Trump news – live: Trump spreads White House cocaine conspiracy as DeSantis pledges interviews on policy

A former official in the Trump administration has made shocking new claims about Donald Trump’s time in the White House.

In his new book “Blowback”, former Trump administration official Miles Taylor claimed that Mr Trump wanted to “tap the phones” of White House aides who he suspected of leaks in 2018. The idea as quickly shut down by White House Chief of Staff John Kelly who told the then-president it “would be illegal”.

Over the weekend, his attendance at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in Las Vegas on Saturday night sparked controversy on Twitter after he was spotted chatting to celebrity chef Guy Fieri.

Turning Point USA chief creative officer Benny Johnson, a Trump supporter, posted a picture of the two men to Twitter, referring in the caption to Fieri’s catchphrase: “Trump in Flavor Town”.

Trump supporters were thrilled to see the two men together, but critics slammed Fieri for mingling with the twice-impeached former president. “Literally one of the worst cooks out there hang with worst president ever,” one person tweeted.

Key points

• Trump’s encounter with Guy Fieri at UFC fight sparks mixed reactions

• New book claims Trump wanted to tap phones of White House aides

• Ex-president reveals he’s never been to a Dairy Queen

Judge orders Taylor Taranto detained until trial

16:42 , Oliver O'Connell

A judge has ordered that Taylor Taranto be detained until his trial.

Mr Taranto is the Trump supporter and January 6 defendant who showed up at the Obamas’ home in Washington, DC with guns and ammo in his van after Trump posted the address on social media.

Judge Zia Farriqui says there is clear and convincing evidence Mr Taranto poses a danger but is not concerned he is a “flight risk”.

ICYMI: Trump suggests Hunter Biden should get ‘a death sentence’

16:30 , Oliver O'Connell

...and then he claimed a “crackhead” is running the White House.

Just another Tuesday on Truth Social.

Trump suggests Hunter should get ‘a death sentence’ in unhinged Truth Social attacks

Watch: FBI Director Christopher Wray denies Mar-a-Lago search was a “raid"

16:22 , Oliver O'Connell

Murdoch wants Youngkin in GOP race, report says

16:00 , Oliver O'Connell

With the shine coming off the Ron DeSantis campaign and reservations over another Trump candidacy, media mogul Rupert Murdoch reportedly has his sights on Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Per The New York Times:

Mr Murdoch has privately told people that he would still like to see Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia enter the race, according to a person with knowledge of the remarks. And he has made clear in private discussions over the last two years that he thinks Mr Trump, despite his popularity with Fox News viewers, is unhealthy for the Republican Party.

Full story: White House cheers ‘Bidenomics’ as inflation rises by only 0.2%

15:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that inflation ticked up by only 0.2 per cent in June and had its lowest 12-month increase in more than two years, in a welcome turn of events for President Joe Biden.

Eric Garcia reports from Washington, DC.

White House cheers ‘Bidenomics’ as inflation rises by only 0.2%

Trump reacts to DoJ decision to not defend him in E Jean Carroll case

14:59 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump is predictably not happy after the Department of Justice told a federal judge in New York that it will no longer defend him in a defamation case brought by writer E Jean Carroll.

In a letter to the attorneys for Mr Trump and Ms Carroll, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton said the department would now decline to certify that Mr Trump was acting in the scope of his job as President of the United States when he denied attacking Ms Carroll in June 2019 and accused her of fabricating a sexual assault claim against him to boost book sales.

Here’s how the former president reacted on Truth Social this morning (yes, he’s doing the “Page 1” thing again on his posts):

Page 1: The DOJ will not defend me in the E. Jean Carroll civil case, which is all part of the political Witch Hunt, lawyered up by a political operative who I just beat in another case, financed by a big political funder, and “judged” by a Clinton appointee who truly hates “TRUMP.” The statements that I made about Carroll are all true. I didn’t Rape her (I won that at trial) and other than for this case, I have NO IDEA WHO SHE IS, WHAT SHE LOOKS LIKE, OR ANYTHING ABOUT HER….

