U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, is “no longer welcome” in the United States.
In a post on X, Rubio accused Rasool of being a “race-baiting politician” who harbours animosity towards U.S. President Donald Trump. Wrote Rubio:
<blockquote>
South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country.
Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates [the President of the United States].
We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.
</blockquote>
Rubio referenced his post on X to an article from the conservative U.S. media outlet Breitbart, which covered remarks made by Ebrahim Rasool during a webinar hosted by a South African think tank on Friday.
The term persona non grata, a Latin phrase meaning “unwelcome person,” is commonly used in diplomatic circles to describe someone who is no longer accepted or welcome in a specific country. When a diplomat is declared persona non grata, it typically leads to their expulsion or withdrawal.
In a statement released Saturday morning, the office of South Africa’s President expressed regret over the U.S. decision to expel Rasool, urging both nations to maintain “diplomatic decorum” in their relations. The statement reads:
<blockquote>
The Presidency has noted the regrettable expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Mr. Ebrahim Rasool.
The Presidency urges all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter.
South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America.
</blockquote>
Rasool has reportedly struggled to secure routine meetings with State Department officials and key Republican figures since Trump, a Republican, took office in January.
It is believed that Rasool’s pro-Palestinian stance and criticism of Israel may have contributed to his exclusion from these discussions.
The expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador—a rare move by the United States—marks the latest escalation in the growing tensions between Washington and Pretoria.
In February, Trump froze U.S. aid to South Africa, citing a controversial law that he claims allows for the seizure of land from white farmers.

Pindula News

The United States has expelled South Africa's ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, because of his comments against President Donald Trump. This means he is no longer welcome in the US. The South African president's office is unhappy about this and wants both countries to continue to have a good relationship. This expulsion is rare and shows the growing tensions between the US and South Africa. It is believed that Rasool's views on Palestine and criticism of Israel contributed to him being expelled. This is part of a series of tensions between the two countries, including the US cutting aid to South Africa earlier in the year.

Trump Expels South Africa's Ambassador To United States

The government of Lesotho has expressed shock after US President Donald Trump referred to the country as a place “nobody has ever heard of” on Tuesday.
Trump made the comment during his first speech since returning to the Oval Office, where he was discussing cuts to what he called wasteful spending.
He mentioned a $8 million expenditure to promote LGBTQI+ rights in Lesotho, adding, “which nobody has ever heard of,” causing some US lawmakers to laugh.
Speaking to the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0q18x0192yo">BBC,</a> a spokesperson for Lesotho’s foreign affairs department responded by saying that the country has “warm and cordial” relations with the US.
Lesotho also benefits from the US’s African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers favourable trade terms to boost economic growth.
Lesotho’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Lejone Mpotjoane, said it was “shocking” for a head of state to refer to another country in such a manner. He said:
<blockquote>
To my surprise, ‘the country that nobody has heard of’ is the country where the US has a permanent mission.
Lesotho is a member of the UN and of a number of other international bodies. And the US has an embassy here and [there are] a number of US organisations we’ve accommodated here in Maseru.
</blockquote>
Officials have dismissed Trump’s comments as an “off the cuff” and “political statement,” saying they were “uncalled-for” considering the strong relations between the two countries. Foreign affairs spokesperson Kutloano Pheko told the BBC:
<blockquote>
We maintain very warm and cordial relations with the US. They’ve got a mission in Maseru and we also have [one] in Washington.
</blockquote>
Pheko could not confirm Trump’s comments about the funding to LGBTQ organisations, saying that since the money went directly to them, they would be in a better position to comment.
Mpotjoane, on the other hand, confirmed that the country had been impacted by Trump’s sudden decision to pause aid funding to countries around the world.

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, said nobody has heard of the country Lesotho. This made people in Lesotho very surprised and upset. Lesotho has good relations with the US and benefits from trade agreements. The Foreign Affairs Minister of Lesotho said it was shocking for a leader to talk about another country that way. Officials in Lesotho say Trump's comments were not nice and uncalled-for. They also said they have a good relationship with the US. Lesotho officials did not confirm Trump's comments about funding for LGBTQ organizations. They said the money goes directly to those groups.

Shock And Disbelief In Lesotho After Trump Says "Nobody Has Heard Of The Country"

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday attacked Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a “dictator” and further straining their relationship.
Trump’s comments came after Zelensky criticized US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, which Ukraine was excluded from.
Zelensky suggested that President Trump was “living in a disinformation space” influenced by Moscow.
Speaking at an event in Florida, Trump responded by saying Zelensky was only good at manipulating former US President Joe Biden.
The “dictator” remark sparked backlash from European leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called it “wrong and dangerous” to deny Zelensky’s legitimacy as a democratically elected leader.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his support for Zelensky in a phone call, backing him as Ukraine’s elected leader.
A Downing Street spokesperson pointed out that suspending elections during wartime, like the UK did during World War II, was “perfectly reasonable.”
Zelensky’s five-year term was set to end in May 2024, but elections are on hold due to the ongoing war with Russia, which began with its invasion in February 2022.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also criticized Trump’s use of the word “dictator,” calling the remarks “absurd.” She said:
<blockquote>
If you look at the real world instead of just firing off a tweet, then you know who in Europe has to live in the conditions of a dictatorship: people in Russia, people in Belarus.
</blockquote>
Speaking in Florida, Trump referred to Zelensky as a “dictator,” just hours after using the same term in a Truth Social post about the Ukrainian president. Said Trump:
<blockquote>
He refuses to have elections. He’s low in the real Ukrainian polls. How can you be high with every city being demolished?
</blockquote>
Trump also mentioned his efforts to secure rare-earth minerals from Ukraine, accusing Zelensky’s government of “breaking the deal.”
His speech echoed a Truth Social post where he criticized Zelensky, saying, “He has done a terrible job, his country is shattered, and MILLIONS have unnecessarily died.”
Trump also claimed that the US was “successfully negotiating an end to the war with Russia.”
A White House official explained that Trump’s post was a response to Zelensky’s “disinformation” comments.
On Tuesday, US and Russian officials held their first high-level face-to-face talks since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukraine’s former prime minister, told the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjev2j70v19o">BBC</a> that Russia was likely celebrating Trump’s remarks.
He also defended Zelensky, calling him a “completely legitimate president” and stating that elections can’t be held under martial law.

US President Donald Trump called Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky a "dictator" and criticized their relationship. Zelensky had criticized US-Russia talks and suggested Trump was influenced by Moscow. European leaders, like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, supported Zelensky. Zelensky's term was to end in 2024, but war with Russia postponed elections. Trump accused Zelensky of not having elections and failing as a leader. Former Ukrainian prime minister defended Zelensky as a legitimate president.US and Russian officials held talks after the invasion. Russia likely celebrated Trump's remarks.

