Kash Patel, Donald Trump's nominee for the post of FBI director, was recently targeted in an Iranian hacking attack. As per a CNN report citing two people in the know, the federal investigative agency informed him of this recently.

<h2>What did the hackers target?</h2>

As per the report, the hackers may have accessed some communications of Patel, a Trump loyalist and former Pentagon official.&nbsp;

In a statement, Trump transition spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer said: "Kash Patel was a key part of the first Trump administration’s efforts against the terrorist Iranian regime and will implement President Trump’s policies to protect America from adversaries as the FBI Director".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-seeks-dismissal-of-criminal-conviction-cites-hunter-bidens-pardon-781294">Donald Trump seeks dismissal of criminal conviction, cites Hunter Biden's pardon</a>

However, he did not specify on the hack.

<h2>Bullseye on Trump's team?</h2>

Recently, members of Trump's inner circle have increasingly become targets of foreign hacks. Just last month, the FBI had informed one of Trump's lead attorneys Todd Blanche — also Trump's pick for deputy attorney general — that his mobile phone was tapped by Chinese hackers. Before that, another Trump attorney Lindsey Halligan was targeted in a separate Iranian hacking attack, reported CNN.

The president-elect's son, Donald Trump Jr, has also revealed that he was notified by the FBI that he was one of Iran's "top targets".

As per the Trump transition team, prominent cabinet nominees and appointees of the incoming president have even received bomb threats and "swatting attacks." The FBI is carrying out an investigation into the matter.

Members of Trump's first administration also faced similar attacks from Iran.

During the 2024 US election campaigning, they also sent information from Trump's campaign to rival Joe Biden's campaign, according to reports. At the time, the Iranian government denied allegations of election meddling.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-pick-for-dea-chief-withdraws-from-consideration-second-pick-to-turn-down-nomination-781290">Trump's pick for DEA chief withdraws from consideration; second pick to turn down nomination</a>

<h2>Who is Kash Patel?</h2>

Indian-origin Kashyap 'Kash' Patel previously served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council during Trump's first term.

The son of Indian immigrants, Patel is the author of a book about the so-called government&nbsp;"deep state."

Trump praised Patel and described him as a "brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Patel "has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People," wrote the president-elect in his post.

"He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution."

(With inputs from agencies)

Kash Patel, Donald Trump's nominee for the post of FBI director, was recently targeted in an Iranian hacking attack. As per a CNN report citing two people in the know, the federal investigative agency informed him of this recently.

Kash Patel, Donald Trump's nominee for the post of FBI director, was recently targeted in an Iranian hacking attack. As per a CNN report citing two people in the know, the federal investigative agency informed him of this recently. What did the hackers target? As per the report, the hackers may have accessed some communications of Patel, a Trump loyalist and former Pentagon official. In a statement, Trump transition spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer said: "Kash Patel was a key part of the first Trump administration’s efforts against the terrorist Iranian regime and will implement President Trump’s policies to protect America from adversaries as the FBI Director". Also read | Donald Trump seeks dismissal of criminal conviction, cites Hunter Biden's pardon However, he did not specify on the hack. Bullseye on Trump's team? Recently, members of Trump's inner circle have increasingly become targets of foreign hacks. Just last month, the FBI had informed one of Trump's lead attorneys Todd Blanche — also Trump's pick for deputy attorney general — that his mobile phone was tapped by Chinese hackers. Before that, another Trump attorney Lindsey Halligan was targeted in a separate Iranian hacking attack, reported CNN. The president-elect's son, Donald Trump Jr, has also revealed that he was notified by the FBI that he was one of Iran's "top targets". As per the Trump transition team, prominent cabinet nominees and appointees of the incoming president have even received bomb threats and "swatting attacks." The FBI is carrying out an investigation into the matter. Members of Trump's first administration also faced similar attacks from Iran. During the 2024 US election campaigning, they also sent information from Trump's campaign to rival Joe Biden's campaign, according to reports. At the time, the Iranian government denied allegations of election meddling. Also read | Trump's pick for DEA chief withdraws from consideration; second pick to turn down nomination Who is Kash Patel? Indian-origin Kashyap 'Kash' Patel previously served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council during Trump's first term. The son of Indian immigrants, Patel is the author of a book about the so-called government "deep state." Trump praised Patel and described him as a "brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter." Patel "has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People," wrote the president-elect in his post. "He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's FBI director pick Kash Patel targetted by Iranian hacking attack

US President-elect Donald Trump has named Warren Stephens, a billionaire investment banker from Arkansas, as his pick for the post of US ambassador to Britain.&nbsp;

If confirmed by the Senate, Stephens, a prominent Republican donor, will take on the high-profile diplomatic role shortly after Trump's inauguration on January 20. &nbsp;

<h2>Who is Warren Stephens?</h2>

Warren Stephens is the chairman, president and CEO of Arkansas-based investment firm Stephens Inc.

Once an outspoken opponent of Trump, during the 2016 Republican primaries Stephens even gave money to the "Stop Trump movement," a group dedicated to blocking the Republican leader&nbsp;from securing the party's nomination.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-picks-convicted-felon-charles-kushner-as-his-ambassador-to-france-780639">Trump picks convicted felon Charles Kushner as his ambassador to France</a>

However, his stance has shifted in recent years, and Stephens has now donated substantial funds to "MAGA Inc.," a political action committee supporting Trump's 2024 campaign. &nbsp;

Announcing Stephens' appointment on Truth Social, Trump said: "Over the last 38 years, while serving as the President, Chairman, and CEO of his company, Stephens Inc., Warren has built a wonderful financial services firm, while selflessly giving back to his community as a philanthropist."

"Warren has always dreamed of serving the United States full time. I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top Diplomat, representing the U.S.A. to one of America's most cherished and beloved Allies," he added. &nbsp;

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During his first term, Trump&nbsp;appointed businessman Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets, as US ambassador to Britain.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-picks-daughters-father-in-law-massad-boulos-as-his-middle-east-advisor-780720">Donald Trump picks daughter's father-in-law Massad Boulos as his Middle East advisor</a>

<h2>Another billionaire in the Trump 2.0 administration</h2>

Stephens joins a growing list of billionaires and high-profile Trump loyalists selected for top diplomatic posts.&nbsp;

In a similar move, he recently named Charles Kushner — father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner — as ambassador to France and Massad Boulos, the father-in-law of his youngest daughter Tiffany, as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.

<h2>The task ahead&nbsp;</h2>

As Trump's ambassador to the UK, Stephens will be tasked with "representing the USA to one of America's most cherished and beloved Allies".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Donald Trump has named Warren Stephens, a billionaire investment banker from Arkansas, as his pick for the post of US ambassador to Britain. If confirmed by the Senate, Stephens, a prominent Republican donor, will take on the high-profile diplomatic role shortly after Trump's inauguration on January 20.

US President-elect Donald Trump has named Warren Stephens, a billionaire investment banker from Arkansas, as his pick for the post of US ambassador to Britain. If confirmed by the Senate, Stephens, a prominent Republican donor, will take on the high-profile diplomatic role shortly after Trump's inauguration on January 20. Who is Warren Stephens? Warren Stephens is the chairman, president and CEO of Arkansas-based investment firm Stephens Inc. Once an outspoken opponent of Trump, during the 2016 Republican primaries Stephens even gave money to the "Stop Trump movement," a group dedicated to blocking the Republican leader from securing the party's nomination. Also read | Trump picks convicted felon Charles Kushner as his ambassador to France However, his stance has shifted in recent years, and Stephens has now donated substantial funds to "MAGA Inc.," a political action committee supporting Trump's 2024 campaign. Announcing Stephens' appointment on Truth Social, Trump said: "Over the last 38 years, while serving as the President, Chairman, and CEO of his company, Stephens Inc., Warren has built a wonderful financial services firm, while selflessly giving back to his community as a philanthropist." "Warren has always dreamed of serving the United States full time. I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top Diplomat, representing the U.S.A. to one of America's most cherished and beloved Allies," he added. × During his first term, Trump appointed businessman Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets, as US ambassador to Britain. Also read | Donald Trump picks daughter's father-in-law Massad Boulos as his Middle East advisor Another billionaire in the Trump 2.0 administration Stephens joins a growing list of billionaires and high-profile Trump loyalists selected for top diplomatic posts. In a similar move, he recently named Charles Kushner — father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner — as ambassador to France and Massad Boulos, the father-in-law of his youngest daughter Tiffany, as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. The task ahead As Trump's ambassador to the UK, Stephens will be tasked with "representing the USA to one of America's most cherished and beloved Allies". (With inputs from agencies)

Trump 2.0: US president-elect taps billionaire Warren Stephens as US ambassador to the UK

US President-elect Donald Trump has named Massad Boulos, the father-in-law of his youngest daughter Tiffany, as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. The appointment, announced Sunday (Dec 2), is the second&nbsp;in as many days when Trump picked a family member for a key post in the incoming administration.

Boulos' selection follows Saturday's controversial nomination of Charles Kushner—father to Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner—as ambassador to France. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-picks-convicted-felon-charles-kushner-as-his-ambassador-to-france-780639">Trump picks convicted felon Charles Kushner as his ambassador to France</a>

<h2>Who is Massad Boulos?</h2>

A Lebanese-American businessman, Massad Boulos's family runs businesses across Nigeria and Lebanon.&nbsp;His son Michael is married to Trump's daughter Tiffany.

According to reports, Boulos was key in mobilising support from Arab American and Muslim communities during Trump's presidential campaign. The businessman previously tried to win a seat in the Lebanese parliament but was unsuccessful.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, the president-elect lauded Boulos as "an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the International scene" and an "unwavering supporter of PEACE in the Middle East". &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-india-other-brics-nations-commit-to-us-dollar-or-face-100-tariff-780553">Trump warns India, other BRICS nations: Commit to US dollar or face '100%' tariff</a>

Massad "will be a strong advocate for the United States, and its interests," added trump in his post.

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Boulos faces a daunting task. The Middle East remains deeply volatile, with the war in Gaza escalating, tensions simmering along Lebanon's border, and Syria's internal strife reigniting. Previously, Boulos has publicly championed swift conflict resolution. &nbsp;

In October, speaking during the campaign, he stressed the importance of ending wars "quickly". &nbsp;

"What do we mean by finishing it quickly is, I mean, you have some military targets that you have to accomplish, which is to get rid of the Hamas infrastructure and ability to launch new attacks and so on," he told Sky News.

"Let's move to peace, and let's move to rebuilding Gaza and rebuilding Lebanon," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Donald Trump has named Massad Boulos, the father-in-law of his youngest daughter Tiffany, as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.

US President-elect Donald Trump has named Massad Boulos, the father-in-law of his youngest daughter Tiffany, as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. The appointment, announced Sunday (Dec 2), is the second in as many days when Trump picked a family member for a key post in the incoming administration. Boulos' selection follows Saturday's controversial nomination of Charles Kushner—father to Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner—as ambassador to France. Also read | Trump picks convicted felon Charles Kushner as his ambassador to France Who is Massad Boulos? A Lebanese-American businessman, Massad Boulos's family runs businesses across Nigeria and Lebanon. His son Michael is married to Trump's daughter Tiffany. According to reports, Boulos was key in mobilising support from Arab American and Muslim communities during Trump's presidential campaign. The businessman previously tried to win a seat in the Lebanese parliament but was unsuccessful. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, the president-elect lauded Boulos as "an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the International scene" and an "unwavering supporter of PEACE in the Middle East". Also read | Trump warns India, other BRICS nations: Commit to US dollar or face '100%' tariff Massad "will be a strong advocate for the United States, and its interests," added trump in his post. × Boulos faces a daunting task. The Middle East remains deeply volatile, with the war in Gaza escalating, tensions simmering along Lebanon's border, and Syria's internal strife reigniting. Previously, Boulos has publicly championed swift conflict resolution. In October, speaking during the campaign, he stressed the importance of ending wars "quickly". "What do we mean by finishing it quickly is, I mean, you have some military targets that you have to accomplish, which is to get rid of the Hamas infrastructure and ability to launch new attacks and so on," he told Sky News. "Let's move to peace, and let's move to rebuilding Gaza and rebuilding Lebanon," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump picks daughter's father-in-law Massad Boulos as his Middle East advisor

US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday (Nov 30) announced that&nbsp;loyalist Kashyap "Kash" Patel was his choice for director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Republican leader also declared Chad Chronister as his pick for administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and confirmed Pam Bondi as his pick to lead the Department of Justice. &nbsp;

<h2>Kash Patel for FBI Director</h2>

Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump announced that Patel, a loyalist and former Pentagon official, "will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation" replacing current FBI Director Christopher Wray, another Trump pick from his first term.

Appointed in 2017, Wray's term is supposed to last till 2027, which means for Kash to take the helm of the FBI, the current director will either need to step down or be fired.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-picks-gen-keith-kellogg-for-ukraine-envoy-to-end-war-how-will-he-do-it-779767">Will Trump's pick for Ukraine envoy Gen Keith Kellogg end war?</a>

<h2>Who is Kash Patel?</h2>

Indian-origin Kashyap Patel previously served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council during Trump's first term.

