Birthright Citizenship Not For Unqualified People And Unqualified Kids: Trump

WASHINGTON DC, Jan 31: The debate over birthright citizenship has been rekindled, with President Donald Trump at the forefront. Trump has consistently argued that this provision was originally intended to benefit the children of slaves, not to provide a blanket opportunity for individuals worldwide to claim US citizenship.

"Birthright citizenship was, if you look back when this was passed and made, that was meant for the children of slaves. This was not meant for the whole world to come in and pile into the United States of America," Trump made the statement in the Oval Office of the White House.

“Everybody coming in, and totally unqualified people with perhaps unqualified children. This wasn't meant for that," he said.

Trump emphasised that birthright citizenship was "meant for the children of slaves" and deemed it a "very good and noble" provision. However, he stressed that it was not intended for the global community to exploit. Trump asserted, "I'm in favor of that 100 per cent. But it wasn't meant for the entire world to occupy the United States".

The President's stance on this issue has been consistent, and he's taken concrete steps to challenge the status quo. On his first day in office, he issued an executive order aimed at revoking birthright citizenship, although it was swiftly struck down by a federal court in Seattle. Trump expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would ultimately rule in his favor.

Republican Senators Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz, and Katie Britt have introduced a bill that aligns with Trump's views. The proposed legislation, titled the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025, aims to restrict birthright citizenship to children born to illegal immigrants and non-immigrants on temporary visas. The senators argue that the current policy is a significant draw for illegal immigration and poses a threat to national security.

The US is one of only 33 countries that do not impose restrictions on birthright citizenship. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, approximately 225,000 to 250,000 births in the US in 2023 were to illegal immigrants, accounting for nearly seven percent of total births.

The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 proposes to redefine eligibility criteria for citizenship by birth, limiting it to children with at least one parent who is a US citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or an alien serving in the armed forces. This legislation would only apply to children born after its enactment.

Trump administration to cancel student visas of all 'Hamas sympathizers': White House

WASHINGTON DC, Jan 29: US President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Wednesday to combat antisemitism and pledge to deport non-citizen college students and other resident aliens who took part in pro-Palestinian protests, a White House official said.

A fact sheet on the order said Trump would order the Justice Department to "aggressively prosecute terroristic threats, arson, vandalism and violence against American Jews.”

"To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you," Trump said in the fact sheet. "I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before.”

Trump Fires 'Tremendous Tariff-Maker' Warning At India, China, Brazil

TALLAHASSEE, Jan 28: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday denounced India, China, and Brazil as "tremendous tariff-maker(s)" and said his government would not allow the three to continue down this path, declaring, "... we're not going to let that happen any longer because we're going to put America first."

Speaking to House Republicans at a Florida retreat, the United States President acknowledged the three countries - founding members of the increasingly influential BRICS bloc - were acting in their respective best interests, but seemed also to insist "... they mean us harm".

"We're going to put tariffs on outside countries and people that really mean harm to us. Well... they mean us harm, but they basically want to make their country good. China is a tremendous tariff-maker, and India, Brazil, and so many other countries. (But) we're not going to let that happen any longer... because we're going to put America first," Trump declared to cheers.

The comments came shortly after it emerged Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet Trump in Washington, as early as next month. The two leaders spoke on the phone Monday night; it is unclear if tariffs were on the agenda, but New Delhi's view on 'illegal immigrants was.

However, the US President's view on India and tariffs is seen by many as problematic, given he slammed Delhi - the US' largest trading partner - as a "very big abuser" during his campaign.

Trump also spoke of a "very fair system" to "very quickly" make the US "richer and more powerful", repeating what he said after he was sworn in last week; he said, "Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries... we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens."

And if foreign companies - Indian, Chinese, Brazilian, or others - want to avoid these high tariffs, Trump said, they would have to "build your plant right here in America".

He also told the House Republicans of plans to slap tariffs on steel, aluminium, copper, and other materials required by the American military. "We have to bring production back... There was a time we made a ship a day. Now we can't... We don't know what the hell we're doing."

High tariffs on goods imported into the US - specifically from China - were a frequent refrain during Trump's campaign. He also warned of "100 per cent tariffs" on BRICS nations to (in his mind) shut down talk of member-nations not using the dollar as the common currency.

Trump's tariffs tirade has a clear economic agenda, questionable though the means may be, and that is to jumpstart manufacturing in the US. By marking up the prices of key commodities like steel, semi-conductors, medicines, etc., he is hoping to do just that. "Under the 'America First' economic model, as tariffs on other countries go up, taxes on American workers and businesses will come down and massive numbers of jobs and factories will come home."

The other perspective is 'tariff as a weapon', a point-of-view underlined by Trump's clash with Colombia over deportations. The South American country initially refused to accept a plane loaded with 'illegal immigrants', only then to face massive 25 per cent tariffs and a trade war.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro eventually relented; he had to, of course.

White House Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt was quick to claim a 'victory', saying: "Today's events make clear to the world that America is respected again", and Trump echoed that sentiment Monday, telling reporters "it serves the world well to look at" the Colombia spat.

Modi Likely To Visit White House In February: Trump

WASHINGTON, Jan 28: US President Donald Trump has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would probably be visiting the White House for a meeting with him in February.

US President Trump told reporters on Monday aboard Air Force One on his way back to Joint Base Andrews from Florida.

"I had a long talk with him this morning (Monday). He is going to be coming to the White House, over next month, probably February. We have a very good relationship with India," US PresidentTrump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

The president was responding to a question on the phone call he had with PM Modi in the morning.

"Everything came up (in a phone call with Modi)," Trump told reporters when asked about the details of his call with Prime Minister Modi.

In phone call with Modi, Trump calls for progress toward 'fair' India-US trade ties

WASHINGTON, Jan 28: US President Donald Trump, in a "productive" phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sought a move towards a "fair" bilateral trading relationship and deeper India-US cooperation, according to the White House.

The two leaders also discussed plans for Modi to visit the US, the White House said in a readout of the call on Monday.

“Today, President Donald J Trump held a productive call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The two leaders discussed expanding and deepening cooperation," the readout said.

They also discussed a range of regional issues, including security in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe.

“The President emphasised the importance of India increasing its procurement of American-made security equipment and moving toward a fair bilateral trading relationship,” the White House said.

“The leaders discussed plans for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House, underscoring the strength of the friendship and strategic ties between our nations,” according to the readout.

Both Modi and Trump emphasised their commitment to advance the "US-India strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership, with India hosting Quad Leaders for the first time later this year.”

Modi, Trump discuss Ukraine and Gaza wars

NEW DELHI, Jan 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to US President Donald Trump in the first telephonic conversation since the Republican leader's inauguration on January 20.

Modi congratulated Trump on beginning his second term as the 47th president of the United States.

Both Modi and Trump reaffirmed their commitment to work towards a mutually beneficial and trusted partnership. During the conversation, both the leaders discussed measures for strengthening cooperation in technology, trade, investment, energy and defense.

Modi and Trump exchanged views on global issues, including the situation in West Asia and Ukraine. They reiterated their commitment to work together to promote global peace, prosperity and security.

The leaders agreed to remain in touch and meet soon at an early mutually convenient date.

After the conversation, Modi wrote on X,"Delighted to speak with my dear friend President @realDonaldTrump @POTUS. Congratulated him on his historic second term. We are committed to a mutually beneficial and trusted partnership. We will work together for the welfare of our people and towards global peace, prosperity, and security."

Trump says he may consider rejoining WHO

WASHINGTON DC, Jan 26: President Donald Trump said on Saturday he may consider rejoining the World Health Organization, day after ordering a US exit from the global health agency over what he described as a mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other international health crises.

"Maybe we would consider doing it again, I don't know. Maybe we would. They would have to clean it up," Trump said at a rally in Las Vegas. The US is scheduled to leave the WHO on January 22, 2026. Trump announced the move on Monday after he was sworn in for a second term in the White House.

Trump admin freezes all foreign aid by US, including that to Ukraine; Israel exempted

WASHINGTON DC, Jan 25: In a sweeping order, the newly sworn in Donald Trump administration in US on Friday reportedly froze all foreign aid, including that to Ukraine, with exceptions only for Israel and Egypt.

The United States, world's biggest donor, has not frozen emergency food and military funding for Israel and Egypt.

In an internal memo, cited in the report, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "No new funds shall be obligated for new awards or extensions of existing awards until each proposed new award or extension has been reviewed and approved."

The move is in line with US President Donald Trump's vow of an "America First" policy of tightly restricting assistance overseas.

The order is expected to affect everything from development assistance to military aid -- including to Ukraine, which received billions of dollars in weapons under Trump's predecessor Joe Biden in its bid to fight the Russian invasion.

A report said that the directive also means a pause of at least several months of US funding for PEPFAR, the anti-HIV/AIDS initiative that buys anti-retroviral drugs to treat the disease in developing countries, largely in Africa.