Trump Labels Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky A "Dictator"

On Friday, 7 February, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to cut U.S. financial aid to South Africa, citing concerns over the country’s land policy and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
The U.S. allocated nearly $440 million in assistance to South Africa in 2023, according to the latest government data.
According to Reuters, in addition to cutting financial aid, the White House announced plans to facilitate the resettlement of white South African farmers and their families as refugees.
U.S. officials will prioritise humanitarian relief, including resettlement through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Programme, specifically for Afrikaners in South Africa, who are descendants of early Dutch and French settlers.
Trump, without providing evidence, claimed that South Africa was “confiscating land” and that certain groups were being treated “very badly.”
Elon Musk, a South African-born billionaire and Trump ally, has similarly claimed that white South Africans face “racist ownership laws.”
Land ownership remains a politically sensitive issue in South Africa due to the historical injustices of colonialism and apartheid.
White landowners still control around three-quarters of the country’s freehold farmland, while only 4% is owned by Black people, who make up 80% of the population. This disparity has led to ongoing tensions over land reform.
In response to Trump’s executive order, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, on Saturday, 08 February, criticised the move, saying it lacked factual accuracy and failed to acknowledge South Africa’s painful history of colonialism and apartheid. Said Lamola:
<blockquote>
We are concerned by what seems to be a campaign of misinformation and propaganda aimed at misrepresenting our great nation.
It is disappointing to observe that such narratives seem to have found favour among decision-makers in the United States of America.
It is ironic that the executive order makes provision for refugee status in the US for a group in South Africa that remains amongst the most economically privileged, while vulnerable people in the US from other parts of the world are being deported and denied asylum despite real hardship.
</blockquote>
Lamola added that South Africa remains dedicated to seeking diplomatic solutions to any misunderstandings or disputes.

President Donald Trump of the United States has decided to stop giving money to South Africa because he is worried about their land policies and their case against Israel. He also wants to help white farmers in South Africa move to America as refugees. Some people, including Elon Musk, say that white people in South Africa are treated unfairly. The issue of who owns the land in South Africa is a big problem because most of the land is owned by white people, even though most of the population is Black. South Africa's Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, criticized Trump's decision, saying it is not based on facts. He wants to solve any problems through peaceful talks.

Trump Cuts Aid To South Africa, Offers To Resettle "Boers" In America

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order that bans transgender women from competing in female sports categories.
The order provides guidelines and regulations and involves the Department of Education to check if high schools are following the rules.
A transgender woman is someone who was born male but identifies and lives as a woman.
Republicans say this order makes sports fairer, but LGBT and human rights organisations say it is discriminatory.
The order, effective immediately, mainly affects high schools, universities, and local sports.
Some sports organisations like swimming, athletics, and golf have already banned transgender women from competing in female categories if they went through male puberty.
Trump said this order would also apply to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and that transgender athletes would not be allowed to compete. He plans to deny visas to transgender athletes trying to enter the US for the LA Games.
Trump said the order ends the “war on women’s sports” and that his administration would not allow “men” to compete against female athletes.
The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), the governing body for college sports in the US, also banned transgender women from competing in women’s sports.
This change happened right after Trump signed the executive order. The NCAA used to allow transgender women to compete if they met certain testosterone limits.

US President Trump signed a law stopping transgender women from playing female sports. He wants to make sports fairer. Some people think this law is unfair. It affects schools and local sports. Some sports groups have already stopped transgender women from playing. Trump also said it will apply to the 2028 Olympics in LA and that transgender athletes can't compete. He doesn't want "men" to play against women. The NCAA also changed its rules because of this law. They used to let transgender women play if they met certain rules but not anymore.

Trump Signs Order Banning Transgender Women From Competing In Women's Sports

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has clarified that the recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a tool for confiscation but a constitutionally mandated legal process aimed at ensuring equitable and just public access to land.
Ramaphosa’s statement came in response to US President Donald Trump’s announcement on Sunday that the United States would cut all future funding to South Africa, accusing the country of “confiscating” land and mistreating certain groups.
Trump made this declaration on his Truth Social platform, saying funding would be halted until a full investigation into the matter is completed.
In his response on Monday morning, Ramaphosa posted on his verified X page, saying he was eager to engage with the Trump administration on South Africa’s land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest.
He also said that US funding to South Africa is primarily in the form of PEPFAR Aid, which constitutes 17% of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programme. Wrote Ramaphosa:
<blockquote>
South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is deeply rooted in the rule of law, justice and equality. The South African government has not confiscated any land.
The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the constitution.
South Africa, like the United States of America and other countries, has always had expropriation laws that balance the need for public usage of land and the protection of rights of property owners.
We look forward to engaging with the Trump administration over our land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest.
We are certain that out of those engagements, we will share a better and common understanding over these matters.
The US remains a key strategic political and trade partner for South Africa. With the exception of PEPFAR Aid, which constitutes 17% of South Africa’s HIV/Aids programme, there is no other funding that is received by South Africa from the United States.
</blockquote>

South African President Ramaphosa said new land law isn't about taking land, responding to Trump's threat to cut aid. Trump accused South Africa of confiscating land and mistreating groups. Ramaphosa clarified that the Expropriation Act is a legal process for fair land access. He wants to talk to the US about the land policy and other important issues. Most of the US funding to South Africa is for HIV/AIDs, but Trump will stop it for now. Ramaphosa hopes to work things out with the US and keep a good relationship.

South Africa Receives Minimal U.S. Funding, Ramaphosa Responds To Trump's Aid Cut Threats

The South African government has rejected United States President Donald Trump’s claims that Pretoria is committing egregious human rights violations by allegedly confiscating land from white farmers.
Trump stated on his Truth Social platform on Sunday that South Africa was “treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY” and that the United States would cut off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation into the matter is completed.
Responding to Trump’s statement, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said Trump was misinformed about South Africa’s policies. Lamola wrote on X:
<blockquote>
We trust that President Trump’s advisors will leverage this investigative period to deepen their understanding of South Africa’s policies as a constitutional democracy. Such insights will ensure a respectful and informed approach to our democratic commitments.
</blockquote>
Trump’s announcement follows South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of a bill last month allowing the government to expropriate land without compensation in specific cases.
The Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 in South Africa allows the government to expropriate property for public purposes or in the public interest.
This new law replaces the 1975 Expropriation Act and aims to align with the Constitution. It sets out the procedures for expropriation and specifies that compensation must be just and equitable, although in certain cases, no compensation may be required.

South Africa said Trump was wrong about land accusations. Trump said US would cut funding until investigated. South Africa's Lamola said Trump is misinformed. Law allows land expropriation for public interest. New law replaces old one aligning with the Constitution. Compensation must be fair, sometimes no payment needed. Trump criticized SA but SA defended its policies. Land confiscation issue remains a point of contention between US and SA.

SA Rejects Trump's "Confiscation" Of Land Accusation

US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday he is cutting all future funding to South Africa, criticising the country for “confiscating” land and mistreating certain groups.
This follows South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of a bill last month allowing the government to expropriate land without compensation in specific cases.
Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that funding will be halted until a full investigation into the matter is completed. He wrote:
<blockquote>
South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY. It is a bad situation that the Radical Left Media doesn’t want to so much as mention. A massive Human Rights VIOLATION, at a minimum, is happening for all to see. The United States won’t stand for it, we will act. Also, I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!
</blockquote>
Pretoria argues that the bill does not permit the government to expropriate property arbitrarily and requires an agreement with the owner first.
However, some groups fear a scenario similar to Zimbabwe’s seizure of white-owned commercial farms during the Fast-Track Land Reform Programme under Robert Mugabe at the turn of the millennium.
Later, in a briefing with journalists, Trump said that South Africa’s “leadership is doing some terrible things, horrible things” without providing examples. He said:
<blockquote>
So that’s under investigation right now. We’ll make a determination, and until such time as we find out what South Africa is doing — they’re taking away land and confiscating land, and actually, they’re doing things that are perhaps far worse than that.
</blockquote>
Land ownership in South Africa remains a contentious issue, with most farmland still owned by white people three decades after apartheid ended.
The South African government says the 1913 Natives Land Act forcibly removed thousands of Black families from their land during the apartheid era.
The Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 in South Africa allows the government to expropriate property for public purposes or in the public interest.
This new law replaces the 1975 Expropriation Act and aims to align with the Constitution. It sets out the procedures for expropriation and specifies that compensation must be just and equitable, although in certain cases, no compensation may be required.

