WEATHER ALERT
Trump Organization leases brand to 2 new projects in Saudi Arabia
Read full article: Trump Organization leases brand to 2 new projects in Saudi ArabiaThe Trump Organization says it has leased its brand to two new real estate projects in Saudi Arabia just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.
Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks
Read full article: Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talksFrench President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full dose of presidential pomp.
Trump dispatched his incoming envoy to the Mideast for high-level talks on reaching Gaza ceasefire
Read full article: Trump dispatched his incoming envoy to the Mideast for high-level talks on reaching Gaza ceasefirePresident-elect Donald Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy recently visited Israel and Qatar for high-level talks on landing a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza.
Trump names billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his envoy to Britain
Read full article: Trump names billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his envoy to BritainPresident-elect Donald Trump has named billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his envoy to Britain, a prestigious posting for the Republican donor whose contributions this year included $2 million to a Trump-backing super PAC.
Biden's broken promise on pardoning his son Hunter is raising new questions about his legacy
Read full article: Biden's broken promise on pardoning his son Hunter is raising new questions about his legacyPresident Joe Biden’s decision to go back on his word and pardon his son Hunter wasn't all that surprising to those who are familiar with the president's devotion to his family.
Trump names Massad Boulos, campaign liaison and family relative, as a senior adviser on Middle East
Read full article: Trump names Massad Boulos, campaign liaison and family relative, as a senior adviser on Middle EastDonald Trump says Massad Boulos, a Lebanese American businessman who is the father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Tiffany, will be a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
Trump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to become US ambassador to France
Read full article: Trump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to become US ambassador to FrancePresident-elect Donald Trump has named pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner, father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, as his intended nominee for ambassador to France.
Rioters who stormed Capitol after Trump's 2020 defeat toast his White House return
Read full article: Rioters who stormed Capitol after Trump's 2020 defeat toast his White House returnSome of the Donald Trump supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol nearly four years ago are celebrating the president-elect's electoral victory.
Protests are planned in Serbia against a real estate project financed by Trump's son-in-law Kushner
Read full article: Protests are planned in Serbia against a real estate project financed by Trump's son-in-law KushnerOpposition groups in Serbia are planning protests against a real estate development project that will be financed by the firm of Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, at the site of the former Serbian army headquarters destroyed in a U.S.-led NATO bombing campaign in 1999.
First with Trump, now with Kamala Harris: Kim Kardashian is advocating for criminal justice reform
Read full article: First with Trump, now with Kamala Harris: Kim Kardashian is advocating for criminal justice reformKim Kardashian has joined Vice President Kamala Harris for a roundtable highlighting the administration’s efforts on criminal justice reform.
Trump called this visa 'very bad' for Americans. Truth Social applied for one
Read full article: Trump called this visa 'very bad' for Americans. Truth Social applied for oneThe social media company founded by former President Donald Trump applied for a business visa program that he sought to restrict.
Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, praises 'very valuable' potential of Gaza's 'waterfront property'
Read full article: Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, praises 'very valuable' potential of Gaza's 'waterfront property'Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s former White House adviser and his son-in-law, praised the “very valuable” potential of Gaza’s “waterfront property.”.
Jared Kushner, former Trump adviser, defends business dealings with Saudi Arabia
Read full article: Jared Kushner, former Trump adviser, defends business dealings with Saudi ArabiaJared Kushner, Donald Trump’s former White House adviser and his son-in-law, is defending his business dealings with the Saudi crown prince after leaving the U.S. government.
Melania Trump remembers her mother as 'a ray of light in the darkest days'
Read full article: Melania Trump remembers her mother as 'a ray of light in the darkest days'Former First Lady Melania Trump remembered her mother as “a ray of light in the darkest of days” during a funeral service at a church not far from the family’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
After 40 witnesses and 43 days of testimony, here's what we learned at Trump’s civil fraud trial
Read full article: After 40 witnesses and 43 days of testimony, here's what we learned at Trump’s civil fraud trialDonald Trump's civil business fraud trial has offered fresh insight into the former president's finances, his dealings with lenders and his aspiration to be an NFL owner, among other matters.
Court records show political pressure behind Fox programming
Read full article: Court records show political pressure behind Fox programmingThousands of pages of documents in a recent lawsuit show that Fox News' top executives sometimes were actively involved in politics rather than simply reporting or offering opinions on it.
Trump strikes new overseas deal and raises old ethics issue
Read full article: Trump strikes new overseas deal and raises old ethics issueDonald Trump’s company is licensing its name to a golf resort in Oman in the first of what it hopes will be several overseas deals, raising conflicts-of-interest issues as the former president prepares for a possible third run for the White House.
The tough words Trump never spoke: Jan. 6 panel's new video
Read full article: The tough words Trump never spoke: Jan. 6 panel's new videoAn original script for Donald Trump’s speech the day after the Capitol insurrection included lines ordering the Justice Department to “ensure all lawbreakers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law’ and stating the rioters “do not represent me."
Jan. 6 hearings: What we’ve learned, and what’s next
Read full article: Jan. 6 hearings: What we’ve learned, and what’s nextThrough seven hearings this summer, the House Jan. 6 panel has maintained consistent themes: Donald Trump’s stubborn resistance to advisers who told him that Joe Biden won the election, and the former president’s role in inciting the Capitol insurrection.
The moments resonating from the Jan. 6 hearings (so far)
Read full article: The moments resonating from the Jan. 6 hearings (so far)Nielsen numbers tell us how many people watched live coverage of the Jan. 6 committee hearings — 20 million the first night, 11 million the second and nearly 9 million for the third.
