Venezuelan Opposition Leader, Maria Corina Machado Wins 2025 Nobel Peace Prize as Trump Loses Bid

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been named the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday, beating US President Donald Trump, who had openly sought the award. Machado was recognized “for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” said Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Nobel Committee in Oslo. The committee described her as “a key, unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided in a brutal authoritarian state now facing a humanitarian and economic crisis.” Despite being forced into hiding over the past year, Machado chose to remain in Venezuela, inspiring millions under serious threats to her life. Trump had repeatedly claimed he deserved the prize for his role in resolving conflicts since returning to the White House for his second term, but Nobel experts in Oslo had dismissed his chances, arguing that his “America First” policies conflict with the Peace Prize’s ideals. Last year, the award went to Japanese anti-nuclear group Nihon Hidankyo, representing survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Nobel Peace Prize includes a gold medal, a diploma, and $1.2 million in prize money. The award will be formally presented in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. Unlike the Peace Prize, which is awarded in Oslo, the other Nobel categories are announced in Stockholm. On Thursday, the Literature Prize was awarded to Hungarian author Laszlo Krasznahorkai, renowned for works exploring postmodern dystopia and melancholy. The 2025 Nobel season concludes on Monday with the announcement of the economics prize.  

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Trump Confirms Sean “Diddy” Combs Has Sought Presidential Pardon

Trump Confirms Sean “Diddy” Combs Has Sought Presidential Pardon

President Donald Trump has confirmed that Sean “Diddy” Combs has requested a presidential pardon related to his federal criminal case. During a Monday interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins about a possible pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, Trump mentioned that “a lot of people have asked me for pardons,” citing Combs among them. The music mogul was sentenced last Friday to over four years in prison after being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. In August, Combs’ attorney Nicole Westmoreland told CNN that the defense team had reached out to the Trump administration regarding a potential pardon. “It’s my understanding that we’ve reached out and had conversations in reference to a pardon,” she said. Trump had previously suggested a pardon for Combs was unlikely, noting in a Newsmax interview, “I was very friendly with him, I got along with him great and he seemed like a nice guy. I didn’t know him well. But when I ran for office, he was very hostile.” He added that this tension made granting a pardon “more difficult to do.”  

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Netanyahu Apologises to Qatar for Deadly Strike on Doha, Vows No Repeat

Netanyahu Apologises to Qatar for Deadly Strike on Doha, Vows No Repeat

September 29, 2025 – Washington/Doha Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally apologised to Qatar following an Israeli airstrike in Doha earlier this month that killed a Qatari citizen and several Hamas members. The rare attack, which targeted senior Hamas leaders, marked a serious breach of Qatari sovereignty and drew widespread international condemnation. The apology came during a call with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, jointly initiated by Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House. “Israel regrets that one of your citizens was killed in our strike. We were targeting Hamas, not Qatar,” Netanyahu told the Qatari leader, according to a post on his official X account. “Israel has no plan to violate your sovereignty again.” The White House confirmed the call, noting Netanyahu “expressed deep regret” over the incident and assured both Qatar and the U.S. that similar actions would not occur in the future. Background on the Attack On September 9, Israeli missiles struck a residential area in Doha believed to be sheltering Hamas leaders involved in U.S.-backed ceasefire talks. While Hamas’s top figures survived, five lower-ranking members and a Qatari security officer, Badr Al-Dosari, were killed. This marked the first Israeli military strike on Qatari soil—an extraordinary move given Qatar’s central role in mediating between Israel and Hamas, and its hosting of the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, Al Udeid. Qatar’s foreign ministry described the incident as a “blatant violation of sovereignty,” and had earlier insisted on a formal apology before continuing mediation efforts. International Fallout UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strike as a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty. In the days following the attack, nearly 60 Muslim-majority countries gathered in Doha to show solidarity with Qatar. Sultan Barakat, a professor at Qatar’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University, said the apology was crucial. “Qatar made it clear that without a public apology and commitment not to repeat the aggression, mediation would not continue. This moment is significant for regional diplomacy,” Barakat told Al Jazeera. Despite his apology, Netanyahu also voiced concerns about Qatar’s alleged support for groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and its coverage of Israel in outlets like Al Jazeera. Still, the White House reported that Qatar “welcomed the assurances” and reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability, with both nations agreeing to move forward diplomatically.

