Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories assesses that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip “continues to be difficult and challenging,” but there is no widespread famine, contrary to claims made by Hamas.

COGAT says it continuously assesses the situation in Gaza, working to identify, alongside humanitarian aid groups, “pockets” where there are difficulties with access to food, to assist those areas.

According to COGAT’s assessments, “there is no famine in the Gaza Strip,” however, it acknowledges that “there are issues of access to food.”

Images being circulated by Hamas and media outlets of malnourished children in Gaza are not indicative of a widespread phenomenon, COGAT claims: “There is no documented famine, contrary to the false claims Hamas spreads systematically.”

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been on a downward trend recently, COGAT assesses, mainly because the IDF is now in control of 75% of the Strip’s territory. This means that Gaza’s estimated 2 million population is squeezed into just 25% of the Strip, which has led to several issues, especially concerning sanitation.

Additionally, actions taken by Israel to limit Hamas’s “takeover” of the humanitarian aid — such as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distribution sites — have harmed the terror group’s military wing, governance and its ties with the civilian population, according to COGAT’s assessments.

However, these “achievements” have led to extreme population density, chaos and the collapse of public order in Gaza, and as a result, “the humanitarian situation becomes far more complex,” COGAT has determined.

COGAT says that there is no shortage of water entering Gaza, and that food and other supplies should now be reaching Palestinians at an increased rate after the United Nations began transporting aid that had been mounting at the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings.

On Sunday, the UN did not collect any aid waiting at the Gaza crossings, leading Israel to publicly accuse it of allegedly refusing to cooperate. In the past two days, the UN resumed regular operations and collected 270 trucks’ worth of aid for distribution, according to COGAT figures.

The UN has repeatedly claimed that COGAT has refused its requests for collection and distribution authorization, and that dangerous and complex conditions inside Gaza made aid distribution very difficult. However, COGAT claims that nothing changed between Sunday and the rest of the week, and that when the UN wants to distribute aid, it can.

Currently, the contents of hundreds of aid trucks are still waiting on the Gaza side of the border crossings, with the main bottleneck being the collection and distribution, according to COGAT, which adds that the delays “have been the real cause of reduced aid availability and of food insecurity among the population.”

Israeli aggression appears to be vexing the Trump Administration. The White House said Monday that President Donald Trump had not approved of Israel’s airstrikes on Syria last week, which reportedly continued even after the U.S. had told Israel to “stand down” after Israel bombed Syrian tanks on Tuesday. Israel launched new airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday, killing at least three people and wounding dozens of others. Israel said its strikes were aimed at “protecting” the Syrian Druze community after days of clashes between members of the Druze militia and Bedouin tribes as well as Syrian military intervention. At the same time, Israel’s government said the strikes were in retaliation for Syrian troops entering a region in southern Syria that Israel had unilaterally declared a demilitarized zone. The Syrian government has rejected that claim and repeatedly condemned Israeli military action towards Syria, including in recent months the seizure of Syrian territory and multiple airstrikes.

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The Trump Administration brokered a cease-fire between Israel and Syria, U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said on Friday, but some within the Administration have grown restive over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recalcitrance, Axios reported on Sunday. “Bibi acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time,” one official told the outlet. “This could undermine what Trump is trying to do.” Trump was “caught off guard by the bombing in Syria and also the bombing of the Catholic Church in Gaza,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday, although she added that Trump “enjoys a good working relationship with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and stays in frequent communication with him.” “In both cases, the President quickly called the [Israeli] Prime Minister to rectify these situations,” Leavitt added. Israel’s strikes on Syria and a Catholic Church in Gaza came after Netanyahu’s visit to Washington earlier this month, which appeared to signal progress towards a Gaza cease-fire deal even as critics have worried that a Trump-mediated cease-fire would involve the removal of Palestinians and redevelopment of the Gaza Strip under U.S. and/or Israeli control.

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“Everything Israel is doing, from bombing civilians to bulldozing entire city blocks has been done with American bombs and bulldozers,” says William Figueroa, an assistant professor of international relations at the University of Groningen. Clemens Chay, a research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute, tells TIME that Trump has emboldened Israel by backing it militarily even as Israel has put at risk many U.S. goals, including by bombing Iran when Tehran was in the midst of nuclear talks with Washington and now bombing Syria after Trump had earlier signalled a desire to improve relations with the country by lifting U.S. sanctions. Netanyahu likely took Trump’s “vague response to any military action as a ‘go-ahead,’” Chay says. “The U.S. President is well-known for vacillating in his positions towards various foreign policy issues, but the Israeli Prime Minister is now—following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear [facilities]—confident in his own ability of being the ‘Trump whisperer.’”

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“Trump is continuing the failed policies of his predecessors by ceding the initiative to Israel,” Jon Hoffman, a foreign policy analyst at the Cato Institute, posted on X. Even so, Israel depends critically on U.S. support: “It is not surprising that Israel signs a cease-fire when the United States applies real pressure, because they could not pursue any conflict, in Iran or in Gaza, without the continual supply of weapons, ammunition, and military tech from the United States,” Figueroa previously told TIME. “When the person signing the checks says they really mean it, you listen.” It’s not the first time Israel has gambled that the U.S. would back it despite going against the Trump Administration’s advice. While Netanyahu has managed to sustain U.S. support, in part by “stroking Mr Trump’s ego” with a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize and by allowing Trump to “claim victory” over brokering cease-fires in the Middle East, Chay says, Israel’s continued actions risk not only being seen as “an overstepping of boundaries by Trump officials, but worse, also as a form of unchecked Israeli military power by regional states.”

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Israel’s strikes on Syria Israel reportedly agreed on Tuesday to stand down at Barrack’s request in order for the U.S. to negotiate a peace deal. But the next day, Israel escalated its attacks, bombing Syria’s military headquarters and a facility near the presidential palace. “The bombing in Syria caught the President and the White House by surprise. The President doesn’t like turning on the television and seeing bombs dropped in a country he is seeking peace in and made a monumental announcement to help rebuild,” one official told Axios. Another official suggested that the Israeli government was harming its reputation among the Trump Administration. “The Israelis need to get their head out of their asses,” the official told Axios. Meanwhile, an Israeli official told Axios that Trump had not indicated concerns about Israeli intervention in Syria and had even supported Israeli action in Syria during his first few weeks in office.

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Bombing of Catholic church in Gaza Israel also came under fire after striking on Thursday the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, killing three people and wounding others who were sheltering there. The news shook the Catholic community around the world. Before his death, Pope Francis had held daily calls with the parish—Gaza’s only Catholic church. Francis’ successor, Pope Leo XIV posted on X that he was “deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury” and reiterated the need for an immediate cease-fire. The news also angered the Trump Administration. Leavitt said Thursday that Trump did not have a “positive reaction” to the attack and that he “called Prime Minister Netanyahu this morning to address the strikes on that church in Gaza.” Netanyahu said in a Thursday statement that Israel “deeply regrets that a stray ammunition” hit the church, calling it a mistake. He said Israel was “investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites.”

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The Israel Defense Forces said in a later statement that “an initial inquiry into reports regarding injured individuals in the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, suggests that fragments from a shell fired during operational activity in the area hit the church mistakenly. The cause of the incident is under review.” Israel’s military added, “The IDF directs its strikes solely at military targets and makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and religious structures, and regrets any unintentional damage caused to them.” Gazans, journalists and humanitarian organizations have recorded numerous Israeli attacks on civilian, religious, and aid sites over the course of the two-year war. Murder of Palestinian American by Israeli settlers The July 11 murder of Palestinian American Saif Musallet by a mob of Israeli settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank has also incited backlash from the U.S. government. Musallet’s family told CBS News that he had been visiting his family’s land in the town of Sinjil when he was surrounded and beaten by settlers for over three hours. The settlers blocked an ambulance and paramedics from reaching him, his family said. Musallet’s brother eventually carried him to an ambulance, but he died before reaching the hospital.

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In a rare albeit tempered criticism of Israel, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who is known to be an outspoken ally of Israeli settlers, called the attack a “criminal and terrorist act.” Huckabee said he asked Israel to “aggressively investigate” Mussallet’s murder. “Saif was just 20 yrs old,” Huckabee added. The IDF told CBS News last week that “a joint investigation was launched by the Israel Police and the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division.” Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, sounded the alarm on rising violence by Israeli settlers and security forces in the West Bank. “Israel must immediately stop these killings, harassment and home demolitions across the occupied Palestinian territory,” Al-Kheetan said last week. “As the occupying power, Israel must take all feasible measures to ensure public order and safety in the West Bank. It is under the obligation to protect Palestinians from settler attacks and to end the unlawful use of force by its security forces. There must be thorough, independent and transparent investigations into all killings and all other alleged violations of international law. Those responsible must be held to account.”

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“I’m not happy with Iran, but I’m really not happy with Israel,” Trump told reporters on June 24, characterizing an Iranian missile strike that Israel cited as reason to retaliate as “one rocket that didn’t land anywhere.” “Israel, as soon as we made the deal, they came out and they dropped a load of bombs, the likes of which I’ve never seen before,” Trump added. The President also posted on Truth Social the same day: “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!”Netanyahu appeared to heed Trump’s warning at the time, as the fragile cease-fire appeared to hold and the Israeli leader’s friendship with Trump seemed stronger than ever. Still, experts caution that the Trump Administration’s apparent exasperation with Israel is unlikely to lead to any real change in bilateral relations. “Trump is certainly showing some on-again/off-again frustration with Netanyahu. And separately Trump is shifting his focus back to privileging his business-driven relations with others in the region, particularly the Gulf states,” says Phyllis Bennis, a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies and director of its New Internationalism Project. “But I think it would be a mistake to equate those realities with changing his position towards Israel.”

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“The Trump Administration has shown frustration with Netanyahu before, but it has never translated to anything less than full support in material and diplomatic terms,” says Figueroa. “It’s hard to imagine any red line left to be crossed that would be a tipping point for Trump.”

Correction, July 25

The original version of this story mischaracterized Thameen Al-Kheetan’s role at the U.N. He is a spokesperson for the High Commissioner for Human Rights, not the High Commissioner.

Donald Trump matters a lot to Mzansi and the rest of the world right now. Trump is changing the way America works – and how the world’s most powerful country deals with the rest of the world.

We’ll track what he does and connect the dots to your daily life.

Trump wants to punish South Africa over links to Russia

A US committee just passed a Bill that could worsen America’s relationship with South Africa. The “US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025” calls for a full review of ties between the two countries, and possible sanctions on top ANC and government officials.

The Bill passed by 34 to 16, mostly supported by Republicans, and now heads to the full House. If it becomes law, the Trump administration must look at whether SA has harmed US interests, and name any leaders guilty of corruption or human rights abuse for possible US travel bans.

The Bill says South Africa is close to America’s enemies, Russia, China, Iran, and even Hamas. It also slams SA for accusing Israel of genocide and pushing anti-Taiwan policies.

The Bill’s sponsor, Republican Ronny Jackson, has strong links to pro-Israel donors. But top Democrat Gregory Meeks called the Bill “heavy-handed” and said it would hurt long-standing US-SA ties.

South Africa’s foreign minister said diplomacy is the way forward, and denied any anti-white violence. The ANC says the Bill is politically motivated and ignores decades of shared struggle and partnership.

Image source: File

Trump wants minerals from Africa and a place to send migrants

US President Donald Trump met five African leaders at the White House last week. It was a surprise, since Trump doesn’t usually focus on Africa. The countries he chose. Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Gabon, all have oil, gas, and rare minerals.

