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Kim Jong Un Ghosts Trump, Launches Missiles Instead

During his weeklong trip across Asia, Donald Trump expressed his wish to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, hoping to rekindle the dialogue that had stalled for years. But his overtures were met with silence from Pyongyang — and missile fire instead.

North Korea said Wednesday that it has conducted successful cruise missile tests, the latest display of its growing military capabilities and one that came a day before U.S. President Donald Trump visited South Korea. https://to.pbs.org/3LiSpNg

PBS News (@pbsnews.org) 2025-10-29T17:04:01.88033517Z

«I know Kim Jong Un very well. We get along very well. We really weren’t able to work out timing.»

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On the eve of Trump’s arrival in South Korea, after wrapping up his visit to Japan, Kim oversaw a new series of missile tests—a move underscoring North Korea’s defiance and signalling that diplomatic engagement remains far from Pyongyang’s agenda.

«He’s been launching missiles for decades, right?»

-Donald Trump
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Ahead of his Asia trip, Donald Trump reiterated his past rapport with the North Korean leader, saying:

«I got along great with Kim Jong Un. I liked him, he liked me. If he wants to meet, I’ll be in South Korea.»

Trump once again signaled a willingness to resume talks that have been stalled since 2019.

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In another moment, speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One while flying from Japan to South Korea, Trump sought to downplay North Korea’s latest missile activity. Asked about Kim’s recent weapons tests, he responded casually: «He’s been launching missiles for decades, right?»

During his meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the city of Gyeongju, Donald Trump reiterated his personal connection with the North Korean leader, emphasizing familiarity and mutual understanding despite the lack of direct contact during his trip.

«I know Kim Jong Un very well. We get along very well. We really weren’t able to work out timing,» Trump said at the start of the talks, framing the absence of a meeting as a matter of logistics rather than diplomacy — though Kim’s silence and the timing of the missile tests suggested he may have deliberately snubbed the American president.

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During Trump’s visit to Gyeongju for the APEC Summit, thousands of South Koreans took to the streets holding placards reading «No Trump» to protest his presence.

Minutes after saying he doesn't want to meet with Mark Carney, Trump says "I got along great with Kim Jong Un. I liked him, he liked me. If he wants to meet, I'll be in South Korea."

Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2025-10-27T12:08:23.409Z
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Trump strikes 4 boats in 1 day, killing 14

The US military, under the command of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, launched coordinated strikes against four suspected drug-trafficking boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday, killing 14 people and leaving one survivor, according to CNN.

US military strikes four boats in Pacific, killing 14 people, as Trump administration escalates its campaign against alleged drug trafficking. https://cnn.it/4huMaCh

CNN (@cnn.com) 2025-10-28T15:13:38.761417134Z

The operation marked one of the deadliest single-day actions in the Trump administration’s intensified campaign against maritime narcotics routes.

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At the direction of Donald Trump

On X, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the operation, writing:

«Yesterday, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out three lethal kinetic strikes on four vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations (DTO) trafficking narcotics in the Eastern Pacific.»

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Hegseth explained that US intelligence had been tracking the four vessels as they moved along established narco-trafficking routes in the region:

«The four vessels were known by our intelligence apparatus, transiting along known narco-trafficking routes, and carrying narcotics.»

«We will track them, we will network them, and then, we will hunt and kill them.»

-Pete Hegseth

One survivor

He went on to describe the details of the strikes, noting that they were conducted in three separate attacks targeting four boats:

«Eight male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessels during the first strike. Four male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessel during the second strike. Three male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessel during the third strike. A total of 14 narco-terrorists were killed during the three strikes, with one survivor. All strikes were in international waters with no U.S. forces harmed.»

«The Department has spent over TWO DECADES defending other homelands. Now, we’re defending our own.»

A search and rescue operation

According to Hegseth, the lone survivor was later subject to international rescue coordination efforts:

«Regarding the survivor, USSOUTHCOM immediately initiated Search and Rescue (SAR) standard protocols; Mexican SAR authorities accepted the case and assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue.»

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According to Reuters, Mexican naval authorities confirmed they had taken charge of coordinating the search and rescue operation following a request from U.S. forces, though it remained unclear whether the survivor had been successfully recovered.

13 lethal strikes

Hegseth concluded his statement on X with a forceful declaration framing the strikes as part of a broader shift in US military focus:

«The Department has spent over TWO DECADES defending other homelands. Now, we’re defending our own. These narco-terrorists have killed more Americans than Al-Qaeda, and they will be treated the same. We will track them, we will network them, and then, we will hunt and kill them.»

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According to reports, the U.S. military has carried out at least 13 lethal strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking since early September, killing at least 57 people and leaving 3 survivors.

