Former President Trump is back in the spotlight, this time in a New York City courtroom. He’s aiming for a comeback to the White House in the 2024 elections, but his past is catching up with him.
The trial revolves around hush money payments Trump allegedly made to women who claimed they had affairs with him during his 2016 campaign. It also brings up the scandalous “Access Hollywood” tape where Trump boasted about inappropriate behavior.
Trump insists the trial is politically motivated and a ploy to keep him away from the campaign trail. Despite the embarrassing details, his allies believe it won’t have much impact on his political future.
The charges against Trump include falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress. Trump denies the affair and claims the payments weren’t illegal.
Former President Trump (Credits: Rolling Stone)
Testimonies, including that of former aide Hope Hicks, shed light on Trump’s concerns about his family’s reaction to the scandals. The defense argues the payments were to protect his family’s reputation, not his political career.
Trump’s current campaign differs greatly from his 2016 run, with a more experienced team. He’s visibly frustrated with the trial bringing back old controversies.
Despite his claims of innocence and cries of political persecution, the trial could affect his 2024 bid if he’s convicted. While most of his supporters remain loyal, a significant percentage might reconsider their support if he’s found guilty.
Billionaire investor Stanley Druckenmiller revealed on Tuesday that he reduced his big investment in chipmaker Nvidia earlier this year. He thinks the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) might be too much for now.
“We cut that and many other investments in late March. I just needed a break. We’ve had a great run. Many things we spotted are now well-known in the market,” Druckenmiller said on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
Druckenmiller explained that he decreased his investment after seeing Nvidia’s stock price go from $150 to $900. He joked, “I’m not Warren Buffett — I don’t hold onto things for 10 or 20 years. I wish I was Warren Buffett.”
Druckenmiller views AI as overhyped short-term, but underhyped long-term, like the Internet.
Nvidia has been doing very well lately because of the tech industry’s focus on large AI models. These models use Nvidia’s expensive graphics processors for servers. The stock was one of the best performers last year, going up by a huge 238%. In 2024, it’s already up by another 66%.
Druckenmiller first learned about Nvidia from his young partner in the fall of 2022. His partner believed that the excitement about blockchain would be overshadowed by AI.
“I didn’t even know how to spell it,” Druckenmiller said. “I bought it. Then a month later, ChatGPT happened. Even an old guy like me could figure out okay, what that meant, so I increased the position substantially.”
Famous for a $10 billion bet against the British pound, managed Soros’ Quantum Fund, and Duquesne Capital.
Even though Druckenmiller has reduced his Nvidia investment this year, he still believes in AI’s long-term potential.
“So AI might be a bit overhyped now, but underhyped in the long term,” he said. “AI could be like the Internet. As we spend a lot on it, we need to see the payoff as it comes in day by day. The big payoff might be four to five years from now.”
Druckenmiller has also invested in Microsoft and Alphabet as AI plays over the past year.
He became famous for making a $10 billion bet against the British pound in 1992 while managing George Soros’ Quantum Fund. Later, he oversaw $12 billion as president of Duquesne Capital Management before closing his firm in 2010.
Tesla‘s Chairwoman, Robyn Denholm, recently sold $17.3 million worth of her shares in the electric vehicle company. This brings her total stock sales for this year to over $50 million.
Denholm, who joined Tesla’s board in 2014 and became chair in 2018, sold these shares as part of a program called 10b5-1, which she started in October. With this sale, she’s now sold all the shares allowed in this agreement.
While Denholm still owns most of the 1.66 million shares she had at the end of last year, other big stakeholders have also sold shares. For example, Drew Baglino, a former Tesla Senior Vice President, sold shares worth around $181.5 million after he resigned in April.
Tesla faces competition, lower demand, and fewer deliveries, with shares down 26% this year. (Credits: Google Finance)
Another Tesla board member, Kathleen Wilson-Thompson, set up a trading plan similar to Denholm’s earlier this year, allowing her to sell up to 280,000 shares by February 2025.
