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Judge Strikes Down Biden Rule, Allowing States Access to Sensitive Abortion Records

June 19, 2025, 1:24 pm

A federal judge has struck down a rule that was adopted during the presidency of Joe Biden that protected abortion and gender transition patient records.

The ruling has now opened the door for state authorities to access sensitive medical data, and it has reignited debates over patient privacy and reproductive rights.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Amarillo, Texas, struck down a rule adopted by the Biden administration that strengthened privacy protections for women seeking abortions and patients who receive gender transition treatments.

The rule prohibited healthcare providers and…

— Ryan Shead (@RyanShead) June 19, 2025

Judge Blocks Biden Rule

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Amarillo, Texas, ruled that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) exceeded its authority when it adopted the regulation last year. The rule prevented healthcare providers and insurers from disclosing legal abortion information to state law enforcement pursuing criminal cases.

“HHS lacked clear delegated authority to fashion special protections for medical information produced by politically favoured medical procedures,” Kacsmaryk wrote. The rule was temporarily blocked in December when Kacsmaryk ruled in favour of Texas doctor Carmen Purl, who filed the lawsuit. Wednesday’s decision expands the block nationwide.

Purl is represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian legal group. Matt Bowman, senior counsel for the group, praised the ruling, stating that the regulation “would have weaponised laws about privacy that have nothing to do with abortion or gender identity.” HHS has not issued a public response.

Legal Fight Intensifies

The Biden administration issued the rule as part of its response to the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, which eliminated federal constitutional protections for abortion. Republican-led states like Texas have since implemented tighter restrictions and sought to penalise out-of-state abortions.

When introducing the rule, Biden said, “No one should have their medical records used against them, their doctor, or their loved one just because they sought or received lawful reproductive health care.” Texas has filed a separate lawsuit that remains pending.

Meanwhile, HHS leadership appointed during Trump’s term continues to review its position as the legal fight over abortion access escalates. The ruling leaves patients and providers uncertain as states push for broader access to private medical records.

Adani Case: US Lawmakers Slam Biden Administration Over ‘Misguided’ Probe

February 11, 2025, 11:10 am

Six U.S. Congressmen have asked newly appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi to probe the earlier decision of the Department of Justice (DoJ) to indict Adani Group officials. The lawmakers have questioned the logic behind the Biden administration’s move, which the conglomerate had dismissed as baseless in November last year.

Representatives Lance Gooden, Pat Fallon, Mike Haridopolos, Brandon Gill, William R. Timmons, and Brian Babin censured DoJ’s steps by calling it a “misguided crusade.” In their statement, they cautioned the DoJ not to disrupt this strategic partnership because any such haphazard acts would “harm America.” It referred to one of the Biden administration’s many “unwise decisions.”.

Lawmakers Challenge DoJ’s Decision

“This case rests on the allegation that preparations were made by members of this company in India to bribe Indian officials, also exclusively located in India. Instead of deferring the case to the appropriate Indian authorities, the Biden DoJ decided to push forward and indict the company’s executives without any real injury to US interests being present,” the Congressmen wrote.

They argued there was “no compelling reason” to pursue the case in a manner that could strain US-India relations unless external motivations were involved. “This misguided crusade came at the risk of harming our relationship with a strategic geopolitical partner like India immediately preceding President Trump’s return to the Oval Office,” they said.

Emphasizing Donald Trump’s focus on economic revival, they pointed out the importance of economic cooperation with “valuable partners” like India. The lawmakers argued that “needless pursuits against those who have contributed tens of billions and created thousands of jobs” might deter foreign investment in the U.S. and cause “more harm for America’s interests than good, if any.”

Questioning the Justification of the Case

Underscoring the strong ties between the U.S. and India, they noted that both nations share mutual respect, a sentiment reflected in the leadership of Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “President Trump has always recognized the true potential of a strong and beneficial relationship between two economic and military superpowers like the US and India,” they stated in their letter.

They issued a warning that the ruling could be used for “politically motivated” decisions under “left-wing megadonors” motives in ways that undermine diplomatic progress and ultimately favor such adversaries as China in its “goal to eliminate the American economy and achieve total global economic control through their Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).”

The lawmakers criticized the DoJ for its “selective pursuit” against Adani. Besides the groups, they asked for further review of the case of Indian businessman Gautam Adani. “We would like you to investigate the Biden DOJ’s actions and we’d appreciate you providing us with all records regarding this case, so we can have a unified front in bringing to light the facts,” they said.

Is Biden pursuing a scorched earth policy?

November 19, 2024, 4:16 am

What is US President Joe Biden up to? He is a lame duck with one foot out of the door before Donald Trump takes charge as the next President of the United States in two months from now, in January 2025. It’s Biden’s policies that the American people voted against resoundingly and gave a historic mandate to the Republicans led by Trump—historic because the Republicans now control the presidency, the House and the Senate. Apart from the fact that Donald Trump even won the popular vote over Democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris. In other words, Biden may have the chair but does not have the mandate to take any major policy decision and should be concerned about the transition, on how to hand over power to the incoming Trump administration. He certainly does not have the mandate to authorise any action that will dangerously escalate an ongoing war—in this case, the Ukraine war. Just when not only a war-weary American population, but the whole world was hoping that Russia and Ukraine would be brought to the negotiating table to discuss peace, comes the news that Biden has authorised Ukraine to use the long range—300 km—American “Army Tactical Missile System” (ATACAMS), it has been provided with, outside of its territory, meaning, hit inside Russia. Apparently, this will give Ukraine more parity with Russia and an emboldened Volodymyr Zelenskyy seems determined to use these missiles. “Attacks are not carried out with words; these things are not announced. The missiles will speak for themselves, they certainly will,” he has said. While at the time of writing any response from Vladimir Putin had not come, but the Russian leader had previously warned that any use of such American-supplied missiles would amount to direct Nato/American involvement in the war and that Russia would respond accordingly, presumably by launching missiles into Nato countries—to start with. In fact now that Biden has authorized the use of these US missiles, even Britain and France can allow Ukraine to use the Franco-British long-range Storm Shadow missiles. All this would be a major escalation because the Nato countries would now be involved in the war directly against Russia. Can the world afford to have one such war, for no one knows what dimensions it will take?
Not that allowing Ukraine to launch these missiles will do much harm to Russia or let Ukraine get back its lost territory. Ukraine’s forces are depleted, it doesn’t have—it never had—the ability to sustain the war for long. Even its capture of some Russian territory in Kursk is not significant damage to Moscow, but more like a diversion. Ukraine just does not have the capacity to take the war into the Russian territory. But launching missiles at Russia will definitely make Putin retaliate with a ferocity that may push the two sides and the Nato over the edge.
It was fearing this that Biden had restrained Zelenskyy from using these missiles all these days. So why has Biden changed his policy? Why is he suddenly ready to escalate the war? One way of looking at it is Biden is hoping to inflict a serious body blow to Russia as his last act of “bravura”—his lasting legacy in history. But then the subsequent escalation may taint his legacy forever as the President who unleashed possibly the third world war on the world. Or is he actually following the scorched earth policy, where he hobbles the Trump Presidency even before it takes office, by destroying everything in sight, and leaving the next administration to pick up the pieces. It will be case of the world suffering the consequences of the Democrats losing the election. It seems Biden just doesn’t want Trump to be successful by any means possible, and wants to have him fire-fighting right from the first day of his tenure. It’s the Cold War mentality of the Biden administration that has made it stay focused on Russia as the biggest threat to the world, when it is anything but. The aim has always been to topple Putin and cripple Russia, and the invasion of Ukraine gave Biden and Company the opportunity to fight Russia to the last Ukrainian standing. It’s common knowledge that it’s because of this that Biden and the then UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson did not allow Zelenskyy to negotiate a deal with Putin in the initial days of the war. And now that negotiations are an actual possibility, not just because the Americans are tiring of it, but also the Europeans, Biden decides to throw a spanner in the works. After all, last week German Chancellor Olaf Scholz opened a channel of communication with Putin by telling him over a phone call that he must withdraw his troops from Ukraine and start talking to Zelenskyy for a “just and lasting peace”. It seems none of this matters to Biden.
The problem is Trump does not have any power to stop this, because he is not President. Even then it is hoped that he will reach out to the warring sides and remind them that it is he they will have to deal with for the next four years, not Biden.

