biden before he dropped out of the race, and would only debate Harris at a September 4 debate hosted by Fox News. However, a few days later, Trump said he would debate Harris on ABC and also proposed debates on NBC and Fox. Is Trump dodging debate? A report by The Washington Post early Monday said that Trump’s renewed questioning of the ABC News debate came amid Kamala Harris increasing her lead in national polls, and was gaining ground in key Midwestern swing states, the report said. Also watch | Race To Power US: Donald Trump abruptly ends interview, citing security concerns × As of Sunday, the publication's polling average showed Harris leading in Wisconsin by three points, in Pennsylvania by two points and in Michigan by less than one point. Trump, meanwhile, was continuing to lead in the Sun Belt states, but Harris has significantly narrowed the gap. With just two weeks left for the September 10 presidential debate, the Trump and Harris campaigns have hit an impasse over whether the candidates’ microphones will be muted when it is not their turn to speak, Politico reported on Monday citing sources. (With inputs from agencies)

US presidential election: Is Trump dodging Sept 10 debate amid rising poll numbers for Harris?

Police in the United States (US) have arrested an Arizona man after threatening over social media to kill former president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Police in the United States (US) have arrested an Arizona man after threatening over social media to kill former president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The arrest was made on Thursday (Aug 22), the news agency reported on Saturday citing the Cochise County Sheriff's Office. Trump was in Cochise County on Thursday when he visited the US border with Mexico as part of his campaign. Who is the arrested man? The man, identified as 66-year-old Ronald Lee Syvrud, had multiple outstanding warrants from Wisconsin, the sheriff's office said. Also read | Robert F. Kennedy Jr ends White House bid, endorses Trump The office added that Syvrud was subsequently booked into the Cochise County Jail on a felony warrant from Graham County in Arizona for "failure to register as a sex offender and two counts of threatening for this case." The 66-year-old remained in custody pending further court adjudication, Reuters reported. Donald Trump reacts to threat On being asked about the threat issued by Syvrud, Trump said, "I am not that surprised (by the threat) and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys." This threat came more than a month after Trump survived an assassination attempt on July 13. Trump was not seriously wounded but suffered an injury on his right ear. The shooter, identified as Thomas Crooks, was shot dead by Secret Service agents. Despite the Arizona threat and the July assassination attempt, Trump said on Thursday that he had great respect for the Secret Service and "the job they do," while adding they made mistakes from which they would learn. Also watch | Trump assassination attempt: Secret Service probes operational failure × Many candidates have been threatened ahead of the November 5 presidential election. In early August, a Virginia man was charged with threatening Vice President and current Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. In December last year, a New Hampshire man was arrested in December for threatening to kill Republican presidential candidates. (With inputs from agencies)

Police arrest Arizona man who threatened to kill Donald Trump

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Friday (Aug 23) abandoned his campaign and endorsed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Hours after announcing the endorsement in a press conference, Kennedy joined Trump at a campaign event in Arizona, where the crowd cheered the independent loudly.

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Friday (Aug 23) abandoned his campaign and endorsed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Hours after announcing the endorsement in a press conference, Kennedy joined Trump at a campaign event in Arizona, where the crowd cheered the independent loudly. "His candidacy has inspired millions and millions of Americans, raised critical issues that have been too long ignored in this country," Trump said of Kennedy. Earlier, Kennedy, 70, told reporters that he met with Trump and his aides several times and learned they agreed on key issues including border security, free speech and ending wars. How much impact will the endorsement have? An analysis of poll data done by ABC News showed that Kennedy's endorsement of Trump will have a minimal impact on the presidential race. Also read | Robert F. Kennedy Jr ends White House bid, endorses Trump Kennedy, who has consistently polled around 5 per cent since Vice President Kamala Harris became the presumptive nominee, was drawing roughly equally from both Trump and Harris, with that support coming from both traditionally Democratic and traditionally Republican groups, ABC News reported. The analysis said that Kennedy's endorsement of Trump may marginally help the Republican among white, male, and older voters. 'Decision to endorse Trump betrays family values' Reacting to Kennedy's decision to endorse Trump, his sister Kerry said that this decision betrayed their family's values. "It is a sad ending to a sad story," she said on social media. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. entered the race in April 2023 as a challenger to President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination. With some voters at the time turned off by both the ageing Biden and the legally embattled Trump, interest in Kennedy soared. He later decided to run as an independent, and a November 2023 poll by Reuters/Ipsos showed Kennedy with 20 per cent support in a three-way race with Biden and Trump. Also watch | Race To Power US: Donald Trump abruptly ends Interview citing security concerns × For a time, both the Biden and Trump campaigns showed signs they were worried that Kennedy could draw enough support to change the election outcome. However, as the race changed quickly in the last two months-- with Trump surviving an assassination attempt and Biden leaving the race and endorsing Kamala Harris-- voter interest in Kennedy waned. (With inputs from agencies)

US presidential election: RFK Jr. endorses Trump, but how much momentum will it give?

