US First Lady Melania Trump made a rare joke about her long absence from the public eye on Thursday (Aug 20), opening a White House event with a line that immediately drew attention to the speculation surrounding her low public profile. "Good afternoon. I heard you missed me. Here I am," Melania said with a chuckle as she addressed guests in the White House Rose Garden.The 56-year-old first lady had not been seen publicly since the FIFA World Cup final on July 19. She had also skipped several other high-profile appearances, including the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner on July 24.Her latest appearance came as the White House was also facing questions over President Donald Trump's close aide Natalie Harp, who was among the people involved in Trump's secret aircraft switch during his Turkey trip.Melania's public persona has generally been marked by a reserved, formal style, making moments when she uses humour or reacts spontaneously particularly noticeable.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-want-to-destroy-fbi-charges-35-year-old-jessica-bowie-with-isis-inspired-plot-to-bomb-new-york-capitol-kill-the-senators-1787272657507">'I want to destroy...': FBI charges 35-year-old woman with ISIS-inspired plot to bomb New York Capitol, 'kill the senators'</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&#39;I heard you missed me&#39;: Melania Trump ends month- long public absence, announces a $2 million Fox Corporation-IndyCar partnership for a scholarship initiative for foster children <a href="https://x.com/kripatistic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kripatistic</a> gets you more <a href="https://t.co/aqxgpLhkkI">pic.twitter.com/aqxgpLhkkI</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2090712881264562277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>'Empathy' moment that left White House crowd laughing</h2>One of the most widely discussed examples came in May, when Melania praised her husband during an event honouring military mothers."Most know my husband as the strong Commander in Chief, but his empathy transcends the role and shapes a caring leader," she said.The room broke into laughter as she delivered the line, while Trump himself smiled. The moment quickly spread online and became one of the more unusual lighthearted moments of her second term.<h2>'The robots are here'</h2>Another memorable appearance came during a White House technology event in June, when Melania spoke about robotics and artificial intelligence alongside a humanoid robot.Her highly formal delivery, followed by the line "The robots are here", became a viral moment and was picked up by late-night comedy programmes.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rejects-us-call-to-isolate-iran-says-sanctions-and-pressure-will-not-resolve-conflict-1787299284181">China rejects US call to isolate Iran, says 'sanctions and pressure' will not resolve conflict</a><h2>Taking the joke in 2016</h2>Melania has also shown that she can play along with political humour. At the 2016 Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, Trump joked about the controversy surrounding her Republican National Convention speech and its similarity to Michelle Obama's earlier remarks.Trump said the media had praised Michelle Obama while criticising Melania for delivering "the exact same speech". Melania, seated behind him, smiled and laughed as the joke landed.&nbsp;

Melania Trump has returned to the White House spotlight after weeks away, opening an event with an unusually playful remark about her absence. Her "I heard you missed me" line immediately drew attention.

US First Lady Melania Trump made a rare joke about her long absence from the public eye on Thursday (Aug 20), opening a White House event with a line that immediately drew attention to the speculation surrounding her low public profile. "Good afternoon. I heard you missed me. Here I am," Melania said with a chuckle as she addressed guests in the White House Rose Garden. The 56-year-old first lady had not been seen publicly since the FIFA World Cup final on July 19. She had also skipped several other high-profile appearances, including the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner on July 24. Her latest appearance came as the White House was also facing questions over President Donald Trump's close aide Natalie Harp, who was among the people involved in Trump's secret aircraft switch during his Turkey trip. Melania's public persona has generally been marked by a reserved, formal style, making moments when she uses humour or reacts spontaneously particularly noticeable. Also read | 'I want to destroy...': FBI charges 35-year-old woman with ISIS-inspired plot to bomb New York Capitol, 'kill the senators'

Melania Trump has returned to the White House spotlight after weeks away, opening an event with an unusually playful remark about her absence. Her "I heard you missed me" line immediately drew attention.

Where was Melania? Trump’s wife returns after weeks with cheeky 'missed me' joke: Her rare moments of humour in public

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Aug 20) signed a memorandum aimed at dramatically expanding America's commercial space industry, setting a target of at least 1,000 space launches and re-entries every year by 2030.The proposed expansion would mark a major jump from the 178 launches recorded last year. That figure was already around 10 times higher than the number recorded in 2013, with Elon Musk's SpaceX accounting for much of the recent growth.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-crushing-economic-campaign-against-iran-threatens-allies-with-tremendous-penalties-1787186991774">Trump announces ‘crushing’ economic campaign against Iran, threatens allies with ‘tremendous’ penalties</a><h2>Government land eyed for new launch sites</h2>The memorandum directs federal agencies to identify government-owned land that could be used for future commercial launch and re-entry sites.Trump has given officials 90 days to identify a new federal re-entry site. Agencies have also been instructed to designate priority airspace for key launch corridors and incorporate space transportation into broader air traffic control modernisation efforts.The administration wants government agencies to work more closely with private companies on space transportation infrastructure while speeding up permitting and environmental reviews.Officials have also been asked to ensure sufficient wireless spectrum is available for launch operations.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/america-s-debt-hits-a-staggering-40-trillion-is-the-us-heading-for-a-crisis-1787187559842">America's debt hits a staggering $40 trillion for the first time. Is the US heading for a crisis?</a><h2>Moon missions remain a priority</h2>The new policy also puts America's return to the Moon at the centre of the administration's space ambitions.Trump wants US astronauts back on the lunar surface by 2028, while directing NASA to support commercial transportation to the Moon and robotic missions to Mars.The administration also wants NASA to explore commercial options for eventually sending humans to Mars.Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, described the policy as a "commercial-first approach".He said it would support having Americans on the Moon by 2028 and initial elements of a Moon base by 2030, alongside stronger launch capabilities for national security.Trump's latest space push comes after lawmakers put renewed emphasis on NASA's Artemis Moon programme, despite the president's earlier focus on Mars missions. The memorandum also directs federal agencies to consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests to launch commercial foreign space vehicles from US territory.

Trump has set an extraordinary new target for America's space industry: 1,000 launches and re-entries every year by 2030. With the US recording just 178 launches last year, the White House is betting heavily on private companies to transform the country's space ambitions.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Aug 20) signed a memorandum aimed at dramatically expanding America's commercial space industry, setting a target of at least 1,000 space launches and re-entries every year by 2030. The proposed expansion would mark a major jump from the 178 launches recorded last year. That figure was already around 10 times higher than the number recorded in 2013, with Elon Musk's SpaceX accounting for much of the recent growth. Also read | Trump announces ‘crushing’ economic campaign against Iran, threatens allies with ‘tremendous’ penalties Government land eyed for new launch sites The memorandum directs federal agencies to identify government-owned land that could be used for future commercial launch and re-entry sites. Trump has given officials 90 days to identify a new federal re-entry site. Agencies have also been instructed to designate priority airspace for key launch corridors and incorporate space transportation into broader air traffic control modernisation efforts. The administration wants government agencies to work more closely with private companies on space transportation infrastructure while speeding up permitting and environmental reviews. Officials have also been asked to ensure sufficient wireless spectrum is available for launch operations. Also read | America's debt hits a staggering $40 trillion for the first time. Is the US heading for a crisis? Moon missions remain a priority The new policy also puts America's return to the Moon at the centre of the administration's space ambitions. Trump wants US astronauts back on the lunar surface by 2028, while directing NASA to support commercial transportation to the Moon and robotic missions to Mars. The administration also wants NASA to explore commercial options for eventually sending humans to Mars. Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, described the policy as a "commercial-first approach". He said it would support having Americans on the Moon by 2028 and initial elements of a Moon base by 2030, alongside stronger launch capabilities for national security. Trump's latest space push comes after lawmakers put renewed emphasis on NASA's Artemis Moon programme, despite the president's earlier focus on Mars missions. The memorandum also directs federal agencies to consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests to launch commercial foreign space vehicles from US territory.