Emotional Moment: Biden Wipes Away Tear During ‘God Bless America’ At Veterans’ Tribute Event | Watch

November 12, 2024, 6:47 pm

During the Veterans Day service held on Monday at Arlington National Cemetery, U.S. President Joe Biden was seen sporting a tear in his eye when he was singing “God Bless America.” As the musical rendition filled the historic grounds, Biden seemed incredibly moved, having the emotional release as he sang along during the ceremony dedicated to paying respect to the sacrifices of the military personnel of the United States. A clip from the moment has appeared on X formerly Twitter.

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris paid their respects to American veterans in their first official appearance since Donald Trump was re-elected, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and standing in silent contemplation as Biden then made the sign of the cross.

Watch the video here:

? Today, at the Veterans Day service at Arlington National Cemetery, President Biden teared up as he joined veterans in singing God Bless America.

Moments like these show just how much he cares for our country. We’re going to miss him. ?? pic.twitter.com/oQuXaoFbbg

— Chris D. Jackson (@ChrisDJackson) November 11, 2024

This will be my last time as commander-in-chief standing here at Arlington, said Biden in his speech, profoundly thanking:. “It’s been the greatest honor of my life, to lead you, to serve you, to care for you, to defend you, just as you defended us generation after generation.” He also remembered his son, Beau Biden, who died recently after having served as a major in the Delaware Army National Guard and serving in Iraq. Their pride was immeasurable when their son was commissioned.

Also Read: Biden Honors Veterans, Calls for National Unity on His Final Veterans Day as Commander-in-Chief

He remembered the military families through the sacrifices made as he said, “Like many of you, we remember how hard it was when he was deployed, empty seat at the dinner table, missed holidays, prayers of worry repeated every night.” In a word to all military families, he reassured them: “For all the military families, for all those with a missing or loved one still unaccounted for, to all those with loved ones who have died in combat.”. Jill and I want you to know that we see you, we thank you, and we will never stop working to meet our sacred obligation to you and your families.

Biden, Trump To Hold Meeting At White House On This Day

November 10, 2024, 12:46 am

Joe Biden will meet with President-elect Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday after the U.S. leader pledged an orderly transfer of power following the Republican’s decisive election victory.

Biden and Trump are scheduled to meet in the Oval Office at 11:00 am (1600 GMT), the White House announced on Saturday, with the countdown beginning for the ex-president’s return to power in January.

Trump secured a historic comeback to the White House in the November 5 election, solidifying what is expected to be more than a decade of U.S. politics marked by his hardline, disruptive right-wing approach.

Must Read: Google Searches Surge 1,514% Following Trump’s Historic Return

The 78-year-old won by wider margins than before, despite facing a criminal conviction, two impeachments while in office, and warnings from his former chief of staff that he is a “fascist.”

Exit polls revealed that voters’ top concern remained the economy and inflation, which spiked under Biden following the Covid pandemic.

Biden, who had dropped out of the race in July due to concerns about his ability to continue at the age of 81, called Trump to congratulate him after his election win.

Also Read: UK: Queen Camilla To Sit Out Remembrance Day Events

Biden After Trump’s Win: “Will Of People Always Prevails”

November 7, 2024, 11:49 pm

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden addressed Americans on Thursday, acknowledging that the results of yesterday’s presidential election may stir different emotions across the nation. Biden emphasized the importance of respecting the “will of the people” after Donald Trump secured more than the required 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.

“I know for some people it is a time for victory, to state the obvious. For others, it’s a time of loss. Campaigns are contests of competing visions. The country chooses one or the other, we accept the choice the country made,” Biden said in his first public statement since Trump’s victory was announced.

Must Read: Trump’s Felony Conviction At Risk: Judge To Decide Fate After His Historic Election Win

Biden urged Americans to see one another not as opponents but as “fellow Americans,” calling for unity. “You can’t love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree. Something I think you can do no matter who you voted for is see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans, bring down the temperature,” he added.

Additionally, Biden assured the American public of a “peaceful and orderly” transition of power, following Trump’s win in the polls. “For over 200 years, America has carried out the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world,” Biden stated from the White House. “That’s not hyperbole. That’s a fact. Where the people, the people vote and choose their own leaders, and they do it peacefully. And we’re in a democracy. The will of the people always prevails.”

Biden mentioned a recent conversation with President-elect Trump, saying, “Yesterday, I spoke with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory, and I assured him that I’d direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. That’s what the American people deserve.”

Yesterday, I spoke with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory. And I assured him that I would direct my entire Administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition.

That’s what the American people deserve.

— President Biden (@POTUS) November 7, 2024

Must Read: Pentagon Prepares For Trump: Vows Neutrality, Lawful Action

The outgoing president also praised Vice President Kamala Harris for her resilience and integrity, saying, “She ran an inspiring campaign, and everyone got to see something that I learned early on to respect so much, her character. She has a backbone like a ramrod and she has great character, true character.” He added, “She gave her whole heart and effort. She and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran.”

Trump’s victory represents a notable comeback, as he previously lost his re-election bid in 2020 to Biden. Winning key battleground states, Trump has achieved a second term as the 47th President of the United States. In this election, Trump, the Republican candidate, secured 295 electoral votes, while his Democratic rival Kamala Harris garnered 226 votes. Notably, since 1892, no U.S. president who had previously lost an election has returned to win a non-consecutive second term.

Also Read: India Holds First Talks with Taliban

Biden, Trump Make Last-Ditch Appeals To Voters On Eve Of Election Day

November 5, 2024, 3:22 am

President Joe Biden made a last-minute appeal to voters on the eve of Election Day, urging them to participate in the United States Presidential elections. Expressing confidence in Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, Biden stated that she will defeat her Republican rival and former President Donald Trump.