Takeaways: Trump's mind 'made up' on fraud ahead of Jan. 6
Read full article: Takeaways: Trump's mind 'made up' on fraud ahead of Jan. 6In its second day of public hearings, the House panel investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection is making the case that Trump and his advisers knew that his claims of fraud in the 2020 election were false.
Jan. 6 panel's 1,000 witnesses: From Trump aides to rioters
Read full article: Jan. 6 panel's 1,000 witnesses: From Trump aides to riotersThe House Jan. 6 panel has interviewed more than 1,000 people who were directly or indirectly involved in the U.S. Capitol insurrection as it's probed the violent attack and former President Donald Trump’s unprecedented efforts to overturn his election defeat.
Lawyers: Nearly $1B tentative settlement in condo collapse
Read full article: Lawyers: Nearly $1B tentative settlement in condo collapseLawyers representing families of victims and survivors of the condominium collapse in Surfside, Florida, last June have told a judge that they've reached a nearly $1 billion tentative settlement.
CNN: Trump Jr. text shows ideas to overturn 2020 election
Read full article: CNN: Trump Jr. text shows ideas to overturn 2020 electionDonald Trump Jr. texted White House chief of staff Mark Meadows two days after the 2020 presidential election with strategies for overturning the result if Trump’s father lost.
Scavino, Navarro held in contempt of Congress in 1/6 probe
Read full article: Scavino, Navarro held in contempt of Congress in 1/6 probeThe House has voted to hold former Trump advisers Peter Navarro and Dan Scavino in contempt of Congress over their monthslong refusal to comply with subpoenas from the committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Ivanka Trump testifies before House Jan. 6 panel
Read full article: Ivanka Trump testifies before House Jan. 6 panelIvanka Trump, former President Donald Trump’s daughter and one of those closest to him during the insurrection at the Capitol, is testifying before the House panel investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack.
Trump a pariah? New $100 million bank loan suggests not
Read full article: Trump a pariah? New $100 million bank loan suggests notA bank’s decision to loan Donald Trump’s company $100 million is the latest evidence the former president might survive fraud investigations and a business-world backlash over his efforts to stay in office after losing the 2020 election.
Saudi Arabia keeps lid on oil output as US gas prices rise
Read full article: Saudi Arabia keeps lid on oil output as US gas prices riseSaudi Arabia is signaling it isn’t willing to pump more oil and won’t push for changes to an agreement with Russia and other producers that has kept a lid on oil production levels.
Condo building collapse shows Surfside’s rich, middle-class division
Read full article: Condo building collapse shows Surfside’s rich, middle-class divisionThe condo building collapse in Surfside highlights the division between the tiny Florida town's new luxury buildings and those built decades ago for the middle class.
Judge: Kushner's apartment company violated consumer laws
Read full article: Judge: Kushner's apartment company violated consumer lawsA judge in Maryland has ruled that an apartment company co-owned by Jared Kushner repeatedly violated state consumer protection laws by collecting debts without required licenses, charging tenants improper fees and misrepresenting the condition of rental units.
Kim and Kanye: Tales of an uber celeb marriage gone wrong
Read full article: Kim and Kanye: Tales of an uber celeb marriage gone wrongFILE - Kanye West, left, and Kim Kardashian attend the WSJ. Kim Kardashian West filed for divorce Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, from Kanye West after 6 1/2 years of marriage. If there's one word that defines the lives of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West, it's BIG. The over-the-top Tuscan wedding of Kim and Kanye, her third and his first, unfolded on May 24, 2014. Kanye has made it big in shoes, and Kim rolls out beauty and attire on a regular basis.
How a leading anti-Trump group ignored a crisis in its ranks
Read full article: How a leading anti-Trump group ignored a crisis in its ranksIn this Jan. 20, 2016 file photo, John Weaver is shown on a campaign bus in Bow, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)WASHINGTON – Last June, the Lincoln Project was on a high. Of the $90 million Lincoln Project has raised, more than $50 million has gone to firms controlled by the group's leaders. Others used the money earned during their time with Lincoln Project to refinance homes, or purchase a new one. AdAt least two Lincoln Project employees were targeted last year, including an intern who was finishing law school, and a communications staffer.
Bidens bring an unexpected piece of furniture to White House
Read full article: Bidens bring an unexpected piece of furniture to White HouseFILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, file photo, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden watch fireworks from the White House, in Washington. An interview with the Bidens appears in the Feb. 15, 2021, issue of People magazine, hitting newsstands nationwide Friday, Feb. 5. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)WASHINGTON – There's a crib in President Joe Biden's White House. “Otherwise it makes a mockery of the system,” Biden said in his first White House interview since his Jan. 20 swearing-in as president. He sought to differentiate himself from Trump, whose daughter Ivanka and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, served him as high-level White House advisers.
EXPLAINER: How Nobel Peace Prize nominations come about
Read full article: EXPLAINER: How Nobel Peace Prize nominations come aboutBelarusian opposition figures, Hong Kong-pro-democracy activists, the Black Lives Matter movement, a jailed Russian opposition leader and two former White House senior advisers are among this years nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. There is no shortage of causes or candidates for the Norwegian Nobel Committee to consider for what arguably remains the world’s most prestigious prize. Here's a look at the Nobel nomination process:WHO CAN NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE? The U.N. World Food Program won the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize. The peace prize and other Nobel awards are presented to the winners on Dec. 10, the anniversary of founder Alfred Nobel’s death.