Page 2: The Carroll civil case against me is a Miscarriage of Justice and a total Scam. The trial was very unfair, with the other side being able to do and present virtually anything they wanted, and our side being largely and wrongfully shut down by an absolutely hostile, biased, and out of control judge. My lawyers, due to their respect for the Office of the President and the incredulity of the case, did not want me to testify, or even be at the trial…..

Page 3: The net result of this horrible INJUSTICE, where a completely unknown to me woman made up a ridiculous story, wrote it in a book to increase publicity and sales, I correctly disputed the story and got sued for Defamation, whereupon a hostile Judge and Jury shockingly awarded a woman who I don’t know, have never known, and don’t want to know, $5,000,000, while at the same time throwing out the Fake Rape claim. WE ARE STRONGLY APPEALING THIS TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE!!!

Here’s Andrew Feinberg’s report on the Justice Department’s decision:

Justice Dept won’t defend Trump in E Jean Carroll defamation suit

Tuberville says white nationalists are racists after weeks of declining to say so

14:35 , Oliver O'Connell

Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville on Tuesday backed off his defence of white nationalists, telling reporters in the Capitol that white nationalists “are racists.”

This took weeks...

Alabama senator says white nationalists are racists after weeks of declining to say so

Who is supposed ‘whistleblower’ Gal Luft?

14:05 , Oliver O'Connell

Israeli-American Gal Luft claimed to have dirt on the Bidens. Now the Department of Justice says he’s a Chinese spy.

Andrew Feinberg explains what’s going on.

Gal Luft claimed he had dirt on the Bidens – now he’s facing charges

Georgia grand jury sworn in to consider Trump 2020 election charges

13:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump and his allies in their attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in that state.

The office of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has helmed the investigation into the former president and his allies for more than two years, following Mr Trump’s pressure campaign targeting state officials to reject the results.

Alex Woodward has the details.

Grand jury sworn in to decide if Trump is charged over 2020 election

Jan 6 rioter who stormed Capitol while free on attempted murder charge sentenced

13:15 , Oliver O'Connell

A North Carolina man who stormed the U.S. Capitol while awaiting trial for shooting a teenager in the head was sentenced on Tuesday to more than three years in prison for attacking police officers with a flagpole during the riot.

Matthew Jason Beddingfield, 22, was free on pretrial release for an attempted murder charge in Johnston County, North Carolina, when he joined the riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Outside the Capitol, Beddingfield flashed a Nazi-style salute after attacking police officers with a pole attached to an American flag, according to federal prosecutors.

Read more:

Man who stormed Capitol while free on attempted murder charge gets over 3 years in prison for riot

Giuliani blames ‘deep state’ after panel recommends he be disbarred

12:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Days after a disciplinary committee in Washington DC recommended that Rudy Giuliani be disbarred for his spurious campaign to overturn 2020 election results, the former attorney to Donald Trump suggested that the panel is conspiring to prevent any lawyers from representing the former president in the many cases against him.

Alex Woodward reports from New York.

Giuliani blames ‘deep state’ after Washington DC panel recommends he be disbarred

Mike Lindell is auctioning off MyPillow equipment

12:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Republicans interested in the art of pillow making may be in for a treat this week as MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has had to turn to auctioning off his company’s equipment to make money.

Graig Graziosi has the story:

Mike Lindell is auctioning off MyPillow equipment after retailers cut ties

Jack White hits out at ‘disgusting’ celebrities spotted with Trump at UFC event

11:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Jack White has lashed out at the celebrities spotted cosying up to Donald Trump at UFC 290 over the weekend.

The former US president was in Las Vegas on Saturday (8 July) night after a volunteer event for his Nevada primary campaign.

While there, the former president attended the mixed martial arts event at the T-Mobile Arena and met celebrities including Mark Wahlberg, American restaurateur Guy Fieri, controversial podcast host Joe Rogan, and Mel Gibson.

Tom Murray reports on what the musician had to say:

Jack White hits out at ‘disgusting’ Mark Wahlberg over Donald Trump meeting

ICYMI: Trump wants classified documents trial delayed until after 2024 election

11:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump is now seeking to have his federal criminal trial delayed until after the 2024 election, citing his status as a candidate for president and other legal arguments which experts say lack any grounding in actual law.

