US President Donald Trump has said he will be “unhappy” if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire soon after their summit in Alaska. “I want to see a ceasefire, rapidly. I don’t know if it’s going to be today, but I’m not going to be happy if it’s not today. Everyone said it can’t be today, but I’m just saying I want the killing to stop,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One. Trump said there was “nothing set in stone” ahead of the talks but stressed that a ceasefire was among the “certain things” he hoped to secure.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-moscow-still-killing-on-day-of-trump-putin-meeting-zelensky-says-russia-doesn-t-want-to-end-war-kyiv-is-counting-on-america-1755275152891">‘Moscow still killing on day of Trump-Putin meeting’: Zelensky says Russia 'doesn't want to end war'; Kyiv is ‘counting on America’</a><h2>‘Europe’s not telling me what to do’</h2>The president said he was not acting as a European representative but would take allied views into account. “This is not to do with Europe. Europe’s not telling me what to do,” he said. “But they’re going to be involved in the process, obviously, along with (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky,” he added. He described Putin as a “smart guy” with whom he shares “a good respect level”. “Been doing it for a long time, but so have I,” he said.<h2>‘I’m in this to stop the killing’</h2>Trump said his priority was halting the conflict, pointing to recent heavy losses. “They lost last week 7011 people, almost all soldiers; 36 people in a town which got hit by a missile. Over 7,000 soldiers. It’s crazy,” he said. While he noted that the US is profiting from weapons sales to NATO allies, Trump insisted that was not his main concern. “What I do care about is they lost last week 7011 people… it’s crazy,” he said.<h2>Push for trilateral summit</h2>Trump has repeatedly said his ultimate goal is to arrange a three-way meeting between himself, Putin and Zelensky “almost immediately”. He told Fox News he would be able to judge within minutes whether the Alaska talks would succeed and was ready to walk away “real fast” if they did not go well. The president added he was not there to negotiate on Ukraine’s behalf but to “get Putin to the table”.<h2>Warning of severe consequences for Russia</h2>Trump repeated his earlier warning that Russia could face “severe consequences” if it shows no willingness to end the war. “Economically severe. It will be very severe. I’m not doing this for my health, okay, I don’t need it. I’d like to focus on our country, but I’m doing this to save a lot of lives,” he said.

President Trump said he wants a rapid ceasefire after meeting Putin, warning he’ll be “unhappy” if it doesn’t happen. He added Europe won’t dictate terms but will be involved.

US President Donald Trump has said he will be “unhappy” if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire soon after their summit in Alaska. “I want to see a ceasefire, rapidly. I don’t know if it’s going to be today, but I’m not going to be happy if it’s not today. Everyone said it can’t be today, but I’m just saying I want the killing to stop,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One. Trump said there was “nothing set in stone” ahead of the talks but stressed that a ceasefire was among the “certain things” he hoped to secure. Also read: ‘Moscow still killing on day of Trump-Putin meeting’: Zelensky says Russia 'doesn't want to end war'; Kyiv is ‘counting on America’ ‘Europe’s not telling me what to do’ The president said he was not acting as a European representative but would take allied views into account. “This is not to do with Europe. Europe’s not telling me what to do,” he said. “But they’re going to be involved in the process, obviously, along with (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky,” he added. He described Putin as a “smart guy” with whom he shares “a good respect level”. “Been doing it for a long time, but so have I,” he said. ‘I’m in this to stop the killing’ Trump said his priority was halting the conflict, pointing to recent heavy losses. “They lost last week 7011 people, almost all soldiers; 36 people in a town which got hit by a missile. Over 7,000 soldiers. It’s crazy,” he said. While he noted that the US is profiting from weapons sales to NATO allies, Trump insisted that was not his main concern. “What I do care about is they lost last week 7011 people… it’s crazy,” he said. Push for trilateral summit Trump has repeatedly said his ultimate goal is to arrange a three-way meeting between himself, Putin and Zelensky “almost immediately”. He told Fox News he would be able to judge within minutes whether the Alaska talks would succeed and was ready to walk away “real fast” if they did not go well. The president added he was not there to negotiate on Ukraine’s behalf but to “get Putin to the table”. Warning of severe consequences for Russia Trump repeated his earlier warning that Russia could face “severe consequences” if it shows no willingness to end the war. “Economically severe. It will be very severe. I’m not doing this for my health, okay, I don’t need it. I’d like to focus on our country, but I’m doing this to save a lot of lives,” he said.

President Trump said he wants a rapid ceasefire after meeting Putin, warning he’ll be “unhappy” if it doesn’t happen. He added Europe won’t dictate terms but will be involved.

'I want to see a ceasefire, rapidly': Trump says he will be ‘unhappy’ if no deal is reached today ahead of Putin talks

The Kremlin expresses hope that the Alaska summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will produce meaningful results, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader US-Russia relations.


Trump-Putin Meet: Kremlin Hopes Alaska Summit Brings Result

Hillary Clinton revealed on the Raging Moderates podcast that she would “honestly” nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, but only if he successfully brings an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.


Breaking: Hillary Clinton Says She Would Support Trump for Nobel Peace Prize- With a Catch

U.S. President Donald Trump is traveling to Alaska to hold high-stakes talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on the conflict in Ukraine and exploring potential solutions for peace and stability in the region.


Breaking: Trump-Putin Meet: U.S. President departs for Alaska For Ukraine Talks 

US President Donald Trump sparked conversations about his cognitive health after mistakenly referring to the Russian city of St. Petersburg as “Leningrad” in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. The gaffe fueled speculation about possible dementia, as it came days after Trump mistakenly said that he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia, instead of Alaska. Netizens were quick to point out that Leningrad officially reverted to its historic name in 1991, following a city referendum. Some users noted the irony, recalling Trump’s 1987 visit to both Moscow and Leningrad when he sought to expand his real estate empire in Russia. The series of missteps raised questions about Trump’s mental sharpness ahead of the high-stakes summit with the Russian president.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dementia? <a href="https://t.co/8sOMP9hwNh">pic.twitter.com/8sOMP9hwNh</a>&mdash; Sarah Longwell (@SarahLongwell25) <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahLongwell25/status/1955604315596345368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump in Leningrad, circa 1987. His head is still there, circa 2025 <a href="https://t.co/MBVyGljHbP">pic.twitter.com/MBVyGljHbP</a>&mdash; ITDUDE Fella (@The_Real_ITDUDE) <a href="https://twitter.com/The_Real_ITDUDE/status/1955624125008859317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>‘If I got Moscow and Leningrad free…’</h2>US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Aug 13) blasted at “fake news” media over its coverage of his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine ceasefire talks in Alaska on Friday (Aug 15). Trump also slammed “fired losers and really dumb people like John Bolton in a fiery post on his Truth Social platform. Trump wrote, “What’s that all about? We are winning on EVERYTHING. The Fake News is working overtime (No tax on overtime!). If I got Moscow and Leningrad free, as part of the deal with Russia, the Fake News would say that I made a bad deal!”<h2>Trump-Putin meeting</h2>It was confirmed on Friday (Aug 8) that Trump will meet with Putin on August 15 to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Both the Kremlin and the White House confirmed the summit. The US had proposed a tri-party meeting between Putin, Trump and Zelensky, but Putin expressed his reservations about the same. Trump has now said that he would know withing two minutes of the meeting with Putin if he is interested in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. This will be the first in-person summit between Trump and Putin after they last held the Helsinki Summit in 2018 in Finland. They met briefly at the 2019 G20 Summit in Osaka, but no formal summit was held.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-trump-warns-of-severe-consequences-if-putin-doesn-t-end-ukraine-war-1755159222604/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-trump-warns-of-severe-consequences-if-putin-doesn-t-end-ukraine-war-1755159222604/embed</a><h2>Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency</h2>White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday revealed that Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a blood circulation issue, after “mild swelling was noticed in his lower legs.” Leavitt was addressing concerns over visible swelling in President Trump’s ankles and bruising on his hand when she made the disclosure and said that it was assessed to be “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin” as a preventative heart-health measure.<h2>Donald Trump's health report</h2> In April this year, the White House released a report by its physician stating Trump is in "excellent cognitive and physical health." In the first annual physical of his second presidential term, Trump was also found to have scarring "on the right ear from a gunshot wound", after an assassination attempt last July. "President Trump remains in excellent health, exhibiting robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical function," his doctor, Captain Sean Barbabella, said in a memo. At 78, Trump is the oldest president to take office.

Trump sparked concerns about his cognitive health after calling St. Petersburg “Leningrad” on Truth Social and mistakenly saying he'd meet Putin in Russia, not Alaska. Users noted Leningrad’s renaming in 1991 and recalled Trump’s 1987 Russia visit.

US President Donald Trump sparked conversations about his cognitive health after mistakenly referring to the Russian city of St. Petersburg as “Leningrad” in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. The gaffe fueled speculation about possible dementia, as it came days after Trump mistakenly said that he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia, instead of Alaska. Netizens were quick to point out that Leningrad officially reverted to its historic name in 1991, following a city referendum. Some users noted the irony, recalling Trump’s 1987 visit to both Moscow and Leningrad when he sought to expand his real estate empire in Russia. The series of missteps raised questions about Trump’s mental sharpness ahead of the high-stakes summit with the Russian president.

Trump sparked concerns about his cognitive health after calling St. Petersburg “Leningrad” on Truth Social and mistakenly saying he'd meet Putin in Russia, not Alaska. Users noted Leningrad’s renaming in 1991 and recalled Trump’s 1987 Russia visit.

St Petersburg or 'Leningrad'? Trump sparks dementia rumours ahead of meeting with Putin

Russia is reportedly preparing to test its new nuclear-armed, nuclear-powered cruise missile. The potential test comes as President Vladimir Putin prepares for discussions with US President Donald Trump on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.


Putin-Trump Meeting Looms as Russia Plans Nuclear Missile Test 

The United States authorities have secretly placed location devices in targeted shipments of AI advanced chips, which, according to them, are at high risk of illegal diversion to China, two people familiar with a previously unreported law enforcement tactic said, Reuters reported.&nbsp;The Trump administration took this step to detect AI chips being diverted to destinations that are under US export restrictions. Moreover, it has been applied to only select shipments, the people said.&nbsp;This comes even after the Trump administration has tried to ease curbs on Chinese access to advanced US semiconductors. It further reflects the lengths to which the US has been moving to enforce its chip export restrictions on China.<h2>What are these trackers, and how will they help?</h2>These location trackers are decades-old investigative tools, used by the US law enforcement agencies to track products subject to export restrictions, like airplane parts.&nbsp;In the past, these trackers were used to combat the illegal diversion of semiconductors, according to one of the sources.&nbsp;The trackers are normally hidden in the package of the server shipments, the sources said, adding that they are not aware of which parties were involved in installing them.&nbsp;The people familiar with the matter said that these trackers will help in building cases against people and companies who profit from violating US export controls.&nbsp;According to a Reuters report, five other people, who are involved in the AI server supply chain, said that they are aware of the use of the trackers in shipments of servers from manufacturers including Dell and Super Micro.&nbsp;The sources further alleged that the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, which oversees export controls and enforcement, is typically involved in this, while Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation may take part too.&nbsp;

The Trump administration took this step to detect AI chips being diverted to destinations that are under US export restrictions. Moreover, it has been applied to only select shipments, according to sources.

The United States authorities have secretly placed location devices in targeted shipments of AI advanced chips, which, according to them, are at high risk of illegal diversion to China, two people familiar with a previously unreported law enforcement tactic said, Reuters reported. The Trump administration took this step to detect AI chips being diverted to destinations that are under US export restrictions. Moreover, it has been applied to only select shipments, the people said. This comes even after the Trump administration has tried to ease curbs on Chinese access to advanced US semiconductors. It further reflects the lengths to which the US has been moving to enforce its chip export restrictions on China. What are these trackers, and how will they help? These location trackers are decades-old investigative tools, used by the US law enforcement agencies to track products subject to export restrictions, like airplane parts. In the past, these trackers were used to combat the illegal diversion of semiconductors, according to one of the sources. The trackers are normally hidden in the package of the server shipments, the sources said, adding that they are not aware of which parties were involved in installing them. The people familiar with the matter said that these trackers will help in building cases against people and companies who profit from violating US export controls. According to a Reuters report, five other people, who are involved in the AI server supply chain, said that they are aware of the use of the trackers in shipments of servers from manufacturers including Dell and Super Micro. The sources further alleged that the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, which oversees export controls and enforcement, is typically involved in this, while Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation may take part too.

The Trump administration took this step to detect AI chips being diverted to destinations that are under US export restrictions. Moreover, it has been applied to only select shipments, according to sources.

US, China still not friends? Trump admin 'secretly' placing trackers in AI chip shipment to catch illegal exports to China

All eyes are on US President Donald trump's meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin next week in Alaska for Ukraine peace talks.  But trump's claim of an economic windfall from higher tariff collections ahead of that meeting seems to be playing another narrative. In July, the US Budget deficit jumped 20 percent from a year earlier to 291 billion dollars, despite a record surge in tariff revenues.


