President Donald Trump has halted $5 billion in foreign aid approved by Congress, citing a need to prioritize American interests. The cuts, affecting the State Department and USAID programs, have drawn strong opposition from Democrats, who warn this could derail budget negotiations. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the move illegal, while some moderate Republicans also criticized it. The White House defended the action as part of Trump’s “America First” agenda, escalating tensions over federal spending.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia and China are united in establishing a just, multipolar world order, prioritizing countries of the “global majority.” Speaking ahead of his China visit for the SCO summit and Victory Day events, he emphasized the strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing as a stabilizing global force. Putin praised Xi Jinping as a resolute leader, and their talks will cover regional security, US relations, the Ukraine war, and upcoming multilateral summits, with additional meetings planned with leaders from Iran, India, and Turkey.

A U.S. appellate court has ruled that the majority of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on various countries are illegal, stating that only Congress has the authority to impose such measures. The court’s decision, citing emergency economic powers, will take effect after October 14, when the Supreme Court will review the case. The ruling raises questions about existing trade agreements and highlights potential political and economic consequences, with Trump criticizing the decision as threatening the nation’s stability.

The United States is set to impose a visa ban on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and other PA and PLO officials, raising doubts over Abbas’s attendance at the UN General Assembly in September. The move comes as several countries, including France, Canada, and Australia, prepare to recognize Palestine as an independent state. The U.S. State Department said the ban aims to pressure Palestinian leaders to reject terrorism and halt unilateral efforts toward statehood, calling such actions unproductive.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Ukraine cannot receive security guarantees before signing a peace agreement. She emphasized that any measures must consider Russia’s security interests. Zakharova outlined that lasting peace requires Ukraine’s demilitarization, “denazification,” neutrality, nuclear-free status, and acceptance of current territorial realities. She warned Western proposals are one-sided and could escalate NATO involvement. Despite prisoner exchanges and talks, no major agreement has been reached. The U.S. aims to resolve the conflict by late 2025, with a peace proposal already on the table.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has assured that President Donald Trump is in excellent health and full of energy, dismissing recent concerns about his well-being. In a USA Today interview, Vance emphasized that he is fully prepared to take over presidential responsibilities if a “terrible tragedy” occurs. Highlighting Trump’s active routine despite his age, Vance also noted the valuable experience he has gained over the past 200 days in office, underlining the importance of being ready for any eventuality.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris will lose her Secret Service protection starting September 1, following a decision by President Donald Trump. Traditionally, ex-vice presidents receive six months of security after leaving office, but President Joe Biden had extended Harris’s coverage before her term ended. Harris, who is set to release a book and attend events nationwide, may face increased risk due to the withdrawal of security. Her advisor, Kirsten Allen, expressed gratitude for the professionalism and efforts of the Secret Service.

Lisa Cook, a governor of the U.S. Federal Reserve, has filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, challenging his attempt to remove her from office. In her legal petition, Cook has requested the court to declare Trump’s dismissal order “illegal and null.”

The lawsuit also names Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell as a co-defendant. Trump has accused Cook of providing false information regarding her mortgage records and claims that the Constitution gives him the authority to remove her from her position.

Cook has previously stated that there is no “legitimate legal basis” for her dismissal under U.S. law. According to reports from the BBC, the move by Trump comes amid his dissatisfaction with the Federal Reserve’s reluctance to lower interest rates. As a member of the board responsible for setting U.S. interest rates, Cook’s role places her at the center of this high-stakes confrontation.

The United States has expressed readiness to engage in direct dialogue with Iran to achieve a peaceful and sustainable solution to its nuclear program. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that diplomatic efforts complement, rather than conflict with, the snapback sanctions process initiated by France, Germany, and the UK. Rubio urged Iranian leaders to take immediate steps to prevent nuclear weapons development and ensure peace and prosperity for the Iranian people. The three European nations have formally informed the UN Security Council about the snapback mechanism.

U.S. President Donald Trump has convened a major meeting at the White House to discuss a resolution to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff said the U.S. aims to achieve a solution within this year. Talks with Hamas are being considered, and Hamas has shown willingness to negotiate. Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Despite Trump’s campaign promise to quickly end the conflict, recent fighting and humanitarian crises in Gaza persist.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration will seek the death penalty for every murder case in Washington D.C., aiming to curb crime in the capital. He acknowledged the policy could be controversial but said he would proceed. Under Biden, the death penalty was largely suspended, but Trump plans to reinstate it. His first term saw a significant rise in federal executions. Critics worry this approach could expand, while local crime rates have recently declined.

The United States is set to impose stricter immigration rules following a recent 50% tariff on Indian goods. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized the H-1B lottery system and proposed prioritizing higher-paid applicants, potentially affecting thousands of mid-level Indian IT professionals. He also highlighted disparities in green card incomes and suggested a “Gold Card” program requiring $5 million investment for permanent residency. Experts warn these reforms may favor wealthy investors over skilled workers, creating fresh challenges for India’s economy and workforce.

The parents of 16-year-old Adam Rayne have filed a lawsuit in a California court against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, accusing ChatGPT of contributing to their son’s suicide.

According to the complaint, within six months of use, ChatGPT had become Adam’s “only friend.” In one disturbing exchange, the chatbot allegedly advised him to hide suicidal thoughts from his family.

The lawsuit claims that ChatGPT:

Reinforced Adam’s feelings and validated his darkest thoughts.

Encouraged even his most harmful, self-destructive ideas.

This is not the first such case. A similar lawsuit was filed in Florida last year.

An OpenAI spokesperson expressed condolences, stating the company is reviewing the allegations, while also reiterating previous cautions:

“Overdependence on ChatGPT can reduce the need for genuine human connections.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expelled Iran’s ambassador from Canberra, accusing Tehran of directing anti-Jewish attacks in Australia.

Albanese said the alleged operations sought to undermine social harmony and sow division within the country. “The government is responding with firm and decisive action,” he declared.

Canberra has also suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran and relocated its diplomats to a third country. Furthermore, legislation will soon be introduced to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

The allegations follow two major incidents: the October 2023 attack on Louis Continental Kitchen in Sydney and the December assault on Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue. For the first time since World War II, Australia has expelled a foreign ambassador.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs of 200% or higher on Chinese goods unless Beijing increases its supply of magnets to the United States.

According to Al Jazeera, China remains highly sensitive about rare earth elements. In April, Beijing restricted exports of several rare minerals and magnets in retaliation to Washington’s tariff hikes. Currently, China controls about 90% of the global magnet market.

Meanwhile, Intel Corporation has announced that it will acquire a 10% stake in the U.S.-based semiconductor giant, which heavily relies on rare minerals. Interestingly, despite restrictions, China’s rare earth exports have reportedly increased in recent months.