Vice President to call for tougher border security during visit as Trump and Zelensky meet

Vice President Kamala Harris will visit the US-Mexico border later today in Arizona.

There, she plans to stress that Border Patrol agents need more resources and that combating the flow of fentanyl across the border will be a priority of her potential presidency, CBS News reports.

This visit comes as Harris takes a three-point lead on Trump in the swing state of Georgia, according to a Fox News poll.

Donald Trump is also meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Trump Tower today after he initially canceled the meeting.

Trump confirmed he will meet with Zelensky after the Ukrainian leader spoke with President Joe Biden and Harris on Thursday.

The Ukrainian leader said he was there to present the “victory plan” to Trump, which he also shared with Biden and Harris. Zelensky said he and Trump share a “common view that the war…has to be stopped, and [Vladimir] Putin can’t win and Ukrainians have to prevail.”

Trump, for his part, claimed that if he’s elected in November he could negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war before he formally takes office in January 2025.

Key Points

• New poll puts Harris ahead in key swing state

• Harris in Arizona on the southern border today while Trump rallies in Michigan

• Trump meets with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky

• New study shows dire impact of Trump policy plans on US economy

What Project 2025 actually says about birth control is alarming

18:30 , Alicja Hagopian

At the presidential debate in Pittsburgh earlier this month, Donald Trump admitted that he had the “concepts of a plan” for healthcare policy to replace the ACA, but nothing concrete.

And earlier in May, Trump said he was “looking at” policy to restrict contraception access in some states, before backpedaling on Truth Social.

Project 2025 — the 900-page policy document from former Trump aides and a right-wing think tank — goes even further, suggesting that the emergency contraceptive (morning after) pill is a “potential abortifacient” and should not be considered contraception under the ACA.

Read more:

What Project 2025 actually says about birth control is alarming

Video: Trump claims he could end Russia-Ukraine war as he meets with Zelensky

18:15 , Katie Hawkinson

Tim Walz plans fundraiser in JD Vance’s backyard

18:00 , Rhian Lubin

Tim Walz is planning to hold a fundraiser in JD Vance’s backyard just days after the pair debate for the first time.

The Democratic vice presidential nominee will head to Vance’s current hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 5 after Democrats in the area raised at least $1m to get him there, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Officials from the campaign reportedly told Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney if they wanted Kamala Harris to visit, they would have needed to raise $1.5m.

Read more:

Tim Walz plans fundraiser in JD Vance’s backyard

Steve Bannon predicts Trump victory in new article written from jail

17:45 , Katie Hawkinson

As Steve Bannon finishes up the last several weeks of a four-month sentence for contempt of Congress, the right-wing strategist, podcaster, and former Trump confidant — who chose jail over testifying before the January 6 committee — is exhorting the MAGA faithful to show the Republican presidential candidate that they “have his back” in the final run-up to the election.

“Victory is at hand,” Bannon wrote in an op-ed from FCI Danbury, the federal prison in Connecticut where he currently resides.

Read more:

Steve Bannon predicts Trump victory in new article written from jail

Matt Gaetz issues ‘final’ response to Ethics committee probe of underage sex claims

17:30 , John Bowden

Matt Gaetz has published a lengthy letter he’d sent to the House Ethics Committee informing the panel’s lawmakers that he would no longer be complying with the Ethics investigation into allegations that he had slept with an underage girl.

Read more:

Matt Gaetz issues ‘final’ response to Ethics committee probe of underage sex claims

DNC trashes Trump for Obamacare repeal efforts

17:15 , John Bowden

Democrats continue to keep the pressure on Donald Trump and the broader conservative movement over the ending of federal protections for abortion rights — but a new memo from the national party indicates that those attacks may expand to encompass another issue: healthcare access.

Read more:

Democrats trash Trump for Obamacare repeal efforts in new attack line

Three more prominent Republicans ‘put country over party’ and endorse Harris

17:01 , Andrew Feinberg

A trio of Kansas Republicans — including a onetime chair of the Senate Labor Committee — have thrown their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris in her 2024 election battle against Donald Trump, calling the Democratic nominee the best choice to lead the country for the next four years.

Read more:

Three more prominent Republicans ‘put country over party’ and endorse Harris

Trump Media co-founders unload nearly all their DJT stock worth $100 million

16:45 , Rhian Lubin

The co-founders of Trump Media & Tech Group – the alleged brains behind Donald Trump’s Truth Social platform – have sold almost all their stock in the company, worth a reported $100m.

According to a regulatory filing, United Atlantic Ventures has disposed of nearly all its 5.5 percent stake in Trump Media – traded under the ticker DJT – which owns Donald Trump’s Truth Social platform.

Read more:

Trump Media co-founders unload nearly all their DJT stock worth $100 million

JD Vance said Trump ‘thoroughly failed to deliver’ his economic agenda in uncovered 2020 messages

16:30 , Justin Rohrlich

Newly released messages appear to undercut vice-presidential nominee JD Vance’s claims that he had a change of heart about former President Donald Trump once he witnessed his achievements in office.

In 2021, while campaigning for the US Senate seat he now holds, Vance asked people “not to judge me based on what I said” previously about the man he called, variously, a “cynical a**hole,” a “moral disaster,” a “total fraud,” an “idiot,” and “America’s Hitler.”

“I did say those critical things and I regret them, and I regret being wrong about the guy,” Vance said at the time, adding that he in fact voted for Trump in 2020. “I think he was a good president, I think he made a lot of good decisions for people, and I think he took a lot of flak.”

