Published: September-23-2025, 14:30, EDT

President Donald Trump used his speech at the United Nations General Assembly to underscore his foreign policy record and to argue that international institutions have weakened global stability. While highlighting his administration’s approach to ongoing conflicts and U.S. priorities abroad, Trump emphasized his “America First” agenda and questioned the effectiveness of multilateral organizations.

Trump’s Return to the United Nations

Speaking in New York, Trump addressed world leaders at a time of heightened global tensions. He argued that “globalist institutions have significantly decayed the world order,” a sentiment that has shaped his administration’s policies since his return to office.

Trump’s remarks built on his long-standing skepticism of multilateral bodies. Early in his second term, he ordered the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization and ended participation in the U.N. Human Rights Council. He also directed a review of U.S. involvement in hundreds of international organizations to assess whether they align with his foreign policy priorities.

A Volatile Global Context

This year’s UN session comes at a turbulent moment, with conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan dominating the agenda. Leaders are also grappling with economic uncertainty, the implications of artificial intelligence, and concerns about Trump’s strained relationship with international institutions.

“By far the most stressed the U.N. system has ever been in its 80 years,” said Anjali K. Dayal, professor of international politics at Fordham University, highlighting the fragile state of global diplomacy.

U.S. Military Actions Raise Debate

Trump has faced scrutiny over his recent use of military force. In June, he ordered airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, followed by strikes this month on boats in the Caribbean suspected of drug smuggling.

Some lawmakers and human rights advocates criticized the latter operations, which reportedly resulted in fatalities, arguing that suspects should face legal proceedings rather than lethal force. Venezuelan officials have speculated that the strikes may signal U.S. support for regime change efforts targeting President Nicolás Maduro.

Meetings with Global Leaders

After his address, Trump scheduled one-on-one meetings with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and leaders from Ukraine, Argentina, and the European Union. He also convened a group discussion with officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.

The White House said Trump aimed to showcase “the renewal of American strength around the world” and progress in efforts to resolve conflicts. His evening schedule included hosting a reception for more than 100 invited world leaders.

Gaza and Ukraine Conflicts Remain Central

The wars in Gaza and Ukraine featured prominently in discussions around Trump’s address. While Trump has campaigned on promises to end both conflicts quickly, tangible progress has been limited.

France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood earlier this week intensified debate at the UN, adding pressure on the U.S. and Israel, which oppose such moves. Trump has focused on negotiating a ceasefire to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, though challenges remain.

On Ukraine, Trump has pushed European nations to reduce their reliance on Russian oil while encouraging direct dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow. His June summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was followed by calls for negotiations, but Russia has escalated its military actions since then.

Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize Ambitions

Despite criticism of his handling of current conflicts, Trump continues to link his foreign policy legacy to aspirations for a Nobel Peace Prize. He has claimed credit for mediating between nations including Israel and Iran, India and Pakistan, and Rwanda and the Democratic Congo.

Experts note that while his administration facilitated dialogue, the long-term outcomes remain uncertain. Still, Trump’s pursuit of global recognition may influence his rhetoric at international forums.

“His speech is going to be driven by how much he really believes he has a chance of getting a Nobel Peace Prize,” said Mark Montgomery of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “If he thinks that’s possible, then he knows not to antagonize the U.N. unnecessarily.”

Source: AP News – Trump to take aim at ‘globalist institutions,’ make case for his foreign policy record in UN speech

The post Trump Targets ‘Globalist Institutions’ in UN Address, Highlights Foreign Policy Agenda appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Global markets opened to volatility late Sunday as oil prices jumped sharply following a major escalation in Middle East tensions: the United States carried out military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities Saturday evening, marking a significant deepening of the Iran-Israel conflict.

Oil Prices Climb on Rising Geopolitical Risk

In the immediate aftermath, U.S. crude oil futures surged 3.6%, reaching $76.47 per barrel, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 3.2% to $74.59 per barrel. The spike reflects growing concern that broader conflict in the region could disrupt oil production or shipping routes—especially in the energy-critical Persian Gulf.

U.S. Stock Futures Dip as Investors Brace for Fallout

Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures slid as traders weighed the potential ripple effects of the strikes. Dow futures dropped 250 points, or 0.6%, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures falling 0.6% and 0.7%, respectively.

