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Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States - Performance Watch
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Trump's White House launches COVID website that criticizes WHO, Fauci and Biden
Republican U.S. President Donald Trump's White House launched a COVID-19 website on Friday in which it blamed the origins of the coronavirus on a lab leak in China while criticizing Democratic former President Joe Biden, former top U.S. health official Anthony Fauci and the World Health Organization.
The website was also critical of steps like social distancing, mask mandates and lockdowns.
Trump began a 12-month process of withdrawing the U.S. - by far the WHO's largest financial backer - from the agency when he took office in January.
Fauci, Biden and WHO had no immediate comment.
Soon after taking office, Trump also said that Fauci, who has faced threats since leading the country's COVID-19 response, should hire his own security and ended U.S. security for him.
A CIA spokesperson said in January that the CIA has assessed that the COVID-19 pandemic is more likely to have emerged from a lab than from nature. The CIA had said it had "low confidence" in its assessment and that both scenarios - lab origin and natural origin - remain plausible.
China's government says it supports and has taken part in research to determine COVID-19's origin, and has accused Washington of politicizing the matter, especially because of efforts by U.S. intelligence agencies to investigate.
Beijing has said there was no credibility to claims that a laboratory leak likely caused the pandemic.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/he...e-that-criticizes-who-fauci-biden-2025-04-18/
Republican U.S. President Donald Trump's White House launched a COVID-19 website on Friday in which it blamed the origins of the coronavirus on a lab leak in China while criticizing Democratic former President Joe Biden, former top U.S. health official Anthony Fauci and the World Health Organization.
The website was also critical of steps like social distancing, mask mandates and lockdowns.
Trump began a 12-month process of withdrawing the U.S. - by far the WHO's largest financial backer - from the agency when he took office in January.
Fauci, Biden and WHO had no immediate comment.
Soon after taking office, Trump also said that Fauci, who has faced threats since leading the country's COVID-19 response, should hire his own security and ended U.S. security for him.
A CIA spokesperson said in January that the CIA has assessed that the COVID-19 pandemic is more likely to have emerged from a lab than from nature. The CIA had said it had "low confidence" in its assessment and that both scenarios - lab origin and natural origin - remain plausible.
China's government says it supports and has taken part in research to determine COVID-19's origin, and has accused Washington of politicizing the matter, especially because of efforts by U.S. intelligence agencies to investigate.
Beijing has said there was no credibility to claims that a laboratory leak likely caused the pandemic.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/he...e-that-criticizes-who-fauci-biden-2025-04-18/
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Thousands join anti-Trump protests across US
Thousands took to the streets across the US on Saturday to protest over recent actions by President Donald Trump.
Known as "50501", for "50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement", the demonstrations were intended to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War.
From outside the White House and Tesla dealerships and at the centres of many cities, protesters expressed a variety of grievances. Many called for the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
Political protests are becoming more common in the US - the "Hands Off" demonstrations in early April drew tens of thousands in cities across the country.
The most recent polling from Gallup suggests 45% of voters approve of Trump's performance in the first quarter of his term, which is more than the 41% who approved during the same period in his first administration.
Still, it is lower than the average first-quarter rating of 60% for all presidents elected between 1952 and 2020.
Saturday's protests addressed a number of Trump actions, including those by the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) - Trump's initiative to cut US government jobs and other spending - and the administration's unwillingness to bring about the return of Ábrego García, a citizen of El Salvador.
Gihad Elgendy told CNN he joined the protest at the White House to criticise the deportation of Ábrego García. He believes Trump "could easily pressure El Salvador to bring him back".
The protests were generally reported as peaceful, although Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat, posted a video on X of a man holding a Trump sign and pushing through a crowd to angrily confront him.
Many demonstrators carried signs reading "No Kings," a nod to the anniversary of the start of the country's revolution against English rule.
During celebrations of the anniversary in Massachusetts that commemorated the battles of Lexington and Concord and the famous horse ride of Paul Revere, people held similar signs. There was also a 50501 demonstration in Boston on Saturday.
"This is a very perilous time in America for liberty," Thomas Bassford, told the Associated Press, while in Boston with his partner, daughter and two grandsons. "I wanted the boys to learn about the origins of this country and that sometimes we have to fight for freedom."
Trump's popularity appears to be edging down, especially when it comes to the economy. When he took office in January, his approval rating was 47%, according to Gallup.
His approval rating in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll similarly dipped to 43% from 47% on Inauguration Day. In the same poll, only 37% approved of his performance on the economy, compared to 42% during inauguration.
Earlier this month, hundreds of thousands of Americans gathered for the largest nationwide show of opposition since Trump returned to the White House.
Those protests - which were larger than Saturday's - happened in 1,200 locations in all 50 US states.
BBC
Thousands took to the streets across the US on Saturday to protest over recent actions by President Donald Trump.
Known as "50501", for "50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement", the demonstrations were intended to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War.
From outside the White House and Tesla dealerships and at the centres of many cities, protesters expressed a variety of grievances. Many called for the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
Political protests are becoming more common in the US - the "Hands Off" demonstrations in early April drew tens of thousands in cities across the country.
The most recent polling from Gallup suggests 45% of voters approve of Trump's performance in the first quarter of his term, which is more than the 41% who approved during the same period in his first administration.
Still, it is lower than the average first-quarter rating of 60% for all presidents elected between 1952 and 2020.
Saturday's protests addressed a number of Trump actions, including those by the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) - Trump's initiative to cut US government jobs and other spending - and the administration's unwillingness to bring about the return of Ábrego García, a citizen of El Salvador.
Gihad Elgendy told CNN he joined the protest at the White House to criticise the deportation of Ábrego García. He believes Trump "could easily pressure El Salvador to bring him back".
The protests were generally reported as peaceful, although Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat, posted a video on X of a man holding a Trump sign and pushing through a crowd to angrily confront him.
Many demonstrators carried signs reading "No Kings," a nod to the anniversary of the start of the country's revolution against English rule.
During celebrations of the anniversary in Massachusetts that commemorated the battles of Lexington and Concord and the famous horse ride of Paul Revere, people held similar signs. There was also a 50501 demonstration in Boston on Saturday.
"This is a very perilous time in America for liberty," Thomas Bassford, told the Associated Press, while in Boston with his partner, daughter and two grandsons. "I wanted the boys to learn about the origins of this country and that sometimes we have to fight for freedom."
Trump's popularity appears to be edging down, especially when it comes to the economy. When he took office in January, his approval rating was 47%, according to Gallup.
His approval rating in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll similarly dipped to 43% from 47% on Inauguration Day. In the same poll, only 37% approved of his performance on the economy, compared to 42% during inauguration.
Earlier this month, hundreds of thousands of Americans gathered for the largest nationwide show of opposition since Trump returned to the White House.
Those protests - which were larger than Saturday's - happened in 1,200 locations in all 50 US states.
BBC
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The Supreme Court signals it might be losing patience with Trump
In an unusual overnight order, most of the justices voted to halt several illegal deportations.Shortly after midnight early Saturday morning, the Supreme Court handed down a brief order forbidding the Trump administration from removing a group of Venezuelan immigrants from the United States without due process.
The facts of this case, known as A.A.R.P. v. Trump, are uncertain and rapidly developing. Much of what we do know about the A.A.R.P. case comes from an emergency application filed by immigration lawyers at the ACLU late Friday night. According to that application, the government started moving Venezuelan immigrants around the United States to a detention facility in Texas, without offering much of an explanation about why it was doing so.
Sometime on Friday, an unknown number of these immigrants — the ACLU claims “dozens or hundreds” — were allegedly given an English-language document, despite the fact that many of them only speak Spanish, indicating that they’ve been designated for removal from the country under the Alien Enemies Act. That law only permits the government to deport people during a time of war or military invasion, but President Donald Trump has claimed that it gives him the power to remove Venezuelans who, he alleges, are members of a criminal gang.
Immigrants who were previously deported under this dubious legal justification were sent to a prison in El Salvador, which is known for widespread human rights abuses. Following those deportations, the Supreme Court ruled the government must give any immigrant whom Trump attempts to deport under this wartime statute “notice and an opportunity to challenge their removal.”
The ACLU lawyers argue the government is attempting to defy this order, claiming that the immigrants at the Texas facility were told that their “removals are imminent and will happen today” — a timeline that did not provide a real opportunity to challenge their removal. In a Friday hearing on the matter, the government did not give an exact timeline for deportations, but said it “reserve[d] the right” to deport the immigrants as soon as Saturday, and that the government was in compliance with the Supreme Court’s first order.
Assuming that the facts in the ACLU’s application are correct, this rushed process, where immigrants are moved to a facility without explanation, given a last-minute notice that many of them do not understand, and then potentially sent to El Salvador before they have a meaningful opportunity to challenge that removal, does seem to violate the Supreme Court’s April 7 decision in Trump v. J.G.G.
The Court’s late-night order in A.A.R.P. appears to be crafted to ensure that this notice and opportunity for a hearing mandated by J.G.G. actually takes place. It is just one paragraph and states that “the Government is directed not to remove any member of the putative class of detainees from the United States until further order of this Court.” It also invites the Justice Department to respond to the ACLU’s application “as soon as possible.”
Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented from the A.A.R.P. order. Though neither has explained why yet, the order says that a statement from Alito will come soon.
Thus far, the Supreme Court has been extraordinarily tolerant of Trump’s efforts to evade judicial review through hypertechnical procedural arguments. Though the J.G.G. decision required the Trump administration to give these Venezuelan immigrants a hearing, for example, it also guaranteed that many — likely most — of those hearings would take place in Texas, which has some of the most right-wing federal judges in the country.
Though it is just one order, Saturday’s post-midnight order suggests that the Court may no longer tolerate procedural shenanigans intended to evade meaningful judicial review. If the ACLU’s application is accurate, the Trump administration appears to have believed that it could comply with the Court’s decision in J.G.G. by giving men who are about to be deported a last-minute notice that many of them cannot even understand. Whether most of the justices choose to tolerate this kind of malicious half-compliance with their decisions will likely become clear in the coming days. The Court’s A.A.R.P. order suggests that they will not.