Read on:

Vance said Trump ‘failed to deliver’ his economic agenda in uncovered 2020 messages

Steve Bannon calls on voters to support Trump from prison

16:15 , Katie Hawkinson

Steve Bannon, Donald Trump’s former White House adviser currently in federal prison after he was convicted of contempt of Congress, has penned an op-ed in a right-wing media outlet calling on voters to support the former president.

“President Trump risks his life daily to save our country,” Bannon wrote from the Danbury prison in Connecticut for The National Pulse. “Every day, he faces tremendous opposition and challenges, but he continues to fight for the American people.”

“Through your work, show him that you have his back,” Bannon added. “Let’s demonstrate our commitment to this cause by putting everything we have into these final weeks.”

“Remember: Victory is at hand.”

Trump repeats bizarre claim that he could end Russia-Ukraine war as he meets with Zelensky

16:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Former president Donald Trump repeated a bizarre boast that he could, if elected president in November, negotiate an end to the nearly three-year-old Russian war against Ukraine before he formally takes office in January 2025.

Read more from The Independent’s Andrew Feinberg as Trump meets with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky:

Trump repeats bizarre claim that he could end Russia-Ukraine war as he meets Zelensky

ICYMI: Trump forced to scrap outdoor rally in Wisconsin due to Secret Service shortages

15:45 , Gustaf Kilander

Former President Donald Trump has been forced to cancel an outside rally in Wisconsin because of shortages within the Secret Service.

The rally was planned for Saturday at an airport, but the agency said it didn’t have the staff needed to secure the area, according to CBS News. The former president is instead set to speak at a smaller indoor venue in Prairie du Chien in the southwestern part of the state on the border with Iowa.

The Secret Service said it was low on personnel because of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where they have to provide security for foreign leaders during their time in the US.

Read more:

Trump forced to scrap outdoor rally in Wisconsin due to Secret Service shortages

Trump begins meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky

15:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Donald Trump is meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, one day after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris met with the Ukrainian leader.

Trump and Zelensky shook hands, with the former president calling it “an honor” to meet him.

Video: Donald Trump announces new line of Trump watches selling for $100,000 each

15:15 , Katie Hawkinson

Donald Trump has announced yet another piece of merch for his supporters to snatch up: $100,000 watches.

“The Trump Victory Tourbillon” bejeweled golden watch is available for $100,000. Significantly cheaper options are also available with the “fight fight fight” watch coming in three colors – Onyx Gold for $799 and Red Silver and Silver Gold both for $499 each.

15:00 , Rhian Lubin, Eric Garcia

Marjorie Taylor Greene melts down over House Speaker: ‘I don’t think Republicans deserve to be re-elected’

Marjorie Taylor Greene has launched a furious tirade at House Speaker Mike Johnson after he pushed through legislation to avoid a government shutdown, accusing him of being “a Speaker for the Democrats.”

Johnson defied Donald Trump on Wednesday by letting the House of Representatives vote to approve a spending bill to keep the government funded until December, even though it included no provisions to tighten elections.

Trump had previously called on House Republicans not to agree to a continuing resolution without the Save Act, which claimed it would prevent illegal immigrants from voting. This is even though US law already prohibits such a practice in federal elections.

Read more:

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s meltdown after House Speaker avoids government shutdown

Can Harris beat Trump?

14:30 , Rhian Lubin

The candidates are preparing for an intense final stretch of the campaign, with the needle ready to swing either way.

So how will Harris and Trump fare in November?

Here’s what the latest polls say about the 2024 presidential election, from the Independent’s data correspondent.

Can Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump? Latest poll updates from the 2024 election

Trump mocked for ‘limited WWII knowledge’

14:10 , Rhian Lubin

Retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and Trump impeachment witness Alexander Vindman has mocked the former president for what he saw as the Republican’s limited historical knowledge, after Trump seemed to describe just learning about WWII history during a recent campaign stop.

At a rally in Savannah, Georgia, on Tuesday, the former president took aim at Joe Biden’s vow the U.S. will continue supporting Ukraine until it finishes fighting off the invasion from Russia.

“Biden says, ‘We will not leave until we win,’” Trump said. “What happens if they win? That’s what they do, is they fight wars. As somebody told me the other day, they beat Hitler, they beat Napoleon. That’s what they do. They fight. And it’s not pleasant.”

Vindman, who served on the National Security Council, and whose family immigrated to the U.S. from the Soviet Union, took issue with these comments.

Josh Marcus has the details.

Impeachment witness says it’s ‘embarrassing’ that Trump just found out about WWII

Harris ‘focusing on winning across the Rust Belt’ – strategist

13:50 , Rhian Lubin

Harris and her campaign are focusing on winning across the Rust Belt as opposed to the Sun Belt, according to a Democratic strategist based in Pennsylvania.

“Looking at spending and stops, it’s hard not to conclude that winning Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan is plan A for Harris to win,” Mike Mikus told POLITICO. “Based on everything I’m seeing, Harris is stronger in the Rust Belt than the Sun Belt. Both are going to be very close either way.”

Since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee, the polls have narrowed in the Sun Belt battleground states. But, while the polls are still close, Harris is performing better in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Harris is in Arizona today, the first time she has been out West in weeks.

Ted Cruz calls Zelensky an ‘absolute moron’ for attacking Trump and Vance

13:30 , Rhian Lubin

Ted Cruz has waded into the tension surrounding Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump by calling the Ukrainian president “an absolute moron.”

