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President Donald Trump has demanded that Israel drop its legal case against its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three separate cases. The Israeli leader, who has denied all allegations, is due to return to court on Monday.
On Wednesday, Trump said he was "shocked" to hear that Israel was continuing its trial of Netanyahu, which he branded "politically motivated" and a "Witch Hunt against their Great War Time Prime Minister."
What To Know
- The legal proceedings against Netanyahu began back in 2020 and since then, more than 100 witnesses, including some of his closest former allies, have testified.
- Prosecutors say he traded regulatory favors with media executives for positive coverage and accepted expensive gifts from a billionaire.
- He is the first sitting Israeli leader to testify as a criminal defendant. He is also, separately, facing an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes.
- In his Truth Social post Wednesday, Trump called for Netanyahu's trial to "be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State."
- Earlier Wednesday, Trump announced that U.S. officials plan to meet with Iran next week as the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran continues to hold.
- Iran has denied talks are scheduled and has reaffirmed its commitment to its nuclear program.
Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Jun 25, 2025 at 08:02 PM EDT
Kevin McCarthy says foreign leaders ‘love’ Trump after ‘Daddy’ comment
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that world leaders "love President Trump" after NATO Secretary -General Mark Rutte referred to Trump as "Daddy."
"When you talk to the foreign leaders, they love President Trump. They want to be around him. If you watch their faces, I mean, you didn't play this clip, do you know what they called him? You're our daddy," McCarthy said on Fox News Wednesday.
Rutte has since sought to clarify the comment he made during a summit news conference with Trump on Wednesday, adding that he was making a reference in jest.
Jun 25, 2025 at 07:51 PM EDT
88-year-old House Democrat’s staff walks back comments on reelection bid
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton's office is walking back earlier comments suggesting she would run for reelection in 2026, clarifying that no final decision has been made.
Norton, 88, told NBC News' Sahil Kapur on Wednesday afternoon that she will seek reelection as a Delegate to the U.S. House for the District of Columbia.
Kapur posted on X, formerly Twitter, "Just now — @EleanorNorton tells me she's made up her mind and will in fact seek another term in the House in 2026: "Yeah, I'm gonna run for re-election." However, about an hour later on Wednesday, Axios' Cuneyt Dil and Andrew Solender reported that Sharon Nichols, Norton's spokesperson, said, "No decision has been made. She wants to run but is still discussing it with people closest to her."
This marks the second instance this month where Norton has informed a reporter of her intention to seek re-election, only for her office to subsequently retract the statement. On June 10, Norton's office told Kapur, after an earlier confirmation from Norton, "She wants to run again but she's in conversations with her family, friends, and closest advisors to decide what's best."
Jun 25, 2025 at 07:43 PM EDT
Deputy AG Blanche says ‘we’ll work out’ whether to charge leaker with treason
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said that the Department of Justice was still deciding whether the leaker would be charged with treason.
"Whether its treasonous or whether someone will be charged with treason we'll work that out," he said.
"But you better believe the department of justice is going to do everything we can to find out who did this."
Jun 25, 2025 at 07:36 PM EDT
Congress members ‘not immune from criminal liability’ over intelligence report leak: Blanche
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche warned on Wednesday that no one was immune from criminal liability over the intelligence report leak - including American lawmakers.
"If it was a member of congress who leaked.. are they immune from criminal liability for putting the safety of the U.S. at risk? Nowhere that I read," Blanche said during an appearance on Fox News.
"I'm not aware of an immunity clause that protects anybody in this country from disclosing classified top secret or even higher information to the New York Times."
Jun 25, 2025 at 07:32 PM EDT
Deputy AG Blanche prepared to bring in reporters for depositions on intelligence report leak
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said he was prepared to bring in reporters for depositions over the intelligence report leak.
During a Wednesday appearance on Fox News, Blanche has pledged that the Department of Justice "is going to do everything we can to find out who did this," including the rare measure of bring journalists to court.
Jun 25, 2025 at 07:15 PM EDT
WATCH: Chip Roy and libertarian thinktank VP have fiery clash at House hearing
Jun 25, 2025 at 07:04 PM EDT
Trump demands Israel end Netanyahu trial
President Donald Trump has demanded that Israel drop its legal charges against its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three separate cases. The legal proceedings began back in 2020 and since then, more than 100 witnesses, including some of his closest former allies, have testified.
Prosecutors say he traded regulatory favors with media executives for positive coverage and accepted expensive gifts from a billionaire.
Netanyahu, who has denied all allegations, is due to return to court on Monday.
On Wednesday, Trump said he was "shocked" to hear that Israel was continuing its trial of Netanyahu, which he branded "politically motivated" and a "Witch Hunt against their Great War Time Prime Minister."
"Such a WITCH HUNT, for a man who has given so much, is unthinkable to me. He deserves much better than this, and so does the State of Israel," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Bibi Netanyahu's trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State.
"Perhaps there is no one that I know who could have worked in better harmony with the President of the United States, ME, than Bibi Netanyahu. It was the United States of America that saved Israel, and now it is going to be the United States of America that saves Bibi Netanyahu. THIS TRAVESTY OF "JUSTICE" CAN NOT BE ALLOWED!"
Jun 25, 2025 at 06:52 PM EDT
Trump’s border czar issues stark warning to Zohran Mamdani: ‘Game on’
Tom Homan, President Donald Trump's appointed border czar, issued a warning to New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani on the heels of his mayoral primary victory, saying that immigration enforcement will "double down and triple down on sanctuary cities."
