Donald Trump has been named Time magazine’s “Person of the Year” following his November election win but has also caused consternation by appearing to back away from his pledge to bring down grocery prices once he takes office, U-turning on a key promise to American voters.
“It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up, very hard,” the president-elect told the magazine, hoping to manage expectations on inflation.
The annual cover – which highlights an individual who has greatly influenced the year, for good or ill – has just been unveiled, bearing an imperious portrait of the Republican against a stark background.
Trump was also named “Person of the Year” in 2016 after beating Hillary Clinton to win election to the White House for the first time.
He celebrated this latest honor by delivering a brief speech and ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday morning.
Trump has meanwhile been continuing to announce nominees to his new administration and gloating over the resignation of FBI Director Christopher Wray, whom he appointed to replace James Comey in 2017, calling his departure a “great day for America” and bemoaning the August 2022 raid on Mar-a-Lago.
Key Points
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Donald Trump officially named Time’s ‘Person of the Year’
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President-elect tells magazine he may not be able to bring down grocery prices after all
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Trump rings opening bell at New York Stock Exchange
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Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta donates $1m to Trump’s inaugural fund in latest attempt to rebuild bridges
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Trump gloats over resignation of FBI Director Christopher Wray
Nato chief warns West ‘not ready’ to deal with Russian threat
Thursday 12 December 2024 23:30 , David Maddox
Nato general secretary Mark Rutte has warned that the west is “not ready” to deal with the threat of war from Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
His warning has come amid concerns over the war in Ukraine with the election of Donald Trump as US president and fears he may pull American backing for the conflict.
Read more:
Nato chief warns West ‘not ready’ to deal with Russian threat
These are the 39 people who had non-violent crimes pardoned by Biden
Thursday 12 December 2024 23:00 , Josh Marcus
President Biden announced on Thursday he was granting 39 pardons to people with non-violent criminal convictions and commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500, the largest single-day act of clemency in modern presidential history, according to the White House.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement. “As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.”
Read more:
These are the 39 people pardoned by Biden after non-violent crime convictions
What is Voice of America? Trump wants Kari Lake to run global news network he tried to ‘bulldoze’
Thursday 12 December 2024 22:30 , Alex Woodward
Donald Trump has gone over the head of an international press agency to select his own nominee for its publicly funded flagship news network.
Trump wants Kari Lake — the failed Republican candidate for Arizona governor and U.S. Senate who pledged to be the media’s “worst nightmare” — to run Voice of America, the nation’s oldest international broadcaster, reaching millions of people around the world.
Read more:
What is Voice of America? Trump wants Kari Lake to run network he tried to ‘bulldoze’
WATCH: Donald Trump makes joke about ‘taking on’ the media while accepting Time Magazine Award
Thursday 12 December 2024 22:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Elon Musk calls homelessness a ‘lie’ and ‘propaganda’ — and Trump is listening
Thursday 12 December 2024 21:30 , Alex Woodward
To Elon Musk, the word “homeless” is a “lie” and “a propaganda word.”
“Homeless is a misnomer. It implies that someone got a little bit behind on their mortgage, and if you just gave them a job, they’d be back on their feet,” he told former Fox News personality Tucker Carlson in October. “What you actually have are violent, drug zombies with dead eyes and needles and human feces on the street.”
The more money spent combating homelessness, “the worse it gets,” according to Musk.
Read more:
Elon Musk calls homelessness a ‘lie’ and ‘propaganda’ — and Trump is listening
From ‘Aspie supremacy’ to vaccines: The toxic autism politics of Trump’s second administration
Thursday 12 December 2024 21:00 , Eric Garcia
Back in September, an X/Twitter account known as Autism Capital posted a screenshot of a written theory that appeared to be taken from 4Chan. The theory postulated that only “high [testostrone] alpha males” and “aneurotypical people” can think freely and be trusted to know what is objectively true. That means “a Republic for high-status males is best for decision making,” the theory continued. Elon Musk, the X owner and Tesla executive, responded: “Interesting observation.”
Little wonder that Musk found such proclamations interesting. He has talked in public a number of times about having “Asperger’s syndrome” (a term that fell out of favor as researchers learned the extent of Hans Asperger’s collaboration with the Nazi regime’s child euthanasia program and one that hasn’t been used clinically since 2013.) The concept of “Aspie supremacy” — a term some disability rights advocates coined for the deeply problematic idea that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who previously would be considered as having Asperger’s are superior to both neurotypical people and other autistic people — has been around for a while. But it’s gained traction in the past few years in some very online, very right-wing spaces.