The senator was criticizing the Ukrainian leader for comments he made in a New Yorker interview, where he said Trump “doesn’t really know how to stop the war” and called his running mate, JD Vance, “too radical.”

Cruz hit back on his podcast, Verdict, where he slammed Zelensky.

“Who the hell is Zelensky to be trying to interfere in our election, the arrogance of this guy…In congress this guy has gotten Republican support for military aid – do you want to find a way for that to disappear? This is an awfully good way to do it.”

He added: “And the guy, I’ve got to say, is an absolute moron for coming to the US six weeks before the election and attacking Trump and Vance.”

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell claims ignorance over neo-Nazi symbolism in pillow prices

13:10 , Rhian Lubin

Mike Lindell, the controversial founder of MyPillow and vocal ally to Donald Trump, is claiming ignorance over the neo-Nazi symbolism in his pillow prices.

Lindell’s pillow company, which he founded in 2009, is currently offering customers the “Standard Classic MyPillow” for $14.88 reduced from $49.98.

But the discount has got critics pointing out a popular neo-Nazi symbol lurking behind the price.

Myriam Page reports.

Mike Lindell claims ignorance over neo-Nazi symbolism in MyPillow prices

White House slaps down House Republicans for ‘political stunt’ over Zelensky visit

12:50 , Rhian Lubin

Ahead of the meeting between Trump and Zelensky today, there is yet more tension bubbling away with House Republicans.

The White House yesterday slapped down gripes from House Republicans, who are accusing Zelensky of improperly interfering in the upcoming election by visiting a weapons factory where artillery shells used by his country’s armed forces are being produced.

He drew Republicans’ ire when he visited the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant over the weekend.

Zelensky’s sojourn in the Keystone State — and his subsequent criticisms of Trump and his running-mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance — led House Republicans to level charges of putting a thumb on the scales for Harris, particularly since Pennsylvania is an important swing state.

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer was moved to send letters to the White House, Department of Justice and Department of Defense in which he demanded “any information and communication, both internal and external, about President Zelensky’s visit to the United States,” and griped that Zelensky was granted the use of an Air Force aircraft for his travel to Pennsylvania.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre pushed back on the GOP’s assertions by noting that the visit to the plant was arranged at the request of Zelensky’s government and no one else.

Catch up with Andrew Feinberg’s report below.

White House slaps down House Republicans for ‘political stunt’ over Ukraine

JD Vance’s mom reveals why her son changed his mind about Trump

12:30 , Rhian Lubin

JD Vance’s mother explained the moment her son changed his heart from an ardent critic of former President Donald Trump to a vociferous supporter and running mate.

Beverly Aikins told The New York Times that she’s “probably not the best person to answer” how her son went from a critic to Trump’s running mate.

Read the full story by Gustaf Kilander below.

JD Vance’s mom explains her son’s sudden change of heart on Trump

Watch: Trump labels Zelensky ‘greatest salesman on Earth’

12:10 , Rhian Lubin

Donald Trump labeled Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky the “greatest salesman on Earth” as he claimed winning wars is “what Russia do”.

The former US president made his comments during a speech in Savannah on Tuesday ahead of a meeting with the Ukrainian leader today.

Vice presidential debate could be game-changing

11:50 , Rhian Lubin

Next week’s debate between the vice presidential candidates, Tim Walz and JD Vance, could be game-changing, political observers say.

While vice presidential debates don’t often shift the dial, everything is to play for in this year’s election given how tight the polls are.

Any slip-up or knockout blow by one candidate could have an impact, according to analysts.

Democratic strategist, Steven Maviglio, told the Hill: “All the needle needs to be moved is 0.1 percent in either direction, and that could be the difference in four or five states.”

GOP strategist Ford O’Connell added: “Usually, when you have a vice presidential debate, the public views it sort of as an undercard — a secondary event. But in this case, both campaigns are fighting for inches on the electoral map. I think that’s what makes this vice presidential debate different from many of the others that we’ve seen in the past.

“It’s so close that you don’t know, at the end of the day, what will make the difference and push one of the tickets over the other.”

The debate from New York City will air at 9pm ET on Tuesday and broadcast on CBS News.

The way to Tim Walz’s heart: cupcakes and football

11:30 , Rhian Lubin

Tim Walz has shared the way to his heart – cupcakes and football.

The Democratic vice presidential nominee was very excitable while on the campaign trail yesterday.

What Trump and Zelensky have said about one another this week

11:10 , Rhian Lubin

It could be a bit of a tense meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky later today at Trump Tower in New York.

This week they have both traded public blows and at one point it didn’t look as though the meeting was going ahead.

Earlier this week Zelensky said in an interview with theNew Yorker: “My feeling is that Trump doesn’t really know how to stop the war even if he might think he knows how.

“With this war, oftentimes, the deeper you look at it the less you understand. I’ve seen many leaders who were convinced they knew how to end it tomorrow, and as they waded deeper into it, they realized it’s not that simple.”

While Trump fired back in a speech that Zelensky “refuses to make a deal” with Russia to stop the war and labeled him the “greatest salesman on Earth” – comments which will no doubt insult the Ukrainian leader.

“It’s something we have to have a quick discussion about because the president of Ukraine is in our country and he’s making little nasty aspersions toward your favorite president, me,” Trump told the crowd.

Zelensky met with President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on Thursday.

ICYMI: Melania Trump’s first interview in 2 years

10:50 , Rhian Lubin

Melania Trump has opened up in an interview about her home life, marriage, and the recent assassination attempts on her husband.

It is the first time in two years the former first lady has done a sit-down interview.