President Trump has stopped giving money to South Africa because he thinks they are taking land from people and treating them badly. South Africa says they are not just taking land without reason, but need to agree with the owner first. Trump is investigating more to find out. Some people worry it will be like what happened in Zimbabwe, where white people lost land. In South Africa, most land is still owned by white people after apartheid. A new law allows the government to take land for public reasons. It says compensation should be fair, but sometimes it may not be needed.

Trump Cuts Funding To South Africa Over Land Expropriation Fears

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the U.S. is withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Trump has long criticized the United Nations health agency. During his first term, his administration began the withdrawal from the WHO in July 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic spread.
However, four years ago, then-President Joe Biden halted the exit in one of his first actions after taking office.
Trump cited WHO’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, its failure to adopt needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from political influence as reasons for the withdrawal.
He believes the U.S. was paying too much money to the organization compared to other countries.
In 2020, Trump accused the WHO of aiding China in allegedly covering up the origins of COVID-19 and allowing its spread.
In an interview with <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/21/politics/trump-executive-action-world-health-organization-withdrawal/index.html">CNN</a> on Monday, Dr Ashish Jha, who served as White House COVID-19 response coordinator during the Biden administration, called Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO in his second term a “strategic error.” He said:
<blockquote>
WHO is a pretty essential organization — and with America’s withdrawal, it creates a political vacuum that only one country can fill — and that is China.
</blockquote>
Jha predicted that China will step up for the organization in the absence of U.S. funding and leadership, which could give China more political influence globally.
He warned that withdrawing from the WHO weakens the organization, as it relies heavily on U.S. staff and expertise, particularly in tracking global influenza.
Trump’s executive action calls on the secretary of state and the director of the Office of Management and Budget to “pause the future transfer of any United States Government funds, support, or resources” for the WHO.
However, it takes a year to fully withdraw from the body, and the U.S. should continue funding it for that period.

President Trump decided that the U.S. will stop being part of the World Health Organization. He was not happy with how the organization handled the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump thinks the U.S. was paying too much money to the WHO compared to other countries. Some people are worried that this decision will give China more power in the organization. It will take a year for the U.S. to completely leave the WHO, so they still need to give money for a while.

Trump Orders U.S. To Withdraw From The World Health Organisation

Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th U.S. President on January 20, following his victory in the November 2024 election.
According to CNN, since returning to the White House, Trump has signed executive actions revoking 78 of former President Joe Biden’s policies.
He ordered a crackdown on immigration and withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Trump pardoned about 1,500 people charged in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and commuted the sentences of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers leaders convicted of seditious conspiracy.
He signed an executive action delaying the TikTok ban enforcement for 75 days, giving the president broad discretion on how to enforce the ban on the Chinese-owned video app.
In his inaugural address, Trump vowed that “the golden age of America” was starting, listing his priorities on trade, immigration, and national security.
Trump expressed doubt about the Gaza ceasefire deal lasting, despite claiming credit for brokering the agreement between Israel and Hamas. He said:
<blockquote>
I’m not confident. It’s not our war, it’s their war, but I’m not confident. I think they’re very weakened on the other side.
</blockquote>
Trump made the remarks from the Oval Office early Monday when asked if the U.S. could help maintain the truce.
The Gaza ceasefire is a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas, aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, the ceasefire includes a prisoner exchange and increased humanitarian aid.
The initial phase involves releasing Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners, along with the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

Donald Trump became the 47th U.S. President on January 20, after winning the election. He cancelled many of Joe Biden's policies, like on immigration and climate. Trump pardoned people involved in the Capitol attack and delayed banning TikTok. He promised to make America great again by focusing on trade, immigration, and security. Trump doubted the Gaza ceasefire would last and said it's not the U.S.'s war. The ceasefire aims to stop the fighting in Gaza and involves a prisoner exchange and aid. Israel and Hamas are part of the truce mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt.

Donald Trump Inaugurated As 47th U.S. President

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has joined global leaders in congratulating Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential election.
In a post on X, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is ready to work with Trump and the American people to create a better, more prosperous, and peaceful world. He wrote:
<blockquote>
Congratulations to President elect @realdonaldtrump on your election victory.
The world needs more leaders who speak for the people.
Zimbabwe stands ready to work with you and the American people to build a better, more prosperous and more peaceful world.
</blockquote>
Following Donald Trump’s surprising political resurrection, several European leaders were quick to extend their congratulations and express their willingness to work with him in the future.
French President Emmanuel Macron was among the first to respond, saying he was “ready to work together” with Trump for a second term.
In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky also congratulated Trump, highlighting his commitment to “peace through strength” — a philosophy Zelensky believes will help bring a “just peace” to Ukraine as the war with Russia continues.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed Zelensky’s remarks, stressing that Trump’s leadership would be “key” as the world faces a growing number of global challenges.
Meanwhile, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the “unshakeable alliance” between her country and the United States, adding that the bond would only “strengthen even further” under Trump’s leadership.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing his desire to “ensure that the relations between our countries remain at the highest level” and to continue developing ties for the benefit of their citizens.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Emmerson Mnangagwa congratulated Donald Trump on winning the US election. Leaders from Europe, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, also congratulated Trump and expressed their willingness to work with him. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala also praised Trump's leadership. They all believe working together with Trump will help create a better, more peaceful world and tackle global challenges.

Mnangagwa Congratulates Donald Trump On US Election Win

Former United States President Donald Trump has been briefed by U.S. intelligence about specific threats from Iran regarding an assassination attempt against him, according to his campaign.
In a statement, the campaign said the Republican presidential candidate was briefed “regarding real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him in an effort to destabilize and sow chaos in the United States”.
The campaign, however, did not clarify whether these threats were new or previously reported.
Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung said in the statement:
<blockquote>
Intelligence officials have identified that these continued and coordinated attacks have heightened in the past few months.
Law enforcement officials across all agencies are working to ensure President Trump is protected and the election is free from interference.
</blockquote>
This follows an assassination attempt on Trump on July 13, during which he was injured and another person was killed at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Afterwards, U.S. officials reportedly received intelligence about an alleged Iranian plot against him, which Iranian officials denied.
Then September 15, a Secret Service agent fired upon spotting a rifle poking through a fence at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. The agent opened fire as Trump was playing a round of golf.
Ryan Wesley Routh, a man arrested near the golf course, was charged with attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate, though there is no indication of Iranian involvement in either incident.
Last month, Trump’s campaign claimed that some of its internal communications had been hacked, suggesting possible targeting by Iranian operatives. Trump wrote on X on Wednesday:
<blockquote>
Big threats on my life by Iran. The entire U.S. Military is watching and waiting. Moves were already made by Iran that didn’t work out, but they will try again.
Not a good situation for anyone. I am surrounded by more men, guns, and weapons than I have ever seen before.
Thank you to Congress for unanimously approving far more money to Secret Service – Zero “NO” Votes, strictly bipartisan.
Nice to see Republicans and Democrats get together on something. An attack on a former President is a Death Wish for the attacker!
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Donald Trump has been warned by U.S. intelligence that Iran might try to kill him. This news comes from Trump's campaign team. They didn't say if it was a new threat. The campaign said that attacks on Trump have increased recently. Police are working to keep Trump safe and protect the election. Recently, there was a shooting near Trump's golf club. A man was arrested for trying to hurt Trump, but Iran is not linked to these incidents. Trump's campaign also said their emails may have been hacked by Iran. The U.S. government is taking all these threats seriously.

