President Trump announced the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on goods from India, citing India’s high tariffs on U.S. products. Additionally, India will face an added import tax for purchasing Russian oil, which Trump claims supports Moscow’s war in Ukraine. This move follows trade framework negotiations with various nations, with the administration viewing tariffs as a means to address the budget deficit and increase domestic jobs. While India studies the announcement and remains committed to a trade agreement, the tariffs may impede India’s goal to double bilateral trade with the U.S. by 2030.
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Tyson Beckford opened up about the heartbreak he experienced after his split from model Shanina Shaik, which occurred after dating from 2008-2015. The actor described the breakup as a “crushing blow,” revealing it took nearly four years to recover from the loss. Beckford’s recent willingness to re-enter the dating scene is a result of overcoming the heartbreak, and he is now appearing on Bravo’s new reality show, *Kings Court*. In the show, Beckford will seek to find love alongside other famous bachelors, after declining the offer four times previously.
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Former President Donald Trump has publicly urged Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley to eliminate the “blue slip” tradition, which allows home-state senators to block judicial nominees. Trump argued that Democrats would exploit the custom to obstruct Republican picks and called on Grassley to take action to ensure the confirmation of judicial nominees. However, Grassley, who has a history of successfully navigating the blue slip process, has indicated his intention to maintain the tradition. The “blue slip” practice, a decades-old Senate custom, involves senators from a nominee’s home state submitting a blue form indicating their approval or disapproval of the nomination.
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During a recent trip to Scotland, President Trump inaugurated a new private golf course, with taxpayers covering the majority of the expenses. The event, which included his sons, Eric and Don Jr., showcased Trump’s continued mixing of personal business with official presidential duties. This visit, costing around $10 million, exemplifies the president’s increasing disregard for the separation of personal enrichment and public office. Unlike his first term, where some pretense was maintained, Trump is now openly promoting his businesses during official government trips.
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During an interview, the interviewer inquired whether some of the employees taken from the spa were young women. Trump confirmed that Epstein took employees, specifying that the individuals taken were from the spa. Trump stated that he became aware of Epstein’s actions and told him not to take any of his employees.
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President Trump stated that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein “stole” Virginia Giuffre from his Mar-a-Lago club, a notable claim that could intensify scrutiny of his connection with the late financier. The statement came in response to queries about Trump’s past comments regarding his relationship with Epstein. Trump confirmed he had banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago due to his recruitment of the club’s employees, particularly those working in the spa. Notably, Trump claimed Giuffre worked at the spa and was “stolen” by Epstein, though Trump has been trying to lessen any scrutiny, calling the subject “boring”.
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A recent report from Civicus has placed the United States on a watchlist, expressing urgent concern over the state of its civic society, citing “sustained attacks on civic freedoms.” The report highlights issues such as the use of military force against protestors, growing restrictions on journalists and civil society organizations, and the targeting of anti-war advocates, particularly those expressing solidarity with Palestinian rights. Civicus assigned the US a “narrowed” rating, indicating that while freedoms of association, assembly, and expression are still allowed, violations do occur, including harassment and excessive force against protestors. Secretary General Mandeep Tiwana expressed concern over the situation, pointing to actions taken by the Trump administration as evidence of a dangerous trend toward authoritarianism.
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Donald Trump expressed his disdain for Jeffrey Epstein, not for the financier’s exploitation of underage girls, but rather because Epstein poached staff from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, including Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre, who had worked at the Mar-a-Lago spa, was recruited by Ghislaine Maxwell to work for Epstein. This decision led Giuffre to a life of exploitation and abuse, which ultimately ended in her suicide. Giuffre’s tragic story serves as a reminder of the devastation caused by Epstein and his associates.
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President Trump stated that Jeffrey Epstein had taken female staff from his Mar-a-Lago residence, including Virginia Giuffre. Trump claims he warned Epstein about poaching staff and eventually “threw him out” for doing so again, asserting that this was a negative action. When asked if the staff in question were young women, the president responded affirmatively, citing that the details of this situation were already widely known. This information surfaced amidst calls for the release of remaining evidence regarding Epstein and his associates.
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White House officials are concerned about losing support from Trump’s MAGA base due to the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, which has led to low approval ratings among MAGA Republicans. The lack of new revelations in the case has angered many supporters who believe Epstein was murdered. This could impact the president’s ability to rally support for his budget bill, with sources suggesting smaller crowd sizes at future rallies. Some within the administration admit the Epstein issue is unlikely to fade, regardless of ongoing actions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker