President Donald Trump is reported to be planning a ‘Core-5’ superclub of the US, Russia, China, India, and Japan and is mulling the new grouping of ‘major powers’ as a potential alternative to the G7 (Group of Seven), sidelining Europe, reported Politico, citing Defence One. The Core-5 club could become the most powerful bloc in history and redraw the geopolitical map forever. The reports gain credibility, as Trump had given hints of such a bold geopolitical experiment at the G7 Summit in June this year, suggesting that Russia and China should be part of the bloc. He even went on to claim that it was a “very big mistake” to remove Russia in 2014 after it annexed Crimea. Defence One said the proposal was included in the longer version of the US’s National Security Strategy, but the White House has denied the existence of any unpublished document.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-one-h-1b-worker-equals-10-illegal-aliens-send-indian-techies-back-says-us-pollster-slams-trump-admin-1765474555216">‘One H-1B worker equals 10 illegal aliens, send Indian techies back’, says US pollster, slams Trump admin</a>&nbsp;At the G7 Summit, Trump said, “You wouldn’t have a war right now if you had Russia in,” adding that “not having Putin as part of the bloc makes life more complicated”. The thought seems to have spurred Trump into exploring the idea of a five-nation superclub by bringing the US, Russia, China, India, and Japan under one strategic umbrella.&nbsp;“The strategy proposes a Core 5, or C5, made up of the US, China, Russia, India, and Japan—which are several of the countries with more than 100 million people,” the report said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-brazen-attempt-to-browbeat-56-ex-judges-slam-opposition-move-to-impeach-justice-swaminathan-1765538768334">‘Brazen attempt to browbeat’: 56 ex-judges slam opposition move to impeach Justice Swaminathan</a>&nbsp;Even the first agenda of the Core-5 group has been reportedly decided: Middle East security, focusing on normalising relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Getting Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, which normalised diplomatic relations between Israel and some Arab states, is one of Trump’s key goals in his second term. Saudi Arabia is not part of the Abraham Accords, which was signed in 2020 during Trump’s first term.&nbsp;<h2>Core-5 plan marks major shift in priorities and policy for the US&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The proposal of the ‘Core-5’ superclub marks a huge shift in priorities for the US, which has so far relied on its European allies, and pushes towards greater engagement with emerging powers.&nbsp;Though the ‘Core-5’ proposal was not in the National Security Strategy released by the US on December 5, it did declare the desire to achieve stability in ties with Russia and mentioned contradictions with Europe.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tariff-war-widens-after-us-mexico-announces-up-to-50-tariffs-on-imports-from-india-other-asian-countries-1765454197194">Tariff war widens: After US, Mexico announces up to 50% tariffs on imports from India, other Asian countries</a>&nbsp;Besides, the ties between the US and India also seem to be easing after initial tensions as PM Narendra Modi held his third phone call with Trump on Thursday in recent months, and described them as “very warm”.Trump had slapped India with the highest tariff of 50%, citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil, souring ties between the two nations.&nbsp;The Core-5 would not have the G7 requirement of the countries being both wealthy and democratically governed.&nbsp;

Getting Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, which normalised diplomatic relations between Israel and some Arab states, is one of Trump’s key goals in his second term. Saudi Arabia is not part of the Abraham Accords, which was signed in 2020 during Trump’s first term.

President Donald Trump is reported to be planning a ‘Core-5’ superclub of the US, Russia, China, India, and Japan and is mulling the new grouping of ‘major powers’ as a potential alternative to the G7 (Group of Seven), sidelining Europe, reported Politico, citing Defence One. The Core-5 club could become the most powerful bloc in history and redraw the geopolitical map forever. The reports gain credibility, as Trump had given hints of such a bold geopolitical experiment at the G7 Summit in June this year, suggesting that Russia and China should be part of the bloc. He even went on to claim that it was a “very big mistake” to remove Russia in 2014 after it annexed Crimea. Defence One said the proposal was included in the longer version of the US’s National Security Strategy, but the White House has denied the existence of any unpublished document. Also Read: ‘One H-1B worker equals 10 illegal aliens, send Indian techies back’, says US pollster, slams Trump admin At the G7 Summit, Trump said, “You wouldn’t have a war right now if you had Russia in,” adding that “not having Putin as part of the bloc makes life more complicated”. The thought seems to have spurred Trump into exploring the idea of a five-nation superclub by bringing the US, Russia, China, India, and Japan under one strategic umbrella. “The strategy proposes a Core 5, or C5, made up of the US, China, Russia, India, and Japan—which are several of the countries with more than 100 million people,” the report said. Also Read: ‘Brazen attempt to browbeat’: 56 ex-judges slam opposition move to impeach Justice Swaminathan Even the first agenda of the Core-5 group has been reportedly decided: Middle East security, focusing on normalising relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Getting Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, which normalised diplomatic relations between Israel and some Arab states, is one of Trump’s key goals in his second term. Saudi Arabia is not part of the Abraham Accords, which was signed in 2020 during Trump’s first term. Core-5 plan marks major shift in priorities and policy for the US The proposal of the ‘Core-5’ superclub marks a huge shift in priorities for the US, which has so far relied on its European allies, and pushes towards greater engagement with emerging powers. Though the ‘Core-5’ proposal was not in the National Security Strategy released by the US on December 5, it did declare the desire to achieve stability in ties with Russia and mentioned contradictions with Europe. Also Read: Tariff war widens: After US, Mexico announces up to 50% tariffs on imports from India, other Asian countries Besides, the ties between the US and India also seem to be easing after initial tensions as PM Narendra Modi held his third phone call with Trump on Thursday in recent months, and described them as “very warm”. Trump had slapped India with the highest tariff of 50%, citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil, souring ties between the two nations. The Core-5 would not have the G7 requirement of the countries being both wealthy and democratically governed.

Getting Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, which normalised diplomatic relations between Israel and some Arab states, is one of Trump’s key goals in his second term. Saudi Arabia is not part of the Abraham Accords, which was signed in 2020 during Trump’s first term.

Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as alternative to G7, sidelining Europe?

Following renewed concerns about the health of US President Donald Trump after he was seen wearing a bandage on his hand, the White House on Thursday (Dec 11) clarified the reason behind it. The 79-year-old president has faced repeated scrutiny over his health since he came back in power, with people questioning his physical and cognitive health. This time, the US president was seen wearing adhesive bandages on the back of his right hand in recent days.This comes after Trump on Tuesday blasted media reports questioning his health as “seditious, perhaps even treasonous”. Calling them “fake reports”, he said that no other US president has worked as hard as him, adding that his hours are the longest and the results are among the best.<h2>What did White House say regarding Trump’s bandaged hand?</h2>In a statement, Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt repeated the same reasons she did months ago when Trump was seen with a bruise on his right hand, which was covered by a thick layer of makeup, snubbing health concerns. Leavitt said that Trump was wearing the adhesive bandages due to the high volume of handshakes.“As for the bandages on the hand, we've also given you an explanation for that,” Leavitt told reporters. “In the past, the president is literally constantly shaking hands.”She added, “He’s also on a daily aspirin regimen, which is something his physical examinations has said in the past as well, which can contribute to the bruise that you see.”<h2>Trump health rumours</h2>Earlier in October, Trump underwent a medical examination, including an MRI scan. While the White House did not share details on why he underwent an MRI, Leavitt said that the results showed that the US president was in “exceptional physical health.”On November 30, Trump said that he would release the results of the MRI scan he underwent in October, but added that he has no idea what part of his body was scanned during the medical examination. Trump also claimed that he aced his cognitive test, contrary to speculations of mental decline made by his political rivals and the public.“Getting an MRI is very standard. What, you think I shouldn’t have it? Other people get it. I had an MRI,” Trump said. “It was just an MRI.”“What part of the body? It wasn’t the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it,” he said.

Earlier in October, Trump underwent a medical examination, including an MRI scan. While the White House did not share details on why he underwent an MRI, Leavitt said that the results showed that the US president was in “exceptional physical health.”

Following renewed concerns about the health of US President Donald Trump after he was seen wearing a bandage on his hand, the White House on Thursday (Dec 11) clarified the reason behind it. The 79-year-old president has faced repeated scrutiny over his health since he came back in power, with people questioning his physical and cognitive health. This time, the US president was seen wearing adhesive bandages on the back of his right hand in recent days. This comes after Trump on Tuesday blasted media reports questioning his health as “seditious, perhaps even treasonous”. Calling them “fake reports”, he said that no other US president has worked as hard as him, adding that his hours are the longest and the results are among the best. What did White House say regarding Trump’s bandaged hand? In a statement, Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt repeated the same reasons she did months ago when Trump was seen with a bruise on his right hand, which was covered by a thick layer of makeup, snubbing health concerns. Leavitt said that Trump was wearing the adhesive bandages due to the high volume of handshakes. “As for the bandages on the hand, we've also given you an explanation for that,” Leavitt told reporters. “In the past, the president is literally constantly shaking hands.” She added, “He’s also on a daily aspirin regimen, which is something his physical examinations has said in the past as well, which can contribute to the bruise that you see.” Trump health rumours Earlier in October, Trump underwent a medical examination, including an MRI scan. While the White House did not share details on why he underwent an MRI, Leavitt said that the results showed that the US president was in “exceptional physical health.” On November 30, Trump said that he would release the results of the MRI scan he underwent in October, but added that he has no idea what part of his body was scanned during the medical examination. Trump also claimed that he aced his cognitive test, contrary to speculations of mental decline made by his political rivals and the public. “Getting an MRI is very standard. What, you think I shouldn’t have it? Other people get it. I had an MRI,” Trump said. “It was just an MRI.” “What part of the body? It wasn’t the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it,” he said.

Earlier in October, Trump underwent a medical examination, including an MRI scan. While the White House did not share details on why he underwent an MRI, Leavitt said that the results showed that the US president was in “exceptional physical health.”

Why is Trump wearing a bandage on hand? White House breaks silence after rumours

The Russian Defence Ministry on Friday (Dec 12) said that Ukraine has tried to launch drone strikes on its chemical facilities, where first-class hazardous substances are stored. It added that the attacks were thwarted. Speaking at a press briefing, Chief of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops Major General Alexey Rtishchev said that facilities in the Russian city of Veliky Novgorod and the town of Rossosh were targeted.“Drone attacks were thwarted that targeted chemical facilities in Veliky Novgorod and the town of Rossosh in the Voronezh Region, where first-class hazardous substances are stored,” he said, as quoted by TASS.Major General Alexey Rtishchev also accused the Ukrainian army of attempting to destroy hazardous chemical sites in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, creating the threat of chemical exposure to civilians in the region. He added that the Zarya industrial facility in the settlement of Rubezhnoye, the Azot facility in Severodonetsk, and the Coke and Chemical Plant in Avdeyevka have faced repeated shelling by Kyiv.&nbsp; Meanwhile, Russian authorities said that a Ukrainian drone hit an apartment block northwest of Moscow, injuring seven people in an overnight attack. The attack happened at Tver, a city 180 kilometres (110 miles) from the Russian capital.<h2>Trump ‘extremely frustrated with both Kyiv and Moscow’</h2>This comes a day after US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Dec 11) said that he is "extremely frustrated with both Kyiv and Moscow over the ongoing war. He added that the war could potentially snowball into a “third world war.”Expressing his frustration with the slow-moving peace talks, Trump said at the White House, “I’d like to see the killing stop. 25,000 people died last month, mostly soldiers, but some people also where bombs were dropped, but for the most part, 25,000 soldiers died last month. I would love to see it stop. And we're working very hard.”He further warned, “Things like this end up in third world wars. And I said that the other day. I said, Everybody keeps playing games like this. We will end up in a third world war, and we don’t want to see that happen.”“The president is extremely frustrated with both sides of this war,” Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. “He doesn’t want any more talk. He wants action. He wants this war to come to an end.”She added, “His special envoy, (Steve) Witkoff, and his team continue to talk with both sides, literally as we speak.”

Major General Alexey Rtishchev also accused the Ukrainian army of attempting to destroy hazardous chemical sites in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, creating the threat of chemical exposure to civilians in the region.

The Russian Defence Ministry on Friday (Dec 12) said that Ukraine has tried to launch drone strikes on its chemical facilities, where first-class hazardous substances are stored. It added that the attacks were thwarted. Speaking at a press briefing, Chief of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops Major General Alexey Rtishchev said that facilities in the Russian city of Veliky Novgorod and the town of Rossosh were targeted. “Drone attacks were thwarted that targeted chemical facilities in Veliky Novgorod and the town of Rossosh in the Voronezh Region, where first-class hazardous substances are stored,” he said, as quoted by TASS. Major General Alexey Rtishchev also accused the Ukrainian army of attempting to destroy hazardous chemical sites in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, creating the threat of chemical exposure to civilians in the region. He added that the Zarya industrial facility in the settlement of Rubezhnoye, the Azot facility in Severodonetsk, and the Coke and Chemical Plant in Avdeyevka have faced repeated shelling by Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russian authorities said that a Ukrainian drone hit an apartment block northwest of Moscow, injuring seven people in an overnight attack. The attack happened at Tver, a city 180 kilometres (110 miles) from the Russian capital. Trump ‘extremely frustrated with both Kyiv and Moscow’ This comes a day after US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Dec 11) said that he is "extremely frustrated with both Kyiv and Moscow over the ongoing war. He added that the war could potentially snowball into a “third world war.” Expressing his frustration with the slow-moving peace talks, Trump said at the White House, “I’d like to see the killing stop. 25,000 people died last month, mostly soldiers, but some people also where bombs were dropped, but for the most part, 25,000 soldiers died last month. I would love to see it stop. And we're working very hard.” He further warned, “Things like this end up in third world wars. And I said that the other day. I said, Everybody keeps playing games like this. We will end up in a third world war, and we don’t want to see that happen.” “The president is extremely frustrated with both sides of this war,” Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. “He doesn’t want any more talk. He wants action. He wants this war to come to an end.” She added, “His special envoy, (Steve) Witkoff, and his team continue to talk with both sides, literally as we speak.”

Major General Alexey Rtishchev also accused the Ukrainian army of attempting to destroy hazardous chemical sites in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, creating the threat of chemical exposure to civilians in the region.

Russia accuses Ukraine of targeting chemical facilities, risking exposure to civilians

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on a phone call on Thursday (Dec 11), US Ambassador Sergio Gor confirmed. The US diplomat added that PM Modi reiterated his support for Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine. This comes amid trade tension between the two countries after Trump announced 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods earlier this year, citing Russian oil imports.&nbsp;“President Trump spoke with Prime Minister Modi this morning. A GREAT call between two friends. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his support for the President’s efforts to bring peace to Ukraine,” Sergio Gor wrote on X.&nbsp;Earlier, PM Modi said that he had a “very warm and engaging” conversation with Trump. He added that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations between the nations and discussed regional and international developments. The Indian prime minister added that India and the US continue to work together for global peace.&nbsp;“Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the U.S. will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity,” PM Modi wrote on X.&nbsp;Following trade talks between the two countries in New Delhi earlier this week, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that India’s proposal is “the best we’ve ever received as a country”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Responding to Greer’s remarks, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that if Washington is happy with New Delhi’s proposal, they should sign the bilateral trade agreement.&nbsp;“His happiness is very much welcome. And, I do believe that if they are very happy, they should be signing on the dotted lines,” Goyal said.&nbsp;The India-US relations soured after Trump imposed additional tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil and “unfair” trade practices. The Trump administration has claimed that New Delhi’s crude imports are funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.

