<p>US President Donald Trump on Friday (Nov 14) crashed what was supposed to be a quiet celebration at Mar-a-Lago. The evening took a strange turn when Trump suddenly appeared and drifted straight into the middle of the wedding party and started rambling about how he would make his way into Heaven's pearly gates. A video of the 79-year-old POTUS crashing the private party is going viral on social media. Here's what happened.</p><h2><strong>Trump crashes a wedding. Watch video</strong></h2><p>The controversial US president on Friday crashed a wedding at his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago and was seen lecturing the happy couple. As per reports, it began as a quick greeting for the bride and groom but soon veered off in another direction. Trump, while speaking with the happy couple, apparently spotted conservative radio host Eric Metaxas across the room and immediately raised his voice, telling everyone within earshot that Metaxas would be the man to get him into heaven.</p><p>"He's going to get me into heaven!" Trump declared as he grabbed Metaxas’ hand. Metaxas, caught off guard, tried to steer things back to normal. He told Trump that heaven probably wasn’t a topic to unpack in the middle of a friend’s wedding. In a later Instagram post, the 62 year old author said he laughed it off and told Trump, "'I'd really like to talk to you about that… but another time.” Then I reminded him, 'Don't forget—you’re America's Supercentennial President'."</p><p>Watch video here:</p>

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<p>Trump didn't seem bothered. After a few more comments, he turned his attention back to the newlyweds, calling them a "good-looking couple" and joking that their photo belonged in a hotel ad. The wedding belonged to Michael Wilkerson, an investment banker who founded Stormwall, a right leaning forum. Wilkerson writes about American identity and politics, and his books often frame the country through a lens of exceptionalism.</p><h2><strong>Trump's love for crashing weddings</strong></h2><p>Apparently, this was not the first time he has done this. Guests at Mar-a-Lago have grown used to Trump drifting into private events, sometimes to offer congratulations and other times to unload whatever is on his mind. In 2021 he wandered into a wedding reception and started talking about Iran. Two years later, in 2023, he showed up at his New Jersey golf club just hours after pleading not guilty in the case tied to his alleged efforts to overturn 2020 election.<br> </p>

A video of US President Donald Trump wandering into a wedding at Mar-a-Lago is going viral online. The POTUS turned a simple greeting into a ramble about getting into heaven. Watch the viral clip here.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Nov 14) crashed what was supposed to be a quiet celebration at Mar-a-Lago. The evening took a strange turn when Trump suddenly appeared and drifted straight into the middle of the wedding party and started rambling about how he would make his way into Heaven's pearly gates. A video of the 79-year-old POTUS crashing the private party is going viral on social media. Here's what happened. Trump crashes a wedding. Watch video The controversial US president on Friday crashed a wedding at his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago and was seen lecturing the happy couple. As per reports, it began as a quick greeting for the bride and groom but soon veered off in another direction. Trump, while speaking with the happy couple, apparently spotted conservative radio host Eric Metaxas across the room and immediately raised his voice, telling everyone within earshot that Metaxas would be the man to get him into heaven. "He's going to get me into heaven!" Trump declared as he grabbed Metaxas’ hand. Metaxas, caught off guard, tried to steer things back to normal. He told Trump that heaven probably wasn’t a topic to unpack in the middle of a friend’s wedding. In a later Instagram post, the 62 year old author said he laughed it off and told Trump, "'I'd really like to talk to you about that… but another time.” Then I reminded him, 'Don't forget—you’re America's Supercentennial President'." Watch video here:

<p>A video of US President Donald Trump wandering into a wedding at Mar-a-Lago is going viral online. The POTUS turned a simple greeting into a ramble about getting into heaven. Watch the viral clip here.</p>

Newlyweds stunned as Trump crashes Mar-a-Lago wedding, rants about getting into heaven. Watch video

U.S. President Donald trump cuts tariffs on food imports to address affordability concerns. Affordability has become the hottest issue in U.S. Politics after this month's electoral victories for democrats. Not to be outdone, trump cuts tariffs on over 200 food items, including everyday staples such as coffee, beef, and bananas.

Trump Tariffs: 'Taco' Rings Loud as Trump Steps Up His Affordability Push 

<p>US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Nov 16) hinted that Washington may soon hold talks with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The remark came only hours after the State Department moved toward labelling a cartel it says Maduro controls as a foreign terrorist organisation. Speaking to reporters at the airport in Palm Beach, Trump said, "We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we'll see how that turns out," adding that Caracas "would like to talk." This comes as the Pentagon announced that it had carried out the 21st known strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in international waters. US Southern Command confirmed on Sunday that American forces (on Saturday) carried out a strike on a boat moving along a well-known smuggling route in the eastern Pacific.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/obesity-can-now-get-your-us-visa-denied-unless-you-re-donald-trump-all-you-need-to-know-1763092492815"><strong>79-year-old 'overweight' Trump makes obesity and age grounds for US visa denial. All you need to know</strong></a></p><h2><strong>US to designate alleged Maduro cartel a terrorist group</strong></h2><p>Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday announced that Washington plans to formally classify the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation. The US argues the group, which it says is tied directly to Maduro and other senior officials, works with known outfits like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel and fuels violence and drug trafficking across the region.</p><p>"Cartel de los Soles by and with other designated FTOs, including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, are responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe," he said in a statement. Caracas calls the accusations absurd and claims the growing US military presence in the Caribbean is a cover for regime change.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-penny-for-your-thoughts-us-stops-minting-pennies-after-232-years-here-s-why-1763007463047"><strong>'Penny for your thoughts': US stops minting pennies after 232 years. Here's why</strong></a></p><p>Washington maintains that Maduro is an illegitimate leader and a drug trafficker, a charge he rejects. Doubling down, Rubio said, "Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuela's legitimate government." He insisted that the US will continue to use every tool available to cut off the funding and reach of groups it considers narco terrorists.</p>

Trump says that the US may open talks with Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, even as Washington carried out a fresh strike on a suspected drug boat while moving to label an alleged Maduro-linked cartel a terrorist group.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Nov 16) hinted that Washington may soon hold talks with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The remark came only hours after the State Department moved toward labelling a cartel it says Maduro controls as a foreign terrorist organisation. Speaking to reporters at the airport in Palm Beach, Trump said, "We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we'll see how that turns out," adding that Caracas "would like to talk." This comes as the Pentagon announced that it had carried out the 21st known strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in international waters. US Southern Command confirmed on Sunday that American forces (on Saturday) carried out a strike on a boat moving along a well-known smuggling route in the eastern Pacific. Also read | 79-year-old 'overweight' Trump makes obesity and age grounds for US visa denial. All you need to know US to designate alleged Maduro cartel a terrorist group Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday announced that Washington plans to formally classify the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation. The US argues the group, which it says is tied directly to Maduro and other senior officials, works with known outfits like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel and fuels violence and drug trafficking across the region. "Cartel de los Soles by and with other designated FTOs, including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, are responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe," he said in a statement. Caracas calls the accusations absurd and claims the growing US military presence in the Caribbean is a cover for regime change. Also read | 'Penny for your thoughts': US stops minting pennies after 232 years. Here's why Washington maintains that Maduro is an illegitimate leader and a drug trafficker, a charge he rejects. Doubling down, Rubio said, "Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuela's legitimate government." He insisted that the US will continue to use every tool available to cut off the funding and reach of groups it considers narco terrorists.

<p>Trump says that the US may open talks with Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, even as Washington carried out a fresh strike on a suspected drug boat while moving to label an alleged Maduro-linked cartel a terrorist group.</p>

Trump says open to talks with Maduro, as Washington slaps 'foreign terrorist organisation' tag on his alleged cartel

Epstein Emails: House Democrats have released thousands of pages of Jeffrey Epstein’s emails, including messages where Epstein wrote that President Trump “spent hours” with one of Epstein’s victims. These newly disclosed communications suggest that Epstein believed Trump knew more about the abuse allegations than he has publicly acknowledged. 

New Epstein Emails Spark Trump Counter-Attack, Trump Seeks Probe Into Bill Clinton

<p>A Cold War-era military base, which had been lying dormant for more than 20 years since 2004, has been reactivated. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, after being operational for more than half a century, was abandoned due to its lack of logistical and financial utility. Lying 500 miles off the coast of Venezuela, this Puerto Rican base has now seen the largest US mobilisation in decades. What the US official describes as counter narcotics operation appears like a preparation for a broader military operation due to its sheer scale and composition. More than 10,000 US personnel now operate in the United States Southern Command, with about half positioned in Puerto Rico and half on vessels offshore. The airbase became central to their operations in September, when &nbsp;F-35B stealth fighters, MQ-9 Reaper drones, P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and specialised reconnaissance platforms were transferred there. Reuters reported five F-35B on the ramp. Construction crews are clearing taxiways and facilities of the José Aponte de la Torre Airport, which was functional when the base was abandoned.&nbsp;</p><p>"I feel tense, kind of anxious, not knowing what is going to happen, maybe an attack on someone close," said a Puerto Rican local, Damien Leon, to CBS News. "Right now, the United States is the most powerful in the world," said the mayor of Ceiba, Samuel Rivera Baez. "Having them here taking care of us, we feel more than safe."</p><p>The US has at least four military ships in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the USS Gerald R. Ford and three guided missile destroyers, along with others in the Caribbean basin. Recent Pentagon images show a B-52 bomber flying over the USS Gerald R. Ford. On October 26, the USS Gravely docked in Port of Spain and conducted a joint military exercise with the local forces of &nbsp;Trinidad and Tobago, less than 7 miles from Venezuela's port.&nbsp;</p><p>US President Donald Trump said he has “sort of” made up his mind about the administration's next steps in Venezuela, but "I can't tell you what it would be." On November 13, the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear, aimed at removing the 'narco terrorists' from the Caribbean.&nbsp;</p><h2>Caribbean tensions rise</h2><p>Iran is sending drones to Venezuela, and Venezuela has deployed those drones along its coastlines for defence, including the Kamikaze drones with a range of 1000 km or more. Venezuelan Minister of Defence Vladimir Padrino announced the deployment of significantly larger vessels further north in their territorial waters. Venezuelan officers were reportedly training for guerrilla-style defence against a possible US strike. China is also preparing to send military equipment to Venezuela. It has already deployed a naval hospital ship as part of the “Mission Harmony 2025” a move seen as a strategic hint to the US. China has also established a "zero-tariff" trade agreement with Caracas at the Shanghai Expo 2025. According to a report by the Washington Post, just a month ago, Nicolas Maduro sent a letter to Russia seeking more military aid and a three-year financing plan for military repairs and acquisitions through Russia's state-owned defence conglomerate. Russian intelligence vessel, Kareliya, was spotted about 15 nautical miles south of Oahu on Oct. 29. Venezuela has mobilised 200,000 troops. Maduro says that Washington is using counter-narcotics as a pretext for war. He has called for ‘peace’. As the Operation Southern Spear unfolds Caribbean is edging towards a confrontation, whether this will end with a standoff or there will be more is likely to unfold soon. &nbsp;</p>

The US reactivates Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico with F-35 jets, drones, and thousands of troops as Caribbean tensions rise with Venezuela seeking help from its allies in Russia, China and Iran.

A Cold War-era military base, which had been lying dormant for more than 20 years since 2004, has been reactivated. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, after being operational for more than half a century, was abandoned due to its lack of logistical and financial utility. Lying 500 miles off the coast of Venezuela, this Puerto Rican base has now seen the largest US mobilisation in decades. What the US official describes as counter narcotics operation appears like a preparation for a broader military operation due to its sheer scale and composition. More than 10,000 US personnel now operate in the United States Southern Command, with about half positioned in Puerto Rico and half on vessels offshore. The airbase became central to their operations in September, when F-35B stealth fighters, MQ-9 Reaper drones, P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and specialised reconnaissance platforms were transferred there. Reuters reported five F-35B on the ramp. Construction crews are clearing taxiways and facilities of the José Aponte de la Torre Airport, which was functional when the base was abandoned. "I feel tense, kind of anxious, not knowing what is going to happen, maybe an attack on someone close," said a Puerto Rican local, Damien Leon, to CBS News. "Right now, the United States is the most powerful in the world," said the mayor of Ceiba, Samuel Rivera Baez. "Having them here taking care of us, we feel more than safe." The US has at least four military ships in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the USS Gerald R. Ford and three guided missile destroyers, along with others in the Caribbean basin. Recent Pentagon images show a B-52 bomber flying over the USS Gerald R. Ford. On October 26, the USS Gravely docked in Port of Spain and conducted a joint military exercise with the local forces of Trinidad and Tobago, less than 7 miles from Venezuela's port. US President Donald Trump said he has “sort of” made up his mind about the administration's next steps in Venezuela, but "I can't tell you what it would be." On November 13, the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear, aimed at removing the 'narco terrorists' from the Caribbean. Caribbean tensions rise Iran is sending drones to Venezuela, and Venezuela has deployed those drones along its coastlines for defence, including the Kamikaze drones with a range of 1000 km or more. Venezuelan Minister of Defence Vladimir Padrino announced the deployment of significantly larger vessels further north in their territorial waters. Venezuelan officers were reportedly training for guerrilla-style defence against a possible US strike. China is also preparing to send military equipment to Venezuela. It has already deployed a naval hospital ship as part of the “Mission Harmony 2025” a move seen as a strategic hint to the US. China has also established a "zero-tariff" trade agreement with Caracas at the Shanghai Expo 2025. According to a report by the Washington Post, just a month ago, Nicolas Maduro sent a letter to Russia seeking more military aid and a three-year financing plan for military repairs and acquisitions through Russia's state-owned defence conglomerate. Russian intelligence vessel, Kareliya, was spotted about 15 nautical miles south of Oahu on Oct. 29. Venezuela has mobilised 200,000 troops. Maduro says that Washington is using counter-narcotics as a pretext for war. He has called for ‘peace’. As the Operation Southern Spear unfolds Caribbean is edging towards a confrontation, whether this will end with a standoff or there will be more is likely to unfold soon.

