Trump News: President Reveals Plans to Meet Putin, Zelensky

07:34 PM EDT

Trump considers bringing National Guard to DC

President Donald Trump said he was considering deploying the National Guard in Washington D.C. to crack down on crime.

“We’re considering it, yeah, because the crime is ridiculous,” Trump said. “We have a capital that’s very unsafe.”

Trump referenced the recent attack on former DOGE staffer Edward Coristine, known as “Big Balls” online.

“A beautiful, handsome guy who had the hell knocked out of him,” he said. “I’m going to call him now.”

Trump said he planned to deal with crime in the city by “federaliz[ing]” it.

“We’re not going to let it — that includes bringing in the National Guard, too, maybe very quickly,” he said. “This has to be the best-run place in the country, not the worst-run place in the country.”

06:22 PM EDT

Trump brushes of major success from first term: ‘Long time ago’

President Donald Trump on Wednesday brushed off what is widely considered to be among the biggest uncontested successes of his first term while reacting to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s move to pull $500 million in funding for next-generation mRNA-based vaccines to tackle viruses like Covid, H5N1 and the flu.

“You were the driving force behind Operation Warp Speed, these mRNA vaccines that are the gold standard,” a reporter asked Trump during a White House event on Wednesday.

Operation Warp Speed was a 2020 public-private partnership, initiated by the first Trump administration, aimed at accelerating the development and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine. At the time, it was almost universally accepted that an effective vaccine for the coronavirus was at least 18 months to two years away. Trump’s operation did it in less than a year.

“Now, your health secretary is pulling back all the funding for research, he’s saying that the risks outweigh the benefits, which puts him at odds with the entire medical community, and with you,” the reporter continued. “What’s going on?”

06:13 PM EDT

Supreme Court ‘likely’ to deal blow to key Trump policy: Ex-GOP speaker

Former House Speaker Paul Ryan said Wednesday that he believes the Supreme Court is “more than likely” to strike down the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the law President Donald Trump has leveraged to impose sweeping tariffs, if the case reaches the High Court.

Newsweek filed a contact request form for comment with Solamere Capital, where Ryan is a partner.

Ryan, who served as House speaker from 2015 to early January 2019 and chaired the House Ways and Means Committee, told CNBC that he does not believe that tariffs are going to result in a settled, predictable market, noting that the “uncertainty” of tariffs is one of the biggest policy points right now. Since retiring from Congress, Ryan has been a vocal Trump critic.

“It’s more than likely that the Supreme Court knocks out IEEPA, the law that’s being used for these tariffs, which doesn’t have the word ‘tariff’ in it,” he told CNBC. “Then, the president is going to have to go to other laws to justify tariffs—232, 201, 301. There’s a bunch of laws, and those are harder laws to operate with.”

05:23 PM EDT

Trump tells European leaders he plans to meet Putin: Report

President Donald Trump told European leaders including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that he plans to meet Vladimir Putin in person soon to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine, NBC reports.

He did not provide further details about when the meeting would take place or what discussions he hoped to have with Putin, during his call with America’s European allies, which also included NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

05:17 PM EDT

Trump could meet Putin in person next week, says White House official

President Donald Trump could meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in person as early as next week, a White House official said Wednesday.

The potential meeting comes as Trump pushes Putin to finally end the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

However, nothing has been set in stone for the meeting, the official told the Associated Press.

The news came hours after Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow on Wednesday, with Trump had praised on Truth Social as “highly productive” and in which “great progress was made.”

03:59 PM EDT

Trump weighs role in NYC mayor race as Mamdani leads field: Report

Trump is privately considering whether to intervene in New York City’s contentious mayoral race, where Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani holds a commanding lead, per the New York Times. According to multiple sources, Trump has discussed the possibility of backing a candidate who could consolidate opposition to Mamdani, a democratic socialist whose platform includes rent freezes and higher taxes on the wealthy.

In recent weeks, Trump has consulted with pollster Mark Penn and longtime ally Andrew Stein, both of whom have urged him to support former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary. Trump also spoke directly with Cuomo, though details of their conversation remain undisclosed.