Mamdani built his campaign around affordability in the Big Apple and focused on rent freezes. His platform also includes no-cost child care, free buses and "Trump-proofing" the city.
In a link on his campaign website, Mamdani says his administration, should he become mayor, would focus on getting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) out of New York City facilities, end cooperation with the agency, protect personal data from outside jurisdictions and "bolster legal support" for immigrants.
Read in full from Anna Commander on Newsweek.
Jun 25, 2025 at 06:41 PM EDT
Irish lawmaker holds up JD Vance meme in parliament
An Irish lawmaker held up a photo of Vice President JD Vance during a discussion in parliament on U.S. immigration Wednesday.
Ivana Bacik, leader of the Labour Party, said, "This week, a young Norwegian tourist was detained by ICE.... and sent back to Osla. Why?
"He had this meme on this phone, minister. A meme depicting VP Vance as a baby," she said, holding up the popular meme of Vance.
"Extraordinary that a young person—with this amusing meme on their phone depicting a public person—that this would be used as an excuse to detain him for five hours and deport him back to Oslo."
Bacik has called for lawmakers to raise the issue with the U.S. ambassador.
Jun 25, 2025 at 06:36 PM EDT
Mitch McConnell calls Trump administration ‘unnecessarily chaotic’
Senate lawmakers from both parties clashed with Russell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, on Wednesday over the Trump administration's proposal to cancel billions in federal spending, raising sharp concerns about cuts to foreign aid, public media, and global health programs.
During a contentious hearing, Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky criticized the administration's cost-cutting approach as "unnecessarily chaotic," warning it could create openings for adversaries like China.
McConnell said in part, "There's plenty of nonsense masquerading as American aid that shouldn't receive another bit of taxpayer funding. But the administration's attempt to root it out has been unnecessarily chaotic. In critical corners of the globe, instead of creating efficiencies, you have created vacuums for adversaries like China to fill."
The hearing marked the Senate's review of a $9.4 billion rescissions package already approved by the House, with a July 18 deadline looming for action. If the Senate declines to act, the administration must release the funds—but bipartisan resistance suggests the plan could face major hurdles.
Jun 25, 2025 at 06:29 PM EDT
CNN defends journalist after Trump calls for her to be ‘thrown out like a dog’
CNN defends its journalists and their reporting of the intelligence report on the U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites after President Trump called for reporter Natasha Bertrand to be "thrown out like a dog."
"We stand 100% behind Natasha Bertrand's journalism and specifically her and her colleagues' reporting of the early intelligence assessment of the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities," the network said in a statement.
"CNN's reporting made clear that this was an initial finding that could change with additional intelligence."
Jun 25, 2025 at 06:21 PM EDT
WATCH: Senator blasts Russell Vought over USAID cuts: ‘Children dying’
Jun 25, 2025 at 06:11 PM EDT
CIA director says Iran’s nuclear program was ‘severely damaged’
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has become the latest member of the Trump administration to contradict an intelligence report on the U.S. strikes on Iran nuclear sites.
In his statement, Ratcliffe said the CIA had "credible evidence" Iran's nuclear program had been "severely damaged" and key nuclear facilities had been "destroyed."
He added that it would take Iran "the course of years" to rebuilt the nuclear sites.
Jun 25, 2025 at 05:57 PM EDT
Senate leader Thune says he believes budget bill will pass this week
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said that he believes President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" will be passed by the end of the week.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Thune said, "We're well on our way to getting this bill passed this week and creating a stronger and more prosperous America."
"That means Americans keeping more of their hard-earned money and American businesses growing and investing in our country and our workers," Thune added Wednesday.
Jun 25, 2025 at 05:44 PM EDT
Trump announces Pentagon conference on US Iran strikes
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is set to host a "Major News Conference" on America's strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Trump said that the pilots involved in the strikes had been "upset" after media coverage of an intelligence report that stated that the sites had not been "obliterated" as the president had claimed. The report instead suggested that the strikes had only delayed Iran's nuclear program by a matter of months.
"The Fake News (Times and CNN) lied and totally misrepresented the Facts, none of which they had (because it was too soon, there were no Facts out there yet!)," Trump wrote.
"The News Conference will prove both interesting and irrefutable," he added.
The Pentagon press conference will be held with Hegseth and other military representatives at 8 a.m. Thursday.
Jun 25, 2025 at 05:32 PM EDT
Chuck Schumer taken to hospital
Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader of the United States Senate, was taken to a New York hospital Wednesday morning, a spokesperson told Associated Press.
The 74-year-old senator had been in the Capitol gym when he became lightheaded.
He was taken to hospital "out of an abundance of caution" and treated for dehydration, before he returned to the Senate this afternoon.
Jun 25, 2025 at 05:16 PM EDT
Trump proposes presidential ticket for Democrat party
President Donald Trump has proposed the next presidential ticket for the Democrat party, in a sarcastic Truth Social post from Air Force One.
"I have an idea for the Democrats to bring them back into "play." After years of being left out in the cold, including suffering one of the Greatest Losses in History, the 2024 Presidential Election," Trump said.
He suggested Rep. Jasmine Crockett run for president with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as her vice president, with Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna S. Pressley of Massachusetts and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan in their cabinet.
"Added together with our future Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, and our Country is really SCREWED!" he added.
Jun 25, 2025 at 05:01 PM EDT
Rep. Chip Roy and libertarian thinktank VP Alex Nowrasteh clash at House hearing
Things got heated during a House judiciary committee hearing on the visa process, between Rep. Chip Roy and Alex Nowrasteh, vice president for libertarian thinktank Cato Institute.