Still, it remains to be seen how this case will play out once it is fully litigated. The post-midnight order is only temporary. And it leaves open all of the most important issues in this case, including whether Trump can rely on a wartime statute to deport people during peacetime.
Source: https://www.vox.com/scotus/409736/supreme-court-order-pause-deportations-venezuela-el-salvador-aclu
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Thousands join anti-Trump protests across US
Thousands took to the streets across the US on Saturday to protest over recent actions by President Donald Trump.
Known as "50501", for "50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement", the demonstrations were intended to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War.
From outside the White House and Tesla dealerships and at the centres of many cities, protesters expressed a variety of grievances. Many called for the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
Political protests are becoming more common in the US - the "Hands Off" demonstrations in early April drew tens of thousands in cities across the country.
The most recent polling from Gallup suggests 45% of voters approve of Trump's performance in the first quarter of his term, which is more than the 41% who approved during the same period in his first administration.
Still, it is lower than the average first-quarter rating of 60% for all presidents elected between 1952 and 2020.
Saturday's protests addressed a number of Trump actions, including those by the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) - Trump's initiative to cut US government jobs and other spending - and the administration's unwillingness to bring about the return of Ábrego García, a citizen of El Salvador.
Gihad Elgendy told CNN he joined the protest at the White House to criticise the deportation of Ábrego García. He believes Trump "could easily pressure El Salvador to bring him back".
The protests were generally reported as peaceful, although Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat, posted a video on X of a man holding a Trump sign and pushing through a crowd to angrily confront him.
Many demonstrators carried signs reading "No Kings," a nod to the anniversary of the start of the country's revolution against British rule.
During celebrations of the anniversary in Massachusetts that commemorated the battles of Lexington and Concord and the famous horse ride of Paul Revere, people held similar signs. There was also a 50501 demonstration in Boston on Saturday.
"This is a very perilous time in America for liberty," Thomas Bassford, told the Associated Press, while in Boston with his partner, daughter and two grandsons. "I wanted the boys to learn about the origins of this country and that sometimes we have to fight for freedom."
Trump's popularity appears to be edging down, especially when it comes to the economy. When he took office in January, his approval rating was 47%, according to Gallup.
His approval rating in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll similarly dipped to 43% from 47% on Inauguration Day. In the same poll, only 37% approved of his performance on the economy, compared to 42% during inauguration.
Earlier this month, hundreds of thousands of Americans gathered for the largest nationwide show of opposition since Trump returned to the White House.
Those protests - which were larger than Saturday's - happened in 1,200 locations in all 50 US states.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czjn0410e3zo
Thousands took to the streets across the US on Saturday to protest over recent actions by President Donald Trump.
Known as "50501", for "50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement", the demonstrations were intended to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War.
From outside the White House and Tesla dealerships and at the centres of many cities, protesters expressed a variety of grievances. Many called for the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
Political protests are becoming more common in the US - the "Hands Off" demonstrations in early April drew tens of thousands in cities across the country.
The most recent polling from Gallup suggests 45% of voters approve of Trump's performance in the first quarter of his term, which is more than the 41% who approved during the same period in his first administration.
Still, it is lower than the average first-quarter rating of 60% for all presidents elected between 1952 and 2020.
Saturday's protests addressed a number of Trump actions, including those by the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) - Trump's initiative to cut US government jobs and other spending - and the administration's unwillingness to bring about the return of Ábrego García, a citizen of El Salvador.
Gihad Elgendy told CNN he joined the protest at the White House to criticise the deportation of Ábrego García. He believes Trump "could easily pressure El Salvador to bring him back".
The protests were generally reported as peaceful, although Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat, posted a video on X of a man holding a Trump sign and pushing through a crowd to angrily confront him.
Many demonstrators carried signs reading "No Kings," a nod to the anniversary of the start of the country's revolution against British rule.
During celebrations of the anniversary in Massachusetts that commemorated the battles of Lexington and Concord and the famous horse ride of Paul Revere, people held similar signs. There was also a 50501 demonstration in Boston on Saturday.
"This is a very perilous time in America for liberty," Thomas Bassford, told the Associated Press, while in Boston with his partner, daughter and two grandsons. "I wanted the boys to learn about the origins of this country and that sometimes we have to fight for freedom."
Trump's popularity appears to be edging down, especially when it comes to the economy. When he took office in January, his approval rating was 47%, according to Gallup.
His approval rating in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll similarly dipped to 43% from 47% on Inauguration Day. In the same poll, only 37% approved of his performance on the economy, compared to 42% during inauguration.
Earlier this month, hundreds of thousands of Americans gathered for the largest nationwide show of opposition since Trump returned to the White House.
Those protests - which were larger than Saturday's - happened in 1,200 locations in all 50 US states.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czjn0410e3zo
Yes, voted for this. Am totally fine with this. The US taxpayer doesnt need to pay for violent criminals if it reduce the cost to put them elsewhere. Or if Trudeau offers a better deal ( as in he has the experience to give asylum to all illegals) , then the US should take it.
rpant_gabba
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Dont care for your rude posts but yeah lots of chutzpah. Come in "legally", follow the "laws" are you are fine. These are violent criminals not ordinary criminals which the US taxpayers pay for. So, yeah ship them out after due process if its possible and if reduces the burden on the US taxpayer.
Again US gives equal rights for all its citizens , so your ignorant chain migrant nonsense comments doesnt change the reality. You are like the ultra left wing woke liberal who nobody in mainstream America cares for
rpant_gabba
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Does it apply to insurrectionists? Oh wait , as long as they are trumps , they get a pass.
It applies to violent criminals . But yeah it should apply to Hunter Biden.
rpant_gabba
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So Trump will rescind I pardon for Jan 6 criminals and deport them?
LMAO. How about the felon who caused the insurrection. That is more violent than anything by Hunter is accused of.
You do realize that the US prez has the authority to pardon anyone. So thats a privilege they have. All US presidents have used it and misused it. So singling out just Trump is sour grapes. Biden "promised" he will "never misuse his pardon power" and as soon as he loses elections he promptly misuses it.
Yeah the US laws dealt with his insurrection legally and with the court system and he was punished for it. So yeah , all the presidents before Trump were way way more violent killing hundreds of thousands of people and soldiers in foreign wars. So there is that on your violence claims..
IMMY69
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Hunter Biden?
Arrh that's why Trump hates Zelenskyy so much?
Trump asked Ukraine president in phone call 'if you can look into' Biden and his son
The call with Zelensky is reportedly a central part of the whistleblower complaint that prompted Nancy Pelosi to support an impeachment inquiry against Trump.
I was exposing the hypocrisy of Joe Biden. Foe all his "pardon promises" he is just like any former Prez and not a saint. And thats fine but dont claim otherwise.Hunter Biden?
Arrh that's why Trump hates Zelenskyy so much?
Trump asked Ukraine president in phone call 'if you can look into' Biden and his son
The call with Zelensky is reportedly a central part of the whistleblower complaint that prompted Nancy Pelosi to support an impeachment inquiry against Trump.www.cnbc.com
rpant_gabba
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no other president excused treason and pardoned violent insurrectionist. no other president caused and encourage an insurrection. No other president is a convicted felon.
Trump was punished fro 34 felonies? was he denied dessert?
you war theme is just a deflection.
rpant_gabba
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Yes, becos Trump DOJ would have given Hunter a fair hearing.
Can you tell why conservatives were afraid of a open testimony for Hunter?
Your whole law and order is smoke screen. you have no qualm with "your" criminals walking
And that is OK. Willing to over look that for US presidents who caused hundreds of thousands and million civilian and soldiers death. Not even a patch on it honestly. Your avoidance of the previous Prez's war death tolls is word gymnastics and a deflection.
rpant_gabba
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What is not Ok for Trump voters?
Essentially another defliection and gas lighting attempt. no wonder you like trump. birds of a feather
you didn't answer is you voted for Bush sr and Junior, if you did you no have leg to stand on. you'll try, just like the hypocrite conservatives are
rpant_gabba
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Bump.
Have said this before , maybe you missed it . Voted bill clinton twice, then Bush Jr, then Kerry, then nobody, then Romney, then Trump, then Trump & again Trump
And no deflection here. You are the one harping and deflecting. Yes insurrection was wrong but we are OK not voting for US presidents who start terrible wars that kill a million people and cause US soldiers death. An insurrection violence is nothing - and it has been dealt by the courts . And yes, a prez has the authority to pardon anyone and so be it. Am OK with Biden pardoning Hunter - thats a privilege he has as a US prez. So, dont have double standards for Trump.
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US stocks and dollar plunge as Trump attacks Fed chair Powell
US stocks and the dollar plunged again as President Donald Trump intensified his attacks on the US central bank boss calling him "a major loser" for not lowering interest rates.
In a social media post, Trump called on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates "pre-emptively" to help boost the economy, saying Powell had been consistently too slow to respond to economic developments.
"There can be a SLOWING of the economy unless Mr. Too Late, a major loser, lowers interest rates, NOW," he wrote.
Trump's criticism of Powell's handling of the US economy comes as his own plans for tariffs have driven a stock market sell-off and raised fears of economic recession.
The president's intensifying clash with Powell, whom he named to lead the Fed during his first term, has added to the market turmoil.
The S&P 500, which tracks 500 of the biggest US companies, fell roughly 2.4% on Monday. It has lost roughly 12% of its value since the start of the year.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.5% and has dropped about 10% so far this year, while the Nasdaq fell more than 2.5% and is down roughly 18% since January.
Though the dollar and US government bonds are typically considered safe assets in times of market turmoil, they have not escaped the recent turbulence.
The dollar index - which measures the strength of the dollar against a set of currencies including the Euro - on Monday fell to its lowest level since 2022.
Interest rates on US government debt also rose, as investors demanded higher returns for holding Treasuries.
