In a farewell video, former US Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush criticized the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle USAID, calling it a “colossal mistake.” Monday marked the final day of USAID’s operation as an independent agency, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordering its absorption into the State Department. The former presidents, joined by U2 singer Bono, expressed their appreciation for the agency’s work, particularly its efforts in humanitarian aid, disease prevention, and promoting economic development. Obama emphasized USAID’s crucial role in global economic growth and saving lives, while Bush highlighted the importance of the PEPFAR program, which saved millions of lives.
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Donald Trump has dropped his federal lawsuit against Iowa pollster J. Ann Selzer, the Des Moines Register, and Gannett, alleging the survey falsely boosted Kamala Harris’s chances during the 2024 election. The case was dismissed without prejudice after the president’s legal team was denied requests to move the lawsuit out of federal court, and a similar complaint was subsequently filed in Iowa district court. Selzer’s attorney stated that there was no settlement involved, and the newspaper will continue to defend its First Amendment rights. This withdrawal occurs alongside a separate $20 billion lawsuit against CBS News, which is expected to reach a settlement.
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An Iran-linked hacking group has threatened to release a trove of emails allegedly stolen from Donald Trump’s aides, including Roger Stone and Susie Wiles, according to Reuters. The group, which previously released emails during the 2024 presidential campaign, claims to possess approximately 100 gigabytes of data. U.S. officials, including CISA, have condemned the threat as a “calculated smear campaign” and warned of consequences for those involved in the potential national security breach. The hackers’ motive shifted after Trump’s intervention in the Iran-Israel crisis and the release of information to news outlets.
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Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, has intensified his criticism of Donald Trump’s tax and budget legislation as the Senate prepared to vote on the bill. Musk declared his intent to support primary challenges against Republican lawmakers who vote in favor of the legislation, citing concerns over the bill’s potential to increase the national debt. The tech entrepreneur, who has previously expressed interest in slashing government spending, also renewed his call for a new political party to address the issue. Furthermore, he specifically criticized certain Republican members of the House Freedom Caucus.
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President Donald Trump is threatening tariffs on Japanese exports due to claims of Japan’s unwillingness to buy American rice, a claim contradicted by existing trade data showing Japan imported $298 million worth of US rice last year. While ongoing trade talks between the two countries are underway, Japanese officials have not stated they will stop purchasing US rice in the future, and discussions are still in progress. Trump’s remarks may be referencing a US Trade Representative report criticizing Japan’s rice import system. This threat coincides with the looming deadline for Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs, with the future tariff rates for impacted countries still uncertain.
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The funeral of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, victims of a politically motivated assassination, was attended by former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, but not the current president. While Trump issued a statement condemning the killings, he simultaneously displayed indifference and callousness by playing golf with Republican leaders and attacking Democrats on social media. Furthermore, Trump implied Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was somehow responsible, adding weight to misinformation and attempting to politicize the tragedy. Rather than offer a unifying response, Trump’s actions underscored his tendency to treat political violence with a partisan slant, in contrast to what a responsible leader would do.
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Despite previously stating his withdrawal from politics, Elon Musk re-entered the fray via social media, criticizing the Senate’s debate on President Trump’s policy bill and threatening primary challenges against members of Congress who voted for it. Musk, arguing the bill constitutes excessive spending and debt increase, even floated the idea of forming a new political party, the “America Party.” In response, Trump issued a threat to use the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) against Musk, highlighting the subsidies Musk has received. This public disagreement marks a shift, as Musk had previously supported Trump and Republican candidates, but now views the bill as detrimental to the country’s financial stability and future industries.
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HuffPost is celebrating two decades of providing unwavering, fact-based journalism and remains committed to this mission. The publication acknowledges the crucial role reader support has played in its success and ongoing strength, particularly during challenging periods. As HuffPost looks to the future, it emphasizes the vital need for continued support to sustain its newsroom and journalistic endeavors. The publication hopes readers will consider contributing to ensure its continued pursuit of truth.
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The impending cutoff of crucial satellite data for hurricane forecasting has been delayed by one month, until July 31st, following pressure from NOAA and NASA officials. This data, sourced from a Department of Defense weather satellite, provides critical information on hurricane structure and intensity, particularly during nighttime and when hurricane hunter aircraft are not in flight. The initial decision to halt data sharing sparked concern among meteorologists due to the potential impact on forecast accuracy, especially with an active hurricane season anticipated. While the delay offers temporary relief, the long-term issue remains unresolved, as there is no current plan to resume data flow.
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The Independent is committed to providing in-depth reporting, and at a critical time in US history, it’s essential to analyze facts and messaging. Elon Musk has publicly criticized the “big, beautiful bill” by Donald Trump and the Republican Congress, vowing to fund primary challenges against any lawmaker who voted for the legislation. The bill aims to extend the 2017 GOP tax cuts and fund a massive expansion of mass deportation efforts, facing opposition from Musk due to concerns over increased national debt. Musk’s criticisms have been a significant departure from his previous close relationship with Trump, marking a shift in their dynamic.
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John Q. Hosedrinker