16:37 Chancellor Scholz values the book by Vance
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the SPD has read Vance's autobiographical work "Hillbilly Elegy" "recently," says Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit in Berlin. "He really enjoyed it." The Chancellor was particularly impressed by the portrayal of the "aspirational spirit in an America that is being tested by harsh challenges." At the margins of the Munich Security Conference in February, Scholz spoke to the US Senator about the book, which then led to a brief conversation, the spokesperson adds. Hebestreit cautions, "One must always separate the author and the work from each other and also the political positions that J.D. Vance as Senator from Ohio holds." The spokesperson refuses to go into specific criticisms.
15:53 "Project 2025": Critics warn of Trump's "alarming" agenda
At their convention in Milwaukee, the US Republicans passed a relatively moderate program. However, critics of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump fear that, upon his return to the White House, it will not be the party program but rather a much more radical and well-known paper called "Project 2025" that will serve as the basis for his government dealings. This 887-page strong work comes from the ultra-conservative think tank Heritage Foundation. It contains detailed plans for a complete overhaul of the government apparatus and a drastic conservative turnaround. The president of the Heritage Foundation, Kevin Roberts, spoke at the beginning of July of a revolution already initiated. Critics see in "Project 2025" a blueprint for the dismantling of democracy and authoritarian rule. Constitutional scholar Erwin Chemerinsky of the University of California in Berkeley described the project to "Newsweek" magazine as "deeply alarming." The plans point to a "significant movement towards an authoritarian government."
15:18 Harris accuses Vance of siding with Trump over country
US Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her views on J.D. Vance's nomination as the Republican vice presidential candidate in a video she posted on her X-Account. She questions his loyalty: "He will only be loyal to Trump, not to our country," she writes. If he comes to power, he would implement the ultraconservative manifesto "Project 2025." "We won't allow that," Harris adds.
14:59 US Homeland Security Ministry investigates Trump attack
The Inspector General of the United States Department of Homeland Security has initiated an investigation into the planning of the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in the US state of Pennsylvania. The US Homeland Security Ministry announced this on its website. The investigation is listed there as an "ongoing project." According to this, the investigation aims to evaluate the behavior of the US intelligence services in securing the event. The investigation by the US Homeland Security Ministry differs from the one announced by President Biden on Sunday.
14:27 Tech Giants from the Valley support Trump
More and more tech giants from Silicon Valley are throwing their weight behind the right-wing populist presidential candidate Donald Trump - led by Elon Musk. The billionaire plans to support the Republican campaign with monthly 45 million dollars (approximately 41 million Euros) according to a newspaper report. Besides Musk, other less well-known tech giants also support Trump: for various reasons. The Trump supporters from Silicon Valley are predominantly male and white.
13:53 Kremlin does not expect much from Trump as US PresidentAccording to Presidential spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, Russia has low expectations for a possible new presidency of Donald Trump in the US. "As for the relationship between (Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Trump), nothing good was done for Russia under Trump," he told journalists. "On the contrary, there were more restrictions. However, there was a dialogue. This can be considered as a positive element."
13:18 Spahn expects Trump win, Chancellor must have an offerCDU politician Jens Spahn is following the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee. He expects a victory for Donald Trump. In an interview with ntv, he discussed why the candidacy of hardliner J.D. Vance could be a chance, and how Germany should prepare.
12:34 Wounded Trump supporters in stable conditionThe shooter's bullet hit Donald Trump on the ear. However, three people in the audience were hit by bullets much closer. One father died on the spot, and it was reported that the other two men were in critical condition. Now, "Bild" newspaper reports that both men are doing better and their health condition is stable.
11:57 Big Dog takes over Republican Party conventionWest Virginia Governor Jim Justice's popularity in some parts is due to his dog, according to analysts. For an appropriate cheer, "Babydog" made an appearance at the Republican Party convention.
11:05 Iconic Trump-Fist shirt is a hit among RepublicansWith a bloodied face and a defiant fist raised before the US flag: The historic image of Donald Trump after the attack in Butler has been immortalized on fan shirts within fewer than 72 hours. T-shirts with the image and the inscription "MAGA Movement Can't Be Stopped" (in German: "The MAGA movement cannot be stopped") have been sold at the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee since yesterday.
10:58 Republicans rally against Kamala HarrisAt the Republican Party convention, it is already clear how the party will work against Vice President Kamala Harris if Joe Biden renounces his candidacy. Harris was responsible for cooperation with Central America to limit illegal migration. Senators accused Harris on stage of opening the borders for "terrorists and criminals" and welcoming an "invasion from the Third World." Harris was repeatedly referred to as the "Border Queen." Politico magazine sees this as a preview of the campaign strategy against Harris, should she replace Biden as the presidential candidate.
10:18 Security increased for Trump due to alleged Iran plotAccording to US media reports, there have been heightened security precautions for Donald Trump for weeks due to alleged information about an Iranian assassination plot against him. The CNN and other media reported, however, that there is no connection to the attack on Trump on Saturday. The Iranian government strongly denied the reports.