The sell-off suggests Wall Street is bracing for uncertainty, with investors shifting to more defensive positions amid the heightened geopolitical risk.

Dollar Rises Amid Global Tensions

Interestingly, the U.S. dollar rose 0.3%, signaling a return to its traditional role as a “safe haven” in times of global turmoil. The uptick comes despite previous doubts that the dollar would maintain that status under former President Trump’s “America First” policies and recent import tariffs.

Analysts had questioned whether the dollar could continue serving as a global fallback asset, but Sunday’s reaction suggests that—even amid policy shifts—confidence in the U.S. currency remains strong in crisis moments.

Bottom Line:

Markets are responding swiftly to a high-stakes development in the Middle East, with oil prices rising, stocks slipping, and the dollar regaining strength. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will remain on the region—and how financial markets continue to react to rising instability.

Source: CNN – America’s economy could face a war shock

The post Wall Street Reacts to U.S. Attacks on Iran With Market Jitters appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

By launching a full-scale trade war, President Donald Trump is reshaping the global economic landscape—and not everyone’s convinced it’s for the better.

President Donald Trump has thrown global trade into turmoil. With a fresh wave of tariffs taking effect at midnight Wednesday, his administration has targeted dozens of countries, escalating a global trade conflict that’s already rattled financial markets and stirred fears of a potential recession.

What’s surprising to many economists is the timing. The U.S. economy—already the world’s strongest—was in excellent shape when Trump began his tariff crusade. Other major economies were slowing, yet Trump accused them of unfair practices and launched a broad attack on what he sees as a rigged system.

“There’s a deep irony in Trump claiming the U.S. is being treated unfairly when it’s outperforming the rest of the world,” said Eswar Prasad, a trade policy professor at Cornell University. “Even more ironic—these tariffs could end up damaging the very economy he’s trying to protect.”

To Trump and his advisers, tariffs are a cure-all: a way to protect American jobs, boost domestic manufacturing, punish unfair trade partners, and increase federal revenue. From foreign cars to Chinese electronics, few imports have been spared.

In his most aggressive move yet, Trump introduced a blanket 10% “baseline” tariff on most countries, while slapping punitive rates—some as high as 50%—on those he deemed bad actors. China, unsurprisingly, took the brunt with a total of 34% in tariffs.

Trump defends these measures as overdue justice for decades of economic “mugging” by allies and adversaries alike. “They’ve taken so much of our wealth away from us,” he declared during a White House celebration of the tariffs.

But critics say this view is outdated and economically flawed. While some countries do impose higher tariffs or offer subsidies to their industries, the U.S. remains the world’s second-largest exporter—behind only China—with $3.1 trillion in exports last year.

A key part of Trump’s argument centers on trade deficits. In 2024, the U.S. trade deficit hit $918 billion—the second-highest on record. To Trump and his trade adviser Peter Navarro, this is proof of widespread “cheating.”

But economists see it differently. They argue trade deficits are not inherently bad. In fact, the U.S. economy has nearly quadrupled over the last 50 years—despite running a deficit nearly every year.

“Trade deficits aren’t a sign of weakness,” said Maurice Obstfeld, former chief economist at the IMF. “They’re often a reflection of a strong economy that imports more because it consumes more.”

The truth, experts say, is simpler: Americans love to spend and save very little. That imbalance fuels demand for imports and widens the trade deficit—not necessarily foreign manipulation.

Jay Bryson, chief economist at Wells Fargo, put it bluntly: “It’s not like the rest of the world has been ripping us off. It’s because we don’t save enough.”

Ironically, this dynamic makes the U.S. incredibly attractive to foreign investors. In 2023, direct foreign investment into the U.S. totaled $349 billion—more than any country except Singapore.

While Trump touts tariffs as a tool to bring back U.S. factory jobs, history paints a more complex picture. After China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, the U.S. lost nearly 3 million manufacturing jobs—but automation likely played just as large a role.

Trump’s critics warn that tariffs may backfire. Since announcing the latest round of import taxes, the S&P 500 has dropped 12%, a sign that investors are nervous about where this trade war is headed.

“The only way tariffs shrink the trade deficit is if they also scare away investment,” said economist Barry Eichengreen. “That would be a disaster.”

Dani Rodrik of Harvard says a smarter approach would be targeted industrial policy with strategic tariffs—not sweeping measures that alienate allies and create uncertainty.

