Trump serves meals at Texas border event: Live news today

Donald Trump made a weekend appearance in Texas on Sunday and visited the US-Mexico border.

Greg Abbott, the state’s Republican governor, endorsed him for the White House in 2024 this past week.

Mr Trump served food to members of the National Guard and others stationed at the border for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday before delivering remarks to his supporters at a rally.

The former president may still appear on the 2024 primary presidential ballot in Colorado, a state judge ruled – shutting down efforts to remove the former president by invoking the 14th Amendment.

The attempt to remove Mr Trump from the ballot was based on the claim that he is constitutionally barred from office because of the January 6 insurrection.

Key Points

• Colorado judge rules Trump can remain on 2024 primary ballot

• Trump loses bid for mistrial in New York fraud case

• Trump instantly lashes out at court clerk as soon as gag order lifted

• Judge rejects Trump attempt to remove Jan 6 responsibility statements from federal indictment

• Fulton County prosecutors propose 5 August trial date for Trump

Capitol officer’s bodycam shows Jan 6 attacks two weeks before suicide

13:00 , Rachel Sharp

Newly released video footage has captured the cruel attacks and terrifying situation that a Capitol police officer endured just two weeks before he took his own life.

Officer Jeff Smith’s body camera footage reveals the harrowing reality of what unfolded in the halls of the Capitol building on January 6 2021.

In it, the officer is seen facing a barrage of physical and verbal attacks from rioters.

People are screaming and lining the walls of the monument as officers pass by.

One woman is seen telling Smith: “Get a real job. We don’t support y’all anymore.”

Read the full story:

Capitol officer’s bodycam shows Jan 6 attacks two weeks before suicide

Trump fights gag order in federal election interference case

12:40 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trump is fighting the gag order in his federal election interference case arguing that his First Amendment rights are being violated.

US District Judge Tanya Chutkan issued a gag order in the case after Mr Trump made a series of attacks on special counsel Jack Smith, the judge as well as court personnel.

The order has since been put on pause while Mr Trump appeals it.

On Monday, a Washington DC appeals court is hearing arguments from the former president’s legal team as to why the gag order should be axed altogether.

This comes after the gag order has also been temporarily lifted in Mr Trump’s New York civil fraud trial.

Trump mocked Jimmy Carter hours after Rosalynn entered hospice care

12:20 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trump mocked Jimmy Carter just hours after his wife Rosalynn Carter entered hospice care – and hours before she passed away.

Speaking at a rally in Iowa on Sunday, the former president took aim at the former president in a bizarre attempt to lash out at current President Joe Biden.

“The happiest person anywhere in this country right now is Jimmy Carter because his administration looked brilliant compared to these clowns,” he said of the Biden administration.

“Compared to Biden, Jimmy Carter was a brilliant, brilliant president.”

His comments came hours after it was announced that the former first lady had entered hospice care.

She died on Sunday aged 96.

Trump leads Biden in new poll as Israel conflict fuels criticism

12:00 , Rachel Sharp

A new poll from NBC News this weekend shows President Joe Biden in his worst position yet — with no signs of clearer skies ahead.

The sitting president now trails his likely 2024 challenger, Donald Trump, among voters nationally; despite the ex-president’s ongoing legal escapades, Mr Biden trails his opponent 46-44.

The reason for his continued slide is clear: Americans are quickly souring on the president’s handling of US foreign policy and America’s presence on the world stage. The spiraling conflict in Israel has only served to turn America’s youngest voters, long a Democratic-leaning demographic, against the president as seven in ten voters age 18-34 disapprove of Mr Biden’s response.

His approval rating is now at 40 per cent — the lowest recorded by NBC at any point during Mr Biden’s presidency. This poll also marks the first time Mr Biden has trailed Mr Trump in an NBC survey.

Read the full story here:

Trump leads Biden in new poll as Israel conflict fuels criticism

Trump isn’t getting over Iowa governor’s endorsement for DeSantis

11:30 , Rachel Sharp

Earlier this month, Iowa’s Republican Governor Kim Reynolds announced that she is endorsing Ron DeSantis for president – after claiming that Donald Trump “can’t win” the 2024 election.

Ms Reynolds, who is in her second term and popular with Iowans, previously said she would stay neutral in the Republican primary race, but has appeared with Mr DeSantis multiple times since he announced his candidacy.

At an event with Mr DeSantis on 6 November, she publicly backed him, saying that the Florida governor would “reverse the madness we see every day.”

“Not only do we need to make sure we elect someone who can win and beat Joe Biden,” she said. “We need a President who has the skill and the resolve to reverse the madness that we see every single day.