Kashyap Patel, the son of Indian immigrants, is the author of a book about the so-called government "deep state."

Trump praised Patel and described him as a "brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Patel "has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People," wrote the president-elect in his post.

"He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-donald-trump-trolls-democrats-on-thanksgiving-day-with-ai-video-wishes-radical-left-780154">Watch: Donald Trump trolls Democrats on Thanksgiving Day with AI video, wishes 'radical left'</a>

If confirmed, Patel's appointment could signal a significant shift in the FBI’s direction, with a focus on tackling what Trump described as America’s "crime epidemic" and "human and drug trafficking across the border."

"This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border. Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI," added Trump.

<h2>Chad Chronister for DEA Administrator</h2>

Trump also tapped Chad Chronister, a Florida sheriff, to lead the DEA.

Chronister is expected to work closely with Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi on strengthening border security and combatting the flow of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl.&nbsp;

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Chad will "stop the flow of Fentanyl, and other Illegal Drugs, across the Southern Border, and SAVE LIVES," Trump declared on Truth Social.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday (Nov 30) announced that loyalist Kashyap "Kash" Patel was his choice for director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday (Nov 30) announced that loyalist Kashyap "Kash" Patel was his choice for director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Republican leader also declared Chad Chronister as his pick for administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and confirmed Pam Bondi as his pick to lead the Department of Justice. Kash Patel for FBI Director Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump announced that Patel, a loyalist and former Pentagon official, "will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation" replacing current FBI Director Christopher Wray, another Trump pick from his first term. Appointed in 2017, Wray's term is supposed to last till 2027, which means for Kash to take the helm of the FBI, the current director will either need to step down or be fired. Also read | Will Trump's pick for Ukraine envoy Gen Keith Kellogg end war? Who is Kash Patel? Indian-origin Kashyap Patel previously served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council during Trump's first term. Kashyap Patel, the son of Indian immigrants, is the author of a book about the so-called government "deep state." Trump praised Patel and described him as a "brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter." Patel "has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People," wrote the president-elect in his post. "He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution." Also read | Watch: Donald Trump trolls Democrats on Thanksgiving Day with AI video, wishes 'radical left' If confirmed, Patel's appointment could signal a significant shift in the FBI’s direction, with a focus on tackling what Trump described as America’s "crime epidemic" and "human and drug trafficking across the border." "This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border. Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI," added Trump. Chad Chronister for DEA Administrator Trump also tapped Chad Chronister, a Florida sheriff, to lead the DEA. Chronister is expected to work closely with Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi on strengthening border security and combatting the flow of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl. × Chad will "stop the flow of Fentanyl, and other Illegal Drugs, across the Southern Border, and SAVE LIVES," Trump declared on Truth Social. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump selects Indian-origin Kash Patel to head FBI, announces key picks for DEA, and Justice Department

US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday (Nov 30) issued a stark warning to India and other BRICS nations, threatening them with a 100 per cent tariff if they continue to pursue other currencies to replace the US dollar for trade. 
 
BRICS is a group of emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa,&nbsp;alongside recent additions like Iran, Egypt, and the UAE.

<h2>What did Trump say? &nbsp;</h2>

Taking to his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump declared that the time when the US stood by and watched nations undermine the dollar is "over".

"The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER."

He demanded a clear commitment from the group to abandon efforts that undermine the dominance of the dollar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-selects-indian-origin-kash-patel-to-head-fbi-announces-key-picks-for-dea-and-justice-department-780542">Trump selects Indian-origin Kash Patel to head FBI, announces key picks for DEA, and Justice Department</a>

"We require a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US Dollar," he wrote.

He threatened that such countries "will face 100% Tariffs," and that they should expect to "say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US Economy," Trump wrote.

"They can go find another 'sucker!'," he announced.&nbsp;

<h2>BRICS currency ambitions &nbsp;</h2>

Trump's threats come as at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia in October, member states explored expanding non-dollar transactions and strengthening local currency use.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-calls-mar-a-lago-meeting-with-trump-an-excellent-conversation-amid-trade-tensions-780536">Trudeau calls Mar-a-Lago meeting with Trump an 'excellent conversation' amid trade tensions</a>

While Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed speculation about a unified BRICS currency or an alternative to the SWIFT financial messaging system, Moscow secured a joint declaration encouraging the "strengthening of correspondent banking networks within BRICS and enabling settlements in local currencies in line with BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative." &nbsp;

"As for a unified BRICS currency, we are not considering that question at the moment," said Putin at the time.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday (Nov 30) issued a stark warning to India and other BRICS nations, threatening them with a 100 per cent tariff if they continue to pursue other currencies to replace the US dollar for trade.

US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday (Nov 30) issued a stark warning to India and other BRICS nations, threatening them with a 100 per cent tariff if they continue to pursue other currencies to replace the US dollar for trade. BRICS is a group of emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, alongside recent additions like Iran, Egypt, and the UAE. What did Trump say? Taking to his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump declared that the time when the US stood by and watched nations undermine the dollar is "over". "The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER." He demanded a clear commitment from the group to abandon efforts that undermine the dominance of the dollar. Also read | Trump selects Indian-origin Kash Patel to head FBI, announces key picks for DEA, and Justice Department "We require a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US Dollar," he wrote. He threatened that such countries "will face 100% Tariffs," and that they should expect to "say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US Economy," Trump wrote. "They can go find another 'sucker!'," he announced. BRICS currency ambitions Trump's threats come as at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia in October, member states explored expanding non-dollar transactions and strengthening local currency use. Also read | Trudeau calls Mar-a-Lago meeting with Trump an 'excellent conversation' amid trade tensions While Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed speculation about a unified BRICS currency or an alternative to the SWIFT financial messaging system, Moscow secured a joint declaration encouraging the "strengthening of correspondent banking networks within BRICS and enabling settlements in local currencies in line with BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative." "As for a unified BRICS currency, we are not considering that question at the moment," said Putin at the time. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump warns India, other BRICS nations: Commit to US dollar or face '100%' tariff  

US President-elect Donald Trump nominated Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as the ambassador to France in the Trump 2.0 administration on Saturday (Nov. 30).&nbsp;

This marks the latest of the Republicans' controversial picks and is in line with his pattern, so far, of picking mostly wealthy Trump-loyalists&nbsp;close to him or his family.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump praised Kushner and said he "is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, &amp; dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country &amp; its interests."

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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-selects-indian-origin-kash-patel-to-head-fbi-announces-key-picks-for-dea-and-justice-department-780542">Trump selects Indian-origin Kash Patel to head FBI, announces key picks for DEA, and Justice Department</a>

<h2>Who is Charlie Kushner?</h2>

70-year-old Charlie Kushner is an American real estate developer and disbarred former attorney. He founded Kushner Companies in 1985.

A convicted felon, he once served a two-year sentence, most of it in federal prison. In 2004, as per AFP, he had pleaded guilty to 18 counts of illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion, and witness tampering.

The case included some pretty sordid details. He had hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law — who was cooperating in a campaign finance inquiry. Kushner had the sexual encounter recorded, and sent a tape of it to his sister, to dissuade her from testifying against him. US attorney Chris Christie, the prosecutor who led the case against him, described it as a "loathsome" and "disgusting crime."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-donald-trump-trolls-democrats-on-thanksgiving-day-with-ai-video-wishes-radical-left-780154">Watch: Donald Trump trolls Democrats on Thanksgiving Day with AI video, wishes 'radical left'</a>

Apart from the prison sentence, he was also disbarred in three states.

In 2020, Trump issued a pardon for Charlie Kushner.&nbsp;

<h2>A shift in diplomatic tradition&nbsp;</h2>

The Paris ambassadorship, long associated with prominent figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, has traditionally been filled by distinguished diplomats or major political donors. Trump’s choice of Kushner, a convicted felon, is seen as a significant departure from historical precedent.&nbsp;

If confirmed, Kushner would succeed Denise Bauer, a former ambassador to Belgium and Democratic fundraiser, underscoring the bipartisan practice of rewarding loyalists with prestigious diplomatic posts.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Donald Trump nominated Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as the ambassador to France in the Trump 2.0 administration on Saturday (Nov.

US President-elect Donald Trump nominated Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as the ambassador to France in the Trump 2.0 administration on Saturday (Nov. 30). This marks the latest of the Republicans' controversial picks and is in line with his pattern, so far, of picking mostly wealthy Trump-loyalists close to him or his family. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump praised Kushner and said he "is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests." × Also read | Trump selects Indian-origin Kash Patel to head FBI, announces key picks for DEA, and Justice Department Who is Charlie Kushner? 70-year-old Charlie Kushner is an American real estate developer and disbarred former attorney. He founded Kushner Companies in 1985. A convicted felon, he once served a two-year sentence, most of it in federal prison. In 2004, as per AFP, he had pleaded guilty to 18 counts of illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion, and witness tampering. The case included some pretty sordid details. He had hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law — who was cooperating in a campaign finance inquiry. Kushner had the sexual encounter recorded, and sent a tape of it to his sister, to dissuade her from testifying against him. US attorney Chris Christie, the prosecutor who led the case against him, described it as a "loathsome" and "disgusting crime." Also read | Watch: Donald Trump trolls Democrats on Thanksgiving Day with AI video, wishes 'radical left' Apart from the prison sentence, he was also disbarred in three states. In 2020, Trump issued a pardon for Charlie Kushner. A shift in diplomatic tradition The Paris ambassadorship, long associated with prominent figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, has traditionally been filled by distinguished diplomats or major political donors. Trump’s choice of Kushner, a convicted felon, is seen as a significant departure from historical precedent. If confirmed, Kushner would succeed Denise Bauer, a former ambassador to Belgium and Democratic fundraiser, underscoring the bipartisan practice of rewarding loyalists with prestigious diplomatic posts. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump picks convicted felon Charles Kushner as his ambassador to France

United States Vice President-elect JD Vance has been subject to many controversies, online criticism, and mockery for the strangest things on the campaign trail with President-elect Donald Trump. &nbsp;

This time, he is back with a not-so-cool Thanksgiving post which is being slammed on social media platform X. Vance posted a parody picture of Norman Rockwell’s iconic painting Freedom From Want.&nbsp;

In the picture Vance posted, the matriarch's face was replaced with his own and Turkey was replaced with the map of America. Meanwhile, Trump was seen standing behind Vance and grinning in the role of the patriarch.

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<a href="https://t.co/xAx6kCo6I8">pic.twitter.com/xAx6kCo6I8</a>
— JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1862285652609388954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The post soon became viral and a topic of discussion with some saying it depicts Vance's loyalty towards Trump. However, the image was also mocked by many including&nbsp;former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan.&nbsp;

"JD Vance posting an image of himself as Trump’s wife, and also with a map that doesn’t show people he and Trump won by one of the lowest margins in American history," said Hasan in a post.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-have-no-respect-for-a-man-that-pete-hegseths-mother-accused-him-of-mistreating-women-780436">'I have no respect for a man that...': Pete Hegseth's mother accused him of mistreating women</a>

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JD Vance posting an image of himself as Trump’s wife, and also with a map that doesn’t show people he and Trump won by one of the lowest margins in American history. <a href="https://t.co/Spl63RInyA">https://t.co/Spl63RInyA</a>
— Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mehdirhasan/status/1862303863413285010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Film executive Franklin Leonard said, "I’ve seen a lot of embarrassing behaviour on this app, but I have never seen anything quite like this."

Jason Linkins, deputy editor of The New Republic, weighed in, saying, "Some men are born with an almost fetishistic need to be ruled, and this weirdo is high-key one of them."

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I’ve seen a lot of embarrassing behavior on this app, but I have never seen anything quite like this. <a href="https://t.co/d6TtDTxMn3">https://t.co/d6TtDTxMn3</a>
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) <a href="https://twitter.com/franklinleonard/status/1862305413741650361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Netizens react&nbsp;</h2>

Social media users also shared their opinions on Vance's post&nbsp;and the message behind it.&nbsp;

An X user wrote, "There is something deeply wrong with you. Besides, you’re irrelevant anyway. Trump’s already cheating on you. I’m just looking forward to the catfight."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-man-scams-over-63-hotels-for-free-stay-using-dead-cockroaches-used-condoms-arrested-780416">Chinese man scams over 63 hotels for free stay using dead cockroaches &amp; used condoms, arrested</a>

Another added, "If this feels normal to you, you're in a cult."&nbsp;

Someone even wrote, "Look, nothing any of us can say is gonna beat the fact that he posted this himself."&nbsp;

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Look, nothing any of us can say is gonna beat the fact that he posted this himself <a href="https://t.co/MLl76gIdfF">https://t.co/MLl76gIdfF</a>
— Mr. Chau (@Srirachachau) <a href="https://twitter.com/Srirachachau/status/1862322358679478287?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

United States Vice President-elect JD Vance has been subject to many controversies, online criticism, and mockery for the strangest things on the campaign trail with President-elect Donald Trump.