Trump said the US wants to move from giving aid to doing trade. He even shut down the US aid agency, USAID.

But trade wasn’t the only thing on the table. Trump asked the leaders to help with immigration by taking in people the US wants to deport, including asylum seekers and criminals, while their cases are still being processed.

The leaders talked up their mineral wealth. Trump, not knowing Liberia speaks English, told its president he had “beautiful English.”

Experts say Trump wants to lock down mineral deals and maybe find new places for US military bases in Africa, especially after Niger kicked them out. But sending migrants to poor countries won’t be easy.

One analyst said instead of dumping people, the US should help African countries build jobs so their youth don’t risk dying trying to leave.

Image source: File

Trump demands peace but Putin won’t back down in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn’t seem surprised or shaken by Donald Trump’s latest threats. Trump, who once promised to end the war in 24 hours and improve US-Russia ties, has now sent weapons to Ukraine and warned Russia of heavy sanctions if there’s no peace deal in 50 days.

Putin had hoped for better ties with Trump but always made it clear that his main goal was victory in Ukraine. Kremlin insiders say Trump’s shift is disappointing, but not unexpected. A former official said, “Putin always cared more about the war than friendship with Trump.”

Trump grew frustrated after six calls with Putin led nowhere. He joked that after each “nice” call, Melania would point out another bombing. Putin’s forces have been stepping up attacks, using drones and missiles to hit Ukrainian cities, the Guardian reported.

Still, Moscow isn’t giving up on Trump. Russian insiders believe he’s emotional and might change course again.

With over 100,000 Russian soldiers dead, Putin wants a clear win. Peace, he says, will only come if Ukraine agrees to stay neutral and gives up land. Far-right voices in Russia now say a full clash with the US is likely, and may already be underway.

Image source: File

Trump posts fake AI video of Obama being arrested in Oval Office

Donald Trump reposts AI-generated video depicting Barack Obama being arrested. pic.twitter.com/r7dBKjHrAB — Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 21, 2025

US President Donald Trump posted a fake video showing former president Barack Obama being arrested by FBI agents in the Oval Office.

The video, made using AI, shows Obama in handcuffs and being dragged away while Trump watches. Trump posted the video on his Truth Social platform with the words: “No one is above the law.”

There was no warning that the video was fake, and many people who saw it believed it was real.

Trump has often attacked Obama and claims that Obama’s government worked to destroy his presidency. Trump has also said that he wants to jail his political enemies if he wins a second term.

His post comes shortly after Tulsi Gabbard, the US intelligence chief, accused Obama’s team of starting the “Russia hoax” to make Trump look bad after his 2016 election win. No evidence has been shared publicly, and Obama has not responded.

The White House has not commented on the video.

Image source: File

Doctors reveal Trump has blood flow disease in his legs

The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump has a condition that affects blood flow in his legs.

Doctors found that the 79-year-old US president is suffering from something called chronic venous insufficiency. It means his veins are not working properly, and blood is not flowing back to his heart like it should.

The condition was found after Trump had some swelling in his lower legs. A White House doctor checked him and said it’s not life-threatening, but could become painful or disabling if not treated.

Experts say the disease happens when vein valves are damaged or weak, causing blood to leak backwards and collect in the legs.

Symptoms can include swelling, pain, cramps, itchy skin, varicose veins and even wounds that don’t heal. It’s most common in people over 70, but can also affect pregnant women, overweight people, or anyone who stands or sits too long without moving.

The White House said Trump does not have any blood clots or blocked arteries, which is good news. His doctors have told him to wear special stockings and keep exercising to improve blood flow.

On the same day this news came out, Trump also told his Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all secret grand jury files in the Jeffrey Epstein sex case.

Image source: File

Trump’s 30% tariff could kill 100,000 South African jobs

US President Donald Trump’s new 30% import tax on South African goods could destroy around 100,000 jobs in the country.

South Africa’s Reserve Bank governor, Lesetja Kganyago, said on Wednesday that the agriculture and car-making industries will be hit the hardest.

Speaking on radio station 702, Kganyago said the agriculture sector could suffer badly. “Farming employs many low-skilled workers. The new tax will hit products like oranges, grapes and wine,” he said.

He also raised the alarm about South African car exports, which have already dropped by more than 80% after Trump started taxing imported cars in April.

“If we don’t find other solutions, we could lose up to 100,000 jobs,” he warned.

South Africa already has one of the world’s highest unemployment rates. The official jobless rate is 32.9%, and the broader rate is over 43%.

Farmer groups say the new taxes will also hurt macadamia nut, fruit juice and ostrich leather exports.

In the citrus industry alone, about 35,000 jobs are at risk. The new tariffs could destroy small towns like Citrusdal in the Western Cape that depend on fruit exports to the US.

Image source: South African Reserve Bank

Top Trump ally turns on him over Epstein case

One of Donald Trump’s closest allies, Mike Johnson, now says the truth about Jeffrey Epstein must come out.

Johnson is the Speaker of the House – a powerful job in the US. He says the US government must show the public all the files it has on Epstein.

Epstein was a rich man who was arrested for trafficking underage girls. He died in jail in 2019. Many people don’t believe the official story that he killed himself, and they think powerful people who were involved with him are being protected.

Trump had promised to make everything public. But now he says people should stop focusing on Epstein and has called the case “boring”.

That has made many of Trump’s Maga supporters very angry. They believe Trump broke his promise.

Johnson said: “We need to put it all out there and let people decide.” He also asked Trump’s top lawyer, Pam Bondi, to explain why she once said Epstein’s “client list” was on her desk, but hasn’t released it.

Trump said Bondi can decide what files to release, but Bondi refuses to talk about Epstein. She says she’s focusing on fighting drug dealers and human traffickers.

Many Maga supporters are now turning on Trump. Some are burning their red Trump hats in protest.

Image source: File

Trump’s wife tells him to stop being soft on Putin

Donald Trump has admitted that his wife, Melania, has influenced how he deals with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump said that after having “pleasant” conversations with Putin, Melania would scold him. “I come home and say, ‘I had a great talk with Vladimir today,’ and she says, ‘Really? Another city in Ukraine just got bombed.’”

Now, Trump has changed his tone. He warned Putin that Russia has 50 days to agree to a peace deal in Ukraine or face tough new tariffs. He also announced that the US will send more weapons to help Ukraine, Daily Star reported.

Melania, who was born in the former communist country of Yugoslavia and grew up in Slovenia, has strong views about Russia’s war in Ukraine. She says she remembers what it was like living under a communist government and often reminds Trump of the suffering in Eastern Europe.

Even though Melania no longer lives full-time at the White House, Trump said they speak often and that she “knows what she’s talking about”.

Trump’s warning to Russia comes just months after he called Putin “crazy” and begged him to stop bombing Ukraine. He said if no peace deal is reached in 50 days, he will hit Russia and its trade partners with heavy tariffs.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke to Trump on the phone this week and that they agreed to speak more regularly about how to end the war.

Image source: File

Trump crowns himself as ‘Superman’

Donald Trump has shared an image of himself as Superman, complete with muscles, a tight suit, and a cape.

The AI-generated picture, posted on the official White House social media page, shows Trump’s face on a superhero body and includes the words: “THE SYMBOL OF HOPE. TRUTH. JUSTICE. THE AMERICAN WAY. SUPERMAN TRUMP.”

The post is part of Trump’s ongoing efforts to present himself as a strong leader ahead of the 2026 elections.

He’s often said he’s the only one who can save America, and now he’s using superhero-style images to back it up.

But not all his supporters are happy. Some MAGA followers have started burning their red hats in protest after the White House said there would be no further public release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Videos online show frustrated Trump supporters setting their caps on fire.

Image source: @WhiteHouse

Trump’s army using robot animals to protect air bases

Donald Trump’s US military has deployed robot coyotes to guard air bases as part of his push to use high-tech tools to protect Americans and look tough doing it.

The fake animals are designed to scare away birds and other wildlife that could damage fighter jets or cause crashes during take-off and landing. They’ve been rolled out at major US air bases after successful trials.

Each robot is shaped like a coyote, a wild animal similar to a jackal, and rides around on wheels like a remote-controlled guard dog. Coyotes are natural predators of many smaller animals, and their presence is enough to keep birds from settling near runways.

The US Army’s research team developed the cyborg coyotes alongside the Department of Agriculture. The goal: protect expensive aircraft and military crews from bird strikes and animal interference.

The move fits with Trump’s image-heavy military style. He often talks about “peace through strength” and has supported flashy defence projects involving space weapons, military parades and giant spending plans.

Officials say the robot coyotes may soon be upgraded with cameras, sensors, and even artificial intelligence.

Image source: @armenberjikly

Trump bragged he threatened to bomb Moscow and Beijing in secret talks

Donald Trump told private donors that he once warned Vladimir Putin he would “bomb the s*** out of Moscow” if Russia invaded Ukraine. The comments were caught on new recordings from Trump’s presidential campaign.

Trump claimed he told Putin directly: “If you go into Ukraine, I’m gonna bomb the s*** out of Moscow.” He said Putin didn’t believe him but added, “10% was enough.”

The recordings are featured in a new book called 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America.

Trump also claimed he gave the same warning to Chinese president Xi Jinping, threatening to “bomb the s*** out of Beijing” if China attacked Taiwan. “He thought I was crazy,” Trump said in the recording. “But he believed me 10%. That’s all I needed.”

Despite saying he could end the war in Ukraine in “24 hours,” Trump has failed to stop the conflict since returning to office. This week, he announced more US military support for Ukraine after talks with Putin made no progress.

In the same recordings, Trump said student protesters supporting Palestine should be kicked out of the country. “Throw them out,” he said. “That will stop it.”

He also bragged about pressuring a rich donor into giving him R460-million, saying the man originally only wanted to give him R18-million.

The White House and the Kremlin have not yet responded to Trump’s comments.

Image source: File

Trump says no more delays for new tax on South African goods

US President Donald Trump says that new, higher taxes on goods coming from other countries, including South Africa, will start on 1 August. He says there will be no more delays or changes.

Trump had already put a 10% tax on imports from almost every country back in April. Then in July, he said some countries would be taxed even more, but he paused those increases. Now, he says the bigger taxes will go ahead as planned.

In messages sent to leaders around the world, Trump said countries like South Africa, Japan, South Korea and others will face taxes of between 25% and 40% on goods they send to the US.

He also warned that if any country hits back with their own taxes, the US will raise its taxes even more.

Trump said this will bring in lots of money for the US. His finance minister said the US could make more than $300-billion from these taxes by the end of the year.

Trump says the taxes are meant to fix “unfair” trade deals. But some people are worried the plan will make goods more expensive and cause problems between countries.

The US has only made a few new trade deals so far, with the UK, Vietnam and China. Talks with other countries are still going.

Image source: File

Trump hits South Africa with 30% tax on all goods

US President Donald Trump is putting a 30% tax on everything South Africa sends to America – and it starts in August.

Trump has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa and other world leaders, saying it’s time to stop what he calls “unfair trade”. He says South Africa has had an advantage for too long by using trade rules that favour it and not the US.

The tariff will hit South African products being sold in America. Ramaphosa tried to get Trump to back down, but it didn’t work.

Trump says the US trade deficit (when a country imports more than it exports) is a threat to both the economy and national security.

He also warned that if any country tries to fight back, he’ll raise the tariffs even more.

Ramaphosa has responded, saying Trump’s view of trade between the two countries is simply wrong.