Man wanted in Carlos Ghosn's escape accuses US of 'betrayal'
Read full article: Man wanted in Carlos Ghosn's escape accuses US of 'betrayal'Chair Carlos Ghosn out of Japan in a box is imploring U.S. officials to block their extradition. Authorities say the Taylors were paid at least $1.3 million for their help. Ghosn wired more than $860,000 to a company linked to Peter Taylor shortly before the escape and Ghosn’s son later made $500,000 in cryptocurrency payments, authorities said. Meanwhile, Ghosn, free on bail, headed to the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo and met up with Peter Taylor, who was already in Japan, authorities say. Authorities say Ghosn was inside one of the big black boxes.
Pompeo offers burst of actions, attacks before leaving State
Read full article: Pompeo offers burst of actions, attacks before leaving StateWhile the House debated Trump's role in encouraging the riot, Pompeo sent a tweet promoting Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. And in a sign of his post-Trump ambitions, he urged followers of his official State Department Twitter account to start following his personal one. Already the most political of recent secretaries of state, Pompeo has bristled at even the mildest criticism and accused his critics of being misguided, unintelligent or incompetent. Pompeo and the State Department were largely absent from that diplomacy, with the exception of Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, who reports mainly to the White House. “L’Chaim to Pompeo wine!” Pompeo said on Twitter.
Lingering questions about how Trump will finish out his term
Read full article: Lingering questions about how Trump will finish out his termA U.S. Secret Service guard stands post at the North Portico of the White House, after the U.S. House impeached President Donald Trump in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. Trump did not make a concession phone call or invite Biden to the White House after his victory. But last week the White House invited Biden to spend the night of Jan. 19 at Blair House. Officials do not expect Trump to invite Biden to the White House for the traditional pre-inauguration tea on Wednesday, but they said it is still a remote possibility. With Trump skipping the event, White House officials say Trump has not decided yet how and when he will leave the White House for his residence in Palm Beach, Florida.
US Consulate a turning point for disputed Western Sahara
Read full article: US Consulate a turning point for disputed Western SaharaThe United States plans to put its footprint in this picturesque setting. The king's face is juxtaposed on a map that includes Western Sahara as an integral part of Morocco. While the consulate isn’t expected to open for another six to 12 months, Schenker's trip is a way for the U.S. to cement its commitment to Western Sahara before President Donald Trump leaves office. “The U.S. cannot both support the U.N.’s role in resolving Western Sahara conflict and endorse Moroccan sovereignty,” Omar tweeted. The U.S. recognition of Western Sahara as Morocco's drew criticism from the U.N. and America's allies.
President Trump says he’s ‘outraged’ by Capitol violence in new video message
Read full article: President Trump says he’s ‘outraged’ by Capitol violence in new video messageIn a letter Thursday to FBI Director Christopher Wray, the lawmakers called the riot “a deadly terrorist attack” incited by President Donald Trump and his supporters. He was a web developer and founder of Trumparoo, a social media site for supporters of President Donald Trump. Outgoing President Donald Trump has not said whether he plans to attend. ___2:35 p.m.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she’s seeking the resignation of Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund a day after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol. ___2:30 p.m.Canadian-based e-commerce company Shopify Inc. has removed online stores affiliated with U.S. President Donald Trump, saying his actions have violated the company’s policies.
Gulf Arab leaders sign declaration to ease rift with Qatar
Read full article: Gulf Arab leaders sign declaration to ease rift with QatarSaudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told reporters after the summit that diplomatic relations would be restored in full with Qatar, although no time frame was given. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are primarily concerned about Qatar’s ties with Iran. The rift between Abu Dhabi and Doha has been deepest, with the UAE and Qatar at sharp ideological odds. Egypt’s foreign minister also attended the meeting of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which comprises Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. Trump adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, who spearheaded those deals, was at the summit for the signing of the Gulf declaration.
Saudi Arabia to lift Qatar embargo, easing the Gulf crisis
Read full article: Saudi Arabia to lift Qatar embargo, easing the Gulf crisisThe Saudi border, which Qatar relied on for the import of dairy products, construction materials and other goods, opened briefly during the past three years to allow Qataris into Saudi Arabia to perform the Islamic hajj pilgrimage. The rift between Abu Dhabi and Doha has been deepest, with the UAE and Qatar at sharp ideological odds. This year, Egypt’s president has also been invited to attend the summit of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which comprises Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. “Saudi Arabia could frame a partial détente, which allows Qatari civilian planes to fly over Saudi airspace and de-escalates the information war, as proof of ‘new thinking’ in Riyadh,” Ramani said ahead of the announcement. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are primarily concerned with Qatar's close ties with regional foe Iran.
A look at the 29 people Trump pardoned or gave commutations
Read full article: A look at the 29 people Trump pardoned or gave commutationsTrump commuted his sentence in July just days before he was scheduled to report to federal prison. The president commuted her sentence; the White House said the commutation was supported by several former U.S. attorneys general. A White House news release praised the men as “model prisoners,” who had earned support and praise from other inmates. She was in the White House when Trump signed the overhaul measure, known as the First Step Act, into law. Black was a co-defendant in the case and was also convicted; Trump previously pardoned him.
New round of Trump clemency benefits Manafort, other allies
Read full article: New round of Trump clemency benefits Manafort, other alliesFILE - In this Thursday, June 27, 2019 file photo, Paul Manafort arrives in court in New York. President Trump's former campaign manager is to be arraigned on state mortgage fraud charges. Manafort, who led Trump's campaign during a pivotal period in 2016 before being ousted over his ties to Ukraine, was among the first people charged as part of Mueller’s investigation into ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. Though the charges against Manafort did not concern the central thrust of Mueller's mandate — whether the Trump campaign and Russia colluded to tip the election — he was nonetheless a pivotal figure in the investigation. Trump and the elder Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009.