United States Vice President-elect JD Vance has been subject to many controversies, online criticism, and mockery for the strangest things on the campaign trail with President-elect Donald Trump. This time, he is back with a not-so-cool Thanksgiving post which is being slammed on social media platform X. Vance posted a parody picture of Norman Rockwell’s iconic painting Freedom From Want. In the picture Vance posted, the matriarch's face was replaced with his own and Turkey was replaced with the map of America. Meanwhile, Trump was seen standing behind Vance and grinning in the role of the patriarch. pic.twitter.com/xAx6kCo6I8 — JD Vance (@JDVance) November 29, 2024 × The post soon became viral and a topic of discussion with some saying it depicts Vance's loyalty towards Trump. However, the image was also mocked by many including former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan. "JD Vance posting an image of himself as Trump’s wife, and also with a map that doesn’t show people he and Trump won by one of the lowest margins in American history," said Hasan in a post. Also read | 'I have no respect for a man that...': Pete Hegseth's mother accused him of mistreating women JD Vance posting an image of himself as Trump’s wife, and also with a map that doesn’t show people he and Trump won by one of the lowest margins in American history. https://t.co/Spl63RInyA — Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) November 29, 2024 × Film executive Franklin Leonard said, "I’ve seen a lot of embarrassing behaviour on this app, but I have never seen anything quite like this." Jason Linkins, deputy editor of The New Republic, weighed in, saying, "Some men are born with an almost fetishistic need to be ruled, and this weirdo is high-key one of them." I’ve seen a lot of embarrassing behavior on this app, but I have never seen anything quite like this. https://t.co/d6TtDTxMn3 — Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) November 29, 2024 × Netizens react Social media users also shared their opinions on Vance's post and the message behind it. An X user wrote, "There is something deeply wrong with you. Besides, you’re irrelevant anyway. Trump’s already cheating on you. I’m just looking forward to the catfight." Also read | Chinese man scams over 63 hotels for free stay using dead cockroaches & used condoms, arrested Another added, "If this feels normal to you, you're in a cult." Someone even wrote, "Look, nothing any of us can say is gonna beat the fact that he posted this himself." Look, nothing any of us can say is gonna beat the fact that he posted this himself https://t.co/MLl76gIdfF — Mr. Chau (@Srirachachau) November 29, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

JD Vance shares bizarre Thanksgiving post showing himself as 'Trump's wife', internet goes crazy

Donald Trump, now the US President-elect, won the 2024 presidential election by sweeping 312 electoral votes and defeating the Republican candidate Kamala Harris who secured 226 electoral votes.

Donald Trump, now the US President-elect, won the 2024 presidential election by sweeping 312 electoral votes and defeating the Republican candidate Kamala Harris who secured 226 electoral votes. Trump won the state of Alabama, sweeping its nine electoral votes with 64.8 per cent votes. Also read | US election: Opinion pollsters are biggest losers. Time to ask them questions Alabama has always been a Republican stronghold and consistently voted for GOP presidential candidates since 1980. US House Race Democrat Shomari Figures won in Abama's second Congressional District. The Republican Caroleene Dobson lost in the district. Republican U.S. Rep. Barry Moore won in Alabama's District 1 in other US House races of the state. In District 6 of the state, US Representative Gary Palmer was reelected in the 2024 elections. The US Representative Terri Sewell, a Democrat, won and was reelected in District 7. Republican incumbents in Districts 3, 4, and 5 were not challenged in the November 5 election. When will Senate races and other state offices be up for election? Also read | US elections 2024: How Trump won against Harris- 15 things that worked for him In the 2024 election, the US Senate, governor and state Legislature were not on the ballot. Alabama's US Senator Tommy Tuberville's seat will go to polls in 2026. US Senators serve for six years in one term. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, elected in 2022, will be running again for the seat in 2028. Who won in 2020 in the state? The Republican Donald Trump won Alabama in the 2020 elections with 62.03 per cent votes compared to the Democrat Joe Biden's 36.57 per cent. 2024 Election Results In the 2024 election, Donald Trump was reelected in the state, defeating Democrat Kamala Harris. (With inputs from agencies)

Alabama US Presidential Election 2024 results: House, Senate, local elections - What we know

The Republican candidate Donald Trump won the 2024 United States presidential election after defeating his Democratic rival Kamala Harris. The now US President-elect won the state of Arizona, securing the state's 11 electoral votes and completing his sweep of the seven swing states in the election.

The Republican candidate Donald Trump won the 2024 United States presidential election after defeating his Democratic rival Kamala Harris. The now US President-elect won the state of Arizona, securing the state's 11 electoral votes and completing his sweep of the seven swing states in the election. Arizona was once considered a Republican stronghold and later developed into a swing state. In recent years, both the Democratic and Republican parties have won the state. Also read | US election: Opinion pollsters are biggest losers. Time to ask them questions According to the Associated Press, among Harris' voters, two-thirds of those asked in Arizona said their ballots supported Harris, while one-third said their vote was against Republican Donald Trump. The report further said among Trump supporters, eight out of 10 said their vote was for the Republican and two said it was against Harris. Four out of 10 Arizona voters reportedly said the major issues in the 2024 US presidential election were the economy and employment. About one-quarter of Arizona voters said immigration is the most pressing issue, and about one in 10 named abortion, the AP survey said. Arizona Senate election - Who won? The Democratic congressman Ruben Gallego won in Arizona defeating the Republican nominee and former journalist Kari Lake. How many Senate seats went for election in the state? Who won? Also read | US elections 2024: How Trump won against Harris- 15 things that worked for him The state of Arizona chose one of its two senators to serve in the US Senate for the next six years in Donald Trump's second term. The Democrat Ruben Gallego won in the 2024 election with 50.1 per cent votes and defeated Kari Lake, former news journalist and a Republican. Gallego ran for the first time for the US Senate. How many House of Representatives seats went for election in the state? Who won? Arizona also voted for nine candidates to serve in the US House of Representatives from each of the state's nine House districts. According to the Associate Press, The Republican Party won six seats - David Schweikert (51.9 per cent votes), Eli Crane (54.5 per cent votes), Andy Biggs (60.4 per cent votes), Juan Ciscomani (50 per cent votes), Abraham Hamadeh (56.5 per cent votes), and Paul Gosar (65.3 per cent votes). On the other hand, the Democrats won three seats - Yassamin Ansari (70.9 per cent votes), Greg Stanton (52.7 per cent votes), and Raul Grijalva (63.4 per cent votes). Who won the presidential election in the state in 2020? In 2020, Democrat Joe Biden won the presidential election by securing the state's 11 electoral votes. That was the first time a Democratic presidential candidate won Arizona since Bill Clinton in 1969. Joe Biden received 51.3 per cent votes while the Republican candidate Donald Trump won 46.8 per cent votes. Results of 2024 election President-elect Donald Trump won Arizona. Trump defeated his rival Kamala Harris by securing 52.2 per cent votes while Harris secured 46.7 per cent votes in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Arizona US Presidential Election 2024 results: House, Senate, local elections - What we know

Former US envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley opened a front against incoming intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard Wednesday (Nov 20), accusing her of being a Russian and Chinese sympathiser. Speaking on her SiriusXM show, Nikki Haley Live, Haley blasted President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) over her remarks about the Russia-Ukraine war.

“After Russia invaded Ukraine, Tulsi Gabbard literally blamed NATO, our Western alliance that’s responsible for countering Russia,” Haley stated, adding that her stance was backed by the likes of Russia and China on their television. “She blamed NATO for the attack on Ukraine, and the Russians and the Chinese echoed her talking points and her interviews on Russian and Chinese television,” Haley added.

Haley claimed that Gabbard consistently aligned with nations like Russia, Syria, Iran, and China in foreign policy matters.

“So now she’s defended Russia, she’s defended Syria, she’s defended Iran, and she’s defended China. No, she has not denounced any of these views. None of them. She hasn’t taken one of them back,” Haley said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjBxr-sqO2JAxXWklYBHaCGLjUQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-aligned-with-russia-as-it-perceives-us-weak-and-untrustworthy-says-nikki-haley-688050" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/india-aligned-with-russia-as-it-perceives-us-weak-and-untrustworthy-says-nikki-haley-688050&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjBxr-sqO2JAxXWklYBHaCGLjUQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">India aligned with Russia as it perceives US 'weak' and untrustworthy, says Nikki Haley</a>

“This is not a place for a Russian, Iranian, Syrian, Chinese sympathizer.”

Haley, a Republican who suspended her presidential campaign and later endorsed Trump, also trained her guns on Robert F Kennedy Jr, who has been tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

"He’s a liberal Democrat, environmental attorney, trial lawyer who will now be overseeing 25 percent of our federal budget and has no background in health care,” Haley alleged.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjBxr-sqO2JAxXWklYBHaCGLjUQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-know-the-game-he-was-playing-nikki-haley-reacts-to-trumps-post-election-snub-776302" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/i-know-the-game-he-was-playing-nikki-haley-reacts-to-trumps-post-election-snub-776302&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjBxr-sqO2JAxXWklYBHaCGLjUQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">‘I know the game he was playing,’ Nikki Haley reacts to Trump’s post-election snub</a>

“Some of you may think RFK is cool, some of you may like that he questions what’s in our food and what’s in our vaccines, but we don’t know, when he is given reins to an agency, what decisions he’s going to make behind the scenes,” she added.

Following his victory in the November 5 elections, Trump announced he wouldn’t be inviting Haley to join his second administration.

“I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Responding to the snub, Nikki said she was not interested in being in Trump’s cabinet and claimed that the 78-year-old GOP leader already knew about it.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former US envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley opened a front against incoming intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard Wednesday (Nov 20), accusing her of being a Russian and Chinese sympathiser.

Former US envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley opened a front against incoming intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard Wednesday (Nov 20), accusing her of being a Russian and Chinese sympathiser. Speaking on her SiriusXM show, Nikki Haley Live, Haley blasted President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) over her remarks about the Russia-Ukraine war. “After Russia invaded Ukraine, Tulsi Gabbard literally blamed NATO, our Western alliance that’s responsible for countering Russia,” Haley stated, adding that her stance was backed by the likes of Russia and China on their television. “She blamed NATO for the attack on Ukraine, and the Russians and the Chinese echoed her talking points and her interviews on Russian and Chinese television,” Haley added. Haley claimed that Gabbard consistently aligned with nations like Russia, Syria, Iran, and China in foreign policy matters. “So now she’s defended Russia, she’s defended Syria, she’s defended Iran, and she’s defended China. No, she has not denounced any of these views. None of them. She hasn’t taken one of them back,” Haley said. Also read: India aligned with Russia as it perceives US 'weak' and untrustworthy, says Nikki Haley “This is not a place for a Russian, Iranian, Syrian, Chinese sympathizer.” Haley, a Republican who suspended her presidential campaign and later endorsed Trump, also trained her guns on Robert F Kennedy Jr, who has been tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). "He’s a liberal Democrat, environmental attorney, trial lawyer who will now be overseeing 25 percent of our federal budget and has no background in health care,” Haley alleged. Also read: ‘I know the game he was playing,’ Nikki Haley reacts to Trump’s post-election snub “Some of you may think RFK is cool, some of you may like that he questions what’s in our food and what’s in our vaccines, but we don’t know, when he is given reins to an agency, what decisions he’s going to make behind the scenes,” she added. Following his victory in the November 5 elections, Trump announced he wouldn’t be inviting Haley to join his second administration. “I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Responding to the snub, Nikki said she was not interested in being in Trump’s cabinet and claimed that the 78-year-old GOP leader already knew about it. (With inputs from agencies)

‘No place for Russian, Chinese sympathiser,’ Nikki Haley blasts Trump's DNI pick Tulsi Gabbard

Federal investigators in the United States have compiled a detailed chart outlining payments by Matt Gaetz and his associates, suggesting involvement in drug-fuelled sex parties.&nbsp;

<h2>A web of payments</h2>

The document, obtained by The New York Times and shared with the House Ethics Committee, traces Venmo transactions between Gaetz, his friends, and women who allegedly participated in these events — among them are the two who alleged he had hired them for sex. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/testimonies-in-sexual-misconduct-case-against-trumps-attorney-general-pick-matt-gaetz-exposed-online-777676">Testimonies in sexual misconduct case against Trump's attorney general pick Matt Gaetz exposed online</a>

The two women, represented by lawyer Joel Leppard, testified to the Ethics Committee that Gaetz paid them for sex. Payments reportedly totalled $10,000, with amounts ranging from $200 to $500 per encounter. Leppard in a telephone interview with NYT confirmed his clients received payments via Venmo and PayPal, adding that evidence from subpoenas revealed additional undisclosed amounts. &nbsp;

The chart also includes $450 worth of transactions to a 17-year-old girl alleged to have attended one of the parties. Joel Greenberg, Gaetz's former associate, earlier accepted that they both had sex with her, but claimed they believed she was of legal age. Greenberg, a key figure in the investigation, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and other charges in 2021 and is serving an 11-year sentence. &nbsp;

<h2>Ethics committee inquiry against Gaetz &nbsp;</h2>

The investigation into Gaetz’s conduct began in 2020 and centred on allegations of sex trafficking and payments for sex. Although the Justice Department declined to charge Gaetz, the Ethics Committee obtained some evidence, including the payment chart. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-woman-who-stripped-in-anti-hijab-protest-released-without-charges-777666">Iranian woman who stripped in anti-hijab protest released without charges</a> 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, recently resigned from Congress. He has consistently denied any misconduct. Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, accused the Justice Department of leaking the payment chart to discredit Gaetz. Cheung described the material as "classified," though it lacks such markings and does not involve national security. &nbsp;

"This purposeful leaking of classified investigative materials is the sort of politicised D.O.J. weaponisation that Matt Gaetz will end," said Cheung.