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Trump Says He’s Sending Troops to Portland to Protect ICE Facilities

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he will send troops to Portland, Oregon, to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, which he claimed are “under siege” by Antifa and “other domestic terrorists.” “At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, I am directing Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to provide all necessary Troops to protect war-ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE facilities under siege from attack by Antifa and other domestic terrorists. I am also authorizing full force, if necessary,” Trump said in a social media post. The White House declined to elaborate when contacted for clarification on what “full force” entails or which troops would be deployed. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, claimed the action was in response to “weeks of violent riots at ICE facilities” and attacks against law enforcement. “We will not allow Antifa domestic terrorists to deter us in our mission to make America safe, and those who try will be held accountable,” she said. This marks another instance of Trump using federal forces in domestic matters. He previously deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and has threatened similar actions in cities like Baltimore and Chicago. McLaughlin also claimed in a Fox News interview that some protesters are “highly organized” and being paid—though no evidence has been presented to support that claim. “Whether it be in Portland, whether it be in Chicago or otherwise, we will bring the resources we need to make sure that Americans are safe,” she added. Local Leaders Push Back State and local officials condemned the move and called for calm. At a Friday night press conference, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter, and City Council members urged non-violence. “The president has sent agents here to create chaos and riots… His goal is to make Portland look as he describes it,” Merkley said. “Our job is to say, ‘We are not going to take the bait.’” Mayor Wilson stated there is “no need to send troops,” adding, “He will not find lawlessness or violence here unless he plans to perpetrate it.” “Imagine if the federal government sent hundreds of engineers, or teachers, or outreach workers to Portland, instead of a short, expensive, and fruitless show of force,” Wilson wrote. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said her office had not been notified of the deployment and later confirmed speaking with Trump and Noem to express that Oregon can manage its own public safety. Context and Tensions The announcement follows a shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas, where a gunman reportedly targeted ICE personnel, killing one detainee and injuring two others. An ICE facility in Portland, located two miles south of downtown, has been the focus of near-constant protests over the summer. While most demonstrations have been peaceful, some have involved tear gas and temporary facility closures. Trump previously forecast action in Portland, accusing protesters of being “professional agitators and anarchists” who are paid “a lot of money” to incite chaos. “We’re going to do a pretty big number on those people in Portland,” Trump said. Earlier this month, Trump designated Antifa as a “major terrorist organization,” focusing much of the rhetoric on Portland, known as a longstanding hub for Antifa-related activity. Federal law enforcement was previously deployed to Portland in 2020 during Trump’s first term in response to George Floyd-related protests. “I’m going to look at it now, because I didn’t know that was still going on. This has been going on for years,” Trump said earlier this month.

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Trump Urges Immediate End to Gaza War, Rejects Palestinian Statehood Recognition