Tesla’s shares have dropped by 26% this year, closing at $184.76 on Monday. This drop comes as the company faces more competition, lower demand for its electric cars, and fewer deliveries in the first quarter.
CEO Elon Musk has been talking a lot about Tesla’s future in self-driving cars rather than just its cars. He told investors last month that those who doubt Tesla’s ability to make self-driving cars shouldn’t invest in the company. Tesla has been working on self-driving technology for years but hasn’t released it yet.
Denholm sold all 281,116 shares allowed in her 10b5-1 program agreement.
Denholm joined Tesla’s board when she was part of the audit committee. She became chair in 2018 after an agreement with the SEC related to Musk’s tweets about taking Tesla private. Musk had to step down as chair temporarily.
Before Tesla, Denholm worked in executive roles at Sun Microsystems and in finance roles at Toyota in Australia, and accounting firm Arthur Andersen. She’s currently part of several committees at Tesla.
Denholm, who didn’t comment on this, is involved in a lawsuit called Tornetta vs. Musk, which was decided in January. The judge ruled that Tesla’s 2018 CEO pay plan, which was the largest in public corporate history, should be rescinded.
CEO Elon Musk emphasizes self-driving future amid challenges, urging skeptics to avoid Tesla stock.
Denholm’s recent stock sales come at a tough time for Tesla, with a lot of restructuring and layoffs happening. Demand for Tesla’s cars went down in the first quarter, and the company’s revenue dropped by 9%.
Musk said in April that Tesla was cutting more than 10% of its global staff. He called it a “pruning exercise” and said the company wasn’t giving up anything important.
Denholm and Musk are trying to get shareholders to vote with them on some proposals. One big proposal is to give Musk back his compensation package, which was canceled by a court earlier this year. This package could be worth billions of dollars in Tesla shares to Musk.
One of Tesla’s biggest individual retail shareholders, tech billionaire Leo Koguan, has told investors to vote against this plan. He recently wrote, “Don’t be a sucker, just vote NO.”
Former President Trump’s reluctance to commit to accepting the results of the 2024 election is causing a dilemma for GOP lawmakers, especially those aspiring for leadership roles. Senators John Thune and John Cornyn, who are seeking to become the next Senate GOP leader, have pledged support to Trump, but they previously opposed his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Other Republican senators, including Tim Scott and potential running mate for Trump, have also avoided committing to accepting this year’s election results. This puts them in a challenging position as they seek Trump’s support while navigating their previous stance against his baseless election fraud claims.
GOP strategist Brian Darling believes that Trump will likely claim widespread cheating if he loses the election to Biden, similar to his actions after the 2020 election. However, he warns that such claims could discourage Republican voter turnout, posing a challenge for the party.
Former President Trump (Credits: Britannica)
Thune and Cornyn, following McConnell’s lead, rejected Trump’s election fraud allegations in 2020. They emphasized focusing on future elections rather than dwelling on past disputes. Now, with McConnell stepping down as leader, they must decide whether to maintain their stance against unfounded claims of election fraud.
The issue of election integrity has gained renewed attention, with Trump refusing to commit to accepting the election results unless he deems them fair. This reluctance has left other Republicans grappling with whether to accept the outcome.
Senator Scott, when pressed on accepting election results, declined to give a clear answer, instead expressing confidence in Trump’s victory. Thune and Cornyn have urged their party to move forward and focus on future elections, emphasizing that dwelling on past controversies is not a winning strategy.
As the 2024 election approaches, Republicans face the challenge of maintaining unity within the party while addressing concerns about election integrity raised by Trump and his supporters. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the GOP’s future direction.
Over 500 individuals have been rushed to hospitals in southern Vietnam with suspected food poisoning after consuming bánh mì sandwiches from a shop in Dong Nai province. Among the affected, twelve are in critical condition, including two young boys aged six and seven.
