US President Donald Trump said American officials held discussions with mediators on Iran on Monday, as diplomatic efforts continue amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump confirmed that the discussions had taken place but declined to provide further details about the talks. Meanwhile, Iranian state media, cited by Al Jazeera, reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was scheduled to meet mediators in New York.&nbsp;&nbsp;The discussions were expected to focus on the latest proposals and developments in the standoff between Tehran and Washington. The diplomatic activity comes days after Trump rejected an Iranian proposal concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway that has become a major focus of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.<h2>Trump denies offering Iran sanctions relief</h2>Trump on Monday denied an Axios report claiming that he had offered Iran sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds as part of efforts to advance negotiations. "Axios just released a story that ‘Trump’ offered Sanctions Relief and Frozen Funds to Iran. This is untrue. I offered them NOTHING!," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.&nbsp;Axios reported that Trump is willing to give Iran sanctions relief and release Iranian frozen funds in return for concrete Iranian steps regarding the nuclear program. The report cited unnamed US officials. Trump described the report as "a HOAX" and called for the news outlet to withdraw the story. His comments came as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was expected to meet Qatari mediators in New York on Monday. US and Iranian officials had also met the previous week in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. However, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported on Monday that Tehran had no further direct talks scheduled with Washington.<h2>Trump's Truth Social post</h2>

<h2>Strait of Hormuz remains key issue</h2>The latest diplomatic developments follow Trump's rejection on Saturday of a proposal from Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. On Sunday, Trump told Axios that he expected talks between the two sides to resume in the coming days. The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the broader dispute because the narrow waterway normally handles about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.&nbsp;The route has been effectively blockaded by Tehran since the conflict startedwith US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, according to the report. The disruption has also affected energy and consumer prices in the United States. Gas and other product prices have risen sharply since the conflict began, adding to domestic political pressure on the Trump administration ahead of the US midterm elections in November.

Donald Trump confirms US officials held talks with Iran mediators as tensions rise over the Strait of Hormuz, while denying reports of sanctions relief

US President Donald Trump said American officials held discussions with mediators on Iran on Monday, as diplomatic efforts continue amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump confirmed that the discussions had taken place but declined to provide further details about the talks. Meanwhile, Iranian state media, cited by Al Jazeera, reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was scheduled to meet mediators in New York. The discussions were expected to focus on the latest proposals and developments in the standoff between Tehran and Washington. The diplomatic activity comes days after Trump rejected an Iranian proposal concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway that has become a major focus of the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Trump denies offering Iran sanctions relief Trump on Monday denied an Axios report claiming that he had offered Iran sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds as part of efforts to advance negotiations. "Axios just released a story that ‘Trump’ offered Sanctions Relief and Frozen Funds to Iran. This is untrue. I offered them NOTHING!," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. Axios reported that Trump is willing to give Iran sanctions relief and release Iranian frozen funds in return for concrete Iranian steps regarding the nuclear program. The report cited unnamed US officials. Trump described the report as "a HOAX" and called for the news outlet to withdraw the story. His comments came as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was expected to meet Qatari mediators in New York on Monday. US and Iranian officials had also met the previous week in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. However, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported on Monday that Tehran had no further direct talks scheduled with Washington. Trump's Truth Social post

Donald Trump confirms US officials held talks with Iran mediators as Tehran-Washington tensions continue, while denying reports of sanctions relief

'I offered them NOTHING': Trump rejects claims of sanctions relief for Iran, confirms US talks with Tehran mediators

Washington and Beijing have officially announced a "30-for-30" trade framework and published a list of goods that the US and China could tax at lower rates. The list covers about $30bn worth of "non-sensitive" goods on each side. This comes following the trade deal struck at last week's summit between the US President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping. The US have listed 77 categories of Chinese goods while China have listed 1,619 categories of American products. Neither nation has specified the exact new tariff percentages or an absolute activation date.Under the new Board of Trade, the two countries will consider the products "with a view toward providing reduced tariff treatment to those goods in a reciprocal manner."&nbsp;"The Trump Administration will continue to pursue fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade with China by ensuring compliance with commitments on agricultural and energy purchases, pursuing balanced trade in non-sensitive goods, and securing market access for American farmers, manufacturers, businesses, and workers," said US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in a statement.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-stock-market-crash-sensex-nifty-six-month-low-oil-fpi-rupee-1790610541704">Indian stock market crashes, 7.4 lakh crore wiped out: What is driving the fall?</a><h2>What items are in the lists?</h2>China's list is dominated by food and farm goods, from beef, pork, poultry and seafood to cheese, grains, corn, wheat, butter, wine, and whiskey. The list also features around 150 varieties of wood and timber products. China will also import $10 million worth of US coal annually across both 2027 and 2028. China will also import high-value medical technology such as MRI scanners, pacemakers, surgical robots, and stents. However, US Soybeans, historically the largest American agricultural export to China, were excluded from the tariff cuts, it appears only as seeds for planting.The US list is far shorter; it features Chinese consumer commodities like toys, children's car seats, and holiday or Christmas decorations, microwave ovens, toasters, coffee makers, bed linen, tennis balls and fishing hooks.The Chinese Ministry of Commerce officially confirmed the product lists on Monday, saying that the sides would discuss “a reciprocal tariff reduction framework of $30 billion for $30 billion, aiming to reach a consensus”.“This arrangement will help stabilise China-US trade, create better conditions for Chinese exports of relevant products to the US, meet domestic market demand, and strengthen trade cooperation in agricultural products, energy, manufactured goods, and consumer goods,” the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

The US and China have unveiled lists covering $30 billion of goods each for possible reciprocal tariff cuts under a new ‘30-for-30’ trade framework.

Washington and Beijing have officially announced a "30-for-30" trade framework and published a list of goods that the US and China could tax at lower rates. The list covers about $30bn worth of "non-sensitive" goods on each side. This comes following the trade deal struck at last week's summit between the US President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping. The US have listed 77 categories of Chinese goods while China have listed 1,619 categories of American products. Neither nation has specified the exact new tariff percentages or an absolute activation date. Under the new Board of Trade, the two countries will consider the products "with a view toward providing reduced tariff treatment to those goods in a reciprocal manner." "The Trump Administration will continue to pursue fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade with China by ensuring compliance with commitments on agricultural and energy purchases, pursuing balanced trade in non-sensitive goods, and securing market access for American farmers, manufacturers, businesses, and workers," said US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in a statement. Also Read: Indian stock market crashes, 7.4 lakh crore wiped out: What is driving the fall? What items are in the lists? China's list is dominated by food and farm goods, from beef, pork, poultry and seafood to cheese, grains, corn, wheat, butter, wine, and whiskey. The list also features around 150 varieties of wood and timber products. China will also import $10 million worth of US coal annually across both 2027 and 2028. China will also import high-value medical technology such as MRI scanners, pacemakers, surgical robots, and stents. However, US Soybeans, historically the largest American agricultural export to China, were excluded from the tariff cuts, it appears only as seeds for planting. The US list is far shorter; it features Chinese consumer commodities like toys, children's car seats, and holiday or Christmas decorations, microwave ovens, toasters, coffee makers, bed linen, tennis balls and fishing hooks. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce officially confirmed the product lists on Monday, saying that the sides would discuss “a reciprocal tariff reduction framework of $30 billion for $30 billion, aiming to reach a consensus”. “This arrangement will help stabilise China-US trade, create better conditions for Chinese exports of relevant products to the US, meet domestic market demand, and strengthen trade cooperation in agricultural products, energy, manufactured goods, and consumer goods,” the ministry said in a statement.

The US and China have unveiled lists covering $30 billion of goods each for possible reciprocal tariff cuts under a new ‘30-for-30’ trade framework.

US, China unveil ‘30-for-30’ trade framework: Which goods could get lower tariffs?

Andrew Bailey, FBI co-Deputy Director, has resigned on Monday (September 28) after a short and tumultuous period sharing the duties as No. 2 to Kash Patel, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. He served as Republican attorney general and is also a strong supporter of President Donald Trump. Citing anonymous sources, Bloomberg confirmed that the resignation takes effect October 2. The report also indicates that his resignation was an internal personnel decision. About his departure, Bailey said in a post on social media, “I am confident Director Patel will continue to reform the FBI, combat violent crime, defend the homeland, ensure strong organisational accountability, and restore public trust in this institution of excellence.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mojtaba-khamenei-says-enemy-forces-will-soon-be-driven-out-of-arabian-sea-1790598022820">EU seeks more warships for Red Sea mission as Bab al-Mandeb security worsens</a> Bailey's departure comes after several agents and veteran FBI officials have been removed or pushed out following their role in cases that displeased the White House. He is stepping down just three days after the bureau reassigned two senior counterterrorism supervisors over how they handled an investigation into allegedly harassing phone calls to Katie Miller, wife of senior White House aide Stephen Miller. Bailey had shared the deputy director role with Christopher Raia, a former head of the FBI's New York field office. Raia himself took the post after Dan Bongino, the Trump administration's original choice for the job, stepped down in January. An FBI spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The resignation also arrives as Patel continues to draw criticism from Democrats over his time leading the FBI, during which they say he has redirected the bureau's priorities to serve the president's personal wishes. Bailey also helped supervise investigations related to elections and was on hand earlier this year when agents took possession of 2020 election ballots in Georgia.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-trump-banner-displayed-beside-zolfaghar-missiles-shahed-drone-in-tehran-1790604553256">'Kill Trump' banner displayed beside Zolfaghar missiles, Shahed drone in Tehran</a>

Bailey's departure comes after several agents and veteran FBI officials have been removed or pushed out following their role in cases that displeased the White House. 

Andrew Bailey, FBI co-Deputy Director, has resigned on Monday (September 28) after a short and tumultuous period sharing the duties as No. 2 to Kash Patel, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. He served as Republican attorney general and is also a strong supporter of President Donald Trump. Citing anonymous sources, Bloomberg confirmed that the resignation takes effect October 2. The report also indicates that his resignation was an internal personnel decision. About his departure, Bailey said in a post on social media, “I am confident Director Patel will continue to reform the FBI, combat violent crime, defend the homeland, ensure strong organisational accountability, and restore public trust in this institution of excellence.” Also read: EU seeks more warships for Red Sea mission as Bab al-Mandeb security worsens Bailey's departure comes after several agents and veteran FBI officials have been removed or pushed out following their role in cases that displeased the White House. He is stepping down just three days after the bureau reassigned two senior counterterrorism supervisors over how they handled an investigation into allegedly harassing phone calls to Katie Miller, wife of senior White House aide Stephen Miller. Bailey had shared the deputy director role with Christopher Raia, a former head of the FBI's New York field office. Raia himself took the post after Dan Bongino, the Trump administration's original choice for the job, stepped down in January. An FBI spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The resignation also arrives as Patel continues to draw criticism from Democrats over his time leading the FBI, during which they say he has redirected the bureau's priorities to serve the president's personal wishes. Bailey also helped supervise investigations related to elections and was on hand earlier this year when agents took possession of 2020 election ballots in Georgia. Also read: 'Kill Trump' banner displayed beside Zolfaghar missiles, Shahed drone in Tehran

Bailey's departure comes after several agents and veteran FBI officials have been removed or pushed out following their role in cases that displeased the White House.&nbsp;

FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey resigns 3 days after counterterrorism reassignments

A 'Kill Trump' banner has been displayed beside Zolfaghar missiles and a Shahed drone in Iran's Tehran. In addition, billboards also show Iran's current and former supreme leaders and former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Earlier, a banner showing US President Donald Trump and bearing messages was also displayed in front of the Zolfaghar and Zolghadr ballistic missiles exhibited at Azadi Square in Tehran, Iran's capital, on August 2, 2026.&nbsp;On July 16, 2026, a large banner showing Trump in a coffin, accompanied by the words "We Kill Trump," was put up in Tehran's Revolution Square, Iran International reported on Wednesday. The display followed calls at last week's funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for the assassination of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Khamenei was killed in the opening strike of "Operation Roaring Lion/Epic Fury" on Feb. 28.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mojtaba-khamenei-says-enemy-forces-will-soon-be-driven-out-of-arabian-sea-1790598022820">Mojtaba Khamenei says ‘enemy forces’ will soon be driven out of Arabian Sea</a>&nbsp;The propaganda billboards in Revolution Square are run by the Tehran Municipality's Beautification Organisation in coordination with the Islamic Propagation Organisation. Several are created by the House of Islamic Revolution Designers, which belongs to the Owj Arts and Media Organisation, an entity linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Earlier, a banner showing US President Donald Trump and bearing messages was also displayed in front of the Zolfaghar and Zolghadr ballistic missiles exhibited at Azadi Square in Tehran, Iran's capital, on August 2, 2026.

A 'Kill Trump' banner has been displayed beside Zolfaghar missiles and a Shahed drone in Iran's Tehran. In addition, billboards also show Iran's current and former supreme leaders and former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Earlier, a banner showing US President Donald Trump and bearing messages was also displayed in front of the Zolfaghar and Zolghadr ballistic missiles exhibited at Azadi Square in Tehran, Iran's capital, on August 2, 2026. On July 16, 2026, a large banner showing Trump in a coffin, accompanied by the words "We Kill Trump," was put up in Tehran's Revolution Square, Iran International reported on Wednesday. The display followed calls at last week's funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for the assassination of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Khamenei was killed in the opening strike of "Operation Roaring Lion/Epic Fury" on Feb. 28. Also read: Mojtaba Khamenei says ‘enemy forces’ will soon be driven out of Arabian Sea The propaganda billboards in Revolution Square are run by the Tehran Municipality's Beautification Organisation in coordination with the Islamic Propagation Organisation. Several are created by the House of Islamic Revolution Designers, which belongs to the Owj Arts and Media Organisation, an entity linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

&nbsp;Earlier, a banner showing US President Donald Trump and bearing messages was also displayed in front of the Zolfaghar and Zolghadr ballistic missiles exhibited at Azadi Square in Tehran, Iran's capital, on August 2, 2026.

'Kill Trump' banner displayed beside Zolfaghar missiles, Shahed drone in Tehran

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to have the first one-on-one dinner with US President Donald Trump at the White House, according to US media. Trump confirmed the meeting on Sunday and reaffirmed his stance against slowing AI development. The move comes after months of open tensions between the artificial intelligence (AI) startup and the Trump administration. Trump also repeated his opinion on the new regulations that would pave the way for China, leaving the United States behind in AI advancement. He acknowledged concern that Amodei, who is going too fast in artificial intelligence, could increase risks. In response, Trump noted that it was more important for the US to maintain a technological edge over China. “We’re about maybe a year and a half up on China,” Trump told Fox News while attending the Presidents Cup golf tournament in Illinois. “We’re leading, and we’re building tremendous, trillions of dollars’ worth of places. And why should we give that up?”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-revives-object-1335-a-secret-nuclear-bunker-linked-to-dead-hand-1790579468559">Russia revives Object 1335, a secret nuclear bunker linked to 'Dead Hand' - What we know</a><h3>A federal appeals court sided with the Pentagon</h3>The meeting took place just two days after a federal appeals court sided with the Pentagon, upholding its designation of Anthropic as a “supply chain risk”, a label that bars the US military from using the company's models. The Trump administration imposed the penalty after Anthropic refused in February to allow its tools to be used for fully autonomous weapons or for domestic mass surveillance. Trump also took a swipe at Amodei, mocking him for trying to play "a perfect little angel" after the Anthropic chief urged a pause in AI development. Amodei did not attend Thursday's state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping, where AI industry leaders were present, among them his rival Sam Altman of OpenAI

Trump reiterated that the new regulations would pave the way for China, leaving the United States behind in AI advancement. He acknowledged concern that Amodei, who is going too fast in artificial intelligence, could increase risks.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to have the first one-on-one dinner with US President Donald Trump at the White House, according to US media. Trump confirmed the meeting on Sunday and reaffirmed his stance against slowing AI development. The move comes after months of open tensions between the artificial intelligence (AI) startup and the Trump administration. Trump also repeated his opinion on the new regulations that would pave the way for China, leaving the United States behind in AI advancement. He acknowledged concern that Amodei, who is going too fast in artificial intelligence, could increase risks. In response, Trump noted that it was more important for the US to maintain a technological edge over China. “We’re about maybe a year and a half up on China,” Trump told Fox News while attending the Presidents Cup golf tournament in Illinois. “We’re leading, and we’re building tremendous, trillions of dollars’ worth of places. And why should we give that up?” Also read: Russia revives Object 1335, a secret nuclear bunker linked to 'Dead Hand' - What we know A federal appeals court sided with the Pentagon The meeting took place just two days after a federal appeals court sided with the Pentagon, upholding its designation of Anthropic as a “supply chain risk”, a label that bars the US military from using the company's models. The Trump administration imposed the penalty after Anthropic refused in February to allow its tools to be used for fully autonomous weapons or for domestic mass surveillance. Trump also took a swipe at Amodei, mocking him for trying to play "a perfect little angel" after the Anthropic chief urged a pause in AI development. Amodei did not attend Thursday's state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping, where AI industry leaders were present, among them his rival Sam Altman of OpenAI

Trump reiterated that the new regulations would pave the way for China, leaving the United States behind in AI advancement. He acknowledged concern that Amodei, who is going too fast in artificial intelligence, could increase risks.