Trump Urges Immediate End to Gaza War Rejects Palestinian Statehood Recognition

U.S. President Donald Trump has called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, while dismissing the recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western nations as a “reward” for Hamas. “We have to stop the war in Gaza immediately,” Trump told world leaders on Tuesday. “We have to negotiate peace. We have to get the hostages back. We want all 20 back.” Trump referred to the 20 captives still believed to be alive among the 48 held by Hamas and said those in support of peace should be united in demanding their release. However, he sharply criticized recent efforts by countries to unilaterally recognize Palestinian statehood, claiming such moves would embolden Hamas. “As if to encourage continued conflict, some in this body are seeking to unilaterally recognise the Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists, for their atrocities,” he said. The remarks stand in contrast to comments made earlier this week by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who stated that Palestinian statehood is “a right, not a reward.” Trump placed responsibility for the failure of ceasefire negotiations squarely on Hamas, stating that the group has “repeatedly rejected reasonable offers to make peace.” He offered minimal criticism of Israeli actions, despite mounting international outrage over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which began in October 2023. Human rights organizations and UN investigators have raised alarms over civilian casualties and humanitarian conditions in the besieged enclave. Trump’s remarks follow reports of an Israeli ground assault on Gaza City this month, displacing thousands and resulting in hundreds of Palestinian deaths. Israel has also been accused of deliberately stalling ceasefire negotiations. In a statement Tuesday, Hamas denied being an obstacle to peace: “We have never been an obstacle to reaching an agreement. The U.S. administration, the mediators, and the world know that [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu is the sole obstructionist in all attempts to reach an agreement.” Hamas reiterated its readiness for a truce that includes the release of captives, an exchange of prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza — conditions Netanyahu has refused to accept. More than 65,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the conflict escalated in 2023, according to local health authorities. International condemnation has grown over the U.S.’s continued military support for Israel during the war. Trump also used his UN address to issue strong warnings toward Iran, calling it the “world’s number one sponsor of terror” and vowing that Tehran would never obtain nuclear weapons. “Three months ago in Operation Midnight Hammer, seven American B-2 bombers dropped 30,000-pound bombs on Iran’s key nuclear facilities, totally obliterating everything,” he said. While Trump claimed the operation “demolished” Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity, U.S. defense officials have said the strikes only delayed Iran’s program by several months. Trump’s address included repeated references to his past foreign policy record, claiming he ended “seven different wars” and suggesting he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts — though he added he “didn’t care about awards.” He also took aim at the United Nations, accusing it of failing its core mission and enabling illegal immigration: “I had to end wars instead of the United Nations,” he said.“The UN is funding an assault on Western countries and their borders,” he added, alleging the organization is helping undocumented migrants enter the U.S. with food, shelter, and debit cards. Migration and climate change were recurring targets in the speech. Trump described immigration as an “invasion” and called climate policy “the greatest con job,” claiming renewable energy is “destroying” the West. “Some countries are going to hell over their border policies,” he said in closing remarks. Trump also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, arguing the conflict would have been avoided under his leadership. “Everyone thought Russia would win in three days, but it didn’t,” he said, describing his relationship with President Vladimir Putin as “a good one,” while admitting the invasion was “not making Russia look good.” He criticized European countries for continuing to buy Russian oil and gas despite sanctions and called on EU nations to impose tariffs on Moscow. Trump also blamed China and India for “funding” Russia’s war effort. Following his General Assembly address, Trump was scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General Guterres and leaders from Ukraine, the European Union, Argentina, and a coalition of Middle Eastern and Asian nations. A reception with over 100 world leaders is expected before his return to Washington, D.C.

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Trump Says Ukraine Can Reclaim All Territory from Russia

In Major Policy Shift, Trump Says Ukraine Can Reclaim All Territory from Russia

In a dramatic change of stance, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Ukraine can recover all of its territory seized by Russia since the 2022 invasion — a departure from his previous suggestions that both sides would need to compromise to end the war. Trump made the statement in a post on his Truth Social platform following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. “With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and NATO, returning to Ukraine’s original borders is very much an option,” Trump wrote. The statement marks a significant reversal from Trump’s earlier position, in which he suggested both Kyiv and Moscow would need to cede land to secure peace. That approach had been sharply rejected by Zelenskyy and most of Europe’s leaders. Criticism of Russia and Praise for Ukraine Trump appeared to take aim at Russia’s military effectiveness, stating that the war had been fought “aimlessly,” and claiming a “real military power” would have won in less than a week. He also called Russia a “paper tiger,” adding that President Vladimir Putin and the Russian economy are in “big trouble,” and urged Ukraine to take advantage of the moment. Despite previous skepticism about Ukraine’s chances and a public clash with Zelenskyy earlier this year, Trump struck a more supportive tone this week. “I have great respect for the fight that Ukraine is putting up. It’s pretty amazing, actually,” he said after the meeting. Zelenskyy: Trump Could Be a ‘Game-Changer’ Zelenskyy thanked Trump for what he called his “personal efforts to stop this war” and said the two had discussed post-war security guarantees for Ukraine. “We all understand that President Trump is ready to give Ukraine security guarantees after this war is finished,” Zelenskyy told reporters, adding that Trump’s leadership could be a “game-changer” in the conflict. Trump had previously opposed Ukraine’s membership in NATO and had insisted that Europe should play a larger role in arming Kyiv. But since taking office in January, he has positioned himself as a potential broker of peace — even promising during his campaign to end the war within 24 hours of becoming president. From Diplomacy to Deterrence Trump’s comments come amid rising tensions between Russia and NATO. When asked if NATO allies should shoot down Russian aircraft violating their airspace, Trump responded, “Yes, I do,” signaling support for a more assertive military posture. Earlier this week, Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes, prompting Estonia to call for an emergency UN Security Council meeting and to consult NATO allies. Similar incidents involving Russian drones have been reported by Poland. NATO issued a firm warning Tuesday, pledging to use “all necessary military and nonmilitary tools” to defend member states and calling the airspace breaches “a pattern of increasingly irresponsible behaviour” by Moscow. Uncertainty Remains Around Putin Asked whether he still considered Putin a reliable negotiating partner, Trump was vague. “I’ll let you know in about a month from now, OK?” he said. Trump has frequently delayed decisions related to sanctions or new steps against Moscow, often citing personal diplomacy as a better path forward. Backdrop: A War in Stalemate Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has seized nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. The war has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II, with both sides locked in a prolonged and grinding battle. Trump’s newly declared support for Ukraine’s full territorial recovery introduces a major shift in the U.S. position and could realign Western diplomatic and military strategies — depending on whether the administration backs rhetoric with action.