This comes amid trade tension between the two countries after Trump announced 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods earlier this year, citing Russian oil imports.

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on a phone call on Thursday (Dec 11), US Ambassador Sergio Gor confirmed. The US diplomat added that PM Modi reiterated his support for Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine. This comes amid trade tension between the two countries after Trump announced 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods earlier this year, citing Russian oil imports. “President Trump spoke with Prime Minister Modi this morning. A GREAT call between two friends. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his support for the President’s efforts to bring peace to Ukraine,” Sergio Gor wrote on X. Earlier, PM Modi said that he had a “very warm and engaging” conversation with Trump. He added that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations between the nations and discussed regional and international developments. The Indian prime minister added that India and the US continue to work together for global peace. “Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the U.S. will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity,” PM Modi wrote on X. Following trade talks between the two countries in New Delhi earlier this week, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that India’s proposal is “the best we’ve ever received as a country”. Responding to Greer’s remarks, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that if Washington is happy with New Delhi’s proposal, they should sign the bilateral trade agreement. “His happiness is very much welcome. And, I do believe that if they are very happy, they should be signing on the dotted lines,” Goyal said. The India-US relations soured after Trump imposed additional tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil and “unfair” trade practices. The Trump administration has claimed that New Delhi’s crude imports are funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.

This comes amid trade tension between the two countries after Trump announced 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods earlier this year, citing Russian oil imports.

‘GREAT call between two friends’: US envoy says PM Modi supports Trump’s peace efforts in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled that the country is prepared to hold national elections, responding to comments from US President Donald Trump, who suggested Kyiv was using the war as a reason to delay the vote. Zelensky’s presidential term was set to end in May 2024, but elections have been paused under martial law, introduced when Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Speaking to reporters after Trump’s remarks in a Politico interview, Zelensky said he would request legal proposals that could enable an election to be held.&nbsp;He explained that a vote could take place within two to three months if the security of the electoral process could be guaranteed with support from Washington and other allies. “I am openly appealing to the United States and our European partners to help ensure the safety of the election process,” Zelensky said. He stressed that the decision to hold elections must ultimately belong to Ukrainians: “This is our choice to make, not the decision of other nations.”&nbsp;Zelensky rejected claims that he is clinging to power, calling such accusations unfounded and dismissing suggestions that the continuation of the war somehow benefits him politically. Zelensky was elected in 2019 with more than 70% of the vote. Debate over the possibility of wartime elections has intensified since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Moscow has repeatedly argued that Zelensky no longer holds legitimate authority and has demanded new elections as part of any ceasefire arrangement, a narrative echoed by Trump, who told Politico that Ukraine’s democracy was weakening.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobel-peace-prize-where-is-maria-corina-machado-as-her-daughter-steps-in-to-collect-the-award-in-oslo-1765362236391">Nobel Peace Prize: Where is Maria Corina Machado as her daughter steps in to collect the award in Oslo</a>&nbsp;Conducting a vote during an active conflict poses immense challenges. Front-line soldiers may be unable to participate without leave, and millions of Ukrainians displaced abroad would need access to voting mechanisms. Ensuring the safety of polling stations and voters would require extensive security planning. Ukrainian opposition figures say that a genuinely fair election would require every Ukrainian, including troops on the battlefield, to be able to take part. Lesia Vasylenko of the Golos party told the BBC that wartime elections are effectively impossible, drawing a comparison to the UK’s suspension of voting during World War Two.&nbsp;Oleksiy Goncharenko of European Solidarity also rejected Zelensky’s suggestion, calling the idea unrealistic and warning that any rushed process could be manipulated. He argued that the full cycle of campaigning, debates, and public engagement cannot occur during a war. Within Ukraine’s political system, there is broad agreement that elections should not take place under martial law. Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of parliament’s foreign affairs committee and a member of Zelensky’s party, said even critics of the president are against rushing into a vote, warning that a divisive campaign would serve Russia’s interests. According to him, President Vladimir Putin would welcome internal political fractures after failing to defeat Ukraine militarily.&nbsp;Public sentiment reflects similar concerns. Data from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology shows only around 10% of Ukrainians want elections before a ceasefire or peace deal. A previous KIIS survey found a majority preferred elections only after a full settlement, with a smaller portion willing to consider a vote after a ceasefire with firm security guarantees. Many Ukrainians share these reservations. Yulia Tovkach, a business owner in Bucha, said that martial law must end first to ensure the vote is seen as legitimate. In Odesa, casting director Yana Kolomiets said she opposes holding an election now, despite her own frustrations with Zelensky’s governance.&nbsp;Zelensky is currently traveling across Europe after US–Ukraine negotiations over the weekend failed to yield a mutually acceptable peace plan. He is urging European and NATO leaders to help prevent the US from endorsing a deal that Kyiv believes would leave the country vulnerable. Zelensky has repeatedly stated that Ukraine will not surrender its land.

Zelensky says Ukraine might hold elections within months if allies ensure security, rejecting claims he is delaying the vote for political gain amid wartime challenges

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled that the country is prepared to hold national elections, responding to comments from US President Donald Trump, who suggested Kyiv was using the war as a reason to delay the vote. Zelensky’s presidential term was set to end in May 2024, but elections have been paused under martial law, introduced when Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Speaking to reporters after Trump’s remarks in a Politico interview, Zelensky said he would request legal proposals that could enable an election to be held. He explained that a vote could take place within two to three months if the security of the electoral process could be guaranteed with support from Washington and other allies. “I am openly appealing to the United States and our European partners to help ensure the safety of the election process,” Zelensky said. He stressed that the decision to hold elections must ultimately belong to Ukrainians: “This is our choice to make, not the decision of other nations.” Zelensky rejected claims that he is clinging to power, calling such accusations unfounded and dismissing suggestions that the continuation of the war somehow benefits him politically. Zelensky was elected in 2019 with more than 70% of the vote. Debate over the possibility of wartime elections has intensified since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Moscow has repeatedly argued that Zelensky no longer holds legitimate authority and has demanded new elections as part of any ceasefire arrangement, a narrative echoed by Trump, who told Politico that Ukraine’s democracy was weakening. Also Read: Nobel Peace Prize: Where is Maria Corina Machado as her daughter steps in to collect the award in Oslo Conducting a vote during an active conflict poses immense challenges. Front-line soldiers may be unable to participate without leave, and millions of Ukrainians displaced abroad would need access to voting mechanisms. Ensuring the safety of polling stations and voters would require extensive security planning. Ukrainian opposition figures say that a genuinely fair election would require every Ukrainian, including troops on the battlefield, to be able to take part. Lesia Vasylenko of the Golos party told the BBC that wartime elections are effectively impossible, drawing a comparison to the UK’s suspension of voting during World War Two. Oleksiy Goncharenko of European Solidarity also rejected Zelensky’s suggestion, calling the idea unrealistic and warning that any rushed process could be manipulated. He argued that the full cycle of campaigning, debates, and public engagement cannot occur during a war. Within Ukraine’s political system, there is broad agreement that elections should not take place under martial law. Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of parliament’s foreign affairs committee and a member of Zelensky’s party, said even critics of the president are against rushing into a vote, warning that a divisive campaign would serve Russia’s interests. According to him, President Vladimir Putin would welcome internal political fractures after failing to defeat Ukraine militarily. Public sentiment reflects similar concerns. Data from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology shows only around 10% of Ukrainians want elections before a ceasefire or peace deal. A previous KIIS survey found a majority preferred elections only after a full settlement, with a smaller portion willing to consider a vote after a ceasefire with firm security guarantees. Many Ukrainians share these reservations. Yulia Tovkach, a business owner in Bucha, said that martial law must end first to ensure the vote is seen as legitimate. In Odesa, casting director Yana Kolomiets said she opposes holding an election now, despite her own frustrations with Zelensky’s governance. Zelensky is currently traveling across Europe after US–Ukraine negotiations over the weekend failed to yield a mutually acceptable peace plan. He is urging European and NATO leaders to help prevent the US from endorsing a deal that Kyiv believes would leave the country vulnerable. Zelensky has repeatedly stated that Ukraine will not surrender its land.

Zelensky says Ukraine might hold elections within months if allies ensure security, rejecting claims he is delaying the vote for political gain amid wartime challenges

'Ukraine is ready for elections', says Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky if allies ensure security

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Dec 8) announced that he will allow US chip giant Nvidia to ship its advanced artificial intelligence H200 chips to “approved customers” in China and other nations. The move comes after the company’s CEO, Jensen Huang, met with the US president last week. Trump said that he had informed Chinese President Xi Jinping about the decision, adding that he “responded positively”.“I have informed President Xi, of China, that the United States will allow NVIDIA to ship its H200 products to approved customers in China, and other Countries, under conditions that allow for continued strong National Security,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.“President Xi responded positively!” Trump said. He added that a 25 per cent fee on sales will be paid to the US. He said that the policy will support American jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing and benefit American taxpayers.The move marks a significant shift in the US policy for advanced AI chip exports. Former president Joe Biden’s administration had restricted the sale of chips to China over national security concerns regarding Beijing’s military applications.Slamming his predecessor’s administration, Trump added, “The Biden Administration forced our Great Companies to spend BILLIONS OF DOLLARS building ‘degraded’ products that nobody wanted, a terrible idea that slowed Innovation, and hurt the American Worker. That Era is OVER!”Trump further added that the Department of Commerce is finalising the details, and the same will be applied to other US tech giants like AMD and Intel.“We will protect National Security, create American Jobs, and keep America’s lead in AI. NVIDIA’s U.S. Customers are already moving forward with their incredible, highly advanced Blackwell chips, and soon, Rubin, neither of which are part of this deal. My Administration will always put America FIRST. The Department of Commerce is finalizing the details, and the same approach will apply to AMD, Intel, and other GREAT American Companies. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he wrote.<h2>‘Thoughtful balance’</h2>Hailing Trump’s approval, an Nvidia spokesperson told AFP, “We applaud President Trump’s decision to allow America's chip industry to compete to support high paying jobs and manufacturing in America.”“Offering H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America.”

Former president Joe Biden’s administration had restricted the sale of chips to China over national security concerns regarding Beijing’s military applications.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Dec 8) announced that he will allow US chip giant Nvidia to ship its advanced artificial intelligence H200 chips to “approved customers” in China and other nations. The move comes after the company’s CEO, Jensen Huang, met with the US president last week. Trump said that he had informed Chinese President Xi Jinping about the decision, adding that he “responded positively”. “I have informed President Xi, of China, that the United States will allow NVIDIA to ship its H200 products to approved customers in China, and other Countries, under conditions that allow for continued strong National Security,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform. “President Xi responded positively!” Trump said. He added that a 25 per cent fee on sales will be paid to the US. He said that the policy will support American jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing and benefit American taxpayers. The move marks a significant shift in the US policy for advanced AI chip exports. Former president Joe Biden’s administration had restricted the sale of chips to China over national security concerns regarding Beijing’s military applications. Slamming his predecessor’s administration, Trump added, “The Biden Administration forced our Great Companies to spend BILLIONS OF DOLLARS building ‘degraded’ products that nobody wanted, a terrible idea that slowed Innovation, and hurt the American Worker. That Era is OVER!” Trump further added that the Department of Commerce is finalising the details, and the same will be applied to other US tech giants like AMD and Intel. “We will protect National Security, create American Jobs, and keep America’s lead in AI. NVIDIA’s U.S. Customers are already moving forward with their incredible, highly advanced Blackwell chips, and soon, Rubin, neither of which are part of this deal. My Administration will always put America FIRST. The Department of Commerce is finalizing the details, and the same approach will apply to AMD, Intel, and other GREAT American Companies. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he wrote. ‘Thoughtful balance’ Hailing Trump’s approval, an Nvidia spokesperson told AFP, “We applaud President Trump’s decision to allow America's chip industry to compete to support high paying jobs and manufacturing in America.” “Offering H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America.”

Former president Joe Biden’s administration had restricted the sale of chips to China over national security concerns regarding Beijing’s military applications.

AI chip war U-turn? Trump allows Nvidia H200 sales to China, says Xi Jinping ‘responded positively’

United States residents will get free entry to national parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite on President Donald Trump's birthday. In a latest move to elevate his profile in public. However, the Americans were getting the same privilege on two national days commemorating civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr and the end of slavery.&nbsp;The Change will take effect on January 1 and is part of US president's drive to put America first. These changes come at a time when the National Park Service is slated to upward revision of admission charges.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-india-and-russia-should-work-together-beijing-welcomes-putin-modi-meet-in-delhi-1765215057313">China, India and Russia should work together: Beijing welcomes Putin–Modi meet in Delhi</a>&nbsp;In 2025, the free-entry dates included Martin Luther King Jr Day, observed on the third Monday of January, and Juneteenth on 19 June, marking the 1865 emancipation of the last enslaved Americans.&nbsp;According to a US Department of the Interior statement, the eight free-entry days in 2026 will feature Flag Day on June 14, which is also Donald Trump’s birthday, when he will turn 80.&nbsp;The White House has also recently advised naming a new stadium for the Washington Commanders NFL team after Donald Trump. At the same time, some Republicans even supported putting his face on the $100 bill.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-recording-has-to-stop-here-us-commander-confronts-israeli-counterpart-over-alleged-surveillance-report-1765207989427">'Recording has to stop here': US commander confronts Israeli counterpart over alleged surveillance — Report</a>&nbsp;The United States has 63 national parks, including the world's first and largest, Yellowstone National Park. In 2024, more than 330 million people visited these biodiversity conservation spots.&nbsp;As of 2026, the annual entry fee will be revised to $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents. Nonresidents without a pass will have to pay $100 per person to enter 11 of the most visited parks in addition to the standard entrance fee. &nbsp;

United States residents will get free entry to national parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite on President Donald Trump's birthday, In a latest move to elevate his profile in public.

United States residents will get free entry to national parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite on President Donald Trump's birthday. In a latest move to elevate his profile in public. However, the Americans were getting the same privilege on two national days commemorating civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr and the end of slavery. The Change will take effect on January 1 and is part of US president's drive to put America first. These changes come at a time when the National Park Service is slated to upward revision of admission charges. Also Read: China, India and Russia should work together: Beijing welcomes Putin–Modi meet in Delhi In 2025, the free-entry dates included Martin Luther King Jr Day, observed on the third Monday of January, and Juneteenth on 19 June, marking the 1865 emancipation of the last enslaved Americans. According to a US Department of the Interior statement, the eight free-entry days in 2026 will feature Flag Day on June 14, which is also Donald Trump’s birthday, when he will turn 80. The White House has also recently advised naming a new stadium for the Washington Commanders NFL team after Donald Trump. At the same time, some Republicans even supported putting his face on the $100 bill. Also Read: 'Recording has to stop here': US commander confronts Israeli counterpart over alleged surveillance — Report The United States has 63 national parks, including the world's first and largest, Yellowstone National Park. In 2024, more than 330 million people visited these biodiversity conservation spots. As of 2026, the annual entry fee will be revised to $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents. Nonresidents without a pass will have to pay $100 per person to enter 11 of the most visited parks in addition to the standard entrance fee.