"The Justice Department investigated Gaetz for years, failed to find a crime and are now leaking material with false information to smear the next attorney general," he alleged.

(With inputs from agencies)

Federal investigators in the United States have compiled a detailed chart outlining payments by Matt Gaetz and his associates, suggesting involvement in drug-fuelled sex parties.

Federal investigators in the United States have compiled a detailed chart outlining payments by Matt Gaetz and his associates, suggesting involvement in drug-fuelled sex parties. A web of payments The document, obtained by The New York Times and shared with the House Ethics Committee, traces Venmo transactions between Gaetz, his friends, and women who allegedly participated in these events — among them are the two who alleged he had hired them for sex. Also read | Testimonies in sexual misconduct case against Trump's attorney general pick Matt Gaetz exposed online The two women, represented by lawyer Joel Leppard, testified to the Ethics Committee that Gaetz paid them for sex. Payments reportedly totalled $10,000, with amounts ranging from $200 to $500 per encounter. Leppard in a telephone interview with NYT confirmed his clients received payments via Venmo and PayPal, adding that evidence from subpoenas revealed additional undisclosed amounts. The chart also includes $450 worth of transactions to a 17-year-old girl alleged to have attended one of the parties. Joel Greenberg, Gaetz's former associate, earlier accepted that they both had sex with her, but claimed they believed she was of legal age. Greenberg, a key figure in the investigation, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and other charges in 2021 and is serving an 11-year sentence. Ethics committee inquiry against Gaetz The investigation into Gaetz’s conduct began in 2020 and centred on allegations of sex trafficking and payments for sex. Although the Justice Department declined to charge Gaetz, the Ethics Committee obtained some evidence, including the payment chart. Also read | Iranian woman who stripped in anti-hijab protest released without charges Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, recently resigned from Congress. He has consistently denied any misconduct. Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, accused the Justice Department of leaking the payment chart to discredit Gaetz. Cheung described the material as "classified," though it lacks such markings and does not involve national security. "This purposeful leaking of classified investigative materials is the sort of politicised D.O.J. weaponisation that Matt Gaetz will end," said Cheung. "The Justice Department investigated Gaetz for years, failed to find a crime and are now leaking material with false information to smear the next attorney general," he alleged. (With inputs from agencies)

Payment records reveal alleged ties between Trump's AG pick Matt Gaetz, and drug-fuelled sex parties

Sensitive testimony from a lawsuit involving allegations of sexual misconduct tied to Matt Gaetz, US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, has reportedly been accessed by an unidentified individual, revealed Joel Leppard, a lawyer involved in the case. &nbsp;

The files include transcripts of sworn testimony from two women who alleged Gaetz paid them for sex, with one claiming to have been a minor at the time of a sexual encounter in 2017, reported Reuters.

While some reports initially characterised as a hack, the incident, as per the file sharing service involved in the case, actually stemmed from an improper sharing of the documents online. ShareFile, the file-sharing service used, said that they were improperly shared on the open internet, leaving them open to be downloaded by "anyone". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/another-billionaire-in-team-trump-20-marc-rowan-a-top-contender-for-treasury-secretary-777659" target="_blank">Another billionaire in Team Trump 2.0? Marc Rowan a top contender for treasury secretary</a>

The identity of the individual who accessed the file and their motives remain unknown, and there is no indication the documents have been published.

<h2>Details of the breach &nbsp;</h2>

Citing an unidentified source, The New York Times reported the documents include testimony from one woman claiming a sexual encounter with Gaetz as a minor and another who allegedly witnessed it. However, Leppard did not to confirm these specifics, but said he got to know about the breach through an email sent to lawyers involved in the case. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trump-appoints-wall-street-investor-howard-lutnick-as-us-commerce-secretary-777661" target="_blank">Trump appoints Wall Street investor Howard Lutnick as US commerce secretary</a>

ShareFile maintained that their systems were not hacked. "This was not a breach or unauthorised access to any ShareFile system, but rather use of the product inconsistent with best security practices," it said.

Gaetz, who resigned from Congress shortly after Trump announced him as his pick for attorney general, is slated to lead the Justice Department, if confirmed by the Senate, which investigated allegations of sex trafficking for almost three years.

He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Federal prosecutors reportedly concluded their sex trafficking probe without charges, though a separate House Ethics Committee investigation remains unresolved.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Sensitive testimony from a lawsuit involving allegations of sexual misconduct tied to Matt Gaetz, US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, has reportedly been accessed by an unidentified individual, revealed Joel Leppard, a lawyer involved in the case.

Sensitive testimony from a lawsuit involving allegations of sexual misconduct tied to Matt Gaetz, US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, has reportedly been accessed by an unidentified individual, revealed Joel Leppard, a lawyer involved in the case. The files include transcripts of sworn testimony from two women who alleged Gaetz paid them for sex, with one claiming to have been a minor at the time of a sexual encounter in 2017, reported Reuters. While some reports initially characterised as a hack, the incident, as per the file sharing service involved in the case, actually stemmed from an improper sharing of the documents online. ShareFile, the file-sharing service used, said that they were improperly shared on the open internet, leaving them open to be downloaded by "anyone". Also read | Another billionaire in Team Trump 2.0? Marc Rowan a top contender for treasury secretary The identity of the individual who accessed the file and their motives remain unknown, and there is no indication the documents have been published. Details of the breach Citing an unidentified source, The New York Times reported the documents include testimony from one woman claiming a sexual encounter with Gaetz as a minor and another who allegedly witnessed it. However, Leppard did not to confirm these specifics, but said he got to know about the breach through an email sent to lawyers involved in the case. Also read | Trump appoints Wall Street investor Howard Lutnick as US commerce secretary ShareFile maintained that their systems were not hacked. "This was not a breach or unauthorised access to any ShareFile system, but rather use of the product inconsistent with best security practices," it said. Gaetz, who resigned from Congress shortly after Trump announced him as his pick for attorney general, is slated to lead the Justice Department, if confirmed by the Senate, which investigated allegations of sex trafficking for almost three years. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Federal prosecutors reportedly concluded their sex trafficking probe without charges, though a separate House Ethics Committee investigation remains unresolved. (With inputs from agencies)

Testimonies in sexual misconduct case against Trump's attorney general pick Matt Gaetz exposed online

As Donald Trump is set to enter a second term in the White House, the convergence of his vast business empire and the wealth of his billionaire allies—worth a total of over $400 billion—raise critical questions about the intersection of public office and personal profit. &nbsp;

While Trump has long emphasised reducing government spending, his presidency could bolster his business empire and reshape US economic policies, driven by allies with significant stakes in technology, finance, real estate and other industries. &nbsp;

<h2>Trump’s Business Empire: Profits and Controversies &nbsp;</h2>

During his first term, Trump’s real estate properties were key revenue generators. His assets brought in $446 million in 2020 alone, with his Mar-a-Lago, Florida residence becoming a central point of convergence for political movers and elite memberships that doubled in price after his 2016 election. Similarly, his global golf courses, from Scotland to Dubai, added $298 million to his income over five years, with political ties fuelling increased activity at his US-based properties. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-20-who-is-chris-wright-the-climate-sceptic-nominated-as-us-energy-secretary-776772">Trump 2.0: Who is Chris Wright? The climate sceptic nominated as US energy secretary</a>

Trump's business dealings aren’t without controversy. A recent court ruling found him guilty of inflating property values, resulting in a $250 million fine and restrictions on his business operations in New York—home to some of his most lucrative assets. These legal challenges may impact Trump’s annual earnings, estimated at over $100 million from real estate holdings in the state. &nbsp;

<h2>A Coalition of Billionaire Backers &nbsp;</h2>

Trump’s circle of billionaire allies includes influential figures with vested interests in his policy agenda: &nbsp;

- Elon Musk (worth $313 billion as per Bloomberg Billionaire Index): The Tesla and SpaceX CEO will run "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), an agency he proposed in order to streamline federal spending. Musk's alignment with Trump’s deregulation agenda could also benefit his own ventures, including lucrative defence contracts for SpaceX. &nbsp;

- John Paulson ($4 billion as per Forbes): A financier who profited from the 2008 mortgage crisis, Paulson supports extending Trump-era tax cuts that are set to expire in 2025. He also opposes green energy subsidies, favouring policies that promote traditional energy investments. &nbsp;

- Howard Lutnick ($1.5 billion): As CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and Trump’s transition team chair, Lutnick backs pro-Bitcoin and tariff-heavy policies that align with Trump’s trade strategies. &nbsp;

- Nelson Peltz ($1.7 billion as per Forbes): An activist investor, Peltz’s focus on corporate policy and media aligns with Trump’s economic vision. His influence could extend Trump’s agenda to global markets. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-confirms-to-declare-national-emergency-use-military-assets-to-deport-illegal-migrants-777170">Trump confirms he will declare 'national emergency', use 'military assets' to deport illegal migrants</a>

<h2>International Ventures and Media Expansion &nbsp;</h2>

Trump’s brand is increasingly global, from partnerships with Saudi Arabia’s $2 billion LIV Golf tour to potential new international real estate and media ventures. Analysts speculate Trump could launch a streaming platform or media network, leveraging his political brand in a $300 billion market. &nbsp;

<h2>The Balance of Power and Wealth &nbsp;</h2>

Trump’s potential return underscores the influence of wealth in governance. With billionaire backers driving key policies, his administration could redefine US tax, trade, and regulatory structures—shaping not only the economy but also his legacy as a businessman-politician. &nbsp;

Whether Trump’s second term prioritises public service or personal profit, it highlights a complex dynamic: how the wealth of a few can steer the fate of an entire nation. &nbsp;

Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

As Donald Trump is set to enter a second term in the White House, the convergence of his vast business empire and the wealth of his billionaire allies—worth a total of over $400 billion—raise critical questions about the intersection of public office and personal profit.

As Donald Trump is set to enter a second term in the White House, the convergence of his vast business empire and the wealth of his billionaire allies—worth a total of over $400 billion—raise critical questions about the intersection of public office and personal profit. While Trump has long emphasised reducing government spending, his presidency could bolster his business empire and reshape US economic policies, driven by allies with significant stakes in technology, finance, real estate and other industries. Trump’s Business Empire: Profits and Controversies During his first term, Trump’s real estate properties were key revenue generators. His assets brought in $446 million in 2020 alone, with his Mar-a-Lago, Florida residence becoming a central point of convergence for political movers and elite memberships that doubled in price after his 2016 election. Similarly, his global golf courses, from Scotland to Dubai, added $298 million to his income over five years, with political ties fuelling increased activity at his US-based properties. Also read | Trump 2.0: Who is Chris Wright? The climate sceptic nominated as US energy secretary Trump's business dealings aren’t without controversy. A recent court ruling found him guilty of inflating property values, resulting in a $250 million fine and restrictions on his business operations in New York—home to some of his most lucrative assets. These legal challenges may impact Trump’s annual earnings, estimated at over $100 million from real estate holdings in the state. A Coalition of Billionaire Backers Trump’s circle of billionaire allies includes influential figures with vested interests in his policy agenda: - Elon Musk (worth $313 billion as per Bloomberg Billionaire Index): The Tesla and SpaceX CEO will run "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), an agency he proposed in order to streamline federal spending. Musk's alignment with Trump’s deregulation agenda could also benefit his own ventures, including lucrative defence contracts for SpaceX. - John Paulson ($4 billion as per Forbes): A financier who profited from the 2008 mortgage crisis, Paulson supports extending Trump-era tax cuts that are set to expire in 2025. He also opposes green energy subsidies, favouring policies that promote traditional energy investments. - Howard Lutnick ($1.5 billion): As CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and Trump’s transition team chair, Lutnick backs pro-Bitcoin and tariff-heavy policies that align with Trump’s trade strategies. - Nelson Peltz ($1.7 billion as per Forbes): An activist investor, Peltz’s focus on corporate policy and media aligns with Trump’s economic vision. His influence could extend Trump’s agenda to global markets. Also read | Trump confirms he will declare 'national emergency', use 'military assets' to deport illegal migrants International Ventures and Media Expansion Trump’s brand is increasingly global, from partnerships with Saudi Arabia’s $2 billion LIV Golf tour to potential new international real estate and media ventures. Analysts speculate Trump could launch a streaming platform or media network, leveraging his political brand in a $300 billion market. The Balance of Power and Wealth Trump’s potential return underscores the influence of wealth in governance. With billionaire backers driving key policies, his administration could redefine US tax, trade, and regulatory structures—shaping not only the economy but also his legacy as a businessman-politician. Whether Trump’s second term prioritises public service or personal profit, it highlights a complex dynamic: how the wealth of a few can steer the fate of an entire nation. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Office for profit: How Trump's return will add to his wealth and raise ethical questions 

Donald Trump is transitioning from former president to incoming president, having taken his MAGA 2024 campaign to shocking success.