Image source: File

Trump slams Elon Musk for starting new political party

Donald Trump has attacked Elon Musk on social media, calling him a “train wreck” who has “gone off the rails.” The US president spoke just after Musk announced he’s launching a new political group called the “America Party.”

Trump said third parties don’t work in the US and only cause “chaos.” He claimed the system is built for two major parties and accused Musk of trying to disrupt the country when there’s already too much division.

He also said Musk is upset because Trump’s new tax-and-spending bill removes the electric vehicle (EV) mandate – a rule that would’ve pushed more people to buy EVs. Trump says Americans should be able to choose between petrol cars, hybrids or electric vehicles. He added that Musk had backed him before, even though Trump was always against the EV mandate.

The president also said Musk once asked for a friend to lead NASA, but that person turned out to be a Democrat who had never supported Republicans. Trump said that was a red flag, especially because NASA works so closely with SpaceX, Musk’s company.

Trump ended by saying his job is to protect the American people. His comments follow Musk’s announcement that the “America Party” will contest elections starting in 2026. Musk said the new party will break the power of the two-party system by focusing on a small number of key seats.

Though Musk was born in South Africa and cannot run for president himself, he has been vocal about wanting political change. In a poll he ran on social media, two-thirds of voters backed the idea of a new party. Musk said that was enough to launch it officially, saying the country needs “freedom from the one-party system.”

Image source: File

Trump celebrates new bill and says UFC fight is coming to the White House

Donald Trump has kicked off 4 July celebrations by bragging about his new tax-and-spending bill, and announcing that a UFC fight will take place on the White House lawn.

Speaking at a rally in Iowa, Trump said: “There could be no better birthday present for America” than the passing of his new bill, which makes his 2017 tax cuts permanent and increases spending on the military and border security.

But the bill also cuts healthcare and food support for low-income Americans and will add $3.3 trillion to the US budget deficit over 10 years.

During the rally, Trump also said he plans to celebrate America’s 250th birthday (in 2026) with a national state fair and a live UFC championship fight for up to 25,000 people at the White House.

“Dana [White, UFC boss] is going to do it. We have a lot of land there,” Trump said.

He also mocked Joe Biden, repeated false claims about a stolen election, and attacked Democrats. “I hate them. I really do,” he said. “Because I believe they hate our country.”

Trump hinted at a softer stance on immigration, saying farm workers could stay in the US if their employers vouch for them. “We don’t want to remove workers from the farms,” he told supporters.

Image source: File

America admits Iran’s nuclear sites weren’t ‘obliterated’ like Trump claimed

The US Pentagon has admitted that Donald Trump exaggerated when he said he had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear sites.

A spokesperson for the Pentagon, Sean Parnell, said the real damage from the US airstrikes probably only set Iran’s nuclear programme back by one or two years, not destroyed it completely.

This comes after Trump celebrated the bombing of Iran’s Fordow site, calling it a huge win and saying the country’s nuclear programme was “completely and totally gone.”

But intelligence officials have avoided using Trump’s word “obliterated.” At a press conference, Parnell repeated the word, but admitted that Iran could rebuild in time.

“We believe the facilities were heavily damaged,” he said. “But their programme may only be delayed by a year or two.”

The bombs used, called “bunker busters”, are designed to hit deep underground. But Iran’s nuclear knowledge and tech were not destroyed.

Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Iran still has the skill to restart the programme. “You can’t destroy the knowledge,” he said.

Trump had also claimed that the bombing helped him get a ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran, calling it the end of the “12-day war.” But fighting restarted the next day, with both countries blaming each other.

The Pentagon is now pushing back against media reports that the strike wasn’t as successful as Trump claimed. Parnell accused journalists of using “false and incomplete” information to make the military look bad.

Image source: File

Trump says Israel is ready for Gaza peace deal

Donald Trump says Israel is now ready to agree to a peace deal with Hamas to end the war in Gaza, a war that has already killed nearly 60,000 people.

In a post on his Truth Social page, Trump said: “Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise the 60-day ceasefire.” He added that during that time, the US will try to help all sides reach a full peace agreement.

Trump said that Qatar and Egypt, two countries helping to mediate, would now deliver the “final proposal” to Hamas. So far, neither Israel nor Hamas has officially responded to Trump’s announcement.

It’s not clear exactly what Israel has agreed to. In the past, similar ceasefire talks have collapsed quickly, with both sides accusing each other of breaking deals, especially around prisoner swaps.

Still, Trump seems confident. Speaking to reporters, he said a deal could be reached as soon as next week and that he will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.

“We want the hostages out, and we want the war to end,” Trump said, the Guardian reported.

Hamas has said it is willing to release the remaining hostages in exchange for a deal to end the war. Israel, on the other hand, says the war can only stop if Hamas gives up all weapons and control, something Hamas has refused.

Trump is trying to use momentum from the recent Israel-Iran ceasefire and the joint US-Israeli bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites to help secure peace in Gaza.

He also warned Hamas not to miss this chance. “It will not get better, it will only get worse,” he said.

Trump’s announcement came just after an Israeli airstrike hit a café in Gaza on Monday, killing between 24 and 36 people, including children, according to reports.

The war began when Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Since then, more than 56,500 Palestinians have been killed and nearly the entire population of Gaza has been displaced. Much of the area has been destroyed.

Image source: File

Trump says Elon Musk would be “back in South Africa” without US money

Donald Trump has attacked Elon Musk, saying he only became rich because of US government money, and without it, he’d be back living in South Africa.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “Elon may get more help from the government than any person in history. Without that, he’d probably have to close his businesses and go back to South Africa.”

Trump said there would be “no more rockets, no more satellites, no more electric cars” if the government stopped giving Musk support. He added: “We’d save a fortune.”

This comes after Musk complained about Trump’s new tax plan. The plan removes money and support for electric cars and clean energy. Musk said cutting this support would be “very bad” for the country.

Tesla, Musk’s electric car company, has been getting a $7,500 (R133,000) tax break for each car sold. But Trump’s plan would stop that. Tesla is also expected to report poor sales this week.

Trump reminded people that he never supported forcing people to buy electric cars. “Electric cars are okay, but no one should be forced to drive one,” he said.

Trump also said Musk supported him for president, even though he knew Trump didn’t like electric vehicle laws.

Image source: File

Trump says he’s found ‘rich buyers’ to take over TikTok

Donald Trump says a group of very rich people are ready to buy TikTok’s US operations, but they’ll need permission from China before the deal can happen.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said: “We have a buyer for TikTok. I think China will probably approve it.” He added he would reveal who the buyers are in about two weeks.

The US government has been trying to force TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app’s American side or face a total ban. The deadline to make the deal is now set for September 17.

TikTok is still very popular in the US, especially with younger users. Trump has even said it helped him connect with young voters during the 2024 election.

But the big problem is TikTok’s algorithm, the smart technology that decides what videos people see. It’s protected by Chinese law and is listed in China’s official tech database, which means it can’t be sold easily.

China has said before that it might block any sale, especially if it involves the algorithm. And Trump’s tough stance on China, including new tariffs earlier this year, has made things even more difficult.

Image source: File

Trump posts “Daddy’s Home” video after NATO boss calls him daddy

🎶 Daddy’s home… Hey, hey, hey, Daddy.

President Donald J. Trump attended the NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands. pic.twitter.com/asJb5FD2Ii — The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 26, 2025

Donald Trump just posted a video of himself at a big NATO meeting, using Usher’s song “Daddy’s Home” as the soundtrack.

Yes, really.

The clip shows Trump walking around the NATO summit like he’s the star of an R&B music video. The words “Daddy’s Home” flash across the screen as Usher’s hit plays in the background.

It comes after NATO boss Mark Rutte bizarrely called Trump “daddy” during a press meeting earlier this week.

Rutte was trying to describe Trump’s wild rant about Israel and Iran, where Trump said: “Let them fight for a few minutes, it’s easier to stop them.” Rutte jumped in with: “And then daddy has to use strong words to stop them.”

Not “Dad.” Not “President.” Just “daddy.”

People online quickly slammed Rutte, calling it a clear case of sucking up to Trump. Even Trump joined in the joke, telling reporters: “Daddy, you’re my daddy.”

Now the White House has made things even worse with the video, featuring a song that’s full of sexual lyrics.

Image source: File

Trump turns on spy boss Tulsi over Iran bombing report

Donald Trump’s spy boss, Tulsi Gabbard, has been left out of a big security meeting with US lawmakers, and some insiders say she’s now in “the line of fire.”

Gabbard was supposed to join top Trump officials in a closed-door briefing with Congress to talk about the recent US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. But now she’s suddenly off the list, and people close to the White House say Trump blames her for a damaging leak, the Daily Mail reported.

Last week, Trump blasted Gabbard after she said Iran wasn’t close to making a nuclear weapon. He told reporters, “She’s wrong.” Gabbard quickly changed her position, saying Iran could make a bomb “within weeks to months.”

But the damage was done. A leaked Pentagon report showed the US bombing may have only delayed Iran’s nuclear programme by a few months, far less than what Trump had claimed. Trump said the sites were “obliterated.” The report said Iran might be able to restart soon.

Now, there’s a full-blown investigation into who leaked the report, and some White House insiders say Gabbard could be the one who gets the blame.

Trump biographer Michael Wolff said: “Tulsi is in the line of fire. Trump always needs someone to blame.”

Even though Gabbard publicly supported Trump and said the attacks destroyed Iran’s facilities, she’s been cut from the team giving the official update to Congress.

Trump is furious at media reports saying the strike didn’t do enough. He’s attacking CNN and The New York Times, saying they’re lying to make him look weak.

CNN reporter Natasha Bertrand broke the story. Trump posted that she should be “fired and thrown out like a dog.” CNN fired back, saying they stand by her reporting.

Image source: File

US bombs didn’t stop Iran’s nuclear plans

A new report says the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites last weekend didn’t destroy them completely, and may have only delayed Iran’s plans by a few months.

US President Donald Trump said after the attacks that the sites were “totally destroyed” and that Iran’s nuclear programme was “obliterated.”

But a secret report from the Pentagon now says that’s not true. It says some of Iran’s nuclear machines were not fully destroyed, and that Iran had moved a lot of its uranium before the bombs hit. That means they might be able to restart the programme soon, the Guardian reported.

The US used big B-2 bombers and huge “bunker-buster” bombs on three sites, Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. But one of the sites, Fordow, is buried deep under a mountain, and the bombs couldn’t reach all the way down.

The report says Fordow is likely still working and may be used again soon.

Trump posted in all capital letters on his social media: “THE NUCLEAR SITES IN IRAN ARE COMPLETELY DESTROYED!” He’s angry the report got out and says it’s an attempt to make him look bad.

But US military leaders are being more careful. One general said the sites were badly damaged, but they are still checking how much was really destroyed.

The head of the world’s nuclear watchdog says they don’t know where 400kg of Iran’s uranium has gone. And US Vice President JD Vance admitted they still don’t know where the rest of Iran’s nuclear material is hiding.

Image source: File

Three people killed in Israel just after Trump announces ceasefire

Just hours after US President Donald Trump said the war between Israel and Iran was over, missiles from Iran hit Israel, killing three people.

Iran fired six waves of missiles early Tuesday morning, with explosions heard in Tel Aviv and Beersheba. Three people died in Beersheba, according to emergency workers.

This happened soon after Trump said he had made a peace deal with Israel and Iran to end the 12-day war. He thanked both countries and said on social media that it was “a historic moment.”

But Iran said the fighting would only stop if Israel stopped its attacks. One Iranian official said they had not fully agreed to stop the war.