Celine Dion took a jab at Donald Trump on Saturday for using at an election rally the song she wrote and sang for the disaster movie "Titanic," about the ocean liner's sinking.

The Republican presidential candidate has been lampooned on social media after playing the 1997 track "My Heart Will Go On" at a rally in the US state of Montana on Friday, as a video of Dion performing the song was shown on a big screen.

Dion's management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, said in a statement on X the use of the song and video was "in no way" authorized.

"Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use... And really, THAT song?" it added.

Users on social media have made analogies between Trump's campaign and the sinking ship at the heart of the James Cameron film.

Trump has appeared on the back foot since Kamala Harris replaced President Joe Biden in the US election race for the White House.

The former president appeared on track to win back the White House before Biden dropped out of the race on July 21, but Harris has made big gains since replacing Biden at the top of the ticket and announcing Tim Walz, Minnesota's governor, as her running mate.

"My Heart Will Go On" was released on Dion's album "Let's Talk About Love" and the soundtrack to Cameron's film "Titanic." It became one of the biggest songs of all time, selling 18 million copies and earning Dion an Oscar, a Golden Globe and several Grammys.

Dion, 56, was forced to cancel a string of shows in 2023 and 2024, saying she was not strong enough to tour after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder.

But she delighted fans last month by singing from the Eiffel Tower at the opening of the Olympics in Paris.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Celine Dion took a jab at Donald Trump on Saturday for using at an election rally the song she wrote and sang for the disaster movie "Titanic," about the ocean liner's sinking.

Celine Dion took a jab at Donald Trump on Saturday for using at an election rally the song she wrote and sang for the disaster movie "Titanic," about the ocean liner's sinking. The Republican presidential candidate has been lampooned on social media after playing the 1997 track "My Heart Will Go On" at a rally in the US state of Montana on Friday, as a video of Dion performing the song was shown on a big screen. Dion's management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, said in a statement on X the use of the song and video was "in no way" authorized. "Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use... And really, THAT song?" it added. Users on social media have made analogies between Trump's campaign and the sinking ship at the heart of the James Cameron film. Trump has appeared on the back foot since Kamala Harris replaced President Joe Biden in the US election race for the White House. The former president appeared on track to win back the White House before Biden dropped out of the race on July 21, but Harris has made big gains since replacing Biden at the top of the ticket and announcing Tim Walz, Minnesota's governor, as her running mate. "My Heart Will Go On" was released on Dion's album "Let's Talk About Love" and the soundtrack to Cameron's film "Titanic." It became one of the biggest songs of all time, selling 18 million copies and earning Dion an Oscar, a Golden Globe and several Grammys. Dion, 56, was forced to cancel a string of shows in 2023 and 2024, saying she was not strong enough to tour after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. But she delighted fans last month by singing from the Eiffel Tower at the opening of the Olympics in Paris. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Celine Dion jabs Trump for playing 'Titanic' song at rally

"It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening," former United States (US) president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump said on Sunday (July 14) hours after he survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

"It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening," former United States (US) president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump said on Sunday (July 14) hours after he survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said, "We will fear not, but instead remain resilient in our faith and defiant in the face of wickedness. Our love goes out to the other victims and their families." Click here to follow all updates on Trump assassination attempt "We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed," he added. Trump urges Americans to stand united In the post, Trump, 78, urged all Americans to stand united. "In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand united, and show our true character as Americans, remaining strong and determined, and not allowing evil to win," he said. × "I truly love our country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our great nation this week from Wisconsin," he added. The Republican presidential hopeful suffered a wound to his right year and suffered no major injury. The Trump campaign later said he was "doing well." Also read | How Trump assassination attempt has turbocharged his presidential re-run Earlier on Sunday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. He was a registered Republican, according to state voter records. Crooks was shot dead by Secret Service agents, the agency said, after he opened fire from the roof of a building about 140 metres from the stage where Trump was speaking. An AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle was recovered near his body. Also watch | Donald Trump rally shooting: What we know so far × One person who attended the rally was killed and two other spectators were critically wounded, the Secret Service said. Secret Service denies it refused additional protection for Trump The Secret Service on Sunday denied claims that it had refused additional protection for Trump ahead of his rally. Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said on social media platform X that the assertions were "absolutely false." Guglielmi said that the agency "added protective resources and technology and capabilities as part of the increased campaign travel tempo." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump assassination attempt: God alone prevented the unthinkable from happening, says ex-US president

Following Donald Trump's conviction on criminal charges related to bribing a porn star for her silence, a New York court partly lifted a gag order on the presumptive Republican presidential nominee on Tuesday (June 25).