Mr Trump has lashed out at Ms Reynolds ever since.

In his latest rant about the Iowa governor on Truth Social on Sunday, he branded her the “MOST UNPOPULAR GOVERNOR IN THE UNITED STATES”.

“Kim Reynolds of Iowa has gone from a popular Governor to the MOST UNPOPULAR GOVERNOR IN THE UNITED STATES, not an easy feat. Her Endorsement of Ron DeSanctimonious, who is 50 Points down to me in the Polls, has given him exactly ZERO “Bounce.”,’ he wrote.

“He is a wounded bird falling violently from the sky. I wonder what position Kim was promised in order to back someone who is sooo far down? I got Iowa “First in the Nation,” Ethanol security, and 28 Billion Dollars for our Great Farmers. I also protected Social Security and MediCare. DeSanctimonious and Birdbrain did NOTHING. MAGA!!!”

DeSantis thinks both Trump and Biden are too old to run country

11:00 , Rachel Sharp

Ron DeSantis has said that both Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are too old to run the country.

Speaking to CNN’s Jake Tapper on Sunday – one day before Mr Biden’s 81st birthday – the Florida governor and 2024 hopeful claimed that he is in the “prime of my life” while the two men are far from it.

“I just think that that’s something that has been shown with Joe Biden. Father Time is undefeated. Donald Trump is not exempt from any of that,” he said.

Mr DeSantis, 45, said that running the White House is “not a job for somebody that is pushing 80”.

His comments come as age has become a major factor among American voters gearing up for the 2024 race.

Mr Biden turned 81 on Monday while Mr Trump is 77.

Argentina’s Donald Trump – Javier Milei – wins presidential election

10:30 , Rachel Sharp

Far-right populist Javier Milei has won Argentina‘s presidential election following a fiercely polarised campaign where he promised to shake up the country.

He secured 55.7 per cent of the votes, beating centre-left economy minister Sergio Massa who received only 44.3 per cent, Argentina’s electoral authority said on Sunday.

The 53-year-old political newcomer had gained a rockstar-like following by raging against what he called the “political caste” on television. Among his controversial policies was a pledge to close down the country’s central bank.

“Argentina’s situation is critical,” said Mr Milei, a self-described anarcho-capitalist who has often been compared to former US president Donald Trump and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro.

The Independent’s Alisha Rahaman Sarkar has the full story:

Argentina election won by far-right Javier Milei as Trump says he is ‘very proud’

Donald Trump reacts to Rosalynn Carter’s death

10:00 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trump has released a statement on Truth Social paying tribute to former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Read his statement in full:

Melania and I join all Americans in mourning the loss of Rosalynn Carter. She was a devoted First Lady, a great humanitarian, a champion for mental health, and a beloved wife to her husband for 77 years, President Carter.

Over a life spanning nearly a century, Rosalynn Carter earned the admiration and gratitude of our entire nation. From her days as a U.S. Navy spouse, to the Georgia Governor’s Mansion, to her tenure as First Lady of the United States, and her later work at the Carter Center and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, she leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary accomplishment and national service.

Our prayers are with the former president, the Carter family, and the entire community of Plains, Georgia, that she loved so much!

Trump celebrates far-right candidate Javier Milei’s win in Argentina

09:30 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trump has celebrated far-right candidate Javier Milei’s win in Argentina’s presidential election after he sailed to victory on Sunday.

“Congratulations to Javier Milei on a great race for President of Argentina. The whole world was watching! I am very proud of you. You will turn your Country around and truly Make Argentina Great Again!” he wrote on Truth Social.

In a follow-up post, he adopted his MAGA moniker for the South American country, writing: “MAKE ARGENTINA GREAT AGAIN!”

Mr Milei has been compared to Mr Trump as an outsider, celebrity figure who sought to sow doubt in the legitimacy of the election.

WATCH: Trump brags that Taliban leaders were ‘nice to him’ – not Biden

09:07 , Rachel Sharp

WATCH: Trump boasts about disease named after him

08:00 , Megan Sheets

ICYMI: Trump praises the public release of the January 6 tapes

06:00 , Megan Sheets

“Congratulations to Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson for having the Courage and Fortitude to release all of the J6 Tapes, which will explicitly reveal what really happened on January 6th!” Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday. A January 6 subcommittee wrote in its 2022 final report that Mr Trump was the “central cause of” the events of the Capitol riot.

Mr Johnson announced the decision earlier on Friday, saying allowing access to the footage “will provide millions of Americans, criminal defendants, public interest organizations, and the media an ability to see for themselves what happened that day, rather than having to rely upon the interpretation of a small group of government officials.”