Trump has set an extraordinary new target for America's space industry: 1,000 launches and re-entries every year by 2030. With the US recording just 178 launches last year, the White House is betting heavily on private companies to transform the country's space ambitions.

Trump wants US astronauts back on the lunar surface by 2028; signs 'commercial-first' executive order on space launches

Trump reaffirms ties with Kim, cuts South Korea drills

U.S. President Donald Trump addressed ongoing regional developments by stating that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and operating.


Trump says Strait of Hormuz open amid Iran tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to convene a high-level meeting next week at the White House with leaders and executives from top artificial intelligence companies.


Trump to meet top AI executives next week

United States President Donald Trump has emphasized the critical importance of maintaining a positive personal rapport with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stating that their mutual understanding helps stabilize the Korean Peninsula. In recent statements, Trump highlighted that Kim has consistently treated him with respect and noted that ongoing diplomatic engagement remains a priority for constructive bilateral relations.


US-North Korea ties: Trump says very important for him and Kim to get along

US-Iran tensions escalate as Donald Trump announces what he calls the “most crushing economic operation ever” against Iran. The move signals a major expansion of Washington’s economic pressure campaign as the conflict between the US and Iran intensifies. Watch this report for the latest developments, Trump’s Iran strategy, sanctions and the wider impact on the Middle East and global economy.


US-Iran war: Trump announces 'most crushing economic op ever' against Iran

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Aug 19) announced a sweeping new campaign aimed at isolating Iran's economy, warning countries and businesses that help Tehran could face what he called "tremendous" economic consequences.The announcement comes as the conflict approaches its sixth month, with the Strait of Hormuz still heavily disrupted and no clear diplomatic or military resolution in sight. Trump is also facing growing scrutiny at home over the economic cost of the war and pressure on US military resources ahead of the November elections.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-icc-officials-including-president-tomoko-akane-vows-to-systematically-dismantle-court-1787109053555">US sanctions ICC officials, including President Tomoko Akane, vows to 'systematically dismantle' court</a><h2>Trump warns Iran's partners</h2>In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the campaign as the "MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY"."This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale," he wrote.Trump warned that any country allowing its financial institutions, companies, airports or government bodies to provide support to Iran would face "TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences". He did not specify what penalties would be imposed or name any country other than Iran.Trump said Washington would target activities including "oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries" and "front companies".

<h2>Economic pressure alongside naval blockade</h2>The announcement follows similar warnings from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said last week that Washington was preparing to intensify efforts to economically isolate Iran.Bessent said the campaign would form part of a two-pronged strategy involving economic isolation and a US naval blockade.The Treasury has already been pursuing sanctions against Iran under a campaign known as Operation Economic Fury, aimed at cutting off Tehran's sources of funding.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-suspends-trade-with-iran-accuses-it-of-targeting-gulf-shipping-tehran-calls-claim-baseless-1787100695124">UAE suspends trade with Iran, accuses it of targeting Gulf shipping; Tehran calls claim baseless</a><h2>Strait of Hormuz remains key flashpoint</h2>The economic campaign comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted. The conflict began on February 28 with US-Israeli attacks on Iran, followed by Iranian missile and drone strikes across the region.The resulting security threat has sharply reduced commercial traffic through the strategic waterway.Trump said Wednesday that US military efforts were helping ships move through the strait, claiming that "a lot of boats are coming through". Axios reported that US forces had been facilitating the movement of 15 to 20 ships each night in recent weeks, roughly half the pre-war daily oil shipment volume.&nbsp;

Trump has announced a dramatic new economic offensive against Iran, but his warning goes beyond Tehran. Countries and companies that continue helping Iran could also face severe consequences. So, who could be next in Washington's crosshairs?

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Aug 19) announced a sweeping new campaign aimed at isolating Iran's economy, warning countries and businesses that help Tehran could face what he called "tremendous" economic consequences. The announcement comes as the conflict approaches its sixth month, with the Strait of Hormuz still heavily disrupted and no clear diplomatic or military resolution in sight. Trump is also facing growing scrutiny at home over the economic cost of the war and pressure on US military resources ahead of the November elections. Also read | US sanctions ICC officials, including President Tomoko Akane, vows to 'systematically dismantle' court Trump warns Iran's partners In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the campaign as the "MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY". "This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale," he wrote. Trump warned that any country allowing its financial institutions, companies, airports or government bodies to provide support to Iran would face "TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences". He did not specify what penalties would be imposed or name any country other than Iran. Trump said Washington would target activities including "oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries" and "front companies".

Trump has announced a dramatic new economic offensive against Iran, but his warning goes beyond Tehran. Countries and companies that continue helping Iran could also face severe consequences. So, who could be next in Washington's crosshairs?

Trump announces ‘crushing’ economic campaign against Iran, threatens allies with ‘tremendous’ penalties

Melania Trump is reportedly unhappy with speculations surrounding US President Donald Trump and his executive assistant Natalie Harp. The discussion grew prominent. The claims of an extramarital affair by the US President have been fuelled by the Democratic Georgian Senator Jon Ossoff, who mocked Trump's close travel ties to Harp during a campaign rally on August 16. White House pushed back aggressively against Ossoff, calling Harp one of the "most loyal and hardest-working aides" on the team.&nbsp;Jon claimed that Donald does not like to “do the job” of President and instead wants to build his ballroom and fly around in the “palace gifted by the emir of Qatar”. This triggered an aggressive response from Trump camp; a source close to White House told Semafor, “the First Lady doesn't like these types of things”. The source also claimed that Donald Trump gets “furious” over public speculation about his personal life.<h2>Natalie Harp ventured into Melania Trump territory</h2>The East Wing, which historically housed the office of the first lady and her staff, was demolished by Trump to make way for his ballroom. According to author and biographer Michael Wolff, Harp was behind it. "People within the White House say that Natalie was one of the people who argued for the ballroom and getting rid of the East Wing," said Wolff in a podcast inside Trump's head. According to the Wall Street Journal, Melania Trump had reservations about the destruction of the East Wing and had even told associates that it was not her project. The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Harp had sent fawning letters to Trump, including one that said, "You are all that matters to me."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-air-force-antarctica-flight-turns-back-russia-missile-warning-1787165392960">US Air Force flight to Antarctica returns after Russian missile launch warning</a><h2>White House's angry retort&nbsp;</h2>"Natalie Harp is one of the most loyal and hardest working aides on President Trump's team... Nobody gives a s*** what this lightweight loser says," said White House spokesman Davis Ingle.White House communications director Steve Cheung called Jon “the biggest c**k loser in politics”, in a post "Instead of denigrating hard-working people serving their country, Jon should look deep into his soul and ask himself why he's a miserable person who hates this country. It's because he's a radical, extremist Dumocrat," said Steve.When Trump was asked about the speculations, he did not address the rumours; rather attacked Jon, calling him "Pee-wee Herman lookalike."&nbsp;

Melania Trump is reportedly unhappy over speculation surrounding Donald Trump and his executive assistant Natalie Harp, as the White House pushes back against the claims.

