US President Donald Trump has ordered the removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, accusing her of providing false information on mortgage loan documents.

Trump claimed that Cook falsely declared two separate properties—one in Michigan and another in Georgia—as her primary residence within weeks of each other. “It is hard to believe you were unaware when signing the second document,” Trump wrote.

The unprecedented move marks the first time in the Federal Reserve’s 111-year history that a board member has been dismissed in such a manner. Trump has recently intensified pressure on the Fed, particularly Chairman Jerome Powell, accusing the central bank of reluctance to lower interest rates.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that the Gaza war is nearing its conclusion, saying he believes the conflict will reach a “final end” within two to three weeks.
“This war must end,” Trump said on Monday, citing rising deaths, starvation, and worsening humanitarian conditions.
While his administration has repeatedly pledged to help end the conflict, Washington has simultaneously approved billions in arms sales to Israel and rejected international moves to recognize a Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital killed at least 21 people, including six journalists, with reporters from Reuters and Al Jazeera among the victims.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged 146 prisoners of war each on Sunday in a swap mediated by the United Arab Emirates. Moscow confirmed that freed Russian soldiers were taken to Belarus for medical and psychological care.

The deal follows three rounds of negotiations held in Istanbul between May and July. Among those released were eight Russian citizens from Kursk, whom Moscow says were “illegally detained” by Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine of launching a drone strike overnight on a nuclear power plant, sparking a fire and damaging an auxiliary transformer. Authorities said the attack forced a 50% reduction in output at the plant’s third reactor.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China next week to attend a high-level summit in Tianjin scheduled for August 31 to September 1.

The summit will host leaders from more than 20 countries and representatives of international organizations, according to Russian media.

Speculation had earlier surfaced about a possible trilateral meeting involving Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and former U.S. President Donald Trump, though the Kremlin later denied knowledge of such plans.

Putin last met Xi Jinping during the Chinese leader’s visit to Moscow in May.

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting individuals and companies accused of facilitating Iran’s illegal oil sales. The State Department revealed Thursday that two China-based crude oil and petroleum terminal operators were sanctioned for importing “millions of barrels” of Iranian crude via blacklisted tankers.
The Treasury Department also sanctioned Greek national Antonios Margaritis, his network, and associated firms for allegedly exploiting his shipping industry ties to transport Iranian petroleum. Several additional vessels and operators were blacklisted as Washington tightened pressure on Tehran’s oil exports.

Former U.S. ambassador Nikki Haley has cautioned President Donald Trump not to view India as a competitor like China amid escalating tensions over U.S. tariffs on Indian goods and oil imports from Russia. Haley emphasized that issues like tariffs or U.S. involvement in India-Pakistan ceasefires should not divide the world’s two largest democracies. She urged Washington to recognize India as a valuable democratic partner and warned that undermining decades of strategic cooperation would be a serious geopolitical mistake.

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, has announced plans to cut nearly half of the agency’s workforce and reduce its annual budget by $700 million as part of a major restructuring. The move aims to streamline operations, merge teams, and ensure impartial, timely intelligence. Hours earlier, she revealed that the Trump administration would revoke security clearances of 37 current and former officials accused of politicizing intelligence, though no formal evidence or charges were presented.

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll has found that 58% of Americans believe all UN member states should recognize Palestine as an independent state. In contrast, 33% oppose the move, while 9% remain undecided.

The six-day survey shows 78% of Democrats support recognition, whereas 53% of Republicans oppose it. Additionally, 65% of respondents said the U.S. should take steps to help Palestinians facing starvation in Gaza, with 28% disagreeing—most of them Republican.

Analysts suggest the findings indicate a troubling decline in U.S. public support for Israel, posing diplomatic concerns for Tel Aviv.

The US has introduced a new policy requiring immigration officials to assess visa applicants’ “attitude towards America.” Those found expressing anti-American sentiments may be denied entry.

This includes monitoring applicants’ activities on social media. Evidence of anti-American views, ties to terrorist organizations, or involvement in antisemitic activities could disqualify applicants.

The revised guidelines from USCIS have raised concerns among immigration rights activists and lawyers, who fear the measure could be misused.

CNN reports that the US State Department has already canceled more than 6,000 student visas this year under tightened scrutiny.

U.S. President Donald Trump has described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war hero,” despite the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza. In a radio interview, Trump dismissed attempts to hold Netanyahu accountable, claimed credit for past hostage releases, and boasted about ordering airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He also accused Democrats, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of siding with Palestinians. Gaza authorities report over 62,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023.

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has sharply declined 212 days into his second term, with a net rating of minus 15 percent. Only 40% of Americans are satisfied, while 55% are dissatisfied. Confidence in his foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine, is falling. Economic expectations and immigration support have also weakened. Regional disparities show lowest approval in Democrat-leaning states. White and male voters remain most supportive, while younger, minority, and highly educated groups oppose him, including some traditional Republican seniors.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, doubling the previous 25% rate, aiming to pressure Russia to end the Ukraine conflict. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is creating international pressure, including sanctions, to expedite peace. He recently met Ukrainian President Zelensky and hinted at a possible tripartite dialogue with Putin. European leaders have shown support, while the U.S. continues efforts to facilitate direct Russia-Ukraine talks for a long-term resolution.

Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined clear conditions to end the Ukraine war during his August 15 meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska. His demands include Ukraine formally pledging never to join NATO and surrendering remaining territories in Donetsk and Luhansk. In exchange, Russia would freeze battle lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Putin rejected a ceasefire, pushing instead for a permanent settlement. Trump signaled a shift, saying he seeks a lasting peace agreement rather than a temporary truce.

U.S. President Donald Trump has categorically ruled out deploying American troops to Ukraine, saying his primary objective is to end the bloodshed.

In a phone interview with Fox News after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, Trump said: “I guarantee there will be no U.S. troops in Ukraine. My goal is simply to stop people from dying.”

He added that he recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging restraint. “If Putin doesn’t behave, the situation will turn difficult. I also expect Zelensky to do what is necessary, but he must remain flexible in negotiations.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that any Russia–Ukraine meeting must be thoroughly prepared and aim for sustainable solutions, rather than being held merely for publicity. He stated that Russia is ready for bilateral and trilateral discussions. On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and later discussed a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky called the Washington meeting “an important step toward ending the war” and advancing Ukraine’s security guarantees, though the exact terms remain unclear.