Launched under president George W. Bush in 2003, PEPFAR is said to have saved about 26 million lives and until recently enjoyed broad popular support along partisan lines in Washington.

US Arrests Over 500 Illegal Immigrants, Deports Hundreds Using Military Aircraft

WASHINGTON DC, Jan 24: With Donald Trump in power now, authorities have started cracking down on illegal migrants who have made a perilous journey in a quest for the American dream. Hundreds of illegal migrants were arrested and deported in a massive operation that comes just three days after the new administration was sworn in.

Sharing the figures, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the US authorities have arrested 538 illegal migrants and deported hundreds using a military aircraft.

"The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors," Ms Leavitt said in an online post on Thursday.

"Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept," she added.

White House shared a "small preview" into the work the Trump administration is doing to "secure our nation's borders." It listed the names of some of the people arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the crimes committed by them. Crimes include rape, sexual conduct against a child, and continuous sexual abuse of a child aged 14 or younger.

Following the inaugural ceremony on January 20, US President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders including one of "Protecting the American people against invasion." The order states that over the last four years, the US saw an unprecedented flood of illegal immigration.

"Millions of illegal aliens crossed our borders or were permitted to fly directly into the United States on commercial flights and allowed to settle in American communities, in violation of longstanding Federal laws."

The government order further states that many of these "aliens unlawfully within the United States" present significant "threats to national security and public safety", committing vile and heinous acts against innocent Americans.

On January 23, the US Congress gave a green signal to a GOP-led bill - Laken Riley Act - on the detention and deportation of undocumented migrants who enter the country without authorization and are charged with certain crimes.

'Blatantly Unconstitutional': Judge Blocks Trump Citizenship Order

SEATTLE, Jan 24: A federal judge in Seattle on Thursday blocked President Donald Trump's administration from implementing an executive order curtailing the right to automatic birthright citizenship in the United States, calling it "blatantly unconstitutional."

U.S. District Judge John Coughenour at the urging of four Democratic-led states issued a temporary restraining order preventing the administration from enforcing the order, which the Republican president signed on Monday during his first day on office.

"This is blatantly unconstitutional order," the judge told a lawyer with the U.S. Justice Department defending Trump's order.

The order has already become the subject of five lawsuits by civil rights groups and Democratic attorneys general from 22 states, who call it a flagrant violation of the U.S. Constitution.

"Under this order, babies being born today don't count as U.S. citizens," Washington Assistant Attorney General Lane Polozola told Senior U.S. District Judge John Coughenour at the start of a hearing in Seattle.

Polozola - on behalf of Democratic state attorneys general from Washington state, Arizona, Illinois and Oregon - urged the judge to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent the administration from carrying out this key element of Trump's immigration crackdown.

The challengers argue that Trump's action violates the right enshrined in the citizenship clause of the Constitution's 14th Amendment that provides that anyone born in the United States is a citizen.

Trump in his executive order directed U.S. agencies to refuse to recognize the citizenship of children born in the United States if neither their mother nor father is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

In a brief filed late on Wednesday, the U.S. Justice Department called the order an "integral part" of the president's efforts "to address this nation's broken immigration system and the ongoing crisis at the southern border."

The lawsuit filed in Seattle has been progressing more quickly than the four other cases brought over the executive order. It has been assigned to Coughenour, an appointee of Republican former President Ronald Reagan.

The judge potentially could rule from the bench after hearing arguments, or he could wait to write a decision ahead of Trump's order taking effect.

Under the order, any children born after Feb. 19 whose mothers or fathers are not citizens or lawful permanent residents would be subject to deportation and would be prevented from obtaining Social Security numbers, various government benefits and the ability as they get older to work lawfully.

More than 150,000 newborn children would be denied citizenship annually if Trump's order is allowed to stand, according to the Democratic-led states.

Democratic state attorneys general have said that the understanding of the Constitution's citizenship clause was cemented 127 years ago when the U.S. Supreme Court held that children born in the United States to non-citizen parents are entitled to American citizenship.

The 14th Amendment was adopted in 1868 following the Civil War and overturned the Supreme Court's notorious 1857 Dred Scott decision that had declared that the Constitution's protections did not apply to enslaved Black people.

But the Justice Department in its brief argued that the 14th Amendment had never been interpreted to extend citizenship universally to everyone born in the country, and that the Supreme Court's 1898 ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark concerned only children of permanent residents.

The Justice Department said the case by the four states also "flunks multiple threshold hurdles." The department said that only individuals, not states, can pursue claims under the citizenship clause, and that the states lack the necessary legal standing to sue over Trump's order.

Thirty-six of Trump's Republican allies in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday separately introduced legislation to restrict automatic citizenship to only children born to citizens or lawful permanent residents.

22 US States Sue Trump Over Birthright Citizenship Order

WASHINGTON DC, Jan 22: US President Donald Trump has been sued by a coalition of Democratic-leaning states and civil rights groups over his plan to end birthright citizenship in the United States. Several separate lawsuits came within hours after Trump took office and quickly unveiled a phalanx of executive orders he hopes will reshape American immigration.

The first two cases were filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, immigrant organizations and an expectant mother in the hours after Trump signed the executive order, kicking off the first major court fight of his administration.

The two other lawsuits were brought by 22 Democratic-led states along with the District of Columbia and the city of San Francisco, in federal courts in Boston and Seattle. The cases asserted that the President had overstepped his authority and violated the US Constitution by trying to eliminate the automatic granting of citizenship to anyone born on US soil.

If allowed to stand, Trump's order would for the first time deny more than 150,000 children born annually in the United States the right to citizenship, said the office of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.

"President Trump does not have the authority to take away constitutional rights," she said in a statement.

What Is Birthright Citizenship?

Anyone born in the United States is considered a citizen at birth, which derives from the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment which was added to the US Constitution in 1868.

The amendment states: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 also defines citizens and includes similar language.

The 14th Amendment was confirmed in the US Constitution in 1868, after the four years of the American Civil War, to overturn the Supreme Court decision Dred Scott v. Sandford, which denied basic rights to African Americans. The previous judgement said that enslaved people were not US citizens and, therefore, could not expect any protection from the federal government or the courts.

The US Supreme Court affirmed that birthright citizenship applies to the children of immigrants in 1898 in the Wong Kim Ark v United States ruling. Wong, who was born to Chinese immigrants in the US, was denied re-entry when he returned to the US from a visit to China. Wong successfully argued that because he was born in the US, his parents' immigration status did not affect the application of the 14th Amendment in his case.

The case affirmed that regardless of race or the immigration status of one's parents, all children born in the United States were entitled to all of the rights that citizenship offered.

However, the Supreme Court has not addressed whether the Citizenship Clause applies to US-born children of people who are in the United States illegally.

What Does Trump's Executive Order Say?

Donald Trump's order declared that individuals born in the United States are not entitled to automatic citizenship if the mother was in the country unlawfully and the father was not a citizen or lawful permanent resident. It also declared citizenship would be denied to those whose mother was in the United States lawfully but temporarily, such as those on student or tourist visas, and whose father was not a citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Trump has complained about foreign women visiting the United States for the purpose of giving birth and conferring US citizenship on their offspring.

There were an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in America in January 2022, according to a US Department of Homeland Security estimate, a figure that some analysts now place at 13 million to 14 million. Their US-born children are considered by the government to have US citizenship.

Losing out on citizenship would prevent these individuals from having access to federal programs like Medicaid health insurance and, when they become older, from working lawfully or voting, the states said in the lawsuits.

Jaishankar Holds Bilateral Meetings With Rubio, Mike Walz

WASHINGTON DC, Jan 22: Indicating the importance Washington gives to New Delhi as the new Trump administration takes office, US Secretary of State Maro Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Walz held their first bilateral and international meets respectively with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar is in Washington at the invitation of the US Government to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States. The meeting between the two top diplomats representing the world's oldest and largest democracies took place at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the US State Department. The bilateral meeting was preceded by the first Quad ministerial meet after Donald Trump became President.

Marco Rubio's decision to have his first bilateral meeting with India's S Jaishankar assumes significance given that the first foreign outreach of any previous new US administration traditionally has been with its two neighbours Canada and Mexico, or with one of its NATO allies.

The bilateral meeting between new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Dr Jaishankar comes less than an hour after the former officially took office. The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions during which they delved into the entire gamut of the India-US strategic partnership. The meeting, which lasted for over an hour, also had India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, being part of it.

Immediately after the meeting, Secretary Rubio and Dr Jaishankar made a joint appearance before the international press, where they shook hands and posed for the official photographs.

"Delighted to meet @secrubio for his first bilateral meeting after assumption of office as Secretary of State. Reviewed our extensive bilateral partnership, of which @secrubio has been a strong advocate. Also exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues. Look forward to closely working with him to advance our strategic cooperation," Dr Jaishankar wrote on social media platform X shortly after the meeting.