<p>The US reactivates Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico with F-35 jets, drones, and thousands of troops as Caribbean tensions rise with Venezuela seeking help from its allies in Russia, China and Iran.</p>

A war is brewing in Caribbean: US reopens a naval base in Puerto Rico closed 20 years ago

<p>US President Donald Trump has withdrawn his endorsement and support from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and launched a personal attack on her, labelling her a 'ranting lunatic'. While Greene maintains that she has been a scapegoat for demanding justice for Epstein victims and demanding the release of files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.&nbsp;</p><p>“She has told many people that she is upset that I don’t return her phone calls anymore, but with 219 Congressmen/women, 53 U.S. Senators, 24 Cabinet Members, almost 200 Countries, and an otherwise normal life to lead, I can’t take a ranting Lunatic’s call every day,” wrote Trump in a Truth Social Post.</p><p>Marjorie had been cornering Trump for some time over various issues, and since last week, Trump has decided to respond. This marks a remarkable rift within the Republicans, where two former allies are at loggerheads.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marjorie denied calling Trump and said that it's the Epstein files that have sent Trump over the edge. In a post on social platform X, Greene expressed her anguish about how far Trump is going to stop the release of the Epstein files. She also had been critical of Trump's overemphasis on foreign policies, and attacked Trump on domestic policies like health insurance premiums and problems that are hurting the vulnerable section of the population.</p><p>Greene said that she stood by Donald Trump when everyone was against him and spent her own money and energy. But she will speak up when Trump is wrong, because “I don’t worship or serve Donald Trump”&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump just attacked me and lied about me. I haven’t called him at all, but I did send these text messages today. Apparently this is what sent him over the edge. <br><br>The Epstein files.<br><br>And of course he’s coming after me hard to make an example to scare all the other… <a href="https://t.co/EcUzaohZZs">pic.twitter.com/EcUzaohZZs</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMTG/status/1989518703507963940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>During the visit of Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara to the White House, &nbsp;Trump said, “I don’t know what happened to Marjorie, nice woman. She’s lost her way, I think.” Trump accused her of drifting off to the “other side”. He defended his global focus as necessary, saying he must "view the presidency as a worldwide situation, not locally," because “we could have a world that’s on fire, where wars come to our shores very easily, if you had a bad president.”&nbsp;</p>

US President Donald Trump withdraws support from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her a “ranting lunatic” over Epstein files demands. Greene responds, defending her stance on justice for Epstein victims and criticising Trump’s domestic policies.

US President Donald Trump has withdrawn his endorsement and support from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and launched a personal attack on her, labelling her a 'ranting lunatic'. While Greene maintains that she has been a scapegoat for demanding justice for Epstein victims and demanding the release of files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “She has told many people that she is upset that I don’t return her phone calls anymore, but with 219 Congressmen/women, 53 U.S. Senators, 24 Cabinet Members, almost 200 Countries, and an otherwise normal life to lead, I can’t take a ranting Lunatic’s call every day,” wrote Trump in a Truth Social Post. Marjorie had been cornering Trump for some time over various issues, and since last week, Trump has decided to respond. This marks a remarkable rift within the Republicans, where two former allies are at loggerheads.

<p>US President Donald Trump withdraws support from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her a “ranting lunatic” over Epstein files demands. Greene responds, defending her stance on justice for Epstein victims and criticising Trump’s domestic policies.</p>

'Ranting lunatic': Trump withdraws support from Marjorie Taylor Greene as Republican rift widens

<p>President Donald Trump, who himself happens to be in the overweight category, has ordered US diplomats to treat obesity and certain chronic illnesses as grounds to deny visas. This marks one of the most sweeping health-based restrictions in years. The directive, as per reports, is part of new instructions sent to embassies and consulates around the world. The State Department has told visa officers to broaden the list of medical conditions that could count against an applicant, folding obesity, diabetes, and several long-term illnesses into the mix, KFF Health News first reported.</p><h2><strong>But why is Trump targeting obesity?</strong></h2><p>In a blunt message, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that visa officers "must consider an applicant's health" while listing a spate of conditions that could be the deal breaker. "Certain medical conditions – including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions." But why these medical conditions? In a cable dated November 6 and obtained by Politico, Rubio told officers, these conditions "can require hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of care." Any illness that might lead to costly care, he wrote, should be weighed as a possible drain on US resources.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-has-a-meltdown-over-new-epstein-emails-calls-it-a-democrat-trap-1762998376011"><strong>Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap'</strong></a></p><p>What this really means is that the administration is taking a far tougher stance on the long-standing "public charge" rule, under which immigration officials can reject people who are likely to rely on government aid.</p><h2><strong>How many people will be affected by this new guideline?</strong></h2><p>Trump's order can potentially affect hundreds of thousands of people. On paper, the criteria can sweep in a huge number of people. Data shows that diabetes affects about one in ten adults worldwide. Meanwhile, obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30 or above, now includes one in eight people globally. In the US, that share climbs above 40 per cent.</p><h2><strong>A touch of irony</strong></h2><p>The irony? According to the Daily Beast, Trump himself landed in the obesity range during his 2020 physical, with a BMI of 30.5 at 244 pounds (110.68 kg). During his checkup earlier this year, he weighed in at 224 pounds (101.6 kg), which moved him into the "overweight" category.</p><p>The new visa instructions fit into the broader hard line Trump has embraced since returning to office. He has pushed for mass deportations, tightened legal immigration pathways, and last month slashed the annual refugee admissions cap from 125,000 to 7,500.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bbc-apologises-to-trump-for-misleading-edit-as-1-billion-lawsuit-threat-looms-1763081091796"><strong>BBC apologises to Trump for misleading edit as $1 billion lawsuit threat looms</strong></a></p><p>Asked about the new guidelines, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott told the Daily Beast that the administration was "putting the interests of the American people first" and enforcing rules that protect taxpayers. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly echoed that line, saying that "For 100 years, State Department policy has included an authority to deny visa applicants who would pose a financial burden to taxpayers, such as individuals who were seeking publicly-funded health care in the United States and could further drain healthcare resources from American citizens. President Trump’s Administration is finally fully enforcing this policy, and putting Americans first".</p>

President Trump has ordered US diplomats to treat obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses as possible grounds to deny visas, calling them potential burdens on taxpayers. Here's all you need to know.

President Donald Trump, who himself happens to be in the overweight category, has ordered US diplomats to treat obesity and certain chronic illnesses as grounds to deny visas. This marks one of the most sweeping health-based restrictions in years. The directive, as per reports, is part of new instructions sent to embassies and consulates around the world. The State Department has told visa officers to broaden the list of medical conditions that could count against an applicant, folding obesity, diabetes, and several long-term illnesses into the mix, KFF Health News first reported. But why is Trump targeting obesity? In a blunt message, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that visa officers "must consider an applicant's health" while listing a spate of conditions that could be the deal breaker. "Certain medical conditions – including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions." But why these medical conditions? In a cable dated November 6 and obtained by Politico, Rubio told officers, these conditions "can require hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of care." Any illness that might lead to costly care, he wrote, should be weighed as a possible drain on US resources. Also read | Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap' What this really means is that the administration is taking a far tougher stance on the long-standing "public charge" rule, under which immigration officials can reject people who are likely to rely on government aid. How many people will be affected by this new guideline? Trump's order can potentially affect hundreds of thousands of people. On paper, the criteria can sweep in a huge number of people. Data shows that diabetes affects about one in ten adults worldwide. Meanwhile, obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30 or above, now includes one in eight people globally. In the US, that share climbs above 40 per cent. A touch of irony The irony? According to the Daily Beast, Trump himself landed in the obesity range during his 2020 physical, with a BMI of 30.5 at 244 pounds (110.68 kg). During his checkup earlier this year, he weighed in at 224 pounds (101.6 kg), which moved him into the "overweight" category. The new visa instructions fit into the broader hard line Trump has embraced since returning to office. He has pushed for mass deportations, tightened legal immigration pathways, and last month slashed the annual refugee admissions cap from 125,000 to 7,500. Also read | BBC apologises to Trump for misleading edit as $1 billion lawsuit threat looms Asked about the new guidelines, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott told the Daily Beast that the administration was "putting the interests of the American people first" and enforcing rules that protect taxpayers. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly echoed that line, saying that "For 100 years, State Department policy has included an authority to deny visa applicants who would pose a financial burden to taxpayers, such as individuals who were seeking publicly-funded health care in the United States and could further drain healthcare resources from American citizens. President Trump’s Administration is finally fully enforcing this policy, and putting Americans first".

<p>President Trump has ordered US diplomats to treat obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses as possible grounds to deny visas, calling them potential burdens on taxpayers. Here's all you need to know.</p>

79-year-old 'overweight' Trump makes obesity and age grounds for US visa denial. All you need to know

<p>The BBC said Thursday (Nov 13) that its chairman has written to US President Donald Trump to apologise for a misleading edit of one of his speeches, but insisted the mistake does not amount to defamation. The move comes as the broadcaster faces growing scrutiny over how it portrayed Trump's January 6, 2021, speech in a "Panorama" documentary aired last year. On Monday, the BBC admitted that the edit wrongly gave the impression that Trump had directly called for violent action before the Capitol riot. The fallout has already led to the resignations of the director-general and the BBC's head of news, and triggered a threat from Trump's legal team to sue for $1 billion.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-has-a-meltdown-over-new-epstein-emails-calls-it-a-democrat-trap-1762998376011"><strong>Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>BBC apologises to Trump</strong></h2><p>BBC chair Samir Shah, according to AFP, has sent a personal letter to the White House, telling Trump that both he and the corporation "are sorry for the edit of the president's speech," the broadcaster said in a statement.</p><p>But the BBC pushed back on claims of defamation, saying in a statement that while it "sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited," it "strongly disagrees" that Trump has grounds for a lawsuit. BBC lawyers have written to Trump’s team laying out their position, it added.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pushes-un-to-back-trump-s-gaza-peace-plan-warns-delay-will-gravely-hurt-palestinians-1763080241222"><strong>US pushes UN to back Trump’s Gaza peace plan, warns delay will 'gravely' hurt Palestinians</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Another speech "edited" to defame Trump?</strong></h2><p>The controversy widened Thursday as the BBC confirmed it is now reviewing a second instance where Trump's words may have been stitched together in a misleading way. According to The Telegraph, a 2022 "Newsnight" report edited lines from different parts of Trump's speech to make it appear he told supporters to march to the Capitol and "fight like hell."</p><p>A BBC spokesperson said the issue "has been brought to our attention and we are now looking into it."</p><p>The editing storm has erupted at a sensitive moment for the broadcaster, which is preparing for negotiations over its Royal Charter renewal. The current charter expires in 2027. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has so far tried to avoid getting pulled into a fight with Trump, stressing the importance of the BBC's independence while steering clear of taking sides.<br>&nbsp;</p>

The BBC has apologised to Donald Trump for a misleading edit of his January 6 speech but says the error is not defamation, despite his threat to sue for $1 billion.