Polling shows Mamdani ahead of Cuomo by double digits, with 38.1% support compared to Cuomo’s 25%. Other candidates, including Republican Curtis Sliwa and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams—both running as independents—trail further behind. The fractured field has raised concerns among anti-Mamdani donors and strategists, who fear vote-splitting could hand the election to the leftist front-runner.

Despite his critiques of Mamdani, whom he has labeled a “communist,” Trump has not formally endorsed a candidate. “I’m not getting involved,” he told reporters, though he added, “We’re going to straighten out New York” if Mamdani wins.

The race remains volatile, with Trump’s potential involvement injecting a new layer of unpredictability into a city where he remains a polarizing figure.

03:30 PM EDT

Zelensky signals shift in Russia’s ceasefire stance after Witkoff visit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that Russia appears more open to a ceasefire following talks in Moscow between Russian officials and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. The visit comes just days before a U.S.-imposed deadline for Russia to halt its offensive or face new sanctions.

“It seems that Russia is now more inclined to a ceasefire,” Zelensky said in his nightly address. “The pressure on them works. But the main thing is that they do not deceive us in the details—neither us nor the U.S.”

03:06 PM EDT

Trump hails progress in Putin meeting amid ceasefire

Trump announced that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, held a “highly productive” meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday. The talks, which reportedly lasted three hours, focused on ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Following the meeting, Trump said he briefed European allies, noting a shared commitment to pursuing peace. The Kremlin described the discussions as “constructive,” with both sides exchanging signals on the conflict and exploring avenues for strategic cooperation.

The meeting comes ahead of Trump’s Friday deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face new economic penalties, including secondary sanctions targeting countries that import Russian oil. Ukraine has expressed support for the U.S.-led diplomatic effort, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly coordinated positions with Trump earlier this week.

02:47 PM EDT

Trump administration responds to Fort Stewart, Georgia shooting

Five U.S. Army soldiers were wounded Wednesday morning in an active shooter incident at Fort Stewart’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team complex in Georgia, per its Facebook.

Georgia State Rep. Al Williams, a Democrat, told CNN Wednesday afternoon that the suspect, who is in custody, is an Army Seargeant. Williams represents the Fort Stewart area in the southeastern part of the state.

CNN and ABC News reported earlier that the suspect is an active duty, male Seargeant.

The injured were treated and then moved to Winn Army Community Hospital, base officials said in a Facebook post, adding there’s no threat to the community.

Read the full story by Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.

02:43 PM EDT

Trump gives update on Russia talks after calling Kremlin a ‘threat’

Special envoy Steve Witkoff had a “highly productive meeting” with Russian President Vladimir Putin over a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday.

“Great progress was made!” Trump said on Truth Social. “Afterwards, I updated some of our European Allies. Everyone agrees this War must come to a close, and we will work towards that in the days and weeks to come.”

Trump’s post struck a starkly different tone than the language in an executive order the White House released earlier Wednesday that called the Kremlin an “unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.”

Trump hasn’t been shy about expressing his frustration with his Russian counterpart over the lack of progress between Kyiv and Moscow regarding a ceasefire deal. Among other things, he said last month that he was “very disappointed” after a call with Putin and later saying that “we get a lot of b******* thrown at us by Putin.”

Read in full from Sonam Sheth on Newsweek.

02:24 PM EDT

Swiss president fails to sway U.S. on looming tariff hike

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter left Washington on Wednesday without securing relief from a steep 39% tariff set to hit Swiss exports to the United States. After a last-minute trip aimed at presenting “a more attractive offer,” Keller-Sutter met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss bilateral ties, trade tensions, and global issues.

Despite her efforts, Keller-Sutter did not meet directly with President Trump, though the two spoke by phone last week. The tariff, which takes effect Thursday, has rattled Swiss industries, with companies bracing for economic fallout unless a new agreement is reached soon. The Swiss government remains hopeful that negotiations will continue in the coming weeks.

02:02 PM EDT

NEH awards $34.8m in grants after controversial cancelations

Months after abruptly canceling nearly all existing grants, the National Endowment for the Humanities has announced $34.8 million in new funding for 97 projects nationwide. The agency says the awards reflect a shift toward “the president’s agenda,” with a strong emphasis on America’s founding era and presidential history.

The largest grant—$10 million to the University of Virginia—will accelerate editorial work on documents tied to the Declaration of Independence and the Founding Fathers, including George Washington and James Madison. Other grants support papers of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and lesser-known presidents like Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore.