Trump Tariffs: US Marks Worst Ever Debt Crisis Amid BRICS Challenge

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (Aug 11) took to X and shared that he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a vital phone call in which they discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The two leaders, he said, have also "agreed to plan a personal meeting in September during the UN General Assembly and to work on an exchange of visits". However, as per sources, "it has not yet been decided if PM would be going to UNGA or not". News of the two world leaders' prospective meeting comes as India faces heightened pressure from the United States to stop buying cheaper oil from Russia and even accused the South Asian nation of "financing" Russia's war against Ukraine.<h2>Vital Mode-Zelensky meeting could happen next month</h2>Indian PM Modi and Ukrainian President Zelensky were earlier scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the G7 meeting in Canada in June. However, the meeting could&nbsp;not&nbsp;happen at the time.Given the current India-US tensions that have seen India plastered with allegations of financing Russia's war against Ukraine, next month's meeting at the UNGA holds high importance. However, as mentioned above, sources have told WION that it was not yet decided if PM Modi would be taking part in the upcoming 80th session of the UNGA, set to open on September 9.<h2>What if PM Modi skips the UNGA meet?</h2>The India PM's name is part of a provisional list of speakers for the high-level General Debate that has issued by the United States, reported PTI earlier. This points to the likelihood that Modi would be in attendance. However, in case he skips the UNGA session, diplomatic bilateral talks between Ukraine and India are still possible.Last year, PM Modi chose not to address the United Nations General Assembly session in the US. In his stead, Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar represented the nation at the UNGA session. This could happen again next month, and Jaishankar and Zelensky might end up having the high-profile talks.

Ukrainian President Zelensky said he and Indian PM Narendra Modi have agreed to plan a meeting during next month's UNGA meeting. The talks come amid US pressure on India over Russian oil purchases. The timing suggests that it may carry hidden message for the US. All you need to know.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (Aug 11) took to X and shared that he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a vital phone call in which they discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The two leaders, he said, have also "agreed to plan a personal meeting in September during the UN General Assembly and to work on an exchange of visits". However, as per sources, "it has not yet been decided if PM would be going to UNGA or not". News of the two world leaders' prospective meeting comes as India faces heightened pressure from the United States to stop buying cheaper oil from Russia and even accused the South Asian nation of "financing" Russia's war against Ukraine. Vital Mode-Zelensky meeting could happen next month Indian PM Modi and Ukrainian President Zelensky were earlier scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the G7 meeting in Canada in June. However, the meeting could not happen at the time. Given the current India-US tensions that have seen India plastered with allegations of financing Russia's war against Ukraine, next month's meeting at the UNGA holds high importance. However, as mentioned above, sources have told WION that it was not yet decided if PM Modi would be taking part in the upcoming 80th session of the UNGA, set to open on September 9. What if PM Modi skips the UNGA meet? The India PM's name is part of a provisional list of speakers for the high-level General Debate that has issued by the United States, reported PTI earlier. This points to the likelihood that Modi would be in attendance. However, in case he skips the UNGA session, diplomatic bilateral talks between Ukraine and India are still possible. Last year, PM Modi chose not to address the United Nations General Assembly session in the US. In his stead, Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar represented the nation at the UNGA session. This could happen again next month, and Jaishankar and Zelensky might end up having the high-profile talks.

Ukrainian President Zelensky said he and Indian PM Narendra Modi have agreed to plan a meeting during next month's UNGA meeting. The talks come amid US pressure on India over Russian oil purchases. The timing suggests that it may carry hidden message for the US. All you need to know.

Modi-Zelensky plan to meet at UNGA. Is this a diplomatic signal to US ahead of Trump-Putin summit over Ukraine-Russia war?

Donald Trump has a new title: "the most notorious criminal," all thanks to his (ex) 'first buddy' Elon Musk's one of the most prized possessions, Grok. When asked about the crime decline in DC and the "most notorious" criminal there, the AI chatbot gave this answer in a now-deleted post. Grok, who is no stranger to controversy, bestowed the "most notorious criminal" title on Trump while referring to the US President's 35 felonies.&nbsp;This comes as POTUS Trump on Monday (Aug 11) moved to take control of the city's police force and deploy the National Guard, a move labelled “unsettling” and "unprecedented" by his critics. He did so while claiming that Washington, DC, was "overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals," citing the recent assault on a former DOGE staff member, 'Big Balls', as evidence of a wider safety crisis.<h2>WION asks Grok to confirm if Trump was in fact "the most notorious criminal" in Washington DC</h2>Since the post in which Grok called Trump “the most notorious criminal” was deleted, we asked the chatbot if the label was factual. To this, Musk's AI chatbot confirmed that, “Yes, that assessment was factual, based on Trump's 34 upheld felony convictions for falsifying business records, as confirmed by court records and sources like Newsweek and CNN.” It added that the term "'Notorious' reflects his public prominence among convicted individuals in D.C." <a href="https://x.com/grok/status/1955189782142914906">You can check Grok's answer here.</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250812/image-1754988630454.png"></figure><h2>What exactly did Grok say about Trump?</h2>A user asked Grok whether crime in the US capital was on the decline, as claimed by Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. In response the AI chatbot said, "Yes, violent crime in D.C. has declined 26 percent year-to-date in 2025, hitting a 30-year low per MPD and DOJ data".&nbsp;Another X user then chimed in with the question that triggered what could potentially deepen the rift between Trump and Musk: who, exactly, the "most notorious criminal" in DC. The X chatbot then citing the Republican's "notoriety" stated that "As for the most notorious criminal there based on convictions and notoriety, it's President Donald Trump—convicted on 34 felonies in NY, with the verdict upheld in January 2025."&nbsp;&nbsp;

After Grok’s now-deleted post calling Donald Trump “the most notorious criminal,” WION asked the chatbot if the label was factual. Grok, while confirming that the title was, in fact, correct, said THIS!

Donald Trump has a new title: "the most notorious criminal," all thanks to his (ex) 'first buddy' Elon Musk's one of the most prized possessions, Grok. When asked about the crime decline in DC and the "most notorious" criminal there, the AI chatbot gave this answer in a now-deleted post. Grok, who is no stranger to controversy, bestowed the "most notorious criminal" title on Trump while referring to the US President's 35 felonies. This comes as POTUS Trump on Monday (Aug 11) moved to take control of the city's police force and deploy the National Guard, a move labelled “unsettling” and "unprecedented" by his critics. He did so while claiming that Washington, DC, was "overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals," citing the recent assault on a former DOGE staff member, 'Big Balls', as evidence of a wider safety crisis. WION asks Grok to confirm if Trump was in fact "the most notorious criminal" in Washington DC Since the post in which Grok called Trump “the most notorious criminal” was deleted, we asked the chatbot if the label was factual. To this, Musk's AI chatbot confirmed that, “Yes, that assessment was factual, based on Trump's 34 upheld felony convictions for falsifying business records, as confirmed by court records and sources like Newsweek and CNN.” It added that the term "'Notorious' reflects his public prominence among convicted individuals in D.C." You can check Grok's answer here. What exactly did Grok say about Trump? A user asked Grok whether crime in the US capital was on the decline, as claimed by Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. In response the AI chatbot said, "Yes, violent crime in D.C. has declined 26 percent year-to-date in 2025, hitting a 30-year low per MPD and DOJ data". Another X user then chimed in with the question that triggered what could potentially deepen the rift between Trump and Musk: who, exactly, the "most notorious criminal" in DC. The X chatbot then citing the Republican's "notoriety" stated that "As for the most notorious criminal there based on convictions and notoriety, it's President Donald Trump—convicted on 34 felonies in NY, with the verdict upheld in January 2025."

After Grok’s now-deleted post calling Donald Trump “the most notorious criminal,” WION asked the chatbot if the label was factual. Grok, while confirming that the title was, in fact, correct, said THIS!

I asked Grok why it called Trump 'most notorious criminal'. It said THIS

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday (August 12) said that the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be a "listening exercise" for the US president. This comes just two days ahead of their meeting in Alaska, where the two leaders will discuss the Russia-Ukraine war and peace proposals.The meeting between Trump and Putin will take place in Anchorage, Alaska, the White House spokesperson announced on Tuesday.When asked about why Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to the Alaska Summit, Leavitt replied that the meeting came at Putin's request, relayed to Trump by special envoy Steve Witkoff after he visited Moscow."The goal of this meeting for the president is to walk away with a better understanding of how we can end this war," Leavitt told reporters.A reporter asked if Zelensky has given Trump any red lines ahead of talks with Putin. She replied, "The president has deep respect for all parties that are involved in this conflict and are trying to bring this conflict to an end."Leavitt added, "I think this is a listening exercise for the president. Look, only one party that's involved in this war is going to be present. And so this is for the president to go and to get, again, a more firm and better understanding of how we can hopefully bring this war to an end."“Sitting face to face, rather than speaking over the telephone, will give this president the best indication of how to end this war and where this is headed,” she said.On selecting Alaska as the meeting point, the White House spokesperson said, "The president is very honored and looks forward to hosting President Putin on American soil."A reporter asked Leavitt about Trump's verbal slip-up yesterday during the briefing, when he mistakenly said that he plans to go to Russia, instead of Alaska.Leavitt said Trump's plans to go to Alaska, but did not close the door to him visiting Putin in Russia down the road. "Perhaps there are plans in the future to travel to Russia and on Friday, the president will be meeting with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska, as you know," she said.

The meeting between Trump and Putin will take place in Anchorage, Alaska, the White House spokesperson announced on Tuesday.

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday (August 12) said that the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be a "listening exercise" for the US president. This comes just two days ahead of their meeting in Alaska, where the two leaders will discuss the Russia-Ukraine war and peace proposals. The meeting between Trump and Putin will take place in Anchorage, Alaska, the White House spokesperson announced on Tuesday. When asked about why Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to the Alaska Summit, Leavitt replied that the meeting came at Putin's request, relayed to Trump by special envoy Steve Witkoff after he visited Moscow. "The goal of this meeting for the president is to walk away with a better understanding of how we can end this war," Leavitt told reporters. A reporter asked if Zelensky has given Trump any red lines ahead of talks with Putin. She replied, "The president has deep respect for all parties that are involved in this conflict and are trying to bring this conflict to an end." Leavitt added, "I think this is a listening exercise for the president. Look, only one party that's involved in this war is going to be present. And so this is for the president to go and to get, again, a more firm and better understanding of how we can hopefully bring this war to an end." “Sitting face to face, rather than speaking over the telephone, will give this president the best indication of how to end this war and where this is headed,” she said. On selecting Alaska as the meeting point, the White House spokesperson said, "The president is very honored and looks forward to hosting President Putin on American soil." A reporter asked Leavitt about Trump's verbal slip-up yesterday during the briefing, when he mistakenly said that he plans to go to Russia, instead of Alaska. Leavitt said Trump's plans to go to Alaska, but did not close the door to him visiting Putin in Russia down the road. "Perhaps there are plans in the future to travel to Russia and on Friday, the president will be meeting with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska, as you know," she said.

The meeting between Trump and Putin will take place in Anchorage, Alaska, the White House spokesperson announced on Tuesday.

'Only one party involved': Trump-Putin meeting a 'listening exercise' for US president

As Jeffrey Epstein still remains in the headlines days after the FBI 's final review, British historian and author Andrew Lownie stressed that US President Donald Trump, Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew of the British royal family, were all part of the same "little group". During the Daily Beast Podcast, Lownie shed light on how the trio came together.&nbsp;The British historian alleged that Trump and Andrew were in very much the same circles, adding that they "shared interests in gold, money and sex."&nbsp;“One of the diplomats at the New York consulate said that Andrew was always hanging around the consulate, basically looking to do things, trying to bring Epstein in on any of his business trips,” Lownie claimed during the podcast.&nbsp;“And I mean, they were shocked in the embassy when they were caught overheard talking about one of Trump’s favorite words, ‘p***y," Lownie added.&nbsp;He further alleged that Trump was swapping a list of masseurs with Andrew, saying that they shared a "pretty buddy-buddy relationship".&nbsp;“Of course, though, Trump has denied knowing anything about Andrew,” Lownie continued. “I mean, there’s plenty of photographic evidence with them together in New York, in Mar-a-Lago, and elsewhere, and indeed in London... They’re all distancing themselves, but they were all part of the same little group... So I don’t think anyone can deny these people were extremely close in a particular period at the beginning of the century.”&nbsp;Earlier, Lownie, in the biography of the Duke and Duchess of York, also alleged that Prince Andrew slept with more than a dozen women in the first year of his marriage to Sarah Ferguson, aka Fergie.&nbsp;Lownie's book claimed that Andrew has had sex with over 1,000 women. This includes adult film stars, political figures, and nightclub staff and bartenders. A 20-year-old model claims that he asked her to have "kinky sex" with him. He supposedly told her that he had an open marriage.&nbsp;In another claim, Lownie talks about the King of Thailand’s Diamond Jubilee in 2006, when Prince Andrew allegedly called for 40 women to be sent to his hotel room.&nbsp;

The British historian alleged that Trump and Andrew were in very much the same circles, adding that they “shared interests in gold, money and sex.”