Authorities have temporarily closed down the bakery responsible for the outbreak, located in Long Khanh city. Initial investigations suggest that the sandwiches may have spoiled due to the ongoing heatwave, exacerbated by inadequate food safety standards at the bakery.
Investigations suggest that the Bánh mì sandwiches may have spoiled due to the ongoing heatwave. (Stock photo via Getty Images)
Bánh mì, a beloved Vietnamese delicacy, features a French-style baguette filled with cold meats, pâté, and vegetables. The bakery, situated on Tran Quang Dieu Street, reportedly sells around 1,100 sandwiches daily, according to local officials.
The number of reported cases has been steadily rising, with symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and severe abdominal pains. Tran Ngoc Phuong, a concerned mother, recounted purchasing sandwiches for her children, only for them to exhibit symptoms within 24 hours.
As cases surge, symptoms of food poisoning, including diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and severe abdominal pains, grip southern Vietnam, prompting urgent investigations. (Stock photo via Getty Images)
Health authorities have conducted blood tests on some critically ill patients, revealing the presence of E. coli, a bacterium commonly found in fresh produce like beef, cheese, and fruit. Samples of the bánh mì have been sent to labs for further analysis.
An investigation into the cause of the food poisoning has been launched by local police, as the community grapples with the alarming outbreak.
A recent incident has sparked international attention as a US Army soldier stationed in South Korea finds himself detained in Russia on accusations of theft. Staff Sgt Gordon Black’s apprehension in Vladivostock on May 2nd has raised eyebrows, particularly due to the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Reports from CBS, suggest that Sgt. Black was not on official travel when the incident occurred, adding a layer of complexity to the situation. The soldier stands accused of stealing from a woman, prompting a swift response from both US military and diplomatic channels.
US Soldier Under Scrutiny for Allegedly Stealing from a Woman. (Stock Photo via Getty Images)
John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, addressed the issue during a White House briefing, confirming the US government’s awareness of the case. However, Kirby refrained from divulging further specifics, leaving many questions unanswered.
The US Army, in a statement, outlined that Sgt. Black was in the process of transitioning duty stations from South Korea to Fort Cavazos in Texas. This detail adds context to the soldier’s movements at the time of his detention.
Allegations of theft against a US soldier in Russia spark coordinated efforts from military and diplomatic authorities. (Stock photo via Getty Images)
Amidst the uncertainty, Sgt. Black’s family has been notified, and the US Department of State has stepped in to provide consular assistance. Nevertheless, the situation remains fluid, with details surrounding the allegations and subsequent legal proceedings yet to be fully disclosed.
As the case unfolds, it underscores the complexities of international relations and the challenges faced by military personnel serving abroad. For now, all eyes are on the developments in Vladivostock as efforts to secure Sgt. Black’s release continue.
Seven people have been killed and at least 35 injured in an air attack on Russia’s Belgorod region, on the border with Ukraine.
Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov blamed Ukrainian forces for the strike near the village of Beryozovka, which he said was carried out with drones and hit minibusses transporting workers to a meat production facility, as well as a private car.
Mr Gladkov said several other locations in Belgorod region had also come under attack in the last 24 hours, with residential buildings damaged.
Russian authorities claim that the Ukrainian drones attacked the buses. (Credit: The New Voice)
The Belgorod region has often been targeted by Ukrainian forces since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Hours later, Mr Gladkov reported another fatal attack, this time in the village of Nikolskoye. At least one person was killed when an outdoor cooking area was struck, he said.
The deadliest strike on the region so far occurred in December, when a drone and rocket attack killed 25 people and wounded another 100 in the city of Belgorod.
In March, Mr Gladkov said 9,000 children would be evacuated from the city and the wider region after shelling that authorities have blamed on Ukraine.
Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov blamed Ukrainian forces for the strike near the village of Beryozovka. (Photo by STRINGER / AFP)
Meanwhile, Russia has continued to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, damaging a facility in the northern Sumy region – which borders Belgorod region – in an overnight bombardment. Ukraine’s energy ministry said the attack had left more than 400,000 people without power. Power was partially restored by morning, local authorities said.