The funding aligns with Trump’s call for a “grand celebration” of the U.S. Semiquincentennial next July. While projects on race, gender, and LGBTQ+ issues were largely excluded, some grants support Black history, including $300,000 for Frederick Douglass’s writings and a multivolume history of Emancipation.

The announcement follows legal challenges over the April cancellations, which a federal judge recently ruled may have violated the First Amendment.

01:24 PM EDT

Democratic lawmaker issues ‘knife fight’ warning ahead of JD Vance visit

Indiana State Representative Matt Pierce warned that state Democrats are in a “knife fight to preserve democracy” amid a potential redistricting battle in the Hoosier state.

Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Indianapolis this week to meet with Governor Mike Braun, a Republican, about potential redistricting, reported The Indianapolis Star. Republicans currently hold a 7-2 advantage in Indiana’s congressional delegation and could target the competitive IN-01 held by Democratic Representative Frank Mrvan.

Pierce, a Democrat, in a video posted to Facebook, issued a warning about the redistricting battle.

“I’m sounding the alarm because Democrats in Indiana are in a knife fight to preserve democracy, and we better start acting like it,” he said. “JD Vance is being sent to Indiana

Read in full from Andrew Stanton on Newsweek.

12:33 PM EDT

Trump labels Russia ‘extraordinary threat’ as deadline nears

President Donald Trump formally declared Russia an “extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security on Wednesday, citing ongoing aggression in Ukraine and Moscow’s refusal to meet Washington’s ceasefire deadline.

“To address that unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, Executive Order 14066 prohibited, among other things, the importation into the United States of certain products of Russian Federation origin, including crude oil; petroleum; and petroleum fuels, oils, and products of their distillation,” says an executive order.

12:23 PM EDT

Zelensky, Trump hold phone call after Putin-Witkoff meeting: Report

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, hours after Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff concluded a three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

12:01 PM EDT

Indian trade experts slam U.S. tariffs as ‘hypocritical’

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), a New Delhi-based think tank, has sharply criticized the U.S. decision to impose additional tariffs on Indian goods over its continued purchase of Russian oil. In a statement, GTRI called the move “hypocritical,” noting that other major economies—including China and the European Union—also maintain trade relations with Russia.

Ajay Srivastava, a former Indian trade official and founder of GTRI, warned that the tariffs could have broader geopolitical consequences. “U.S. action will push India to reconsider its strategic alignment, deepening ties with Russia, China and many other countries,” he said.

The criticism comes amid escalating trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi, with Indian officials and analysts accusing the U.S. of applying double standards in its foreign policy. India has defended its energy imports from Russia as essential to national interests and economic stability.

11:58 AM EDT

Meeks, Dingell weigh in on Trump’s foreign policy and domestic negotiations

On CNN News Central, anchor John Berman hosted two key Democratic voices—Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI)—to discuss recent developments in U.S. foreign and domestic policy under President Trump.

Rep. Meeks expressed skepticism about Trump’s looming deadline to end the war in Ukraine, following U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meeks predicted “more talk” and “another delay,” citing a pattern of postponed decisions and vague diplomatic progress. “We get to these deadlines,” Meeks said, “and he’ll say we had significant talks… and now we’ll wait until September.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Dingell addressed Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s meeting with Trump over proposed Medicaid cuts and tariff relief. Dingell praised Whitmer’s persistence and influence, saying, “He listens to her.” She emphasized Whitmer’s commitment to protecting Michigan residents and voiced concern over the potential harm of the Medicaid bill, calling it “big” and “bad.”

Both interviews underscored Democratic concerns about Trump’s approach to international conflict and domestic welfare, while highlighting Whitmer’s role as a key negotiator in the administration’s policy debates.

11:42 AM EDT

Trump and Putin are flexing their way toward a nuclear stand-off

President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, long considered potential partners in their mutual quest to improve bilateral ties, are now on course for a showdown over stalled Ukraine talks that has the potential to push both powers—and their leaders—to the brink.

And as the two sides openly tout their nuclear capabilities ahead of a looming Friday deadline for peace talks imposed by the White House on the Kremlin, the erosion of longstanding arms control measures and channels of communication add a new element of risk to an already volatile situation.

