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Mar-a-Lago Employee Speaks Out About Moving Classified Documents
A butler at Mar-a-Lago revealed to CNN how he unknowingly assisted Nauta in transporting boxes of classified information from the estate to the former president's plane in June 2022. This occurred on the same day that Trump and his attorney were meeting with the Justice Department at Mar-a-Lago to discuss the classified documents.
Vice Presidential Race for Harris Turns Increasingly Bitter
The contest to become Vice President Harris's running mate is becoming more contentious as the decision approaches, with Democrats rallying behind their preferred candidates.
Progressives, upset by Israel's actions in Gaza, have increasingly targeted Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) due to his stance on Israel and his handling of pro-Palestinian protests. According to Politico, Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has also raised concerns about Shapiro with Harris's team.
The left wing of the Democratic Party is pushing for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be Harris’s pick. Several House Democrats are advocating for Walz, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), another leading contender, has faced public questioning from some union leaders about his suitability for the role, although the criticisms have not reached the same level of intensity as those against Shapiro.
Some strategists liken the vice presidential battle to a Democratic primary fight.
“This is probably the closest thing to a primary that Democrats get this cycle, explaining why it has become so high-stakes,” said a Democratic strategist who has worked on recent presidential campaigns. “Many Democrats see this as the last opportunity to impact the ticket and possibly influence the White House until 2028 or 2032, which is why there's so much campaigning.”
When President Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris, both Democrats and Republicans were surprised by how quickly the party united around her. Many had expected a fierce battle post-Biden, but no challengers emerged, allowing the party to breathe a sigh of relief.
However, the vice presidential race has since taken on a more bitter tone.
“Veepstakes is usually a months-long process, but the surprise of picking new talent for the ticket has excited Democrats, creating a pressure-cooker environment over just two weeks,” said a second strategist. “All opposition research and critiques that would normally have time to develop are being rushed out.”
“In the closing days, the fractures have grown more intense, but their durability is unclear. The guiding principle for the Harris campaign remains the same: Do no harm, show good judgment with your pick, and potentially sway key states.”
A Harris ally agreed that the condensed timeline, following recent fractures within the Democratic Party, is contributing to the “intensity of the moment.”
“No one wants to make a mistake here,” the ally said. “The window is small and the stakes are high.”
Shapiro has borne the brunt of the criticism, particularly from progressives. Critics from the left-leaning wing of his party point to what they see as a heavy-handed approach to pro-Palestinian protests during his tenure as governor and attorney general.
One debate became so intense that activists argued over whether calling Shapiro “Genocide Josh” was antisemitic, according to The New York Times.
Some Democrats believe much of the criticism Shapiro has received is from the “overly online left” and predict that progressives will support him if Harris picks him.
“These internal squabbles might seem significant online because they evoke strong emotions, but they don’t reflect what’s happening in the real world. The average voter is not paying attention to this,” said Keith Edwards, a digital Democratic strategist.
However, one progressive strategist told The Hill that the criticism extends beyond online spaces and could affect turnout among Arab American and Muslim voters.
“There will be issues if he is the VP for the Arab vote, the progressive vote,” the strategist said. “This could be a defining moment for her campaign.”
Progressives and pro-Palestinian activists take particular issue with a recently resurfaced op-ed from Shapiro’s undergraduate years at the University of Rochester, where he predicted that “peace will never come” to the Middle East and described Palestinians as “battle-minded.”
The Institute for Peace and the Institute for Middle East Understanding issued a statement on Friday calling Shapiro’s comments in the op-ed “virulently racist.”
Shapiro’s spokesperson responded, noting that the governor's views have evolved since he wrote the op-ed at age 20.
Shapiro’s allies highlight his support from the Arab community, including a recent op-ed from a member of the Philadelphia Arab American Development Corp praising Shapiro for his outreach to the community following Oct. 7.
Supporters and critics of progressives argue that Shapiro’s current positions on Israel-related issues are not significantly different from those of the other contenders, suggesting that much of the criticism is rooted in antisemitism. Shapiro supports a two-state solution and has been a vocal critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war.
