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Feud erupts between Trump and ally Marjorie Taylor Greene ahead of Epstein files vote

Afham7 months ago04 mins

A fresh political rift has opened between former U.S. President Donald Trump and one of his most vocal allies, Marjorie Taylor Greene, just days before a high-stakes congressional vote on the release of newly compiled Epstein files. The clash—unexpected given Greene’s long-standing loyalty to Trump—has injected new tension into Republican ranks as lawmakers prepare for what could become one of the most politically explosive disclosures in years. The feud reportedly began after Greene publicly urged full and immediate transparency regarding the Epstein documents, calling on Trump to support a broad, unredacted release. She argued that the American public deserves “every single name, every visitor, every associate and every official” tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s network. Her remarks were widely shared online and interpreted as a challenge to Trump’s more cautious stance. Trump, speaking to reporters, criticized Greene for what he described as “reckless pressure” that could lead to the release of unverified or politically motivated information. According to advisers, he favours a phased disclosure overseen by independent reviewers to avoid what he termed a “witch-hunt environment.” Trump also suggested that some Republicans were trying to weaponize the moment for personal branding—comments broadly seen as aimed at Greene. Greene, never one to sidestep confrontation, fired back during a conservative radio appearance, insisting that “America has been lied to long enough” and that any hesitation to release the files in full raises “questions of motive.” While she did not mention Trump by name, her implication that political interests were obstructing transparency escalated tensions dramatically. The dispute comes at a critical juncture for Congress, where bipartisan support has been growing for the full declassification of Epstein-related evidence. Lawmakers are expected to vote later this week on whether to compel the release of hundreds of pages of documents, flight logs, visitor entries, correspondence records and newly gathered materials from previously sealed investigations. The vote is shaping up to be one of the most watched and debated decisions of the year. Within the Republican Party, reactions to the Trump-Greene feud have been mixed. Some conservative allies have rallied behind Greene’s push for aggressive transparency, arguing that the party should champion accountability across all political and social circles. Others have sided with Trump, warning that releasing unvetted information could unleash baseless accusations with long-lasting political fallout. As both sides entrench their positions, the political temperature is rising. Whether the feud is a brief flare-up or the start of a deeper rift may depend on how the Epstein files vote unfolds—and how much political damage the disclosures ultimately inflict.

Trump says he will take legal action against BBC over Panorama edit

Afham7 months ago7 months ago05 mins

Donald Trump has announced that he will pursue legal action against the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of defamation after what he describes as a deceptive and damaging edit of his January 6, 2021 speech in a recent Panorama documentary. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed that he intends to file the lawsuit “sometime next week,” adding that he is seeking between $1 billion and $5 billion in compensation. His lawyer, Alejandro Brito, previously sent the BBC a letter demanding a full retraction, a public apology, and significant financial damages. The controversy centers on the Panorama episode titled “Trump: A Second Chance?”, which aired shortly before the 2024 U.S. election. The documentary used excerpts from Trump’s January 6 speech, but critics say the program spliced together lines from different parts of the address, making it appear as though Trump called on supporters to “fight like hell” as they moved toward the Capitol. In reality, the statements were made nearly an hour apart, and key segments in which Trump urged protesters to remain peaceful were omitted. These editorial choices prompted accusations that the documentary created a misleading narrative about Trump’s intentions on the day of the Capitol riot. Following the outcry, the BBC issued an apology, with its chair Samir Shah describing the edit as an “error of judgment.” The broadcaster also confirmed that it would not rebroadcast the documentary in its existing form. However, despite acknowledging the editing mistake, the BBC rejected Trump’s request for damages, arguing that there is no legal basis for a defamation claim of the scale he is pursuing. Trump has remained firm in his stance, insisting that he feels an “obligation” to proceed with the lawsuit. He argues that media organizations should be held accountable when they distort or manipulate his words. He publicly described the Panorama edit as a “corrupt” example of fake news designed to misrepresent his message and influence public perception. The fallout from the incident has already been significant. Two high-profile BBC executives—Director-General Tim Davie and News Chief Deborah Turness—have resigned amid the ongoing scandal, reflecting both internal and external pressure over the handling of the documentary. Despite Trump’s determination, legal experts have expressed skepticism about the viability of the lawsuit. Questions have been raised regarding the statute of limitations under UK defamation law, as well as the complexities of pursuing such a claim in U.S. courts. Nevertheless, Trump continues to frame the dispute as part of his broader battle against what he views as longstanding media bias, reinforcing his narrative that major news outlets frequently distort his rhetoric. This planned lawsuit is the latest escalation in Trump’s ongoing clash with mainstream media organizations and underscores his intent to confront those he believes have misrepresented him.