Read more:
The toxic autism politics of Trump’s second administration
WATCH: James Comer says he’s a ‘Big AOC Fan’
Thursday 12 December 2024 20:30 , Gustaf Kilander
Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
Thursday 12 December 2024 20:00 , David Koenig
The head of the Federal Aviation Administration, who has led a tougher enforcement policy against Boeing since a panel blew off a Boeing jet in January, said Thursday that he will step down next month, clearing the way for President-elect Donald Trump name his choice to lead the agency.
Mike Whitaker announced his pending resignation in a message to employees of the FAA, which regulates airlines and aircraft manufacturers and manages the nation’s airspace.
Read more:
Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
‘No evidence’ undercover FBI agents joined Capitol riots despite ongoing conspiracy theories, watchdog finds
Thursday 12 December 2024 19:30 , Alex Woodward
None of the thousands of people who joined protests in Washington, D.C., and stormed the halls of Congress on January 6, 2021 were undercover FBI agents, according to the results of a lengthy probe from a Department of Justice watchdog.
The findings deal a blow to persistent right-wing conspiracy theories that federal law enforcement agents provoked a riot or a “false flag” attack to entrap Donald Trump’s supporters to break into the Capitol.
But the report’s discovery that roughly two dozen confidential sources were on the ground at the time is likely to continue fueling a false narrative that federal agents had something to do with instigating the assault.
Read more:
‘No evidence’ undercover FBI agents joined Capitol riots, watchdog finds
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Thursday 12 December 2024 19:00 , Dylan Lovan, Alanna Durkin Richer
The U.S. Justice Department and the city of Louisville have reached an agreement to reform the city’s police force after an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor, officials said Thursday.
The consent decree, which must be approved by a judge, follows a federal investigation that found Louisville police have engaged in a pattern of violating constitutional rights and discrimination against the Black community.
Read more:
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
US senator says mysterious drones spotted in New Jersey region should be ‘shot down, if necessary’
Thursday 12 December 2024 18:30 , Bruce Shipkowski
A U.S. senator has called for mysterious drones spotted flying over sensitive areas in New Jersey and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region to be “shot down, if necessary,” as it remains unclear who owns them.
“We should be doing some very urgent intelligence analysis and take them out of the skies, especially if they’re flying over airports or military bases,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said Thursday as concerns about the drones spread across Capitol Hill.
Read more:
US senator says mysterious drones spotted in New Jersey region should be ‘shot down, if necessary’
We asked Republicans about Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks on Syria. This is what they said
Thursday 12 December 2024 18:00 , Joe Sommerlad
Their remarks show a changed attitude among the GOP toward Trump’s cabinet picks, says Eric Garcia.
I asked Republicans about Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks on Syria. This is what they said
Bernie Sanders says his next term is ‘probably’ his last
Thursday 12 December 2024 17:30 , Joe Sommerlad
The Vermont Senator, a leader in the progressive movement for decades, has said his current term is likely to be his last in Congress.
Sanders, 83, has been a member of the legislative since 1991, first serving as a representative from Vermont before becoming one of the state’s senators in 2007.
He was re-elected in November to another six-year term, but said it would likely be his last when asked by Politico on Tuesday.
“I’m 83 now. I’ll be 89 when I get out of here. You can do the figuring. I don’t know, but I would assume, probably, yes,” Sanders told the outlet.
Ariana Baio has more.
Progressive war horse Bernie Sanders says his next term is ‘probably’ his last
Missouri introduces ‘Donald Trump bill’ that lets people with felonies run for office
Thursday 12 December 2024 17:00 , Joe Sommerlad
A Republican state representative in Missouri has proposed legislation that would allow a person who has pleaded guilty to, or been convicted of, a felony to serve in public office – and has named it, pointedly, after the president-elect.
The “Donald J Trump Election Qualification Act,” introduced by state representative Michael Davis, would repeal a 2015 local law that prevents a person with a felony from becoming a candidate in a local or state-wide election.
If passed, it would allow a person with a criminal record to run for office “if otherwise qualified.”
Ariana Baio reports.
Missouri introduces ‘Donald Trump’ bill making it legal for felons to run for office
Ex-Biden adviser slams ‘timing, argument and rationale’ of Hunter’s pardon
Thursday 12 December 2024 16:45 , Joe Sommerlad
Anita Dunn, who left the White House in July for an advisory role on a Democratic super PAC ahead of the presidential election, has expressed her disquiet about the handling of Hunter Biden’s pardon, which she says she approves of in principle, arguing that it would have been “a different story” had the pardon come at the end of the outgoing president’s term.
Biden Sr sent shockwaves through the political world earlier this month when he announced his decision to grant his son clemency, claiming that Hunter had been “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted” by the Department of Justice.
The timing of the decision has not gone down well with Dunn, one of his longest serving aides.
Rhian Lubin reports.