In a court filing in Miami late on Monday, Mr Trump’s lawyers asked the judge to indefinitely delay his trial on charges over his handling of classified documents, saying that due to the extraordinary nature of the case, it would not be possible to try it before the presidential election.

Rachel Sharp and Andrew Feinberg report.

Donald Trump wants classified documents trial delayed until after 2024 election

Trump loses DOJ protection in E Jean Carroll lawsuit

10:45 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trump has lost the protection of the Justice Department in his defamation lawsuit brought by magazine columnist E Jean Carroll.

On Tuesday, the DOJ said in a court filing that the former president does not have presidential immunity in the case, saying he was not “acting within the scope of his office and employment as President of the United States” in 2019 when he denied raping Ms Carroll.

This paves the way for the defamation suit to proceed through the courts.

Read the full story here:

Justice Dept won’t defend Trump in E Jean Carroll defamation suit

GOP presidential candidates jump to defend Iowa governor from Trump attacks

10:15 , Oliver O'Connell

After Donald Trump launched a public attack on Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, other GOP presidential candidates have come to her defence – just six months before the Iowa caucus is set to take place.

In a Truth Social post, Mr Trump objected to Ms Reynolds’ decision to remain “neutral”, believing he is owed an endorsement because he backed her when she was running for governor.

Ariana Baio reports.

Republican presidential candidates jump to defend Iowa governor from Trump attacks

Pence shuts down voter who blamed him for 2020 election loss

09:15 , Oliver O'Connell

A disgruntled Iowa voter asked former Vice President Mike Pence whether he “ever second-guess[ed]” himself after he certified Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory, despite then-President Donald Trump repeatedly urging him to block the transfer of power.

Luann Bertrand, the voter, confronted the former vice president during his campaign stop in Sioux City, Iowa. She falsely claimed that Mr Pence had the power to block the certification.

Kelly Rissman reports.

Pence shuts down voter who blamed him for certifying Biden’s 2020 win

Former lawmaker suggests Hunter Biden alleged laptop data fabricated

08:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Former Virginia Representative Denver Riggleman on Sunday said he is now working for Hunter Biden’s legal team with the objective of showing the true origins of the salacious data that supporters of former president Donald Trump say is proof of lurid corruption allegations on the part of Mr Biden and his father, President Joe Biden.

Read more...

Ex-Congressman suggests Hunter Biden alleged laptop data fabricated

ICYMI: ‘Whistleblower’ who accused Bidens of corruption is charged

07:15 , Oliver O'Connell

A “whistleblower” who has repeatedly accused the Bidens of corruption has been charged by the Justice Department with arms trafficking, acting as a foreign agent for China and violating Iran sanctions.

Gal Luft, who is a citizen of both the United States and Israel, is accused of paying a former adviser to Donald Trump on behalf of principals in China in 2016 without registering as a foreign agent.

Andrew Feinberg and Graeme Massie have the details.

‘Whistleblower’ who accused Bidens of corruption charged with arms trafficking

Florida poll: Trump leads DeSantis by 20 points

06:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Gov Ron DeSantis just got some of his worst polling news yet.

A survey of likely Republican primary voters in the Sunshine State by Florida Atlantic University shows him firmly trailing former President Donald Trump, with the pair’s other rivals for the GOP nomination far out in the wilderness. Mr Trump leads Mr DeSantis 50-30 in the survey.

John Bowden reports on the significance:

Trump leads DeSantis by 20 points in poll of Florida Republicans

Trump leaves Iowa Republicans with big bill after no-show

05:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Former president Donald Trump reportedly further strained his relationship with Republican party leadership in Iowa after failing to show up for senator Joni Ernst‘s annual “Roast and Ride” charity.

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar has the story.

Trump leaves Iowa Republicans with big bill after no-show at charity event

New book claims Trump wanted to tap phones of White House aides

04:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump wanted to “tap the phones” of White House aides who he suspected of leaking information, according to bombshell claims made by a former Trump administration official.

