The fragile peace plan brokered by Donald Trump is now in disarray after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered «immediate, powerful» airstrikes on Gaza, accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement and staging the discovery of a deceased hostage.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders "immediate, powerful" strikes in Gaza after accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire deal. https://cnn.it/434LUUp
This abrupt escalation, announced on Tuesday after emergency security consultations in Jerusalem, has thrown months of US-led diplomatic efforts into turmoil and reignited fears of a rapid return to open conflict in the region
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«Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the military echelon to carry out “immediate, powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip.”»
At the end of the security consultations, Netanyahu informed the United States that he had ordered the military to carry out what his office described as «immediate, powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip.»
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The Prime Minister’s office released a brief statement declaring: «Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the military echelon to carry out “immediate, powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip.”»
A military official accused Hamas of attacking Israeli troops east of the so-called yellow line — the boundary separating Israeli-occupied Gaza from the rest of the territory — during Tuesday’s clashes, warning that Hamas would pay a «heavy price» for targeting Israeli soldiers.
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«We’re going to have peace, if you think about it — peace in the Middle East for the first time in, they say-really, 3,000 years.»
-Donald Trump
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The massive attack comes as thousands of Palestinians had begun returning to their neighborhoods, humanitarian aid deliveries from Israel had resumed, and search operations were underway to recover the bodies of hostages buried beneath the rubble left by months of intense Israeli bombardments.
Many observers had already questioned the durability of the ceasefire and the broader peace plan, which Trump had hailed as a historic end to the conflict.
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At the time, Trump celebrated what he described as a historic breakthrough between Israel and Gaza, declaring: «We’re going to have peace, if you think about it — peace in the Middle East for the first time in, they say-really, 3,000 years.»
BREAKING: Netanyahu orders "powerful" strikes in Gaza as ceasefire breaks down
A Tesla shareholder has warned that Elon Musk could leave the company if his newly proposed $1 trillion compensation plan is rejected, underscoring the high stakes ahead of Tesla’s annual meeting on November 6.
Musk could leave Tesla if $1 trillion pay plan is rejected, chair warns reut.rs/3X3aeCx
«If shareholders reject the pay package and fail to foster an environment that motivates Elon to achieve great things through an equitable pay-for-performance plan, we run the risk that he gives up his executive position.»
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The vote will determine whether shareholders approve Musk’s second massive pay package — coming only months after his previous multi-billion-dollar plan was finalized — a move seen as critical to securing his continued commitment to Tesla as he divides his attention among several other ventures.
Shareholders’ best interests
Tesla chair Robyn Denholm issued the warning in a letter to shareholders ahead of the company’s November 6 annual meeting, saying: «If shareholders reject the pay package and fail to foster an environment that motivates Elon to achieve great things through an equitable pay-for-performance plan, we run the risk that he gives up his executive position.»
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According to Reuters, Tesla’s board has faced repeated criticism for failing to act in shareholders’ best interests, with governance experts and advocacy groups questioning its independence and its ability to oversee Musk’s growing influence.
Critics argue that several members of the board have long-standing personal and financial ties to Musk, raising concerns that their decisions may favor his interests over those of ordinary investors.
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Many question why Tesla would want to keep Musk at their side with all the harm he’s done to the company in recent months; yet, as investor Christopher Tsai put it, «Elon is clearly a key piece of the story».
Tesla’s public standing
This perception of weak corporate governance has fueled skepticism about the board’s willingness — or capacity — to hold Musk accountable as his power within the company continues to expand.
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Musk’s recent controversies have further complicated Tesla’s public standing, with his outspoken political commentary and increasing alignment with far-right figures drawing backlash from parts of the public and the media.
Musk’s growing political involvement has deepened the controversies surrounding him and further damaged Tesla’s public image.
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Once celebrated as a visionary entrepreneur, he became an increasingly polarizing figure through his outspoken commentary and alignment with right-wing causes.
The lines between business and politics
During the early months of Trump’s second term, Musk briefly took part in his administration in advisory roles for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), pushing for deep cuts to the federal budget and workforce while advocating for policies that benefited his own companies.
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Musk proximity to power fueled criticism that he was blurring the lines between business and politics. Musk’s large-scale political donations to the Trump campaign — described by watchdog groups as «astronomical» — have sparked accusations that he attempted to buy influence and even sway key elections.
