U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at possible new sanctions on Russia if the war in Ukraine continues. Speaking with Polish President Andrzej Duda in the Oval Office, Trump said that if he is dissatisfied with Vladimir Putin’s response, “something will happen.” He denied being soft on Moscow, citing sanctions on India for Russian oil as proof of his firm stance. Trump plans to speak with Ukrainian President Zelensky soon to determine the next steps.

A U.S. federal court has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to suspend nearly $2 billion in Harvard University research funding, calling it illegal and a violation of the university’s right to free expression. Judge Allison Burroughs ruled that while anti-Semitism exists at Harvard, it was not the real reason for the funding cuts, and issued an injunction to ensure ongoing grants are not withheld. Harvard considers this a major legal victory, though an appeal from the administration is expected.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that India has offered to trade with the United States without any tariffs following the imposition of U.S. duties. Speaking on The Scott Jennings Radio Show, Trump criticized countries like China, India, and Brazil for harming U.S. interests with tariffs. He described India as the highest-tariff country and claimed that the tariff imposition prompted India’s proposal. Trump emphasized that tariffs are necessary for economic strength and insisted the offer would not have come without U.S. action.

The U.S. military has destroyed a drug-laden vessel operated by Venezuela’s notorious Tren de Aragua gang, killing 11 people, former President Donald Trump confirmed.

“We just destroyed a drug boat carrying large quantities of narcotics. Many more are coming from Venezuela,” Trump said, sharing drone footage showing the high-speed vessel exploding in flames.

Typically, such boats are intercepted and crews arrested, but this time the U.S. military opted to sink the vessel outright—a move likely to escalate tensions with Venezuela.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has brushed off viral rumors about his death, calling them “fake news” and a reflection of declining media credibility.

“Millions of people were apparently discussing my so-called death. Really? I hadn’t even seen it,” Trump remarked when asked by a journalist. He noted that after holding several press conferences last week, he skipped two days—prompting speculation about his health.

“President Biden could disappear for months, and no one would say a word. Yet with me, they immediately invent stories,” Trump said with a laugh. “I’ve been active with interviews, events, and posts on Truth Social. Clearly, I’m alive and well.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated career diplomat Brent Christensen as the next ambassador to Bangladesh. The proposal was submitted to the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, where approval is pending.

Christensen currently serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Arms Control and International Security. Between 2019 and 2021, he was posted at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs. A graduate of the National War College, he earned a Master’s degree in National Security Strategy in 2022.

Before joining the Foreign Service in 2002, Christensen worked as a management consultant in Houston and New York City.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade advisor, Peter Navarro, has criticized India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that while Modi is a capable leader, he is aligning with leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. Navarro said Brahmins are benefiting at the expense of ordinary Indians and urged that this practice stop. He also linked India’s purchase of Russian crude oil to economic support for Russia, prompting the U.S. to impose tariffs on Indian goods.

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has issued a strict warning that anyone involved in visa fraud will be permanently barred from entering the United States. The embassy emphasized that visa fraud and illegal immigration are serious offenses and those involved could face criminal charges. Applicants are urged to be truthful during visa applications and interviews, as even minor offenses or previous violations can result in visa denial. Secure borders are essential for national survival, the embassy added.

President Donald Trump said he will issue an executive order requiring voter ID for all ballots, with no exceptions. He stated only seriously ill individuals and military personnel abroad may vote by mail. Trump, who continues to claim without evidence that the 2020 election was stolen, has long opposed electronic voting machines, favoring paper ballots. Legal experts question his authority since states oversee elections. The 2026 midterms will be the first national test of his policies after returning to power.

A Harvard/Harris poll reveals a sharp generational divide in U.S. views on the Israel–Hamas conflict. While 74% of Americans overall back Israel, 60% of voters aged 18–24 support Hamas instead. Most Americans condemn Hamas’s actions, yet many young voters blame Israel for Gaza’s famine. Public opinion is split on whether Israel’s actions amount to genocide. Analysts say Gen Z’s reliance on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for news drives this shift, framing the conflict as a humanitarian issue rather than geopolitics.

The Trump administration has moved to dismiss more than 500 employees of Voice of America (VOA), citing cost-cutting and efficiency. Acting USAGM head Kari Lake said the move would reduce bureaucracy, though unions call it illegal. Court documents show only 108 staff will remain at VOA after the layoffs. The decision follows a court ruling that Trump officials mishandled the removal of VOA’s director. Some staff are fighting the cuts in court, while certain divisions, like Cuba Broadcasting, remain unaffected.

U.S. President Donald Trump has canceled plans to visit India for the Quad summit later this year, according to a New York Times analysis. The report says Trump had earlier promised Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a June 17 phone call that he would attend, but tensions have since escalated. Disputes over Trump’s mediation claim in the India-Pakistan conflict, a canceled G7 meeting, and Washington’s new 50% tariff on Indian goods have all contributed to worsening U.S.-India relations.

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.

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.