Immediately before the two leaders met for bilateral talks, they joined their counterparts Penny Wong from Australia and Iwaya Takeshi from Japan for the new Trump administration's maiden Quad meeting - a diplomatic and security partnership set up by the four nations to maintain peace and freedom of navigation under a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting between the four top leaders went on for more than an hour, at the end of which they appeared before the press for a customary photograph. They however, did not take any questions or give any statement.

"Attended a productive Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting today in Washington DC. Thank @secrubio for hosting us and FMs @SenatorWong and Takeshi Iwaya for their participation," Dr Jaishankar wrote, adding that it is "Significant that the Quad FMM took place within hours of the inauguration of the Trump administration. This underlines the priority it has in the foreign policy of its member states. Our wide-ranging discussions addressed different dimensions of ensuring a free, open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific."

He further noted that the four leaders "Agreed on the importance of thinking bigger, deepening the agenda and intensifying our collaboration. The meeting today sends a clear message that in an uncertain and volatile world, the Quad will continue to be a force for global good."

After these two meetings, Dr Jaishankar held another top meeting - with new US National Security Adviser or NSA Mike Walz. For Walz too, this was his first international meeting since taking office earlier that same day. The meeting took place at the White House.

"Great to meet NSA @michaelgwaltz again this afternoon. Discussed strengthening our friendship to ensure mutual benefit and enhance global stability and prosperity. Looking forward to working together on an active and outcome oriented agenda," Dr Jaishankar said after the meeting.

On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the Trump's inaugural ceremony as India's special envoy. He also met members of the new Trump administration, including the 56th Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and nominee for the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Kash Patel.

He also exchanged a handshake with Vivek Ramaswamy, who quit the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency to possible pursue the race for Ohio Governor.

Donald Trump, JD Vance Take Oath As US President And Vice President

WASHINGTON DC, Jan 20: Donald Trump took oath of office as the 47th president of the United States inside the Rotunda of the US Capitol, with promises to push the limits of executive power, deport millions of immigrants, secure retribution against his political enemies and transform the role of America on the world stage.

The swearing-in ceremony of the incoming President, which traditionally takes place at an enormous temporary platform on the Capitol's scenic West Lawn, was moved indoors owing to a frigid forecast. Incoming vice president JD Vance was also sworn in.

After taking the oath, the new president delivered an inaugural address, laying out his plans for the next four years.

Trump has promised a flurry of executive actions concerning immigration, energy and tariffs, which he intends to sign as soon as he takes the oath of office. The Republican rang in his first term in 2017 with a particularly dark speech evoking "American carnage."

The festivities kicked off on Sunday, with members of the President-elect's family and his allies participating in inaugural events in the nation's capital. Trump closed his pre-inaugural celebrations with a raucous campaign-style gathering in Washington, where he pledged a blitz of presidential actions to end "American decline."

Addressing the inauguration eve "victory rally" at Capitol One Arena in downtown Washington, the 78-year-old Republican promised cheering supporters that he would act with "historic speed" from day one of his White House comeback. Earlier in the day, he participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Highlights Of Donald Trump's Speech As US President

My first act as President will be to declare a national emergency at our southern border (with Mexico).

All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came.

US 'will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord'.

We will not add the tax burden on our citizens. Instead we will add tariffs on foreign countries, which will bring in immense amounts of money and make America rich again.

My next move will be to end the national energy emergency by removing the restrictions on Oil. We will drill baby drill.

US policy will also be changed such that America will recognise and be home only to two genders - male and female.

America will also end the new Green Policy of EVs (electric vehicles) and save our great auto industry.

We will within the next few days rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

America will return to being a great economy again and will focus on expanding its territories. We will take back the Panama Canal, which was foolishly given away and is now being run by China.

America will restore its science glory and send more Astronauts to space than ever before. The US will on priority send the stars and stripes (US flag) to Mars.

'Oligarchy Taking Shape In America,' Says President Biden In Farewell Address

WASHINGTON DC, Jan 16: Outgoing US President Joe Biden warned Americans about a "dangerous concentration of power" among a few wealthy people in the United States and urged them to "stand guard" against threats from oligarchs, disinformation and AI in a future under Donald Trump as he delivered a farewell address on Wednesday ahead of stepping down next week.

In a brief Oval Office speech, the Democrat touted his achievements in steering the US economy out of the deep crisis inflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic and said he had made the nation's alliances abroad stronger.

In a veiled reference to incoming President Trump's close ties to billionaire Elon Musk and other tycoons, he said an "oligarchy is taking shape in America" -- and "a dangerous concentration of power."

"Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedom and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead," Biden said.

He said the ultra-rich people around Trump represent a concentration of "extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy."

Recalling the warning issued by former president Dwight Eisenhower in his own farewell address in 1961 about the dangers of an out-of-control military-industrial complex, he said, "I'm equally concerned about the potential rise of a tech industrial complex."

The President also warned that Americans are succumbing to misinformation and that press freedoms are deteriorating and noted a "crumbling" media means people are increasingly vulnerable.

"Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, enabling the abuse of power," he said, adding that "the free press is crumbling. Editors are disappearing."

He said that social media is giving up on fact-checking. "The truth is smothered by lies- told for the power and profit. We must hold the social platforms accountable to protect our children, our families and our very democracy, from the abusive power," he said.

Also clearly referring to Trump's plans to roll back environmental protections and withdraw from a major international global accord on combating global warming, Biden said, "powerful forces want to wield their unchecked influence to eliminate the steps we've taken to tackle the climate crisis, to serve their own interest for power and profit."

Naming another increasingly global challenge, Biden said artificial intelligence "is the most consequential technology of our time" that could bring huge benefits but also poses "risks for our economy and our security, our society."

He noted that after eight months of nonstop negotiation by his administration, a ceasefire and hostage deal had been reached by Hamas.

The President is leaving office with a low approval rating - though higher than his predecessor and successor did. Biden's term officially ends on January 20 with Donald Trump's inauguration.

Strong winds return to LA area, creating 'dangerous situation' as fires rage

SANTA MONICA, Jan 14: Powerful Santa Ana winds returned to the Los Angeles area on Tuesday, threatening to reverse some of the progress made in the battle against deadly wildfires that have destroyed entire neighborhoods and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes.

Winds of 45 to 70 mph were forecast through the midweek, with peak wind gusts expected between Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, which issued critical red flag warnings across much of southwestern California.

With the combination of high winds, low humidity and relentless drought conditions, the weather service office in Los Angeles warned of a “particularly dangerous situation" for the northern Los Angeles County and Ventura County areas, adding, "this setup is about as bad as it gets."

Scores of firefighters, including additional personnel from Canada, Mexico, and other nearby U.S. states, were combating the fires from the air and on the ground. Officials worried the high winds could further expand the Palisades and Eaton blazes as well as fuel the formation and growth of new wildfires.

At least 24 people have been killed in the fires, according to the Los Angeles medical examiner's office. The wildfires have destroyed or damaged more than 12,000 homes, businesses, and other structures as officials ordered over 92,000 people to flee their homes.

24 Dead In Los Angeles Blaze, Strong Winds Trigger 'Fire Tornado'

LOS ANGELES, Jan 13: At least 24 people have now been confirmed dead due to massive wildfires around Los Angeles with California Governor Gavin Newsom saying it could be the most devastating natural disaster in US history, which has also destroyed thousands of homes.

The number of people confirmed dead in two Los Angeles wildfires - that burned for the sixth straight day on Sunday - rose to 24 over the weekend. Eight of the dead were found in the Palisades Fire zone, and 16 in the Eaton Fire zone.

Former Australian child star Rory Sykes, who appeared in the British TV show "Kiddy Kapers" in the 1990s, was among those killed in the wildfires in the United States' second-largest city.

\While the Palisades Fire, which has grown to 23,600 acres, was 11 per cent contained, the Eaton Fire was at 14,000 acres and 15 per cent contained. A fire tornado was also reportedly spotted as the fire blazed through the San Fernando Valley in California.

More than 12,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the blaze, which has forced over 1 lakh people to evacuate. The damage and economic loss is estimated at $135 billion to $150 billion.

Anthony Hopkins, Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson and Billy Crystal were among dozens of actors who have also lost their homes to the blazes, that resemble a Hollywood disaster movie.

Firefighters got a temporary break from the weather this weekend as Santa Ana winds, which reached hurricane force earlier in the week, finally eased.

Officials, however, warned the winds would pick up again from Sunday night until Wednesday, reaching speeds of up to 96km/h.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a member of outgoing President Joe Biden's Democratic Party, has vowed the city would rebuild. "We already have a team looking at reimagining L.A. 2.0," he said.

US President-elect Donald Trump has accused California officials of incompetence. "This is one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our Country. They just can't put out the fires. What's wrong with them?" he has said.