United States residents will get free entry to national parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite on President Donald Trump's birthday, in a latest move to elevate his profile in public.

President Donald Trump to give Americans this birthday gift on his 80th

US President Donald Trump may walk away from the war in Ukraine, his oldest son, Donald Trump Jr, suggested in his comments at the Doha Forum in Qatar on Sunday (Dec 8). He also said that Ukraine’s “corrupt” rich had already left the country, leaving “what they believed to be the peasant class” to fight the war with Russia. This comes as the Trump administration is ramping up pressure on Kyiv to give up its territory to Moscow. Meanwhile, Trump later said that he was “a little bit disappointed” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not engaging with or reading his peace proposal to end the deadly war in Europe.Speaking at the Middle East conference, the US president’s son said that Zelensky was prolonging the war because he knew he would not win an election if the conflict with Russia came to an end. He added that borderline deity on the left but suggested that his country was far more corrupt than Russia, the Guardian reported.When asked if his father, who claimed that he could bring peace to Ukraine in his election campaign, would simply walk away, Trump Jr said maybe he would. He added that Trump was one of the most unpredictable people in politics. He also vowed that the US will no longer be “the idiot with the chequebook”.While Trump Jr is not part of the US administration, he has remained a key figure in the MAGA movement. His remarks suggest antipathy among some Trump administration officials towards the Ukrainian government.Trump Jr also slammed the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, saying that European sanctions have not helped but simply increased the price of Russian oil, which Moscow can use to fund its war in Ukraine. “We are going to wait for Russia to go bankrupt – that is not a plan,” he said of the European plan.The US president’s son further alleged that the risk of Venezuelan drug boats bringing fentanyl into the US was “far more a clear and present danger than anything that is going on in Ukraine or Russia.”<h2>Trump Jr claims rich fled Ukraine</h2>He also claimed that he observed that on a single summer day in Monaco, 50 per cent of the supercars like Bugattis and Ferraris had Ukrainian number plates. “Do you think that was earned in Ukraine?” he asked.“We hear all the rumours about what is going on when we see every licence plate in Monaco is Ukrainian […] the rich fled and they left what they believed to be the peasant class to fight these wars. There was no incentive to stop because long as the money train was coming and they were stealing, no one was auditing anything so there was no reason to come to peace.”Last month, Trump said that the corruption scandal in Kyiv that forced Zelensky to sack his chief of staff and top negotiator was not helping the talks to end the war. “Ukraine’s got some difficult little problems,” he said.Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has come under scrutiny as the nation’s anti-corruption authorities carried out a raid at his apartment on Friday (Nov 28). The investigators said that they had discovered a $100-million kickback scheme in the strategic energy sector earlier this month, sparking widespread public outrage. The revelation came at a time when Russia was blasting the country’s power grid, forcing blackouts across the country as Ukrainians faced heating outages in winter.

Last month, Trump said that the corruption scandal in Kyiv that forced Zelensky to sack his chief of staff and top negotiator was not helping the talks to end the war. 

US President Donald Trump may walk away from the war in Ukraine, his oldest son, Donald Trump Jr, suggested in his comments at the Doha Forum in Qatar on Sunday (Dec 8). He also said that Ukraine’s “corrupt” rich had already left the country, leaving “what they believed to be the peasant class” to fight the war with Russia. This comes as the Trump administration is ramping up pressure on Kyiv to give up its territory to Moscow. Meanwhile, Trump later said that he was “a little bit disappointed” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not engaging with or reading his peace proposal to end the deadly war in Europe. Speaking at the Middle East conference, the US president’s son said that Zelensky was prolonging the war because he knew he would not win an election if the conflict with Russia came to an end. He added that borderline deity on the left but suggested that his country was far more corrupt than Russia, the Guardian reported. When asked if his father, who claimed that he could bring peace to Ukraine in his election campaign, would simply walk away, Trump Jr said maybe he would. He added that Trump was one of the most unpredictable people in politics. He also vowed that the US will no longer be “the idiot with the chequebook”. While Trump Jr is not part of the US administration, he has remained a key figure in the MAGA movement. His remarks suggest antipathy among some Trump administration officials towards the Ukrainian government. Trump Jr also slammed the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, saying that European sanctions have not helped but simply increased the price of Russian oil, which Moscow can use to fund its war in Ukraine. “We are going to wait for Russia to go bankrupt – that is not a plan,” he said of the European plan. The US president’s son further alleged that the risk of Venezuelan drug boats bringing fentanyl into the US was “far more a clear and present danger than anything that is going on in Ukraine or Russia.” Trump Jr claims rich fled Ukraine He also claimed that he observed that on a single summer day in Monaco, 50 per cent of the supercars like Bugattis and Ferraris had Ukrainian number plates. “Do you think that was earned in Ukraine?” he asked. “We hear all the rumours about what is going on when we see every licence plate in Monaco is Ukrainian […] the rich fled and they left what they believed to be the peasant class to fight these wars. There was no incentive to stop because long as the money train was coming and they were stealing, no one was auditing anything so there was no reason to come to peace.” Last month, Trump said that the corruption scandal in Kyiv that forced Zelensky to sack his chief of staff and top negotiator was not helping the talks to end the war. “Ukraine’s got some difficult little problems,” he said. Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has come under scrutiny as the nation’s anti-corruption authorities carried out a raid at his apartment on Friday (Nov 28). The investigators said that they had discovered a $100-million kickback scheme in the strategic energy sector earlier this month, sparking widespread public outrage. The revelation came at a time when Russia was blasting the country’s power grid, forcing blackouts across the country as Ukrainians faced heating outages in winter.

Last month, Trump said that the corruption scandal in Kyiv that forced Zelensky to sack his chief of staff and top negotiator was not helping the talks to end the war.&nbsp;

‘US not idiot with chequebook’: Trump Jr warns POTUS may abandon Ukraine war

US President Donald Trump on Sunday cautioned that Netflix’s planned $83 billion takeover of Warner Brothers Discovery could run into regulatory obstacles, saying the size of the merged entity “could be a problem”. While speaking at an event in Washington, DC, Trump remarked that Netflix already holds a big market share and that its influence would expand significantly if the acquisition goes through.&nbsp;“Very big market share,” he said, adding that it would “go up by a lot” if the acquisition proceeds. He added that he expects to play a direct role in assessing whether the deal should be approved, according to a report in The Telegraph.&nbsp;On Friday, the companies announced that they had reached an agreement that would place Warner Brothers’ major film and television franchises under the umbrella of Netflix. The deal must still be reviewed by the US competition regulators, with the Justice Department’s antitrust division likely to scrutinise whether the combined business would wield enough power in the streaming sector to violate federal law.<h3>Donald Trump calls Netflix’s co-CEO &nbsp;a “great person”</h3>Trump also said Netflix’s co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, had recently visited the Oval Office, calling him a “great person” who has “done one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies”. Meanwhile, Sarandos acknowledged that the agreement might have attracted some of the investors off guard but considered it a long-term strategic decision to position Netflix for the “decades to come”.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the deal is also facing a row from Hollywood insiders. The Writers Guild of America’s East and West branches requested regulators to stop the takeover and argued that “the largest streaming giant of the world swallowing one of its biggest competitors is what antitrust laws were designed to prevent”.&nbsp;Following the development, the unions cautioned that the deal would push down wages, eliminate jobs, and worsen conditions for all the workers in the entertainment sector. He also said that it will increase the prices for consumers and reduce the volume and diversity of content for all viewers.&nbsp;

On Friday, the companies announced that they had reached an agreement that would place Warner Brothers’ major film and television franchises under the umbrella of Netflix.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday cautioned that Netflix’s planned $83 billion takeover of Warner Brothers Discovery could run into regulatory obstacles, saying the size of the merged entity “could be a problem”. While speaking at an event in Washington, DC, Trump remarked that Netflix already holds a big market share and that its influence would expand significantly if the acquisition goes through. “Very big market share,” he said, adding that it would “go up by a lot” if the acquisition proceeds. He added that he expects to play a direct role in assessing whether the deal should be approved, according to a report in The Telegraph. On Friday, the companies announced that they had reached an agreement that would place Warner Brothers’ major film and television franchises under the umbrella of Netflix. The deal must still be reviewed by the US competition regulators, with the Justice Department’s antitrust division likely to scrutinise whether the combined business would wield enough power in the streaming sector to violate federal law. Donald Trump calls Netflix’s co-CEO a “great person” Trump also said Netflix’s co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, had recently visited the Oval Office, calling him a “great person” who has “done one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies”. Meanwhile, Sarandos acknowledged that the agreement might have attracted some of the investors off guard but considered it a long-term strategic decision to position Netflix for the “decades to come”. Meanwhile, the deal is also facing a row from Hollywood insiders. The Writers Guild of America’s East and West branches requested regulators to stop the takeover and argued that “the largest streaming giant of the world swallowing one of its biggest competitors is what antitrust laws were designed to prevent”. Following the development, the unions cautioned that the deal would push down wages, eliminate jobs, and worsen conditions for all the workers in the entertainment sector. He also said that it will increase the prices for consumers and reduce the volume and diversity of content for all viewers.

On Friday, the companies announced that they had reached an agreement that would place Warner Brothers’ major film and television franchises under the umbrella of Netflix.

‘Could be a problem’: Trump warns Netflix–Warner Bros $83 bn deal may face regulatory roadblocks

Thailand launched fresh air strikes against Cambodia on Monday (Dec 8), the Thai army said, as both sides blamed each other for border clashes in which a Thai soldier was killed. This comes after US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim brokered a peace agreement between the two neighbours in October.&nbsp;Earlier the same day, Thai Army spokesman Winthai Suvaree said in a statement that Cambodian troops fired on Thai forces in Ubon Ratchathani province, following which “the Army received reports that Thai soldiers were attacked with supporting fire weapons, resulting in one soldier killed and four wounded.” He added that Thailand had begun “using aircraft to strike military targets in several areas” to suppress attacks by Cambodian forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cambodia’s defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata confirmed that attacks targeting their forces launched by Thai forces in the border provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey early Monday morning. She also accused Thailand of “firing multiple shots with tanks at Tamone Thom temple” and other areas near Preah Vihear temple. She added that Cambodia did not retaliate.&nbsp;Cambodian spokesman for the Oddar Meanchey provincial administration, Met Measpheakdey, said that gunfire was reported in the areas of the centuries-old temples of Tamone Thom and Ta Krabei, adding that a “number of villagers who live near the border are fleeing to safety.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Second Army Region of Thailand stated that about 35,000 people were evacuated from areas along the border since fresh clashes broke out. On Sunday (Dec 8), both sides reported brief fighting after which Thailand’s military said two soldiers were injured. The Thai army also accused Cambodia of firing BM-21 rockets towards civilian areas in Buri Ram province, although no casualties were reported.&nbsp;Earlier this year, five days of military conflict erupted between the two neighbours, killing 43 people and displacing around 300,000 people. In October this year, Trump co-signed a joint declaration between Thailand and Cambodia with China and Malaysia at the ASEAN summit. However, the truce was broken last month when several Thai soldiers were wounded following a landmine blast.

This comes after US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim brokered a peace agreement between the two neighbours in October.

Thailand launched fresh air strikes against Cambodia on Monday (Dec 8), the Thai army said, as both sides blamed each other for border clashes in which a Thai soldier was killed. This comes after US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim brokered a peace agreement between the two neighbours in October. Earlier the same day, Thai Army spokesman Winthai Suvaree said in a statement that Cambodian troops fired on Thai forces in Ubon Ratchathani province, following which “the Army received reports that Thai soldiers were attacked with supporting fire weapons, resulting in one soldier killed and four wounded.” He added that Thailand had begun “using aircraft to strike military targets in several areas” to suppress attacks by Cambodian forces. Cambodia’s defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata confirmed that attacks targeting their forces launched by Thai forces in the border provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey early Monday morning. She also accused Thailand of “firing multiple shots with tanks at Tamone Thom temple” and other areas near Preah Vihear temple. She added that Cambodia did not retaliate. Cambodian spokesman for the Oddar Meanchey provincial administration, Met Measpheakdey, said that gunfire was reported in the areas of the centuries-old temples of Tamone Thom and Ta Krabei, adding that a “number of villagers who live near the border are fleeing to safety.” Meanwhile, the Second Army Region of Thailand stated that about 35,000 people were evacuated from areas along the border since fresh clashes broke out. On Sunday (Dec 8), both sides reported brief fighting after which Thailand’s military said two soldiers were injured. The Thai army also accused Cambodia of firing BM-21 rockets towards civilian areas in Buri Ram province, although no casualties were reported. Earlier this year, five days of military conflict erupted between the two neighbours, killing 43 people and displacing around 300,000 people. In October this year, Trump co-signed a joint declaration between Thailand and Cambodia with China and Malaysia at the ASEAN summit. However, the truce was broken last month when several Thai soldiers were wounded following a landmine blast.

This comes after US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim brokered a peace agreement between the two neighbours in October.

Thailand launches fresh air strikes against Cambodia despite ‘peacemaker’ Trump’s mediation

President Donald Trump on Sunday (Dec 07) lashed out at the US House member Henry Cuellar for seeking re-election as a Democratic Party candidate. Accusing him of betrayal, Trump said the Texas voter will not like the move. The US president issued a pardon to Congressman Cuellar and his wife on Wednesday as they were facing bribery charges stemming from accusations that they had accepted thousands of dollars from Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank in return for furthering their agenda.&nbsp;“I never spoke to the Congressman, his wife, or his daughters, but felt very good about fighting for a family that was tormented by very sick and deranged people – They were treated sooo BADLY!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “Such a lack of LOYALTY, something that Texas Voters, and Henry’s daughters, will not like. Oh’ well, next time, no more Mr. Nice guy!”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-operation-sindoor-is-not-over-yet-navy-chief-cautions-will-hit-back-hard-if-provoked-1765124224412">'Operation Sindoor is not over yet': Navy Chief cautions, will hit back hard if provoked</a>&nbsp;Cuellar filed for re-election as a Democrat hours after receiving the pardon and stated that he has no intention of changing his political affiliations.&nbsp;“It came as a surprise,” Cuellar said. “I want to thank President Trump for this. Now we clear the air. Nothing has changed, and we’re going to be ready to win re-election again.”US President's announcement of pardons on Wednesday morning fueled speculation that the 11-term veteran might switch to the Republican Party or withdraw from contesting the upcoming mid-term elections.&nbsp;Earlier, Trump, while granting pardons, said that Cuellar was unfairly targeted by Democrats for being critical of the party's position on immigration.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-starts-exhumation-of-mass-grave-linked-to-2024-uprising-1765114405111">Bangladesh starts exhumation of mass grave linked to 2024 unrest</a>&nbsp;“Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight — Your nightmare is finally over!” Trump posted.&nbsp;Cuellar, often seen as a conservative-leaning Democrat in the US House, represents a South Texas district that Republicans reconfigured in August to boost their own electoral advantage. &nbsp;

Henry Cuellar launched his House re-election campaign as a Democrat days after receiving a pardon from Donald Trump in a bribery case.