“Those in the overly online left who attack Josh Shapiro’s pro-Israel positions differently from how they attack non-Jewish veep contenders are revealing their antisemitism,” Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), who is Jewish, told CNN.
A Democratic strategist predicted that the progressive backlash would not heavily influence Harris’s decision, pointing to her moderated stances on issues like “Medicare for All” and fracking.
“She’s had many opportunities to cater to their demands and hasn’t,” the strategist said.
Edwards also questioned how long voters will focus on the veepstakes news cycle given the recent political chaos.
“The news cycle is very short,” he said. “There was an assassination attempt three weeks ago, and no one talks about that. This issue we’re discussing now is even smaller.”
Woman Fatally Punches Husband After He Refuses to Take Her to Dubai for Birthday
In a tragic incident in Pune, 36-year-old businessman Nikhil Khanna died after being punched in the nose by his wife. The altercation occurred when Khanna refused to take her to Dubai for her birthday celebration.
Millions of residents in northern Nigeria are under 24-hour curfews amid nationwide protests against the high cost of living. Authorities in Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, and Katsina have instructed locals to stay home on Friday to prevent participation in the protests. The government claims that "hoodlums" have hijacked the demonstrations, leading to looting and vandalism.
A strong security presence is evident nationwide as nine more "days of rage" are scheduled by the protest organizers. On the first day, Kano saw the largest demonstrations. Police used live bullets, tear gas, and hot water to disperse the crowds, resulting in three fatalities and multiple injuries. Looters targeted a warehouse near the governor's residence, leading to 269 arrests and the recovery of stolen goods.
Amnesty International reported that 13 protesters were killed by security forces across Nigeria on the first day. In Borno State, an explosion during a protest killed four people and injured 34. This led to a curfew in the state capital, Maiduguri. The explosion in the rural community of Kawori, suspected to be the work of Boko Haram, killed 16 people at a teashop.
Despite curfews, protests continued in major cities. In Abuja, police used tear gas to prevent demonstrators from reaching the city center. In Lagos, some banks and shops reopened, but the internet remained unstable. Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun put police on "red alert" to respond swiftly to any threats.
The protests, organized on social media with the hashtag #EndBadGovernance, were inspired by recent successful protests in Kenya. Demonstrators, particularly in the south, chanted slogans like "We are hungry," protesting President Bola Tinubu’s removal of a fuel subsidy, which has led to increased prices for fuel and other goods. They also demand wide-ranging reforms to the electoral system and judiciary.
Kano’s governor's spokesperson described the protests as largely peaceful but justified the curfew due to "rampant looting, destruction of property, and violence" by "thugs." Yobe State imposed curfews in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru due to vandalism and looting by "hoodlums." Katsina's government reported that "miscreants" had "hijacked the protests."
Divers Find 25 Bricks of Suspected Cocaine with Fake Nike Logos off Key West Coast
Divers exploring off the coast of Key West, Florida, initially mistook what they found on the ocean floor for trash. However, it turned out to be over two dozen packages of suspected cocaine, authorities reported Wednesday.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to the Rainbow Reef Dive Center in Key Largo after scuba divers reported the discovery. The images released by the sheriff's office revealed a torn garbage bag next to the packages, which were marked with fake Nike SB logos.
The 25 packages, each weighing approximately one kilogram (2.2 pounds), were found about 100 feet underwater in the Atlantic Ocean. The stash has been handed over to U.S. Border Patrol for further investigation.
This find follows a recent incident in which a beachgoer discovered around $1 million worth of cocaine washed ashore in the Florida Keys. That package contained 65 pounds of cocaine, according to CBS Miami.
Drug traffickers often transport cocaine across international waters using various vessels, and it's not uncommon for them to mark their packages with distinctive designs. In January, the Colombian Navy intercepted a "narco sub" carrying over 1,000 pounds of cocaine, with some packages marked with scorpion insignias or names like "Winnie" and "Carnal."
