Trump accused of making White House ‘arm of the Kremlin’ after Zelensky bust-up: Live

Donald Trump has been accused of turning the White House into “an arm of the Kremlin” by Democratic Senator Chris Murphy in the wake of last week’s disastrous Oval Office meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, which saw the Ukrainian president rebuked by the commander-in-chief and his deputy JD Vance for “gambling with World War Three” and failing to express gratitude for American aid.

Murphy called the clash – which caused Zelensky to leave early without signing a lucrative rare earth minerals deal – “absolutely shameful” and accused Trump of seeking to “transition America into a kleptocratic oligarchy” as the reverberations from the incident continue to be felt around the world.

European leaders meeting in London over the weekend rallied around Zelensky as protests erupted in Washington, D.C., and in Vermont and the American position was brutally satirised on Saturday Night Live and at the Oscars.

Trump officials Mike Waltz and Tulsi Gabbard echoed the president’s attack on the Sunday political shows but his former national security adviser HR McMaster commented that Russian President Vladimir Putin “couldn’t be happier” with recent developments, prompting the president to call him “a weak and totally ineffective loser.”

Key Points

• Donald Trump has turned White House into ‘arm of the Kremlin’, says senator

• Trump rants about ‘rape gangs, drug lords and mental institutions’ after Zelensky debacle

• President shares social media post from Arizona wedding DJ to back-up new Ukraine policy

• Trump promotes national cryptocurrency reserve

• Saturday Night Live mocks Oval Office showdown as Mike Myers sends up Elon Musk

Tim Walz weighing presidential run in 2028

13:40 , Joe Sommerlad

The Minnesota governor, 60, who served as Kamala Harris’s running mate last year, has told The New Yorker that defeat has not deterred him from running for the White House under his own steam in three years.

“Look, I never had an ambition to be president or vice president,” he said.

“I was honored to be asked. If I feel like I can serve, I will.

“And if nationally, people are, like, ‘Dude, we tried you, and look how that worked out,’ I’m good with that.”

Madeline Sherratt reports.

Tim Walz says he may run for president in 2028 despite failure of Harris campaign

Should Donald Trump’s state visit with King Charles go ahead?

13:20 , Joe Sommerlad

Plans for the U.S. president’s state visit have sparked division in the wake of his Oval Office clash with Volodymyr Zelensky.

While Lib Dem leader Ed Davey sees it as an opportunity to secure stronger American commitments on Ukraine, SNP leader John Swinney argues that Britain should not reward a president who has undermined a key ally.

Have your say below.

Tell us if Donald Trump’s state visit should go ahead

Truth Social: Trump says he is ‘the only president who gave none of Ukraine's land to Putin's Russia’

13:00 , Joe Sommerlad

I’m sure Barack Obama and Joe Biden would hotly dispute that they “gave” Russia Ukrainian territory in 2014 and 2022 but there’s certainly an argument that more should have been done to punish Putin’s overseas aggressions in annexing the Crimea and Donbas regions.

Trump has also been promising to “tell it like it is” in tomorrow night’s State of the Union address. Uh oh.

Attorney General Pam Bondi insists more Jeffrey Epstein files are being released – despite disastrous ‘phase 1’

12:50 , Joe Sommerlad

Bondi has again insisted that America will get “the full” Jeffrey Epstein files after the highly-anticipated “first phase” contained no major new allegations about the convicted sex offender nor his associates.

The nation’s top law enforcement officer publicly released about 200 pages of files Thursday, including a series of flight logs from Esptein’s private jet, a partly-redacted “contacts list,” and a fully blacked-out list of “masseuses.”

Later that day, the U.S. Department of Justice accused the FBI of withholding “thousands of pages” of Epstein documents, as Bondi wrote a letter to the bureau’s newly-confirmed director Kash Patel demanding that all material related to the disgraced financier be turned over to her office by Friday morning.

On Saturday, Bondi told Fox News host Mark Levin that Americans will “get the full Epstein files” thanks to Donald Trump being the “most transparent president.”

James Liddell has the latest.