President Donald Trump on Sunday (Dec 07) lashed out at the US House member Henry Cuellar for seeking re-election as a Democratic Party candidate. Accusing him of betrayal, Trump said the Texas voter will not like the move. The US president issued a pardon to Congressman Cuellar and his wife on Wednesday as they were facing bribery charges stemming from accusations that they had accepted thousands of dollars from Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank in return for furthering their agenda. “I never spoke to the Congressman, his wife, or his daughters, but felt very good about fighting for a family that was tormented by very sick and deranged people – They were treated sooo BADLY!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “Such a lack of LOYALTY, something that Texas Voters, and Henry’s daughters, will not like. Oh’ well, next time, no more Mr. Nice guy!” Also Read: 'Operation Sindoor is not over yet': Navy Chief cautions, will hit back hard if provoked Cuellar filed for re-election as a Democrat hours after receiving the pardon and stated that he has no intention of changing his political affiliations. “It came as a surprise,” Cuellar said. “I want to thank President Trump for this. Now we clear the air. Nothing has changed, and we’re going to be ready to win re-election again.” US President's announcement of pardons on Wednesday morning fueled speculation that the 11-term veteran might switch to the Republican Party or withdraw from contesting the upcoming mid-term elections. Earlier, Trump, while granting pardons, said that Cuellar was unfairly targeted by Democrats for being critical of the party's position on immigration. Also Read: Bangladesh starts exhumation of mass grave linked to 2024 unrest “Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight — Your nightmare is finally over!” Trump posted. Cuellar, often seen as a conservative-leaning Democrat in the US House, represents a South Texas district that Republicans reconfigured in August to boost their own electoral advantage.

Henry Cuellar launched his House re-election campaign as a Democrat hours after receiving a pardon from Donald Trump in a bribery case.

'Such a lack of loyalty': Trump blasts Cuellar over Democratic re-election bid despite his pardon

Two senior US officials will arrive in the Indian capital this week, in what will be seen as a carefully calibrated push to strengthen ties with Delhi, with a focus on firming up political &amp; trade ties. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker will begin her five-day India visit from today, during which she will travel to both New Delhi and Bengaluru. A State Department statement described the trip as intended to “advance the U.S.-India strategic partnership, deepen economic and commercial ties, including increasing American exports, and foster collaboration in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and space exploration.”Hooker is scheduled to hold Foreign Office Consultations with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and will discuss “regional security, economic cooperation, and shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific”. In Bengaluru, she will visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and meet private-sector leaders. The statement explicitly linked the visit to “President Trump’s priorities for a strong U.S.-India partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific.”The timing of this visit is key, coming just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a two-day state visit to India. During the visit, President Putin and PM Modi set an ambitious target of $100 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030 and pledged to rebalance a trade heavily skewed in Moscow’s favour because of India's import of discounted Russian oil. India-Russia trade has surged from $8.1 billion in 2020 to $68.7 billion in the current financial year, largely driven by Indian purchases of Russian crude.Washington has responded with tariffs: a 50% levy on many Indian exports, which is seen as a penalty linked to Russian oil imports. A separate trade delegation led by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer arrives this week for talks aimed at concluding the long-delayed first phase of a bilateral trade agreement. Indian negotiators will be headed by Commerce Ministry Joint Secretary Darpan Jain. &nbsp;Despite the trade friction, the US remains India’s largest trading partner, though Indian exports to the US have seen a slowdown even as Delhi looks for diversification.The visits follow weekend's of the India-US Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, where both sides condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu &amp; Kashmir and near the Red Fort. A joint statement demanded “additional designations of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxy groups, supporters, sponsors, financiers and backers, under the UN 1267 sanctions regime”. India welcomed Washington’s recent designation of The Resistance Front (TRF), widely seen as a proxy of LeT, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.The US officials' visit, likely planned days in advance, shows India's continued engagement with both Washington and Moscow. But the choreography of high-level American visits immediately after President Putin’s trip will be widely interpreted as a clear signal from the Trump administration that it expects tangible movement on both economic and strategic fronts.

The timing of this visit is key, coming just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a two-day state visit to India. 

Two senior US officials will arrive in the Indian capital this week, in what will be seen as a carefully calibrated push to strengthen ties with Delhi, with a focus on firming up political & trade ties. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker will begin her five-day India visit from today, during which she will travel to both New Delhi and Bengaluru. A State Department statement described the trip as intended to “advance the U.S.-India strategic partnership, deepen economic and commercial ties, including increasing American exports, and foster collaboration in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and space exploration.” Hooker is scheduled to hold Foreign Office Consultations with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and will discuss “regional security, economic cooperation, and shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific”. In Bengaluru, she will visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and meet private-sector leaders. The statement explicitly linked the visit to “President Trump’s priorities for a strong U.S.-India partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific.” The timing of this visit is key, coming just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a two-day state visit to India. During the visit, President Putin and PM Modi set an ambitious target of $100 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030 and pledged to rebalance a trade heavily skewed in Moscow’s favour because of India's import of discounted Russian oil. India-Russia trade has surged from $8.1 billion in 2020 to $68.7 billion in the current financial year, largely driven by Indian purchases of Russian crude. Washington has responded with tariffs: a 50% levy on many Indian exports, which is seen as a penalty linked to Russian oil imports. A separate trade delegation led by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer arrives this week for talks aimed at concluding the long-delayed first phase of a bilateral trade agreement. Indian negotiators will be headed by Commerce Ministry Joint Secretary Darpan Jain. Despite the trade friction, the US remains India’s largest trading partner, though Indian exports to the US have seen a slowdown even as Delhi looks for diversification. The visits follow weekend's of the India-US Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, where both sides condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir and near the Red Fort. A joint statement demanded “additional designations of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxy groups, supporters, sponsors, financiers and backers, under the UN 1267 sanctions regime”. India welcomed Washington’s recent designation of The Resistance Front (TRF), widely seen as a proxy of LeT, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. The US officials' visit, likely planned days in advance, shows India's continued engagement with both Washington and Moscow. But the choreography of high-level American visits immediately after President Putin’s trip will be widely interpreted as a clear signal from the Trump administration that it expects tangible movement on both economic and strategic fronts.

The timing of this visit is key, coming just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a two-day state visit to India.&nbsp;

Senior US officials on India visit this week to push for deeper trade and strategic ties

India and the United States are scheduled to hold trade talks in New Delhi starting December 10, government sources said on Saturday.&nbsp;The discussions aim to take forward negotiations on the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) between the two countries. On November 28, the chief negotiator of the deal from India, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal had said that India is hopeful of signing the first tranche of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement within the current calendar year. Addressing the FICCI Annual General Meeting, he indicated that talks have progressed substantially despite recent shifts in global trade conditions. Reflecting on the negotiations done so far, the Secretary said, "I think our expectations....we are very optimistic and very hopeful that we should find a solution within this calendar year." India and the US were initially aiming to complete the first tranche of an India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall of 2025, but there were new developments in the US trade policy landscape, including tariffs.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indigo-dgca-fdtl-crisis-shows-how-indian-civil-aviation-passengers-are-on-a-wing-and-a-prayer-and-it-s-not-a-single-airline-s-problem-1764922014882">IndiGo flight chaos shows Indian passengers are on a wing and a prayer. And it's not a single airline's problem</a>&nbsp; US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods starting August 1, followed by another 25 per cent increase days later, citing India's continued purchase of Russian oil. The US had imposed reciprocal tariffs on several countries with whom it faces trade deficits. There have been several rounds of talks to finalise the BTA with the United States. The BTA, formally proposed in February following directives from the leadership of both nations, seeks to more than double bilateral trade, from the current USD 191 billion to USD 500 billion by 2030. Talks were first announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington earlier this year. India has signed 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and six Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with its trading partners to give a boost to India's exports. India is negotiating FTAs with several countries and is also in talks with the EU. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during their talks yesterday in New Delhi, appreciated the ongoing intensification of the joint work on a Free Trade Agreement on goods between India and the Eurasian Economic Union covering sectors of mutual interest. They gave directions to intensify efforts in negotiations on a mutually beneficial agreement on the promotion and protection of investments.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-massive-drone-missile-strike-on-ukraine-as-peace-talks-between-kyiv-and-washington-continue-1765033955245">Russia launches massive drone missile strike on Ukraine as peace talks between Kyiv and Washington continue</a>&nbsp; Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit 2025, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar noted India's autonomy in maintaining its bilateral relationship with major countries. "Everybody knows that India has relations with all the major countries in the world. And for any country to expect to have a say on how we develop our relations with others is not a reasonable proposition, because remember, the other can expect the same," Jaishankar said. He reaffirmed India's "freedom of choice" and said the policy on upholding "strategic autonomy" continues.

India and the US were initially aiming to complete the first tranche of an India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall of 2025, but there were new developments in the US trade policy landscape, including tariffs.

India and the United States are scheduled to hold trade talks in New Delhi starting December 10, government sources said on Saturday. The discussions aim to take forward negotiations on the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) between the two countries. On November 28, the chief negotiator of the deal from India, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal had said that India is hopeful of signing the first tranche of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement within the current calendar year. Addressing the FICCI Annual General Meeting, he indicated that talks have progressed substantially despite recent shifts in global trade conditions. Reflecting on the negotiations done so far, the Secretary said, "I think our expectations....we are very optimistic and very hopeful that we should find a solution within this calendar year." India and the US were initially aiming to complete the first tranche of an India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall of 2025, but there were new developments in the US trade policy landscape, including tariffs. Also Read: IndiGo flight chaos shows Indian passengers are on a wing and a prayer. And it's not a single airline's problem US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods starting August 1, followed by another 25 per cent increase days later, citing India's continued purchase of Russian oil. The US had imposed reciprocal tariffs on several countries with whom it faces trade deficits. There have been several rounds of talks to finalise the BTA with the United States. The BTA, formally proposed in February following directives from the leadership of both nations, seeks to more than double bilateral trade, from the current USD 191 billion to USD 500 billion by 2030. Talks were first announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington earlier this year. India has signed 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and six Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with its trading partners to give a boost to India's exports. India is negotiating FTAs with several countries and is also in talks with the EU. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during their talks yesterday in New Delhi, appreciated the ongoing intensification of the joint work on a Free Trade Agreement on goods between India and the Eurasian Economic Union covering sectors of mutual interest. They gave directions to intensify efforts in negotiations on a mutually beneficial agreement on the promotion and protection of investments. Also Read: Russia launches massive drone missile strike on Ukraine as peace talks between Kyiv and Washington continue Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit 2025, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar noted India's autonomy in maintaining its bilateral relationship with major countries. "Everybody knows that India has relations with all the major countries in the world. And for any country to expect to have a say on how we develop our relations with others is not a reasonable proposition, because remember, the other can expect the same," Jaishankar said. He reaffirmed India's "freedom of choice" and said the policy on upholding "strategic autonomy" continues.

India and the US were initially aiming to complete the first tranche of an India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by the fall of 2025, but there were new developments in the US trade policy landscape, including tariffs.

India, US to begin 3-day trade talks in New Delhi from 10 December

Russia launched a massive strike on Ukraine targeting critical infrastructure, including key energy sites and railways, sparking heating and water outages in neighbouring households. The Russian attacks came on Friday night through Saturday when Ukrainian officials were to meet American envoys for a third straight day to deliberate on the President Trump's plan to end the nearly 4-year-old war.&nbsp;Russia launched 653 drones and 51 missiles at Ukraine, Kyiv's air force said on Saturday, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;"The main targets of these strikes, once again, were energy facilities," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media, adding, "Russia aims to inflict suffering on millions of Ukrainians." &nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/border-clashes-break-out-again-between-pakistan-and-afghanistan-4-afghans-killed-1765016815836">Border clashes break out again between Pakistan and Afghanistan; 4 Afghans killed</a>&nbsp;According to Kyiv officials, the drone and missiles target energy facilities in the Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.&nbsp;In the Odesa region, "9,500 subscribers remain without heat supply and 34,000 subscribers remain without water supply due to damage," Restoration Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said.&nbsp;The Russian defence ministry said it had launched a "massive strike" in response to what it called Ukrainian attacks on civilian targets.&nbsp;The US and Ukrainian negotiators urged Russia to show a serious commitment to long-term peace after talks in Moscow failed to achieve a breakthrough. Washington special envoy Steve Witkoff, along with Jared Kushner, held marathon talks in the Kremlin with Putin on Tuesday. The discussions focused on the revised US peace proposal, while both sides called the meeting useful and constructive, though no deal was reached.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfire-engulfs-dozen-homes-over-1-500-firefighters-deployed-video-1765016763089">Australia bushfire engulfs dozen homes, over 1,500 firefighters deployed | VIDEO</a>&nbsp;US President Donald Trump put forth a draft plan to end the war, triggering a series of high-level negotiations, beginning with talks between the US, European and Ukrainian officials in Geneva over past war security guarantees and territorial issues. Follow-up meetings in Florida brought U.S. envoys and Ukrainian representatives together for marathon sessions aimed at refining the proposal before it was presented to Russia, though major differences remain unresolved. &nbsp;

Russia launched 653 drones and 51 missiles in a sweeping overnight assault on Ukraine, setting off nationwide air-raid alerts as the country observed its Armed Forces Day.

Russia launched a massive strike on Ukraine targeting critical infrastructure, including key energy sites and railways, sparking heating and water outages in neighbouring households. The Russian attacks came on Friday night through Saturday when Ukrainian officials were to meet American envoys for a third straight day to deliberate on the President Trump's plan to end the nearly 4-year-old war. Russia launched 653 drones and 51 missiles at Ukraine, Kyiv's air force said on Saturday, as reported by AFP. "The main targets of these strikes, once again, were energy facilities," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media, adding, "Russia aims to inflict suffering on millions of Ukrainians." Also Read: Border clashes break out again between Pakistan and Afghanistan; 4 Afghans killed According to Kyiv officials, the drone and missiles target energy facilities in the Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. In the Odesa region, "9,500 subscribers remain without heat supply and 34,000 subscribers remain without water supply due to damage," Restoration Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said. The Russian defence ministry said it had launched a "massive strike" in response to what it called Ukrainian attacks on civilian targets. The US and Ukrainian negotiators urged Russia to show a serious commitment to long-term peace after talks in Moscow failed to achieve a breakthrough. Washington special envoy Steve Witkoff, along with Jared Kushner, held marathon talks in the Kremlin with Putin on Tuesday. The discussions focused on the revised US peace proposal, while both sides called the meeting useful and constructive, though no deal was reached. Also Read: Australia bushfire engulfs dozen homes, over 1,500 firefighters deployed | VIDEO US President Donald Trump put forth a draft plan to end the war, triggering a series of high-level negotiations, beginning with talks between the US, European and Ukrainian officials in Geneva over past war security guarantees and territorial issues. Follow-up meetings in Florida brought U.S. envoys and Ukrainian representatives together for marathon sessions aimed at refining the proposal before it was presented to Russia, though major differences remain unresolved.