Appearing on Fox News on Thursday morning, she described Donald Trump, as “caring.”

The 54-year-old was asked what she wishes Trump’s critics knew about him.

“That he’s really a family man, he loves his family, he loves this country, and all he wants to … build better and prosperous,” she said.

Gustaf Kilander reports.

Melania Trump reveals the one word she’d use to describe her husband

Where are the candidates today?

10:30 , Rhian Lubin

Kamala Harris will be in Douglas, Arizona today visiting the border across from Agua Prieta in Mexico.

The vice president will use the opportunity to bolster her messaging on immigration.

Donald Trump, meanwhile, is in Michigan today to discuss inflation and the economy.

He has two campaign stops – the first in Walker and a second in Warren, where he is expected to talk about the auto industry.

Trump caves to pressure and meets with Zelensky

10:10 , Rhian Lubin

Trump has caved to pressure and confirmed he will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Trump Tower later today after appearing to change his mind.

The former president also shared a purported message he received from Zelensky via the deputy ambassador for Ukraine on Truth Social.

Read the full message below.

Poll: Harris slightly ahead of Trump in Georgia but trails him in Arizona

09:50 , Rhian Lubin

A new poll gives Harris a three-point lead on Trump in the battleground state of Georgia.

Among likely and registered voters, Harris is ahead of Trump in Georgia by three percentage points – 51 percent support to 48 percent, according to the Fox News poll.

But Harris is trailing Trump in the swing state of Arizona by three points, according to Fox’s poll. They put Trump ahead at 51 percent versus 48 percent for the vice president.

Haley: ‘I haven’t forgotten’ about Trump dissing my husband and calling me ‘bird brain’

09:30 , Oliver O’Connell

Former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley detailed her long and complicated history with Donald Trump during an episode of her new Sirius XM radio show Nikki Haley Live on Wednesday.

“On this show, you’re not going to hear me say glowing things about Donald Trump’s personality. I have issues with him, as well,” Haley said. “I have not forgotten what he said about me.”

Josh Marcus has the story.

Nikki Haley: ‘I haven’t forgotten’ about Trump calling me ‘bird brain’

Haley: ‘I haven’t forgotten’ about Trump dissing my husband and calling me ‘bird brain’

09:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley detailed her long and complicated history with Donald Trump during an episode of her new Sirius XM radio show Nikki Haley Live on Wednesday.

“On this show, you’re not going to hear me say glowing things about Donald Trump’s personality. I have issues with him, as well,” Haley said. “I have not forgotten what he said about me.”

Josh Marcus has the story.

Harris pokes fun at Trump’s obsession with her McDonald’s job in MSNBC interview

Harris pokes fun at Trump’s obsession with her McDonald’s job

08:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Kamala Harris doubled down on her burger-flipping duties at McDonald’s during her college years, as Donald Trump continues to baselessly claim that the vice president is lying about her summer job.

Harris has repeatedly noted her brief stint at the fast food chain before her first law job in the 1980s since she ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket. If elected in the 2024 election, she’d make history as the first US president to have worked at McDonald’s.

A tetchy Trump, however, has repeatedly dismissed Harris’s employment as “fake.”

James Liddell has the story.

Harris pokes fun at Trump’s obsession with her McDonald’s job in MSNBC interview

The Republican Senator stuck between Trump and a national disgrace

07:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Eric Garcia reports on how ever since CNN reported that lieutenant governor Mark Robinson called himself a ‘Black Nazi’ and a ‘perv’ on a porn site called Nude Africa, Senator Thom Tillis has found himself stuck in the most awkward of positions in the must-win state of North Carolina.

Swing state nightmare: The Republican stuck between Trump and a national disgrace

Harris gets big national security endorsement from McChrystal

06:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Vice President Kamala Harris has received a big national security endorsement from the former head of Joint Special Operations Command General Stanley McChrystal.

In an op-ed piece in The New York Times titled “Why Kamala Harris Has Won Me Over”, McChrystal writes that while he was not comfortable with many of the policy recommendations he heard from either the Democrat convention in Chicago or the Republicans in Milwaukee, he believes that: “Our president, therefore, must be more than a policymaker or a malleable reflection of the public’s passions. She or he must lead — and that takes character.”

He writes: “I’ve thought deeply about my choice and considered what I’ve seen and heard and what I owe my three granddaughters. I’ve concluded that it isn’t political slogans or cultural tribalism; it is the best president my vote might help select. So I have cast my vote for character, and that vote is for Vice President Kamala Harris.”

McChrystal continues: “Ms Harris has the strength, the temperament and, importantly, the values to serve as commander in chief. When she sits down with world leaders like President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, representing the United States on the global stage, I have no doubt that she is working in our national interest, not her own.

“I would urge others to vote as I have. But whatever decision you make, let it be thoughtfully considered, carefully reached and yours alone. We’ll all have to live with it.”

VP debate: JD Vance claims he doesn’t have to ‘prepare much’

05:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance has suggested that he doesn’t need to “prepare that much” ahead of his debate with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on October 1.

The debate is set to take place at 9pm ET and will be hosted by CBS News.

“We have well-developed views on public policy, so we don’t have to prepare that much,” the Ohio senator said during a press call on Wednesday, according to the New York Post.

However, The New York Times has reported that Vance is spending several days hosting prep sessions in rural Michigan this week.

Gustaf Kilander has the latest.