Sharing a post on X, Biden wrote, “Tomorrow is Election Day. If you didn’t vote early, make sure you know where your polling place is for tomorrow: http://IWillVote.com.” He added, “I know @KamalaHarris can beat Donald Trump, but you have to vote.”

Tomorrow is Election Day.

If you didn’t vote early, make sure you know where your polling place is for tomorrow: https://t.co/Hy8C4mIL2M.

I know @KamalaHarris can beat Donald Trump, but you have to vote. pic.twitter.com/iSfVCcQrBq

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 4, 2024

Meanwhile, Trump also made an appeal to the public to exercise their right to vote and asserted that he will make “America great again.” Sharing a post on X, Trump said, “We are just one day away from what will be the most important political event in the history of our Country—but you have to get out and vote! Together, we will make America great again!!!”

Must Read: Nikki Haley Declares Trump “Clearly Better” Choice Than Harris Ahead Of US Election

Notably, Kamala Harris, in her election campaigns, has focused on ending the ongoing war in Gaza, bringing home hostages, and ensuring Israel’s security as well as the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination. During her Michigan rally a day earlier, Harris said, “I want to say that this year has been difficult, given the scale of death and destruction in Gaza and the civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon. As President, I will do everything in my power to end the war in Gaza, to bring home the hostages and the suffering in Gaza, ensure Israel is secure and ensure the Palestinian people can realise their right to dignity, freedom, security and self-determination.” She added, “We continue to work on diplomatic resolutions across the Israel-Lebanon border to protect civilians and provide lasting stability.”

Harris also emphasised the need for a new generation of leadership in America, vowing to fight for the people and make healthcare a right, not a privilege. “It is time for a new generation of leadership in America and I am ready to offer that leadership as the next President of the US,” Harris stated. The Vice President also pledged to lower healthcare costs, cut taxes for workers and middle-class families, and make housing and childcare more affordable. Harris further stressed that “healthcare should be a right and not just a privilege.”

On the other hand, Trump has criticized Harris over her handling of the nation’s economy during his rallies. In his rally in North Carolina, Trump targeted Harris by saying that she “has no vision, no ideas, and no solutions,” claiming her only message is to blame him for various issues. He also asserted that if elected, Harris would open the border, allowing an influx of migrants, gangs, and criminals into the country. Addressing the rally, Trump said, “Everything Kamala says is a lie—she has no vision, no ideas, and no solutions. All she can say is, ‘Donald Trump did this, Donald Trump did that.'” He added, “If she ever won, she would open the border on the first day. I don’t know why, nobody knows why. If I win, the American People will be the rulers of this country again. Kamala has violated her oath, eradicated our sovereign border, and unleashed an army of gangs and criminal migrants from prisons and jails, insane asylums and mental institutions around the world.”

Must Read: Top 10 Sexiest US Presidents Ranked—And The Winner Will Surprise You!

Trump’s speech also emphasised his commitment to restoring the prosperity and security of the United States. He promised to cut taxes for workers and small businesses and eliminate taxes on tips, overtime, and social security for seniors. He also vowed to end the “migrant invasion” and restore America’s sovereignty.

Notably, the US presidential election takes place every four years on the first Tuesday in November. On Election Day, people in every state across the country go to their polling places and vote for their preferred candidates and their running mates. In this election, Democrat and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Republican Ohio Senator JD Vance are the running mates of Harris and Trump, respectively.

The United States is poised for presidential elections on November 5 (local time), and the race for the White House is down to the wire. Over 160 million voters are expected to cast their ballots, with the results either delivering a return to power for Republican former President Donald Trump (78) or electing America’s first woman in the White House, Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris (60). According to polls, both candidates are deadlocked in the race, with an estimated 75 million voters having already voted. Neither candidate currently holds a polling lead in enough states to reach 270 electoral votes. As of November 4, NBC News and Emerson College have projected a 49 percent-49 percent tie nationally. Ipsos has projected a three-point lead (49 percent-46 percent) for Harris, while AtlasIntel has projected a two-point lead (50 percent-48 percent) for Trump.

Also Read: Trump Vs Harris: Who Has the Edge In The Race For The White House?

Hurricane Helene: Death Toll Reaches 93 as Biden, Harris, and Trump Plan Visits to Affected Areas

September 30, 2024, 12:18 pm

The death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to at least 93, with one county in North Carolina reporting 30 fatalities, as rescuers continue to reach those in need across the southeastern United States. In response to the devastation, President Joe Biden, along with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, announced plans to visit the hard-hit areas, many of which are in key battleground states for the upcoming November election.

The storm caused significant destruction across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, with high winds and heavy rains leading to destroyed homes, flooded roads, and power outages affecting millions. “We’re hearing reports of severe infrastructure damage to water systems, communication networks, roads, and critical transportation routes, along with numerous destroyed homes,” said Deanne Criswell, the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The fatalities were reported as follows: 37 in North Carolina, 25 in South Carolina, 17 in Georgia, 11 in Florida, two in Tennessee, and one in Virginia. These numbers are expected to rise. “We have another devastating update. We now have 30 confirmed losses due to the storm,” said Quentin Miller, sheriff of Buncombe County in North Carolina, which includes Asheville.

Flood warnings are still in effect in parts of western North Carolina amid concerns of potential dam failures, though conditions are expected to improve by Tuesday, according to National Weather Service director Ken Graham. Nearly 2.2 million households remained without power, and officials from the US Department of Energy stated that restoring electricity would be a “complex, multi-day response.”

Many people continue to seek assistance at shelters run by the American Red Cross, according to organization official Jennifer Pipa.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a powerful Category Four hurricane, with winds reaching 140 miles per hour. Even as it weakened, it caused extensive damage. North Carolina experienced some of the worst flooding, with Governor Roy Cooper noting that rescuers had to airlift supplies in certain areas due to flooded or damaged roads.

William Ray, director of the state’s emergency management department, warned that conditions remain extremely hazardous. Hundreds of roads across the region are closed, with several bridges washed away, and four major interstate highways shut down in North Carolina and Tennessee.

In Georgia, the city of Valdosta suffered significant damage, with roofs torn off buildings and intersections blocked by fallen utility poles and trees. Local resident Steven Mauro described the chaos, saying, “The wind started really hitting… and then we were looking out, and everything went black.”

Trump plans to visit Valdosta on Monday for a disaster briefing, while Biden intends to travel to affected areas later this week, aiming to avoid disruptions to emergency response efforts. Harris expressed her commitment to support affected communities at a campaign rally in Las Vegas, stating, “We will stand with these communities for as long as it takes to make sure that they are able to recover and rebuild.” Biden is scheduled to address the post-storm response from the White House on Monday.

Zelenskyy to Meet Biden as U.S. Plans Substantial Support for Ukraine

September 15, 2024, 9:07 am

As debates continue over whether Ukrainian forces should be allowed to use Western-supplied weapons to strike deeper into Russia, the Biden administration is preparing to send a significant aid package to Ukraine in the coming weeks. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced on Saturday that President Biden will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this month, alongside a “substantial” new round of support for Kyiv.