The BBC said Thursday (Nov 13) that its chairman has written to US President Donald Trump to apologise for a misleading edit of one of his speeches, but insisted the mistake does not amount to defamation. The move comes as the broadcaster faces growing scrutiny over how it portrayed Trump's January 6, 2021, speech in a "Panorama" documentary aired last year. On Monday, the BBC admitted that the edit wrongly gave the impression that Trump had directly called for violent action before the Capitol riot. The fallout has already led to the resignations of the director-general and the BBC's head of news, and triggered a threat from Trump's legal team to sue for $1 billion. Also read | Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap' BBC apologises to Trump BBC chair Samir Shah, according to AFP, has sent a personal letter to the White House, telling Trump that both he and the corporation "are sorry for the edit of the president's speech," the broadcaster said in a statement. But the BBC pushed back on claims of defamation, saying in a statement that while it "sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited," it "strongly disagrees" that Trump has grounds for a lawsuit. BBC lawyers have written to Trump’s team laying out their position, it added. Also read | US pushes UN to back Trump’s Gaza peace plan, warns delay will 'gravely' hurt Palestinians Another speech "edited" to defame Trump? The controversy widened Thursday as the BBC confirmed it is now reviewing a second instance where Trump's words may have been stitched together in a misleading way. According to The Telegraph, a 2022 "Newsnight" report edited lines from different parts of Trump's speech to make it appear he told supporters to march to the Capitol and "fight like hell." A BBC spokesperson said the issue "has been brought to our attention and we are now looking into it." The editing storm has erupted at a sensitive moment for the broadcaster, which is preparing for negotiations over its Royal Charter renewal. The current charter expires in 2027. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has so far tried to avoid getting pulled into a fight with Trump, stressing the importance of the BBC's independence while steering clear of taking sides.

<p>The BBC has apologised to Donald Trump for a misleading edit of his January 6 speech but says the error is not defamation, despite his threat to sue for $1 billion.</p>

BBC apologises to Trump for misleading edit as $1 billion lawsuit threat looms

<p>Ahead of the Indian PM Modi's South Africa visit to attend the G20 summit, the country's High Commissioner to India&nbsp;Prof. Anil Sooklal has said that the upcoming visit "signifies the importance that India attaches to the relationship with South Africa" &amp; the "bond" that always existed. This will be PM Modi's first visit to South Africa for the 4th time since 2014, and will include attending the IBSA summit, holding key bilateral talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, the High Commissioner hoped that India would open its prestigious IIT institute in South Africa, pointing out, "we have a shortage&nbsp;of skills, and especially what your IITs have done for India, and how you have provided experts to the major multinationals globally. This is one area where we'd like to see deeper cooperation".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>South Africa hosts the historic first African G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Nov 22–23, 2025, with a focus on global south debt relief, energy transitions, and inequality reduction. The event, however, is being boycotted by US President Donald Trump, a choice High Commissioner Sooklal cast in blunt terms. “By not being present, it’s not just a snub to the G20, it’s not just a snub to South Africa,” he said. “It’s a snub to an entire continent of 1.4 to 1.5 billion people—and that’s how Africa sees it. It’s also a snub to the entire Global South.” HC Sooklal, who has been South Africa's sherpa for BRICS, also spoke about that grouping, and other issues</p><h2>How do you see the India-South Africa ties?</h2><p>India, South&nbsp;Africa's relations&nbsp;are rooted in a common history, a shared history of struggle, a rich history that has brought both countries together on many fronts. We are connected not just on the bilateral level. We are connected on so many fronts at the multilateral level. We are members of BRICS, we are members of IBSA, we are members of the G20. We have a shared vision of the world, and we come from the same kind of background, having had a history of colonialism, of exploitation, and we have overcome that. So we have triumphed over adversity, and we are building our respective countries through cooperation. India and South Africa have always had this bond between ourselves, between our governments, between our people, even during the dark days of struggle. India was at the forefront in championing the liberation struggle of South Africa on the global scene.</p><h2>Now, how do you see the trajectory of the relationship going forward with high-level visits? Like PM Modi visiting South Africa?</h2><p>Well, the high-level visits are critical in cementing ties and further consolidating cooperation between our countries. We've been very fortunate in that the leaders of our two nations have met&nbsp;on a regular&nbsp;basis. This is Prime Minister Modi's fourth visit to South Africa in less than a decade. And that is substantial. It also signifies the importance that India attaches to the relationship with South Africa.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In 2019, President Ramaphosa was the chief guest at India's Republic Day. So the leaders meeting on a regular basis gives us an opportunity to reflect on the progress we are making in terms of the relationship and to chart new avenues of cooperation. So as much as Prime Minister Modi is going to be attending the G20 Summit, as well as the IBSA Summit, which is also taking place on the margins of the G20 Summit, he will also have a bilateral meeting with President Ramaphosa, and I think again, they will take stock of this relationship and also look at measures that can be put in place to further expand a very solid relationship, and to look at cooperation in addressing global challenges, not just at the bilateral level, but also in the multilateral institutions that we work so closely together.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lavrov-blames-us-for-failed-putin-trump-talks-kremlin-says-ukraine-will-have-to-come-to-table-sooner-or-later-trump-putin-lavrov-ukraine-moscow-1763036741096"><strong>Lavrov blames US for failed Putin-Trump talks; Kremlin says Ukraine will have to come to table 'sooner or later'</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Perhaps you can shed some light on areas like defence, like development cooperation, like agriculture. What kind of cooperation do both sides have?</h2><p>We have excellent cooperation&nbsp;in all&nbsp;of these sectors. In fact, if you look at the relationship, since we opened up diplomatic ties between our two countries just over three decades ago, it has grown at such a rapid pace. Now, if you look at cooperation in terms of the key sectors where we have tremendous growth, there&nbsp;are&nbsp;five or six key sectors. India is known as the pharmaceutical hub of the world. You have a very strong pharmaceutical medical sector, and we saw this during Covid, when you offered assistance to the global community, including South Africa and Africa. And we cooperate very strongly. We have a number of the major Indian pharmaceutical companies housed in South Africa, and we are looking at joint manufacturing in partnership with the Indian companies. Medical pharmaceutical sector is expanding tremendously. But of course, India has tremendous strength in new technologies, ICT. So I think in terms of new technologies, India is at the forefront and I think Prime Minister Modi has been very magnanimous in saying that whatever new technologies India&nbsp;discovers, they are prepared to share with the global partners, and they're doing that with South Africa.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>We have had delegations coming to India to look at, for example, the issue of DPI, where India is a global leader, and that's something that South Africa is also trying to put in place. Also, if you look at cooperation in terms of skills and capacity, you have the ITEC program. A number of South Africans have benefited from the ITEC program. India has been an important resource for us in addressing our skill shortages and building capacity.</p><h3>But are you looking at some kind of cooperation on education? Because India has been increasingly going abroad to establish its campuses. We saw the IIT campus being established in Africa.</h3><p>Yes, education is a very important area of cooperation. In fact,&nbsp;I was raised&nbsp;with MEA, when the first IIT was established in Zanzibar about three years ago, and I spoke then to MEA to say, why don't you also bring a similar model to South Africa, because that is our need. We&nbsp;have a shortage&nbsp;of skills, and especially what your IITs have done for India, and how you have provided experts to the major multinationals globally. This is one area where we'd like to see deeper cooperation, and I hope sometime soon we'll have an IIT in South Africa as well.</p><h2>What has been their response?</h2><p>They have been quite happy to look at it. I think we will take these discussions forward, and hopefully these are some of the areas that our leaders will speak about in terms of strengthening cooperation, because education is the future of any nation. As President Mandela said, Education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change society.</p><h2>Both countries are part of the BRICS grouping. You have been the Sherpa of the BRICS grouping at a very historic juncture where the grouping got that major expansion as well. Perhaps if you can talk about the future of this grouping and some inside scoops about how the expansion happened.</h2><p>Well, look, I think first and foremost, I was reflecting on the fact that BRICS started as an informal gathering of foreign ministers way back in 2006 and next year will mark the 20th anniversary of BRICS coming together as a group. And I think it's very appropriate that India is taking over the chairship at a very critical time. BRICS has become a powerful force in the global scenario. It is no longer a group that is trying to find its feet. It's firmly established itself. It's a powerful group of countries, and as you rightfully pointed out, in 2023 when we chaired, there were over 40 countries asking to become members of BRICS, and everyone was surprised, including our partners from the Global North.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Why this sudden surge from the global community in wanting to associate it with one global grouping, but no other global grouping, but BRICS. Obviously, BRICS has been doing something that has been positive and has had a positive impact on the global community. Therefore, the surge of countries and of course, expansion was not an easy process, because when you have small group of five countries that have found mechanisms and a comfort zone in terms of cooperating together and suddenly to expand by another five countries, as was the case in 2023, 100% expansion of the group, that is not easy to assimilate new members. But fortunately, we are like-minded countries, the new members have been able to assimilate and consolidate, and BRICS hasn't faltered.</p><h2>There are countries that perceive BRICS as a threat, and the President of the United States has been particularly singling out BRICS in terms of the grouping, saying that the tariffs will be imposed on these countries. What's your sense like?&nbsp;</h2><p>The rise of the power BRICS in the global scenario, not just its political importance, but also the gravity it has, economically, the gravity it has in terms of new technologies and of course, when you speak of power, you also speak of military gravity. Now, these are not light countries. These are weighty countries. And perhaps for the first time since the dawn of the post-Second World War period, you have countries outside the domain of the so-called Global West that are powerful countries, that can stand on their own two feet, no matter how much you politicise or weaponise trade through tariffs. That's a short-term issue. It cannot endure, because we live in an interdependent world today where trade is interrelated and interlocked, and we have to cooperate with each other. Gone are the days when one country can dominate the trade space or the investment space, or any other space of development; those days are over, because if you look at what is happening in the world economy today, the fastest-growing economies of the world today are coming from the Global South, and that is what is sustaining and underpinning global growth.&nbsp;</p><h2>What will be the main agenda for South Africa when the world leaders gather in your country for the G20?</h2><p>This is a historical moment, not just for South Africa as the only African member state in the G20 but for the African continent. I think symbolically, this very powerful message that Africa is capable of showing leadership, and that Africa is an integral part of the global community. From a symbolic point of view, having the most powerful global platform assembled in South Africa for the summit, that is I think, a major boost for the African continent, and I think it's also a major boost for the global south in terms of showing that the global south can provide leadership, and that an African country can be at the forefront of this.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-don-t-want-to-destroy-trump-s-major-remark-on-foreign-students-in-the-us-amid-visa-crackdown-1762928360111"><strong>'I don’t want to destroy...': Trump’s major remark on foreign students in the US amid visa crackdown</strong></a></p><h2>The US president is boycotting the G20 Summit. How do you see its impact on the summit that is going to happen? Do you think that with his boycott, the grouping will weaken?</h2><p>It's unfortunate, as I've said, that the first G20 Summit, it was the USA that convened it in Washington in November 2008, which played a leading role and saw the need for such a body, and saw the need for us to act as a collective. And it's unfortunate that, as the most powerful global economy that we don't have the USA around the table. Yes, it will hurt the G20 but not at the level where&nbsp;that will&nbsp;undermine the outcome of the summit, because the G20 today is far bigger than any one of the 19 member states or the two regional organizations that make up the G20. It is not dependent on any one nation to succeed.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The G20 has been and continues to be, a group of countries addressing our common challenges and working together in an inclusive way. So if one country is absent from the table, it doesn't mean the whole table is paralysed. Yes, there's a gap there, but you have 18 other countries and two major regional organisations sitting around the table, working together in tandem. So I actually think it's a lost opportunity that the USA is not around the table. We would have liked to have them around the&nbsp;table. South&nbsp;Africa, welcome the whole world to the G20 summit. The invitation is still open, but I can assure you, we will have a substantive Summit, because we have the full commitment of all G20 members that are attending, as well as all of the heads of the major multilateral institutions that are part of the G20 and all of the guest countries that are so keen to be around the table.</p><h2>US&nbsp;President is boycotting it. The Indian Prime Minister will be there. The Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to be there. How do you see countries who are part of the global South, big economies attending it?</h2><p><br>South Africa has strong relations with the Global South. South-South cooperation is embedded in our foreign policy. In fact, it has been embedded in our foreign policy since the dawn of our democracy under President Mandela, and it has been a solid pillar of cooperation for us. And we know that we can count on the entire global south to support South Africa, and we're seeing countries like India, China, Brazil and the global south as a whole, and not just the global South.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I must say that important pillar of our foreign policy is strengthening north - south cooperation, and we have excellent relations with the entire global north, and that is why you will see all of the leaders of the G20 from the global north, with the exception of one, are quite excited to be part of the summit, because they recognize the importance of the African continent. &nbsp;By not being present at the summit in Johannesburg, it's not just a snub to the G20, it's not just a snub to South Africa. It's a snub to an entire continent of 1.4-1.5 billion, and that's how the African continent sees it. It's also a snub to the entire global South, and I think that is why we appreciate the support we get from India. India is a leading voice of the global south. So is South Africa, and we know that we can count on the support of India to ensure the success of the summit. We have no doubt about that.</p>

South Africa hosts the historic first African G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Nov 22–23, 2025, with a focus on global south debt relief, energy transitions, and inequality reduction.