A number of Republicans also joined in celebrating Mr Johnson’s move.

Read more:

Trump celebrates release of violent January 6 tapes

Trump leads Biden in new poll as Israel conflict fuels criticism

04:00 , Megan Sheets

A new poll from NBC News this weekend shows President Joe Biden in his worst position yet — with no signs of clearer skies ahead.

The sitting president now trails his likely 2024 challenger, Donald Trump, among voters nationally; despite the ex-president’s ongoing legal escapades, Mr Biden trails his opponent 46-44.

The reason for his continued slide is clear: Americans are quickly souring on the president’s handling of US foreign policy and America’s presence on the world stage. The spiraling conflict in Israel has only served to turn America’s youngest voters, long a Democratic-leaning demographic, against the president as seven in ten voters age 18-34 disapprove of Mr Biden’s response.

His approval rating is now at 40 per cent — the lowest recorded by NBC at any point during Mr Biden’s presidency. This poll also marks the first time Mr Biden has trailed Mr Trump in an NBC survey.

Read more:

Trump leads Biden in new poll as Israel conflict fuels criticism

WATCH: Trump mocks supporter for shouting ‘we love you’

02:00 , Megan Sheets

Trump celebrates Colorado case win in Iowa

00:00 , Megan Sheets

Elsewhere in his Iowa speech on Saturday, Mr Trump celebrated his win in a Colorado election case that sought to remove him from the state’s primary ballot.

A judge rejected the removal effort on Friday, concluding that Mr Trump had engaged in insurrection during the January 6 Capitol riot but that it was unclear whether a Civil War-era constitutionalamendment barring insurrectionists from public office applied to the presidency. It was Trump’s latest win following rulings in similar cases in Minnesota and Michigan.

Mr Trump called the decision “a gigantic court victory” as he panned what he called “an outrageous attempt to disenfranchise millions of voters by getting us thrown off the ballot.”

“Our opponents are showing every day that they hate democracy,” he charged before a crowd of about 2,000 people at a commit-to-caucus event at a high school in Fort Dodge.

Mr Trump energised the crowd two months out from the Iowa caucuses on 15 January, drawing raucous applause as he asked: “Will you please give me a good showing? That’s the least you can do.”

Trump reshares Melania’s response to ‘golden shower’ claims

Sunday 19 November 2023 22:00 , Megan Sheets

Donald Trump looked back on the wild allegations about him getting a “golden shower” from sex workers in Russia during an unbelievable moment at an Iowa rally.

Speaking in Fort Dodge on Saturday, the former president brought up the mostly-debunked 2016 dossier in which ex-British spy Christopher Steele alleged Mr Trump had paid sex workers to urinate on him in a Moscow hotel.

Mr Trump gave a rambling retelling of his conversation with wife Melania after the claims emerged.

“‘He was with four hookers’ — you think that was good that night to go up and tell my wife? ‘It’s not true darling, I love you very much, it’s not true,’” Mr Trump said.

“Actually, that one she didn’t believe because she said he’s a germaphobe, he’s not into that, you know. He’s not into golden showers as they say.”

Read more:

Trump reshares Melania’s response to ‘golden shower’ claims

Melania Trump pays tribute to Rosalynn Carter

Sunday 19 November 2023 21:19 , Megan Sheets

Melania Trump posted a tribute to fellow former first lady Rosalynn Carter following her death aged 96.

“Rosalynn Carter leaves behind a meaningful legacy not only as First Lady but as a wife and mother. We will always remember her servant’s heart and devotion to her husband, family, and country. May she rest in peace,” Melania wrote on X.

Read more:

Rosalynn Carter dies aged 96, days after entering hospice care

Ramaswamy under fire after he echoes Trump’s ‘vermin’ comments

Sunday 19 November 2023 20:35 , John Bowden

Vivek Ramaswamy became embroiled in a heated on-air argument with CNN anchor Abby Phillip when he was asked whether he believed the term “vermin” to be neo-Nazi rhetoric.

Former President Donald Trump used the term when speaking to a crowd in New Hampshire recently, telling his supporters “We will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our county.”

Instead of directly answering the question, Mr Ramaswamy instead lashed out at Phillip.

Michelle Del Rey has the story.

Vivek Ramaswamy under fire after he echoes Trump’s ‘vermin’ comments

Greg Abbott endorses Donald Trump at rally

Sunday 19 November 2023 19:36 , John Bowden

Texas Gov Greg Abbott reiterated his endorsement for Donald Trump in the 2024 GOP primary on Sunday, telling Texans at the US-Mexico border that Mr Trump would restore “law and order” if elected.