Following Donald Trump's conviction on criminal charges related to bribing a porn star for her silence, a New York court partly lifted a gag order on the presumptive Republican presidential nominee on Tuesday (June 25). Though Trump's remarks regarding specific prosecutors and other case participants are still restricted, the amended order permits him to talk publicly about the prosecution's witnesses. The gag order, according to Trump's attorneys, was suppressing his campaign speech and making it more difficult for him to refute Democratic President Joe Biden's criticisms when they square off on June 27. Alvin Bragg's office of prosecutors in Manhattan stated that there was no longer a need to impose restrictions on Trump's comments about trial witnesses. They did, however, ask Justice Juan Merchan to preserve limits on his statements regarding jurors, court staff, and individual prosecutors, citing safety concerns. Prosecutors argued that such limits were still necessary, citing Trump supporters' attempts to identify members of the secret jury and threats of violence against them. Also read: UK: PPE worth £1.4 billion purchased during pandemic destroyed or unused - Reports "There thus remains a critical need to protect the jurors in this case from attacks by the defendant and those he inspires to action," they stated in a court filing on June 20. A Manhattan jury found Trump guilty on May 30 of concealing his former attorney Michael Cohen's $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Daniels was threatening to go public with her account of a sexual encounter with Trump before the 2016 election. This was the first criminal trial of a US president. Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, four days prior to his party's official nomination meeting for the presidential elections. During the seven-week trial, Trump disobeyed the gag order 10 times. The court penalised him $10,000 for this infraction and threatened to put him in jail on May 6. (With inputs from agencies)

Gag's up! Trump gets partial reprieve ahead of debate with Joe Biden

A New York jury on Thursday (May 30) found former United States president Donald Trump guilty on all charges in his hush money case, months before an election that could see him return to the White House.

A New York jury on Thursday (May 30) found former United States president Donald Trump guilty on all charges in his hush money case, months before an election that could see him return to the White House. Trump, 77, became the first former US president ever convicted of a crime. A report by the news agency AFP said that the jury found Trump guilty on each of the 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide a payment meant to silence adult actor Stormy Daniels. "The defendant Donald J Trump is guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree to conceal a scheme to corrupt the 2016 election. And while this defendant, maybe unlike any of the other in American history, we arrived at this trial and ultimately today this verdict, in the same manner as every other case that comes through the courtroom doors, by following the facts and the law and doing so without fear or favour," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. He could in theory be sentenced to four years behind bars for each count but is more likely to receive probation. Also read | Trump hush money trial: Key witness Stormy Daniels receives ‘death threats’ Trump, who was released without bail, is now a felon. However, he is not barred from contesting the presidential elections in November. 'I'm a very innocent man' Speaking to reporters, Trump said that he was a very innocent man, and vowed that the real verdict would come from voters. He branded the trial "rigged" and a "disgrace". After two days of deliberation, the 12-member New York jury pronounced Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts he faced. Justice Juan Merchan set sentencing for July 11, just days before the Republican Party is scheduled to formally nominate Trump for president ahead of the elections. Also watch | Robert De Niro calls Trump a 'clown' outside trial in Biden campaign message × The crime of falsifying business documents carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, though those convicted often receive shorter sentences, fines, or probation, a report by the news agency Reuters said. The case Trump was convicted of falsifying business records to reimburse his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 payment to Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election, when her claim to have had sex with him could have proved fatal to his campaign against Hillary Clinton. The trial featured lengthy testimony from Daniels who described to the court in graphic detail a 2006 encounter with Trump while he was married to his current wife Melania. Trump denies ever having sex with Daniels. Cohen testified that Trump approved the hush money payment to Daniels in the final weeks of the 2016 elections when the Republican faced multiple accusations of sexual misbehaviour. Cohen testified that he handled the payment and that Trump approved a plan to reimburse him through monthly payments disguised as legal work. Trump's lawyers hammered Cohen's credibility, highlighting his criminal record and imprisonment and his history of lying. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump becomes first former US president to be convicted following verdict in hush money trial

Former porn star Stephanie Clifford, widely known as Stormy Daniels, is back to share her riveting account of the 2018 scandal involving former President Donald Trump that rocked the political world. In a new documentary released on Peacock titled Stormy, the actress-turned-director delves deep into the tumultuous aftermath of her revelation about a sexual encounter with Trump before the 2016 presidential election. Here are seven jaw-dropping revelations made in the documentary, shedding light on the enduring repercussions of her decision to speak out:

1. Motivation Behind 60 Minutes Interview&nbsp;

Stormy Daniels' decision to speak out on 60 Minutes with Anderson Cooper was not driven by financial gain. Despite the massive media attention following the interview, Daniels did not receive any financial compensation. She deliberately chose 60 Minutes for its non-commercial format to dispel accusations of seeking fame and fortune.