Biden’s ex-adviser publicly slams ‘timing, argument and rationale’ of Hunter’s pardon
Are fake aliens flying over New Jersey to ‘steal Trump’s swagger?’ One MAGA podcaster is worried
Thursday 12 December 2024 16:30 , Joe Sommerlad
Right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson has reacted to the mysterious drones appearing over the Garden State in recent weeks by wondering if they were part of a “fake alien invasion” being staged to “steal Trump’s swagger”.
Here’s Justin Baragona with a much-needed explanation.
Are fake aliens flying over NJ to ‘steal Trump’s swagger?’ MAGA podcaster is worried
Trump’s cronies rush to praise Time Person of the Year award – but others aren’t so sure
Thursday 12 December 2024 16:15 , Joe Sommerlad
Here’s Kelly Rissman with a roundup of the toadying responses from the president-elect’s MAGA cronies to his latest accolade.
Trump’s cronies rush to praise Time POTY award – but others aren’t as sure
Steve Bannon warns GOP Congress will give wealthy and corporations ‘massive’ tax breaks
Thursday 12 December 2024 16:00 , Joe Sommerlad
Trump ally Steve Bannon is warning that House Republicans would vote in favor of “massive” tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations while also voting to increase defense spending in a strategy doomed to push the nation even deeper into debt.
Bannon, who has long promoted taxing wealthy individuals and corporations, said the leaderhsip of the key committess will vote that way.
“You watch – every one of them wants increased defense,” he told his podcast guest, Texas Republican Representative Chip Roy, on Tuesday.
“They want to get to a trillion dollars as quickly as possible, and they’re [also] going to vote for massive tax cuts for the wealthy, for the billionaires and corporations.”
Ariana Baio has more.
Steve Bannon warns wealthy and corporations will get ‘massive’ tax breaks
Trump to revoke policy shielding migrants from deportation in churches
Thursday 12 December 2024 15:30 , Joe Sommerlad
As soon as its first day in office, the incoming Trump administration is reportedly planning on rescinding a 2011 immigration policy limiting deportation arrests in sensitive locations like schools, churches, and hospitals.
Instead, the administration plans to let Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents make arrests in these locations if they’re related to national security concerns, the arrest of a dangerous felon, or risks of imminent danger or the compromising of a criminal investigation, according to NBC News, which first reported on the alleged plan, citing three anonymous sources familiar with the new administration.
The new brief would also apply to arrests made in other locations like colleges and at events like protests, which could hamper the kind of large-scale pro-immigration protests seen during the first Trump administration.
Here’s more from Josh Marcus.
Trump will revoke policy shielding migrants from deportation arrests in churches
Trump tells Time he may not be able to bring grocery prices down
Thursday 12 December 2024 15:00 , Joe Sommerlad
Here are a few highlights from the president-elect’s interview accompanying his “Person of the Year” gong.
He says he may not be able to wrestle inflation to the floor after all, claims to see no conflict of interest in giving Elon Musk wide-ranging powers over government and hints that he could yet rein in some of RFK Jr’s more, ahem, eccentric ambitions.
Trump also says “there might be” more detention camps built to temporarily house illegal immigrants.
He adds: “Whatever it takes to get them out. I don’t care. Honestly, whatever it takes to get them out.”
On whether or not he has spoken to Vladimir Putin since winning the election on November 5, Trump says: “I can’t tell you. I can’t tell you. It’s just inappropriate.” (Why not?)
He claims the conflict in Gaza is “easier to solve” than Russia-Ukraine but won’t say what he wants to see from Israel.
“What I want is a deal where there’s going to be peace and where the killing stops”, he tells Time, vaguely.
On trans rights, he says he agrees with the incoming member for Delaware, Sarah McBride, that too much time is spent discussing bathroom access: “I do agree with that. On that – absolutely. As I was saying, it’s a small number of people.”
He also praises under-fire Supreme Court justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito (”incredible”) and says any investigations into his enemies will come at the discretion of Pam Bondi, his nominee for attorney general.
Finally, on whether or not he will pardon January 6 convicts, he says: “I’m going to do case-by-case, and if they were non-violent, I think they’ve been greatly punished.
“And the answer is I will be doing that, yeah, I’m going to look if there’s some that really were out of control.”
Plenty to chew on!
Watch: Trump rings the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange
Thursday 12 December 2024 14:39 , Joe Sommerlad
The president-elect declares the day’s trading open.
Trump: ‘Go out and get ‘em, we’re with you all the way’
Thursday 12 December 2024 14:35 , Joe Sommerlad
The president-elect wrapped up his brief remarks at the exchange by pivoting to the economy, pledging a return to American prosperity and concluding with a sad but probably fictional story about an elderly lady forced to return an apple to the refigerator in a grocery store because she could not afford it, promising this would never happen again in America under his leadership.