According to the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia is massing troops in the regions of Belgorod, Kursk and Bryansk in preparation for an offensive operation against northeastern Ukraine and the city of Kharkiv.
Citing a Ukrainian military observer, the ISW said that the Russian military has gathered roughly 50,000 personnel. Ukrainian officials have long warned that Russia is gearing up to launch an attack to seize Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.
First responders are conducting operations at a damaged site after a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on May 5, 2024. (Photo by Eugene Titov/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
On Monday, the Russian Ministry of Defence said it had started preparations for missile drills simulating the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons.
Tactical nuclear weapons are small nuclear warheads and delivery systems intended for use on the battlefield, or for a limited strike.
TASS news agency reported that the drills, ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, were expected to take place “in the near future” and would involve missile formations as well as air and naval forces.
People are walking past the scene of a Russian bomb attack on a residential building in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine. (Photo by Eugene Titov/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The decision to hold the drills was taken in response to “provocative statements and threats by certain Western officials against the Russian Federation”, the ministry added.
Although it did not name the officials, Russia has repeatedly criticized remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron about possible intervention by Nato troops in Ukraine.
Russia also reacted angrily to comments last week by the UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, who said that Ukraine can use British weapons for strikes within Russia.
Drake has firmly denied allegations regarding his involvement with underage women and concealing a secret child, which was brought forth in a diss track by his rival Kendrick Lamar.
The brewing feud between the two stars escalated over the weekend with a flurry of songs targeting each other. In Drake’s latest release, The Heart Part 6, he expresses feeling “disgusted” by Lamar’s assertions and implies that he deliberately fed false information to Lamar, hoping he would take the bait.
Drake fires back: The Heart Part 6 addresses Lamar’s accusations and hints at a strategic move in their ongoing feud. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Lamar’s accusations surfaced in his third diss track of the weekend, titled Not Like Us. In one verse, Lamar raps, “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young… Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor.”
Lamar had previously hinted at these allegations in another track, Meet The Grahams, where he addressed Drake’s mother, Sandra, expressing concerns about predators and insinuating that Drake had a secret daughter.
In his response, Drake laughed off Lamar’s claims, alleging that they were intentionally planted and that Lamar unknowingly fell for it. He rapped, “The ones that you’re getting your stories from, they’re all clowns. We plotted for a week and then we fed you the information. A daughter that’s 11 years old, I bet he takes it.”
Kendrick Lamar kept the pressure on Drake all weekend, releasing three songs in the space of 36 hours. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images for Samsung)
Drake vehemently denied any involvement with underage individuals, stating, “I never been with no-one underage… Just for clarity, I feel disgusted, I’m too respected.” He also countered Lamar’s insinuations about a secret child, asserting that if such allegations were true, he would have been arrested.
The ongoing feud between the rappers commenced last year with Drake’s song First Person Shooter, where rapper J Cole claimed that Drake, Lamar, and himself were the “big three” of hip-hop. Lamar responded with a verse on the song Like That, asserting his superiority and disputing the existence of a big three.
Drake’s retaliation: Push Ups and Taylor Made Freestyle, featuring AI versions of Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg, sparked controversy but faced legal repercussions. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Drake then retaliated with two diss tracks, Push Ups and Taylor Made Freestyle, the latter featuring AI versions of Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg taunting Lamar. However, the latter track was removed following a legal threat from Tupac’s estate.
Lamar fired back with a series of songs, starting with Euphoria, in which he referenced Drake’s previous feud with Pusha T, who revealed Drake’s secret child. Currently, Euphoria sits as the third most-streamed track on Spotify, with its counterpart Meet The Grahams at number two. Meanwhile, Drake’s diss tracks Family Matters and Push Ups hold positions 13 and 33, respectively.