Trump celebrates as Democrats face fallout from end of shutdown

Afham7 months ago7 months ago04 mins

Former President Donald Trump has declared victory following the abrupt end of the U.S. government shutdown, framing the outcome as a political setback for Democrats and a reaffirmation of his influence over national politics. The shutdown, which lasted 12 days, ended after Congress passed a bipartisan funding measure to keep the government open through the fiscal year. However, the political repercussions have begun to surface, with Democrats facing internal divisions and criticism over how they managed the crisis. Trump, speaking at a rally in Ohio, described the resolution as proof that Democrats had “no strategy, no leadership, and no message.” He argued that the party’s failure to secure any significant policy wins during the shutdown demonstrated what he called “a complete collapse of the radical left’s agenda.” Supporters at the rally cheered as Trump claimed the standoff had strengthened his image as a dealmaker capable of pressuring opponents to concede. Inside the Democratic Party, frustration has reportedly grown among lawmakers and strategists. Progressives criticized party leaders for agreeing to reopen the government without achieving key objectives, such as expanded funding for social programs or immigration reforms. Moderate Democrats, meanwhile, have urged a shift toward pragmatic negotiation rather than confrontation, fearing that prolonged shutdowns could alienate independent voters ahead of the next election cycle. Political analysts suggest the episode could deepen the divide between progressive and centrist factions within the Democratic Party. Several commentators noted that while Republicans also faced public backlash during the early days of the shutdown, the resolution’s outcome has allowed Trump to reshape the narrative, portraying himself as the figure who brought Washington back to order. The White House has capitalized on the moment, releasing statements crediting Trump with “restoring stability and accountability.” Administration officials have emphasized that the president’s stance during negotiations reflected his broader campaign promise to protect taxpayers from what he calls “reckless Democratic spending.” On Capitol Hill, some Democrats have attempted to downplay the perceived loss, insisting that reopening the government was necessary to protect federal workers and prevent further economic disruption. Yet, privately, aides acknowledge that the episode has left the party searching for a clearer messaging strategy. As Trump continues to dominate headlines and shape the post-shutdown political narrative, Democrats are now turning their focus toward repairing internal unity and preparing for upcoming budget debates. The shutdown’s end may have restored government operations, but it also reignited questions about leadership, strategy, and the shifting balance of power in Washington.

Epstein alleged that Trump ‘spent hours’ with one of his victims, as thousands of documents released