Trading on most major stock indexes in the Asia-Pacific region was subdued on Tuesday afternoon.
Japan's Nikkei 225 and the ASX 200 in Sydney were around 0.1% lower. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was about 0.2% higher.
Meanwhile, the price of gold hit a new record high as investors seek out so-called "safe-haven" assets.
Spot gold crossed the $3,400 (£2,563) per ounce mark for the first time on Monday.
The precious metal is viewed as a safer place to put money during times of economic uncertainty.
Trump's criticism of Powell dates back to his first term in office, when he also reportedly discussed firing him. Since winning the election, he has urged Powell to lower borrowing costs.
The latest criticism follows Powell's warnings that Trump's import taxes were likely to drive up prices and slow the economy.
Trump last week called publicly for Powell to be fired, writing on social media on Thursday: "Powell's termination cannot come fast enough."
Such a move would be controversial - and legally questionable - given a tradition of independence at the bank.
Powell last year told reporters he did not believe the president had the legal authority to remove him.
But one of Trump's top economic advisers confirmed that officials were studying the option on Friday, when the stock market in the US was closed for trading.
BBC
US stocks and the dollar plunged again as President Donald Trump intensified his attacks on the US central bank boss calling him "a major loser" for not lowering interest rates.
In a social media post, Trump called on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates "pre-emptively" to help boost the economy, saying Powell had been consistently too slow to respond to economic developments.
"There can be a SLOWING of the economy unless Mr. Too Late, a major loser, lowers interest rates, NOW," he wrote.
Trump's criticism of Powell's handling of the US economy comes as his own plans for tariffs have driven a stock market sell-off and raised fears of economic recession.
The president's intensifying clash with Powell, whom he named to lead the Fed during his first term, has added to the market turmoil.
The S&P 500, which tracks 500 of the biggest US companies, fell roughly 2.4% on Monday. It has lost roughly 12% of its value since the start of the year.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.5% and has dropped about 10% so far this year, while the Nasdaq fell more than 2.5% and is down roughly 18% since January.
Though the dollar and US government bonds are typically considered safe assets in times of market turmoil, they have not escaped the recent turbulence.
The dollar index - which measures the strength of the dollar against a set of currencies including the Euro - on Monday fell to its lowest level since 2022.
Interest rates on US government debt also rose, as investors demanded higher returns for holding Treasuries.
Trading on most major stock indexes in the Asia-Pacific region was subdued on Tuesday afternoon.
Japan's Nikkei 225 and the ASX 200 in Sydney were around 0.1% lower. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was about 0.2% higher.
Meanwhile, the price of gold hit a new record high as investors seek out so-called "safe-haven" assets.
Spot gold crossed the $3,400 (£2,563) per ounce mark for the first time on Monday.
The precious metal is viewed as a safer place to put money during times of economic uncertainty.
Trump's criticism of Powell dates back to his first term in office, when he also reportedly discussed firing him. Since winning the election, he has urged Powell to lower borrowing costs.
The latest criticism follows Powell's warnings that Trump's import taxes were likely to drive up prices and slow the economy.
Trump last week called publicly for Powell to be fired, writing on social media on Thursday: "Powell's termination cannot come fast enough."
Such a move would be controversial - and legally questionable - given a tradition of independence at the bank.
Powell last year told reporters he did not believe the president had the legal authority to remove him.
But one of Trump's top economic advisers confirmed that officials were studying the option on Friday, when the stock market in the US was closed for trading.
BBC
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Trump sparks row with deep-sea mining order
Donald Trump has signed a controversial executive order aimed at stepping up deep-sea mining within US and in international waters.
Thursday's order is the latest issued by the US president to try to increase America's access to minerals used by the aerospace, green technology and healthcare sectors.
The deep sea contains billions of tonnes of potato-shaped rocks, called polymetallic nodules, which are rich in critical minerals like cobalt and rare earths.
Many other countries and environmental groups oppose deep-sea mining in international waters without further research.
The latest US executive order was issued to "establish the United States as a global leader in responsible seabed mineral exploration", it reads.
The move appears to bypass a long-running round of UN negotiations on mining in international waters.
"The US authorisation... violates international law and harms the overall interests of the international community," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Friday.
China dominates the production of rare earths and critical metals like cobalt and lithium.
Trump has been frustrated by this relative weakness of the US position, analysts say.
"We want the US to get ahead of China in this resource space under the ocean, on the ocean bottom," a US official said on Thursday.
To achieve this, the order says the US will speed up the process of issuing exploration licences and recovery permits both in its own waters and in "areas beyond national jurisdiction".
The administration estimates that deep-sea mining could boost the country's GDP by $300bn (£225bn) over 10 years and create 100,000 jobs
The EU, the UK and others support a moratorium on the practice until further scientific research is carried out.
Environmentalists and scientists are concerned that undiscovered species living in the deep sea could be harmed by the process.
"Deep-sea mining is a deeply dangerous endeavour for our ocean," said Jeff Watters of Ocean Conservancy, a US-based environmental group.
"The harm caused by deep-sea mining isn't restricted to the ocean floor: it will impact the entire water column, top to bottom, and everyone and everything relying on it," he added in a statement released on Friday.
It is not clear how quickly deep-sea mining could begin but one mining company, The Metals Company (TMC), has already applied for permits in international waters.
TMC's CEO Gerard Barron has previously said he hopes to begin mining by the end of the year.
Along with others in the mining industry, he disputes the environmental claims made and has argued that the abyssal zone - 3,000m to 6,000m below sea level - has very low concentrations of life.
"Here there's zero flora. And if we measure the amount of fauna [animal life], in the form of biomass, there is around 10g per square metre. That compares with more than 30kg of biomass where the world is pushing more nickel extraction, which is our equatorial rainforests," he previously told the BBC.
BBC
Donald Trump has signed a controversial executive order aimed at stepping up deep-sea mining within US and in international waters.
Thursday's order is the latest issued by the US president to try to increase America's access to minerals used by the aerospace, green technology and healthcare sectors.
The deep sea contains billions of tonnes of potato-shaped rocks, called polymetallic nodules, which are rich in critical minerals like cobalt and rare earths.
Many other countries and environmental groups oppose deep-sea mining in international waters without further research.
The latest US executive order was issued to "establish the United States as a global leader in responsible seabed mineral exploration", it reads.
The move appears to bypass a long-running round of UN negotiations on mining in international waters.
"The US authorisation... violates international law and harms the overall interests of the international community," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Friday.
China dominates the production of rare earths and critical metals like cobalt and lithium.
Trump has been frustrated by this relative weakness of the US position, analysts say.
"We want the US to get ahead of China in this resource space under the ocean, on the ocean bottom," a US official said on Thursday.
To achieve this, the order says the US will speed up the process of issuing exploration licences and recovery permits both in its own waters and in "areas beyond national jurisdiction".
The administration estimates that deep-sea mining could boost the country's GDP by $300bn (£225bn) over 10 years and create 100,000 jobs
The EU, the UK and others support a moratorium on the practice until further scientific research is carried out.
Environmentalists and scientists are concerned that undiscovered species living in the deep sea could be harmed by the process.
"Deep-sea mining is a deeply dangerous endeavour for our ocean," said Jeff Watters of Ocean Conservancy, a US-based environmental group.
"The harm caused by deep-sea mining isn't restricted to the ocean floor: it will impact the entire water column, top to bottom, and everyone and everything relying on it," he added in a statement released on Friday.
It is not clear how quickly deep-sea mining could begin but one mining company, The Metals Company (TMC), has already applied for permits in international waters.
TMC's CEO Gerard Barron has previously said he hopes to begin mining by the end of the year.
Along with others in the mining industry, he disputes the environmental claims made and has argued that the abyssal zone - 3,000m to 6,000m below sea level - has very low concentrations of life.
"Here there's zero flora. And if we measure the amount of fauna [animal life], in the form of biomass, there is around 10g per square metre. That compares with more than 30kg of biomass where the world is pushing more nickel extraction, which is our equatorial rainforests," he previously told the BBC.
BBC
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#MAGA
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“Sleepy, old guy saw nine straight quarters of record stock market gains and job growth.
The smartest businessman in the world F’d it all up in 8 weeks”
The smartest businessman in the world F’d it all up in 8 weeks”
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Ex-FBI agent Charles McGonigal sentenced for helping Russian oligarch
Charles McGonigal, one of the highest-ranking agents ever charged, helped Oleg Deripaska spy on a rival.
www.bbc.com
Ex-FBI agent Charles McGonigal sentenced for helping Russian oligarch
This is the guy who cleared Trump and his campaign of Russian influence in 2016 election.
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ICE deports immigrant mother of an infant and 3 children who are US citizens, lawyers say
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have in recent days deported a Cuban-born mother of a 1-year-old girl, separating them indefinitely.
apnews.com
>>>>The 4-year-old — who is suffering from a rare form of cancer — and the 7-year-old were deported to Honduras within a day of being arrested with their mother, Willis said.<<<<
Not sure I see the difference between Trump and his supporters and Pak establishment, its non state actors and their apologists here
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Trump tells business chiefs he needs 'little bit of time' as US economy shrinks
President Donald Trump has asked for more time on the US economy as it contracted for the first time in three years, stoking recession fears.
He said the figure was misleading because companies had stockpiled imports ahead of his imposition of tariffs.
Trump, however, said $8tn (£6tn) of inward investment had been promised, which he argued would restore American manufacturing prowess.
The US economy contracted at an annual rate of 0.3%, the US commerce department said, a sharp downturn after growth of 2.4% in the previous quarter. It comes as Trump marks 100 days in office, with opinion polls indicating public discontent over his economic stewardship.
Speaking on Wednesday afternoon at a White House event attended by business leaders, Trump blamed his Democratic predecessor, President Joe Biden, for the disappointing gross domestic product data.
"This is Biden's economy because we took over on January 20th," Trump said. "I think you have to give us a little bit of time to get moving."
It comes in the aftermath of the Republican president's import taxes, which have disrupted global trade and markets.