JD Vance claims he doesn’t have to ‘prepare much’ for VP debate

JD Vance’s mom details the moment her son changed his mind on Trump

04:00 , Oliver O’Connell

JD Vance’s mother explained the moment her son changed his heart from an ardent critic of former President Donald Trump to a vociferous supporter and running mate.

Beverly Aikins told The New York Times that she’s “probably not the best person to answer” how her son went from a critic to Trump’s running mate.

“But I do think that JD saw, when he was in office, that things for people in our area got better. I think that’s why he changed his mind,” she added.

Gustaf Kilander has the story.

JD Vance’s mom explains her son’s sudden change of heart on Trump

Melania Trump blames Democrats and media for ‘fueling toxic atmosphere’ that led to attempts on husband’s life

03:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Melania Trump has blamed Democrats and the mainstream media for “fueling a toxic atmosphere” that led to two assassination attempts on her husband.

In her first interview in over two years, the former first lady spoke of the “outrageous violence” against Donald Trump, echoing her husband’s rhetoric that his political rivals are to blame.

Rhian Lubin has the story.

Melania Trump blames Democrats and media for husband’s assassination attempts

Impeachment witness says it’s ‘embarrassing’ that Trump only just found out about WWII and Napoleon

02:30 , Oliver O’Connell

Retired US Army lieutenant colonel and Trump impeachment witness Alexander Vindman mocked the former president on Thursday for what he saw as the Republican’s limited historical knowledge, after Trump seemed to describe just learning about WWII history during a recent campaign stop.

At a rally in Savannah, Georgia, on Tuesday, the former president took aim at Joe Biden’s vow the US will continue supporting Ukraine until it finishes fighting off the invasion from Russia.

Josh Marcus has the story.

Impeachment witness says it’s ‘embarrassing’ that Trump just found out about WWII

Fox News host confronts RFK Jr about ‘personal relationship’ with New York Magazine star reporter

02:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Fox News host Martha MacCallum confronted Robert F Kennedy Jr about his alleged sexting scandal with New York Magazine’s star reporter Olivia Nuzzi live on air on Wednesday.

Rumors began swirling last Thursday when the magazine announced that Nuzzi, 31, had been placed on leave after disclosing a “personal relationship” with “a former subject” relevant to the election. The magazine’s media reporter Oliver Darcy revealed soon after that the alleged mystery subject was 70-year-old RFK Jr.

Myrian Page and Katie Hawkinson have more.

Fox News host confronts RFK Jr about ‘relationship’ with New York Magazine reporter

CFOs believe Harris will win election, but see Trump better on economy, CNBC survey shows

01:30 , Oliver O’Connell

A new survey of corporate chief financial officers by CNBC shows that while election polling continues to forecast a tight race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, many top executives are preparing for Harris to become the next president.

Per CNBC:

A majority of chief financial officers (55%) say Harris will win the election, according to the Q3 CNBC CFO Council Survey. That’s a reversal from the prior CFO survey in Q2 (when President Joe Biden was still the candidate) and a majority of CFOs (58%) believed Trump would win. About a third of CFOs (31%) now say Trump will win, while 14% remain unsure of the election outcome. In the Q2 CFO survey, 29% of executives said they were unsure who would win.

Further:

The majority belief that Harris will win comes despite an equal majority of CFOs (55%) telling the survey that Trump is better on inflation and for the economy. Only 17% of CFOs said Harris had a better plan for the economy. Inflation and interest rates (38%), followed by tax policy and regulation (both at 24%) were the issues CFOs taking the survey cited as most important to their companies. Trade and tariffs policy, which is a key talking point of Trump and some economists say will lead to higher inflation, was only cited by 7% of CFOs.

Perhaps they hadn’t read the Peterson Institute report yet?

The CNBC CFO Council Survey was conducted between August 19 and September 19, a period which included the presidential debate.

The survey is a sampling of views from CFOs at large organizations, with 31 chief financial officers responding.

Jennifer Lawrence shares reason behind Harris endorsement

01:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Jennifer Lawrence has revealed who she’s endorsing in the 2024 presidential election.

The actor, 34, showed her support for democratic nominees Kamala Harris and Tim Walz during a recent interview.

Sharing the reasons behind her decision, Lawrence told People magazine that “abortion is on the ballot.” She praised the policies of the current Vice President, who has backed legislation that would protect reproductive rights across the US as Roe v Wade did before it was overturned in 2022.

Amber Raiken reports.

Jennifer Lawrence shares reason behind endorsement for 2024 presidential election

New study shows dire impact of Trump policy plans on US economy

Friday 27 September 2024 00:30 , Oliver O’Connell

A study by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a Washington, DC-based US think tank, lays out the potential impact of Donald Trump’s second-term policies on the global economy and on the US itself.

The results make for alarming reading.

Focusing on immigration policy, trade, and erosion of the Federal Reserve Board’s political independence, the paper finds each policy has differing macroeconomic and sectoral impacts on the US and other countries, but all of those examined “cause a decline in US production and employment, especially in trade-exposed sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture, as well as higher US inflation”.

Trump’s prospective trade policies “do little to improve the US trade balance”. The erosion of the independence of the Federal Reserve causes capital outflows as well as “a significant depreciation of the dollar, and higher unemployment toward the end of 2028, which worsen American living standards”.

Further, the report says that scenarios combining individual policies predict “a large inflationary impulse and a significant loss of employment (particularly in manufacturing and agriculture) in the US economy”.

There would be a contraction in global trade with a significant negative impact for countries that trade with the US the most. Some economies would see these adverse effects offset by a positive inflow of foreign capital that would otherwise have gone into the US economy.

