# Tags

TRUMP PRAISES STARMER, DESPITE CRITICISM FROM MUSK

President Donald Trump has expressed admiration for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, despite criticism from tech billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk. Trump described Starmer as a “very good person” who has done a “very good job thus far.” “I like him a lot,” Trump said. “He’s liberal, which is a bit different from me, but I think he’s a very good person and I think he’s done a very good job thus far.” Trump’s comments came during a visit to the press room on board Air Force One, where he also mentioned that he and Starmer would be having a call “over the next 24 hours.” The two leaders have met on several occasions, including a visit by Starmer to Trump Tower in New York during the presidential campaign. Musk However, not everyone shares Trump’s positive view of Starmer. Elon Musk has been strongly critical of the Prime Minister, calling for his removal from office and accusing him of being “deeply complicit in the mass rapes” related to the grooming gangs scandal. Starmer Starmer has denied the allegations, accusing critics of “spreading lies and misinformation.” Despite the criticism, Trump’s praise for Starmer suggests a positive relationship between the two leaders, with Trump saying they have a “very good relationship.” Lammy Foreign Secretary David Lammy has also announced that Starmer will visit Washington for talks with Trump “within the next few weeks.”

TRUMP URGES OPEC AND SAUDI ARABIA TO LOWER OIL PRICES, CALLS FOR INTEREST RATE CUTS

US President Donald Trump has called on OPEC and Saudi Arabia to reduce global oil prices, while also urging central banks worldwide to cut interest rates. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump criticized oil producers for not acting sooner to lower crude oil costs. “I’m going to ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to bring down the cost of oil. You gotta bring it down. Frankly, I’m surprised they didn’t do it before the election,” Trump said. He believes that lower oil prices could help end the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating “Right now, the price is high enough that the war will continue. Bring it down, and you could end that war”. Trump also encouraged global companies to manufacture their products in the US, warning them of heavy tariffs if they import goods into the American market. He promoted his economic policies, including large tax cuts and reduced regulations, describing them as a “revolution of common sense.” In addition, Trump stated his intention to push NATO member nations to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP. He claimed that most members only began meeting the 2% GDP target after his pressure during his first term.

BREAKING: TRUMP SWORN IN FOR SECOND TERM AS THE 47TH US PRESIDENT

Donald Trump has been sworn in for a second term as president of the United States, marking a remarkable return to power. The ceremony took place at noon local time (17:00 GMT) in Washington, DC, under the Capitol rotunda, due to frigid temperatures. Trump, 78, was administered the 35-word presidential oath of office by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. In his inaugural address, Trump proclaimed that he would “put America first” and vowed to “rebalance” the scales of justice, referencing the criminal investigations he has likened to political persecution. The ceremony was preceded by a meeting between Trump and outgoing President Joe Biden at the White House, where Biden welcomed Trump and his wife, saying “Welcome home.” Trump and Biden then rode together to the Capitol for the inauguration. Trump’s return to the White House comes four years after his previous re-election attempt ended in defeat. He replaces Democrat Joe Biden, who he succeeded after winning the presidential election against Kamala Harris in November. In the lead-up to the inauguration, Biden pardoned several individuals feared to be targets under Trump’s incoming administration, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and members of the January 6 committee, such as Liz Cheney. Trump plans to issue a series of executive orders and actions aimed at dramatically changing the course of the country.

POPE SLAMS TRUMP’S MASS DEPORTATION PLANS AS “A CALAMITY”

The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has strongly criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s plans for large-scale deportations of undocumented migrants, calling it “a calamity.” Trump has pledged to take a hardline stance against an estimated 11 million undocumented migrants in the United States. “If it is true, it will be a calamity because it makes the poor wretches who have nothing pay,” Francis said in an interview with Italian television channel Nove. The Pope has previously criticized Trump’s anti-migrant policies, saying, “Anyone, whoever he is, who only wants to build walls and not bridges is not a Christian.” Trump’s plans include carrying out “the largest deportation operation in American history,” which is expected to face legal challenges and potential refusals by some countries to accept deportees. The operation may begin with migrants who have committed crimes, but all undocumented migrants, including those with no criminal history, may be at risk of arrest and deportation. Raids at construction sites, where undocumented migrants are often employed, are also expected to resume. However, the operation could pose difficulties for officials due to limited custody space to hold detainees. The Laken Riley Act, which requires the federal government to detain migrants living in the US illegally who are suspected of criminal activity, is expected to be passed by Congress next week. Trump has also vowed to end birthright citizenship, calling it “ridiculous,” despite it being guaranteed by the US constitution. Analysts expect Trump to issue executive orders on other aspects of immigration policy and potentially declare a national emergency to unlock Pentagon resources. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has expressed concerns about the legality and constitutionality of Trump’s deportation plans.

TRUMP’S FELONY CONVICTION: WHAT IT MEANS FOR HIS RIGHTS AND FUTURE

In a surprise move, a judge sentenced President-elect Donald Trump to an unconditional discharge on Friday, closing the case against him without any punishment. However, unless his conviction for falsifying business records is overturned, Trump will have felonies on his criminal record, affecting some of his rights. Despite his felony conviction, Trump will still be able to vote in Florida, where he is registered. Florida restores voting rights to individuals convicted of felonies after they complete their sentence, except for those convicted of murder or sex offenses. However, under federal law, Trump will not be allowed to possess firearms. He will also be required to provide a DNA sample for New York’s crime databank, a noninvasive process involving a cheek swab. Trump’s conviction may also impact his business ventures. He may be barred from holding liquor licenses, and his felony conviction could prevent him from reentering the casino business. Despite these implications, Trump’s conviction does not prevent him from becoming president. Federal law does not bar individuals with felony convictions from holding federal office. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has the power to pardon Trump, but it seems unlikely. When asked about the possibility of a pardon, Hochul stated, “No one will be treated any better, or any worse, by me when I make those life-altering decisions… So, no one gets extra favors, no one gets treated worse.” Trump has maintained his innocence, describing the case against him as a “hoax” perpetrated by Democrats. His conviction is a significant development in his ongoing legal battles. SOURCE: AP News