Afham7 months ago7 months ago04 mins

Thousands of pages of newly unsealed court documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein have revealed fresh details about his network of associates and alleged interactions with powerful figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump. The files, which stem from a long-running civil case against Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, include depositions, witness statements, and correspondence that shed light on the scale of Epstein’s operations and the alleged involvement of several high-profile individuals. Among the revelations, one of Epstein’s alleged victims claimed that Trump had “spent hours” with her at Epstein’s Palm Beach residence. The woman, whose identity remains confidential in the documents, did not accuse Trump of sexual misconduct but described his presence at gatherings organized by Epstein in the early 2000s. The allegations add to the growing scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s connections with influential figures from politics, business, and entertainment. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or inappropriate relationship with Epstein or his associates. He has acknowledged knowing Epstein “like everybody in Palm Beach,” but insisted he was “not a fan” of the financier and severed ties with him long before his 2019 arrest. Epstein, who was charged with sex trafficking of minors, died in jail that same year in what was officially ruled a suicide. The newly released files also mention other prominent names, including Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, and several former officials and celebrities. While the documents contain numerous allegations, much of the material remains unverified or based on witness testimony, and no additional criminal charges have been filed as a result of the disclosures. Legal experts say the release of these records underscores the far-reaching nature of Epstein’s influence and the need for continued transparency. Victims’ advocates have welcomed the disclosures, saying they help expose the scale of Epstein’s alleged abuse and the systems that enabled it to persist for years. The Epstein case continues to be one of the most controversial scandals involving sexual exploitation, wealth, and power. As investigators and journalists sift through the newly unsealed evidence, questions remain about who else may have known about or participated in Epstein’s activities—and whether justice can ever be fully served for his victims.

Elon Musk’s $1tn pay deal approved by Tesla shareholders

Afham7 months ago7 months ago05 mins

At Tesla’s annual shareholders meeting in Austin, Texas, more than 75% of shareholders voted in favour of a new compensation plan for Elon Musk. The package, potentially worth up to around $1 trillion, would be the largest corporate CEO compensation award ever if all performance conditions are achieved. The deal is structured largely as stock-based incentives rather than a fixed salary, linking Musk’s potential earnings to Tesla’s long-term performance. If successful, Musk’s ownership stake in Tesla could increase from roughly 13% to about 25%, further cementing his control over the company. Key Performance Conditions The massive payout depends on Tesla achieving a series of ambitious goals over the coming years. These include reaching a market capitalization of about $8.5 trillion, delivering 20 million vehicles annually, and deploying 1 million robotaxis alongside selling 1 million humanoid robots, such as Tesla’s “Optimus” models. Additionally, Tesla must record sustained annual profits in the hundreds of billions of dollars and Musk must remain as CEO for a defined period while guiding the company through these milestones. Why Supporters Backed It Supporters argue that Musk is the driving force behind Tesla’s transformation from an electric carmaker to a broader AI and robotics powerhouse. They believe the plan aligns Musk’s personal incentives with Tesla’s long-term growth rather than short-term profit. For many investors, the potential benefits justify the risk. Musk’s proven record with Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures gives confidence that he can push the company toward extraordinary achievements in automation, energy, and self-driving technology. Why It’s Controversial Despite the strong vote in favour, the deal has attracted significant criticism. The sheer scale of the potential payout—$1 trillion—has been labelled excessive by critics who question its fairness and impact on corporate governance. Some institutional investors and governance experts warned that such a plan could dilute shareholder value and place too much power in the hands of a single individual. Sceptics also argue that achieving all the performance targets is unlikely. Tesla faces mounting challenges, including intensifying EV competition, slowing demand, supply chain risks, and regulatory scrutiny. Entrusting so much influence to one figure raises concerns about oversight and succession planning. What This Means Going Forward If Musk meets all conditions, he could become the first person in history to receive a corporate payout of this magnitude, potentially making him the world’s first trillionaire. For Tesla, it represents a daring bet on future dominance across multiple sectors—EVs, robotics, and AI. The vote signals strong investor faith in Musk’s leadership and Tesla’s long-term vision. Yet, it also sets towering expectations that may prove difficult to meet. The outcome will define not only Musk’s personal wealth but also Tesla’s position in the global technology landscape. Read this also Inside Gaza, BBC sees total devastation after two years of war Bottom line: Tesla shareholders have handed Musk a colossal opportunity—and an equally colossal challenge. The $1 trillion plan embodies both Tesla’s ambition and the immense risks that come with placing so much of its future in one man’s hands.