A huge investigation by federal and local authorities has been launched to determine what caused the blazes. While the ignition of a wildfire can be deliberate, they are often natural, and a vital part of an environment's life cycle.

Jaishankar To Attend Trump's Swearing-In Ceremony On January 20

NEW DELHI, Jan 12: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will attend the swearing-in ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC on January 20, a statement from the Centre said.

"On the invitation of the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S. Jaishankar will represent the Government of India at the Swearing-In Ceremony of President-Elect Donald J Trump as the 47th President of the United States of America," the statement read.

During his visit to the US, Jaishankar will also meet representatives of the incoming Trump administration and other dignitaries.

Trump will be sworn in in a ceremony administered by the US Supreme Court Chief Justice in front of the Capitol building. Following the oath of office, Trump will deliver his inaugural address. Outgoing President Joe Biden will attend the event and witness the transfer of power. Trump, who was defeated in the 2020 Presidential elections, had not attended Biden's inauguration.

Trump has reportedly invited several world leaders to the inauguration ceremony. Argentina President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reportedly agreed to attend the event. Hungary's Viktor Orban has said he would consider attending.

The 78-year-old served as the 45th President of the US from January 2017 to January 2021.

16 Dead In Los Angeles Fire, 'Not Looking Good,' Say Officials

LOS ANGELES, Jan 12: Los Angeles authorities have warned that conditions are expected to worsen in the coming days. Sixteen deaths have been confirmed, and over 12,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed, in raging wildfires that started last week.

The largest fires, including the Eaton and Palisades fires, continue to expand, with new evacuations ordered on Saturday. The Palisades fire has burned 22,600 acres and is only 11 per cent contained, while the Eaton fire, affecting the Altadena area, has scorched 14,000 acres with 15 per cent containment.

Winds gusting up to 120 kmph are forecasted for the coming days. "Our concern is winds picking up tonight and then on Monday through Wednesday. The general duration of this is not looking good," a meteorologist was quoted as saying by the LA Times.

The fires have devastated communities, with whole neighbourhoods reduced to ash. US President Joe Biden described the destruction as resembling a "war scene." A curfew has been imposed in evacuated areas to curb looting, with at least two dozen arrests reported.

Amid growing public frustration, California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an independent review of the state's preparedness and response. Concerns over water shortages during the initial firefighting efforts have sparked outrage.

Search teams equipped with cadaver dogs have begun combing through the rubble to locate victims. Officials fear the death count could rise.

The fires have destroyed approximately 12,000 structures, although not all were residential. So far, 426 homes have been confirmed lost in the largest fire. The wildfires have unleashed toxic smoke, prompting Los Angeles County to declare a public health emergency. Residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure and use air filtration systems.

A federal investigation is underway to determine the cause of the wildfires. While natural factors often ignite such blazes, human activity cannot be ruled out, officials have said.

Experts have said that climate change is a key factor in the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and dry vegetation create ideal conditions for fires to spread rapidly, putting more communities at risk.

The FBI is probing a drone incident linked to the wildfires. A civilian drone collided with a Canadian "Super Scooper" aircraft that was engaged in firefighting the Palisades Fire. The aircraft was forced to be grounded after the collision.

Along with Canada, Mexico has also joined the rescue and firefighting work in California. Over 14,000 firefighters from Mexico are on the ground in the US state to fight the Palisades Fire.

US Announces Sweeping Sanctions On Russia's Energy Sector, Two Indian Companies Named

WASHINGTON DC, Jan 11: Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom has said the Biden administration's sanctions against it were "unlawful" and being seen as a form of unfair competition from unfriendly countries.

“Sanctions targeting Rosatom's management are regarded as unfounded and unlawful. Today, Rosatom is a global leader in the export of nuclear energy technologies, so the sanctions are seen as a form of unfair competition from unfriendly states," it said.

"For nearly three years, we have operated under growing sanctions pressure, adapting successfully and remaining prepared for any scenario. Rosatom continues to meet all its commitments to partners in full,” Rosatom said in a statement.

President Joe Biden's administration announced Friday that it's expanding sanctions against Russia's critically important energy sector, unveiling a new effort to inflict pain on Moscow for its grinding war in Ukraine as President-elect Donald Trump gets set to return to office vowing to quickly end the conflict.

Two Indian companies—Skyhart Management Services and Avision Management Services— and senior officials from Rosatom which specialises in nuclear energy, nuclear non-energy goods and high-tech products were among the over 150 entities and individuals, including major Russian oil producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, Russian insurance companies, and shadow fleet vessels, were imposed with restrictions.

Officials said the sanctions, which punish entities that do business with the Russians, have the potential to cost the Russian economy upward of billions of dollars per month.

LA Wildfires To Be Costliest US Disaster, To Inflict $135 Billion In Losses

LOS ANGELES, Jan 11: The devastating Los Angeles wildfires are poised to become one of the costliest natural disasters in US history, with estimated losses already surpassing $135 billion. According to a preliminary estimate by private forecaster AccuWeather, the total losses could reach as high as $150 billion, making it one of the most expensive wildfires the country has ever seen, it has been reported.

"These fast-moving, wind-driven infernos have created one of the costliest wildfire disasters in modern US history," said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter. The sheer scale of the destruction is staggering, with over 5,300 structures destroyed by the Palisades blaze and more than 5,000 structures destroyed by the Eaton Fire.

The insurance industry is bracing for a significant hit, with analysts from firms such as Morningstar and JP Morgan forecasting insured losses of over $8 billion. This could exacerbate the existing challenges faced by the industry, which has been struggling to cope with the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. As the full extent of the damage becomes clear, insurers will be forced to reevaluate their risk assessments and pricing strategies, potentially leading to higher premiums and reduced coverage options for homeowners in high-risk areas.

As a result, many people are turning to state government-backed insurance plans, which are often more expensive and offer less protection. In California, the number of policies offered through the state's Fair plan has more than doubled since 2020, from around 200,000 to over 450,000 in September last year. Areas hit by the fires have seen some of the highest take-up rates, according to data from the program.

The long-term effects of the wildfires will be significant, with potential damage to property values, strain on public finances, and impacts on health and tourism. Denise Rappmund, a senior analyst at Moody's Ratings, warned that the fires would have "widespread, negative impacts for the state's broader insurance market." She added that "increased recovery costs will likely drive up premiums and may reduce property insurance availability."

The 2018 Camp fire in northern California currently holds the record for the highest insured costs, at around $12.5 billion. However, the Los Angeles wildfires are likely to surpass this total, given the high property values in the affected areas. Aon, a leading insurance company, has already indicated that this disaster is likely to rank among the top five costliest wildfires in US history.

However, the US and California government estimates on the damage are yet to be announced.

As Trump Plans Buyout, Question Is - Who Does Greenland Really Belong To?

WASHINGTON DC, Jan 11: Trump has made his views crystal clear - he wants to buy Greenland, a strategically located island in the arctic region between North America and Russia, northwest of Europe. But who does Greenland really belong to? And who does Trump negotiate with?

Here are 10 fascinating facts about Greenland and its significance:

Historically, Greenland has been a part of several countries. Though early settlers reached the island many centuries ago, it was only in the last few centuries that claims were made over the territory.

When Denmark and Norway were one country known as the Dano-Norwegian Realm (Det dansk-norske rige), explorers and settlers from the country sailed to Greenland, then known as Kalaallit Nunaat, and claimed sovereignty over the territory. When Denmark and Norway separated in 1814, it was agreed between them that the colony of Greenland would henceforth be transferred to the Danish crown.

Greenland remained a territory of the Danish crown for nearly 140 years till Denmark was taken over by Nazi Gernamy. Under the code name 'Operation Weserubung', Nazi Germany attacked Denmark and Norway on April 9, 1940. Within a day Denmark surrendered and was occupied.
At this time Greenland briefly became part of Hitler's territory. But knowing Greenland's strategic location, the United States acted swiftly and took control of Greenland before Hitler's forces could land boots on the ground.

Greenland became a part of the United States and was under its control for five years between 1940 and 1945. At the end of World War II, five days after Hitler's death, Denmark was liberated from German occupation on May 5, 1945. Months later, the US decided to return Greenland to Denmark. In 1953, Denmark officially integrated Greenland as a part of its country. This made the people in Greenland citizens of Denmark.

But administration of such a vast island from Denmark, located 3,000 kilometers across the Norwegian Sea (Atlantic Ocean) became a problem. People in Greenland weren't happy. On May 1, 1979, Denmark decided to hand over governance to a large extent to residents of Greenland, allowing them 'home rule'. But Denmark kept all matters of foreign affairs and security with itself - which is still the case till the current day.