Trump's finger pointing at Biden drew scorn from Democrats.
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, minority leader of the US House of Representatives, said: "This is not Joe Biden's economy, Donald, it is your economy.
"It is the Trump economy, it is a failed economy and the American people know it."
At Wednesday's White House event, Trump touted planned investments in technology, healthcare and infrastructure.
He introduced CEOs of major companies, including Hyundai's Jose Munoz, Toyota's Ted Ogawa, and Johnson & Johnson's Joaquin Duato.
Trump also urged Congress to pass his tax bill, which includes trillions of dollars in tax and spending cuts, but faces opposition from Democrats and some Republicans.
At a television appearance earlier in the day with cabinet members, Trump played down fears of shortages of items such as toys, as trade between the US and China falls sharply.
"Well, maybe the children will have to have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, you know?" he said. "And maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally."
Trump has enacted 10% levies on almost all countries importing to the US, after announcing a 90-day pause on higher tariffs. The amount paid by these countries could change after the period expires in July.
Another 25% tariff has been imposed on Mexico and Canada. The levies on China, however, have led to an all-out trade war with the world's second largest economy.
Trump imposed import taxes of up to 145% on Chinese goods coming into the US and China hit back with a 125% tax on American products.
His administration said when the new tariffs were added on to existing ones, the levies on some Chinese goods could reach 245%.
BBC
President Donald Trump has asked for more time on the US economy as it contracted for the first time in three years, stoking recession fears.
He said the figure was misleading because companies had stockpiled imports ahead of his imposition of tariffs.
Trump, however, said $8tn (£6tn) of inward investment had been promised, which he argued would restore American manufacturing prowess.
The US economy contracted at an annual rate of 0.3%, the US commerce department said, a sharp downturn after growth of 2.4% in the previous quarter. It comes as Trump marks 100 days in office, with opinion polls indicating public discontent over his economic stewardship.
Speaking on Wednesday afternoon at a White House event attended by business leaders, Trump blamed his Democratic predecessor, President Joe Biden, for the disappointing gross domestic product data.
"This is Biden's economy because we took over on January 20th," Trump said. "I think you have to give us a little bit of time to get moving."
It comes in the aftermath of the Republican president's import taxes, which have disrupted global trade and markets.
Trump's finger pointing at Biden drew scorn from Democrats.
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, minority leader of the US House of Representatives, said: "This is not Joe Biden's economy, Donald, it is your economy.
"It is the Trump economy, it is a failed economy and the American people know it."
At Wednesday's White House event, Trump touted planned investments in technology, healthcare and infrastructure.
He introduced CEOs of major companies, including Hyundai's Jose Munoz, Toyota's Ted Ogawa, and Johnson & Johnson's Joaquin Duato.
Trump also urged Congress to pass his tax bill, which includes trillions of dollars in tax and spending cuts, but faces opposition from Democrats and some Republicans.
At a television appearance earlier in the day with cabinet members, Trump played down fears of shortages of items such as toys, as trade between the US and China falls sharply.
"Well, maybe the children will have to have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, you know?" he said. "And maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally."
Trump has enacted 10% levies on almost all countries importing to the US, after announcing a 90-day pause on higher tariffs. The amount paid by these countries could change after the period expires in July.
Another 25% tariff has been imposed on Mexico and Canada. The levies on China, however, have led to an all-out trade war with the world's second largest economy.
Trump imposed import taxes of up to 145% on Chinese goods coming into the US and China hit back with a 125% tax on American products.
His administration said when the new tariffs were added on to existing ones, the levies on some Chinese goods could reach 245%.
BBC
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Trump ousts Waltz as national security adviser and nominates him for UN post
US President Donald Trump has removed Mike Waltz from his post as national security adviser, and will nominate him as ambassador to the United Nations.
In a post on social media, Trump thanked Waltz for his work and said he would be temporarily replaced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will continue as America's top diplomat.
Waltz had faced criticism for mistakenly adding a journalist to a chat group where sensitive military plans were discussed - a political embarrassment likely to feature during confirmation hearings for the UN post.
The former Florida congressman is the first senior member of the administration to leave the White House in Trump's second term.
"From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation's Interests first," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
"I know he will do the same in his new role."
Waltz posted a short statement on X, alongside a screenshot of the announcement by the president.
"I'm deeply honoured to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation," he wrote.
According to the BBC's US partner CBS News, Trump decided to nominate Waltz as UN ambassador just hours before the announcement on Thursday.
Multiple sources told the network he was ousted because of the Signal situation and a perception in the White House that he did not properly vet National Security Council staff, among other reasons.
But the sources said Trump respects Waltz so he was given a soft landing and a high-profile new post.
However, the BBC spoke to several US officials - who wished to remain anonymous - and they suggested the Trump administration believed Waltz might struggle to be confirmed by the Senate, allowing the president to get rid of him completely without having to fire him.
Waltz has been under scrutiny since he acknowledged in March mistakenly adding the editor-in-chief of the Atlantic magazine, Jeffrey Goldberg, to a group chat on Signal with top US security officials.
Confidential plans for a military strike on Yemen's Houthis were discussed on the message chain, whose members included Waltz, Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
There was uncertainty on Thursday over the fate of Waltz's deputy, Alex Wong, a seasoned foreign policy hand from Trump's first term who was also on the Signal chat.
Wong was asked about the leak during an interview with the BBC's Newsnight programme on Wednesday. He said the administration had been "very successful" in taking on Yemen's Houthis and "the president led on that".
In March, lawmakers questioned some of the other Signal chat participants at hearings, including the director of national intelligence and the director of the CIA.
The UN ambassador position remains unfilled. Trump withdrew the nomination of his first pick, New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik, amid Republican concerns about preserving their slender majority in the House of Representatives.
Minnesota Governor and former Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz made light of the national security adviser's exit on Thursday.
He posted on X: "Mike Waltz has left the chat."
Waltz has continued to use Signal, according to an image captured by a Reuters photographer at a White House cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
The zoomed-in picture showed Waltz checking his phone and a chat ongoing with a contact saved under the name of JD Vance, who is US vice-president.
The message from the Vance contact read in part: "I have confirmation from my counterpart it's turned off. He is going to be here."
In an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday evening, Vance rejected any suggestion that Waltz had been fired, saying he was actually being promoted.
"I like Mike," said Vance. "I think he's a great guy. He's got the trust of both me and the president.
"But we also thought that he'd make a better UN ambassador as we get beyond this stage."
Trump's announcement, meanwhile, of the latest role for Rubio appeared to catch state department officials off guard.
Rubio will now be the first official to serve both as secretary of state and national security adviser since Henry Kissinger half a century ago.
Rubio is also acting head of both the gutted United States Agency for International Development and the National Archives.
Some reports suggest Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer and personal friend of Trump who is currently a US Special Envoy to the Middle East, could ultimately replace Waltz.
Another name being touted as a potential candidate by some in Washington is also one of Trump's special envoys, Ric Grenell, who has a longer diplomatic track record.
Trump went through four national security advisers in his first term. The first, Michael Flynn, served for just three weeks.
Another, John Bolton, later wrote an unflattering book about Trump.
Bolton told the BBC on Thursday that Waltz's removal was reminiscent of the "chaos" from Trump's first term.
BBC
US President Donald Trump has removed Mike Waltz from his post as national security adviser, and will nominate him as ambassador to the United Nations.
In a post on social media, Trump thanked Waltz for his work and said he would be temporarily replaced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will continue as America's top diplomat.
Waltz had faced criticism for mistakenly adding a journalist to a chat group where sensitive military plans were discussed - a political embarrassment likely to feature during confirmation hearings for the UN post.
The former Florida congressman is the first senior member of the administration to leave the White House in Trump's second term.
"From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation's Interests first," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
"I know he will do the same in his new role."
Waltz posted a short statement on X, alongside a screenshot of the announcement by the president.
"I'm deeply honoured to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation," he wrote.
According to the BBC's US partner CBS News, Trump decided to nominate Waltz as UN ambassador just hours before the announcement on Thursday.
Multiple sources told the network he was ousted because of the Signal situation and a perception in the White House that he did not properly vet National Security Council staff, among other reasons.
But the sources said Trump respects Waltz so he was given a soft landing and a high-profile new post.
However, the BBC spoke to several US officials - who wished to remain anonymous - and they suggested the Trump administration believed Waltz might struggle to be confirmed by the Senate, allowing the president to get rid of him completely without having to fire him.
Waltz has been under scrutiny since he acknowledged in March mistakenly adding the editor-in-chief of the Atlantic magazine, Jeffrey Goldberg, to a group chat on Signal with top US security officials.
Confidential plans for a military strike on Yemen's Houthis were discussed on the message chain, whose members included Waltz, Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
There was uncertainty on Thursday over the fate of Waltz's deputy, Alex Wong, a seasoned foreign policy hand from Trump's first term who was also on the Signal chat.
Wong was asked about the leak during an interview with the BBC's Newsnight programme on Wednesday. He said the administration had been "very successful" in taking on Yemen's Houthis and "the president led on that".
In March, lawmakers questioned some of the other Signal chat participants at hearings, including the director of national intelligence and the director of the CIA.
The UN ambassador position remains unfilled. Trump withdrew the nomination of his first pick, New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik, amid Republican concerns about preserving their slender majority in the House of Representatives.
Minnesota Governor and former Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz made light of the national security adviser's exit on Thursday.
He posted on X: "Mike Waltz has left the chat."
Waltz has continued to use Signal, according to an image captured by a Reuters photographer at a White House cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
The zoomed-in picture showed Waltz checking his phone and a chat ongoing with a contact saved under the name of JD Vance, who is US vice-president.
The message from the Vance contact read in part: "I have confirmation from my counterpart it's turned off. He is going to be here."
In an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday evening, Vance rejected any suggestion that Waltz had been fired, saying he was actually being promoted.
"I like Mike," said Vance. "I think he's a great guy. He's got the trust of both me and the president.