Kushner pardon revives 'loathsome' tale of tax evasion, sex
Read full article: Kushner pardon revives 'loathsome' tale of tax evasion, sexAfter Charles Kushner discovered his brother-in-law was cooperating with federal authorities, the wealthy real estate executive and father of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared, hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation. Kushner later pleaded guilty to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations in a case tailor-made for tabloid headlines. Christie did not respond to a request for comment on Trump's decision to pardon a man he'd sent to prison. Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering. But Charles Kushner told The New York Times in 2018 that he wasn't interested in clemency, saying he “would prefer not to have a pardon” because it would garner publicity.
A look at the 29 people Trump pardoned or gave commutations
Read full article: A look at the 29 people Trump pardoned or gave commutationsTrump commuted his sentence in July just days before he was scheduled to report to federal prison. The president commuted her sentence; the White House said the commutation was supported by several former U.S. attorneys general. A White House news release praised the men as “model prisoners,” who had earned support and praise from other inmates. She was in the White House when Trump signed the overhaul measure, known as the First Step Act, into law. Black was a co-defendant in the case and was also convicted; Trump previously pardoned him.
Ivanka Trump helps load food into cars of drivers in need
Read full article: Ivanka Trump helps load food into cars of drivers in needMIAMI – Presidential daughter Ivanka Trump helped load boxes of food into the cars of drivers who showed up at a South Florida drive-through food distribution event for those in need. “Merry Christmas," Trump said Tuesday as she hauled a black box into a car's trunk in the parking lot of King Jesus Ministry in Miami-Dade County, according to WSVN. One driver in the line, Karla Fuentes, told the Miami television station that she had gotten to the church more than 12 hours earlier to get in line for the food and slept in her car. “We can share with everybody.”Another food recipient, Vivian Lopez, said she had lost her job because of the pandemic. The food giveaway isn’t too far from where Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, recently bought property on Indian Creek Island near Miami, an area referred to as “Billionaires Bunker,” according to news reports.
Kushner joins Israelis on landmark visit to Morocco
Read full article: Kushner joins Israelis on landmark visit to MoroccoThe U.S. decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara has drawn criticism from the U.N. as well as American allies in Africa and beyond. During the 1990s, Israel and Morocco established low-level diplomatic relations, but Morocco closed its representative office in Tel Aviv after the eruption of the second Palestinian uprising in 2000. Even so, the two countries have maintained good behind-the-scenes contacts, and some 30,000 to 50,000 Israelis continue to visit Morocco each year. On the tarmac in Israel, Kushner said that he hopes the delegation's visit will “pave the way for another warm peace between Israel and Morocco,” pointing to the emerging ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. The agreement with Morocco deals a major setback to those in Western Sahara who have fought for independence and want a referendum on the territory’s future.
US Embassy says Sudan no longer on list of terror sponsors
Read full article: US Embassy says Sudan no longer on list of terror sponsorsThe U.S. Embassy in Khartoum said the administration removed Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move that could help the African country get international loans to revive its battered economy and end its pariah status. The embassy said in a Facebook post that the removal of Sudan from the list is effective as of Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. Delisting Sudan from the state sponsors blacklist is a key incentive for the Sudanese government to normalize relations with Israel. The designation of Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism dates back to the 1990s, when Sudan briefly hosted al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and other wanted militants. In October, Trump announced that he would remove Sudan from the list if it follows through on its pledge to pay $335 million to American terror victims and their families.
Watchdog raises possible Kushner link to $700M rescue loan
Read full article: Watchdog raises possible Kushner link to $700M rescue loanThe taxpayer-funded loan was made on the grounds that the company's operations are critical for maintaining national security. The panel members questioned the decision to deem YRC’s business vital to national security. Ramamurti asked Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin whether he had had contacts with Kushner or his staff regarding the YRC loan. He called the loan to YRC “a fast-tracked, extremely generous loan that just so happened to help” Apollo as YRC’s creditor. To qualify for the national security aid, companies should be performing under defense contracts of the highest national priority or operating under top-secret security clearance.
Pardon probe centered on clemency effort for psychologist
Read full article: Pardon probe centered on clemency effort for psychologist(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)WASHINGTON – A California psychologist convicted of tax evasion was at the center of a mysterious, recently disclosed Justice Department investigation into whether White House officials were illegally lobbied to obtain a presidential pardon. One of the lawyers, Reid Weingarten, confirmed that the pardon was sought on behalf of Baras. That was also confirmed by another person familiar with the investigation, who insisted on anonymity to discuss a Justice Department investigation. Broidy was asked by Mr. Diller to refer him to a DC lawyer who could assist on a clemency petition," Burck, said in a statement. A Justice Department spokesman declined to comment on Friday.
Saudi Arabia says end to yearslong Qatar boycott 'in reach'
Read full article: Saudi Arabia says end to yearslong Qatar boycott 'in reach'DUBAI – Saudi Arabia's top diplomat said Friday that an end to the yearslong boycott of Qatar by the kingdom and three other Arab nations “looks in reach” for all involved, though he offered no details on how this feud would be resolved. The boycott has torn apart the typically clubby Gulf Cooperation Council, a six-nation group comprised of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Kushner and other American officials have traveled in the waning days of the Trump administration to Saudi Arabia and Qatar over the crisis. Sheikh Mohammed, speaking earlier to the Mediterranean Dialogues, similarly said that “this needless crisis needs to come to an end." Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE cut ties to Qatar on June 5, 2017, just after a summit in Saudi Arabia in which Gulf leaders met with Trump.