After months of tension, Anthropic CEO Amodei to dine one-on-one with Trump at White House

The United States made a stunning rally to capture an 11th consecutive Presidents Cup on Sunday, defeating the Internationals 17-13 in a victory dedicated to US President Donald Trump. Jacob Bridgeman secured the clinching point at Medinah Country Club by sinking a four-foot par putt at the 18th hole to defeat Australian Min Woo Lee 1-up.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-india-vs-afghanistan-quarterfinal-rain-washout-rules-predicted-xi-1790501105330">Asian Games: What happens if rain washes out India vs Afghanistan quarterfinal?</a>"I'm just so damn proud of this team," US captain Brandt Snedeker said. "All these guys, they fought for each other. They fought for this country. They fought for this team."Snedeker said Trump -- who visited the Chicago-area course for Sunday's final day -- should take credit for the win."He told me (he) was going to bring some energy today for you guys. You guys need it," Snedeker said. "And I told him if we did this, he gets all the credit. So thank you, President Trump."The Americans improved to 14-1-1 in the biennial rivalry after trailing 10.5-7.5 entering 12 concluding singles matches, the Internationals poised to end a 28-year win drought but failing."It was on a knife edge all day," Internationals captain Geoff Ogilvy of Australia said. "It's a very difficult thing to beat the US in singles in the US. They all played great."The Americans had nine wins and a draw on the final day."I don't think I'd do anything differently," Ogilvy said. "It sort of drifted the wrong way all day."The non-European side's lone win was in 1998 at Australia with a shared trophy at South Africa in 2003.The Americans, boasting eight of the world's 11 top-ranked golfers, won on the same suburban Chicago layout where Europe took the 2012 Ryder Cup with the famed "Miracle at Medinah" fightback."These guys never lost faith," Snedeker said. "I told the guys last night that funny stuff happens here. Medinah's got a history of funny things happening, and sure enough, they went out there and played their asses off. I'm so damn proud of those guys."Drama built with every match and ended with Bridgeman, who won his second PGA Tour title last week, falling behind for the first time with a bogey at 15 only to win 16 and 18 with pars."It was the coolest moment," he said. "I felt like I held in my emotions all day. To let it out on the last hole is pretty sweet."Cameron Young secured the first US point, beating Japan's Ryo Hisatsune 3&amp;2. He won holes 11-13 for his first lead and made a 32-foot birdie putt at 16 to win.Justin Thomas, 0-3 in Cup singles, won the first four holes and never trailed in beating Canada's Corey Conners 5&amp;3, sinking a 15-foot birdie putt at 15 to win.South Korea's Tom Kim answered with a 3&amp;2 victory over reigning US Open champion Wyndham Clark."I was second off. I really felt it was a &nbsp;responsibility to put a point up," said Kim, who will fly to Japan for the Asian Games.Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, 3-1 this week, birdied five of the first 10 holes and never trailed in beating Colombian Nico Echavarria 2&amp;1.South Korean Im Sung-jae rattled in birdies on four of the last six holes to beat Sam Burns 3&amp;1, while Chris Gotterup beat South Africa's Christiaan Bezuidenhout 1-up.The Americans seized a 13.5-12.5 lead when Patrick Cantlay edged Australian Adam Scott 2&amp;1 and moments later Collin Morikawa beat Japan's Hideki Matsuyama 1-up.Cantlay was never behind but needed a 57-foot birdie putt at 16 and a seven-foot par putt at 17 to win.Morikawa tied his match at 15 on a 30-foot birdie putt and won when Matsuyama missed a 15-foot par putt at 18."I'm happy about that closing point," Morikawa said. "That was huge."Jackson Koivun, a 21-year-old rookie, beat South Korean 2-up.Canada's Nick Taylor tied Russell Henley and Xander Schauffele edged New Zealand's Ryan Fox 2&amp;1 after the Cup was decided.

The Americans improved to 14-1-1 in the biennial rivalry after trailing 10.5-7.5 entering 12 concluding singles matches, the Internationals poised to end a 28-year win drought but failing.

The United States made a stunning rally to capture an 11th consecutive Presidents Cup on Sunday, defeating the Internationals 17-13 in a victory dedicated to US President Donald Trump. Jacob Bridgeman secured the clinching point at Medinah Country Club by sinking a four-foot par putt at the 18th hole to defeat Australian Min Woo Lee 1-up. Also Read - Asian Games: What happens if rain washes out India vs Afghanistan quarterfinal? "I'm just so damn proud of this team," US captain Brandt Snedeker said. "All these guys, they fought for each other. They fought for this country. They fought for this team." Snedeker said Trump -- who visited the Chicago-area course for Sunday's final day -- should take credit for the win. "He told me (he) was going to bring some energy today for you guys. You guys need it," Snedeker said. "And I told him if we did this, he gets all the credit. So thank you, President Trump." The Americans improved to 14-1-1 in the biennial rivalry after trailing 10.5-7.5 entering 12 concluding singles matches, the Internationals poised to end a 28-year win drought but failing. "It was on a knife edge all day," Internationals captain Geoff Ogilvy of Australia said. "It's a very difficult thing to beat the US in singles in the US. They all played great." The Americans had nine wins and a draw on the final day. "I don't think I'd do anything differently," Ogilvy said. "It sort of drifted the wrong way all day." The non-European side's lone win was in 1998 at Australia with a shared trophy at South Africa in 2003. The Americans, boasting eight of the world's 11 top-ranked golfers, won on the same suburban Chicago layout where Europe took the 2012 Ryder Cup with the famed "Miracle at Medinah" fightback. "These guys never lost faith," Snedeker said. "I told the guys last night that funny stuff happens here. Medinah's got a history of funny things happening, and sure enough, they went out there and played their asses off. I'm so damn proud of those guys." Drama built with every match and ended with Bridgeman, who won his second PGA Tour title last week, falling behind for the first time with a bogey at 15 only to win 16 and 18 with pars. "It was the coolest moment," he said. "I felt like I held in my emotions all day. To let it out on the last hole is pretty sweet." Cameron Young secured the first US point, beating Japan's Ryo Hisatsune 3&2. He won holes 11-13 for his first lead and made a 32-foot birdie putt at 16 to win. Justin Thomas, 0-3 in Cup singles, won the first four holes and never trailed in beating Canada's Corey Conners 5&3, sinking a 15-foot birdie putt at 15 to win. South Korea's Tom Kim answered with a 3&2 victory over reigning US Open champion Wyndham Clark. "I was second off. I really felt it was a responsibility to put a point up," said Kim, who will fly to Japan for the Asian Games. Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, 3-1 this week, birdied five of the first 10 holes and never trailed in beating Colombian Nico Echavarria 2&1. South Korean Im Sung-jae rattled in birdies on four of the last six holes to beat Sam Burns 3&1, while Chris Gotterup beat South Africa's Christiaan Bezuidenhout 1-up. The Americans seized a 13.5-12.5 lead when Patrick Cantlay edged Australian Adam Scott 2&1 and moments later Collin Morikawa beat Japan's Hideki Matsuyama 1-up. Cantlay was never behind but needed a 57-foot birdie putt at 16 and a seven-foot par putt at 17 to win. Morikawa tied his match at 15 on a 30-foot birdie putt and won when Matsuyama missed a 15-foot par putt at 18. "I'm happy about that closing point," Morikawa said. "That was huge." Jackson Koivun, a 21-year-old rookie, beat South Korean 2-up. Canada's Nick Taylor tied Russell Henley and Xander Schauffele edged New Zealand's Ryan Fox 2&1 after the Cup was decided.

The Americans improved to 14-1-1 in the biennial rivalry after trailing 10.5-7.5 entering 12 concluding singles matches, the Internationals poised to end a 28-year win drought but failing.

USA wins 11th consecutive Presidents Cup with 17-13 win over Internationals

President Donald Trump said on Sunday morning that the five suspects arrested near a Royal Air Force Fairford air base on the suspicion of preparing a terrorist act at the facility, used by US bombers in the operations against Iran, were looking to do big damage but claimed that they had been under US investigation.&nbsp;“Working with Britain, it was an amazing job. We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great, and we got them,” Trump told reporters Sunday morning.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: UK police just arrested 5 men near RAF Fairford, the air base used by U.S. bombers. Suspicion of explosives offenses AND preparing a terrorist act. Bomb squad on scene. Dozens of homes evacuated. They were heading toward a U.S. base. That is not a coincidence.…&mdash; MAGA Kitty (@SaveUSAKitty) <a href="https://x.com/SaveUSAKitty/status/2104224680991211830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;“The arrest in the UK was fantastic. We had them under review for a long time, and we got them. Worked with the UK to make arrests near the RAF base. Suspects had been under surveillance for a long time, and we captured them,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>Men arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act</h2>&nbsp;British police arrested five men on Sunday on the suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near a Royal Air Force base that has been used by US bombers in the operations against Iran. The UK’s Metropolitan Police said officers received a call around 12:45 am local time about three suspicious vehicles travelling toward RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, a county in southwestern England.&nbsp;Police received a call around 12.45 am Sunday local time relating to “three suspicious vehicles” that appeared to be travelling towards the air base used by the US 501st Combat Support Wing and the 420th Air Base Squadron, said Metropolitan Police in a statement.&nbsp;Armed officers responded in the area of Whelford, a village some 33 miles from the city of Oxford. There they arrested the men “on suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act", and they were further arrested “on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act”.<h2>Roadblocks, 40-metre cordon set up near RAF Fairford</h2>&nbsp;Officials declared a major incident and set up roadblocks overnight near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, southwestern England.&nbsp;UK counter-terrorism official Vicki Evans, deputy assistant commissioner, said officers established a 400-metre cordon (roughly a quarter-mile) around vehicles in the area while the British Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit conducted examinations.&nbsp;“As a precaution, around 85 households have been evacuated whilst these examinations take place,” she said in a statement.&nbsp;RAF Fairford is the US Air Force’s preferred bomber forward operating location in Europe and supports a variety of missions and exercises throughout the year.&nbsp;After the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran on Feb. 28, the UK government allowed the American military to use the Fairford base to strike Iranian missile sites.&nbsp;A spokesperson for the US Air Force said the US and British personnel “remain vigilant” and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of all those at the base.“For operational security reasons we will not discuss specific force protection measures,” the spokesperson said. “We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families.”&nbsp;The incident comes a day after US President Donald Trump said he has rejected the latest Iranian proposal to end the war.&nbsp;Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had warned in July that any base used for attacks on Iranian territory would be considered a “legitimate target” in a statement that specifically referenced US B-1 bombers flying from RAF Fairford.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Incident deeply concerning,’ says UK PM</h2>&nbsp;UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the incident near RAF Fairford will be deeply concerning for local residents and people following developments across the country. “My thanks go to Gloucestershire Police, Counter Terrorism Policing, our Armed Forces and all those working to keep the public safe. I am especially grateful to those residents who have been asked to leave their homes while precautionary checks are carried out.”“The safety and security of the public is our first priority, and I want people to know that we will always take every step necessary to protect our communities and keep our country safe,” he added.

A spokesperson for the US Air Force said the US and British personnel remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of all those at the base. The incident comes a day after US President Donald Trump said he has rejected the latest Iranian proposal to end the war.

President Donald Trump said on Sunday morning that the five suspects arrested near a Royal Air Force Fairford air base on the suspicion of preparing a terrorist act at the facility, used by US bombers in the operations against Iran, were looking to do big damage but claimed that they had been under US investigation. “Working with Britain, it was an amazing job. We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great, and we got them,” Trump told reporters Sunday morning.

A spokesperson for the US Air Force said the US and British personnel remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of all those at the base. The incident comes a day after US President Donald Trump said he has rejected the latest Iranian proposal to end the war.

‘Terror suspects arrested near UK air base were looking to do big damage’: Trump

US President Donald Trump told Axios on Sunday that he was expecting negotiations with Iran this week, only a day after rejecting proposals to end the war. According to two anonymous sources quoted by Axios, an indirect dialogue is expected between the US and Iran as early as Monday.&nbsp;“I expect more talks with Iran [this week]. They want to make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make. It is what we would have maybe agreed to a year ago. They overplayed their hand,” Trump told Axios in a phone interview on Sunday. He also added that he is “always thinking about” resuming strikes against Iran.Trump also claimed that the US military is facilitating a lot of oil, “more than 20 million barrels” out of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump noted that this volume marked the highest single-day transit level since the war with Iran began on February 28, 2026. A US defence official later verified his comments, specifically confirming that 22 million barrels of oil were exported through the strategic waterway on Friday night alone.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-us-greater-damage-surprise-weapons-hormuz-1790504033051">Iran warns US of greater damage, hints at ‘surprise’ weapons if attacked again</a>US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held new negotiations with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last Tuesday. Qatari officials also participated in the talks. Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear talks if the US agreed to lift its naval blockade, remove sanctions on oil sales and reinstate a ceasefire across the region. Trump rejected those proposals on Sunday.Despite Trump's rejection, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC they are seeking diplomatic solutions. "We only care about our national interests. We are ready for negotiations," he said. "Although we heard from President Trump that he's rejecting this deal ... we are still waiting for an official response through the mediators," Araghchi added.According to Axios, Qatari mediators are expected to meet Araghchi and Witkoff as early as Monday. They have also reportedly discussed the original Iranian proposals with both parties to reach a compromise proposal for both sides to review.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump said he expects talks with Iran this week despite rejecting Tehran’s proposal, as Qatari mediators reportedly seek to revive indirect negotiations.

US President Donald Trump told Axios on Sunday that he was expecting negotiations with Iran this week, only a day after rejecting proposals to end the war. According to two anonymous sources quoted by Axios, an indirect dialogue is expected between the US and Iran as early as Monday. “I expect more talks with Iran [this week]. They want to make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make. It is what we would have maybe agreed to a year ago. They overplayed their hand,” Trump told Axios in a phone interview on Sunday. He also added that he is “always thinking about” resuming strikes against Iran. Trump also claimed that the US military is facilitating a lot of oil, “more than 20 million barrels” out of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump noted that this volume marked the highest single-day transit level since the war with Iran began on February 28, 2026. A US defence official later verified his comments, specifically confirming that 22 million barrels of oil were exported through the strategic waterway on Friday night alone. Also Read: Iran warns US of greater damage, hints at ‘surprise’ weapons if attacked again US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held new negotiations with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last Tuesday. Qatari officials also participated in the talks. Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear talks if the US agreed to lift its naval blockade, remove sanctions on oil sales and reinstate a ceasefire across the region. Trump rejected those proposals on Sunday. Despite Trump's rejection, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC they are seeking diplomatic solutions. "We only care about our national interests. We are ready for negotiations," he said. "Although we heard from President Trump that he's rejecting this deal ... we are still waiting for an official response through the mediators," Araghchi added. According to Axios, Qatari mediators are expected to meet Araghchi and Witkoff as early as Monday. They have also reportedly discussed the original Iranian proposals with both parties to reach a compromise proposal for both sides to review.

Trump said he expects talks with Iran this week despite rejecting Tehran’s proposal, as Qatari mediators reportedly seek to revive indirect negotiations.

Trump expects Iran talks this week despite rejecting Tehran’s proposal: Report

US President Donald Trump shared an image on Thursday (September 24) of Chinese President Xi Jinping's red-carpet arrival in Washington, reportedly altered using artificial intelligence. The image posted on Truth Social also shows Xi with an unflattering expression captured in live footage of the moment, edited out. The image appears to show the US president saluting alongside his Chinese counterpart, with Xi's Air China plane forming the backdrop and a military jet flying overhead. However, when placed side by side with genuine photographs taken by several news media outlets, the image appears AI-generated. Multiple AI-detection tools also highlighted the image as likely synthetic.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-meta-tiktok-agrees-to-teen-limits-in-us-100-million-settlement-1790426871380">After Meta, TikTok agrees to teen limits in US, $100 million settlement</a><h3>Trump's AI-generated visuals, memes</h3>One notable omission in the version Donald Trump shared is his visible reaction to the loud aircraft flyover, a wince that had drawn ridicule online and from late-night host Jimmy Fallon. However, the White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the image. While Trump regularly posts AI-generated visuals and memes on his Truth Social account, this particular post surfaces amid his broader, and legally unsuccessful, push to bar CNN, Politico and MS NOW journalists from White House access over coverage he has dismissed as "fake news." In response, the top five US broadcasters had suspended their participation in the White House press pool system, under which a single network films on behalf of all others for the day, as a show of solidarity. Beyond the missing facial expression, the posted image also shows Trump wearing a plain blue tie and only one black glove, differing from authentic footage, which shows him in a striped tie with both hands gloved. Additionally, a woman seen over Trump's left shoulder is shown wearing different shoes than those visible in verified footage of the event.

The image appears to show the US president saluting alongside his Chinese counterpart, with Xi's Air China plane forming the backdrop and a military jet flying overhead. 

US President Donald Trump shared an image on Thursday (September 24) of Chinese President Xi Jinping's red-carpet arrival in Washington, reportedly altered using artificial intelligence. The image posted on Truth Social also shows Xi with an unflattering expression captured in live footage of the moment, edited out. The image appears to show the US president saluting alongside his Chinese counterpart, with Xi's Air China plane forming the backdrop and a military jet flying overhead. However, when placed side by side with genuine photographs taken by several news media outlets, the image appears AI-generated. Multiple AI-detection tools also highlighted the image as likely synthetic. Also read: After Meta, TikTok agrees to teen limits in US, $100 million settlement Trump's AI-generated visuals, memes One notable omission in the version Donald Trump shared is his visible reaction to the loud aircraft flyover, a wince that had drawn ridicule online and from late-night host Jimmy Fallon. However, the White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the image. While Trump regularly posts AI-generated visuals and memes on his Truth Social account, this particular post surfaces amid his broader, and legally unsuccessful, push to bar CNN, Politico and MS NOW journalists from White House access over coverage he has dismissed as "fake news." In response, the top five US broadcasters had suspended their participation in the White House press pool system, under which a single network films on behalf of all others for the day, as a show of solidarity. Beyond the missing facial expression, the posted image also shows Trump wearing a plain blue tie and only one black glove, differing from authentic footage, which shows him in a striped tie with both hands gloved. Additionally, a woman seen over Trump's left shoulder is shown wearing different shoes than those visible in verified footage of the event.

The image appears to show the US president saluting alongside his Chinese counterpart, with Xi's Air China plane forming the backdrop and a military jet flying overhead.&nbsp;

Donald Trump shares image of Xi's arrival in Washington, carries signs of AI

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed artificial intelligence and the future of “super intelligence” during their high-level summit. The talks highlight the growing importance of AI in China-U.S. relations, alongside broader discussions on technology, trade and strategic cooperation.