Miles Taylor, who served as the Department of Homeland Security’s chief of staff under Mr Trump, has claimed in his new book Blowback that the then-president floated the idea “to pursue leakers by tapping phones” at some point in 2018.

Andrew Feinberg and Rachel Sharp report.

Trump wanted to tap phones of White House aides, new book claims

‘Damaged’ DeSantis is ‘desperately trying to get out’ of 2024 race, says Trump

03:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump was back at it again on Truth Social over the weekend.

The ex-president is working to secure his victory in the Republican nominating contest before it even officially begins, swiping at any rival that dares to pull into competitive territory. At present, that largely means gratuitous attacks aimed at Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, who is the only other Republican consistently pulling double-digit poll numbers.

John Bowden reports on what the former president had to say:

Trump says ‘damaged’ DeSantis is ‘desperately trying to get out’ of 2024 race

Trump and DeSantis begin eyeing Super Tuesday states

02:15 , Oliver O'Connell

As the Republican presidential primary intensifies this summer, most White House hopefuls are devoting their time to events in Iowa and New Hampshire, the states that kick off the nomination process early next year. Not Ron DeSantis or Donald Trump.

Read on...

Trump and DeSantis begin eyeing Super Tuesday states as they prepare for 2024 long game

DeSantis nervously laughs when asked about campaign ‘failure to launch’

01:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was left laughing and speechless after Fox News‘s Maria Bartiromo pointedly asked him “what happened” to his presidential campaign.

During an interview on her show Sunday Morning Futures, Bartiromo referenced a Politico article titled “Failure to Launch” that highlighted an assessment from a surrogate for Mr DeSantis who admitted “we are way behind” in polling.

“What’s going on with your campaign?” Bartiromo asked. “There was a lot of optimism about you running for president earlier in the year. … What happened?!”

Graig Graziosi reports on what he said:

DeSantis nervously laughs when asked about 2024 ‘failure to launch’ in Fox interview

Marjorie Taylor Greene says she didn’t know she was kicked out of the Freedom Caucus

00:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Georgia Republican Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene revealed that she doesn’t know why she was expelled from the Freedom Caucus, but said she was “not really concerned about it.”

Kelly Rissman has the story.

Marjorie Taylor Greene says she didn’t know she was kicked out of the Freedom Caucus

GOP cries foul over spy charges for Gal Luft

00:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Four days after he claimed a “very credible witness” had emerged to provide the Justice Department with derogatory information about President Joe Biden and his family, House Oversight Committee chair James Comer questioned the timing of charges that the alleged whistleblower was actually spying for the Chinese government and attempting to broker illegal arms sales to Libya.

The alleged unregistered foreign agent, Gal Luft, was arrested in February by authorities in Cyprus on arms trafficking charges, but he subsequently disappeared after jumping bail.

Read more...

GOP cries foul over spy charges for Biden ‘whistleblower’

Full story: Trump won’t be defended by the Justice Department in E Jean Carroll defamation suit

23:45 , Oliver O'Connell

The Department of Justice has told a federal judge in New York that it will no longer defend former president Donald Trump in a defamation case brought by writer E Jean Carroll, who earlier this year won a civil judgement against the ex-president for sexual battery and defamation in a separate matter.

Andrew Feinberg has the details.

Justice Dept won’t defend Trump in E Jean Carroll defamation suit

Who is Gal Luft, the man who claimed to have dirt on the Bidens?

23:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Andrew Feinberg reports from Washington, DC, on the “whistleblower” now accused of being a Chinese spy.

Gal Luft claimed he had dirt on the Bidens – now he’s facing charges

Trump suggests Hunter Biden should get ‘a death sentence’

23:15 , Oliver O'Connell

As a grand jury in Georgia convened to potentially consider criminal charges against him, and as a partisan investigation into his political enemies appears to have imploded, Donald Trump lashed out on his Truth Social with a series of unhinged posts suggesting President Joe Biden’s son should get the death sentence and that a “crackhead” is running the White House.

Alex Woodward has the full story.