Trump says his second term will be an even greater success because he now knows ’everybody’ in Washington
Thursday 12 December 2024 14:27 , Joe Sommerlad
The president-elect is on more ingratiating form than he was in the final weeks of the election campaign, offering praise to Melania and to cabinet nominee Lee Zeldin, among others, even offering a kind word to a gentleman from ABC News.
He moves on to reflecting, suddenly, on the “powerful” and “devastating” threat posed by nuclear weapons before pivoting, equally abruptly, to congratulating Emmanuel Macron on the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral.
Trump says 25 per cent of his Time covers ‘great’ but he hides the rest
Thursday 12 December 2024 14:23 , Joe Sommerlad
The president-elect also joked about possibly holding the record for Time magazine covers, saying he enjoyed most of them but considers the new issue his favorite.
He said his first term was a success “despite a lot of turmoil that was not necessary” and suggested he has since tamed the media.
He further teased Scott Bessant, his nominee as treasury secretary.
Trump arrives with entourage to address New York Stock Exchange
Thursday 12 December 2024 14:15 , Joe Sommerlad
The president-elect, flanked by his wife Melania, daughters Ivanka and Tiffany, Vice President-elect JD Vance, RFK Jr and Doug Burgum and others, just arrived on stage at the New York Stock Exchange to discuss his Time win and the economy before declaring the day’s trading open.
Live: Trump visits the NYSE to ding opening bell
Thursday 12 December 2024 14:10 , Joe Sommerlad
You can watch a livefeed of the president-elect’s adventures at the exchange below.
Trump to ring opening bell at New York Stock Exchange
Thursday 12 December 2024 14:00 , Joe Sommerlad
Here’s the president-elect a little while ago arriving on Wall Street and signing the exchange’s guest book.
Eric Trump, Pete Hegseth cheer Trump’s Time win
Thursday 12 December 2024 13:45 , Joe Sommerlad
Let the ring-kissing commence.
UK to mostly avoid tariff trouble with the US, say economists
Thursday 12 December 2024 13:30 , Joe Sommerlad
Trump will impose a tariff of less than 10 percent on UK imports next year or none at all, which will have an insignificant effect on the UK economy, according to a strong majority of economists polled by Reuters.
Those expectations stand in contrast to widespread fears that the European Union, which Britain officially left in 2020, will be harder-hit, according to a similar poll last month.
Part of the reason economists are more optimistic about the country is that while one-fifth of total UK trade is with the United States only a third of Britain’s exports are goods – where the proposed tariffs will be focused.
While Trump is focused on correcting US trade deficits with other countries, differing methodologies of their respective statistics agencies mean Britain and the US both report goods trade surpluses with the other.
However, the European Union remains the UK’s biggest trading partner and London has a delicate challenge in both mending frayed relations with Brussels and remaining open to deals with a new government in Washington.
“Without the broader complexities of the EU trading bloc, the UK will be somewhat more flexible in reaching a negotiated settlement with President Trump. It also helps that trade in goods with the US is roughly balanced, meaning the tariffs may end up being lower,” noted James Rossiter at TD Securities.
More than 80 percent of economists, 19 of 23, expect the US to put a tariff of less than 10 percent or zero on UK imports despite talk of a blanket 10-20 percent tariff on all countries and higher tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico.
Four said zero. Only four forecast a 10-20 percent tariff.
A similar proportion of economists, 20 of 25, said the tariff will have an insignificant impact on the British economy, good news for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government which has pledged to boost growth.
Four said significant, while one said no impact.
Reuters
Trump era echoes ‘dangerous’ times before WWII, warns Mitch McConnell
Thursday 12 December 2024 13:10 , Joe Sommerlad
The retiring Senate leader is warning that Trump’s turn towards “America First”-style isolationism is dangerous for the country and the world and recalls the dark days before the Second World War.
“We’re in a very, very dangerous world right now, reminiscent of before World War Two,” the Kentucky Republican told The Financial Times in an interview this week.
“Even the slogan is the same: ‘America First.’ That was what they said in the ’30s.”
The senator noted that “the cost of deterrence is considerably less than the cost of war” and called on Republicans to return to a more internationalist version of American leadership, like that of Ronald Reagan during the Cold War.
“To most American voters, I think the simple answer is, ‘Let’s stay out of it,’” McConnell said.
“That was the argument made in the ’30s and that just won’t work. Thanks to Reagan, we know what does work — not just saying peace through strength, but demonstrating it.”
Josh Marcus has more.
Trump era echoes ‘dangerous’ times before WW2, warns Mitch McConnell
Donald Trump officially named Time’s ‘Person of the Year’
Thursday 12 December 2024 12:50 , Joe Sommerlad
Here’s the confirmation of the president-elect’s latest accolade.