Last year, several Florida beaches saw packages of cocaine, worth over $100,000 in total, washed ashore, some featuring designs mimicking luxury brands like Chanel. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor also made headlines when she found 70 pounds of cocaine emblazoned with butterfly designs during a family fishing trip.
In 2023, nearly 150 pounds of cocaine washed up on Big Pine Key, and in 2019, bricks of cocaine were discovered on two beaches following Hurricane Dorian's impact on the Florida coast.
Colombia remains a major source of the world's cocaine production.
Was having a bit of fun with AI Art today and, well...😏☕
In a world not unlike our own, the political arena was abuzz with an unprecedented event. The nation was gearing up for a debate of epic proportions—an event that promised more zest and flavor than any spectacle before it. For the first time in history, a citrus fruit was taking center stage.
Donald Trump, a large, vibrant orange, had boldly agreed to debate Kamala Harris, who, unlike her opponent, was an actual human being. The stage was set, the lights were bright, and the audience was packed with a mix of curious onlookers and die-hard fans, all eager to witness this juicy showdown.
As the cameras rolled, the moderator, an impeccably dressed apple, welcomed the candidates. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Great Debate! Tonight, we have the honor of witnessing a clash between the seasoned politician, Kamala Harris, and the one and only, the incomparable... Donald Trump!"
The crowd erupted in applause as Trump, the Orange Fruit, rolled up to the podium. With his signature hue glowing under the stage lights, he exuded an air of confidence that only a citrus could muster. Kamala Harris, standing tall and poised, smiled graciously at her fruity opponent.
"Mr. Trump," the moderator began, "the first question is for you. How do you plan to address the economic challenges facing our nation?"
Trump, his rind gleaming, responded with his characteristic flair. "Look, folks, it's simple. We're going to make America juicy again. We're going to squeeze every last drop of potential out of this country. Believe me, no one knows more about being squeezed than I do."
The audience chuckled, and Kamala Harris couldn't help but grin. When it was her turn, she spoke with eloquence and clarity, outlining detailed plans and policies. But Trump, ever the showman, interjected frequently, rolling his way into every conversation.
"Wrong, wrong, wrong!" he exclaimed at one point, wobbling on his podium. "Kamala doesn't understand the first thing about running a country. She's not even round!"
Kamala laughed, her composure intact. "Mr. Trump," she said, her voice dripping with mock seriousness, "I may not be round, but I do know how to get things done. And unlike you, I won't leave the public with a sour taste."
The debate continued, each side landing their points, the orange and the politician exchanging verbal jabs. As the evening wore on, the audience could feel the tension ripening.
In the final moments, the moderator turned to Kamala. "Ms. Harris, your closing statement, please."
Kamala Harris looked straight into the camera, her eyes twinkling with resolve. "Tonight, we've heard a lot of talk from my opponent. But what we need is action, not just pulp. The American people deserve a leader who can peel back the layers of our problems and get to the heart of the issues."
She paused, letting her words sink in. "So remember, when it comes to choosing our next leader, this Orange is about to get peeled!"
The audience roared with laughter and applause, the punny punchline echoing through the auditorium. Trump, the orange, wobbled slightly but remained composed, his rind a little less vibrant.
And so, the Great Debate came to an end, leaving behind a trail of citrusy humor and a clear message: in the world of politics, sometimes the sharpest tool isn't a knife, but a good, well-placed peel.
Iran Reports Hamas Leader Assassinated at Close Range
Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed by a "short-range projectile" fired from outside his guesthouse in Tehran, according to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The paramilitary group stated that the projectile, weighing approximately 7kg (16lbs), caused a "strong blast," resulting in the deaths of Haniyeh and his bodyguard last Wednesday. Haniyeh was in the Iranian capital for the inauguration of President Massoud Pezeshkian.
The IRGC has accused Israel of orchestrating the operation with support from the United States. Israel has not commented on Haniyeh's death. This account contradicts Western media reports suggesting that Israeli operatives planted explosives in the guesthouse.