As Jeffrey Epstein still remains in the headlines days after the FBI 's final review, British historian and author Andrew Lownie stressed that US President Donald Trump, Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew of the British royal family, were all part of the same "little group". During the Daily Beast Podcast, Lownie shed light on how the trio came together. The British historian alleged that Trump and Andrew were in very much the same circles, adding that they "shared interests in gold, money and sex." “One of the diplomats at the New York consulate said that Andrew was always hanging around the consulate, basically looking to do things, trying to bring Epstein in on any of his business trips,” Lownie claimed during the podcast. “And I mean, they were shocked in the embassy when they were caught overheard talking about one of Trump’s favorite words, ‘p***y," Lownie added. He further alleged that Trump was swapping a list of masseurs with Andrew, saying that they shared a "pretty buddy-buddy relationship". “Of course, though, Trump has denied knowing anything about Andrew,” Lownie continued. “I mean, there’s plenty of photographic evidence with them together in New York, in Mar-a-Lago, and elsewhere, and indeed in London... They’re all distancing themselves, but they were all part of the same little group... So I don’t think anyone can deny these people were extremely close in a particular period at the beginning of the century.” Earlier, Lownie, in the biography of the Duke and Duchess of York, also alleged that Prince Andrew slept with more than a dozen women in the first year of his marriage to Sarah Ferguson, aka Fergie. Lownie's book claimed that Andrew has had sex with over 1,000 women. This includes adult film stars, political figures, and nightclub staff and bartenders. A 20-year-old model claims that he asked her to have "kinky sex" with him. He supposedly told her that he had an open marriage. In another claim, Lownie talks about the King of Thailand’s Diamond Jubilee in 2006, when Prince Andrew allegedly called for 40 women to be sent to his hotel room.

The British historian alleged that Trump and Andrew were in very much the same circles, adding that they “shared interests in gold, money and sex.”

'Gold, money and sex': Trump, Epstein, Prince Andrew, all part of same 'little group' - Here's what British historian claims

Addressing a press conference on Monday (Aug 11), United States President Donald Trump said that he will be going to Russia to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. His gaffe was quickly picked up on social media, with netizens reminding him that the US bought Alaska from Russia 150 years ago. However, there are some who suggested that Trump might not be making a mistake and his statement might be his intention. While Trump has been saying since his campaign days that he would end the Russia-Ukraine war, he has not been able to do it so far. Now, the POTUS would not want to let go of this opportunity to meet the Russian president and bank on the meeting to beat his trumpet like he did when he secured the Singapore Summit with the North Korea Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un in 2019.&nbsp;Back in 2019, Trump met North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un. It was then that Kim invited Trump to cross the border line, and Trump briefly crossed into North Korea, shook hands with Kim, and both leaders patted each other's backs. With this, Trump became the first sitting US president to cross into North Korea. Trump and Kim also signed a joint statement, titled "Joint Statement of President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the Singapore Summit", which Trump described as a "very important" and "comprehensive" agreement.&nbsp;If Trump is planning any such photo-op with the Russian counterpart, it might not be possible, as the Bering Strait separates Alaska from Russia, and there are no man-made borders between Russia and Alaska like South Korea and North Korea. Russia's Big Diomede Island is just 3.8 kilometres away from Little Diomede Island of the USA. However, by choosing Alaska as a venue, the White House has already hinted at a symbolism, and Trump might take it forward, with Alaska's roots in Russia and the cultural influence of Moscow in the State. Moreover, the Kremlin has already invited Trump to visit Russia, and if a photo-op is what Trump wants, he might as well choose Moscow as his next destination.&nbsp;<h2>Alaska was once a part of Russia</h2>The United States bought Alaska from Russia 150 years ago. The story begins when Danish explorer Vitus Bering discovered Alaska accidentally during the exploration of the Bering Strait. He was on an expedition for Tsarist Russia. According to AFP, in 1799, Tsar Paul I established the Russian-American Company to take advantage of the lucrative fur trade. However, the indigenous people were targeted, and the seals and sea otters were overexploited. As the economy went down, the Russian Empire decided to let go of Alaska. In 1867, the Russian Empire sold the territory to Washington for $7.2. At that time, the purchase was criticised and termed as 'Seward's folly' after the deal's mastermind, William Seward.&nbsp;However, the Russian influence in the area stayed, as the Russian Orthodox Church was already established in Alaska. Famously stated by former Alaska governor Sarah Palin in 2008 - "You can see Russia from land here in Alaska." While it is not possible to see Russia from the Alaskan mainland, two islands facing each other in the Bering Strait are separated by just 2.5 miles. However, Russia does not have any plan to reclaim Alaska, with Putin saying in 2014 that Alaska is “too cold.”<h2>Trump-Putin meeting&nbsp;</h2>It was confirmed on Friday (Aug 8) that Trump will meet with Putin on August 15 to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Both the Kremlin and the White House confirmed the summit. Trump suggested that the peace deal would include some exchange of land between Moscow and Kyiv, a claim that Ukrainian PM Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected. The US had proposed a tri-party meeting between Putin, Trump and Zelensky, but Putin expressed his reservations about the same. Trump has now said that he would know withing two minutes of the meeting with Putin if he is interested in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. This will be the first in-person summit between Trump and Putin after they last held the Helsinki Summit in 2018 in Finland. They met briefly at the 2019 G20 Summit in Osaka, but no formal summit was held.

At a press conference, Trump said he'll visit Russia to meet Putin, sparking online jokes about Alaska. Some think it’s intentional, not a gaffe. Trump may aim for a major photo-op like with Kim Jong Un in 2019. Alaska, once Russian, adds symbolism, but there's no land border with Russia.

Addressing a press conference on Monday (Aug 11), United States President Donald Trump said that he will be going to Russia to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. His gaffe was quickly picked up on social media, with netizens reminding him that the US bought Alaska from Russia 150 years ago. However, there are some who suggested that Trump might not be making a mistake and his statement might be his intention. While Trump has been saying since his campaign days that he would end the Russia-Ukraine war, he has not been able to do it so far. Now, the POTUS would not want to let go of this opportunity to meet the Russian president and bank on the meeting to beat his trumpet like he did when he secured the Singapore Summit with the North Korea Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un in 2019. Back in 2019, Trump met North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un. It was then that Kim invited Trump to cross the border line, and Trump briefly crossed into North Korea, shook hands with Kim, and both leaders patted each other's backs. With this, Trump became the first sitting US president to cross into North Korea. Trump and Kim also signed a joint statement, titled "Joint Statement of President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the Singapore Summit", which Trump described as a "very important" and "comprehensive" agreement. If Trump is planning any such photo-op with the Russian counterpart, it might not be possible, as the Bering Strait separates Alaska from Russia, and there are no man-made borders between Russia and Alaska like South Korea and North Korea. Russia's Big Diomede Island is just 3.8 kilometres away from Little Diomede Island of the USA. However, by choosing Alaska as a venue, the White House has already hinted at a symbolism, and Trump might take it forward, with Alaska's roots in Russia and the cultural influence of Moscow in the State. Moreover, the Kremlin has already invited Trump to visit Russia, and if a photo-op is what Trump wants, he might as well choose Moscow as his next destination. Alaska was once a part of Russia The United States bought Alaska from Russia 150 years ago. The story begins when Danish explorer Vitus Bering discovered Alaska accidentally during the exploration of the Bering Strait. He was on an expedition for Tsarist Russia. According to AFP, in 1799, Tsar Paul I established the Russian-American Company to take advantage of the lucrative fur trade. However, the indigenous people were targeted, and the seals and sea otters were overexploited. As the economy went down, the Russian Empire decided to let go of Alaska. In 1867, the Russian Empire sold the territory to Washington for $7.2. At that time, the purchase was criticised and termed as 'Seward's folly' after the deal's mastermind, William Seward. However, the Russian influence in the area stayed, as the Russian Orthodox Church was already established in Alaska. Famously stated by former Alaska governor Sarah Palin in 2008 - "You can see Russia from land here in Alaska." While it is not possible to see Russia from the Alaskan mainland, two islands facing each other in the Bering Strait are separated by just 2.5 miles. However, Russia does not have any plan to reclaim Alaska, with Putin saying in 2014 that Alaska is “too cold.” Trump-Putin meeting It was confirmed on Friday (Aug 8) that Trump will meet with Putin on August 15 to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Both the Kremlin and the White House confirmed the summit. Trump suggested that the peace deal would include some exchange of land between Moscow and Kyiv, a claim that Ukrainian PM Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected. The US had proposed a tri-party meeting between Putin, Trump and Zelensky, but Putin expressed his reservations about the same. Trump has now said that he would know withing two minutes of the meeting with Putin if he is interested in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. This will be the first in-person summit between Trump and Putin after they last held the Helsinki Summit in 2018 in Finland. They met briefly at the 2019 G20 Summit in Osaka, but no formal summit was held.

At a press conference, Trump said he'll visit Russia to meet Putin, sparking online jokes about Alaska. Some think it’s intentional, not a gaffe. Trump may aim for a major photo-op like with Kim Jong Un in 2019. Alaska, once Russian, adds symbolism, but there's no land border with Russia.

Trump planning Kim Jong Un-style summit with Putin: Will he 'walk' into Russia? Here's what we know

Former Pentagon analyst Michael Rubin believes that US President Donald Trump "is wrong in targeting India" over the South Asian nation's trade relations with Russia. The former Pentagon official and Middle East analyst in an interview pointed out that Trump's America is a buyer of several strategic minerals, including uranium hexafluoride, from Russia. He stressed that the Indian Prime Minister standing up against Trump for India's rights "be the episode that historians remember where the US truly learnt that you cannot kick India around".<h2>Ex-Pentagon official condemns Trump's actions against India</h2>In a conversation with the news agency ANI, Rubin said that Trump was wrong in targeting India for buying oil from Moscow. He pointed out the hypocrisy of the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by Trump and said that "US purchases Uranium hexafluoride and other strategic minerals from Russia...".&nbsp;He added that while the US "talks about gas from Azerbaijan as optimal," the majority of US gas supply "is Russian or Iranian, and Americans are purchasing it... ".&nbsp;Backing India's stand, insisting on the nation's right to trade as per the market, he said New Delhi was "right to stand up for its rights". Lauding PM Modi, he added that he was "standing up for India's rights is going to be the episode that historians remember where the US truly learnt that you cannot kick India around."&nbsp;Rubin predicted that the strenuous US-India relations would improve eventually. He insisted that "Donald Trump is wrong and US will try to work through that... Once this episode passes, India-US relations will improve significantly..."Watch what he said here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Washington DC, USA | On upcoming meeting between US and Russia, Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin says, &quot;Donald Trump is wrong in targeting India in this case. US purchases Uranium hexafluoride and other strategic minerals from Russia... US talks about gas from… <a href="https://t.co/8ppsS9FpeZ">pic.twitter.com/8ppsS9FpeZ</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1955031657154744724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ex-Pentagon analyst Michael Rubin criticised Donald Trump for targeting India over its trade with Russia, calling it hypocritical given US purchases of Russian minerals. He praised PM Modi for standing firm, saying it could mark a turning point in how the US treats India.

Former Pentagon analyst Michael Rubin believes that US President Donald Trump "is wrong in targeting India" over the South Asian nation's trade relations with Russia. The former Pentagon official and Middle East analyst in an interview pointed out that Trump's America is a buyer of several strategic minerals, including uranium hexafluoride, from Russia. He stressed that the Indian Prime Minister standing up against Trump for India's rights "be the episode that historians remember where the US truly learnt that you cannot kick India around". Ex-Pentagon official condemns Trump's actions against India In a conversation with the news agency ANI, Rubin said that Trump was wrong in targeting India for buying oil from Moscow. He pointed out the hypocrisy of the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by Trump and said that "US purchases Uranium hexafluoride and other strategic minerals from Russia...". He added that while the US "talks about gas from Azerbaijan as optimal," the majority of US gas supply "is Russian or Iranian, and Americans are purchasing it... ". Backing India's stand, insisting on the nation's right to trade as per the market, he said New Delhi was "right to stand up for its rights". Lauding PM Modi, he added that he was "standing up for India's rights is going to be the episode that historians remember where the US truly learnt that you cannot kick India around." Rubin predicted that the strenuous US-India relations would improve eventually. He insisted that "Donald Trump is wrong and US will try to work through that... Once this episode passes, India-US relations will improve significantly..." Watch what he said here:

Ex-Pentagon analyst Michael Rubin criticised Donald Trump for targeting India over its trade with Russia, calling it hypocritical given US purchases of Russian minerals. He praised PM Modi for standing firm, saying it could mark a turning point in how the US treats India.

'When US learnt you can't kick India around': Ex-Pentagon official slams Trump for targeting New Delhi over trade with Russia

US President Donald Trump will meet his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska on August 15, to finalise a peace deal to end the ongoing Ukraine war. However, even before their meeting, Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that his country won't give up their land to 'occupiers.' This, despite the US saying that a deal between Russia and Ukraine will include 'land swapping.' Now, critics have said Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff might be the key reason for the misunderstanding between Trump and Putin regarding the deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Steve Witkoff met Putin in Moscow for three hours. Kremlin said that Putin held "constructive" talks with Witkoff, while Trump said Witkoff held a “highly productive” meeting with Putin and that “great progress was made!” Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a TV interview that the US now has a better understanding of what conditions would be required for Russia to end the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite these official statements, Michael McFaul, who served in the Barack Obama administration, including as US ambassador to the Russian Federation, slammed Witkoff for sharing conflicting narratives about Putin's intentions in several calls with European leaders last week. Witkoff reportedly told European leaders that Moscow will withdraw from the southern regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson in exchange for full control of Donetsk Oblast, reported The Wall Street Journal. However, a day later,&nbsp;Witkoff said that Putin would withdraw and freeze the front line. In yet another call, Witkoff said that the Russian leader wanted Ukraine to withdraw from Donetsk in exchange for a ceasefire. Garry Kasparov, Russian political activist said, "Like so most of Trump's appointees, Witkoff's only qualification is that Trump is sure he will put Trump's personal interests and desires over American national interests without a second thought. Of course, he's incompetent."<h2>Trump-Putin meeting</h2>It was confirmed on Friday (Aug 8) that Trump will meet with Putin on August 15 to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed the summit in an online statement. The two leaders will "focus on discussing options for achieving a long-term peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis," Putin aide Yuri Ushakov said. Trump said that the highly anticipated meeting would take place in Alaska. He also suggested that the deal would include some exchange of land. Earlier, the US had proposed that there should be a tri-party meeting between Putin, Trump and Zelensky. Russian President Putin said he is ready to meet Trump, but expressed his reservations about meeting Zelensky at this stage. Now, critics say that if reports are true and if Witkoff did not understand Putin's stance on land-swap, then the meeting between Trump and Putin might turn out to be inconclusive despite both leaders meeting after 2018.