Speaking via videolink at the Yalta European Strategy conference in Kyiv, Sullivan said, “We need a comprehensive strategy for success in this war, and that is what President Zelenskyy says he is bringing.” He added that President Biden is looking forward to the discussion.

Over 25 months have passed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have encountered difficulties, particularly as Russia advances toward Pokrovsk, a crucial transit hub in eastern Ukraine. Sullivan acknowledged the situation in the region as being of “unique concern.”

Sullivan emphasized that Biden is working to position Ukraine in the “best possible place to prevail” before his term ends in January, as he is not seeking re-election. He also noted that President Zelenskyy has maintained that the war must ultimately end through negotiations and that Ukraine needs to be in a strong position for those talks.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that if the West allows Ukraine to strike Russian territory using Western-made long-range weapons, it would fundamentally alter the conflict. Putin claimed this would lead to the direct involvement of NATO countries, including the United States and Europe, in the war. He stressed that while Ukraine has already launched attacks using drones, employing Western long-range precision weapons would escalate the situation significantly.

Putin further warned that Russia would respond with “appropriate decisions” if such weapons were used, saying, “If this decision is made, it will mean nothing short of direct involvement by NATO and Western countries, dramatically changing the very essence and nature of the conflict.”

Kamala Harris Enlists Brother-In-Law and Former ‘American Taliban’ Attorney Tony West for Campaign Team

August 4, 2024, 5:43 am

US Vice-President and Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris has enlisted her brother-in-law, Tony West, 58, to join her campaign team. West, an attorney who previously served in the Justice Department during Barack Obama’s presidency, is expected to be a significant adviser, as reported by Axios. In addition to his governmental experience, West has held high-level positions at Uber and Pepsico.

According to the New York Post, West has also worked as an attorney for the San Francisco-based law firm Morrison & Foerster. He was involved in the high-profile case of John Walker Lindh, known as the ‘American Taliban’, where he represented Lindh, who had left the US to train with Osama bin Laden and fight for the Taliban in Afghanistan. US forces captured Lindh in Afghanistan in November 2001.

During Lindh’s trial, West argued that his client was not a terrorist. “He is not a terrorist. He did not go to Afghanistan to kill Americans,” West told the Washington Post in 2002 when he was 21.

John Walker Lindh faced ten federal charges, including conspiracy to murder US citizens and providing services to al Qaeda. In 2002, he accepted a plea deal, admitting to supplying services to the Taliban and carrying an explosive during the commission of a felony. Lindh served 17 years of a 20-year sentence.

In a separate development, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday overruled a plea agreement reached earlier this week for the accused mastermind of the September 11, 2001 attacks and two other defendants, reinstating their cases as death-penalty cases. Mohammed, described by the U.S. as the main plotter of the attacks that targeted the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field, along with the other two defendants, had been expected to formally enter their pleas under the deal as soon as next week.

Evan Gershkovich Released By Russia, Reunites With Family In US; Biden Calls It A ‘Feat Of Diplomacy’

August 2, 2024, 12:52 pm

U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-U.S. Marine Paul Whelan returned to the United States on Thursday after being released from Russian detention in the largest prisoner exchange between the two nations since the Cold War.

The White House announced it had negotiated the trade with Russia, Germany, and three other countries. The deal, which had been in secret negotiations for over a year, involved 24 prisoners – 16 moved from Russia to the West and eight sent back to Russia from the West. Among those exchanged was Vadim Krasikov, convicted of murdering an exiled dissident in Berlin, according to the German government.

U.S. President Joe Biden praised the deal as “a feat of diplomacy and friendship” and commended Washington’s allies for their “bold and brave decisions.”

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, visibly pleased, welcomed the freed Americans Gershkovich, Whelan, journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, and Russian dissident and U.S. resident Vladimir Kara-Murza at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, just before midnight (0400 GMT). The president removed his lapel pin and gave it to Whelan as he disembarked from the Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft.

This diplomatic success provides a significant achievement for the Biden-Harris administration as the presidential campaign approaches, with Harris facing Republican former President Donald Trump in just under three months.

Harris, poised to be the Democratic nominee after Biden withdrew from the race last month, praised his leadership for orchestrating the complex prisoner swap, describing it as a testament to American leadership.

Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted the prisoners returning to Russia in Moscow, stating they would receive state awards. The exchange marks a victory for Putin, who had expressed a desire for Krasikov’s return. He assured the returnees, “their homeland had not forgotten you for a moment.” Krasikov, a colonel in the Russian FSB security service, was serving a life sentence for murdering an exiled Chechen-Georgian dissident in a Berlin park.

CRITICS FEAR ‘DANGEROUS MESSAGE’

The multi-nation deal seems to be a unique exchange and does not signify a reset in the strained U.S.-Russia relationship, which has worsened since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. deputy national security adviser Jon Finer said Washington-Moscow ties remain “in a very difficult place” despite the swap. “There was no trust involved in this relationship or negotiation,” Finer told CNN.

Critics argue that releasing Russians convicted of serious crimes might encourage more hostage-taking by U.S. adversaries.

“I remain concerned that continuing to trade innocent Americans for actual Russian criminals held in the U.S. and elsewhere sends a dangerous message to Putin that only encourages further hostage-taking by his regime,” stated Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Trump, unaware of the swap details, questioned if “murderers, killers, or thugs” were released, expressing skepticism about the U.S.’s ability to make good deals, especially in hostage swaps.

The deal also involved Belarus, Norway, Poland, and Slovenia, with Turkey coordinating the exchange.

The Kremlin stated that its decision to pardon and release prisoners “was made with the aim of returning Russian citizens detained and imprisoned in foreign countries.”

The last significant exchange between the U.S. and Russia occurred in 2010, involving 14 prisoners.

A high-profile exchange took place in December 2022, swapping U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner, who was sentenced to nine years for vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage, for arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence.

EMOTIONAL REUNIONS

In the West, dissidents are viewed by governments and activists as wrongfully detained political prisoners. They have been designated by Moscow as dangerous extremists for various reasons.

Among those freed, Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was accused of collecting sensitive military information for the CIA, a charge he and the newspaper denied.The White House shared an emotional video of the detainees’ families speaking to their loved ones by phone from the Oval Office.

“This is Momma. Do you hear me? It’s your mom,” Gershkovich’s mother tells her son in the clip, posted on Biden’s social media account on the X platform.

Later, Gershkovich lifted his mother in the air as they met on the tarmac, surrounded by cheering family members. Whelan, the former Marine, was serving a 16-year sentence in a Russian penal colony on espionage charges that he denied. Rico Krieger, a German, had been sentenced to death in Belarus on terrorism charges. He was pardoned by President Alexander Lukashenko, a close Putin ally, before being freed.

Also released were Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist sentenced to 6-1/2 years in prison on July 19, the same day as Gershkovich, and Kara-Murza, who was serving 25 years for treason after criticizing Putin for bombing Ukrainian homes, hospitals, and schools. Human rights activist Oleg Orlov and Russian opposition politician Ilya Yashin were also freed.