“The problem with the heated rhetoric is that rhetoric sometimes turns into action in unpredictable ways, and that’s what ought to concern us,” Thomas Countryman, board chairman of the Arms Control Association and former U.S. assistant secretary of state for international security and nonproliferation, told Newsweek.

He argued that the recent threats exchanged between Trump and Putin’s ally, Deputy Security Council Chair Dmitry Medvedev, even the U.S. leader’s order to deploy nuclear submarines, had yet to cross the threshold of a new step toward crisis, but did add further uncertainty with potentially dangerous consequences.

“The absence not just of arms control agreements, but the absence of existing channels of communication between Washington and Moscow means that there always remains a risk of an accident becoming an incident, becoming a conflict, becoming a nuclear conflict,” Countryman said.

Such a risk, while “low,” he said, has risen to perhaps its greatest level since one of the most infamous nuclear-fueled stand-offs between Washington and Moscow.

Read the full story by Tom O’Connor on Newsweek.

11:27 AM EDT

FBI data contradicts Trump’s campaign claims on crime surge

Newly released FBI statistics show that violent crime in the U.S. fell significantly in 2024, undermining former President Donald Trump’s repeated claims during his election campaign that Democrats had allowed crime to spiral out of control.

According to the bureau’s annual Reported Crimes in the Nation Statistics report, violent crime dropped 4.5% nationwide last year. Murder and non-negligent manslaughter fell by 14.9%, rape declined 5.2%, aggravated assault dropped 3%, and robbery decreased 8.9%.

The data reflects the final full year of the Biden administration and marks some of the lowest violent crime rates since the 1960s. Trump had frequently cited rising crime in Democratic-led cities as a central campaign theme, including remarks during his May 2024 hush-money trial in Manhattan, where he claimed, “people are being mugged and killed outside.”

The FBI’s findings challenge that narrative, showing a broad decline in crime across all major categories. While assaults on law enforcement officers did reach a 10-year high, overall public safety improved markedly in 2024.

11:13 AM EDT

WATCH: Trump says FBI may have to help bring Democrats back to Texas

10:59 AM EDT

Trump hits India with 25% tariff over Russian oil imports

Trump has signed a sweeping Executive Order imposing an additional 25% tariff on imports from India, citing the country’s continued purchase of Russian oil as a threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. The move builds on earlier sanctions targeting Russian energy exports and expands the scope of the national emergency declared in 2021.

The order, grounded in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and other federal statutes, asserts that India’s oil trade with Russia undermines efforts to isolate Moscow over its actions in Ukraine. The new tariffs will take effect 21 days from the signing date, with limited exceptions for goods already in transit.

The White House emphasized that the duties are part of a broader strategy to pressure nations maintaining economic ties with Russia. The order also outlines mechanisms for monitoring other countries’ oil imports and authorizes further action if deemed necessary.

India, now facing a 25% ad valorem duty on affected goods, joins a growing list of nations hit by Trump’s aggressive tariff regime. The administration has signaled that additional penalties may follow if foreign governments fail to align with U.S. trade and security priorities.

10:41 AM EDT

Trump’s 5-year marriage bill is called ‘Make Marriage Great Again’: What to know

Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) introduced H.R. 320, the “Make Marriage Great Again Act of 2025,” aiming to eliminate the marriage penalty from federal income tax brackets. The bill proposes amending the Internal Revenue Code to ensure that married couples filing jointly are not taxed more than they would be individually.

Under the legislation, income thresholds for married taxpayers would be doubled to match those of single filers, effectively removing the penalty that can occur when combined incomes push couples into higher tax brackets. The bill also removes certain provisions that distinguish between married and unmarried individuals in tax calculations.

If enacted, the changes would apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means for consideration.

10:25 AM EDT

Trump, Apple unveil $100B boost to U.S. manufacturing

Trump is set to announce a sweeping new initiative this afternoon aimed at revitalizing domestic manufacturing, anchored by a $100 billion investment pledge from Apple Inc. The move brings Apple’s total U.S. commitment to $600 billion over the next four years, according to the White House.

The centerpiece of the announcement is the launch of the “American Manufacturing Program,” a federal effort to reshore critical components of Apple’s supply chain and expand advanced manufacturing across the country. The program is also expected to incentivize other companies to follow suit.