Inside Gaza, BBC sees total devastation after two years of war

Afham7 months ago7 months ago04 mins

Two years after the war between Israel and Hamas began, the Gaza Strip has been reduced to ruins, with once-thriving neighborhoods now resembling ghost towns. A BBC team granted rare access to the territory describes a landscape of total devastation — homes flattened, hospitals barely functioning, and thousands of displaced families struggling to survive amid the wreckage. Entire districts that were once crowded with markets, schools, and apartment blocks now lie in rubble. In northern Gaza, what used to be Gaza City’s commercial heart is now a sea of collapsed concrete and twisted metal. The BBC crew reported seeing children playing amid debris, their laughter echoing in streets that have no running water, electricity, or sanitation. “It’s like time stopped here,” one resident told reporters. “We are alive, but everything around us is dead.” The humanitarian situation remains dire. The United Nations estimates that more than 1.7 million people — nearly 80 percent of Gaza’s population — are still displaced. Many live in makeshift shelters or tents built from scrap metal and plastic sheets. Food shortages are chronic, with aid deliveries continuing to face restrictions at border crossings. Hospitals, already crippled by years of blockade, are overwhelmed. Doctors work without adequate supplies, and power cuts force surgeries to be done under flashlights. The BBC also visited Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, once the territory’s largest medical facility. Its corridors are dark, lined with patients on stretchers, while generators rumble outside. “We’ve lost colleagues, we’ve lost equipment, and we’re losing patients we could have saved,” said one exhausted doctor. Israel’s government maintains that its military operations were aimed at dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure, following the deadly attacks that triggered the war in 2023. Officials say rebuilding can only begin once Hamas’s influence is completely removed. However, international aid agencies argue that ordinary civilians have borne the brunt of the destruction, with entire families wiped out and public infrastructure obliterated. Despite calls from global powers for a long-term ceasefire and reconstruction plan, progress has been painfully slow. Many foreign donors remain hesitant to fund rebuilding projects without assurances of stability. Meanwhile, Gazans face another winter with little shelter and minimal hope. At the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border, crowds gather daily, hoping for rare permits to leave. “We just want to live somewhere safe,” said a young mother holding her child. “We have nothing left here.” Two years on, the BBC’s report paints a bleak picture: a territory trapped between the ruins of war and the uncertainty of peace. For Gaza’s people, survival has become the only measure of victory.

Trump says Putin talks ‘don’t go anywhere’ as he imposes new sanctions

Afham8 months ago8 months ago04 mins

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that planned talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin “didn’t go anywhere,” as his administration imposed a fresh round of sanctions on Moscow over its continued military involvement in Ukraine. The statement marks a sharp turn in tone just days after Trump had expressed optimism about brokering a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said his team had “made every effort” to prepare for constructive talks with the Kremlin, but that “the Russian side was not ready to make meaningful commitments.” He added that he would not pursue another meeting “until there’s a real change in attitude from Moscow.” The two leaders had been expected to meet in Budapest later this month to discuss potential steps toward ending the war. The sanctions announced by the U.S. Treasury target more than 40 Russian entities and individuals, including defense manufacturers, energy companies, and senior officials close to the Kremlin. According to Trump, the measures are aimed at “pressuring Russia to engage seriously in peace negotiations” while maintaining support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. “We are not walking away from diplomacy,” Trump said. “But we are not going to waste time when the other side refuses to move toward peace.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the new sanctions, calling them “unfriendly and counterproductive.” He said Moscow viewed Washington’s move as “a continuation of pressure politics” and reiterated that Russia would not negotiate “under threats.” Russian state media also downplayed Trump’s comments, suggesting the U.S. was using sanctions to strengthen its negotiating position. In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the new U.S. sanctions, saying they demonstrated continued American commitment to Ukraine’s defense. “Every step that isolates Russia’s war machine helps us bring peace closer,” Zelensky said in a televised address. Analysts say the collapse of the planned Trump–Putin meeting underscores the ongoing difficulty in finding common ground on Ukraine, even as both sides face mounting pressure to end the war. “Trump’s decision to suspend talks sends a message that the U.S. expects concrete concessions before engaging further,” said Rachel Kim, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Policy Institute. Read This Also Trump says he did not want ‘wasted meeting’ after plan for Putin talks shelved For now, Washington appears to be balancing a dual strategy of deterrence and diplomacy — maintaining economic and political pressure on Moscow while keeping open the possibility of future talks. Whether these sanctions will push Russia toward meaningful engagement remains uncertain, but Trump’s latest move signals that patience with Putin’s approach is wearing thin.