After weeks of protests on campus surrounding the Israel-Gaza war, Columbia University has decided to cancel its main graduation ceremony scheduled for May 15. The Ivy League institution cited concerns for student safety and opted for smaller celebrations instead, following consultations with student leaders.
In a statement issued on Monday, the New York City university explained that students expressed a preference for smaller-scale, school-based celebrations, which they deemed more meaningful to them and their families. These celebrations would allow them to cross the stage, receive applause, and hear from invited guest speakers in a safe and respectful environment.
Police intervened and arrested more than 100 students at New York University (NYU) (Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The decision comes amidst widespread demonstrations at nearly 140 colleges across 45 states and Washington DC since protests began at Columbia University in mid-April. Over 2,500 individuals have been arrested nationwide in connection with these protests, according to reports.
Columbia University itself faced disruptions as pro-Palestinian protesters occupied Hamilton Hall, renaming it Hind’s Hall, in honor of a six-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza. The college intervened, leading to more than 100 arrests. Further demonstrations resulted in arrests when protesters pitched tents at the Morningside neighborhood campus.
Pro-Israel protestors chant a song as they demonstrate at Columbia University. (Credit: AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Protesters have been advocating for the college to restrict companies allegedly profiting from the Israel-Gaza conflict. However, incidents of antisemitism have also been reported during the unrest.
To ensure campus safety, Columbia has requested that the New York police remain on campus until at least May 17. The decision to cancel graduation comes shortly after police cleared a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles.
NYPD officers arrest pro-Palestinian protests began at Columbia University and spread to other schools in New York. (Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, other universities have steered similar tensions. Northeastern University’s graduation ceremony in Boston proceeded relatively peacefully, although Palestinian flags were waved and pro-Palestinian chants were heard alongside Israeli flag displays. At the University of Mississippi, an investigation was launched into allegations of racist behavior during protests on campus.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by universities amidst heightened tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, prompting institutions to balance safety concerns with academic freedom and student activism.
During his first trip to Europe in five years, Chinese President Xi Jinping initiated a charm offensive aimed at enhancing China’s relationship with France.
With looming trade tensions with Brussels and accusations of aiding Russia in the Ukraine conflict, Xi’s visit to France appears strategic in countering narratives emanating from the United States and consolidating China’s influence in Europe.
The president of France, Emmanuel Macron (3rd L), and his wife, Brigitte Macron (2nd L) receive Xi Jinping (4th L), General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and his wife, Peng Liyuan (5th L) at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France on 6th May 2024.(Photo by Daniel Dorko / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP)
Xi’s agenda includes discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on topics such as China’s friendship with Moscow and its role in resolving the war in Ukraine. Macron, while advocating for stronger ties with China, has also emphasized the need for Beijing to address concerns about its support for Russia’s military activities.
Trade issues, particularly concerning Chinese electric vehicles and French brandy, are also on the agenda. Beijing’s threats to impose tariffs on French brandy in response to EU investigations into Chinese EVs pose challenges for both industries.
Xi’s springtime trip to Paris kicked off with words of warm intentions between the two trading partners, before of a series of events promising some interesting optics on China-Europe relations. (Photo by Nathan Laine/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Despite these challenges, Xi is keen on highlighting the historical ties between China and France as the two nations celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. In an opinion column for the French newspaper Le Figaro, Xi expressed commitment to strengthening Franco-Chinese relations and upholding world peace and stability.
While Xi aims to cultivate closer ties with France, he also seeks to ensure European independence, cautioning against external influence, likely referencing the United States. Macron, known for his independent stance on China, has shown willingness to engage with Beijing on trade and investment, albeit with a critical eye on geopolitical issues.
As Xi’s visit progresses, his engagements in Hungary and Serbia will underscore China’s continued alliances in Eastern Europe. Despite geopolitical tensions and trade disputes, Xi’s visit to France signals China’s ongoing efforts to steer complex international dynamics and foster strategic relationships across the continent.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, acknowledged the current sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina, lies with the UK. This marks a departure from the historical stance of Argentine leaders who have steadfastly claimed sovereignty over the islands.
