Latest news with #Trump-led
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump administration almost totally dismantles Voice of America with latest terminations
The Trump administration has terminated 639 employees at Voice of America and its parent organization in the latest round of sweeping cuts that have reduced the international broadcasting service to a fraction of its former size. The mass terminations announced Friday rounds out the Trump-led elimination of 1,400 positions since March and represents the near-complete dismantling of an organization founded in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda, whose first broadcast declared: 'We bring you voices from America.' Just 250 employees now remain across the entire parent group the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), who operated what was America's primary tool for projecting democratic values globally. 'For decades, American taxpayers have been forced to bankroll an agency that's been riddled with dysfunction, bias and waste. That ends now,' said Kari Lake, Trump's senior advisor to USAGM, in Friday's termination announcement. VOA once reached 360 million people weekly across dozens of languages, former USAGM CEO and director John Lansing told Congress in 2019. In March, the White House put out a statement calling the outlet 'propaganda', 'leftist' and dubbed it 'The Voice of Radical America'. One of the examples cited to justify that explanation was VOA's refusal to use the term 'terrorist' to describe members of Hamas unless in statements, which falls in line with common and basic journalistic practice. The cuts represent a major retreat from America's Cold War strategy of using broadcasting to reach audiences behind the iron curtain. VOA had evolved from its wartime origins to become a lifeline for populations living under authoritarian rule, providing independent news and an American perspective in regions where press freedom is under assault. The layoffs also came just days after VOA recalled Farsi-speaking journalists from administrative leave to cover the war between Israel and Iran, after Israel shot missiles at Tehran less than a week ago in the dead of night. 'It spells the death of 83 years of independent journalism that upholds US ideals of democracy and freedom around the world,' said three VOA journalists, Patsy Widakuswara, Jessica Jerreat and Kate Neeper, who are leading legal challenges against the demolition, in a statement. The agency's folding began in March when Trump signed an executive order targeting federal agencies he branded as bloated bureaucracy, and VOA staff were placed on paid leave and broadcasts were suspended. Lake, Trump's handpicked choice to run VOA, had previously floated plans to replace the service's professional journalism with content from One America News Network (OANN), a rightwing pro-Trump network that would provide programming without charge. The sole survivor of the cull is the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, which transmits into Cuba from Florida. All 33 employees there remain, according to the announcement. USAGM offered voluntary departure packages through what it termed a 'Fork in the Road' program, providing full pay through September plus benefits. Some 163 employees accepted the buyouts rather than face involuntary termination, the agency said in a press release. Federal courts have allowed the administration to proceed with the terminations while legal challenges continue for now. The VOA cuts form part of Trump's broader assault on the federal workforce, with tens of thousands terminated across agencies including the IRS, Social Security Administration, USAID, and departments of education, health and agriculture.
Eyewitness News
3 days ago
- Business
- Eyewitness News
G7 summit minus Trump rallies behind Ukraine
KANANASKIS - Group of Seven leaders on Tuesday vowed greater support for Ukraine but stopped short of joint condemnation of Russia for its growing attacks, at a summit missing Donald Trump. The US president had been due to speak at the G7 summit with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom he has had a volatile relationship, but flew back Monday over the Israel-Iran conflict. Zelensky met the remaining leaders at a remote lodge in the Canadian Rockies hours after Russia hit Kyiv with one of the worst bombardments since it invaded in February 2022, killing at least 10 people in the capital. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed Zelensky and announced Can$2 billion ($1.47bn) of military support, including drones and helicopters, for Ukraine. But the G7 summit stopped short of issuing a joint statement, unlike in past years under Trump's predecessor Joe Biden when the club of major industrial democracies denounced Russian "aggression." A Canadian official, backtracking on an earlier account of the United States trying to water down a proposed statement, said there was never an attempt to issue one due to Trump's continued hopes of mediating with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "It was clear that it would not have been feasible to find detailed language that all G7 partners could agree to in that context," the official said on condition of anonymity. Carney dismissed suggestions of friction, saying that all G7 leaders agreed to be "resolute in exploring all options to maximize pressure on Russia, including financial sanctions." But he admitted that some G7 leaders "would say above and beyond" what was in the chair's summary he issued instead of a formal statement signed by all leaders. G7 leaders, however, managed unity Monday on a joint statement on the Iran conflict that backed Israel but also called broadly for de-escalation, despite Trump contemplating greater US military involvement. US WAITS ON PRESSURE Carney earlier joined Britain in tightening sanctions on Russia's so-called shadow fleet of ships used to circumvent international sanctions on its oil sales. "These sanctions strike right at the heart of Putin's war machine, choking off his ability to continue his barbaric war in Ukraine," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement. US lawmakers have drafted a package of new sanctions on Russia but Trump has been hesitant to give his support and isolate Putin, to whom he spoke by telephone on the eve of the G7 summit. Trump infamously berated Zelensky in the Oval Office on February 28, saying he was ungrateful for US aid, but has since voiced disappointment that Putin has rebuffed a US proposal for at least a temporary ceasefire. Zelensky told Carney the latest Russian attack showed the need for allies' support and pressure on Moscow - while making clear that he still backed Trump-led calls for negotiations. "It's important for our soldiers to be strong in the battlefield, to stay strong until Russia will be ready for the peace negotiations," said Zelensky, who cut short meetings in Canada scheduled after the summit. French President Emmanuel Macron accused his Russian counterpart of exploiting global focus on the Middle East to carry out the deadly attack. "It shows the complete cynicism of President Putin," Macron told reporters at the summit. In Washington, the State Department also condemned the Russian strikes and offered condolences to the victims' families. TOUGH TRADE TALKS The G7 - Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States - was holding its first summit since the re-election of Trump, who openly questions longstanding US alliances. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained to represent the United States at the summit, where discussions have also concentrated on Trump's attempts to radically overhaul the world's trading system. Trump has vowed to slap sweeping tariffs on friends and foes alike on July 9, although he has postponed them once. The US president, speaking to reporters on his way back from the summit, complained that the European Union was not yet offering a "fair deal" on trade. "We're either going to make a good deal or they'll just pay whatever we say they will pay," he said. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she still hoped for a negotiated solution and talks were "intense and demanding." Trump's negotiators have already sealed a deal with Britain and, outside of the G7, reached an agreement to lower tariffs with rival China.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
G-7 rallies behind Ukraine after abrupt Trump exit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (second from right) with G-7 and EU leaders in Kananaskis, Canada, on June 17. PHOTO: AFP KANANASKIS, Canada - Group of Seven (G-7) powers, holding talks on June 17 at a summit that Donald Trump left early, promised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fresh support as Russia stepped up attacks on its neighbour. The US president, who has had a volatile relationship with Mr Zelensky and had been due to meet him, flew out of the summit in the Canadian Rockies late on June 16 to return to Washington to focus on the Israel-Iran conflict. Mr Zelensky arrived at the wooded mountain resort of Kananaskis after Russia ravaged Kyiv with one of the worst bombardments since it invaded in February 2022, killing at least 15 people in the capital. Prime Minister Mark Carney, the host of the summit, welcomed Mr Zelensky and announced Can$2 billion (S$1.8 billion) of military support, including drones and helicopters, for Ukraine. 'This underscores the importance of standing in total solidarity with Ukraine,' Mr Carney told him. 'We underscored the importance of using maximum pressure against Russia, who has refused to come to the table,' Mr Carney said. Mr Carney also announced a new Can$2.3 billion loan to Ukraine to help rebuild its infrastructure and public systems and joined Britain in tightening sanctions on Russia's so-called shadow fleet of ships used to circumvent international sanctions on its oil sales. Britain said it wanted to ramp up economic pressure to show Russian President Vladimir Putin it was in his interest to end the war. 'These sanctions strike right at the heart of Putin's war machine, choking off his ability to continue his barbaric war in Ukraine,' Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, in a statement. US holding out US lawmakers have also drafted a package of new sanctions on Russia but Mr Trump has been hesitant, saying he wants to preserve relations with Mr Putin, whom he spoke to by telephone on the eve of the G-7 summit. Mr Trump infamously berated Mr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Feb 28, saying he was ungrateful for US aid, but has since voiced disappointment that Mr Putin has rebuffed a US proposal for at least a temporary ceasefire. Mr Zelensky, his voice choked with emotion, told Mr Carney that the latest Russian attack was a 'big tragedy' for Ukrainian families and it showed the need for allies' support – and made clear that he still backed Trump-led calls for negotiations. 'It's important for our soldiers to be strong in the battlefield – to stay strong until Russia will be ready for the peace negotiations,' Mr Zelensky said next to Mr Carney. 'We are ready for the peace negotiation – unconditional ceasefire. For this we need pressure.' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters that despite the attention to the Middle East crisis, 'our focus on Ukraine will also persist and stay strong.' Tough trade talks The G-7 – Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States – was holding its first summit since the return to power of Mr Trump, who is fond of assailing allies when they cross him. Mr Trump appeared in good spirits during his abbreviated visit, with no public dust-ups. 'Obviously, with Trump gone the discussions might be a bit smoother, but they also have less impact with the most powerful nation not there,' a diplomat from a G-7 nation said, on condition of anonymity. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained to represent the United States at the summit, where discussions have also focused heavily on Mr Trump's attempts to radically overhaul the world's trading system. Mr Trump has vowed to slap sweeping tariffs on friends and foes alike on July 9, although he has postponed once. The US president, speaking to reporters on his way back from the summit, complained that the European Union was not yet offering a 'fair deal' on trade. 'We're either going to make a good deal or they'll just pay whatever we say they will pay,' he said. Dr Von der Leyen said she still hoped for a negotiated solution and that talks were 'intense and demanding.' Mr Trump's negotiators have already sealed a deal with Britain and, outside of the G-7, reached an agreement to lower tariffs with rival China. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he had 'frank' discussions with Mr Trump on June 16 but made clear the importance of automobile exports to the world's second-largest developed economy. 'As there are still some points where both sides disagree, we have not reached an agreement on the package as a whole,' Mr Ishiba told reporters. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Int'l Business Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