Trump-Xi Summit: China-US Leaders Discuss AI & 'Super Intelligence'

US President Donald Trump presented Chinese President Xi Jinping with a sculpture of a bald eagle during a state dinner at the White House on Thursday (Sep 24), describing the bird as a symbol of American freedom.The roughly three-foot sculpture was displayed atop a podium and was designed by an American artist in collaboration with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, the US president said during his remarks.<h2>‘Free and soaring spirit of America’</h2>“The bald eagle is a national symbol of the United States and an embodiment of the free and soaring spirit of America,” Trump said as he presented the gift to Xi. “We hope it’ll find a nice place, a wonderful place in Beijing,” he added.Trump also told the Chinese president that he and Melania had been involved in designing the sculpture.The gift came at the end of a state dinner hosted for Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, during the Chinese president’s first state visit to the White House in more than a decade. The White House said the dinner was held in the East Room and included official delegations, business leaders and government officials.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-ve-never-gotten-along-better-trump-praises-xi-jokes-about-white-house-ballroom-at-high-stakes-state-dinner-1790298530847">‘We’ve never gotten along better’: Trump praises Xi, jokes about White House ballroom at high-stakes state dinner</a>&nbsp;<h2>From national symbol to national bird</h2>The bald eagle has long been associated with the United States. The US Fish and Wildlife Service says the species is solely native to North America and has historically ranged from Alaska and Canada through the contiguous United States to northern Mexico.Congress formally designated the bald eagle as the national bird in 2024, after it had served as a national symbol for centuries.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spy-vs-spy-as-xi-meets-trump-a-12-year-history-of-us-china-espionage-accusations-wion-decodes-1790071582437">SPY VS SPY: As Xi meets Trump, a 12-year history of US-China espionage accusations | WION Decodes</a>Trump's choice of the eagle as a gift to Xi placed one of America's most recognisable national symbols at the centre of the diplomatic dinner, with the president explicitly linking it to what he described as the country's “free and soaring spirit”.The presentation was part of a broader state visit marked by ceremonial events, military honours and diplomatic engagement between Washington and Beijing. The White House said Xi's visit would conclude on Friday with a visit by the two presidential couples to the National Archives in Washington.

Donald Trump gifted Xi Jinping a roughly three-foot bald eagle sculpture during a White House state dinner, describing the bird as a symbol of American freedom. The gesture came as Washington and Beijing sought to project warmer ties.

US President Donald Trump presented Chinese President Xi Jinping with a sculpture of a bald eagle during a state dinner at the White House on Thursday (Sep 24), describing the bird as a symbol of American freedom. The roughly three-foot sculpture was displayed atop a podium and was designed by an American artist in collaboration with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, the US president said during his remarks. ‘Free and soaring spirit of America’ “The bald eagle is a national symbol of the United States and an embodiment of the free and soaring spirit of America,” Trump said as he presented the gift to Xi. “We hope it’ll find a nice place, a wonderful place in Beijing,” he added. Trump also told the Chinese president that he and Melania had been involved in designing the sculpture. The gift came at the end of a state dinner hosted for Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, during the Chinese president’s first state visit to the White House in more than a decade. The White House said the dinner was held in the East Room and included official delegations, business leaders and government officials. Also read | ‘We’ve never gotten along better’: Trump praises Xi, jokes about White House ballroom at high-stakes state dinner From national symbol to national bird The bald eagle has long been associated with the United States. The US Fish and Wildlife Service says the species is solely native to North America and has historically ranged from Alaska and Canada through the contiguous United States to northern Mexico. Congress formally designated the bald eagle as the national bird in 2024, after it had served as a national symbol for centuries. Also read | SPY VS SPY: As Xi meets Trump, a 12-year history of US-China espionage accusations | WION Decodes Trump's choice of the eagle as a gift to Xi placed one of America's most recognisable national symbols at the centre of the diplomatic dinner, with the president explicitly linking it to what he described as the country's “free and soaring spirit”. The presentation was part of a broader state visit marked by ceremonial events, military honours and diplomatic engagement between Washington and Beijing. The White House said Xi's visit would conclude on Friday with a visit by the two presidential couples to the National Archives in Washington.

Donald Trump gifted Xi Jinping a roughly three-foot bald eagle sculpture during a White House state dinner, describing the bird as a symbol of American freedom. The gesture came as Washington and Beijing sought to project warmer ties.

Trump gifts Xi a bald eagle sculpture at White House dinner: Here’s what it symbolises

US President Donald Trump used the White House state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday (Sep 24) to praise their relationship, saying the two had “never gotten along better” and thanking Xi for making the long journey from China to Washington.The dinner came during Xi's first state visit to the United States in more than a decade, with the leaders trying to manage tensions over trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and the war in Iran. Trump had earlier in the day described the talks as a major meeting and said the two sides had made “tremendous strides”.During the dinner speech, Trump largely stuck to his prepared remarks during the dinner, which celebrated US-China ties, but made an unscripted detour to one of his signature projects at the White House: the construction of a new ballroom.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/making-history-xi-jinping-praises-trump-as-us-china-leaders-dine-at-white-house-1790297342133">'Making history': Xi praises Trump as US-China leaders dine at White House</a><h2>Trump praises Xi, US-China ties</h2>The president's formal remarks focused mainly on the long history of relations between the United States and China and his assessment of the current relationship with Xi. Thanking the Chinese leader for travelling to the US, Trump said: “We’ve never gotten along better.”Referring to the broader US-China relationship, Trump acknowledged the political and economic differences between Washington and Beijing while highlighting areas where the two countries have common interests. “President Xi and I both understand that we represent different systems, but the ties between our people endure,” Trump said.However, he repeatedly emphasised his personal relationship with Xi in the run-up to the visit, describing it as a key part of managing disagreements between the two governments.&nbsp;<h2>Xi calls for peaceful coexistence</h2>Xi struck a more measured tone during his own remarks. He called on China and the United States to maintain communication, manage their differences and “coexist in peace”.“China and the United States must act as responsible major countries,” Xi said, according to reports of his remarks. He also said the two countries could gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spy-vs-spy-as-xi-meets-trump-a-12-year-history-of-us-china-espionage-accusations-wion-decodes-1790071582437">SPY VS SPY: As Xi meets Trump, a 12-year history of US-China espionage accusations | WION Decodes</a><h2>Trump's ballroom detour</h2>Turning to Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, Trump said they could be the first guests to enter the ballroom, even though the project remains under construction and is still about a year from completion. “As a special treat, you could be the first people to enter our ballroom,” Trump said.He then joked about the unfinished site, telling guests that anyone interested could take a look after the evening’s entertainment. “Anybody who wants to walk into a construction site that’s nice and clean and sparkling, it’s our honour to have you do so,” Trump said.Xi's state visit is due to conclude on Friday, when he and Peng are scheduled to have tea with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump before visiting the National Archives. &nbsp;

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping put personal rapport at the centre of a lavish White House state dinner, with Trump saying they had “never gotten along better”. He also made a notable detour to one of his signature projects at the White House: the construction of a new ballroom.

US President Donald Trump used the White House state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday (Sep 24) to praise their relationship, saying the two had “never gotten along better” and thanking Xi for making the long journey from China to Washington. The dinner came during Xi's first state visit to the United States in more than a decade, with the leaders trying to manage tensions over trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and the war in Iran. Trump had earlier in the day described the talks as a major meeting and said the two sides had made “tremendous strides”. During the dinner speech, Trump largely stuck to his prepared remarks during the dinner, which celebrated US-China ties, but made an unscripted detour to one of his signature projects at the White House: the construction of a new ballroom. Also read | 'Making history': Xi praises Trump as US-China leaders dine at White House Trump praises Xi, US-China ties The president's formal remarks focused mainly on the long history of relations between the United States and China and his assessment of the current relationship with Xi. Thanking the Chinese leader for travelling to the US, Trump said: “We’ve never gotten along better.” Referring to the broader US-China relationship, Trump acknowledged the political and economic differences between Washington and Beijing while highlighting areas where the two countries have common interests. “President Xi and I both understand that we represent different systems, but the ties between our people endure,” Trump said. However, he repeatedly emphasised his personal relationship with Xi in the run-up to the visit, describing it as a key part of managing disagreements between the two governments. Xi calls for peaceful coexistence Xi struck a more measured tone during his own remarks. He called on China and the United States to maintain communication, manage their differences and “coexist in peace”. “China and the United States must act as responsible major countries,” Xi said, according to reports of his remarks. He also said the two countries could gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. Also read | SPY VS SPY: As Xi meets Trump, a 12-year history of US-China espionage accusations | WION Decodes Trump's ballroom detour Turning to Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, Trump said they could be the first guests to enter the ballroom, even though the project remains under construction and is still about a year from completion. “As a special treat, you could be the first people to enter our ballroom,” Trump said. He then joked about the unfinished site, telling guests that anyone interested could take a look after the evening’s entertainment. “Anybody who wants to walk into a construction site that’s nice and clean and sparkling, it’s our honour to have you do so,” Trump said. Xi's state visit is due to conclude on Friday, when he and Peng are scheduled to have tea with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump before visiting the National Archives.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping put personal rapport at the centre of a lavish White House state dinner, with Trump saying they had “never gotten along better”. He also made a notable detour to one of his signature projects at the White House: the construction of a new ballroom.

‘We’ve never gotten along better’: Trump praises Xi, jokes about White House ballroom at high-stakes state dinner

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday that Tehran does not want to continue fighting the United States, arguing that Washington must decide whether to bring the conflict to an end. In an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday, Pezeshkian said Iran remained open to resolving disputes through negotiations, despite taking a defiant stance at the United Nations a day earlier. "When we can resolve issues through dialog, we shouldn't resort to killing one another. But with the instigations conducted by Israel, they have imposed this war on us," he said in remarks translated by the broadcaster.&nbsp;“But we do not wish to continue. It's America that must choose whether it wants to end this or not.” Pezeshkian also said Iran was prepared to reach an agreement with US President Donald Trump to end the conflict. He questioned why a previous agreement had collapsed shortly after being signed. "Why is it that within two weeks after the signing of an agreement, they chose to blow it up?" he said of the collapse of a shaky ceasefire.&nbsp;The Iranian president said Tehran would be willing to negotiate if Washington pursued an agreement within international legal frameworks. “If the current American government, within international legal frameworks, wishes to reach an agreement, fine. If not, before the (US midterm) elections or after the elections, what difference does it make for us?” Pezeshkian's comments came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks in New York with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The discussions did not immediately produce a breakthrough.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/making-history-xi-jinping-praises-trump-as-us-china-leaders-dine-at-white-house-1790297342133">'Making history': Xi Jinping praises Trump as US-China leaders dine at White House</a><h2>Iran and the Houthis</h2>Pezeshkian also addressed the conflict involving Yemen's Houthi movement, which Washington and its allies have accused Tehran of supporting. He rejected the suggestion that the Houthis take direct instructions from Iran, saying the group makes its own decisions. "The Houthis are responsible for their own actions. They don't take directions from us as those who are resisting in the region, based on the situations that have been imposed on them," Pezeshkian said, according to the broadcaster's translation. "We have contacts with them. There is no systematic relationship," he added.

Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran does not want to continue the war and urges the US to choose whether to end the conflict through talks

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday that Tehran does not want to continue fighting the United States, arguing that Washington must decide whether to bring the conflict to an end. In an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday, Pezeshkian said Iran remained open to resolving disputes through negotiations, despite taking a defiant stance at the United Nations a day earlier. "When we can resolve issues through dialog, we shouldn't resort to killing one another. But with the instigations conducted by Israel, they have imposed this war on us," he said in remarks translated by the broadcaster. “But we do not wish to continue. It's America that must choose whether it wants to end this or not.” Pezeshkian also said Iran was prepared to reach an agreement with US President Donald Trump to end the conflict. He questioned why a previous agreement had collapsed shortly after being signed. "Why is it that within two weeks after the signing of an agreement, they chose to blow it up?" he said of the collapse of a shaky ceasefire. The Iranian president said Tehran would be willing to negotiate if Washington pursued an agreement within international legal frameworks. “If the current American government, within international legal frameworks, wishes to reach an agreement, fine. If not, before the (US midterm) elections or after the elections, what difference does it make for us?” Pezeshkian's comments came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks in New York with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The discussions did not immediately produce a breakthrough. Also Read: 'Making history': Xi Jinping praises Trump as US-China leaders dine at White House Iran and the Houthis Pezeshkian also addressed the conflict involving Yemen's Houthi movement, which Washington and its allies have accused Tehran of supporting. He rejected the suggestion that the Houthis take direct instructions from Iran, saying the group makes its own decisions. "The Houthis are responsible for their own actions. They don't take directions from us as those who are resisting in the region, based on the situations that have been imposed on them," Pezeshkian said, according to the broadcaster's translation. "We have contacts with them. There is no systematic relationship," he added.

Iranian President Pezeshkian says Tehran does not want war and insists the US must decide whether to end the conflict, while Iran remains open to talks

'We do not wish to continue. It's America that must choose': Iran president Pezeshkian calls on US to end war

US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday accused President Donald Trump of showing an unusual affinity for authoritarian leaders, citing his high-profile welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;Speaking on the Senate floor, Schumer criticised Trump for personally receiving Xi at the airport and compared the gesture with his welcome for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last year.&nbsp;"If you're a foreign authoritarian, Trump won't just invite you to visit America, he'll greet you plane-side," Schumer said on the Senate floor. "That's what Trump did, sort of as a supplicant, for Xi yesterday. That's what Trump did for Putin in Alaska last year. This man has an atavistic attraction to dictators, to bad people."<h3>Trump gives Xi a high-profile welcome</h3>Trump personally greeted Xi at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, marking the first time in more than six decades that a US president had welcomed a foreign head of state in person at the Washington-area military base.&nbsp;The visit continued on Thursday with a formal welcome on the White House South Lawn, where Trump and Xi shook hands as a day of official events began. The schedule includes a military flyover, talks in the Oval Office and a state dinner.&nbsp;Trump, 80, described his relationship with Xi as a "truly great friendship". The two leaders have met three times since Trump returned to power last year.&nbsp;"Working together, President Xi and I have made tremendous strides on the issues facing our two countries," Trump said.&nbsp;"During this visit, we will also discuss pressing issues concerning security, technology, and super intelligence -- SI."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-would-all-be-dead-netanyahu-defends-decision-to-strike-iran-s-nuclear-facilities-in-his-un-speech-1790273216773">'We would all be dead': Netanyahu defends decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities in his UN speech</a><h3>Schumer raises concerns over China and AI</h3>Schumer had also warned ahead of Xi's visit that Trump should focus on the broader stakes for Americans rather than the publicity surrounding the meeting.&nbsp;"As Donald Trump hunts for a headline and a photo-op with Xi Jinping today, he’s at risk of losing sight of what’s at stake for the American people. Trump risks giving China a leg up on a variety of issues if he bends the knee to Xi."&nbsp;He also raised concerns over the transfer of advanced artificial intelligence technology to China, arguing that Washington should protect its lead in the sector.&nbsp;"As I’ve been warning not only for weeks but actually for years, Trump cannot let the Chinese Communist Party get its hands on our most advanced AI chips and manufacturing equipment. If Trump truly wants to preserve America’s lead in the AI race, the answer is to prohibit the sale of this cutting-edge technology to China – not to let AI development continue without guardrails".

US Senator Chuck Schumer criticised Donald Trump’s high-profile welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping and warned against giving China greater access to advanced AI technology.

US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday accused President Donald Trump of showing an unusual affinity for authoritarian leaders, citing his high-profile welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking on the Senate floor, Schumer criticised Trump for personally receiving Xi at the airport and compared the gesture with his welcome for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last year. "If you're a foreign authoritarian, Trump won't just invite you to visit America, he'll greet you plane-side," Schumer said on the Senate floor. "That's what Trump did, sort of as a supplicant, for Xi yesterday. That's what Trump did for Putin in Alaska last year. This man has an atavistic attraction to dictators, to bad people." Trump gives Xi a high-profile welcome Trump personally greeted Xi at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, marking the first time in more than six decades that a US president had welcomed a foreign head of state in person at the Washington-area military base. The visit continued on Thursday with a formal welcome on the White House South Lawn, where Trump and Xi shook hands as a day of official events began. The schedule includes a military flyover, talks in the Oval Office and a state dinner. Trump, 80, described his relationship with Xi as a "truly great friendship". The two leaders have met three times since Trump returned to power last year. "Working together, President Xi and I have made tremendous strides on the issues facing our two countries," Trump said. "During this visit, we will also discuss pressing issues concerning security, technology, and super intelligence -- SI." Also Read: 'We would all be dead': Netanyahu defends decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities in his UN speech Schumer raises concerns over China and AI Schumer had also warned ahead of Xi's visit that Trump should focus on the broader stakes for Americans rather than the publicity surrounding the meeting. "As Donald Trump hunts for a headline and a photo-op with Xi Jinping today, he’s at risk of losing sight of what’s at stake for the American people. Trump risks giving China a leg up on a variety of issues if he bends the knee to Xi." He also raised concerns over the transfer of advanced artificial intelligence technology to China, arguing that Washington should protect its lead in the sector. "As I’ve been warning not only for weeks but actually for years, Trump cannot let the Chinese Communist Party get its hands on our most advanced AI chips and manufacturing equipment. If Trump truly wants to preserve America’s lead in the AI race, the answer is to prohibit the sale of this cutting-edge technology to China – not to let AI development continue without guardrails".

US Senator Chuck Schumer criticised Donald Trump’s high-profile welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping and warned against giving China greater access to advanced AI technology.