Trump suggests Hunter should get ‘a death sentence’ in unhinged Truth Social attacks

23:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Far-right Rep Majorie Taylor Greene has introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorisation Act that “directs the president to withdraw the US from Nato.”

“They are not a reliable partner whose defense spending should be paid for by American citizens. For the better part of the last decade, Germany has contributed only around one per cent of its GDP to finance Nato obligations while the United States is paying around four per cent of our GDP to defend Nato countries,” Ms Greene said in announcing the amendment.

Kelly Rissman reports.

Marjorie Taylor Greene introduces amendment directing Biden to withdraw from Nato

Watch: Christie says Trump thinks about sound of jail cell door closing every night

22:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Former New Jersey Governor and 2024 Republican Party Candidate Chris Christie appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe today to talk about chief foe Donald Trump.

He told the hosts: “I’m telling you, no matter what he says, no matter how he’s bragging, [Trump] goes to bed every night thinking about the sound of the jail cell door closing behind him...When push comes to shove, I’m not so sure he won’t take the plea.”

Watch the segment below:

Mike Lindell is auctioning off MyPillow equipment

22:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Republicans interested in the art of pillow making may be in for a treat this week as MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has had to turn to auctioning off his company’s equipment to make money.

Graeme Massie has the details.

Mike Lindell is auctioning off MyPillow equipment after retailers cut ties

E Jean Carroll legal team release statement after DoJ decision on defamation case

22:13 , Oliver O'Connell

Robbie Kaplan, E Jean Carroll’s attorney released the following statement after the Department of Justice reversed its position and determined former President Donald Trump was not acting within the scope of his office when he made statements that allegedly defamed the New York writer:

“We are grateful that the Department of Justice has reconsidered its position. We have always believed that Donald Trump made his defamatory statements about our client in June 2019 out of personal animus, ill will, and spite, and not as President of the United States. Now that one of the last obstacles has been removed, we look forward to trial in E Jean Carroll’s original case in January 2024.”

Jan 6 rioter who stormed Capitol while free on attempted murder charge sentenced

22:00 , Oliver O'Connell

A North Carolina man who stormed the U.S. Capitol while awaiting trial for shooting a teenager in the head was sentenced on Tuesday to more than three years in prison for attacking police officers with a flagpole during the riot.

Read more:

Man who stormed Capitol while free on attempted murder charge gets over 3 years in prison for riot

DoJ will no longer say Trump acted in scope of office when attacking E Jean Carroll

21:54 , Oliver O'Connell

The Justice Department tells a New York judge Lewis Kaplan that it has reversed its position due to legal developments and new facts, and says it has determined former President Donald Trump was not acting within the scope of his office when he made statements that allegedly defamed E Jean Carroll.

Watch: Haley says Trump supporters want the truth so she questions him more

21:50 , Oliver O'Connell

Full story: Georgia grand jury sworn in to consider Trump charges over attempts to upend 2020 election

21:30 , Oliver O'Connell

A grand jury in Georgia has been sworn in to consider charges against Donald Trump and his allies in their attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in that state.

The office of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has helmed the investigation into the former president and his allies for more than two years, following Mr Trump’s pressure campaign targeting state officials to reject the results.

Alex Woodward reports for The Independent.

Grand jury meeting today could decide if Trump is charged over 2020 election

Blowback after Trump seen taking selfies with police officers

21:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Former president Donald Trump is treading through waves of backlash after a video circulated of him taking selfies with police officers.

Dan Scavino, a senior adviser on Trump’s 2024 campaign and former White House deputy chief of staff, posted the video on Sunday of the former president greeting law enforcement officers at Los Angeles International Airport.

Mr Trump is seen shaking hands and taking selfies with dozens of officers from several law enforcement agencies.

Kelly Rissman reports.

Blowback after Trump seen taking selfies with police officers

Fulton County selects two grand juries including one for Trump case

21:05 , Oliver O'Connell

Per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

Fulton County court officials selected two grand juries Tuesday, one of which is expected to decide whether to hand up an indictment against former President Donald Trump and other well-known political and legal figures for alleged criminal interference in the 2020 presidential election.

Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney presided over the hours-long process, addressing a diverse group of about 100 potential jurors sitting in red chairs in a drab but expansive jury assembly room. Among them were a teacher, a former firefighter, an investigator, an illustrator and someone who described himself as an explosion prevention dispatcher.

After instructing news reporters not to photograph the potential jurors, McBurney said the two 23-member panels would meet for two months in secret and would be expected to decide whether to approve criminal charges in hundreds of cases. It is unclear which one will consider the case focusing on Trump and his allies.

GOP gearing up to investigate Hunter Biden — here’s what you need to know

21:00 , Oliver O'Connell

The Republican chairmen of three key House committees are joining forces to probe the Justice Department’s handling of charges against Hunter Biden after making sweeping claims about misconduct at the agency.

Leaders of the House Judiciary, Oversight and Accountability, and Ways and Means committees opened a joint investigation into the federal case into President Joe Biden‘s youngest son days after it was announced last month that he will plead guilty to the misdemeanor tax offenses as part of an agreement with the Justice Department.

Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio, James Comer of Kentucky and Jason Smith of Missouri have since issued a series of requests for voluntary testimony from senior officials at the Justice Department, FBI and Internal Revenue Service as they investigate what they claim is improper interference. Republicans have also requested a special counsel review of supposed retaliation against the whistleblowers who came forward with the claims.

The congressional inquiry was launched after the House Ways and Means Committee, led by Smith, voted last month to publicly disclose hundreds of pages of testimony from the IRS employees who worked on the Hunter Biden case.

The transcripts of Greg Shapley and an unidentified agent detail what they called a pattern of “slow-walking investigative steps” and delaying enforcement actions in the months before the 2020 election won by Joe Biden.

The Justice Department has denied the whistleblower claims and said repeatedly that U.S. Attorney David Weiss in Delaware, the federal prosecutor who led the investigation, had “full authority” of the case.

Here’s what to know about the emerging investigation.

Top Republicans are gearing up to investigate the Hunter Biden case. Here's what to know.

Trump implies Hunter Biden should be given death sentence

20:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Another day, another ranting Truth Social post concerning Hunter Biden, the current president’s son, by the former president.

Today, Donald Trump posted an angry diatribe against David Weiss, a US attorney in Delaware whom he appointed.

Weiss is a COWARD, a smaller version of Bill Barr, who never had the courage to do what everyone knows should have been done. He gave out a traffic ticket instead of a death sentence. Because of the two Democrat Senators in Delaware, they got to choose and/or approve him. Maybe the judge presiding will have the courage and intellect to break up this cesspool of crime. The collusion and corruption is beyond description. TWO TIERS OF JUSTICE!

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy also had things to say about Mr Weiss, claiming he wasn’t credible.

Trump comes out against sending cluster munitions to Ukraine

20:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The Trump campaign has released a statement voicing former president Donald Trump’s opposition to the Biden administration’s decision to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions in its ongoing efforts to thwart the attack on its territory by Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

Joe Biden should not be dragging us further toward World War III by sending cluster munitions to Ukraine—he should be trying to END the war and stop the horrific death and destruction being caused by an incompetent administration. These unexploded cluster munitions will be killing and maiming innocent Ukrainian men, women, and children for decades to come, long after the war—we pray—has ended. If, as Biden inadvertently admitted, the reason for sending cluster bombs now is that the United States is “running out of ammunition” (a great breach of classified information), that only further emphasizes the urgency of immediately deescalating this bloody, dangerous, and out of control conflict. It certainly means we should not be sending Ukraine our last stockpiles at a time when our own arsenals, according to Crooked Joe Biden, are so perilously diminished.

There could be no more vivid proof that Joe Biden’s policy of endless war in Ukraine has tremendously weakened the United States than the humiliating admission that the USA is now out of ammo, something our enemies are undoubtedly salivating over. This “admitted” weakness is an invitation to enemies all over the world. Joe Biden is needlessly and dangerously leading us into World War III, which would be a nightmare beyond imagination—obliteration! We must stop this insanity, immediately end the bloodshed in Ukraine, and return to a focus on America’s vital interests. Most importantly, we must completely rebuild our depleted military so it is once again so strong—like it was just 3 years ago when I rebuilt it—that no nation would even think of threatening our people. We must have “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH” and in a short time, the Presidential election of 2024 will produce that result.