“Trump’s trade policy,” Rodrik said, “throws up a lot of chaos and delivers very little in return. It’s a terrible policy, all in all.”

Source: AP News – Trump disrupts global economic order even though the US is dominant

The post Trump’s Tariffs Shake Global Trade and Rattle Markets appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Laura Loomer, a right-wing figure notorious for her provocative social media presence, has had a somewhat tumultuous relationship with Donald Trump’s campaign and administration. While at times sidelined, her influence appears to be on the rise once again, with recent events showcasing her continued impact on Trump’s decision-making.

In a recent Oval Office meeting, Loomer urged Trump to fire National Security Council (NSC) officials, who had come under fire for their use of Signal, an encrypted app, to discuss sensitive military operations in Yemen. This meeting ended with Trump following Loomer’s suggestion, a move that highlights her sway in the White House, despite her controversial past and outspoken views.

While Trump has often distanced himself from her more extreme comments, including 9/11 conspiracy theories and anti-immigrant rhetoric, Loomer remains an influential voice within certain conservative circles. Below, we take a closer look at who Laura Loomer is, her rise to prominence, and her impact on the Trump administration.

At just 31, Loomer has built a career as a staunch advocate for Trump and conservative causes. She ran for Congress unsuccessfully in 2020 and 2022 in South Florida, but she became widely known for her stunts, such as handcuffing herself to a Twitter office after being banned from the platform. She also made headlines by jumping a fence at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s home.

Loomer’s proximity to Trump grew after she led attacks against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a potential 2024 GOP rival. Her criticisms of DeSantis reportedly earned her an invitation to Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s private resort. Loomer even traveled with Trump during his 9/11 memorials in New York and Pennsylvania, claiming to have been invited as a guest. Despite her growing presence, she has never officially joined Trump’s campaign, as his allies preferred he maintain a distance from her more controversial stances.

Loomer is notorious for her inflammatory rhetoric, particularly on social media. Banned from platforms like Facebook and Twitter, she has found a home on alternatives like X (formerly Twitter) and Rumble, a platform favored by far-right figures.

She gained notoriety during the 2020 election, posting divisive comments such as, “If Kamala Harris beats Trump, the White House will smell like curry.” This remark, widely criticized as racist, reflects her penchant for controversial statements. Loomer has also frequently clashed with other right-wing figures, including Elon Musk, over issues like immigration and skilled migration visas.

In addition to her social media presence, Loomer hosts a podcast, “Loomer Unleashed,” where she continues to rail against what she sees as a “vetting crisis” within the Trump administration. Her recent research findings, presented to Trump and key officials, focused on rooting out disloyalty within the NSC, particularly targeting figures she believes undermine the president’s agenda.

Earlier this week, Loomer had a significant meeting with Trump and top advisers, including Vice President JD Vance and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. During the meeting, Loomer presented what she called “research findings” regarding the NSC and personnel she believed were sabotaging Trump’s agenda. According to sources, her recommendations led to the dismissal of several NSC officials.

While Loomer declined to comment on the specifics of the meeting out of respect for the president, she took to X to claim credit for the firings, sharing that the ousted officials were being defended by Trump critics on CNN and MSNBC. She has also been vocal about her dissatisfaction with the administration’s reliance on “neocons” and “not-MAGA-enough” individuals, signaling her continued push for a more hardline, populist approach within the White House.

Trump has long expressed admiration for Loomer, even as he distanced himself from her more extreme views. When criticized for her racist comments about Kamala Harris during the 2020 election, Trump acknowledged Loomer’s support but claimed he was unaware of her controversial statements.

In response to the recent NSC firings, Trump played down Loomer’s involvement, asserting that she only made recommendations, as he does with many others. However, he praised her as a “very good patriot” and a “very strong person,” emphasizing that her contributions are often “constructive.”

Laura Loomer remains a polarizing figure in American politics—admired by some for her unapologetic, hard-right stance and criticized by others for her extremist views. Despite the controversy that surrounds her, Loomer’s ability to influence decisions within Trump’s circle is clear, and her relationship with the former president continues to evolve. Whether she will play a more prominent role in the 2024 campaign or remain a behind-the-scenes advisor remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Loomer’s voice will continue to shape conservative discourse for the foreseeable future.