Greenland however, has its own parliament, Inatsisartut, and sends two MPs to the Danish parliament, Folketing. With time, Greenlanders, as they are now called, started demanding complete independence. There was widespread outrage after Denmark came into an agreement with the United States to allow the US to set up its military base 'Pituffik' and ballistic missile command and early warning systems in Greenland during the peak of the Cold War with Russia. The US had started storing large amounts of its nuclear weapons stockpile in Greenland, and in 1968, a US military jet with four hydrogen bombs on-board had even crashed in Greenland.

Ties between Greenland and Denmark had soured even before home rule was implemented - when a mass-contraceptive scandal in the 1960s and 1970s ripped through the nation. For this Greenland's prime minister had blamed Denmark, calling it 'mass murder' and 'genocide'.

Even today, Greenland is not entirely free from colonial rule as Denmark controls security and foreign policy. This means any possible negotiations with Donald Trump would be done by Denmark and not directly by Greenland. This complicates the equation as Denmark would have the final say in this uncertainty that looms over Greenland.

Donald Trump has said amply clearly that US needs full control of Greenland, and has described ownership of the island as "absolutely necessary" for the United States. This is not the first time Donald Trump has eyed Greenland. According to Donald Trump himself confirming reports, in 2019 too, he had asked his close advisers on ways to buy out Greenland entirely. He had called it "essentially a large real estate deal".

Greenland is a very resource-rich island. It is rich in oil and gas reserves. It also has a massive supply of rare earth materials and raw materials required for green technologies. China is also looking to increase its presence in Greenland, and with Beijing controlling much of the world's exports of crucial raw materials while threatening export curbs on it, Washington wants to avert that eventuality. By buying out Greenland, Trump believes he can stop China from dominating the world of technology and rare materials. Such is the urgency, that Donald Trump has even threatened the use of the military to take control of Greenland, should the need arise.

Donald Trump 1st US President To Be Sentenced As Felon, But Avoids Jail, Penalty

WASHINGTON DC, Jan 10: Donald Trump today became the first felon in the White House after a US court upheld his conviction in a hush money case. He has been sentenced to an 'unconditional discharge' for covering up unaccounted payments to porn star Stormy Daniels.

This means that the President-elect has been found guilty of his charges, but will not face any jail time or penalty because he has been elected President of the United States and will take oath to the country's highest office on January 20 - a post that brings with itself an immunity of being above the law while in office and beyond.

And so, though the 34 counts of Donald Trump falsifying business records on which he was convicted in May 2024 carried potential jail time, the judge could do little about it, ending up having to spare the President-elect. Should he not have been the president, Donald Trump would have been jailed for a term of four years. Instead he will now return to the White House as President for another four.

Donald Trump did not even attend the session of court in person, choosing to do so virtually, knowing well that he would not be sent to jail.

Stormy Daniels had testified in vivid detail about her alleged encounter with Trump in a hotel in Navada.

"This court has determined that the only lawful sentence that permits entry of a judgement of conviction without encroaching on the highest office of the land, is an unconditional discharge," said New York judge Juan Merchan delivering the sentence.

The judge went on to say that "Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances." With the constitution protecting the highest office in the United States, there was no other option for the judge than to give an "unconditional discharge" to the former president. Any other judgement risked encroaching the immunity accorded to the country's highest post.

Even before the sentencing, to avoid the dubious distinction of being the first felon ever in the White House, Donald Trump used all his power and resources in making a last-ditch effort to skirt past it.

Hours before the sentencing, Donald Trump remarked that he believes this entire legal proceeding was actually a "setback for the New York court system". "It was done to damage my reputation, just so that I may lose the election," he claimed, adding that it has been a "terrible experience" for him.

During the course of the proceedings however, Donald Trump had to sit and see witness after witness testify against him - of how he had fraudulently covered up illicit payments to porn star Stormy Daniels in an effort to stop her disclosing their tryst ahead of the 2016 presidential election, which he ultimately won.

Donald Trump had tried his best to stop the criminal proceedings against him but had faced a huge setback when the US Supreme Court had ruled that his sentencing could proceed.

Today's sentencing comes just ten days before Donald Trump returns to the White House for a second term as President of the US.

10 killed, 10,000 Buildings Destroyed In Los Angeles Wildfires

LOS ANGELES, Jan 10: Los angles wildfires have claimed lives of 10 people and destroyed 10,000 buildings. Over 200,000 people have been evacuated and it has resuled in $150 billion in damage.

Los Angeles is being ravaged by five different big blazes.

The largest, the Palisades Fire northwest of the nation's second most populous city, has consumed 81 square kilometers (31 square miles).

It has ravaged the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood, home to multimillionaires and celebrities.

The second, at 55 square kilometers, is the Eaton Fire in Altadena, an eastern suburb of Los Angeles. The two fires are still out of control, according to state agency Cal Fire.

Three much smaller blazes, the Kenneth Fire (four sq km), the Hurst Fire (three sq km) and the Lidia Fire (1.6 sq km), have been partly contained -- by 35 percent, 37 percent and 75 percent respectively.

The fires have ripped through nearly 36,000 acres (14,500 hectares or 145 square kilometers.)

Compared to other fires which have hit California in recent years and spread sometimes over several thousand square kilometers, the current blazes are smaller in size.

However they are particularly deadly and destructive because they are located in residential areas.

To date, at least 10 people are known to have died, Los Angeles County's coroner said Thursday.

At least two died in the Palisades Fire and at least five in the Eaton Fire, according to firefighters.

If one of the blazes ends up killing six people, it would become one of the 20 deadliest in California history, according to official data.

At least 10,000 houses and other structures have already gone up in smoke, including at least 5,000 in the Palisades Fire and between 4,000 and 5,000 in the Eaton Fire, according to Los Angeles County firefighters.

The two fires are already the most destructive in the history of Los Angeles County.

By comparison, the Camp Fire ravaged nearly 19,000 buildings north of Sacramento in November 2018, and the Tubbs Fire destroyed 5,600 north of San Francisco in October 2017.

Around 200,000 people have been ordered to leave their neighborhoods. Authorities have been pleading with residents to heed the evacuation orders, as some residents stayed behind trying to save their properties.

The legendary neighborhood of Hollywood, threatened at one point by the Sunset Fire, was also evacuated, but the order was lifted Thursday morning after the fire in its hills was brought under control.

The neighborhoods hit by the fires face another danger: looting. Police have arrested at least 20 people for theft in the Los Angeles region since the first fires broke out Tuesday.

A nightime curfew has been announced and the National Guard has been deployed to patrol affected areas.

With the destruction of luxury residences, the fires could end up being the costliest on record. Private meteorological firm AccuWeather has estimated the damage at between $135 and 150 billion. And that could go up.

Los Angeles wildfires kill 5, wipe out homes, businesses worth billions

LOS ANGELES, Jan 9: Ferocious winds that drove wildfires in the United States' city of Los Angeles have relatively calmed, allowing firefighters to make progress in their operations to douse the inferno.

The wildfires, which have left a trail of destruction, killed five people and affected the evacuation of thousands of LA residents, including celebrities and Hollywood stars.

The Los Angeles wildfires ravaged communities from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena and sent thousands of people frantically fleeing their homes. They have also burnt down properties and businesses worth billions, upending the bustling city's economy and the lives of its residents.

The Altadena neighbourhood of the city was one of the worst hit as a swath of about 250 homes was reduced to rubble. Along a stretch of about 70 wall-to-wall homes overhanging the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, fewer than 10 appeared to be intact.

According to the LA Times, 2000 structures were burnt to ashes. At least 130,000 residents were under evacuation orders. An LA resident told the BBC that the fire was "a little bit like Armageddon".

Tyler Bridges, who lives in Pasadena, told the agency that the fire started with powerful winds with speeds up to 137 km per hour. He said there was no way to contain the fire with such wind speeds. "It was raining ash. You would go outside and ash would slam into your face, your eyes, and your mouth. It's hard to breathe, you're coughing," he added.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told a press conference that the “firestorm is the big one”. At least six separate wildfires were burning in Los Angeles County on Thursday morning. Three of them were listed as "0% controlled," including the Palisades fire in the west, the Eaton Fire in the east and the smaller Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills.

The houses of Hollywood actors Leighton Meester and Adam Brody and another owned by actor Billy Crystal were charred by the fires. Jamie Lee Curtis, Mandy Moore, Maria Shriver and other celebrities were among more than 100,000 people forced to evacuate their homes.

Film star Billy Crystal and his wife Janice announced that their Pacific Palisades home, where they had lived since 1979, had been destroyed. "We are heartbroken of course, but with the love of children and friends we will get through this," they said.

Media personality Paris Hilton said she was "heartbroken beyond words" after watching her beachfront house in Malibu “burn to the ground on live TV.”

Kevin McGowan, director of emergency management for Los Angeles County, told a press conference that the city had faced a natural disaster. Meanwhile, around 250,000 people were without power in southern California.