Roy was grilling Nowrasteh about policies he said had left "thousands" of Americans dead, "that were advocated for by the Biden administration and people parading around as libertarian."
"I take exception to that," Nowrasteh shot back. "That's a heck of a thing to say to somebody its totally false."
Jun 25, 2025 at 04:47 PM EDT
WATCH: Trump’s CDC pick Monarez says there’s no link between vaccines and autism
Jun 25, 2025 at 03:57 PM EDT
Army says 190,000 attended birthday parade in Washington
According to Army spokesman Steve Warren, an estimated 190,000 people attended the U.S. Army's 250th birthday celebration in Washington, D.C., earlier this month.
The June 14 parade, which marked Trump's 79th birthday, drew massive crowds along Constitution Avenue. Warren said Wednesday that the attendance figure was based on Secret Service magnetometer data.
Despite concerns about potential street damage from tanks and heavy military vehicles, Warren noted that the only reported issue was a damaged curb. The event featured thousands of troops, military hardware, and fireworks.
Jun 25, 2025 at 03:40 PM EDT
Trump criticizes Mamdani after NYC primary win, slams Democratic Party
President Donald Trump reacted sharply to Zohran Mamdani's surprise victory in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, calling the democratic socialist a "100% Communist Lunatic" in a social media post.
Jun 25, 2025 at 03:28 PM EDT
Israeli envoy thanks U.S. for support in Senate GOP meeting
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter met privately with Senate Republicans on Wednesday, expressing gratitude for continued U.S. support amid tensions with Iran, according to Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO).
"They want to be sure to hold Iran's feet to the fire going forward," Hawley said, adding that Israel remains focused on ensuring Iran's nuclear program is fully dismantled.
Hawley noted that the meeting was a routine check-in, and no updates were provided on potential negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Jun 25, 2025 at 03:11 PM EDT
Trump sues Maryland judges over deportation delay order
The Trump administration has filed a rare lawsuit against all federal judges in Maryland, challenging a court order that temporarily blocks the deportation of detained immigrants who request judicial review.
The suit targets a May order by Chief Judge George L. Russell III, which bars removals until 4 p.m. on the second business day after a habeas corpus petition is filed. The administration argues the order violates Supreme Court precedent and infringes on executive authority over immigration enforcement.
Attorney General Pam Bondi called the order an example of "judicial overreach" and said it undermines the president's agenda. The administration also seeks to reassign the case to a judge outside Maryland.
The Maryland court declined to comment, while critics say the lawsuit escalates tensions between the executive and judicial branches.
Jun 25, 2025 at 02:57 PM EDT
Qatar Airways diverted 90 flights after Iran strike on U.S. base
At least 90 Qatar Airways flights carrying 20,000 passengers were forced to divert on Monday after Iran launched missiles at the U.S.-run Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the airline's CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer confirmed Wednesday.
Flights were rerouted to airports across Saudi Arabia, Turkey, India, Oman, and the UAE, while others landed in major hubs like London and Barcelona. Departures from Doha were suspended until Tuesday.
More than 10,000 passengers already in transit at Hamad International Airport were caught in what Al-Meer described as "one of the most severe and complex operational challenges in modern aviation history."
Jun 25, 2025 at 02:41 PM EDT
Iranian immigrant detained by ICE is a Trump supporter, wife says
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The heavily pregnant wife of an ex-Iranian army soldier detained by federal immigration agents has told Newsweek her husband supports President Donald Trump and that he never tried to hide is military service.
Ribvar Karimi was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 22 in Locust, Alabama, according to his family.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says that Karimi, 26, served as a sniper in the Iranian Army from 2018 to 2021. He entered the U.S. on a K-1 fiancé visa in October 2024 but failed to adjust his immigration status as required, making him subject to removal, according to ICE.
His 30-year-old wife Morgan Karimi told Newsweek in an exclusive interview: "My husband himself even being from Iran supported Trump, his immigration policies and understood he was trying to protect the American people and was praying he helped free the Iranian people.
"He believed in him as well. My husband is from the Kurdish region of Iran, where the people are good people and desperate for freedom from the regime."
Newsweek has contacted DHS for comment via email.
Read the full story by Billal Rahman on Newsweek.
Jun 25, 2025 at 02:27 PM EDT
Monarez defends science credentials, sidesteps CDC cuts at hearing
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Susan Monarez, Trump's nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told senators Wednesday that she supports vaccines and evidence-based public health policy, but avoided direct answers on recent staffing cuts and program eliminations at the agency.
Monarez, who has served as acting director since January, said she was not involved in those decisions and emphasized her commitment to transitioning core CDC functions to other parts of the Health and Human Services Department.
While her scientific background drew praise, some lawmakers expressed concern over her reluctance to address controversial moves by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including dismissing the CDC's vaccine advisory panel.
The Senate health committee will now weigh whether to advance her nomination.
Jun 25, 2025 at 02:13 PM EDT
Iran says 35 air defense personnel killed in Israeli strikes
At least 35 members of Iran's Air Defense Force were killed in Israeli attacks between June 13 and Tuesday, according to Iran's semi-official Student News Network (SNN).
The outlet published the names of the deceased, which reportedly include two brigadier generals, seven colonels, and three lieutenant colonels.
The strikes are part of a broader Israeli campaign targeting Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure, which has escalated regional tensions and drawn international concern.