Trump has an idea about how to solve the ‘Cocaine dilemma’

20:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Former President Donald Trump has an idea about how to solve the ‘Cocaine dilemma’ at the White House, by sending Special Counsel Jack Smith in to investigate “Crooked Joe and his wonderful son, Hunter”.

He then calls President Joe Biden a crackhead: “Release the findings, release the tapes. We can’t have a crackhead in charge of our Nuclear Arsenal!!!”

Here’s the full post:

I have an idea. Get Deranged Jack Smith to take just a “tiny” portion of the millions of dollars he is spending illegally “targeting” me, and let him go to the White House with his army of thugs to solve the Cocaine dilemma. I’d bet they already know the answer, but just in case, it could be done in 5 minutes. Is it Crooked Joe and his wonderful son, Hunter? Release the findings, release the tapes. We can’t have a crackhead in charge of our Nuclear Arsenal!!!

Marjorie Taylor Greene says she has been told of ouster from Freedom Caucus

20:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene says she still has not been told that she has been kicked out of the House Freedom Caucus and that all the information she has on the matter she found from the press.

“I’m not really concerned about it,” she says. “I don't have time for the drama club.”

However, Rep Ken Buck says that’s because Rep Greene hasn’t been returning their calls to inform her of the decision to remove her...

Trump bashes DeSantis over falling poll numbers

20:05 , Oliver O'Connell

The former president writes:

If they don’t like Ron DeSanctimonious now, they won’t like him any better 6 months from now with the start of “Primary Season.” The more people get to know him, the lower go his polls. He is now in the mid-teens, and falling fast!

Trump endorsed by entire GOP Michigan congressional delegation

20:00 , Oliver O'Connell

The entire Republican congressional delegation for the state of Michigan has endorsed former president Donald Trump for the 2024 election.

A statement released by the Trump campaign highlights that he was the first Republican in 28 years to win the state in 2016.

“We’re proud to announce our full endorsement of President Donald J. Trump,” said US Representatives Tim Walberg, Bill Huizenga, John Moolenaar, Jack Bergman, and Lisa McClain.

“Under the Trump presidency, America was prosperous, the economy was strong, the world was a safer place, and Michiganders were better off. President Trump has proven he has the ability to deliver results on Day One and also the ability to win in key battleground states like Michigan, being the only Republican to win a Presidential race here since 1988.”

“Under his leadership, Michigan received increased funding to protect our Great Lakes and a new lock at the Soo Locks, improving one of our most important infrastructure projects in North America. President Trump will rebuild a great American economy, unleash domestic energy, secure our border, and make America safe again.”

US Representative John James added: “President Biden has wrecked our economy, let our position as the sole world power slip, and opened our borders. Biden’s policies have been particularly detrimental to Michigan’s middle class. Under President Trump, on the other hand, inflation was at 2%, the American family was strengthened through the child tax credit and other pro-family policies, and our communities were more secure. In 2024, we need to give hope to Americans who feel like their government is failing them.”

Marjorie Taylor Greene roasted for claiming ‘prayer’ can tackle child sex trafficking

19:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Georgia Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene was blasted on social media after she defended a movie about child sex trafficking which has been described as “QAnon adjacent.”

Ms Greene, who has previously touted the far-right conspiracy theory, tweeted that a “prayer” could end child sex trafficking, while posting a series of screenshotted headlines about Sound of Freedom, a new movie, that linked the film to QAnon under the words “This is what covering for child sex trafficking looks like”.

Kelly Rissman reports.

Marjorie Taylor Greene roasted for claiming ‘prayer’ can end child sex trafficking

Georgia grand jury formally sworn in

19:22 , Oliver O'Connell

CNN reports that the Georgia grand jury that is expected to consider charges against Donald Trump and his Republican allies’ efforts to overturn the 2020 election has been formally sworn in for a three-hour selection process in Atlanta this afternoon.