Haniyeh's death has embarrassed Iran and the IRGC, especially on a day of heightened security. Dozens of IRGC officers have been arrested or dismissed in the aftermath, according to the New York Times. The IRGC's intelligence agency has taken over the investigation, with staff at Haniyeh's guesthouse being interrogated and their electronics seized.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led prayers for Haniyeh on Thursday but was quickly taken away by his security detail. The IRGC's statement followed a report by Britain's Daily Telegraph claiming that Haniyeh was killed by bombs planted in his room by Israeli Mossad agents. The New York Times also reported that explosives, potentially planted up to two months earlier, killed Haniyeh. These claims have not been verified by the BBC.
Hamas officials stated that Haniyeh had stayed at the guesthouse before and had visited Iran up to 15 times since becoming the head of the political bureau in 2017. If the reports are accurate, it would signify a significant failure for the IRGC, highlighting Mossad's ability to operate in Iran.
Both Iran and Hamas have vowed retaliation. The IRGC promised Israel "severe punishment at the appropriate time, place, and manner." Hezbollah has also vowed reprisals after one of their top commanders, Fuad Shukr, was killed in an Israeli strike last Tuesday.
Following an Israeli operation that killed IRGC Brig Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi in Damascus earlier this year, Iran launched 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and at least 110 ballistic missiles toward Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Israelis of "challenging days ahead," and ministers were given satellite phones in case of attacks on communication infrastructure. Despite the warnings, the mood remained relaxed on Tel Aviv's seafront, though many acknowledge the Middle East is on the brink of full-scale war. Israel is on high alert, and several international airlines have suspended flights to the country. The US has deployed additional warships and fighter jets to the region to defend Israel from potential Iranian and proxy attacks.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy cautioned that the situation could rapidly deteriorate. At least 10 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza's Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, and another airstrike in the occupied West Bank killed a Hamas commander and four senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters.
Israeli officials, including Mossad and Shin Bet directors, have arrived in Cairo for ceasefire talks with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel. However, US President Joe Biden admitted that Haniyeh's death has complicated these efforts. The conflict, which began in October following an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel, has resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and more than 39,550 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Today's Stock Market: Dow Falls 600 Points Due to Weak Jobs Data Amid Global Sell-Off
Stocks plummeted on Friday due to concerns that the U.S. economy might falter under the strain of high interest rates designed to control inflation.
The S&P 500 dropped 1.8%, marking its first consecutive loss of at least 1% since April. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 610 points or 1.5%, and the Nasdaq composite decreased by 2.4% as a global stock sell-off circled back to Wall Street.
A report revealed that U.S. employer hiring slowed significantly more than economists anticipated, causing market panic and leading to sharp declines in stock prices and bond yields. This followed a series of disappointing economic reports from the previous day, including a worsening situation in U.S. manufacturing, which has been heavily impacted by high interest rates.
Just days earlier, U.S. stock indexes saw their best performance months after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggested that inflation had slowed enough to potentially justify rate cuts in September.
However, there are growing concerns that the Federal Reserve may have maintained its main interest rate at a two-decade high for too long. A rate cut would make borrowing cheaper for households and businesses, stimulating the economy, but its full effects could take months to manifest.
“The Fed is seizing defeat from the jaws of victory,” said Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management. “Economic momentum has slowed so much that a rate cut in September will be too little and too late. They’ll have to do something bigger than” the traditional quarter-point cut “to avert a recession.”
Traders are now betting on a 70% chance that the Fed will cut its main interest rate by half a percentage point in September, according to CME Group data. This is despite Powell's statement on Wednesday that such a significant reduction is “not something we’re thinking about right now.”
The U.S. economy continues to grow, and a recession is not certain. The Fed has emphasized the delicate balance it is trying to maintain since it began sharply raising rates in March 2022: being too aggressive could stifle the economy, but being too lenient could exacerbate inflation.
While Powell did not declare victory on either the jobs or inflation fronts on Wednesday, he indicated that the Fed has ample room to respond to any weakness in the job market after significantly raising its main rate.