Iran’s last missiles were fired just before the ceasefire was supposed to begin.

Over the weekend, the US and Israel bombed Iran’s nuclear sites. Iran denies building nuclear weapons, but Trump said the goal was to stop them from ever getting one. The US dropped heavy “bunker-buster” bombs on underground sites.

After days of bombing, many people in Tehran have left the city.

Trump said Iran warned them before attacking a US base and that no Americans were hurt. He said he will push Israel to choose peace.

Talks between Iran and other countries are still happening. Qatar helped set up the peace deal, and US leaders like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were involved.

Image source: File

Iran tells Trump to “bring enough coffins” if you want war

An Iranian leader has warned Donald Trump that if the US starts a full war with Iran, they should “bring enough coffins” for their soldiers.

This came after the US bombed three of Iran’s nuclear sites using powerful B-2 bombers. Iran is angry and says it will fight back.

Ebrahim Rezaei, a top member of Iran’s parliament, said: “Don’t expect us to bury your soldiers. Bring your own coffins.”

Tensions are rising fast between Iran, Israel and the US. Many world leaders are calling for peace, but Iran’s army and other powerful groups say they are ready to hit back hard.

The US says they don’t want war. Their defence chief said the attack was not meant to kill people, but to stop Iran’s nuclear programme. “This is not about removing Iran’s government,” he said.

But Trump is not backing down. On his Truth Social page, he called the attack “a historic moment” and told Iran: “End the war now.”

He also warned Iran that if they keep fighting, “there will be peace or there will be tragedy.”

Iran says the US helped Israel start a dangerous war and has now made things worse. Some experts warn this could lead to more terrorism and attacks on US soldiers and allies.

Image source: @WhiteHouse

Trump gives himself two weeks to decide on Iran attack

Donald Trump says he’ll decide in the next two weeks if the US will join Israel in bombing Iran.

This comes as fighting between Israel and Iran enters its second week, with both sides firing missiles and the danger of a bigger war growing fast.

Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, told reporters: “There’s a chance for talks with Iran. The president will decide in the next two weeks if the US will go to war or not.”

Trump has also asked the US military if their biggest bombs, the 30,000-pound “bunker busters”, could destroy Iran’s hidden nuclear sites.

He says he wants a peaceful solution but is also ready to use force. When asked what his message is to people who voted for him because they wanted “no more wars,” Leavitt replied: “Trust in President Trump.”

Trump also said Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to help make peace, but Trump refused, telling him: “Let’s fix Russia first.”

Trump is reportedly thinking about attacking Iran’s Fordo nuclear site, a hidden base deep underground. So far, Israel hasn’t hit that target, but Trump might.

He’s also posted online that Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is “an easy target”, though he says there are no plans to kill him “for now.” Iran has warned the US that choosing war would bring “irreparable harm.”

Image source: File

Trump says “I may do it” as he thinks about attacking Iran

Donald Trump says he hasn’t decided if the US will join Israel in attacking Iran.

When asked about it, he gave a short answer: “I may do it, I may not.” He also said, “Nobody knows what I want to do.”

Trump believes Iran is in big trouble and says they want to talk. He told reporters that Iran might even come to the White House for talks. But then he also warned that he’s “had it” and wants “unconditional surrender.”

Iran’s top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, replied with a warning. He said if the US chooses war, it will cause “irreparable harm.” Iran also said they will not beg or give in to the US.

Trump must make a decision soon. US officials say the next 24 hours are very important. Trump doesn’t want to look weak while the fighting between Israel and Iran continues.

At the same time, the US has moved warships and planes closer to the region. But the White House says they are only there for defence.

Trump also said Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to help make peace between Israel and Iran. But Trump told him: “Let’s fix Russia first.”

Image source: File

People say more pizza orders in the US mean war is coming

An online theory claimed that a rise in pizza deliveries near the Pentagon was a secret sign that war was about to break out. But it turns out Pentagon staff were just… hungry.

The idea went viral last week as Israel launched major strikes on Iran. A group of internet sleuths, running the so-called “Pentagon Pizza Report”, noticed a spike in pizza orders near the US defence HQ just before the bombs dropped. They told their 100,000 followers: “All nearby pizza establishments have experienced a HUGE surge in activity.”

According to them, when Pentagon staff are working late on military plans, they order loads of pizza — and that’s the first clue that something big is coming.

But the White House has now shut that theory down. Officials said the US government already knew about the attacks ahead of time — no pizza clues needed. Experts also rubbished the idea, calling it “confirmation bias” and saying there’s no solid proof.

The Pentagon does have late-night food available, but they don’t track what staff are eating. So no, America isn’t using pepperoni pizza to signal a strike.

Meanwhile, the real news is much more serious. The Israel-Iran conflict is now in its fifth day. Israel has bombed Iranian targets. Iran fired back at major cities. The region is on edge.

Donald Trump has jumped in too. After leaving the G7 summit early, he warned Iran’s supreme leader on Truth Social that the US “knows exactly where he is” — but claimed there were “no plans to take him out (kill), at least not for now.”

US officials say Trump is also thinking about joining Israel in attacking Iran’s nuclear sites.

So while the missiles are very real, the pizza warning system is not. Sometimes a delivery is just dinner.

Image source: File

Trump leaves G7 early as Israel-Iran war threat grows

Donald Trump is leaving the G7 summit early as the fight between Israel and Iran explodes.

He’s heading back to Washington on Monday, skipping the second day of talks in Canada. This comes after Trump warned people in Tehran, Iran’s capital, to evacuate immediately on his Truth Social account.

Earlier, Israel told parts of Tehran to clear out before bombing military targets. Now, with things getting worse, Trump says he needs to be home to deal with it.

The White House said he’ll still attend the G7 photo and dinner before leaving. But his early exit upset other leaders, who hoped the US would help push for peace.

A draft statement said Iran must not get nuclear weapons, and that Israel has the right to defend itself. Trump didn’t sign it, but posted, “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”

He also hinted he might try to help end the conflict: “They want to make a deal… but I have to leave here.”

Meanwhile, Israel is bombing Iranian sites, and Iran is firing missiles at Israeli cities. Iran also warned it may leave the global nuclear treaty.

Israel’s leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, said killing Iran’s top leader would end the war.

The US isn’t in the fight yet, but is moving warships and planes closer. The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East to join another US carrier, and two destroyers have moved near Israel.

Image source: @WhiteHouse

Israel ignores Trump’s orders and attacks Iran

Donald Trump told Israel not to bomb Iran. They did it anyway.

Just hours before the attack, Trump said he didn’t want Israel to go in, warning it could ruin his peace talks with Iran. But Israeli warplanes launched the strike without US support, and without waiting for Trump’s approval.

Now Trump is caught in a dangerous situation. His efforts to calm things down with Iran are at risk, and thousands of US troops in the region could be in danger if things get worse.

Trump’s top diplomat was preparing for talks in Oman when the attack happened. Trump had already asked Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to hold off. He didn’t listen.

Republicans like Senator Lindsey Graham cheered the move, but Trump’s not interested in starting new wars. Unlike past presidents, he doesn’t want the US dragged into foreign fights unless America is directly attacked.

After the airstrike, the US made it clear they had nothing to do with it. A short statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: “Israel acted alone. Our priority is keeping American forces safe.”

Image source: File

Elon Musk says sorry for going too far about Trump

Elon Musk has said sorry to US President Donald Trump after the two had a big fight online.

“I went too far,” Musk wrote on X on Wednesday. “I regret some of my posts about President Trump.”

Last week, the two were throwing insults at each other. Trump said he might stop giving government money to Musk’s company, SpaceX. Musk, in return, said Trump’s name was linked to the Epstein scandal, something Trump strongly denies.

Trump hit back, saying Musk had “lost his mind”.

Now, people close to Musk say he’s calming down and might want to be friends again. He even deleted a post where he supported removing Trump from office.

Musk’s apology came after Trump warned him: “If he keeps trying to punish Republicans, there will be serious consequences.” But Trump didn’t say what those consequences would be.

Earlier this year, there were rumours Trump might sell off his Tesla shares, but nothing happened.

Even though things got ugly, Trump has stopped attacking Musk for now. He said he wishes Musk well and wants Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, to keep running.

Vice President JD Vance said Musk made a “huge mistake” by going after Trump.

He called Musk’s angry posts “emotional” and said, “I hope Elon comes back, but maybe it’s too late, he went nuclear.”

Image source: File

Photos show Trump may be wearing a catheter on his leg

Photos of Donald Trump at the White House have gone viral after people noticed a weird bulge in his left pant leg. Many think he might be wearing a catheter, which is a medical tube that drains urine into a bag.

The bulge looks like tubing running down his leg. Some say it’s a Foley catheter, which is often used for people with bladder problems. Others shared diagrams of how catheters work and said it matches the shape seen in the photos.

A few people suggested it might be a leg brace or just wrinkled pants, but many online are convinced it’s a medical device.

Trump has not commented, and his doctor has never mentioned any catheter or health issues like this. Still, the internet is buzzing with rumours about his health based on the pictures.

Image source: @patriottakes

Trump wants to give R18,000 to every baby born in the US

Donald Trump has shared a new idea that every baby born in the US between 2025 and 2029 will get $1,000 (R18,000) from the government. The money will go into a special savings account that grows with the stock market. Parents can also add more money, up to $5,000 a year.

Trump says this plan will help kids build money for their future. Big business leaders like the CEOs of Uber, Goldman Sachs, and Dell have promised to add billions more to support this idea.

The plan is part of a big new law that Trump calls his “beautiful bill.” It’s already passed in the House of Representatives but still needs to pass the Senate. If it doesn’t pass, the baby accounts won’t happen.

Trump says the money for this plan will come from changes to welfare programs and a new tax on money sent out of the country. But a government report says the plan would actually add $2.4-trillion to the national debt and cut healthcare and food help for millions of people.

Some experts also say the baby accounts aren’t the best way to invest money, and other savings plans might work better. Still, Trump believes the accounts will give kids a good start in life.

Other countries like the UK and Singapore have done similar things before, giving money to kids to help them save early.

Trump and his supporters say if this bill doesn’t pass, Americans might face higher taxes. So they’re pushing for Congress to approve it soon.

Image source: File

Trump sends troops to Los Angeles and says “we’ll be everywhere”

President Donald Trump has sent troops into Los Angeles after protests broke out over immigration raids. He warned that “troops will be everywhere” and said he wouldn’t let the protests continue.

The protests started after ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents raided a detention centre and arrested a union leader. Police used tear gas and flash-bangs on protesters, and the scene quickly got tense.

Trump blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass, saying they weren’t doing their jobs. He made fun of Newsom on social media, calling him “Newscum,” and said protesters shouldn’t be allowed to wear masks.

Governor Newsom responded, saying Trump was trying to “create chaos” so he could send in more troops and scare people. He told everyone to stay calm and peaceful.

Around 300 National Guard soldiers were sent to LA over the weekend to help control the protests. ICE said they would keep arresting people who tried to stop their raids.

Image source: @USBPChief

Elon Musk and Donald Trump go from besties to enemies

Donald Trump and Elon Musk used to be best buds. Now, they’re fighting like two celebs in a bad reality show.

It all started when Musk called Trump’s new tax bill “disgusting” and told Americans to call Congress and stop it. He even posted a picture from the movie Kill Bill to make his point.

Trump didn’t stay quiet. He fired back from the White House, saying he might cancel Musk’s government deals and cut off his billions in funding. Musk clapped back: “Go ahead, make my day.”