Melania Trump is reportedly unhappy with speculations surrounding US President Donald Trump and his executive assistant Natalie Harp. The discussion grew prominent. The claims of an extramarital affair by the US President have been fuelled by the Democratic Georgian Senator Jon Ossoff, who mocked Trump's close travel ties to Harp during a campaign rally on August 16. White House pushed back aggressively against Ossoff, calling Harp one of the "most loyal and hardest-working aides" on the team. Jon claimed that Donald does not like to “do the job” of President and instead wants to build his ballroom and fly around in the “palace gifted by the emir of Qatar”. This triggered an aggressive response from Trump camp; a source close to White House told Semafor, “the First Lady doesn't like these types of things”. The source also claimed that Donald Trump gets “furious” over public speculation about his personal life. Natalie Harp ventured into Melania Trump territory The East Wing, which historically housed the office of the first lady and her staff, was demolished by Trump to make way for his ballroom. According to author and biographer Michael Wolff, Harp was behind it. "People within the White House say that Natalie was one of the people who argued for the ballroom and getting rid of the East Wing," said Wolff in a podcast inside Trump's head. According to the Wall Street Journal, Melania Trump had reservations about the destruction of the East Wing and had even told associates that it was not her project. The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Harp had sent fawning letters to Trump, including one that said, "You are all that matters to me." Also Read: US Air Force flight to Antarctica returns after Russian missile launch warning White House's angry retort "Natalie Harp is one of the most loyal and hardest working aides on President Trump's team... Nobody gives a s*** what this lightweight loser says," said White House spokesman Davis Ingle. White House communications director Steve Cheung called Jon “the biggest c**k loser in politics”, in a post "Instead of denigrating hard-working people serving their country, Jon should look deep into his soul and ask himself why he's a miserable person who hates this country. It's because he's a radical, extremist Dumocrat," said Steve. When Trump was asked about the speculations, he did not address the rumours; rather attacked Jon, calling him "Pee-wee Herman lookalike."

Melania Trump is reportedly unhappy over speculation surrounding Donald Trump and his executive assistant Natalie Harp, as the White House pushes back against the claims.

Melania Trump upset over Donald Trump and Natalie Harp affair speculation

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States has a lot of boats coming through the Strait of Hormuz and claimed possession and complete control of the strait.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said that the US has a lot of boats coming through the Strait of Hormuz, as he was apparently referring to reports that the US Navy has been assisting in getting some oil safely through the strait.&nbsp;“Last night, we had a lot of boats come through,” Trump said during a tour of the helipad currently under construction outside the White House.&nbsp;“We have possession, complete control of the strait, I mean, outside of nuisance value. And there has been nuisance value when they shoot a drone every once in a while.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-gets-miffed-by-us-ambassador-sergio-gor-s-j-k-important-part-of-india-remark-issues-demarche-1787157507821">Pakistan gets miffed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘J&amp;K important part of India’ remark, issues demarche</a>&nbsp;He continued, “And not everybody is going to go through but they come through and over the last couple of weeks we’ve had a lot of oil coming in. It’s not going to be perfect, but it’s a lot of oil coming in.”&nbsp;The White House hasn’t directly admitted the US Navy is assisting a limited number of oil tankers out of the strait, though The New York Times reported on Wednesday that about 5 million barrels of oil are getting through the strait daily, down from 15 million barrels before the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;“One of the reasons that oil hasn’t gone to the proverbial $300 a barrel — it’s at $83, $84, $85 — and it’ll be a lot lower when this is over because we have plenty of oil,” Trump said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-prepared-to-defend-all-allies-after-reports-of-iran-mulling-attacks-on-us-targets-in-europe-1787141867863">NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe</a>&nbsp;“One of the reasons that it never went to $300, $350 numbers is because we do have a lot coming in.”Brent crude, the international standard for oil prices, was at about $92 a barrel on Wednesday and has been over $90 all week, creeping up from a wartime low of $71 during a brief ceasefire in late June and early July.&nbsp;Trump also said that “people” were coming to the United States for oil supplies, but did not specify who was coming to the US.“They’re coming to Texas, Alaska, Louisiana to get oil,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gen-z-threat-is-the-new-jaantay-nahin-ho-mera-baap-kaun-hai-omar-abdullah-reacts-to-viral-video-at-kargil-checkpoint-1787153305120">Gen Z ‘threat’ is the new ‘jaantay nahin ho mera baap kaun hai’: Omar Abdullah reacts to viral video at Kargil checkpoint</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, the US Central Command said on Wednesday that the military blockade on the Strait of Hormuz redirected one ship in the past day, bringing the total number of vessels prevented from exiting or entering Iranian ports to 65 since the blockade was restarted on July 14.&nbsp;&nbsp;President Trump has consistently touted the blockade as a reason he is not concerned over negotiations with Iran being on hold at the moment.

The White House hasn’t directly admitted the US Navy is assisting a limited number of oil tankers out of the strait. Brent crude, the international standard for oil prices, was at about $92 a barrel on Wednesday and has been over $90 all week, creeping up from a wartime low of $71.

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States has a lot of boats coming through the Strait of Hormuz and claimed possession and complete control of the strait. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said that the US has a lot of boats coming through the Strait of Hormuz, as he was apparently referring to reports that the US Navy has been assisting in getting some oil safely through the strait. “Last night, we had a lot of boats come through,” Trump said during a tour of the helipad currently under construction outside the White House. “We have possession, complete control of the strait, I mean, outside of nuisance value. And there has been nuisance value when they shoot a drone every once in a while.” Also Read: Pakistan gets miffed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘J&K important part of India’ remark, issues demarche He continued, “And not everybody is going to go through but they come through and over the last couple of weeks we’ve had a lot of oil coming in. It’s not going to be perfect, but it’s a lot of oil coming in.” The White House hasn’t directly admitted the US Navy is assisting a limited number of oil tankers out of the strait, though The New York Times reported on Wednesday that about 5 million barrels of oil are getting through the strait daily, down from 15 million barrels before the war. “One of the reasons that oil hasn’t gone to the proverbial $300 a barrel — it’s at $83, $84, $85 — and it’ll be a lot lower when this is over because we have plenty of oil,” Trump said. Also Read: NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe “One of the reasons that it never went to $300, $350 numbers is because we do have a lot coming in.” Brent crude, the international standard for oil prices, was at about $92 a barrel on Wednesday and has been over $90 all week, creeping up from a wartime low of $71 during a brief ceasefire in late June and early July. Trump also said that “people” were coming to the United States for oil supplies, but did not specify who was coming to the US. “They’re coming to Texas, Alaska, Louisiana to get oil,” he said. Also Read: Gen Z ‘threat’ is the new ‘jaantay nahin ho mera baap kaun hai’: Omar Abdullah reacts to viral video at Kargil checkpoint Meanwhile, the US Central Command said on Wednesday that the military blockade on the Strait of Hormuz redirected one ship in the past day, bringing the total number of vessels prevented from exiting or entering Iranian ports to 65 since the blockade was restarted on July 14. President Trump has consistently touted the blockade as a reason he is not concerned over negotiations with Iran being on hold at the moment.

The White House hasn’t directly admitted the US Navy is assisting a limited number of oil tankers out of the strait. Brent crude, the international standard for oil prices, was at about $92 a barrel on Wednesday and has been over $90 all week, creeping up from a wartime low of $71.

‘Lot of boats’ coming through Strait of Hormuz, says Trump, admits to ‘nuisance’ of Iranian drones

US President Donald Trump has highlighted a new type of protective tent, contrasting it with traditional shelters made from plastic or canvas.