U.S. Intelligence Warns Trump Of Iranian Assassination Threats

Former United States President Donald Trump is safe following an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf course on Sunday afternoon.
According to the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3rllnd1pypo">BBC</a>, Secret Service agents noticed the barrel of a rifle protruding from some bushes and subsequently opened fire on the “potential suspect,” who is now in custody.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that Trump was between 300 and 500 yards (approximately 275 to 455 meters) away at the time of the incident.
The suspect has been identified by U.S. media as Ryan Routh, 58, from Hawaii. A witness observed him emerging from the bushes and fleeing in a black Nissan car after agents fired at him multiple times.
An AK-47-style firearm with a scope, along with two backpacks and a GoPro camera, was later recovered from the scene.
The witness also photographed the vehicle and its license plate, which led to the car being stopped later in Martin County, north of the golf club.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County told a news briefing that the suspect was in custody. He said:
<blockquote>
We got a hold of Martin County Sheriff’s Office, alerted them, and they spotted the vehicle and pulled it over and detained the guy.
After that, we took the witness that witnessed the incident, flew him up there and he identified as the person that he saw running out of the bushes, that jumped into the car.
</blockquote>
It is unclear whether or not the gunman fired at either the former president or the agents. Rafael Barros from the Secret Service Miami Field Office said:
<blockquote>
We are not sure right now if the individual was able to take a shot at our agents, but for sure our agents were able to engage with the suspect.
</blockquote>
In an email to his supporters, Trump said he was “safe and well”.
The incident comes almost exactly two months after a gunman attempted to assassinate Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, striking his ear.
The Secret Service confirmed in a post on X that they were investigating a “protective incident” involving Trump that took place shortly before 14:00 EST (19:00 BST) on Sunday.
Later, Sheriff Bradshaw said, “the Secret Service agent that was on the course did a fantastic job”. 
He added:
<blockquote>
What they do is they have an agent that jumps one hole ahead of time to where the president was at and he was able to spot this rifle barrel sticking out of the fence and immediately engage that individual, at which time the individual took off.”
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the suspect Routh was charged and convicted of numerous offences in Guilford County, North Carolina, between 2002 and 2010, according to a law enforcement source who spoke to CBS News.
The offences included carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest, hit and run in a motor vehicle, driving with a revoked licence and possession of stolen property.
The White House said President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris were briefed about the golf course incident.
Harris issued a statement saying:
<blockquote>
I am deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today.
As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence.
</blockquote>
Harris is in a tight race against Trump in the presidential election, with the outcome of the November 5 vote likely hinging on results from several key swing states.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former President Donald Trump was almost shot at his golf course in Florida, but he is safe. The suspect, Ryan Routh, was caught by the police. The suspect had a gun and tried to run away. The police stopped him and found more weapons in his car. It is not clear if the suspect shot at the former president. Trump said he is okay and the Secret Service did a good job. The suspect has been in trouble with the law before. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were told about the incident and condemned violence.

Donald Trump Survives Yet Another Apparent Assassination Attempt

US President Joe Biden has pulled out of the race for re-election as USA president less than 4 months before election.
He has endorsed current vice president Kamala Harris to become the presidential candidate for the Democrats, facing Trump.
Biden released a statement today that read:
<blockquote>
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
</blockquote>
Some Republicans have commented that Biden needs to resign completely before the end of his current term:
Said House Speaker, Mike Johnson:
<blockquote>
“If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president”
</blockquote>
Kamala Harris has said that she will win against Trump
<blockquote>
“I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. We have 107 days until election day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”
</blockquote>
<h2>Donald Trump Reaction</h2>
Donal Trump reaction to Biden’s pull out saying it will even be easier:
<blockquote>
“It will be even easier to beat Kamala Harris”
</blockquote>
<h2>How it happened in less than a month</h2>
27 June: In the Presidential debate against Trump, Biden gives incoherent answers leave many wondering about his mental fitness.
5 July: In an interview Biden says only the “Lord Almighty” could persuade him to stand down.
8 July: Biden says in an interview “I am not going anywhere” and asks Democrats to unite.
10 July: More Democrats ask Biden to quit, including George Clooney.
11 July: At a Nato summit Biden mistakenly refers to Ukrainian President Zelensky as “President Putin” and Vice-President Harris as Trump.
13 July: Trump is shot in the ear in an assassination attempt.
17 July: Biden tests positive for Covid ang goes into quarantine.
18 July: In a leak, Obama says Biden has low chances of winning.
21 July: Biden pulls out of presidential race.

Joe Biden decided not to run for president again. He wants Kamala Harris to be the new Democratic candidate. Some people think Biden should not be president anymore. Harris believes she can beat Trump in the election. Trump thinks it will be easy to win against Harris. Biden's decision came after some mistakes and events that made people doubt him, such as health problems and negative comments from others. Now, the focus is on the upcoming election between Harris and Trump.

Joe Biden Quits US Presidential Race

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed shock and revulsion at the attempted assassination of former United States President and presumptive Republican Party Candidate for the 05 November 2024 election, Donald Trump, last Saturday.
In a letter dated 16 July 2024 addressed to US President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr, Mnangagwa condemned “the cowardly attack” saying Zimbabwe stands in solidarity with the Government and people of the United States following the attack. Said Mnangagwa:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe followed the news of the attack on the former United States of America President and presumptive Republican Party Presidential Candidate, Mr Donald Trump, with shock and revulsion.
On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to extend to you, my heartfelt sympathy and condemnation of the cowardly attack, which also led to loss of life.
We stand in solidarity with the Government and people of the United States in the wake of this unfortunate and tragic development.
We wish the former President and the others who were injured, a speedy recovery, and express our condolences to the family of the deceased.
</blockquote>
Trump was the target of an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday evening.
Shots were fired at around 6:10 PM ET, about 8 minutes after Trump went on the stage at the rally.
Trump quickly crouched behind his lectern as Secret Service agents rushed to shield him.
Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief attending the rally, was shot and killed while protecting his family.
Secret Service counter snipers shot and killed the assailant, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's President Mnangagwa is upset about someone trying to hurt Donald Trump. He wrote a letter to US President Biden saying Zimbabwe supports America. Trump was shot at during a rally in Pennsylvania by a person named Thomas Matthew Crooks. Another man, Corey Comperatore, who tried to protect his family, died. Secret Service agents stopped the attacker. Mnangagwa wishes Trump a quick recovery and sends condolences to the family of the man who died. Zimbabwe is sad about the violent attack. Trump is hurt but safe thanks to Secret Service agents.