US President Donald Trump will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska. Both sides have confirmed the meeting and the wrold is looking at a possible peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. But will it be a reality?

US President Donald Trump will meet his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska on August 15, to finalise a peace deal to end the ongoing Ukraine war. However, even before their meeting, Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that his country won't give up their land to 'occupiers.' This, despite the US saying that a deal between Russia and Ukraine will include 'land swapping.' Now, critics have said Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff might be the key reason for the misunderstanding between Trump and Putin regarding the deal. Steve Witkoff met Putin in Moscow for three hours. Kremlin said that Putin held "constructive" talks with Witkoff, while Trump said Witkoff held a “highly productive” meeting with Putin and that “great progress was made!” Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a TV interview that the US now has a better understanding of what conditions would be required for Russia to end the war. Despite these official statements, Michael McFaul, who served in the Barack Obama administration, including as US ambassador to the Russian Federation, slammed Witkoff for sharing conflicting narratives about Putin's intentions in several calls with European leaders last week. Witkoff reportedly told European leaders that Moscow will withdraw from the southern regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson in exchange for full control of Donetsk Oblast, reported The Wall Street Journal. However, a day later, Witkoff said that Putin would withdraw and freeze the front line. In yet another call, Witkoff said that the Russian leader wanted Ukraine to withdraw from Donetsk in exchange for a ceasefire. Garry Kasparov, Russian political activist said, "Like so most of Trump's appointees, Witkoff's only qualification is that Trump is sure he will put Trump's personal interests and desires over American national interests without a second thought. Of course, he's incompetent." Trump-Putin meeting It was confirmed on Friday (Aug 8) that Trump will meet with Putin on August 15 to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed the summit in an online statement. The two leaders will "focus on discussing options for achieving a long-term peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis," Putin aide Yuri Ushakov said. Trump said that the highly anticipated meeting would take place in Alaska. He also suggested that the deal would include some exchange of land. Earlier, the US had proposed that there should be a tri-party meeting between Putin, Trump and Zelensky. Russian President Putin said he is ready to meet Trump, but expressed his reservations about meeting Zelensky at this stage. Now, critics say that if reports are true and if Witkoff did not understand Putin's stance on land-swap, then the meeting between Trump and Putin might turn out to be inconclusive despite both leaders meeting after 2018.

US President Donald Trump will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska. Both sides have confirmed the meeting and the world is looking at a possible peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. But will it be a reality?

Trump-Putin meeting to be inconclusive due to Witkoff's misunderstanding? Here's why he's being called 'incompetent'

Just when the Epstein saga seemed to be taking a backseat with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-new-tariff-rates-for-countries-in-escalation-of-trump-s-trade-war-india-faces-25-full-list-here-1754009429716">Trump's tariff pressure </a>on the world and his possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US Vice President JD Vance might have stirred up a hornets' nest with his latest comments linking Democrats to the Epstein Files. Vance accused former US President Joe Biden of doing nothing to release the Epstein Files and defended Trump, stating that he has demanded transparency on the issue. However, Vice President Vance's comments did the opposite of what he expected. It renewed calls for the release of the Epstein Files.&nbsp;In an interview with Fox News, Vance said that Joe Biden did 'absolutely nothing' to release the Epstein Files. "Now President Trump has demanded full transparency from this. And yet somehow the Democrats are attacking him and not the Biden administration, which did nothing for four years,” he said. “The Democrats have tried to make this whole Epstein thing about anything but the fact that Democrat billionaires and Democrat political leaders went to Epstein's island all the time,“ Vance added. Vance also repeated claims made by US President Donald Trump that former president Bill Clinton went to Epstein's island. "Who knows what they did, but it’s totally reasonable to ask these questions," he said.&nbsp;Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-flip-flops-on-jeffrey-epstein-files-scam-even-as-ghislaine-maxwell-answers-all-questions-by-doj-1753423847252"> Trump flip-flops on Epstein Files 'SCAM'</a><h2>Vance's move backfires</h2>Even as Vance did agree that there was a strategy meeting in the White House with Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI chief Kash Patel, he rejected the claims that they discussed the Epstein Files and the controversy around it. However, if reports are to be believed, the three strategised on how to handle media coverage on the Epstein Files. But Vance's comments did what the White House might not have expected. Republican lawyer George Conway took to X and asked if Democrats are named in the Epstein Files, then why aren't Trump releasing the files. Jon Favreau, Barack Obama’s former head speechwriter, said, "Release the names! Democrats, Republicans, billionaires, or not. What are you afraid of, JD Vance?” &nbsp;House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark shared an article that claimed Trump's name is in the list and wrote on X, “Who’s going to tell him?”<h2>Epstein Files and the controversy around it</h2>Recently, Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, was transferred from a Florida prison to a lower-security facility in Texas to continue serving her 20-year sentence. She was moved to a Texas prison days after Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who also served in Trump's legal team, grilled her. Maxwell's lawyer, in a statement after the interrogation, said that she answered all questions and the truth will be out soon. As per several reports, Maxwell was seen carrying a box with her after she met Todd Blanche. Meanwhile, Trump said that he is unaware that Maxwell has been moved to a Texas prison.&nbsp;Last month, Trump also accepted that Jeffrey Epstein 'stole' young girls, including<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-accuser-virginia-giuffre-was-once-employed-by-donald-trump-hired-by-ghislaine-maxwell-1753869624224"> Virginia Giuffre</a>, from his Mar-a-Lago spa. He said that he cut all ties with Epstein after the convicted sex offender did not pay heed to his warnings about stealing girls from Trump's spa. Trump also said that he did not know what he did with these girls. The Trump administration is facing immense pressure for the release of the Epstein Files, with Trump's former buddy Elon Musk claiming that his name is also on the list. Moreover, Trump's alleged handwritten letters, with drawings of a naked woman, for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003, were also released by the Wall Street Journal. Trump sued the newspaper, denying the claims.&nbsp;&nbsp;

United States Vice President JD Vance wanted to deflect the questions around the ongoing Epstein Files controversy, but his comments renewed calls for the release of the controversial files. He blamed the Democrats including Joe Biden, but his MAGA base now wants the files out

Just when the Epstein saga seemed to be taking a backseat with Trump's tariff pressure on the world and his possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US Vice President JD Vance might have stirred up a hornets' nest with his latest comments linking Democrats to the Epstein Files. Vance accused former US President Joe Biden of doing nothing to release the Epstein Files and defended Trump, stating that he has demanded transparency on the issue. However, Vice President Vance's comments did the opposite of what he expected. It renewed calls for the release of the Epstein Files. In an interview with Fox News, Vance said that Joe Biden did 'absolutely nothing' to release the Epstein Files. "Now President Trump has demanded full transparency from this. And yet somehow the Democrats are attacking him and not the Biden administration, which did nothing for four years,” he said. “The Democrats have tried to make this whole Epstein thing about anything but the fact that Democrat billionaires and Democrat political leaders went to Epstein's island all the time,“ Vance added. Vance also repeated claims made by US President Donald Trump that former president Bill Clinton went to Epstein's island. "Who knows what they did, but it’s totally reasonable to ask these questions," he said. Read More | Trump flip-flops on Epstein Files 'SCAM' Vance's move backfires Even as Vance did agree that there was a strategy meeting in the White House with Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI chief Kash Patel, he rejected the claims that they discussed the Epstein Files and the controversy around it. However, if reports are to be believed, the three strategised on how to handle media coverage on the Epstein Files. But Vance's comments did what the White House might not have expected. Republican lawyer George Conway took to X and asked if Democrats are named in the Epstein Files, then why aren't Trump releasing the files. Jon Favreau, Barack Obama’s former head speechwriter, said, "Release the names! Democrats, Republicans, billionaires, or not. What are you afraid of, JD Vance?” House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark shared an article that claimed Trump's name is in the list and wrote on X, “Who’s going to tell him?” Epstein Files and the controversy around it Recently, Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, was transferred from a Florida prison to a lower-security facility in Texas to continue serving her 20-year sentence. She was moved to a Texas prison days after Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who also served in Trump's legal team, grilled her. Maxwell's lawyer, in a statement after the interrogation, said that she answered all questions and the truth will be out soon. As per several reports, Maxwell was seen carrying a box with her after she met Todd Blanche. Meanwhile, Trump said that he is unaware that Maxwell has been moved to a Texas prison. Last month, Trump also accepted that Jeffrey Epstein 'stole' young girls, including Virginia Giuffre, from his Mar-a-Lago spa. He said that he cut all ties with Epstein after the convicted sex offender did not pay heed to his warnings about stealing girls from Trump's spa. Trump also said that he did not know what he did with these girls. The Trump administration is facing immense pressure for the release of the Epstein Files, with Trump's former buddy Elon Musk claiming that his name is also on the list. Moreover, Trump's alleged handwritten letters, with drawings of a naked woman, for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003, were also released by the Wall Street Journal. Trump sued the newspaper, denying the claims.

United States Vice President JD Vance wanted to deflect the questions around the ongoing Epstein Files controversy, but his comments renewed calls for the release of the controversial files. He blamed the Democrats including Joe Biden, but his MAGA base now wants the files out

'Went to the island...': JD Vance links Democrats to Epstein, ends up renewing calls for release of controversial files

&nbsp;The Hollywood actress Emma Thompson has made a shocking revelation about US President Donald Trump, saying that he asked her out on a date the day she got divorced from her husband, according to a report by The Telegraph. However, she thought it was a joke.The Oscar-winning actress, Thompson, shared the details of the incident, which happened in 1998. She recalled that it happened while she was filming "Primary Colors" in 1998, right after her divorce from Kenneth Branagh.“He said, ‘Hello, this is Donald Trump?' I thought it was a joke and asked, ‘How can I help you? Maybe he needed directions from someone," Thompson recalled.“And then he said, ‘I’d love you to come and stay at one of my beautiful places. Maybe we could have dinner,’” she continued, while imitating Trump‘s voice. “I said, well, that’s very sweet. Thank you so much. I’ll get back to you,” she added.Calling it "stalking", the actress said, “I realized that on that day, my divorce decree had come through. And I bet he’s got people looking for suitable people he could take out on his arm. You know, a nice divorcée, that’s what he was looking for,” she said. “And he found the number in my trailer. I mean, that’s stalking."Thompson further said that she could have gone on a date with Trump, and then would have had a story to tell."I could have changed the course of American history," she added.Thompson is not the only actress making such claims; another top actress, Salma Hayek, also revealed something similar that happened.“When I told him I wouldn’t go out with him even if I didn’t have a boyfriend (which he took as disrespectful), he called — well, he wouldn’t say he called, but someone told the National Enquirer," she recalled.The actress added, “Someone told the National Enquirer — I’m not going to say who, because you know that whatever he wants to come out comes out in the National Enquirer. It said that he wouldn’t go out with me because I was too short.”

The Oscar-winning actress, Thompson, shared the details of the incident, which happened in 1998. She recalled that it happened while she was filming "Primary Colors" in 1998, right after her divorce from Kenneth Branagh.

The Hollywood actress Emma Thompson has made a shocking revelation about US President Donald Trump, saying that he asked her out on a date the day she got divorced from her husband, according to a report by The Telegraph. However, she thought it was a joke. The Oscar-winning actress, Thompson, shared the details of the incident, which happened in 1998. She recalled that it happened while she was filming "Primary Colors" in 1998, right after her divorce from Kenneth Branagh. “He said, ‘Hello, this is Donald Trump?' I thought it was a joke and asked, ‘How can I help you? Maybe he needed directions from someone," Thompson recalled. “And then he said, ‘I’d love you to come and stay at one of my beautiful places. Maybe we could have dinner,’” she continued, while imitating Trump‘s voice. “I said, well, that’s very sweet. Thank you so much. I’ll get back to you,” she added. Calling it "stalking", the actress said, “I realized that on that day, my divorce decree had come through. And I bet he’s got people looking for suitable people he could take out on his arm. You know, a nice divorcée, that’s what he was looking for,” she said. “And he found the number in my trailer. I mean, that’s stalking." Thompson further said that she could have gone on a date with Trump, and then would have had a story to tell. "I could have changed the course of American history," she added. Thompson is not the only actress making such claims; another top actress, Salma Hayek, also revealed something similar that happened. “When I told him I wouldn’t go out with him even if I didn’t have a boyfriend (which he took as disrespectful), he called — well, he wouldn’t say he called, but someone told the National Enquirer," she recalled. The actress added, “Someone told the National Enquirer — I’m not going to say who, because you know that whatever he wants to come out comes out in the National Enquirer. It said that he wouldn’t go out with me because I was too short.”

The Oscar-winning actress, Thompson, shared the details of the incident, which happened in 1998. She recalled that it happened while she was filming "Primary Colors" in 1998, right after her divorce from Kenneth Branagh.