Trump team making false argument about his 2016 transition
Read full article: Trump team making false argument about his 2016 transitionPresident Barack Obama shakes hands with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. President Trump and his allies are harking back to his own transition four years ago to make a false argument that his own presidency was denied a fair chance for a clean launch. Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany laid out the case from the White House podium last week. That's a far cry from the description issued by McEnany as pressure mounts for Trump to concede and for his administration to begin cooperating with Biden's transition team. But Trump's team largely ignored advice from Obama staffers, leaving briefing books unopened and ignoring special iPads loaded with materials.
Turkish finance minister, Erdogan's son-in-law, resigns post
Read full article: Turkish finance minister, Erdogan's son-in-law, resigns post(AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, File)ANKARA – Turkey’s finance minister and son-in-law to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced his resignation on social media Sunday. Albayrak, 42, was appointed minister of finance and treasury in July 2018, having previously been energy minister for nearly three years. His resignation follows the dismissal over the weekend of central bank chief Murat Uysal and his replacement by former Finance Minister Naci Agbal. “I decided not to continue my duty as a minister after five years in office due to health problems,” Albayrak said. He became a lawmaker for Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party, or AKP, in 2015 and was shortly after appointed energy minister.
World leaders hope for fresh start after Biden win
Read full article: World leaders hope for fresh start after Biden winOther leaders who supported Trump, including President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, congratulated Biden, indicating they rejected Trump’s claim the election wasn’t over. Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia told reporters he looked forward to a “great partnership” with Washington. Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan said he looked forward to working together to end illegal tax havens and on peacemaking in Afghanistan. Others expressed hope Biden will help to heal divisions in American society and global politics. Prime Minister Janez Jansa was the only leader who congratulated Trump even before all votes were counted and showed support after Biden’s win was announced.
Trump, who never admits defeat, mulls how to keep up fight
Read full article: Trump, who never admits defeat, mulls how to keep up fightWASHINGTON – President Donald Trump never admits defeat. But he faces a stark choice now that Democrat Joe Biden has won the White House: Concede graciously for the sake of the nation or don’t — and get evicted anyway. “He intends to fight,” Trump economic adviser Larry Kudlow said as it was becoming clear that the president was headed for defeat. “What I would tell President Trump is: Don’t give up. “For all those of you who voted for President Trump, I understand the disappointment tonight.
Kushner says Black people must 'want to be successful'
Read full article: Kushner says Black people must 'want to be successful'WASHINGTON – Presidential adviser Jared Kushner said Monday that President Donald Trump wants to help Black people in America, but they have to “want to be successful" for his policies to work. She said they were trying to distract from Trump's “undeniable record of accomplishment” for Black people. Smith, who is Black, tweeted a photo of himself with Kushner and Vice President Mike Pence. Smith said Kushner has been “a huge advocate" for the issues that affect Black America, and named criminal justice reform, opportunity zones, trade and jobs. Trump, who has been trying to appeal to the Black community, has been promoting his attempts to set up economic opportunity zones, provide steady funding for historically Black colleges and universities, and institute criminal justice reforms.
The Latest: Trump celebrates expected Barrett confirmation
Read full article: The Latest: Trump celebrates expected Barrett confirmationWASHINGTON – The Latest on the presidential campaign (all times local):6:10 p.m.President Donald Trump is celebrating the expected confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court as he campaigns in Pennsylvania during his third rally of the day. Democrat Joe Biden traveled to Chester, Pennsylvania, on Monday to boost get-out-the-vote efforts. Biden is campaigning this week in Pennsylvania and Florida, key swing states Trump won in 2016. ___4:20 p.m.Democrat Joe Biden says he’s adding Iowa and Wisconsin to his travel itinerary for the final week before Election Day, but insists he’s not overconfident about his prospects of unseating President Donald Trump. You solve problems with solutions.”___11:25 a.m.Melania Trump is set to make her first solo campaign-trail appearance of 2020 for President Donald Trump.
Four years in, Trump has plenty of unfinished business
Read full article: Four years in, Trump has plenty of unfinished businessTrump pushed through the most significant overhaul of the U.S. tax system since President Ronald Reagan. But Trump has also faced the same hard truth that each of his White House predecessors learned: Governing is rarely easy. ___MIDEAST PEACEEarly in his presidency, Trump expressed confidence that his administration could broker a long-term peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. No law prevents Trump from making his tax filings public while under audit. Questions about Trump's tax returns — and his broader financial situation — have only grown following revelations that he is personally liable for more than $400 million in debt.
Trump: Sudan to join UAE, Bahrain in recognizing Israel
Read full article: Trump: Sudan to join UAE, Bahrain in recognizing IsraelIn exchange, Trump notified Congress on Friday of his intent to remove Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. Previously, the Trump administration engineered diplomatic pacts between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain — the first since Jordan recognized Israel in the 1990s and Egypt in the 1970s. “This is one of the great days in the history of Sudan,” Trump said, adding that Israel and Sudan have been in a state of hostilities for decades, even if they had not been in direct conflict. “Today, Khartoum is saying yes to peace with Israel, yes to recognition of Israel and yes to normalization with Israel," Netanyahu said. "This is a new era, an era of true peace — peace that is proceeding and widening with additional Arab countries.