Jun 25, 2025 at 01:58 PM EDT
Bove insists ‘no quid pro quo’ in ending criminal case against Eric Adams
During his Wednesday confirmation hearing to be an appeals court judge, Emil Bove was questioned about his role in ending the criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Bove said previously that the charges should be dropped so Adams could work with the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in the city.
However, at his hearing, Bove insisted there was "no quid pro quo" in the move.
Jun 25, 2025 at 01:53 PM EDT
Trump says Israel backs up his claim Iran’s nuclear sites were ‘obliterated’
President Donald Trump, who has become increasingly frustrated with reports that contradict his claims that Iran's nuclear sites were "obliterated" in the U.S. strikes last weekend, has claimed that Israel supports his account.
"Israel just stated that the Nuclear Sites were OBLITERATED! Thank you to our great B-2 pilots, and all others involved!" he added.
Jun 25, 2025 at 01:49 PM EDT
WATCH: Bondi dismisses meme coin ‘gotcha question’ at hearing
Jun 25, 2025 at 01:44 PM EDT
Donald Trump’s chances of winning Nobel Peace Prize skyrocket
The odds on President Trump winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize have improved dramatically since his administration negotiated a ceasefire in the Israel-Iran conflict that went into effect on Tuesday, according to a leading betting website.
Betting website Oddspedia gave Trump a 13.3 percent chance of securing the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize on May 19, but this had more than doubled to 27.8 percent as of 9:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday.
On Wednesday morning, Oddspedia gave Trump odds of a 27.8 percent chance of securing the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, making him the favorite ahead of Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg on 20 percent.
This was a dramatic improvement in his performance with Oddspedia since May 19, when the website only gave Trump a 13.3 percent chance of winning the prestigious award.
Read in full from James Bickerton on Newsweek.
Jun 25, 2025 at 01:41 PM EDT
Pam Bondi dodges repeatedly dodges question on oreign Influence In Government
Attorney General Pam Bondi was repeatedly asked about President Donald Trump's meme coin dinner, during her testimony at a Justice Department budget hearing Wednesday.
"I want to know, if when the president held his dinner for 220 individuals who purchased the most of his meme coins, were there foreign interests attending that dinner?" Sen. Jeff Merkley asked Bondi.
"Senator, we're here to talk about the Department of Justice and my budget for the upcoming year. I would think that you would want to talk about the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel who is living in Oregon," Bondi responded.
However, Sen. Merkley pushed the attorney general again, pointing to Bondi's refusal to answer the question in the House, adding that many of the people at the dinner, "were buying those coins because they wanted to influence U.S. policy."
"Don't you think the American people have the right to know?" he added.
Bondi hit back calling the question "wildly offensive" and a "gotcha question" before turning the conversation to the border and former President Biden.
Jun 25, 2025 at 01:25 PM EDT
Rep. Stanton urges Lake to run for governor again after 2022 loss
During a tense exchange during Kari Lake's testimony before a House committee on Wednesday, Rep. John Stanton asked her if she would "do us all a favor and run for governor again" after losing the gubernatorial and senate races in recent years.
Lake, a senior adviser at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, responded by accusing Stanton of not caring about the integrity of Arizona elections. Lake has previously claimed she did not lose the elections.
Jun 25, 2025 at 01:18 PM EDT
Kari Lake responds to grilling on gutting agency with photo of Trump
Kari Lake, a senior adviser at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, testified Wednesday in front of the House Foreign Affairs Committee about the massive cuts to her agency.
Lake was being grilled by lawmakers about her role in downsizing the agency, when she responded by puling out a headshot of President Trump.
"Most of all, what we've reviewed was an executive order March 14 by the man that's in charge of the executive branch, his name is Donald Trump," she said showing the picture.
Jun 25, 2025 at 01:01 PM EDT
Trump slams media over Iran strike coverage, defends B-2 pilots
Trump lashed out at the New York Times and CNN in a social media post, accusing them of undermining the success of recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.
Jun 25, 2025 at 12:40 PM EDT
CDC reports tens of thousands of COVID deaths since fall
COVID-19 continues to pose a serious health risk in the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 32,000 to 51,000 deaths and over 250,000 hospitalizations since last fall. The most vulnerable remain seniors and children under 2, particularly infants under 6 months, who may benefit from maternal vaccination during pregnancy.
The data was presented as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s newly appointed vaccine advisory panel convened for the first time. The meeting drew criticism from medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, which announced it will now publish its independent vaccine schedule, citing concerns that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is "no longer a credible process."
Jun 25, 2025 at 12:20 PM EDT
White House touts $2.3T deficit cut from Trump tax plan, CBO disagrees
A new analysis from the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) projects that the Senate Finance Committee's draft of Trump's tax package could reduce the federal deficit by $2.1 to $2.3 trillion over the next decade. The estimate is based on anticipated economic growth and increased tariff revenue, with the CEA forecasting GDP growth reaching 4.9% within four years.
The projection sharply contrasts with the Congressional Budget Office's assessment of the House version of the bill, which estimates a deficit increase of up to $2.8 trillion over the same period and warns of disproportionate impacts on low-income Americans.
The CEA report did not include a breakdown of how the tax changes would affect different income groups.
Jun 25, 2025 at 12:07 PM EDT
POV from reporter at NATO summit: Trump ends NATO summit on warm note, but tensions with Spain linger
Trump's remarks marked the end of the summit for most here, providing somewhat of a judgement call on whether the U.S. is satisfied with the allies it has for months criticized. Trump's arrival late last night, and his impression of the new NATO spending pledge, has been at the forefront of conversation all day here in The Hague.