2. Real Fear of Retribution

Daniels faced a barrage of death threats and harassment following her public disclosure. She documented instances of being targeted at her home and on the streets. The documentary revealed that one person even shot her horse with a rubber bullet in hopes of drawing her out and another nearly caused a car accident while her young daughter was in the car with her. Daniels feared for her life so she recorded a last will and testament due to concerns of potential harm by political partisans.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-jewish-celebs-issue-letter-denouncing-zone-of-interests-jonathan-glazers-oscars-speech-701685">Jewish celebs issue letter denouncing Zone of Interest's Jonathan Glazer's Oscars speech</a>

3. Betrayal by Attorney Michael Avenatti

The documentary captures the fallout between Daniels and her hush money case attorney, Michael Avenatti, who filed a defamation suit against Trump without her consent. Daniels expressed shock upon learning about the lawsuit through social media and later discovered Avenatti's misappropriation of her book tour earnings. &nbsp;“He betrayed me in every way,” Daniels said. “It’s really heartbreaking and upsetting.”

4. Apology Letter from Avenatti

Avenatti's apology letter to Daniels, received after his conviction for fraud and identity theft, was met with scepticism. Daniels read the letter aloud in the documentary, annotating it with pointed remarks highlighting his betrayal and deceit.

"Dear Stormy, I write to apologise to you for my actions and conduct over the last three years and especially the last three months. I’ve had a significant amount of time to reflect on my life — ['cause you in prison, b****'] our friendship and my legal representation of you. It is obvious that I failed you in many respects and that I disappointed and let you down in multiple ways. I’ve tried my best to serve you in many ways as a friend, confidant, and advisor. I made myself available to you 24/7 and in my support to you. But along the way, I know that I failed. I wish that we could turn back the clock — ['so that I’d be better at stealing from you?'] — turn back the clock so that the mistakes I made would never be repeated. I am truly sorry. Michael," the letter said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscar-winner-david-seidler-dies-while-fly-fishing-during-new-zealand-trip-701502">Oscar winner David Seidler dies while fly-fishing during New Zealand trip</a>

5. Personal Trauma

In the documentary, Daniels also opened up about her traumatic childhood experiences, including sexual abuse at the age of nine. “He’s dead [now]. It was sad. Because I wanted to kill him. I never told anyone, ever,” Daniels said.

6. Public Fight's Affect on Her Marriage

Viewers witnessed the intimate moments of Daniels' strained marriage and eventual separation from her husband amidst public scrutiny. Despite attempts at reconciliation, Daniels couldn't save her then-nine-year-long marriage to her former husband Glen Crain.

7. Unexpected Ally

Amidst the turmoil, Daniels found an unlikely ally in Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, who expressed genuine concern for her safety following Trump's indictment in 2023 for the hush money scandal.

Former porn star Stephanie Clifford, widely known as Stormy Daniels, is back to share her riveting account of the 2018 scandal involving former President Donald Trump that rocked the political world.

Former porn star Stephanie Clifford, widely known as Stormy Daniels, is back to share her riveting account of the 2018 scandal involving former President Donald Trump that rocked the political world. In a new documentary released on Peacock titled Stormy, the actress-turned-director delves deep into the tumultuous aftermath of her revelation about a sexual encounter with Trump before the 2016 presidential election. Here are seven jaw-dropping revelations made in the documentary, shedding light on the enduring repercussions of her decision to speak out: 1. Motivation Behind 60 Minutes Interview Stormy Daniels' decision to speak out on 60 Minutes with Anderson Cooper was not driven by financial gain. Despite the massive media attention following the interview, Daniels did not receive any financial compensation. She deliberately chose 60 Minutes for its non-commercial format to dispel accusations of seeking fame and fortune. 2. Real Fear of Retribution Daniels faced a barrage of death threats and harassment following her public disclosure. She documented instances of being targeted at her home and on the streets. The documentary revealed that one person even shot her horse with a rubber bullet in hopes of drawing her out and another nearly caused a car accident while her young daughter was in the car with her. Daniels feared for her life so she recorded a last will and testament due to concerns of potential harm by political partisans. Also read: Jewish celebs issue letter denouncing Zone of Interest's Jonathan Glazer's Oscars speech 3. Betrayal by Attorney Michael Avenatti The documentary captures the fallout between Daniels and her hush money case attorney, Michael Avenatti, who filed a defamation suit against Trump without her consent. Daniels expressed shock upon learning about the lawsuit through social media and later discovered Avenatti's misappropriation of her book tour earnings. “He betrayed me in every way,” Daniels said. “It’s really heartbreaking and upsetting.” 4. Apology Letter from Avenatti Avenatti's apology letter to Daniels, received after his conviction for fraud and identity theft, was met with scepticism. Daniels read the letter aloud in the documentary, annotating it with pointed remarks highlighting his betrayal and deceit. "Dear Stormy, I write to apologise to you for my actions and conduct over the last three years and especially the last three months. I’ve had a significant amount of time to reflect on my life — ['cause you in prison, b****'] our friendship and my legal representation of you. It is obvious that I failed you in many respects and that I disappointed and let you down in multiple ways. I’ve tried my best to serve you in many ways as a friend, confidant, and advisor. I made myself available to you 24/7 and in my support to you. But along the way, I know that I failed. I wish that we could turn back the clock — ['so that I’d be better at stealing from you?'] — turn back the clock so that the mistakes I made would never be repeated. I am truly sorry. Michael," the letter said. Also read: Oscar winner David Seidler dies while fly-fishing during New Zealand trip 5. Personal Trauma In the documentary, Daniels also opened up about her traumatic childhood experiences, including sexual abuse at the age of nine. “He’s dead [now]. It was sad. Because I wanted to kill him. I never told anyone, ever,” Daniels said. 6. Public Fight's Affect on Her Marriage Viewers witnessed the intimate moments of Daniels' strained marriage and eventual separation from her husband amidst public scrutiny. Despite attempts at reconciliation, Daniels couldn't save her then-nine-year-long marriage to her former husband Glen Crain. 7. Unexpected Ally Amidst the turmoil, Daniels found an unlikely ally in Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, who expressed genuine concern for her safety following Trump's indictment in 2023 for the hush money scandal.

Stormy documentary: 7 jaw-dropping revelations made by porn star about Donald Trump scandal

After hosting the 2024 Oscars, Jimmy Kimmel sat down for an interview with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos to discuss some of the evening's most memorable moments. One of the highlights was Kimmel's decision to read out Donald Trump's scathing review of the show, posted on Truth Social.

Trump's post criticised Kimmel's hosting and the show's perceived political correctness.&nbsp; “Has there EVER been a WORSE HOST than Jimmy Kimmel at The Oscars,” Trump posted. “His opening was that of a less than average person trying too hard to be something which he is not, and never can be…Also a really bad politically correct show tonight, and for years – Disjointed, boring, and very unfair. Why don’t they just give the Oscars to those that deserve them. Maybe that way their audience and TV ratings will come back from the depths. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” &nbsp;

Kimmel responded on stage by jokingly thanking Trump for watching and quipping, “Blah, blah, blah … OK, now, see if you can guess which former president just posted that on Truth Social. Anyone? No? Well, thank you, President Trump. Thank you for watching, I’m surprised you’re still — isn’t it past your jail time?”

Kimmel revealed that producers advised him against reading Trump's post, but he decided to do it anyway. He recounted, "They’re like, ‘You’ve got a little bit of time’ and I was like, ‘I’m reading the Trump tweet,’ and they’re like, ‘No, no, don’t read that.' [I was like] ‘Yes I am.’”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-karan-johar-defends-praising-animal-i-saw-it-as-a-character-film-699373">Karan Johar defends praising Animal, says ‘I saw it as a character film’</a>

Regarding Al Pacino's awkward announcement of the best picture award to Oppenheimer, Kimmel joked, "I guess he’s never watched an awards show before." For those unaware, instead of reading the nominees Pacino simply opened the envelope and said, “And my eyes see ‘Oppenheimer’."

Oppenheimer&nbsp;was the biggest winner of the night, taking home seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Christopher Nolan.&nbsp;

After hosting the 2024 Oscars, Jimmy Kimmel sat down for an interview with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos to discuss some of the evening's most memorable moments.

After hosting the 2024 Oscars, Jimmy Kimmel sat down for an interview with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos to discuss some of the evening's most memorable moments. One of the highlights was Kimmel's decision to read out Donald Trump's scathing review of the show, posted on Truth Social. Trump's post criticised Kimmel's hosting and the show's perceived political correctness. “Has there EVER been a WORSE HOST than Jimmy Kimmel at The Oscars,” Trump posted. “His opening was that of a less than average person trying too hard to be something which he is not, and never can be…Also a really bad politically correct show tonight, and for years – Disjointed, boring, and very unfair. Why don’t they just give the Oscars to those that deserve them. Maybe that way their audience and TV ratings will come back from the depths. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Kimmel responded on stage by jokingly thanking Trump for watching and quipping, “Blah, blah, blah … OK, now, see if you can guess which former president just posted that on Truth Social. Anyone? No? Well, thank you, President Trump. Thank you for watching, I’m surprised you’re still — isn’t it past your jail time?” Kimmel revealed that producers advised him against reading Trump's post, but he decided to do it anyway. He recounted, "They’re like, ‘You’ve got a little bit of time’ and I was like, ‘I’m reading the Trump tweet,’ and they’re like, ‘No, no, don’t read that.' [I was like] ‘Yes I am.’” Also read: Karan Johar defends praising Animal, says ‘I saw it as a character film’ Regarding Al Pacino's awkward announcement of the best picture award to Oppenheimer, Kimmel joked, "I guess he’s never watched an awards show before." For those unaware, instead of reading the nominees Pacino simply opened the envelope and said, “And my eyes see ‘Oppenheimer’." Oppenheimer was the biggest winner of the night, taking home seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Christopher Nolan.