Trump the dancer? His moves to 'YMCA' at rallies are a hit
Read full article: Trump the dancer? His moves to 'YMCA' at rallies are a hitPresident Donald Trump, a man who is famously particular about his appearance, is fully embracing doing a dad dance to the Village People's “YMCA” as the finale to his rallies in the campaign's closing stretch. Trump's rally dance has become a rare moment of levity in an otherwise miserable campaign year marked by a deadly pandemic, an economic recession and racial turmoil. Then order 'Dancing with The Don’ and let President Trump teach you all the hottest moves!" Dancing.”“YMCA,” widely considered a gay anthem, is a relatively new addition to Trump's rally playlist. Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller agreed to reveal the secret to an AP reporter “only if we first get a clip of you singing YMCA.”AP's Jill Colvin declined.
The Latest: Trump in debate prep before faceoff with Biden
Read full article: The Latest: Trump in debate prep before faceoff with BidenPresident Donald Trump listens to Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden during the first presidential debate Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, at Case Western University and Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool)
The Latest: Trump casts election doubts, Biden urges voting
Read full article: The Latest: Trump casts election doubts, Biden urges voting(AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool)WASHINGTON – The Latest on the 2020 presidential election (all times local):10:50 p.m.President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden are painting a very different picture of the reliability of the upcoming election. ___10:20 p.m.President Donald Trump has sidestepped a question from moderator Chris Wallace about whether he was willing to condemn white supremacists and militia groups. Biden made the comment during Tuesday night’s debate after President Donald Trump accused him of supporting abolishing private insurance. ___2:15 p.m.Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, have released more of their personal tax returns ahead of the first presidential debate. ___12:30 p.m.President Donald Trump spent Tuesday morning in informal preparations for the first debate with Joe Biden.
Police: Friend convinced Trump ex-campaign boss to surrender
Read full article: Police: Friend convinced Trump ex-campaign boss to surrenderParscale was hospitalized Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, after he threatened to harm himself, according to Florida police and campaign officials. When Wilson arrived at the Fort Lauderdale home, he was able to persuade Parscale to come outside. Body camera footage released Monday shows officers rushing Parscale and knocking him to the ground before taking him into custody. The wife told officers that Parscale had been stressed out recently and that he had made comments about shooting himself, according to a police report. A furious Trump was left staring at a sea of empty seats and, weeks later, promoted Bill Stepien to campaign manager.
Trump ex-campaign boss hospitalized amid threat to harm self
Read full article: Trump ex-campaign boss hospitalized amid threat to harm selfFILE - In this Oct. 10, 2019, file photo, Brad Parscale, then-campaign manager for President Donald Trump, speaks during a campaign rally at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Parscale was hospitalized Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, after he threatened to harm himself, according to Florida police and campaign officials. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – President Donald Trump’s former campaign manager Brad Parscale was hospitalized Sunday after he threatened to harm himself, according to Florida police and campaign officials. “Brad Parscale is a member of our family and we love him,” said Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh. Parscale was originally hired to run Trump’s 2016 campaign by Jared Kushner, the president’s powerful son-in-law.
Trump to preside over historic Arab-Israel recognition deals
Read full article: Trump to preside over historic Arab-Israel recognition dealsTrump and his allies hope the occasion will burnish Trump's credentials as a peacemaker at the height of his reelection campaign. In addition to the individual bilateral agreements signed by Israel, the UAE and Bahrain, all three will sign a trilateral document, officials said. The White House is encouraging those attending Tuesday's ceremony to wear masks. For one, neither country is sending its head of state or government to sign the deals with Netanyahu. While the pageantry of the White House signing ceremony offers Trump and Netanyahu a political triumph, Prince Mohammed faces neither reelection pressures nor protests at home.
Trump highlights foreign policy wins as he woos voters
Read full article: Trump highlights foreign policy wins as he woos votersPresident Donald Trump listens in the Oval Office of the White House on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, in Washington. On some of the most troublesome national security challenges facing America — nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea — Trump has failed to make deals. The White House, for its part, casts Trump's recent flurry of foreign policy activity as evidence that long-sought initiatives are coming to fruition. “He’s not running on his foreign policy,” Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner told White House reporters last week. “If North Korea behaves true to form, then we should expect to see some sort of provocations -- maybe not before but after the election,” Cha said.
Trump highlights foreign policy wins as he woos voters
Read full article: Trump highlights foreign policy wins as he woos votersPresident Donald Trump listens in the Oval Office of the White House on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, in Washington. On some of the most troublesome national security challenges facing America — nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea — Trump has failed to make deals. The White House, for its part, casts Trump's recent flurry of foreign policy activity as evidence that long-sought initiatives are coming to fruition. “He’s not running on his foreign policy,” Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner told White House reporters last week. “If North Korea behaves true to form, then we should expect to see some sort of provocations -- maybe not before but after the election,” Cha said.
Book: Kim Jong Un told Trump about killing his uncle
Read full article: Book: Kim Jong Un told Trump about killing his uncleAs he engaged in nuclear arms talks with Kim, Trump dismissed intelligence officials' assessments that North Korea would never give up its nuclear weapons. Trump told Woodward that the CIA has no idea how to handle Pyongyang. Critics said that by meeting Kim, Trump provided the North Korean leader with legitimacy on the world stage. Kim wrote to Trump that he believed the deep and special friendship between us will work as a magical force." But the sources did not provide details and told Woodward, according to the book, that they were surprised Trump had disclosed it.
Trump raises $210 million, robust but well short of Biden
Read full article: Trump raises $210 million, robust but well short of BidenNEW YORK President Donald Trump and his Republican Party jointly raised $210 million in August, a robust sum but one dwarfed by the record $364.5 million raised by Democrats and their nominee, Joe Biden. Both campaigns are raising massive amounts of money but have very different priorities about how to spend it, said Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien. The Trump campaign, however, faces questions about how it has managed to lose a massive financial advantage. Trump campaign officials have kicked off a review of expenditures, including those authorized by former campaign manager Brad Parscale, who was demoted this summer. But even Parscales internal critics give him credit for helping the Trump campaign construct an unparalleled Republican operation to attract small donors online.