"But we also thought that he'd make a better UN ambassador as we get beyond this stage."
Trump's announcement, meanwhile, of the latest role for Rubio appeared to catch state department officials off guard.
Rubio will now be the first official to serve both as secretary of state and national security adviser since Henry Kissinger half a century ago.
Rubio is also acting head of both the gutted United States Agency for International Development and the National Archives.
Some reports suggest Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer and personal friend of Trump who is currently a US Special Envoy to the Middle East, could ultimately replace Waltz.
Another name being touted as a potential candidate by some in Washington is also one of Trump's special envoys, Ric Grenell, who has a longer diplomatic track record.
Trump went through four national security advisers in his first term. The first, Michael Flynn, served for just three weeks.
Another, John Bolton, later wrote an unflattering book about Trump.
Bolton told the BBC on Thursday that Waltz's removal was reminiscent of the "chaos" from Trump's first term.
BBC
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Donald Trump: If you take out all the negative numbers, GDP is up.
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Trump orders reopening of notorious Alcatraz prison
Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the infamous former prison on an island near San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.
In a message on his Truth Social site on Sunday, President Trump said that "for too long America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenders".
The reopening of Alcatraz - once notorious as one of the US's toughest prisons - would serve as a "symbol of law, order, and justice," he said.
Leading Democrats said the proposal was "not a serious one". The maximum security facility, also known as The Rock, was closed in 1963 and it is currently operating as a successful tourist site.
"Today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ," Trump wrote.
The prison would "house America's most ruthless and violent Offenders".
President Trump has been clashing with the courts over his policy of sending alleged gang members to a prison in El Salvador. In March, he sent a group of more than 200 alleged Venezuelan gang members there. He has also talked about sending "homegrown criminals" to foreign prisons.
Alcatraz was originally a naval defence fort, and it was rebuilt in the early 20th Century as a military prison. The Department of Justice took it over in the 1930s and it began taking in convicts from the federal prison system. Among its more famous inmates were the notorious gangsters Al Capone, Mickey Cohen and George "Machine Gun" Kelly.
The prison was also made famous by the 1962 film, Birdman of Alcatraz, starring Burt Lancaster, about the convicted murderer Robert Stroud, who while serving a life sentence on the prison island developed an interest in birds and went on to become an expert ornithologist.
It was also the site of the 1996 film The Rock, starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage, about a former SAS captain and FBI chemist who rescue hostages from Alcatraz island.
The prison closed because it was too expensive to continue operating, according to the Federal Bureau of Prison website. It was nearly three times more costly to operate than any other federal prison, largely due to its island location.
It would take an enormous amount of money to make Alcatraz into a functioning prison, Professor Gabriel Jack Chin from the Davis School of Law at the University of California told the BBC.
The federal prison system is actually down about 25% from its peak population and "there are a lot of empty beds" in existing prisons, Chin said. "So its not clear if a new one is needed."
Alcatraz has "a reputation as a tough prison" and Trump is trying to send a message that his administration will be tough on crime, Chin added.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat whose district includes Alcatraz, said the proposal was "not a serious one," while the Democratic state senator for San Francisco, Scott Wiener, called the idea "deeply unhinged" in post on Instagram and "an attack on the rule of law."
BBC
Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the infamous former prison on an island near San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.
In a message on his Truth Social site on Sunday, President Trump said that "for too long America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenders".
The reopening of Alcatraz - once notorious as one of the US's toughest prisons - would serve as a "symbol of law, order, and justice," he said.
Leading Democrats said the proposal was "not a serious one". The maximum security facility, also known as The Rock, was closed in 1963 and it is currently operating as a successful tourist site.
"Today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ," Trump wrote.
The prison would "house America's most ruthless and violent Offenders".
President Trump has been clashing with the courts over his policy of sending alleged gang members to a prison in El Salvador. In March, he sent a group of more than 200 alleged Venezuelan gang members there. He has also talked about sending "homegrown criminals" to foreign prisons.
Alcatraz was originally a naval defence fort, and it was rebuilt in the early 20th Century as a military prison. The Department of Justice took it over in the 1930s and it began taking in convicts from the federal prison system. Among its more famous inmates were the notorious gangsters Al Capone, Mickey Cohen and George "Machine Gun" Kelly.
The prison was also made famous by the 1962 film, Birdman of Alcatraz, starring Burt Lancaster, about the convicted murderer Robert Stroud, who while serving a life sentence on the prison island developed an interest in birds and went on to become an expert ornithologist.
It was also the site of the 1996 film The Rock, starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage, about a former SAS captain and FBI chemist who rescue hostages from Alcatraz island.
The prison closed because it was too expensive to continue operating, according to the Federal Bureau of Prison website. It was nearly three times more costly to operate than any other federal prison, largely due to its island location.
It would take an enormous amount of money to make Alcatraz into a functioning prison, Professor Gabriel Jack Chin from the Davis School of Law at the University of California told the BBC.
The federal prison system is actually down about 25% from its peak population and "there are a lot of empty beds" in existing prisons, Chin said. "So its not clear if a new one is needed."
Alcatraz has "a reputation as a tough prison" and Trump is trying to send a message that his administration will be tough on crime, Chin added.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat whose district includes Alcatraz, said the proposal was "not a serious one," while the Democratic state senator for San Francisco, Scott Wiener, called the idea "deeply unhinged" in post on Instagram and "an attack on the rule of law."
BBC
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Trump administration freezes future grants to Harvard
The U.S. Department of Education informed Harvard University on Monday that it was freezing billions of dollars in future research grants and other aid until the nation's oldest and wealthiest college concedes to a number of demands from the Trump administration, a senior department official said.
The move represents the latest salvo from a Trump administration willing to use the power of the federal purse to force institutions, from law firms to universities, to make sweeping policy changes or else lose billions of dollars in federal grants and contracts.
The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here.
In a letter to Harvard, U.S. Education Department Secretary Linda McMahon said the university must address concerns about antisemitism on campus, school policies that consider a student’s race, and complaints from the administration the university has abandoned its pursuit of “academic excellence” while employing relatively few conservative faculty members.
"This letter is to inform you that Harvard should no longer seek GRANTS from the federal government, since none will be provided," McMahon wrote.
Harvard said the McMahon letter doubles down on demands that would impose "unprecedented and improper control" over the university and makes new threats to "illegally" withhold funding for lifesaving research.
"Harvard will also continue to defend against illegal government overreach aimed at stifling research and innovation that make Americans safer and more secure," a university spokesperson said.
The freeze of future funding represents a slightly altered tactic by the Trump administration, whose attempts to freeze top schools of existing funds raised legal eyebrows.
Trump has targeted Harvard over allegations of antisemitism on campus during pro-Palestinian protests. The protests were sparked by U.S. ally Israel's military assault on Gaza after the October 2023 attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants.
Trump has alleged pro-Palestinian protesters are antisemitic and sympathetic to Hamas. Protesters, including some Jewish groups, say the government wrongly conflate their criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza with antisemitism and their advocacy for Palestinian rights with support for extremism.
In recent weeks, the administration began a formal review into nearly $9 billion in federal funding for Harvard, demanded the university ban diversity, equity and inclusion practices, and crack down on some pro-Palestinian groups and masks in protests.
Harvard rejected numerous Trump demands last month, calling them an attack on free speech and academic freedom. It sued the Trump administration after it suspended about $2.3 billion in federal funding for the educational institution, while also pledging to tackle discrimination on campus.
In its lawsuit against the Trump administration, Harvard said the government's funding cuts will have stark "real-life consequences for patients, students, faculty, staff, (and) researchers" while putting in jeopardy crucial medical and scientific research.
Harvard has a $53 billion endowment, the largest of any U.S. university, but the funds are often restricted and used for things like financial aid and scholarships.
The U.S. Department of Education informed Harvard University on Monday that it was freezing billions of dollars in future research grants and other aid until the nation's oldest and wealthiest college concedes to a number of demands from the Trump administration, a senior department official said.
The move represents the latest salvo from a Trump administration willing to use the power of the federal purse to force institutions, from law firms to universities, to make sweeping policy changes or else lose billions of dollars in federal grants and contracts.
The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here.
In a letter to Harvard, U.S. Education Department Secretary Linda McMahon said the university must address concerns about antisemitism on campus, school policies that consider a student’s race, and complaints from the administration the university has abandoned its pursuit of “academic excellence” while employing relatively few conservative faculty members.
"This letter is to inform you that Harvard should no longer seek GRANTS from the federal government, since none will be provided," McMahon wrote.
Harvard said the McMahon letter doubles down on demands that would impose "unprecedented and improper control" over the university and makes new threats to "illegally" withhold funding for lifesaving research.
"Harvard will also continue to defend against illegal government overreach aimed at stifling research and innovation that make Americans safer and more secure," a university spokesperson said.
The freeze of future funding represents a slightly altered tactic by the Trump administration, whose attempts to freeze top schools of existing funds raised legal eyebrows.
Trump has targeted Harvard over allegations of antisemitism on campus during pro-Palestinian protests. The protests were sparked by U.S. ally Israel's military assault on Gaza after the October 2023 attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants.
Trump has alleged pro-Palestinian protesters are antisemitic and sympathetic to Hamas. Protesters, including some Jewish groups, say the government wrongly conflate their criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza with antisemitism and their advocacy for Palestinian rights with support for extremism.
In recent weeks, the administration began a formal review into nearly $9 billion in federal funding for Harvard, demanded the university ban diversity, equity and inclusion practices, and crack down on some pro-Palestinian groups and masks in protests.
Harvard rejected numerous Trump demands last month, calling them an attack on free speech and academic freedom. It sued the Trump administration after it suspended about $2.3 billion in federal funding for the educational institution, while also pledging to tackle discrimination on campus.
In its lawsuit against the Trump administration, Harvard said the government's funding cuts will have stark "real-life consequences for patients, students, faculty, staff, (and) researchers" while putting in jeopardy crucial medical and scientific research.
Harvard has a $53 billion endowment, the largest of any U.S. university, but the funds are often restricted and used for things like financial aid and scholarships.