The former president remains under multiple felony charges for his attempts to block Joe Biden from assuming the presidency in 2020 following US national security agencies affirming the security of the election vote.

Trump takes selfies with law enforcement while serving meals in Texas

Sunday 19 November 2023 19:13 , John Bowden

Former president Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott served meals to law enforcement officials in Edinburg, Texas, on Sunday, 19 November.

Footage shows Mr Trump taking selfies with troops and offering cutlery and napkins to servicemembers.

The former GOP president is visiting the US-Mexican border to discuss his border control policy as he campaigns for the Republican nomination.

Mr Abbott endorsed Mr Trump’s bid for the White House this past week, and is set to appear with the president on Sunday.

Donald Trump to visit US border on Sunday

Sunday 19 November 2023 16:48 , John Bowden

The former president will visit a key political ally on Sunday — Texas Gov Greg Abbott — as he campaigns for the Republican nomination with a visit to the US-Mexico border.

Security along the US southern border remains a top issue of interest for a majority of Republicans and Mr Trump’s alliances in Texas will be key to protecting his credbility on that issue as he faces criticism from other GOP contenders like Chris Christie for not following through on his promise to complete a fence along the divide and rely on Mexico to pay for it.

Fulton County prosecutors want Trump’s co-defendant jailed for witness intimidation

Sunday 19 November 2023 16:21 , John Bowden

One of Donald Trump’s co-defendants in Georgia’s election interference case could return to jail after he repeatedly violated the terms of his release, according to prosecutors in Atlanta.

A filing from the office of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis argues that Harrison Floyd, the leader of Black Voices for Trump, has “engaged in a pattern of intimidation” against his co-defendants and witnesses since he was released on bond in August.

Mr Floyd, like his co-defendants, was charged under the state’s anti-racketeering statute for allegedly joining a criminal enterprise to reverse Mr Trump’s loss in the state in the 2020 presidential election. He also is charged with conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings and influencing witnesses.

The terms of his release prohibited him from intimidating co-defendants and witnesses and from communicating “in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of the case” with any co-defendants or witnesses, except through his counsel.

Alex Woodward explains how he violated those terms.

Georgia prosecutors want Trump’s co-defendant jailed for witness intimidation

Sunday 19 November 2023 15:15 , John Bowden

More chaos could ensue following the lifted gag order

For six weeks, lawyers with New York Attorney General Letitia James put more than two dozen witnesses on the stand and introduced dozens of documents to connect Donald Trumpand his business empire to a decade of fraud allegations.

When the attorney general handed the case to his team of lawyers on 13 November, their first witness was Donald Trump Jr, who spent several hours testifying to his father’s “artistry” and “sexy” properties.

Two days later, Mr Trump’s attorneys demanded a mistrial. They lost. His attorneys also sued the judge overseeing the case, hoping to strike down a gag order that has blocked the former president from attacking court staff. They won.

Read the full story by Alex Woodward...

Trump un-gagged could prime his fraud trial for more chaos

Manchin: Trump would destroy US democracy if he wins in 2024

Sunday 19 November 2023 14:42 , John Bowden

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, days removed from announcing he won’t seek reelection, said Wednesday that if the nation’s voters give former President Donald Trump another term in the White House, “he will destroy democracy in America.”

Manchin, whose home state voters overwhelmingly backed Trump in the last two presidential elections, made the comment on a press call with West Virginia-based reporters amid speculation that Manchin himself might be weighing a third-party run for president.

The moderate West Virginia Democrat said Wednesday that he would never want to be a “spoiler” who contributed to getting any other candidate elected. But he said he would do what he had to in order to save the country.

“If they said, ‘You’re the only person to do it,’ I’ll do whatever I can to save this nation,” he said.

Read more:

Trump would destroy US democracy if he wins in 2024, Manchin says

Sunday 19 November 2023 13:00 , Kelly Rissman

WATCH: New York AG Letitia James explains what happened during the fraud trial this week

Sunday 19 November 2023 11:00 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: Trump loses bid for mistrial in fraud case

The New York judge overseeing Donald Trump’s civil trial for fraud allegations has rejected a motion from the former president’s attorneys for a mistrial

.

A filing from attorneys for Mr Trump and his co-defendants argued that the case was “tainted” with “tangible and overwhelming” evidence of “apparent and actual bias” from Judge Arthur Engoron and his chief clerk, who has been the subject of ongoing attacks from Mr Trump and his allies, which prompted the judge to issue a gag order in the case that prevented parties from disparaging court staff.

