17:11 Ex-Trump-Adviser Navarro released from prison
Former advisor to ex-US President Donald Trump, Peter Navarro, was released from US prison on Wednesday after serving a four-month sentence for contempt of Congress. It is expected that the 75-year-old from Miami, Florida, where he was incarcerated in a federal prison, will travel to the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is listed as one of the speakers on the convention program. The economist Navarro was sentenced to four months in prison for contempt of Congress. The reason was his refusal to testify before the House Select Committee investigating the storming of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021, and to produce requested documents.
4:37 Chancellor Scholz appreciates Vance's book
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the SPD had read Vance's autobiographical work "Hillbilly Elegy" "some time ago," says government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit in Berlin. "He really enjoyed it." What particularly impressed the Chancellor was the depiction of the "aspirational spirit in an America that is tested by hard challenges." At the Munich Security Conference in February, Scholz approached Vance about the book, which then led to a brief conversation, the spokesman adds. Hebestreit cautions, "One must always separate the author and the work from one another and also the political positions that J.D. Vance takes as a Senator from Ohio." The spokesman does not want to go into specific criticisms.
3:53 "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 significantly more radical and well-known document called "Project 2025," which will serve as the basis for his government dealings. The 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 turn. The President of the Heritage Foundation, Kevin Roberts, spoke in early July of a revolution already being initiated. Critics see in "Project 2025" a blueprint for dismantling democracy and authoritarian rule. Constitutional scholar Erwin Chemerinsky of the University of California in Berkeley described the project as "deeply alarming" in an interview with "Newsweek." The plans point to "a significant movement towards an authoritarian government."
3:18 Harris accuses Trump's VP pick Vance of fighting against the 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 were to come 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 rally planning
The Inspector General of the US Department of Homeland Security has initiated an investigation into the planning of the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, according to the US Homeland Security Ministry's Website. The investigation is listed there as an "ongoing project." It aims to evaluate the behavior of the US Intelligence Services regarding the security of the event. The US Homeland Security Ministry's investigation differs from that announced by President Biden on Sunday.
14:27 Tech Giants from Silicon Valley support Trump
More and more Tech Giants from Silicon Valley are rallying behind the right-wing Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump - led by Elon Musk. The billionaire intends to support the Republican campaign with monthly $45 million (approximately €41 million) according to a newspaper report. Besides Musk, less known Tech Giants also support Trump: for various reasons. The Trump supporters from Silicon Valley are predominantly male and white.
13:53 Kremlin doesn't expect much from Trump as US President
According to Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Russia has low expectations for a possible second presidency of Donald Trump in the US. "As for the relationship between [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 needs an offer
Jens Spahn is following the Republican Convention in Milwaukee in person. The CDU politician expects a Trump victory. In an interview with ntv, he argued why the nomination of hardliner J.D. Vance could be a chance and how Germany should prepare.
12:34 Wounded Trump supporters in stable condition
The shooter in Milwaukee hit Donald Trump in the ear. However, three people in the audience were hit by bullets much closer. One father died on the spot, while the other two were reported to be 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 Convention
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice's popularity owes much to his dog, according to analysts. For the corresponding applause, "Babydog" steals the show at the Republican Convention.
11:05 Shirt with iconic Trump fist is a hit among Republicans
With a bloody face and a fist raised defiantly in front of the US flag: The historic image of Donald Trump after the shooting in Butler has been immortalized on fan shirts within fewer than 72 hours. T-shirts with the motif and the inscription "MAGA Movement Can't Be Stopped" (in German: "Die MAGA-Bewegung ist nicht aufzuhalten") have been sold at the Republican Convention in Milwaukee since yesterday.
10:58 Republican Party convention against Kamala HarrisAt the Republican Party convention, it is already clear how the party would work against Vice President Kamala Harris if Joe Biden renounces another 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." According to the US magazine "Politico," this is a sign of the campaign strategy against Harris if she replaces Biden as the presidential candidate.
10:18 Security increased for Trump due to alleged Iranian plotAccording to US media reports, there have been heightened security precautions for former President Donald Trump for weeks due to alleged Iranian plot against him. The CNN and other media reported that there is no connection to the attack on Trump on Saturday. The Iranian government sharply rejected the reports.
09:49 Navidi: Democratic victory is "our only salvation"BeyondGlobal expert Sandra Navidi warned sharply against another presidency of Donald Trump and the transformation plans of the 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 stake.