Jimmy Kimmel defied Oscars producers who tried to stop him from reading Trump’s post

The estate of Sinead O’Connor on Monday asked Donald Trump not to play her music at campaign rallies, saying the late singer considered the former president a “biblical devil.”

Trump has played O’Connor’s biggest hit, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” at events as he campaigns for the Republican presidential nomination.

In a joint statement, O’Connor’s estate and her record label, Chrysalis, demanded Trump “desist from using her music immediately.”

It said the Irish singer, who died last year aged 56, “lived by a fierce moral code defined by honesty, kindness, fairness and decency towards her fellow human beings.”

“It was with outrage therefore that we learned that Donald Trump has been using her iconic performance of Nothing Compares 2 U at his political rallies,” the statement said.

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“It is no exaggeration to say that Sinead would have been disgusted, hurt and insulted to have her work misrepresented in this way by someone who she herself referred to as a ‘biblical devil.’ As the guardians of her legacy, we demand that Donald Trump and his associates desist from using her music immediately.”

Fiery and outspoken, O’Connor was a critic of the Roman Catholic Church well before allegations of sexual abuse were widely reported, and was open about her mental health struggles.

She was found unresponsive at her London home in July and pronounced dead at the scene. A coroner ruled that she died of natural causes.

O’Connor joins a growing list of artists who have objected to Trump using their songs, including Rihanna, Neil Young, Linkin Park, the late Tom Petty and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.

The estate of Sinead O’Connor on Monday asked Donald Trump not to play her music at campaign rallies, saying the late singer considered the former president a “biblical devil.

The estate of Sinead O’Connor on Monday asked Donald Trump not to play her music at campaign rallies, saying the late singer considered the former president a “biblical devil.” Trump has played O’Connor’s biggest hit, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” at events as he campaigns for the Republican presidential nomination. In a joint statement, O’Connor’s estate and her record label, Chrysalis, demanded Trump “desist from using her music immediately.” It said the Irish singer, who died last year aged 56, “lived by a fierce moral code defined by honesty, kindness, fairness and decency towards her fellow human beings.” “It was with outrage therefore that we learned that Donald Trump has been using her iconic performance of Nothing Compares 2 U at his political rallies,” the statement said. Also read: Finally! House of Dragon season 2 gets premiere date “It is no exaggeration to say that Sinead would have been disgusted, hurt and insulted to have her work misrepresented in this way by someone who she herself referred to as a ‘biblical devil.’ As the guardians of her legacy, we demand that Donald Trump and his associates desist from using her music immediately.” Fiery and outspoken, O’Connor was a critic of the Roman Catholic Church well before allegations of sexual abuse were widely reported, and was open about her mental health struggles. She was found unresponsive at her London home in July and pronounced dead at the scene. A coroner ruled that she died of natural causes. O’Connor joins a growing list of artists who have objected to Trump using their songs, including Rihanna, Neil Young, Linkin Park, the late Tom Petty and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.

Sinead O’Connor’s estate asks Donald Trump to stop playing her music at rallies

Former United States president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump on Saturday (Feb 17) launched a sneaker line, a day after he was fined nearly $355 million in the New York civil fraud case, American media reported.

Former United States president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump on Saturday (Feb 17) launched a sneaker line, a day after he was fined nearly $355 million in the New York civil fraud case, American media reported. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, Trump unveiled "Trump Sneakers" at the Sneaker Con in Philadelphia. The report said that Trump, 77, was met with boos as well as cheers at the Philadelphia Convention Center as he introduced what he called the first official Trump footwear. “This is something I’ve been talking about for 12 years, 13 years, and I think it’s going to be a big success,” he said. Some people at the event held signs that read “SNEAKERHEADS LOVE TRUMP.” Sneakers sold out on website The sneakers, gold lame high tops with an American flag detail on the back, are being sold as “Never Surrender High-Tops” for $399 on a new website (called Trump Sneakers) that also sells Trump-branded “Victory47” cologne and perfume for $99 a bottle. Also read | New York fraud case: Trump ordered to pay nearly $355 mn, barred from doing business in state for 3 yrs A visit to the website showed that the sneakers were sold out, as there were only 1,000 pairs available. The website said it has no connection to Trump’s presidential campaign. This is not the first money-making venture that the 77-year-old Republican announced since launching his third campaign for the White House in 2022. In 2023, Trump reported making between $100,000 and $1 million for a series of digital trading cards that portrayed him, through photo editing, in a series of cartoon-like images, the Associated Press reported. Trump Sneakers is run by CIC Ventures LLC, a company that Trump reported owning in his 2023 financial disclosure. Trump fined in New York fraud case On Friday, Trump was ordered to pay $354.9 million to the state of New York in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders, a judge ruled. Justice Arthur Engoron also banned Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years. In his ruling, Engoron said that Trump and the other defendants in the civil fraud case were incapable of admitting the error of their ways. Also watch | US VP Kamal Harris warns against Republican Trump's World view × The case came into light after a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James accused Trump and his family businesses of overstating his net worth by as much as $3.6 billion a year over a decade to fool bankers into giving him better loan terms. Addressing his supporters in Michigan on Saturday, Trump said the fraud fine was an election interference ploy. "The decision yesterday in New York, you may have read about it... crooked judge. Crooked judge, he's a crooked judge... (The decision) by a radical left-wing judge was a lawless and unconstitutional atrocity that set fire to our laws like no one has ever seen in this country before. That happens in banana republics. It doesn't happen in this country. The case is a complete and total sham. It's a sham case," said Trump. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump launches sneaker line a day after he was fined in New York civil fraud case

Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his recent mixing up of names was intentional. During a speech last month, Trump confused Nikki Haley, his last remaining rival for the Republican presidential nomination, with former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He also suggested former Democratic President Barack Obama was still in office.

"When I purposely interposed names, they said I didn't know Pelosi from Nikki," Trump said at a rally in South Carolina on Wednesday. He said calling Obama the current president was sarcasm, not a gaffe.

"I'm a great speaker," Trump said.

The issue of age and mental competence have been thrust to the forefront of the 2024 election campaign after a report last week suggested US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, 81, was suffering from memory lapses.

Meanwhile, Biden allies have pointed to verbal flubs by former President Trump, including the Haley and Pelosi mix-up and the Obama remark. Trump, the Republican frontrunner for his party's presidential nomination, is eying a general election rematch with Biden in November.

Haley, 52, has called for mental competency tests for presidential candidates over 75 years old, including Biden and Trump, the two oldest men elected to the U.S. presidency.

Some 78% of respondents in a Reuters/Ipsos poll published Tuesday - including 71% of Democrats - think Biden is too old to work in government. Trump suffers less from voter skepticism over his age; 53% of respondents consider him to be too old for government work.

Biden recently mixed up the names of world leaders, including France's former president Francois Mitterrand with its current president, Emmanuel Macron.

Special Counsel Robert Hur, a Republican former US&nbsp;attorney in Maryland during Trump's administration, said in his report on Biden's handling of classified documents last week that Biden was a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory" who was not able to recall to investigators when his son, Beau Biden, died.

Biden responded angrily to the report, saying his memory is "fine".

During Wednesday's rally, Trump also insisted that he "loves" the US&nbsp;military. Haley has attacked him in recent days for past comments Trump has made disparaging veterans, including one last week when he mocked her husband, who is deployed oversees with the Army National Guard.

Trump is close to clinching the Republican nomination after wins in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada.

Haley, who has no clear path to the nomination, is refusing to quit the race, making a potential last stand in her home state of South Carolina in its Feb. 24 primary. She trails badly in opinion polls behind Trump there.

&nbsp;

Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his recent mixing up of names was intentional. During a speech last month, Trump confused Nikki Haley, his last remaining rival for the Republican presidential nomination, with former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his recent mixing up of names was intentional. During a speech last month, Trump confused Nikki Haley, his last remaining rival for the Republican presidential nomination, with former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He also suggested former Democratic President Barack Obama was still in office. "When I purposely interposed names, they said I didn't know Pelosi from Nikki," Trump said at a rally in South Carolina on Wednesday. He said calling Obama the current president was sarcasm, not a gaffe. "I'm a great speaker," Trump said. The issue of age and mental competence have been thrust to the forefront of the 2024 election campaign after a report last week suggested US President Joe Biden, 81, was suffering from memory lapses. Meanwhile, Biden allies have pointed to verbal flubs by former President Trump, including the Haley and Pelosi mix-up and the Obama remark. Trump, the Republican frontrunner for his party's presidential nomination, is eying a general election rematch with Biden in November. Haley, 52, has called for mental competency tests for presidential candidates over 75 years old, including Biden and Trump, the two oldest men elected to the U.S. presidency. Some 78% of respondents in a Reuters/Ipsos poll published Tuesday - including 71% of Democrats - think Biden is too old to work in government. Trump suffers less from voter skepticism over his age; 53% of respondents consider him to be too old for government work. Biden recently mixed up the names of world leaders, including France's former president Francois Mitterrand with its current president, Emmanuel Macron. Special Counsel Robert Hur, a Republican former US attorney in Maryland during Trump's administration, said in his report on Biden's handling of classified documents last week that Biden was a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory" who was not able to recall to investigators when his son, Beau Biden, died. Biden responded angrily to the report, saying his memory is "fine". During Wednesday's rally, Trump also insisted that he "loves" the US military. Haley has attacked him in recent days for past comments Trump has made disparaging veterans, including one last week when he mocked her husband, who is deployed oversees with the Army National Guard. Trump is close to clinching the Republican nomination after wins in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada. Haley, who has no clear path to the nomination, is refusing to quit the race, making a potential last stand in her home state of South Carolina in its Feb. 24 primary. She trails badly in opinion polls behind Trump there.

