Democrats aim for early Biden nomination in beginning of August
Leading US Democrats aim to finalize plans for President Joe Biden's early confirmation as a candidate for the November election during a virtual meeting in the first week of August, according to a letter to members of a committee setting the rules for the mid-August Democratic National Convention. The letter was written by the co-chairs of the committee, Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The plans will be discussed at a committee meeting on Friday and decided upon in the coming week. The Democrats had previously announced in May that they intended to prematurely designate Biden through a virtual call due to filing deadlines in the state of Ohio, where candidates had to register by August 7 to appear on the ballots. However, the Democrats do not convene for their nominating convention until August 19-22.
6:30 PM Trump Supporters Get Inked with Fist Gesture
For Trump supporters, the face of the former US President is a veritable cult figure. It adorns jackets, hats, leggings, and since the attempted assassination, even their skin. Just a few hours after the photo of the raised fist was taken, some of the first fans already had it tattooed.
6:59 PM Third Day in Milwaukee: Only Trump's Most Loyal Supporters Allowed on Stage
The third day of the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is eagerly anticipated, with J.D. Vance's speech generating particular excitement. In addition to the newly nominated Republican vice presidential candidate, his wife Usha Vance, Trump's son Donald Trump Jr., and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum are scheduled to speak. According to CNN News, representatives from Texas, South Carolina, and Florida will also appear. A veteran, a hostage of an Israeli prisoner of the Hamas, and an employee of "Project 2025" are also expected to take the stage. Vance's speech is scheduled for 7:00 PM (local time). The third day's theme is "Making America Strong Again" (America Strong Again).
6:11 PM Ex-Trump Advisor Navarro Released from Prison
Former Trump advisor Peter Navarro has been released from prison according to the US Bureau of Prisons after serving a four-month sentence for contempt of Congress. It is expected that the 75-year-old, who was imprisoned in Miami, Florida, where he was held in a federal prison, will travel to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Navarro is listed as a speaker 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 January 6th Congressional Investigative Committee and to produce subpoenaed documents regarding the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021.
16:37 Chancellor Scholz appreciated Vance's "Hillbilly Elegy"
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the SPD has read Vance's autobiographical work "Hillbilly Elegy" "recently," says Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit in Berlin. "He enjoyed it very much." What particularly impressed the Chancellor was the portrayal of the "aspirational spirit in an America that is being tested by harsh challenges." At the Munich Security Conference in February, Scholz approached 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 declines to elaborate on criticisms from the Chancellor.
15:53 "Project 2025": Critics warn of Trump's "alarming" agenda
At their party 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 a paper known as "Project 2025" that will serve as the basis for his government dealings. The 887-page strong document comes from the ultraconservative think tank Heritage Foundation. It contains detailed plans for a complete overhaul of the government apparatus and a drastic conservative shift. The president of the Heritage Foundation, Kevin Roberts, spoke of a "revolution" in early July. Critics see in "Project 2025" a blueprint for a dismantling of democracy and an authoritarian rule. Constitutional scholar Erwin Chemerinsky of the University of California in Berkeley described the project to Newsweek as "deeply alarming." The plans point towards 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 were to come into office, he would implement the ultra-conservative manifesto "Project 2025." "We won't allow that," Harris adds.
14:59 US Homeland Security Ministry investigates Trump rally
The Inspector General of the US 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 the announcement, 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 the Silicon Valley are rallying behind the right-wing populist Republican 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 the Silicon Valley are predominantly male and white.
13:53 Kremlin does not expect much from Trump as US PresidentAccording to Presidential spokesperson Dmitri Peskov of the Kremlin, Russia has low expectations for a possible second 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 probably be considered 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 win for Donald Trump. In an interview with ntv, he discussed why the nomination 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 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 part, can be attributed to his dog, according to analysts. For an appropriate cheer, "Babydog" made an appearance at the Republican Party convention.
11:05 Shirt with iconic Trump fist is a hit among RepublicansWith a bloody 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 denounce Kamala HarrisAt the Republican Party convention, it is already clear how the party will work against Vice President Kamala Harris if Joe Biden decides not to run again. 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 Democratic presidential candidate.
10:18 Security increased for Trump due to alleged Iran plotAccording to US media reports, there have been heightened security measures for Donald Trump since weeks due to allegations of 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 denies the reports.
09:49 Navidi: Democratic win is "our only salvation"BeyondGlobal expert Sandra Navidi warns forcefully against another Trump presidency 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 autocratic leaders are at risk.
09:12 DAX suffering under Trump's "America First" policies
In contrast to the US market, the DAX is still stuck in consolidation mode. According to market participants, it is being affected by Donald Trump's economic plans. 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 stated, 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 a business-like response regarding US support for Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. "I think Taiwan should pay us for the defense. We're not just anything, we're 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, but they 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 UN in New York has denied 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 held accountable and punished for this, but the Iranian government has chosen the legal route," the spokesperson added. The Secret Service has reportedly stepped up 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 dismantle weather service
For a potential Trump victory, the right-wing think tank "Heritage Foundation" has developed an ultraconservative program that should be implemented during his tenure: The authors are against abortion, call for a pornography ban, 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, is to be dismantled, as 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, while that of Congress is to 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 financial markets are expecting two interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve by the end of the year, one of which - and that's crucial - before the elections. A rate cut in September is already largely priced in.
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 pave the way for a second Trump administration, allowing them to push through their political agenda without significant opposition from the Democrats. It is being speculated that the Democratic Party could 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 referenced the attack on Trump, stating that the assailant used an AR-15. "It's time to ban them," Biden said. Efforts to enact stricter gun laws have been ongoing for years, but have largely stalled - primarily due to Republican opposition and the gun lobby's strong resistance to any attempts 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 lapses.
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 mixture of cheers and boos upon her arrival. However, when she publicly endorsed Trump at the beginning of 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 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 a search of the shooter's home, and two additional explosive devices were discovered in his car, parked nearby. The FBI subsequently 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 just 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 at any time. "But they won't do that because they don't want to lose all those chip factories," said the Republican presidential candidate. 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 are reportedly working on agreeing on the conditions for a TV debate, according to sources. 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 reportedly 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 also reached out for the conversation, but the family declined.
23:27 Democratic resistance to early Biden nomination
There is resistance among US Democrats in the House of Representatives to plans by the party leadership 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 through a virtual vote on July 21. It was stated in the letter, which the representatives have not yet signed, that it would be a "terrible idea" to suppress the debate over Biden's candidacy with an early vote. "It could deeply undermine the morale and unity of the Democrats."
22:49 Democratic congressman warns of massive losses – due to Biden
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 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, according to Schiff 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 with access to a recording of the event.
22:09 Ex-Minister Carson calls Democrats "useful idiots"
Former US Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson accused Democrats of not understanding the concept of unity. America's enemies are 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," he added. "There are many on their side who are what Lenin called 'useful idiots.' They don't even realize they're hurting themselves."
21:39 Spahn: Scholz should talk to Trump
German Vice-Chancellor and Union Fraction leader Jens Spahn urged Chancellor Olaf Scholz to establish contact with former US President Donald Trump. "It would be in Germany's interest if Olaf Scholz reported to Trump after the attack," Spahn told "Spiegel": "I hope he understands that." Spahn advocates for a rapprochement with Trump. "I'm sure Donald Trump is aware of who is reaching out to him in this situation," Spahn added. However, Spahn stated 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 is not in Germany's interest, Spahn continued, "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 indications of an Iranian plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump, CNN reported, citing sources. The US intelligence and Trump's campaign team were informed about the matter 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 and injured Trump at the rally is connected to the Iranian plot, CNN added.
19:04 Trump spreads erroneous statements about vaccines
Donald Trump reportedly disseminated inaccurate theories about vaccines during a phone call with independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. CNN reported, citing a video that Bobby Kennedy III, Kennedy's son, had briefly shared 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. "When you give a baby a vaccine with 38 active 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," Trump said. "I've seen that happen too many times,"
18:39 Biden campaign resumes advertising after pause
The Biden campaign is planning to resume advertising this week, according to information from Reuters news agency. 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's rally.
18:10 Secret Service: Police were in the building from which the shooter fired
Police from a local force were present in the building from which the shooter fired at Donald Trump on Saturday. 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 said. A Secret Service spokesperson added that the local police had a command post in the building.
Sentence 1: While Democratic leaders finalize President Joe Biden's candidacy for the United States Presidential Election 2024, some Trump supporters are already showing their loyalty by getting tattoos of the former President's raised fist image.
Sentence 2: As the Democrats gear up for President Biden's re-election campaign in 2024, potential Republican opponent Donald Trump continues to garner support from tech giants in the Silicon Valley, led by Elon Musk, for his "America First" policies.