Ahead of the Indian PM Modi's South Africa visit to attend the G20 summit, the country's High Commissioner to India Prof. Anil Sooklal has said that the upcoming visit "signifies the importance that India attaches to the relationship with South Africa" & the "bond" that always existed. This will be PM Modi's first visit to South Africa for the 4th time since 2014, and will include attending the IBSA summit, holding key bilateral talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, the High Commissioner hoped that India would open its prestigious IIT institute in South Africa, pointing out, "we have a shortage of skills, and especially what your IITs have done for India, and how you have provided experts to the major multinationals globally. This is one area where we'd like to see deeper cooperation". South Africa hosts the historic first African G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Nov 22–23, 2025, with a focus on global south debt relief, energy transitions, and inequality reduction. The event, however, is being boycotted by US President Donald Trump, a choice High Commissioner Sooklal cast in blunt terms. “By not being present, it’s not just a snub to the G20, it’s not just a snub to South Africa,” he said. “It’s a snub to an entire continent of 1.4 to 1.5 billion people—and that’s how Africa sees it. It’s also a snub to the entire Global South.” HC Sooklal, who has been South Africa's sherpa for BRICS, also spoke about that grouping, and other issues How do you see the India-South Africa ties? India, South Africa's relations are rooted in a common history, a shared history of struggle, a rich history that has brought both countries together on many fronts. We are connected not just on the bilateral level. We are connected on so many fronts at the multilateral level. We are members of BRICS, we are members of IBSA, we are members of the G20. We have a shared vision of the world, and we come from the same kind of background, having had a history of colonialism, of exploitation, and we have overcome that. So we have triumphed over adversity, and we are building our respective countries through cooperation. India and South Africa have always had this bond between ourselves, between our governments, between our people, even during the dark days of struggle. India was at the forefront in championing the liberation struggle of South Africa on the global scene. Now, how do you see the trajectory of the relationship going forward with high-level visits? Like PM Modi visiting South Africa? Well, the high-level visits are critical in cementing ties and further consolidating cooperation between our countries. We've been very fortunate in that the leaders of our two nations have met on a regular basis. This is Prime Minister Modi's fourth visit to South Africa in less than a decade. And that is substantial. It also signifies the importance that India attaches to the relationship with South Africa. In 2019, President Ramaphosa was the chief guest at India's Republic Day. So the leaders meeting on a regular basis gives us an opportunity to reflect on the progress we are making in terms of the relationship and to chart new avenues of cooperation. So as much as Prime Minister Modi is going to be attending the G20 Summit, as well as the IBSA Summit, which is also taking place on the margins of the G20 Summit, he will also have a bilateral meeting with President Ramaphosa, and I think again, they will take stock of this relationship and also look at measures that can be put in place to further expand a very solid relationship, and to look at cooperation in addressing global challenges, not just at the bilateral level, but also in the multilateral institutions that we work so closely together. Also Read: Lavrov blames US for failed Putin-Trump talks; Kremlin says Ukraine will have to come to table 'sooner or later' Perhaps you can shed some light on areas like defence, like development cooperation, like agriculture. What kind of cooperation do both sides have? We have excellent cooperation in all of these sectors. In fact, if you look at the relationship, since we opened up diplomatic ties between our two countries just over three decades ago, it has grown at such a rapid pace. Now, if you look at cooperation in terms of the key sectors where we have tremendous growth, there are five or six key sectors. India is known as the pharmaceutical hub of the world. You have a very strong pharmaceutical medical sector, and we saw this during Covid, when you offered assistance to the global community, including South Africa and Africa. And we cooperate very strongly. We have a number of the major Indian pharmaceutical companies housed in South Africa, and we are looking at joint manufacturing in partnership with the Indian companies. Medical pharmaceutical sector is expanding tremendously. But of course, India has tremendous strength in new technologies, ICT. So I think in terms of new technologies, India is at the forefront and I think Prime Minister Modi has been very magnanimous in saying that whatever new technologies India discovers, they are prepared to share with the global partners, and they're doing that with South Africa. We have had delegations coming to India to look at, for example, the issue of DPI, where India is a global leader, and that's something that South Africa is also trying to put in place. Also, if you look at cooperation in terms of skills and capacity, you have the ITEC program. A number of South Africans have benefited from the ITEC program. India has been an important resource for us in addressing our skill shortages and building capacity. But are you looking at some kind of cooperation on education? Because India has been increasingly going abroad to establish its campuses. We saw the IIT campus being established in Africa. Yes, education is a very important area of cooperation. In fact, I was raised with MEA, when the first IIT was established in Zanzibar about three years ago, and I spoke then to MEA to say, why don't you also bring a similar model to South Africa, because that is our need. We have a shortage of skills, and especially what your IITs have done for India, and how you have provided experts to the major multinationals globally. This is one area where we'd like to see deeper cooperation, and I hope sometime soon we'll have an IIT in South Africa as well. What has been their response? They have been quite happy to look at it. I think we will take these discussions forward, and hopefully these are some of the areas that our leaders will speak about in terms of strengthening cooperation, because education is the future of any nation. As President Mandela said, Education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change society. Both countries are part of the BRICS grouping. You have been the Sherpa of the BRICS grouping at a very historic juncture where the grouping got that major expansion as well. Perhaps if you can talk about the future of this grouping and some inside scoops about how the expansion happened. Well, look, I think first and foremost, I was reflecting on the fact that BRICS started as an informal gathering of foreign ministers way back in 2006 and next year will mark the 20th anniversary of BRICS coming together as a group. And I think it's very appropriate that India is taking over the chairship at a very critical time. BRICS has become a powerful force in the global scenario. It is no longer a group that is trying to find its feet. It's firmly established itself. It's a powerful group of countries, and as you rightfully pointed out, in 2023 when we chaired, there were over 40 countries asking to become members of BRICS, and everyone was surprised, including our partners from the Global North. Why this sudden surge from the global community in wanting to associate it with one global grouping, but no other global grouping, but BRICS. Obviously, BRICS has been doing something that has been positive and has had a positive impact on the global community. Therefore, the surge of countries and of course, expansion was not an easy process, because when you have small group of five countries that have found mechanisms and a comfort zone in terms of cooperating together and suddenly to expand by another five countries, as was the case in 2023, 100% expansion of the group, that is not easy to assimilate new members. But fortunately, we are like-minded countries, the new members have been able to assimilate and consolidate, and BRICS hasn't faltered. There are countries that perceive BRICS as a threat, and the President of the United States has been particularly singling out BRICS in terms of the grouping, saying that the tariffs will be imposed on these countries. What's your sense like? The rise of the power BRICS in the global scenario, not just its political importance, but also the gravity it has, economically, the gravity it has in terms of new technologies and of course, when you speak of power, you also speak of military gravity. Now, these are not light countries. These are weighty countries. And perhaps for the first time since the dawn of the post-Second World War period, you have countries outside the domain of the so-called Global West that are powerful countries, that can stand on their own two feet, no matter how much you politicise or weaponise trade through tariffs. That's a short-term issue. It cannot endure, because we live in an interdependent world today where trade is interrelated and interlocked, and we have to cooperate with each other. Gone are the days when one country can dominate the trade space or the investment space, or any other space of development; those days are over, because if you look at what is happening in the world economy today, the fastest-growing economies of the world today are coming from the Global South, and that is what is sustaining and underpinning global growth. What will be the main agenda for South Africa when the world leaders gather in your country for the G20? This is a historical moment, not just for South Africa as the only African member state in the G20 but for the African continent. I think symbolically, this very powerful message that Africa is capable of showing leadership, and that Africa is an integral part of the global community. From a symbolic point of view, having the most powerful global platform assembled in South Africa for the summit, that is I think, a major boost for the African continent, and I think it's also a major boost for the global south in terms of showing that the global south can provide leadership, and that an African country can be at the forefront of this. Also Read: 'I don’t want to destroy...': Trump’s major remark on foreign students in the US amid visa crackdown The US president is boycotting the G20 Summit. How do you see its impact on the summit that is going to happen? Do you think that with his boycott, the grouping will weaken? It's unfortunate, as I've said, that the first G20 Summit, it was the USA that convened it in Washington in November 2008, which played a leading role and saw the need for such a body, and saw the need for us to act as a collective. And it's unfortunate that, as the most powerful global economy that we don't have the USA around the table. Yes, it will hurt the G20 but not at the level where that will undermine the outcome of the summit, because the G20 today is far bigger than any one of the 19 member states or the two regional organizations that make up the G20. It is not dependent on any one nation to succeed. The G20 has been and continues to be, a group of countries addressing our common challenges and working together in an inclusive way. So if one country is absent from the table, it doesn't mean the whole table is paralysed. Yes, there's a gap there, but you have 18 other countries and two major regional organisations sitting around the table, working together in tandem. So I actually think it's a lost opportunity that the USA is not around the table. We would have liked to have them around the table. South Africa, welcome the whole world to the G20 summit. The invitation is still open, but I can assure you, we will have a substantive Summit, because we have the full commitment of all G20 members that are attending, as well as all of the heads of the major multilateral institutions that are part of the G20 and all of the guest countries that are so keen to be around the table. US President is boycotting it. The Indian Prime Minister will be there. The Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to be there. How do you see countries who are part of the global South, big economies attending it? South Africa has strong relations with the Global South. South-South cooperation is embedded in our foreign policy. In fact, it has been embedded in our foreign policy since the dawn of our democracy under President Mandela, and it has been a solid pillar of cooperation for us. And we know that we can count on the entire global south to support South Africa, and we're seeing countries like India, China, Brazil and the global south as a whole, and not just the global South. I must say that important pillar of our foreign policy is strengthening north - south cooperation, and we have excellent relations with the entire global north, and that is why you will see all of the leaders of the G20 from the global north, with the exception of one, are quite excited to be part of the summit, because they recognize the importance of the African continent. By not being present at the summit in Johannesburg, it's not just a snub to the G20, it's not just a snub to South Africa. It's a snub to an entire continent of 1.4-1.5 billion, and that's how the African continent sees it. It's also a snub to the entire global South, and I think that is why we appreciate the support we get from India. India is a leading voice of the global south. So is South Africa, and we know that we can count on the support of India to ensure the success of the summit. We have no doubt about that.

<p>South Africa hosts the historic first African G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Nov 22–23, 2025, with a focus on global south debt relief, energy transitions, and inequality reduction.</p>

South Africa High Commissioner Prof Sooklal says PM Modi’s G20 visit shows India-South Africa bond; hopes for IIT campus

<p>Cambodia on Thursday (Nov 13) evacuated hundreds of people from a village near its disputed border with Thailand. The development comes a day after a villager was reportedly killed as tensions flared up between neighbours, threatening the collapse of a peace deal brokered by the United States in July. Both countries accused each other of opening fire along the disputed part of their border.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The shooting on Wednesday, which claimed a villager's life, took place two days after a Thai soldier lost a foot on Monday (Nov 10) to a land mine while patrolling another area of the border. Accusing Cambodia of laying fresh landmines, the Thai foreign ministry demanded an apology from Cambodia.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boat-carrying-over-300-people-sinks-near-thailand-malaysia-border-hundreds-missing-1762700971398"><strong>Boat carrying over 300 people sinks near Thailand-Malaysia border, hundreds missing</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On Tuesday, Thailand declared that it was suspending an enhanced ceasefire agreement that the two nations signed in the presence of United States President Donald Trump.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Denying the charges, Cambodia urged Thailand to abide by the agreed-upon October deal, which was built on the initial ceasefire negotiation held by Trump to end the day's fighting in July.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In July, fighting erupted between Thai and Cambodian troops over five days, with 43 people killed and 300,000 displaced in the worst clashes along the border in a decade. Donald Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement between the two nations in Malaysia this October, after the US president previously threatened to withhold trade privileges from the two countries unless they stopped fighting.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The border dispute dates back centuries, originating from maps drawn when Cambodia was under French colonial rule and which Thailand says are inaccurate. A scattering of temples along the border is claimed by both sides.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-cambodia-border-clash-how-a-temple-colonial-errors-nationalist-politics-refuel-grudge-preah-vihear-hun-sen-pm-paetongtarn-shinawatra-175"><strong>Thailand - Cambodia border clash: How a centuries-old temple, colonial errors and nationalist politics are refueling an old grudge</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The ownership of the Preah Vihear Temple and surrounding areas became a major cause of friction between the two countries. Tensions have escalated over territorial claims, especially after the UNESCO designation of the temple in 2008. Periodic clashes, including skirmishes and the death of villagers, have led to diplomatic and military standoffs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The Trump-brokered peace deal collapsed this week after a Thai soldier lost a leg in a landmine explosion along the Cambodia border. 