And here’s the magazine’s editor Sam Jacobs to explain their thinking.
Here’s a full report from Kelly Rissman.
Donald Trump named Time’s ‘Person of the Year’ for second time
Ex-FBI Director James Comey issues warning to former colleagues ahead of Trump second term
Thursday 12 December 2024 12:40 , Joe Sommerlad
In a statement posted to Instagram a day before his successor Christopher Wray announced he’d be stepping down, Comey wrote: “I realize there is a great deal of anxiety in the Bureau now — produced by the rhetoric of those who have reason to fear honest investigators.
“But please know you will be ok in the long run.”
The former bureau director’s tenure at the department abruptly ended in 2017 when then-president Donald Trump fired him and Wray appears to be jumping before he is pushed in favor of Kash Patel.
Here’s more on Comey from Michelle Del Rey.
Ex-FBI Director James Comey issues warning to former colleagues
Trump seeks to dismiss Central Park Five defamation lawsuit
Thursday 12 December 2024 12:20 , Joe Sommerlad
The president-elect yesterday filed a petition with a federal judge seeking the dismissal of the lawsuit brought against him in October by the so-called Central Park Five – Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Antron Brown and Korey Wise – five Black New Yorkers who were falsely accused of the rape of a jogger in 1989 and who were exonerated in 2002.
Trump, then a New York City real estate kingpin with no particular political pull, took out full-page adverts in Big Apple newspapers calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty in the Empire State to execute the men.
He never apologized (see below), even after the real culprit was caught and the Five were vindicated thanks to the emergence of DNA evidence.
Then, at a September presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump stated that the men had killed someone and pleaded guilty to the crime, prompting the lawsuit that alleged Trump’s comments intentionally inflicted emotional distress and painted the men in a false light.
In court filings, Trump’s lawyers argued that his statements were protected under the First Amendment as expressions of opinion on public matters.
“The president-elect’s speech about matters of public concern is safeguarded by the Constitution,” his attorneys wrote.
Trump says he had ‘great conversation’ with the ‘very nice’ Jill Biden
Thursday 12 December 2024 12:00 , Joe Sommerlad
Days after using this shot of the first lady to shill his new line of “Fight, Fight, Fight” Christmas cologne, the president-elect is now back trying to be a bit more gallant about their meeting in Paris over the weekend for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral.
The same picture inspired Fox host and former Trump economist Larry Kudlow to suggest, absurdly, that Dr Biden had been “flirting” with the new president because she “gravitates towards power”, on which Justin Baragona has more.
Fox News hosts suggest Jill Biden ‘flirted’ with Trump
Biden commutes 1,500 sentences and issues 39 pardons in biggest single-day act of clemency in history
Thursday 12 December 2024 11:40 , Joe Sommerlad
Joe Biden has issued the single largest act of clemency in modern history, commuting the sentences of roughly 1,500 people and issuing 39 presidential pardons.
With just 40 days left in the White House, the president announced on Thursday that he is lessening the sentences of thousands of prisoners who were released and placed on home confinement for at least one year during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Biden, who faced backlash after pardoning his own son Hunter from his federal crimes earlier this month, also issued pardons for US citizens convicted of non-violent crimes such as drug offenses, who have shown “successful rehabilitation”.
The president said his administration will continue reviewing clemency petitions to “advance equal justice” and “provide meaningful second chances,” before Donald Trump is inaugurated as his successor on January 20 .
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said.
James Liddell and Colleen Long have the full story.
Biden announces biggest single-day act of clemency in modern US history
Trump shares article linking MAGA ‘star’ Richard Grenell to top Iran post
Thursday 12 December 2024 11:20 , Joe Sommerlad
Linking to a Reuters story about Grenell, his former ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence, being named new special envoy to Tehran, the president-elect called him “a fabulous person, A STAR” and promised he would be “someplace, high up!”
All of which suggests the appointment, or one like it, is likely to happen but why not just get on and announce it?
Trump taps election-denier Kari Lake for Voice of America director
Thursday 12 December 2024 11:00 , Joe Sommerlad
The president-elect announced more nominees to his new administration last night, finally finding work for Kari Lake, the ex-news journalist and serial election-loser who has been haunting Arizona politics for several years.
The following quartet was also announced by the transition team yesterday:
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Leandro Rizzuto, billionaire co-founder and chairman of Conair, as Ambassador to the Organization of American States.
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Dr Peter Lamelas, a physician who practices in Palm Beach, Florida, as United States Ambassador to Argentina.
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Daniel J Newlin, a personal injury attorney who funded much of Trump’s campaign advertising, as Ambassador to Colombia.