Trump's welcome to Xi demonstrates 'attraction' to dictators: Chuck Schumer

US President Donald Trump said that the US and China have a relationship built on “mutual respect” and the two nations “forged a truly great friendship”. Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated the US on its 250th anniversary of independence and reminded that Chinese and US troops fought “shoulder to shoulder” against fascist aggression in WW2. He said that he was pleased to pay a state visit to the "beautiful" United States and was ready to work with Trump to steer the two-nation relationship towards a steady future.&nbsp;"Our teams have been working to encourage a more balanced trading relationship, including the new market access for American farmers and ranchers," said Trump while speaking at the White House during Chinese President Xi Jinping's second state visit. Trump claimed that since he was elected in 2016, the two nations have made “tremendous strides on the issues facing our two countries”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bishop-robert-barron-communism-comeback-us-fulton-sheen-beatification-1790256985319">Trump's Catholic ally Bishop Barron warns communism is ‘making a comeback’ in US ahead of Sheen beatification</a>"During this visit, we will also discuss pressing issues concerning security, technology and superintelligence. SI! The decisions we make in these areas today can promote peace and prosperity for decades and decades to come," he added.&nbsp;Trump also made an interesting quip that the US Marines are adopting the phrase "gung-ho", which means working together.Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that it was mutually beneficial for the US and China to work together; though they are different, they should co-operate with sincerity. Xi urged healthy competition, expressing responsibility for the mutual development of AI for good. Xi also added that he hopes “Chinese companies are treated fairly here in the US”Xi announced an invitation for 100,000 young Americans to visit China in study exchange programmes over the next five years.&nbsp;"Let us meet the people's expectations and show our historical initiative; let us keep advancing the cause of friendship between our two peoples and work together to build a better world," he said.While co-operation between the two countries "may not solve every problem in the world", without it, it would be hard to solve many of the world's problems, Xi said.&nbsp;

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping called for cooperation and a stable US-China relationship, highlighting trade, AI, security and people-to-people ties.

US President Donald Trump said that the US and China have a relationship built on “mutual respect” and the two nations “forged a truly great friendship”. Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated the US on its 250th anniversary of independence and reminded that Chinese and US troops fought “shoulder to shoulder” against fascist aggression in WW2. He said that he was pleased to pay a state visit to the "beautiful" United States and was ready to work with Trump to steer the two-nation relationship towards a steady future. "Our teams have been working to encourage a more balanced trading relationship, including the new market access for American farmers and ranchers," said Trump while speaking at the White House during Chinese President Xi Jinping's second state visit. Trump claimed that since he was elected in 2016, the two nations have made “tremendous strides on the issues facing our two countries”. Also Read: Trump's Catholic ally Bishop Barron warns communism is ‘making a comeback’ in US ahead of Sheen beatification "During this visit, we will also discuss pressing issues concerning security, technology and superintelligence. SI! The decisions we make in these areas today can promote peace and prosperity for decades and decades to come," he added. Trump also made an interesting quip that the US Marines are adopting the phrase "gung-ho", which means working together. Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that it was mutually beneficial for the US and China to work together; though they are different, they should co-operate with sincerity. Xi urged healthy competition, expressing responsibility for the mutual development of AI for good. Xi also added that he hopes “Chinese companies are treated fairly here in the US” Xi announced an invitation for 100,000 young Americans to visit China in study exchange programmes over the next five years. "Let us meet the people's expectations and show our historical initiative; let us keep advancing the cause of friendship between our two peoples and work together to build a better world," he said. While co-operation between the two countries "may not solve every problem in the world", without it, it would be hard to solve many of the world's problems, Xi said.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping called for cooperation and a stable US-China relationship, highlighting trade, AI, security and people-to-people ties.

Trump hails ‘mutual respect’ in US-China ties while welcoming Xi for second state visit

A federal judge in the United States has reinstated CNN, MS NOW and Politico’s access to the White House, days after US President Donald Trump banned them from the premises.Federal Judge Timothy Kelly has ordered the Trump administration to restore the media publications' access.Just days earlier, on Friday (Sep 18), Trump barred them from the presidential mansion as punishment for distributing what he calls "fake news." The POTUS had said on social media that the three outlets “shouldn’t be ⁠able to constantly write or ​report ​FICTION and LIES,” ​and Justice Department lawyers ​had ‌sought to ​justify ​the ban on national security grounds. The DoJ, in a justification for the ban, said that "Access to the White House is a privilege -- not a right".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-questions-trump-s-decision-to-ban-cnn-ms-now-and-politico-from-white-house-1790197444831">US judge questions Trump’s decision to ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House</a><h2>No notice given to journalists</h2>“The ‘general rule’ is that individuals must receive notice and an opportunity to be heard before the Government deprives them of a constitutionally protected interest,” Kelly wrote in his order.Notably, according to reports, the Trump administration waited until Wednesday to inform the reporters about the chance to appeal his decision, several days after the passes were taken away.Earlier on Wednesday, the Judge had noted that past cases clearly laid out the need for a distinct process involving advance notice of an infraction and the opportunity to plead one’s case.“Before a journalist’s White House hard pass was suspended or revoked, that the journalist was entitled to pre-deprivation notice and an opportunity to be heard” said Kelly.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-helipad-event-overshadowed-by-audio-failure-as-major-tv-networks-suspend-pool-coverage-1790042411507">Trump's helipad event overshadowed by audio failure as major TV networks suspend pool coverage</a><h2>What led to the judge's order?</h2>After Trump's announcement of the ban, the three news outlets sued, requesting that the ban be paused or blocked entirely. An attorney representing the outlets argued in court filings and at a Wednesday hearing that the ban went against previous court rulings, violated due process, and was enacted simply because of Trump’s dislike of the journalists.The administration’s lawyers responded by stating that Trump’s decision did have an appeals process, which was detailed in letters sent to the outlets days after the ban was declared.&nbsp;

A US federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore White House access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico, days after the outlets were barred. The ruling comes after the organisations challenged the ban in court.

A federal judge in the United States has reinstated CNN, MS NOW and Politico’s access to the White House, days after US President Donald Trump banned them from the premises. Federal Judge Timothy Kelly has ordered the Trump administration to restore the media publications' access. Just days earlier, on Friday (Sep 18), Trump barred them from the presidential mansion as punishment for distributing what he calls "fake news." The POTUS had said on social media that the three outlets “shouldn’t be ⁠able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES,” and Justice Department lawyers had ‌sought to justify the ban on national security grounds. The DoJ, in a justification for the ban, said that "Access to the White House is a privilege -- not a right". Also read | US judge questions Trump’s decision to ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House No notice given to journalists “The ‘general rule’ is that individuals must receive notice and an opportunity to be heard before the Government deprives them of a constitutionally protected interest,” Kelly wrote in his order. Notably, according to reports, the Trump administration waited until Wednesday to inform the reporters about the chance to appeal his decision, several days after the passes were taken away. Earlier on Wednesday, the Judge had noted that past cases clearly laid out the need for a distinct process involving advance notice of an infraction and the opportunity to plead one’s case. “Before a journalist’s White House hard pass was suspended or revoked, that the journalist was entitled to pre-deprivation notice and an opportunity to be heard” said Kelly. Also read | Trump's helipad event overshadowed by audio failure as major TV networks suspend pool coverage What led to the judge's order? After Trump's announcement of the ban, the three news outlets sued, requesting that the ban be paused or blocked entirely. An attorney representing the outlets argued in court filings and at a Wednesday hearing that the ban went against previous court rulings, violated due process, and was enacted simply because of Trump’s dislike of the journalists. The administration’s lawyers responded by stating that Trump’s decision did have an appeals process, which was detailed in letters sent to the outlets days after the ban was declared.

A US federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore White House access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico, days after the outlets were barred. The ruling comes after the organisations challenged the ban in court.

Trump’s CNN, MS NOW, Politico White House ban hit by court order: Access must be restored

Trump personally welcomed Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews as the Chinese president began his US state visit. See the key moments in these photos

Trump personally welcomed Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews, setting the stage for a high-stakes US-China summit on trade, AI, Iran, Taiwan and strategic stability

Trump welcomes Xi Jinping in rare airport gesture: Photos from Chinese President's arrival in US

Donald Trump insists the midterm elections do not enter his thinking. But with November approaching, the political pressure surrounding his presidency is becoming increasingly difficult to separate from the war in Iran, divisions within the Republican Party, his confrontation with the media and deteriorating poll numbers.&nbsp;Perhaps the most significant warning is coming from inside his own party.&nbsp;Republican lawmakers have increasingly shown a willingness to challenge the president, particularly over the Iran war. Some have backed congressional efforts to restrain his war powers, while vulnerable Republicans have also distanced themselves from administration positions on issues ranging from immigration to trade.&nbsp;For a president who has exercised extraordinary influence over the Republican Party, even limited defections matter.&nbsp;Then there is Iran.&nbsp;Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Trump argued that Tehran could be waiting for America's midterm elections before reaching an agreement.&nbsp;"We'll make a deal right after the election," Trump said, before stressing that he himself is not running.That distinction may be technically correct. Politically, it is much harder to make.&nbsp;Trump has placed himself at the centre of the Republican campaign. At the party's Dallas convention, he defended the Iran war, urged supporters to vote as though he were on the ballot and promised Americans a $5,000 "Trump dividend" if Republicans retained their congressional majorities.The convention was designed as a demonstration of political strength.&nbsp;But it also illustrated the degree to which Republican fortunes remain tied to one man who cannot personally appear on another presidential ballot.&nbsp;Then came another confrontation — this time with the media.&nbsp;Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing them of dishonest reporting. The organisations responded with a lawsuit arguing that the restrictions violate First Amendment protections.&nbsp;The spectacle at the United Nations was striking: journalists barred from the White House were still able to question the American president after receiving credentials from the UN.&nbsp;Trump can restrict access to the White House.&nbsp;Controlling the wider political conversation is considerably more difficult.And then there are the numbers.&nbsp;A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted September 17-20 put Trump's approval rating at 32 per cent among American adults — the lowest level recorded by Reuters/Ipsos across his first and second presidencies. His approval among Republicans stood at 73 per cent, down from 86 per cent in January.A Marist survey released this week found 53 per cent of registered voters saying they were more likely to support the Democratic congressional candidate in their district, compared with 41 per cent supporting the Republican.&nbsp;Perhaps even more revealing, 45 per cent described their congressional vote primarily as a vote against Trump. Only 24 per cent described theirs primarily as a vote for him.&nbsp;Those figures do not determine what will happen in November. Congressional elections are decided district by district and state by state, and control of the House and Senate remains dependent on individual races.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-never-bend-at-the-knee-pezeshkian-hits-back-at-trump-at-unga-1790175284876">‘Iran will never bend at the knee’: Pezeshkian hits back at Trump at UNGA</a>&nbsp;But they explain why Republicans are paying attention.&nbsp;If Democrats gain control of the House, Trump's final two years could look markedly different.A hostile chamber could bring investigations, subpoenas, hearings and legislative gridlock.&nbsp;Republicans would also lose an important institutional shield around the White House.That may be the larger political danger confronting Trump.&nbsp;Not simply losing seats.&nbsp;Losing control of Washington's agenda.&nbsp;The president says he is not running in November.&nbsp;He doesn't need to be.&nbsp;His war, his economic record, his political movement and his second-term agenda are already being judged alongside the candidates who are.&nbsp;And that may explain why an election Trump says does not enter his mind increasingly hangs over almost everything his presidency does. The underlying numbers there are sourced to Reuters/Ipsos and Marist; Cook's latest battleground polling also found Democrats at 49% and Republicans at 47% specifically in competitive House districts, including districts Trump carried by an average of five points in 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump's UN remarks likewise explicitly connected a possible Iran deal with the period after the election while saying the election itself would not influence his Iran decisions.&nbsp;

Donald Trump may not be on the 2026 midterm ballot, but his Iran war, political record, media confrontation and weakening approval ratings are increasingly shaping the battle for control of Congress.

Donald Trump insists the midterm elections do not enter his thinking. But with November approaching, the political pressure surrounding his presidency is becoming increasingly difficult to separate from the war in Iran, divisions within the Republican Party, his confrontation with the media and deteriorating poll numbers. Perhaps the most significant warning is coming from inside his own party. Republican lawmakers have increasingly shown a willingness to challenge the president, particularly over the Iran war. Some have backed congressional efforts to restrain his war powers, while vulnerable Republicans have also distanced themselves from administration positions on issues ranging from immigration to trade. For a president who has exercised extraordinary influence over the Republican Party, even limited defections matter. Then there is Iran. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Trump argued that Tehran could be waiting for America's midterm elections before reaching an agreement. "We'll make a deal right after the election," Trump said, before stressing that he himself is not running. That distinction may be technically correct. Politically, it is much harder to make. Trump has placed himself at the centre of the Republican campaign. At the party's Dallas convention, he defended the Iran war, urged supporters to vote as though he were on the ballot and promised Americans a $5,000 "Trump dividend" if Republicans retained their congressional majorities. The convention was designed as a demonstration of political strength. But it also illustrated the degree to which Republican fortunes remain tied to one man who cannot personally appear on another presidential ballot. Then came another confrontation — this time with the media. Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing them of dishonest reporting. The organisations responded with a lawsuit arguing that the restrictions violate First Amendment protections. The spectacle at the United Nations was striking: journalists barred from the White House were still able to question the American president after receiving credentials from the UN. Trump can restrict access to the White House. Controlling the wider political conversation is considerably more difficult. And then there are the numbers. A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted September 17-20 put Trump's approval rating at 32 per cent among American adults — the lowest level recorded by Reuters/Ipsos across his first and second presidencies. His approval among Republicans stood at 73 per cent, down from 86 per cent in January. A Marist survey released this week found 53 per cent of registered voters saying they were more likely to support the Democratic congressional candidate in their district, compared with 41 per cent supporting the Republican. Perhaps even more revealing, 45 per cent described their congressional vote primarily as a vote against Trump. Only 24 per cent described theirs primarily as a vote for him. Those figures do not determine what will happen in November. Congressional elections are decided district by district and state by state, and control of the House and Senate remains dependent on individual races. Also Read: ‘Iran will never bend at the knee’: Pezeshkian hits back at Trump at UNGA But they explain why Republicans are paying attention. If Democrats gain control of the House, Trump's final two years could look markedly different. A hostile chamber could bring investigations, subpoenas, hearings and legislative gridlock. Republicans would also lose an important institutional shield around the White House. That may be the larger political danger confronting Trump. Not simply losing seats. Losing control of Washington's agenda. The president says he is not running in November. He doesn't need to be. His war, his economic record, his political movement and his second-term agenda are already being judged alongside the candidates who are. And that may explain why an election Trump says does not enter his mind increasingly hangs over almost everything his presidency does. The underlying numbers there are sourced to Reuters/Ipsos and Marist; Cook's latest battleground polling also found Democrats at 49% and Republicans at 47% specifically in competitive House districts, including districts Trump carried by an average of five points in 2024. Trump's UN remarks likewise explicitly connected a possible Iran deal with the period after the election while saying the election itself would not influence his Iran decisions.

Donald Trump may not be on the 2026 midterm ballot, but his Iran war, political record, media confrontation and weakening approval ratings are increasingly shaping the battle for control of Congress.

Trump isn't on the ballot, but his presidency is | The Verdict

US Justice Department lawyers defended President Donald Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, arguing that the move was legally justified over concerns linked to national security and journalistic conduct.&nbsp;The Trump administration made the argument in a filing before a federal district court in Washington, DC. Reporters from the three news organisations had their White House press credentials, also known as hard passes, revoked, preventing them from accessing the White House grounds.&nbsp;“Access to the White House is a privilege, not a right,” Justice Department lawyers wrote.&nbsp;The administration argued that the ban does not violate the First Amendment, citing what it described as two “compelling reasons” for restricting access. These included enforcing “minimum standards of professionalism” among journalists and protecting classified information.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-demands-cec-gyanesh-kumar-s-arrest-calls-for-fresh-bengal-polls-with-old-voter-list-1790169827052">Mamata demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's arrest, calls for fresh Bengal polls with old voter list</a><h3>White House cites national security concerns</h3>The Justice Department said the president expects journalists to follow basic reporting standards, including seeking comments before publishing reports.&nbsp;“The President believes basic journalistic standards require calling, asking for comment, and providing a reasonable opportunity for a response,” they said. “At a bare minimum, it is a significant violation of decorum to publish classified and sensitive national security information.”&nbsp;The department also submitted letters from the White House press office to the court. The letters, dated Tuesday, informed CNN, MS NOW and Politico that Trump had decided to revoke the hard passes of their journalists.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-bans-cnn-ms-now-and-politico-from-white-house-over-fake-news-1789761825030">Trump bans CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House over ‘FAKE NEWS’</a>&nbsp;According to the letters, the outlets had “exhibited behaviour in violation of the standards of professionalism and decorum expected of those given access to the White House Complex, including by trafficking in verifiable falsehoods about national security and other issues, and publishing sensitive or classified information.”&nbsp;The White House has given the three organisations until 5 p.m. Friday to respond to the allegations.<h3>News outlets challenge Trump's decision</h3>The Justice Department's filing came ahead of a hearing scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. During the hearing, a judge will consider whether the White House should restore the media organisations’ credentials and access.&nbsp;CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued Trump and senior administration officials on Monday. The three organisations described the decision as a “direct assault on the First Amendment” and a “blatant violation of our most fundamental constitutional principles.”&nbsp;The legal challenge follows Trump’s announcement that the three outlets would be barred from the White House. He accused them of repeatedly publishing what he called “FAKE NEWS”.&nbsp;Trump announced the decision in a post on Truth Social and said the ban would take effect immediately. He also warned that “other Fake News Media Outlets to follow”.&nbsp;“I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW... and Politico... from the White House as a result of their constant 'reporting' FAKE NEWS!” Trump said.

The US Justice Department has defended President Donald Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, citing national security and standards of professionalism and decorum.