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Trump and Carney to meet at White House in closely watched encounter
Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, was due to meet with US president, Donald Trump, on Tuesday in a closely watched encounter at the White House that could hint at the future relationship between the two countries and their two leaders.
Over the weekend, Trump said it was “highly unlikely” he would use military force to annex Canada, a key trading partner and political ally. In recent months, the president has repeatedly threatened to use economic coercion to weaken Canada to the point that it accedes to Trump’s wish to make it the 51st state.
“I think we’re not ever going to get to that point, something could happen with Greenland … I don’t see it with Canada, I just don’t see it, I have to be honest with you,” he said.
Carney crafted much of his federal election campaign on Canada’s collective outrage over the US president’s threats to the nation’s sovereignty. During his victory speech last week, Carney used one of his campaign’s most frequently delivered lines, telling exuberant supporters Trump wanted to “break us, so that America can own us”.
“That will never, ever happen,” he added, to shouts from the crowd.
Carney also used his first post-election press conference to once again quash any idea Canada was interested in becoming the 51st US state, a proposal repeatedly floated by Trump.
“It’s always important to distinguish want from reality,” Carney said on Friday, referring to a firm belief that Canada joining the US will “never, ever happen”.
Colin Robertson, a former senior Canadian diplomat who has had numerous postings in the US, said Trump’s relatively cordial tone since the election bodes well for the Canadian delegation and makes an Oval Office ambush less likely.
Robertson speculated that Trump’s background as a property developer has helped frame his perception of Carney – who he last week referred to as a “very nice gentleman”.
“Anybody I met in real estate, their favourite people are bankers. I suspect that immediately, Trump will look at Carney as a kind of ‘super banker’ and see him in a positive light,” he said.
“And Carney’s also been very careful not to be personally critical of Trump, beyond talking about him that we’re a sovereign country, and this is how we’re doing stuff. That’s worked very well for him. He pushed back when Trump questioned our sovereignty, but that push back would be something the president understands, because that’s how he behaves.”
While much was made about Trump’s awkward handshake with Carney’s predecessor Justin Trudeau, the pair had a famously frosty relationship.
In Trudeau’s final days as prime minister, Trump repeatedly derided him as “governor” of Canada. And while the president had sometimes called the prime minister a “very nice guy”, Trump also called Trudeau “two-faced” after he was revealed on video leading the laughter at Trump’s expense at a Nato summit.
Still, Carney’s “antagonistic” rhetoric towards Trump might be something he might regret when faced with the economic realities of Canada’s dependence on the United States, said Ryan Hurl, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Toronto.
“I suspect he backs away from the idea that our relationship with the United States is ‘over’ and he might modify it to say that our relationship is ‘changing’,” said Hurl. “Trade negotiations are never completely static and hopefully he can present his negotiations with Trump as something that is better for Canada, and not simply as bending the knee to President Trump.”
The headwinds the prime minister faces in Tuesday’s White House meeting are already sufficiently strong, on both the economic and partisan fronts.
“If Carney presents himself as making concessions to Trump to preserve the trading relationship between the two countries, the Conservative party will be able to take advantage of this,” said Hurl. “But if no agreements can be made, Canadians are going to start feeling the political the economic fallout very quickly.”
Carney ran much of his brief federal election campaign on the idea that Canada needed to seek out new trade markets. And while a pledge to reshape Canada’s economic structure was welcomed by voters, many of the structural changes implied by such a policy shift – including eliminating internal trade barriers and getting more Canadian products to foreign markers – will take time. “You can’t just snap your fingers and change port capacity. That is a generational project,” said Hurl.
Meanwhile, Trump is also starting to face domestic pressure: his decision to launch a trade war with allies and foes alike has started to harm him in public opinion as American companies warn they were prepared to raise costs for consumers.
“Trump has probably overreached on trade issues and we’re really starting to see the push back now. With questions over consumer confidence and the direction of the country, we can be part of the solution to Trump’s self-inflicted problem,” said Robertson.
He pointed to Canada’s “relatively strong” bargaining position as the two delegations meet at the White House.
Canada’s federal government has invested in increased border checks, and fentanyl interceptions – the supposed pretext for Trump’s tariffs – have dropped further from a low starting point.
Trade officials anticipate the United States will request changes to the USMCA free trade agreement, which is due for negotiations in 2026. And despite Trump’s repeated assertions that the United States doesn’t need Canada’s resources, experts say potash, steel and aluminum remain key purchases for American farmers and manufacturers.
“And if, for example, they raise the issue of dairy and supply management, we can ask, ‘What do you want here? Do you want more access for dairy products? Because you’re not using your quota right now. And you also practice supply management when it comes to rice and sugar and cotton. So if you want to negotiate this, then we’ve got the process,” said Robertson. “At the end of the day, what’s really important about this meeting, as my kids would say, is the ‘vibe’ between the two. That’s almost more important than whatever processes are committed to moving forward.”
Those close to the prime minister say he was approaching the meeting like he did during debate preparations in the federal election: preparing for all possible iterations of the unpredictable president.
“With Trump, you’re just never sure on any day where he is, what’s going on in his head and who was the last person to talk to him before in the meeting,” said Robertson. “But one thing we know about Carney, he has always been two things: disciplined and prepared.”
www.theguardian.com
Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, was due to meet with US president, Donald Trump, on Tuesday in a closely watched encounter at the White House that could hint at the future relationship between the two countries and their two leaders.
Over the weekend, Trump said it was “highly unlikely” he would use military force to annex Canada, a key trading partner and political ally. In recent months, the president has repeatedly threatened to use economic coercion to weaken Canada to the point that it accedes to Trump’s wish to make it the 51st state.
“I think we’re not ever going to get to that point, something could happen with Greenland … I don’t see it with Canada, I just don’t see it, I have to be honest with you,” he said.
Carney crafted much of his federal election campaign on Canada’s collective outrage over the US president’s threats to the nation’s sovereignty. During his victory speech last week, Carney used one of his campaign’s most frequently delivered lines, telling exuberant supporters Trump wanted to “break us, so that America can own us”.
“That will never, ever happen,” he added, to shouts from the crowd.
Carney also used his first post-election press conference to once again quash any idea Canada was interested in becoming the 51st US state, a proposal repeatedly floated by Trump.
“It’s always important to distinguish want from reality,” Carney said on Friday, referring to a firm belief that Canada joining the US will “never, ever happen”.
Colin Robertson, a former senior Canadian diplomat who has had numerous postings in the US, said Trump’s relatively cordial tone since the election bodes well for the Canadian delegation and makes an Oval Office ambush less likely.
Robertson speculated that Trump’s background as a property developer has helped frame his perception of Carney – who he last week referred to as a “very nice gentleman”.
“Anybody I met in real estate, their favourite people are bankers. I suspect that immediately, Trump will look at Carney as a kind of ‘super banker’ and see him in a positive light,” he said.
“And Carney’s also been very careful not to be personally critical of Trump, beyond talking about him that we’re a sovereign country, and this is how we’re doing stuff. That’s worked very well for him. He pushed back when Trump questioned our sovereignty, but that push back would be something the president understands, because that’s how he behaves.”
While much was made about Trump’s awkward handshake with Carney’s predecessor Justin Trudeau, the pair had a famously frosty relationship.
In Trudeau’s final days as prime minister, Trump repeatedly derided him as “governor” of Canada. And while the president had sometimes called the prime minister a “very nice guy”, Trump also called Trudeau “two-faced” after he was revealed on video leading the laughter at Trump’s expense at a Nato summit.
Still, Carney’s “antagonistic” rhetoric towards Trump might be something he might regret when faced with the economic realities of Canada’s dependence on the United States, said Ryan Hurl, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Toronto.
“I suspect he backs away from the idea that our relationship with the United States is ‘over’ and he might modify it to say that our relationship is ‘changing’,” said Hurl. “Trade negotiations are never completely static and hopefully he can present his negotiations with Trump as something that is better for Canada, and not simply as bending the knee to President Trump.”
The headwinds the prime minister faces in Tuesday’s White House meeting are already sufficiently strong, on both the economic and partisan fronts.
“If Carney presents himself as making concessions to Trump to preserve the trading relationship between the two countries, the Conservative party will be able to take advantage of this,” said Hurl. “But if no agreements can be made, Canadians are going to start feeling the political the economic fallout very quickly.”
Carney ran much of his brief federal election campaign on the idea that Canada needed to seek out new trade markets. And while a pledge to reshape Canada’s economic structure was welcomed by voters, many of the structural changes implied by such a policy shift – including eliminating internal trade barriers and getting more Canadian products to foreign markers – will take time. “You can’t just snap your fingers and change port capacity. That is a generational project,” said Hurl.
Meanwhile, Trump is also starting to face domestic pressure: his decision to launch a trade war with allies and foes alike has started to harm him in public opinion as American companies warn they were prepared to raise costs for consumers.
“Trump has probably overreached on trade issues and we’re really starting to see the push back now. With questions over consumer confidence and the direction of the country, we can be part of the solution to Trump’s self-inflicted problem,” said Robertson.
He pointed to Canada’s “relatively strong” bargaining position as the two delegations meet at the White House.
Canada’s federal government has invested in increased border checks, and fentanyl interceptions – the supposed pretext for Trump’s tariffs – have dropped further from a low starting point.
Trade officials anticipate the United States will request changes to the USMCA free trade agreement, which is due for negotiations in 2026. And despite Trump’s repeated assertions that the United States doesn’t need Canada’s resources, experts say potash, steel and aluminum remain key purchases for American farmers and manufacturers.
“And if, for example, they raise the issue of dairy and supply management, we can ask, ‘What do you want here? Do you want more access for dairy products? Because you’re not using your quota right now. And you also practice supply management when it comes to rice and sugar and cotton. So if you want to negotiate this, then we’ve got the process,” said Robertson. “At the end of the day, what’s really important about this meeting, as my kids would say, is the ‘vibe’ between the two. That’s almost more important than whatever processes are committed to moving forward.”