In their conclusion, authors Warwick McKibbin, Megan Hogan, and Marcus Noland, write: “Donald Trump portrays the United States as the victim of perfidious foreigners. He proposes to right the scales through policies of mass deportations, trade protection, and influence over the Fed … these interventions reduce GDP and boost inflation in the United States, while in some cases conferring benefits on other economies.”

Further, they say: “The policies harm US firms and households, hurting economic sectors differently depending on the policy. The main sectors hit are agriculture and durable goods manufacturing because they rely on world trade and global investment. Unemployment in agriculture and manufacturing rises significantly under each policy. While candidate Trump’s policies focus on reducing dependence on foreign production, they also reduce the ability of US firms to export into a growing world economy.”

While the author say that a depreciation in the value of the dollar as caused by an outflow of capital from the US will make US exporters more competitive, it raises the cost of imported inputs that they rely on.

“The real exchange rate depreciation and GDP contraction significantly worsen the standard of living of Americans,” they conclude.

“In sum, while Trump promises to ‘make the foreigners pay’, our analysis shows his policies will end up making Americans pay the most.”

Read the full report

Watch: Trump claims he predicted Eric Adam’s indictment a year ago

Friday 27 September 2024 00:15 , Mike Bedigan

Latest Trump bling unveiled – $100k bejeweled ‘victory’ watches

Friday 27 September 2024 00:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Former President Donald Trump has given his name and approval to a new piece of merchandise for his supporters to snatch up – $100k watches.

On gettrumpwatches.com, you can now purchase “The Trump Victory Tourbillon” bejeweled golden watch for $100,000. Significantly cheaper options are also available with the “fight fight fight” watch coming in three colors – Onyx Gold for $799 and Red Silver and Silver Gold both for $499 each.

Gustaf Kilander took a look at what’s on offer for MAGA fans.

Latest Trump bling unveiled – $100k bejeweled ‘victory’ watches

Trump suggests Eric Adams was indicted for criticizing Biden’s migrant policy

Thursday 26 September 2024 23:45 , Mike Bedigan

Donald Trump appeared to suggest that New York mayor Eric Adams had been indicted after criticizing the Biden administration’s policy on “illegal migrants.”

Speaking at a press conference at Trump Tower on Thursday, the former president said he wished Adams “luck” with his charges, but then admitted he didn’t know “anything about what he did.”

At his press conference, Trump said that although he did not know Adams well, he had been “fairly generous to me in his statements.” He then claimed he had predicted the mayor’s arrest and subsequent indictment over a year previously.

“I watched about a year ago when he talked about how the illegal migrants are hurting our city and the federal government should pay us and we shouldn’t have to take them, and I said ‘you know what, he’ll be indicted within the year’ and I was exactly right,” he said.

“We have people that use the justice department and the FBI at levels that have never been seen before, so I wish him luck – I don’t know anything about what he did.”

Melania Trump calls her husband’s survival of assassination attempts ‘miracles’

Thursday 26 September 2024 23:30 , AP

In her first interview in more than two years, former First Lady Melania Trump said she saw her husband’s survival in two attempts on his life as “miracles” and offered new details about the former president, including his desire to have more children.

Read on…

Melania Trump calls her husband’s survival of assassination attempts ‘miracles’

White House slaps down House Republicans for ‘political stunt’ over Zelensky visit

Thursday 26 September 2024 23:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Republicans may be outraged over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to a munitions plant in the key swing state of Pennsylvania, but the White House isn’t paying much heed to their complaints.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre used her Thursday press briefing to bat down gripes from House Republicans who are accusing Zelensky of improperly interfering in the upcoming US presidential election by visiting a weapons factory where artillery shells used by his country’s armed forces are being produced.

Andrew Feinberg reports from Washington, DC.

White House slaps down House Republicans for ‘political stunt’ over Ukraine

‘We don’t want someone that’s cavorting with dictators’

Thursday 26 September 2024 22:45 , Oliver O’Connell

Eric Garcia speaks to the conservatives — including former members of Congress, an ex-Trump staffer and lifelong members of the GOP — who can’t bring themselves to back Trump and his ‘anti-women’ running mate in November.

They’re committed Republicans. But they’re voting for Kamala Harris

Trump confirms meeting with Zelensky

Thursday 26 September 2024 22:32 , Oliver O’Connell

Donald Trump has confirmed he will be meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York tomorrow at 9.45am and with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer tonight.

Watch: Trump’s obsession with Harris working at McDonald’s continues

Thursday 26 September 2024 22:30 , Oliver O’Connell

Trump forced to scrap outdoor rally in Wisconsin due to Secret Service shortages

Thursday 26 September 2024 22:18 , Oliver O’Connell

Former President Donald Trump has been forced to cancel an outside rally in Wisconsin because of shortages within the Secret Service.

The rally was planned for Saturday at an airport, but the agency said it didn’t have the staff needed to secure the area, according to CBS News. The former president is instead set to speak at a smaller indoor venue in Prairie du Chien in the southwestern part of the state on the border with Iowa.

Gustaf Kilader reports.

Trump forced to scrap outdoor rally in Wisconsin due to Secret Service shortages

Watch: Trump says migrant crisis is ‘an invasion’

Thursday 26 September 2024 22:08 , Oliver O’Connell

Watch: Trump uses press remarks to complain that Harris is visiting southern border

Thursday 26 September 2024 21:55 , Oliver O’Connell

Donald Trump used his Trump Tower remarks to the press to complain that Kamala Harris is going to the southern border tomorrow as part of her campaign.