US Justice Department lawyers defended President Donald Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, arguing that the move was legally justified over concerns linked to national security and journalistic conduct. The Trump administration made the argument in a filing before a federal district court in Washington, DC. Reporters from the three news organisations had their White House press credentials, also known as hard passes, revoked, preventing them from accessing the White House grounds. “Access to the White House is a privilege, not a right,” Justice Department lawyers wrote. The administration argued that the ban does not violate the First Amendment, citing what it described as two “compelling reasons” for restricting access. These included enforcing “minimum standards of professionalism” among journalists and protecting classified information. Also Read: Mamata demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's arrest, calls for fresh Bengal polls with old voter list White House cites national security concerns The Justice Department said the president expects journalists to follow basic reporting standards, including seeking comments before publishing reports. “The President believes basic journalistic standards require calling, asking for comment, and providing a reasonable opportunity for a response,” they said. “At a bare minimum, it is a significant violation of decorum to publish classified and sensitive national security information.” The department also submitted letters from the White House press office to the court. The letters, dated Tuesday, informed CNN, MS NOW and Politico that Trump had decided to revoke the hard passes of their journalists. Also Read: Trump bans CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House over ‘FAKE NEWS’ According to the letters, the outlets had “exhibited behaviour in violation of the standards of professionalism and decorum expected of those given access to the White House Complex, including by trafficking in verifiable falsehoods about national security and other issues, and publishing sensitive or classified information.” The White House has given the three organisations until 5 p.m. Friday to respond to the allegations. News outlets challenge Trump's decision The Justice Department's filing came ahead of a hearing scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. During the hearing, a judge will consider whether the White House should restore the media organisations’ credentials and access. CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued Trump and senior administration officials on Monday. The three organisations described the decision as a “direct assault on the First Amendment” and a “blatant violation of our most fundamental constitutional principles.” The legal challenge follows Trump’s announcement that the three outlets would be barred from the White House. He accused them of repeatedly publishing what he called “FAKE NEWS”. Trump announced the decision in a post on Truth Social and said the ban would take effect immediately. He also warned that “other Fake News Media Outlets to follow”. “I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW... and Politico... from the White House as a result of their constant 'reporting' FAKE NEWS!” Trump said.

The US Justice Department has defended Donald Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, citing national security and standards of professionalism and decorum.

White House access is 'privilege': DOJ cites national security for Trump media ban

President Donald Trump attacked the International Criminal Court in his UN General Assembly speech on Tuesday and described it as a “rogue” and “out-of-control” institution and rejected its authority over the United States. He said Washington would not allow US service members or others to face investigations or trials by what he described as an anti-American tribunal.&nbsp;“We will never allow US service members or anyone else to be investigated or given show trials by an anti-American tribunal with no jurisdiction over us here,” Trump said.&nbsp;Trump also called on countries that are members of the ICC to withdraw from the court.“I call on all nations that are members of the ICC to officially resign from this rogue institution immediately,” he said. Trump’s comments come as his administration is preparing sanctions against the court. The Trump administration has made no secret of its disdain for the court. US officials want the court to drop its arrest warrants against Israeli leaders as well as a past ⁠probe into American troops in Afghanistan.&nbsp;<h2>‘We ended war in Gaza,’ says Trump, slams Iran's support for Hamas</h2>&nbsp;The president told the UN assembly that the war in Gaza had ended and thanked other nations for helping to stabilize the situation there.“One year ago, when I addressed the great leaders in this hall, the war in Gaza was still raging brutally,” Trump said. “The hostages were still deep in Hamas tunnels, and there was no end in sight. It was never going to be resolved, but here on the sidelines of the General Assembly, we took the first steps. It changed everything.”“A few weeks later, we ended the war in Gaza, saving untold thousands of lives,” he said. “We also brought home all remaining hostages, both living and dead, every single one of them.”&nbsp;Trump then slammed Iran for supporting Hamas, which carried out the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, calling the militant group “terrorists funded by Iran” who “tortured, mutilated, and killed 1,200 very innocent civilians, including dozens of Americans.”“Iran’s supreme leader celebrated that massacre and called it a service to humanity,” Trump added.&nbsp;<h2>Trump rebrands AI as ‘super intelligence’, says will not stifle tech</h2>&nbsp;President Trump said he would “officially” change the name of artificial intelligence, saying the existing name makes the technology seem “fake.”“The use of the word artificial makes intelligence fake, it makes it sound fake and it is not fake. It’s actually amazing,” Trump told world leaders at the UN. He said that from this “point forward,” US government documents “will be changed to use the much more accurate term super as opposed to artificial. So it’s super intelligence.” Trump also said that he will only encourage AI and not stifle the technology.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strike-a-deal-or-drive-iran-into-hell-trump-issues-fresh-warning-to-tehran-at-unga-1790090594288">‘Strike a deal or drive Iran into hell’: Trump issues fresh warning to Tehran at UNGA</a>&nbsp;“We’re leading now over China by a lot and everyone else. ... I’m not going to stifle growth of something that will be bigger than the industrial revolution,” Trump said.“We will only encourage superintelligence. We’re going to encourage it, not rein it in. We’re going to watch it closely through the Department of Justice,” Trump said.“Now I say whoever wins AI, whoever wins super intelligence, wins,” he added.&nbsp;“The United States leads the world in superintelligence and will continue to do so safely and responsibly,” he said. “Americans have never been a nation that retreats from a frontier or shrinks from a challenge, no matter how great or how daunting that challenge may be.”&nbsp;“Every major new technology brings challenges, and superintelligence is no exception,” he said before claiming that the warnings about AI were ideologically driven.&nbsp;<h2>Trump highlights action in Venezuela to arrest Maduro, oil deal</h2>&nbsp;Trump then highlighted the US military operation in January to arrest then-President Nicolás Maduro. “Since that day, hundreds of Venezuelan political prisoners have been freed. They’ve let them out of jails, and we’re working closely with the leaders of Venezuela to forge a much better future for the Venezuelan people,” he said.&nbsp;Trump said his administration will use “our unmatched military might to secure US interests” and projected the military’s swift action in Venezuela as a great victory and a potential warning to others.“Our actions in Venezuela are proof that the United States will no longer permit threats to America to gain a foothold anywhere in the Western Hemisphere, and if necessary, we will use our unmatched military might to secure the vital national interests of the United States,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-stand-by-its-security-commitments-to-saudi-arabia-says-marco-rubio-1790084064717">‘US will stand by its security commitments to Saudi Arabia,’ says Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;Trump said the US signed the “largest oil deal in history last month, covering 65 billion barrels of oil, which will benefit both Venezuela and the United States enormously and help drive down the cost of energy all over the world.”&nbsp;Trump said combining the oil resources of the US and Venezuela would give the two countries more than 60 per cent of the world’s oil, describing it as potentially the biggest deal ever made.“When you add the United States and Venezuela together, we have more than 60 percent of the oil in the world. So, it’s perhaps the biggest deal,” Trump said.&nbsp;<h2>Trump inks deal, says US will set up two military bases in Greenland</h2>&nbsp;US President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Denmark and Greenland aimed at strengthening Arctic and North Atlantic security, easing tensions over his repeated calls for Greenland to become part of the United States.&nbsp;He said Washington will prevent US adversaries from establishing a military presence or making sensitive investments in Greenland without American approval. “No US adversary will ever be permitted to establish a military presence in Greenland anymore or make sensitive investments there without our express written approval,” Trump said.&nbsp;He said the US would immediately begin developing a larger military presence at strategic locations in Greenland.&nbsp;“We’ll be building two very major military bases,” Trump said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said that Greenland matters for North American security and for transatlantic security. "This agreement reflects that we understand our responsibility and act accordingly," he added.&nbsp;<h2>Trump rips UN, says ‘it must stop imposing far-left agenda’</h2>&nbsp;Toward the end of his speech, Trump blasted his UN hosts, complaining about the organization’s leadership and agencies.“The United Nations has great, great potential. I’ve said that for many years, but it must stop imposing the far-left agenda of globalist bureaucrats who nobody ever elected,” he said.He pointed to an effort by “an obscure UN body, the International Maritime Organization,” to establish a carbon tax. He said his administration halted the effort.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-must-stop-arming-houthis-in-yemen-say-g7-nations-ahead-of-un-general-assembly-1790080270883">‘Iran must stop arming Houthis in Yemen,’ say G7 nations ahead of UN General Assembly</a>&nbsp;The president also took aim at the UN’s Human Rights Council for criticism of his administration’s policies on immigration and transgender rights, calling it “unacceptable that, with all the genuine atrocities in the world, the UN’s top human rights officials spend their time criticizing the United States for protecting our children from transgender mutilization and transgender insanity, and enforcing our immigration laws.”“The craven hypocrites of Human Rights Council have little to say about the persecution of Christians all over the world,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Ukraine war could end more quickly than expected’</h2>&nbsp;President Trump said he is working closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine and expressed confidence that an agreement to end the war could be reached sooner than many expect.“We’re working very closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, and we will get that one done. It’s going to happen, I think, more quickly than people understand. They’ve had it,” Trump said.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Trump recalls Pak PM’s praise for ‘saving 30 million lives’</h2>&nbsp;The US president also recalled Pakistan prime minister’s praise, saying the latter credited him with saving 30 million lives.“The prime minister of Pakistan, a terrific man, said that Donald Trump was responsible for saving 30 million lives, and probably many more than that,” Trump said.Trump also cited remarks from the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia praising his role in diplomatic efforts. “The president of Azerbaijan said, ‘President Trump, in six months, did a miracle.’ It was an absolute miracle that nobody thought could be done,” he said.“The prime minister of Armenia said this breakthrough simply would not have been possible without President Trump’s personal engagement and resolute commitment to peace,” Trump said.&nbsp;

Toward the end of his speech, Trump blasted his UN hosts, complaining about the organization’s leadership and agencies. The president also took aim at the UN’s Human Rights Council for criticism of his administration’s policies on immigration and transgender rights.

President Donald Trump attacked the International Criminal Court in his UN General Assembly speech on Tuesday and described it as a “rogue” and “out-of-control” institution and rejected its authority over the United States. He said Washington would not allow US service members or others to face investigations or trials by what he described as an anti-American tribunal. “We will never allow US service members or anyone else to be investigated or given show trials by an anti-American tribunal with no jurisdiction over us here,” Trump said. Trump also called on countries that are members of the ICC to withdraw from the court. “I call on all nations that are members of the ICC to officially resign from this rogue institution immediately,” he said. Trump’s comments come as his administration is preparing sanctions against the court. The Trump administration has made no secret of its disdain for the court. US officials want the court to drop its arrest warrants against Israeli leaders as well as a past ⁠probe into American troops in Afghanistan. ‘We ended war in Gaza,’ says Trump, slams Iran's support for Hamas The president told the UN assembly that the war in Gaza had ended and thanked other nations for helping to stabilize the situation there. “One year ago, when I addressed the great leaders in this hall, the war in Gaza was still raging brutally,” Trump said. “The hostages were still deep in Hamas tunnels, and there was no end in sight. It was never going to be resolved, but here on the sidelines of the General Assembly, we took the first steps. It changed everything.” “A few weeks later, we ended the war in Gaza, saving untold thousands of lives,” he said. “We also brought home all remaining hostages, both living and dead, every single one of them.” Trump then slammed Iran for supporting Hamas, which carried out the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, calling the militant group “terrorists funded by Iran” who “tortured, mutilated, and killed 1,200 very innocent civilians, including dozens of Americans.” “Iran’s supreme leader celebrated that massacre and called it a service to humanity,” Trump added. Trump rebrands AI as ‘super intelligence’, says will not stifle tech President Trump said he would “officially” change the name of artificial intelligence, saying the existing name makes the technology seem “fake.” “The use of the word artificial makes intelligence fake, it makes it sound fake and it is not fake. It’s actually amazing,” Trump told world leaders at the UN. He said that from this “point forward,” US government documents “will be changed to use the much more accurate term super as opposed to artificial. So it’s super intelligence.” Trump also said that he will only encourage AI and not stifle the technology. Also Read: ‘Strike a deal or drive Iran into hell’: Trump issues fresh warning to Tehran at UNGA “We’re leading now over China by a lot and everyone else. ... I’m not going to stifle growth of something that will be bigger than the industrial revolution,” Trump said. “We will only encourage superintelligence. We’re going to encourage it, not rein it in. We’re going to watch it closely through the Department of Justice,” Trump said. “Now I say whoever wins AI, whoever wins super intelligence, wins,” he added. “The United States leads the world in superintelligence and will continue to do so safely and responsibly,” he said. “Americans have never been a nation that retreats from a frontier or shrinks from a challenge, no matter how great or how daunting that challenge may be.” “Every major new technology brings challenges, and superintelligence is no exception,” he said before claiming that the warnings about AI were ideologically driven. Trump highlights action in Venezuela to arrest Maduro, oil deal Trump then highlighted the US military operation in January to arrest then-President Nicolás Maduro. “Since that day, hundreds of Venezuelan political prisoners have been freed. They’ve let them out of jails, and we’re working closely with the leaders of Venezuela to forge a much better future for the Venezuelan people,” he said. Trump said his administration will use “our unmatched military might to secure US interests” and projected the military’s swift action in Venezuela as a great victory and a potential warning to others. “Our actions in Venezuela are proof that the United States will no longer permit threats to America to gain a foothold anywhere in the Western Hemisphere, and if necessary, we will use our unmatched military might to secure the vital national interests of the United States,” he said. Also Read: ‘US will stand by its security commitments to Saudi Arabia,’ says Marco Rubio Trump said the US signed the “largest oil deal in history last month, covering 65 billion barrels of oil, which will benefit both Venezuela and the United States enormously and help drive down the cost of energy all over the world.” Trump said combining the oil resources of the US and Venezuela would give the two countries more than 60 per cent of the world’s oil, describing it as potentially the biggest deal ever made. “When you add the United States and Venezuela together, we have more than 60 percent of the oil in the world. So, it’s perhaps the biggest deal,” Trump said. Trump inks deal, says US will set up two military bases in Greenland US President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Denmark and Greenland aimed at strengthening Arctic and North Atlantic security, easing tensions over his repeated calls for Greenland to become part of the United States. He said Washington will prevent US adversaries from establishing a military presence or making sensitive investments in Greenland without American approval. “No US adversary will ever be permitted to establish a military presence in Greenland anymore or make sensitive investments there without our express written approval,” Trump said. He said the US would immediately begin developing a larger military presence at strategic locations in Greenland. “We’ll be building two very major military bases,” Trump said. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said that Greenland matters for North American security and for transatlantic security. "This agreement reflects that we understand our responsibility and act accordingly," he added. Trump rips UN, says ‘it must stop imposing far-left agenda’ Toward the end of his speech, Trump blasted his UN hosts, complaining about the organization’s leadership and agencies. “The United Nations has great, great potential. I’ve said that for many years, but it must stop imposing the far-left agenda of globalist bureaucrats who nobody ever elected,” he said. He pointed to an effort by “an obscure UN body, the International Maritime Organization,” to establish a carbon tax. He said his administration halted the effort. Also Read: ‘Iran must stop arming Houthis in Yemen,’ say G7 nations ahead of UN General Assembly The president also took aim at the UN’s Human Rights Council for criticism of his administration’s policies on immigration and transgender rights, calling it “unacceptable that, with all the genuine atrocities in the world, the UN’s top human rights officials spend their time criticizing the United States for protecting our children from transgender mutilization and transgender insanity, and enforcing our immigration laws.” “The craven hypocrites of Human Rights Council have little to say about the persecution of Christians all over the world,” he said. ‘Ukraine war could end more quickly than expected’ President Trump said he is working closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine and expressed confidence that an agreement to end the war could be reached sooner than many expect. “We’re working very closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, and we will get that one done. It’s going to happen, I think, more quickly than people understand. They’ve had it,” Trump said. Trump recalls Pak PM’s praise for ‘saving 30 million lives’ The US president also recalled Pakistan prime minister’s praise, saying the latter credited him with saving 30 million lives. “The prime minister of Pakistan, a terrific man, said that Donald Trump was responsible for saving 30 million lives, and probably many more than that,” Trump said. Trump also cited remarks from the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia praising his role in diplomatic efforts. “The president of Azerbaijan said, ‘President Trump, in six months, did a miracle.’ It was an absolute miracle that nobody thought could be done,” he said. “The prime minister of Armenia said this breakthrough simply would not have been possible without President Trump’s personal engagement and resolute commitment to peace,” Trump said.

Toward the end of his speech, Trump blasted his UN hosts, complaining about the organization’s leadership and agencies. The president also took aim at the UN’s Human Rights Council for criticism of his administration’s policies on immigration and transgender rights.

Trump calls on nations to quit ‘rogue’ and ‘out-of-control’ International Criminal Court, rips UN

US President Donald Trump, on Tuesday during his United Nations General Assembly speech, called Cuba “a failed state". The comment drew a reaction from the Cuban delegation present at the Assembly; they reacted by staging a walkout.&nbsp;“My administration is also seeking a fundamental change in the situation in Cuba, where the Communist regime is under great pressure, the biggest pressure they’ve ever been under."“It’s failing like never before, and it will fall.”“Marco Rubio is handling negotiations. He’s deep into negotiations with Cuba. Let’s see what happens.”“We will not allow a haven for foreign adversaries to threaten America on our own doorstep.”The Cuban delegation can be seen leaving the General Assembly during his comments.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shreyasi-singh-moral-policing-jamui-minors-harassment-1790083348969">BJP’s Shreyasi Singh says ‘moral policing’ can be done ‘more decently’ after Jamui minors’ harassment</a><h2>Cuba reacts to Trump's "failed state" comment&nbsp;</h2>Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla fiercely condemned the speech on social media. He wrote on X “The US government proves incapable of accepting that #Cuba is, and has the right to be, a fully independent and sovereign country." He added, “Cuba is not a threat to the US nor to any country.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The Cuban delegation has just walked out of Trump&#39;s speech at the UN while he calls their country a failed state. <a href="https://t.co/9B7TA49sMi">pic.twitter.com/9B7TA49sMi</a>&mdash; The Hormuz Letter (@HormuzLetter) <a href="https://x.com/HormuzLetter/status/2102413758576693628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Iran also stages a walkout</h2>Similarly, part of the Iranian delegation left the assembly as Trump began his Iran portion of the speech. Trump said that he will drive Iran to “hell”, then said that he has a choice to make.“But I have a big decision to make,” Trump said. “Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before? Maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world?“Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly? Never giving them a chance to kill and destroy countries again?” Trump continued.“Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness or generations?” Trump asked rhetorically. “But I believe we’ll make a deal, right after the election.”