09:49 Navidi: Democrat win is "our only salvation"BeyondGlobal expert Sandra Navidi warned strongly against another presidency of Trump and the transformation plans of think tanks close to him. According to the financial expert, the hollowing out of the rule of law and an international alliance of authoritarian leaders are at risk.
09:12 DAX suffering under Trump's "America First"
In contrast to the US market, the DAX is still stuck in consolidation and, according to market participants, is being affected by Donald Trump's economic policies. If Trump is re-elected, he plans to impose high tariffs on imports from China, but also on all other imports. "Companies should invest directly in the US and create jobs there," one market participant said, clarifying Trump's "America first" stance. Additionally, Trump has demanded that the US Federal Reserve not lower interest rates before the election.
08:39 Trump: Taiwan should pay US for defense
Donald Trump has given himself a business-like attitude regarding US support for Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. "I think Taiwan should pay us for the defense. We're not doing this out of charity. Taiwan doesn't give us anything," Trump told Bloomberg Businessweek when asked if he would defend Taiwan against China. China could attack Taiwan, but it won't because "they don't want to lose all those chip factories," the former president added. "I wouldn't feel as secure in their place, but think about it: Taiwan took our chip business away from us, aren't we stupid?"
08:02 Iran denies threatening Trump
The Iranian mission to the United Nations has denied reports of threats against former Republican President Donald Trump. "These are baseless and politically motivated allegations," a spokesperson for the Iranian UN mission in New York said. For the Iranians, Trump is a war criminal who gave the order to kill Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020. "Trump must be held accountable and punished for this, but the Iranian government has chosen the legal route," the spokesperson added. The Secret Service has reportedly increased security measures for Trump in recent weeks due to threats from Iran, according to media reports from US broadcasters CNN and MSNBC.
07:38 Heritage Foundation think tank wants to dissolve weather service
For a possible Trump victory, the right-wing conservative think tank "Heritage Foundation" has developed an ultra-conservative program to be implemented during his tenure: The authors are against abortion, demand a ban on pornography, and advocate for measures that promote "marriage, work, motherhood, fatherhood, and the nuclear family." The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which includes the weather service or the US Hurricane Center, should be disbanded because it is "one of the main driving forces of the climate change alarm industry." They plan to replace most federal employees with political appointees. The power of the president should be expanded, while that of Congress should be weakened.
07:12 Trump: Fed should not lower interest rates before election
Donald Trump has spoken out against lowering interest rates by the US Federal Reserve before the election. "That's something they know they shouldn't do," the ex-president said in an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek. The Wall Street Journal reports that the Federal Reserve is expected to make two interest rate cuts before the end of the year, one of which - and this is crucial - before the elections. An interest rate cut in September is already widely anticipated in market expectations.
06:36 Among Democrats, 39 percent want Biden to end his campaign
In a survey conducted by Reuters/Ipsos and completed on Tuesday, 39 percent of Democrats expressed the view that President Joe Biden should end his campaign. Many Democrats fear that a poor showing by Biden at the elections on November 5 could cost the party the White House and both chambers of Congress. This could set the stage for a second Trump administration, allowing them to push through their political agenda almost without opposition from the Democrats. It is being speculated that the Democratic Party might rally around Vice President Kamala Harris as a new candidate if Biden steps down.
05:17 Biden calls for assault weapons ban
US President Joe Biden has once again called for a ban on assault weapons. Speaking at a campaign event in Las Vegas, Nevada, Biden referred to the attack on Trump, stating that the shooter used an AR-15. "It's time to ban them," Biden said. Attempts to enact stricter gun laws have been ongoing for years, but they have consistently stalled - largely due to Republican opposition and the gun lobby's fierce resistance to any efforts to regulate gun ownership more stringently.
04:41 DHS inspector general launches investigation into Trump attack
The Inspector General of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has initiated an investigation into the attack on Trump. According to an official statement on the Inspector General's website, the evaluation of the Secret Service's handling of security at the July 13, 2024 event is underway. The investigation aims to provide insight into whether the security measures were adequate and if there were any potential oversights.
04:13 Former rival Haley endorses Trump at Republican convention
Nikki Haley, a former Republican primary rival, made her support for Trump clear at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. "Let me make one thing absolutely clear: Donald Trump has my full support. Period," said the 52-year-old. Haley was met with a mix of cheers and boos upon her arrival. However, when she directly endorsed Trump during her speech, the audience applauded. Trump himself was present in the convention hall, having arrived earlier than anticipated.
03:15 Shooter ordered 'dangerous materials'
The young man who shot Trump is reported to have received several packages in the months leading up to the incident, some of which were marked with the warning "dangerous materials." The New York Times reported that such a label was found in the suspect's possession by federal authorities. Law enforcement discovered a bomb in his home and two more in his car, which was parked near the event venue.
02:24 Trump: Taiwan should pay US for defense
Donald Trump expressed reservations about US support for Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. "I think Taiwan should pay us for the defense. We're not just some kind of insurance company," Trump told Bloomberg Businessweek when asked if he would defend Taiwan against China. China could easily attack Taiwan. "But they won't do that because they don't want to lose all those chip factories," the Republican presidential candidate added. The interview was conducted at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on June 25.