Sounding raspy and tired, the former president delivered an airing of grievances about the Biden-Harris administration’s record on the border and immigration. Often repeating the same points despite seeming to have a script before him, Trump said Harris has “got no talent” and is “smuggling in illegal aliens” on “big jet planes”.

Trump posts message from Zelensky about possible meeting

Thursday 26 September 2024 21:31 , Oliver O’Connell

Donald Trump has posted to Truth Social a message that appears to be from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Apparently passed on to the former president through Denys Sienik, Ukraine’s deputy ambassador, the message reads:

Dear Donald,

I hope you’re doing well.

I recall our recent phone call – it was really good.

All of us in Ukraine want to end this war with a just peace. And we know that without America this is impossible to achieve. That’s why we have to strive to understand each other and remain in close contact.

Days ago, we requested a meeting with you, and I really want to hear your thoughts directly, and firsthand.

You know I always speak with great respect about everything connected to you, and that’s how it should be. I can be in New York on Friday, which would be a good time to meet.

I believe it’s important for us to have a personal contact and to understand each other 100%. Let me know if you are in the city at that time – I would really like for our meeting to take place, as part of our efforts to help us end this war in a just way.

Sincerely, Volodymyr

Trump is set to speak any moment from Trump Tower.

Biden and Harris both meet with Zelensky after Trump snubs Ukrainian leader

Thursday 26 September 2024 21:20 , Oliver O’Connell

Andrew Feinberg reports:

President Joe Biden on Thursday said the billions of dollars of defense aid he has authorized for Ukraine will strengthen Kyiv’s hand “in future negotiations” as he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office for what could be the final time during his presidency.

Continue reading…

Biden and Harris to meet with Zelensky after Trump snubs Ukrainian leader

‘Isolation is not insulation’: Harris says US supports Ukraine out of strategic interest

Thursday 26 September 2024 21:19 , Oliver O’Connell

At this afternoon’s press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Vice President Kamala Harris noted “some in my country who would … force Ukraine to give up large parts of its sovereign territory,” to Russia.

“These proposals are the same as those of Putin … they are proposals for surrender, which is dangerous and unacceptable.”

“History is so clear in reminding us, the US cannot and should not isolate ourselves from the rest of the world,” Harris says. “Isolation is not insulation. So, then the United States supports Ukraine, not out of charity, but because it is in our strategic interest.”

Haley: ‘I haven’t forgotten’ about Trump dissing my husband and calling me ‘bird brain’

Thursday 26 September 2024 21:05 , Oliver O’Connell

Former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley detailed her long and complicated history with Donald Trump during an episode of her new Sirius XM radio show Nikki Haley Live on Wednesday.

“On this show, you’re not going to hear me say glowing things about Donald Trump’s personality. I have issues with him, as well,” Haley said. “I have not forgotten what he said about me.”

Josh Marcus has the story.

Nikki Haley: ‘I haven’t forgotten’ about Trump calling me ‘bird brain’

‘This sort of behavior is genuinely disgusting’: Menswear guru Derek Guy not impressed by Trump ‘s new range of watches

Thursday 26 September 2024 20:46 , Oliver O’Connell

Menswear expert Derek Guy is not impressed with Donald Trump’s new grift merchandise offering… Trump watches.

Guy, who reviews men’s fashion, wrote on X: “Similar to my critique of Dave Portnoy, I don’t understand how anyone can do this to their supporters. this crappy $100k watch is a halo product to sell even crappier $500 and $800 non-swiss steel and gold-plated watches with a cheap automatic movement. They play you as a sucker.”

He continues: “The goal here is just to make money, not treat people with respect and offer them something of genuine value. Buy watches from established watch brands or independent watchmakers who care more about watches than money. This sort of behavior is genuinely disgusting.”

“$100k for a movement as smooth as the brain who buys this absurd thing?” he concludes.

In the accompanying video, even Trump seems to be phoning in his sales pitch in a much less enthusiastic manner than when he was hawking Bibles earlier this year.

Melania is no empty nester — Barron Trump lives at home

Thursday 26 September 2024 20:40 , Oliver O’Connell

Melania Trump has opened up about her son Barron’s decision to attend college in New York City, saying she doesn’t feel like “an empty nester” – because he still lives at home.

Rhian Lubin has the story.

Melania Trump reveals she’s not an empty nester – as Barron still lives at home

Watch: Harris leading in voters 65+, first Democrat to do so since Gore

Thursday 26 September 2024 20:20 , Oliver O’Connell

Latest poll updates: Can Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump?

Thursday 26 September 2024 20:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Alicja Hagopian takes a look at the latest polling numbers.

Can Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump? Latest poll updates from the 2024 election

As Tucker Carlson giggles, Roseanne Barr shrieks conspiracy theories into mic at wild MAGA event

Thursday 26 September 2024 19:40 , Oliver O’Connell

Roseanne Barr shrieked on stage at a MAGA event sharing conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and the January 6 insurrection.

During her Tuesday appearance alongside the former Fox News host Tucker Carlson at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, Barr baselessly claimed that the Democrats “overthrew the government” in 2020 because they didn’t accept Trump’s nonexistent victory, Mediaite noted.

Gustaf Kilander watched the spectacle so you don’t have to.

Roseanne Barr shrieks conspiracy theories into mic at wild MAGA event

The Republican Senator stuck between Trump and a national disgrace

Thursday 26 September 2024 19:20 , Oliver O’Connell

Eric Garcia reports on how ever since CNN reported that lieutenant governor Mark Robinson called himself a ‘Black Nazi’ and a ‘perv’ on a porn site called Nude Africa, Senator Thom Tillis has found himself stuck in the most awkward of positions in the must-win state of North Carolina.