“Today’s announcement with Apple is another win for our manufacturing industry,” said White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers, calling it a step toward safeguarding America’s economic and national security.

Apple’s investment comes amid pressure from the Trump administration to avoid tariffs on iPhones produced overseas. The tech giant has already committed to building a new server plant in Houston and launching a supplier academy in Michigan.

10:12 AM EDT

Is Trump making a deal with Harvard? What to know

Harvard University President Alan Garber has told faculty that no deal with the Trump administration is imminent, disputing reports that the university is considering a $500 million settlement to resolve its ongoing dispute over federal funding and campus antisemitism allegations.

The denial follows a New York Times report suggesting Harvard was open to a half-billion-dollar agreement—an assertion Garber reportedly called “false” and attributed to a leak from White House officials. Harvard’s student newspaper, The Crimson, cited three faculty members who said Garber reaffirmed the university’s commitment to resolving the matter through the courts.

Negotiations between Harvard and the administration resumed in June after President Trump froze $2.6 billion in federal research funding, citing the university’s refusal to comply with demands for governance and policy changes. While Columbia and Brown universities have reached settlements with the administration, Harvard has resisted, citing concerns over academic freedom and federal overreach.

In recent weeks, Harvard has taken steps that appear aimed at easing tensions, including eliminating diversity offices, ending a partnership with a Palestinian university, and expanding ties with Israeli institutions. Still, Garber and other officials have maintained that any deal must not compromise the university’s independence.

Harvard is currently pursuing legal action against the administration, challenging both the funding freeze and restrictions on international student enrollment. Preliminary rulings have favored the university, though Trump has vowed to appeal any court losses.

09:55 AM EDT

Trump signals JD Vance as likely MAGA successor, hints at Rubio partnership

Trump on Tuesday offered his strongest public endorsement yet of Vice President JD Vance’s political future, calling him “most likely” to succeed as the leader of the MAGA movement. The remarks, made during a White House event, mark a notable shift from earlier comments in which Trump had declined to name a clear heir.

“He’s the vice president,” Trump said. “It’s too early obviously to talk about it, but certainly he’s doing a great job and he would be probably favored at this point.”

Trump also floated the possibility of Secretary of State Marco Rubio joining Vance “in some form,” suggesting a potential 2028 Republican ticket pairing. Both men were previously mentioned by Trump in May as possible successors, though he had stopped short of backing either.

The president’s comments come amid speculation about the post-Trump future of the GOP, especially as Trump has acknowledged constitutional limits on seeking a third term. In February, he dismissed the idea of Vance as his successor, calling him “very capable” but saying it was too soon to decide.

Rubio and Vance, once critics of Trump, have since become key allies in his administration and are widely viewed as rising figures within the Republican Party.

09:40 AM EDT

Trump threatens federal takeover after DOGE staffer assaulted in DC

Two 15-year-olds from Maryland have been arrested following a violent attempted carjacking in Washington, D.C., that left Edward Coristine—known online as “Big Balls”—bloodied and bruised. Coristine, a prominent figure in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was attacked early Sunday morning in Logan Circle while trying to protect his significant other from a group of teenagers attempting to steal their vehicle.

Police say Coristine pushed the woman into the car for safety before confronting the group, who then assaulted him until nearby officers intervened. The suspects fled, but two were apprehended and charged with unarmed carjacking. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, with additional suspects still at large.

The incident has reignited political tensions over crime in the nation’s capital. President Donald Trump responded with a fiery post on Truth Social, threatening to place Washington under federal control if local leaders fail to curb violence. “If D.C. doesn’t get its act together… we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City,” Trump wrote.

While city officials point to a 25% drop in violent crime compared to last year, youth carjackings remain a persistent issue. The attack on Coristine—one of DOGE’s most visible operatives—has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over D.C.’s autonomy and public safety.

09:20 AM EDT

Putin meets Trump envoy Witkoff as ceasefire deadline looms

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Wednesday, just days before a White House-imposed deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine or face sweeping economic penalties. Russian officials described the talks as “very useful and constructive,” though details remain sparse.

Yury Ushakov, Putin’s longtime foreign policy aide, said both sides exchanged signals on Ukraine and broader U.S.-Russia relations, but emphasized that further comment would follow Witkoff’s report to President Donald Trump.