Trump largely struck a warm tone at his highly anticipated press conference, calling the summit "highly productive" — something NATO chief Mark Rutte, who is widely credited here with pushing the alliance towards its 5 percent spending pledge, will likely be very pleased to hear stated publicly. Rutte has been "terrific," and is "doing a fantastic job," Trump said in his opening comments.
But Trump firmly took aim at Spain, as many expected him to do ahead of his press conference — although he did temper his biting critique of Madrid. "I do like Spain, by the way," he quipped at a reporter from one of Spain's major newspapers. Iran and the intelligence assessments on the state of its nuclear program dominated, too, although NATO has no direct involvement.
It's now a wrap in The Hague, a major moment for an alliance that has for months fretted over its own unity and how Trump could smash it apart, should he choose to. For the moment, at least, NATO and the U.S.'s role in it feels more solid than it has throughout much of this year, although this could change if the commitments made here don't quickly materialize.
Read more by Ellie Cook on Newsweek.
Jun 25, 2025 at 11:54 AM EDT
Trump says U.S. may meet Iran next week, downplays need for deal
Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. will meet with Iranian officials next week to discuss a potential nuclear agreement, though he repeatedly downplayed the need for such a deal.
"I don't care if I have an agreement or not," Trump said at the close of the NATO summit in The Hague, insisting that U.S. strikes had already destroyed Iran's nuclear capabilities.
He added that any agreement would seek the same commitments as previous negotiations, but emphasized that the nuclear threat was already "blown up to kingdom come."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal would depend on Iran's willingness to engage directly with the U.S., not through intermediaries.
Jun 25, 2025 at 11:41 AM EDT
Senate panel advances Bedford’s FAA nomination amid partisan split
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The Senate Commerce Committee voted along party lines to advance Bryan Bedford's next Federal Aviation Administrator nomination.
Republicans praised Bedford's decades of experience leading regional airlines, including Republic Airways, citing his management background as a strength for modernizing the FAA.
Democrats, however, raised concerns about his past efforts to weaken pilot training requirements and questioned his commitment to aviation safety. Bedford has faced criticism for refusing to fully endorse the 1,500-hour flight rule for co-pilots during his confirmation hearings.
Jun 25, 2025 at 11:28 AM EDT
Crow disputes Trump’s Iran strike claims, urges focus on facts
In an interview with CNN's Kate Bolduan, Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) challenged President Trump's portrayal of the U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, saying the president has a history of distorting intelligence. Crow, a former Army Ranger and member of the House Intelligence Committee, confirmed he had seen the early assessments and warned that the strikes likely did not destroy Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
Crow argued that the idea of permanently eliminating such deeply fortified sites "doesn't stand to reason," citing Cold War-era U.S. facilities as examples of how resilient underground complexes can be. He also criticized Trump for bypassing Congress and warned against conflating criticism of military decisions with disrespect for service members.
The interview adds to growing scrutiny over the effectiveness of the strikes and the administration's handling of intelligence.
Jun 25, 2025 at 11:13 AM EDT
Trump says U.S. may send Patriots to Ukraine, praises reporter’s question
Trump was asked a question by a reporter from the BBC's Ukrainian service, who said she was living outside the country with her children but her husband was serving in the military inside Ukraine.
"That's rough stuff, right?" Trump told the reporter, who asked whether the U.S. is willing to sell Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine. Kyiv has asked its allies for the advanced Patriot systems, able to shoot down Russia's advanced weapons, and has said it is willing to pay for them.
"We're going to see if we can make some available," Trump said. "They're very to get - we need them too, we were supplying them to Israel."
Trump said it is "hard to believe how effective" the American-made air defense missiles have proved to be. Referring to Ukraine's government, he added: "They do want that more than any other thing."
Trump rounded off his response by telling the reporter: "That's a very good question. And I wish you a lot of luck, I mean, I can see it's very upsetting to you."
"Say hello to your husband," he added.
Jun 25, 2025 at 11:12 AM EDT
Trump sidesteps ‘daddy’ label, praises NATO allies
President Donald Trump wrapped up his NATO summit press conference with a lighthearted exchange about Secretary General Mark Rutte's earlier remark calling him "Daddy" to the alliance.
Asked if he viewed NATO allies as his children, Trump laughed and replied, "No, he likes me. I think he likes me," referring to Rutte.
Trump went on to commend most NATO members for agreeing to boost defense spending and call the summit a success for alliance unity and U.S. leadership.
Jun 25, 2025 at 11:01 AM EDT
Sánchez defends Spain’s 2% defense spending as ‘sufficient’
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed Wednesday that Spain will meet NATO's agreed capability targets, despite opting to maintain defense spending at 2% of GDP.
Speaking after the NATO summit in The Hague, Sánchez described the 2% figure as "sufficient and realistic," emphasizing that it aligns with Spain's social model and economic priorities.
He also highlighted Spain's ongoing contributions to European security, particularly along the southern border and the eastern flank with Russia, positioning the country as a reliable NATO partner amid broader alliance efforts to boost defense investment.
Jun 25, 2025 at 10:47 AM EDT
Trump says Iran couldn’t move uranium before U.S. strikes
Trump insisted Wednesday that Iran's enriched uranium stockpile was not removed ahead of U.S. airstrikes, claiming the facilities were hit "so hard, so fast" that Tehran had no time to act.