Trump says he did not want ‘wasted meeting’ after plan for Putin talks shelved

Afham8 months ago8 months ago05 mins

Donald Trump has said that he did not want a “wasted meeting” with Vladimir Putin, after plans for a face-to-face summit in Budapest were put on hold. The context: Trump had announced last week that he intended to meet Putin “within two weeks” in Budapest to try to help bring an end to the war in Ukraine. But on Tuesday he told reporters that the meeting is not going ahead “in the immediate future,” after Moscow signalled strong refusal to accept an immediate cease-fire. In his remarks, Trump said:“I don’t want to have a wasted meeting. I don’t want to have a waste of time, so we’ll see what happens.” This signals that he believes the pre-conditions for meaningful talks are not yet in place, especially since Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, made clear that Russia’s negotiating position remains unchanged. From the Russian side, spokesman Dmitry Peskov affirmed that preparation is still required before any summit:“Preparation is needed, serious preparation,” he said.He also added, “No one wants to waste time, neither President Trump nor President Putin.” Hungary — where the meeting was due to take place — also weighed in. Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian prime minister, confirmed that although the date is not set, “preparations … are continuing,” suggesting the summit is not formally cancelled, just deferred. One major obstacle remains: Russia recently sent a private diplomatic communication — a “non-paper” — to the United States, restating its long-standing peace terms for Ukraine. These terms are seen as maximalist and incompatible with what Ukraine and its European allies are prepared to accept. In short, Russia is staying firm, making it difficult to arrange a meeting worth having from the U.S. side. Meanwhile, behind these diplomatic moves, Russia launched a major overnight missile and drone attack on Ukraine — killing civilians, including children, and striking key energy infrastructure. That escalation further complicates prospects for diplomacy and puts pressure on both sides over whether any talks can succeed. Trump’s shift in tone is also noteworthy. Earlier this year, he had suggested that he wanted to bring an end to the war quickly and had appeared open to the idea of territorial compromises by Ukraine. But now he seems to be aligning with the idea of freezing the war along current frontlines — a position also tentatively echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who called Trump’s recent proposal “a good compromise,” though he expressed doubt that Russia would accept it. Why this matters Trump’s insistence on avoiding a “wasted meeting” underscores how difficult it is to achieve meaningful diplomacy when both sides’ positions remain far apart. For Ukraine and its Western allies, the pause in the planned summit may actually be a relief, as they fear that a poorly prepared meeting could legitimize Russian territorial gains or pressure Kyiv into concessions. On the other hand, the suspension of the summit may also be viewed as a missed opportunity to re-energize diplomatic efforts at a time when the war continues to drag on and the human and economic costs keep rising.

Israel launches air strikes in Gaza, accusing Hamas of ‘blatant violation of ceasefire’