Many of those released had connections with Alexei Navalny, Russia’s leading opposition figure who died under unclear circumstances in an Arctic penal colony in February.Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, mentioned that Navalny was originally meant to be part of the exchange.

On Wednesday, a Slovenian court sentenced two Russians to time served for espionage and using fake identities and announced their deportation. Both were among those returned to Russia, as per an official U.S. list.

Others returned to Russia included Roman Seleznev and Vladislav Klyushin, both convicted of cybercrimes, and Vadim Konoshchenok. Wall Street Journal Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker expressed her joy in an open letter on X, calling it a “joyous day.”

Obama Praises Biden For Successful U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap

August 2, 2024, 2:33 am

President Joe Biden announced a major diplomatic success on Thursday with the release of three American citizens and one American green-card holder from Russia. The release was part of a 24-person prisoner swap, with the freed individuals expected to arrive in the U.S. by nightfall.

“All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over,” Biden stated, confirming that Americans detained in Russia “are safe, free, and have begun their journeys back into the arms of their families.”

After enduring unimaginable suffering and uncertainty, the Americans detained in Russia are safe, free, and have begun their journeys back into the arms of their families. pic.twitter.com/1rYNBTt9tJ

— President Biden (@POTUS) August 1, 2024

Former President Barack Obama praised Biden’s efforts, as well as those of Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. allies, for securing the release. “It’s a tremendous diplomatic achievement, and we’re grateful that they’ll be back home with their families where they belong,” Obama wrote on Twitter.

Thanks to the skill and persistence of @POTUS, @VP, and our allies, Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza are being released from Russian custody. It’s a tremendous diplomatic achievement, and we’re grateful that they’ll be back home with their…

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 1, 2024

Details of the U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap

Evan Gershkovich: A Wall Street Journal reporter detained in March 2023 in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on espionage charges. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in July 2024, a trial the U.S. called a “sham.”
Paul Whelan: A Marine veteran and the longest-held American in Russia, arrested in December 2018 while attending a friend’s wedding. He was sentenced to 16 years for espionage in 2020. “Paul was held hostage for 2,043 days,” the Whelan family said, celebrating his freedom.
Alsu Kurmasheva: A journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, detained in June 2023 on charges of spreading false information about Russia’s military. She was sentenced to six and a half years in prison. Her husband, Pavel Butorin, expressed relief over her release after over a year of separation.
Vladimir Kara-Murza: A British-Russian citizen and green card holder known for criticizing the Kremlin. His family resides in the U.S.

While the swap secured these individuals’ freedom, others remain detained in Russia, such as American teacher Marc Fogel and U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Gordon Black.

The Largest Swap Since the Cold War

This exchange is one of the largest since the Cold War, with the U.S. releasing eight Russian nationals, including three from U.S. prisons: Vadim Konoshchenok, Vladislav Klyushin, and Roman Seleznyov. Additionally, two Russians held in Slovenia, one in Poland, and one in Norway have been returned to Russia.

This latest swap follows the December 2022 release of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was exchanged for international arms dealer Viktor Bout.

“Biden to Address Nation Following Negative Covid Test, Unveil Agenda for Rest of Term”

July 23, 2024, 11:36 pm

President Joe Biden will address the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening regarding his decision not to seek reelection in 2024.

Biden announced on X that he will discuss “future plans” and his commitment to “fulfilling the responsibilities for the American people.” The address is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

After isolating at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, following a COVID-19 diagnosis last week, Biden is set to return to the White House on Tuesday. According to a statement from his doctor, Kevin O’Connor, released on Tuesday, Biden has tested negative for the virus and his symptoms have subsided.

Since July 17, Biden has not made a public appearance, but he participated in a campaign meeting on Monday via phone to address staff and express his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris’ candidacy to succeed him, a day after announcing his decision to withdraw from the race.

Trump Surpasses Biden With $331 Million In Q2 Campaign Fundraising

July 3, 2024, 7:53 am

Donald Trump’s campaign announced it raised $331 million in the second quarter of 2024, outpacing President Joe Biden’s $264 million for the same period. The fundraising figures, which cover April through June, include a remarkable $111.8 million addition for Trump in June alone, leaving his campaign with $284.9 million in cash on hand.

President Biden’s campaign, along with its Democratic allies, raised a total of $264 million in the second quarter. This included $127 million in June, with a notable spike from small-dollar donations on the day of Biden’s debate against Trump. Despite facing criticism over his debate performance, which led to calls from some Democrats for him to step aside, Biden’s campaign highlighted the robust support from grassroots donors, with 95% of donations under $200.

Biden’s campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, emphasized the broad support from average Americans. “Our Q2 fundraising haul is a testament to the committed and growing base of supporters standing firmly behind the President and Vice President and clear evidence that our voters understand the choice in this election between President Biden fighting for the American people and Donald Trump fighting for himself as a convicted felon,” she said.

The Biden campaign currently has $240 million in cash on hand and is investing heavily in over 200 campaign offices and more than 1,000 staff in key battleground states. These states are crucial for Biden’s strategy to secure a victory over Trump in the upcoming November election.

Meanwhile, Trump’s celebrated its fundraising success, pointing to growing voter enthusiasm and the continued momentum of their financial operation. Campaign advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles noted, “This fundraising momentum is likely to grow even more as we head into a world-class convention and see the Democrats continue their circular firing squad in the aftermath of Biden’s debate collapse.”

Biden Administration Initiates $1 Billion Arms Deal with Israel

May 15, 2024, 1:23 pm

Joe Biden administration has started the initial stages of a new USD 1 billion arms deal for Israel, confirmed by two congressional sources as reported by CNN on Wednesday. Discussions have begun between the State Department and the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations committees following an informal notification on Tuesday. While no specific timeline has been set for official notification to Congress, the process is underway, leading to eventual approval.

This development comes amidst a pause in the shipment of 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs to Israel due to concerns about their use in densely populated areas like Rafah. The proposed deal, valued at USD 1 billion, could include USD 700 million in tank ammunition, USD 500 million in tactical vehicles, and USD 60 million in mortar rounds, as per one congressional source. The Wall Street Journal initially reported on the administration’s discussions with Congress regarding the sale.

The weapons under discussion would not immediately reach Israel, as the sale requires official congressional notification and approval, which could be a lengthy process if objections arise. Despite this, US officials maintain their commitment to Israel’s self-defense capabilities, suggesting that long-term weapons agreements will continue.

“We are continuing to send military assistance, and we will ensure that Israel receives the full amount provided in the supplemental. We have paused a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs because we do not believe they should be dropped in densely populated cities. We are talking to the Israeli government about this,” said National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Monday.

The State Department and the Pentagon declined to provide additional comments on the informal notification, deferring to Sullivan’s remarks, as reported by CNN

Biden administration announces extension of work permits for specific immigrant categories

April 5, 2024, 8:45 am

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently introduced a temporary final rule (TFR) that continues the significant modernization efforts aimed at simplifying the process for immigrants to obtain work permits. The TFR extends the period of certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from the standard 180 days to 540 days, providing relief to eligible individuals. This extension follows improvements made over the past year that have considerably reduced the processing times for EADs.