US President Donald Trump called Cuba a “failed state” during his UN General Assembly speech, prompting the Cuban delegation to walk out.

US President Donald Trump, on Tuesday during his United Nations General Assembly speech, called Cuba “a failed state". The comment drew a reaction from the Cuban delegation present at the Assembly; they reacted by staging a walkout. “My administration is also seeking a fundamental change in the situation in Cuba, where the Communist regime is under great pressure, the biggest pressure they’ve ever been under." “It’s failing like never before, and it will fall.” “Marco Rubio is handling negotiations. He’s deep into negotiations with Cuba. Let’s see what happens.” “We will not allow a haven for foreign adversaries to threaten America on our own doorstep.” The Cuban delegation can be seen leaving the General Assembly during his comments.” Also Read: BJP’s Shreyasi Singh says ‘moral policing’ can be done ‘more decently’ after Jamui minors’ harassment Cuba reacts to Trump's "failed state" comment Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla fiercely condemned the speech on social media. He wrote on X “The US government proves incapable of accepting that #Cuba is, and has the right to be, a fully independent and sovereign country." He added, “Cuba is not a threat to the US nor to any country.”

US President Donald Trump called Cuba a “failed state” during his UN General Assembly speech, prompting the Cuban delegation to walk out.

Trump calls Cuba a ‘failed state’ at UN, Cuban delegation walks out

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled for a two-day visit to the US from September 23 to 25 where the primary talks with President Donald Trump will be held at the White House on Thursday (September 24). Xi will arrive in the US on Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews, where President Trump will personally welcome him.&nbsp;Along with both the leaders, America’s most prominent technology executives, business leaders and other officials will also join for a high-profile state dinner on September 24. The gathering is set to bring the architects of modern computing and artificial intelligence (AI) directly into the room with the leaders of the world's two largest economies. The scheduled meeting comes amid intense friction over global technology supremacy, microchips and AI safety.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamabad-hospitals-told-to-prep-for-mass-casualty-incident-ahead-of-pti-protest-1790081556353">Islamabad hospitals told to prep for 'mass casualty incident' ahead of PTI protest</a><h3>Full guest list of tech CEOs, business leaders and officials</h3>For a White House state dinner on September 24, Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, and several other prominent technology executives have been invited. This places some of the biggest names in AI, semiconductors and consumer technology in the room. On September 24, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to a dinner held in the East Room of the White House. Among those expected to attend, according to US officials, are several major tech figures: Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Google parent Alphabet's Sundar Pichai, OpenAI's Sam Altman, Apple's Tim Cook, Tesla's Elon Musk, Nvidia's Jensen Huang, and Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell. Several executives from the financial sector are also anticipated to be present. Both Trump and Xi are set to deliver remarks at the start of the evening. The involvement of these tech leaders comes at a time when artificial intelligence is expected to be a key discussion point between the two leaders. US officials also indicated that trade issues and the export of Chinese rare-earth minerals will be part of the broader agenda. Collectively, the companies in attendance represent a wide swath of the tech industry, from AI and semiconductors to cloud services, mobile devices, electric vehicles and online retail, all sectors currently caught up in the trade and technology friction between the US and China.

America’s most prominent technology executives, business leaders and other officials will also join for a high-profile state dinner on September 24. Several executives from the financial sector are also anticipated to be present.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled for a two-day visit to the US from September 23 to 25 where the primary talks with President Donald Trump will be held at the White House on Thursday (September 24). Xi will arrive in the US on Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews, where President Trump will personally welcome him. Along with both the leaders, America’s most prominent technology executives, business leaders and other officials will also join for a high-profile state dinner on September 24. The gathering is set to bring the architects of modern computing and artificial intelligence (AI) directly into the room with the leaders of the world's two largest economies. The scheduled meeting comes amid intense friction over global technology supremacy, microchips and AI safety. Also read: Islamabad hospitals told to prep for 'mass casualty incident' ahead of PTI protest Full guest list of tech CEOs, business leaders and officials For a White House state dinner on September 24, Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, and several other prominent technology executives have been invited. This places some of the biggest names in AI, semiconductors and consumer technology in the room. On September 24, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to a dinner held in the East Room of the White House. Among those expected to attend, according to US officials, are several major tech figures: Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Google parent Alphabet's Sundar Pichai, OpenAI's Sam Altman, Apple's Tim Cook, Tesla's Elon Musk, Nvidia's Jensen Huang, and Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell. Several executives from the financial sector are also anticipated to be present. Both Trump and Xi are set to deliver remarks at the start of the evening. The involvement of these tech leaders comes at a time when artificial intelligence is expected to be a key discussion point between the two leaders. US officials also indicated that trade issues and the export of Chinese rare-earth minerals will be part of the broader agenda. Collectively, the companies in attendance represent a wide swath of the tech industry, from AI and semiconductors to cloud services, mobile devices, electric vehicles and online retail, all sectors currently caught up in the trade and technology friction between the US and China.

America’s most prominent technology executives, business leaders and other officials will also join for a high-profile state dinner on September 24. Several executives from the financial sector are also anticipated to be present.

Trump-Xi state dinner 2026: Who is invited? Full guest list of tech CEOs, business leaders and officials

US President Donald Trump will host Chinese President Xi Jinping from September 23-25 on a state visit. The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting on September 24 after Trump officially welcomes Xi on the same day. Later in the evening, Donald Trump and Melania will host Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan for a dinner.&nbsp;The bilateral meeting between Trump and Xi will be in focus as the two leaders will discuss several crucial topics, including trade and tariffs, AI, rare earth minerals, security and other geopolitical flashpoints. Here are 5 main talking points expected to be on the list when Trump and Xi sit down for their second face-to-face meeting on September 24 in Washington.<h2>Trade war</h2> Trump will officially welcome Xi on September 24 and host an elaborate dinner. However, the US and China haven't had the best relations, especially when it comes to trade and tariffs. Both superpowers hiked tariffs on each other's goods to unimaginable levels last year. US levies on Chinese imports peaked at 145 per cent, while Beijing’s retaliatory duties reached 125 per cent. Over the next few months, both sides scaled back the measures imposed in retaliation.&nbsp;They reached an agreement where China suspended export controls on rare earths and agreed to buy US agricultural products. Meanwhile, the US also suspended certain measures it took against China. However, multiple analyses show that both countries continue to impose high tariffs on each other’s goods.&nbsp;US Census data shows that trade between the two countries registered a sharp fall in 2025 and has continued to decline in 2026. US goods trade deficit with China is lower than at the same time last year, but is still high at roughly $91.2 billion. So trade and tariffs will be one of the biggest discussion points, particularly China's tariff on US liquefied natural gas.&nbsp;<h2>Rare earths and critical minerals</h2> China controls a major share of global rare-earth processing, which gives it an advantage. It also supplies minerals and magnets used in smartphones, advanced electronics, electric vehicles, aerospace and defence equipment. But as things soured between the two countries, China restricted exports of some critical minerals. Washington wants predictable, uninterrupted supplies of critical minerals and China is looking for relief from technology and export restrictions.<h2>Artificial Intelligence</h2> Talks on technology, especially AI, will also be at the centre of the bilateral talks between Xi and Trump. Amid concerns that AI could pose an existential threat to humanity, discussions on AI safety and regulations will be on the table. They will talk about establishing formal channels for handling AI-enabled cyber incidents. Nvidia's Jensen Huang, OpenAI's Sam Altman, Tesla's Elon Musk, Google's Sundar Pichai and Apple's Tim Cook will also be present at the state dinner, highlighting the importance of AI.&nbsp;Beijing is also pushing for relief from US restrictions on advanced semiconductors and technology transfers, while the US remains focused on national security safeguards.&nbsp;<h2>Iran war</h2> The US-Iran war and its impact on global oil supplies will also be one of the topics at the bilateral. China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil and purchases over 80 per cent of its crude exports, while the US has been trying to pressure Iran and its partners. China's relationship with Iran is crucial to US efforts as it tries to manage the crisis.&nbsp;<h2>Taiwan</h2> China claims Taiwan as part of its own territory, but Taiwan rejects it. Even though the US does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it gives military equipment to the island nation. It could hand over an arms package worth up to $14 billion to Taiwan, which is bound to become a source of tension at the meeting.&nbsp;<h2>Fentanyl</h2> United States has pushed China to take strict action against entities involved in manufacturing and supplying chemicals used to make fentanyl. The matter has often been part of negotiations between the two countries and remains part of the broader American effort to secure Chinese cooperation on counter-narcotics.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping's meeting in Washington will see several topics being discussed, including the trade gap, tariffs, critical minerals and artificial intelligence, as well as security issues. Here is everything that will be on the table.

US President Donald Trump will host Chinese President Xi Jinping from September 23-25 on a state visit. The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting on September 24 after Trump officially welcomes Xi on the same day. Later in the evening, Donald Trump and Melania will host Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan for a dinner. The bilateral meeting between Trump and Xi will be in focus as the two leaders will discuss several crucial topics, including trade and tariffs, AI, rare earth minerals, security and other geopolitical flashpoints. Here are 5 main talking points expected to be on the list when Trump and Xi sit down for their second face-to-face meeting on September 24 in Washington. Trade war Trump will officially welcome Xi on September 24 and host an elaborate dinner. However, the US and China haven't had the best relations, especially when it comes to trade and tariffs. Both superpowers hiked tariffs on each other's goods to unimaginable levels last year. US levies on Chinese imports peaked at 145 per cent, while Beijing’s retaliatory duties reached 125 per cent. Over the next few months, both sides scaled back the measures imposed in retaliation. They reached an agreement where China suspended export controls on rare earths and agreed to buy US agricultural products. Meanwhile, the US also suspended certain measures it took against China. However, multiple analyses show that both countries continue to impose high tariffs on each other’s goods. US Census data shows that trade between the two countries registered a sharp fall in 2025 and has continued to decline in 2026. US goods trade deficit with China is lower than at the same time last year, but is still high at roughly $91.2 billion. So trade and tariffs will be one of the biggest discussion points, particularly China's tariff on US liquefied natural gas. Rare earths and critical minerals China controls a major share of global rare-earth processing, which gives it an advantage. It also supplies minerals and magnets used in smartphones, advanced electronics, electric vehicles, aerospace and defence equipment. But as things soured between the two countries, China restricted exports of some critical minerals. Washington wants predictable, uninterrupted supplies of critical minerals and China is looking for relief from technology and export restrictions. Artificial Intelligence Talks on technology, especially AI, will also be at the centre of the bilateral talks between Xi and Trump. Amid concerns that AI could pose an existential threat to humanity, discussions on AI safety and regulations will be on the table. They will talk about establishing formal channels for handling AI-enabled cyber incidents. Nvidia's Jensen Huang, OpenAI's Sam Altman, Tesla's Elon Musk, Google's Sundar Pichai and Apple's Tim Cook will also be present at the state dinner, highlighting the importance of AI. Beijing is also pushing for relief from US restrictions on advanced semiconductors and technology transfers, while the US remains focused on national security safeguards. Iran war The US-Iran war and its impact on global oil supplies will also be one of the topics at the bilateral. China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil and purchases over 80 per cent of its crude exports, while the US has been trying to pressure Iran and its partners. China's relationship with Iran is crucial to US efforts as it tries to manage the crisis. Taiwan China claims Taiwan as part of its own territory, but Taiwan rejects it. Even though the US does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it gives military equipment to the island nation. It could hand over an arms package worth up to $14 billion to Taiwan, which is bound to become a source of tension at the meeting. Fentanyl United States has pushed China to take strict action against entities involved in manufacturing and supplying chemicals used to make fentanyl. The matter has often been part of negotiations between the two countries and remains part of the broader American effort to secure Chinese cooperation on counter-narcotics.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping's meeting in Washington will see several topics being discussed, including the trade gap, tariffs, critical minerals and artificial intelligence, as well as security issues. Here is everything that will be on the table.

Trump Xi Meeting 2026: 6 areas that will be closely watched at the bilateral

A psychiatrist who has previously raised concerns about President Donald Trump’s mental health has issued a fresh warning, arguing that some of his recent behavior reflects what she described as an intense need to overcome feelings of helplessness.Dr. Bandy Lee, a forensic and social psychiatrist who previously taught at Harvard and Yale, has for years publicly discussed concerns about Trump’s psychological health. The White House has rejected such claims as ‘false speculation for political purposes’.&nbsp;Lee edited the 2017 book The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump and earlier this year joined 36 physicians in signing an open letter calling for Trump’s removal under the 25th Amendment. The letter cited a “marked deterioration in cognitive functioning.” In an interview with MeidasTouch over the weekend, Lee said several recent developments had heightened her concerns. Among them, she pointed to Trump's remarks surrounding the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Trump had claimed that firefighters carried him away from Ground Zero shortly after the Twin Towers collapsed.&nbsp;Multiple news organizations reported finding no evidence supporting that account. New York Magazine described the claim as a “weird lie.” Trump later responded on Truth Social, writing that “everything I said was exactly accurate,” while adding: “I was there, obviously not on the same day as the collapse, but shortly thereafter.” Lee argued that the episode was consistent with what she sees as Trump's repeated tendency to place himself at the center of major historical events.&nbsp;“The degree for which he needs to do that for every significant event in national history and every significant monument in the nation has to bear his name, all of this goes back to just how fragile he is in his sense of self,” Lee said. “This is normally what toddlers do,” the psychiatrist continued. “They have to be king or queen or ruler of the universe in order to fight the feeling that they are quite helpless and dependent on others’ care. But of course that’s normal for a two- or three-year-old. It is abnormal and pathological when it involves a fully grown adult.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-flight-disruptions-accidental-cable-cut-at-amtrak-rail-line-1790048940260">New York flight disruptions: How an accidental cable cut linked to an Amtrak rail line caused chaos in the skies</a>&nbsp;Lee also raised concerns about Trump's recent Truth Social activity, including memes that appear to depict him preparing to launch nuclear weapons. “The extremely dangerous situation in which we find ourselves is that our structure, the set-up that we have is that we have no way of countermanding a president, fit or not, in an impulsive, in a fit of impulse or not,” she said. “There’s no way to countermand the command of a nuclear weapon.”&nbsp;Lee described Trump as “an incredibly mentally unstable individual who’s become far more unstable with time, with more power he’s given and the less he is constrained.” The discussion comes as renewed public attention has focused on Trump's physical and mental health. Reports have highlighted episodes of apparent daytime drowsiness, bruising on his hands and swelling around his ankles.&nbsp;The White House has strongly rejected suggestions that Trump is unwell or unfit to serve. “If it quacks like a duck, it may actually just be a Democrat hack doctor,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told The Independent. “President Trump is the sharpest, most accessible, and energetic president in American history and any so-called medical professionals engaging in armchair diagnosis or false speculation for political purposes are clearly breaking the Hippocratic Oath they’ve sworn to.”&nbsp;The White House has also attributed Trump's recurring hand bruising to frequent handshakes and said chronic venous insufficiency was responsible for the swelling in his ankles. Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly maintained that he is in excellent health. Following a physical in May, he said that “everything” had “checked out PERFECTLY.”

Psychiatrist Bandy Lee raises fresh concerns about Donald Trump’s behavior and mental health, while the White House rejects claims he is unfit

A psychiatrist who has previously raised concerns about President Donald Trump’s mental health has issued a fresh warning, arguing that some of his recent behavior reflects what she described as an intense need to overcome feelings of helplessness. Dr. Bandy Lee, a forensic and social psychiatrist who previously taught at Harvard and Yale, has for years publicly discussed concerns about Trump’s psychological health. The White House has rejected such claims as ‘false speculation for political purposes’. Lee edited the 2017 book The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump and earlier this year joined 36 physicians in signing an open letter calling for Trump’s removal under the 25th Amendment. The letter cited a “marked deterioration in cognitive functioning.” In an interview with MeidasTouch over the weekend, Lee said several recent developments had heightened her concerns. Among them, she pointed to Trump's remarks surrounding the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Trump had claimed that firefighters carried him away from Ground Zero shortly after the Twin Towers collapsed. Multiple news organizations reported finding no evidence supporting that account. New York Magazine described the claim as a “weird lie.” Trump later responded on Truth Social, writing that “everything I said was exactly accurate,” while adding: “I was there, obviously not on the same day as the collapse, but shortly thereafter.” Lee argued that the episode was consistent with what she sees as Trump's repeated tendency to place himself at the center of major historical events. “The degree for which he needs to do that for every significant event in national history and every significant monument in the nation has to bear his name, all of this goes back to just how fragile he is in his sense of self,” Lee said. “This is normally what toddlers do,” the psychiatrist continued. “They have to be king or queen or ruler of the universe in order to fight the feeling that they are quite helpless and dependent on others’ care. But of course that’s normal for a two- or three-year-old. It is abnormal and pathological when it involves a fully grown adult.” Also Read: New York flight disruptions: How an accidental cable cut linked to an Amtrak rail line caused chaos in the skies Lee also raised concerns about Trump's recent Truth Social activity, including memes that appear to depict him preparing to launch nuclear weapons. “The extremely dangerous situation in which we find ourselves is that our structure, the set-up that we have is that we have no way of countermanding a president, fit or not, in an impulsive, in a fit of impulse or not,” she said. “There’s no way to countermand the command of a nuclear weapon.” Lee described Trump as “an incredibly mentally unstable individual who’s become far more unstable with time, with more power he’s given and the less he is constrained.” The discussion comes as renewed public attention has focused on Trump's physical and mental health. Reports have highlighted episodes of apparent daytime drowsiness, bruising on his hands and swelling around his ankles. The White House has strongly rejected suggestions that Trump is unwell or unfit to serve. “If it quacks like a duck, it may actually just be a Democrat hack doctor,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told The Independent. “President Trump is the sharpest, most accessible, and energetic president in American history and any so-called medical professionals engaging in armchair diagnosis or false speculation for political purposes are clearly breaking the Hippocratic Oath they’ve sworn to.” The White House has also attributed Trump's recurring hand bruising to frequent handshakes and said chronic venous insufficiency was responsible for the swelling in his ankles. Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly maintained that he is in excellent health. Following a physical in May, he said that “everything” had “checked out PERFECTLY.”