“Certainly today’s job data feeds the weakening economy narrative, but I believe the market is overreacting at this point and pricing too much in on rate cuts at this stage,” said Nate Thooft, senior portfolio manager at Manulife Investment Management. “Yes, the economy is weakening, but I am not convinced there is enough evidence that the data so far is a death knell for the economy.”
U.S. stocks appeared poised for losses on Friday even before the disappointing jobs report.
Several major technology companies reported underwhelming profits, continuing a mostly disappointing trend that began last week with Tesla and Alphabet’s results.
Amazon fell 8.8% after reporting weaker-than-expected revenue for the latest quarter and issuing a forecast for operating profit that fell short of analysts’ expectations.
Intel dropped even more, 26.1%, marking its worst day in 50 years, after its quarterly profit fell short of forecasts. The chip company also suspended its dividend payment and forecast a loss for the third quarter, when analysts had expected a profit.
Apple fared better, gaining 0.7% after reporting stronger-than-expected profit and revenue.
Apple and a few other Big Tech stocks, known as the “Magnificent Seven,” were the primary drivers behind the S&P 500 setting numerous records this year, partly due to excitement around artificial intelligence technology. However, their momentum slowed last month amid concerns that investors had overvalued their prices.
Friday’s losses for tech stocks pushed the Nasdaq composite 10% below its peak set last month, a drop that traders refer to as a “correction.”
Other sectors of the stock market, which had been struggling due to high interest rates, began to rebound sharply last month as tech stocks declined, particularly smaller companies. However, these sectors also fell on Friday amid concerns that a fragile economy could hurt their profits.
The Russell 2000 index of smaller stocks dropped 3.5%, more than the broader market.
Overall, the S&P 500 fell 100.12 points to 5,346.56. The Dow dropped 610.71 to 39,737.26, and the Nasdaq composite fell 417.98 to 16,776.16.
In the bond market, Treasury yields fell sharply as traders anticipated deeper rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 3.79% from 3.98% late Thursday and from 4.70% in April.
Internationally, Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 5.8%, struggling since the Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate on Wednesday. The hike increased the value of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar, potentially hurting exporters' profits and dampening a tourism boom.
Chinese stocks fell as investors were disappointed by the government’s latest growth-stimulating measures, which were seen as insufficient. Stock indexes dropped by more than 1% across much of Europe.
Commodity prices also faced challenges this week. Oil prices surged after the killings of leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah raised fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East disrupting crude supplies. However, prices fell back on Thursday and Friday due to concerns that a weakening economy would reduce fuel demand. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude dropped below $74 on Friday after starting the week above $77.
Trump Criticizes Biden Over Historic Prisoner Exchange That Freed Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich
Former President Donald Trump has been using the wrongful detention of Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan in Russia to criticize President Joe Biden, particularly during his reelection campaign.
Following Thursday's historic prisoner swap that freed these men along with two other U.S. prisoners, the GOP presidential nominee continued to attack the administration with unfounded claims.
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed on Thursday that there was no cash exchanged nor was there any sanctions relief, but in a Truth Social post, Trump questioned that denial without offering specifics.
"Are we also paying them cash? Are they giving us cash (Please withdraw that question, because I’m sure the answer is NO)?" he wrote.
Trump has repeatedly made false claims that the U.S. has given Iran billions of dollars in cash.
"Just curious because we never make good deals, at anything, but especially hostage swaps. Our 'negotiators' are always an embarrassment to us!" he added in his social media post.
Evan Gershkovich among 26 freed in major Russia-West prisoner exchange
The former president reiterated the false allegations that cash was involved in the deal during an interview on the "Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show."
When asked by a reporter about Trump's repeated claims he could've gotten the hostages out of Russia without concessions, Biden took a direct jab at his former political opponent.
"Why didn't he do it when he was president?" Biden responded.
Trump's rhetoric over the detained Americans has been part of ongoing back and forth, dating back to his term in office, and at times sparked the ire of the hostages' family members.
Although members of Trump's administration, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, criticized the espionage charges against Whelan after he was arrested in 2018, Trump did not mention Whelan's name publicly while he was in office.