Afham8 months ago8 months ago04 mins

Israel launched a series of air strikes on the Gaza Strip late Sunday, accusing Hamas of breaching the fragile ceasefire that has held since the end of major hostilities earlier this year. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted what it described as “terror infrastructure” belonging to Hamas, following what it called “a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.” According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes hit several sites across northern and central Gaza, including alleged rocket manufacturing facilities and command posts. “Hamas fired multiple projectiles toward Israeli territory in clear violation of the ceasefire terms,” the IDF said in a statement. “In response, we have targeted key sites used by the organization to prepare further attacks.” Local sources in Gaza reported multiple explosions overnight, with plumes of smoke rising above residential areas. The Gaza Health Ministry said at least eight people were injured, including two children, though there were no immediate reports of fatalities. Hospitals in Gaza, already under strain due to shortages of medical supplies, struggled to treat the wounded. Hamas condemned the strikes as an “unprovoked act of aggression” and denied responsibility for any rocket fire. In a statement, the group said, “The Israeli occupation bears full responsibility for the escalation and its consequences. This aggression is part of Israel’s ongoing attempts to undermine the stability of Gaza and impose new conditions on the ceasefire.” The ceasefire, brokered by Egypt and supported by the United States and Qatar, had largely held since July, following months of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. It was seen as a crucial step toward easing humanitarian conditions in Gaza and allowing reconstruction efforts to continue. However, tensions have remained high, particularly over the slow pace of aid delivery and restrictions on imports. Regional mediators expressed concern over the renewed violence. Egyptian officials reportedly contacted both sides overnight, urging restraint and warning that further escalation could unravel months of diplomatic progress. “The situation is extremely fragile,” one Egyptian diplomat said. “Both parties must avoid actions that could reignite a broader conflict.” The United Nations also called for calm, emphasizing that civilians should not pay the price of renewed hostilities. “We urge all sides to return to dialogue and respect the ceasefire commitments,” said a spokesperson for the UN Middle East envoy. Analysts say the latest flare-up underscores the difficulty of maintaining long-term stability in Gaza, where recurring cycles of violence have repeatedly derailed peace efforts. Whether this incident leads to another full-scale conflict will depend on the coming days and the willingness of both sides to step back from confrontation.

Zelensky fails to secure Tomahawk missiles at talks with Trump

Afham8 months ago8 months ago04 mins

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s highly anticipated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House has ended without an agreement on the transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles, dealing a blow to Kyiv’s hopes of acquiring advanced long-range weaponry to bolster its defenses against Russian forces. According to U.S. and Ukrainian officials, the discussions between the two leaders were “constructive but inconclusive.” Zelensky had arrived in Washington seeking approval for the sale or transfer of Tomahawk missiles, capable of striking targets up to 1,600 kilometers away, arguing that such systems were vital to Ukraine’s ability to deter Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and logistics hubs. However, President Trump reportedly declined to approve the request, citing concerns that providing such high-precision, long-range weapons could escalate the conflict and draw the United States deeper into the war. Instead, Trump proposed increasing U.S. intelligence sharing and offering a new package of defensive systems, including Patriot interceptors and counter-drone technologies. In a joint press conference following the meeting, Zelensky said he appreciated Washington’s continued support but admitted that “Ukraine had hoped for more tangible commitments.” He added that Kyiv would continue discussions with American defense officials and Congress in hopes of securing “the tools necessary to end the war on fair terms.” Trump emphasized his administration’s focus on “peace through strength” and suggested that further negotiations between Russia and Ukraine could take place “under the right conditions.” He also reiterated his belief that a diplomatic settlement remains possible if both sides “show flexibility and put national interest above pride.” Analysts say the outcome highlights the ongoing tension between Kyiv’s urgent battlefield needs and Washington’s cautious approach to escalation. While the U.S. remains Ukraine’s largest supplier of aid and weaponry, the Trump administration has increasingly framed its support in the context of a potential peace deal rather than open-ended military assistance. The failure to secure Tomahawk missiles is likely to frustrate Ukrainian commanders, who argue that long-range precision weapons are essential for targeting Russian supply lines deep inside occupied territories. Without them, Ukraine remains largely dependent on shorter-range systems like ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles provided by other Western allies. Despite the setback, Zelensky vowed to keep pushing for stronger defense partnerships. “Ukraine will not stop fighting for its freedom and independence,” he said. “We will continue to work with our partners to ensure our country’s security and future.” The talks mark a pivotal moment in U.S.-Ukraine relations, as Kyiv balances gratitude for continued support with growing pressure to achieve decisive results on the battlefield before winter sets in.