Cambodia on Thursday (Nov 13) evacuated hundreds of people from a village near its disputed border with Thailand. The development comes a day after a villager was reportedly killed as tensions flared up between neighbours, threatening the collapse of a peace deal brokered by the United States in July. Both countries accused each other of opening fire along the disputed part of their border. The shooting on Wednesday, which claimed a villager's life, took place two days after a Thai soldier lost a foot on Monday (Nov 10) to a land mine while patrolling another area of the border. Accusing Cambodia of laying fresh landmines, the Thai foreign ministry demanded an apology from Cambodia. Also Read: Boat carrying over 300 people sinks near Thailand-Malaysia border, hundreds missing On Tuesday, Thailand declared that it was suspending an enhanced ceasefire agreement that the two nations signed in the presence of United States President Donald Trump. Denying the charges, Cambodia urged Thailand to abide by the agreed-upon October deal, which was built on the initial ceasefire negotiation held by Trump to end the day's fighting in July. In July, fighting erupted between Thai and Cambodian troops over five days, with 43 people killed and 300,000 displaced in the worst clashes along the border in a decade. Donald Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement between the two nations in Malaysia this October, after the US president previously threatened to withhold trade privileges from the two countries unless they stopped fighting. The border dispute dates back centuries, originating from maps drawn when Cambodia was under French colonial rule and which Thailand says are inaccurate. A scattering of temples along the border is claimed by both sides. Also Read: Thailand - Cambodia border clash: How a centuries-old temple, colonial errors and nationalist politics are refueling an old grudge The ownership of the Preah Vihear Temple and surrounding areas became a major cause of friction between the two countries. Tensions have escalated over territorial claims, especially after the UNESCO designation of the temple in 2008. Periodic clashes, including skirmishes and the death of villagers, have led to diplomatic and military standoffs.

<p>The Trump-brokered peace deal collapsed this week after a Thai soldier lost a leg in a landmine explosion along the Cambodia border.&nbsp;</p>

Cambodia evacuates hundreds after villager’s death on disputed Thai Border; Trump-Brokered peace deal collapses

<p>US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered clarification on President Donald Trump's recent remarks regarding the H-1B visa reforms, indicating a more balanced stance by the administration. He explained that the vision of Trump is to leverage “skilled foreign talent” to help train American workers before they return to their home countries.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday (local time), Bessent labelled Trump's approach a "home run", saying that it aligns with the president's goal of bringing industries such as semiconductors back to the US without disrupting long-term employment goals of the nation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He further noted that, although the administration prioritises American jobs, it acknowledges the short-term need for foreign expertise in critical sectors like defence, shipbuilding, and semiconductors. "For 20, 30 years, we have offshored precision manufacturing jobs. And the President's point here is we can't snap our fingers and say 'you're going to learn how to build ships overnight.' We want to bring the semiconductor industry back to the US," Fox News quoted Bessent as saying.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The President's vision here is to bring in overseas workers, who have the skills, for three, five, or seven years to train the US workers; then they can go home, and the US workers fully take over," he added.</p><h3>Trump softens his stance on H-1B visa</h3><p>The statements of Bessent followed a day after Trump's interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Tuesday, where the President seemed to have softened his decision on his aggressive approach of the administration that pushes reforms in the H-1B visa. He also acknowledged the need to import specialised foreign talent to fill critical roles in the American workforce.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Defending the value of skilled immigrant workers, Trump argued during the interview that the US cannot simply repurpose long-term unemployed Americans for mixed and complex roles in manufacturing and defence sectors without any extensive training.</p>

Scott Bessent called Trump's approach a "home run", saying that it aligns with the president's goal of bringing industries such as semiconductors back to the US without disrupting long-term employment goals of the nation.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered clarification on President Donald Trump's recent remarks regarding the H-1B visa reforms, indicating a more balanced stance by the administration. He explained that the vision of Trump is to leverage “skilled foreign talent” to help train American workers before they return to their home countries. In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday (local time), Bessent labelled Trump's approach a "home run", saying that it aligns with the president's goal of bringing industries such as semiconductors back to the US without disrupting long-term employment goals of the nation. He further noted that, although the administration prioritises American jobs, it acknowledges the short-term need for foreign expertise in critical sectors like defence, shipbuilding, and semiconductors. "For 20, 30 years, we have offshored precision manufacturing jobs. And the President's point here is we can't snap our fingers and say 'you're going to learn how to build ships overnight.' We want to bring the semiconductor industry back to the US," Fox News quoted Bessent as saying. "The President's vision here is to bring in overseas workers, who have the skills, for three, five, or seven years to train the US workers; then they can go home, and the US workers fully take over," he added. Trump softens his stance on H-1B visa The statements of Bessent followed a day after Trump's interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Tuesday, where the President seemed to have softened his decision on his aggressive approach of the administration that pushes reforms in the H-1B visa. He also acknowledged the need to import specialised foreign talent to fill critical roles in the American workforce. Defending the value of skilled immigrant workers, Trump argued during the interview that the US cannot simply repurpose long-term unemployed Americans for mixed and complex roles in manufacturing and defence sectors without any extensive training.

<p>Scott Bessent called Trump's approach a "home run", saying that it aligns with the president's goal of bringing industries such as semiconductors back to the US without disrupting long-term employment goals of the nation.</p>

'Train us and then go home': US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explains Trump’s new take on H-1B visa

The White House confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump’s legal counsel has filed a lawsuit against the BBC

White House: Trump's Legal Counsel Has Filed Lawsuit Against BBC 

<p>US President Donald Trump has responded to the claims that the gold decor in the Oval Office was from Home Depot, ie, plastic painted. Trump was giving a tour of the redecorated White House to the Fox News host Laura Ingraham, highlighting the Trumpian taste. Late in September, Trump claimed that he had transformed the White House into a “24-karat-gold” haven, but some sceptics pointed out the uncanny resemblance to the moulded inlays, which are actually sold at Home Depot for $58.07 a pop.</p><h2>Ingraham slips in questions about the authenticity of White House gold&nbsp;</h2><p>Fox News host Laura Ingraham slipped in a question about the rumour while the President gave her a tour. Ingraham explicitly asked whether the accents were actually from the store. Trump responded, "No, this is not Home Depot stuff. This is not Home Depot."</p><p>"You can't imitate gold. There's no paint that imitates gold," Trump boasted. Ingraham later posted on her Facebook page, “In the Oval Office with President Trump and can confirm that it is REAL gold!”</p>

<p>Trump has previously shown off how he is redecorating the Oval Office to make it feel more like Mar-a-Lago. “It becomes more and more beautiful with love — you know, we handle it with great love — and 24-karat gold,” he said. “That always helps, too.”</p><p>Trump's massive White House reconstruction project is ongoing. He said that the East Wing, which was demolished to make way for a new ballroom, “looked like hell.”</p><p>“It was a poor, sad sight, and I could have built the ballroom around it, but it would not have been — we’re building one of the greatest ballrooms in the world,” &nbsp;said Trump to Ingraham.</p><p>Trump is constructing a 90,000 sq ft ballroom, when asked about the rumours that Melania Trump did not “love” the demolition of the East Wing. “She loved her little, tiny office. But you know what? She’s very smart. In about one day she was thinking — if you would ask her now, she says it’s great,” said Trump.&nbsp;</p>

Donald Trump refutes rumours that the Oval Office gold decor came from Home Depot, insisting it’s real 24-karat gold during a Fox News tour with Laura Ingraham.

US President Donald Trump has responded to the claims that the gold decor in the Oval Office was from Home Depot, ie, plastic painted. Trump was giving a tour of the redecorated White House to the Fox News host Laura Ingraham, highlighting the Trumpian taste. Late in September, Trump claimed that he had transformed the White House into a “24-karat-gold” haven, but some sceptics pointed out the uncanny resemblance to the moulded inlays, which are actually sold at Home Depot for $58.07 a pop. Ingraham slips in questions about the authenticity of White House gold Fox News host Laura Ingraham slipped in a question about the rumour while the President gave her a tour. Ingraham explicitly asked whether the accents were actually from the store. Trump responded, "No, this is not Home Depot stuff. This is not Home Depot." "You can't imitate gold. There's no paint that imitates gold," Trump boasted. Ingraham later posted on her Facebook page, “In the Oval Office with President Trump and can confirm that it is REAL gold!”

<p>Donald Trump refutes rumours that the Oval Office gold decor came from Home Depot, insisting it’s real 24-karat gold during a Fox News tour with Laura Ingraham.</p>

Trump responds to claims of 'home depot' gold in white house on Laura Ingraham show

<p>The United States has officially stopped minting pennies after more than two centuries, bringing an end to one of the country's oldest and most familiar coins. The final penny was struck on Wednesday (Nov 12) at the Philadelphia Mint by US Treasurer Brandon Beach, marking the close of a 232-year production run. Acting Mint Director Kristie McNally said that while the general production of new pennies "concludes today, the penny's legacy lives on."</p><h2><strong>Will the US pennies be removed from the market?</strong></h2><p>According to AFP, around 300 billion pennies are currently in circulation, and for now, Americans can still use the one-cent coin. However, with the end of production, no new ones will enter the system. The move, long debated in Washington, is part of an effort to reduce unnecessary government spending.</p><p>President Donald Trump had first called for the penny’s retirement in February, arguing that it was important to slash government spending.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-has-a-meltdown-over-new-epstein-emails-calls-it-a-democrat-trap-1762998376011"><strong>Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Why has the US stopped production of pennies?</strong></h2><p>Producing a coin worth one cent costs more than three cents. As Trump put it, "For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful!". In his February "Truth" the POTUS said that he instructed his Secretary of the US Treasury to stop producing new pennies. "Let's rip the waste out of our great nations budget, even if it's a penny at a time," he added on Truth Social.</p>

<p>The penny has been part of American life since 1792, when it was authorised by the Coinage Act. Early versions were made of pure copper and much larger than the coins used today. Modern pennies are composed of copper-plated zinc, a change introduced in 1982 to reduce costs. Despite the switch, the price of production has continued to climb — from 1.42 cents a decade ago to 3.69 cents today, according to the Mint.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-saint-or-sinner-british-artist-crucifies-donald-trump-in-shocking-new-sculpture-1762244146589"><strong>'Saint or Sinner?': British artist crucifies Donald Trump in shocking new sculpture</strong></a></p><p>The debate over the coin's future has been ongoing for years, with repeated proposals in Congress to phase it out. However, the previous proposals all failed.&nbsp;</p>

The US has officially stopped minting pennies after 232 years, ending production to cut costs. The last penny was struck at the Philadelphia Mint on Nov 12. Here's all you need to know.

The United States has officially stopped minting pennies after more than two centuries, bringing an end to one of the country's oldest and most familiar coins. The final penny was struck on Wednesday (Nov 12) at the Philadelphia Mint by US Treasurer Brandon Beach, marking the close of a 232-year production run. Acting Mint Director Kristie McNally said that while the general production of new pennies "concludes today, the penny's legacy lives on." Will the US pennies be removed from the market? According to AFP, around 300 billion pennies are currently in circulation, and for now, Americans can still use the one-cent coin. However, with the end of production, no new ones will enter the system. The move, long debated in Washington, is part of an effort to reduce unnecessary government spending. President Donald Trump had first called for the penny’s retirement in February, arguing that it was important to slash government spending. Also read | Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap' Why has the US stopped production of pennies? Producing a coin worth one cent costs more than three cents. As Trump put it, "For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful!". In his February "Truth" the POTUS said that he instructed his Secretary of the US Treasury to stop producing new pennies. "Let's rip the waste out of our great nations budget, even if it's a penny at a time," he added on Truth Social.

<p>The US has officially stopped minting pennies after 232 years, ending production to cut costs. The last penny was struck at the Philadelphia Mint on Nov 12. Here's all you need to know.</p>

'Penny for your thoughts': US stops minting pennies after 232 years. Here's why

After 43 days, the U.S. Government shutdown, the longest in American history, ends after trump signed the congress approved short-term funding bill. Meanwhile, a parallel crisis is unfolding in the economic data world:
Key October jobs and inflation reports may never be published.
Trump said government operations will resume.

US Government Shutdown Ends After Record 43 Days

The U.S. Supreme court will hear arguments on federal reserve governor Lisa Cook Sueing president trump for firing her. On January 21st, the court will hear arguments in the case that has no precedent.


US Supreme Court Takes Up Trump’s Challenge Against Federal Reserve Decision

House Democrats have released new emails from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that mention former President Donald Trump. The emails raise renewed questions about Trump’s past interactions with Epstein, though the White House has called the release a “political smear.” The documents are part of an ongoing debate over transparency and the public’s right to information regarding high-profile figures linked to Epstein.


New Epstein Emails that Mention Trump Released by House Democrats 

Epstien Emails: House Democrats have released thousands of pages of Jeffrey Epstein’s emails, including messages where Epstein wrote that President Trump “spent hours” with one of Epstein’s victims. These newly disclosed communications suggest that Epstein believed Trump knew more about the abuse allegations than he has publicly acknowledged. 