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Michael J Rigas, who served as Deputy Director of the Office of Personnel Management and Acting Deputy Director of Management, is to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources.
Here’s more on Lake from Alex Lang.
Trump picks vocal supporter Kari Lake to head the news outlet Voice of America
Trump invites China’s Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration
Thursday 12 December 2024 10:35 , Joe Sommerlad
The president-elect has invited his Chinese counterpart to watch his swearing in ceremony on Washington DC on January 20, CBS News reports.
Trump reportedly extended the invite last month but the Chinese embassy in Washington has yet to comment.
The Republican said in an interview with NBC conducted on Friday that he “got along with very well” with Xi and that they had “had communication as recently as this week”.
It would be unprecedented for a leader of China, a top US geopolitical rival, to attend an American presidential inauguration and Trump has risked poking the bear by naming numerous China hawks to key posts in his incoming administration, including Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state.
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping (AFP/Getty)
Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta donates $1m to Trump’s inaugural fund in latest attempt to rebuild bridges
Thursday 12 December 2024 10:00 , Joe Sommerlad
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly donated $1m to Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, the latest twist in the complicated relationship between the tech boss and the Republican president-elect.
The donation has been confirmed by the Silicon Valley company, according to The Wall Street Journal, and comes despite Trump threatening the Facebook founder with prosecution if he attempted to influence the election against him during the campaign.
The move is the latest example of a tech CEO moving to make a conciliatory gesture towards Trump now that his return to the White House has been confirmed and his party have secured control over both houses of Congress, with the GOP commonly hitting out at the California tech sector, which is seen as predominantly left-leaning.
Here’s more.
Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta donates $1m to Trump’s inaugural fund
President-elect gloats over resignation of FBI Director Christopher Wray
Thursday 12 December 2024 09:40 , Joe Sommerlad
Trump has meanwhile been gloating over the resignation of FBI Director Christopher Wray, whom he appointed to replace James Comey in 2017 and who announced his departure on Wednesday, with nominee Kash Patel waiting in the wings.
Writing on Truth Social, the president-elect called it “great day for America” that would “end the Weaponization of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice.”
Trump went to accuse the bureau of having “illegally raided my home, without cause, worked diligently on illegally impeaching and indicting me.”
Here’s Andrew Feinberg with a full report in the outgoing Wray.
FBI director Christopher Wray will resign ahead of Trump’s plan to replace him
Donald Trump expected to be named Time magazine’s ‘Person of the Year’ and ring New York Stock Exchange’s opening bell
Thursday 12 December 2024 09:20 , Joe Sommerlad
Good morning!
Donald Trump is expected to be named Time magazine’s “Person of the Year” on Thursday after winning the presidential election for the second time, according to Politico.
The annual cover – which highlights an individual who has greatly influenced the year, for good or ill – is set to be unveiled today, with sources suggesting in advance that the president-elect will grace the cover again.
The Republican was also named “Person of the Year” in 2016, the year he beat Hillary Clinton to win election to the White House for the first time, and is expected to celebrate the honor by ringing the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange this morning.
As the Truth Social post below suggests, he’s pretty excited about it.
We’ll bring you the cover as soon as it drops a little later on.
Most Americans approve of Trump transition
Thursday 12 December 2024 09:00 , Ariana Baio
A new poll from CNN and SSRS found that more than half of Americans believe Trump is doing a good job of transitioning the Biden administration to his.
Approximately 55 percent said they approve of how Trump is handling the presidential transition process and 54 percent said they believe the president-elect will do a good job when he returns to the White House.
Slightly more Americans have a positive outlook on Trump’s administration than a negative one.
CNN conservative pundit Scott Jennings scorched by colleague for trying to manufacture ‘clip for the internet’
Thursday 12 December 2024 08:00 , Justin Baragona
Accusing CNN political commentator Scott Jennings of attempting to create a viral moment during a heated exchange on the Daniel Penny trial, correspondent Audie Cornish told the right-wing pundit that he wanted “a clip for the internet” while mockingly posing for a picture.
During Tuesday night’s broadcast of CNN NewsNight, the panel debated over Penny being acquitted in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man with mental health issues who acted threateningly towards subway passengers. The verdict was met with both applause and anger, with conservatives saying “justice has prevailed” and calling Penny a “hero.”
Read more:
CNN’s Scott Jennings scorched by colleague for trying to manufacture a viral moment
Republican Senator signals he is unsure about Pete Hegseth
Thursday 12 December 2024 06:00 , Ariana Baio
Republican Senator Todd Young of Indiana did not give a definitive answer on whether or not he will support Trump’s defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth.