A top psychiatrist has raised fresh concerns about Donald Trump’s behaviour and mental health, while the White House strongly rejects claims he is unfit

'This is normally what toddlers do': Why a psychiatrist is raising fresh questions about Trump’s recent behaviour

US President Donald Trump is expected to use his address to the United Nations on Tuesday to highlight what he describes as victories on the battlefield and progress as a peacemaker, as his stalled war against Iran continues to create wider regional and economic repercussions. Trump is likely to repeat his frequent claims that the United States has become ‘the hottest country’ in the world under his leadership.&nbsp;He is also expected to defend the decision to wage war against Iran, despite the conflict so far failing to achieve the White House's stated objectives and contributing to significant economic disruption following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.At the same time, Trump could use the UN platform to promote his efforts to end the Gaza conflict and his continuing push to bring additional Arab countries into the Abraham Accords with Israel.<h2>Anti-UN message at the United Nations?</h2>Trump's keynote address at the opening of the UN General Assembly's high-level week will give him a major international platform to renew his criticism of the global organization. His speech last year was marked by extraordinary accusations that the United Nations had sabotaged his appearance after an escalator at its New York headquarters briefly stopped and his teleprompter malfunctioned.&nbsp;Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly criticized the UN and its Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Washington reportedly paid $725 million into the organization's budget last week, avoiding the possibility of losing some of its voting rights.Trump could also face skepticism over his claims of a historic US victory after a security agreement is signed Tuesday concerning a US presence in Greenland. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has become a major source of tension after Trump repeatedly threatened moves involving the territory, deepening disagreements within longstanding US-led alliances.&nbsp;Alongside his General Assembly speech, Trump is expected to hold meetings with Britain's new prime minister, Andy Burnham, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Japanese premier Sanae Takaichi and Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez. Rodriguez has governed under intense US pressure since her predecessor Nicolas Maduro was captured by US forces in January.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-helipad-event-overshadowed-by-audio-failure-as-major-tv-networks-suspend-pool-coverage-1790042411507">Trump's helipad event overshadowed by audio failure as major TV networks suspend pool coverage</a><h2>Trump and the escalator controversy</h2>Trump's address to world leaders last year also drew attention for his lengthy complaints about an escalator that stopped while he was using it. He suggested the incident had been deliberate and also criticized a malfunctioning teleprompter. During the speech, he falsely accused London's mayor of imposing Islamic law and warned that Europe was in "serious trouble" over migration. Trump has continued to refer to the incidents.&nbsp;"They turned off the escalator," Trump said last week in the Oval Office. "Fortunately, my first lady was very strong and I was able to grab her back or another part of her body. It was actually a little bit lower than the back," he said. The escalator "has been checked and rechecked," Guterres's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Monday. "New arrangements were made to facilitate the US delegation's use of a teleprompter, they now have a separate booth, so we hope that will work without a hitch," he added.<h2>UN agenda to focus on AI and global wars</h2>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who opens the week of high-level speeches, is expected to address the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence as well as the numerous wars and conflicts affecting countries around the world. Brazilian President Lula Inacio Lula da Silva is scheduled to speak immediately before Trump. Brazil traditionally delivers the first national address at the annual gathering of world leaders.&nbsp;Lula, who is seeking reelection, has previously criticized Trump's involvement in Latin American politics. Last week, he said he would tell Trump not to 'meddle' in Brazil's upcoming election. The contrasting positions are expected to add another layer of tension to an already closely watched UN gathering, where Trump's Iran policy, Gaza diplomacy, relations with international institutions and broader US foreign policy are likely to receive significant attention.

Donald Trump heads to the UN amid Iran war fallout, Gaza diplomacy, Abraham Accords efforts and renewed criticism of the United Nations

US President Donald Trump is expected to use his address to the United Nations on Tuesday to highlight what he describes as victories on the battlefield and progress as a peacemaker, as his stalled war against Iran continues to create wider regional and economic repercussions. Trump is likely to repeat his frequent claims that the United States has become ‘the hottest country’ in the world under his leadership. He is also expected to defend the decision to wage war against Iran, despite the conflict so far failing to achieve the White House's stated objectives and contributing to significant economic disruption following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Trump could use the UN platform to promote his efforts to end the Gaza conflict and his continuing push to bring additional Arab countries into the Abraham Accords with Israel. Anti-UN message at the United Nations? Trump's keynote address at the opening of the UN General Assembly's high-level week will give him a major international platform to renew his criticism of the global organization. His speech last year was marked by extraordinary accusations that the United Nations had sabotaged his appearance after an escalator at its New York headquarters briefly stopped and his teleprompter malfunctioned. Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly criticized the UN and its Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Washington reportedly paid $725 million into the organization's budget last week, avoiding the possibility of losing some of its voting rights. Trump could also face skepticism over his claims of a historic US victory after a security agreement is signed Tuesday concerning a US presence in Greenland. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has become a major source of tension after Trump repeatedly threatened moves involving the territory, deepening disagreements within longstanding US-led alliances. Alongside his General Assembly speech, Trump is expected to hold meetings with Britain's new prime minister, Andy Burnham, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Japanese premier Sanae Takaichi and Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez. Rodriguez has governed under intense US pressure since her predecessor Nicolas Maduro was captured by US forces in January. Also Read: Trump's helipad event overshadowed by audio failure as major TV networks suspend pool coverage Trump and the escalator controversy Trump's address to world leaders last year also drew attention for his lengthy complaints about an escalator that stopped while he was using it. He suggested the incident had been deliberate and also criticized a malfunctioning teleprompter. During the speech, he falsely accused London's mayor of imposing Islamic law and warned that Europe was in "serious trouble" over migration. Trump has continued to refer to the incidents. "They turned off the escalator," Trump said last week in the Oval Office. "Fortunately, my first lady was very strong and I was able to grab her back or another part of her body. It was actually a little bit lower than the back," he said. The escalator "has been checked and rechecked," Guterres's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Monday. "New arrangements were made to facilitate the US delegation's use of a teleprompter, they now have a separate booth, so we hope that will work without a hitch," he added. UN agenda to focus on AI and global wars UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who opens the week of high-level speeches, is expected to address the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence as well as the numerous wars and conflicts affecting countries around the world. Brazilian President Lula Inacio Lula da Silva is scheduled to speak immediately before Trump. Brazil traditionally delivers the first national address at the annual gathering of world leaders. Lula, who is seeking reelection, has previously criticized Trump's involvement in Latin American politics. Last week, he said he would tell Trump not to 'meddle' in Brazil's upcoming election. The contrasting positions are expected to add another layer of tension to an already closely watched UN gathering, where Trump's Iran policy, Gaza diplomacy, relations with international institutions and broader US foreign policy are likely to receive significant attention.

Trump heads to the UNGA amid fallout from the Iran war, expected to defend US actions while highlighting Gaza diplomacy and peacemaking efforts

US-Iran war, peace deals and more: What to expect from Trump's UNGA 2026 speech

US President Donald Trump’s launch of a new helipad on the White House South Lawn on Monday was overshadowed by an awkward audio failure, with the sound of a helicopter drowning out his remarks throughout the ceremony. The incident came just hours after ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC suspended their shared television pool coverage of Trump’s events following the White House decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House grounds.&nbsp;Video shared by Al Jazeera showed Trump cutting a ribbon on the walkway leading to the new helipad and speaking with construction workers. However, his comments could barely be heard on the White House’s own livestream because of the helicopter noise. “This is one example of it backfiring just a little bit,” conservative outlet Newsmax said in their coverage of the event. CNN had been scheduled to provide the television pool feed for Trump’s trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Following CNN’s exclusion from the White House, the other major networks declined to take over its role. Bryan Boughton, who runs the Fox News Washington bureau and was serving as the television pool chair, said in an email that the pool would not cover events designated for pool coverage. “There will be no replacement pool put in place.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump unveiled a new White House helicopter pad as major US TV networks stayed away in protest over CNN being banned from the grounds. As Trump spoke, the thunder of a helicopter rendered the president inaudible from start to finish. <a href="https://t.co/Bq4Myc7Go0">pic.twitter.com/Bq4Myc7Go0</a>&mdash; Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) <a href="https://x.com/AJENews/status/2102137959528952056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>The New York Times backs affected outlets</h2>The New York Times said it would not distribute photographs taken as part of the White House still photography pool on Monday, joining other members of the pool in showing support for outlets affected by Trump’s decision. “The New York Times will not publish or distribute any images taken as part of the White House still photography pool today, in conjunction with the other members of that pool and in a show of support for the news organizations being unfairly targeted by the president's barring of journalists from the White House.” “We remain committed to covering the president's travel to New York City today. Americans deserve a free and independent media covering their government without intimidation, as well as comprehensive coverage of newsworthy events,” Charlie Stadtlander, a spokesperson for The New York Times, said.<h2>CNN, MS NOW and Politico sue Trump</h2>The television pool dispute unfolded on the same day that CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued the Trump administration over their exclusion from the White House. The three outlets said they were seeking a temporary restraining order in federal court in Washington, DC, with a hearing scheduled for Wednesday. “This morning, we notified the government that we are filing a lawsuit today to protect our First Amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes,” the outlets said in a joint statement Monday.&nbsp;“Without notice or process, the White House revoked our journalists' credentials because it objected to our reporting,” the statement continued. “Left unchallenged, this threatens press freedom and the public's right to independent journalism free from government interference.” The lawsuit argues that the ban violates the outlets’ First Amendment rights and asks the court to restore their access to the White House.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-tv-pool-halts-trump-coverage-cnn-banned-unga-1790007014153">White House TV pool halts Trump coverage after CNN barred from UNGA events</a>

<h2>‘They never boycott me’, says Trump</h2>Trump responded to the dispute on Truth Social, saying the White House was not targeting the free press but was instead taking aim at what he described as “FAKE NEWS.” “The White House is not instituting an assault on the Free Press, something which I cherish. It is instituting an assault on the FAKE NEWS. It is a threat to our National Security, and must be stopped, NOW!” Trump wrote Monday. The White House media standoff also surfaced during Trump’s meeting with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday. C-SPAN shared an exchange between the two on X concerning the White House press ban. Mamdani said, "I told the president that we're gonna have all the members of the press here on the lawn." Trump responded, “They said they were gonna boycott me but they never boycott me. So I wasn't very worried about that. Look at all that press.”<h2>Trump meets Mamdani</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">.<a href="https://x.com/NYCMayor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCMayor</a> Mamdani (D) and President Trump speak on the White House press ban: Mamdani: &quot;I told the president that we&#39;re gonna have all the members of the press here on the lawn.&quot; Trump: &quot;They said they were gonna boycott me but they never boycott me.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Hzy5VhVMIK">pic.twitter.com/Hzy5VhVMIK</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://x.com/cspan/status/2102152356607545839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>How the White House TV pool works</h3>CNN is one of five organisations that make up the primary White House television pool, alongside ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC.The networks share the costs of covering the president, rotate responsibility for organising coverage and distribute footage to other media organisations across the country.<h2>White House launches ‘Trump TV’</h2>The White House also launched a new “Trump TV” stream on Monday, Reuters reported. The administration said the platform would feature videos and highlights of the Trump administration’s achievements. The first video streamed after the platform went live featured Trump’s remarks from Mount Rushmore on July 3. A 60-second trailer also highlighted his 2024 presidential victory.

Trump’s White House helipad event was disrupted by helicopter noise as major networks suspended pool coverage and CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued

US President Donald Trump’s launch of a new helipad on the White House South Lawn on Monday was overshadowed by an awkward audio failure, with the sound of a helicopter drowning out his remarks throughout the ceremony. The incident came just hours after ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC suspended their shared television pool coverage of Trump’s events following the White House decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House grounds. Video shared by Al Jazeera showed Trump cutting a ribbon on the walkway leading to the new helipad and speaking with construction workers. However, his comments could barely be heard on the White House’s own livestream because of the helicopter noise. “This is one example of it backfiring just a little bit,” conservative outlet Newsmax said in their coverage of the event. CNN had been scheduled to provide the television pool feed for Trump’s trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Following CNN’s exclusion from the White House, the other major networks declined to take over its role. Bryan Boughton, who runs the Fox News Washington bureau and was serving as the television pool chair, said in an email that the pool would not cover events designated for pool coverage. “There will be no replacement pool put in place.”

Trump’s White House helipad launch was hit by an audio failure as major networks suspended pool coverage and news outlets sued over press access

Trump's helipad event overshadowed by audio failure as major TV networks suspend pool coverage

US President Donald Trump struck a markedly warmer tone with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday(Sep 21), praising the 34-year-old mayor after their third in-person meeting and discussing immigration enforcement, public safety and a proposed $21 billion housing project in Queens.Trump and Mamdani met privately for about an hour at Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official residence, during the president's visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.“Hopefully, you're going to be a great (mayor). I'll be able to say you're going to be a great one, and you're off to a start,” Trump told Mamdani after the meeting.The exchange was notable given Trump's earlier attacks on Mamdani. Before Mamdani took office in January, Trump had referred to him as “my little communist” and a “total nut job”. Their subsequent meetings, however, have been notably more cordial.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-russia-sanctions-bill-india-faces-potential-100-us-tariff-over-russian-oil-what-s-next-1789784262315">Trump signs Russia sanctions law: India faces fresh 100% tariff threat over Russian oil</a><h2>Mamdani raises concerns over immigration</h2>Immigration was among the issues discussed behind closed doors. Mamdani said he voiced his concerns about the Trump administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status for some immigrant groups, including Haitians.“I shared my very strong opinions about how we can keep New Yorkers safe, how we can keep immigrant New Yorkers safe, and how important immigrant New Yorkers, especially Haitian New Yorkers, are not only to the fabric of our city, but also to our city’s economy,” he said.Mamdani acknowledged that the two still have significant political disagreements but said he intended to continue talking with Trump and other officials who could provide assistance to New Yorkers.“We've both spoken about very different approaches, very different beliefs, and I will continue to have conversations with the president, and frankly with anyone who can deliver relief to the people of this city,” Mamdani said.<h2>$21 billion Queens housing proposal</h2>The meeting also advanced discussions over Mamdani's proposal to build 12,000 homes at Sunnyside Yard in Queens.The project involves constructing a new neighbourhood above the sprawling rail yard and would require more than $21 billion in federal support, according to Mamdani. Trump and the mayor had previously discussed the proposal during their February meeting in Washington.Monday's talks led to an agreement to continue technical discussions over the project, although there was no federal funding commitment from Trump.Trump said the proposal could be costly but acknowledged the potential scale of the development.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-tv-pool-halts-trump-coverage-cnn-banned-unga-1790007014153">White House TV pool halts Trump coverage after CNN barred from UNGA events</a><h2>Mamdani welcomes all media</h2>The meeting also touched on the dispute between the Trump administration and several US news organisations.CNN, Politico and MS NOW have been barred from White House grounds, prompting those outlets and other media organisations to challenge the administration's restrictions. Mamdani said he had told Trump that all journalists would be welcome at their joint appearance outside Gracie Mansion.“That is something that I believe in, is everyone, no matter the opinion or the critique, that we engage,” Mamdani said.Trump dismissed suggestions that the media restrictions were intended to divert attention from criticism of his administration, saying journalists had threatened to boycott him but had continued covering him.The meeting came just before Trump's address to the UN General Assembly and marked his first visit to Gracie Mansion since becoming president. It was also the first presidential visit to the historic residence since Ronald Reagan met then-New York Mayor Ed Koch there in 1981.

Donald Trump and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani met for the third time in less than a year, with the president striking a notably warmer tone than in the past. Here's what Trump said in praise of the leftist mayor.

US President Donald Trump struck a markedly warmer tone with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday(Sep 21), praising the 34-year-old mayor after their third in-person meeting and discussing immigration enforcement, public safety and a proposed $21 billion housing project in Queens. Trump and Mamdani met privately for about an hour at Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official residence, during the president's visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. “Hopefully, you're going to be a great (mayor). I'll be able to say you're going to be a great one, and you're off to a start,” Trump told Mamdani after the meeting. The exchange was notable given Trump's earlier attacks on Mamdani. Before Mamdani took office in January, Trump had referred to him as “my little communist” and a “total nut job”. Their subsequent meetings, however, have been notably more cordial. Also read | Trump signs Russia sanctions law: India faces fresh 100% tariff threat over Russian oil Mamdani raises concerns over immigration Immigration was among the issues discussed behind closed doors. Mamdani said he voiced his concerns about the Trump administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status for some immigrant groups, including Haitians. “I shared my very strong opinions about how we can keep New Yorkers safe, how we can keep immigrant New Yorkers safe, and how important immigrant New Yorkers, especially Haitian New Yorkers, are not only to the fabric of our city, but also to our city’s economy,” he said. Mamdani acknowledged that the two still have significant political disagreements but said he intended to continue talking with Trump and other officials who could provide assistance to New Yorkers. “We've both spoken about very different approaches, very different beliefs, and I will continue to have conversations with the president, and frankly with anyone who can deliver relief to the people of this city,” Mamdani said. $21 billion Queens housing proposal The meeting also advanced discussions over Mamdani's proposal to build 12,000 homes at Sunnyside Yard in Queens. The project involves constructing a new neighbourhood above the sprawling rail yard and would require more than $21 billion in federal support, according to Mamdani. Trump and the mayor had previously discussed the proposal during their February meeting in Washington. Monday's talks led to an agreement to continue technical discussions over the project, although there was no federal funding commitment from Trump. Trump said the proposal could be costly but acknowledged the potential scale of the development. Also read | White House TV pool halts Trump coverage after CNN barred from UNGA events Mamdani welcomes all media The meeting also touched on the dispute between the Trump administration and several US news organisations. CNN, Politico and MS NOW have been barred from White House grounds, prompting those outlets and other media organisations to challenge the administration's restrictions. Mamdani said he had told Trump that all journalists would be welcome at their joint appearance outside Gracie Mansion. “That is something that I believe in, is everyone, no matter the opinion or the critique, that we engage,” Mamdani said. Trump dismissed suggestions that the media restrictions were intended to divert attention from criticism of his administration, saying journalists had threatened to boycott him but had continued covering him. The meeting came just before Trump's address to the UN General Assembly and marked his first visit to Gracie Mansion since becoming president. It was also the first presidential visit to the historic residence since Ronald Reagan met then-New York Mayor Ed Koch there in 1981.