Milei, a right-wing politician, affirmed his commitment to pursuing the return of the islands through diplomatic channels but conceded that there is “no instant solution” to the issue. He emphasized that Argentina does not seek conflict in reclaiming the Falklands but rather aims for a peaceful resolution.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei aims for Falkland’s return through diplomacy, diverging from past rhetoric. (Photo by Tomas Cuesta/Getty Images)
Reflecting on the historical significance of the Falklands War, Milei praised former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, despite her controversial decisions during the conflict. He defended Thatcher’s actions, stating that criticizing her based on nationality or race is intellectually precarious.
Regarding the sovereignty dispute, Milei refrained from setting a specific timeframe for the resolution, acknowledging that it could take decades, drawing a parallel with the handover of Hong Kong from the UK to China in 1997. He expressed a willingness to engage in long-term negotiations with the UK.
Argentine President Javier Milei Leads The Central Event For A New Anniversary Of The Malvinas War Together With Ministers. (Photo by Federico Rotter/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
This shift in rhetoric under Milei’s leadership contrasts with the more confrontational approach taken by his left-wing predecessor, Alberto Fernandez. While Milei’s radical policies, such as advocating for significant cuts to public spending, have been notable during his campaign, his approach to the Falklands issue appears to be more measured and diplomatic.
Despite Milei’s acceptance of the current status quo, he remains steadfast in his desire for the islands to become Argentine territory, albeit within the framework of peace and negotiation.
A new poll shows that more Americans trust former President Trump over President Biden when it comes to the economy and inflation.
The ABC News/Ipsos poll found that many Americans see the economy and inflation as important issues for the upcoming election. Most people in the survey said they trust Trump more than Biden on these topics. Eighty-eight percent said the economy is important in deciding who to vote for, and 85 percent said the same for inflation.
Forty-six percent of those surveyed trust Trump on the economy, while only 32 percent trust Biden. Twenty-one percent said they don’t trust either candidate.
Similarly, 44 percent trust Trump to handle inflation, compared to 30 percent for Biden. Twenty-five percent don’t trust either candidate.
Former President Trump (Credits: Mint)
The poll also asked about people’s financial situations under Biden. Forty-three percent said they’re not as well off since he took office, while 40 percent said they’re about the same, and 16 percent said they’re better off.
In a hypothetical match-up between Biden and Trump, the race is close. Trump had 46 percent support among all adults surveyed, while Biden had 44 percent. Among registered voters, Biden had a slight lead with 46 percent support compared to Trump’s 45 percent. Among likely voters, Biden led with 49 percent, while Trump had 45 percent.
The poll surveyed 2,260 adults online from April 25-30 and has a margin of error of 2 percentage points.
The New York City Department of Corrections announced on Sunday that it will stop using body-worn cameras by its officers temporarily. This decision came after one of the cameras caught fire while an officer was using it last week.
The department stated that the officer wearing the camera needed treatment for burns and smoke inhalation. Corrections Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie expressed concern for the injured officer and emphasized the importance of staff safety.
The officer was taken to the hospital but was not admitted, according to reports from The New York Post.
(Credits: Police1)
The department has been using nearly 3,500 body cameras since 2015, and this incident is described as a rare occurrence. An investigation into why the camera caught fire is underway, including communication with the manufacturer. It is expected to take one to two weeks to complete.
This isn’t the first time body cameras have raised safety concerns. The New York Police Department suspended their use twice in the past six years due to similar incidents, once in 2018 and again in 2021.
The White House criticized former President Trump after he compared the Biden administration to the Gestapo, a Nazi police force.
Deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said Trump’s words were like those of fascists and Neo-Nazis. He added that President Biden is focusing on uniting Americans around democracy and the law, which has led to a big drop in violent crime.