Source: AP News – A look at Laura Loomer, longtime Trump ally criticized for racist posts and Sept. 11 conspiracies

The post Laura Loomer: Trump’s Controversial Ally with Growing Influence appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy by refusing to rule out a third term in the White House, despite the clear restrictions of the 22nd Amendment. In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Trump suggested that there are ways to bypass the constitutional limit, emphasizing that he was “not joking” about the possibility.

During a Sunday-morning phone interview, Trump claimed that many of his allies have encouraged him to seek a third term.

“A lot of people want me to do it,” he said. “But I basically tell them we have a long way to go. It’s very early.”

While insisting that his current focus is on his ongoing administration, Trump didn’t shy away from acknowledging the possibility of returning to office for a third term.

When directly asked if he was serious about pursuing another term, Trump reaffirmed, “I’m not joking.” However, he admitted, “It is far too early to think about it.”

Pressed on whether any specific plans had been presented to him that would enable a third term, Trump responded cryptically: “There are methods which you could do it.”

NBC News then inquired whether one such method could involve Vice President JD Vance running for office and then handing power back to Trump. “That’s one,” Trump confirmed, before adding, “But there are others, too.”

When asked to elaborate, he declined, simply saying, “No.”

Under current U.S. law, a third presidential term would require amending the Constitution, an arduous process demanding a two-thirds majority in Congress or a constitutional convention initiated by two-thirds of the states. Any amendment would then need ratification by three-quarters of the states, making such a change highly improbable.

Despite these challenges, Trump’s strong polling numbers bolster his confidence. “A lot of people would like me to” serve another term, he asserted.

Trump’s remarks come amid renewed discussion among his allies about extending presidential term limits. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) has proposed a resolution to alter the existing restrictions, potentially opening a pathway for Trump to run again.

Meanwhile, longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon fueled speculation in a recent News Nation interview, predicting that Trump would “run and win again in 2028.” He hinted at multiple possible strategies to circumvent the current two-term limit, though he did not specify them.

The White House recently played into Trump’s self-styled regal image by posting a mocked-up magazine cover of him wearing a crown. This came in response to his administration’s decision to block congestion pricing in New York City. The official White House X account quoted Trump’s earlier Truth Social post, proclaiming: “LONG LIVE THE KING!”

Trump’s latest comments are sure to fuel further debate over his future political ambitions and the implications for American democracy. Whether these “methods” for a third term hold any real weight remains to be seen, but for now, the speculation continues.

Source: NBC News – Trump won’t rule out seeking a third term in the White House, tells NBC News ‘there are methods’ for doing so

The post Trump Hints at a Third Term: ‘There Are Methods’ to Make It Happen appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Trump’s Priorities: Business Over Borders

In Donald Trump’s world, everything has a price—including Ukraine’s future. The U.S. president’s stance on Eastern Ukraine is clear: he doesn’t care who controls the region, as long as he can access the rare earth minerals beneath its war-torn soil.

Trump’s approach to peace isn’t about justice or shared democratic values. Instead, his goal is a deal—any deal—that can be sold as a personal victory. To achieve this, he’s pressuring Ukraine and Europe to offer concessions that will bring Russia to the table.

“I’m just here to try and get peace,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “I don’t care so much about anything other than I want to stop having millions of people killed.”

A Drastic Shift in U.S. Policy

For years, the U.S. supported Ukraine’s defense, ensuring it had the means to fight back against Russian aggression. But Trump’s strategy isn’t about defending Ukraine—it’s about stopping its resistance.

Under President Biden, the policy was clear:
“Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine“—meaning Ukraine had the final say in any negotiations.

Now, under Trump, the driving force isn’t military strategy, it’s political optics. His administration sees the issue not as a battle for democracy, but as a domestic concern—a reflection of inflation, economic pressure, and election results in the U.S.

Trump’s Opening Offer: A Surrender?

Many in Europe view Trump’s negotiation strategy as capitulation. A European official described it as “a surrender”, with Trump essentially offering Russia a deal before formal talks even begin.

Russia, however, wants more. In a statement, Vladimir Putin demanded that any agreement address the “origins of the conflict”, which include:
Ukraine’s pro-Western stance
NATO’s expansion into Eastern Europe

Putin’s potential demands could include U.S. troop withdrawals from Poland, the Baltics, and other former Soviet states—moves that could pave the way for further Russian territorial grabs.

European Allies Left Out of the Deal?