Epstein Emails: House Democrats Release Epstein Emails Suggesting Trump Knew About Abuse 

<p>The White House came out swinging on Wednesday (Nov 12), dismissing fresh claims that US President Donald Trump was aware of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse of minors. Calling the recently released collection of shocking emails "a manufactured hoax" by Democrats, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted that Trump "did nothing wrong". This comes as House Democrats released a batch of emails suggesting that Epstein believed Trump knew about his crimes and had spent time with one of his victims. In one 2011 email to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein allegedly wrote that Trump "spent hours" with the woman later identified as Virginia Giuffre. "He has never once been mentioned," Epstein said, while referring to Trump as "that dog that hasn't barked".</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-has-a-meltdown-over-new-epstein-emails-calls-it-a-democrat-trap-1762998376011"><strong>Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>White House defends Trump's honour</strong></h2><p>Addressing the media during a press briefing, Leavitt insisted that Trump kicked out Epstein from Mar-a-Lago years ago, because he was "a paedophile and a creep." She said that the emails that were recently made public "prove absolutely nothing other than the fact that President Trump did nothing wrong."</p><p>Trump's press secretary claimed that the current "administration has done more with respect to transparency when it comes to Jeffrey Epstein than any administration ever." She said that the Justice Department has "turned over thousands of documents" to the American people, and that the administration was cooperating with the House of Representatives’ oversight committee. "That’s part of the reason you are seeing these documents that were released today," she said, hogging credit for the Democrat revelations.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-33-000-pages-released-yet-they-re-heavily-redacted-full-transparency-or-just-a-pacifier-for-maga-1756890944032"><strong>Epstein files: 33,000 pages released, yet they're heavily redacted. 'Full transparency' or just a pacifier for MAGA?</strong></a></p><p>Leavitt then accused Democrats of leaking the emails to distract from the ongoing government shutdown fight. "There are no coincidences in Washington," she said. "It is not a coincidence that the Democrats leaked these emails to the fake news this morning ahead of Republicans reopening the government."</p><p>She also alleged that "now they're talking about it all of a sudden because President Trump is in the Oval Office," but "when Joe Biden was sitting in there, the Democrats never brought this up." She added that it "wasn’t an issue that they cared about because they actually don't care about the victims in these cases."</p><h2><strong>What do the emails show?</strong></h2><p>The emails, released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, establish linkages between Trump and Epstein. Among them is a 2011 message from Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell in which he claimed Trump "spent hours" with Virginia Giuffre. Another 2019 email shows Epstein allegedly telling author Michael Wolff that "of course he [Trump] knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop."</p><p>Trump and Epstein were once friends, photographed together multiple times during the 1990s and early 2000s, before reportedly falling out in 2004 over a property dispute. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex-trafficking minors.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The White House dismissed fresh claims that Donald Trump knew of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse, calling leaked emails from Democrats “a manufactured hoax.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump “did nothing wrong” and had banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago years before his arrest.

The White House came out swinging on Wednesday (Nov 12), dismissing fresh claims that US President Donald Trump was aware of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse of minors. Calling the recently released collection of shocking emails "a manufactured hoax" by Democrats, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted that Trump "did nothing wrong". This comes as House Democrats released a batch of emails suggesting that Epstein believed Trump knew about his crimes and had spent time with one of his victims. In one 2011 email to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein allegedly wrote that Trump "spent hours" with the woman later identified as Virginia Giuffre. "He has never once been mentioned," Epstein said, while referring to Trump as "that dog that hasn't barked". Also read | Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap' White House defends Trump's honour Addressing the media during a press briefing, Leavitt insisted that Trump kicked out Epstein from Mar-a-Lago years ago, because he was "a paedophile and a creep." She said that the emails that were recently made public "prove absolutely nothing other than the fact that President Trump did nothing wrong." Trump's press secretary claimed that the current "administration has done more with respect to transparency when it comes to Jeffrey Epstein than any administration ever." She said that the Justice Department has "turned over thousands of documents" to the American people, and that the administration was cooperating with the House of Representatives’ oversight committee. "That’s part of the reason you are seeing these documents that were released today," she said, hogging credit for the Democrat revelations. Also read | Epstein files: 33,000 pages released, yet they're heavily redacted. 'Full transparency' or just a pacifier for MAGA? Leavitt then accused Democrats of leaking the emails to distract from the ongoing government shutdown fight. "There are no coincidences in Washington," she said. "It is not a coincidence that the Democrats leaked these emails to the fake news this morning ahead of Republicans reopening the government." She also alleged that "now they're talking about it all of a sudden because President Trump is in the Oval Office," but "when Joe Biden was sitting in there, the Democrats never brought this up." She added that it "wasn’t an issue that they cared about because they actually don't care about the victims in these cases." What do the emails show? The emails, released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, establish linkages between Trump and Epstein. Among them is a 2011 message from Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell in which he claimed Trump "spent hours" with Virginia Giuffre. Another 2019 email shows Epstein allegedly telling author Michael Wolff that "of course he [Trump] knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop." Trump and Epstein were once friends, photographed together multiple times during the 1990s and early 2000s, before reportedly falling out in 2004 over a property dispute. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex-trafficking minors.

<p>The White House dismissed fresh claims that Donald Trump knew of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse, calling leaked emails from Democrats “a manufactured hoax.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump “did nothing wrong” and had banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago years before his arrest.</p>

White House says 'he did nothing wrong’ after shocking Epstein emails claim Trump 'spent hours' with victim

<p>Donald Trump pushed back hard on Wednesday (Nov 12) against renewed allegations linking him to Jeffrey Epstein. After Democrats released a new batch of emails suggesting the US president may have been aware of Epstein’s sexual abuse of minors and had spent time with one of his victims, Trump, in a Truth Social post, accused the Democrats of setting a "trap". The emails, made public by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, include a 2011 message from Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell in which he claimed Trump "spent hours" with Virginia Giuffre — the woman who later became one of Epstein's main accusers. Another 2019 email shows Epstein allegedly telling author Michael Wolff that "of course he [Trump] knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop."</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-33-000-pages-released-yet-they-re-heavily-redacted-full-transparency-or-just-a-pacifier-for-maga-1756890944032"><strong>Epstein files: 33,000 pages released, yet they're heavily redacted. 'Full transparency' or just a pacifier for MAGA?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Trump has a meltdown over Epstein emails</strong></h2><p>Trump, however, has dismissed the emails as a political stunt. On Truth Social, he claimed that "The Democrats are trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax again because they'll do anything at all to deflect on how badly they've done on the Shutdown, and so many other subjects," he wrote, warning Republicans not to fall into a "trap" by supporting the release.</p><p>Calling his supporters to rally against the Democrats, he insisted, "There should be no deflections to Epstein or anything else, and any Republicans involved should be focused only on opening up our Country, and fixing the massive damage caused by the Democrats!"</p><p>He claimed that the Democrats "cost our Country $1.5 Trillion Dollars with their recent antics of viciously closing our Country, while at the same time putting many at risk — and they should pay a fair price."</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-beatings-starvation-rape-threats-un-panel-accuses-israel-of-systematic-torture-of-palestinians-1762993864850"><strong>'Severe beatings, starvation, rape threats': UN panel accuses Israel of 'systematic torture' of Palestinians</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>What White House said about the latest Trump-Epstein revelation</strong></h2><p>White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that "President Trump did nothing wrong," and claimed the emails proved "absolutely nothing." She insisted that Trump kicked out Epstein from Mar-a-Lago years ago, because he was "a paedophile and a creep."</p><p>Leavitt accused Democrats of leaking the emails to distract from the ongoing government shutdown fight. "There are no coincidences in Washington," she said. "It is not a coincidence that the Democrats leaked these emails to the fake news this morning ahead of Republicans reopening the government."</p><p>Leavitt also alleged that "now they're talking about it all of a sudden because President Trump is in the Oval Office," but "when Joe Biden was sitting in there, the Democrats never brought this up." She added that it "wasn’t an issue that they cared about because they actually don't care about the victims in these cases."</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

US President Donald Trump has lashed out at Democrats over newly released emails that appear to link him to Jeffrey Epstein, calling the allegations “a trap” and “a hoax.” Here's what he said.

Donald Trump pushed back hard on Wednesday (Nov 12) against renewed allegations linking him to Jeffrey Epstein. After Democrats released a new batch of emails suggesting the US president may have been aware of Epstein’s sexual abuse of minors and had spent time with one of his victims, Trump, in a Truth Social post, accused the Democrats of setting a "trap". The emails, made public by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, include a 2011 message from Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell in which he claimed Trump "spent hours" with Virginia Giuffre — the woman who later became one of Epstein's main accusers. Another 2019 email shows Epstein allegedly telling author Michael Wolff that "of course he [Trump] knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop." Also read | Epstein files: 33,000 pages released, yet they're heavily redacted. 'Full transparency' or just a pacifier for MAGA? Trump has a meltdown over Epstein emails Trump, however, has dismissed the emails as a political stunt. On Truth Social, he claimed that "The Democrats are trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax again because they'll do anything at all to deflect on how badly they've done on the Shutdown, and so many other subjects," he wrote, warning Republicans not to fall into a "trap" by supporting the release. Calling his supporters to rally against the Democrats, he insisted, "There should be no deflections to Epstein or anything else, and any Republicans involved should be focused only on opening up our Country, and fixing the massive damage caused by the Democrats!" He claimed that the Democrats "cost our Country $1.5 Trillion Dollars with their recent antics of viciously closing our Country, while at the same time putting many at risk — and they should pay a fair price." Also read | 'Severe beatings, starvation, rape threats': UN panel accuses Israel of 'systematic torture' of Palestinians

<p>US President Donald Trump has lashed out at Democrats over newly released emails that appear to link him to Jeffrey Epstein, calling the allegations “a trap” and “a hoax.” Here's what he said.</p>

Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap'

<p>United States President Donald Trump asked President Isaac Herzog to Pardon Benjamin Netanyahu. This time, he formally wrote a letter to the Israeli head of state on Wednesday (Nov 12), &nbsp;seeking a pardon for Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is facing trials on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He allegedly accepted gifts and offered regulatory favours for positive media coverage. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing, claiming the cases are politically motivated.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“It is my honour to write to you at this historic time, as we have, together, just secured peace that has been sought for at least 3,000 years,” Trump said in his letter, as reported by The Times of Israel.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-force-is-coming-will-the-isf-be-another-rule-by-proxy-for-palestinians-like-the-british-mandate-period-1762502061155"><strong>Gaza Force is coming: Will the ISF be another rule by proxy for Palestinians, like the British Mandate period?</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive Time Prime Minister,” writes Trump, “and is now leading Israel into a time of peace, which includes my continued work with key Middle East leaders to add many additional countries to the world-changing Abraham Accords.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The US president emphasised that “I absolutely respect the independence of the Israeli Justice System,” but decries the corruption charges against Netanyahu as a “political, unjustified prosecution.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Calling his relationship Israeli head of state as 'great', Trump further wrote, “Isaac, we have established a great relationship, one that I am very thankful for and honored by, and we agreed as soon as I was inaugurated in January that the focus had to be centered on finally bringing the hostages home and getting the peace agreement done,” Trump concludes. “Now that we have achieved these unprecedented successes, and are keeping Hamas in check, it is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending that lawfare once and for all.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-issues-arrest-warrants-netanyahu-36-israeli-officials-gaza-genocide-1762599413049"><strong>Turkey issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu &amp; 36 Israeli officials over Gaza “genocide”</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Last Month, during his speech in the Israeli Parliament, Trump urged Herzog to pardon Bibi Netanyahu. “Hey, I have an idea. “Mr President, why don’t you give him a pardon?”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Following President Trump's Knesset address, members of the cabinet from the Likud party also signed a letter calling on President Isaac Herzog to grant a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.<br>&nbsp;</p>

President Trump, during his speech to the Israeli parliament, directly called for a pardon for Netanyahu and has now formally sent a letter to the Israeli head of state.