«Elon is clearly a key piece of the story»
-Christopher Tsai
One recent lawsuit in Wisconsin alleged that Musk’s contributions and incentive schemes tied to a state Supreme Court race violated election laws.
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Musk publicly backed Germany’s far-right party Alternative for Germany during the 2025 elections, triggering consumer backlash. In Germany alone, Tesla sales plunged over 75% year-on-year in February 2025. Across key European markets, Tesla’s registrations fell by nearly 50% while the EV market grew.
«I’m not saying it’s an easy path, but I see a path to Tesla being the most valuable company in the world by far.»
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These political ventures, amplified by his provocative activity on X, have alienated many consumers and investors, with analysts estimating that Tesla’s U.S. sales and brand perception have suffered significantly as a result.
Amid growing criticism over his leadership and political controversies, Musk has continued to project confidence in Tesla’s future.
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During a discussion with investors earlier this year, he dismissed concerns about the company’s trajectory and insisted that Tesla remains poised for explosive growth, saying: «I’m not saying it’s an easy path, but I see a path to Tesla being the most valuable company in the world by far. Not even close, like maybe several times more than – I mean, there is a path where Tesla is worth more than the next top five companies combined.»
Tesla chair warns Musk could walk if shareholders don’t approve $1 trillion payday
After undergoing his second annual medical examination at Walter Reed Medical Center in October, the first having taken place in April, Donald Trump is once again drawing attention to his health and mental fitness.
President Donald Trump demanded on Monday that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) prove her intelligence by taking the "IQ test" he recently passed, seemingly unaware that he was actually describing a cognitive test for dementia.
While traveling aboard Air Force One for an important trip to Asia, the president claimed he had taken another «IQ test» at Walter Reed during his first annual visit in April.
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«Let AOC go against Trump, let Jasmine go against Trump. I don’t think Jasmine. The first couple of questions are easy — a tiger, an elephant, a giraffe, you know. When you get up to five or six, and up to 10 and 20 and 25.
The same test
Trump said he wanted to challenge Democratic Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, two lawmakers he has repeatedly described as «very low IQ», to take the same test, boasting that they would not perform as well as he did.
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In reality, the test Trump referred to was not an intelligence exam, but the standard cognitive screening used to detect early signs of dementia, the same type of assessment he previously described as «very hard» and bragged extensively about acing.
«Have her pass the exam that I decided to take when I was at Walter Reed. I said those are very hard; they are really aptitude tests, I guess.»
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The president’s comments have reignited questions about his mental acuity, both for confusing and boasting about a dementia screening as if it were an IQ test, and for the fact that he has reportedly taken such cognitive exams multiple times since 2018, whether at his own request or not.
Not an intelligence test
During his remarks attacking the intelligence of Democratic Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jasmine Crockett, Trump appeared to confuse the Montreal Cognitive Assessment — a dementia screening administered by clinicians and not an intelligence test — with an IQ or aptitude exam, saying: «We have a great group of people, which they don’t. They have Jasmine Crockett — a low IQ person. They have AOC — is low IQ. Have her pass the exam that I decided to take when I was at Walter Reed. I said those are very hard; they are really aptitude tests, I guess.»
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He went on to challenge both lawmakers directly, boasting about his own performance on the test and mocking their intelligence, saying: «Let AOC go against Trump, let Jasmine go against Trump. I don’t think Jasmine. The first couple of questions are easy — a tiger, an elephant, a giraffe, you know. When you get up to five or six, and up to 10 and 20 and 25.»
Even if it remains unclear whether Trump took another Montreal Cognitive Assessment in October, the president, during his second annual medical examination on October 10, received a mysterious MRI — an exam for which he later said the results were «perfect.»
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In addition to the tests and imaging, Trump also received his updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.
Trump: AOC is low IQ. If you give her an IQ test, have her pass like the exams that I decided to take when I was at Walter Reed. Those are very hard…The first couple of questions are easy. A tiger, an elephant, a giraffe..
A few days after Steve Bannon, a close ally of Donald Trump, claimed that several scenarios were being discussed to secure a third presidential term for Trump despite the 22nd Amendment of the US Constitution, which limits presidents to two terms, the president, asked about it aboard Air Force One, said he would «love to do» a third term.