Trump’s Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, told NATO leaders that reducing U.S. military presence in Europe could be part of the negotiations. This has left European nations scrambling to assert their role in the talks.

“We need to be at the table,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. “Any deal behind our backs will not work. You need the Europeans, you need the Ukrainians.”

But Trump’s team sees it differently. Hegseth’s response was blunt:

“Everything is on the table. What Trump decides to allow or not allow is at the purview of the leader of the free world.”

The Cost of Trump’s Deal

The fundamental question now is: who still belongs to the ‘free world’ under Trump’s leadership, and what will the price of entry be?

For Ukraine and Europe, the cost could be sovereignty, security, and the survival of democratic alliances. For Trump, it might just be a business deal—one that prioritizes profits over people.

Source

The post How Trump’s ‘America First’ Policy Sold Out Ukraine appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The Trump administration has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the United States at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. In a bold declaration, Vice President JD Vance stated that “the most powerful AI systems are built in the U.S. with American-designed and manufactured chips.“

U.S. Leads in AI: VP JD Vance’s Keynote at Paris AI Summit

Speaking at the Paris AI Action Summit, Vice President JD Vance delivered a keynote on the final day of the event, outlining the Trump administration’s strategy for AI dominance. He emphasized that the United States remains the global leader in AI and that the White House is committed to maintaining this position.

“The United States of America is the leader in AI, and our administration plans to keep it that way,” Vance declared.
“The U.S. possesses all components across the full AI stack, including advanced semiconductor design, frontier algorithms, and transformational applications. Now, the computing power this stack requires is integral to advancing AI technology. To safeguard America’s advantage, the Trump administration will ensure the most powerful AI systems are built in the U.S. with American-designed and manufactured chips.”

A Boost for the U.S. Semiconductor Industry

This announcement signals strong support for the American semiconductor industry, despite Trump’s previous opposition to the CHIPS and Science Act during his campaign. Currently, a new bill is making its way through Congress that would provide tax credits to chip designers and manufacturers, further strengthening domestic semiconductor production.

Vance reassured that Washington is crafting an AI strategy that balances innovation with regulation, removing unnecessary restrictions while ensuring AI benefits the American public.

Criticism of EU Regulations & Call for Global AI Partnerships

During his speech, Vance extended an invitation to other nations to partner with the U.S. and even adopt similar AI policies. However, he also criticized the European Union’s Digital Services Act and GDPR, calling them “onerous international rules” that burden smaller firms with excessive legal costs and stifle free speech.

“These regulations are preventing adults from accessing opinions that the government deems misinformation, creating unnecessary barriers to open discourse,” he argued.

Vance also highlighted a crucial issue in AI development: energy consumption. He warned that while AI relies on high-quality semiconductors and stable power sources, some nations are de-industrializing and removing reliable energy sources from their grids, potentially slowing AI progress.

Warning Against Partnerships with Hostile Regimes

In a pointed but indirect critique of China, Vance cautioned against relying on authoritarian governments for technology. Without naming China directly, he referenced cheap 5G and CCTV equipment, which were widely used in the U.S. and allied nations before being banned in 2019.

“Some of us in this room have learned from experience—partnering with them means chaining your nation to an authoritarian master that seeks to infiltrate, dig in, and seize your information infrastructure,” Vance warned.
“Should a deal seem too good to be true, just remember the old adage we learned in Silicon Valley: ‘If you aren’t paying for the product, you are the product.’”

Final Thoughts: A Clear AI Vision for the U.S.

With this speech, the Trump administration has made its stance on AI crystal clear: The U.S. will continue to lead in AI innovation, strengthen domestic chip manufacturing, push back against restrictive global regulations, and caution against partnerships with authoritarian regimes.

As the race for AI dominance accelerates, all eyes will be on Washington’s next moves to maintain its technological and economic edge in this transformative field.

Source

The post Trump Administration Pledges AI’s Most Powerful Chips Will Be Made in the U.S. appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

In a historic moment, Donald Trump has officially been sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking the beginning of his second term in office. The inauguration ceremony, held on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, brings the country into a new chapter under Trump’s leadership following his victory in the 2024 election. Here are the latest updates from this monumental day.