“I haven’t decided yet, as I’ve shared with him and happy to share with others,” Young told CNN on Wednesday. “We had a good meeting. It was an extensive conversation, and he answered the questions I asked.”
“I appreciated his candor as we discussed our readiness challenges, the China threat, auditing the Pentagon, his vision for DoD, and other important national security issues,” Young said in an X post.
WATCH: Jimmy Kimmel jokes about Trump sending Don Jr’s fiancee to Greece
Thursday 12 December 2024 05:00 , Gustaf Kilander
I asked Republicans about Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks on Syria. This is what they said
Thursday 12 December 2024 04:00 , Eric Garcia
The fall of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad immediately triggered conversation about Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congressman and President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be Director of National Intelligence — and not just among everyday citizens. Adam Kinzinger, the former Republican congressman, joked on X/Twitter as news broke that Gabbard could offer the deposed Syrian president “safe harbor” in her home.
Gabbard met with the Syrian dictator in 2017, and she did so in her capacity as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. In one particularly shocking moment, The Independent reported last month that when she met with young girls from Syria who had survived airstrikes from Assad’s military, she allegedly asked them how they knew it was Assad who bombed them. It was a question so insulting that the translator present said he refused to translate it.
Read more:
I asked Republicans about Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks on Syria. This is what they said
Trump’s border czar reveals which city is first for mass deportations
Thursday 12 December 2024 02:00 , Alex Woodward
Donald Trump’s incoming “border czar” wants officials in America’s third-largest city to “get the hell out of the way” of his plans for mass deportations or risk prosecution.
In remarks to a group of Chicago Republicans on Monday night, Tom Homan said the city and the state of Illinois are “in trouble” because “your mayor sucks and your governor sucks.”
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Trump’s border czar reveals which city is first for mass deportations
Ex-FBI Director James Comey issues warning to former colleagues ahead of Trump second term
Thursday 12 December 2024 01:30 , Michelle Del Rey
Former FBI Director James Comey has tried to reassure his former colleagues at the Bureau ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term.
In a statement posted to Instagram a day before FBI Director Christopher Wray announced he’d be stepping down, Comey wrote: “I realize there is a great deal of anxiety in the Bureau now — produced by the rhetoric of those who have reason to fear honest investigators.”
“But please know you will be ok in the long run.”
“The special burden of being in the FBI is that you lack friends in high places — by design,” Comey’s statement continued. “America has wanted you to be lonely since the searing lessons of Watergate. Once upon a time, the FBI director was a pal of presidents, sharing late-night drinks and using the Bureau to do favors for the powerful.
“But the country learned 50 years ago that it is not in the national interest for the FBI to be loyal to anything except the constitution and the law.”
The former FBI director’s tenure at the department abruptly ended in 2017 when then-President Trump fired him.
Kimberly Guilfoyle, Trump’s ambassador to Greece, once called Greeks ‘freeloaders’ who should be punished
Thursday 12 December 2024 01:00 , Justin Baragona
While late-night comics joke about the actual motive behind President-elect Donald Trump selecting his son’s (ex-?) fiancee Kimberly Guilfoyle as the U.S. ambassador to Greece, Greek citizens may not find her previous remarks about them very funny.
In a 2015 segment of Fox News’ The Five unearthed by Media Matters senior fellow Matt Gertz, Guilfoyle once described the Greeks as “freeloaders” who should be punished after rejecting a bailout offer from the European Union.
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Kimberly Guilfoyle, Trump’s ambassador to Greece, once called Greeks ‘freeloaders’
Trump may revoke policy shielding migrants from deportation arrests in churches and schools
Thursday 12 December 2024 00:30 , Josh Marcus
As soon as its first day in office, the incoming Trump administration is reportedly planning on rescinding a 2011 immigration policy limiting deportation arrests in sensitive locations like schools, churches, and hospitals.
Instead, the administration plans to let Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents make arrests in these locations if they’re related to national security concerns, the arrest of a dangerous felon, or risks of imminent danger or the compromising of a criminal investigation, according to NBC News, which first reported on the alleged plan, citing three anonymous sources familiar with the new administration.
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Elon Musk’s net worth reaches historic peak. What is it?
Thursday 12 December 2024 00:00 , Kelly Rissman
Elon Musk now boasts a net worth of $400 billion, making him the first person in history to ever hit that milestone.
The world’s richest person became even richer Wednesday after SpaceX and its investors agreed to buy $1.25 billion of insider shares, valuing the company at $350 billion, Bloomberg reported. The move ballooned the founder’s net worth by $50 billion, meaning he is now worth $439 billion, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
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Elon Musk’s net worth reaches historic peak. What is it?
Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to inauguration: report
Wednesday 11 December 2024 23:30 , Ariana Baio
President-elect Trump reportedly invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to his inauguration on January 20th, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News on Wednesday.