The purpose of this temporary measure, announced on Thursday, is to prevent work-authorized noncitizens from experiencing gaps in their employment authorization and documentation while awaiting USCIS adjudication of their pending EAD renewal applications. This measure aims to ensure seamless operations for US employers. This initiative aligns with the Biden Administration’s efforts to facilitate the integration of work-authorized individuals into the workforce, thus supporting the economies of their respective communities.

This significant development, particularly beneficial to South Asian immigrants, originated from a recommendation by Ajay Bhutoria, an Advisor to President Biden on the White House Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Commission. Bhutoria’s persistent advocacy efforts, focused on immigration reforms and reduction of green card backlogs, have positively impacted over 1 million South Asians. Previously, Bhutoria’s recommendations to the White House AANHPI Commission led to the implementation of a pilot program by the State Department enabling H1B visa domestic renewal stamping within the USA.

The USCIS announcement underscores the influence of community advocacy and collaborative efforts in shaping policies that directly affect immigrant communities. According to USCIS Director Ur M Jaddou, the USCIS workforce has made significant progress in reducing processing times for most EAD categories over the past year, aligning with the overarching goal of enhancing work access for eligible individuals. However, the agency has also experienced a surge in employment authorization applications, impacting renewal mechanisms. The temporary extension of automatic EAD extensions to 540 days aims to prevent lapses in employment authorizations while allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to explore long-term solutions through public comments and innovative strategies.

The main beneficiaries of this change will be asylum seekers and foreign nationals applying for permanent residency. A USCIS spokesperson indicated that up to 800,000 immigrants faced the risk of job loss and overall work permit expiration if the new regulation had not been implemented. This move will also benefit USCIS, which has been actively rebuilding its processing capacity following shifts in focus during the previous administration, which hindered its ability to make timely decisions.

This extension to 540 days is the second time the Biden administration has implemented such a measure. The initial extension, declared in 2022, ended on October 27, 2023, reverting automatic extensions back to 180 days. The new extension encompasses all immigrant categories covered by the 2022 extension.

Israel will be provided “security responsibility” in Gaza for an indefinite period: Netanyahu

November 7, 2023, 5:09 pm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in an interview that aired Monday night that Israel will have “security responsibility” over the Gaza Strip for an indefinite amount of time after winning the war against Hamas, according to The Times of Israel. Concerns have been raised regarding Israel’s plans to handle the post-war situation in Gaza, leaving it uncertain.

“I think Israel will for an indefinite period have security responsibility,” Netanyahu told ABC News. “We’ve seen what happens when we don’t have that… security responsibility, what we have is the eruption of Hamas terror on a scale that we couldn’t imagine.”
The war with Hamas began after approximately 3,000 terrorists breached the Gaza border on October 7, resulting in the deaths of around 1,400 people, mainly civilians, and the abduction of over 240 individuals, including at least 30 children.

In the interview, Netanyahu also acknowledged that he was partially to blame for the defense breakdown that gave Hamas the green light to carry out its atrocities on October 7. In response to the question, “Do you think you should take any responsibility?” Netanyahu retorted, “Obviously. It’s not a question,” he continued, saying that there would be time “to allocate” that duty following the war. Regarding Israel’s post-war security supervision over Gaza, Netanyahu did not elaborate, but it seems to entail a prolonged military presence in the Strip. According to The Times of Israel, Israel has further stated that it has no intention of reoccupying the enclave, from which it unilaterally withdrew in 2005.

The Biden administration has expressed opposition to an Israeli reoccupation of Gaza, urging Israel to formulate a plan for the governance of the enclave once Hamas is removed from power. Some suggest that the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority could replace Hamas, while others doubt the PA’s stability and reliability.

US and its allies are trying to improve the Middle East’s future: Biden in Oval Office address

October 20, 2023, 10:35 am

US President Joe Biden stated on Thursday that the US and its allies are attempting to link the Middle Eastern countries to a better future through creative initiatives like the India Middle East Economic Corridor. During his recently ended visit to Israel, Biden addressed the nation and requested that Congress provide financial support to the nation that has been the target of a Hamas terrorist attack.

“The United States and our partners across the region are working to build a better future for the Middle East. One wherein the Middle East is more stable, better connected to its neighbours through innovative projects like the Indian Middle East Europe rail corridor that I announced this year at the summit of the world’s biggest economies,” Biden said in his Oval Office address to the nation.

“More predictable markets, more employment, less rage, less grievances, less war when connected. The benefits of people would benefit the people of the Middle East and would benefit us. American leadership is what holds the world together,” said Biden in his second Oval Office presidential address.

On Wednesday night, Biden came back from a full day at the Israel conference. Among the people Biden said he met while in Israel were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his cabinet, as well as Israelis who had firsthand experience with the “horrific horror” of the October 7 Hamas attack. Hen said that following the Hamas attack, he saw Israelis who were angry, shocked, and in excruciating pain, but they were also strong, resilient, and determined.

The president urged Congress to give Israel more financial aid so that it can bolster its defense, reiterating his resolve and the resolve of all Americans to support Israel during this time of crisis.

Biden: Egypt has agreed to open the Rafah crossing to allow aid trucks into Gaza

October 19, 2023, 12:02 pm

According to US Vice President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Al-Sisi has agreed to open the Rafah border crossing so that about 20 trucks can deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. During a press conference on board Air Force One, Vice President Joe Biden stated that his main objective when traveling to Israel was to quickly deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“And so, I have been on the phone for the last — I don’t know. We’ve been on the ground a while. That’s why we haven’t taken off — with El-Sisi. I don’t think I was on that long. It was about probably half an hour. And both — my team here was with me. And he agreed that what he would do is open the gate — to do two things: one, let up to 20 trucks through to begin with. Satterfield, my ambassador, is down there in — not down there — in Cairo now. He’s going to coordinate this. He has my authority to do what is needed to get it done,” Biden said in a press gaggle on board Air Force 1 at Ramstein base, Germany.

Biden replied “yes” when asked if he was referring to the Rafah crossing and continued, “They’re going to patch the road. For these trucks to pass, potholes must be filled. And that will happen; tomorrow, they anticipate it to take about eight hours. Therefore, nothing might roll through until — what day is it today? I can’t keep track of the days. Thursday? Wednesday? most likely through Friday. When further questioned by reporters about Sisi’s agreement to open it, the President responded, “Yes. for this reason. for this reason. To open it up for this purpose—for the trucks to be able to pass—rather than to let many people out.