In his order on Friday, Judge Engoron shot down “nonsensical” legal arguments from Mr Trump’s legal team involving his clerk, and underscored his “unfettered right” to consult with his law clerks throughout the course of a trial.

The Independent’s Alex Woodward has the full story...

Trump loses bid for mistrial in New York fraud case

Sunday 19 November 2023 09:00 , Kelly Rissman

After the gag order was lifted in NY fraud case, Mr Trump lashed out — yet again

“The Judge committed FRAUD in my Trial by valuing my assets at a tiny fraction of what they are really worth in order to make his FAKE CASE against me - And everyone, including his crooked and highly partisan Law Clerk, Allison Greenfield, and Racist A.G. Letitia James, knows it,” he wrote on Truth Social.

“The Judicial System in New York State is in chaos and disrepute over this horribly handled Persecution of a Political Opponent. The World is watching this illegal Witch Hunt. Engoron, James, and Greenfield should be sanctioned and prosecuted over this complete and very obvious MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE!!!” the former president wrote in one of a series of angry posts on Saturday.

Sunday 19 November 2023 07:00 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: Fresh Trump claims about his role in January 6 Capitol riot, revealed

Former President Donald Trump said he thinks he would’ve been “very well received” by crowds at the Jan 6 insurrection, according to newly revealed audio.

The revelation was brought to light in ABC News’ Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl’s new book, Tired of Winning: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party.

The recording was from a conversation Mr Karl and Mr Trump had in 2021, which mainly focused on the former president’s reaction to the day’s events.

Mr Trump continued to claim that the number of protestors at his rally, which occurred before hundreds of insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, was inaccurately reported.

The Independent’s Michelle Del Rey has the full story...

No mistrial for Trump in civil fraud case, judge rules

Sunday 19 November 2023 04:45 , Oliver O'Connell

The New York judge overseeing Donald Trump’s civil trial for fraud allegations has rejected a motion from the former president’s attorneys for a mistrial.

A filing from attorneys for Mr Trump and his co-defendants argued that the case was “tainted” with “tangible and overwhelming” evidence of “apparent and actual bias” from Judge Arthur Engoron and his chief clerk, who has been the subject of ongoing attacks from Mr Trump and his allies, which prompted the judge to issue a gag order in the case that prevented parties from disparaging court staff.

In his order on Friday, Judge Engoron shot down “nonsensical” legal arguments from Mr Trump’s legal team involving his clerk, and underscored his “unfettered right” to consult with his law clerks throughout the course of a trial.

Alex Woodward reports.

Trump loses bid for mistrial in New York fraud case

Sunday 19 November 2023 02:45 , Oliver O'Connell

ICYMI: Trump co-defendant’s attorney confesses to Georgia witness videos leak

The source of the leak of several witness proffer videos in Donald Trump’s sweeping RICO election interference case in Georgia has now been revealed.

Jonathan Miller, an attorney for one of Mr Trump’s co-defendants Misty Hampton, confessed in a court hearing on Wednesday that he was responsible the leak.

Mr Miller told Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee that he was coming clean so that he can “sleep well tonight” and to prevent anyone else shouldering the blame – after legal teams for Mr Trump and co-defendant Rudy Giuliani sought to pin the leak on District Attorney Fani Willis’ office.

“In being transparent with the court and to make sure that nobody else gets blamed for what happened and so that I can go to sleep well tonight, judge, I did release those videos to one outlet,” Mr Miller confessed.

“In all candour to the court, I need the court to know that.”

Trump co-defendant’s attorney confesses to Georgia witness videos leak

Sunday 19 November 2023 00:45 , Oliver O'Connell

According to Trump, Kim Kardashian is world’s ‘most overrated celebrity’

Former President Donald Trump took a break from bashing public officials in his New York civil fraud case and his 2024 rivals to take on Kim Kardashian.

In a rambling Truth Social rant, the former president called the reality TV star-turned-social justice campaigner the “World’s most overrated celebrity.”

His criticism comes as Jonathan Karl writes in his new book, Tired of Winning: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party, how the reality star leveraged her celebrity to urge the then-president to commute certain prison sentences.

Kelly Rissman reports.

Trump rants that Kim Kardashian is world’s ‘most overrated celebrity’

Fulton County prosecutors want Trump’s co-defendant jailed for witness intimidation

Saturday 18 November 2023 22:45 , Oliver O'Connell

One of Donald Trump’s co-defendants in Georgia’s election interference case could return to jail after he repeatedly violated the terms of his release, according to prosecutors in Atlanta.