Trump said traditional tents can offer limited protection from ammunition and described the new tents as significantly stronger. He claimed the new shelters could withstand even powerful rounds, including AK-47 fire.

The comments come as Trump discusses the development and use of more protective temporary shelters. His remarks have drawn attention to the design, materials and claimed protective capabilities of the new tents.

Watch this report for the latest details and Trump’s remarks on the new protective tents and their claimed resistance to gunfire.

 Trump Unveils New Bullet-Resistant Tents, Says They Can Stop AK-47 Fire

US President Donald Trump makes a series of major announcements and remarks covering trade, diplomacy, security and changes at the White House.

Trump says the United States and Canada have reached a “very fair” trade deal, claiming tariffs will be nonexistent for American farmers. He also says he expects to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, potentially opening the door to renewed US-North Korea engagement.

Trump has also showcased new protective tents, claiming they can withstand powerful ammunition, including AK-47 fire.

Meanwhile, Trump has highlighted the construction of a new helipad on the White House South Lawn, joining construction and military leaders in signing the granite eagle associated with the project. Trump praised the workers and called the project exciting.

Trump Shows Off New White House Helipad Under Construction On South Lawn

US President Donald Trump makes a series of major announcements and remarks covering trade, diplomacy, security and changes at the White House.

Trump says the United States and Canada have reached a “very fair” trade deal, claiming tariffs will be nonexistent for American farmers. He also says he expects to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, potentially opening the door to renewed US-North Korea engagement.

Trump has also showcased new protective tents, claiming they can withstand powerful ammunition, including AK-47 fire.

Trump Confirms He Will Meet Kim Jong Un Later This Year | New US-North Korea Talks?

In a highly unusual move, United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Aug 19) confirmed to reporters that he plans to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un later this year. On being asked whether he will be meeting the North Korean President, Trump said “Yeah, I will be.”&nbsp;If he meets Kim Jong Un it will be his fourth meeting with the Korean leader. The previous meetings between the two leaders were held in &nbsp;2018 and 2019. Notably, US does not have formal diplomatic relations with North Korea.&nbsp;On being asked whether both the leaders have been exchanging letters as done in the past, Trump said “I can’t tell you that,” but added that he got along with the leader.&nbsp;“And you know what? the fact that I get along with him, that’s a good thing, not a bad thing. He has 57 very powerful nuclear weapons," he added.&nbsp;<h2>Trump orders to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea</h2>&nbsp;Trump in recent days has hailed his relationship with Kim. On Monday (Aug19) Trump said the US will "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his "very good relationship" with the North Korean leader.&nbsp;In a Truth Social post, he also added that South Korea had recently declined to join the US in the "denuclearisation" of Iran.&nbsp;"Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, of North Korea, I am not happy with the fact that the United States has, long ago, agreed to participate in Joint Military Exercises with South Korea. These exercises are not only costly, with much of these costs paid for by the United States of America (as usual!), but send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile, to a Country that, as long as Donald J. Trump has been President, has been unthreatening and respectful," wrote Trump on Truth Social.&nbsp;"Therefore, and based on the fact that it is too late to cancel, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to substantially reduce the Joint Military Exercises! While somewhat unrelated (?), I recently asked the President of South Korea if they would like to join us in the Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they said, “No thanks!” Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump posted," he added.&nbsp;

If Trump meets Kim Jong Un it will be his fourth meeting with the Korean leader. The previous meetings between the two leaders were held in  2018 and 2019.

In a highly unusual move, United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Aug 19) confirmed to reporters that he plans to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un later this year. On being asked whether he will be meeting the North Korean President, Trump said “Yeah, I will be.” If he meets Kim Jong Un it will be his fourth meeting with the Korean leader. The previous meetings between the two leaders were held in 2018 and 2019. Notably, US does not have formal diplomatic relations with North Korea. On being asked whether both the leaders have been exchanging letters as done in the past, Trump said “I can’t tell you that,” but added that he got along with the leader. “And you know what? the fact that I get along with him, that’s a good thing, not a bad thing. He has 57 very powerful nuclear weapons," he added. Trump orders to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea Trump in recent days has hailed his relationship with Kim. On Monday (Aug19) Trump said the US will "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his "very good relationship" with the North Korean leader. In a Truth Social post, he also added that South Korea had recently declined to join the US in the "denuclearisation" of Iran. "Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, of North Korea, I am not happy with the fact that the United States has, long ago, agreed to participate in Joint Military Exercises with South Korea. These exercises are not only costly, with much of these costs paid for by the United States of America (as usual!), but send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile, to a Country that, as long as Donald J. Trump has been President, has been unthreatening and respectful," wrote Trump on Truth Social. "Therefore, and based on the fact that it is too late to cancel, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to substantially reduce the Joint Military Exercises! While somewhat unrelated (?), I recently asked the President of South Korea if they would like to join us in the Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they said, “No thanks!” Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump posted," he added.

If Trump meets Kim Jong Un it will be his fourth meeting with the Korean leader. The previous meetings between the two leaders were held in &nbsp;2018 and 2019.

'North Korea has 57 nuclear weapons': Trump says he plans to meet Kim Jong Un this year

The debate surrounding federal election legislation has intensified following renewed discussions regarding proposals such as the Save America Act, which seeks to mandate strict voter identification requirements across United States elections.


'Save America Act' mandates photo ID for voting in US elections

US President Donald Trump has been on a mission to mandate the requirement of a voter ID, to prevent non-citizens from voting in elections.&nbsp;Trump has now lauded India's voter ID system, renewing his appeal for the passage of the 'Save America Act'.&nbsp;Trump revealed that India's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had questioned his administration on how people can exercise their franchise in US polls without furnishing a voter ID.&nbsp;Highlighting India's case, Trump said, “India’s last election had 646,000,000 voters. Less than 1% voted by mail, and every single voter had to have a valid photo identity document.”&nbsp;While this legislation has been passed by the US House of Representatives on multiple occasions, it has failed to clear the Senate so far.&nbsp;This bill makes it compulsory for states to register only those people as voters who can prove their citizenship via documents such as passport, birth certificate, a government-issued ID or a military record showing place of birth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Additionally, people will be able to cast their vote in federal elections only after producing a valid voter ID. While India's election process remains robust, with the EC issuing photo identity cards to voters since 1993, its decision to conduct a special intensive revision of electoral rolls has been drawing ire from the opposition. This is because a large number of voters are being deleted. Take Maharashtra for example. While the state has 9.78 crore registered voters, enumeration forms of over two crore voters have not been received. This implies that nearly 21% of the total voters will not feature on the draft electoral roll set to be published on August 24. On its part though, the EC has categorised these voters as absent, duplicate, deceased and permanently shifted. In the next phase of SIR, aggrieved persons can also file an appeal against their exclusion, or register as new voters if they have shifted to a new place. In India's national capital, the issue is more acute. As per data released by the chief electoral officer, at least one in three Delhi voters face the risk of deletion. This is because 33% of enumeration forms are yet to be submitted. This has now triggered a row with Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav accusing booth level officers of not distributing the enumeration forms in unauthorised colonies and villages. However, this allegation was debunked by EC, which claimed to have distributed SIR forms to all existing voters. While this may come across as a bureaucratic exercise, it can have serious implications from an electoral perspective. For instance, in this year's West Bengal assembly polls, a staggering 91 lakh voters were deleted. While 27 lakh voters challenged their exclusion, they were unable to exercise their franchise, as their appeals weren't heard in time. Apart from the legal argument, the SIR process raises another question. With India not even having a standard citizenship document, why is the onus on voters to furnish their as well as their parents' records? And if the discrepancy in the electoral rolls is so huge, how were these people allowed to vote for so many years? While the debate continues, it is clear that every eligible voter deserves to be included in the electoral roll.