David Whelan, Paul Whelan's brother, said in a statement Thursday that his family was "discouraged from speaking out about Paul's case."
"Those first years were hard when the Trump Administration ignored Paul’s wrongful detention, and it was media attention that helped to finally create critical mass and awareness within the U.S. government," he said.
During his trial, Paul Whelan, who had met with U.S. officials during his case, appealed directly to Trump for help.
"Mr. President, we cannot keep America great unless we aggressively protect and defend Americans wherever they are in the world," he said in prepared remarks in June 2019.
Trump only mentioned Whelan by name in a post on Truth Social condemning Biden for arranging a prisoner transfer that freed U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner from Russian custody in December 2022.
"Why wasn’t former Marine Paul Whelan included in this totally one-sided transaction? He would have been let out for the asking," Trump said in his post.
The U.S. exchanged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for Griner as part of that swap. Following the swap, Trump claimed that he had been working on a deal for Whelan that involved Bout.
"I turned down a deal with Russia for a one-on-one swap of the so-called Merchant of Death for Paul Whelan. I wouldn’t have made the deal for a hundred people in exchange for someone that has killed untold numbers of people with his arms deals," he said.
David Whelan criticized the former president over his social media statements, in a post on X.
"Former President Trump appears to have mentioned my brother #PaulWhelan's wrongful detention more in the last 24 hours than he did in the 2 years of his presidency in which Paul was held hostage by #Russia (zero). I don't suggest he cares now any more than he did then (zero)," David Whelan said in the December 2022 post.
Trump did not comment on Gershkovich's situation until an April 12, 2024 interview with Time Magazine, more than a year after his March 29, 2023 arrest.
"The reporter should be released and he will be released," Trump said without referring to Gershkovich by name. "I don’t know if he’s going to be released under Biden."
In a May Truth Social post, Trump claimed Gershkovich "will be released almost immediately after the Election, but definitely before I assume Office."
"Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, will do that for me but not for anyone else," he said in his post.
Trump’s attacks against Biden over the hostages came up again during the June presidential debate. He again claimed he would get Gershkovich out if elected, contending that "Putin is laughing at [Biden], probably asking for billions of dollars for the reporter."
"He should have had him out a long time ago. But Putin is probably asking for billions and billions of dollars because this guy pays it every time," Trump said of Biden.
Trump did not directly name Gershkovich during the debate.
First Alert: Heat Advisory Issued as Excessive Humidity Arrives
Excessive Heat and Humidity: Heat Advisory Issued
Get ready for the heat and humidity we warned you about last week! The heat index will reach dangerous levels on the weekends.
A HEAT ADVISORY is in effect for the entire area from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Temperatures in the 90s combined with very high humidity will push the heat index to between 105 and 110 from midday into early evening.
To stay safe during excessive heat, drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, avoid direct sunlight, and check on relatives and neighbors. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration advises frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments for those working outdoors. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Today and Tomorrow
The heat will continue to rise through the end of the work week, with temperatures reaching the low to mid-90s by the afternoon. The chance of isolated storms remains low, at 20% today and 30% on Friday. Data suggests a few more storms might appear on Friday afternoon.
Another heat advisory is expected for Friday, with the heat index likely reaching 105 to 110° again.
The excessive humidity will persist into the start of the weekend, with the heat index nearing 110° in some areas on Saturday.
Although there will be a better chance of showers and storms over the weekend, it won't be enough to cancel any plans. Scattered showers and storms are expected in the afternoons, with rain chances at 40%. The heat index will remain high but should fall below heat advisory criteria by Sunday afternoon.
Trump falsely claims Harris chose to 'turn Black' during a heated panel with Black journalists
Donald Trump made a contentious appearance at a conference of Black journalists on Wednesday, where his comments during a heated Q&A session frequently centered on the race of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump claimed that he had only recently learned that Harris, who is both Indian American and Black, was Black. He then baselessly suggested that she had only recently “turned Black” for political reasons.