United States President Donald Trump asked President Isaac Herzog to Pardon Benjamin Netanyahu. This time, he formally wrote a letter to the Israeli head of state on Wednesday (Nov 12), seeking a pardon for Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is facing trials on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He allegedly accepted gifts and offered regulatory favours for positive media coverage. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing, claiming the cases are politically motivated. “It is my honour to write to you at this historic time, as we have, together, just secured peace that has been sought for at least 3,000 years,” Trump said in his letter, as reported by The Times of Israel. Also Read: Gaza Force is coming: Will the ISF be another rule by proxy for Palestinians, like the British Mandate period? “I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive Time Prime Minister,” writes Trump, “and is now leading Israel into a time of peace, which includes my continued work with key Middle East leaders to add many additional countries to the world-changing Abraham Accords.” The US president emphasised that “I absolutely respect the independence of the Israeli Justice System,” but decries the corruption charges against Netanyahu as a “political, unjustified prosecution.” Calling his relationship Israeli head of state as 'great', Trump further wrote, “Isaac, we have established a great relationship, one that I am very thankful for and honored by, and we agreed as soon as I was inaugurated in January that the focus had to be centered on finally bringing the hostages home and getting the peace agreement done,” Trump concludes. “Now that we have achieved these unprecedented successes, and are keeping Hamas in check, it is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending that lawfare once and for all.” Also Read: Turkey issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu & 36 Israeli officials over Gaza “genocide” Last Month, during his speech in the Israeli Parliament, Trump urged Herzog to pardon Bibi Netanyahu. “Hey, I have an idea. “Mr President, why don’t you give him a pardon?” Following President Trump's Knesset address, members of the cabinet from the Likud party also signed a letter calling on President Isaac Herzog to grant a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

<p>President Trump, during his October address to the Israeli parliament, directly called for a pardon for Netanyahu and has now formally sent a letter to the Israeli head of state.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Trump writes to Israeli President Herzog, demands pardon for Netanyahu

COP30, the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, is being held in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025. This major global summit has brought together representatives from over 190 countries, including world leaders, climate scientists, and activists. 

COP30: California Governor Gavin Newsom Rebukes Trump for Skipping Climate Summit

<p>Defending the practice of allowing foreign students to study in the United States, US President Donald Trump described it as highly advantageous for business and significant for maintaining the financial health of the country's higher education system.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump warned in an interview with Fox News that cutting international student enrollment could financially hurt American universities, which depend heavily on tuition fees from overseas students.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“You don’t want to eliminate half of the students coming from all over the world and destroy our entire university and college system—I don’t want to do that. I believe it’s beneficial to have international students. I want to get along with the world," Trump said.</p><h3>Foreign students contribute “trillions of dollars" to US: Trump</h3><p>He cautioned that a sharp decline in students from countries like China forces numerous US colleges to shut down. In addition, Trump highlighted that foreign students contribute “trillions of dollars" to the US economy and pay over twice the tuition of domestic students. “I want our education system to thrive," Trump said, adding, “It’s not that I want them, but I view it as a business," Trump added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His remarks, however, contrast with past policies under his administration, which enforced stricter measures against international students, including visa revocations and deportations of those involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>When questioned about the reduction in foreign enrolment that could create more and better opportunities for the students of the US, Trump refuted the claim and argued that such a measure would negatively impact smaller colleges and historically Black universities that depended on international tuition. “Half of the US colleges would go out of business if we cut that in half," he further added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Several months ago, Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed the US embassies to temporarily suspend student visa interviews before allowing them to restart with more stringent screening.</p>

Donald Trump cautioned that a sharp decline in students from countries like China forces numerous US colleges to shut down. In addition, Trump highlighted that foreign students contribute “trillions of dollars" to the US economy and pay over twice the tuition of domestic students.

Defending the practice of allowing foreign students to study in the United States, US President Donald Trump described it as highly advantageous for business and significant for maintaining the financial health of the country's higher education system. Trump warned in an interview with Fox News that cutting international student enrollment could financially hurt American universities, which depend heavily on tuition fees from overseas students. “You don’t want to eliminate half of the students coming from all over the world and destroy our entire university and college system—I don’t want to do that. I believe it’s beneficial to have international students. I want to get along with the world," Trump said. Foreign students contribute “trillions of dollars" to US: Trump He cautioned that a sharp decline in students from countries like China forces numerous US colleges to shut down. In addition, Trump highlighted that foreign students contribute “trillions of dollars" to the US economy and pay over twice the tuition of domestic students. “I want our education system to thrive," Trump said, adding, “It’s not that I want them, but I view it as a business," Trump added. His remarks, however, contrast with past policies under his administration, which enforced stricter measures against international students, including visa revocations and deportations of those involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. When questioned about the reduction in foreign enrolment that could create more and better opportunities for the students of the US, Trump refuted the claim and argued that such a measure would negatively impact smaller colleges and historically Black universities that depended on international tuition. “Half of the US colleges would go out of business if we cut that in half," he further added. Several months ago, Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed the US embassies to temporarily suspend student visa interviews before allowing them to restart with more stringent screening.

<p>Donald Trump cautioned that a sharp decline in students from countries like China forces numerous US colleges to shut down. In addition, Trump highlighted that foreign students contribute “trillions of dollars" to the US economy and pay over twice the tuition of domestic students.</p>

'I don’t want to destroy...': Trump’s major remark on foreign students in the US amid visa crackdown

<p>Days after US President Donald Trump accused Russia of testing nuclear weapons, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday (Nov 11) that Moscow was "ready" to discuss Washington's accusations. He also clarified that Moscow will conduct nuclear tests if any other nuclear power does so. Tensions escalated between Russia and the US after Trump ordered testing of atomic weapons, claiming that Russia had carried out secret underground nuclear tests. Trump had also accused China of testing nuclear weapons in an interview with US broadcaster CBS News earlier this month.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Lavrov in his statement said, “We are ready to discuss the suspicions raised by our American colleagues regarding the possibility that we might be secretly doing something deep underground.” “Putin outlined our position back in 2023, when he was asked about this issue during one of his speeches,” Lavrov told reporters, adding, “He stated that if any of the nuclear powers conducts a nuclear weapons test – not a carrier test or a subcritical experiment, but an actual nuclear weapons test – then Russia will respond in kind.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He denied Trump's claims and said the United States could check whether Russia tested a nuclear warhead via the global seismic monitoring system. "Other tests, both subcritical, or those without a chain nuclear reaction, and carrier tests, have never been prohibited," Lavrov added.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While it is being speculated that Trump has doubled down on Putin after shelving any plans to meet him for resolving Ukraine war issue, Lavrov said that the two issues were not connected. "I would not mix the topic of nuclear tests with the topic of the Budapest summit," he said. He also said Moscow was still open to a possible meeting between Putin and Trump. “We are ready to discuss with our American colleagues the resumption of preparatory work for the proposed summit of the leaders of Russia and the United States.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Last month,&nbsp;</p>

Russia’s FM Sergei Lavrov said Moscow is ready to discuss U.S. claims it secretly conducted underground nuclear tests, denying the accusations. He added Russia would test nukes only if others do, and remains open to a Putin-Trump summit despite rising tensions over Ukraine.

Days after US President Donald Trump accused Russia of testing nuclear weapons, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday (Nov 11) that Moscow was "ready" to discuss Washington's accusations. He also clarified that Moscow will conduct nuclear tests if any other nuclear power does so. Tensions escalated between Russia and the US after Trump ordered testing of atomic weapons, claiming that Russia had carried out secret underground nuclear tests. Trump had also accused China of testing nuclear weapons in an interview with US broadcaster CBS News earlier this month. Lavrov in his statement said, “We are ready to discuss the suspicions raised by our American colleagues regarding the possibility that we might be secretly doing something deep underground.” “Putin outlined our position back in 2023, when he was asked about this issue during one of his speeches,” Lavrov told reporters, adding, “He stated that if any of the nuclear powers conducts a nuclear weapons test – not a carrier test or a subcritical experiment, but an actual nuclear weapons test – then Russia will respond in kind.” He denied Trump's claims and said the United States could check whether Russia tested a nuclear warhead via the global seismic monitoring system. "Other tests, both subcritical, or those without a chain nuclear reaction, and carrier tests, have never been prohibited," Lavrov added. While it is being speculated that Trump has doubled down on Putin after shelving any plans to meet him for resolving Ukraine war issue, Lavrov said that the two issues were not connected. "I would not mix the topic of nuclear tests with the topic of the Budapest summit," he said. He also said Moscow was still open to a possible meeting between Putin and Trump. “We are ready to discuss with our American colleagues the resumption of preparatory work for the proposed summit of the leaders of Russia and the United States.” Last month,

<p>Russia’s FM Sergei Lavrov said Moscow is ready to discuss US claims it secretly conducted underground nuclear tests, denying the accusations. He added Russia would test nukes only if others do, and remains open to a Putin-Trump summit despite rising tensions over Ukraine.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Russia rejects Trump’s allegations of underground nuclear tests, warns: ‘We would conduct a nuke test if…

<p>Turning Point CEO and the widow of late conservative speaker Charlie Kirk were present at the Oval Office during the swearing-in of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Something that stood out during the event was Trump awkwardly ‘summoning’ Erika Kirk for a kiss on the cheek. It comes two months after her husband, Charlie Kirk, was shot at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10.&nbsp;</p><p>"Charlie loved you," she told Gor, highlighting her late husband's friendship with Gor. "He would have been the first phone call when he found out if you were going to be taking this position."</p><p>"The way that I was able to witness the two of you work together for years and to champion and support the president was absolutely humbling to witness, and I am so proud of you, and Charlie is going to be with you every single day in spirit," said Erika Kirk.</p><p>People weighed in on both sides. One user commented, “No hater shit, but why are they keeping her around so much? Her late husband wasn’t even an elected official, so what’s the point of this exactly?” While another user commented that those two have known each other for a very, very, very long time. They go way back to the Epstein days.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trump called for Erika Kirk and kissed her on the cheek in the Oval Office today <a href="https://t.co/xHFFMINT12">pic.twitter.com/xHFFMINT12</a></p>&mdash; PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) <a href="https://twitter.com/patriottakes/status/1987985703658000824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Erika Kirk has attracted criticism from MAGA supporters</h2><p>Previously, Erika Kirk faced some backlash for her unusual closeness with Vice President JD Vance. The viral hug was longer than usual. It prompted a debate over whether the interaction was appropriate. She was also criticised for her offbeat behaviour during the massive televised funeral of Charlie Kirk. But she maintained that she had developed a healthy partnership with JD Vance and Usha Vance. “No one will ever replace my husband, but I do see some similarities of my husband in JD Vance. I do,” she told the audience.&nbsp;</p>

Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, appeared at the Oval Office during Sergio Gor’s swearing-in. Trump’s gesture and her closeness with MAGA figures sparked debate.

Turning Point CEO and the widow of late conservative speaker Charlie Kirk were present at the Oval Office during the swearing-in of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Something that stood out during the event was Trump awkwardly ‘summoning’ Erika Kirk for a kiss on the cheek. It comes two months after her husband, Charlie Kirk, was shot at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. "Charlie loved you," she told Gor, highlighting her late husband's friendship with Gor. "He would have been the first phone call when he found out if you were going to be taking this position." "The way that I was able to witness the two of you work together for years and to champion and support the president was absolutely humbling to witness, and I am so proud of you, and Charlie is going to be with you every single day in spirit," said Erika Kirk. People weighed in on both sides. One user commented, “No hater shit, but why are they keeping her around so much? Her late husband wasn’t even an elected official, so what’s the point of this exactly?” While another user commented that those two have known each other for a very, very, very long time. They go way back to the Epstein days.

<p>Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, appeared at the Oval Office during Sergio Gor’s swearing-in. Trump’s gesture and her closeness with MAGA figures sparked debate.</p>

Erika Kirk and Donald Trump share a kiss during the swearing in of Sergio Gor

President Donald Trump has highlighted that losing the ongoing tariff case before the U.S. Supreme Court could have severe consequences for national security and the economy.

Trump Says Defeat in Tariff Case Could Cause National Security Risk

While US President Donald Trump speaks highly of a ‘growing’ economy, economists are split on its shape. For many, the k-shaped reference seems apt, where the majority of wealth is parked with the richest. What are the long-term implications of this uneven growth? Take a look at this report for more.

US Economic Divide Deepens Across Jobs, Spending, & Markets 

While US President Donald Trump speaks highly of a ‘growing’ economy, economists are split on its shape. For many, the k-shaped reference seems apt, where the majority of wealth is parked with the richest. What are the long-term implications of this uneven growth? Take a look at this report for more.


US Economic Divide Deepens Across Jobs, Spending, & Markets

<p>US President Donald Trump asked the apex court of America on Monday (Nov 1) to throw out the jury's finding in a civil lawsuit filed against him for allegedly sexually abusing the writer E Jean Carroll. As per the lawsuit, he committed the crime at a Manhattan department store in the mid-1990s and later defamed her.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Carroll is a longtime advice columnist and former TV talk show host. She testified at a 2023 trial against Trump, which alleged that the duo had a friendly encounter at the store across the street from Trump Tower. But the Republican turned into a crime scene by sexually abusing Carroll in a dressing room. The lawsuit also alleged that in October 2022, Trump defamed her.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-s-next-for-america-as-dems-join-hands-with-republicans-to-end-govt-shutdown-here-s-what-to-expect-1762834602312">What's next for America? Here's what to expect as bill passes to end shutdown</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What do Trump's lawyers say?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Trump's legal team argued that the $5 million verdict was “propped up” by a “series of indefensible evidentiary rulings” that allowed Carroll’s lawyers to present “highly inflammatory propensity evidence” against him.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump's legal team, led by Justin D Smith, a St Louis, Missouri-based attorney, called the lawsuit a “politically motivated hoax” against the US president.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“President Trump has clearly and consistently denied that this supposed incident ever occurred. No physical or DNA evidence corroborates Carroll’s story. There were no eyewitnesses, no video evidence, and no police report or investigation," Smith and his team said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-calls-ukraine-s-war-hopes-delusional-1762781125249">Russia calls Ukraine’s war hopes ‘delusional’, claims capture of three villages</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In September this year, Trump’s lawyers first indicated they would appeal to the Supreme Court against the lawsuit. At that time, Carroll's lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, said, "We do not believe that President Trump will be able to present any legal issues in the Carroll cases that merit review by the United States Supreme Court.”</p>

Carroll is a longtime advice columnist and former TV talk show host. She testified at a 2023 trial against Trump, which alleged that the duo had a friendly encounter at the store across the street from Trump Tower.