Giuliani blames ‘deep state’ after Washington DC panel recommends he be disbarred

19:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Days after a disciplinary committee in Washington DC recommended that Rudy Giuliani be disbarred for his spurious campaign to overturn 2020 election results, the former attorney to Donald Trump suggested that the panel is conspiring to prevent any lawyers from representing the former president in the many cases against him.

Alex Woodward reports from New York.

Giuliani blames ‘deep state’ after Washington DC panel recommends he be disbarred

Poll: Trump surges as Ramaswamy rises to third place

19:08 , Oliver O'Connell

The latest poll from Morning Consult continues to show Donald Trump with a commanding lead (39 points) over the rest of the Republican primary field, with Ron DeSantis a distant second.

Most interestingly from the lower ranks of GOP candidates is Vivek Ramaswamy jumping into third place ahead of Mike Pence.

Happening today: Georgia grand jury could decide if Trump is charged over 2020 election

18:29 , Oliver O'Connell

Jury selection is underway for a grand jury in Georgia that is expected to consider charges against Donald Trump and his allies in their attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in that state.

The office of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has helmed the investigation into the former president and his allies for more than two years, following Mr Trump’s pressure campaign targeting state officials to reject the results.

Alex Woodward reports.

Grand jury meeting today could decide if Trump is charged over 2020 election

...while DeSantis doubles down on Iowa

18:22 , Oliver O'Connell

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will not be appearing at Turning Point Action this weekend in his home state and instead will be focusing on Iowa, as a special guess at the “Top Nunn” salute to the troops event hosted by Rep Zach Nunn and his family.

Senator Joni Ernst is also attending the event on Saturday lunchtime, with ticket prices ranging up to $6,600 with a portion donated to a military charity.

Trump to speak at Turning Point Action this weekend

18:13 , Oliver O'Connell

Former president Donald Trump has been confirmed as a speaker at this weekend’s Turning Point Action Conference in West Palm Beach, Florida.

He joins a host of right-wing figures who will be speaking over the two-day event, though at present he appears to be one of only a handful of 2024 candidates currently scheduled to speak, the others being Francis Suarez, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Asa Hutchinson.

17:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Jack White has lashed out at the celebrities spotted cosying up to Donald Trump at UFC 290 over the weekend.

The former US president was in Las Vegas on Saturday (8 July) night after a volunteer event for his Nevada primary campaign.

While there, the former president attended the mixed martial arts event at the T-Mobile Arena and met celebrities including Mark Wahlberg, American restaurateur Guy Fieri, controversial podcast host Joe Rogan, and Mel Gibson.

Tom Murray reports on what the musician had to say:

Jack White hits out at ‘disgusting’ Mark Wahlberg over Donald Trump meeting

GOP presidential candidates jump to defend Iowa governor from Trump attacks

17:15 , Oliver O'Connell

After Donald Trump launched a public attack on Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, other GOP presidential candidates have come to her defence – just six months before the Iowa caucus is set to take place.

In a Truth Social post, Mr Trump objected to Ms Reynolds’ decision to remain “neutral”, believing he is owed an endorsement because he backed her when she was running for governor.

Ariana Baio reports.

Republican presidential candidates jump to defend Iowa governor from Trump attacks

Comer questions timing of charges against so-called Biden ‘whistleblower’

16:42 , Oliver O'Connell

Four days after he claimed a “very credible witness” had emerged to provide the Justice Department with derogatory information about President Joe Biden and his family, House Oversight Committee chair James Comer questioned the timing of charges that the alleged whistleblower was actually spying for the Chinese government and attempting to broker illegal arms sales to Libya.

Andrew Feinberg has the latest from Washington, DC.

Oversight chair Comer questions timing of charges against so-called‘whistleblower’

Fani Willis: The Georgia prosecutor who could take down Trump

16:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Alex Woodward profiles the district attorney with a long history of targeting organised crime gangs has the former president in her sights.

Who is Fani Willis, the Georgia prosecutor who could take down Trump