Russia launched 653 drones and 51 missiles in a sweeping overnight assault on Ukraine, setting off nationwide air-raid alerts as the country observed its Armed Forces Day.

Russia launches massive drone missile strike on Ukraine as peace talks between Kyiv and Washington continue

A team of US representatives is reportedly expected to visit India next week to hold talks on reaching a bilateral trade agreement. Reports suggested that dates for the negotiations are being finalised and discussions have begun between New Delhi and Washington. The visit by the US officials would be the second since US President Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on the Asian nation, citing its Russian oil purchases. A US team had earlier visited New Delhi on September 16.“The team is likely to come next week. Dates are being finalised, and discussions are on,” news agency PTI reported, citing sources.Earlier on September 22, an Indian delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also visited the United States for trade talks. He was also accompanied by the then special secretary in the ministry, Rajesh Agrawal and other officials. Agrawal is now the country’s commerce secretary. The US delegation was led by Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch. Goyal had also met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington earlier in May.Bloomberg reported, citing a US official, that the US delegations for the upcoming talks will be led by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer.Last week, Indian Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said, “We are very optimistic and hopeful that we should find some solution this calendar year.” He added, “What needs to come out first is a framework trade deal which is able to address the reciprocal tariffs.”Trump said last month that he would lower the tariffs on Indian goods “at some point”, adding that the two nations were “pretty close” to reaching a trade agreement.Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is currently on a visit to India, said that if Washington is permitted to buy Russian nuclear fuel for its power plants, New Delhi should similarly have the right to purchase Russian energy resources.“As for India’s purchase of energy resources from Russia, I would like to note and have already mentioned publicly this once, the United States itself still buys nuclear fuel from us for its own nuclear power plants,” Putin said on Thursday (Dec 4). “That is also fuel, Uranium for the reactors operating in the United States. If the US has the right to buy our fuel, why shouldn't India have the same privilege?”

Earlier on September 22, an Indian delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also visited the United States for trade talks.

A team of US representatives is reportedly expected to visit India next week to hold talks on reaching a bilateral trade agreement. Reports suggested that dates for the negotiations are being finalised and discussions have begun between New Delhi and Washington. The visit by the US officials would be the second since US President Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on the Asian nation, citing its Russian oil purchases. A US team had earlier visited New Delhi on September 16. “The team is likely to come next week. Dates are being finalised, and discussions are on,” news agency PTI reported, citing sources. Earlier on September 22, an Indian delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also visited the United States for trade talks. He was also accompanied by the then special secretary in the ministry, Rajesh Agrawal and other officials. Agrawal is now the country’s commerce secretary. The US delegation was led by Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch. Goyal had also met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington earlier in May. Bloomberg reported, citing a US official, that the US delegations for the upcoming talks will be led by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer. Last week, Indian Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said, “We are very optimistic and hopeful that we should find some solution this calendar year.” He added, “What needs to come out first is a framework trade deal which is able to address the reciprocal tariffs.” Trump said last month that he would lower the tariffs on Indian goods “at some point”, adding that the two nations were “pretty close” to reaching a trade agreement. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is currently on a visit to India, said that if Washington is permitted to buy Russian nuclear fuel for its power plants, New Delhi should similarly have the right to purchase Russian energy resources. “As for India’s purchase of energy resources from Russia, I would like to note and have already mentioned publicly this once, the United States itself still buys nuclear fuel from us for its own nuclear power plants,” Putin said on Thursday (Dec 4). “That is also fuel, Uranium for the reactors operating in the United States. If the US has the right to buy our fuel, why shouldn't India have the same privilege?”

Earlier on September 22, an Indian delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also visited the United States for trade talks.

India-US trade deal soon? Officials from Washington expected to visit New Delhi next week

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro confirmed Wednesday that he had a "cordial" phone call with his US counterpart Donald Trump 10 days ago amid a US military buildup in Latin America."I spoke with the President of the United States, Donald Trump. I can say that the conversation was respectful, and I can even say that it was cordial," Maduro told state television."If this call means that steps are being taken toward a respectful dialogue -- state to state, country to country -- then we welcome dialogue, welcome diplomacy, because we will always seek peace," the leftist leader added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-will-launch-lethal-land-strikes-in-latin-america-very-soon-1764730302433">Trump says US will launch lethal land strikes in Latin America 'very soon,' Hegseth vows boat strikes 'only just begun'</a>Since August, the United States has deployed a fleet of warships and the world's largest aircraft carrier to the Caribbean while carrying out deadly strikes on at least 22 vessels, killing at least 83, under the pretext of combating drug trafficking.However, Maduro has said the operation is a move to overthrow his leftist government and ultimately seize the country's vast oil reserves.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lashes-out-at-washington-s-slave-s-peace-as-trump-meets-security-chiefs-on-venezuela-1764638490172">Maduro lashes out at Washington’s 'slave’s peace' as Trump meets security chiefs on Venezuela</a>Trump confirmed the telephone conversation with Maduro on Sunday without providing any details.When asked to elaborate, after reports that the call included discussions about a possible meeting or amnesty conditions if Maduro were to step down, Trump would only say: "I wouldn't say it went well or badly. It was a phone call."Washington has accused Maduro of leading the alleged Cartel of the Suns, which it declared a terrorist organization on November 24. There is also a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's capture.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.&nbsp;

Maduro says he had a cordial call with Trump as US warships and carrier groups surge in the Caribbean.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro confirmed Wednesday that he had a "cordial" phone call with his US counterpart Donald Trump 10 days ago amid a US military buildup in Latin America. "I spoke with the President of the United States, Donald Trump. I can say that the conversation was respectful, and I can even say that it was cordial," Maduro told state television. "If this call means that steps are being taken toward a respectful dialogue -- state to state, country to country -- then we welcome dialogue, welcome diplomacy, because we will always seek peace," the leftist leader added. Also read | Trump says US will launch lethal land strikes in Latin America 'very soon,' Hegseth vows boat strikes 'only just begun' Since August, the United States has deployed a fleet of warships and the world's largest aircraft carrier to the Caribbean while carrying out deadly strikes on at least 22 vessels, killing at least 83, under the pretext of combating drug trafficking. However, Maduro has said the operation is a move to overthrow his leftist government and ultimately seize the country's vast oil reserves. Also read | Maduro lashes out at Washington’s 'slave’s peace' as Trump meets security chiefs on Venezuela Trump confirmed the telephone conversation with Maduro on Sunday without providing any details. When asked to elaborate, after reports that the call included discussions about a possible meeting or amnesty conditions if Maduro were to step down, Trump would only say: "I wouldn't say it went well or badly. It was a phone call." Washington has accused Maduro of leading the alleged Cartel of the Suns, which it declared a terrorist organization on November 24. There is also a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's capture. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Maduro says he had a cordial call with Trump as US warships and carrier groups surge in the Caribbean.

As the US hunts him with rewards and warships, Maduro says Trump dialed him for 'respectful' talks

The US administration has carried out a "double tap" strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat. On September 2, two people from the boat were clinging on after the first strike were taken down after the second strike. The US administration has killed more than 80 people since early September, in an attempt to paint Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a ‘narco-terrorist’, &nbsp;"President (Donald) Trump and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that presidentially designated narco-terrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.&nbsp;However, Juan Orlando Hernández(JOH), the convicted drug trafficker who has established a narco-state, is an ally of the US President Donald Trump. Despite Juan Orlando Hernandez being ordered a 45-year prison sentence for running “a cocaine superhighway to the United States”, Trump has pledged to pardon him. “The people of Honduras really thought he was set up, and it was a terrible thing,” Trump told reporters on Sunday. Trump said that he believes that Hernandez was a set-up.&nbsp;<h2>The "war on drugs" is hypocritical</h2>Many in the DEA called the move “lunacy". Former DEA chief Mike Vigil, “It just shows that the entire counter-drug effort of Donald Trump is a charade – it’s based on lies, it’s based on hypocrisy." Trump is going after those alleged narco boats, which have zero to no consequence on the drug flow to the United States. “He is giving a pardon to Juan Orlando Hernández and then going after Nicolás Maduro … It’s all hypocritical,” said Mike.Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean P. Murphy &nbsp;said that it's very Orwellian, "he's killing people who are the lowest-level offenders without any evidence that they even know what's on their boat ... But here he's issuing this pardon." This moral diachotomy is nothing but an abuse of power. Murphy added that prosecutors put their years of effort into getting a sentence for the kingpin, while it all goes up in smoke, Trump claimed the conviction of JOH by the New York Jury was &nbsp;“a Biden administration setup”. The decision to pardon Juan comes just a few days ahead of a closely contested Honduran presidential election in which Trump endorsed conservative candidate Nasry Asfura, a member of Hernández's political party. Caracas has consistently refused the "narco-terrorism" allegations as “despicable lies”. Critics view this as an effort to overthrow a leftist Maduro regime, an ideological opposition of the Trump administration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US “double tap” strike on a Venezuelan boat fuels backlash as Trump pardons convicted trafficker Juan Orlando Hernández. Critics call the drug war hypocritical.

The US administration has carried out a "double tap" strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat. On September 2, two people from the boat were clinging on after the first strike were taken down after the second strike. The US administration has killed more than 80 people since early September, in an attempt to paint Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a ‘narco-terrorist’, "President (Donald) Trump and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that presidentially designated narco-terrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. However, Juan Orlando Hernández(JOH), the convicted drug trafficker who has established a narco-state, is an ally of the US President Donald Trump. Despite Juan Orlando Hernandez being ordered a 45-year prison sentence for running “a cocaine superhighway to the United States”, Trump has pledged to pardon him. “The people of Honduras really thought he was set up, and it was a terrible thing,” Trump told reporters on Sunday. Trump said that he believes that Hernandez was a set-up. The "war on drugs" is hypocritical Many in the DEA called the move “lunacy". Former DEA chief Mike Vigil, “It just shows that the entire counter-drug effort of Donald Trump is a charade – it’s based on lies, it’s based on hypocrisy." Trump is going after those alleged narco boats, which have zero to no consequence on the drug flow to the United States. “He is giving a pardon to Juan Orlando Hernández and then going after Nicolás Maduro … It’s all hypocritical,” said Mike. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean P. Murphy said that it's very Orwellian, "he's killing people who are the lowest-level offenders without any evidence that they even know what's on their boat ... But here he's issuing this pardon." This moral diachotomy is nothing but an abuse of power. Murphy added that prosecutors put their years of effort into getting a sentence for the kingpin, while it all goes up in smoke, Trump claimed the conviction of JOH by the New York Jury was “a Biden administration setup”. The decision to pardon Juan comes just a few days ahead of a closely contested Honduran presidential election in which Trump endorsed conservative candidate Nasry Asfura, a member of Hernández's political party. Caracas has consistently refused the "narco-terrorism" allegations as “despicable lies”. Critics view this as an effort to overthrow a leftist Maduro regime, an ideological opposition of the Trump administration.

US “double tap” strike on a Venezuelan boat fuels backlash as Trump pardons convicted trafficker Juan Orlando Hernández. Critics call the drug war hypocritical.

Trump's pardon of drug trafficker ex-Honduras President faces accusation of hypocrisy in 'war on drugs'

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Dec 1) accused Honduran election officials of “trying to change” the outcome of their country’s presidential elections. This comes after Trump backed right-wing candidate Nasry “Tito” Asfura, warning that he will stop funding to the nation if he does not win. Hondurans voted to elect their president on Sunday (Nov 30), and the results are awaited. The election officials have said that it is too close to call following a preliminary count.&nbsp;“Looks like Honduras is trying to change the results of their Presidential Election. If they do, there will be hell to pay!” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.&nbsp;“The people of Honduras voted in overwhelming numbers on November 30th. The National Electoral Commission, the official body charged with counting the Votes, abruptly stopped counting at midnight on November 30th,” Trump said. “Their count showed a close race between Tito Asfura and Salvador Nasralla with Asfura holding a narrow lead of 500 votes. Their tally was stopped when only 47 percent of the Vote was counted. It is imperative that the Commission finish counting the Votes. Hundreds of thousands of Hondurans must have their Votes counted. Democracy must prevail!”&nbsp;Earlier on Friday (Nov 28), Trump threatened to cut US funding for Honduras if Asfura loses in the presidential elections. He also pardoned a convicted former president, Juan Orlando Hernandez.&nbsp;“If he doesn’t win, the United States will not be throwing good money after bad, because a wrong Leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country, no matter which country it is,” Trump had said. Praising Asfura, he added that he “will be a Great President, and the United States will work closely with him in order to ensure the success, with all of its potential, of Honduras!”&nbsp;Asfura, 67, the former mayor of the Honduran capital and construction magnate, is running in a tight race against a leftist lawyer and a fellow right-wing TV host in the presidential election.

Earlier on Friday (Nov 28), Trump threatened to cut US funding for Honduras if Asfura loses in the presidential elections. He also pardoned a convicted former president, Juan Orlando Hernandez.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Dec 1) accused Honduran election officials of “trying to change” the outcome of their country’s presidential elections. This comes after Trump backed right-wing candidate Nasry “Tito” Asfura, warning that he will stop funding to the nation if he does not win. Hondurans voted to elect their president on Sunday (Nov 30), and the results are awaited. The election officials have said that it is too close to call following a preliminary count. “Looks like Honduras is trying to change the results of their Presidential Election. If they do, there will be hell to pay!” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform. “The people of Honduras voted in overwhelming numbers on November 30th. The National Electoral Commission, the official body charged with counting the Votes, abruptly stopped counting at midnight on November 30th,” Trump said. “Their count showed a close race between Tito Asfura and Salvador Nasralla with Asfura holding a narrow lead of 500 votes. Their tally was stopped when only 47 percent of the Vote was counted. It is imperative that the Commission finish counting the Votes. Hundreds of thousands of Hondurans must have their Votes counted. Democracy must prevail!” Earlier on Friday (Nov 28), Trump threatened to cut US funding for Honduras if Asfura loses in the presidential elections. He also pardoned a convicted former president, Juan Orlando Hernandez. “If he doesn’t win, the United States will not be throwing good money after bad, because a wrong Leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country, no matter which country it is,” Trump had said. Praising Asfura, he added that he “will be a Great President, and the United States will work closely with him in order to ensure the success, with all of its potential, of Honduras!” Asfura, 67, the former mayor of the Honduran capital and construction magnate, is running in a tight race against a leftist lawyer and a fellow right-wing TV host in the presidential election.