Mnangagwa Condemns Attempted Assassination Of Donald Trump

The gunman involved in the attack against former United States President Donald Trump on Saturday has been identified by authorities as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.
Crooks was shot and killed by Secret Service agents at the scene soon after the attempted assassination of the Republican party’s presumptive president in the 05 November 2024 presidential election.
In a statement early Sunday morning, the FBI named Crooks as the gunman, identifying him as a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
Bethel Park is about 35 miles south of Butler, where Trump was holding his rally.
According to <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/14/us/trump-shooting-thomas-matthew-crooks-intl-hnk/index.html">CNN</a>, Crooks fired on Trump while perched on a nearby building rooftop outside the rally’s security perimeter before being killed by the Secret Service.
Trump was injured, writing on social media that he’d been hit by a bullet in the upper part of his ear.
He later flew back to Newark, New Jersey, late Saturday night.
According to media reports, Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022.
Crooks was registered to vote as a Republican, according to a listing in Pennsylvania’s voter database that matched his name, age, and a Bethel Park address that law enforcement was searching Saturday night and is linked to Crooks in public records.
This year’s presidential election would have been the first he was old enough to vote in.
Federal Election Commission records show that a donor listed as Thomas Crooks with the same address gave $15 to a Democratic-aligned political action committee in January 2021.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A 20-year-old named Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at former President Donald Trump at a rally. Crooks was from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, and was killed by Secret Service agents. Trump was hurt but still went to Newark. Crooks graduated from high school in 2022 and was registered as a Republican voter. He may have donated to a Democratic political group. This was the first presidential election he could vote in. The FBI identified him as the shooter. It happened outside a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

FBI Identifies Donald Trump Rally Shooter

Former United States President Donald Trump was rushed off stage after gunshots erupted at a rally in Pennsylvania in an apparent assassination attempt, reported <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd1d31jeyzlo">BBC</a>.
Video footage showed Trump grimacing and raising a hand to his right ear, before ducking as a series of shots broke out.
He was quickly swarmed by US Secret Service agents and dragged off stage to a waiting vehicle. Trump raised a fist as he was bundled into the car.
Later, in a post to his Truth Social network, Trump said a bullet pierced the “upper part” of his right ear. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.
</blockquote>
Blood was visible on Trump’s ear and face as US Secret Service agents rushed him away.
US Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said the suspect was shot dead at the scene. He added that one bystander was killed in the shooting and two others were critically injured.
Law enforcement sources told the BBC’s US partner CBS News that the male attacker had been armed with a rifle and had fired from an elevated structure a few hundred metres away outside the venue.
FBI agents, who are leading the investigation, told reporters in Butler that they had “tentatively identified” the dead gunman, but were yet to establish a motive.
Special Agent Kevin Rojek confirmed the agency was treating the shooting as an assassination attempt.
He added that the suspect was not carrying ID and that investigators were using DNA in an attempt to formally identify him.
Trump, who is the Republican candidate for president had just started addressing his supporters in Butler, Pennsylvania when the shots started.
Several supporters holding placards and standing behind Trump ducked as the shots were heard.
Witnesses who spoke to the BBC claimed the gunshots may have come from a one-storey building to the right of the stage where Trump was speaking.
One of the bystanders, identified as Greg, told the BBC that he had spotted a suspicious-looking person “bear crawling” on the roof of the building about five minutes after Trump took to the stage. He said he pointed the person out to the police. Said Greg:
<blockquote>
He had a rifle, we could clearly see him with a rifle. We’re pointing at him, the police are down there running around on the ground – we’re like “hey man there’s a guy on the roof with a rifle” and the police did not know what was going on.
</blockquote>
Tim, who was also at the rally, told the BBC that he had heard a “barrage” of shots. He said:
<blockquote>
There was a spray which we initially thought was a fire hose, and then the speaker on the right-hand side started coming down.
Something must have hit the hydraulic lines [which caused it to fall]. We saw President Trump go to the ground and everyone started dropping to the ground because it was chaos.
</blockquote>
Speaking from his home state of Delaware, United States President Joe Biden condemned the attack, calling it “sick”. He said:
<blockquote>
There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. Everybody must condemn it.
</blockquote>
The White House later said President Biden had spoken with Trump before returning to Washington DC.
Trump is locked in a tight contest with President Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, in a re-match of the 2020 election.
The next United States presidential election is set to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Trump was set to accept his party’s nomination for president at the convention in Milwaukee on Monday.
Some Republicans blamed President Biden over the shooting, accusing him of stoking fears about Trump’s potential return to office.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. Gunshots rang out, and he was quickly taken off stage by Secret Service agents. Trump later said a bullet hit his ear. The attacker was shot dead and one bystander was killed. The FBI is investigating. President Biden condemned the attack. Some blamed him for stoking fear about Trump's return. The next election is in 2024. Trump was about to accept his party's nomination for president. It was a scary and chaotic situation.

Donald Trump Survives Assassination Attempt At Rally

Donald Trump became the first former US president ever convicted of a crime after a New York jury found him guilty on all 34 counts in his hush-money case on Thursday, May 30.
The jury found Trump guilty on each of the 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide a payment meant to silence porn star Stormy Daniels.
Trump (77) faces the possibility of a four-year prison sentence or probation for his crimes and sentencing is set for 11 July.
His conviction comes months before an election that could see him yet return to the White House.
Trump, however, is not barred from running for the presidency
Addressing reporters after the verdict was confirmed, Trump declared his innocence, vowing that the “real verdict” would come from voters. He branded the trial “rigged” and a “disgrace.”
President Joe Biden’s campaign issued a statement saying the trial showed “no one is above the law.”
The statement added that “the threat Trump poses to our democracy has never been greater.”
As reported by <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/donald-trump-convicted-on-all-34-charges-in-hush-money-criminal-trial-5782684">NDTV</a>, Judge Juan Merchan set sentencing for July 11, four days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is due to receive the party’s formal nomination.
The 12-member jury had deliberated for more than 11 hours over two days before the foreman read out the unanimous decision within a matter of minutes.
Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records to reimburse his lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 payment to Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election, when her claim to have had sex with him could have derailed his campaign against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
The trial featured lengthy testimony from the adult performer, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford.
She described to the court in graphic detail what she says was a 2006 sexual encounter with the married Trump.
Prosecutors successfully laid out a charge alleging that the hush money and the illegal covering up of the payment was part of a broader crime to prevent voters from knowing about Trump’s behaviour.
Cohen, who was the key witness, and had turned against his old boss, called the verdict “an important day for accountability and the rule of law.”
Trump has denied any sexual encounter with Stormy Daniels but did not testify in his own defence and lawyers argued that any payments made to the performer were entirely legal.
Trump, who is known for mounting lengthy appeals of court rulings against him, is also likely to appeal the conviction, which could significantly delay his sentencing.
Should Trump win the presidency he will not be able to pardon himself, given that the case was brought not by the federal government but by the state of New York, where only the governor could pardon him.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Donald Trump Becomes First Former U.S. President To Be Convicted Of A Crime

Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in Zimbabwe, has expressed his commitment to a government founded on truth. He emphasised that under his leadership, Zimbabwe would operate based on truth, with no lies, propaganda, or malice. He posted on X:
<blockquote>
 TRUTH IN GOVERNMENT…Where we are going, Zimbabwe shall work and function on the basis of TRUTH and nothing else. The entire government, the President’s office, our public officials and public institutions like ZBC shall work on TRUTH alone and nothing else. No lies. No propaganda or falsehoods. Zero hate. Nil malice. Behold the government of truth.#ForEveryone
</blockquote>
Chamisa, who believes he won the August 2023 presidential election against President Emmerson Mnangagwa, rejected the results and called for fresh elections. However, his party’s participation in by-elections to fill vacant positions has led analysts to believe that they are indirectly endorsing the previous elections.
When questioned about allegations of centralising power, Chamisa did not provide a direct response but instead asked who was making those allegations. Some of his followers were dissatisfied with his evasive answer. They stated that his evasion was unnecessary, as parts of his <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/22/ccc-constitution-proves-that-has-never-been-the-interim-secretary-general-lawyer/">party’s constitution indicated the centralisation of power.</a>
Others criticised the idea of a government based solely on truth, deeming it naive. They argued that all governments employ propaganda and selective information dissemination to control their narratives. One commentator said:
<blockquote>
That’s a farce every government uses propaganda in other words choose what to tell their people
</blockquote>
Another one whose username on X is Patrick Masakusi pointed out that Chamisa’s post itself was not truthful, claiming that it was a false foundation for his government. Patrick Masakusi said:
<blockquote>
The lie starts right here. Nowhere in the world you’ve politics without propaganda. These are promises of opposition. With assumption of power all fades away like the mist b4 the sun.
</blockquote>
Another commentator RexNhongo @NhongoRexy referred to Chamisa’s previous claim that he met Donald Trump. In 2018, Chamisa the former US President Donald Trump promised his party US$15 billion if they won the 2018 elections. Trump denied the allegations, and Chamisa later denied making those remarks, despite being recorded saying them during a rally.
The institutions mentioned in Chamisa’s post, such as the government and ZBC (Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation), have frequently been accused of disseminating misleading information and promoting the ruling party’s agenda. The government has also faced criticism for unfulfilled promises, such as free education and economic stabilisation. Government officials including Nick Mangwana, Information Secretary, have been accused of lying to the public on multiple occasions. Recently, journalist Hopewell Chin’ono accused Mangwana of lying that <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/01/05/councils-are-responsible-for-maintenance-of-city-roads-mangwana/">the failure of opposition-led local government authorities to provide essential services</a> like sewage systems, garbage collection, and clean water was due to incompetence. <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/01/05/local-authorities-need-money-to-maintain-roads-mayor-coltart-responds-to-mangwana/">Chin’ono argued that the central government had taken control of the revenue generation methods used by local authorities</a>, making it difficult for them to fund these services properly. He stated that the central government was not allocating enough money to the local authorities, which hindered their ability to meet the public’s needs.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

My Government Won't Tell Lies - Chamisa

The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that former President Donald Trump is not eligible to be a presidential candidate in the state’s 2024 election. The court cited the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban” as the basis for their ruling, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/19/politics/trump-colorado-supreme-court-14th-amendment/index.html#:~:text=In%20a%20stunning%20and%20unprecedented,14th%20Amendment's%20%E2%80%9Cinsurrectionist%20ban.%E2%80%9D">CNN</a> reported.
According to the court, Trump’s actions leading up to and during the January 6th 2021 Capitol riot constituted “overt and voluntary participation in the insurrection.” The court also rejected Trump’s claim that his speech on January 6th was protected by the First Amendment. The majority wrote in its unsigned opinion:
<blockquote>
President Trump did not merely incite the insurrection. Even when the siege on the Capitol was fully underway, he continued to support it by repeatedly demanding that Vice President (Mike) Pence refuse to perform his constitutional duty and by calling Senators to persuade them to stop the counting of electoral votes. These actions constituted overt, voluntary, and direct participation in the insurrection.
We conclude that the foregoing evidence, the great bulk of which was undisputed at trial, established that President Trump engaged in insurrection. President Trump’s direct and express efforts, over several months, exhorting his supporters to march to the Capitol to prevent what he falsely characterized as an alleged fraud on the people of this country were indisputably overt and voluntary.
</blockquote>
<h3>January 6th Capitol Riot: What Happened</h3>
On January 6, 2021, a group of people who support President Trump went to the U.S. Capitol and tried to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. They broke into the Capitol, damaged property, and caused chaos. Trump had given a speech earlier that day where he claimed there was election fraud and told his supporters to go to the Capitol. The rioters looted and vandalized offices, and some even went into the Senate chamber. Eventually, law enforcement and the National Guard were able to remove the rioters and secure the Capitol. Trump was later impeached for inciting the insurrection, but he was not found guilty by the Senate. A committee was formed to investigate the riot, and they referred Trump and others to the Justice Department for possible criminal charges. Many people have been arrested and charged in connection with the riot, making it the largest criminal investigation in the history of the Justice Department.

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2021/01/17/zanu-pf-attacks-ambassador-nichols-again/">FULL TEXT: Why Is Ambassador Nichols And Local Critics Quiet On The Capitol Hill Incident -Zanu PF</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2018/11/29/donald-trump-taking-us-back-to-tribal-politics-similar-to-zimbabwes-opposition-us-anchor/">Donald Trump Taking US Back To “Tribal” Politics Similar To Zimbabwe’s Opposition- US Anchor</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Court Decision Impact:</h3>
This decision only applies to Colorado, but it could have a significant impact on the 2024 presidential campaign. Colorado election officials have stated that the matter needs to be resolved by January 5th, which is the deadline to set the list of candidates for the Republican primary in the state. Trump’s campaign has vowed to appeal the decision to the US Supreme Court and believes that the higher court will rule in their favour.
The ruling has drawn both support and criticism. Allies of the former president have expressed shock at the decision and believe that higher courts will overturn it. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the ruling, calling it a “reckless” attack on democracy. On the other hand, some have praised the decision as a necessary step to hold Trump accountable for his role in the insurrection.
While this ruling only affects Colorado, it could set a precedent for similar challenges in other states. Trump has faced multiple lawsuits invoking the 14th Amendment’s insurrectionist ban, and this decision could embolden further legal action against him. The outcome of these legal battles could shape the political landscape leading up to the 2024 presidential election.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

USA: Court Says Former President Donald Trump Not Eligible To Be A Presidential Candidate

Former United States of America President Donald Trump has been barred from running for president next year in Colorado by the Colorado Supreme Court, reported <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67768873">BBC News</a>.
The court ruled 4-3 that Trump was not an eligible candidate because he had engaged in an insurrection over the US Capitol riot nearly three years ago.
The ruling applies only to Colorado’s 05 March Republican primary but it could affect Trump’s status in the state for the 05 November general election.
It does not stop Trump running in the other states and his campaign says it will appeal to the US Supreme Court.
The ruling marks the first-ever use of Section 3 of the US Constitution’s 14th Amendment to disqualify a presidential candidate.
The 14th Amendment was ratified after the American Civil War. Section 3 was intended to block secessionists from returning to previous government roles once southern states re-joined the Union.
It was used against Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his vice-president Alexander Stephens, both of whom had served in Congress. It has seldom been invoked since.
The Tuesday ruling sets the stage for the Supreme Court, whose 6-3 conservative majority includes three Trump appointees, to consider whether the former President is eligible to serve another term. The justices wrote in their ruling:
<blockquote>
We do not reach these conclusions lightly. We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us.
We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach.
</blockquote>
The Colorado Supreme Court’s decision does not go into effect until 4 January 2024.
That is the eve of the deadline for the state to print its presidential primary ballots.
Trump is facing four criminal cases, including one federal and one state case in Georgia related to his alleged election subversion efforts.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

