A high-profile rally for the U.S. president was marred by repeated protests, including a confrontation where a demonstrator was assaulted by a supporter while being led away by police, and the president briefly stepped back from the microphone amid the unrest. Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to halt the use of taxpayer funds for pro-president ads, which have already cost millions, raising fresh legal and ethical questions. The president has also distanced himself from two key aides after reports emerged that they assisted a pro-Russia government in the Balkans, though he has not yet confirmed their termination. Separately, the UK is rebranding its East Jerusalem consulate following Israel’s demand, a move tied to Britain’s settlement trade ban, though internal divisions persist over the timing and potential political implications.
The president was repeatedly interrupted at a rally, and faces a legal challenge over taxpayer-funded adverts. Plus Jonathan the giant tortoise, who may have the secret to longevityGood morning. Donald Trump suffered a torrid night at a rally in Texas that was rocked by repeated protests. The US president briefly stepped away from the microphone after one protester appeared to approach the stage. At least half a dozen demonstrators interrupted Trump during his remarks in San Antonio, with some led away by police. One was physically assaulted by an older Trump supporter as he tried to leave the arena.What is the latest development in the saga over taxpayer-funded pro-Trump ads? The Democratic National Committee has sued the Trump administration in federal court, asking a judge in Washington to stop the president from using taxpayer funds to air a series of ads promoting himself. The ads have cost taxpayers more than $12m so far, according to the media tracking firm AdImpact.Why has Trump been forced to distance himself from two top aides? Trump claimed he did not have “any idea who else they work for” after it was reported that Chris LaCivita, the co-manager of his 2024 presidential campaign, and James Blair, a campaign adviser and White House deputy chief of staff on leave of absence, spent the weekend assisting the pro-Russia government in Republika Srpska in the Balkans. Trump said: “I will terminate them, immediately” if he determined there was a conflict of interest.What is the latest in the diplomatic dispute between the UK and Israel? Britain is rebranding its East Jerusalem consulate as a UK mission. The move was forced by the Israeli government as punishment for Britain’s decision to ban trade with illegal settlements. There has been some dispute within the UK government over whether taking tough measures at this time against Israel could help Benjamin Netanyahu’s re-election prospects this month. Continue reading...