Governor Gavin Newsom said the state has deployed more than 1,400 firefighting personnel to battle the blazes. The state of Oregon was sending 300 firefighters and Washington state 146 personnel.

The city has incurred an estimated $57 billion in damages due to the fires.

Trump Alleges California Burning As Governor Tried To Save 'Worthless' Fish

LOS ANGELES, Jan 9: As thousands flee their homes in California due to wildfires, US President-Elect Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Governor Gavin Newsom, saying "this is all his fault" and he must quit.

Earlier, Trump alleged that the Governor's policies were to blame for the situation in some of the US's most prominent cities. The Governor has hit back, saying people are fleeing and the President-Elect's response is to politicise it.

Among the worst-hit areas is Los Angeles, home to top Hollywood celebrities. At least five people have been killed and 1,500 buildings damaged as firefighters struggle to control the blaze.

In a post on TruthSocial, Trump alleged that the California Governor had refused to sign a water restoration declaration that would have allowed millions of gallons into California.

Referring to Newsom as "Newscum", he said, "Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way."

"He wanted to protect an essentially worthless fish called a smelt, by giving it less water (it didn't work!), but didn't care about the people of California. Now the ultimate price is being paid. I will demand that this incompetent governor allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA! He is the blame for this. On top of it all, no water for fire hydrants, not firefighting planes. A true disaster!" Trump added.

Hitting back at the President-Elect's charge, the California Governor's office said the Governor is focused on saving people instead of politics. "There is no such document as the water restoration declaration - that is pure fiction. The Governor is focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need," his office said in a post on X.

The Governor slammed the President-Elect from his account. "People are literally fleeing. Kids have lost their schools. Communities have lost their churches. Families have lost their homes. Some have even lost their lives. And the President-Elect's response is to politicize it," he said. "We'll continue to focus on what matters: saving lives and putting out these unprecedented fires."

Much of Los Angeles' water comes from the Colorado River, and agriculture takes the lion's share of water flowing into Southern California, an agency reported.

Outgoing President Joe Biden has cancelled a trip to Italy to focus on the firefight. "We're doing anything and everything, and as long as it takes to contain these fires," he has said.

'All Hell Will Break Out': Trump's Deadline For Hamas To Return Hostages

WASHINGTON D.C., Jan 8: US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that "all hell will break out" if Hamas did not release hostages before January 20, when he will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.

"All hell will break out. If those hostages aren't back, I don't want to hurt your negotiation, if they're not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East," Trump told reporters at a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.

He was responding to a question on the status of negotiations with Hamas on the release of American hostages by them. His Special Envoy to the Middle East Steven Charles Witkoff, who has just returned from the region, told reporters that they are on the verge of it.

"I believe we've been on the verge of it. I don't want to discuss sort of what's delayed it, no point to be negative in any way. But I think it's the president, his stature, what he's said he expects, the red lines he's put out there, that's driving this negotiation," Witkoff said.

Noting that they are making a lot of progress, he said: "I don't want to say too much because I think they're doing a really good job back in Doha. I'm leaving tomorrow to go back to Doha. But I think that we've had some really great progress and I'm really hopeful that by the inauguration we'll have some good things to announce on behalf of the president."

"I actually believe that we're working in tandem in a really good way, but it's the president, his reputation, the things that he has said that are driving this negotiation. So hopefully it'll all work out and we'll save some lives," Witkoff said.

Trump, in response to a question, warned Hamas to release all the hostages by January 20.

"It will not be good for Hamas and it will not be good frankly for anyone. All hell will break out. I don't have to say anymore, but that's what it is. They should have given them back a long time ago — they should have never taken them. There should have never been the attack of October 7th. People forget that, but there was and many people are killed," he said.

"They're no longer hostages. I have people from Israel and others calling, begging me to get — we had also people there from the United States just so you know. They're holding some so-called hostages from the US, but I've had mothers come to me and fathers crying, can I get the body of their son back? Can I get the body of their daughter back?" he said.

"That beautiful girl where they threw her in the car, pulled her by her ponytail and threw her in the car like she was a sack of potatoes. I said, what happened to her? Sir, she's dead. Like a 19, 20-year-old, beautiful girl. The way they treated her," he said as he applauded his special envoy for the progress being made so far.

"I tell this, I don't want to hurt the negotiation. If the deal isn't done before I take office, which is now going to be two weeks, all hell will break out in the Middle East," Trump said.

Thousands, Including Hollywood Stars, Flee Los Angeles Amid Wildfire

LOS ANGELES, Jan 8: More than 30,000 people evacuated their homes as wildfire ripped through an upscale coastal area of Los Angeles overnight, with Hollywood celebrities among those fleeing by car and on foot as flames engulfed homes and set hillsides ablaze.

Weather conditions were expected to deteriorate further throughout Wednesday as a wind storm and arid conditions fanned a blaze in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and at least two others in the Los Angeles area, forecasters said.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Tuesday.

Numerous buildings were destroyed and nearly 3,000 acres (1,200 hectares) burned in Pacific Palisades, which lies between the beach towns of Santa Monica and Malibu, officials said. The area is home to many film and music stars.

Roads were jammed with people fleeing the inferno, some abandoning their cars as flames licked the edges and plumes of smoke and flames rose in the night sky over Los Angeles and its suburbs.

Actor Steve Guttenberg told KTLA television that friends of his were impeded from evacuating because others had abandoned their cars in the road.

"It's really important for everybody to band together and don't worry about your personal property. Just get out," Guttenberg said. "Get your loved ones and get out."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Wednesday morning urged residents to follow evacuation and parking orders, using shelters set up by authorities if needed.

"Stay vigilant and stay safe," she wrote in a post on X, saying the windstorm was expected to worsen through the morning.

The National Weather Service said in an advisory: "This is a particularly dangerous situation for portions of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties!"

Pacific Palisades resident Cindy Festa said that as she evacuated, fires were "this close to the cars," demonstrating with her thumb and forefinger.

"People left their cars on Palisades Drive. Burning up the hillside. The palm trees - everything is going," Festa said from her car.

Several people were injured in the Palisades Fire, some with burns to faces and hands, a fire official told KTLA. One female firefighter had suffered a head injury. No deaths have been reported however.

Hollywood actor James Woods said on X he was able to evacuate his Pacific Palisades house but he added: "I do not know at this moment if our home is still standing."

A second blaze, dubbed the Eaton Fire, broke out some 30 miles (50 km) inland in Altadena, near Pasadena, and increased in size to 1,000 acres (400 hectares) from 200 acres in a few hours, according to Cal Fire.

Almost 100 residents from a nursing home in Pasadena were evacuated, CBS News said. Video showed elderly residents, many in wheelchairs and on gurneys, crowded onto a smoky and windswept parking lot as fire trucks and ambulances attended.

Fire officials said a third blaze named the Hurst Fire had started in Sylmar, in the San Fernando Valley northwest of Los Angeles, prompting evacuations of some nearby residents. The Hurst fire has grown to 500 acres (202 hectares) from 100 acres (40 hectares) earlier, according to Cal Fire.

More than 210,000 homes and businesses in Los Angeles county were without power late on Tuesday, data from PowerOutage.us showed.

Witnesses reported a number of homes on fire with flames nearly scorching their cars when people fled the hills of Topanga Canyon as the fire spread from there down to the Pacific Ocean.

Local media reported the fire had also spread north, torching homes near Malibu. Parts of Malibu and Santa Monica are under evacuation orders.

Multiple burn victims were treated after walking toward Duke's restaurant in Malibu in the evening, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing a fire official.

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley had earlier told a press conference that more than 25,000 people in 10,000 homes were threatened.

Firefighting aircraft scooped water from the sea to drop it on the flames as they engulfed homes. Bulldozers cleared abandoned vehicles from roads so emergency vehicles could pass, television images showed.

The fire singed some trees on the grounds of the Getty Villa, a museum loaded with priceless works of art, but the collection remained safe largely because nearby bushes had been trimmed as a preventive measure, the museum said.

Before the fire started, the National Weather Service had issued its highest alert for extreme fire conditions for much of Los Angeles County from Tuesday through Thursday.

OpenAI's Sam Altman Accused Of Sexual Abuse By Sister, He Calls Claims 'Entirely Untrue'

MISSOURI, Jan 8: Ann Altman, the sister of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, filed a lawsuit on Monday, accusing her brother of repeatedly sexually abusing her between 1997 and 2006.

The lawsuit, submitted to the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, claims the abuse occurred at their family home in Clayton, Missouri, CNBC reported. The abuse allegedly started when he was 12 years old and she was 3 years old and continued until Ann was 11 years old and Altman was an adult.

The filing claims that the abusive activities took place "several times per week," beginning with oral sex and later involving penetration. Ann said that abuse caused her "severe emotional distress, mental anguish, and depression," effects that she claims persist to this day.