AG Bondi insists more Epstein files are being released – despite disastrous ‘phase 1’

Democrat rebukes Republican ‘wusses’ for failing to stand up to Musk

12:30 , Joe Sommerlad

Elon’s use of Air Force One to ferry his family around is the latest aspect of his role within the administration to provoke disquiet.

Meanwhile, Jasmine Crockett of Texas has lashed out at Republicans for failing to question any of this.

But… Nicole Malliotakis of New York did at least admit to CNN’s Manu Raju over the weekend: “This idea that they’re going to just fire people via Twitter. Elon Musk, that to me seems rash.

“It seems not appropriate.”

Her Georgia colleague Rick McCormick told the same reporter that Musk should be “a bit more compassionate in the way we message this.

“It matters to people. And I want to make sure that we don’t come across as insensitive. We care about people. That’s why we’re making the cuts.”

Just 4% of Americans support Russia in war with Ukraine

12:10 , Joe Sommerlad

The poll, conducted by CBS News and YouGov, found that a slim majority (52 percent) backed Ukraine, though a surprising 44 percent said they supported “neither” side.

Here’s more from Mike Bedigan.

Just 4% of Americans support Russia in war with Ukraine

Trump rants about ‘rape gangs, drug lords and mental institutions’ after Zelensky debacle

11:50 , Joe Sommerlad

Here’s James Liddell with more on the president’s fear-mongering pivot away from Ukraine, which was contradicted by own claims that border crossings are, in fact, down.

Trump says U.S. should spend less time ‘worrying about Putin’ in rant over migrants

Conan O’Brien jokes about ‘standing up to powerful Russian’ at Oscars

11:30 , Joe Sommerlad

The host praised Sean Baker’s Best Picture-winning film about an American sex worker who falls in love with an oligarch’s son with the following remark:

Here’s more from Mike Bedigan.

Oscars’ host Conan O’Brien jokes about ‘standing up to a powerful Russian’

Watch: Saturday Night Live mocks Oval Office showdown as Mike Myers sends up Musk

11:10 , Joe Sommerlad

Trump has been mysteriously quiet about James Austin Johnson’s impersonation of him on SNL but is unlikely to have a sense of humor about it – and Musk is equally likely to be incensed by Myers’ riff on his wannabe edgelord persona.

SNL cold open: Mike Myers crashes Trump Zelensky meeting as Elon Musk

Vance told to ‘go ski in Russia’ as protesters invade his family trip to the slopes

10:50 , Joe Sommerlad

The vice president also attracted his share of flack over the weekend, with crowds lining Route 100 near the Sugarbush ski resort in Waitsfield, Vermont, to make their feelings known about his behavior in the Oval Office on Friday.

There were some fairly eye-catching signs on display too.

Here’s a report from Rhian Lubin.

JD Vance told to ‘go ski in Russia’ as protesters invade family trip to the slopes

Watch: Ukraine protesters rally outside White House after Trump-Zelensky feud

10:30 , Joe Sommerlad

Hundreds of supporters gathered on Saturday to show solidarity and express their support for the Ukraine president.

Pro-Ukraine protesters rally outside White House after Trump-Zelensky clash

Trump promotes national cryptocurrency reserve

10:10 , Joe Sommerlad

Also on Truth Social, the president yesterday pledged to make the U.S. “the Crypto Capital of the World” by starting a national coin reserve to “elevate this critical industry.”

This coming Friday, the White House is hosting a summit on the sector to bring together CEOs, coin founders and investors, completing an about-turn from Trump on an industry he once rubbished as a “scam.”

Truth Social: Trump says Americans should not worry about Putin, rebukes ex-adviser McMaster and cheers border crossing win

09:50 , Joe Sommerlad

In his latest posts to his social media platform, the president has said citizens should be more concerned about “migrant rape gangs, drug lords, murderers, and people from mental institutions entering our country” than about the Russian leader, an attempt to pivot the conversation back towards immigration.

He also attacked his former national security adviser HR McMaster for saying in a TV interview that Putin “couldn’t be happier” with recent developments, labelling McMaster, whom he originally hired, “a weak and totally ineffective loser.”