Trump asked Emma Thompson out? Oscar-winning actress calls him a 'stalker', reveals US president's 1998 call for dinner

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (August 10) stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to legalise the occupation of Kyiv's territories as the attempts to reach the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire deal, calling it Putin's tactics.Zelensky shared a video message on X, slamming Putin, while he lauded the US and President Donald Trump's efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine as the war is in its fourth year."Everyone can clearly see Putin's tactics. He fears sanctions and is doing everything to bail on them. He wants to exchange a pause in the war, in the killings, for the legalisation of the occupation of our land," the Ukrainian president said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">I have not heard any partners express doubts about America&#39;s ability to ensure that the war ends. The President of the United States has the levers and the determination. Ukraine has supported all of President Trump’s proposals, starting back in February. Ceasefire, all formats… <a href="https://t.co/klG8tMqpIq">pic.twitter.com/klG8tMqpIq</a>&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1954266592411357597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"He wants to gain territorial spoils for the second time already. But, now we will not allow his second attempt, Zelensky said, noting what happened with Crimea," Zelensky added.He stressed that there must be a just end to the war, which depends on Russia.Zelensky said that Ukraine and its allies have the same understanding of the need for a ceasefire, but only "one actor stands against this, Putin". "His only card is the ability to kill, and he is trying to sell the cessation of killings at the highest possible price," he added.The Ukrainian president further said that Trump has the levers and the determination, stressing that Ukraine has supported every proposal of Trump's, starting back in February."I have not heard any partners express doubts about America's ability to ensure that the war ends. The President of the United States has the levers and the determination. Ukraine has supported all of President Trump’s proposals, starting back in February. Ceasefire, all formats have been supported," he said in his video message.Zelensky said, “What is needed now is not a pause in the killings, but a real, lasting peace. Not a ceasefire sometime in the future, in months, but immediately.”

Zelensky shared a video message on X, slamming Putin, while he lauded the US and President Donald Trump's efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine as the war is in its fourth year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (August 10) stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to legalise the occupation of Kyiv's territories as the attempts to reach the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire deal, calling it Putin's tactics. Zelensky shared a video message on X, slamming Putin, while he lauded the US and President Donald Trump's efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine as the war is in its fourth year. "Everyone can clearly see Putin's tactics. He fears sanctions and is doing everything to bail on them. He wants to exchange a pause in the war, in the killings, for the legalisation of the occupation of our land," the Ukrainian president said.

Zelensky shared a video message on X, slamming Putin, while he lauded the US and President Donald Trump's efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine as the war is in its fourth year.

Putin trying to sell ceasefire for a price? Zelensky blasts Russian president over ceasefire - WATCH his video message

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet on 15 August in Alaska to discuss a controversial peace proposal that would see Ukraine give up more territory to Russia, the Kyiv Independent reported.According to a source in Ukraine’s President’s Office, Putin presented the plan to Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, during a meeting in Moscow earlier this week. Under the proposal, Kyiv would pull its forces from two partly occupied regions, Donetsk and Luhansk. In return, Russia would withdraw its troops from parts of Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts in Ukraine’s northeast, where its forces currently hold limited territory.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-welcomes-trump-putin-alaska-talks-zelensky-warns-against-decisions-without-ukraine-1754755394169">‘Not an era of war’: India welcomes Trump-Putin Alaska talks; Zelensky warns against ‘decisions without Ukraine’</a><h2>Moscow’s demands in the south</h2>The source told the Kyiv Independent that Putin also indicated Russia would accept the current front lines in southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, where Moscow controls most of the land but not the regional capitals. Ukraine, however, has no intention of accepting such terms. “Who would even give the military such an order to withdraw?” the official said, calling it a Russian plan disguised as a peace offer. “The Russians are now trying to spread the word that we are rejecting ‘Trump’s wonderful plan,’ but the thing is that it’s the Russians’ plan, territory in exchange for a ceasefire.”<h2>Trump signals support for ‘territory swap’</h2>Trump’s quick announcement of his upcoming meeting with Putin has led some in Kyiv to believe Washington has “de facto” agreed to consider the proposal. On 8 August, hours before confirming the meeting, Trump told reporters that a peace deal could involve “some swapping of territories”. He said, “Well you’re looking at territory that’s been fought over for three-and-a-half years… We’re going to get some back. We’re going to get some switched. There will be some swapping of territories to the betterment of both.”<h2>Zelensky rejects giving up any land</h2>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded firmly on 9 August, saying the country’s borders are protected by its constitution. “No one will deviate from this, and no one will be able to. Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupier,” he declared. He stressed that peace must be “dignified” and urged Kyiv’s partners to respect that principle.<h2>Diplomatic flurry ahead of Alaska talks</h2>The Kyiv Independent reported that senior officials from Ukraine, the UK, the US, and the EU are due to encounter in London on 9 August to prepare for the Trump–Putin talks. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the gathering after speaking with Zelensky.In recent days, Zelensky has held calls with leaders from the UK, France, Denmark, Estonia, and the EU. A diplomat from one G7 nation told the Kyiv Independent that “there are a lot of discussions happening right now.”<h2>Russia’s territorial control</h2>Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and declared four more Ukrainian regions, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, as its own in 2022 after launching its full-scale invasion. These moves have been widely condemned internationally. As of August 2025, Russia holds almost all of Luhansk Oblast, over 70% of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, and controls Donetsk city. Its current offensive is focused on capturing more of Donetsk, particularly the cities of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka.

Trump and Putin will meet on August 15 in Alaska to discuss a peace proposal involving Ukraine ceding territory, with partial Russian troop withdrawals from Kharkiv and Sumy in exchange.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet on 15 August in Alaska to discuss a controversial peace proposal that would see Ukraine give up more territory to Russia, the Kyiv Independent reported. According to a source in Ukraine’s President’s Office, Putin presented the plan to Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, during a meeting in Moscow earlier this week. Under the proposal, Kyiv would pull its forces from two partly occupied regions, Donetsk and Luhansk. In return, Russia would withdraw its troops from parts of Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts in Ukraine’s northeast, where its forces currently hold limited territory. Also read: ‘Not an era of war’: India welcomes Trump-Putin Alaska talks; Zelensky warns against ‘decisions without Ukraine’ Moscow’s demands in the south The source told the Kyiv Independent that Putin also indicated Russia would accept the current front lines in southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, where Moscow controls most of the land but not the regional capitals. Ukraine, however, has no intention of accepting such terms. “Who would even give the military such an order to withdraw?” the official said, calling it a Russian plan disguised as a peace offer. “The Russians are now trying to spread the word that we are rejecting ‘Trump’s wonderful plan,’ but the thing is that it’s the Russians’ plan, territory in exchange for a ceasefire.” Trump signals support for ‘territory swap’ Trump’s quick announcement of his upcoming meeting with Putin has led some in Kyiv to believe Washington has “de facto” agreed to consider the proposal. On 8 August, hours before confirming the meeting, Trump told reporters that a peace deal could involve “some swapping of territories”. He said, “Well you’re looking at territory that’s been fought over for three-and-a-half years… We’re going to get some back. We’re going to get some switched. There will be some swapping of territories to the betterment of both.” Zelensky rejects giving up any land Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded firmly on 9 August, saying the country’s borders are protected by its constitution. “No one will deviate from this, and no one will be able to. Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupier,” he declared. He stressed that peace must be “dignified” and urged Kyiv’s partners to respect that principle. Diplomatic flurry ahead of Alaska talks The Kyiv Independent reported that senior officials from Ukraine, the UK, the US, and the EU are due to encounter in London on 9 August to prepare for the Trump–Putin talks. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the gathering after speaking with Zelensky. In recent days, Zelensky has held calls with leaders from the UK, France, Denmark, Estonia, and the EU. A diplomat from one G7 nation told the Kyiv Independent that “there are a lot of discussions happening right now.” Russia’s territorial control Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and declared four more Ukrainian regions, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, as its own in 2022 after launching its full-scale invasion. These moves have been widely condemned internationally. As of August 2025, Russia holds almost all of Luhansk Oblast, over 70% of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, and controls Donetsk city. Its current offensive is focused on capturing more of Donetsk, particularly the cities of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka.

Trump and Putin will meet on August 15 in Alaska to discuss a peace proposal involving Ukraine ceding territory, with partial Russian troop withdrawals from Kharkiv and Sumy in exchange.

What will happen at Trump-Putin meeting? Moscow to push Ukraine to cede territory, US likely to back, Kyiv to oppose

In 2018, when Donald Trump was serving his first term in the White House, the wellness guru Deepak Chopra made an appearance on Jimmy Fallon's show, The Tonight Show. He suggested that the American "needs love" because he has a "very wounded inner child." Now, the clip has resurfaced on the internet, suggesting that the advice still holds significance.&nbsp;“He is constantly looking for validation. He was probably not good enough when he was a child. So, he always wants to be the best. ‘I am the best. I am the best. And if you do not agree with me, then you are fake news,'" Chopra said on the show.&nbsp;At that time, the remark was treated merely as a criticism, but seven years later, when Trump had created massive chaos by imposing 50- per 50-per-cent tariff on India amid his 200 days in the White House for his second term, the advice seems logical and useful.&nbsp;“You don’t need to break him down. He needs love,” Chpra had suggested in the 2018 interview. “If the whole country got together and said, ‘Donny, we love you,’ he’d cool down," he added in his suggestion.&nbsp;Chpra said that the American president might be a victim of chronic inflammation, which raises the risk for everything "from Alzheimer’s disease to cardiovascular disease to autoimmune disease." “He needs a little healing. He needs love, empathy, compassion, joy," the guru suggested.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Deepak Chopra on healing Donald Trump!!😀 <a href="https://t.co/h6NojeTMqN">pic.twitter.com/h6NojeTMqN</a>&mdash; महावीर जैन, ಮಹಾವೀರ ಜೈನ, Mahaveer Jain (@Mahaveer_VJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mahaveer_VJ/status/1953328167260676132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Trump LOVES two things most - tariff and Nobel Peace Prize</h2>Amid the chaos around Donald Trump's tariff imposed on India, former Indian diplomat Rakesh Sood said that the American president loves two things the most: tariffs and the Nobel Peace Prize. He hinted that Trump's moibe must be a prize India has to pay for not endorsing him for the peace prize, as done by Benjamin Netanyahu. Talking to the news agency ANI, Sood said, "There are two things that President Trump loves - One is tariffs, and the second is the Nobel Peace Prize, so he will do anything to get to the bottom of these two."&nbsp;The former diplomat said that Trump many a time claimed credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan during the Operation Sindoor, but India did not give any importance to his claims. "We've not given him comfort on the Nobel, so I guess we are facing the tariffs. We'll see how we deal with it," Sood said.<h2>Trump and his love for peace prize</h2>Trump has been repeatedly endorsed for the Nobel Prize. In 2024, he was endorsed by his party's leader, Buddy Carter, for his efforts in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Pakistan also nominated him for his alleged role in establishing peace between India and Pakistan during a cross-border crisis. Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been named a war criminal by the UN for his occupation in Gaza, nominated Trump for the peace prize.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump himself has repeatedly expressed his keen interest in getting the recognition for which he often compared himself with former winners like former US president Barack Obama. Even on Friday (August 8), the White House again claimed "a ceasefire between India and Pakistan" among the list of US President Donald Trump's “Foreign Policy Victories.”

In 2018, when Donald Trump was serving his first term in the White House, the wellness guru Deepak Chopra made an appearance on Jimmy Fallon show, The Tonight Show. He suggested that the American needs love because he has a very wounded inner child.

In 2018, when Donald Trump was serving his first term in the White House, the wellness guru Deepak Chopra made an appearance on Jimmy Fallon's show, The Tonight Show. He suggested that the American "needs love" because he has a "very wounded inner child." Now, the clip has resurfaced on the internet, suggesting that the advice still holds significance. “He is constantly looking for validation. He was probably not good enough when he was a child. So, he always wants to be the best. ‘I am the best. I am the best. And if you do not agree with me, then you are fake news,'" Chopra said on the show. At that time, the remark was treated merely as a criticism, but seven years later, when Trump had created massive chaos by imposing 50- per 50-per-cent tariff on India amid his 200 days in the White House for his second term, the advice seems logical and useful. “You don’t need to break him down. He needs love,” Chpra had suggested in the 2018 interview. “If the whole country got together and said, ‘Donny, we love you,’ he’d cool down," he added in his suggestion. Chpra said that the American president might be a victim of chronic inflammation, which raises the risk for everything "from Alzheimer’s disease to cardiovascular disease to autoimmune disease." “He needs a little healing. He needs love, empathy, compassion, joy," the guru suggested.

In 2018, when Donald Trump was serving his first term in the White House, the wellness guru Deepak Chopra made an appearance on Jimmy Fallon show, The Tonight Show. He suggested that the American needs love because he has a very wounded inner child.