Witkoff’s visit comes amid escalating Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian areas, including a deadly glide bomb attack on a recreational center in Zaporizhzhia that killed two and injured 12. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault as senseless cruelty.

Trump has threatened severe tariffs on Russian oil exports and secondary sanctions on countries like China and India if Moscow fails to meet the ceasefire deadline by Friday. While Trump has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of sanctions, he has also ordered the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines in response to Russian threats.

Despite the diplomatic overtures, analysts say Putin is stalling while Russian forces attempt to gain ground in Ukraine. The Kremlin has shown no signs of backing down, instead touting its military capabilities, including the deployment of a new hypersonic missile system.

The Center for European Policy Analysis warned this week that Russia may be preparing for broader confrontation with NATO, citing increased military activity along its western borders.

09:06 AM EDT

Trump narrows Fed chair search to four candidates, eyes successor to Powell

Trump confirmed Tuesday that he has narrowed his list of potential Federal Reserve chair candidates to four, signaling a pivotal moment for U.S. monetary policy as Jerome Powell’s term nears its May 2026 end.

Appearing on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Trump named Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, and former Fed governor Kevin Warsh as top contenders. “Kevin and Kevin, both Kevins, are very good,” Trump said, adding that two other unnamed individuals remain under consideration. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, once floated as a possibility, has opted to stay in his current role.

Trump’s decision comes amid escalating criticism of Powell, whom he has accused of being “too late” in cutting interest rates. The president has suggested the Fed’s board of governors should assume greater control over the central bank’s direction, raising concerns about political influence over monetary policy.

The recent resignation of Fed Governor Adriana Kugler has opened a seat on the board, which Trump may use to position his preferred successor. He said a decision on Kugler’s replacement—and potentially Powell’s—will come by week’s end.

Hassett, a longtime Trump ally, previously chaired the Council of Economic Advisers and has championed the administration’s tax and trade policies. Warsh, who served on the Fed board from 2006 to 2011, has called for sweeping reforms and criticized Powell’s reluctance to cut rates, advocating for a new Treasury-Fed accord reminiscent of the postwar era.

08:52 AM EDT

Trump launches task force for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Trump signed an executive order Tuesday establishing a federal task force to oversee preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, pledging a “safe, seamless and historically successful” event. The Games will mark the first U.S.-hosted Olympics since Salt Lake City’s 2002 Winter Games.

Trump will chair the task force, joined by Vice President JD Vance, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and other senior officials. The group is tasked with coordinating security, streamlining visa and credentialing processes, and managing logistics for athletes, coaches, media, and international visitors.

During the White House signing ceremony, Trump emphasized national pride and security, saying the U.S. would “do anything necessary to keep the Olympics safe,” including the potential deployment of the National Guard. Olympic medalists Nastia Liukin and Brad Snyder attended the event, alongside LA28 chair Casey Wasserman, who presented Trump with medals from the 1984 Los Angeles Games.

The president also praised the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s recent decision to bar transgender women from women’s events, calling it a move to protect fairness in competition.

The task force follows similar efforts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. Officials from all three nations met this week to discuss security coordination ahead of next year’s tournament.

08:36 AM EDT

Donald Trump issues FBI warning to fleeing Texas Democrats

President Donald Trump said the FBI “may have to” get involved to locate Texas Democrats who fled the state to block redrawn U.S. House maps sought by the president.

Trump made the remarks during a news conference on Tuesday after being asked about Republican Senator John Cornyn’s request that the FBI help find and arrest the Democrats.

Newsweek has contacted the White House, the FBI and a spokesperson for the Texas House Democrats for comment via emails sent outside regular business hours.

Dozens of Texas House Democrats left the state on August 3 in a bid to stall the redrawn congressional maps that Trump wants before the 2026 midterm elections to bolster Republican chances of preserving its majority in the U.S. House.

Republicans hold an 88-62 majority in the Texas House of Representatives, and the Texas Constitution requires that at least 100 members be present to do business. With at least 51 Democrats absent, the House failed to reach a quorum for a vote on the new maps on Monday and again on Tuesday.