Earlier on Friday (Nov 28), Trump threatened to cut US funding for Honduras if Asfura loses in the presidential elections. He also pardoned a convicted former president, Juan Orlando Hernandez.

‘There will be hell to pay’: Trump warns Honduras, accuses its poll body of ‘trying to change’ election outcome

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Nov 30) said that there was a “good chance” of a peace deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine following recent talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s delegates in Florida. However, he noted that the corruption scandal in Kyiv that forced Zelensky to sack his chief of staff and top negotiator was not helping.&nbsp;“Ukraine’s got some difficult little problems,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, referring to the corruption probe in Ukraine. “But I think that there's a good chance we can make a deal,” he added.&nbsp;Hours after discussions in Hallandale Beach, north of Miami, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that more work was required to reach a Russia-Ukraine deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is delicate. It's complicated,” Rubio said. “There are a lot of moving parts, and obviously there’s another party involved here that will have to be a part of the equation, and that will continue later this week when Mr Witkoff travels to Moscow.”&nbsp;While both sides described the talks as “productive”, a Kyiv delegation source told AFP that the discussions are “not easy”. Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Moscow to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Dec 2).&nbsp;<h2>Ukraine corruption scandal</h2>&nbsp;Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has come under scrutiny as the nation’s anti-corruption authorities carried out a raid at his apartment on Friday (Nov 28). The investigators said that they had discovered a $100-million kickback scheme in the strategic energy sector earlier this month, sparking widespread public outrage. The revelation came at a time when Russia was blasting the country’s power grid, forcing blackouts across the country as Ukrainians faced heating outages in winter.&nbsp;Despite playing a key role in negotiations, Zelensky’s chief of staff is a divisive figure in the country. His opponents have accused him of accumulating power, gate-keeping access to the president, and ruthlessly sidelining critical voices.

Trump noted that the corruption scandal in Kyiv that forced Zelensky to sack his chief of staff and top negotiator was not helping.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Nov 30) said that there was a “good chance” of a peace deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine following recent talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s delegates in Florida. However, he noted that the corruption scandal in Kyiv that forced Zelensky to sack his chief of staff and top negotiator was not helping. “Ukraine’s got some difficult little problems,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, referring to the corruption probe in Ukraine. “But I think that there's a good chance we can make a deal,” he added. Hours after discussions in Hallandale Beach, north of Miami, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that more work was required to reach a Russia-Ukraine deal. “This is delicate. It's complicated,” Rubio said. “There are a lot of moving parts, and obviously there’s another party involved here that will have to be a part of the equation, and that will continue later this week when Mr Witkoff travels to Moscow.” While both sides described the talks as “productive”, a Kyiv delegation source told AFP that the discussions are “not easy”. Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Moscow to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Dec 2). Ukraine corruption scandal Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has come under scrutiny as the nation’s anti-corruption authorities carried out a raid at his apartment on Friday (Nov 28). The investigators said that they had discovered a $100-million kickback scheme in the strategic energy sector earlier this month, sparking widespread public outrage. The revelation came at a time when Russia was blasting the country’s power grid, forcing blackouts across the country as Ukrainians faced heating outages in winter. Despite playing a key role in negotiations, Zelensky’s chief of staff is a divisive figure in the country. His opponents have accused him of accumulating power, gate-keeping access to the president, and ruthlessly sidelining critical voices.

Trump noted that the corruption scandal in Kyiv that forced Zelensky to sack his chief of staff and top negotiator was not helping.

Can Kyiv’s corruption scandal derail Russia-Ukraine talks? Trump says Zelensky got ‘difficult problem’

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Nov 28) said that all documents signed by autopen under former president Joe Biden have been “terminated” and no longer in force or effect, levelling an attack against his predecessor in a legally uncertain move. Trump claimed that approximately 92 per cent of the documents were signed by autopen, without being approved by Biden.&nbsp;Trump further claimed people who operated the autopen under Biden “did so illegally.” He added, “Joe Biden was not involved in the Autopen process and, if he says he was, he will be brought up on charges of perjury.”&nbsp;<h2>What is Autopen? Is it legal?</h2>An autopen is a robotic device, patented in the US in 1803, which can replicate a person’s signature using real ink. It is often used for signing material in bulk or employed by public figures who need to sign documents remotely. The machine has a signature template and can mimic actual pen strokes of the individual in a consistent and secure manner.&nbsp;According to a guidance issued by the Justice Department under president George W. Bush in 2005, a president does not need to sign a bill by hand and can instruct an official “to affix the president’s signature to such a bill, for example, by autopen.”&nbsp;<h2>Which US presidents have used autopen?</h2>&nbsp;Several US presidents have used the autopen. Thomas Jefferson used an early version of the device, as per the Shappell Manuscript Foundation. Harry Truman was rumoured to have used the autopen, while Gerald Ford and Lyndon B Johnson have even allowed the device to be photographed.&nbsp;Other US leaders, including John F Kennedy and Barack Obama, have also used the device to sign several legislations. Obama allowed an aide to use the autopen to extend the Patriot Act while he was abroad, the first time a president publicly authorised using it. He used it again in 2013 to sign a bill aimed at avoiding a financial crisis in the country during a holiday in Hawaii.&nbsp;<h2>Has Trump ever used autopen?</h2>&nbsp;In March, Trump admitted that he had also used the very autopen, over which he has repeatedly attacked his predecessor, without providing any proof. The US president told reporters that he used the device “only for very unimportant papers.” He explained that the White House receives “thousands and thousands of letters, messages of support, letters for young people, from people who are ill, and so on.” Trump argued that the use of an autopen under Biden for formal actions, “pardons and all of the things that he signed with an autopen,” is “disgraceful.”

According to a guidance issued by the Justice Department under president George W. Bush in 2005, a president does not need to sign a bill by hand and can instruct an official “to affix the president’s signature to such a bill, for example, by autopen.”

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Nov 28) said that all documents signed by autopen under former president Joe Biden have been “terminated” and no longer in force or effect, levelling an attack against his predecessor in a legally uncertain move. Trump claimed that approximately 92 per cent of the documents were signed by autopen, without being approved by Biden. Trump further claimed people who operated the autopen under Biden “did so illegally.” He added, “Joe Biden was not involved in the Autopen process and, if he says he was, he will be brought up on charges of perjury.” What is Autopen? Is it legal? An autopen is a robotic device, patented in the US in 1803, which can replicate a person’s signature using real ink. It is often used for signing material in bulk or employed by public figures who need to sign documents remotely. The machine has a signature template and can mimic actual pen strokes of the individual in a consistent and secure manner. According to a guidance issued by the Justice Department under president George W. Bush in 2005, a president does not need to sign a bill by hand and can instruct an official “to affix the president’s signature to such a bill, for example, by autopen.” Which US presidents have used autopen? Several US presidents have used the autopen. Thomas Jefferson used an early version of the device, as per the Shappell Manuscript Foundation. Harry Truman was rumoured to have used the autopen, while Gerald Ford and Lyndon B Johnson have even allowed the device to be photographed. Other US leaders, including John F Kennedy and Barack Obama, have also used the device to sign several legislations. Obama allowed an aide to use the autopen to extend the Patriot Act while he was abroad, the first time a president publicly authorised using it. He used it again in 2013 to sign a bill aimed at avoiding a financial crisis in the country during a holiday in Hawaii. Has Trump ever used autopen? In March, Trump admitted that he had also used the very autopen, over which he has repeatedly attacked his predecessor, without providing any proof. The US president told reporters that he used the device “only for very unimportant papers.” He explained that the White House receives “thousands and thousands of letters, messages of support, letters for young people, from people who are ill, and so on.” Trump argued that the use of an autopen under Biden for formal actions, “pardons and all of the things that he signed with an autopen,” is “disgraceful.”

According to a guidance issued by the Justice Department under president George W. Bush in 2005, a president does not need to sign a bill by hand and can instruct an official “to affix the president’s signature to such a bill, for example, by autopen.”

Trump cancels Biden’s ‘autopen’ orders — What exactly is this device, and has he ever used it?

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Nov 28) threatened to cut US funding for Honduras if his preferred candidate, Nasry “Tito” Asfura, loses in the upcoming presidential elections. He also pardoned a convicted former president, Juan Orlando Hernandez. The major intervention in the country’s politics came days ahead of the elections, which are set to take place on Sunday.“If Tito Asfura wins for President of Honduras, because the United States has so much confidence in him, his Policies, and what he will do for the Great People of Honduras, we will be very supportive,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform. “If he doesn’t win, the United States will not be throwing good money after bad, because a wrong Leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country, no matter which country it is.”He continued to praise Asfura, saying that he “will be a Great President, and the United States will work closely with him in order to ensure the success, with all of its potential, of Honduras!”Trump also announced granting a pardon to Hernandez. He said, “Additionally, I will be granting a Full and Complete Pardon to Former President Juan Orlando Hernandez who has been, according to many people that I greatly respect, treated very harshly and unfairly.” Hernandez was convicted of drug trafficking charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison by a US court last year.The US president further stated, “This cannot be allowed to happen, especially now, after Tito Asfura wins the Election, when Honduras will be on its way to Great Political and Financial Success. VOTE FOR TITO ASFURA FOR PRESIDENT, AND CONGRATULATIONS TO JUAN ORLANDO HERNANDEZ ON YOUR UPCOMING PARDON. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE HONDURAS GREAT AGAIN!”Asfura, 67, the former mayor of the Honduran capital and construction magnate, is running in a tight race against a leftist lawyer and a fellow right-wing TV host in the Sunday election.<h2>What was Hernandez convicted of?</h2>Former president Hernandez served two terms from 2014 to 2022, before being extradited to the US weeks after leaving office. In March 2024, a jury in New York convicted him of facilitating the smuggling of tons of cocaine, primarily from Venezuela and Colombia, to the United States through his country since 2004.Following his sentencing last year, Biden’s attorney general Merrick Garland said that Hernandez had “abused his power to support one of the largest and most violent drug trafficking conspiracies in the world.” On the other hand, Trump has claimed that Hernandez was treated “very harshly and unfairly.”

In March 2024, a jury in New York convicted Hernandez of facilitating the smuggling of tons of cocaine, primarily from Venezuela and Colombia, to the United States through his country since 2004.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Nov 28) threatened to cut US funding for Honduras if his preferred candidate, Nasry “Tito” Asfura, loses in the upcoming presidential elections. He also pardoned a convicted former president, Juan Orlando Hernandez. The major intervention in the country’s politics came days ahead of the elections, which are set to take place on Sunday. “If Tito Asfura wins for President of Honduras, because the United States has so much confidence in him, his Policies, and what he will do for the Great People of Honduras, we will be very supportive,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform. “If he doesn’t win, the United States will not be throwing good money after bad, because a wrong Leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country, no matter which country it is.” He continued to praise Asfura, saying that he “will be a Great President, and the United States will work closely with him in order to ensure the success, with all of its potential, of Honduras!” Trump also announced granting a pardon to Hernandez. He said, “Additionally, I will be granting a Full and Complete Pardon to Former President Juan Orlando Hernandez who has been, according to many people that I greatly respect, treated very harshly and unfairly.” Hernandez was convicted of drug trafficking charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison by a US court last year. The US president further stated, “This cannot be allowed to happen, especially now, after Tito Asfura wins the Election, when Honduras will be on its way to Great Political and Financial Success. VOTE FOR TITO ASFURA FOR PRESIDENT, AND CONGRATULATIONS TO JUAN ORLANDO HERNANDEZ ON YOUR UPCOMING PARDON. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE HONDURAS GREAT AGAIN!” Asfura, 67, the former mayor of the Honduran capital and construction magnate, is running in a tight race against a leftist lawyer and a fellow right-wing TV host in the Sunday election. What was Hernandez convicted of? Former president Hernandez served two terms from 2014 to 2022, before being extradited to the US weeks after leaving office. In March 2024, a jury in New York convicted him of facilitating the smuggling of tons of cocaine, primarily from Venezuela and Colombia, to the United States through his country since 2004. Following his sentencing last year, Biden’s attorney general Merrick Garland said that Hernandez had “abused his power to support one of the largest and most violent drug trafficking conspiracies in the world.” On the other hand, Trump has claimed that Hernandez was treated “very harshly and unfairly.”

In March 2024, a jury in New York convicted Hernandez of facilitating the smuggling of tons of cocaine, primarily from Venezuela and Colombia, to the United States through his country since 2004.

Is Trump interfering in Honduran elections? Ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez pardoned, Tito Asfura receives BIG backing

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Nov 28) said that all documents signed by autopen under former president Joe Biden have been “terminated” and no longer in force or effect, levelling an attack against his predecessor in a legally uncertain move. Trump claimed that approximately 92 per cent of the documents were signed by autopen, without being approved by Biden.&nbsp;“Any document signed by Sleepy Joe Biden with the Autopen, which was approximately 92% of them, is hereby terminated, and of no further force or effect. The Autopen is not allowed to be used if approval is not specifically given by the President of the United,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.&nbsp;“States. The Radical Left Lunatics circling Biden around the beautiful Resolute Desk in the Oval Office took the Presidency away from him. I am hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally. Joe Biden was not involved in the Autopen process and, if he says he was, he will be brought up on charges of perjury. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.&nbsp;Trump has often accused Biden of the alleged use of autopen to sign executive orders, pardons, and other documents. While several US presidents have used autopen systems, the Republican leader has said their use under Biden proves his mental incapacitation and that he was not in control of the White House.&nbsp;In 2005, the Justice Department said that the president does not need to sign a bill by hand and can instruct an official “to affix the president’s signature to such a bill, for example, by autopen.”&nbsp;The New York Times reported that Barack Obama was the first president to sign a bill by autopen while in Europe in 2011. &nbsp;

Trump claimed that approximately 92 per cent of the documents were signed by autopen, without being approved by Biden.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Nov 28) said that all documents signed by autopen under former president Joe Biden have been “terminated” and no longer in force or effect, levelling an attack against his predecessor in a legally uncertain move. Trump claimed that approximately 92 per cent of the documents were signed by autopen, without being approved by Biden. “Any document signed by Sleepy Joe Biden with the Autopen, which was approximately 92% of them, is hereby terminated, and of no further force or effect. The Autopen is not allowed to be used if approval is not specifically given by the President of the United,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “States. The Radical Left Lunatics circling Biden around the beautiful Resolute Desk in the Oval Office took the Presidency away from him. I am hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally. Joe Biden was not involved in the Autopen process and, if he says he was, he will be brought up on charges of perjury. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added. Trump has often accused Biden of the alleged use of autopen to sign executive orders, pardons, and other documents. While several US presidents have used autopen systems, the Republican leader has said their use under Biden proves his mental incapacitation and that he was not in control of the White House. In 2005, the Justice Department said that the president does not need to sign a bill by hand and can instruct an official “to affix the president’s signature to such a bill, for example, by autopen.” The New York Times reported that Barack Obama was the first president to sign a bill by autopen while in Europe in 2011.

Trump claimed that approximately 92 per cent of the documents were signed by autopen, without being approved by Biden.