Swing state nightmare: The Republican stuck between Trump and a national disgrace

Harris pokes fun at Trump’s obsession with her McDonald’s job

Thursday 26 September 2024 19:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Kamala Harris doubled down on her burger-flipping duties at McDonald’s during her college years, as Donald Trump continues to baselessly claim that the vice president is lying about her summer job.

Harris has repeatedly noted her brief stint at the fast food chain before her first law job in the 1980s since she ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket. If elected in the 2024 election, she’d make history as the first US president to have worked at McDonald’s.

A tetchy Trump, however, has repeatedly dismissed Harris’s employment as “fake.”

James Liddell has the story.

Harris pokes fun at Trump’s obsession with her McDonald’s job in MSNBC interview

Harris gets big national security endorsement from McChrystal

Thursday 26 September 2024 18:40 , Oliver O’Connell

Vice President Kamala Harris has received a big national security endorsement from the former head of Joint Special Operations Command General Stanley McChrystal.

In an op-ed piece in The New York Times titled “Why Kamala Harris Has Won Me Over”, McChrystal writes that while he was not comfortable with many of the policy recommendations he heard from either the Democrat convention in Chicago or the Republicans in Milwaukee, he believes that: “Our president, therefore, must be more than a policymaker or a malleable reflection of the public’s passions. She or he must lead — and that takes character.”

He writes: “I’ve thought deeply about my choice and considered what I’ve seen and heard and what I owe my three granddaughters. I’ve concluded that it isn’t political slogans or cultural tribalism; it is the best president my vote might help select. So I have cast my vote for character, and that vote is for Vice President Kamala Harris.”

McChrystal continues: “Ms Harris has the strength, the temperament and, importantly, the values to serve as commander in chief. When she sits down with world leaders like President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, representing the United States on the global stage, I have no doubt that she is working in our national interest, not her own.

“I would urge others to vote as I have. But whatever decision you make, let it be thoughtfully considered, carefully reached and yours alone. We’ll all have to live with it.”

Watch: Mark Cuban compares Trump and Harris economic policies

Thursday 26 September 2024 18:20 , Oliver O’Connell

Colbert continues to rile Trump with ‘boring’ comments

Thursday 26 September 2024 18:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Stephen Colbert has continued to delight in Donald Trump’s rage after baiting the former president by calling him “boring.”

The Late Show host said that his description of the former president in a recent PBS interview was deliberate and intended to “upset” him.

During the interview, Colbert was asked if he would consider having Trump as a guest on his show. “I’ve had him before and he’s kind of boring, so no,” he replied.

Mike Bedigan reports on the war of words.

Stephen Colbert continues to rile Trump with ‘boring’ comments

With just 40 days until November election, Trump launches line of watches

Thursday 26 September 2024 17:40 , Oliver O’Connell

VP debate: JD Vance claims he doesn’t have to ‘prepare much’

Thursday 26 September 2024 17:20 , Oliver O’Connell

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance has suggested that he doesn’t need to “prepare that much” ahead of his debate with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on October 1.

The debate is set to take place at 9pm ET and will be hosted by CBS News.

“We have well-developed views on public policy, so we don’t have to prepare that much,” the Ohio senator said during a press call on Wednesday, according to the New York Post.

However, The New York Times has reported that Vance is spending several days hosting prep sessions in rural Michigan this week.

Gustaf Kilander has the latest.

JD Vance claims he doesn’t have to ‘prepare much’ for VP debate

Melania Trump reveals the one word she’d use to describe husband

Thursday 26 September 2024 17:00 , Oliver O’Connell

No, it’s not what you’re thinking.

Gustaf Kilander reports.

Melania Trump reveals the one word she’d use to describe husband

Secret Service forced to respond to report armed man approached Obama at LA restaurant

Thursday 26 September 2024 16:40 , Oliver O’Connell

The Secret Service has been forced to respond to claims that an armed man approached Barack Obama outside a restaurant in Los Angeles on Saturday – and wasn’t stopped by the former president’s security detail.

Myriam Page reports.

Secret Service forced to respond to report armed man approached Obama at restaurant

Jennifer Lawrence shares reason behind Harris endorsement

Thursday 26 September 2024 16:20 , Oliver O’Connell

Jennifer Lawrence has revealed who she’s endorsing in the 2024 presidential election.

The actor, 34, showed her support for democratic nominees Kamala Harris and Tim Walz during a recent interview.

Sharing the reasons behind her decision, Lawrence told People magazine that “abortion is on the ballot.” She praised the policies of the current Vice President, who has backed legislation that would protect reproductive rights across the US as Roe v Wade did before it was overturned in 2022.

Amber Raiken reports.

Jennifer Lawrence shares reason behind endorsement for 2024 presidential election

Trump to make remarks at Trump Tower this afternoon

Thursday 26 September 2024 16:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Donald Trump will deliver remarks to the press at Trump Tower in New York this afternoon

The former president will speak at 4.30pm. The Independent will cover what he has to say live.

It is unclear what the focus of his remarks will be, or is intended to be as he does tend to wander off topic.

Could it be the civil fraud ruling appeal? The assassination attempt taskforce? The indictment of Mayor Eric Adams? Jack Smith’s immunity brief filing in the election interference case? His version of the events leading up to January 6? Melania’s book? Kamala Harris’s summer job at McDonald’s?

All of the above?