Trump won't rule out a third term: "I would love to do it"
He’s going to get a third term. Trump is going to be president in ’28 and people just ought to get accommodated with that.»
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There is a plan
In a video interview with The Economist, Steve Bannon, a close ally and former chief strategist to Donald Trump, declared: «He’s going to get a third term. Trump is going to be president in ’28 and people just ought to get accommodated with that.»
Bannon added: «There’s many different alternatives. At the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is, but there is a plan.» Reactions to his comments ranged from alarm among constitutional scholars, who noted that the 22nd Amendment bars any person from being elected president more than twice, to concern from civic groups and watchdogs who warned that such rhetoric could signal an attempt to undermine democratic norms.
«I’d be allowed to do that. But I wouldn’t do that. I think it’s too cute.»
The possibility of a third term
Discussing the possibility of a third term with reporters, Trump, rather than closing the door on the prospect, appeared to welcome it, saying: «I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever», a claim that contrasts with recent national data showing his popularity remains deeply divided.
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While Trump’s highest approval ratings tend to come from registered Republicans and conservatives, his support drops sharply among the general public, with about 44% of U.S. adults approving of his presidency and roughly 52% disapproving.
On immigration, his numbers are particularly weak, with only around 46% of Americans approving of his handling of the issue and just over 50% disapproving, reflecting widespread frustration over deportations.
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«I have my best numbers ever»
-Donald Trump
Trump successors? Bannon signals none can replace him
As Trump continues to tease and provoke speculation with social media posts and «Trump 2028» hats handed out at the White House, he also appeared to hint at shaping the party’s future leadership, praising JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a «great team» who could run for office.
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«I think if they ever formed a group, it’d be unstoppable,» he said. «I really do. I believe that.»
Steve Bannon, meanwhile, has expressed little confidence in Trump’s potential replacements, implying that he views Trump himself as indispensable to finishing the political project he set in motion.
Trump has not only refused to rule out running for the presidency again in 2028 but is now actively bragging about just how well he’d do with another campaign.
Kamala Harris, the former vice president and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate, has signaled that she is considering a political comeback, hinting at a possible 2028 presidential run.
Harris hints that she may run for president again.The Democrat, who lost to Trump in 2024, told the BBC she is “not done” with politics.
After months of speculation about her future in politics, Harris suggested that her ambitions are far from over, telling supporters she remains committed to advancing the issues that defined her previous campaign, from protecting voting rights to defending reproductive freedom, while leaving the door open for a return to the national stage.
«I have lived my entire career as a life of service and it’s in my bones.»
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A life of service
In the summer of 2025, the former vice president announced that she would not run for governor of California in 2026, even though she was widely considered the frontrunner to replace Gavin Newsom, who cannot seek re-election due to the state’s two-term limit.
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«He said he would weaponize the Department of Justice and he has done exactly that. His skin is so thin he couldn’t endure criticism from a joke, and attempted to shut down an entire media organization in the process.»
The decision was widely seen as a strategic move to keep the door open for another presidential bid in 2028, an opportunity for Harris to rewrite her political fate after what was seen as a humiliating defeat in 2024.
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Asked in an interview with the BBC whether she could one day be the first woman to lead the White House, Kamala Harris, who said she has not yet made a decision about running again in 2028, replied: «possibly,» hinting at another potential presidential bid, adding that «I have lived my entire career as a life of service and it’s in my bones,» and declaring with determination: «I am not done.»
Calling President Donald Trump a «tyrant», Kamala Harris accused him of having «weaponized» federal agencies and said:
«He said he would weaponize the Department of Justice and he has done exactly that. His skin is so thin he couldn’t endure criticism from a joke, and attempted to shut down an entire media organization in the process.»
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Newsom leads, Harris trails
Hariss expressed confidence that there will one day be a woman in the White House, saying she would «possibly» be the one. Harris dismissed polls that place her as an behind Gavin Newsom in recent polls. Newsom leading the early 2028 Democratic field with around 23% to 25% support, ahead of Kamala Harris, who trails between 11% and 19%, as other potential contenders remain in single digits.
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In her first UK interview, former Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris was in London on October 23, for the UK stop of her international book tour promoting 107 Days, her memoir recounting her 2024 campaign.
The interview with the BBC took place during that visit, as Harris continued her tour running from September 24 in New York to November 20 in Miami.
Harris made the comments in an interview with the BBC while stopping in London for her book tour.