Then things got even messier.

Musk claimed Trump’s name was in the secret Jeffrey Epstein files. There’s no proof, but Musk’s post went viral.

Just a few days ago, the two were all smiles in the White House, with Trump even giving Musk a goodbye gift as he left his short government job at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Musk also said Trump would have lost the election without him, and called him ungrateful. Trump replied, saying Elon had “turned on him” and only got upset because the new bill cuts tax breaks for electric cars. Musk said he never even saw the bill, and accused Trump of hiding it from Congress.

Then Musk joked that Trump must have been replaced by a body double, because he used to say the same things Musk is saying now.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get wilder, Trump’s old advisor Steve Bannon said Musk should be deported and investigated, claiming he might be in the US illegally.

Image source: File

Trump banned travel from a country that does not exist

US President Donald Trump is being laughed at online after banning travel from a country that hasn’t existed for over 30 years.

Trump signed a new executive order blocking people from entering the US from 12 countries. One of them was “Burma,” but that country officially changed its name to Myanmar in 1989.

The full list of banned countries includes Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and others. The White House says the travel ban is meant to keep the US safe. But critics say it unfairly targets certain countries and reminds them of Trump’s earlier “Muslim ban” from 2017, which caused protests and confusion at airports.

This new ban comes after a recent attack in Colorado, where an immigrant from Egypt was arrested. But Egypt is not on the list.

People online mocked Trump for not knowing that Burma and Myanmar are the same country. Others say the ban is more about politics than safety, and that it could hurt the US’s image around the world.

Image source: File

Elon Musk calls Trump’s tax plan ‘a disgusting mess’

Elon Musk has slammed US President Donald Trump’s new tax and spending plan, calling it “outrageous” and “a disgusting mess.”

The plan, which gives huge tax breaks and increases spending, was passed by Republican lawmakers in May. Trump called it a “big, beautiful bill.” But Musk strongly disagreed. On his social media platform X, he wrote: “This massive spending bill is a disgrace. Shame on those who voted for it.”

Musk had been working in the Trump government for a short time to help cut waste and lower spending. His team was called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). But last week, Musk quit the role. He said trying to fix problems in Washington was harder than expected.

At a press event, the White House brushed off Musk’s complaints. Trump’s spokesperson said the president still supports the bill.

Musk warned that the bill would raise the national debt to $2.5-trillion and said voters should remove the politicians who supported it.

Musk had big plans to cut $2-trillion in government spending, but only managed $150-billion. He also faced backlash over cuts to foreign aid and clashed with other Trump officials, Daily Star reported.

His short-term role in government was always limited to 130 days. That time ended at the end of May.

Image source: @WhiteHouse

Trump misled about ‘white genocide’ in South Africa, says adviser Mark Burns

Mark Burns, a US pastor and adviser to Donald Trump, says the former president may have been misled about claims that white farmers are being targeted and killed in South Africa.

Burns is visiting South Africa for the first time and says the country reminds him of his home state, South Carolina.

In an interview with the Mail & Guardian, Burns said he was surprised to learn from South Africans of all races that most people don’t believe in the so-called “white genocide” narrative. He added that of the over 5,000 murders in the last part of 2024, only 12 were farmers, and just three were white.

Burns said he met with white Afrikaner farmers who confirmed crime is a problem but denied being targeted for their race. He believes Trump may change his view if he visits South Africa himself and gets accurate information.

Burns described Trump as a “man of peace” who wants prosperity for all countries. He said Trump sometimes reacts to what’s shown to him without knowing the full truth and would rethink things if given better information.

He also warned that South Africa’s role in Brics, a group that includes Russia and China, could hurt relations with the US by challenging the US dollar. Burns said this makes trade and negotiations harder.

Asked if Trump would attend the G20 summit in South Africa later this year, Burns said he couldn’t speak for him, but he would advise him to come and see the situation for himself.

Image source: File

Trump claims that Biden is a clone

US President Donald Trump has shared a shocking post online that says Joe Biden died in 2020 and was replaced by a clone or robot.

The original post, made by someone else on social media, said: “There is no Joe Biden – he was executed in 2020. What you see now are clones and robotic copies.” Trump didn’t comment, but he reposted it on his platform, Truth Social, which made it go viral.

Some of Trump’s supporters believed it, saying things like “We always knew something was wrong.” Others pointed out things like Biden’s changing eye colour as “proof” he had been replaced, Daily Star reported.

But many people laughed at the idea and called it just another crazy conspiracy. One person wrote, “Do you think the Earth is flat too?”

Trump has shared strange claims before. He once said Barack Obama wasn’t born in the US and suggested Ted Cruz’s father helped kill President John F. Kennedy. He’s also supported QAnon and made false claims about the 2020 election being stolen.

Despite not having any proof, Trump continues to share these kinds of stories, and some of his fans continue to believe them.

Image source: File

Trump gives Putin two weeks to prove he wants peace in Ukraine

US President Donald Trump has warned Russia’s Vladimir Putin that he has two weeks to show he’s serious about ending the war in Ukraine, or the US will respond differently.

At the White House, Trump said: “I can’t tell if Putin wants peace, but we’ll find out in two weeks. If he’s just playing games, we’ll act differently.”

Trump has recently called Putin “crazy” and accused him of “playing with fire” after Russia launched one of its deadliest attacks on Ukraine in years. At least 13 people, including children, were killed in Kyiv over the weekend.

Earlier, Trump and Putin spoke on the phone for two hours. Trump said the call went “very well,” but no peace deal followed, and Russia kept bombing, BBC reported.

So far, Trump’s administration has mostly pressured Ukraine, even pausing military support in March. Critics say this makes Russia feel stronger. Russia has now demanded that Ukraine give up land and that the US recognise Crimea as Russian territory.

A Kremlin official said Trump doesn’t understand what’s really happening and blamed Ukraine for attacking Russian cities. Meanwhile, Germany has offered Ukraine longer-range missiles, which Russia says could damage peace efforts.

Trump is now focusing on a possible summit with Putin instead of pushing for an immediate ceasefire. But with Russia holding about 20% of Ukraine and peace talks going nowhere, the war continues.

Zelensky says Russia is stalling, while Moscow claims a peace plan is almost ready.

Image source: File

Elon Musk quits Trump team after arguing over government spending

Elon Musk has decided to leave his role as an adviser to US President Donald Trump. The billionaire businessman said he’s had enough of politics and is frustrated by how slowly things work in government.

Musk, who runs Tesla, SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter), announced on X that his time helping the Trump administration has come to an end. He thanked Trump and said his plan to cut wasteful government spending, called the DOGE mission, will still continue without him.

Musk had been helping Trump try to cut down the US government’s budget, but said the system is more broken than he expected. “It’s harder to fix things in Washington than I thought,” he told The Washington Post.

He quit shortly after criticising Trump’s new spending bill, calling it too expensive and saying it added more debt. In an interview with CBS, Musk joked that the bill was “big” but not “beautiful,” poking fun at Trump’s description of it.

Trump said he’s not happy with every part of the bill, but still supports it overall.

Musk had been working part-time for the government since January and helped Trump’s campaign with millions in donations. But now he says he’s stepping away from politics completely and going back to focus on his businesses.

“I think I’ve done enough,” Musk said.

Image source: File

Ramaphosa jokes about Trump meeting: ‘I get nervous when the lights go off now’

President Cyril Ramaphosa made a lighthearted joke on Tuesday about his unusual meeting with US President Donald Trump last week.

Speaking at an event in Cape Town, Ramaphosa said he now feels uneasy whenever the lights go dim, because of what happened in the Oval Office.

During his meeting with Trump, the US president suddenly told staff to turn off the lights and play a video on a TV in the room. The video showed EFF leader Julius Malema singing “Kill the Boer,” a controversial song. The moment caught Ramaphosa by surprise.

At Tuesday’s event, when the lights dimmed as he walked onto stage, Ramaphosa joked: “When I saw the room going dark, I thought, what’s going on? Is this happening again?” He laughed and said it reminded him of what happened with Trump.

He also joked with journalist Clement Manyathela, who was at both the Trump meeting and the Tuesday event. “Seeing you again gave me flashbacks,” he said, smiling.

Ramaphosa said people later told him the Oval Office moment was “an ambush,” but he just found it confusing and unexpected. “I thought we were getting into a good discussion, and then suddenly the lights went out and a video was playing,” he said.

Image source: File

Russia could attack Europe by 2027

A new report warns that Russia might be ready to attack European countries as soon as 2027, if the war in Ukraine ends or slows down soon.

The report, from a top London research group (the International Institute of Strategic Studies), says that a ceasefire would give Russia time to rebuild its army. Even though Russia has lost many tanks and vehicles in Ukraine, it’s already starting to replace them, the Daily Star reported.

Experts say that if Russia gets a break from the war, it could rebuild its forces and pose a serious threat to nearby countries like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania within two years.

Leaders in Europe, including France’s President Emmanuel Macron, have also warned that Russia still has big military goals and may not stop with Ukraine. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said last year, “It’s not a question of if they’ll start another war, but when.”

There’s also growing concern about NATO, the alliance that protects many Western countries. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned whether America should continue to defend NATO countries that don’t spend enough on their military.

“If they don’t pay, I’m not going to defend them,” Trump told reporters after returning to office.

Experts say that if the US pulls back from NATO, it could weaken the group, making it easier for Russia to act more aggressively in Europe.

Image source: File

Trump warns Putin that taking all of Ukraine will destroy Russia

US President Donald Trump has warned that if Russian President Vladimir Putin tries to take control of all of Ukraine, it could lead to Russia’s downfall. In a post on Truth Social on Sunday night, Trump said, “I’ve always had a good relationship with Putin, but something has happened to him. He’s gone absolutely CRAZY!”

Trump said he believes Putin wants to take over all of Ukraine, not just part of it, and warned that doing so would be a huge mistake for Russia, The Guardian reported.

Earlier that day, Trump told reporters he was shocked by Russia’s latest attacks on Ukrainian cities. He also said he was now considering adding new sanctions on Russia. “He’s killing a lot of people,” Trump said. “What the hell happened to him?”

Trump also took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying Zelenskyy was “doing his country no favors” and that “everything out of his mouth causes problems.” He added, “I don’t like it, and it better stop.”

Zelenskyy had earlier criticised the US for not speaking out more strongly after Russia carried out its biggest air attack in years. The weekend strikes killed at least 12 people, including three children, and involved nearly 300 drones and dozens of missiles.

Despite promising during his campaign to end the war in 24 hours, Trump has not placed new sanctions on Russia, even after it refused a proposed 30-day ceasefire.

Zelenskyy’s top aide said more pressure is needed, warning that Russia could continue attacking not just Ukraine, but possibly other countries as well.

Image source: File

Trump shows wrong photo to claim white farmers are being killed in South Africa

During a meeting at the White House with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, US President Donald Trump wrongly said he had proof that white farmers were being killed in South Africa. He held up a picture and said, “These are all white farmers being buried.”

But the photo wasn’t from South Africa at all, it was taken in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It shows people being buried after a deadly attack by rebels near the city of Goma.

The picture came from a video made by the news agency Reuters in February. Trump had seen the image in an article on a conservative website called American Thinker, which talked about race problems in both South Africa and the DRC. The website didn’t explain where the image was from, but it linked to the original video about Congo.

The Reuters journalist who filmed the video, Djaffar Al Katanty, said he was shocked to see Trump using it in the wrong way. “President Trump used my video from Congo to claim white people are being killed in South Africa,” he said, TimesLive reported.