More than $20 billion was invested in his presidential campaign, boosted by MAGA donors, breaking the record for the most political spending in a single election.

According to Open Secrets, a nonpartisan watchdog organisation tracking the influence of money on politics, most of these major donors were Republicans.&nbsp;

With Trump winning the 2024 US Elections, even they hit the jackpot.&nbsp;

Elon Musk’s support to Trump granted the X owner some extraordinary influence to help the tech world and his companies secure favourable government backing.&nbsp;

Musk, the world's richest person, contributed almost $119 million to the Trump campaign.&nbsp;

He supported Trump till the last stage of the campaign and, cheered him on all the way into Election Night.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-confirms-to-declare-national-emergency-use-military-assets-to-deport-illegal-migrants-777170">Trump confirms he will declare 'national emergency', use 'military assets' to deport illegal migrants</a>

Musk’s political moves are being seen as a part of a broader strategy to shield his companies from regulation and enforcement.&nbsp;

However, in San Francisco, home to Silicon Valley, tech workers usually vote for the Democrats.&nbsp;

While some tech leaders came out in support of Trump, Musk as well as other tech giants and capitalists bankrolled his campaign till the end of the election results.&nbsp;

Everyone in the tech world is now waiting for the impact of Trump’s second term, which comes at a time when social media platforms and tech firms are focusing on developing next-generation systems.&nbsp;

Trump’s first term was unpredictable, creating a struggling environment and chaos for the Big Tech firms.

Musk has done more than any other tech titan in America to help Trump to be elected.&nbsp;

He was not just among his biggest donors but also the highest-profile supporter on the campaign trail.&nbsp;

He transformed X, formerly known as Twitter, into a huge MAGA Movement, endorsing feeds with pro-Trump content and vouching for him through his social media network.&nbsp;

He will indeed become the most powerful businessman in the US with the government backing his ventures from Tesla electric vehicles to SpaceX rockets and Neuralink Brain Chips- all of them dependent on government regulation.&nbsp;

It is not just the Tesla owner volunteering and backing Trump, but many Silicon Valley business leaders are trying their best to be on the good books of the administration.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-trumps-inner-circle-cracking-musk-and-trumps-legal-adviser-had-a-blow-up-report-suggests-777218">Is Trump's inner circle cracking? Musk and Trump's legal adviser had a blow-up, report suggests</a>

During Trump’s first term, many tech leaders and advisory councils challenged Trump’s policies which cost them dearly.

Many companies will avoid making such mistakes again.&nbsp;

Influential tech leaders notably refrained from commenting or making any confrontational statements during this election cycle, keeping past experience in mind.&nbsp;

A key discussion during Trump’s first term was on cryptocurrency, with the former president voicing his concerns about the sector.&nbsp;

However, over the years, the criticism changed to vocal support. Trump made various promises during his campaigns on various industry causes, in exchange for contributions from pro-crypto groups.&nbsp;

It can be safely assumed that in Trump's second term, the crypto industry will get favourable treatment.&nbsp;

Every issue that was a cause of concern during Joe Biden’s administration in terms of crypto may not be investigated further or could be dropped under Trump’s administration.&nbsp;

Crypto rates might skyrocket during his second term too.&nbsp;

Trump and his allies are also likely to get rid of everyone likely to cause worry about the big Silicon Valley tech companies.&nbsp;

Out of all the tech giants, only Google might be left, which may not benefit from a changing of the antitrust guard.&nbsp;

According to pro-Trump conservatives like incoming vice president JD Vance, the company is biased against conservatives and has become a punching bag of right-wing culture wars.&nbsp;

The only tech company that might be rooting for Trump’s victory is ByteDance.&nbsp;

Under a bill passed by Congress and signed into law in 2024, Bytedance was required to sell off its US operations or face a nationwide ban.&nbsp;

However, in Trump’s second term, this might not happen because Trump has pledged to save TikTok operations in the US.

His policies on trade, immigration and regulations forced tech companies to rethink their strategies.&nbsp;

In summary, Trump’s campaign showed just how technology can be shaped by politics.

Donald Trump is transitioning from former president to incoming president, having taken his MAGA 2024 campaign to shocking success. More than $20 billion was invested in his presidential campaign, boosted by MAGA donors, breaking the record for the most political spending in a single election.

Donald Trump is transitioning from former president to incoming president, having taken his MAGA 2024 campaign to shocking success. More than $20 billion was invested in his presidential campaign, boosted by MAGA donors, breaking the record for the most political spending in a single election. According to Open Secrets, a nonpartisan watchdog organisation tracking the influence of money on politics, most of these major donors were Republicans. With Trump winning the 2024 US Elections, even they hit the jackpot. Elon Musk’s support to Trump granted the X owner some extraordinary influence to help the tech world and his companies secure favourable government backing. Musk, the world's richest person, contributed almost $119 million to the Trump campaign. He supported Trump till the last stage of the campaign and, cheered him on all the way into Election Night. Also read: Trump confirms he will declare 'national emergency', use 'military assets' to deport illegal migrants Musk’s political moves are being seen as a part of a broader strategy to shield his companies from regulation and enforcement. However, in San Francisco, home to Silicon Valley, tech workers usually vote for the Democrats. While some tech leaders came out in support of Trump, Musk as well as other tech giants and capitalists bankrolled his campaign till the end of the election results. Everyone in the tech world is now waiting for the impact of Trump’s second term, which comes at a time when social media platforms and tech firms are focusing on developing next-generation systems. Trump’s first term was unpredictable, creating a struggling environment and chaos for the Big Tech firms. Musk has done more than any other tech titan in America to help Trump to be elected. He was not just among his biggest donors but also the highest-profile supporter on the campaign trail. He transformed X, formerly known as Twitter, into a huge MAGA Movement, endorsing feeds with pro-Trump content and vouching for him through his social media network. He will indeed become the most powerful businessman in the US with the government backing his ventures from Tesla electric vehicles to SpaceX rockets and Neuralink Brain Chips- all of them dependent on government regulation. It is not just the Tesla owner volunteering and backing Trump, but many Silicon Valley business leaders are trying their best to be on the good books of the administration. Also read: Is Trump's inner circle cracking? Musk and Trump's legal adviser had a blow-up, report suggests During Trump’s first term, many tech leaders and advisory councils challenged Trump’s policies which cost them dearly. Many companies will avoid making such mistakes again. Influential tech leaders notably refrained from commenting or making any confrontational statements during this election cycle, keeping past experience in mind. A key discussion during Trump’s first term was on cryptocurrency, with the former president voicing his concerns about the sector. However, over the years, the criticism changed to vocal support. Trump made various promises during his campaigns on various industry causes, in exchange for contributions from pro-crypto groups. It can be safely assumed that in Trump's second term, the crypto industry will get favourable treatment. Every issue that was a cause of concern during Joe Biden’s administration in terms of crypto may not be investigated further or could be dropped under Trump’s administration. Crypto rates might skyrocket during his second term too. Trump and his allies are also likely to get rid of everyone likely to cause worry about the big Silicon Valley tech companies. Out of all the tech giants, only Google might be left, which may not benefit from a changing of the antitrust guard. According to pro-Trump conservatives like incoming vice president JD Vance, the company is biased against conservatives and has become a punching bag of right-wing culture wars. The only tech company that might be rooting for Trump’s victory is ByteDance. Under a bill passed by Congress and signed into law in 2024, Bytedance was required to sell off its US operations or face a nationwide ban. However, in Trump’s second term, this might not happen because Trump has pledged to save TikTok operations in the US. His policies on trade, immigration and regulations forced tech companies to rethink their strategies. In summary, Trump’s campaign showed just how technology can be shaped by politics.

What Trump’s victory means for future of Big Tech

US President-elect Donald Trump has selected Chris Wright, a fracking industry pioneer and vocal climate change sceptic, as his energy secretary nominee. In his announcement on Saturday (Nov 16), Trump charged Wright with "cutting red tape," which the incoming administration hopes will drive investment in fossil fuels, reports AFP.

"As Secretary of Energy, Chris will be a key leader, driving innovation, cutting red tape, and ushering in a new 'Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace'," said Trump in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-mike-johnson-trump-nominates-republican-congressman-for-another-term-as-house-speaker-776065">Who is Mike Johnson? Trump nominates Republican Congressman for another term as House Speaker</a>

The US Energy Department is responsible for advancing the country's energy, environmental and nuclear security. It is in charge of maintaining the country's nuclear weapons, overseeing 17 national research laboratories, approving natural gas exports, and ensuring environmental clean-up of the nation's nuclear weapons complex. It also promotes scientific and technological research.

<h2>Who is Chris Wright?</h2>

Chris Wright is the founder of Liberty Energy, a key player in the US shale revolution.&nbsp;Liberty Energy serves the energy companies that have massively increased US fossil fuel production in recent years by extracting oil and gas from shale fields in a process known as "fracking."&nbsp;

According to reports, Wright has been one of the energy industry's loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/part-time-first-lady-these-are-melania-trumps-plans-for-her-trump-20-white-house-return-776140">Part-time first lady? These are Melania Trump's plans for her Trump 2.0 White House return</a>

In a LinkedIn post, Wright, a climate change denier, claimed: "There is no climate crisis, and we are not in the midst of an energy transition either."

He stated that "the term carbon pollution is outrageous," because all life depended on carbon dioxide and said, "There is no such thing as clean energy or dirty energy, all energy sources have impacts on the world both positive and negative."

<h2>Fossil fuels at the forefront</h2>

The nomination aligns with Trump's election vow to revitalise the US fossil fuel sector and roll back environmental policies introduced under the Biden administration. Trump, who has dismissed climate change as a "hoax," has also pledged to exit the Paris Climate Agreement and remove barriers to oil and gas exploration. &nbsp;

In his latest pots, expressing enthusiasm, Wright wrote on X: "Energy is the lifeblood that makes everything in life possible... I am looking forward to getting to work."&nbsp;

If confirmed by the Senate, Wright will work alongside North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, tapped to lead the newly formed National Energy Council.&nbsp;

Together, they will "DRILL BABY DRILL, expand ALL forms of Energy production to grow our economy, and create good-paying jobs," said Trump, announcing Burgum's appointment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Donald Trump has selected Chris Wright, a fracking industry pioneer and vocal climate change sceptic, as his energy secretary nominee. In his announcement on Saturday (Nov 16), Trump charged Wright with "cutting red tape," which the incoming administration hopes will drive investment in fossil fuels, reports AFP.

US President-elect Donald Trump has selected Chris Wright, a fracking industry pioneer and vocal climate change sceptic, as his energy secretary nominee. In his announcement on Saturday (Nov 16), Trump charged Wright with "cutting red tape," which the incoming administration hopes will drive investment in fossil fuels, reports AFP. "As Secretary of Energy, Chris will be a key leader, driving innovation, cutting red tape, and ushering in a new 'Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace'," said Trump in a statement. Also read | Who is Mike Johnson? Trump nominates Republican Congressman for another term as House Speaker The US Energy Department is responsible for advancing the country's energy, environmental and nuclear security. It is in charge of maintaining the country's nuclear weapons, overseeing 17 national research laboratories, approving natural gas exports, and ensuring environmental clean-up of the nation's nuclear weapons complex. It also promotes scientific and technological research. Who is Chris Wright? Chris Wright is the founder of Liberty Energy, a key player in the US shale revolution. Liberty Energy serves the energy companies that have massively increased US fossil fuel production in recent years by extracting oil and gas from shale fields in a process known as "fracking." According to reports, Wright has been one of the energy industry's loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. Also read | Part-time first lady? These are Melania Trump's plans for her Trump 2.0 White House return In a LinkedIn post, Wright, a climate change denier, claimed: "There is no climate crisis, and we are not in the midst of an energy transition either." He stated that "the term carbon pollution is outrageous," because all life depended on carbon dioxide and said, "There is no such thing as clean energy or dirty energy, all energy sources have impacts on the world both positive and negative." Fossil fuels at the forefront The nomination aligns with Trump's election vow to revitalise the US fossil fuel sector and roll back environmental policies introduced under the Biden administration. Trump, who has dismissed climate change as a "hoax," has also pledged to exit the Paris Climate Agreement and remove barriers to oil and gas exploration. In his latest pots, expressing enthusiasm, Wright wrote on X: "Energy is the lifeblood that makes everything in life possible... I am looking forward to getting to work." If confirmed by the Senate, Wright will work alongside North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, tapped to lead the newly formed National Energy Council. Together, they will "DRILL BABY DRILL, expand ALL forms of Energy production to grow our economy, and create good-paying jobs," said Trump, announcing Burgum's appointment. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump 2.0: Who is Chris Wright? The climate sceptic nominated as US energy secretary

US President-elect, Donald Trump has threatened&nbsp;to impose tariffs on the entire world. On the other hand, Xi Jinping is once again wasting no time in positioning himself as the main defender of the international trading system, according to a detailed report by Bloomberg.