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Five Key Takeaways from Trump-Starmer Meeting in the UK Aylesbury, UK – September 18, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented a united front on major global issues during a joint press conference at Chequers, wrapping up Trump’s three-day visit to the United Kingdom. Despite recent tensions between Washington and European allies, the meeting underscored strong transatlantic ties as the two leaders discussed Ukraine, NATO, Gaza, Afghanistan, and more. 1. Trump Says Putin ‘Let Him Down’ Over Ukraine President Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the prolonged war in Ukraine, admitting he underestimated the challenge of resolving the conflict. “I thought it would be easiest because of my relationship with President Putin, but he’s let me down,” Trump said. PM Starmer reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, vowing to increase pressure on Russia and push for a lasting peace deal. 2. Divergence on Gaza, But Unity Against Hamas While both leaders condemned Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, they differed on the broader approach to the Gaza conflict. Trump avoided criticizing Israel’s ongoing military campaign, which has killed over 65,000 Palestinians, calling October 7 “one of the worst days in the history of humanity.” Starmer's previous pledge to recognize a Palestinian state was noted as a “point of disagreement,” but Trump praised the UK leader’s strong stance against Hamas. 3. Trump Praises NATO and Increased Defense Spending Once a vocal NATO critic, Trump struck a different tone, applauding the alliance’s commitment to boost defense spending. “I want to thank NATO and our wonderful head of NATO, Mark [Rutte]… They’ve done a great job,” he said, highlighting a new pledge for members to spend 5% of GDP on defense. Trump emphasized U.S. support in supplying weapons to NATO allies, stressing that the alliance was now “paying its fair share.” 4. Bagram Airbase Back in Focus Trump hinted at possible negotiations with the Taliban for the U.S. to regain access to the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, which was vacated in 2021 during the Biden administration’s withdrawal. “We’re trying to get it back,” Trump said, citing its strategic location near China’s nuclear facilities. The Taliban, however, quickly dismissed the proposal, stating they welcome engagement with the U.S. but will not allow any foreign military presence. 5. Trump Weighs in on Kimmel Firing Trump also addressed the firing of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel by ABC, following political controversy over remarks involving conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. “Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings… He’s not a talented person,” Trump said, dismissing concerns about free speech and framing the firing as a business decision. Conclusion: The Trump-Starmer meeting reflected a broad effort to reinforce U.S.-UK ties amid ongoing global crises. While areas of disagreement remain, particularly on Middle East policy, both leaders signaled alignment on Ukraine, NATO, and global security cooperation.