Those close to the prime minister say he was approaching the meeting like he did during debate preparations in the federal election: preparing for all possible iterations of the unpredictable president.
“With Trump, you’re just never sure on any day where he is, what’s going on in his head and who was the last person to talk to him before in the meeting,” said Robertson. “But one thing we know about Carney, he has always been two things: disciplined and prepared.”
Trump and Carney to meet at White House in closely watched encounter
Vibe at meeting could hint at future relationship between the two countries and their two leaders
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Trump calls for 20,000 new officers to aid deportations
Donald Trump has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to add at least 20,000 officers to enforce his deportation policies.
The directive was issued on Friday and forms part of the administration's plan to incentivise undocumented immigrants to self-deport.
In a video, Trump said he was making it "as easy as possible" for them to leave the US.
The federal government will fund flights out of the US for undocumented people who choose to leave voluntarily, and provide an "exit bonus," the executive order stated.
The order did not specify how the increase in staffing at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be funded.
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (Ice), the sub-agency that primarily deals with illegal immigration, currently has more than 21,000 employees.
Of those, Ice has 6,100 deportation officers and more than 750 enforcement removal assistants, according to the agency website.
Trump has long called for local and state law enforcement, as well as the National Guard, to assist with border enforcement.
The order calls on the DHS to supplement it's current efforts "by deputising and contracting with State and local law enforcement officers, former federal officers, officers and personnel within other federal agencies."
The president's call to increase staff comes as his administration pursues multiple pathways to force undocumented immigrants to leave the US.
Trump has called for individuals to self deport, using a government app known as CPB Home. This week, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced $1,000 (£751) bonuses and paid travel for people who leave the US voluntarily.
Other deportation methods have been challenged or blocked federal courts, including Trump's use of the 18th century Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants it accused of gang activity.
Earlier this month, US District Judge Fernando Rodriguez, a Trump-appointed judge in Texas, found that the administration's use of the act was "unlawful." A second federal judge in New York later reached the same conclusion.
Trump dubbed his self-deportation initiative as "Project Homecoming."
"Illegal aliens who stay in America face punishments, including significant jail time, enormous financial penalties confiscation of all property garnishment of all wages, imprisonment, and incarceration and sudden deportation, in a place, and manner, solely of our discretion," Trump said.
BBC
Donald Trump has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to add at least 20,000 officers to enforce his deportation policies.
The directive was issued on Friday and forms part of the administration's plan to incentivise undocumented immigrants to self-deport.
In a video, Trump said he was making it "as easy as possible" for them to leave the US.
The federal government will fund flights out of the US for undocumented people who choose to leave voluntarily, and provide an "exit bonus," the executive order stated.
The order did not specify how the increase in staffing at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be funded.
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (Ice), the sub-agency that primarily deals with illegal immigration, currently has more than 21,000 employees.
Of those, Ice has 6,100 deportation officers and more than 750 enforcement removal assistants, according to the agency website.
Trump has long called for local and state law enforcement, as well as the National Guard, to assist with border enforcement.
The order calls on the DHS to supplement it's current efforts "by deputising and contracting with State and local law enforcement officers, former federal officers, officers and personnel within other federal agencies."
The president's call to increase staff comes as his administration pursues multiple pathways to force undocumented immigrants to leave the US.
Trump has called for individuals to self deport, using a government app known as CPB Home. This week, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced $1,000 (£751) bonuses and paid travel for people who leave the US voluntarily.
Other deportation methods have been challenged or blocked federal courts, including Trump's use of the 18th century Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants it accused of gang activity.
Earlier this month, US District Judge Fernando Rodriguez, a Trump-appointed judge in Texas, found that the administration's use of the act was "unlawful." A second federal judge in New York later reached the same conclusion.
Trump dubbed his self-deportation initiative as "Project Homecoming."
"Illegal aliens who stay in America face punishments, including significant jail time, enormous financial penalties confiscation of all property garnishment of all wages, imprisonment, and incarceration and sudden deportation, in a place, and manner, solely of our discretion," Trump said.
BBC
DeadlyVenom
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Were Trump supporters right and he just exhibited his art of the deal style of negotiation recently?
In the last few days he has rolled back on China, brought India v Pakistan to peace, openly criticised the Israelis and went over their heads to negotiate with them to release a hostage and allow aid into Gaza.
Has he redeemed himself?
In the last few days he has rolled back on China, brought India v Pakistan to peace, openly criticised the Israelis and went over their heads to negotiate with them to release a hostage and allow aid into Gaza.
Has he redeemed himself?
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Donald Trump has arrived in Qatar for the latest stage of his Middle East tour.
Trump is now holding a meeting with the Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani, at the luxurious Lusail Palace.
As expected, it's another lavish reception for the US president in the oil-rich Gulf state.
A transcript of the first exchange between Trump and the Emir of Qatar is starting to trickle in.
As they sat down in a luxurious, incense-scented ceremonial room in front of reporters, during a lavish reception at the Lusail Palace, the Emir told Trump: "I know that you are a man of peace."
He also mentioned Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, telling Trump "there wasn't one incident there".
"You did a great job," Trump responded.
Trump said he and the Emir already liked and worked with each other, adding "now we can work in the highest capacity".
He added: "We’ll bring peace, not only here, but I know you’re very much involved in helping us in other regions like what’s happening with Russia-Ukraine."
The US president then paused and looked around, marvelling at the architecture of the luxurious palace.
"The job you’ve done is second to none. You look at this, it’s so beautiful. As a construction person, I'm seeing perfect marble. This is what they call perfecto."
Trump is now holding a meeting with the Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani, at the luxurious Lusail Palace.
As expected, it's another lavish reception for the US president in the oil-rich Gulf state.
A transcript of the first exchange between Trump and the Emir of Qatar is starting to trickle in.
As they sat down in a luxurious, incense-scented ceremonial room in front of reporters, during a lavish reception at the Lusail Palace, the Emir told Trump: "I know that you are a man of peace."
He also mentioned Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, telling Trump "there wasn't one incident there".
"You did a great job," Trump responded.
Trump said he and the Emir already liked and worked with each other, adding "now we can work in the highest capacity".
He added: "We’ll bring peace, not only here, but I know you’re very much involved in helping us in other regions like what’s happening with Russia-Ukraine."
The US president then paused and looked around, marvelling at the architecture of the luxurious palace.
"The job you’ve done is second to none. You look at this, it’s so beautiful. As a construction person, I'm seeing perfect marble. This is what they call perfecto."
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Qatar Airways signs deal for 160 Boeing jets during Trump visit
Boeing Co. won the single biggest deal in the US planemaker’s history, with Qatar Airways placing an order for at least 160 widebody aircraft during a visit to Doha by US President Donald Trump.
The agreement was signed by the carrier amid a flurry of deals between Gulf nations and the US during the president’s visit to the region. Neither side provided a breakdown of the order book, but Bloomberg News previously reported that Qatar is mainly interested in Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner model.
Trump said the deal was worth $200 billion and included 160 jets. Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani witnessed the signing ceremony in Doha.
Trump added: "It's over $200 billion but 160 in terms of the jets, that's fantastic. So that's a record, Kelly, and congratulations to Boeing. Get those planes out there, get them out there."
It's not clear which Boeing aircraft models would be part of the deal and whether the orders from Qatar are firm, which require a deposit and several contractual obligations, or are options.
Boeing no longer issues catalogue prices but based on the most recent published value for its most expensive jet, the 777X, a deal for 160 of the long-range aircraft would be worth some $70 billion. Aviation analysts say that airlines typically get large discounts for bulk deals.
Boeing was not immediately available for comment. Qatar Airways did not immediately respond to a request for clarification or comment.
Boeing Co. won the single biggest deal in the US planemaker’s history, with Qatar Airways placing an order for at least 160 widebody aircraft during a visit to Doha by US President Donald Trump.
The agreement was signed by the carrier amid a flurry of deals between Gulf nations and the US during the president’s visit to the region. Neither side provided a breakdown of the order book, but Bloomberg News previously reported that Qatar is mainly interested in Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner model.
Trump said the deal was worth $200 billion and included 160 jets. Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani witnessed the signing ceremony in Doha.
Trump added: "It's over $200 billion but 160 in terms of the jets, that's fantastic. So that's a record, Kelly, and congratulations to Boeing. Get those planes out there, get them out there."
It's not clear which Boeing aircraft models would be part of the deal and whether the orders from Qatar are firm, which require a deposit and several contractual obligations, or are options.
Boeing no longer issues catalogue prices but based on the most recent published value for its most expensive jet, the 777X, a deal for 160 of the long-range aircraft would be worth some $70 billion. Aviation analysts say that airlines typically get large discounts for bulk deals.
Boeing was not immediately available for comment. Qatar Airways did not immediately respond to a request for clarification or comment.
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Trump's critics and supporters unite against Qatar plane deal
In his eagerness to accept a plane from Qatar, Donald Trump has achieved a remarkable feat, uniting many partisans across America's bitter political divide.
The problem for the White House is that unity is happening in opposition to it.
Predictably, Trump's opponents in the Democratic Party slammed the president after he indicated he would accept a luxury jet from the Qatari royal family.
More noteworthy – and potentially more troubling for the president – is that some of his strongest supporters also have serious reservations about the deal, even as it's yet to be finalised.
Maga influencers have described the move as a "bribe", grift, or an example of the high-level corruption that Trump himself has consistently promised root out.
The Qatari royal family plans to give the luxury Boeing 747-8, estimated to be worth $400m (£300m), to the US Department of Defence to be used as part of a fleet of planes dubbed Air Force One – the president's official mode of air travel.
The current fleet includes two 747-200 jets which have been in use since 1990, along with several smaller and somewhat secretive 757s.
The White House says that the new plane – which could require years and millions of dollars to refit and upgrade – will be transferred to Trump's presidential library at the end of his term.
After the news broke on Sunday, the backlash was fierce and immediate.