G7 Rallies Behind Ukraine After Abrupt Trump Exit
Group of Seven powers, holding talks Tuesday at a summit that Donald Trump left early, promised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fresh support as Russia stepped up attacks on its neighbor. The US president, who has had a volatile relationship with Zelensky and had been due to meet him, flew out of the summit in the Canadian Rockies late Monday to return to Washington to focus on the Israel-Iran conflict. Zelensky arrived at the wooded mountain resort of Kananaskis after Russia ravaged Kyiv with one of the worst bombardments since it invaded in February 2022, killing at least 10 people in the capital. Prime Minister Mark Carney, the host of the summit, welcomed Zelensky and announced Can$2 billion ($1.47bn) of military support, including drones and helicopters, for Ukraine. "This underscores the importance of standing in total solidarity with Ukraine," Carney told him. "We underscored the importance of using maximum pressure against Russia, who has refused to come to the table," Carney said. Carney also announced a new Can$2.3 billion loan to Ukraine to help rebuild its infrastructure and public systems and joined Britain in tightening sanctions on Russia's so-called shadow fleet of ships used to circumvent international sanctions on its oil sales. Britain said it wanted to ramp up economic pressure to show Russian President Vladimir Putin it was in his interest to end the war. "These sanctions strike right at the heart of Putin's war machine, choking off his ability to continue his barbaric war in Ukraine," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement. US lawmakers have also drafted a package of new sanctions on Russia but Trump has been hesitant, saying he wants to preserve relations with Putin, whom he spoke to by telephone on the eve of the G7 summit. Trump infamously berated Zelensky in the Oval Office on February 28, saying he was ungrateful for US aid, but has since voiced disappointment that Putin has rebuffed a US proposal for at least a temporary ceasefire. Zelensky, his voice choked with emotion, told Carney that the latest Russian attack was a "big tragedy" for Ukrainian families and it showed the need for allies' support -- and made clear that he still backed Trump-led calls for negotiations. "It's important for our soldiers to be strong in the battlefield -- to stay strong until Russia will be ready for the peace negotiations," Zelensky said next to Carney. "We are ready for the peace negotiation -- unconditional ceasefire. For this we need pressure." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters that despite the attention to the Middle East crisis, "our focus on Ukraine will also persist and stay strong." The G7 -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- was holding its first summit since the return to power of Trump, who is fond of assailing allies when they cross him. Trump appeared in good spirits during his abbreviated visit, with no public dust-ups. "Obviously with Trump gone the discussions might be a bit smoother, but they also have less impact with the most powerful nation not there," a diplomat from a G7 nation said on condition of anonymity. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained to represent the United States at the summit, where discussions have also focused heavily on Trump's attempts to radically overhaul the world's trading system. Trump has vowed to slap sweeping tariffs on friends and foes alike on July 9, although he has postponed once. The US president, speaking to reporters on his way back from the summit, complained that the European Union was not yet offering a "fair deal" on trade. "We're either going to make a good deal or they'll just pay whatever we say they will pay," he said. Von der Leyen said she still hoped for a negotiated solution and that talks were "intense and demanding." Trump's negotiators have already sealed a deal with Britain and, outside of the G7, reached an agreement to lower tariffs with rival China. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he had "frank" discussions with Trump on Monday but made clear the importance of automobile exports to the world's second-largest developed economy. "As there are still some points where both sides disagree, we have not reached an agreement on the package as a whole," Ishiba told reporters. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and French President Emmanuel Macron arrive for a working session on Ukraine during the Group of Seven summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada AFP
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Appeal hearing in New York for Trump's 2024 criminal conviction
June 11 (UPI) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's appeal hearing in his hush-money case is back in a New York court on Wednesday in the president's latest legal bid to overturn his historic criminal conviction. A three-judge U.S. court of appeals panel will meet in a Manhattan courtroom as Trump's lawyers argue the case should instead be directed to a federal court because prosecutors allegedly relied heavily on Trump's official presidential acts as evidence and thus deserve a federal platform to push the presidential immunity claim. Trump is not expected to make an appearance at the appeal hearing. Trump was convicted in May 2024 by New York's lower Supreme Court on all 34 counts of falsifying business records purportedly to cover up payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels over their alleged sexual encounters prior to the 2016 presidential election. He was officially sentenced 10 days before he was sworn in for his second term in January, having received an unconditional discharge implying no fine or stay in prison. However, the conviction remains on his record. The Trump-led U.S. Department of Justice requested in March to file a friend-of-the-court brief in the case on behalf of the president. Meanwhile, Wednesday's hearing will see new lawyers in the fold after Trump tapped his four main legal standard bearers -- Todd Blanche, Emil Bove, D. John Sauer and Will Scharf -- to senior administration roles. In court briefs, Trump's legal team wrote that he had "good cause to pursue a post-trial removal for a simple reason: he could not have raised any of the arguments set forth herein until well after his trial began." "Trump is exhausting every possible argument he can make," Jed Shugerman, a professor at Boston University School of Law, told NPR.