The 'Save America Act' makes it compulsory for states to register only those people as voters who can prove their citizenship via documents such as passport, birth certificate, a government-issued ID or a military record showing place of birth. It has failed to clear the Senate so far.

US President Donald Trump has been on a mission to mandate the requirement of a voter ID, to prevent non-citizens from voting in elections. Trump has now lauded India's voter ID system, renewing his appeal for the passage of the 'Save America Act'. Trump revealed that India's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had questioned his administration on how people can exercise their franchise in US polls without furnishing a voter ID. Highlighting India's case, Trump said, “India’s last election had 646,000,000 voters. Less than 1% voted by mail, and every single voter had to have a valid photo identity document.” While this legislation has been passed by the US House of Representatives on multiple occasions, it has failed to clear the Senate so far. This bill makes it compulsory for states to register only those people as voters who can prove their citizenship via documents such as passport, birth certificate, a government-issued ID or a military record showing place of birth.

The 'Save America Act' makes it compulsory for states to register only those people as voters who can prove their citizenship via documents such as passport, birth certificate, a government-issued ID or a military record showing place of birth. It has failed to clear the Senate so far.

Trump lauds India's election system, rising anger in India at SIR exclusion | Gravitas

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that there are no ongoing talks between the US and Iran, and that no such talks are scheduled. He claimed that the Strait of Hormuz was open, while Iran said that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and is likely to remain closed until the US agrees with Iranian demands."There are no talks or conversations going on or scheduled with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.&nbsp;This is in direct contradiction to Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and special envoy, who suggested there were “positive” and “active” talks between the US and Iran. Kushner told Fox News that “President Trump is going to be very patient... he doesn’t want to rush to a deal”.On Monday, Trump said that Iranian officials “want to make a deal, but they’re not going to make the kind of deal that I feel is necessary,” before repeating the key demand that Iran will never have nuclear weapons.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/satyendar-jain-arrested-delhi-jal-board-scam-1787068144297">AAP leader Satyendar Jain and 5 others arrested in alleged ₹1.94-crore Delhi Jal Board scam</a>A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Iran is looking to shift to a "fully offensive" military posture. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majed Al Ansari, stated that broader US-Iran negotiations cannot resume until Iran and Oman finalise a bilateral agreement regarding navigation rules through the Strait. While discussing with Fox News the stalled peace negotiations surrounding the US-Iran war, Trump stated, "If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the s** out of them."Meanwhile, Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf ‌said in comments published by state ⁠media on ⁠Tuesday that the ‌Strait of Hormuz will ⁠remain closed until the ‌United States ‌meets ‌conditions ⁠of ⁠the interim deal with Iran, including ‌lifting the marine blockade and sanctions ‌as well as freeing ⁠Iran’s frozen assets.

Donald Trump denies ongoing US-Iran talks, contradicting envoy Jared Kushner, who said Washington and Tehran are engaged in “positive” and “active” conversations.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that there are no ongoing talks between the US and Iran, and that no such talks are scheduled. He claimed that the Strait of Hormuz was open, while Iran said that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and is likely to remain closed until the US agrees with Iranian demands. "There are no talks or conversations going on or scheduled with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. This is in direct contradiction to Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and special envoy, who suggested there were “positive” and “active” talks between the US and Iran. Kushner told Fox News that “President Trump is going to be very patient... he doesn’t want to rush to a deal”. On Monday, Trump said that Iranian officials “want to make a deal, but they’re not going to make the kind of deal that I feel is necessary,” before repeating the key demand that Iran will never have nuclear weapons. Also Read: AAP leader Satyendar Jain and 5 others arrested in alleged ₹1.94-crore Delhi Jal Board scam A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Iran is looking to shift to a "fully offensive" military posture. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majed Al Ansari, stated that broader US-Iran negotiations cannot resume until Iran and Oman finalise a bilateral agreement regarding navigation rules through the Strait. While discussing with Fox News the stalled peace negotiations surrounding the US-Iran war, Trump stated, "If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the s** out of them." Meanwhile, Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf ‌said in comments published by state ⁠media on ⁠Tuesday that the ‌Strait of Hormuz will ⁠remain closed until the ‌United States ‌meets ‌conditions ⁠of ⁠the interim deal with Iran, including ‌lifting the marine blockade and sanctions ‌as well as freeing ⁠Iran’s frozen assets.

Donald Trump denies ongoing US-Iran talks, contradicting envoy Jared Kushner, who said Washington and Tehran are engaged in “positive” and “active” conversations.

Trump denies US-Iran talks as Kushner says negotiations are active

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday defended the credibility of India’s electoral system after US President Donald Trump cited India’s elections while renewing his call for mandatory photo identification for voters in the United States. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked about Trump’s comments during the ministry’s press briefing. Jaiswal said he had no specific response to Trump’s remarks but highlighted the global standing of India’s election machinery. "I have no specific comment to make on the remarks. I can say, however, that the credibility and robustness of India's election machinery are well-established facts globally," Jaiswal told reporters.<h2>What Trump said about India’s election system</h2>Trump referred to India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar while making the case for stricter voter identification requirements in the US. The US president said Kumar had raised questions about how elections could be conducted without valid photo identification. Trump also cited the number of voters who participated in India’s last general election and pointed to the limited use of postal ballots.&nbsp;"Earlier this month, India's Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, asked our Administration. How can you have Elections in the US without a valid Photo ID? India's last Election had 646,000,000 Voters! Less than 1 per cent voted by mail, and every single Voter had to have a VALID Photo Identity Document. We need to pass THE SAVE AMERICA ACT, now!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Trump has been advocating for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, a proposed measure focused on voter registration, proof of citizenship and identification requirements for federal elections.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/burnham-says-uk-will-support-ukraine-100-after-russia-warning-over-kyiv-s-use-of-british-made-drones-1787060189422">Burnham says UK will support Ukraine ‘100%’ after Russia warning over Kyiv's use of British-made drones</a><h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">VIDEO | Delhi: On US President Donald Trump praising India&#39;s election system and recalling Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar&#39;s remarks on the lack of voter identification in American polls, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, &quot;... I can say, however, that the… <a href="https://t.co/i7Z9M1ukdT">pic.twitter.com/i7Z9M1ukdT</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2089700384491385241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Trump administration backs voter ID push</h2>Trump’s comments came about a week after Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar met US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. During the meeting, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in election management and training for election officials. Gor also backed Trump’s comments in a post on X, reiterating the US administration’s argument for voter identification requirements. “President Donald J. Trump is absolutely correct! 646 MILLION voters, every single one required an ID in India’s last election. Congress should pass THE SAVE AMERICA ACT!”&nbsp;According to the White House, the proposed legislation is intended to ensure that only US citizens participate in federal elections."American citizens -- and only American citizens -- should decide American elections," the White House said while describing the SAVE America Act as a "common sense, bipartisan bill."&nbsp;The White House said the proposed law would require voters to provide valid identification and proof of citizenship when registering for federal elections. It would also introduce tighter restrictions on mail-in voting, with exceptions for circumstances such as illness, disability, military service or travel. The administration has also said the legislation would require states to remove non-citizens from federal voter rolls. "If you want to register to vote in the United States, you have to be a citizen in the United States," the White House said.<h2>Congress hits back at Trump and Gyanesh Kumar</h2>The remarks also drew criticism from the Indian opposition. Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Pawan Khera directly addressed Trump in a post on X, taking a sarcastic swipe at the US president’s praise for India’s election machinery. "Dear @realDonaldTrump, please take Gyanesh Kumar Gupta to America. And keep him there. We will send our EVMs too by the next available flight. For all the insults and bullying you've sent our way, this is the least we can do for you. To SIR, With Love, from India," Khera wrote on X.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal backs India’s election machinery after Donald Trump cites India’s voter ID system while pushing the SAVE America Act