China’s appeal for ‘mutual trust’ is prosperous

June 28, 2023, 9:15 pm

In its reaction about a host of defence and commercial agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State visit to Washington last week, China called upon “relevant countries” to act in ways “conducive to mutual trust” in the region. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing in Beijing on Monday, “We hope relevant countries will act in ways conducive to mutual trust between regional countries in the field of security and stability in the region.” She also said that cooperation between countries should not undermine regional peace and stability and target any third party. But China’s appeal for “mutual trust” is really preposterous, given its own past records full of instances of Beijing’s breach of trust in every global quarter. Similarly, the Chinese spokesperson’s appeal to India and the US for not “undermining regional peace and stability and targeting the third party” is also laughable. No responsible country in the world can take the Chinese spokesperson’s remarks seriously. Chinese aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea region, and at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India are contradictory to whatever was said by the spokesperson in Beijing. Has China ever observed respect for foundational principles and regimes like UNCLOS which are essential for the credibility of the global order? The international community is aware that China violated the international laws, immensely damaging the “mutual trust” which Beijing is now laying emphasis on. While officials at South Block dismissed Chinese concerns over the GE-HALF-414 jet engine agreement by saying that the deal was a progressive evolution of India-US defence cooperation over the past two decades and had little to do with Beijing or regional security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden were right in emphasising the rules-based international order, saying “the contemporary global order has been built on principles of the UN Charter, international law, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states”. They were again bang right in reiterating their enduring commitment to a “free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous India-Pacific region with respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, and international law.” As a matter of fact, these are the principles that promote mutual trust which is conducive to global peace and proper world order. With China in the habit of violating the global legal framework more often than not, Beijing’s irritation at the India-US joint statement and agreements is understandable. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has on many occasions slammed China for “disregarding” the “written agreements” with India on not amassing troops at the border. Are these remarks not enough for exposing China as an unreliable and untrustworthy country? That Beijing has been hobnobbing with Pakistan in a bid to foment trouble for India. India has on several occasions called out attempts by Pakistan and China to disrupt peace along the northern and western frontiers. China is hell bent upon extending the CPEC project to a third country like Afghanistan despite India’s objections and protests. Going back to 2020, in an indictment of China’s Covid policy, the WHO had said that Beijing needed to share more data on its Covid outbreak. The World Health Organisation had said that the Chinese authorities were underreporting Covid deaths. Therefore, credibility and reliability of China was seriously under question at the time of pandemic when the entire world was combating the menace. So, there is no dearth of examples to establish that China never cares for mutual trust. Similarly, there are scores of incidents and examples to show that Beijing has been expanding its cooperation with Islamabad and some other like-minded neighbouring nations in a bid to target India. So, it is just ridiculous that Beijing is urging that the cooperation between countries should not undermine peace and stability and target any third party. This is not, however, the case in terms of bilateral ties between India and the US.
The joint statement issued by India and the US does not at all imply anywhere that the US-India bilateral cooperation is going to target any third party. The agreement only re-emphasised the need for the world to create an atmosphere which is conducive to promoting mutual trust and peace. Definitely, China is not contributing to the process of strengthening the global ecosystem where mutual trust, and peace and stability prevail. With this in view, China was obviously an elephant in the room during PM Modi’s talks with Biden.
T. BRAJESH

White House condemns online harassment of WSJ reporter over PM Modi question

June 27, 2023, 1:40 pm

The White House has expressed strong condemnation for the online harassment targeting a Wall Street Journal journalist who raised questions about the rights of religious minorities during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden on 22 June in Washington. John Kirby, the spokesperson for the US National Security Council, stated that the reported harassment is entirely unacceptable and goes against the fundamental principles of democracy demonstrated during PM Modi’s recent state visit.

“It’s completely unacceptable and it’s antithetical to the very principles of democracy that … were on display last week during the state visit,” Kirby said on Monday in a press briefing.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inaugural state visit to the United States, a noteworthy event took place as he engaged in a joint press conference with President Joe Biden at the White House. In an uncommon turn of events, PM Modi fielded questions from journalists, one of whom was Siddiqui, who raised concerns about the rights of religious minorities in India.

“There are many human rights groups who say your government has discriminated against religious minorities and sought to silence its critics. What steps are you and your government willing to take to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities in your country and uphold free speech?” asked The White House correspondent . 5tIn response, the PM expressed his surprise at the question and said in Hindi, “In India’s democratic values, there is absolutely no discrimination, neither based on caste, creed, age, nor any kind of geographic location.”

He further added, “Indeed, India is a democracy. And as President Biden also mentioned, India and America, both countries, democracy is in our DNA. Democracy is our spirit. Democracy runs in our veins. We live democracy.”

PM Modi to meet top 20 US company CEOs during US visit, strengthening business ties

June 15, 2023, 2:57 pm

During his visit to the United States from 21-24 June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet the CEOs of the top 20 American companies, including Mastercard, Accenture, Adobe Systems, and Visa. On 23 June, the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum will host an event called “We The People: Celebrating the US-India Partnership” in Washington DC, which will be attended by industry leaders from various sectors. Following Modi’s address, a reception will take place at the Hall of Nations Terrace (Kennedy Centre).

The event will have a get-together of not just business leaders but also some of the Biden administration’s top leaders. The person told, “More than 1,500 invites have been sent out for the Kennedy Centre event which includes some of the top CEOs and business leaders. Invites are also being sent to several officials in the Biden administration.”

After court appearance, Trump slams Biden as ‘corrupt sitting president’

June 14, 2023, 1:40 pm

Former President Donald Trump has criticised President Joe Biden’s administration after his indictment and dubbed him “a corrupt sitting president,” according to CNN.
Donald Trump, a former president, criticised the present administration on Tuesday evening in Bedminster, New Jersey, in reference to his prosecution for allegedly mishandling confidential data.
Trump said to a crowd of supporters, “Today we witnessed the most evil and heinous abuse of power in the history of our country,” adding, “Very sad thing to watch, a corrupt sitting president had his top political opponent arrested on fake and fabricated charges of which he and numerous other presidents would be guilty, right in the middle of a presidential election in which he’s losing very badly.”

Former President Trump arrested, pleads guilty to 37 charges including mishandling classified documents and hush-money case.His lawyers have asked for a jury trial during Trump’s arraignment at a federal courthouse in Miami on Tuesday.Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche said to the judge, “We most certainly enter a plea of not guilty.”Trump was arrested after surrendering to federal authorities at the Miami courthouse, NBC News reported. The booking process took around 10 minutes.

President Donald Trump facing 37 felony counts related to illegally retaining national defense information or violating witness-tampering laws. Additionally, Trump’s aide named Walt Nautu being charged in indictment related to these allegations.

Nuclear World War III likely under Biden administration: Trump

April 5, 2023, 2:18 pm

Former US President Donald Trump has accused the present US government of destroying the country. He said that the world is likely to face an all-out nuclear World War III under the Biden administration.

The comments by the former US president came during his first public address since being arraigned on Tuesday.

Trump is the first former US President to be criminally charged relating to hush money payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records at his arraignment in a Manhattan Court.

Trump said that there are open threats by various countries of the use of nuclear weapons, something which was never discussed during his administration.

“This could very well lead under the Biden administration’s leadership to an all-out nuclear World War III can happen. We’re not very far away from it, believe it or not,” Trump said during the address at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, soon after he flew back from New York.