Views of Chinese President Xi Jinping

China’s leader warned on November 15, that the global economy was fracturing as protectionism spreads, leading to “severe challenges.” The world, according to him has&nbsp;“entered a new period of turbulence and change”, the Bloomberg report explained further.

“Dividing an interdependent world is going back in history,” Xi said in a speech at the APEC CEO Summit in Peru read on stage by one of his ministers. He repeated that theme in a speech on November 16 to leaders of APEC’s 21 member economies, including the outgoing US President Joe Biden.

“We should tear down the walls impeding the flow of trade, investment, technology and services, uphold stable and smooth industrial and supply chains, and promote economic circulation in the region and the world,” Xi said.

Xi Jinping playing the same role like 2017

For Xi, it’s a role he played when Trump first rose to power in 2017. During that time, China’s head of state urged global business elites at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to reject trade wars and protectionism, saying it would cause “injury and loss to both sides.”

In the eight years since, Trump imposed punitive tariffs on China that were largely kept in place by the Biden administration, which also stepped up efforts to deny Beijing advanced technology. As he prepares to take office again in January, Trump is now threatening to impose 60 per cent&nbsp;tariffs on China, and, just as crucially, 10 per cent&nbsp;to 20 per cent&nbsp;on the rest of the world, added the Bloomberg report.

That universal tariff threat is giving Xi a fresh opening to improve ties with a range of governments bracing for tough negotiations with Trump. On Friday, Xi met one-on-one with the leaders of Thailand, Singapore, Chile, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand, all important US allies and security partners in the Asia-Pacific.

New Zealand bats for a rule-based system of trade

“We’re very invested in making sure we have a rules-based system, not a power-based system,” New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said at the APEC CEO Summit. “There has been a shift from rules to power, and that’s something we advocate very strongly for: That irrespective of your size, we want countries to be able to navigate their way in the world through the international rules-based order.”

Further, Xi was busy with meetings, and focuses on interacting with Biden one final time, the US president kept an easy schedule. In addition to a trilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, he also met Peruvian leader Dina Boluarte, who inaugurated a $1.3 billion port with Xi the night before that could transform South American trade with Asia.

A global trade war is detrimental to everyone

Shou Chew, the chief executive officer of TikTok, called the app an “industry leader when it comes to online safety and data security.” Although the US passed a law this year that would ban the app if its Chinese owner doesn’t sell to an American buyer, Trump has spoken favourably about the company. What he’ll eventually do is unclear. A former Chinese Commerce Ministry official, Ren Hongbin, called on participants to “stand up to protectionism and unilateralism" added the Bloomberg report further.

“There is the rhetoric of the decoupling and derisking,” said Ren, now chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. “The artificial severance of the global supply chain is detrimental for everyone" again highlighting the importance of discussions and negotiations between the US and China moving ahead so as to ensure smooth global growth and cumulative peace all across the world.

Some bold views about dealing with Trump came from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who spoke about how his government “rolled up our sleeves and did the hard work” to ensure a trade deal between Canada, Mexico and the US was updated to benefit everyone. He further added according to the Bloomberg report&nbsp;that political leaders needed to do a better job ensuring that trade benefits average citizens.

Market participants and global investors will closely follow these developments. All eyes are now firmly placed on the upcoming Trump administration and the steps the President-elect will take in his second term. Global trade, currencies, moves of the Federal Reserve along with other significant economic developments globally now solely depend on the future trajectory of the US-China relations.

&nbsp;

US President-elect, Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on the entire world. On the other hand, Xi Jinping is once again wasting no time in positioning himself as the main defender of the international trading system, according to a detailed report by Bloomberg.

US President-elect, Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on the entire world. On the other hand, Xi Jinping is once again wasting no time in positioning himself as the main defender of the international trading system, according to a detailed report by Bloomberg. Views of Chinese President Xi Jinping China’s leader warned on November 15, that the global economy was fracturing as protectionism spreads, leading to “severe challenges.” The world, according to him has “entered a new period of turbulence and change”, the Bloomberg report explained further. “Dividing an interdependent world is going back in history,” Xi said in a speech at the APEC CEO Summit in Peru read on stage by one of his ministers. He repeated that theme in a speech on November 16 to leaders of APEC’s 21 member economies, including the outgoing US President Joe Biden. “We should tear down the walls impeding the flow of trade, investment, technology and services, uphold stable and smooth industrial and supply chains, and promote economic circulation in the region and the world,” Xi said. Xi Jinping playing the same role like 2017 For Xi, it’s a role he played when Trump first rose to power in 2017. During that time, China’s head of state urged global business elites at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to reject trade wars and protectionism, saying it would cause “injury and loss to both sides.” In the eight years since, Trump imposed punitive tariffs on China that were largely kept in place by the Biden administration, which also stepped up efforts to deny Beijing advanced technology. As he prepares to take office again in January, Trump is now threatening to impose 60 per cent tariffs on China, and, just as crucially, 10 per cent to 20 per cent on the rest of the world, added the Bloomberg report. That universal tariff threat is giving Xi a fresh opening to improve ties with a range of governments bracing for tough negotiations with Trump. On Friday, Xi met one-on-one with the leaders of Thailand, Singapore, Chile, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand, all important US allies and security partners in the Asia-Pacific. New Zealand bats for a rule-based system of trade “We’re very invested in making sure we have a rules-based system, not a power-based system,” New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said at the APEC CEO Summit. “There has been a shift from rules to power, and that’s something we advocate very strongly for: That irrespective of your size, we want countries to be able to navigate their way in the world through the international rules-based order.” Further, Xi was busy with meetings, and focuses on interacting with Biden one final time, the US president kept an easy schedule. In addition to a trilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, he also met Peruvian leader Dina Boluarte, who inaugurated a $1.3 billion port with Xi the night before that could transform South American trade with Asia. A global trade war is detrimental to everyone Shou Chew, the chief executive officer of TikTok, called the app an “industry leader when it comes to online safety and data security.” Although the US passed a law this year that would ban the app if its Chinese owner doesn’t sell to an American buyer, Trump has spoken favourably about the company. What he’ll eventually do is unclear. A former Chinese Commerce Ministry official, Ren Hongbin, called on participants to “stand up to protectionism and unilateralism" added the Bloomberg report further. “There is the rhetoric of the decoupling and derisking,” said Ren, now chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. “The artificial severance of the global supply chain is detrimental for everyone" again highlighting the importance of discussions and negotiations between the US and China moving ahead so as to ensure smooth global growth and cumulative peace all across the world. Some bold views about dealing with Trump came from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who spoke about how his government “rolled up our sleeves and did the hard work” to ensure a trade deal between Canada, Mexico and the US was updated to benefit everyone. He further added according to the Bloomberg report that political leaders needed to do a better job ensuring that trade benefits average citizens. Market participants and global investors will closely follow these developments. All eyes are now firmly placed on the upcoming Trump administration and the steps the President-elect will take in his second term. Global trade, currencies, moves of the Federal Reserve along with other significant economic developments globally now solely depend on the future trajectory of the US-China relations.

Xi emerges as global advocate for free trade, countering Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said (November 15, 2024) that Russia’s war against his country will “end sooner” than it otherwise would have done once Donald Trump becomes U.S. president next year.

Zelenskyy Says Donald Trump Will End Russia-Ukraine War

U.S President Elect Trump Starts Cabinet Formation. Former President Donald Trump's team is reportedly preparing a list of Pentagon officers to be dismissed, should he return to office.

U.S President Elect Trump Starts Cabinet Formation

United States President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for the director of national intelligence (DNI) has created fresh troubles for the government of&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine.

Former Democratic lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard’s name was confirmed for the role by Trump himself on Wednesday (Nov 13), prompting officials in Kyiv to remove previous bulletins and posts made by the Ukrainian government agency Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) accusing her of being a Russian asset.

A news website Ctrana.ua has reported that the Ukrainian government agency has deleted at least four of its posts from social media, with one from April 2022 describing Gabbard as someone who “for several years, has been working for foreign audience for the Kremlin money.”

In fact, one of the posts made by the CCD in 2022 can still be viewed on X, which accuses Tulsi Gabbard of taking “Kremlin money.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
❗️ЦПД: ворог продовжує поширювати дезінформацію, використовуючи завербованих американських політиків. Колишня офіцер резерву армії США Тулсі Габбард вже кілька років працює на іноземну аудиторію за гроші кремля🤬 
 
➡️ <a href="https://t.co/DCknK26OZy">https://t.co/DCknK26OZy</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stoprussia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stoprussia</a> <a href="https://t.co/XroYzxMhSl">pic.twitter.com/XroYzxMhSl</a>
— Прес-служба РНБОУ (@rnbo_gov_ua) <a href="https://twitter.com/rnbo_gov_ua/status/1511620429886205953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Similarly, in June 2024, Gabbard was accused by the CCD of spreading misinformation about Zelensky, whereas a February 2023 post accused the army veteran of “espousing pro-Russian rhetoric.” Both the posts have reportedly been deleted now.

Gabbard is known for her strong anti-war stance and has voiced her opposition to prolonged US involvement in conflicts abroad.

In 2022, Gabbard blasted the incumbent US President&nbsp;Joe Biden's administration for refusing to acknowledge “Russia’s legitimate security concerns” and igniting the war in Ukraine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwig9afNq96JAxWQha8BHcOwMy4QxfQBKAB6BAgaEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tulsi-gabbard-alleges-biden-administration-placed-her-on-terror-watchlist-for-criticising-kamala-harris-756166" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/tulsi-gabbard-alleges-biden-administration-placed-her-on-terror-watchlist-for-criticising-kamala-harris-756166&amp;ved=2ahUKEwig9afNq96JAxWQha8BHcOwMy4QxfQBKAB6BAgaEAE">Tulsi Gabbard alleges Biden administration placed her on 'terror watchlist' for criticising Kamala Harris</a>

“This war and suffering could have easily been avoided if Biden Admin/NATO had simply acknowledged Russia’s legitimate security concerns regarding Ukraine’s becoming a member of NATO, which would mean US/NATO forces right on Russia’s border," Gabbard wrote on X.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwig9afNq96JAxWQha8BHcOwMy4QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-tulsi-gabbard-joins-donalds-trump-campaign-who-is-she-753837" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-tulsi-gabbard-joins-donalds-trump-campaign-who-is-she-753837&amp;ved=2ahUKEwig9afNq96JAxWQha8BHcOwMy4QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Tulsi Gabbard is the new US director of national intelligence. Who is she?</a>

Gabbard has also suggested in the past that the US was fuelling a proxy war with Russia that could lead to a “forever war.”

She even once voiced her opposition to using force against the Russian leader, saying "doing anything to press Putin to stop the invasion of Ukraine could lead to a nuclear war."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; &nbsp;

United States President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for the director of national intelligence (DNI) has created fresh troubles for the government of President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine.

United States President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for the director of national intelligence (DNI) has created fresh troubles for the government of President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine. Former Democratic lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard’s name was confirmed for the role by Trump himself on Wednesday (Nov 13), prompting officials in Kyiv to remove previous bulletins and posts made by the Ukrainian government agency Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) accusing her of being a Russian asset. A news website Ctrana.ua has reported that the Ukrainian government agency has deleted at least four of its posts from social media, with one from April 2022 describing Gabbard as someone who “for several years, has been working for foreign audience for the Kremlin money.” In fact, one of the posts made by the CCD in 2022 can still be viewed on X, which accuses Tulsi Gabbard of taking “Kremlin money.” ❗️ЦПД: ворог продовжує поширювати дезінформацію, використовуючи завербованих американських політиків. Колишня офіцер резерву армії США Тулсі Габбард вже кілька років працює на іноземну аудиторію за гроші кремля🤬 ➡️ https://t.co/DCknK26OZy#stoprussia pic.twitter.com/XroYzxMhSl — Прес-служба РНБОУ (@rnbo_gov_ua) April 6, 2022 × Similarly, in June 2024, Gabbard was accused by the CCD of spreading misinformation about Zelensky, whereas a February 2023 post accused the army veteran of “espousing pro-Russian rhetoric.” Both the posts have reportedly been deleted now. Gabbard is known for her strong anti-war stance and has voiced her opposition to prolonged US involvement in conflicts abroad. In 2022, Gabbard blasted the incumbent US President Joe Biden's administration for refusing to acknowledge “Russia’s legitimate security concerns” and igniting the war in Ukraine. Also read: Tulsi Gabbard alleges Biden administration placed her on 'terror watchlist' for criticising Kamala Harris “This war and suffering could have easily been avoided if Biden Admin/NATO had simply acknowledged Russia’s legitimate security concerns regarding Ukraine’s becoming a member of NATO, which would mean US/NATO forces right on Russia’s border," Gabbard wrote on X. Also read: Tulsi Gabbard is the new US director of national intelligence. Who is she? Gabbard has also suggested in the past that the US was fuelling a proxy war with Russia that could lead to a “forever war.” She even once voiced her opposition to using force against the Russian leader, saying "doing anything to press Putin to stop the invasion of Ukraine could lead to a nuclear war." (With inputs from agencies)

Kyiv scrambling to delete posts made against ‘Russian asset’ Tulsi Gabbard following DNI nomination: Report

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as his next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Watch in for more details!