"I think the technical term is 'skeezy'," deadpanned conservative Daily Wire commentator Ben Shapiro on his podcast.
"Qatar is not allegedly giving President Trump a $400m jet out of the goodness of their sweet little hearts," he said. "They try to stuff money into pockets in totally bipartisan fashion."
He and others pointed to allegations that Qatar has funnelled money into terrorist groups – allegations the country has denied – and called Qataris "the world's largest proponents of terrorism on an international scale."
Laura Loomer, the conspiracy-spreading social media influencer who agitates for sackings of top White House officials deemed insufficiently loyal, interrupted her steady stream of pro-Trump messaging to criticise the move.
Although she said she still supports the president, she called the plane deal "a stain" and posted a cartoon of the Trojan Horse, redrawn as a plane and filled with armed Islamist militants.
The New York Post, which usually can be counted on to back much of the populist Maga agenda, ran a blunt editorial: "Qatar's 'Palace in the Sky' jet is NOT a 'free gift' - and Trump shouldn't accept it as one."
And Mark Levin, a consistent cheerleader of the president on Fox News and his radio talk show, posted on X accusing Qatar of being a "terror state" and wrote: "Their jet and all the other things they are buying in our country does not provide them with the cover they seek".
During his first term, Trump himself accused Qatar of funding terror groups.
When contacted by the BBC, the Qatari embassy in Washington pointed to an interview Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani gave CNN about the plane.
"It is a government-to-government transaction. It has nothing to do with personal relationships - neither on the US side, nor the Qatari side. It's between the two defence ministries," he said.
"Why would we buy influence in the United States?" he added, arguing Qatar has "always been a reliable and trusted partner. This is not a one-way relationship."
In response to criticism of the deal, the White House has doubled down. Trump's press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that the administration was "committed to full transparency".
"Any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws," she said.
Although there has been nothing offered in exchange for the plane, many commentators said it would be naïve to expect that that Qatari royal family would hand out such a large item with no strings attached.
"They very obviously see that if you reward Donald Trump with gifts, that may pay off down the road," Doug Heye, a political strategist and former communications director for the Republican National Committee, told the BBC. "Flattery gets you somewhere with Donald Trump, and we've seen that time and time again."
The US Constitution includes a clause preventing officials from accepting "any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."
But the White House has pointed out that, at least to begin with, the plane is being gifted to the US government.
Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly investigated the legality of the deal and determined that because there are no explicit conditions attached, it would not amount to a bribe.
Conservatives and others were quick to point out that Bondi was registered as a lobbyist for Qatar prior to joining Trump's cabinet, at some points earning up to $115,0000 (£87,000) a month from her work for the Qatari government.
The Trump Organisation also continues to maintain links to Qatar and last month announced a deal to build a luxury golf resort in the country.
During a news conference at the White House on Tuesday the president berated a reporter who raised questions about the ethics of the transaction.
"What do you say to people who view that luxury jet as a personal gift to you?" asked ABC reporter Rachel Scott.
"You should be embarrassed asking that question," Trump replied, after using his standard "fake news" jibe.
"They're giving us a free jet," the president said. "I could say 'No, no, no, don't give us, I want to pay you a billion or 400 million'… or I could say 'thank you very much'."
On Truth Social, the president later reposted several messages pointing out that the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France, and wrote late Tuesday: "The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME!"
"Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country," he wrote.
However even some within Trump's Republican Party were expressing concern.
"I think it's not worth the appearance of impropriety, whether it's improper or not," Rand Paul, Republican senator from Kentucky, told Fox News.
"I wonder if our ability to judge [Qatar's] human rights record will be clouded by the fact of this large gift," Paul said.
Another Republican senator, Ted Cruz of Texas, said accepting the gift would pose "significant espionage and surveillance problems".
Trump did find some support within his party. "Free is good. You know, we don't have a lot of money right now to buy things like that," Sen Tommy Tuberville told CNN.
Doug Heye, the Republican strategist, suggested that the deal might not hurt Trump's popularity with his base in the long term.
"Trump has been able for years now to turn scandals that would otherwise be debilitating for other politicians into things that we forget," he said. "He's very skilled at that."
BBC
In his eagerness to accept a plane from Qatar, Donald Trump has achieved a remarkable feat, uniting many partisans across America's bitter political divide.
The problem for the White House is that unity is happening in opposition to it.
Predictably, Trump's opponents in the Democratic Party slammed the president after he indicated he would accept a luxury jet from the Qatari royal family.
More noteworthy – and potentially more troubling for the president – is that some of his strongest supporters also have serious reservations about the deal, even as it's yet to be finalised.
Maga influencers have described the move as a "bribe", grift, or an example of the high-level corruption that Trump himself has consistently promised root out.
The Qatari royal family plans to give the luxury Boeing 747-8, estimated to be worth $400m (£300m), to the US Department of Defence to be used as part of a fleet of planes dubbed Air Force One – the president's official mode of air travel.
The current fleet includes two 747-200 jets which have been in use since 1990, along with several smaller and somewhat secretive 757s.
The White House says that the new plane – which could require years and millions of dollars to refit and upgrade – will be transferred to Trump's presidential library at the end of his term.
After the news broke on Sunday, the backlash was fierce and immediate.
"I think the technical term is 'skeezy'," deadpanned conservative Daily Wire commentator Ben Shapiro on his podcast.
"Qatar is not allegedly giving President Trump a $400m jet out of the goodness of their sweet little hearts," he said. "They try to stuff money into pockets in totally bipartisan fashion."
He and others pointed to allegations that Qatar has funnelled money into terrorist groups – allegations the country has denied – and called Qataris "the world's largest proponents of terrorism on an international scale."
Laura Loomer, the conspiracy-spreading social media influencer who agitates for sackings of top White House officials deemed insufficiently loyal, interrupted her steady stream of pro-Trump messaging to criticise the move.
Although she said she still supports the president, she called the plane deal "a stain" and posted a cartoon of the Trojan Horse, redrawn as a plane and filled with armed Islamist militants.
The New York Post, which usually can be counted on to back much of the populist Maga agenda, ran a blunt editorial: "Qatar's 'Palace in the Sky' jet is NOT a 'free gift' - and Trump shouldn't accept it as one."
And Mark Levin, a consistent cheerleader of the president on Fox News and his radio talk show, posted on X accusing Qatar of being a "terror state" and wrote: "Their jet and all the other things they are buying in our country does not provide them with the cover they seek".
During his first term, Trump himself accused Qatar of funding terror groups.
When contacted by the BBC, the Qatari embassy in Washington pointed to an interview Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani gave CNN about the plane.
"It is a government-to-government transaction. It has nothing to do with personal relationships - neither on the US side, nor the Qatari side. It's between the two defence ministries," he said.
"Why would we buy influence in the United States?" he added, arguing Qatar has "always been a reliable and trusted partner. This is not a one-way relationship."
In response to criticism of the deal, the White House has doubled down. Trump's press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that the administration was "committed to full transparency".
"Any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws," she said.
Although there has been nothing offered in exchange for the plane, many commentators said it would be naïve to expect that that Qatari royal family would hand out such a large item with no strings attached.
"They very obviously see that if you reward Donald Trump with gifts, that may pay off down the road," Doug Heye, a political strategist and former communications director for the Republican National Committee, told the BBC. "Flattery gets you somewhere with Donald Trump, and we've seen that time and time again."
The US Constitution includes a clause preventing officials from accepting "any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."
But the White House has pointed out that, at least to begin with, the plane is being gifted to the US government.
Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly investigated the legality of the deal and determined that because there are no explicit conditions attached, it would not amount to a bribe.
Conservatives and others were quick to point out that Bondi was registered as a lobbyist for Qatar prior to joining Trump's cabinet, at some points earning up to $115,0000 (£87,000) a month from her work for the Qatari government.
The Trump Organisation also continues to maintain links to Qatar and last month announced a deal to build a luxury golf resort in the country.
During a news conference at the White House on Tuesday the president berated a reporter who raised questions about the ethics of the transaction.
"What do you say to people who view that luxury jet as a personal gift to you?" asked ABC reporter Rachel Scott.
"You should be embarrassed asking that question," Trump replied, after using his standard "fake news" jibe.
"They're giving us a free jet," the president said. "I could say 'No, no, no, don't give us, I want to pay you a billion or 400 million'… or I could say 'thank you very much'."
On Truth Social, the president later reposted several messages pointing out that the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France, and wrote late Tuesday: "The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME!"
"Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country," he wrote.
However even some within Trump's Republican Party were expressing concern.
"I think it's not worth the appearance of impropriety, whether it's improper or not," Rand Paul, Republican senator from Kentucky, told Fox News.
"I wonder if our ability to judge [Qatar's] human rights record will be clouded by the fact of this large gift," Paul said.
Another Republican senator, Ted Cruz of Texas, said accepting the gift would pose "significant espionage and surveillance problems".
Trump did find some support within his party. "Free is good. You know, we don't have a lot of money right now to buy things like that," Sen Tommy Tuberville told CNN.
Doug Heye, the Republican strategist, suggested that the deal might not hurt Trump's popularity with his base in the long term.
"Trump has been able for years now to turn scandals that would otherwise be debilitating for other politicians into things that we forget," he said. "He's very skilled at that."
BBC
Bhaag Viru Bhaag
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Trump’s business deals in Middle East trip
Saudi Arabia: In the multiple agreements, Trump got a $600bn deal from Saudi Arabia to invest in the US, according to the White House. Military and medical research are among the areas covered.
Qatar: Boeing landed its biggest deal for widebody aeroplanes when state carrier Qatar Airways placed firm orders for 160 jetliners plus options to buy 50 more, during Trump’s visit to the Gulf Arab country. The deal was worth $96bn, according to the White House.
United Arab Emirates: The US has announced a new weapons sale of more than $1.4bn to the UAE in 10-year commitment. The US and UAE also announced a partnership to build a huge data centre complex in Abu Dhabi to advance artificial intelligence capabilities with a 5GW capacity.
Source: Al Jazeera
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