At a Republican donor retreat in Florida, Trump complained about the criminal charges against him and accused the Biden White House of orchestrating them.
Former President Trump
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who was at the event, confirmed Trump’s comments but said they weren’t the main point of his speech.
Trump’s reference to the Gestapo, a brutal Nazi police force, drew criticism. It’s not the first time he’s used language resembling that of dictators from World War II.
In the past, Trump has made statements about immigrants and political opponents that some people say are similar to the language used by Adolf Hitler and other dictators.
The Biden administration stopped a delivery of ammunition to Israel last week, Axios reported. This happened while there was tension over Israel’s plans to invade Rafah in Gaza.
Israeli officials were surprised by the decision to stop the shipment, according to Axios. CNN reported that the U.S. decision wasn’t directly linked to opposing an invasion of Rafah.
Even though the Biden administration is supporting Israel against Hamas, they’ve warned against moving into Rafah. This is where many displaced Palestinians are seeking shelter.
The National Security Council said that the U.S. support for Israel remains strong. They’ve provided billions of dollars in aid and are leading efforts to defend Israel against threats.
Ammunition Delivery to Israel
The decision adds pressure to ceasefire and hostage talks between Israel and Hamas. CIA Director William Burns is in the Middle East to help find a diplomatic solution.
There’s a fear that if Israel invades Rafah, it could cause many civilian casualties. The U.S. has urged Israel not to attack without a clear plan to protect civilians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at a possible invasion of Rafah, with or without diplomatic agreement or U.S. support.
Some Democrats are criticizing Biden, wanting assurance that U.S. weapons sent to Israel are used lawfully. The State Department recently found that certain Israeli military units violated human rights.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York talked about how important the 2024 election is during an interview on “60 Minutes” last Sunday. He said a lot more than just abortion rights is at risk if former President Trump gets elected again.
He mentioned that the issue of reproductive freedom will be a big deal in the election. He said, “The extreme MAGA Republicans are starting to take away reproductive freedom. We’ll fight hard to keep it.”
Jeffries warned that if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, it could lead to bigger problems like Social Security, Medicare, and voting rights being taken away. He even said democracy itself could be at risk.
Democrats are focusing on abortion rights in battleground states like Arizona, Florida, and Montana. In Arizona, Republicans overturned an old abortion law last week, and Florida has passed a strict new abortion law.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York
But Jeffries thinks Democrats should also talk about their achievements, like gun safety laws and investments in manufacturing. He admitted that many people still think the economy was better under Trump, even though Biden has made improvements.
Jeffries said they need to do a better job explaining how Biden has improved the economy and how they plan to address issues like lowering costs and keeping communities safe.
He believes Democrats are on the right side of these issues and just need to communicate their message better to the American people.
In the time of Donald Trump, many Christians support him, which surprises people.
Out of 46 presidents, only three weren’t Christian. But Trump stands out because he often goes against Christian teachings openly. He’s even insulted Christians in his book “Think Big.”
Trump’s actions clash with the Ten Commandments. He’s been accused of lying, coveting, and stealing. Despite this, many white evangelical Protestants still like him.
Some Christian groups support Trump’s efforts to mix religion with politics, wanting Christian beliefs to become law for everyone.
In the 2020 election, over 80% of white evangelical Protestants voted for Trump. Some conservative Christians think Jesus’ teachings are too liberal and prefer Trump’s stance in cultural battles.
Trump is praised by some Christian leaders who believe he’s chosen by God. But whether that’s true remains to be seen.
Let’s look at Trump’s actions in light of the Christian Bible.
During Trump’s trial, it was revealed he worked with a tabloid to spread lies about his opponents. The Bible forbids lying and sowing discord.
Donald Trump
Trump has told thousands of lies while president, which goes against biblical teachings.
He’s also been found guilty of deceiving lenders, which the Bible condemns.
Despite this, Trump now sells Bibles for profit, which seems hypocritical.