Trump ‘terminates’ 92% Biden-era orders, claims they were signed ‘illegally’ using autopen

Following a shooting incident near the White House by an Afghan national, US President Donald Trump announced a ban on migration from all third world countries. The decision, aimed at allowing the US system to "recover fully," could have far-reaching global consequences, impacting millions who migrate to the US for work, education, or to escape persecution. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that while the US has made technological advancements, its immigration policies have undermined progress and living conditions for many.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/green-card-interview-or-arrest-us-federal-agencies-arresting-applicants-during-uscis-interviews-1764303780822">Green Card interview or arrest? US federal agencies arresting applicants during USCIS interviews</a><h2>See the post from Donald Trump here</h2>

“…Even as we have progressed technologically, Immigration Policy has eroded those gains and living conditions for many. I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. system to fully recover, terminate all of the millions of Biden illegal admissions, including those signed by Sleepy Joe Biden’s Autopen, and remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States, or is incapable of loving our Country, end all Federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens of our Country, denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility, and deport any Foreign National who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western Civilization. These goals will be pursued with the aim of achieving a major reduction in illegal and disruptive populations, including those admitted through an unauthorized and illegal Autopen approval process. Only REVERSE MIGRATION can fully cure this situation. Other than that, HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL, except those that hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything that America stands for — You won’t be here for long!”, Trump said in his Truth Social post.

“A very Happy Thanksgiving salutation to all of our Great American Citizens and Patriots who have been so nice in allowing our Country to be divided, disrupted, carved up, murdered, beaten, mugged, and laughed at, along with certain other foolish countries throughout the World, for being “Politically Correct,” and just plain STUPID, when it comes to Immigration. The official United States Foreign population stands at 53 million people (Census), most of which are on welfare, from failed nations, or from prisons, mental institutions, gangs, or drug cartels. They and their children are supported through massive payments from Patriotic American Citizens who, because of their beautiful hearts, do not want to openly complain or cause trouble in any way, shape, or form. They put up with what has happened to our Country, but it’s eating them alive to do so! A migrant earning $30,000 with a green card will get roughly $50,000 in yearly benefits for their family. The real migrant population is much higher. This refugee burden is the leading cause of social dysfunction in America, something that did not exist after World War II (Failed schools, high crime, urban decay, overcrowded hospitals, housing shortages, and large deficits, etc.). As an example, hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are completely taking over the once great State of Minnesota. Somalian gangs are roving the streets looking for “prey” as our wonderful people stay locked in their apartments and houses hoping against hope that they will be left alone. The seriously retarded Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, does nothing, either through fear, incompetence, or both, while the worst “Congressman/woman” in our Country, Ilhan Omar, always wrapped in her swaddling hijab, and who probably came into the U.S.A. illegally in that you are not allowed to marry your brother, does nothing but hatefully complain about our Country, its Constitution, and how “badly” she is treated, when her place of origin is a decadent, backward, and crime ridden nation, which is essentially not even a country for lack of Government, Military, Police, schools, etc…,” he added in his post.

This is part of the horrendous airlift from Afghanistan. Hundreds of thousands of people poured into our Country totally unvetted and unchecked. We will fix it, but will never forget what Crooked Joe Biden and his Thugs did to our Country!"

I will PERMANENTLY PAUSE migration from all third world countries: Donald Trump

Following a shooting incident near the White House by an Afghan national, US President Donald Trump announced a ban on migration from all third world countries. The decision, aimed at allowing the US system to "recover fully," could have far-reaching global consequences, impacting millions who migrate to the US for work, education, or to escape persecution. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that while the US has made technological advancements, its immigration policies have undermined progress and living conditions for many. Also Read: Green Card interview or arrest? US federal agencies arresting applicants during USCIS interviews See the post from Donald Trump here

Trump announces a migration ban from all third world countries to help the US "recover fully, citing immigration policies' negative impact on progress

US President Donald Trump said late Saturday that six Democrats involved in a video calling on military officers to refuse illegal commands "should be in jail."The Republican leader's remarks came after he accused the Democrat lawmakers on Friday of "seditious behaviour, punishable by death."Democrats slammed Trump's comments as "absolutely vile" threats against the six senators and representatives, all of whom have served in the military or intelligence community.Trump took to social media on Saturday night, writing:"THE TRAITORS THAT TOLD THE MILITARY TO DISOBEY MY ORDERS SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT NOW, NOT ROAMING THE FAKE NEWS NETWORKS TRYING TO EXPLAIN THAT WHAT THEY SAID WAS OK."He said that the Democrats' message was "SEDITION AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL" and that "THERE CAN BE NO OTHER INTERPRETATION OF WHAT THEY SAID".The video posted on social media Friday called on the military to "refuse illegal orders" and featured Arizona's Mark Kelly, Michigan's Elissa Slotkin, along with Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire.They did not specify which orders they were referring to, but Trump has ordered the National Guard into multiple US cities, in many cases against the wishes of local officials, in a bid to bring alleged rampant unrest under control.Abroad, Trump has also ordered strikes on a series of alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean that have left more than 80 people dead and which experts say are illegal.Trump has alluded to the death penalty on previous occasions.In 2023, former US military officer Mark Milley told a journalist he had secretly called his Chinese counterpart after the January 6, 2021 riots at the US Capitol to reassure Beijing that the United States remained "stable" and had no intention to attack China.Trump subsequently wrote on social media that "in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH!"Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Democrats slammed Trump's comments as "absolutely vile" threats against the six senators and representatives, all of whom have served in the military or intelligence community.

US President Donald Trump said late Saturday that six Democrats involved in a video calling on military officers to refuse illegal commands "should be in jail." The Republican leader's remarks came after he accused the Democrat lawmakers on Friday of "seditious behaviour, punishable by death." Democrats slammed Trump's comments as "absolutely vile" threats against the six senators and representatives, all of whom have served in the military or intelligence community. Trump took to social media on Saturday night, writing: "THE TRAITORS THAT TOLD THE MILITARY TO DISOBEY MY ORDERS SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT NOW, NOT ROAMING THE FAKE NEWS NETWORKS TRYING TO EXPLAIN THAT WHAT THEY SAID WAS OK." He said that the Democrats' message was "SEDITION AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL" and that "THERE CAN BE NO OTHER INTERPRETATION OF WHAT THEY SAID". The video posted on social media Friday called on the military to "refuse illegal orders" and featured Arizona's Mark Kelly, Michigan's Elissa Slotkin, along with Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire. They did not specify which orders they were referring to, but Trump has ordered the National Guard into multiple US cities, in many cases against the wishes of local officials, in a bid to bring alleged rampant unrest under control. Abroad, Trump has also ordered strikes on a series of alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean that have left more than 80 people dead and which experts say are illegal. Trump has alluded to the death penalty on previous occasions. In 2023, former US military officer Mark Milley told a journalist he had secretly called his Chinese counterpart after the January 6, 2021 riots at the US Capitol to reassure Beijing that the United States remained "stable" and had no intention to attack China. Trump subsequently wrote on social media that "in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH!" Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Democrats slammed Trump's comments as "absolutely vile" threats against the six senators and representatives, all of whom have served in the military or intelligence community.

‘Should be in jail’: Trump slams Democrats over military message

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Nov 22) said that he stopped five out of eight wars using tariff threats. In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, Trump also said that the United States is taking “trillions of Dollars” in tariffs and investment from foreign nations because of tariffs. The US president added that the stock market just hit its all-time high for the 48th time in 9 months.“We are taking in TRILLIONS of Dollars in Tariffs and Investment Dollars from foreign lands because of Tariffs. I have stopped 5 of the eight WARS directly because of the threat of Tariffs if they don’t stop fighting or, better yet, if they start,” Trump wrote.He added, “There is almost no Inflation, and the worst in USA History under Sleepy Joe Biden. The Stock Market just hit an ALL-TIME HIGH for the 48th time in 9 months. To Leonard Leo, Koch, and all of the Countries and Slimeballs that have ripped off the United States of America for years through the use of their own Tariffs, we don’t have a Court System that’s going to let you destroy our Country any longer.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-eighth-plane-was-badly-wounded-trump-once-again-boasts-stopping-india-pak-war-this-time-with-a-new-number-1762399423134">‘Eighth plane was badly wounded’: Trump once again boasts stopping India-Pak war — this time with a new number</a>“This is the richest, strongest, and most respected the USA has ever been. November 5th, and Tariffs, are the reasons why. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT,” he added.Trump had also repeatedly claimed to use tariffs to stop the military escalation between India and Pakistan in May this year. India has consistently denied the US president’s claims, saying that the two nations agreed to a ceasefire on May 10 after Pakistani commanders contacted their Indian counterparts to stop the conflict.

In his lengthy post on Truth Social, the US president added that the stock market just hit its all-time high for the 48th time in 9 months.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Nov 22) said that he stopped five out of eight wars using tariff threats. In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, Trump also said that the United States is taking “trillions of Dollars” in tariffs and investment from foreign nations because of tariffs. The US president added that the stock market just hit its all-time high for the 48th time in 9 months. “We are taking in TRILLIONS of Dollars in Tariffs and Investment Dollars from foreign lands because of Tariffs. I have stopped 5 of the eight WARS directly because of the threat of Tariffs if they don’t stop fighting or, better yet, if they start,” Trump wrote. He added, “There is almost no Inflation, and the worst in USA History under Sleepy Joe Biden. The Stock Market just hit an ALL-TIME HIGH for the 48th time in 9 months. To Leonard Leo, Koch, and all of the Countries and Slimeballs that have ripped off the United States of America for years through the use of their own Tariffs, we don’t have a Court System that’s going to let you destroy our Country any longer.” Also read | ‘Eighth plane was badly wounded’: Trump once again boasts stopping India-Pak war — this time with a new number “This is the richest, strongest, and most respected the USA has ever been. November 5th, and Tariffs, are the reasons why. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT,” he added. Trump had also repeatedly claimed to use tariffs to stop the military escalation between India and Pakistan in May this year. India has consistently denied the US president’s claims, saying that the two nations agreed to a ceasefire on May 10 after Pakistani commanders contacted their Indian counterparts to stop the conflict.

In his lengthy post on Truth Social, the US president added that the stock market just hit its all-time high for the 48th time in 9 months.

‘Stopped 5 of 8 wars directly with tariff threats’: Trump boasts about brokering peace once again

Nations clinched a deal at the UN's COP30 climate summit in the Amazon Saturday without a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels as demanded by the European Union and other countries. Nearly 200 countries approved the deal by consensus after two weeks of fraught negotiations in the Brazilian city of Belem, with the notable absence of the United States as President Donald Trump shunned the event.&nbsp;Applause rang out in the plenary session after COP30 president and Brazilian diplomat Andre Correa do Lago slammed a gavel signalling its approval.&nbsp;The EU and other nations had pushed for a deal that would call for a "roadmap" to phase out fossil fuels, but the words do not appear in the text.&nbsp;Instead, the agreement calls on countries to "voluntarily" accelerate their climate action and recalls the consensus reached at COP28 in Dubai. That 2023 deal called for the world to transition away from fossil fuels.&nbsp;The EU, which had warned that the summit could end without a deal if fossil fuels were not addressed, accepted the watered-down language.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-s-g20-legacy-echoes-loudly-in-johannesburg-declaration-1763822158124">India’s G20 legacy echoes loudly in Johannesburg declaration</a>&nbsp;"We're not going to hide the fact that we would have preferred to have more, to have more ambition on everything," EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra told reporters.&nbsp;"We should support it because it is at least going in the right direction," said Hoekstra.&nbsp;More than 30 countries including European nations, emerging economies and small island states had signed a letter warning Brazil they would reject any deal without a plan to move away from oil, gas and coal.&nbsp;But a member of an EU delegation told AFP that the 27-nation bloc was "isolated" and cast as the "villains" at the talks.&nbsp;The push to phase out oil, coal and gas -- the main drivers of global warming -- grew out of frustration over a lack of follow-through on the COP28 agreement to transition away from fossil fuels.&nbsp;French ecological transition minister Monique Barbut had accused oil-rich Saudi Arabia and Russia, along with coal producer India and "many" other emerging countries, of refusing language on a fossil-fuel phaseout.&nbsp;She said Saturday the text was bland but that there was "nothing extraordinarily bad in it."&nbsp;The deal caps a chaotic two weeks in Belem, with Indigenous protesters breaching the venue and blocking its entrance last week and a fire erupting inside the compound on Thursday, forcing a mass evacuation.<h2>Money and trade&nbsp;</h2>Finishing without a deal would have been a black eye for Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who had staked political capital in the success of what he called the "COP of truth."&nbsp;&nbsp;It was also a major test for international cooperation when Trump decided to skip COP30.&nbsp;"We also have to weigh the backdrop of geopolitics, and in the end there is no other process we have," German environment state secretary Jochen Flasbarth told AFP.&nbsp;Developing nations, for their part, had pushed the EU and other developed economies to pledge more money to help them adapt to the impact of climate change, such as floods and droughts, and move toward a low-carbon future.&nbsp;The EU had resisted such appeals but the deal calls for efforts to "at least triple" adaptation finance by 2035.&nbsp;"Intergovernmental negotiations work on a minimum common denominator, but our fight will continue," a negotiator from Bangladesh told AFP in a muted reception of the terms.&nbsp;The EU had also rejected language on trade in the text, as demanded by China and other emerging countries. The final deal calls for "dialogue" on trade issues.&nbsp;The head of China's delegation at COP30, Li Gao, told AFP that the summit will go down as a success.&nbsp;"I'm happy with the outcome," Li said. "We achieved this success in a very difficult situation, so it shows that the international community would like to show solidarity and make joint efforts to address climate change."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

French ecological transition minister Monique Barbut had accused oil-rich Saudi Arabia and Russia, along with coal producer India and "many" other emerging countries, of refusing language on a fossil-fuel phaseout.