Donald Trump has announced an additional 10% tariff on goods imported from Canada, raising the stakes in his already heated trade war after Ontario aired an anti-tariff advertisement featuring Ronald Reagan.
President Trump says he will impose an additional 10% tariff on Canada. Details: https://cnn.it/4qs98xH
«Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts, and hostile act, I am increasing the tariff on Canada by 10% over and above what they are paying now.»
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Calling the ad a «fraud», the president accused Canadian officials of knowingly backing it and lashed out at them for not removing it ahead of the World Series baseball championship.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Donald Trump declared: «Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts, and hostile act, I am increasing the tariff on Canada by 10% over and above what they are paying now,» according to Reuters.
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Ronald Reagan’s 1988 speech
Last week, Donald Trump abruptly ended all trade talks with Canada after accusing Ontario’s government of funding a «fake» U.S. advertisement that featured Ronald Reagan’s real voice and words taken from an authentic 1988 speech criticizing protectionism.
The ad, which aired online and during several U.S. broadcasts, repurposed Reagan’s original remarks warning against tariffs and trade isolation to highlight the economic risks of Trump’s current policies. Enraged by what he called a «fraudulent» attempt to manipulate public opinion, Trump claimed the ad was a $75 million effort to influence ongoing court cases over his controversial «Liberation Day» tariffs.
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Declaring «CANADA CHEATED AND GOT CAUGHT!!!», he announced that all trade negotiations with Canada were «hereby terminated», defending tariffs as vital to U.S. national security and economic strength.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded by acknowledging the end of trade talks, saying Ottawa would instead focus on developing new partnerships, particularly with major Asian economies.
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The only G7 country
Earlier this year, the Trump administration had already raised tariffs on most Canadian imports to 35%, one of the highest rates applied by the U.S. to any trading partner. Canada is also the only G7 country that has yet to reach a trade deal with the United States since Trump began seeking to levy steep tariffs on goods from major trading partners.
Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he had no plans to meet the Prime Minister of Canada during his trip to Malaysia, even though both leaders were headed to a major international summit.
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For his part, the Prime Minister said, according to Reuters, that he is ready to sit down for trade talks with Donald Trump as soon as the U.S. president is prepared to do so, but emphasized that while he remains open to further negotiations, he will reject any trade deal that is not in the best interest of Canadians.
Canada says ready to sit down with United States reut.rs/47rYnCW
In a long Truth Social outburst, the president declared the end of all trade talks with Canada, accusing Ontario’s government of funding a «fake» U.S. ad using Ronald Reagan’s voice to criticize Trump’s tariffs.
A Canadian-made anti-tariff ad, released on US television and featuring audio from former President Ronald Reagan, has sparked a sharp response from President Trump. https://cnn.it/4hnWSu1
«TARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A.»
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An advertisement featuring Ronald Reagan
In his first post on the matter, Trump wrote that «the Ronald Reagan Foundation has just announced that Canada has fraudulently used an advertisement, which is FAKE, featuring Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about Tariffs.»
«CANADA CHEATED AND GOT CAUGHT!!!»
-Donald Trump
He continued, alleging that «the ad was for $75,000,000» and that Canadian officials «only did this to interfere with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, and other courts.»
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After announcing his so-called «Liberation Day» tariffs on April 1, 2025, sweeping new import taxes justified under the IEEPA and set to take effect on April 2, Trump faced immediate legal challenges from businesses and several U.S. states. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court after lower courts struck down the tariffs as unlawful, prompting the administration to appeal.
«We can’t control the trade policy of the U.S.»
-Mark Carney
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Canada’s «egregious behavior»
In his Truth Social publication, Trump defended his trade policy, insisting that «TARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A.»
Trump concluded the post by declaring that, based on what he called Canada’s «egregious behavior»:
«ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.»
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Clearly stung by the attack on his tariffs, Trump followed up with a series of all-caps posts on Truth Social defending his trade policy and accusing Canada of cheating, writing «THE UNITED STATES IS WEALTHY, POWERFUL, AND NATIONALLY SECURE AGAIN, ALL BECAUSE OF TARIFFS!» and «CANADA CHEATED AND GOT CAUGHT!!!»
Trump also claimed that «THE STOCK MARKET IS STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE BECAUSE OF TARIFFS!» and that Reagan «LOVED TARIFFS FOR OUR COUNTRY, AND ITS NATIONAL SECURITY.»