09:12 DAX suffering from Trump's "America First"In contrast to the US market, the DAX is still stuck in consolidation. According to market participants, it is suffering from the economic policy plans of Donald Trump. For the case of his re-election, Trump wants to introduce high tariffs on imports from China, but also on all other imports. "According to Trump, companies should invest directly in the USA and create jobs there," said a market participant. "That's clear 'America first,'" he added. Trump also demanded from the US Federal Reserve not to lower interest rates before the election.
08:39 Trump: Taiwan should pay USA for defenseDonald Trump is pragmatic about US support for Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. "I think Taiwan should pay us for the defense. We're nothing more than an insurance company. Taiwan doesn't give us anything," Trump told Bloomberg Businessweek when asked if he would defend Taiwan against China. China could attack Taiwan. However, China will not do so, "because they don't want to lose all those chip factories," said the former US president. "I wouldn't feel so secure in their place, but think about it: Taiwan took our chip business away from us, aren't we stupid?"
08:02 Iran did not threaten TrumpThe Iranian mission to the United Nations in New York rejected reports of threats against former Republican President Donald Trump. "These are baseless and politically motivated allegations," said a spokesperson for the Iranian UN mission. For the Iranians, Trump is a war criminal who gave the order to kill Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020. "Trump must be tried and punished for this, but Iran has chosen the legal route," the spokesperson added. The Secret Service has reportedly strengthened security measures for Trump in recent weeks. According to media reports, this was due to threats from Iran, reportedly by CNN and MSNBC.
07:38 Heritage Foundation's Ultraconservative Program: Dissolving the Weather Service
For the case of a Trump win, the right-wing think tank "Heritage Foundation" has developed an ultraconservative program to be implemented during his tenure: The authors are against abortion, call for a ban on pornography, and advocate for measures that promote "marriage, work, motherhood, fatherhood and the core family." The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, to which the Weather Service or the US Hurricane Center belong, is to be dissolved because it is considered one of the main driving forces of the Climate Change Alarm Industry. They plan to replace most federal employees and bureaucrats with political appointees. The power of the President is to be expanded, the Congress weakened.
07:12 Trump: Fed Shouldn't Lower Rates Before Election
Donald Trump has spoken out against a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve before the election. "That's something they shouldn't do," the ex-President said in an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek. According to the economic magazine, the Wall Street is betting on two rate cuts from the Federal Reserve by year-end, one of which - and this is crucial - before the elections. A rate cut in September is already largely priced in.
06:36 39 Percent of Democrats Want Biden to Quit
In a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted on Tuesday, 39 percent of Democrats agreed that President Joe Biden should drop out. 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 create the conditions for a second Trump administration to push through their political goals almost without Democratic opposition. It is speculated that the Democratic Party could rally around Vice President Kamala Harris as a new candidate if Biden withdraws.
05:17 Biden: "It's Time to Ban Assault Weapons"
US President Joe Biden has called for a ban on assault weapons again. 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. With this weapon, many people, including children, have been killed. "It's time to ban them." Attempts at stricter gun regulations have been ongoing for years - above all, due to opposition from Republicans and fierce resistance from the gun lobby.
04:41 Investigation into Trump Attack Launched
The Inspector General of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched an investigation into the Trump attack. According to an official statement on the Inspector General's website, the actions of the Secret Service regarding the security of the event on July 13, 2024, are to be evaluated. The investigation aims to provide insights into whether the security measures were adequate and if there were any possible lapses.
04:13 Former rival Haley endorses Trump at Republican convention
The former rival Nikki Haley made herself clear at the Republican convention in Milwaukee, expressing her full support for Presidential candidate Trump. "First, I want to make one thing clear: Donald Trump has my full endorsement. Period", said the 52-year-old. Haley was greeted with a mixture of cheers and boos upon her arrival. However, when she directly endorsed Republican Presidential candidate Trump during her speech, the audience applauded. Trump listened to the speech at the convention hall in person - he arrived later than originally announced.
03:15 Suspect ordered 'dangerous material'
The young man who shot at Trump is reported to have received several packages in the months prior to the incident, some of which were marked with the warning "dangerous material". According to the "New York Times", such a note was also found by the Federal Police in his house, as well as two explosives in his car, parked nearby the event. The FBI then examined his mailing history.
02:24 Trump: Taiwan should pay US for defense
Donald Trump expressed reluctance 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 it for free. Taiwan's not giving us anything", Trump told "Bloomberg Businessweek" when asked if he would defend Taiwan against China. China could attack Taiwan. "But they won't do that because they don't want to lose all those chip factories", the Republican Presidential candidate said. The interview was reportedly conducted at Trump's estate Mar-a-Lago 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 reportedly exchanged talks about a TV debate. Insiders report that the two leading politicians were working on agreeing on the debate framework. Harris has agreed to a debate on CBS News, either on July 23 or August 13. The dates had already been agreed upon by Trump and Biden two months ago. However, the Trump team had demanded a debate on Fox News. Biden's team might not agree to that.