“I’ve known her a long time, indirectly,” Trump said. “She always promoted her Indian heritage. I did not know she was Black until a few years ago when she suddenly decided to ‘turn Black.’”
He added, “I respect either one, but she obviously doesn’t, because she was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden, she made a turn and … she became Black. Somebody should look into that.”
ABC News’ Rachel Scott, one of the three moderators on the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) panel, noted that Harris attended Howard University, a historically Black college. Trump did not directly respond.
The exchange followed Scott’s question about Republicans referring to Harris as a “DEI hire,” a term used to discredit people of color in the context of workplace diversity policies.
Trump eventually said he was “not sure” whether he thought Harris was a DEI hire.
Harris’ campaign called Trump’s appearance at the NABJ event an “absolute disaster.”
“This is who he is,” a campaign spokesperson said.
Harris addressed the controversy at an event for the historically Black sorority Sigma Gamma Rho in Houston.
"It was the same old show — the divisiveness and the disrespect," Harris said. "The American people deserve better."
Though Harris could not attend NABJ’s annual convention, efforts are being made to arrange a future meeting.
When NBC News sought a response from Trump’s campaign about the backlash to his comments on Harris’ race, communications director Steven Cheung replied, “Backlash from the truth? These people must be deranged.”
A source familiar with the NABJ’s conversations with Trump’s campaign suggested that initial tension arose from Trump feeling blindsided by NABJ’s partnership with PolitiFact to fact-check the exchange in real-time.
A member of NABJ’s leadership team reportedly denied knowledge of the live fact-check when confronted by Trump’s team. Trump’s campaign was assured that the NABJ would accommodate their requests regarding the format.
An NABJ spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.
During a White House press briefing, NBC News read Trump’s comments to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who found them “repulsive” and “insulting.”
A source close to Harris also called Trump’s comments “painful” and pointed out that Harris attended Howard University and was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a historically Black organization.
Trump was also questioned about his previous statement that immigrants were taking “Black jobs.” He responded that “a Black job is anybody that has a job” and claimed immigrants were taking employment opportunities away from Black people.
Despite efforts to court more Black voters, recent NBC News polls showed that Trump had 12% support among Black voters, the same percentage he had won in 2020.
The NABJ event had sparked internal controversy about whether Trump should have been invited, given his past inflammatory remarks about Black individuals. NABJ co-chair Karen Attiah resigned in reaction to Trump’s invitation, while Tia Mitchell, the event’s co-chair, defended the decision to invite Trump.
Several attendees, including Malik Mitchell and Amya Henry, expressed skepticism and concern about Trump’s presence at the event.
Trump’s comments and behavior, including his dismissal of Scott’s questions as “nasty,” continued to stoke controversy. He defended his record with Black voters and downplayed the significance of his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance.
Vance, in turn, praised Trump for engaging with a hostile audience and criticized Harris as a “chameleon” who changes her stance based on her audience.
Trump was also asked about his comments supporting immunity for police officers. He clarified that he did not support blanket immunity and referred to a specific case in Illinois where a Black woman was shot by police, stating that the situation “did not look good.”
Trump’s appearance at the NABJ event highlighted ongoing tensions and debates about race and politics in the lead-up to the November election.
Trump Holds First Rally in Pennsylvania Since Assassination Attempt
Former President Donald Trump held a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday.
This was his first event in the Keystone State since the assassination attempt on July 13.
"As you know, this is my first return to Pa. since our rally in Butler. We're going back to Butler too," Trump said at the Farm Show Complex. Trump criticized the Biden-Harris policies, particularly focusing on the border and public safety.
"They're letting horrible people into our country. They are poisoning our country by contrast. If I'm elected, on day 1 we will begin the largest deportation in American history," the former president stated.
Trump also addressed the assassination attempt, observing a moment of silence for Corey Comperatore, the man who was shot and killed at the Butler rally. Trump and two others were also injured in the shooting. Many attendees on Wednesday had also been at the Butler rally, while others were motivated to come due to the tragic incident.
"It's one of the reasons I'm here -- to support him and let everyone know they're not going to scare us off. Even a bullet won't stop us," said Valerie Mansberger of Newville.