Human rights groups and legal experts have accused the Trump administration of potential war crimes and extrajudicial killings, citing the absence of congressional authorization, lack of transparency, and the targeting of civilians outside a recognized armed conflict

BREAKING: Hegseth says that another U.S. strike in the Caribbean targeted an alleged drug-running boat operated by the Tren de Aragua gang, killing six people.

The Associated Press (@apnews.com) 2025-10-24T13:22:16.657Z
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Trump fires the people supposed to watch over his White House renovations

The Trump administration has dismissed all six members of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts after an unapproved demolition began inside the White House to create space for a new presidential ballroom.

Exclusive: The White House fired all of the members on the independent federal agency that had expected to review some of President Trump’s construction projects, including his planned triumphal arch and White House ballroom.

The Washington Post (@washingtonpost.com) 2025-10-29T12:45:03.702065872Z

His construction projects

The commission, an independent federal body responsible for advising on architecture and design in the capital, was reportedly not informed of the works, which included tearing down the entire East Wing — despite earlier assurances that the structure would remain untouched.

«It’s my favourite. It’s my favourite place. I love it.»

Donald Trump
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The move follows a series of controversial architectural interventions by Trump, who has refused to answer to any oversight in his construction projects.

«On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the Commission of Fine Arts is terminated, effective immediately.»

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Earlier this summer, he transformed the historic Rose Garden into a paved patio, stripping away its iconic image.

The mass firing underscores growing tensions between the administration’s push for grand, imperial-style projects and the legal protections meant to preserve Washington’s architectural heritage.

«We are preparing to appoint a new slate of members to the commission that are more aligned with President Trump’s ‘America First’ policies.»

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More aligned with Trump’ policies

According to The Washington Post, members of the Commission of Fine Arts, commission established by Congress more than a century ago and advising the president, Congress, and local officials on design matters in Washington D.C., received an email stating:

«On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the Commission of Fine Arts is terminated, effective immediately.»

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In a statement acknowledging the dismissals, the White House confirmed that the six commissioners, all appointed by Joe Biden and serving terms through 2028, were being replaced by figures more sympathetic to Trump’s agenda, saying:

«We are preparing to appoint a new slate of members to the commission that are more aligned with President Trump’s ‘America First’ policies.»

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Presenting his plan to replace the East Wing with a new grand ballroom, Trump described his deep attachment to the White House, saying: «It’s my favourite. It’s my favourite place. I love it,» according to The Times.

Yet many are increasingly alarmed by what he might attempt next in his sweeping reconfiguration of the presidential residence, as more than three years remain in his second term — with critics drawing parallels between his unrestrained demolitions and the chaotic, unchecked style with which he governs the country.

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Long-lasting consequences

The East Wing, which housed the First Lady’s offices, the White House Social Office, and several administrative and ceremonial spaces including the Family Theater, served as the logistical and protocol heart of the presidential residence — and many are reportedly in shock over its destruction.

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According to Politico, a historian of First Ladies warned that the loss of the East Wing will have long-lasting consequences for both the institution and the preservation of White House history.

“My living nightmare”: A historian of first ladies says destruction of the East Wing will have long-lasting consequences.Why fallout from Trump’s demolition job may linger👇

Politico (@politico.com) 2025-10-28T17:59:41.634Z
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Netanyahu orders «immediate, powerful» response in Gaza

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

CNN (@cnn.com) 2025-10-28T16:54:26.329842507Z

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

Axios (@axios.com) 2025-10-28T16:20:12.792Z
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Elon Musk wants a trillion dollars (or could leave Tesla)

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

Reuters (@reuters.com) 2025-10-27T13:10:15.859Z

«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

The Independent (@the-independent.com) 2025-10-27T20:41:01.755Z
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Trump mixes up cognitive exam with IQ test in latest comments

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.

Raw Story (@rawstory.com) 2025-10-27T14:00:19.355Z

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..

Acyn (@acyn.bsky.social) 2025-10-27T10:02:10.189Z
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Trump would «love to do» a 3rd term

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"

Axios (@axios.com) 2025-10-27T13:44:25.603Z

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.

The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast.bsky.social) 2025-10-27T10:39:13.618084Z
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Kamala Harris teases 2028 presidential run: «I’m not done»

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.

Politico (@politico.com) 2025-10-25T14:37:57.838Z

«I Am Not Done.»

-Kamala Harris
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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.

Forbes (@forbes.com) 2025-10-25T14:50:04Z
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Trump hikes Canada tariffs by 10% in retaliation move

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

CNN (@cnn.com) 2025-10-25T21:56:01.273650747Z

«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

Reuters (@reuters.com) 2025-10-27T10:00:35Z
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An angry Trump blames Canada for «fake Reagan ad» and then ends trade talks

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

CNN (@cnn.com) 2025-10-24T09:00:43.342063802Z

«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"

Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2025-10-24T14:02:36.101Z