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«We recognize it has fundamentally changed from the policy in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and it’s a situation where the U.S. has tariffs against every trading partner.»
Carney signals pivot to Asia
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to Trump’s decision to end trade negotiations by acknowledging the shift in U.S. policy, saying «We can’t control the trade policy of the U.S.»
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He added, «We recognize it has fundamentally changed from the policy in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and it’s a situation where the U.S. has tariffs against every trading partner.»
Carney emphasized Canada’s goal of «developing new partnerships, including with the economic giants of Asia.»
Carney: "We can't control the trade policy of the US. We recognize it has fundamentally changed from the policy in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, & it's a situation where US has tariffs against every trading partner… what we we can control is developing new partnerships, including w/econ giants of Asia"
After weeks in which Moscow had hoped to secure a second Trump–Putin summit, seen by the Kremlin as a chance to influence Washington, Trump’s sudden cancellation and his decision to sanction two of Russia’s largest oil companies, described as the «heart of Russia’s economy», sparked fury.
Russia reacts with outrage after the U.S. sanctioned its two largest oil companies, the first economic punishments slapped on Moscow by President Trump during his second term.
Russian officials accused him of taking a «path of war» with Moscow.
«The USA is our adversary, and their loquacious ‘peacemaker’ has now fully taken up the path of war with Russia.»
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The harsh reaction from Russia came from Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Security Council and former president of Russia.
In a social media post, Medvedev declared that «The USA is our adversary» and, mocking Trump as «their loquacious “peacemaker”», added that the United States «has now fully taken up the path of war with Russia».
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Medvedev use of the phrase «their loquacious ‘peacemaker’» was a pointed jab at Trump, mocking his constant self-promotion as a peacemaker and master dealmaker.
An immediate ceasefire
After weeks of being pressed on when he would act on his threat to sanction Russia if Putin proved insincere in his peace talks, Trump has finally done so. He is now calling on Putin to «agree to an immediate ceasefire» as Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities continue.
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Trump’s sudden reversal in recent weeks followed months of leniency toward Russia and repeated claims that Ukraine was to blame for the war — a stance that allowed Putin to seize significant territory and gain momentum.
Trump later admitted he had been misled by Putin and expressed disappointment, though despite repeatedly vowing to impose sanctions, he took no action, enabling Russia’s continued advances.
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During his meeting last week with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, Trump discussed a potential tunnel between Russia and Alaska, a topic Zelensky was «not happy about», and mentioned a possible second meeting with Putin, while appearing to reject Zelensky’s request for U.S. Tomahawk missiles.
«The USA is our adversary»
-Dmitry Medvedev
But Trump suddenly canceled the planned second meeting with Moscow, visibly frustrated by Russia’s lack of progress in his peace initiative, saying he «didn’t feel like we were going to get to the place we have to get.»
«We waited for this. God bless, it will work»
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement, according to CNN, that «Treasury is prepared to take further action if necessary to support President Trump’s effort» to end the war in Ukraine.
«We canceled the meeting with President Putin. It just didn’t feel right to me. It didn’t feel like we were going to get to the place we have to get. So I canceled it, but we’ll do it in the future,» explained Trump to journalists at the White House.
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According to CBS News, Zelensky, for his part, expressed relief at the announcement of U.S. sanctions against Russia, saying «We waited for this. God bless, it will work» and calling the move «very important.»
Speaking from Brussels, where he is meeting European leaders to secure further military aid and coordination, the Ukrainian president reiterated that only sanctions could bring Moscow to the negotiating table.
BREAKING: President Donald Trump said that he’d “canceled” an anticipated meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, telling reporters at the White House, “It just didn’t feel right to me.” https://cnn.it/47jZZOX
Best-selling author Michael Wolff has filed a lawsuit against Melania Trump, citing «assault on free speech» after she allegedly threatened to sue him for 1 billion dollars over claims he made linking her to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Author Michael Wolff sues Melania Trump after she threatens Epstein suit
«To be perfectly honest, I’d like nothing better than to get Donald Trump and Melania Trump under oath, in front of a court reporter, and actually find out all of the details of their relationship with Epstein,»
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Wolff maintains that his reporting is protected by the First Amendment.