Key Moments from Inauguration Day:

• Swearing-In Ceremony:
  At precisely 12:00 PM ET, Donald Trump took the presidential oath of office, administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. The ceremony took place in front of a packed crowd, including family members, dignitaries, and political leaders. Trump’s wife, Melania, stood by his side as he pledged to “preserve, protect, and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
• Inaugural Address:
  Following the swearing-in, President Trump delivered his inaugural speech, outlining his agenda for the next four years. He emphasized themes of economic growth, job creation, and American sovereignty. He also stressed the importance of unity and reaffirmed his commitment to “putting America first.” His speech, while focused on national priorities, also acknowledged the challenges the country faces in a divided political climate.
• Security Measures in Place:
  The Capitol and surrounding areas were heavily secured with tens of thousands of law enforcement officers, National Guard troops, and security personnel. Enhanced security protocols were in effect, ensuring the safety of attendees and the peaceful transition of power. The U.S. military played a prominent role, with military bands and ceremonial units participating in the event.
• Crowd Reactions and Protests:
  Supporters of President Trump gathered in large numbers around the Capitol and National Mall to celebrate the inauguration. Meanwhile, scattered protests took place in different areas of Washington, D.C., with demonstrators voicing opposition to Trump’s second term. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, with supporters expressing excitement, while detractors criticized his return to office.
• VIP Guests and Dignitaries:
  Among the notable attendees were former presidents, political leaders, and foreign dignitaries. Former President Joe Biden, though not attending, issued a statement of goodwill, acknowledging the peaceful transition of power. Foreign leaders also extended congratulations to President Trump, offering their hopes for continued diplomatic relations with the U.S.
• Trump’s Family and Key Figures:
  The Trump family was prominently featured throughout the event. His children, Ivanka, Donald Jr., Eric, and Tiffany, along with their families, were present to witness the momentous occasion. Key figures from his first administration, such as Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, were also in attendance, signaling continued loyalty within his political base.

Public Reaction and Media Coverage:

• Supporters Celebrate:
  Trump’s supporters, many of whom had camped out for days, cheered with enthusiasm as their candidate officially took office for a second term. Flags bearing Trump’s name and slogans filled the air, and chants of “four more years” rang out in the crowd.
• Opposition and Protests:
  Despite the festive atmosphere among Trump’s supporters, many Americans voiced their displeasure with the result of the 2024 election. Across the country, protests and rallies erupted, with people calling for political change and greater unity in the face of a polarized nation. Social media has been filled with both support for the new president and passionate criticisms of his return to office.

A New Beginning:

Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States marks a new phase in the country’s political journey. After a bitterly contested election and the turbulent years of his first presidency, Trump now faces the challenge of uniting the nation while implementing his policy agenda. As the nation looks forward to his second term, questions remain about how he will tackle key issues like healthcare, foreign relations, and climate change.

What’s Next:

Stay tuned for more updates as the inauguration day continues with celebrations, musical performances, and official events. The coming days will reveal more about President Trump’s immediate plans and the key issues he will prioritize during his second term. The eyes of the nation and the world are now firmly focused on Washington, D.C., as President Trump takes on the responsibilities of leading the United States once again.

/jn/

The post Donald Trump Sworn in as 47th President of the United States appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he plans to nominate Kash Patel, former chief of staff to the acting Secretary of Defense during Trump’s first term, as the next director of the FBI. Patel’s nomination is subject to Senate confirmation and has sparked significant controversy.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Patel as a “brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter” who has dedicated his career to exposing corruption and defending justice. He added that Patel would restore the FBI’s core values of “Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity.”

However, Patel’s nomination raises concerns. He has been a vocal supporter of the false claim that the 2020 election was “stolen” from Trump. He also promoted the conspiracy theory of a “deep state” working within the U.S. government to undermine Trump’s presidency. Additionally, Patel has openly called for the removal of federal employees he believes are disloyal to Trump, advocating for their replacement with individuals who share his political views.

These views have alarmed many, including former FBI officials, Democratic lawmakers, and international leaders, who worry that Patel’s appointment could politicize the FBI and damage its credibility as an independent law enforcement agency. His nomination also challenges the tradition of FBI directors serving ten-year terms, a post-Watergate norm meant to keep the agency apolitical.

Patel became known for his work as a congressional staffer, particularly in relation to the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. He drafted a memo accusing the FBI of mishandling a surveillance warrant for a former Trump campaign volunteer. Although the memo’s claims were later disproven, Patel’s loyalty to Trump was cemented.