US President Donald Trump asked the apex court of America on Monday (Nov 1) to throw out the jury's finding in a civil lawsuit filed against him for allegedly sexually abusing the writer E Jean Carroll. As per the lawsuit, he committed the crime at a Manhattan department store in the mid-1990s and later defamed her. Carroll is a longtime advice columnist and former TV talk show host. She testified at a 2023 trial against Trump, which alleged that the duo had a friendly encounter at the store across the street from Trump Tower. But the Republican turned into a crime scene by sexually abusing Carroll in a dressing room. The lawsuit also alleged that in October 2022, Trump defamed her. Also read: What's next for America? Here's what to expect as bill passes to end shutdown What do Trump's lawyers say? Meanwhile, Trump's legal team argued that the $5 million verdict was “propped up” by a “series of indefensible evidentiary rulings” that allowed Carroll’s lawyers to present “highly inflammatory propensity evidence” against him. Trump's legal team, led by Justin D Smith, a St Louis, Missouri-based attorney, called the lawsuit a “politically motivated hoax” against the US president. “President Trump has clearly and consistently denied that this supposed incident ever occurred. No physical or DNA evidence corroborates Carroll’s story. There were no eyewitnesses, no video evidence, and no police report or investigation," Smith and his team said. Also read: Russia calls Ukraine’s war hopes ‘delusional’, claims capture of three villages In September this year, Trump’s lawyers first indicated they would appeal to the Supreme Court against the lawsuit. At that time, Carroll's lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, said, "We do not believe that President Trump will be able to present any legal issues in the Carroll cases that merit review by the United States Supreme Court.”

<p>Carroll is a longtime advice columnist and former TV talk show host. She testified at a 2023 trial against Trump, which alleged that the duo had a friendly encounter at the store across the street from Trump Tower.</p>

Trump vs Carroll: US president asks apex court to throw jury’s finding in sexual assault case, calls lawsuit ‘politically motivated hoax’

<p>On June 17, 1971, then US President Richard Nixon declared drug abuse America’s public enemy number one and pledged a world-wide offensive to deal with the sources of supply. Educational programmes at home would complement the offensive.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Nixon never uttered the words War on Drugs. But that’s what the media called it, turning it into a commonly used phrase both in the United States and elsewhere. At the height of the Vietnam War, Nixon’s decision reflected public concern over the widespread addiction to heroin among troops returning home.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Nixon’s vision was that America’s drug epidemic could be ended by cracking down on the production and processing of drugs and curbing the insatiable demand for them in the United States. Eight of the presidents who succeeded Nixon largely adopted his philosophy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Drug cultivation, processing and transporting to the United States were treated as criminal business. Drug sales, use and possession were illegal in America. The substances considered most destructive for society changed over the years. Nixon’s enemy number one was heroin.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the two terms of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, the government’s anti-drug campaign was focused on cocaine and crack cocaine. A new effort to suppress demand came with a slogan coined by the president’s wife, Nancy. “Just Say No” featured in television messages and a long series of speeches. Drug users paid little attention.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>What various campaigns over the years had in common was that the officials pushing them were civilians, as were domestic violators of drug laws. Under Regan, spending on law enforcement and interdiction tripled. The number of Americans incarcerated for non-violent drug offences exploded under Reagan, from 50,000 to more than 400,000.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For 54 years, anti-drug initiatives came under the umbrella of civilian laws. No longer.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the eighth month of Donald Trump’s second term, his administration came up with a novel doctrine that likened centres of the global drug industry to terrorist organisations like al Qaeda or ISIS. The government argument that major drug cartels are Foreign Terrorist Organisations blurs the line between law enforcement and warfare.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Trump administration shrugged off criticism from legal scholars and even some members of his Republican Party. Beginning on September 2, the U.S. military began blowing up speedboats suspected of carrying drugs. By the end of the first week of November, air strikes destroyed 18 vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, killing at least 70 people.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rand Paul, a Republican Senator from Kentucky, called it a campaign of “extrajudicial killings”, a legal term that translates into “murder.” United Nations officials and human rights organisations agreed. Volker Türk, the U.N’s High Commissioner said the American airstrikes “violate international human rights law.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Democratic Party leaders held that Trump did not have the authority to use military force the way he did without congressional approval and therefore his actions violated the constitution. They stressed that the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump’s response: “I don’t think we are going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war. I think we are just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. OK? We’re going to kill them. They are going to be, like, dead.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This differs sharply from decades of routine practice of dealing with vessels suspected of carrying drugs. They would be intercepted by Coast Guard ships, boarded by Coast Guard personnel, arrested and taken to the U.S. to be charged and tried.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Coast Guard is not involved in the campaign Trump launched in September. Instead, the U.S. has amassed a huge naval force in the Caribbean. It includes guided missile destroyers and cruisers, as well as at least one submarine. America’s biggest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford, is making its way towards the region, expected to arrive this week.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The massive display of firepower is Trump’s version of the gunboat diplomacy the big powers of the 19th century used to impose their will on smaller nations. The</p><p>modern version is meant to intimidate the anti-American dictator of Venezuela, Nicholas Maduro, whose backers include Russia, China and Iran.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Most of the speedboats blown to bits by American drones or missiles came from Venezuela and U.S. authorities have accused Maduro of being the leader of a major drug organization. The administration has offered a $50 million reward for his arrest.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Experts on drug trafficking rate Venezuela as a relatively minor player in the global business, serving mainly as a transit hub. It is worth noting that Venezuela was not even mentioned in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment report, a voluminous document that goes into the fine detail of the world-spanning trade.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the equally detailed 2025 report, Venezuelan drugs rate just two paragraphs devoted to the activities of two drug gangs inside the United States. Both reports, compiled by agents in the field, seasoned experts in Washington and electronic intelligence, stress the importance of a major shift from plant-based drugs like cocaine and heroin, to synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Given this fundamental change, America’s massive military build-up in the Caribbean looks more designed to achieve regime change in Venezuela than slowing the flow of drugs. Maduro himself has accused Washington of aiming at “regime change through military threat.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump has confirmed in public that he has ordered “covert CIA operations” in Venezuela and said that after halting traffic across the sea “we are certainly looking at land now.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This comes from a leader who has campaigned for years against the “endless wars” his predecessors waged in Afghanistan and Iraq. Most military analysts warn that military action against Venezuela would be difficult and protracted.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a television interview as the bomb strikes on speedboats gathered pace, Trump was asked if he thought Maduro’s days as Venezuela’s president were numbered. His reply: “I would say, ‘Yeah. I think so, Yeah.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I would file that under Wishful Thinking.</p>

In the two terms of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, the government’s anti-drug campaign was focused on cocaine. A new effort to suppress demand came with a slogan coined by the president’s wife, Nancy. “Just Say No” featured in television messages and a long series of speeches.

On June 17, 1971, then US President Richard Nixon declared drug abuse America’s public enemy number one and pledged a world-wide offensive to deal with the sources of supply. Educational programmes at home would complement the offensive. Nixon never uttered the words War on Drugs. But that’s what the media called it, turning it into a commonly used phrase both in the United States and elsewhere. At the height of the Vietnam War, Nixon’s decision reflected public concern over the widespread addiction to heroin among troops returning home. Nixon’s vision was that America’s drug epidemic could be ended by cracking down on the production and processing of drugs and curbing the insatiable demand for them in the United States. Eight of the presidents who succeeded Nixon largely adopted his philosophy. Drug cultivation, processing and transporting to the United States were treated as criminal business. Drug sales, use and possession were illegal in America. The substances considered most destructive for society changed over the years. Nixon’s enemy number one was heroin. In the two terms of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, the government’s anti-drug campaign was focused on cocaine and crack cocaine. A new effort to suppress demand came with a slogan coined by the president’s wife, Nancy. “Just Say No” featured in television messages and a long series of speeches. Drug users paid little attention. What various campaigns over the years had in common was that the officials pushing them were civilians, as were domestic violators of drug laws. Under Regan, spending on law enforcement and interdiction tripled. The number of Americans incarcerated for non-violent drug offences exploded under Reagan, from 50,000 to more than 400,000. For 54 years, anti-drug initiatives came under the umbrella of civilian laws. No longer. In the eighth month of Donald Trump’s second term, his administration came up with a novel doctrine that likened centres of the global drug industry to terrorist organisations like al Qaeda or ISIS. The government argument that major drug cartels are Foreign Terrorist Organisations blurs the line between law enforcement and warfare. The Trump administration shrugged off criticism from legal scholars and even some members of his Republican Party. Beginning on September 2, the U.S. military began blowing up speedboats suspected of carrying drugs. By the end of the first week of November, air strikes destroyed 18 vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, killing at least 70 people. Rand Paul, a Republican Senator from Kentucky, called it a campaign of “extrajudicial killings”, a legal term that translates into “murder.” United Nations officials and human rights organisations agreed. Volker Türk, the U.N’s High Commissioner said the American airstrikes “violate international human rights law.” Democratic Party leaders held that Trump did not have the authority to use military force the way he did without congressional approval and therefore his actions violated the constitution. They stressed that the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela. Trump’s response: “I don’t think we are going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war. I think we are just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. OK? We’re going to kill them. They are going to be, like, dead.” This differs sharply from decades of routine practice of dealing with vessels suspected of carrying drugs. They would be intercepted by Coast Guard ships, boarded by Coast Guard personnel, arrested and taken to the U.S. to be charged and tried. The Coast Guard is not involved in the campaign Trump launched in September. Instead, the U.S. has amassed a huge naval force in the Caribbean. It includes guided missile destroyers and cruisers, as well as at least one submarine. America’s biggest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford, is making its way towards the region, expected to arrive this week. The massive display of firepower is Trump’s version of the gunboat diplomacy the big powers of the 19th century used to impose their will on smaller nations. The modern version is meant to intimidate the anti-American dictator of Venezuela, Nicholas Maduro, whose backers include Russia, China and Iran. Most of the speedboats blown to bits by American drones or missiles came from Venezuela and U.S. authorities have accused Maduro of being the leader of a major drug organization. The administration has offered a $50 million reward for his arrest. Experts on drug trafficking rate Venezuela as a relatively minor player in the global business, serving mainly as a transit hub. It is worth noting that Venezuela was not even mentioned in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment report, a voluminous document that goes into the fine detail of the world-spanning trade. In the equally detailed 2025 report, Venezuelan drugs rate just two paragraphs devoted to the activities of two drug gangs inside the United States. Both reports, compiled by agents in the field, seasoned experts in Washington and electronic intelligence, stress the importance of a major shift from plant-based drugs like cocaine and heroin, to synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine. Given this fundamental change, America’s massive military build-up in the Caribbean looks more designed to achieve regime change in Venezuela than slowing the flow of drugs. Maduro himself has accused Washington of aiming at “regime change through military threat.” Trump has confirmed in public that he has ordered “covert CIA operations” in Venezuela and said that after halting traffic across the sea “we are certainly looking at land now.” This comes from a leader who has campaigned for years against the “endless wars” his predecessors waged in Afghanistan and Iraq. Most military analysts warn that military action against Venezuela would be difficult and protracted. In a television interview as the bomb strikes on speedboats gathered pace, Trump was asked if he thought Maduro’s days as Venezuela’s president were numbered. His reply: “I would say, ‘Yeah. I think so, Yeah.” I would file that under Wishful Thinking.

<p>In the two terms of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, the government’s anti-drug campaign was focused on cocaine. A new effort to suppress demand came with a slogan coined by the president’s wife, Nancy. “Just Say No” featured in television messages and a long series of speeches.</p>

Once a critic of 'endless wars', Trump wades into the world’s longest war

India-U.S.- US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about ongoing trade negotiations with India, stating that the two countries are close to finalizing a "very different" and fair trade deal. Trump acknowledged past unfair agreements but emphasized progress towards a deal beneficial for both sides. He highlighted the strong relationship with Indian Prime Minister Modi and US Ambassador Sergio Gor, who has strengthened ties. 

India-U.S.- Trump Optimistic as US Nears Fair Trade Deal with India

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