Republicans have made numerous attempts to compel the Democrats back to the state, including by signing civil arrest warrants and mobilizing state troopers. Republican Governor Greg Abbott also ordered the Texas Rangers to investigate possible bribery charges related to how the Democrats are paying for their quorum break, alleging anyone who financially helped them leave the state could be culpable.

Read the full story by Khaleda Rahman on Newsweek.

08:19 AM EDT

Trump envoy Witkoff meets Putin in Moscow ahead of ceasefire deadline

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for high-stakes talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, just days before a White House-imposed deadline for a ceasefire in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed the meeting in a brief statement, marking Witkoff’s fifth visit to Russia since President Donald Trump returned to office.

Witkoff was greeted at Vnukovo Airport by Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, before the two toured Zaryadye Park and proceeded to the Kremlin. The visit comes amid escalating Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, with July setting a record for drone and missile attacks.

Trump has warned of sweeping economic penalties—including secondary sanctions targeting Russian oil customers like India and China—if Putin fails to agree to a ceasefire by August 8. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced support for the U.S. ultimatum, saying he and Trump had “coordinated positions” during a recent call.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia remains open to dialogue and emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Talks between Witkoff and Russian leadership are expected to continue through the week.

08:01 AM EDT

Bondi launches grand jury probe into Trump-Russia investigation origins

Attorney General Pam Bondi has authorized a grand jury investigation into the Obama-era origins of the Trump-Russia probe, reigniting scrutiny of one of the most politically charged chapters in recent U.S. history.

The directive follows a criminal referral from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who declassified documents alleging misconduct by former intelligence officials. Bondi’s move empowers prosecutors to issue subpoenas and potentially seek indictments. However, no charges have been filed, and key details—such as the location of the grand jury and its targets—remain undisclosed.

The investigation centers on long-standing grievances voiced by President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly claimed that the original Russia inquiry was a partisan effort to undermine his presidency. While Special Counsel Robert Mueller confirmed Russia’s interference in the 2016 election, he found no criminal conspiracy between Trump’s campaign and Moscow.

Recent documents released by Gabbard and Sen. Chuck Grassley include unverified emails suggesting the Clinton campaign sought to link Trump to Russia. However, the Durham report, which previously examined the origins of the probe, cautioned that these communications may be composites of hacked material and potentially Russian disinformation.

Bondi’s investigation comes amid mounting pressure from Trump’s base over the handling of records related to Jeffrey Epstein, adding another layer of political tension to the Justice Department’s actions.

07:47 AM EDT

Trump lashes out at Charlamagne Tha God after Fox News criticism

Trump ignited a war of words Sunday with radio host Charlamagne Tha God, responding to pointed criticism aired during a Fox News interview with Lara Trump. In a Truth Social post, Trump called Charlamagne a “racist sleazebag” and a “dope,” claiming the broadcaster “knows nothing about me or what I have done”.

Charlamagne, whose real name is Lenard McKelvey, appeared on “My View with Lara Trump” and gave the former president low marks, citing economic hardship among vulnerable communities. He acknowledged benefiting from Trump-era tax breaks but condemned the broader impact of the legislation, particularly on Medicaid recipients.

The radio host also suggested that controversy surrounding Trump’s refusal to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein could spark a shift within the GOP. He predicted that traditional conservatives might use the issue to reclaim the party from Trump’s MAGA movement.

Trump’s post further criticized Charlamagne’s use of “God” in his professional name, asking, “Can anyone imagine the uproar there would be if I used that nickname?”

Charlamagne later responded on his radio show, “The Breakfast Club,” defending his remarks and noting that his critiques of political leaders have been consistent, regardless of party affiliation.

07:33 AM EDT

South Park mocks White House over Homeland Security ICE post

South Park has fired back at the Trump administration after the Department of Homeland Security used the show to promote Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruitment, weeks after the White House had labeled the series “not relevant.”

On Tuesday, DHS posted a screengrab from the current season of the satirical animation series depicting ICE agents in patrol cars, with a link to its career site, promoting a $50,000 signing bonus and other benefits.

In response, South Park reposted the DHS message on its official X account, writing, “Wait, so we ARE relevant? #eatabagofd***s.”

South Park was referring to a White House statement from July where spokesperson Taylor Rogers said: “This show hasn’t been relevant for over 20 years.”

Newsweek has contacted the White House and the DHS, via email outside of office hours, for comment.