US: RFK Jr. To Head US Health Agency Dept Of Health & Human Services

Former US envoy to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, on Wednesday (Nov. 13) reacted for the first time to a post-election snub by President-elect Donald Trump. Trump announced over the weekend that he won’t be inviting Haley to join his second administration.

“I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation,” Trump wrote Saturday on his Truth Social platform.

Responding to the snub, Nikki said she was not interested in being in Trump’s cabinet and claimed that the 78-year-old GOP leader already knew about it.

“I had no interest in being in his Cabinet. He knew that,” Haley claimed, adding, “I have made it clear to everyone that I was not interested in the administration.”

While speaking at her “Nikki Haley Live” show, the former Republican presidential hopeful said her husband and son were upset over the fact that she maintained silence even after Trump made that post over the weekend. Haley had in fact responded by wishing the president-elect well for his future challenges.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj13fftsdyJAxU_kq8BHRq0Fk4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-india-trumps-border-czar-raises-concerns-over-terror-risk-from-canada-776286" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/after-india-trumps-border-czar-raises-concerns-over-terror-risk-from-canada-776286&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj13fftsdyJAxU_kq8BHRq0Fk4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">After India, Trump’s border czar raises concerns over terror risk from Canada</a>

“And the truth is, I know the game he was playing. I don’t need to play that game,” Haley explained.

“The American people have spoken and spoken very loudly, and at this point, we should pray that President Trump does well. We should pray that everyone that he appoints does well,” she continued. “We should hope for the sake of our kids and generations to follow us, that all of this goes forward,” Haley further said.

She added that Trump can be “shallow” and that she didn’t take his posts personally.

Haley and Trump faced off against each other in what turned out to be quite fierce primaries, with Haley sticking to the GOP race for the longest time of all. Haley then dropped out of the race, finally endorsing Trump for the GOP nomination after months.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj13fftsdyJAxU_kq8BHRq0Fk4QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-wont-go-home-cant-get-rid-of-him-trump-says-after-billionaires-constant-presence-at-his-home-776219" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-wont-go-home-cant-get-rid-of-him-trump-says-after-billionaires-constant-presence-at-his-home-776219&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj13fftsdyJAxU_kq8BHRq0Fk4QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">`Elon won`t go home, can`t get rid of him,` Trump says after billionaire`s constant presence at his home</a>

In another major claim, Haley said a close Trump ally Steve Witkoff visited her and her husband in South Carolina, who “basically wanted a truce between me and Donald Trump.”

“And I told him at the time, there was no truce needed,” Haley said on her show, “that Trump had my support, there was no issue on my end. And at that point he was like, ‘What do you want? Tell me what you want. Is there anything you want?’ And I said, ‘There’s nothing I want.’ And there wasn’t anything I wanted.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US envoy to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, on Wednesday (Nov. 13) reacted for the first time to a post-election snub by President-elect Donald Trump. Trump announced over the weekend that he won’t be inviting Haley to join his second administration.

Former US envoy to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, on Wednesday (Nov. 13) reacted for the first time to a post-election snub by President-elect Donald Trump. Trump announced over the weekend that he won’t be inviting Haley to join his second administration. “I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation,” Trump wrote Saturday on his Truth Social platform. Responding to the snub, Nikki said she was not interested in being in Trump’s cabinet and claimed that the 78-year-old GOP leader already knew about it. “I had no interest in being in his Cabinet. He knew that,” Haley claimed, adding, “I have made it clear to everyone that I was not interested in the administration.” While speaking at her “Nikki Haley Live” show, the former Republican presidential hopeful said her husband and son were upset over the fact that she maintained silence even after Trump made that post over the weekend. Haley had in fact responded by wishing the president-elect well for his future challenges. Also read: After India, Trump’s border czar raises concerns over terror risk from Canada “And the truth is, I know the game he was playing. I don’t need to play that game,” Haley explained. “The American people have spoken and spoken very loudly, and at this point, we should pray that President Trump does well. We should pray that everyone that he appoints does well,” she continued. “We should hope for the sake of our kids and generations to follow us, that all of this goes forward,” Haley further said. She added that Trump can be “shallow” and that she didn’t take his posts personally. Haley and Trump faced off against each other in what turned out to be quite fierce primaries, with Haley sticking to the GOP race for the longest time of all. Haley then dropped out of the race, finally endorsing Trump for the GOP nomination after months. Also read: `Elon won`t go home, can`t get rid of him,` Trump says after billionaire`s constant presence at his home In another major claim, Haley said a close Trump ally Steve Witkoff visited her and her husband in South Carolina, who “basically wanted a truce between me and Donald Trump.” “And I told him at the time, there was no truce needed,” Haley said on her show, “that Trump had my support, there was no issue on my end. And at that point he was like, ‘What do you want? Tell me what you want. Is there anything you want?’ And I said, ‘There’s nothing I want.’ And there wasn’t anything I wanted.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘I know the game he was playing,’ Nikki Haley reacts to Trump’s post-election snub

Bitcoin rallied above $93,000 for the first time on November 13, adding to its postelection rally, as traders dealt with October inflation data, according to a detailed report by CNBC. <o:p></o:p>

The price of the flagship cryptocurrency was last higher by more than 3 per cent at $92,612.27. At one point, it briefly rose to a fresh record of $93,469.08. The ongoing surging in the Bitcoin’s value is due to the anticipation of weaker regulations in the upcoming Trump administration. As promised by the President elect in many of his election rallies. <o:p></o:p>

Experts believe Trump’s embrace of cryptocurrencies during the presidential campaign and his venture into crypto trade is attracting investors on the hope and expectation that the new administration would be crypto-friendly, the CNBC report explained further.<o:p></o:p>

The Trump campaign accepted donations in cryptocurrency and he also appeared at industry events, promising to make the US “the crypto capital of the planet”.<o:p></o:p>

Traders have digested the most recent data<o:p></o:p>

Further, traders were digesting the most recent consumer price index, which showed prices increased 0.2 per cent in October, bringing the 12-month inflation rate up to 2.6 per cent. That was in line with expectations.<o:p></o:p>

Bitcoin, which has recently benefited from a big postelection rally across risk assets, is seen by many investors as a hedge against potential fiscal policy that could spark inflation. Many market participants have extremely high expectations from Bitcoin it is in part due to the tremendous rally in the price of the asset along with the optimism surrounding it. <o:p></o:p>

Other cryptocurrencies also got a small boost as traders digested the past week of postelection gains. Ether and the Solana token were each higher by about 1 per cent.<o:p></o:p>

Dogecoin added 3 per cent. It has been one of the biggest winners since the election due to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign and forthcoming role in his administration, which was announced Tuesday night.<o:p></o:p>

Now it will be interesting to see how the crypto-currencies behave going ahead, when once the Trump administration takes over. It will also be crucial to see how the government of US and the Federal Reserve manages the overall debt on the US economy going ahead by balancing inflation, demand and interest rates properly because as things stand there are going to be fiscal challenges for the US to deal with.<o:p></o:p>

Bitcoin rallied above $93,000 for the first time on November 13, adding to its postelection rally, as traders dealt with October inflation data, according to a detailed report by CNBC.

Bitcoin rallied above $93,000 for the first time on November 13, adding to its postelection rally, as traders dealt with October inflation data, according to a detailed report by CNBC. The price of the flagship cryptocurrency was last higher by more than 3 per cent at $92,612.27. At one point, it briefly rose to a fresh record of $93,469.08. The ongoing surging in the Bitcoin’s value is due to the anticipation of weaker regulations in the upcoming Trump administration. As promised by the President elect in many of his election rallies. Experts believe Trump’s embrace of cryptocurrencies during the presidential campaign and his venture into crypto trade is attracting investors on the hope and expectation that the new administration would be crypto-friendly, the CNBC report explained further. The Trump campaign accepted donations in cryptocurrency and he also appeared at industry events, promising to make the US “the crypto capital of the planet”. Traders have digested the most recent data Further, traders were digesting the most recent consumer price index, which showed prices increased 0.2 per cent in October, bringing the 12-month inflation rate up to 2.6 per cent. That was in line with expectations. Bitcoin, which has recently benefited from a big postelection rally across risk assets, is seen by many investors as a hedge against potential fiscal policy that could spark inflation. Many market participants have extremely high expectations from Bitcoin it is in part due to the tremendous rally in the price of the asset along with the optimism surrounding it. Other cryptocurrencies also got a small boost as traders digested the past week of postelection gains. Ether and the Solana token were each higher by about 1 per cent. Dogecoin added 3 per cent. It has been one of the biggest winners since the election due to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign and forthcoming role in his administration, which was announced Tuesday night. Now it will be interesting to see how the crypto-currencies behave going ahead, when once the Trump administration takes over. It will also be crucial to see how the government of US and the Federal Reserve manages the overall debt on the US economy going ahead by balancing inflation, demand and interest rates properly because as things stand there are going to be fiscal challenges for the US to deal with.

Bitcoin tops $93,000 as investors react to election and inflation data

In speech after speech during his long campaign to win a second term in the White House, Donald Trump railed against foreigners living in the country without authorisation and warned that uncontrolled immigration was “poisoning the blood of our country” and must be stopped.

After his stunning victory over Democrat Kamala Harris, Trump is set to move back into the White House on 20 January 2025, time to show that he is a man of his words. “On day one, we will begin the largest deportation operation in American history,” he often told his rallies, to thunderous applause.

At the Republican Party’s National Convention in July, delegates waved a sea of large posters saying MASS DEPORTATION NOW, a reflection of widespread anti-immigrant feeling in a party whose leader, Donald Trump, has described illegal&nbsp; immigrants as “vermin.” &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-says-not-everyone-is-welcome-as-trump-20-mass-deportations-looms-775753">Canada says 'not everyone is welcome' as Trump 2.0 mass deportations loom</a>

The election results showed that anti-immigrant sentiment is widespread and not restricted to Republicans.

Trump, who made immigration the key issue of his campaign, became the first Republican in two decades to win both the popular vote—just under 75 million—and the Electoral Council, which, in America’s antiquated electoral system, decides the winner.

What happens on Day One of the mass deportation pledge? Trump is expected to sign a string of executive orders to roll back legal entry programmes designed by President Joe Biden, make it easier to arrest immigrants with no criminal records, move troops to the southern border and renew construction of the 2,000-mile border with Mexico.

Trump already has named a “border czar,” Tom Homan, who was acting chief of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for two years in Trump’s first term before retiring. He will be backed by Stephen Milller, the architect of Trump’s anti-immigration measures, who has been named White House deputy chief of staff.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Regarded as a white nationalist by critics from the left and moderate Republicans, Miller is driven by the idea that “America is for America and Americans only,” as he put it at Trump’s last rally before the elections at New York City’s Madison Square Gardens.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-announces-tom-homan-as-border-czar-to-handle-deportation-of-illegal-aliens-775269">Donald Trump announces Tom Homan as 'border czar' to handle 'deportation of illegal aliens'</a>

Trump, now president-elect, has given few details on exactly what he plans for the biggest mass deportation in American history. But Miller and “Americans only” radicals have painted a picture of what they have in mind for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants already in the country.

There will be raids on workplaces across the country and those caught in dragnets will be taken to what Miller has described as “large staging grounds” where they will await removal to their countries of origin. &nbsp;

According to Homan, in a television interview, the priority will be on “public-safety threats and national security threats…targeted arrests and worksite enforcement operations.” He dismissed fears of mass sweeps of neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

Trump has never put a figure on his deportation project and sidestepped questions on how to handle cases involving “mixed-status families” of undocumented immigrants with children or siblings who are US citizens by virtue of having been born in the country.

Birthright citizenship is anchored in the US Constitution. Anti-immigration radicals complained about “anchor babies” in Trump’s first term, and there has been right-wing debate about the feasibility of ending birthright citizenship.

It would require a constitutional amendment and the chances of that are zero even though Republicans now control all three pillars of the government – the presidency, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. &nbsp;

While the United States is host to more immigrants than any other country, how to handle the influx of newcomers has been subject to debate for decades. In theory, it should not be difficult to find a solution. There has long been agreement among politicians of all stripes on one issue -- the country’s immigration system is broken. It is a case of extremely rare unanimity in a deeply divided country.