A filing from the office of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis argues that Harrison Floyd, the leader of Black Voices for Trump, has “engaged in a pattern of intimidation” against his co-defendants and witnesses since he was released on bond in August.

Mr Floyd, like his co-defendants, was charged under the state’s anti-racketeering statute for allegedly joining a criminal enterprise to reverse Mr Trump’s loss in the state in the 2020 presidential election. He also is charged with conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings and influencing witnesses.

The terms of his release prohibited him from intimidating co-defendants and witnesses and from communicating “in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of the case” with any co-defendants or witnesses, except through his counsel.

Alex Woodward explains how he violated those terms.

Georgia prosecutors want Trump’s co-defendant jailed for witness intimidation

Saturday 18 November 2023 22:14 , Kelly Rissman

Highlights: Trump stops in Iowa

While making a campaign stop in the Hawkeye state, the former president bashes Joe Biden, Adam Schiff, and Ron DeSantis.

Mr Trump also promised the “Trump Reciprocal Trade Act,” in which he would implement an “identical” tariff rate on a country that places a tariff on the US. “That will solve the problem,” Mr Trump said. He specifically took aim at China.

He also discussed crime. He said he hoped to fix the cities “in decay,” which are run by Democrats. He claimed that he talked to a policeman backstage, who said there’s no crime in Iowa. “They’ll stop all the problems with crime,” Mr Trump said of law enforcement and called for their respect.

Biden brands Trump ‘loser’ for Nazi rhetoric

Saturday 18 November 2023 20:45 , Oliver O'Connell

President Joe Biden slammed his predecessor Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, including the use of the word “vermin” to describe opponents, which has been compared to that of fascist leaders Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini.

In a speech on Veterans Day, Mr Trump argued that his domestic opponents are more of a threat to the US than the likes of China, Russia and North Korea.

Mr Trump, 77, spoke in Claremont, New Hampshire, telling the crowd in his usual grievance-laden parlance: “We pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country that lie and steal and cheat on elections.”

Biden slams ‘loser’ Trump for Nazi rhetoric

Jimmy Kimmel delivers droll response to Trump’s demand for apology

Saturday 18 November 2023 18:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Jimmy Kimmel has fired back at Donald Trump’s media company after they demanded an apology for the talk show host’s recent segment on Truth Social.

Mr Kimmel, host of late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live, ran a segment about Truth Social, Donald Trump’s social media platform, earlier this week in which he claimed the platform has lost $73 million since its launch. Several media outlets ran the same number — such as Reuters and MSNBC — before issuing corrections, noting the platform had actually lost $31.6 million.

Trump Media and Technology Group demanded a retraction and apology from the talk show host — which Mr Kimmel delivered in his classic fashion.

Jimmy Kimmel delivers droll response to Trump’s demand for Truth Social apology

Ramaswamy under fire after he echoes Trump’s ‘vermin’ comments

Saturday 18 November 2023 16:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Vivek Ramaswamy became embroiled in a heated on-air argument with CNN anchor Abby Phillip when he was asked whether he believed the term “vermin” to be neo-Nazi rhetoric.

Former President Donald Trump used the term when speaking to a crowd in New Hampshire recently, telling his supporters “We will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our county.”

Instead of directly answering the question, Mr Ramaswamy instead lashed out at Phillip.

Michelle Del Rey has the story.

Vivek Ramaswamy under fire after he echoes Trump’s ‘vermin’ comments

Saturday 18 November 2023 16:00 , Kelly Rissman

Former President Donald Trump praised the public release of the January 6 tapes

“Congratulations to Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson for having the Courage and Fortitude to release all of the J6 Tapes, which will explicitly reveal what really happened on January 6th!” Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday. A January 6 subcommittee wrote in its 2022 final report that Mr Trump was the “central cause of” the events of the Capitol riot.

Mr Johnson announced the decision earlier on Friday, saying allowing access to the footage “will provide millions of Americans, criminal defendants, public interest organizations, and the media an ability to see for themselves what happened that day, rather than having to rely upon the interpretation of a small group of government officials.”

A number of Republicans also joined in celebrating Mr Johnson’s move.

Read the full story...

Trump celebrates release of violent January 6 tapes

Saturday 18 November 2023 15:02 , Kelly Rissman

Mr Trump starts blasting judge and New York AG in civil fraud case again after gag order lifted

“Judge Arthur Engoron, the most overturned and stayed Judge in the State, and the Racist New York State Attorney General, the most corrupt & incompetent A.G. in the Country... have FRAUDULENTLY Undervalued my properties, by many times, in order to make me look bad,” Mr Trump wrote in a rage-filled Truth Social post on Saturday morning.