Trump’s environmental policies also clash with Christian values. The Bible teaches caring for the Earth, but Trump has rolled back many environmental protections.
Pope Francis and many Christian groups criticize leaders who deny climate change and exploit nature.
Christians are warned in the Bible about false prophets. It’s essential for voters to consider these warnings when choosing leaders.
In November’s election, these warnings should be remembered by all voters.
William Becker, a former U.S. Department of Energy official, leads a nonpartisan initiative focused on climate policies.
Former President Trump said it was good news that the top lawyer of the Republican National Committee (RNC) was leaving his job not long after starting.
“Great news for the Republican Party. RINO lawyer Charlie Spies is out as Chief Counsel of the RNC. I wish him well!” Trump said on Truth Social.
Officials confirmed on Saturday that Spies was leaving his job as RNC chief counsel about two months after starting, when Trump became the expected GOP nominee for November.
There were problems between Trump and Spies because Spies criticized Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election being rigged and stolen.
“Charlie talked to RNC Chief of Staff, Chris Lacivita, about maybe not having enough time for the job, and they agreed that, while they appreciate Charlie’s skills, he can’t do this job full time and keep up with his law firm duties,” said RNC spokesperson Danielle Alvarez.
Former President Trump
Spies had worked for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, both of whom Trump has criticized in the past.
The RNC had said in March that it hired Spies, along with former One America News host Christina Bobb and former Trump administration lawyer Bill McGinley, to handle legal matters, with Bobb and McGinley focusing on election issues.
Trump’s team has said they want to be more active in checking vote counts for any problems. Trump said last week that he won’t promise to accept the results in Wisconsin in November unless everything seems fair.
Columbia University has canceled its big graduation ceremony after recent protests supporting Palestine caused a lot of trouble on campus.
A university official said “security concerns” were one of the main reasons for canceling, but they didn’t give details about why they felt the ceremony wouldn’t be safe.
Instead of one big ceremony, the school will have smaller ones for each school within the university. They think these smaller ceremonies are more special for students and their families.
Columbia University Protests (Credits: The Forward)
The ceremonies were moved from the main lawn to the athletic complex because that’s where the protesters were camping out.
The university is trying to make things better for everyone. They’re thinking about having a fun event on May 15 instead of the big ceremony.
Columbia has had lots of people arrested during these protests. Some protesters even took over a building. The university had to cancel classes and delay finals because of all the chaos.
Last week, the police had to go into Hamilton Hall to arrest some of the protesters.
The judge handling the hush money case involving former President Trump has issued a strong warning after finding Trump guilty of violating a gag order for the tenth time. Judge Juan Merchan ordered Trump to pay $1,000 for attacking jurors in his trial, warning that future violations could result in jail time.
While the judge acknowledged that prosecutors didn’t prove all allegations, Trump still faced consequences for his actions. The gag order forbids Trump from insulting witnesses, jurors, or court staff, but not the judge or the Manhattan District Attorney.
Trump has criticized the restrictions, claiming they violate his First Amendment rights. Despite this, the judge emphasized the importance of upholding the law and ensuring a fair trial. He stated that fines alone weren’t effective in stopping Trump’s violations.
The latest breach of the gag order occurred when Trump made comments about the trial and the jury during media interviews. While Trump’s lawyers argued that his remarks were responses to political attacks, the judge emphasized the need to prevent any actions that could influence the trial’s outcome.
Former President Trump
Regarding specific comments about witnesses, the judge did not find Trump in contempt for all alleged violations. He ruled that some statements didn’t constitute a threat or a breach of the gag order.
Trump’s legal team has appealed the gag order, citing concerns about his ability to defend himself. They pointed out remarks made by President Biden, arguing that Trump should be able to respond. However, the judge clarified that the gag order doesn’t restrict Trump from responding to comments made by others.
The trial revolves around allegations of falsifying business records related to a hush money deal made with an adult film actress before the 2016 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