Trump also cheered a 25-year fall in illegal border crossings via Mexico, suggesting that his hardline rhetoric is so far succeeding in deterring people from attempting to enter the United States without permission.

That first post was the president’s first comments on Ukraine since Friday’s diplomatic debacle, other than to post a screenshot capturing the thoughts of one Michael McCune, who turns out to be an Arizona wedding DJ.

Here’s more on that from Rhian Lubin.

Trump shares Truth Social post from Tucson wedding DJ to back-up new Ukraine policy

Donald Trump has turned White House into ‘arm of the Kremlin’, says senator

09:30 , Joe Sommerlad

Donald Trump has been accused of turning the White House into “an arm of the Kremlin” by Democratic Senator Chris Murphy in the wake of last week’s disastrous Oval Office meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, which saw the Ukrainian president rebuked by the president and his deputy JD Vance for “gambling with World War Three” and failing to express gratitude for American aid.

Murphy called the clash – which caused Zelensky to leave early without signing a lucrative rare earth minerals deal – “absolutely shameful” and accused Trump of seeking to “transition America into a kleptocratic oligarchy” as the reverberations from the incident continue to be felt around the world.

While European leaders meeting in London over the weekend rallied around Zelensky, Trump officials Mike Waltz and Tulsi Gabbard echoed the president’s attack on the Sunday political shows.

For his part, Zelensky himself has insisted that the blow-up did not mark the end of American support for Ukraine or its involvement in the quest for peace.

Here’s more from Namita Singh.

Zelensky says diplomacy for peace will include America

Starmer knows Ukraine must avoid a ceasefire in any peace talks - and it will test Trump’s loyalty to his allies

09:00 , Sam Kiley

Britain’s prime minister has no choice. In saying “I do not think the US is an unreliable ally”, Sir Keir Starmer is showing that hope is winning over recent experience. Whether he is being diplomatic, or naïve, will be put to the test when he presents a multinational plan for peace in Ukraine to Donald Trump.

Whatever the French and British-led multinational proposals are, they will have to avoid sliding into the death trap of a ceasefire.

Starmer painstakingly avoided using the dreaded term. But it’s one that would delight Vladimir Putin. And it has already been used by Trump.

Read more:

Starmer knows Ukraine must avoid a ceasefire - it will test Trump’s loyalty to allies

WATCH: Absurd to claim Republicans support Putin, says Speaker Mike Johnson after Trump Zelensky clash

08:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Trump shares Truth Social post from Tucson wedding DJ to back-up new Ukraine policy

07:00 , Rhian Lubin

President Donald Trump has shared a Truth Social post of commentary from a Tuscon-based wedding DJ who praised him for playing Russia and Ukraine “like a master chess player.”

Michael McCune of Arizona has found viral fame after Trump shared excerpts from a Facebook post he shared Friday following the showdown in the Oval Office with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump shared McCune’s words with his nine million Truth Social followers Sunday.

Read more:

Trump shares Truth Social post from Tucson wedding DJ to back-up new Ukraine policy

WATCH: ‘I’m aware of everything,’ Zelensky jokes when asked about reported truce following European leader summit

06:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Prior to Oval Office showdown with Zelensky, US Cyber Command halted operations against Russia, report says

05:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the Pentagon to stop offensive cyberoperations against Russia, according to one current official and two former officials briefed on the matter who spoke to The New York Times.

The order was handed down before Friday’s Oval Office blowup between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The measure appears to be an attempt to encourage Russia to join talks to end its war of aggression in Ukraine. The scope and duration of the order remain unclear as the difference between offensive and defensive cyberoperations is not always apparent.

Read more:

US Cyber Command halts operations against Russia

Full transcript of Zelensky and Trump White House row

04:00 , Mike Bedigan

Moments after saying he wished to be remembered as a “peacekeeper,” Donald Trump launched into a blistering admonishment of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to his face, as members of the press and horrified diplomats looked on.

At points in the barrage of criticism unleashed during Friday’s sit-down, the president was aided by his deputy, JD Vance, who on multiple occasions asked a stone-faced Zelensky if he had ever said “thank you” for U.S. military assistance.