Five Key Takeaways from Trump-Starmer Meeting in the UK

Aylesbury, UK – September 18, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented a united front on major global issues during a joint press conference at Chequers, wrapping up Trump’s three-day visit to the United Kingdom. Despite recent tensions between Washington and European allies, the meeting underscored strong transatlantic ties as the two leaders discussed Ukraine, NATO, Gaza, Afghanistan, and more. 1. Trump Says Putin ‘Let Him Down’ Over UkrainePresident Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the prolonged war in Ukraine, admitting he underestimated the challenge of resolving the conflict.“I thought it would be easiest because of my relationship with President Putin, but he’s let me down,” Trump said.PM Starmer reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, vowing to increase pressure on Russia and push for a lasting peace deal. 2. Divergence on Gaza, But Unity Against HamasWhile both leaders condemned Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, they differed on the broader approach to the Gaza conflict.Trump avoided criticizing Israel’s ongoing military campaign, which has killed over 65,000 Palestinians, calling October 7 “one of the worst days in the history of humanity.”Starmer’s previous pledge to recognize a Palestinian state was noted as a “point of disagreement,” but Trump praised the UK leader’s strong stance against Hamas. 3. Trump Praises NATO and Increased Defense SpendingOnce a vocal NATO critic, Trump struck a different tone, applauding the alliance’s commitment to boost defense spending.“I want to thank NATO and our wonderful head of NATO, Mark [Rutte]… They’ve done a great job,” he said, highlighting a new pledge for members to spend 5% of GDP on defense.Trump emphasized U.S. support in supplying weapons to NATO allies, stressing that the alliance was now “paying its fair share.” 4. Bagram Airbase Back in FocusTrump hinted at possible negotiations with the Taliban for the U.S. to regain access to the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, which was vacated in 2021 during the Biden administration’s withdrawal.“We’re trying to get it back,” Trump said, citing its strategic location near China’s nuclear facilities.The Taliban, however, quickly dismissed the proposal, stating they welcome engagement with the U.S. but will not allow any foreign military presence. 5. Trump Weighs in on Kimmel FiringTrump also addressed the firing of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel by ABC, following political controversy over remarks involving conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.“Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings… He’s not a talented person,” Trump said, dismissing concerns about free speech and framing the firing as a business decision. Conclusion:The Trump-Starmer meeting reflected a broad effort to reinforce U.S.-UK ties amid ongoing global crises. While areas of disagreement remain, particularly on Middle East policy, both leaders signaled alignment on Ukraine, NATO, and global security cooperation.

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Qatar PM Meets Trump After Israeli Strike on Doha

Qatar PM Meets Trump After Israeli Strike on Doha Amid Heightened Tensions

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, is holding high-level talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump in New York, following Israel’s deadly strike on the Qatari capital earlier this week. The Israeli air raid, which targeted a Hamas meeting in Doha on Tuesday, killed five Hamas officials and a Qatari security officer. The meeting was reportedly convened to discuss a new ceasefire proposal brokered by Trump aimed at ending the Gaza war. Sheikh Mohammed’s diplomatic efforts in the U.S. come at a tense moment in regional and international relations. Prior to his dinner meeting with Trump on Friday, the Qatari leader met U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House. According to reports, discussions centered on the fallout from the Israeli strike and the future of U.S.-Qatar security cooperation. Al Jazeera’s correspondent Kimberly Halkett, reporting from Washington, noted that the meetings are part of a broader attempt to navigate the increasingly complicated relationship between Qatar and the U.S. following Israel’s actions. “The concern is that the relationship between Qatar and the United States has become increasingly complicated as a result of those strikes,” Halkett said. “They’re looking for a path forward on both of those issues.” While the exact location and time of the Trump meeting remain undisclosed, sources confirmed the former president is currently in New York, staying at Trump Tower. The attack on Doha has drawn rare international condemnation against Israel, including from the U.S., which typically stands as one of Israel’s staunchest defenders. In a rare move on Thursday, the U.S. joined other United Nations Security Council members in condemning the strike, which many see as an effort to derail ceasefire negotiations. Despite this condemnation, the Trump administration is continuing to walk a diplomatic tightrope. Secretary of State Rubio is scheduled to visit Israel this weekend for a two-day visit, signaling continued U.S. support. The visit comes ahead of a pivotal UN summit on September 22, where several Western nations are expected to back formal recognition of a Palestinian state. According to State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott, Rubio will reaffirm U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and oppose unilateral moves seen as legitimizing Hamas. “He will also emphasise our shared goals: ensuring Hamas never rules over Gaza again and bringing all the hostages home,” Pigott said. Meanwhile, momentum appears to be building globally for a renewed push toward a two-state solution. At a UN General Assembly meeting on Friday, a resolution calling for “collective action” to end the war in Gaza received strong backing, led by France and Saudi Arabia. The Gaza conflict has already claimed more than 64,000 lives, and pressure is mounting on all parties to reach a sustainable political resolution. As tensions escalate, the outcome of Sheikh Mohammed’s meetings in Washington could play a crucial role in shaping the next phase of diplomacy in the region.

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