“This Judicial and Prosecutorial corruption and misconduct took place BEFORE THE TRIAL EVEN STARTED, & WITHOUT ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE CASE. Judge Engoron just did what the highly partisan A.G. told him to do. He is her complete and total puppet!” the former president wrote.

Fresh Trump claims about his role in January 6 Capitol riot revealed in new audio

Saturday 18 November 2023 14:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Former President Donald Trump said he thinks he would’ve been “very well received” by crowds at the Jan 6 insurrection, according to newly revealed audio.

The revelation was brought to light in ABC News’ Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl’s new book, Tired of Winning: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party.

The recording was from a conversation Mr Karl and Mr Trump had in 2021, which mainly focused on the former president’s reaction to the day’s events.

Michelle Del Rey reports.

Audio reveals fresh Trump claims about January 6 Capitol riot

Trump bid for mistrial in New York fraud case denied by judge

Saturday 18 November 2023 14:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The New York judge overseeing Donald Trump’s civil trial for fraud allegations has rejected a motion from the former president’s attorneys for a mistrial.

A filing from attorneys for Mr Trump and his co-defendants argued that the case was “tainted” with “tangible and overwhelming” evidence of “apparent and actual bias” from Judge Arthur Engoron and his chief clerk, who has been the subject of ongoing attacks from Mr Trump and his allies, which prompted the judge to issue a gag order in the case that prevented parties from disparaging court staff.

In his order on Friday, Judge Engoron shot down “nonsensical” legal arguments from Mr Trump’s legal team involving his clerk, and underscored his “unfettered right” to consult with his law clerks throughout the course of a trial.

Alex Woodward reports.

Trump loses bid for mistrial in New York fraud case

Trump lashes out at court clerk as soon as gag order lifted

Saturday 18 November 2023 13:45 , Oliver O'Connell

In probably the least surprising development in all of the many Trump trials and cases that this blog tracks, Donald Trump launched a fresh tirade on both the judge and his chief court clerk in his New York civil fraud trial just hours after a gag order banning him from criticising court personnel was paused.

Judge Arthur Engoron had issued the gag order in the case after the former president made a series of false and disparaging remarks about his chief clerk of court Allison Greenfield both to reporters outside the courtroom and on his Truth Social account.

Mr Trump had already violated the gag order twice and incurred $15,000 in fines as a result.

The judge then expanded the order to include his attorneys after Mr Trump’s attorneys also criticised the clerk in the courtroom earlier this month, alleging “bias” against his client and amplifying allegations outlined in a right-wing news website.

But on Thursday, Associate Justice David Friedman of the state’s intermediate appeals court agreed to temporarily lift the gag order, “considering the constitutional and statutory rights at issue”.

Trump instantly lashes out at court clerk as soon as gag order lifted

Trump furious after Biden sees no charges in documents case

Saturday 18 November 2023 12:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump lashed out at President Joe Biden and the Department of Justice in an all-caps Truth Social rant after the news came that Mr Biden will face no charges following allegations that he mishandled classified documents.

The special counsel in the case, Robert Hur, isn’t expected to charge anyone linked to the alleged mishandling of classified documents at two places connected to Mr Biden, two people told CNN.

Mr Hur and his fellow investigators are writing a report after concluding their investigation, which lasted around a year, with the prosecutors expected to issue a critical assessment of Mr Biden and his staff for how they handled the sensitive documents.

Read the full report.

Appeals court judge pauses Trump fraud trial gag order

Saturday 18 November 2023 10:45 , Oliver O'Connell

An appeals court judge in New York has paused a gag order intended to block Donald Trump from disparaging members of a court in a civil fraud trial targeting the former president’s family business and real-estate empire, a measure that his attorneys claim is a violation of his First Amendment rights.

The judge overseeing the fraud case issued the order after the former president made a series of false and disparaging remarks about his chief clerk outside the courtroom and on his Truth Social account.

Mr Trump already has violated the order twice, incurring $15,000 in fines.

Read more...

Gag order in Trump’s fraud trial paused by appeals court judge

Manchin: Trump would destroy US democracy if he wins in 2024

Saturday 18 November 2023 08:45 , AP

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, days removed from announcing he won’t seek reelection, said Wednesday that if the nation’s voters give former President Donald Trump another term in the White House, “he will destroy democracy in America.”

Manchin, whose home state voters overwhelmingly backed Trump in the last two presidential elections, made the comment on a press call with West Virginia-based reporters amid speculation that Manchin himself might be weighing a third-party run for president.