"They didn't get a chance to move," Trump said at the NATO summit, describing the material as "very heavy and hard to move," buried 30 stories beneath layers of granite, concrete, and steel.
Jun 25, 2025 at 10:42 AM EDT
Trump threatens trade penalties over Spain’s defense spending stance
Trump warned Wednesday that Spain could face trade repercussions after its government declined to meet NATO's new 5% defense spending target, opting instead to remain at 2% of GDP.
"They're doing very well... and that economy could be blown right out of the water if something bad happened," Trump said at the NATO summit in The Hague.
He added that the U.S. is negotiating a trade deal with Spain and vowed, "We're going to make them pay twice as much. I'm actually serious about this."
Spain has secured a formal exemption from the 5% goal, but Trump's comments suggest tensions remain over burden-sharing within the alliance.
Jun 25, 2025 at 10:41 AM EDT
Trump hints at possible U.S.-Iran talks, agreement next week
Trump revealed Wednesday that the U.S. may resume direct talks with Iran as early as next week, raising the possibility of a new agreement between the two nations.
"We're going to talk with them next week," Trump said during a press conference at the NATO summit in The Hague. "We may sign an agreement, I don't know."
Jun 25, 2025 at 10:35 AM EDT
Intelligence report challenges Trump’s claim of obliterating Iran’s nuclear program
A U.S. intelligence report has cast doubt on President Donald Trump's assertion that American airstrikes "completely and fully obliterated" Iran's nuclear facilities. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment, shared by sources familiar with the findings, concluded the strikes caused significant damage but only set back Iran's nuclear progress by months, not years.
While Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insist the operation dealt a lasting blow, the report found key infrastructure remained intact, and that Iran may have moved some enriched uranium and centrifuges before the strikes.
The White House rejected the assessment as "flat-out wrong," with Trump denouncing media coverage and defending the operation's impact. Intelligence officials warn that Iran retains the ability to restart its nuclear program and potentially develop a weapon if it chooses.
Jun 25, 2025 at 10:25 AM EDT
Trump rejects CNN report, says Iran nuclear site ‘obliterated’
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Trump dismissed a question from CNN during a NATO summit press conference, labeling the network "fake news" and rejecting claims that he relied on Israeli intelligence to assess the impact of U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.
"We've collected additional intelligence," Trump said. "The site is obliterated, and we think everything nuclear is down there. They didn't take it out."
Jun 25, 2025 at 10:22 AM EDT
Trump says Iran-Israel war may restart despite ceasefire
Trump expressed doubt Wednesday about the durability of the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, saying the two sides were "tired" after intense fighting.
"They've fought very hard and very viciously, very violently, and they were both satisfied to go home and get out." He then added, "I guess some day it could maybe start again soon."
Jun 25, 2025 at 10:19 AM EDT
Trump calls Hegseth ‘secretary of war,’ criticizes title change
President Donald Trump referred to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the "secretary of war" during remarks at the NATO summit, reviving a title officially retired in 1947.
The designation was replaced with "Secretary of Defense" during the Truman administration as part of a broader post-WWII reorganization of the U.S. military.
Trump dismissed the change as "politically correct," suggesting the older title reflects the role's purpose better, The Times reported.
Jun 25, 2025 at 10:17 AM EDT
Trump defends Iran strike claims, says tunnels collapsed
Trump doubled down Wednesday on his claim that U.S. airstrikes "obliterated" Iran's nuclear facilities, dismissing media reports and intelligence assessments that suggest otherwise.
Speaking at the NATO summit, Trump said the strikes caused the tunnels at Iran's Fordow site to collapse, rendering the facility inaccessible. "There's no way you can even get down," he said, adding that the nuclear material was likely buried because "it's very hard to remove."
He also praised the operation's precision, claiming every strike landed "within nine inches" of its target.
Jun 25, 2025 at 10:10 AM EDT
Trump touts Iran strikes, ceasefire at NATO summit
Trump opened his remarks at the NATO summit in The Hague by thanking the Netherlands for hosting and praising the U.S. military. He again described the recent strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities as "obliteration," despite intelligence reports suggesting more limited damage.
Trump credited the operation with securing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, calling the conflict the "12-day war" and expressing confidence that hostilities would not resume. He also claimed the strikes had "reasserted the credibility of American deterrence," which he described as unmatched.
Jun 25, 2025 at 10:09 AM EDT
Trump briefly addresses Ukraine war, urges NATO to buy U.S. arms
Trump briefly mentioned the Ukraine war during his remarks at the NATO summit in The Hague, saying, "Hopefully we're going to get that solved." He reiterated his longstanding claim that the conflict "would have never happened" if he had been in office earlier.
Trump emphasized that NATO's new 5% defense spending pledge should go toward "very serious military hardware, not bureaucracy," and expressed hope that much of it would be "made in America," calling U.S. equipment "the very best in the world."
Jun 25, 2025 at 10:06 AM EDT
Trump touts NATO defense pledge, praises Dutch hospitality
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Trump said Wednesday that NATO allies will spend 5% of their GDP on defense, though he did not specify the agreed timeline by 2035. The announcement came during the NATO summit in The Hague, where Trump appeared upbeat, praising the Netherlands' trees and calling the Dutch royals "beautiful people" from "central casting."
The 5% pledge marks a major shift in alliance policy, more than doubling the previous 2% target. While Trump celebrated the commitment, some member states have expressed concerns about meeting the goal within the decade.