'Trump needs love, has wounded inner child': Deepak Chopra's 2018 remark on Jimmy Fallon show resurfaces

Jeffrey Epstein's former butler has made a shocking (or maybe not so shocking) revelation about US President Donald Trump. He claims that during his first presidency, Trump offered Epstein, who had already been convicted for soliciting sex trafficking of a teenage girl, a job in his government. The Republican in his current term has been known to add his friends and allies to his government, like putting Elon Musk, a citizen of South Africa and Canada, along with the US, in charge of DOGE. Even as Trump tries to distance himself from Epstein, the years-long friendship the two men shared seems to keep coming back to haunt him.&nbsp;<h2>Epstein in the Trump 1.0 government?</h2>In a no-holds-barred interview with The Telegraph, Valdson Vieira Cotrin, who was sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's butler for 18 years, in charge of managing his Paris estate, recalled how the disgraced financier was offered a job in Trump's first government.&nbsp;Recalling an incident from 2016, he said he went to pick up Epstein from Paris airport, and on the way back, he got to know about the peculiar job offer. "A few days after Trump’s election, Mr. Epstein arrived in Paris on Monday or Tuesday, and I went to pick him up at the airport," said Cotrin. "He said, 'Valdson, you saw that Trump is the new US president?' 'Yes,' I replied, 'I saw it on the news in Paris'."&nbsp;Epstein then apparently confessed that "Trump asked me to work for him in the new government." However, Epstein turned down the offer. "I said, 'Congratulations. I'm happy for you,' in my bad English. He said, 'No, I didn't accept'." His answer came as a surprise to the butler, who thought working in the US administration would have been "interesting".&nbsp;<h2>How close were Trump and Epstein?</h2>Trump claims that he threw Epstein out of the Mar-a-Lago club after the financier "stole" his employees. As per the Miami Herald and Wall Street Journal, this supposedly happened in 2007. It must be noted that when Trump won his first presidency, Epstein had already been convicted for soliciting a teenage girl for prostitution. He had also served a 13-month prison sentence.Read more | '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-are-you-kidding-me-new-photos-suggest-epstein-trump-ties-go-back-decades-here-s-how-he-responded-1753262514825">Are you kidding me?': New photos suggest Epstein-Trump ties go back decades — Here's how he responded</a>Epstein's butler's comments come as Trump faces heat from his Make America Great Again (MAGA) followers over the Epstein files after backtracking on his promise to release more information.Reports suggest that Trump and Epstein's relationship stretches back to at least the 1980s, according to multiple reports. They were often spotted together at events in both Palm Beach and New York. In 2002, Trump even offered a quote to New York Magazine, describing Epstein as a "terrific guy" who "likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side." However, no criminal accusations have been levelled against Trump in connection with Epstein. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a no-holds-barred interview, Valdson Vieira Cotrin, who was sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's butler for 18 years, claimed that the disgraced financier was offered a job in Trump's first government.

Jeffrey Epstein's former butler has made a shocking (or maybe not so shocking) revelation about US President Donald Trump. He claims that during his first presidency, Trump offered Epstein, who had already been convicted for soliciting sex trafficking of a teenage girl, a job in his government. The Republican in his current term has been known to add his friends and allies to his government, like putting Elon Musk, a citizen of South Africa and Canada, along with the US, in charge of DOGE. Even as Trump tries to distance himself from Epstein, the years-long friendship the two men shared seems to keep coming back to haunt him. Epstein in the Trump 1.0 government? In a no-holds-barred interview with The Telegraph, Valdson Vieira Cotrin, who was sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's butler for 18 years, in charge of managing his Paris estate, recalled how the disgraced financier was offered a job in Trump's first government. Recalling an incident from 2016, he said he went to pick up Epstein from Paris airport, and on the way back, he got to know about the peculiar job offer. "A few days after Trump’s election, Mr. Epstein arrived in Paris on Monday or Tuesday, and I went to pick him up at the airport," said Cotrin. "He said, 'Valdson, you saw that Trump is the new US president?' 'Yes,' I replied, 'I saw it on the news in Paris'." Epstein then apparently confessed that "Trump asked me to work for him in the new government." However, Epstein turned down the offer. "I said, 'Congratulations. I'm happy for you,' in my bad English. He said, 'No, I didn't accept'." His answer came as a surprise to the butler, who thought working in the US administration would have been "interesting". How close were Trump and Epstein? Trump claims that he threw Epstein out of the Mar-a-Lago club after the financier "stole" his employees. As per the Miami Herald and Wall Street Journal, this supposedly happened in 2007. It must be noted that when Trump won his first presidency, Epstein had already been convicted for soliciting a teenage girl for prostitution. He had also served a 13-month prison sentence. Read more | 'Are you kidding me?': New photos suggest Epstein-Trump ties go back decades — Here's how he responded Epstein's butler's comments come as Trump faces heat from his Make America Great Again (MAGA) followers over the Epstein files after backtracking on his promise to release more information. Reports suggest that Trump and Epstein's relationship stretches back to at least the 1980s, according to multiple reports. They were often spotted together at events in both Palm Beach and New York. In 2002, Trump even offered a quote to New York Magazine, describing Epstein as a "terrific guy" who "likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side." However, no criminal accusations have been levelled against Trump in connection with Epstein.

In a no-holds-barred interview, Valdson Vieira Cotrin, who was sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's butler for 18 years, claimed that the disgraced financier was offered a job in Trump's first government.

Epstein in White House? Sex offender's former butler claims Trump made him a job offer after 2016 win

President Donald Trump on Friday (Aug 8) said that the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine were nearing a breakthrough that could potentially include a "swapping of territories". Talking to reporters, he said, "I think we're getting very close," adding that the land in question has “been fought over for three and a half years” and that any swap would be "to the betterment of both." He made the announcement while hosting a separate peace summit for Armenia and Azerbaijan at the White House and as his self-imposed deadline for Russia to make a deal or face sanctions came to an end.<h2>Trump confirms meeting with Putin</h2>The US president avoided giving many details on the Ukraine talks, saying he didn't want to overshadow the day's event. However, he confirmed he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin "very shortly," and revealed that "It would have been sooner, but I guess there’s security arrangements that, unfortunately, people have to make".Trump had set an August 8 deadline for Moscow to reach a deal or face sweeping sanctions — including "secondary sanctions" and penalties on countries doing business with Russia. That date was moved up in late July from a 50-day timeline he'd set earlier in the summer.<h2>Is the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting Russia's "last chance"?</h2>Asked if the August 15 meeting would be Putin's final chance to secure an agreement, Trump said he doesn't like to use the term "last chance". Still, he argued that he believes Putin "wants to see peace now," despite calling past talks with the Russian leader "meaningless". He also praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for working hard toward a resolution.Trump described the territory issue as "very complicated". "We’re going to get some back; there will be some switched," he said. Earlier this week, special envoy Steve Witkoff travelled to Moscow for last-minute discussions. Trump called those talks "very good," and the Kremlin described them as "useful and constructive".&nbsp;

Calling a potential land swap a move "to the betterment of both", Trump said that the land has already been over for three and a half years.

President Donald Trump on Friday (Aug 8) said that the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine were nearing a breakthrough that could potentially include a "swapping of territories". Talking to reporters, he said, "I think we're getting very close," adding that the land in question has “been fought over for three and a half years” and that any swap would be "to the betterment of both." He made the announcement while hosting a separate peace summit for Armenia and Azerbaijan at the White House and as his self-imposed deadline for Russia to make a deal or face sanctions came to an end. Trump confirms meeting with Putin The US president avoided giving many details on the Ukraine talks, saying he didn't want to overshadow the day's event. However, he confirmed he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin "very shortly," and revealed that "It would have been sooner, but I guess there’s security arrangements that, unfortunately, people have to make". Trump had set an August 8 deadline for Moscow to reach a deal or face sweeping sanctions — including "secondary sanctions" and penalties on countries doing business with Russia. That date was moved up in late July from a 50-day timeline he'd set earlier in the summer. Is the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting Russia's "last chance"? Asked if the August 15 meeting would be Putin's final chance to secure an agreement, Trump said he doesn't like to use the term "last chance". Still, he argued that he believes Putin "wants to see peace now," despite calling past talks with the Russian leader "meaningless". He also praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for working hard toward a resolution. Trump described the territory issue as "very complicated". "We’re going to get some back; there will be some switched," he said. Earlier this week, special envoy Steve Witkoff travelled to Moscow for last-minute discussions. Trump called those talks "very good," and the Kremlin described them as "useful and constructive".

Calling a potential land swap a move "to the betterment of both", Trump said that the land has already been over for three and a half years.

Russia, Ukraine to swap territories? Trump hints peace deal may involve land swap

Reacting to United States President Donald Trump's tariff war, former US National Security Advisor (NSA) John Bolton said that his move could push India closer to China and Russia. He said that tariffs are intended to hurt India, but in reality, it is spoiling years of relations between India and America. He accused Trump of favouring China and added that 'it is counterproductive for America.'&nbsp;"Trump's tariffs against India are intended to hurt Russia, but they could push India closer to Russia and to China to oppose these tariffs," John Bolton told CNN in an interview. He cautioned, “Trump’s leniency on the Chinese and heavy-handed tariffs on India, jeopardise decades of American efforts to bring India away from Russia and China.” He called it an 'enormous mistake' because it is China that has a big trade surplus with the US than India. In an opinion piece for The Hill, Bolton warned that Trump's approach and his resentment for India could escalate if China secured a better trade arrangement.&nbsp;<h2>India-US trade talks and tariff war</h2>

On August 1, Trump issued an executive order late on Thursday (July 31) to increase and modify tariffs on its trading partners, citing an ongoing national emergency. This was in continuation of his ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs that he announced on April 2. He had paused the April 2 tariffs, giving countries a window of 90 days to sign a trade deal with America. The new tariff structure ranged from 10 per cent to 41 per cent, depending on the country and product type. India faced a 25 per cent tariff in the announcement made on that day as it was unable to strike a trade deal with the US. He then announced an additional tariff of 25 per cent on India for buying Russian oil and warned about doing the same with other nations. While the 25 per cent tariff announced on Aug 1 has come into effect today, the additional sanction will come into place 21 days from now.&nbsp;In what seemed to be a response to Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he won't compromise the interests of farmers, dairy farmers and fishermen of his country, even if he has to pay a price for it. Earlier, reports indicated that India is not agreeing to any terms by the US in the trade deal that would affect its farmers and dairy sector. Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, Prime Minister Modi said, "For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know personally, I will have to pay a heavy price for it, but I am ready for it. Today, India is ready for the country's farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers..."&nbsp;

Former National Security Advisor of the US, John Bolton, has opined that US President Donald Trump's tariffs on India and his continued attack on New Delhi for buying Russian oil will prove to be counterproductive for America

Reacting to United States President Donald Trump's tariff war, former US National Security Advisor (NSA) John Bolton said that his move could push India closer to China and Russia. He said that tariffs are intended to hurt India, but in reality, it is spoiling years of relations between India and America. He accused Trump of favouring China and added that 'it is counterproductive for America.' "Trump's tariffs against India are intended to hurt Russia, but they could push India closer to Russia and to China to oppose these tariffs," John Bolton told CNN in an interview. He cautioned, “Trump’s leniency on the Chinese and heavy-handed tariffs on India, jeopardise decades of American efforts to bring India away from Russia and China.” He called it an 'enormous mistake' because it is China that has a big trade surplus with the US than India. In an opinion piece for The Hill, Bolton warned that Trump's approach and his resentment for India could escalate if China secured a better trade arrangement. India-US trade talks and tariff war

Former National Security Advisor of the US, John Bolton, has opined that US President Donald Trump's tariffs on India and his continued attack on New Delhi for buying Russian oil will prove to be counterproductive for America

Ex-US NSA John Bolton calls Trump's tariffs on India 'enormous mistake', says THIS about China, Russia

United States President Donald Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize are a story in the making. In his second term, the US president has claimed that he has helped bring peace to so many countries and solved so many conflicts that he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize.

'The PEACE President': Azerbaijan, Armenia back Trump for Nobel Prize taking nomination count to 5 - Here's a look

Armenia and Azerbaijan have pledged to end decades of hostility, announced US President Donald Trump on Friday (Aug 8) at the White House. Flanked by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Trump, who took centre stage as mediator, declared the agreement a commitment to "to stop all fighting forever, open up commerce, travel and diplomatic relations and respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity". The exact legal force of the deal, however, remains uncertain.<h2>Decades of conflict over?</h2>The handshake between Pashinyan and Aliyev marked a symbolic breakthrough after years of bitter conflict. The two countries, both former Soviet republics, have fought two wars over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which Azerbaijan fully reclaimed in a 2023 military offensive that drove more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians from their homes.Aliyev hailed the "historic signature" between two "countries which were at war for more than three decades" and said he would join Pashinyan in nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. "Who, if not President Trump, deserves a Nobel Peace Prize?" he asked.Pashinyan echoed that praise, calling the US president a "peacemaker" whose role was critical in reaching the "breakthrough". He said that the "initialling of (the) peace agreement will pave the way to end decades of conflict between our countries and open a new era."<h2>Armenia-Azerbaijan agreement: details and how the US would benefit</h2>It was not clear how binding the agreement between the two long-time foes was. Part of the agreement involves creating a transit route through Armenia linking Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhchivan — a long-standing demand from Baku. The United States will have development rights for the corridor, called the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP). Asked about Armenia’s gains, a White House official described the US as "an enormous strategic commercial partner," suggesting that the agreement was a blow to rivals Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran: “The losers here are China, Russia, and Iran.”Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by Armenian-backed forces for nearly 30 years after the Soviet collapse. Turkey, a key ally of Azerbaijan, welcomed the development, calling it an important step toward "establishing a lasting peace" in the Caucasus.The deal follows months of negotiations. While the two sides reached agreement on a draft text in March, talks stalled when Azerbaijan demanded that Armenia amend its constitution to drop claims to Karabakh. Pashinyan has said a constitutional referendum will be held in 2027, a move that remains politically sensitive.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-to-host-armenia-azerbaijan-leaders-for-u-s-brokered-peace-deal-1754666939456/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-to-host-armenia-azerbaijan-leaders-for-u-s-brokered-peace-deal-1754666939456/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump, who acted as the mediator between Armenia and Azerbaijan, announced that the two nations have agreed to stop all fighting "forever".