The White House didn’t respond to questions about the mistake. The editor of the blog admitted Trump was wrong about the photo, but still defended the article’s message.

President Ramaphosa visited the US this week to improve relations. Trump has accused South Africa of mistreating white people, which the South African government says is not true.

Image source: File

Ramaphosa jokes with Trump: ‘I don’t have a plane to give you’

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday. The meeting had some tense moments, but Ramaphosa used humour to lighten things up.

When a reporter asked Trump about a $400-million private jet he reportedly accepted from Qatar, Ramaphosa joked, “I don’t have a plane to give you.” Trump laughed and replied, “I wish you did. I would take it.”

But the mood turned tense when the reporter asked if taking the plane was ethical. Trump got angry and said, “You’re a bad reporter. You should be ashamed,” and told the reporter they couldn’t ask any more questions. Ramaphosa tried to keep things calm by repeating his joke, which got another laugh.

Earlier in the meeting, Trump showed Ramaphosa a video he claimed showed the graves of over 1,000 white farmers in South Africa and handed him newspaper articles. Ramaphosa, watching with no visible reaction, asked where the video came from and responded: “There is crime in South Africa, but most of the victims are Black.”

Trump replied, “The farmers are not Black.”

Later, when journalists asked how the meeting went, Ramaphosa said, “It went very well.”

Image source: @PresidencyZA

Trump drops Elon Musk as friendship falls apart

Elon Musk is no longer part of the US government team he once helped lead, and it looks like he’s stepping away from politics completely.

The tech billionaire has been removed from the Department of Government Efficiency (called DOGE), and many of his businesses have struggled because of his political opinions and ties to President Donald Trump.

Trump used to praise Musk often on his Truth Social account, sometimes mentioning him four times a week. He liked Musk’s bold cost-cutting moves, including firing government workers and shutting down departments.

But things have changed. Trump hasn’t mentioned Musk at all since early April, and reports say Musk’s influence in the White House is basically gone.

One Republican insider told Politico, “He’s done. People don’t like him anymore.” They said Musk’s attempts to act like an average American didn’t go down well, and instead upset voters.

Now, people in Trump’s team see Musk as a problem, not an asset. He used to be viewed as a smart outsider who could help fix government, but now he’s seen as too controversial.

There hasn’t been an official announcement, but the silence from Trump’s side says a lot. According to The Independent, Trump’s team is quietly pulling away from Musk.

Image source: File

Ramaphosa lands in Washington for talks with Trump

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Washington DC for an important visit to the United States. He is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday.

Ramaphosa is travelling with several senior government leaders and political figures, including Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen, Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola and South Africa’s new special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas.

In a statement earlier this week, Steenhuisen said the visit is both historic and crucial. He explained that his focus is on strengthening trade relations between the US and South Africa, especially in the agricultural sector. He said that maintaining agreements like AGOA is essential to protect jobs, boost the economy and create more employment opportunities.

Steenhuisen added that South Africa’s relationship with the United States is extremely important. He warned that losing preferential trade access under AGOA would be a major blow to the country’s economy, especially for farmers and farm workers.

The upcoming meeting between Ramaphosa and Trump is expected to address key economic and political issues affecting both nations.

Image source: @PresidencyZA

Trump to call Putin in push for Ukraine ceasefire

US President Donald Trump says he’s ready to speak with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday in a new push to end the war in Ukraine.

Trump shared on social media that he’s expecting a “productive day” and hopes to make progress toward a ceasefire. He also plans to speak with NATO leaders.

The war, which began when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, has proved difficult to end, despite Trump’s repeated claims that he could stop it quickly.

Trump’s top adviser on the matter, Steve Witkoff, said the president believes a phone call with Putin could “clear up the logjam” and get both sides closer to peace. “I think it’s going to be a very successful call,” Witkoff said.

But not everyone agrees with Trump’s approach. Bridget Brink, the former US ambassador to Ukraine, resigned last month, saying the administration has been too soft on Russia and too hard on Ukraine.

She said the final straw came in February, when Trump and his team criticised Zelenskyy during a meeting at the White House. “Peace at any price is not peace,” Brink warned. “It’s appeasement, and that leads to more war.”

Trump said the first call will happen at 10am Monday with Putin. He hopes to stop what he called the “bloodbath” in Ukraine. He also suggested trade incentives might be part of the deal, since Russia’s economy is suffering under US and Western sanctions.

Trump posted that he believes this war “should never have happened” and is confident it can be ended soon.

Image source: File

Ramaphosa and Trump to talk trade, refugees and war

President Cyril Ramaphosa is heading to the United States next week to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on May 21. Their goal is to fix tensions between South Africa and the US.

Relations between the two countries have gotten worse since Trump returned to office in January. Trump has cut off aid to South Africa and accused the government of unfairly targeting white Afrikaners through its land reform policies. He also allowed 49 white South Africans to move to the US as “refugees,” claiming they were victims of racial discrimination. South Africa says this is not true.

Ramaphosa’s team says that the refugee issue is not the most important topic for the meeting. Instead, he wants to focus on trade, investment, and cooperation between the two countries.

He will also speak to Trump about:

The future of the AGOA trade deal, which helps African countries export goods to the US

South Africa’s legal case against Israel over the war in Gaza

The ongoing war in Ukraine, where Ramaphosa has tried to help promote peace

South Africa says it wants fair trade, peaceful diplomacy, and a balanced relationship with the US.

Ramaphosa has invited Trump to visit South Africa later this year for the G20 summit and says he’ll see for himself that the country is peaceful and welcoming.

South African officials say they expect the meeting to be respectful, even if the two leaders don’t agree on everything.

Image source: File

Ramaphosa to meet Trump in the US next week

President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit the United States next week to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on May 21, his office confirmed on Wednesday.

The two leaders will talk about important issues between South Africa and the US, as well as topics affecting the rest of Africa and the world.

Ramaphosa’s office says the visit is a chance to improve relations between the two countries, which have become strained since Trump returned to power in January.

Trump has cut off all US aid to South Africa, saying he doesn’t support the country’s land reform plans or its legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

This week, the US also gave refugee status to 49 white South Africans, claiming they face racial discrimination. The South African government says that claim is not true, and Ramaphosa has said the US is misunderstanding the situation.

Even though relations are tense, the US is still one of South Africa’s biggest trading partners, after China.

Image source: File

Saudi Arabia rolls out mobile McDonald’s for Trump

US President Donald Trump was given a tasty surprise during his trip to Saudi Arabia this week, a mobile McDonald’s restaurant set up just for him.

Trump landed in Riyadh on Tuesday to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders signed several major deals, including a $142 billion arms agreement involving US defence companies.

But all eyes were on something else parked nearby, a fully equipped McDonald’s on wheels, brought in especially for Trump’s visit, Daily Star reported.

The restaurant served the usual favourites like Big Macs and Quarter Pounders, as well as local menu items like the McArabia Kofta, which is served in pita bread.

Trump has long been open about his love for fast food. He once ordered 300 burgers to the White House, posed for photos serving food at McDonald’s during his campaign, and starred in a McDonald’s commercial years ago. After attending a funeral in New York last year, he even ordered $200 worth of burgers for his flight home to Florida.

Trump once said he prefers McDonald’s because it’s “clean” and he trusts that the food is safely pre-made. According to his biographer, he likes it because he fears being poisoned, and believes McDonald’s food is safer than unknown restaurants.

Trump is expected to attend more events in Saudi Arabia before continuing his Middle East tour in Qatar, where reports suggest he may be given a £302 million private jet as a gift from Qatari royals.

Image source: @stockbella

Trump invites all South African minorities to apply to be refugees

The US is now offering asylum to all South African minorities, including Afrikaners, who say they are being mistreated or fear they may be in danger.

The US embassy in South Africa announced that people who are Afrikaner or part of a racial minority group in South Africa can now apply to move to the US as refugees. The programme is part of a new order signed by President Donald Trump.

To apply, you must:

Be a South African citizen

Be an Afrikaner or part of another minority group

Be able to explain how you’ve been mistreated, or why you fear for your safety in the future

Applicants must complete a form and explain their situation, including how many people are travelling with them and when they’re ready to leave. They’ll be asked what kind of harm they’ve faced, such as unfair treatment because of race, religion, or political views.

The first group of people from South Africa has already flown to the US.

But in the US, many people are asking why South Africans are being fast-tracked, while thousands of other refugees from war zones, already been approved, are still being blocked.

Some lawyers say it’s unfair and may break US law, especially since Trump had earlier stopped refugee resettlement completely. Now, his administration is helping some people while leaving others in danger.

A US refugee group said: “Afrikaners are being fast-tracked, while others in desperate need are left behind.”

Image source: File

Ukraine and Russia may agree to peace talks this week

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says there could be a ceasefire with Russia as soon as Monday, with direct peace talks possibly happening later this week in Turkey.

Zelenskyy shared the news on social media after speaking directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said both sides may meet in person on Thursday in Istanbul.

“We’re waiting for a full and lasting ceasefire starting tomorrow,” Zelenskyy said. “There’s no reason to keep the killing going.”

Russia and Ukraine have been at war since 2022. This is the most hopeful update in months. Putin has rejected Ukraine’s call for a 30-day unconditional truce but has offered face-to-face talks without preconditions.

Donald Trump, who pushed Zelenskyy to accept the offer, posted: “Have the meeting, now!”

European leaders, from France, Germany, the UK and Poland, met with Zelenskyy on Saturday and also demanded a ceasefire starting Monday. They warned Russia of tougher sanctions if Putin doesn’t agree.

Putin says he wants peace, but only if it leads to a “lasting solution” and not just time for Ukraine to prepare for more fighting.

While the US and European countries see this week’s talks as a chance for peace, many remain sceptical of Putin’s intentions.

“This could be a first step,” said French President Emmanuel Macron, “but it’s not enough.”

If talks go ahead on Thursday, it would be the most serious chance yet to end the war.

Image source: File

Trump says having an American pope is a ‘great honour’

The new head of the Catholic Church is Robert Francis Prevost, who will now be known as Pope Leo XIV. He was born in Chicago, studied near Philadelphia, and later worked as a missionary in Peru.

Trump praised the historic appointment, telling reporters: “To have the Pope from America is a great honour.”

Other American leaders also welcomed the news. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, said millions will pray for the new pope, BBC reported.

Joe Biden, a devout Catholic and former president, wrote: “Habemus papam – May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois.”

Barack Obama congratulated the pope as a fellow Chicagoan, calling it a historic day.

George Bush said the news brought “hope” for Catholics in America and around the world.

While many political leaders are celebrating, there are signs that Pope Leo may have disagreed with some of Trump’s past policies. A social media account believed to be his once shared posts criticising the Trump administration’s deportations and comments made by JD Vance.

The Vatican has not confirmed whether the account belongs to Pope Leo.

Image source: @CyrilRamaphosa

Iran wants to kill Trump to get revenge, says ex-us official

Iran is planning to kill Donald Trump to get revenge for the killing of one of their top generals, says John Bolton, a former US security adviser.

In 2020, Trump ordered a US airstrike that killed Qasem Soleimani, a powerful Iranian military leader, in Iraq. Since then, Iran has promised to strike back.

Now, Bolton says Iran has made a kill list, and Trump is number one on it. Bolton also believes he is on the list.

“Iran is using gangs in Europe and the US to go after people who speak out against them,” Bolton told Sky News. “They’re trying to find and hurt people like me — and Trump is their main target.”

Trump was already the target of an assassination attempt last year in the US.