United States Court Disqualifies Former President Donald Trump From Seeking Re-election

Former United States President Donald Trump has been charged with criminal charges for allegedly attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Special Counsel Jack Smith filed a 45-page indictment in Washington, DC on Tuesday, detailing four felony charges against Trump. These included conspiracy to defraud the US, conspiracy against rights, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, and obstructing an official proceeding. 
Trump has been accused of trying to obstruct “a bedrock function” of democracy in order to retain power. The charges stemmed from Smith’s investigation into allegations that Trump sought to reverse his loss to Democrat Joe Biden.
Prosecutors alleged that Trump pushed fraud claims he knew to be untrue, pressured state and federal officials, and incited a violent assault on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, to undermine the country’s democracy. In a brief statement to reporters, Smith placed the blame for the violence squarely on Trump’s shoulders. Smith said:
<blockquote>
The attack on our nation’s Capitol on January 6, 2021, was an unprecedented assault on the seat of American democracy. It was fuelled by lies – lies by the defendant, targeted at obstructing the bedrock function of the US government.
</blockquote>
The indictment offers a broader picture of attempts Trump allegedly made to subvert the election. The case has been assigned to US District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who was appointed by Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama. Trump was ordered to make an initial appearance in federal court in Washington, DC on Thursday.
Trump, the 45th President of the United States, last year announced his re-election campaign and candidacy for a non-consecutive second presidential term in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The Trump campaign called the charges “fake” and asked why it took two-and-a-half years to bring them. It added:
<blockquote>
President Trump will not be deterred by disgraceful and unprecedented political targeting.
</blockquote>
Donald Trump was the only individual charged in the indictment filed on Tuesday. However, prosecutors identified several co-conspirators, including lawyers from within and outside of government, who allegedly collaborated with Trump to overturn the election results. The indictment alleges that Trump and his accomplices orchestrated fake slates of electors in seven states, which he lost, with the intent of certifying them as authentic by Congress on January 6. The document also highlights multiple instances of Trump spreading false claims about the election and acknowledges that his top advisers, including senior intelligence officials, repeatedly informed him that the results were valid.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Trump Charged For Trying To Overturn 2020 Election

Twitter has reinstated former US President Donald Trump’s account after Twitter CEO and new owner Elon Musk posted a poll on Twitter on Friday night asking the platform’s users if Trump should be reinstated.
According to <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/measles-deaths-hidden-to-avert-panic-red-cross/">CNN</a>, the final poll results on Saturday night showed 51.8% in favour and 48.2% opposed. The poll included 15 million votes. Musk tweeted on Saturday:
<blockquote>
The people have spoken. Trump will be reinstated. Vox Populi, Vox Dei (the voice of the people is the voice of God).
</blockquote>
Before the ban, Trump was Twitter’s most influential, if controversial user, according to CNN.
He has 90 million followers and his tweets often move the markets, set the news cycle, and drove the agenda in Washington.
Asked on Saturday what he thought of Musk buying Twitter and his own future on the platform, Trump said:
<blockquote>
They have a lot of problems. You see what’s going on. It may make it, it may not make it.
</blockquote>
Trump was in Las Vegas at the Republican Jewish Coalition meeting when he made the remarks.
He said he liked Musk and “liked that he bought (Twitter), adding “He’s a character and I tend to like characters… But he’s smart.
Ahead of the 2020 presidential election, Twitter began applying warning labels to Trump’s tweets in an attempt to correct his election-rigging claims.
Twitter banned Trump’s account following the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Twitter said at the time:
<blockquote>
After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence.
In the context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of the Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action.
</blockquote>
Twitter said two tweets by Trump had violated the company’s policy against the glorification of violence.

Elon Musk Restores Donald Trump’s Twitter Account

Former United States President Donald Trump announced Tuesday night that he will seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.
If successful, he will become only the second commander-in-chief ever elected to two non-consecutive terms, according to CNN News.
Addressing a crowd gathered at Mar-a-Lago, his waterfront estate in Florida, where his campaign will be headquartered, Trump said:
<blockquote>
In order to make America great and glorious again, I am tonight announcing my candidacy for president of the United States.
This will not be my campaign, this will be our campaign all together.
</blockquote>
Trump’s long-awaited campaign comes as the Republicans failed to gain a Senate majority, came up short in their efforts to fill several statewide seats, and have yet to secure a House majority in the mid-term elections.
Trump’s third presidential bid also coincides with a period of heightened legal peril as Justice Department officials investigating him and his associates revisit the prospect of indictments in their Trump-related probes. 
The former president is currently being investigated for his activities before and during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol and his retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after he left office. 
The former real estate businessman and reality TV star was first elected to office in 2016, beating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a contentious general election.
As president, Trump pushed an “America First” foreign policy approach, pulling the US out of international agreements such as the Paris climate accord and the Iran nuclear deal.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Donald Trump Announces He'll Seek Re-election In 2024

Elon Musk fired Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal along with three other top executives including legal executive Vijaya Gadde as soon as he acquired the microblogging site. 
Reports claimed that Musk is apparently running a cleaning drive at Twitter and earlier there were reports which said that Musk may fire up to 75% of Twitter’s workforce. 
The CEO of electric car maker Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) and self-described free speech absolutist also fired Chief Financial Officer Ned Segal, according to people familiar with the matter. 
He had accused them of misleading him and Twitter investors over the number of fake accounts on the platform.
Agrawal and Segal were in Twitter’s San Francisco headquarters when the deal closed and were escorted out, the sources added.
Musk, who also runs rocket company SpaceX, plans to become Twitter’s interim CEO according to a person familiar with the matter and following an earlier report by Reuters. 
Musk also plans to scrap permanent bans on users, Bloomberg said, citing a person familiar with the matter.
Musk said in May he would reverse Twitter’s ban on Donald Trump, whose account was removed after the attack on the U.S. Capitol. 
The former U.S. president previously said he won’t return to the platform and has instead launched his own social media app, Truth Social.
Musk tried to calm Twitter employee fears that major layoffs are coming and assured advertisers that his past criticism of Twitter’s content moderation rules would not harm its appeal.
As news of the deal spread, some Twitter users were quick to flag their willingness to walk away.
European regulators also reiterated past warnings that, under Musk’s leadership, Twitter must still abide by the region’s Digital Services Act, which levies hefty fines on companies if they do not control illegal content.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Elon Musk Fires Twitter Top Executives