Bahrain to allow Israel flights to UAE over its airspace
Read full article: Bahrain to allow Israel flights to UAE over its airspaceDUBAI Bahrain will allow all flights coming to and departing from the United Arab Emirates to cross through the island kingdom's airspace a statement apparently allowing Israeli flights after neighboring Saudi Arabia issued a similar announcement. The state-run Bahrain News Agency made the announcement without directly naming Israel, just as Saudi Arabia had. The statement makes no mention of the kingdoms rival, Iran, nor Qatar, which Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are currently boycotting. Flights between Bahrain and the UAE now skirt just north of Qatari airspace as Doha remains banned from the airspace of boycotting nations amid a yearslong political dispute. Iranian flights to the UAE similarly don't need to enter the airspace of Bahrain, an island nation just off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf.
With Kushner in UAE, Iran's leader decries Israel-UAE ties
Read full article: With Kushner in UAE, Iran's leader decries Israel-UAE tiesAn official stands at the door of an Israeli El Al airliner after it landed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Aug. 31, 2020. King Hamad praised the steadfast, historic stances of the United Arab Emirates in ensuring Palestinian rights, BNA said. Kushner has expressed optimism that other Arab countries will soon follow the UAE in establishing official ties with Israel, even in the absence of a peace deal with the Palestinians. The United Arab Emirates committed treachery against either the Islamic world or Arab nations and regional countries, as well as Palestine," Khamenei said. The treason will not last for long.Both the UAE and Israel share a mutual suspicion of Iran.
Israeli, US delegations depart to UAE in 1st direct flight
Read full article: Israeli, US delegations depart to UAE in 1st direct flightBut unlike those two nations, Israel has never fought a war against the UAE and hopes to have much-warmer relations. The American delegation includes President Donald Trumps senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as national security adviser Robert OBrien, Mideast envoy Avi Berkowitz and envoy for Iran Brian Hook. Israel will be represented by national security adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat and the director generals of several ministries, who will meet with their Emirati counterparts. The El Al flight, numbered LY971 as a gesture to the UAEs international calling code number, is expected to fly over Saudi Arabian airspace. Any long-term flights between Israel and the UAE would require Saudi clearance to be profitable.
El Al flight LY971 to Abu Dhabi was no typical air journey
Read full article: El Al flight LY971 to Abu Dhabi was no typical air journeyMondays El Al flight LY971 marked the first-ever direct flight from Israel to the United Arab Emirates, placing a significant stamp on this months historic U.S.-brokered deal to normalize relations between the two nations. While this is a historic flight, we hope it will start an even more historic journey for the Middle East and beyond, he said. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said it hurts us very much to see the Israeli plane landing in the UAE. "We would have liked to have an Emirati plane landing in liberated Jerusalem, but we live in a difficult Arab era, Shtayyeh said. For veteran El Al purser Hedva Opatovsky, the flight marked a fitting final journey for her 46 years of air travel.
Trump: NBA has become like 'a political organization'
Read full article: Trump: NBA has become like 'a political organization'WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Thursday that the NBA has become like a political organization," criticizing the league the day after player protests over police brutality led to the postponement of playoff games. The president said in a radio interview this month that NBA players were very nasty and very dumb for kneeling during the national anthem to protest social injustice. The NBA announced Thursdays scheduled playoffs were postponed, but the league hoped to resume play Friday or Saturday. Theyve become like a political organization, and thats not a good thing, Trump told reporters Thursday, noting that the league's ratings are down from previous seasons. Not everyone in Trump's circle was critical of the NBA players move.
Who's in power? Convention lineup has clues to Trump's favor
Read full article: Who's in power? Convention lineup has clues to Trump's favorDonald Trump Jr., speaks as he tapes his speech for the first day of the Republican National Convention from the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)WASHINGTON If speaking time at the Republican convention is a measure of President Donald Trumps favor, his family wins by a mile. Instead, the 2020 Republican convention is an exhibit of a party Trump has remade as a largely family-led enterprise. First lady Melania Trump spoke for 16 minutes. The speech solidified his standing as the leading Republican presidential hopeful in 2024.
US officials: 1st Israel-UAE commercial flight next week
Read full article: US officials: 1st Israel-UAE commercial flight next weekWASHINGTON U.S. officials announced Tuesday that the first commercial flight between Israel and the United Arab Emirates is scheduled for next week, carrying American and Israeli delegations to Abu Dhabi after the two countries agreed to normalize relations. The flight, likely on an Israeli El-Al airliner, would carry a U.S. delegation headed by President Donald Trumps senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner and national security adviser Robert OBrien, the officials said. The officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The flight also would indicate Saudi support for the deal. Israeli and American officials have expressed hope that other Gulf Arab countries will soon follow suit, with relations based on mutual commercial and security interests, and their shared enmity toward Iran.
After Trump campaign swap, questions and Kushner remain
Read full article: After Trump campaign swap, questions and Kushner remainTrumps long-in-coming campaign shakeup rearranged some big job titles but isn't likely to change the identity of the person truly in charge of day-to-day operations: Kushner. But it also shows a new willingness by Trump to diversify his inner circle, even if Kushner remains at the helm. That process began when Trump first elevated Stepien to senior adviser and returned Jason Miller to the campaign last month. We have a better team, better voter information, a better ground game, better fundraising, and most importantly, a better candidate with a better record, Stepien said. Despite the campaign shakeup, most in the GOP believe the candidate will determine his own fate.