The moderate West Virginia Democrat said Wednesday that he would never want to be a “spoiler” who contributed to getting any other candidate elected. But he said he would do what he had to in order to save the country.

“If they said, ‘You’re the only person to do it,’ I’ll do whatever I can to save this nation,” he said.

Read more:

Trump would destroy US democracy if he wins in 2024, Manchin says

ICYMI: Trump co-defendant’s attorney confesses to Georgia witness videos leak

Saturday 18 November 2023 06:45 , Oliver O'Connell

The source of the leak of several witness proffer videos in Donald Trump’s sweeping RICO election interference case in Georgia has now been revealed.

Jonathan Miller, an attorney for one of Mr Trump’s co-defendants Misty Hampton, confessed in a court hearing on Wednesday that he was responsible the leak.

Mr Miller told Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee that he was coming clean so that he can “sleep well tonight” and to prevent anyone else shouldering the blame – after legal teams for Mr Trump and co-defendant Rudy Giuliani sought to pin the leak on District Attorney Fani Willis’ office.

“In being transparent with the court and to make sure that nobody else gets blamed for what happened and so that I can go to sleep well tonight, judge, I did release those videos to one outlet,” Mr Miller confessed.

“In all candor to the court, I need the court to know that.”

Read the full report by Rachel Sharp

According to Trump, Kim Kardashian is world’s ‘most overrated celebrity'

Saturday 18 November 2023 04:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Former President Donald Trump took a break from bashing public officials in his New York civil fraud case and his 2024 rivals to take on Kim Kardashian.

In a rambling Truth Social rant, the former president called the reality TV star-turned-social justice campaigner the “World’s most overrated celebrity.”

His criticism comes as Jonathan Karl writes in his new book, Tired of Winning: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party, how the reality star leveraged her celebrity to urge the then-president to commute certain prison sentences.

Kelly Rissman reports.

Trump rants that Kim Kardashian is world’s ‘most overrated celebrity’

Fulton County prosecutors want Trump’s co-defendant jailed for witness intimidation

Saturday 18 November 2023 03:45 , Oliver O'Connell

One of Donald Trump’s co-defendants in Georgia’s election interference case could return to jail after he repeatedly violated the terms of his release, according to prosecutors in Atlanta.

A filing from the office of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis argues that Harrison Floyd, the leader of Black Voices for Trump, has “engaged in a pattern of intimidation” against his co-defendants and witnesses since he was released on bond in August.

Mr Floyd, like his co-defendants, was charged under the state’s anti-racketeering statute for allegedly joining a criminal enterprise to reverse Mr Trump’s loss in the state in the 2020 presidential election. He also is charged with conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings and influencing witnesses.

The terms of his release prohibited him from intimidating co-defendants and witnesses and from communicating “in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of the case” with any co-defendants or witnesses, except through his counsel.

Alex Woodward explains how he violated those terms.

Georgia prosecutors want Trump’s co-defendant jailed for witness intimidation

Giuliani and Ellis could testify at election workers’ defamation trial

Saturday 18 November 2023 02:45 , Oliver O'Connell

defence during a trial that will determine how much damage his false statements caused a mother-daughter pair of election workers at the centre of bogus conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election.

Donald Trump’s former attorney, who was found liable for defaming Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, could be called to testify about his false statements as well as his team’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, according to a Tuesday filing with an outline of the case.

Jenna Ellis, among attorneys alongside Mr Giuliani who launched a spurious legal campaign to overturn election results, also is on the trial’s witness list, along with other Trump-connected figures Bernie Kerik and Christina Bobb, among others.

A trial is scheduled to begin on 11 December and will last up to four days.

Alex Woodward has the full story.

Trump drops bid to move Stormy Daniels case to federal court

Saturday 18 November 2023 01:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Former President Donald Trump dropped his effort to move his hush money case from New York state court to federal court.

On Tuesday, his attorneys asked the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals “to “dismiss his appeal in this case,” after a previous ruling that had declined the relocation, court documents reveal.

The filing came one day before the deadline for Mr Trump’s legal team to submit its brief for why the case should be moved from state to federal court.

The reason for the move is not immediately clear. A lawyer for Mr Trump declined to comment.

Kelly Rissman has the story.

Trump abandons bid to move Stormy Daniels case to federal court

Trump un-gagged could prime his fraud trial for more chaos

Saturday 18 November 2023 01:20 , Graeme Massie

Prosecutors and a New York judge reported threats surrounding the former president’s lawsuits and criminal cases. While his lawyers steer his fraud trial, he can’t be stopped from targeting them and others, for now.

Trump un-gagged could prime his fraud trial for more chaos