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday defended the credibility of India’s electoral system after US President Donald Trump cited India’s elections while renewing his call for mandatory photo identification for voters in the United States. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked about Trump’s comments during the ministry’s press briefing. Jaiswal said he had no specific response to Trump’s remarks but highlighted the global standing of India’s election machinery. "I have no specific comment to make on the remarks. I can say, however, that the credibility and robustness of India's election machinery are well-established facts globally," Jaiswal told reporters. What Trump said about India’s election system Trump referred to India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar while making the case for stricter voter identification requirements in the US. The US president said Kumar had raised questions about how elections could be conducted without valid photo identification. Trump also cited the number of voters who participated in India’s last general election and pointed to the limited use of postal ballots. "Earlier this month, India's Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, asked our Administration. How can you have Elections in the US without a valid Photo ID? India's last Election had 646,000,000 Voters! Less than 1 per cent voted by mail, and every single Voter had to have a VALID Photo Identity Document. We need to pass THE SAVE AMERICA ACT, now!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Trump has been advocating for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, a proposed measure focused on voter registration, proof of citizenship and identification requirements for federal elections. Also Read: Burnham says UK will support Ukraine ‘100%’ after Russia warning over Kyiv's use of British-made drones Watch the video here

MEA backs India’s election system after Trump cites Indian voter ID rules while pushing the SAVE America Act and stricter US voting requirements

'Credibility and robustness' of India's election system well established globally: MEA

US President Donald Trump posted a graphic on the Truth Social platform that depicts the Strait of Hormuz as a "new U.S. Territory”. The graphic featured a map of the strategic waterway, claiming that Washington has total control over it. The post comes just after Iran denied opening the Strait of Hormuz until the US naval blockade is lifted.&nbsp;

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi directly mocked U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, dismissing Trump's declaration that the strategic shipping lane would be annexed as "new U.S. territory" as pure delusion."Just as Trump correctly wrote the name of the eternal Persian Gulf, soon his delusion regarding the Strait of Hormuz will either be corrected, or we will correct the delusions of this deluded man," said Gharibabadi in a post on X.President Donald Trump on Friday said he would designate the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States “pretty soon” as the status of the waterway, a global chokepoint through which a fifth of global oil and gas passes, remains under a military and diplomatic deadlock.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abdul-el-sayed-trump-main-character-midterms-michigan-senate-1786989679086">Abdul El-Sayed hits back at Trump: ‘He’s going to turn me into the main character of the midterms’</a><h2>Ghalibaf declared Hormuz will remain closed</h2>Iran's parliament speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf said on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the US lifts the naval blockade and meets Tehran's demands.&nbsp;“I want to state clearly that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the American commitments stipulated in the memorandum of understanding... are implemented,” said Ghalibaf in a speech broadcast on state television.Trump on Thursday threatened to bomb Oman as it was negotiating with Iran over opening a route at the Strait of Hormuz. &nbsp;On the other hand, Donald Trump’s envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner said the United States and Iran were having “very positive and active conversations”, while noting that “there’s really not a lot of trust between America and Iran after all these years”.

Donald Trump calls the Strait of Hormuz “new US territory” as Iran mocks the claim and vows to keep the strategic waterway closed until US demands are met.

US President Donald Trump posted a graphic on the Truth Social platform that depicts the Strait of Hormuz as a "new U.S. Territory”. The graphic featured a map of the strategic waterway, claiming that Washington has total control over it. The post comes just after Iran denied opening the Strait of Hormuz until the US naval blockade is lifted.

Donald Trump calls the Strait of Hormuz “new US territory” as Iran mocks the claim and vows to keep the strategic waterway closed until US demands are met.

Trump declares Strait of Hormuz ‘new US territory’; Iran mocks ‘delusion’, vows to keep waterway closed

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to the lowest point of his current presidency, while a large majority of Americans believe the US war with Iran could continue for an extended period, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Monday. The poll found that only 33% of respondents approved of Trump’s performance as president, while 64% disapproved. His approval rating dropped from 35% in an earlier poll conducted this month and is now tied with the lowest level recorded during his first term, reached in December 2017.&nbsp;Trump returned to the White House in 2025 with approval from just under half of Americans. His standing has weakened this year following his decision to launch strikes against Iran alongside Israel. The conflict has disrupted roughly one-fifth of global oil trade, sending gasoline prices higher and increasing pressure on US households. The economic impact could also create political problems for Trump and Republican candidates seeking to protect their congressional majorities in the November midterm elections.&nbsp;Trump had campaigned on controlling inflation and avoiding prolonged military conflicts. He initially suggested that the confrontation with Iran could be resolved within a few weeks. However, Iran has continued to resist, while disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have kept much of the global oil trade under pressure despite signs that the fighting has cooled. According to the latest Reuters/Ipsos survey, 80% of Americans, including 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans, believe US involvement in Iran will go on for an extended period of time. Only 16% expect the conflict to end within a few weeks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-s-prominent-anti-war-politician-jailed-for-11-years-who-is-lev-shlosberg-what-was-his-crime-1787046020896">Russia’s prominent anti-war politician jailed for 11 years: Who is Lev Shlosberg? What was his crime?</a>&nbsp;Speaking at a political rally in Garden City, New York, on Friday, Trump defended the costs associated with the conflict, saying that paying a tiny little bit more for your gasoline was worthwhile to prevent a very evil country from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon has been one of the reasons Trump has cited for the military action. Throughout the conflict, Trump has repeatedly shifted between warnings of further escalation and statements suggesting that a peace agreement could be close. Yet the latest poll indicates that public support for the war remains limited.&nbsp;Only about one in five Americans believe the war has been worth the cost, while just half of Republicans share that view, according to Reuters/Ipsos. The conflict and rising gasoline prices are increasingly worrying Republicans as they prepare for the November 3 elections. The party faces a difficult task in defending its narrow House majority, while Democrats are becoming more optimistic about their chances of making gains in both chambers of Congress.&nbsp;Economic concerns are particularly significant. Reuters/Ipsos polling this month found that voters now favour Democrats over Republicans on economic management for the first time in roughly a decade. In the latest survey, 38% of voters said Democrats would do a better job handling the economy, compared with 35% who preferred the Republican approach. Democrats also received an advantage when voters were asked which party was better equipped to address the rising cost of living.&nbsp;Immigration remains an area where Republicans maintain an advantage, although that lead has narrowed substantially during Trump’s current term. About 40% of registered voters said Republicans have the better approach to immigration policy, compared with 38% who favored Democrats. The two-point Republican advantage is the smallest recorded during Trump’s current presidency. Republicans held a 26-point lead on the issue in January 2025.&nbsp;The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online among 1,166 US adults nationwide. The survey has a margin of error of approximately three percentage points in either direction.