Armenia and Azerbaijan have pledged to end decades of hostility, announced US President Donald Trump on Friday (Aug 8) at the White House. Flanked by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Trump, who took centre stage as mediator, declared the agreement a commitment to "to stop all fighting forever, open up commerce, travel and diplomatic relations and respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity". The exact legal force of the deal, however, remains uncertain. Decades of conflict over? The handshake between Pashinyan and Aliyev marked a symbolic breakthrough after years of bitter conflict. The two countries, both former Soviet republics, have fought two wars over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which Azerbaijan fully reclaimed in a 2023 military offensive that drove more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians from their homes. Aliyev hailed the "historic signature" between two "countries which were at war for more than three decades" and said he would join Pashinyan in nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. "Who, if not President Trump, deserves a Nobel Peace Prize?" he asked. Pashinyan echoed that praise, calling the US president a "peacemaker" whose role was critical in reaching the "breakthrough". He said that the "initialling of (the) peace agreement will pave the way to end decades of conflict between our countries and open a new era." Armenia-Azerbaijan agreement: details and how the US would benefit It was not clear how binding the agreement between the two long-time foes was. Part of the agreement involves creating a transit route through Armenia linking Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhchivan — a long-standing demand from Baku. The United States will have development rights for the corridor, called the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP). Asked about Armenia’s gains, a White House official described the US as "an enormous strategic commercial partner," suggesting that the agreement was a blow to rivals Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran: “The losers here are China, Russia, and Iran.” Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by Armenian-backed forces for nearly 30 years after the Soviet collapse. Turkey, a key ally of Azerbaijan, welcomed the development, calling it an important step toward "establishing a lasting peace" in the Caucasus. The deal follows months of negotiations. While the two sides reached agreement on a draft text in March, talks stalled when Azerbaijan demanded that Armenia amend its constitution to drop claims to Karabakh. Pashinyan has said a constitutional referendum will be held in 2027, a move that remains politically sensitive. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-to-host-armenia-azerbaijan-leaders-for-u-s-brokered-peace-deal-1754666939456/embed

US President Donald Trump, who acted as the mediator between Armenia and Azerbaijan, announced that the two nations have agreed to stop all fighting "forever".

Trump hailed as 'peacemaker' as Armenia, Azerbaijan agree to stop fighting 'forever'

United States Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced a reward of $50 million for any information on the whereabouts of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Bondi said that under the leadership of US President Donald Trump, Maduro will not be able to escape justice. The Venezuelan President was indicted in Manhattan federal court in 2020 on federal charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. The US had already announced $25 million reward for his arrest. Now the State Department and Justice Department have raised it to $50 million.&nbsp;In a video posted to X, Bondi claimed that Maduro uses foreign terrorist organisations such as Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, to bring deadly drugs and violence into the US. She further said that the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized 30 tons of cocaine linked to Maduro in the US and added that he is the largest narco trafficker in the world. "Maduro's reign of terror continues, and he is a threat to our national security," Bondi said. Maduro, who returned to office in Venezuela in January this year, has previously rejected US claims that he has direct involvement in drug trafficking. He faces sanctions from the EU and UK as well.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Today, <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJusticeDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheJusticeDept</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDept</a> are announcing a $50 MILLION REWARD for information leading to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro. <a href="https://t.co/D8LNqjS9yk">pic.twitter.com/D8LNqjS9yk</a>— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/1953583017353466306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>How did Venezuela react to the US announcement?</h2>Reacting to the announcement, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said on Telegram that the announcement was "the most ridiculous smokescreen ever seen." Gil said that while Venezuela was working to uncover terrorist plots originating from her country, however, the US Attorney General was engaging in a media spectacle aimed at appeasing the defeated far-right in Venezuela. He added that the dignity of their homeland was not for sale and condemned what he described as a crude political propaganda operation. He called the reward as “pathetic” and accused Bondi of orchestrating a “crude political propaganda operation.” Gil also taunted Bondi for her flip-flop over the controversial Epstein Files. “We’re not surprised, coming from who it comes from. The same one who promised a nonexistent ‘secret list’ of Epstein and who wallows in scandals for political favours,” Gil said.

Claiming that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is the ‘biggest narco trafficker in the world’, United States Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced a reward of $50 million for anyone who informs about his whereabouts

United States Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced a reward of $50 million for any information on the whereabouts of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Bondi said that under the leadership of US President Donald Trump, Maduro will not be able to escape justice. The Venezuelan President was indicted in Manhattan federal court in 2020 on federal charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. The US had already announced $25 million reward for his arrest. Now the State Department and Justice Department have raised it to $50 million. In a video posted to X, Bondi claimed that Maduro uses foreign terrorist organisations such as Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, to bring deadly drugs and violence into the US. She further said that the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized 30 tons of cocaine linked to Maduro in the US and added that he is the largest narco trafficker in the world. "Maduro's reign of terror continues, and he is a threat to our national security," Bondi said. Maduro, who returned to office in Venezuela in January this year, has previously rejected US claims that he has direct involvement in drug trafficking. He faces sanctions from the EU and UK as well.

Claiming that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is the ‘biggest narco trafficker in the world’, United States Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced a reward of $50 million for anyone who informs about his whereabouts

'Biggest drug-trafficker': US offers whopping $50 million for Nicolas Maduro's arrest, Venezuela hits back with 'Epstein Files' jibe

The Kremlin on Saturday (Aug 9) confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump will meet in Alaska next Friday (Aug 15), calling the venue a "logical" choice. "Russia and the United States are close neighbours, bordering each other," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said. "It seems quite logical that our delegation should simply fly across the Bering Strait and that such an important and eagerly awaited summit between the leaders of the two countries should be held in Alaska." Trump has also confirmed the much-anticipated meeting. In a post on Truth Social, he said that he would meet Putin on August 15 in Alaska.&nbsp;"The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the Great State of Alaska". This would be the leaders' first in-person meeting since Trump's return to the White House in January.<h2>Russia invites Trump for a visit</h2>Ushakov also revealed that Moscow has invited Trump to visit Russia following the Alaska talks. "Looking ahead, it is natural to hope that the next meeting between the presidents will be held on Russian territory. A corresponding invitation has already been sent to the US president," he said.Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Intensifies Attacks As Trump Announces Putin Meet-Up<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-intensifies-attacks-as-trump-announces-putin-meet-up-1754708331587/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-intensifies-attacks-as-trump-announces-putin-meet-up-1754708331587/embed</a>&nbsp;

Ushakov also revealed that Moscow has invited Trump to visit Russia following the Alaska talks. "Looking ahead, it is natural to hope that the next meeting between the presidents will be held on Russian territory. A corresponding invitation has already been sent to the US president," he said.

The Kremlin on Saturday (Aug 9) confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump will meet in Alaska next Friday (Aug 15), calling the venue a "logical" choice. "Russia and the United States are close neighbours, bordering each other," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said. "It seems quite logical that our delegation should simply fly across the Bering Strait and that such an important and eagerly awaited summit between the leaders of the two countries should be held in Alaska." Trump has also confirmed the much-anticipated meeting. In a post on Truth Social, he said that he would meet Putin on August 15 in Alaska. "The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the Great State of Alaska". This would be the leaders' first in-person meeting since Trump's return to the White House in January. Russia invites Trump for a visit Ushakov also revealed that Moscow has invited Trump to visit Russia following the Alaska talks. "Looking ahead, it is natural to hope that the next meeting between the presidents will be held on Russian territory. A corresponding invitation has already been sent to the US president," he said. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Intensifies Attacks As Trump Announces Putin Meet-Up https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-intensifies-attacks-as-trump-announces-putin-meet-up-1754708331587/embed

Ushakov also revealed that Moscow has invited Trump to visit Russia following the Alaska talks. "Looking ahead, it is natural to hope that the next meeting between the presidents will be held on Russian territory. A corresponding invitation has already been sent to the US president," he said.

Kremlin confirms Trump–Putin to meet in Alaska, invites US president to visit Russia next

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Aug 5) talked about installing nuclear missiles on the White House roof. Trump reportedly said that in jest, cracking the "joke" just a day before Japan and the world marked the 80th anniversary of "Little Man", the nuclear bomb that devastated Hiroshima, killing around 140,000 people — killed by the colossal blast and the ball of fire, and also later by the radiation. This comes as tensions between the United States and Russia reach an all-time high and as Trump drags India into the mix, imposing a 25 per cent tariff and a penalty for purchasing Russian oil.<h2>What did Trump say?</h2>Trump, who has recently announced plans to revamp the White House to resemble his Mar-a-Lago estate and construct a new 90,000 square foot ballroom that will cost $200 million, was taking an impromptu walk on the roof of the White House briefing room, when some correspondents shouted out a question: "Mr President, what are you trying to build?".The Commander-in-Chief's answer? "Missiles...nuclear missiles". He said this while pointing towards the White House roof beneath him and executing a weird, rigid-armed motion twice, supposedly acting out the launch of a missile. The gesture was reminiscent of the "Nazi salute" gesture made by Elon Musk in January. Videos of the interaction are going viral on social media; watch it here.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Before he returned back into the White House residence, we all think President Trump said (in this video) that he’s looking to install more missiles on the roof? Look at the gesture he makes toward the end of the video too. <a href="https://t.co/932rLQIgCL">pic.twitter.com/932rLQIgCL</a>&mdash; Taylor Popielarz (@TaylorPopielarz) <a href="https://twitter.com/TaylorPopielarz/status/1952748572866212112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Was Trump serious about nuclear missiles inside the White House compound?</h2>Trump has a twisted sense of humour and is known to joke…a lot, and hopefully this is one such incident. However, it must be noted that Trump seemed to be evaluating several spots, and this inspection of sorts comes amid America's serious nuclear posturing against Russia. Just last week, Trump ordered that nuclear submarines be positioned near Russia. This was done after Trump and Russian former president Dmitry Medvedev traded verbal blows online, with some serious threats being issued, including one about Russia's Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities.&nbsp; &nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's bizarre “joke” comes as tensions between the United States and Russia reach an all-time high and as Trump drags India into the mix, imposing a 25 per cent tariff and a penalty for purchasing Russian oil.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Aug 5) talked about installing nuclear missiles on the White House roof. Trump reportedly said that in jest, cracking the "joke" just a day before Japan and the world marked the 80th anniversary of "Little Man", the nuclear bomb that devastated Hiroshima, killing around 140,000 people — killed by the colossal blast and the ball of fire, and also later by the radiation. This comes as tensions between the United States and Russia reach an all-time high and as Trump drags India into the mix, imposing a 25 per cent tariff and a penalty for purchasing Russian oil. What did Trump say? Trump, who has recently announced plans to revamp the White House to resemble his Mar-a-Lago estate and construct a new 90,000 square foot ballroom that will cost $200 million, was taking an impromptu walk on the roof of the White House briefing room, when some correspondents shouted out a question: "Mr President, what are you trying to build?". The Commander-in-Chief's answer? "Missiles...nuclear missiles". He said this while pointing towards the White House roof beneath him and executing a weird, rigid-armed motion twice, supposedly acting out the launch of a missile. The gesture was reminiscent of the "Nazi salute" gesture made by Elon Musk in January. Videos of the interaction are going viral on social media; watch it here.

US President Donald Trump's bizarre “joke” comes as tensions between the United States and Russia reach an all-time high and as Trump drags India into the mix, imposing a 25 per cent tariff and a penalty for purchasing Russian oil.

‘Missiles…nuclear missiles’: Trump makes bizarre nuke joke a day before Hiroshima anniversary. Was he actually joking?

President Donald Trump has reportedly signed a directive for the Pentagon to start using military force against the drug cartels that have been designated foreign terrorist organisations. Trump signed the directive in secret, providing a justification for potential military operations against the criminal organizations, reported the New York Times. As per the report, the US military officials have already started drawing up plans for targeting cartels. But any unilateral strikes could also raise legal issues if individuals who do not pose an imminent threat or who are not part of a conflict where Congress has authorised military action get killed.&nbsp;After taking office, Trump took executive action to designate several drug cartels as foreign terrorist organisations, which provided additional law enforcement tools to crack down on their activity.&nbsp;In February, the Trump administration designated eight drug trafficking groups, including six Mexican, one Venezuelan, and one in El Salvador, as terrorist organisations.&nbsp;<h2>‘There will be no invasion,’ vows Mexico president</h2>&nbsp;Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum insisted Friday that there would be ‘no invasion of Mexico’ after reports that Trump had ordered US military to target Latin American drug cartels.“There will be no invasion of Mexico,” Sheinbaum declared.“We were informed that this executive order was coming and that it had nothing to do with the participation of any military personnel or any institution in our territory,” Sheinbaum said at her regular morning news conference.In May, Trump had offered to send US troops into Mexico to combat drug cartels, but was rebuffed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.“We can collaborate. We can work together. But you in your territory, and us in ours,” Sheinbaum had said. “We can share information, but we will never accept the presence of the United States Army in our territory.”&nbsp;<h2>US doubles bounty on President Nicolás Maduro</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Two weeks ago, the Trump administration designated another Venezuelan gang, the Cartel of the Suns, as a foreign terrorist organization.On Thursday, the US Justice Department doubled to $50 million its bounty on Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, whom it accuses of leading the Cartel of the Suns.Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil dismissed the bounty as “the most ridiculous smokescreen we have ever seen.”

US military officials have already started drawing up plans for targeting cartels, but any unilateral strikes could also raise legal issues if individuals not posing an imminent threat or not part of a conflict where Congress has authorised military action get killed.