00:39 Trump phones widow of slain spectator
Donald Trump phoned the widow of the slain spectator, Helen Comperatore. "He was very kind and said he would call me again in the coming days and weeks", she wrote on social media. She told Trump that her husband "left this world as a hero and was taken up by God". According to the sister of the slain spectator, Biden also reached out for the conversation, but the family declined.
23:27 Democrat disagreements over planned early Biden nomination
Among US Democrats in the House of Representatives, there is resistance 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 19-22. A group of congressmembers express "serious concerns" in a draft letter over the proposal to make Biden a nominee through a virtual vote on July 21. It was stated in the letter, which the congressmembers have not yet signed, that it would be a "terrible idea" to suppress the debate over Biden's candidacy with an early vote, and it could "seriously undermine the morale and unity of the Democrats."
22:49 Democratic congressman warns of massive losses – due to Biden
The Democratic congressman Adam B. Schiff warned during a private meeting with donors on the previous Saturday that his party would suffer massive losses if Biden remained the candidate. According to the "New York Times," Schiff made this statement during a benefit event in New York. If Biden remained the candidate, he would not only lose to former President Donald Trump, but he could also significantly hinder other Democratic candidates, causing the party to likely lose the Senate and miss the chance to gain control of the House of Representatives, Schiff said during the meeting, according to someone who had access to a recording of the event. "I think if he's our candidate, we'll lose," Schiff said during the meeting.
22:09 Ex-Cabinet member Ben Carson calls Democrats 'useful idiots'
The former US Housing and Urban Development Secretary and City Planning 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, political affiliation," Carson said on CNN. "Somebody has to be the adult in the room. I don't expect the other side to come to that conclusion. They will give some lip service," Carson said. "There are many on the other side who are what Lenin called useful idiots. They don't realize they are hurting themselves."
21:39 Spahn: Scholz should talk to Trump
Union faction vice-chair Jens Spahn urged Chancellor Olaf Scholz to contact Donald Trump. "It would be in Germany's interest if Olaf Scholz contacted Trump after the assassination attempt," Spahn told the "Spiegel": "I hope he understands that." A personal relationship is essential in politics, Spahn, who advocates for an approach to Trump, said. "I'm sure Donald Trump notices who reaches out to him." Spahn added that he didn't like much about the Republican Party as a whole, including Trump's style and demeanor. "But does that mean we have to set up a dictatorship?" It is not in Germany's interest to "present Donald Trump as a potential next president of our most important ally as an adversary."
21:08 Possible Iranian Plot against Trump?
The US have received indications of an Iranian plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump in the past few weeks, CNN reports, citing sources. The US intelligence and Trump's campaign team were reportedly 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 and injured him was connected to the Iranian plot, CNN adds.
20:34 Trump Spreads Misinformation about Vaccines
Donald Trump reportedly disseminated false theories about vaccines during a phone call with independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., according to CNN, citing a video that Bobby Kennedy III, Robert F. Kennedy's son, had briefly posted on social media. In the video, Trump speaks about the number of vaccine doses that children receive and claims that babies change drastically after receiving a large number of vaccines. "When you give a baby a vaccine with 38 ingredients that looks like it's for a horse and not for a 10 or 20 pound baby, then all of a sudden, the baby starts to change and I've seen it a lot," Trump says.
20:19 Biden Campaign Resumes Advertising after Pause
The Biden campaign is planning to resume advertising this week, according to information from Reuters, citing two sources familiar with the matter. The Biden campaign declined to comment. Biden had suspended his campaign ads following the attack on Trump.
19:49 Secret Service: Police were in the Building where the Shooter was
Police from a local department were present in the building from which the shooter shot at Donald Trump on Saturday, Secret Service Director Kimberly A. Cheatle told ABC News in an interview. "There were local law enforcement officers in the building - there were local law enforcement officers in the vicinity, who were responsible for the perimeter of the building," Cheatle says. A Secret Service spokesperson added that the local police had a command post in the building.
You can read about earlier developments here.**
In the context of the US Presidential Election 2024, there are concerns that if Donald Trump returns to the White House, he might implement the radical and conservative agenda outlined in "Project 2025." This document, prepared by the Heritage Foundation, contains detailed plans for a complete overhaul of the government and a drastic conservative turn.
Joe Biden's potential Vice Presidential candidate, J.D. Vance, could face criticism from Kamala Harris, who accused Vance of fighting against the country and implementing the controversial "Project 2025" if he were to come to power.