Trump replaces campaign manager amid sinking poll numbers
Read full article: Trump replaces campaign manager amid sinking poll numbers(AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)WASHINGTON President Donald Trump shook up his campaign staff amid sinking poll numbers less than four months before the election, replacing campaign manager Brad Parscale with veteran GOP operative Bill Stepien. I am pleased to announce that Bill Stepien has been promoted to the role of Trump Campaign Manager, Trump said Wednesday on Facebook. Chris Christie and serving as Trumps national field director in 2016. Parscales digital advertising firm was among the campaigns most significant vendors, and some in Trumps orbit have alleged that the former campaign manager was profiting off the presidents reelection. Schultz is now at the Democratic National Committee, helping lead the joint battleground strategy among the national party, the Biden campaign and state parties.
In risky bid, Trump stokes racial rancor to motivate voters
Read full article: In risky bid, Trump stokes racial rancor to motivate votersHis comments are an apparent descendant, a half-century later, of Richard Nixons coded outreach to white voters known as the Southern Strategy. However, according to current and former Trump campaign officials, his overarching strategy is an appeal to white voters some of them racist and some who fear being left behind by a government seemingly consumed with helping others. The belief is that his appeals will generate enthusiasm among the same disaffected white voters who made up the presidents base of supporters four years ago. The issues that involve race now are completely different, said Sam Nunberg, a former Trump campaign adviser. In other parts of the country, less so.The Trump campaign dismisses accusations of racism.
Trump donors among early recipients of coronavirus loans
Read full article: Trump donors among early recipients of coronavirus loansMany were among the first to be approved for a loan in early April, when the administration was struggling to launch the lending program. There is no evidence the companies received favorable treatment as a result of their ties to Trump, and the businesses account for just a fraction of the overall spending under the program. But the distribution of relief money is coming under heightened scrutiny after the Trump administration initially refused to reveal which companies received loans, only to cave under growing bipartisan pressure from Congress. Among the recipients named Monday was the conservative website NewsMax, which was approved for a loan up to $5 million on April 13, the data shows. And Trump donors aren't the only people with ties to the president who have benefited.
In risky bid, Trump stokes racial rancor to motivate voters
Read full article: In risky bid, Trump stokes racial rancor to motivate votersHis comments are an apparent descendant, a half-century later, of Richard Nixons coded outreach to white voters known as the Southern Strategy. However, according to current and former Trump campaign officials, his overarching strategy is an appeal to white voters some of them racist and some who fear being left behind by a government seemingly consumed with helping others. The belief is that his appeals will generate enthusiasm among the same disaffected white voters who made up the presidents base of supporters four years ago. The issues that involve race now are completely different, said Sam Nunberg, a former Trump campaign adviser. In other parts of the country, less so.The Trump campaign dismisses accusations of racism.
White House punts on Israel annexation; more talks planned
Read full article: White House punts on Israel annexation; more talks plannedThe White House said Thursday that consultations with Israeli officials will continue as they try to formulate a proposal that would support Trumps plan for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and the administrations special envoy for Mideast peace Avi Berkowitz would travel to Israel Thursday for further discussions. The partisan divide over annexation was highlighted Thursday with the release of a letter to the Israeli government signed by 189 House Democrats expressing concern about the annexation plan. But others in the administration and in Congress want to see no, or limited, White House recognition of potential annexation. They include Pentagon officials and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and the architect of the Mideast peace plan, which has been roundly rejected by the Palestinians.
Trump faces critical decision on Israel's bid for annexation
Read full article: Trump faces critical decision on Israel's bid for annexationVirtually the entire international community opposes annexation, but Trumps domestic supporters enthusiastically back it. The White House meeting comes as Trump faces plunging polls and persistent questions about his handling of foreign policy. They include Pentagon officials and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and the architect of the Mideast peace plan, which has been roundly rejected by the Palestinians. Yet it remains unclear how many votes might be swayed by a decision on annexation. Texas megachurch pastor and longtime Trump ally Robert Jeffress said that annexation on its own is too in the weeds for most evangelicals to be following closely.
Trump heads to Dallas for race relations talk, fundraiser
Read full article: Trump heads to Dallas for race relations talk, fundraiserNotably, Dallas mayor and three top law enforcement officials, all of whom are black, wont be on hand for the roundtable discussion at the Dallas campus of Gateway Church. Dallas Plice Chief U. Renee Hall, Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown, and Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot did not receive invitations to the event, according to their offices. The White House is preparing executive orders and legislative proposals that Trump plans to unveil over the coming months, according to the senior administration official. He held a similar meeting on Monday at the White House with law enforcement officials. Trump, whose campaign effort has been largely sidelined by the coronavirus, will also hold a high-dollar fundraiser during his visit to Dallas.
Facing electoral headwinds, Trump brings back 2016 team
Read full article: Facing electoral headwinds, Trump brings back 2016 teamNEW YORK As anyone who has ever heard him speak knows, President Donald Trump loves to relive 2016. Our latest staff additions are making Team Trump even stronger and solidify Brads leadership.In the last week, the Trump campaign hired Jason Miller, communications director in 2016, to focus on strategy and coordinate between the campaign and the White House. And some of Trumps 2016 team never left: Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, the presidents daughter and son-in-law, are senior advisers. Kellyanne Conway, the presidents final 2016 campaign manager, remains a senior White House counselor. That includes Bannon, who remains supportive of Trump after a messy exit from the White House, and Keith Schiller, Trumps longtime security man.