Donald Trump says when he mixes up names, it is on purpose

Businesses tied to former United States president Donald Trump got at least $7.8 million in foreign payments from 20 countries when he was serving as president, said Democratic congressional investigators, reported news agency Reuters on Thursday (Jan 4).

Businesses tied to former United States president Donald Trump got at least $7.8 million in foreign payments from 20 countries when he was serving as president, said Democratic congressional investigators, reported news agency Reuters on Thursday (Jan 4). In a 156-page report, US House of Representatives Oversight Committee Democrats said, "These countries spent — often lavishly — on apartments and hotel stays at Donald Trump's properties — personally enriching President Trump while he made foreign policy decisions connected to their policy agendas with far-reaching ramifications for the United States." The countries included China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Malaysia. China spent over $5.5 million at Trump properties The report said that the Chinese government and its state-owned entities spent more than $5.5 million at properties owned by Trump when he was president. This is the largest total of payments made by a foreign nation to date. A report by CNN on Thursday said that these payments included millions of dollars from the Chinese embassy in the US, a state-owned Chinese bank accused by the US Justice Department of helping North Korea evade sanctions and a state-owned Chinese air transit company. Also read: Trump's support remains resilient, while one in three Americans now question Biden's 2020 win: Poll Trump's campaign has not commented on the matter so far. The 77-year-old Republican, who is a presidential hopeful, is facing 91 felony counts across four criminal cases. Shortly after Trump became president in 2016, Congress began investigating conflicts of interest and his potential violations of the emoluments clause of the American Constitution, which bars the acceptance of presents from foreign states by a person holding federal elected office without congressional consent. Reuters reported that the investigation led to a lengthy court dispute, which ended in a settlement in 2022. When Republicans took control of the House in 2023, the committee stopped requiring Trump's accounting firm to produce documents and a district court ended the litigation. 'Trump has legitimate businesses, Bidens do not' Reacting to the report's findings, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer said that it was beyond parody that Democrats continued their obsession with Trump. "Former President Trump has legitimate businesses but the Bidens do not," Comer said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump businesses got $7.8 million in foreign payments when he was prez; China paid over $5.5 million

Trump asks court to toss election subversion case. Earlier court declined to fast-track trump's 'absolute immunity.' Trump faces four felony charges under the defraud case. What's next for Republican poster boy Trump?

Donald Trump's lawyers press on with immunity claim, seek to have election-interference case tossed

Former United States president Donald Trump committed fraud by inflating the value of his real estate and financial assets, New York judge Arthur Engoron ruled on Tuesday (Sep 26).

Former United States president Donald Trump committed fraud by inflating the value of his real estate and financial assets, New York judge Arthur Engoron ruled on Tuesday (Sep 26). This ruling is a setback for Trump, 77, ahead of a trial in the case due to begin on October 2, and it is a partial win for New York State Attorney General Letitia James, the news agency AFP reported. Attorney General James had filed a civil case against Trump and his two eldest sons- Eric and Don Jr- accusing them of submitting "grossly inflated" numbers to banks and insurers to secure loans and insurance coverage. The accusations James accused the trio (Trump and his sons) and other Trump Organization executives of lying to tax collectors, lenders, and insurers for years in a scheme that routinely exaggerated the value of their properties. AFP reported that she asked for a summary judgment, however, seeking that the former president be found liable ahead of the trial and the judge sided with the attorney general. James is seeking $250 million in penalties and the removal of Trump and his sons from management of the Trump Organization. The New York State attorney general claims that Trump and his associates submitted "grossly inflated" numbers to banks and insurers each year between 2011 and 2021 "to secure and maintain loans and insurance on more favourable terms." They allegedly fraudulently overvalued the net worth of Trump company assets by billions of dollars, which resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in ill-gotten savings and profits. James also alleged that the overvaluation of Trump's assets was between $1.9 billion and $3.6 billion per year. 'This is a fantasy world' New York judge Arthur Engoron ruled on Tuesday that Trump and his lawyers relied on bogus arguments. "In defendants' world: rent-regulated apartments are worth the same as unregulated apartments; restricted land is worth the same as unrestricted land," Engoron said, adding, "This is a fantasy world, not the real world." Among the properties overvalued -- by between $114 million to $207 million -- was the 77-year-old's apartment in Manhattan's Trump Tower, whose square footage was given as 30,000 square feet when it is 10,996 square feet. "A discrepancy of this order of magnitude, by a real estate developer sizing up his own living space of decades, can only be considered fraud," the judge said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ex-US president Donald Trump committed fraud by inflating value of assets: NY judge