The closest America’s dysfunctional government came to fix a key part of the problem – the porous border with Mexico – came in April when weeks of negotiations by senators led by a staunch Republican, James Lankford from the state of Oklahoma, agreed on a b-partisan bill that would have provided some of the biggest changes in immigration law in decades.

Bowing to pressure from Trump, who wanted to use a crisis at the border as a campaign issue to paint Democrats as weak on border security, Republican senators killed the bill. &nbsp;

Trump then stepped up anti-immigrant rhetoric in a way that created the impression that all undocumented immigrants were criminals, from rapists and murderers to people who, in the city of Springfield, Ohio, stole and ate the dogs and cats of the people who lived there.

The figure most often touted for the number of deportations planned is one million per year for the first year, with more to come later. In theory, it looks difficult but achievable. In practice, “it’s a campaign fever dream,” said Roberto Suro, an immigration expert and professor at the University of Southern California School of Public Policy. Why?

The legal obstacles for removals of that magnitude at a relatively fast pace are formidable. So are the logistics.

Undocumented immigrants caught in the planned dragnet have the right to due process, including a court hearing before their removal. Under the system now in place, the decision on deportation is left to an immigration judge.

According to the Department of Justice, there are now only 700 judges dealing with a backlog of 3.7 million cases. That works out at 5,300 cases per judge. The Congressional Research Service has estimated it would take about 1,000 additional judges to tackle the current backlog by 2032.

In other words, for Trump to fulfil his promise his administration would have to engineer a gigantic expansion of the immigration court system. How he would raise a large army of new judges has yet to be explained.

Finding and tracking down undocumented immigrants, including through large-scale worksite raids, would be the job of ICE agents. &nbsp;

Their number, now around 20,000, would have to be vastly increased, perhaps doubled or tripled. Recruiting that many agents in time for Trump to take office is as unlikely as raising a sizeable army of immigration judges. &nbsp;

These are just two of the obstacles experts cite as reasons for scepticism over the prospect of major action early in Trump’s new term. Day One is more likely to feature images of Trump holding aloft a signed executive order than unauthorised immigrants herded into buses.

No matter how the Greatest Mass Deportation in American history evolves later in the new administration, it is a safe bet that it will be far from the spirit of the famous 1883 poem engraved at the bottom of New York’s Statue of Liberty.

The poem’s most memorable lines: &nbsp;

“Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me”

In speech after speech during his long campaign to win a second term in the White House, Donald Trump railed against foreigners living in the country without authorisation and warned that uncontrolled immigration was “poisoning the blood of our country” and must be stopped.

In speech after speech during his long campaign to win a second term in the White House, Donald Trump railed against foreigners living in the country without authorisation and warned that uncontrolled immigration was “poisoning the blood of our country” and must be stopped. After his stunning victory over Democrat Kamala Harris, Trump is set to move back into the White House on 20 January 2025, time to show that he is a man of his words. “On day one, we will begin the largest deportation operation in American history,” he often told his rallies, to thunderous applause. At the Republican Party’s National Convention in July, delegates waved a sea of large posters saying MASS DEPORTATION NOW, a reflection of widespread anti-immigrant feeling in a party whose leader, Donald Trump, has described illegal immigrants as “vermin.” Also read | Canada says 'not everyone is welcome' as Trump 2.0 mass deportations loom The election results showed that anti-immigrant sentiment is widespread and not restricted to Republicans. Trump, who made immigration the key issue of his campaign, became the first Republican in two decades to win both the popular vote—just under 75 million—and the Electoral Council, which, in America’s antiquated electoral system, decides the winner. What happens on Day One of the mass deportation pledge? Trump is expected to sign a string of executive orders to roll back legal entry programmes designed by President Joe Biden, make it easier to arrest immigrants with no criminal records, move troops to the southern border and renew construction of the 2,000-mile border with Mexico. Trump already has named a “border czar,” Tom Homan, who was acting chief of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for two years in Trump’s first term before retiring. He will be backed by Stephen Milller, the architect of Trump’s anti-immigration measures, who has been named White House deputy chief of staff. Regarded as a white nationalist by critics from the left and moderate Republicans, Miller is driven by the idea that “America is for America and Americans only,” as he put it at Trump’s last rally before the elections at New York City’s Madison Square Gardens. Also read | Donald Trump announces Tom Homan as 'border czar' to handle 'deportation of illegal aliens' Trump, now president-elect, has given few details on exactly what he plans for the biggest mass deportation in American history. But Miller and “Americans only” radicals have painted a picture of what they have in mind for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants already in the country. There will be raids on workplaces across the country and those caught in dragnets will be taken to what Miller has described as “large staging grounds” where they will await removal to their countries of origin. According to Homan, in a television interview, the priority will be on “public-safety threats and national security threats…targeted arrests and worksite enforcement operations.” He dismissed fears of mass sweeps of neighbourhoods. Trump has never put a figure on his deportation project and sidestepped questions on how to handle cases involving “mixed-status families” of undocumented immigrants with children or siblings who are US citizens by virtue of having been born in the country. Birthright citizenship is anchored in the US Constitution. Anti-immigration radicals complained about “anchor babies” in Trump’s first term, and there has been right-wing debate about the feasibility of ending birthright citizenship. It would require a constitutional amendment and the chances of that are zero even though Republicans now control all three pillars of the government – the presidency, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. While the United States is host to more immigrants than any other country, how to handle the influx of newcomers has been subject to debate for decades. In theory, it should not be difficult to find a solution. There has long been agreement among politicians of all stripes on one issue -- the country’s immigration system is broken. It is a case of extremely rare unanimity in a deeply divided country. The closest America’s dysfunctional government came to fix a key part of the problem – the porous border with Mexico – came in April when weeks of negotiations by senators led by a staunch Republican, James Lankford from the state of Oklahoma, agreed on a b-partisan bill that would have provided some of the biggest changes in immigration law in decades. Bowing to pressure from Trump, who wanted to use a crisis at the border as a campaign issue to paint Democrats as weak on border security, Republican senators killed the bill. Trump then stepped up anti-immigrant rhetoric in a way that created the impression that all undocumented immigrants were criminals, from rapists and murderers to people who, in the city of Springfield, Ohio, stole and ate the dogs and cats of the people who lived there. The figure most often touted for the number of deportations planned is one million per year for the first year, with more to come later. In theory, it looks difficult but achievable. In practice, “it’s a campaign fever dream,” said Roberto Suro, an immigration expert and professor at the University of Southern California School of Public Policy. Why? The legal obstacles for removals of that magnitude at a relatively fast pace are formidable. So are the logistics. Undocumented immigrants caught in the planned dragnet have the right to due process, including a court hearing before their removal. Under the system now in place, the decision on deportation is left to an immigration judge. According to the Department of Justice, there are now only 700 judges dealing with a backlog of 3.7 million cases. That works out at 5,300 cases per judge. The Congressional Research Service has estimated it would take about 1,000 additional judges to tackle the current backlog by 2032. In other words, for Trump to fulfil his promise his administration would have to engineer a gigantic expansion of the immigration court system. How he would raise a large army of new judges has yet to be explained. Finding and tracking down undocumented immigrants, including through large-scale worksite raids, would be the job of ICE agents. Their number, now around 20,000, would have to be vastly increased, perhaps doubled or tripled. Recruiting that many agents in time for Trump to take office is as unlikely as raising a sizeable army of immigration judges. These are just two of the obstacles experts cite as reasons for scepticism over the prospect of major action early in Trump’s new term. Day One is more likely to feature images of Trump holding aloft a signed executive order than unauthorised immigrants herded into buses. No matter how the Greatest Mass Deportation in American history evolves later in the new administration, it is a safe bet that it will be far from the spirit of the famous 1883 poem engraved at the bottom of New York’s Statue of Liberty. The poem’s most memorable lines: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me”

Trump’s mass deportation project — easier said than done

Donald Trump has nominated two controversial figures for key roles. The US president-elect has picked Tulsi Gabbard, the Democrat turned Republican who questioned US intelligence, to lead the same department. His other pick is firebrand lawmaker Matt Gaetz, whom he nominated as his pick for attorney general. The Congressman is a staunch defender of the president-elect and a vocal critic of what he calls “weaponised” government.

<h2>Who is Tulsi Gabbard?</h2>

Gabbard is a former Democrat and military veteran known for her outspoken anti-interventionist views, and she’s been tapped to lead US intelligence. She has direct experience with war, having served in Iraq with the Army National Guard of her native Hawaii.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-trump-save-tiktok-president-elect-might-try-to-block-us-ban-say-allies-report-775795">Could Trump save TikTok? President-elect might try to block US ban, say allies: Report</a>

As per AFP, Gabbard’s journey to this appointment has been anything but conventional. A Democrat-turned-Republican, she has built a reputation as an establishment sceptic, often at odds with both parties. Gabbard has spoken against US intelligence findings in the past, notably questioning presidents, including Trump, on reports like the one on chemical attacks in Syria, and has condemned what she views as America’s “regime change wars.”

<h2>Who is Matt Gaetz?</h2>

Congressman Matt Gaetz, Trump's pick for the US Attorney General, is known for his fierce loyalty to Trump and is believed to have been well-placed to make good on Trump's threats of revenge against political foes.

Posting on social media, the US president-elect wrote, “Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponisation of our Justice System. Matt will end Weaponised Government… and restore Americans' badly shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department.”

A US congressman since 2017, he is among Trump's most controversial picks. 
&nbsp; 
While Trump touts him as a bold choice to “restore faith” in the Justice Department, Gaetz is no stranger to legal and ethical troubles and has an unresolved House ethics investigation. He is allegedly involved in a Justice department — which he will now head — probe into sex trafficking and obstruction of justice.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/looks-forward-to-smooth-transition-trump-biden-historic-meet-at-white-house-775950">'Looking forward to smooth transition,' Trump, Biden hold historic meet at White House</a>

Gaetz has dismissed the probe as a “political payback exercise” and “uncomfortably nosy.”

Scepticism about his nomination remains high. According to a CNN report, citing unnamed sources, there was “an audible gasp” when House Republicans meeting behind closed doors were informed of Gaetz's nomination.

Some senators have already expressed doubts. Speaking to Scripps News, Republican Party's Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski said: “Do you think he's a serious candidate? Not as far as I'm concerned.”

While another Senator, Susan Collins, said she was “shocked” by the announcement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump has nominated two controversial figures for key roles. The US president-elect has picked Tulsi Gabbard, the Democrat turned Republican who questioned US intelligence, to lead the same department.

Donald Trump has nominated two controversial figures for key roles. The US president-elect has picked Tulsi Gabbard, the Democrat turned Republican who questioned US intelligence, to lead the same department. His other pick is firebrand lawmaker Matt Gaetz, whom he nominated as his pick for attorney general. The Congressman is a staunch defender of the president-elect and a vocal critic of what he calls “weaponised” government. Who is Tulsi Gabbard? Gabbard is a former Democrat and military veteran known for her outspoken anti-interventionist views, and she’s been tapped to lead US intelligence. She has direct experience with war, having served in Iraq with the Army National Guard of her native Hawaii. Also read | Could Trump save TikTok? President-elect might try to block US ban, say allies: Report As per AFP, Gabbard’s journey to this appointment has been anything but conventional. A Democrat-turned-Republican, she has built a reputation as an establishment sceptic, often at odds with both parties. Gabbard has spoken against US intelligence findings in the past, notably questioning presidents, including Trump, on reports like the one on chemical attacks in Syria, and has condemned what she views as America’s “regime change wars.” Who is Matt Gaetz? Congressman Matt Gaetz, Trump's pick for the US Attorney General, is known for his fierce loyalty to Trump and is believed to have been well-placed to make good on Trump's threats of revenge against political foes. Posting on social media, the US president-elect wrote, “Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponisation of our Justice System. Matt will end Weaponised Government… and restore Americans' badly shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department.” A US congressman since 2017, he is among Trump's most controversial picks. While Trump touts him as a bold choice to “restore faith” in the Justice Department, Gaetz is no stranger to legal and ethical troubles and has an unresolved House ethics investigation. He is allegedly involved in a Justice department — which he will now head — probe into sex trafficking and obstruction of justice. Also read | 'Looking forward to smooth transition,' Trump, Biden hold historic meet at White House Gaetz has dismissed the probe as a “political payback exercise” and “uncomfortably nosy.” Scepticism about his nomination remains high. According to a CNN report, citing unnamed sources, there was “an audible gasp” when House Republicans meeting behind closed doors were informed of Gaetz's nomination. Some senators have already expressed doubts. Speaking to Scripps News, Republican Party's Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski said: “Do you think he's a serious candidate? Not as far as I'm concerned.” While another Senator, Susan Collins, said she was “shocked” by the announcement. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump 2.0: Tulsi Gabbard nominated to head US Intelligence, Matt Gaetz to lead Justice Department

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