"After what happened there with the assassination attempt, I knew I had to come," added Ryan Morris of New Haven, Connecticut. Trump's visit comes as most polls show a tight race between him and Democratic challenger Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, Harris and her future running mate will crisscross the country together next week, a source familiar with the plans confirmed to ABC News.
Harris' campaign confirmed she will first stop in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Sources say other stops will include western Wisconsin, Detroit, Michigan, Raleigh, North Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada. According to ABC News, six officials are on the vice president shortlist, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.
Book Reveals Trump Mocked Kari Lake's Intense Election Fraud Claims
Trump in Exile: Meridith McGraw Chronicles Trump's Post-Presidency Moves
Meridith McGraw’s new book, *Trump in Exile*, offers an expansive portrait of Donald Trump’s actions since leaving office in January 2021. The book, set to be released in the US next week, delves into Trump’s life as he navigates the political landscape as a former president and current presidential nominee.
On Tuesday, Kari Lake secured the Republican nomination for the US Senate in Arizona, bolstered by Trump’s endorsement. However, McGraw reveals that Trump often mocked Lake for her fervent promotion of his election fraud claims.
“Lake’s dedication to discussing fraud in the 2020 election would sometimes even make Trump laugh,” McGraw writes. The Guardian has obtained an advance copy of the book.
According to McGraw, Trump advised other Republicans seeking his endorsement to emulate Lake’s approach.
“It doesn’t matter what you ask Kari Lake about,” McGraw quotes Trump as saying. “‘How’s your family?’ And she’s like, ‘The family’s fine but they’re never going to be great until we have free and fair elections.’”
Citing Trump’s “friends and donors,” McGraw adds: “One said, ‘You could ask her, how’s the weather? and she’ll turn it into the election. ‘Oh, the weather in Phoenix is OK, but you can never have great weather unless the election is fair.’”
McGraw also recounts a 2022 conversation between Trump and Blake Masters, then a US Senate candidate, recorded by a documentary crew.
“I heard you did great on the debate,” Trump said, “but had bad election answers. You’ve got a lot of support, and you have to stay with those people. If you want to get across the line, you’ve got to go stronger on that one thing. Look at Kari. Kari is winning with very little money, and if they say, ‘How is your family?’ she says, ‘The election was rigged and stolen.’ You’ll lose if you go soft. You’ll lose that base.”
Trump’s claims that Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election through fraud have been debunked, yet they fueled the January 6 Capitol attack. Despite this, many Republican candidates continue to echo Trump’s falsehoods, with polls indicating a majority of Republican voters believe them.
McGraw describes Lake as “one of the loudest standard-bearers for the election denialism movement.” A former TV anchor, Lake ran for Arizona governor in 2022, heavily relying on Trump’s fraud claims from the 2020 election. After losing to Democrat Katie Hobbs, Lake refused to concede, maintaining that Hobbs won through fraud.
Now running for the US Senate, Lake will face Democrat Ruben Gallego in November, in a race that could influence control of the Senate. McGraw highlights how Trump’s endorsement has become a litmus test for candidates’ loyalty to his election fraud narrative, with Lake being a prime example of this phenomenon.
*Trump in Exile* covers a range of Trump’s political maneuvers since January 2021, from surviving a second impeachment to securing the Republican nomination for the 2024 election despite facing 88 criminal charges (34 resulting in conviction) and multiple civil lawsuits.
McGraw also examines the rise and fall of Trump’s potential rivals, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. A notorious campaign ad depicted DeSantis eating chocolate pudding with his fingers, based on a story about a utensil-less flight. The ad became a viral hit, though DeSantis dismissed it as trivial.
McGraw reveals that Trump’s campaign staff deliberately used ridicule as a tactic against DeSantis, inspired by Saul Alinsky’s *Rules for Radicals*. This strategy aimed to undermine DeSantis’s public image and provoke a reaction.
As McGraw notes, such tactics often prove effective, as seen in Trump’s continued political influence.