Here’s a full transcript of the fiery exchange, which begins with Trump being asked by a reporter about aligning himself with both Zelensky and Russian president Vladimir Putin:

Full transcript of Zelensky and Trump White House row

AOC calls Elon Musk a ‘leech’ on the public as their tit-for-tat feud continues

03:00 , Rhian Lubin

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez branded Elon Musk a “leech on the public” in her latest jab at the tech billionaire-turned-senior adviser to the president.

Musk has been behind the Department of Government Efficiency sweeping staff cuts, reduced real estate footprint and slashed contracts as the Trump administration aims to eliminate “waste, fraud and abuse.” But the New York Democrat, along with some of her colleagues in Congress, have expressed concern about Musk’s unwieldy overhaul of the federal government.

“This guy is a leech on the public. No matter how many billions he gets in tax cuts and government contracts, it will never be enough for him,” the representative wrote on X Saturday.

Kelly Rissman reports.

AOC calls Elon Musk a ‘leech’ on the public as their tit-for-tat feud continues

U.K. Prime Minister says Europe ‘must do heavy lifting’ as he seizes Ukraine peace talks from Trump

02:00 , Rhian Lubin

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said Europe “must do the heavy lifting” as he seized control of Ukraine peace talks from President Donald Trump.

Starmer said now was “not a moment for more talk, it is time to act” after hosting a summit of 19 leaders from Europe and Nato at Lancaster House, London, with Volodymyr Zelensky to defend Ukraine from further Russian aggression.

Starmer told a press conference that the U.K., France and others had formed “a coalition of the willing” to put together a plan for peace which they will present to Trump – taking away the initiative from the U.S. president who had wanted to impose his own deal.

David Maddox and Millie Cooke report.

Starmer says Europe ‘must do heavy lifting’ on Ukraine peace deal

Canadian WWE fans called ‘terrible’ after loudly protesting Trump at Toronto event

01:30 , Rhian Lubin

WWE fans in Canada have been called ‘terrible’ after voicing their opposition to Donald Trump by booing the U.S. national anthem during the Elimination Chamber show in Toronto on Saturday amid growing tensions between the nations.

The event, which was broadcast live on Netflix, started with a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner sung by Canadian singer Elizabeth Irving.

However, fans in the packed Rogers Centre in Toronto voiced their discontent with the anthem being played in their country, following Trump’s recent rhetoric toward Canada since he returned to office.

Greg Evans reports.

WWE commentator calls Canada a ‘terrible country’ after fans boo US national anthem

Pictured: Trump spent Sunday morning golfing

01:00 , Rhian Lubin

The president was pictured arriving at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach Sunday morning before heading back to the White House later today.

Special government employees come with a 130-day cap. But, no one knows when - or if - Musk will leave

00:30 , Rhian Lubin

With Elon Musk’s status as a “special government employee” comes a limit of 130 days in the executive branch — but now the White House suggests no such limit exists for the tech billionaire.

Musk has led the Department of Government Efficiency on a crash course through the federal government marked by slashed contracts and mass layoffs, which are sometimes followed by prompt re-hirings. The quick cuts have left the American public and members of Congress concerned about the roles of DOGE and Musk.

The time limit of the SpaceX founder’s status — “special government employee” — perhaps provided solace to some that his time in the federal government would be short. The work designation allows for someone to work in the executive branch for a maximum of 130 days during a 365-day period.

A political adviser close to the president told Politico: “There are likely people who are counting the days until 130 days are up and will push against keeping him around, but I just think that’s a losing battle.” Musk is “here to stay.”

Kelly Rissman has the details.

Special government employees have a 130-day cap. But no one knows when Musk will exit

Norway’s government breaks silence after major supplier says it will no longer refuel US Navy ships

00:00 , Rhian Lubin

The Norwegian government has moved to ease concerns regarding the refuelling of US Navy vessels after one company spoke out on social media, saying in the wake of Donald Trump’s showdown with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, it would no longer supply American ships.

"We have seen reports raising concerns about support for U.S. Navy vessels in Norway. This is not in line with the Norwegian government's policy," Norway's Defence Minister Tore Sandvik said in a statement.