Donald Trump and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani met for the third time in less than a year, with the president striking a notably warmer tone than in the past. Here's what Trump said in praise of the leftist mayor.

From ‘communist’ to ‘great mayor’: Trump praises Mamdani after New York meeting, discusses immigration and housing

The White House television press pool, which covers events by the US President Donald Trump on a rotating basis, has announced on Monday that it will stop covering these events as a response to White House's ban on CNN from acting as a member of that five-member pool when the president is visiting New York for the United Nations General Assembly. In addition to CNN, the other members of the White House TV pool are NBC News, ABC News, CBS News and Fox News.Even Fox News, which is Trump's favourite broadcaster, pulled out of the coverage. Bryan Boughton, Fox News' Washington bureau chief and the acting chair of the TV pool consortium, in a note to pool members obtained by The New York Times, said, “Effective today, the TV pool will not be covering events designated as pool coverage of the President.”The decision to drop US President Donald Trump's events coverage comes as CNN, along with MS NOW and Politico, said they are filing a lawsuit against Trump to overturn a ban of those three media outlets from the White House. The lawsuit argued that the ban violated their rights to free speech and a free press under the US Constitution's First Amendment. Trump, however, denied these allegations, claiming that he “cherishes” a free press, and the ban was an assault on “fake news”.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/8000-bees-stolen-queensland-hives-20000-suspected-inside-job-1789998442635">8,000 bees worth over $20,000 stolen from hives in Queensland</a>“The White House is not instituting an assault on the Free Press, something which I cherish. It is instituting an assault on the FAKE NEWS, something that has grown like Cancer in our beloved United States of America. It is corrupt, purposeful, pervasive, fully coordinated, and totally out of control. It is a threat to our National Security, and must be stopped, NOW!” said Trump in a post on the Truth Social platform.&nbsp;The pool members, in a joint statement posted on X by NBC News’ communications department, said, “The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government.”“No administration should restrict a news organisation because it objects to its reporting,” the statement said.&nbsp;

The White House TV pool, including Fox News, halted coverage of Donald Trump after CNN was barred from the pool during his UNGA visit.

The White House television press pool, which covers events by the US President Donald Trump on a rotating basis, has announced on Monday that it will stop covering these events as a response to White House's ban on CNN from acting as a member of that five-member pool when the president is visiting New York for the United Nations General Assembly. In addition to CNN, the other members of the White House TV pool are NBC News, ABC News, CBS News and Fox News. Even Fox News, which is Trump's favourite broadcaster, pulled out of the coverage. Bryan Boughton, Fox News' Washington bureau chief and the acting chair of the TV pool consortium, in a note to pool members obtained by The New York Times, said, “Effective today, the TV pool will not be covering events designated as pool coverage of the President.” The decision to drop US President Donald Trump's events coverage comes as CNN, along with MS NOW and Politico, said they are filing a lawsuit against Trump to overturn a ban of those three media outlets from the White House. The lawsuit argued that the ban violated their rights to free speech and a free press under the US Constitution's First Amendment. Trump, however, denied these allegations, claiming that he “cherishes” a free press, and the ban was an assault on “fake news”. Also Read: 8,000 bees worth over $20,000 stolen from hives in Queensland “The White House is not instituting an assault on the Free Press, something which I cherish. It is instituting an assault on the FAKE NEWS, something that has grown like Cancer in our beloved United States of America. It is corrupt, purposeful, pervasive, fully coordinated, and totally out of control. It is a threat to our National Security, and must be stopped, NOW!” said Trump in a post on the Truth Social platform. The pool members, in a joint statement posted on X by NBC News’ communications department, said, “The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government.” “No administration should restrict a news organisation because it objects to its reporting,” the statement said.

The White House TV pool, including Fox News, halted coverage of Donald Trump after CNN was barred from the pool during his UNGA visit.

White House TV pool halts Trump coverage after CNN barred from UNGA events

President Donald Trump said on Monday that major Ukrainian military strikes have hit Russian energy infrastructure hard following which Russia has lost control of its diesel oil industry and called for an end to the “ridiculous, never-ending” war.&nbsp;“A large number of their Diesel refineries have been blown up and are, at least temporarily, out of commission,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social following a call with Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky.&nbsp;“Russia has unfortunately lost control of its Diesel Oil Industry due to its War with Ukraine,” Trump said and called for the war to end.&nbsp;“This ridiculous and never ending War with Ukraine must be ended. The whole World suffers as 25,000 people, mostly soldiers, are being killed each month. What a shame!”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-document-details-broad-iran-cooperation-plan-across-finance-nuclear-and-aviation-sectors-report-1789995702968">Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report</a>&nbsp;Trump’s post came after Ukraine launched a massive drone strike against Russia overnight between Saturday and Sunday. More than 1,600 drones travelled nearly 280 miles into the country, striking oil refineries in Moscow, causing fires and triggering a pause in operations.&nbsp;Trump is scheduled to meet Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. The US president has repeatedly called on Ukraine to stop long-range drone attacks on Russian oil facilities to allow the energy market to stabiliae.&nbsp;Average US diesel prices hit a record high of $6.51 per gallon as of Monday morning, according to the latest data from AAA, up from $6.23 last week. The average price of a gallon of regular gas stood at $4.48, up from $4.31 a week ago.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ships-in-indian-ocean-will-be-attacked-if-war-resumes-warns-iran-1789934092587">US ships in Indian Ocean ‘will be attacked’ if war resumes, warns Iran</a>&nbsp;While the US hasn’t allowed imports of Russian petroleum products since the Kremlin invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the devastation at processing plants inside Russia has shrunk the availability of diesel worldwide and has had ripple effects in America.&nbsp;“The single biggest factor has been the Ukrainian destruction of Russian refineries,” Energy Secretary Christopher Wright told CNN earlier this month.&nbsp;Ukraine has been targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure both in retaliation for the Kremlin’s attacks on its facilities and as part of an effort to weaken Moscow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-in-deciding-mode-on-iran-says-very-big-things-going-to-happen-soon-1789921963152">Trump in ‘deciding mode’ on Iran, says ‘very big things’ going to happen soon</a>&nbsp;Ahead of his visit to the US, Zelensky revealed that he had a call with the US president and teased that the upcoming meeting “could change a lot.”&nbsp;The high diesel prices, coupled with rising gasoline prices due to the war with Iran, have given Trump political headaches as he heads into the midterm elections.Trump has taken aggressive measures to put downward pressure on gasoline prices, including by having the military escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but tackling diesel prices has proven more difficult.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-military-command-claims-us-planning-to-resume-strikes-american-embassies-issue-security-alerts-1789909017741">Iran’s military command claims US ‘planning’ to resume strikes; American embassies issue ‘security alerts’</a>&nbsp;Earlier this month, Trump dispatched his top envoys for negotiations, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to Moscow and Kyiv for talks on ending the war.&nbsp;Secretary of State Marco Rubio may meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the UN summit, said reports.

President Donald Trump’s post came after Ukraine launched a massive strike against Russia as more than 1,600 drones travelled nearly 280 miles into the country, striking oil refineries in Moscow, causing fires and triggering a pause in operations.

President Donald Trump said on Monday that major Ukrainian military strikes have hit Russian energy infrastructure hard following which Russia has lost control of its diesel oil industry and called for an end to the “ridiculous, never-ending” war. “A large number of their Diesel refineries have been blown up and are, at least temporarily, out of commission,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social following a call with Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky. “Russia has unfortunately lost control of its Diesel Oil Industry due to its War with Ukraine,” Trump said and called for the war to end. “This ridiculous and never ending War with Ukraine must be ended. The whole World suffers as 25,000 people, mostly soldiers, are being killed each month. What a shame!” Also Read: Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report Trump’s post came after Ukraine launched a massive drone strike against Russia overnight between Saturday and Sunday. More than 1,600 drones travelled nearly 280 miles into the country, striking oil refineries in Moscow, causing fires and triggering a pause in operations. Trump is scheduled to meet Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. The US president has repeatedly called on Ukraine to stop long-range drone attacks on Russian oil facilities to allow the energy market to stabiliae. Average US diesel prices hit a record high of $6.51 per gallon as of Monday morning, according to the latest data from AAA, up from $6.23 last week. The average price of a gallon of regular gas stood at $4.48, up from $4.31 a week ago. Also Read: US ships in Indian Ocean ‘will be attacked’ if war resumes, warns Iran While the US hasn’t allowed imports of Russian petroleum products since the Kremlin invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the devastation at processing plants inside Russia has shrunk the availability of diesel worldwide and has had ripple effects in America. “The single biggest factor has been the Ukrainian destruction of Russian refineries,” Energy Secretary Christopher Wright told CNN earlier this month. Ukraine has been targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure both in retaliation for the Kremlin’s attacks on its facilities and as part of an effort to weaken Moscow. Also Read: Trump in ‘deciding mode’ on Iran, says ‘very big things’ going to happen soon Ahead of his visit to the US, Zelensky revealed that he had a call with the US president and teased that the upcoming meeting “could change a lot.” The high diesel prices, coupled with rising gasoline prices due to the war with Iran, have given Trump political headaches as he heads into the midterm elections. Trump has taken aggressive measures to put downward pressure on gasoline prices, including by having the military escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but tackling diesel prices has proven more difficult. Also Read: Iran’s military command claims US ‘planning’ to resume strikes; American embassies issue ‘security alerts’ Earlier this month, Trump dispatched his top envoys for negotiations, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to Moscow and Kyiv for talks on ending the war. Secretary of State Marco Rubio may meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the UN summit, said reports.

President Donald Trump’s post came after Ukraine launched a massive strike against Russia as more than 1,600 drones travelled nearly 280 miles into the country, striking oil refineries in Moscow, causing fires and triggering a pause in operations.

Trump says Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry, calls for end to ‘ridiculous, never-ending’ war

French President Emmanuel Macron lashed out at US President Donald Trump after he shared a map on social media showing France’s archipelago of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon as US territory. Trump shared the post earlier this month, showing the US flag covering Canada, Mexico, Greenland, Central America, the Caribbean, and Iceland. Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is a small French overseas territory off the Atlantic coast of Canada. The area has a population of just over 5,500. After the Trump post, the French President said it was “obvious” that the archipelago remains French territory. “We’re not going to reiterate this every morning because some people have strange ideas or say strange things,” he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-to-pay-state-visit-to-us-from-september-23-25-chinese-foreign-ministry-1789985928318">Xi Jinping to pay state visit to US from September 23-25: Chinese Foreign Ministry</a><h3>Macron's two-day visit in Saint-Pierre</h3>Macron’s remarks came after arriving in Saint-Pierre on Saturday (September 19) for a two-day visit following the French UN mission's apologies for a social media post that called into question the US commitment to human rights. Previously, in July, the mission had hit out at Washington for voting against extending the mandate of UN human rights chief Volker Türk. “The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore. Today, it stands alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali &amp; Russia, isolated. And the world no longer listens to it,” the mission said in a post on social media platform X at the time. In response, Washington delayed approval of Macron ally Aurelien Lechevallier as France’s new ambassador to the US. Since returning to office in early 2025, Trump has revived claims on Greenland, suggested Canada become the 51st US state, vowed to seize the Panama Canal, and threatened Mexico and Cuba, while saying the US should "own" Gaza. In January, he ordered a raid capturing Venezuelan President Maduro over alleged cartel ties. Trump's Greenland push initially angered Copenhagen, rallying European NATO allies behind Denmark. However, the US, Denmark, and Greenland recently reached an agreement that Trump claims grants Washington "permanent control" over the territory's security.

Macron’s remarks came after arriving in Saint-Pierre on Saturday for a two-day visit following the French UN mission's apologies for a social media post that called into question the US commitment to human rights.

French President Emmanuel Macron lashed out at US President Donald Trump after he shared a map on social media showing France’s archipelago of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon as US territory. Trump shared the post earlier this month, showing the US flag covering Canada, Mexico, Greenland, Central America, the Caribbean, and Iceland. Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is a small French overseas territory off the Atlantic coast of Canada. The area has a population of just over 5,500. After the Trump post, the French President said it was “obvious” that the archipelago remains French territory. “We’re not going to reiterate this every morning because some people have strange ideas or say strange things,” he added. Also read: Xi Jinping to pay state visit to US from September 23-25: Chinese Foreign Ministry Macron's two-day visit in Saint-Pierre Macron’s remarks came after arriving in Saint-Pierre on Saturday (September 19) for a two-day visit following the French UN mission's apologies for a social media post that called into question the US commitment to human rights. Previously, in July, the mission had hit out at Washington for voting against extending the mandate of UN human rights chief Volker Türk. “The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore. Today, it stands alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali & Russia, isolated. And the world no longer listens to it,” the mission said in a post on social media platform X at the time. In response, Washington delayed approval of Macron ally Aurelien Lechevallier as France’s new ambassador to the US. Since returning to office in early 2025, Trump has revived claims on Greenland, suggested Canada become the 51st US state, vowed to seize the Panama Canal, and threatened Mexico and Cuba, while saying the US should "own" Gaza. In January, he ordered a raid capturing Venezuelan President Maduro over alleged cartel ties. Trump's Greenland push initially angered Copenhagen, rallying European NATO allies behind Denmark. However, the US, Denmark, and Greenland recently reached an agreement that Trump claims grants Washington "permanent control" over the territory's security.

Macron’s remarks came after arriving in Saint-Pierre on Saturday for a two-day visit following the French UN mission's apologies for a social media post that called into question the US commitment to human rights.

Emmanuel Macron hits back after Trump shares map of US claiming France's Saint-Pierre, Miquelon

Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday. "At the invitation of President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump, President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in an official announcement. Xi’s visit comes as Washington and Beijing seek to manage tensions over trade, tariffs and other areas of strategic competition between the world’s two largest economies.&nbsp;Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is already leading a delegation to the US for economic and trade consultations. His visit began on September 19 and is scheduled to continue through September 23. "The two sides will hold consultations on economic and trade issues of mutual concern, guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state," the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday.&nbsp;The timing of He’s visit means the economic and trade discussions will overlap with the beginning of Xi’s state visit to the US.Trump had on September 18 said Washington was making progress in its relationship with Beijing and indicated that he expected several agreements to be discussed when Xi visits the White House. “We’re doing very well with China. I would say others maybe not so well, but we’re doing very well with China. And President Xi and I have a good relationship. We’re going to have a lot of different deals,” Trump said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-s-united-russia-party-wins-355-seats-in-duma-election-beats-2016-tally-1789981460937">Putin's United Russia party wins 355 seats in Duma election, beats 2016 tally</a>&nbsp;“We intend, we're not just doing it for our health. We’re going to have some pretty important meetings,” he added. Trump also referred to the tariff dispute between the two countries, recalling that US tariffs on Chinese imports had previously reached 145 per cent before being reduced. “China is paying us a lot of tariffs. And, you remember, I had it up to 145% at one point, but it was too much. It was really hurting them badly, and I didn’t want to do that,” Trump said.&nbsp;Xi’s visit will mark his return to Washington after more than a decade and is expected to bring the leaders of the world's two largest economies together for discussions covering trade, artificial intelligence and Taiwan. The state visit follows Trump’s trip to Beijing in May, where Xi hosted the US president at the Great Hall of the People. The two leaders subsequently described their relationship as a “constructive, strategic and stable relationship”. Trump is now expected to reciprocate with full state-visit honours as Xi prepares for talks at the White House.

Xi Jinping will visit the US from September 23-25 at Donald Trump’s invitation as Washington and Beijing prepare for talks on trade, AI, tariffs and Taiwan

Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday. "At the invitation of President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump, President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in an official announcement. Xi’s visit comes as Washington and Beijing seek to manage tensions over trade, tariffs and other areas of strategic competition between the world’s two largest economies. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is already leading a delegation to the US for economic and trade consultations. His visit began on September 19 and is scheduled to continue through September 23. "The two sides will hold consultations on economic and trade issues of mutual concern, guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state," the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday. The timing of He’s visit means the economic and trade discussions will overlap with the beginning of Xi’s state visit to the US. Trump had on September 18 said Washington was making progress in its relationship with Beijing and indicated that he expected several agreements to be discussed when Xi visits the White House. “We’re doing very well with China. I would say others maybe not so well, but we’re doing very well with China. And President Xi and I have a good relationship. We’re going to have a lot of different deals,” Trump said. Also Read: Putin's United Russia party wins 355 seats in Duma election, beats 2016 tally “We intend, we're not just doing it for our health. We’re going to have some pretty important meetings,” he added. Trump also referred to the tariff dispute between the two countries, recalling that US tariffs on Chinese imports had previously reached 145 per cent before being reduced. “China is paying us a lot of tariffs. And, you remember, I had it up to 145% at one point, but it was too much. It was really hurting them badly, and I didn’t want to do that,” Trump said. Xi’s visit will mark his return to Washington after more than a decade and is expected to bring the leaders of the world's two largest economies together for discussions covering trade, artificial intelligence and Taiwan. The state visit follows Trump’s trip to Beijing in May, where Xi hosted the US president at the Great Hall of the People. The two leaders subsequently described their relationship as a “constructive, strategic and stable relationship”. Trump is now expected to reciprocate with full state-visit honours as Xi prepares for talks at the White House.

Xi Jinping will visit the United States from September 23-25 at Donald Trump’s invitation, with trade, tariffs, AI and Taiwan expected to dominate talks

Xi Jinping to pay state visit to US from September 23-25: Chinese Foreign Ministry

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