At the same time, Trump says his government is now talking directly with Iran to try and stop them from building a nuclear bomb.

“We’re having talks. A deal would be better than the alternative,” Trump said. “But if the talks fail, Iran will be in big trouble.”

Iran has not said anything yet about Bolton’s claims, but its leaders have often warned the US would pay for killing Soleimani.

Image source: File

Trump says letting Russia back into the World Cup might help end the war

Donald Trump was surprised to learn that Russia is banned from the 2026 Fifa World Cup because of its invasion of Ukraine. When a journalist asked him about Russia’s suspension during a White House Fifa meeting, Trump said, “I didn’t know that. Is that right?”

Fifa president Gianni Infantino quickly explained that Russia is currently banned from international football. “We hope peace will come and they can be readmitted,” he said.

Trump then suggested that allowing Russia back into the tournament could be used as a peace incentive. “Hey, that could be a good incentive, right?” he said. “We want them to stop. We want the killing to stop. It’s not even believable.”

Trump also claimed that hosting the 2026 World Cup, which will take place across the US, Canada, and Mexico, would bring massive economic benefits. He said it would create thousands of jobs and bring in billions for local businesses.

“We’ll make sure it’s safe and successful,” Trump promised. “Everyone coming to the US will have a smooth, easy experience.”

The US is also set to host the Club World Cup this June. Trump said both tournaments will be “special” and the 2026 World Cup will be “the best run soccer tournament the world has ever seen.”

Image source: White House

Trump will pay undocumented immigrants $1,000 to leave the US

The Trump administration has announced a new program that will pay undocumented immigrants $1,000 (R18,000) if they agree to leave the US voluntarily.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says people without legal status can apply through an app called CBP Home. After they leave the country and it’s confirmed, they’ll get the money.

This is a change to an app created under President Biden, which helped people request asylum at the US border. Trump shut that down and changed it so the app now helps people exit the US instead.

DHS says this approach saves money. Right now, arresting and deporting someone costs the US over $17,000. By offering a $1,000 incentive, the government says it could cut those costs by 70%.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said it’s the “safest and most cost-effective way to leave” and avoid arrest, the Guardian reported.

One person has already flown back to Honduras under the program, and more trips are planned.

The government claims people who leave this way might have a better chance of being allowed back legally later, but immigration experts warn that this may be false hope.

Critics say it’s a trap and could actually make it harder for people to return legally in the future.

This plan is part of Trump’s larger push to reduce immigration and encourage “self-deportation”, which means making life in the US so difficult that people decide to leave on their own.

Image source: File

Trump announces 100% tariff on movies made outside the US

President Donald Trump says all movies made outside of the United States will now face a 100% import tax.

He made the announcement on his Truth Social account on Sunday, calling foreign-made films a “national security threat.”

Trump says countries like Australia and New Zealand are stealing away American film jobs by offering better deals to Hollywood producers. He wants movies to be made in the US again, the Guardian reported.

“We want movies made in America, again!” he posted.

He also claimed the move is needed to fight “messaging and propaganda” from other countries. It’s not yet clear how or when the new tax will begin, or whether it affects American companies filming overseas.

Film production in Los Angeles has dropped nearly 40% over the past 10 years, according to FilmLA. Meanwhile, countries like Australia, New Zealand and others have attracted big-budget movies by offering tax breaks and cash.

Image source: File

Trump asks for ‘divine dreams’ and makes virgin joke at prayer event

Donald Trump held a big prayer event at the White House on Thursday, where religious leaders asked God to give him “divine dreams” and protect him with “supernatural power.”

One man even knelt in front of Trump while others raised their hands and sang Amazing Grace. The event marked National Prayer Day, and Trump used the moment to sign a new order creating a group called the Religious Liberty Commission.

Trump, who survived an assassination attempt last year, said he believes God saved his life and is now helping guide his leadership. “We’re bringing back religion in this country,” Trump said.

Paula White, Trump’s spiritual adviser, led the prayers. She asked God to give him special dreams, wisdom, and strength. She also said the country needs a spiritual reset, with Trump leading the way.

Even though Trump has faced many scandals, including a criminal conviction and selling $60 Bibles, many Christian voters still support him.

During the event, Trump also made a joke about a belief that saints in Islam receive 72 virgins in Heaven.

“What about 38 virgins?” he joked while speaking about a talk he had with Muslim leaders.

“They said, ‘That’s nonsense.’”

Trump repeated his false claim that he won the 2020 election and said he’s working to protect religion in America, including setting up a team to fight “anti-Christian bias.”

One top advisor, Mike Waltz, was missing. Trump later replaced him due to a scandal over leaked messages.

Image source: White House

Trump jokes about becoming the next pope

Donald Trump this week told reporters that he wants to be the next pope. “I’d like to be pope,” Trump said with a grin. “That would be my number one choice.”

Users on social media site X quickly made fun of the comment, with one writing, “First time in history, we will have orange pope.” Others pointed out how the media might have reacted if someone else had said it: “Had Biden said something this stupid, the media and MAGA would have a field day,” Daily Star reported.

Trump didn’t name a preferred candidate for the real role, but did mention Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, calling him “very good”.

The College of Cardinals is set to meet on May 7 to start voting for the next pope after Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday. Only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote, and 108 of the 135 eligible voters were appointed by Francis.

While some cardinals want to continue Francis’s focus on helping the poor and vulnerable, others are pushing for a return to traditional teachings and unity in the church.

Trump’s pope comment may have been a joke, but the conclave to choose the real one is expected to be serious, and fast, possibly wrapped up in two or three days.

Image source: File

Trump moves fast but big promises still not done

Donald Trump has been moving fast since returning to the White House. After 100 days, he’s made some big changes, but many of his promises are still not done.

Trump says he already fixed inflation, but experts warn that his high tariffs on foreign goods could make prices rise again. He promised to lower energy bills by half, but for now, energy costs have stayed the same.

On immigration, Trump has made a big impact. Illegal crossings from Mexico have dropped a lot, and deportations are up.

Trump promised to end the Russia-Ukraine war quickly. That hasn’t happened. Fighting is still going on, and there is no peace deal yet.

He also promised big tax cuts, like no taxes on tips and overtime pay, but none of those have passed yet.

Trump has acted fast on cultural issues. He banned transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports, cut funding to some universities, and pardoned around 1,500 people who were involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.

Trump also worked with Elon Musk to cut government jobs, but the savings are much smaller than they promised.

In short, Trump has moved quickly on immigration and culture wars, but promises like cheaper energy, lower taxes, and peace in Ukraine are still not delivered, and it’s unclear if they will be.

Image source: File

Trump says Ukraine may give Russia part of its land

US President Donald Trump says he thinks Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to give up Crimea to Russia, even though Zelenskyy said just last week that Crimea will always belong to Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters in New Jersey on Sunday, Trump said: “Oh, I think so,” when asked if Zelenskyy was willing to give up the Black Sea region, which Russia seized in 2014, the Guardian reported.

Zelenskyy has not yet responded to Trump’s latest comments. But last week, he clearly stated that Crimea is still “the property of the Ukrainian people.”

Meanwhile, leaked US peace plans suggest Trump’s team is proposing that Russia keep the territories it captured, including Crimea. Germany’s defence minister called the US plan a “capitulation” and warned it was worse than anything Ukraine could have agreed to a year ago.

Even so, Trump said after meeting Zelenskyy at the Vatican that he now has more sympathy for him.

“He’s working hard. He wants to do something good for his country.”

Trump also criticised Russia for launching new missile attacks after his peace ambassador met with Putin, saying he was “very disappointed.”

When asked if he trusts Putin, Trump answered: “I’ll let you know in about two weeks.”

Trump added that he believes a peace deal could be signed soon and claimed (without evidence) that the US has already sent Ukraine $350 billion in aid.

On another front, Trump said there had been “a little bit” of progress in trade talks with China, despite Chinese officials saying no talks are happening.

Image source: Donald Trump Truth Social

Trump starts 2028 campaign even though third term is not allowed

Donald Trump has started selling “Trump 2028” campaign hats, even though US law says he can’t run for a third term.

The red cap, which looks like his usual “Make America Great Again” hat, now says “Trump 2028” and is being sold for $50 (around R1,000).

According to the US Constitution, a person can only be elected president twice. Trump already won in 2016 and again in 2024, which means he shouldn’t be able to run again.

But Trump told NBC that there may be “ways around” the rule. “I’m not joking,” he said. “A lot of people want me to do it.”

Former Republican politician Adam Kinzinger says Trump is ignoring the rules and could create a big crisis if he refuses to listen to court decisions in the future, Daily Star reported.

Trump’s second time in the White House has already caused economic problems, with high tariffs on imports and growing tension between countries. Stock markets have dropped, and trade wars have begun.

Now, there are signs that Trump might try to calm things down but many believe the chaos isn’t over yet.

Trump’s actions can affect the whole world, including South Africa. If he tries to stay in power longer than allowed, it could damage trust in democracy everywhere and hurt global trade and economic stability.

Image source: File

Trump still cares about Africa, says adviser after aid cuts

US President Donald Trump still cares about Africa, even after cutting major aid programmes and raising tariffs, according to his adviser Massad Boulos.

In an interview with the BBC, Boulos said Trump “highly values Africa and African people” and denied that the US is planning to close its embassies across the continent.

But Trump’s actions have caused real problems.

On his first day in office, Trump froze most US foreign aid, which has had a serious impact on health services in Africa. Many HIV treatment programmes were cut, and some countries may soon run out of HIV medication, according to the World Health Organization.

Kenya, Nigeria and Lesotho are among the countries affected. The aid freeze also hit cholera clinics. In South Sudan, five children and three adults died after walking for hours to reach a clinic that had shut down.

Boulos said the US is reviewing how aid is spent to make sure the money is not being wasted. “We want the money to go to the right places,” he said.

He also confirmed that the US is interested in mining resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, especially minerals like lithium, which are used in electric car batteries.

Trump’s trade policies have also hit Africa. He recently placed 50% tariffs on imports from countries like Lesotho, before putting those tariffs on hold for 90 days. Lesotho depends on US trade, especially in clothing and textiles.

There are also worries about the future of AGOA — a special trade agreement between the US and African countries, first launched in 2000. Trump has not said if he will renew it, and experts think it might end soon.

Image source: File

Trump says China tariffs will drop but not go away

US President Donald Trump says his very high tariffs on goods from China will be reduced but not removed completely.

Right now, the US charges a 145% tariff on Chinese goods. China hit back with a 125% tariff on US products. This has started a trade war that’s shaken the global economy.

Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said: “The tariffs will come down a lot — but they won’t go to zero,” the Guardian reported.

His comments followed a warning from his treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, who said the current situation can’t continue and both sides need to make changes.

Trump said he still wants to keep good relations with China: “We’re doing fine with China. I think we’ll work well together.”

The stock market went up after news of possible lower tariffs.

China hasn’t officially replied yet, but their media called Trump’s tariffs unfair and warned other countries not to make trade deals that hurt China.

Meanwhile, businesses around the world, including in South Africa, are worried that this trade fight will make things more expensive and slow down the economy.

Both China and the US are huge trading partners for South Africa. If their trade war continues, it could mean fewer exports, job losses, and higher prices here at home.

Image source: File

Pope once told Trump ‘he’s not a Christian’

Pope Francis and Donald Trump never had a good relationship, and it all started with a wall.

During Trump’s 2016 campaign, the Pope slammed his plans to build a wall between the US and Mexico, saying: “A person who thinks only about building walls and not bridges is not Christian.”

