Melania Trump denounces ‘lies’ connecting her with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein in White House event

First lady Melania Trump delivered a rare, brief statement Thursday afternoon at the White House, coming out swinging at those who have linked her to Jeffrey Epstein, calling them “devoid of ethical standards.” The remarks lasted roughly three minutes and did not include questions from the press. “The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey … Read more

9/11 terror attacks made Dem congressional candidate more ‘aware’ of ‘anti-Muslim bigotry’: unearthed op-ed

An ordained Christian minister running for U.S. Congress in Iowa penned an opinion piece sharing how the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks — carried out by radical Islamic terrorists — made her more “aware” of the “rising anti-Muslim bigotry and its harm.” Sarah Trone Garriott is one of three Democratic candidates vying for the battleground … Read more

Senate GOP vows to ‘go it alone’ on ICE funding as Dems double down on shutdown

Senate Republicans are meeting with President Donald Trump Friday to crystallize a plan to fund immigration operations that would cut out Democrats altogether. Congressional Republicans are turning to the party-line budget reconciliation process to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for years to come in a move that can’t … Read more

NATO chief signals allies may act on Hormuz, warns of ‘unhealthy codependence’ on US

NATO’s chief signaled Thursday that European allies may move to help secure the Strait of Hormuz following talks with President Donald Trump — even as the White House declared the alliance had already “failed” and was not being asked to assist. Secretary-General Mark Rutte, speaking at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Washington … Read more

US defense official overseeing AI reaped millions selling xAI stock after Pentagon entered agreement with company

Expert said federal law bars officials from taking actions in their jobs that benefit their own financial interests A high-profile US defense department official who oversees the agency’s artificial intelligence efforts made a profit of up to $24m selling a private investment he held in Elon Musk’s AI company earlier this year, according to government … Read more