Trump's approval rating falls to 33% as Americans worry the Iran war could drag on, fuel prices rise and Republicans face midterm election risks

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to the lowest point of his current presidency, while a large majority of Americans believe the US war with Iran could continue for an extended period, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Monday. The poll found that only 33% of respondents approved of Trump’s performance as president, while 64% disapproved. His approval rating dropped from 35% in an earlier poll conducted this month and is now tied with the lowest level recorded during his first term, reached in December 2017. Trump returned to the White House in 2025 with approval from just under half of Americans. His standing has weakened this year following his decision to launch strikes against Iran alongside Israel. The conflict has disrupted roughly one-fifth of global oil trade, sending gasoline prices higher and increasing pressure on US households. The economic impact could also create political problems for Trump and Republican candidates seeking to protect their congressional majorities in the November midterm elections. Trump had campaigned on controlling inflation and avoiding prolonged military conflicts. He initially suggested that the confrontation with Iran could be resolved within a few weeks. However, Iran has continued to resist, while disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have kept much of the global oil trade under pressure despite signs that the fighting has cooled. According to the latest Reuters/Ipsos survey, 80% of Americans, including 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans, believe US involvement in Iran will go on for an extended period of time. Only 16% expect the conflict to end within a few weeks. Also Read: Russia’s prominent anti-war politician jailed for 11 years: Who is Lev Shlosberg? What was his crime? Speaking at a political rally in Garden City, New York, on Friday, Trump defended the costs associated with the conflict, saying that paying a tiny little bit more for your gasoline was worthwhile to prevent a very evil country from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon has been one of the reasons Trump has cited for the military action. Throughout the conflict, Trump has repeatedly shifted between warnings of further escalation and statements suggesting that a peace agreement could be close. Yet the latest poll indicates that public support for the war remains limited. Only about one in five Americans believe the war has been worth the cost, while just half of Republicans share that view, according to Reuters/Ipsos. The conflict and rising gasoline prices are increasingly worrying Republicans as they prepare for the November 3 elections. The party faces a difficult task in defending its narrow House majority, while Democrats are becoming more optimistic about their chances of making gains in both chambers of Congress. Economic concerns are particularly significant. Reuters/Ipsos polling this month found that voters now favour Democrats over Republicans on economic management for the first time in roughly a decade. In the latest survey, 38% of voters said Democrats would do a better job handling the economy, compared with 35% who preferred the Republican approach. Democrats also received an advantage when voters were asked which party was better equipped to address the rising cost of living. Immigration remains an area where Republicans maintain an advantage, although that lead has narrowed substantially during Trump’s current term. About 40% of registered voters said Republicans have the better approach to immigration policy, compared with 38% who favored Democrats. The two-point Republican advantage is the smallest recorded during Trump’s current presidency. Republicans held a 26-point lead on the issue in January 2025. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online among 1,166 US adults nationwide. The survey has a margin of error of approximately three percentage points in either direction.

Trump's approval rating falls to 33% as 80% of Americans fear the Iran war will last longer, raising economic and political concerns

Trump's approval rating drops to 33%, lowest of his presidency amid growing war concerns: Poll

After US President Donald Trump on Monday (Aug 17) took aim at another female journalist, the White House also sharply criticised CNN reporter Kristen Holmes for asking the POTUS about his relationship with aide Natalie Harp. Holmes had asked the US President to comment on a widely shared remark by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in a speech on Sunday.The Democrat had told a crowd that the POTUS "doesn't want to do the job" and instead "wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie on their apparently defenseless flying palace gifted by the emir of Qatar".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-natalie-harp-trump-s-human-printer-is-making-headlines-again-here-s-why-1787024735322">Who is Natalie Harp? Trump’s ‘human printer’ is making headlines again</a><h2>Trump's fresh rant against female journalist</h2>The confrontation took place during an Oval Office event on Monday that was meant to honour a teenage lifeguard who rescued a child from powerful waves. Trump, however, opened the floor to questions on a range of other issues.Holmes asked the president about comments made by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, who had criticised Trump over his relationship with Harp and accused him of being more interested in "build[ing] his ballroom and travel[ling] with Natalie" than carrying out his duties.Trump also lashed out at Holmes when she attempted to ask him another question about North Korea."You're a loud, boisterous person, you're fake news, be quiet," Trump told the reporter before calling her "very disrespectful".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump: Quiet, quiet, quiet. You are very disrespectful. Quiet. Who are you with? Reporter: I am with CNN. Trump: You are fake news. Be quiet, be quiet, be quiet. You are a fake reporter. <a href="https://t.co/r9sAi7NY7B">pic.twitter.com/r9sAi7NY7B</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2089414218441252899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The White House's Rapid Response account then targeted Holmes on X, writing: "Someday, your children will come across your disgusting and inhumane question." It then separately accused Holmes of using an event honouring a young hero to make what it called a "cheap shot" at one of Trump's staffers. "These scumbags are the lowest of the low," the account said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://x.com/KristenhCNN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KristenhCNN</a>: Someday, your children will come across your disgusting and inhumane question. They will be sickened and embarrassed to have a parent be so callous and vindictive. It’s quite troubling. <a href="https://t.co/EWgPy7mXQP">https://t.co/EWgPy7mXQP</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/2089422283039203736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-s-last-election-had-trump-invokes-india-while-pushing-us-voter-id-bill-1787014115814">'India’s last Election had...': Trump invokes India in push for US voter ID bill</a><h2>CNN defends reporter</h2>CNN strongly defended Holmes and condemned the White House's response."We stand firmly behind Kristen and reject these attacks in the strongest possible terms," the network said, describing the attacks as "beneath the office".<h2>Who is Natalie Harp?</h2>Harp, 35, is a former television news personality who serves as one of Trump's aides and is frequently seen alongside the president. She has earned the nickname "human printer" because she is known for providing Trump with printed information during his workday.She also became the subject of renewed public attention after reports that she was among the small group of aides with Trump during the covert aircraft switch in Turkey in July, when the president was moved from the plane carrying the press corps to another military aircraft amid an alleged security threat.Recent comments by Ossoff brought Harp back into the political spotlight. Trump responded by attacking the senator, calling him a "Pee-wee Herman lookalike", while defending his controversial plans for a new White House ballroom.The latest confrontation adds to a growing pattern of tense exchanges between the Trump administration and female journalists, with the White House and news organisations increasingly clashing over the tone and substance of questions directed at the president.

A question about Trump's aide Natalie Harp sparked a heated Oval Office confrontation with CNN's Kristen Holmes. Trump attacked the reporter on camera, and the White House later escalated the clash with a sharply worded social media post.

After US President Donald Trump on Monday (Aug 17) took aim at another female journalist, the White House also sharply criticised CNN reporter Kristen Holmes for asking the POTUS about his relationship with aide Natalie Harp. Holmes had asked the US President to comment on a widely shared remark by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in a speech on Sunday. The Democrat had told a crowd that the POTUS "doesn't want to do the job" and instead "wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie on their apparently defenseless flying palace gifted by the emir of Qatar". Also read | Who is Natalie Harp? Trump’s ‘human printer’ is making headlines again Trump's fresh rant against female journalist The confrontation took place during an Oval Office event on Monday that was meant to honour a teenage lifeguard who rescued a child from powerful waves. Trump, however, opened the floor to questions on a range of other issues. Holmes asked the president about comments made by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, who had criticised Trump over his relationship with Harp and accused him of being more interested in "build[ing] his ballroom and travel[ling] with Natalie" than carrying out his duties. Trump also lashed out at Holmes when she attempted to ask him another question about North Korea. "You're a loud, boisterous person, you're fake news, be quiet," Trump told the reporter before calling her "very disrespectful".