Trump didn’t take it well. He fired back, saying if ISIS ever attacked the Vatican, the Pope would’ve prayed for a president like him, Daily Star reported.

The two later met in 2017 at the Vatican. Trump said it was a “fantastic meeting,” but photos told a different story, with the Pope looking miserable next to Trump’s big grin.

Things didn’t get better.

This year, just months before his death, the Pope again criticised Trump’s mass deportation policies, saying they were built on “force, not dignity” and “will end badly.”

He also disagreed with Vice President JD Vance, who said people should look after their own families and countries before helping others. The Pope wrote: “Christian love is not just about looking after people close to you.”

Pope Francis passed away on Monday 21 April at the age of 88. Trump is expected to attend his funeral on Saturday.

Image source: @WhiteHouse

Trump says Russia and Ukraine might make a peace deal soon

US President Donald Trump says Russia and Ukraine could reach a peace deal “this week”, but gave no details on what that would look like.

Writing in all caps on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, 20 April, Trump said:

“HOPEFULLY RUSSIA AND UKRAINE WILL MAKE A DEAL THIS WEEK.”

He added that if peace is reached, both countries could start doing “big business” with the US and “make a fortune.”

The comment comes after a failed Easter ceasefire between the two countries. Russia said it would pause attacks for the holiday, but both sides have since accused each other of breaking the truce.

Trump has recently said that both Ukraine and Russia need to compromise to end the war, which started in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.

Any peace deal between Russia and Ukraine would affect global prices, from fuel to food. It could ease inflation and reduce pressure on SA’s economy, which has been hit hard by rising costs linked to the war.

Image source: File

Presidency says Trump won’t hold grudge against Jonas

The presidency has defended sending Mcebisi Jonas to the US as South Africa’s new special envoy despite an old video where Jonas called Donald Trump a “racist, homophobe and narcissist”.

The comments were made in 2020, when Jonas gave a public lecture as a private citizen, not as a government official.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Wednesday: “At the time, Jonas was not representing the government. Those views were personal.”

He added that Trump isn’t the type to hold grudges. “If he did, half his cabinet wouldn’t be working with him.”

Jonas’ job is to fix SA’s diplomatic and trade relationship with the US, which has become tense. Trump expelled SA’s former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool after criticism of his administration, and recently threatened to boycott the G20 summit in South Africa.

Magwenya said Rasool and Jonas are different cases — Rasool spoke while in office, while Jonas was just an activist at the time.

Jonas also commented this week, saying: “These things happen. People move on.”

Image source: File

Trump’s trade war with China is bad news for South Africa

South Africa got a 90-day break from Trump’s harsh tariffs, but experts say we’re still in trouble.

That’s because Trump is now hitting China, one of South Africa’s biggest trading partners — with heavy taxes. And when China’s economy slows down, South Africa suffers too.

China and the US buy over 18% of SA’s exports. If demand drops, it means fewer sales, fewer jobs, and a weaker economy here at home.

Economist Maarten Ackerman told Mail & Guardian: “Even if the US doesn’t tax us directly, we’re still going to feel the pain.”

SA’s farmers and food producers may need to find new markets fast, especially if US buyers stop ordering wine, fruit, or canned goods.

To protect trade ties, President Ramaphosa has sent Mcebisi Jonas to Washington as a special envoy to deal with the growing crisis.

Image source: File

Trump blames Zelenskyy for war after deadly Russian attack

Just days after 35 people were killed in Ukraine by Russian missiles — including two children — US President Donald Trump blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for helping to start the war.

Speaking from the White House, Trump said that millions of people have died because of three people: Russia’s Vladimir Putin, former US president Joe Biden, and Zelenskyy.

He said the war could have been stopped: “Biden could’ve stopped it, Zelenskyy could’ve stopped it, and Putin should never have started it,” Trump told reporters, Sky News reported.

He also said Ukraine made a mistake by going to war with a much stronger country: “You don’t start a war with someone 20 times your size and hope people give you missiles,” he said.

The comments came just after two Russian missiles hit the city of Sumy during a Palm Sunday celebration. It was one of the deadliest attacks in Ukraine this year, and over 100 people were injured.

Zelenskyy has called for help from the world. Russia claimed it hit a military target but has shown no proof.

Trump said he wants to end the war and stop people from dying: “All I want to do is stop the killing.”

Image source: File

White House claims Trump is healthy and fit to lead

Donald Trump is “fully fit” to run the United States, even though he has high cholesterol, slightly high blood pressure, and a scar from a gunshot, according to a report from the White House doctor.

The report came after Trump, who is 78 years old, went for his yearly health check-up. The doctor, Sean Barbella, said Trump is in good shape, both physically and mentally, and is taking medicine to manage his cholesterol.

Trump’s cholesterol level is now 140, which is healthy. In 2018, it was over 220. His blood pressure is a little high at 128 over 74, but it’s not dangerous.

The report also said Trump is up to date on all his vaccines, even though his health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, has questioned vaccines in the past.

Trump still has a scar on his ear from when he was shot at during a campaign rally last year. He survived, but one person died and others were injured.

Trump told reporters after the exam: “I think it went well. They did every test you can imagine.”

He also said he took a cognitive test to check his memory and thinking skills. He scored 30 out of 30, which means he passed with full marks. The test includes tasks like drawing a clock, remembering words, and naming animals.

His heart rate was 62 beats per minute, which is normal for someone in good health.

Image source: White House

Tariff pause is no relief for South Africa

South Africa has been given a 90-day break from Donald Trump’s harsh import tariffs but experts say it’s not really good news.

The US dropped tariffs on many SA goods from 31% down to 10%, giving local exporters a bit of breathing room. But analysts and unions say this is just a tactic by Trump’s administration to force South Africa into signing trade deals that favour the US.

Trade Minister Parks Tau confirmed that SA is included in the pause and said talks have already begun. But some tariffs, like the 25% tax on cars, steel, and aluminium, are still in place.

Experts say the US is using tariffs as a negotiating weapon. Dr Frederich Kirsten, an economist, said: “It’s not about relief — it’s about pressure. The US now holds the cards,” he told The Citizen.

Political analyst Sandile Swana warned that the US is trying to change global trade rules. “When you trade with the US, they want your country to play by American rules — even if it hurts your economy,” he said.

Unions are worried too. Cosatu says 500,000 jobs in South Africa are linked to trade with the US. They called the 10% tax on agriculture “still too high” and warned that keeping cars at a 25% tariff could kill exports and cause job losses.

The US tariff pause isn’t a gift — it’s a way to pressure SA into making deals that could hurt workers, weaken trade rules, and threaten jobs. With unemployment at around 32%, SA can’t afford to play along without a fight.

Image source: File

Lesotho made Trump’s shirts — now he’s taxing them 50%

Some of Donald Trump’s fancy golf shirts were made in Lesotho, the same country he just hit with a huge 50% tariff.

Trump’s branded shirts, made by golf legend Greg Norman’s clothing brand, have tags showing they were made in Lesotho. But now, because of Trump’s new import rules, clothing from Lesotho will cost 50% more to bring into the US.

That’s bad news for Lesotho. The country depends on selling clothes to the US — it’s one of the biggest parts of its economy and supports 15,000 jobs, News24 reported.

Before this, Lesotho’s clothes went into the US tariff-free under a deal called AGOA, which helps African countries trade with America. But that benefit is now gone.

The reason? Trump says Lesotho has a trade “imbalance” with the US, mostly because of diamond sales.

Greg Norman, who makes the shirts and supports Trump, once called him “a breath of fresh air.” Now, that air comes with a big bill.

Lesotho’s economy is closely tied to South Africa. If thousands of jobs are lost there, it can affect trade, migration, and our shared economy. And if Trump is raising tariffs on neighbours like Lesotho, South Africa could face even more pressure — we’ve already been hit with a 30% tariff.

Image source: File

Trump’s tan taxed as tariff war hits his face

Donald Trump’s new import taxes could end up hitting his own face — as prices rise on tanning products used to create his famous orange glow.

Trump’s massive new tariffs came into effect on April 5, adding tariffs to thousands of foreign products. And that includes fake tan.

Popular UK bronzer brand St. Tropez will now cost Americans 10% more, while Trump’s rumoured favourite face cream — Swiss brand Bronx Colors — will be hit with a 31% tariff.

That means the president’s signature orange look could soon come with a higher price tag, Daily Star reported.

Trump reportedly insists on 2 bottles of the Swiss concealer in his bedroom at all times.

But now, thanks to his own tariffs, Americans will be paying more for beauty products, food, clothes, and electronics.

Image source: @WhiteHouse

Trump wants to ban sex toys and bring back child labour

Donald Trump is trying to make it harder to buy sex toys — and easier for kids to work overnight.

In Texas, a new law would force people to show their ID just to buy a vibrator online. Sellers who don’t check could face a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

Another proposed law would ban big shops like Walmart from selling sex toys at all — only strip clubs and sex shops would be allowed to sell them.

The official term for a sex toy in Texas? An “obscene device” — including dildos and anything used to “stimulate genitals.”

Sex expert Dr. Shamyra Howard said, “It turns something normal and healthy into something shameful.”

Meanwhile, in Florida, lawmakers want to let 14-year-olds work night shifts, even on school days.

One journalist put it simply: “Orgasms are out. Child labour is back.”

Image source: File

Zimbabwe cuts US tariffs as Africa faces trade war

Zimbabwe’s president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, says his country will drop all

A still from a livestream shows armored personnel intercepting the Handala, with those aboard surrendering immediately. Freedom Flotilla Coalition

A Gaza-bound ship carrying aid and activists was intercepted by Israeli forces Saturday night within 70 nautical miles of its intended destination, according to the human rights group Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC).

“The occupation has disabled our cameras and all communication has been lost,” the organization’s spokesperson told CNN in a message.

CNN has reached out to the Israel Defense Forces for comment.

A YouTube livestream showed armed personnel boarding the ship while the activists on deck, all wearing life jackets, held their hands in the air in surrender. One of the helmeted personnel appears to manipulate the camera on the deck, turning it around. The group’s livestream ended soon after that.

The Handala, named for a famous Palestinian cartoon character, is part of the FFC, which has attempted numerous times to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza via sea and deliver aid to Palestinians there.

A few hours before the ship was intercepted, the FFC released a statement saying that the Handala was steering toward Egypt in an effort to avoid being boarded.

Two members of the French and European parliaments are aboard, as well as Christian Small, a US trade unionist.

More background: The apparent end of Handala’s journey toward Gaza comes a little over a month after another ship from the Freedom Flotilla, the Madleen, was similarly intercepted on its way to the enclave.

That ship, crewed by a group that included climate activist Greta Thunberg, was also laden with aid. Israeli authorities towed their ship to Ashdod, and all aboard were deported from Israel afterwards.

The Foreign Ministry confirms that the Israeli Navy has taken over the Handala activist boat attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, stressing that everyone on board is safe.

In a statement, using the original name of the vessel, the ministry says the forces “stopped the vessel Navarn from illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of Gaza.”

“The vessel is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. All passengers are safe,” it adds.

“Unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts.”

The IDF itself is yet to issue a statement on the matter. Live footage from the vessel earlier showed Navy troops reaching the Handala and boarding it.

Handala is operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which also dispatched a previous boat that was stopped, the Madleen, on a mission to reach Gaza.

According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s website, the Handala is carrying 19 activists as well as two Al Jazeera journalists.

The boat will be towed to Ashdod Port by the Navy, and the activists will then be deported from the country.