In the final months of Trump’s first term, Patel was briefly considered for high-level positions at the CIA and FBI, but his nominations were met with strong opposition, including from then-CIA Director Gina Haspel and Attorney General William Barr. Barr later stated in his memoir that Patel lacked the experience required for such roles.

Despite these setbacks, Patel has continued to echo Trump’s rhetoric, labeling federal employees and journalists as traitors. He has also claimed that certain government figures and the media worked against Trump in the 2020 election.

Patel’s career has been marked by his involvement in several high-profile legal and political matters, including his work on the Benghazi case. He also frequently promotes his memoir, public appearances, and causes like anti-vaccine supplements, which have kept him in the public eye.

As the nomination process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Senate to see whether Patel, a figure who has spent much of his career challenging the very institutions he is now set to lead, will be confirmed as FBI director.

Source

The post Trump Picks Kash Patel for FBI Director, Sparking Concerns appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

President-elect Donald Trump has pledged sweeping tariff increases on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China, promising dramatic changes to U.S. trade policy on his first day in office. Trump announced these measures via his Truth Social platform on Monday, framing the tariffs as retaliation for issues such as illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and what he describes as “open borders.”

The Proposed Tariffs

Trump’s plan includes:

• Mexico and Canada: A 25% tariff on all imports until illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, are addressed.
• China: A 10% increase on existing tariffs until China halts the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S.

“On January 20th, as one of my first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% tariff on ALL products coming into the United States,” Trump wrote. “This tariff will remain in effect until such time as drugs and illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!”

Trump also criticized China for failing to take effective action against the flow of fentanyl, claiming prior promises to crack down on drug traffickers were not upheld.

Reactions from Affected Nations

China, Mexico, and Canada quickly responded:

• China: Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu rejected Trump’s claims, stating that China has cooperated with the U.S. on counter-narcotics efforts. Liu also warned that tariffs could harm both countries, emphasizing the mutual benefits of economic cooperation.
• Canada: Canadian officials highlighted their commitment to border security and emphasized the importance of their shared border for U.S. energy supply. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada would continue discussions with the incoming administration.
• Mexico: While no immediate statement was issued, the Mexican peso dropped 2% against the U.S. dollar following Trump’s announcement.

Economic Implications of the Tariffs

The proposed tariffs could have widespread consequences for the U.S. economy:

• Supply Chain Disruptions: Key industries reliant on goods from neighboring countries and China could face significant cost increases.
• Consumer Impact: Higher tariffs effectively act as a tax on imported goods, raising prices for American consumers. Economists estimate the measures could cost the average U.S. household over $2,600 annually.
• Financial Markets: The announcement led to declines in stock futures and a drop in the value of the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso.

Karl Schamotta, a market strategist at Corpay, warned that the tariffs could add $272 billion annually to tax burdens, increase interest rates, and dampen consumer spending.

U.S. Imports at Risk

The United States relies heavily on imports from its closest trading partners:

• Canada: Supplies oil, vehicles, machinery, plastics, and wood.
• Mexico: Provides cars, car parts, electronics, machinery, and furniture.
• China: Major source of electronics, machinery, toys, furniture, and plastics.

Many of these imports have been exempt from tariffs under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA during Trump’s first term. It is unclear how Trump’s proposed tariffs would align with the terms of the USMCA.

Historical Context and Challenges

During his first term, Trump imposed tariffs on $380 billion worth of goods, targeting products like steel, aluminum, washing machines, and solar panels. While these measures aimed to boost domestic manufacturing, they also triggered retaliatory tariffs, undermining their effectiveness.

Mainstream economists argue that tariffs are inflationary and detrimental to global trade. Trump, however, views them as a tool to stimulate domestic manufacturing and generate revenue for the U.S. Treasury.

Outlook for Trump’s Tariff Plan

Trump has hinted at even steeper tariffs in a second term, including an across-the-board 10%-20% tariff on all imports and up to 60% on Chinese goods. While Treasury Secretary-designate Scott Bessent supports tariffs if implemented gradually, the risk of retaliatory trade wars remains a concern.

If enacted, these policies could mark a significant shift in U.S. economic strategy, but their long-term impact on industries, consumers, and global relations is uncertain. The incoming administration will need to balance Trump’s aggressive trade agenda with the economic realities facing American households and businesses.

Source

The post Massive Tariffs on Day One: Trump Targets Mexico, Canada, and China appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.