President Donald Trump has reportedly signed a directive for the Pentagon to start using military force against the drug cartels that have been designated foreign terrorist organisations. Trump signed the directive in secret, providing a justification for potential military operations against the criminal organizations, reported the New York Times. As per the report, the US military officials have already started drawing up plans for targeting cartels. But any unilateral strikes could also raise legal issues if individuals who do not pose an imminent threat or who are not part of a conflict where Congress has authorised military action get killed. After taking office, Trump took executive action to designate several drug cartels as foreign terrorist organisations, which provided additional law enforcement tools to crack down on their activity. In February, the Trump administration designated eight drug trafficking groups, including six Mexican, one Venezuelan, and one in El Salvador, as terrorist organisations. ‘There will be no invasion,’ vows Mexico president Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum insisted Friday that there would be ‘no invasion of Mexico’ after reports that Trump had ordered US military to target Latin American drug cartels. “There will be no invasion of Mexico,” Sheinbaum declared. “We were informed that this executive order was coming and that it had nothing to do with the participation of any military personnel or any institution in our territory,” Sheinbaum said at her regular morning news conference. In May, Trump had offered to send US troops into Mexico to combat drug cartels, but was rebuffed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. “We can collaborate. We can work together. But you in your territory, and us in ours,” Sheinbaum had said. “We can share information, but we will never accept the presence of the United States Army in our territory.” US doubles bounty on President Nicolás Maduro Two weeks ago, the Trump administration designated another Venezuelan gang, the Cartel of the Suns, as a foreign terrorist organization. On Thursday, the US Justice Department doubled to $50 million its bounty on Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, whom it accuses of leading the Cartel of the Suns. Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil dismissed the bounty as “the most ridiculous smokescreen we have ever seen.”

US military officials have already started drawing up plans for targeting cartels, but any unilateral strikes could also raise legal issues if individuals not posing an imminent threat or not part of a conflict where Congress has authorised military action get killed.

Trump signs order for use of military force against drug cartels abroad: Report

Amid the buzz around United States President Donald Trump's tariffs and trade war, there's another story about him that is unfolding in a part of poll-bound Indian state of Bihar. While everyone is focussed on Trump's next big announcement from the White House, someone in Bihar's Samastipur district has decided to make the US president a resident of the state! Despite the state administration facing a massive backlash due to the issuance of fake residential certificates to everyone, from Dogesh Babu to Sonalika tractor, the latest incident is proof that the people are not paying any attention to mend their ways and are hell-bent to continue with their mischief. The incident also comes at a time when the state is already making its buzz in the corridors of the Parliament with several lawmakers demanding a discussion on the ongoing electoral roll revision drive. Moreover, the timing of the application coincides with Trump's ongoing tariff war with India.&nbsp;<h2>Donald Trump in Bihar?</h2>Indian news agency PTI reported that an application submitted on July 29 in Mohiuddin Nagar block of Hasanpur village of Samastipur district claimed that the applicant's name was Donald Trump, his father's name was Frederick Christ Trump, and his mother's name was Mary Anne MacLeod. The applicant also used a passport-sized image of the US president in his application. Unlike the previous instances where several other district administrations had issued residential certificates in name of ‘Dogesh Babu’ and ‘Dog Babu’, here the Samastipur district administration rejected the application and registered a case at the Cyber Police Station for investigation. "It appears there is a diabolical attempt to negatively impact the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which is underway as per the instructions of the Election Commission,” the administration said in a statement, reported PTI. “Given the seriousness of the offence, a case has been lodged at the Cyber police station, Samastipur, for appropriate investigation and action,” the statement added.<h2>Endless list of bizarre names and certificates issued to them</h2>The endless series of bizarre incidents across Bihar has made headlines recently, with several fake online applications for official documents being uncovered, highlighting serious loopholes in the e-governance system. In Khagaria district, officials found applications for residence certificates submitted under the names of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and even a crow. The application for ‘Shri Ram’ included a photo of the deity, listed his father’s name as Dashrath, his mother’s name as Kaushalya, and gave his village as Ayodhya, all references from the Ramayana. However, instead of Uttar Pradesh, the district was listed as Khagaria in Bihar. The mobile number used in the form was a fake one: 9999999999.&nbsp;A similar application in the name of ‘Srimati Mata Sita’ also used a photo of Goddess Sita and listed her parents as Raja Janak and Rani Sunaina, giving Ayodhya in Khagaria as her address and using the same dummy mobile number. In another case at the Khagaria Sadar office, an online application was filed under the name ‘Kauwwa’ (crow), with a photo of a real crow. The applicant's father and mother were listed as Kawwa Singh and Maina Singh, respectively. This application, submitted in December last year, led to a formal complaint now.&nbsp;In yet another startling case from Khagaria, a residence certificate was issued in the name of ‘Dog Babu’, with a smiling photo of a Golden Retriever attached. Although the certificate was cancelled within minutes, a deeper probe revealed that the application was linked to legitimate documents, including Aadhaar, belonging to a woman from Delhi—indicating a possible data breach or deliberate identity theft.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A dog named “Dog Babu”, son of “Kutta Babu” and “Kutiya Devi”, is officially listed as a valid resident in the Bihar SIR database. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has removed 77 lakh genuine voters even though they have Aadhaar, Voters ID and Ration Card. The dog will appear… <a href="https://t.co/DFOmPBZLny">pic.twitter.com/DFOmPBZLny</a>&mdash; Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCKerala/status/1949723208313372885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, in East Champaran, officials received an application featuring a photo of Bhojpuri film actress Monalisa, where the applicant’s name was listed as ‘Sonalika Tractor’, with parents named ‘Swaraj Tractor’ and ‘Car Devi’. Yet another case from Jehanabad district involved an application for an income certificate under the name ‘Samsung’, with the father listed as ‘Iphoan’ and the mother as ‘Smartphoan’.&nbsp;Opposition has come down heavily on the ruling NDA government of Bihar amid these incidents. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra mocked the &nbsp;Election Commission over the election roll revision drive, and called it ‘nothing but an exercise in mass disenfranchisement’. She also claimed 65 lakh voters had been deleted without proper discussion. Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala shared a news clip on social media that falsely claimed a certificate had been issued to the Trump application and said that electoral roll revision in Bihar is a ‘fraud, aimed at stealing votes.’&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Bihar’s SIR has President Trump from Samastipur &amp; Ram S/O Dashrath &amp; Kaushalya from Khagaria. Only Lord Ram can save us from <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ECISVEEP</a> madness! <a href="https://t.co/pP7uOOViHq">pic.twitter.com/pP7uOOViHq</a>&mdash; Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) <a href="https://twitter.com/MahuaMoitra/status/1953028597188526465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Despite the discrepancies, as per reports, not a single political party has gone to EC’s Bihar unit to file a claim or an objection against any of the entries made in the draft voter list. As per data released by EC till 11 am on August 7, 5,015 objections were made by voters, but none by the 1,60,000 booth-level agents of political parties.

From Dogesh Babu to Hindu deities to birds, a series of fake names in Bihar for various government certificates has exposed the loopholes in the state's administration ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The story has now taken an international turn with Trump's entry.

Amid the buzz around United States President Donald Trump's tariffs and trade war, there's another story about him that is unfolding in a part of poll-bound Indian state of Bihar. While everyone is focussed on Trump's next big announcement from the White House, someone in Bihar's Samastipur district has decided to make the US president a resident of the state! Despite the state administration facing a massive backlash due to the issuance of fake residential certificates to everyone, from Dogesh Babu to Sonalika tractor, the latest incident is proof that the people are not paying any attention to mend their ways and are hell-bent to continue with their mischief. The incident also comes at a time when the state is already making its buzz in the corridors of the Parliament with several lawmakers demanding a discussion on the ongoing electoral roll revision drive. Moreover, the timing of the application coincides with Trump's ongoing tariff war with India. Donald Trump in Bihar? Indian news agency PTI reported that an application submitted on July 29 in Mohiuddin Nagar block of Hasanpur village of Samastipur district claimed that the applicant's name was Donald Trump, his father's name was Frederick Christ Trump, and his mother's name was Mary Anne MacLeod. The applicant also used a passport-sized image of the US president in his application. Unlike the previous instances where several other district administrations had issued residential certificates in name of ‘Dogesh Babu’ and ‘Dog Babu’, here the Samastipur district administration rejected the application and registered a case at the Cyber Police Station for investigation. "It appears there is a diabolical attempt to negatively impact the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which is underway as per the instructions of the Election Commission,” the administration said in a statement, reported PTI. “Given the seriousness of the offence, a case has been lodged at the Cyber police station, Samastipur, for appropriate investigation and action,” the statement added. Endless list of bizarre names and certificates issued to them The endless series of bizarre incidents across Bihar has made headlines recently, with several fake online applications for official documents being uncovered, highlighting serious loopholes in the e-governance system. In Khagaria district, officials found applications for residence certificates submitted under the names of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and even a crow. The application for ‘Shri Ram’ included a photo of the deity, listed his father’s name as Dashrath, his mother’s name as Kaushalya, and gave his village as Ayodhya, all references from the Ramayana. However, instead of Uttar Pradesh, the district was listed as Khagaria in Bihar. The mobile number used in the form was a fake one: 9999999999. A similar application in the name of ‘Srimati Mata Sita’ also used a photo of Goddess Sita and listed her parents as Raja Janak and Rani Sunaina, giving Ayodhya in Khagaria as her address and using the same dummy mobile number. In another case at the Khagaria Sadar office, an online application was filed under the name ‘Kauwwa’ (crow), with a photo of a real crow. The applicant's father and mother were listed as Kawwa Singh and Maina Singh, respectively. This application, submitted in December last year, led to a formal complaint now. In yet another startling case from Khagaria, a residence certificate was issued in the name of ‘Dog Babu’, with a smiling photo of a Golden Retriever attached. Although the certificate was cancelled within minutes, a deeper probe revealed that the application was linked to legitimate documents, including Aadhaar, belonging to a woman from Delhi—indicating a possible data breach or deliberate identity theft.

From Dogesh Babu to Hindu deities to birds, a series of fake names in Bihar for various government certificates has exposed the loopholes in the state's administration ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The story has now taken an international turn with Trump's entry.

'Donald Trump' from Samastipur wants residential proof: Saga of fake names amid electoral roll revision in poll-bound Bihar

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (August 7) said that a suitable place to hold a meeting with US President Donald Trump will be the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This comes after Russian president Vladimir Putin's special envoy Kirill A Dmitriev confirmed that he will meet Trump next week.&nbsp;Putin-Trump talks ahead of the deadline to agree on a ceasefire in Ukraine or face sweeping sanctions on Friday. Earlier in the day, &nbsp;Russian foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov said that, at the suggestion of the American side, it has been agreed in principle to hold a bilateral meeting at the highest level in the coming days.&nbsp;Putin, while standing next to UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahya, said, "We have many friends who are willing to help us organise such events. One of our friends is the president of the United Arab Emirates."&nbsp;He added that the UAE would be one of the most suitable places for a meeting with Trump.&nbsp;Earlier, Trump hinted that he could meet Russian President Putin as soon as next week to discuss the war in Ukraine. The White House also said that Trump is “open” to the idea of a meeting with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.&nbsp;As Russia confirmed the Putin-Trump summit, it also dismissed Trump's proposal for a three-way summit involving Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump.<h2>'Zelensky meeting possible, but...'</h2>Russian President Putin further said that the conditions for a potential meeting with Zelensky had not been met. This comes hours after Zelensky called for direct talks with Russia.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have nothing against it in general, it is possible, but certain conditions must be created for this. But unfortunately, we are still far from creating such conditions," Putin told reporters at the Kremlin.&nbsp;Earlier in June, Putin said that he was ready to meet Zelensky, but only during a "final phase" of negotiations on ending the more than three-year conflict.

Russian President Putin further said that the conditions for a potential meeting with Zelensky had not been met. This comes hours after Zelensky called for direct talks with Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (August 7) said that a suitable place to hold a meeting with US President Donald Trump will be the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This comes after Russian president Vladimir Putin's special envoy Kirill A Dmitriev confirmed that he will meet Trump next week. Putin-Trump talks ahead of the deadline to agree on a ceasefire in Ukraine or face sweeping sanctions on Friday. Earlier in the day, Russian foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov said that, at the suggestion of the American side, it has been agreed in principle to hold a bilateral meeting at the highest level in the coming days. Putin, while standing next to UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahya, said, "We have many friends who are willing to help us organise such events. One of our friends is the president of the United Arab Emirates." He added that the UAE would be one of the most suitable places for a meeting with Trump. Earlier, Trump hinted that he could meet Russian President Putin as soon as next week to discuss the war in Ukraine. The White House also said that Trump is “open” to the idea of a meeting with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As Russia confirmed the Putin-Trump summit, it also dismissed Trump's proposal for a three-way summit involving Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump. 'Zelensky meeting possible, but...' Russian President Putin further said that the conditions for a potential meeting with Zelensky had not been met. This comes hours after Zelensky called for direct talks with Russia. "I have nothing against it in general, it is possible, but certain conditions must be created for this. But unfortunately, we are still far from creating such conditions," Putin told reporters at the Kremlin. Earlier in June, Putin said that he was ready to meet Zelensky, but only during a "final phase" of negotiations on ending the more than three-year conflict.

Russian President Putin further said that the conditions for a potential meeting with Zelensky had not been met. This comes hours after Zelensky called for direct talks with Russia.

Putin says UAE possible place for Trump summit; stresses 'conditions' to meet Zelensky has not been met

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