Epstein, Trump and the interviews that started it all
In a video posted on social media, author Michael Wolff said he has «written four books about Donald Trump» and that, before Jeffrey Epstein’s death, he had «extensively interviewed» the financier, including about his ties to Trump.
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«They are filed or threatened anyway to intimidate people from talking about this exact subject.»
Wolff added that he has «spoken publicly about aspects of those interviews, including the things Epstein said about his relationship with both Donald Trump and Melania Trump.»
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Melania’s billion-dollar threat
Wolff said that «several days ago» he was notified by lawyers representing Melania Trump that they intend to sue him for one billion dollars over his public statements. He added that «they’ve threatened and sued other people for related statements about Melania Trump’s relationship with Epstein.»
Describing such actions as «SLAPP suits»—strategic lawsuits against public participation—Wolff said these cases «may have no hope whatsoever of proving defamation, but they are filed or threatened anyway to intimidate people from talking about this exact subject.»
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«A very fruitful way to finally open this dark curtain and find out what Donald Trump, Melania Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were doing together.»
Turning the tables on the Trumps
Wolff went on to say that he «can’t live like that,» referring to what he described as intimidation through legal threats.
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«To be perfectly honest, I’d like nothing better than to get Donald Trump and Melania Trump under oath, in front of a court reporter, and actually find out all of the details of their relationship with Epstein,» he said.
Declaring that he was «turning the tables on the Trumps and refusing to acquiesce,» Wolff added that his lawyers had filed a motion in a New York court seeking a declaratory judgment — giving them subpoena power to call witnesses and determine «exactly what the relationship between Epstein and the Trumps was.»
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«I can’t live like that.»
-Michael Wolff
A costly but revealing battle
Wolff concluded his video by acknowledging that the legal battle ahead «is going to be an expensive effort,» saying he plans to seek public support to help fund it.
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He added that he believes the case could become «a very fruitful way to finally open this dark curtain and find out what Donald Trump, Melania Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were doing together.»
Michael Wolff vs. Melania Trump: See you (and your husband) in court.
The Trump administration has apparently extended its naval campaign from the Caribbean to the Pacific this week, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that two boats, presumed to be cartel drug vessels, were struck by the US military.
US military strikes boat in the Pacific in apparent expansion of its campaign against alleged drug trafficking. https://cnn.it/4ngzf88
The 8th and 9th military strikes, ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with the president’s approval, have brought the death toll to 37, according to CNN.
«Just as Al Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border and our people. There will be no refuge or forgiveness—only justice.»
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the expansion of the war into the Pacific on X, stating that one of the boats was known to the US military for «conducting narco-trafficking in the Eastern Pacific».
Following the first strike, Hegseth issued a warning, saying there would be «no safe harbor anywhere in our hemisphere» for those he described as narco-terrorists.
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On X, Hegseth compared the drug cartels to Al Qaeda and warned that there would be no refuge or forgiveness «only justice»:
«Just as Al Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border and our people. There will be no refuge or forgiveness—only justice.»
His statement came as CNN reported that the Trump administration has produced a classified legal opinion seeking to justify lethal strikes against a secret and expansive list of cartels and suspected drug traffickers, effectively granting the US military and Hegseth the authority to kill without any form of judicial review.
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A war against «narco-terrorists»
Since early September, the U.S. military has conducted nine strikes against vessels suspected of belonging to drug cartels, marking the largest American counter-narcotics campaign in decades.
The first attack, on September 2, targeted a Venezuelan boat allegedly linked to the Tren de Aragua network, killing eleven.
CaptureTruthSocialRealDonaldTrump
Additional strikes followed on September 15, 16, and 19, with one vessel sunk and nearly one ton of cocaine reportedly recovered by Dominican authorities — the only publicly documented evidence of drug trafficking so far, according to local media cited by international outlets. A new strike on October 3 killed four more.
Two further operations in the Pacific this week brought the total death toll to 37.
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The Trump administration calls the campaign a war against «narco-terrorists».
But colombian officials have accused the Trump administration of killing a civilian fisherman during the U.S. anti-cartel strikes, alleging the victim had no criminal ties. The incident has fueled growing doubts over the campaign’s accuracy and legality, as no independent evidence has yet confirmed the U.S. claims about the targeted boats.
The Trump administration expands its campaign against alleged drug traffickers this week.They opened a new front by launching an attack in the Pacific and targeting Colombia.