Jun 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM EDT
WATCH NOW: Trump gives press conference from NATO Summit
Jun 25, 2025 at 09:57 AM EDT
IDF intercepts drone from Yemen amid regional ceasefire
The Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday it intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle likely launched from Yemen, adding that the drone did not enter Israeli airspace and no sirens were triggered.
The incident comes days after a ceasefire between Israel and Iran took effect, following nearly two weeks of hostilities. Yemen's Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, have continued to launch attacks in the region despite the truce, including previous drone and missile strikes targeting Israel.
The IDF said the drone was neutralized by protocol and posed no immediate threat.
Jun 25, 2025 at 09:46 AM EDT
Trump and Zelenskyy meet on NATO summit sidelines in The Hague
Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy began their long-anticipated meeting Wednesday on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, according to Zelenskyy's spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov.
The leaders are expected to discuss Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia, military aid, and broader security cooperation. Earlier, Trump described Zelenskyy as "a nice guy" and said they would "discuss the obvious" regarding Ukraine's challenges.
Jun 25, 2025 at 09:44 AM EDT
Vance flips middle finger at fundraiser, jokes about D.C. culture
Vice President J.D. Vance raised eyebrows Tuesday night when he flipped his middle finger toward the crowd during a Republican fundraiser in Lima, Ohio, joking about the challenges of modern politics.
"All the pink-haired people throw up this sign," Vance said, drawing laughter. "I think that means 'We're Number One,' right?" He added that the gesture is familiar in Washington and said he interprets it that way.
The moment came just hours after Trump used the f-word while venting about Israel and Iran allegedly violating a ceasefire, marking a notably unfiltered day for the administration.
Jun 25, 2025 at 09:31 AM EDT
Macron urges nuclear diplomacy as Iran-Israel ceasefire holds
French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday called the ceasefire between Iran and Israel "volatile and fragile," urging renewed diplomatic efforts to address Iran's nuclear program.
Speaking after the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Macron said he hoped the truce would hold but emphasized the need to "resume diplomatic and technical work" involving Iran, the U.S., and European nations.
He warned that "in the coming weeks we will have a choice to make" on how to proceed. Macron is scheduled to meet with the International Atomic Energy Agency chief in Paris later today to discuss next steps.
Jun 25, 2025 at 09:13 AM EDT
‘Then Daddy has to use strong language’: Trump, Rutte trade jabs at NATO
President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte shared a headline-grabbing moment at the NATO summit in The Hague, with Rutte jokingly referring to Trump as "Daddy" during a press conference.
The exchange followed Trump's comparison of the Israel-Iran conflict to "two kids in a schoolyard," saying they had to fight it out before being stopped. Rutte responded, "Then Daddy has to sometimes use strong language," drawing laughter from the room.
The moment came amid serious discussions on defense spending and alliance unity, as NATO leaders endorsed a 5% GDP defense pledge and reaffirmed their commitment to collective security.
Jun 25, 2025 at 08:54 AM EDT
Judge quotes ‘The Simpsons’ in ruling against Donald Trump
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A U.S. judge quoted from an episode of The Simpsons while ordering the Donald Trump administration to unfreeze billions of dollars in electric vehicle charger funding for 14 states.
On Tuesday, District Judge Tana Lin granted a partial injunction to the states that sued the Department of Transportation over blocking the funds, and said that the states would likely succeed in their suit alleging that these were withheld illegally.
In her ruling, Lin quoted from the TV show, writing: "In a 1995 episode of The Simpsons, Homer must cut short a tearful goodbye with his long-lost mother after her traveling companions protest that their 'electric van only has minutes of juice left!'"
"Some 26 years later, Congress sought to address the phenomenon that has come to be known as 'range anxiety': the unease experienced by electric vehicle ("EV") drivers when they are unsure where the next charging station might be, and whether their car's battery has sufficient charge to get them there," she continued.
Newsweek has reached out to the Department of Transportation and The Federal Highway Administration via email for comment on Lin's ruling.
Read the full story by Hugh Cameron on Newsweek.
Jun 25, 2025 at 08:47 AM EDT
UK to buy F-35A jets, rejoining NATO’s airborne nuclear mission
In a major shift in defense policy, the United Kingdom announced plans to purchase 12 F-35A stealth fighter-bombers, restoring its ability to deliver nuclear weapons by air for the first time since the Cold War. The move, revealed during the NATO summit in The Hague, also marks Britain's formal entry into NATO's airborne nuclear mission, joining allies like Germany and Italy in operating dual-capable aircraft equipped with U.S. B61 nuclear bombs.
The F-35As will complement Britain's existing Trident submarine-based deterrent, creating a second leg of its nuclear delivery system. The jets will be based at RAF Marham and are expected to support over 20,000 jobs across the UK defense sector.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the decision "the biggest strengthening of the UK's nuclear posture in a generation," citing growing global threats and the need for greater military readiness. A recent security review warned of the possibility of armed conflict on British soil and urged investment in lethality, readiness, and munitions stockpiles.
The UK's commitment comes amid broader NATO efforts to boost defense spending, with Britain pledging to allocate 5% of GDP to security by 2035. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the financial strain and potential trade-offs with domestic priorities.
Jun 25, 2025 at 08:35 AM EDT
Trump, NATO allies reaffirm collective defense, sidestep Ukraine membership
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At the close of a brief summit in The Hague, President Donald Trump and fellow NATO leaders issued a joint communique reaffirming their "ironclad commitment" to collective defense under Article 5 of the alliance's founding treaty. The statement also labeled Russia a long-term threat and committed members to a new 5% GDP defense spending target by 2035.