Reacting to the allegations, Sam Altman shared a family statement on X on January 7, which was reportedly co-authored with his mother, Connie, and brothers, Max and Jack. The statement expressed concern for Ann's well-being, suggesting that her accusations may be related to her mental health challenges.

"Our family loves Annie and is very concerned about her well-being. Caring for a family member who faces mental health challenges is incredibly difficult. We know many families facing similar struggles understand this well," reads the opening lines of the statement.

Altman's statement also highlighted the family's efforts to support Ann over the years, including financial assistance with her bills, rent, medical expenses, job opportunities, and even offering to buy her a house. The family said Annie has continued to demand more money and made several "deeply hurtful" statements over the years that are "utterly untrue."

Donald Trump certified 2024 US election winner

WASHINGTON D.C., Jan 7: America’s capital Washington, D.C., woke up to heavy snow and freezing temperatures on Monday. The weather department issued an advisory warning people not to travel unless absolutely essential. Federal offices were officially closed. And private companies asked employees to work from home.

But there was a corner of Southeast DC that was making history.

Up on the Capitol Hill, exactly four years ago, on January 6, hundreds of protesters, egged on by the then President Donald Trump, who lost the 2020 election but refused to concede it, attacked the US Congress. The first attempt in American history to block the peaceful transfer of power failed. And it failed because Trump’s own vice president defied him. Mike Pence did what he had to in his capacity as the president of the Senate — he presided over a joint session of the US Congress at the end of a violent day and certified the electoral outcome in favour of Joe Biden.

Trump lost, in disgrace.

On Monday, even as it snowed outside, lawmakers trudged up to the inside of the US Congress and American democracy returned to the ceremonial, somewhat boring, ritual that marks the certification of the election results. But contained in it were multiple ironies — the man who lost last time won, and the woman who lost this time had to certify her rival’s win.

Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, won the 2024 elections and he won legitimately. The US Congress that refused to certify him as the winner in 2020 went through its time-tested process, where the results from each state’s electoral vote was certified. In the American system, when voters are voting for a presidential candidate, they are actually voting for a slate of electors from the candidate’s party in their respective states. Whoever wins the state gets to send the electors to the electoral college. And whichever candidate has a majority in the electoral college is declared the President.

Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, the vice president, and president of the Senate in that capacity, lost the elections. But it was on her to certify the results. After the electoral vote, all states were held to be authentic and in form, and after they were tallied up, Harris said, “The whole number of electors appointed to vote is 538... Within that whole number, the majority is 270. The votes are as follows... Donald Trump of the state of Florida has received 312 votes. Kamala D Harris of the state of California has received 226 votes…” With JD Vance sitting in the front row, Harris then declared the results of the vice presidential elections.

And that was it.

Officially, the path was cleared for the 47th president of the United States to take his oath on January 20 for a period of four years. And the fact that January 6, 2025, went so much more smoothly than January 6, 2021, was a testament to the resilience of American democracy.

It did however leave one with a counter-factual question: What if Donald Trump had lost again? Would he have accepted the outcome with as much grace as Kamala Harris did? The US didn’t pass the democracy stress test this time around as much as it evaded it altogether. How it tackles democratic challenges over the next four years is now to be seen.

US Clearing Hurdles Limiting Nuclear Cooperation With India: Jake Sullivan

NEW DELHI, Jan 6: The United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who is on a two-day trip to India, said on Monday that the federal government in Washington is finalising necessary steps to remove barriers in India-United States civil nuclear cooperation to give fresh momentum to a landmark deal between the two countries.

"United States is now finalising the necessary steps to remove long-standing regulations that have prevented civil nuclear cooperation between India's leading nuclear entities and US companies," Mr Sullivan said in New Delhi on Monday.

New Delhi and Washington have been discussing the supply of US nuclear reactors to India since the mid-2000s.

The civil nuclear deal was signed in 2007 by then-President George W Bush, a major step toward allowing the United States to sell civilian nuclear technology to India. The two countries agreed in 2019 to build six US nuclear power plants in India.

However, a longstanding obstacle in the corporation has been the need to bring Indian liability rules in line with global norms which require the costs of any accident to be channelled to the operator rather than the maker of a nuclear power plant.

India's strict nuclear compensation laws have previously discouraged foreign power plant builders from cooperating with New Delhi, subsequently deferring its target to add 20,000 MW of nuclear power from 2020 to 2030.

Jake Sullivan is on a two-day visit to New Delhi, days before President-elect Donald Trump is due to be sworn in. His trip was the last high-profile visit to New Delhi by the outgoing Biden administration.

Washington expected the impact of Chinese upstream dams, artificial intelligence, space, military licensing and Chinese economic overcapacity to be discussed while Sullivan is in New Delhi, said a US official.

Earlier in the day, Sullivan met India's Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar in Delhi and discussed enhancing bilateral, regional and global cooperation.

After the meeting, Jaishankar acknowledged Sullivan's "personal contribution" in strengthening the India-US partnership over the past four years.

"Delighted to meet US NSA @JakeSullivan46 in New Delhi today morning. Continued our ongoing discussions on deepening bilateral, regional and global cooperation. Valued the openness of our conversations in the last four years. Appreciated his personal contribution to forging a closer and stronger India-US partnership," he wrote in a post on X (previously Twitter).

US jobs market to be hit with massive layoffs in 2025 amid HMPV virus fears?

NEW YORK, Jan 6: While the US economy recovers from the shock of the coronavirus pandemic, experts have warned that not everyone will have job security in 2025.

The warning comes amid spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory infection with signs and symptoms akin to Covid-19, in China, raising global health worries, with countries actively observing the situation.

Respiratory infections in China correspond to seasonal fluctuations produced by viruses like influenza, RSV, and HMPV.

HMPV is responsible for upper and lower respiratory infections, according to the US Centers for Disease Control. It affects people of all ages, but young kids, elderly people, and those with impaired immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

Amazon, Boeing and Spirit Airlines announce job layoffs

Workers in a variety of industries received more blows in the closing months of 2024, with several layoff declarations for 2025. Major firms like Amazon, Boeing, and budget airline Spirit Airlines have revealed layoffs that would affect staff in 2025. While the actual number of job layoffs in the United States in 2024 is unknown, it is expected that it will be lower than in 2023, when layoffs increased by 98% in 2022, owing to improved economic conditions.

Speaking to Newsweek, CEO of BGG Enterprises Stephanie Alston said, “The trajectory of layoffs in 2025 will depend on several factors, including macroeconomic conditions, consumer demand, and how companies adapt to an evolving business landscape.”

While 2024 experienced major reduction in industries such as technology, banking, and retail, as per Alston, the prospect for 2025 is dependent on whether corporations stabilize following restructuring or continue to cut jobs in reaction to market uncertainties.

Trump to be sentenced in hush money case on January 10

NEW YORK, Jan 4: On Friday, Judge Juan Merchan set the sentencing date for US President-elect Donald Trump in the Hush-money case for January 10. The date came as a surprise to Trump’s team since it is a little over a week before he is due to return to the White House. While the outcome of sentencing is not clear, judge Merchan ruled out the possibility of sending Trump to jail.

Merchan who presided over the case’s trial in New York, denied the president-elect’s motion to dismiss the case due to his win in the 2024 US Presidential Elections. He noted that Trump is expected to appear for sentencing in person or virtually at his convenience.

In an 18-page ruling, Merchan also signalled that he does not intend to send Republican firebrand behind bars since prosecutors “concede they no longer view [it] as a practicable recommendation” in the light of Trump’s win in the November 5 poll. It is pertinent to note that a sentence of “unconditional discharge” means that no custody, monetary fine or probation, and is currently seen as “the most viable solution” in the case.

While Merchan downplayed the sentencing, it would still provide a high-profile reminder of Trump’s wrongdoings before he swears in as the 47th President of the United States. This will be the first time a president will assume the Oval Office with a criminal record. Trump still has an option to appeal against the ruling and delay his sentencing.

In May last year, Trump was convicted of falsifying business records. The case involved an alleged scheme to hide a hush money payment to the adult film performer Stormy Daniels in the last weeks of Trump’s first campaign in 2016. The payments were made to hide Daniel’s claims that she had an affair with Trump.

It is important to note that Trump was initially scheduled to be sentenced on 26 November but Merchan pushed back the date indefinitely after he won the race against US Vice President Kamala Harris. The postponement allowed both the prosecution and the defendants to weigh in on the future of the case.

Biden honours Wintour, Bono and Soros with Medal of Freedom

WASHINGTON DC, Jan 4: Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour, U2 frontman Bono and billionaire George Soros are among those who have received America's highest civilian honour from outgoing President Joe Biden.

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joined actors Denzel Washington and Michael J Fox as they also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony on Saturday.

Nineteen people received the honour this year, spanning the worlds of culture, politics and activism.

The White House said the recipients had been chosen because are they are "good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world".