A question about Trump's aide Natalie Harp sparked a heated Oval Office confrontation with CNN's Kristen Holmes. Trump attacked the reporter on camera, and the White House later escalated the clash with a sharply worded social media post.

'Someday, your children will...': White House attacks CNN reporter after question about Trump aide Natalie Harp

U.S. President Donald Trump has cited his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a key factor behind his decision to significantly scale back joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. Trump argued that the large-scale drills send an "inappropriate and hostile" message to Pyongyang and could undermine diplomatic efforts on the Korean Peninsula.

The move has sparked debate among security experts and regional allies, with supporters viewing it as a confidence-building measure while critics warn it could affect military readiness. The decision comes amid renewed focus on U.S.-North Korea relations and broader security dynamics in East Asia.

Donald Trump takes a softer stance on North Korea's Kim Jong UN, strains ties with S. Korea 

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) said that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has always treated him with “great respect,” hinting at the possibility of talks soon. He said that they share a personal bond, adding that his approach is aimed at making the situation on the Korean Peninsula safer. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump said that he had met Kim on multiple occasions and that the two leaders understood each other. Trump contrasted his relationship with Kim with the North Korean leader's reported views of previous US presidents. Asked by a reporter in the Oval Office why Kim had not responded to his efforts to re-engage, Trump responded, "he has." He did not provide further details.<blockquote>"Kim Jong Un has always treated me with great respect, and we met on two primary occasions, spoke, and spent time. I understand him. He understands me. I get along with him. You know, he didn't like Biden, he didn't like Obama, he didn't like anybody, but I get along with him very well. Now, what I'm doing is making things safer, just the opposite," Trump said.</blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Reporter: Why hasn’t Kim Jong Un responded to your request to have a conversation? Trump: How do you know? Reporter: Has he? Trump: Um, yeah, yes. <a href="https://t.co/AsRlhFXcWU">pic.twitter.com/AsRlhFXcWU</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2089412342048043027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This comes after Trump announced a day ago that the US will "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea. He cited his "very good relationship" with Kim Jong Un and highlighted South Korea's rejection to join the war in Iran. In a Truth Social post, he said that South Korea had recently declined to join the US in the "denuclearisation" of Iran, adding that the joint these exercises costs a lot to the US. Last week, Trump also posted a picture with Kim Jong Un and joked about their "unfriendly look" while reaffirming that the two get along well.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-good-relationship-with-kim-trump-substantially-reduces-joint-military-exercises-with-south-korea-1786926915050/amp">'Very good relationship with Kim...': Trump 'substantially reduces' joint military exercises with South Korea</a><h2>Trump and Kim Jong Un meeting</h2>Trump and Kim Jong Un met for the first time in 2018 and held a summit in Singapore. In 2019, they held two meetings: the Hanoi Summit in Vietnam and at the Korean Demilitarized Zone. After Hanoi Summit, Kim invited Trump to cross the border line between South and North Korea, and Trump briefly crossed into North Korea. The two had a major photo-op as they shook hands and patted each other's backs. With this, Trump became the first sitting US president to cross into North Korea. Trump and Kim also signed a joint statement, titled "Joint Statement of President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the Singapore Summit", which Trump described as a "very important" and "comprehensive" agreement. However, the engagements soon derailed after Trump lost the 2020 presidential elections. &nbsp;

Trump praised his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying Kim has always treated him with respect. Trump said his approach aims to make the Korean Peninsula safer, after announcing plans to substantially reduce joint US-South Korea military exercises.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) said that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has always treated him with “great respect,” hinting at the possibility of talks soon. He said that they share a personal bond, adding that his approach is aimed at making the situation on the Korean Peninsula safer. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump said that he had met Kim on multiple occasions and that the two leaders understood each other. Trump contrasted his relationship with Kim with the North Korean leader's reported views of previous US presidents. Asked by a reporter in the Oval Office why Kim had not responded to his efforts to re-engage, Trump responded, "he has." He did not provide further details. "Kim Jong Un has always treated me with great respect, and we met on two primary occasions, spoke, and spent time. I understand him. He understands me. I get along with him. You know, he didn't like Biden, he didn't like Obama, he didn't like anybody, but I get along with him very well. Now, what I'm doing is making things safer, just the opposite," Trump said.

Trump praised his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying Kim has always treated him with respect. Trump said his approach aims to make the Korean Peninsula safer, after announcing plans to substantially reduce joint US-South Korea military exercises.

'Kim Jong Un treated me with great respect': Trump hints at renewed engagement with North Korea

US President Donald Trump has renewed his call for Congress to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, pointing to India's election system and voter identification requirements as an example.In a post on Truth Social, Trump cited remarks attributed to India's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who had questioned how elections could be conducted in the US without a requirement for valid photo identification.Trump also pointed to India's 2024 general election, writing: "India's last Election had 646,000,000 Voters! Less than 1 per cent voted by mail, and every single Voter had to have a VALID Photo Identity Document."

He then renewed his appeal to lawmakers, writing: "We need to pass THE SAVE AMERICA ACT, now!"Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-trade-adviser-peter-navarro-slams-indians-claim-they-firebombed-him-online-over-brahmins-profiteering-remark-1786498920422">Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro slams Indians, claims they ‘firebombed’ him online over ‘Brahmins profiteering’ remark | WATCH</a><h2>What does the SAVE America Act propose?</h2>According to the White House, the legislation is designed to ensure that only US citizens participate in federal elections.The administration says the bill would require voters to provide valid identification and proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. It would also seek to restrict mail-in voting to specific circumstances, including illness, disability, military service, or travel.The legislation would further direct states to remove non-citizens from voter rolls.The White House has described the measure as a "common sense, bipartisan bill", arguing that American elections should be decided by American citizens.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smuggling-disguised-as-trade-us-claims-india-part-of-40-nation-shadow-network-helping-china-evade-tariffs-1786679286732">'Smuggling disguised as trade': US claims India part of 40-nation 'shadow network' helping China evade tariffs</a><h2>White House compares US system with India</h2>The Trump administration has increasingly pointed to election systems in other countries while making its case for tighter voting requirements in the US. The White House said, "India and Brazil tie voter ID to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship."The bill was introduced in Congress on January 29. Trump's latest remarks put India at the centre of his argument for changing how voter eligibility and identification are handled in US federal elections.

Donald Trump has once again pointed to India's election system while pushing for stricter voter identification rules in the US. But what exactly does his SAVE America Act seek to change, and why is India central to his argument?

US President Donald Trump has renewed his call for Congress to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, pointing to India's election system and voter identification requirements as an example. In a post on Truth Social, Trump cited remarks attributed to India's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who had questioned how elections could be conducted in the US without a requirement for valid photo identification. Trump also pointed to India's 2024 general election, writing: "India's last Election had 646,000,000 Voters! Less than 1 per cent voted by mail, and every single Voter had to have a VALID Photo Identity Document."

Donald Trump has once again pointed to India's election system while pushing for stricter voter identification rules in the US. But what exactly does his SAVE America Act seek to change, and why is India central to his argument?

'India’s last Election had...': Trump invokes India while pushing US voter ID bill

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Donald Trump takes a softer stance on North Korea's Kim Jong UN, strains ties with S. Korea

Trump hints at renewed engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

'India’s last Election had...': Trump invokes India in push for US voter ID bill