While ambassadors and diplomats are typically invited to the inauguration, foreign leaders and usually not.
It is unclear if Xi accepted the invitation.
The Independent has asked Trump’s team for comment
A spokesperson for the Trump team, Karoline Leavitt, told CBS: “World leaders are lining up to meet with President Trump because they know he will soon return to power and restore peace through American strength around the globe.”
C-SPAN host fact-checks GOP lawmaker who thinks Pete Hegseth doesn’t know who’s accusing him of rape
Wednesday 11 December 2024 23:00 , Justin Baragona
C-SPAN host Mimi Geerges was forced to correct Republican Rep. Rich McCormick on Wednesday when he insisted that Pete Hegseth does not know the identity of the woman accusing him of sexual assault, only for the Georgia lawmaker to double down on his false claim.
McCormick, who was on Washington Journal to primarily talk about his heated clash with Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, was asked about the embattled Hegseth’s efforts to rally support for his nomination as secretary of defense amid a slew of accusations over sexual misconduct and excessive drinking.
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C-SPAN host fact-checks Republican who says Hegseth doesn’t know who his accuser is
Incoming FBI director Kash Patel responds to Wray resignation
Wednesday 11 December 2024 22:30 , Ariana Baio
When asked to respond to FBI Director Christopher Wray stepping down from his position, incoming director Kash Patel said he was “looking forward” to a smooth transition and will be prepared to take over.
No discussion with Trump on his ‘policy agenda’ during call, says Swinney
Wednesday 11 December 2024 22:00 , Craig Paton
John Swinney and Donald Trump did not discuss the US president-elect’s “policy agenda” during a call, the First Minister has said.
Mr Swinney spoke to the soon-to-be 47th president on Tuesday, with Mr Trump speaking of his admiration for Scotland, but discussions did not include a potential visit to Bute House when the Republican next comes to Scotland – expected to be some time next year.
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No discussion with Trump on his ‘policy agenda’ during call, says Swinney
Read Merrick Garland’s statement on Christopher Wray’s departure in full
Wednesday 11 December 2024 21:30 , Gustaf Kilander
Chris Wray has served our country honorably and with integrity for decades, including for seven years as the Director of the FBI under presidents of both parties.
In a heightened threat environment, Director Wray has worked tirelessly to protect the American people and to lead an agency of 38,000 dedicated public servants, many of whom put their lives on the line every day to serve their communities.
Under Director Wray’s principled leadership, the FBI has worked to fulfill the Justice Department’s mission to keep our country safe, protect civil rights, and uphold the rule of law.
He has led the FBI’s efforts to aggressively confront the broad range of threats facing our country — from nation-state adversaries and foreign and domestic terrorism to violent crime, cybercrime, and financial crime.
There are few leadership positions more central to keeping the American people safe than the Director of the FBI.
The Director of the FBI is responsible for leading employees located across the country and around the world who dedicate themselves each day to disrupting complex plots and preventing horrific tragedies before they can occur.
The Director of the FBI is responsible for leading the federal law enforcement agency that serves as the connective tissue among the intelligence community, state and local law enforcement agencies across the country, and our international law enforcement partners.
And the Director of the FBI is responsible for protecting the independence of the FBI from inappropriate influence in its criminal investigations. That independence is central to preserving the rule of law and to protecting the freedoms we as Americans hold dear.
Director Wray has done that job with integrity and skill. He has my gratitude, the gratitude of the FBI agents and employees whose respect and admiration he has earned, and the gratitude of the American people.
Attorney General Merrick Garland
Donald Trump to be named person of the year by Time magazine
Wednesday 11 December 2024 21:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Donald Trump is set to be named “Person of the Year” by Time magazine and he’ll celebrate the moment and the new cover by ringing the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, according to Politico.
When Taylor Swift was on the cover last year, the CEO of Time, Jessica Sibley, rang the opening bell.
Trump was also selected in 2016. Thirteen other presidents have also been chosen by the magazine, including current President Joe Biden.
Only 2 in 10 Americans actually approve of Biden’s sweeping pardon for son Hunter
Wednesday 11 December 2024 20:30 , Will Weissert, Amelia Thomson Deveaux
Only about 2 in 10 Americans approve of Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter after earlier promising he would do no such thing, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
That displeasure tracks with the bipartisan uproar in Washington that ignited over the president’s about-face. The survey found that a relatively small share of Americans “strongly” or “somewhat” approve of the pardon, which came after the younger Biden was convicted on gun and tax charges. About half said they “strongly” or “somewhat” disapprove, and about 2 in 10 neither approve nor disapprove.
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Only 2 in 10 Americans actually approve of Biden’s sweeping pardon for son Hunter