"Together, you leave an incredible mark - and I mean this sincerely, this group - you leave an incredible mark on our country."

Bono, who's real name is Paul David Hewson, has already been awarded the highest cultural honour of France and received an honorary knighthood.

He is known for campaigning against poverty and supporting those with HIV/Aids.

Wintour, one of the most significant players in fashion, has been serving as editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988 and among other charities helped raised more than $20m for Aids research.

She also raised money for UK arts organisations following funding cuts in 2022.

The White House said in a statement that billionaire philanthropist and Democratic megadonor George Soros had "supported organizations and projects across the world that strengthen democracy, human rights, education and social justice".

Back to the Future star Michael J Fox looked emotional as Biden praised his accomplishments, including his advocacy for Parkinson's disease research.

Hillary Clinton received a standing ovation from attendees when her turn came. She was the Democratic White House candidate who lost to Donald Trump in the 2016 election.

Inter Miami soccer star Lionel Messi, retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Earvin "Magic" Johnson and fashion designer Ralph Lauren also received the medal.

American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr and former Kennedy Center chair David Rubinstein were among the cohort receiving medals.

Other recipients include humanitarian and chef José Andrés, whose World Central Kitchen has helped provide food for civilians in war zones and areas hit by natural disasters; acclaimed British conservationist Jane Goodall and science educator Bill Nye.

Former US Attorney General Robert F Kennedy, former Defence Secretary Ash Carter, civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer and former Governor of Michigan George W Romney will receive the award posthumously.

Established under former president John F Kennedy, the medal is awarded at the discretion of the president on the advice of an external advisory panel.

Previous recipients of the award include the most decorated gymnast of all time Simone Biles, Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh and Apple founder Steve Jobs.

1 Dead, 7 Injured In Explosion Outside Donald Trump's Hotel In Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, Jan 2: A Tesla Cybertruck stuffed with firework mortars and camp fuel canisters exploded in Las Vegas early Wednesday. The vehicle was parked outside US President-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel.

Quoting Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and Clark County Fire Department officials, it has been reported that one person died inside the futuristic pickup truck while seven others suffered minor injuries.

The explosion in Las Vegas took place on the same day when a man in a horrifying attack near the iconic Bourbon Street drove a pickup truck into crowds of revelers early Wednesday, killing 15 and injuring dozens more.

The scary development sparked an intense investigation that also encompasses a terrorism angle and a possible link with the New Orleans attack. “We are absolutely investigating any connectivity to what happened in New Orleans as well as other attacks that have been occurring around the world,” said Sheriff McMahill. “We aren't ruling anything out.”

US President Joe Biden said that law enforcement is investigating any possible connection between the New Orleans attack and the Tesla Cybertruck explosion - as the vehicles used in both incidents were reportedly rented from the same car rental site 'Turo'.

"We're tracking the explosion of a Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Law enforcement and the intelligence community are investigating this as well, including whether there's any possible connection with the attack in New Orleans," he said.

Mass Shooting Outside New York Nightclub, At Least 10 Injured

NEW YORK, Jan 2: At least 10 people have been injured in a mass shooting outside a nightclub in New York's Queens on Wednesday night. The shooting reportedly took place around 11:20 pm near the Amazura nightclub.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) said none of the victims are in a critical condition and all are expected to survive, the New York Post reported. They have been taken to Long Island Jewish Hospital and Cohen's Children Medical Center for treatment.

The Amazura club, which regularly features DJs and live performances, had reportedly hosted a private party in honour of a known gang member - who died last year. There were around 80 people gathered outside the nightclub waiting to get inside when the incident took place, reported AMNY news.

While NYPD has not released any official details about the incident yet, social media posts show a large crowd of police cars and ambulances outside the club.

Lockheed Martin, Boeing Defense Among 45 US Entities Penalised By China

WASHINGTON, Jan 2: China has escalated its counter-offensive against the United States by intensifying its sanctions on American defence firms. In less than a week, Beijing today announced a second round of sanctions on ten US companies. The reason - sale of arms to Taiwan.

With this, China has, in total, sanctioned or penalised 45 US entities - 17 firms and 28 entities - over varying degrees of penalties. While 17 firms have been sanctioned, 28 others have been penalised by adding them to an export ban list.

Among those sanctioned today are some of the biggest defence manufacturers globally - subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and General Dynamics.

In a statement issued by China's Ministry of Commerce, all ten US firms have been added to Beijing's "Unreliable entities list" for "participating in selling of arms to Taiwan". It further stated that these companies will henceforth "be prohibited from all import and export activities" in the country. Neither will they be allowed to invest in China.

Their senior management has been banned from entering the country too, the Chinese government said. The latest action against US corporations come just six days after seven other companies were sanctioned in a similar manner. Among those were a subsidiary of Boeing Defense named Insitu.

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, is a flashpoint between Beijing and Washington. Beijing claims the entire island-nation as a part of China. Taiwan considers itself an independent nation. While China is a communist country, Taiwan is a democracy.

China has not ruled out the use of force to take over the country. Even in his New Year's eve address to the nation, Chinese President Xi Jinping issued threat over Taiwan and cautioned anyone who tries to stop that.

China has also carried out three rounds of major military drills since Taiwan's democratic election saw President Lai Ching-te come to power in May.

For Washington, Taiwan is a strategic ally in Asia and United States is Taipei's largest supplier of weapons too. Defending democracy over communism has also been a principled decision of the United States - the Cold War with Russia was entirely based on this principled stand.

Showing its commitment towards defending Taiwan, US President Joe Biden had given his nod for a $571 million defence aid to Taiwan less than a month ago.

While both China and Taiwan claim sovereignty over the island nation, Beijing has said "such actions (by US firms) interfere in China's internal affairs, and undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity".

Besides the sanctions, China has also penalised 28 US entities, mostly defence companies, by adding them to its Export Control List, banning the export of dual-use items to them permanently.

General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Boeing Defense, Space & Security were among those added "to safeguard national security and interests, and fulfil international obligations such as non-proliferation", the ministry said.

10 Killed As Pickup Truck Rams Crowd In New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, Jan 1: At least 10 people were killed and over 35 suffered injuries after a pickup truck ploughed into a crowd in the southern US city of New Orleans on New Year's Day. The driver of the truck also fired at the crowd and exchanged gunfire with the police.

Officials said a crowd was celebrating when the pickup truck drove into it at high speed at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Street in a part of the city known as the French Quarter.

While the police said the driver of the pickup truck was "hell-bent on creating carnage", the FBI - which has taken operational command of the investigation - said a suspected explosive device has been found on the scene.

The FBI also said the driver is now dead and the attack is being investigated as an "act of terrorism".

The iconic French Quarter listed special deals for New Year's, including LGBTQ parties and a drag cabaret close to where the incident took place.

The incident comes days after five people were killed in a similar car-ramming attack in Germany. More than 200 people were also injured in the December 20 attack in the eastern city of Magdeburg, which was allegedly carried out by a man of Saudi origin. The attacker has been arrested and police are investigating whether he is mentally ill.

US Sanctions Entities In Iran, Russia Over Attempted Election Interference

WASHINGTON DC, Jan 1: The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on entities in Iran and Russia, accusing them of attempting to interfere in the 2024 US election.

The US Treasury Department said in a statement the entities - a subsidiary of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and an organization affiliated with Russia's military intelligence agency (GRU) - aimed to "stoke socio-political tensions and influence the U.S. electorate during the 2024 U.S. election".

"The Governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns," Treasury's Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Bradley Smith, said in the statement.

"The United States will remain vigilant against adversaries who would undermine our democracy."

Russia's embassy in Washington said in a statement: "Russia has not and does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including the United States."

"As President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed, we respect the will of the American people. All insinuations about 'Russian machinations' are malicious slander, invented for use in the internal political struggles in the United States," the spokesperson added.

Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Republican Donald Trump was elected president in November, beating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and capping a remarkable comeback four years after he was voted out of the White House.

The Treasury said the Cognitive Design Production Center planned influence operations since at least 2023 designed to incite tensions among the electorate on behalf of the IRGC.

The Treasury accused the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE) of circulating disinformation about candidates in the election as well as directing and subsidizing the creation of deepfakes.

The Treasury said CGE also manipulated a video to produce "baseless accusations concerning a 2024 vice presidential candidate." It did not specify which candidate was targeted.

The Moscow-based center, at the direction of the GRU, used generative AI tools to create disinformation distributed across a network of websites that were designed to look like legitimate news outlets, the Treasury said.

It accused the GRU of providing financial support to CGE and a network of U.S.-based facilitators in order to build and maintain its AI-support server and maintain a network of at least 100 websites used in its disinformation operations.

CGE's director was also hit with sanctions in Tuesday's action.

An annual U.S. threat assessment released in October said the United States sees a growing threat of Russia, Iran and China attempting to influence the elections, including by using artificial intelligence to disseminate fake or divisive information.