A Florida court is switching wi-fi off to block the media from reporting the Donald Trump hearing in real-time.
Sarah N. Lynch, who covers the U.S. Justice Department for Reuters in Washington, D.C. even texting is not allowed during the hearing. She said on Twitter:
<blockquote>
Bad news friends. Florida court is turning wi-fi off to block the media from reporting the Trump hearing in real-time. This truly sucks and I don’t understand it. We do this in DC District Court all the time. It makes courts accessible to the public. I am beyond annoyed.
I am told texting during the hearing is also BANNED. So our reporter inside the courthouse cannot transmit what happens until this is over.
</blockquote>
The court confirmed to <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/donald-trump-florida-hearing-court-b2157803.html">The Independent</a> that the wifi has been turned off but declined to offer further information.
<h2>The case:</h2>
The FBI seized documents from Mar-a-Lago (Trump’s private club and residence in Southern Florida) and now there is an investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents. The investigation could lead to charges for holding secret information and hiding it from government investigators.
Trump’s Attorneys earlier claimed that all classified documents had been handed over following the issuing of a grand jury subpoena in May but a photograph from the 8 August search shows a number of classified documents on the floor of Trump’s office in Mar-a-Lago.
His Attorneys are facing the Department of Justice (DoJ) as the former president’s team argues that a “special master” should review the documents.
The request for an outside review of the documents found at Mar-a-Lago comes after a federal magistrate judge issued a search warrant seeking evidence concerning the handling of top secret documents as well as possible obstruction of justice.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Florida Court Turning Wi-fi Off To Block Media From Reporting Trump Hearing In Real-time

Ivana Trump, former President Donald Trump’s first wife and mother to Eric, Don Jr., and Ivanka has died at home in New York City, according to <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/the-tragic-death-of-ivana-trump/ar-AAZArkd?li=BBorjTa&amp;ocid=wispr">ABC7 New York</a>. She was 73 years old. 
ABC reports that police were called to Trump’s apartment in the Upper East Side neighbourhood of Manhattan shortly before 1 p.m. on July 14 because someone was in cardiac arrest. 
The outlet also reported that the Czech-born former model appears to have died from natural causes. Authorities are not considering a foul play. 
The Trump family has confirmed the news of Ivana’s death in a statement, and the former president has posted about the death to Truth Social (via AP News). The former president wrote on social media:
<blockquote>
I am very saddened to inform all of those that loved her, of which there are many, that Ivakna Trump has passed away at her home in New York City. 
</blockquote>
Former President Donald Trump’s statement on the death of his first wife, Ivana Trump, continued (via AP News):
<blockquote>
She was a wonderful, beautiful, and amazing woman, who led a great and inspirational life. Her pride and joy were her three children, Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. She was so proud of them, as we were all so proud of her.
</blockquote>
The Trump children also released a separate statement confirming the death of Ivana. The statement reads, according to ABC7 New York:
<blockquote>
Our mother was an incredible woman — a force in business, a world-class athlete, a radiant beauty, and caring mother and friend.
Ivana Trump was a survivor. She fled from communism and embraced this country. She taught her children about grit and toughness, compassion and determination. 
</blockquote>
She is survived by her mother, her three children and ten grandchildren.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Donald Trump's First Wife Ivana Has Died

Former United States of America President Donald Trump was on Saturday acquitted by the Senate in his second impeachment trial for his alleged role of inciting a riot at the Capitol on 6 January 2021 which sent legislators scampering for safety.
Trump is the only United States president to be impeached twice but on both occasions, he escaped conviction.
The former president’s second impeachment trial came to a climactic end on Saturday afternoon after a majority of senators voted in favour of his conviction but failed to reach the required 67 votes threshold.
In a statement following his acquittal, Trump castigated his trial as yet another phase of the greatest witch hunt in the history of the United States of America. The statement said:
<blockquote>This has been yet another phase of the greatest witch hunt in the history of our Country.
No president has ever gone through anything like it, and it continues because our opponents cannot forget the almost 75 million people, the highest number ever for a sitting president, who voted for us just a few short months ago.
Our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun.
In the months ahead I have much to share with you, and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people.
There has never been anything like it!</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-donald-trump-acquitted/story?id=75853994" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ABC News</a></h4>

'The Movement Has Only Just Begun', Trump Speaks After Acquittal

United States president Joe Biden has spoken for the first time since his predecessor, Donald Trump was acquitted in the second impeachment trial.
By a vote of 57 to 43, the Senate acquitted Trump, with 67 votes needed to secure a conviction.
In a statement issued nearly seven hours after the vote, President Biden began by paying tribute to Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick who was killed by a pro-Trump mob during an attack on the Capitol Hill in January. Below is the statement in full:
<blockquote>It was nearly two weeks ago that Jill and I paid our respects to Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who laid in honour in the Rotunda after losing his life protecting the Capitol from a riotous, violent mob on January 6, 2021.
Today, 57 Senators – including a record 7 Republicans – voted to find former President Trump guilty for inciting that deadly insurrection on our very democracy.
The Senate vote followed the bipartisan vote to impeach him by the House of Representatives.
While the final vote did not lead to a conviction, the substance of the charge is not in dispute.
Even those opposed to the conviction, like Senate Minority Leader McConnell, believe Donald Trump was guilty of a “disgraceful dereliction of duty” and “practically and morally responsible for provoking” the violence unleashed on the Capitol.
Tonight, I am thinking about those who bravely stood guard that January day. I’m thinking about all those who lost their lives, all those whose lives were threatened, and all those who are still today living with terror they lived through that day.
And I’m thinking of those who demonstrated the courage to protect the integrity of our democracy – Democrats and Republicans, election officials and judges, elected representatives and poll workers – before and after the election.
This sad chapter in our history has reminded us that democracy is fragile. That it must always be defended. That we must be ever vigilant. That violence and extremism have no place in America.
And that each of us has a duty and responsibility as Americans, and especially as leaders, to defend the truth and to defeat the lies.
That is how we end this uncivil war and heal the very soul of our nation. That is the task ahead. And it’s a task we must undertake together. As the United States of America.</blockquote>

President Biden Speaks After Trump's 2nd Acquittal

United States president, Joe Biden is Monday expected to reinstate COVID-19 travel restrictions which his predecessor Donald Trump had lifted.
The ban would prevent most non-U.S. citizens from entry if they have recently been in South Africa, where a new aggressive variant of Covid-19 has been identified.
Biden is also expected to reinstate broader restrictions that were in effect much of the past year but were rescinded by President Donald Trump <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/18/us/coronavirus-travel-ban-europe-brazil.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">days before his term ended</a>.
The COVID-19 travel restrictions would affect non-U.S. citizens travelling from the United Kingdom, Ireland and much of Europe in what is known as the Schengen countries, which share a common visa process. Travellers from Brazil would also be affected.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Sunday that, beginning Tuesday, it will no longer consider exceptions to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">its requirement that international travelLers</a> present negative coronavirus tests.
Airlines had asked the agency to relax the rule for some countries with limited testing capacity. A CDC spokesman said in a statement:
<blockquote>
As variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus continue to emerge in countries around the world, there is growing evidence of increased transmissibility of some of these variants, as well as unknown health and vaccine implications.
Testing before and after travel is a critical layer to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19 and emerging variants.
</blockquote>
The US is the most hit nation with over 25 million infections and over 429 000 fatalities.
More: <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/biden-sign-sweeping-coronavirus-related-travel-restrictions-n1255484" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nbcnews</a>

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