01:18 Harris and Vance discuss TV debate
After J.D. Vance was nominated as the Vice Presidential candidate for the Republicans, he and Vice President Kamala Harris exchanged words regarding a TV debate. The two top politicians have been working on agreeing on the conditions for the TV debate, according to insiders. Harris has agreed to a debate on CBS News, either on July 23 or August 13. These dates had already been agreed upon by Trump and Biden two months ago. However, the Trump side had requested a debate on Fox News. Biden's team might not agree to this.
00:39 Trump phones widow of slain firefighter
Donald Trump phoned the widow of the slain spectator Corey Comperatore. "He was very kind and said he would call me again in the coming days and weeks," Helen Comperatore wrote on social media. She told Trump that her husband "left this world as a hero and was taken up by God." According to Comperatore's sister, President Biden had also reached out for the conversation, but the family had declined.
23:27 Democratic resistance to early Biden nomination
There is resistance among US Democrats in the House of Representatives to the party leadership's plans to formally nominate President Biden as the candidate for the November election before the scheduled nomination party on August 19-21. A group of congressional representatives expressed "serious concerns" in a draft letter about the plan to nominate Biden via a virtual vote on July 21. It was stated in the draft that suppressing the debate about Biden's candidacy with a premature vote was a "terrible idea." The signatories have not yet signed the letter. "It could deeply undermine the morale and unity of the Democrats."
22:49 Democratic congressman warns of massive losses – due to Biden
The Democratic congressman Adam Schiff warned during a private meeting with donors on the previous Saturday that his party would suffer massive losses if Biden remained the candidate. The "New York Times" reported this. If Biden remained, he would not only lose to former President Donald Trump, but he could also hinder other Democratic candidates so much that the party would likely lose the Senate and miss the chance to gain control of the House of Representatives, Schiff said at a benefit event in New York. "I think if he's our candidate, we'll lose," Schiff said during the meeting, according to someone who had access to a recording of the event.
22:09 Ex-Minister Carson calls Democrats "useful idiots"
The former US Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Ben Carson, accused Democrats of not understanding the concept of unity. America's enemies are actually playing a "long-term game by dividing Americans on the basis of race, age, income, gender, religion, and political affiliation," Carson said on CNN. "Someone needs to be the adult in the room. I don't expect the other side to come to that conclusion. They will make some lip service confessions," Carson added. "There are many on the other side who are what Lenin called 'useful idiots.' They don't realize they are harming themselves."
21:39 Spahn: Scholz should talk to Trump
German Vice-Chancellor and Union Fration leader Jens Spahn urges Chancellor Olaf Scholz to establish contact with Donald Trump. "It would be in Germany's interest for Olaf Scholz to report to Trump after the attack," Spahn tells "Spiegel": "I hope he understands that." According to Spahn, maintaining personal relationships in politics is essential for seeking an approach to Trump. "I'm sure Donald Trump is aware of who is reaching out to him in this situation." Spahn states that he dislikes many things about the Republican Party in general, including Trump's style and demeanor. "But does that mean we have to set up a dictatorship?" It's not in Germany's interest, "to present Donald Trump as a potential next President of our most important ally as an adversary."
19:38 Iranian assassination plot against Trump?
The US has received evidence of an Iranian plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump, CNN reports, citing sources. The US intelligence community and Trump's campaign team were informed about it before the rally on the previous Saturday, according to a CNN reporter, citing a US national security official. However, there is no evidence that the young man who shot at Trump during the rally was involved in the Iranian plot, CNN adds.
18:54 Trump spreads misinformation about vaccines
Donald Trump reportedly spread misinformation about vaccines during a phone call with independent Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. According to CNN, this is based on a video that Bobby Kennedy III, Kennedy's son, briefly posted on social media. In the video, Trump discusses the number of vaccine doses given to children and claims that babies change drastically after receiving a large number of vaccines. "If you give a baby an injection with 38 active ingredients that look like they're for a horse and not for a 10 or 20-pound baby, then suddenly the baby starts to change," Trump says. "I've seen that happen too many times."
18:19 After shooting pause: Biden campaign resumes advertising
According to information from the Reuters news agency, Biden's campaign team will resume advertising this week. Two sources familiar with the matter confirmed this. The Biden campaign declined to comment. Biden had suspended his campaign ads following the shooting at Trump.
17:49 Secret Service: Police were in the building where the shooter was
In the building from which the shooter fired at Donald Trump on Saturday, there were policemen from a local unit. This was explained by Kimberly A. Cheatle, the director of the Secret Service, in an interview with ABC News. "There were local police officers in the building - there were local police officers in the vicinity, who were responsible for the external perimeter of the building," Cheatle says. A spokesperson for the Secret Service adds that the local police had a collection point in the building.
1. If Project 2025 becomes the basis for a potential Trump presidency in 2024, concerns about an authoritarian government increase significantly in the United States.
2. Should Joe Biden decide not to run in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, the Democratic Party might consider Vice President Kamala Harris as their new candidate due to her strong opposition to Trump's choices, such as Vance and Project 2025.