Nations clinched a deal at the UN's COP30 climate summit in the Amazon Saturday without a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels as demanded by the European Union and other countries. Nearly 200 countries approved the deal by consensus after two weeks of fraught negotiations in the Brazilian city of Belem, with the notable absence of the United States as President Donald Trump shunned the event. Applause rang out in the plenary session after COP30 president and Brazilian diplomat Andre Correa do Lago slammed a gavel signalling its approval. The EU and other nations had pushed for a deal that would call for a "roadmap" to phase out fossil fuels, but the words do not appear in the text. Instead, the agreement calls on countries to "voluntarily" accelerate their climate action and recalls the consensus reached at COP28 in Dubai. That 2023 deal called for the world to transition away from fossil fuels. The EU, which had warned that the summit could end without a deal if fossil fuels were not addressed, accepted the watered-down language. Also Read - India’s G20 legacy echoes loudly in Johannesburg declaration "We're not going to hide the fact that we would have preferred to have more, to have more ambition on everything," EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra told reporters. "We should support it because it is at least going in the right direction," said Hoekstra. More than 30 countries including European nations, emerging economies and small island states had signed a letter warning Brazil they would reject any deal without a plan to move away from oil, gas and coal. But a member of an EU delegation told AFP that the 27-nation bloc was "isolated" and cast as the "villains" at the talks. The push to phase out oil, coal and gas -- the main drivers of global warming -- grew out of frustration over a lack of follow-through on the COP28 agreement to transition away from fossil fuels. French ecological transition minister Monique Barbut had accused oil-rich Saudi Arabia and Russia, along with coal producer India and "many" other emerging countries, of refusing language on a fossil-fuel phaseout. She said Saturday the text was bland but that there was "nothing extraordinarily bad in it." The deal caps a chaotic two weeks in Belem, with Indigenous protesters breaching the venue and blocking its entrance last week and a fire erupting inside the compound on Thursday, forcing a mass evacuation. Money and trade Finishing without a deal would have been a black eye for Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who had staked political capital in the success of what he called the "COP of truth." It was also a major test for international cooperation when Trump decided to skip COP30. "We also have to weigh the backdrop of geopolitics, and in the end there is no other process we have," German environment state secretary Jochen Flasbarth told AFP. Developing nations, for their part, had pushed the EU and other developed economies to pledge more money to help them adapt to the impact of climate change, such as floods and droughts, and move toward a low-carbon future. The EU had resisted such appeals but the deal calls for efforts to "at least triple" adaptation finance by 2035. "Intergovernmental negotiations work on a minimum common denominator, but our fight will continue," a negotiator from Bangladesh told AFP in a muted reception of the terms. The EU had also rejected language on trade in the text, as demanded by China and other emerging countries. The final deal calls for "dialogue" on trade issues. The head of China's delegation at COP30, Li Gao, told AFP that the summit will go down as a success. "I'm happy with the outcome," Li said. "We achieved this success in a very difficult situation, so it shows that the international community would like to show solidarity and make joint efforts to address climate change." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

French ecological transition minister Monique Barbut had accused oil-rich Saudi Arabia and Russia, along with coal producer India and "many" other emerging countries, of refusing language on a fossil-fuel phaseout.

COP30 approves deal on climate action without fossil fuel agreement

Once a staunch Trump ally, Greene has always delivered shocks to Democrats and liberal rivals. However, in the recent weeks, she had been rebelling against Trump.

Once a staunch Trump ally, Greene has always delivered shocks to Democrats and liberal rivals. However, in recent weeks, she had been rebelling against Trump.

From MAGA icon to ‘traitor’: Marjorie Taylor Greene’s dramatic split with Trump

US President Donald Trump announced he will end the temporary status protecting Somali immigrants in Minnesota from deportation, claiming on Friday that his latest cut to refugee programs was a crime prevention measure.In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he was "hereby terminating, effective immediately, the Temporary Protected Status (TPS Program) for Somalis in Minnesota," while accusing "Somali gangs" of harming locals."Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!" he added.TPS protects its holders from deportation and allows them to work. It is granted to people deemed to be in danger if they return to their home countries because of war, natural disaster or other extraordinary circumstances.The midwestern state of Minnesota hosts one of the largest Somali populations outside of the eastern African nation, which has endured decades of conflict.According to the Congressional record, around 705 Somali individuals have approved TPS applications as of March 31, and "DHS estimated that approximately 4,300 individuals may become newly eligible for TPS" were it to be extended.TPS was initially granted to Somalis in 1991, and most recently extended in July 2024 "due to conditions in Somalia that prevent individuals from safely returning," according to the Department of Homeland Security.After a brutal civil war in the 1990s, Somalia has been fighting Al-Qaeda-linked insurgent group Al-Shabaab since the mid-2000s. The militants launched a new offensive early this year.The Trump administration, which is carrying out a sweeping immigration crackdown, has also moved to strip TPS for Afghans, Haitians, South Sudan, Venezuelans and nationals of several other countries.The immigration crackdown has faced numerous legal challenges, and Trump's latest TPS dictate is likewise expected to go to court.Under a separate new policy, the United States would slash the number of refugees it admits to 7,500 in fiscal 2026, down from more than 100,000 a year under Democratic president Joe Biden.In his post targeting Somalis on Friday, Trump also slammed Minnesota's Democratic Governor Tim Walz, accusing him of "laundering activity," without offering evidence.Trump has also frequently mocked Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, urging the Somalia-born Democrat to "go back!" to the country.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The midwestern state of Minnesota hosts one of the largest Somali populations outside of the eastern African nation, which has endured decades of conflict.

US President Donald Trump announced he will end the temporary status protecting Somali immigrants in Minnesota from deportation, claiming on Friday that his latest cut to refugee programs was a crime prevention measure. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he was "hereby terminating, effective immediately, the Temporary Protected Status (TPS Program) for Somalis in Minnesota," while accusing "Somali gangs" of harming locals. "Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!" he added. TPS protects its holders from deportation and allows them to work. It is granted to people deemed to be in danger if they return to their home countries because of war, natural disaster or other extraordinary circumstances. The midwestern state of Minnesota hosts one of the largest Somali populations outside of the eastern African nation, which has endured decades of conflict. According to the Congressional record, around 705 Somali individuals have approved TPS applications as of March 31, and "DHS estimated that approximately 4,300 individuals may become newly eligible for TPS" were it to be extended. TPS was initially granted to Somalis in 1991, and most recently extended in July 2024 "due to conditions in Somalia that prevent individuals from safely returning," according to the Department of Homeland Security. After a brutal civil war in the 1990s, Somalia has been fighting Al-Qaeda-linked insurgent group Al-Shabaab since the mid-2000s. The militants launched a new offensive early this year. The Trump administration, which is carrying out a sweeping immigration crackdown, has also moved to strip TPS for Afghans, Haitians, South Sudan, Venezuelans and nationals of several other countries. The immigration crackdown has faced numerous legal challenges, and Trump's latest TPS dictate is likewise expected to go to court. Under a separate new policy, the United States would slash the number of refugees it admits to 7,500 in fiscal 2026, down from more than 100,000 a year under Democratic president Joe Biden. In his post targeting Somalis on Friday, Trump also slammed Minnesota's Democratic Governor Tim Walz, accusing him of "laundering activity," without offering evidence. Trump has also frequently mocked Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, urging the Somalia-born Democrat to "go back!" to the country. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The midwestern state of Minnesota hosts one of the largest Somali populations outside of the eastern African nation, which has endured decades of conflict.

Trump to end temporary deportation protections for Somalis in Minnesota

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Nov 21) said that his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky will “have to like” a US plan if he wants to end the war with Russia. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian President has warned that accepting the plan would risk Ukraine losing its dignity and freedom.&nbsp;&nbsp;“He’ll have to like it, and if he doesn’t like it, then you know, they should just keep fighting,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “At some point he’s going to have to accept something,” he added during the Oval Office meeting with New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.&nbsp;Zelensky on Friday said that he would not “betray” his country over the 28-point document, which Kyiv view as favourable to the Kremlin.&nbsp;Over the months, Trump has grown increasingly frustrated over repeated failures to end the war in Ukraine. Earlier the same day, Trump set a November 27 deadline, the day of the American Thanksgiving holiday, for Ukraine to accept the US plan to end the war with Russia.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I’ve had a lot of deadlines, but if things are working well, you tend to extend the deadlines. But Thursday is, we think, an appropriate time,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News Radio.&nbsp;The plan laid by the Trump administration demands Ukraine give up a swathe of eastern territory to Russia and cut the size of its army, AFP reported, citing a draft. Meanwhile, Kyiv has vowed that it would never join NATO or accept Western peacekeepers, although European warplanes would be positioned in Poland.&nbsp;Trump has said that if the war continues, the Ukrainians would still end up giving away its terrotories to Russia under the peace plan. Speaking of Ukrainian forces, Trump said, “Say what you want, they were very brave.” He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin “is not looking for more war.”

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that accepting the plan would risk Ukraine losing its dignity and freedom. 

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Nov 21) said that his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky will “have to like” a US plan if he wants to end the war with Russia. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian President has warned that accepting the plan would risk Ukraine losing its dignity and freedom. “He’ll have to like it, and if he doesn’t like it, then you know, they should just keep fighting,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “At some point he’s going to have to accept something,” he added during the Oval Office meeting with New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Zelensky on Friday said that he would not “betray” his country over the 28-point document, which Kyiv view as favourable to the Kremlin. Over the months, Trump has grown increasingly frustrated over repeated failures to end the war in Ukraine. Earlier the same day, Trump set a November 27 deadline, the day of the American Thanksgiving holiday, for Ukraine to accept the US plan to end the war with Russia. “I’ve had a lot of deadlines, but if things are working well, you tend to extend the deadlines. But Thursday is, we think, an appropriate time,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News Radio. The plan laid by the Trump administration demands Ukraine give up a swathe of eastern territory to Russia and cut the size of its army, AFP reported, citing a draft. Meanwhile, Kyiv has vowed that it would never join NATO or accept Western peacekeepers, although European warplanes would be positioned in Poland. Trump has said that if the war continues, the Ukrainians would still end up giving away its terrotories to Russia under the peace plan. Speaking of Ukrainian forces, Trump said, “Say what you want, they were very brave.” He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin “is not looking for more war.”

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that accepting the plan would risk Ukraine losing its dignity and freedom.&nbsp;

‘He’ll have to like it, and if he doesn’t…’: Trump demands Zelensky accept US plan to end Russia-Ukraine war

US President Donald Trump appears to be obsessed with California, with his administration suing the state three times within a week. In the recent lawsuit, filed on Thursday (Nov 20), Trump has challenged the state laws providing in-state tuition, scholarships, and subsidised loans for “illegal aliens”. The Justice Department has alleged that these laws are “unconstitutional” and discriminate against US citizens, while rewarding illegal immigrants.&nbsp;“California is illegally discriminating against American students and families by offering exclusive tuition benefits for non-citizens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi in a statement. “This marks our third lawsuit against California in one week — we will continue bringing litigation against California until the state ceases its flagrant disregard for federal law.”&nbsp;“These laws unconstitutionally discriminate against U.S. citizens who are not afforded the same reduced tuition rates, scholarships, or subsidies, create incentives for illegal immigration, and reward illegal immigrants with benefits that U.S. citizens are not eligible for, all in direct conflict with federal law,” the statement added.&nbsp;Earlier on Monday (Nov 17), the Trump administration filed a lawsuit against California over new laws that ban federal officers from wearing facial coverings and require them to have identification while carrying out their duties. The administration argued that the state’s laws violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, according to which federal laws supersede state laws. They further claimed that the laws put the federal officers’ safety at risk.&nbsp;The Justice Department had also sued Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber on November 13 over a newly adopted redistricting plan enacted with the passage of Proposition 50. In a statement, the Trump administration said, “The lawsuit alleges that the plan mandates racially gerrymandered congressional districts in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.”&nbsp;Calling the move a “brazen power grab”, Bondi said that California’s redistricting tramples on civil rights and mocks the democratic process. She added, “Governor Newsom’s attempt to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians will not stand.”

The Justice Department had also sued Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber on November 13 over a newly adopted redistricting plan enacted with the passage of Proposition 50.

US President Donald Trump appears to be obsessed with California, with his administration suing the state three times within a week. In the recent lawsuit, filed on Thursday (Nov 20), Trump has challenged the state laws providing in-state tuition, scholarships, and subsidised loans for “illegal aliens”. The Justice Department has alleged that these laws are “unconstitutional” and discriminate against US citizens, while rewarding illegal immigrants. “California is illegally discriminating against American students and families by offering exclusive tuition benefits for non-citizens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi in a statement. “This marks our third lawsuit against California in one week — we will continue bringing litigation against California until the state ceases its flagrant disregard for federal law.” “These laws unconstitutionally discriminate against U.S. citizens who are not afforded the same reduced tuition rates, scholarships, or subsidies, create incentives for illegal immigration, and reward illegal immigrants with benefits that U.S. citizens are not eligible for, all in direct conflict with federal law,” the statement added. Earlier on Monday (Nov 17), the Trump administration filed a lawsuit against California over new laws that ban federal officers from wearing facial coverings and require them to have identification while carrying out their duties. The administration argued that the state’s laws violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, according to which federal laws supersede state laws. They further claimed that the laws put the federal officers’ safety at risk. The Justice Department had also sued Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber on November 13 over a newly adopted redistricting plan enacted with the passage of Proposition 50. In a statement, the Trump administration said, “The lawsuit alleges that the plan mandates racially gerrymandered congressional districts in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.” Calling the move a “brazen power grab”, Bondi said that California’s redistricting tramples on civil rights and mocks the democratic process. She added, “Governor Newsom’s attempt to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians will not stand.”

The Justice Department had also sued Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber on November 13 over a newly adopted redistricting plan enacted with the passage of Proposition 50.

Trump obsessed with California? POTUS sues democrat led state third time this week

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Nov 20) once again posted an AI-generated video of himself – this time showing him playing football with Cristiano Ronaldo. Trump posted the AI video days after the celebrity footballer’s visit to the White House. Ronaldo was among other guests invited to the formal dinner during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s US visit.The clip showed Trump and Ronaldo performing soccer tricks inside the Oval Office. The two tossed the ball between them as Trump spun on his heel to hit the ball. The video went viral on social media.“Ronaldo is a GREAT GUY. Loved meeting him at the White House. Really smart, and cool!!! President DJT,” Trump wrote in the caption while sharing the video.

The Saudi crown prince’s visit marked the first in several years and aimed to re-establish US-Saudi ties after years of a strained relationship. Prince Mohammed visited the country first time since the US intelligence agencies accused him of authorising the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a claim he denies.Dismissing concerns, Trump told reporters that the crown prince “knew nothing about it” and urged a forward-looking relationship between the two nations.Ronaldo attended the dinner with fiancée Georgina Rodriguez, marking his first appearance in the US since 2016. During the visit, Trump presented the footballer with a golden key to the White House. Appreciating the gesture, Ronaldo thanked the US President for the gift on social media.“Thank you Mr. President for your invitation and for the warm welcome you and the First Lady gave me and my future wife, @georginagio. Each of us has something meaningful to give, and I stand ready to do my part as we inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility and lasting peace,” Ronaldo posted on Instagram.

Trump presented the footballer with a golden key to the White House. Appreciating the gesture, Ronaldo thanked the US President for the gift on social media.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Nov 20) once again posted an AI-generated video of himself – this time showing him playing football with Cristiano Ronaldo. Trump posted the AI video days after the celebrity footballer’s visit to the White House. Ronaldo was among other guests invited to the formal dinner during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s US visit. The clip showed Trump and Ronaldo performing soccer tricks inside the Oval Office. The two tossed the ball between them as Trump spun on his heel to hit the ball. The video went viral on social media. “Ronaldo is a GREAT GUY. Loved meeting him at the White House. Really smart, and cool!!! President DJT,” Trump wrote in the caption while sharing the video.

Trump presented the footballer with a golden key to the White House. Appreciating the gesture, Ronaldo thanked the US President for the gift on social media.

WATCH | Trump posts AI video of him playing football with Ronaldo in Oval Office