However, the communique notably omitted direct criticism of Russia's war in Ukraine. It did not mention Ukrainian NATO membership, despite previous declarations that Kyiv was on an "irreversible path" to joining.
Trump, who has ruled out Ukraine's accession and maintains a closer relationship with Vladimir Putin than many allies, had earlier cast doubt on his interpretation of Article 5. Still, the final statement emphasized unity: "An attack on one is an attack on all."
Jun 25, 2025 at 08:23 AM EDT
Israel-Iran ceasefire holds as nuclear tensions and diplomacy collide
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to hold on Wednesday, offering a glimmer of hope for long-term peace after 12 days of conflict. While U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the truce as a success, Iran's parliament voted to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), signaling a renewed push on its nuclear program.
Trump, speaking at the NATO summit in the Netherlands, claimed Iran would no longer enrich uranium or pursue a bomb. However, Iranian officials insisted their nuclear ambitions remain intact, and accused the IAEA of failing to condemn U.S. and Israeli strikes on their facilities.
The IAEA's Director General, Rafael Grossi, said inspectors are eager to return to Iran to reassess uranium stockpiles and damage to nuclear sites.
Despite Trump's assertion that the strikes "obliterated" Iran's program, early U.S. intelligence suggests the facilities were only set back by months. Israeli and U.S. officials continue to claim significant damage, while Iran confirmed its installations were hit but not destroyed.
Meanwhile, Iran executed three more prisoners on espionage charges, bringing the total to six since June 16, raising concerns among human rights groups.
As both sides claim victory, the ceasefire remains fragile. Trump's envoy said talks are underway for a broader peace deal, while China urged all parties to seize the moment for regional stability.
Jun 25, 2025 at 08:08 AM EDT
Trump’s UK state visit confirmed, no summer meeting with King Charles
Officials confirmed that President Donald Trump will return to the United Kingdom for a second state visit later this year after accepting a formal invitation from King Charles III, per The Guardian.
Although the monarch had hoped for an informal summer meeting at Balmoral or Dumfries House, logistical issues made that gathering unfeasible. Instead, planning has begun for a more formal visit in September.
The visit will mark Trump's first meeting with King Charles since the monarch's ascension and an unusual second state visit for a U.S. president.
Jun 25, 2025 at 07:55 AM EDT
Rubio says Iran’s nuclear program ‘set back significantly’ by U.S. strikes
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Iran is now "much further away" from developing a nuclear weapon following recent U.S. airstrikes on three of its nuclear facilities. Speaking to Politico at the NATO summit in The Hague, Rubio pushed back on leaked intelligence suggesting the strikes only delayed Iran's program by a few months.
Rubio acknowledged the "deep underground" damage and said the U.S. is still assessing the full impact. He described the strikes as causing "very significant, substantial damage" to multiple components of Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
While President Trump claimed the sites were "totally obliterated," Rubio offered a more measured view, saying the program is "far worse shape" than it was a week ago.
He also added that the U.S. is not seeking war with Iran, calling the operation a demonstration of "strategic patience" and a narrowly defined mission.
Jun 25, 2025 at 07:40 AM EDT
Zelenskyy to approve tribunal targeting Russian leaders for Ukraine invasion
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to formally endorse the creation of a special international tribunal aimed at prosecuting senior Russian officials for the crime of aggression tied to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The court will be established through an agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, marking a significant step in Kyiv's push for legal accountability beyond existing international mechanisms.
Zelenskyy is set to sign the agreement during a visit to the Council's headquarters in Strasbourg, following his participation in the NATO summit in The Hague.
The tribunal addresses jurisdictional gaps left by the International Criminal Court, which cannot prosecute Russian nationals for aggression due to legal limitations.
Jun 25, 2025 at 07:27 AM EDT
Trump judicial nominee faces scrutiny over whistleblower claims
Emil Bove, a top Justice Department official and former defense attorney for President Trump, is set to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. His nomination has drawn sharp attention following a whistleblower complaint alleging he suggested ignoring court orders during internal discussions on immigration enforcement.
The complaint, filed by former DOJ lawyer Erez Reuveni, claims Bove used profane language in a March meeting and floated the idea of defying judicial rulings related to deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. Reuveni, who was later fired, has requested a formal investigation into Bove's conduct.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has strongly denied the allegations, calling them "utterly false" and politically timed ahead of the hearing. Bove has also faced criticism for dismissing a federal corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a move that led to multiple DOJ resignations.
Jun 25, 2025 at 07:14 AM EDT
Business optimism collapses under Trump
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Business leaders' confidence in the U.S. economy has halved since the beginning of the year, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co., as companies grapple with the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs and broader geopolitical uncertainties.
The financial services firm's latest Business Leaders Outlook Survey, released Wednesday, found that optimism for the economy fell to 32 percent in June from 65 percent in January. Additionally, 25 percent of respondents said they expect a recession to occur at some point this year, up from only 8 percent in January.
Concerns over the trajectory of the U.S. economy have been fueled largely by Trump's trade agenda, which has led to significant stock market volatility and heightened fears of rising costs for both businesses and consumers. However, these anxieties have been somewhat tempered by the current pause on reciprocal tariffs, as well as the temporary easing of trading tensions between the United States and China.
While the survey was largely conducted prior to the most recent escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran and America's entry in the form of target strikes over the weekend, this could contribute to these existing economic anxieties.
One expert told Newsweek that a re-escalation would represent "another adverse supply shock to the economy."
Read the full story by Hugh Cameron on Newsweek.
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