Trump said that the US is now in a mess under President Joe Biden. “Our economy is crashing. Inflation is out of control. Russia has joined with China. Can you believe that? Saudi Arabia has joined with Iran,” he said.

Russia, Iran, China and North Korea have formed together as a “menacing and destructive coalition”, Trump said. He further said that this could have never happened under his leadership.

“If I were president it would have never happened. Nor would Russia attack Ukraine. All of those lives will be saved. All of those beautiful cities would be standing,” he said.

“Our currency is crashing and soon no longer be the world standard, which will be our greatest defeat frankly, in 200 years. There will be no defeat like that will take us away from being even a great power,” Trump said.

Accusing Biden of destroying US, Trump Sid, “If you took the five worst presidents in the history of the Unites States and added them up they would not have done near the destruction to our country as Joe Biden and the Biden administration have done.”

India played ‘essential role’ at G20 summit, says United States

November 20, 2022, 2:51 pm

India played an “essential role” in negotiating the G20 summit leaders’ declaration in Bali, and Washington fully supports India’s presidency of the grouping over the next year, the United States said.

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre responded to a question on President Joe Biden’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by mentioning Biden’s trilateral meeting with Modi and the president of Indonesia, Joko Widodo.

She then said,“India played an essential role in negotiating the summit’s declaration. Prime Minister Modi made clear ‘today’s era must not be of war’ and that’s a direct quote from the Prime Minister.”

The direct message that Prime Minister Modi sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin in September in Samarkand became the point of agreement at the G20 summit in Bali against the backdrop of Russia’s conflict in Ukraine and the ensuing geopolitical tension.

The declaration read, “The peaceful resolution of conflicts, efforts to address crises, as well as diplomacy and dialogue, are vital. Today’s era must not be of war.”

The White House press secretary added that the summit had provided a path forward to food and energy security — concerns that India has consistently flagged since the onset of the war.

“We look forward to supporting India’s G20’s presidency next year and look forward to the next meeting,” said Karin Jean-Pierre. India takes over as the G20 chair on December 1 and will host the next leaders summit in September 2023.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: World war III is a possibility, says Trump

October 10, 2022, 12:15 pm

Former US president Donald Trump has warned of the danger of escalation and nuclear weapons. Trump called for an immediate and “peaceful end” to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The war started following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February.

Trump was addressing a “Save America” rally in the US state of Nevada on Saturday. He warned of the dangers of nuclear weapons.” Nothing would be left of our earth all because ignorant people didn’t have a clue”, he said.

“There won’t be anything left of our planet if we don’t urge the quick negotiation of a peaceful conclusion to the war in Ukraine,” Donald Trump continued.

Earlier US President Joe Biden warned of the risk of a nuclear “Armageddon” for the first time in 60 years. This was followed by Trump’s remarks.

About the nuclear standoff that occurred sixty years ago as a result of the Soviet Union stationing missiles in Cuba within striking distance of the US, Joe Biden had said, “For the first time since the Cuban missile crisis, we have a direct threat from the use of nuclear weapons if things continue down the path they are going.”

The world has “not faced the danger of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban missile crisis,” according to Joe Biden.

The White House later stated in response to Biden’s terrifying statement that the president’s warning was not based on any new information suggesting that such nuclear use is near.

Iran accuses US of ‘hypocrisy’ over anti-hijab protest

October 4, 2022, 3:49 pm

Following President Joe Biden’s statement that he will impose “further costs” over its response to protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, Iran accused the US of “hypocrisy” on human rights on Tuesday.

Since the 22-year-old Kurdish woman died on September 16 following her arrest by Tehran’s morality police for allegedly violating the country’s strict clothing code for women, protest has erupted across the Islamic Republic.

Numerous individuals — largely protestors but also security personnel — have died as a result of the street violence, and hundreds have been arrested.

It would have been better for Mr. Joe Biden to think a little about the human rights record of his own country before making humanitarian gestures, although hypocrisy does not need to be thought through,” foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said in an Instagram post, reported by Iranian media.

“The US president should be concerned about the numerous sanctions… against the Iranian nation, the sanctions whose imposition against any nation is a clear example of a crime against humanity,” he added.

Kanani was responding to a statement issued by the White House late on Monday in which Biden stated he would impose unspecified more sanctions against Iran later this week in addition to the crushing sanctions already in place over Iran’s nuclear activities.

This week, the United States will be imposing further costs on perpetrators of violence against peaceful protesters. We will continue holding Iranian officials accountable and supporting the rights of Iranians to protest freely,” Biden said.

“The United States stands with Iranian women and all the citizens of Iran who are inspiring the world with their bravery,” he added.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the top leader of Iran, charged earlier Monday that Israel and the US were behind the turmoil roiling the nation.

“I say clearly that these riots and the insecurity were engineered by America and the occupying, false Zionist regime, as well as their paid agents,” he said.

‘Catastrophic consequences,’ says Biden after Putin threatens to use nuclear weapons

September 26, 2022, 11:25 am

The rhetorical war between Russia and the United States over the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine heats up. The US has warned Moscow that the consequences will be “catastrophic.”

U.S. In an interview, Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed reports that the US had privately warned the Putin administration to avoid nuclear war.

Not only Blinken, but Joe Biden’s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, stated that the US has warned Russia of “catastrophic consequences” if nukes are used.

The warnings follow Putin’s veiled threat to use nuclear weapons in a speech on September 21 that announced the expansion of Ukraine’s operation.

China seeks to develop military footprints in Pacific region, claims Biden’s Deputy Assistant

September 21, 2022, 12:42 am

Deputy Assistant to US President Joe Biden and White House Indo-Pacific Coordinator Kurt Campbell said that China, in the last several years, has sought to expand its military footprint in the Pacific region.
He made these remarks at Carnegie’s 2nd annual Indo-Pacific Islands dialogue in a session titled “U.S. View on Islands in the Indo-Pacific.” “In the last several years there is a more ambitious China that seeks to develop a footprint militarily (in the Pacifics). That has caused some anxiety with partners like Australia and New Zealand, and even countries in the region as a whole. That is an added dimension to the circumstances.
Terming the Pacific region “diverse,” he said that the US needs to gauge many parameters when it comes to the Pacific Islands, including telecom, educational opportunity, enormous challenges of governance, and businesses that have been hurt.
At another session titled “Conversation Fireside Chat Developments in the Pacific: A View from Australia” Paul Myler, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Australia, said that Australia’s position in the Pacific seems to be evolving, and this is one of the most important priorities of the newly elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “A huge emphasis on Pacific priorities is there in the face of increasing strategic contestation.” He talked about the Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s visit to Pacific island forums, which “shows her level of commitment to listening and partnership.”
Deputy Chief of Mission Myler also noted that Australia recognises climate change as an existential threat. “Climate change is also intertwined with security. Priorities are there for infrastructure and development in the Pacific. “Getting over COVID will be important for a fiscal boost for the Pacifics.” “We have to find a way to provide fiscal support to Pacific islands to get back on stable footing,” he added.