"American forces will continue to receive the supply and support they require from Norway," he added. Sandvik issued his statement after privately held Norwegian fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers said that it would stop supplying U.S. Navy ships in response to how Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was treated at the White House on Friday.

Paul Farrell reports.

Norway’s government breaks silence over US Navy refuelling

Zelensky meets King Charles following Trump and Vance Oval Office showdown

Sunday 2 March 2025 23:30 , Rhian Lubin

King Charles has shown his support to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following Friday’s Oval Office showdown.

The wartime leader was pictured with the royal at the Sandringham estate today and met with him for just under an hour immediately after attending a defense summit on Ukraine in London.

JD Vance is emerging as the real power in White House – it could mean a decade of ‘mafia-style malice’ for Europe

Sunday 2 March 2025 23:00 , Rhian Lubin

European leaders have rushed out messages of support for Volodymyr Zelensky and are bustling to London for emergency talks in a “what the heck” moment. Facing them now is how to protect Ukraine. In the long term, it’s the continent itself that’s in danger – from Donald Trump’s attack dog, Sam Kiley writes.

JD Vance is already on the campaign trail for the 2028 elections. If he won, he could be in office for two terms. That means Europe must not merely brace for, but act on, the threat of 12 years of anti-democratic, mafia-style malice, racketeering and downright treachery from a White House now dominated by extremists of spectacular ignorance.

The US vice-presidency has seldom been put to more devastating effect. But it is Vance who is emerging as the biggest voice in the Oval Office. Vance’s focus has been international affairs but his intended audience is entirely domestic. And he has the backing of the richest man in the world along with other billionaire tech bros.

Continue reading...

JD Vance’s ambush of Zelensky shows he could be worse for Europe than Trump

Justin Trudeau will meet with King Charles to discuss Trump's threats to make Canada 51st state

Sunday 2 March 2025 22:30 , AP

Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet with King Charles, the country's head of state, Monday where he will discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to make Canada the 51st state.

The king has come under criticism in Canada for being silent about Trump's threats to annex Canada.

Trudeau said in London on Sunday he will discuss matters of importance to Canadians with Charles and said “nothing seems more important to Canadians right now than standing up for our sovereignty and our independence as a nation.”

Marco Rubio bashes Zelensky for trying to ‘Ukraine-splain’ to Donald Trump

Sunday 2 March 2025 22:00 , Rhian Lubin

Secretary of State Marco Rubio brushed aside complaints from Donald Trump’s critics about the latter’s handling of US-Ukraine relations on Sunday, his first public interview since the US president clashed with Ukraine’s president in the White House.

He also took issue with Ukraine’s president presenting himself in the Oval Office as an expert in his own country’s affairs.

Rubio appeared Sunday for an interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s This Week, where he called on the president’s opponents to “grow up” and recognize that the war in Ukraine risked spilling into a much larger conflict.

John Bowden reports.

Marco Rubio bashes Zelensky for trying to ‘Ukraine-splain’ to Donald Trump

JD Vance told to ‘go ski in Russia’ as protesters invade his family trip to the slopes

Sunday 2 March 2025 21:30 , Rhian Lubin

Vice President JD Vance was greeted by angry protesters on his family vacation in Vermont, who told him to “go ski in Russia.”

Crowds lined Route 100 near the Sugarbush ski resort in Waitsfield where Vance was visiting with his family Saturday to protest following Friday’s explosive Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Protesters in Vermont made it clear how they felt about Vance’s role in the heated exchange, waving Ukrainian flags in support and shouting anti-Russian chants.

Continue reading...

JD Vance told to ‘go ski in Russia’ as protesters invade family trip to the slopes

Meet the Trump impersonators whose business is booming

Sunday 2 March 2025 21:00 , Rhian Lubin

Appearances at parades, golf tournaments and even kids parties.

Mike Bedigan speaks to those who are living the life...of the president.

Read below how business is booming for these Trump impersonators.

The Donald Trump impersonation industry is well and truly booming

Mapped: These states have seen the biggest crackdown on immigration since Trump returned to office

Sunday 2 March 2025 20:30 , Rhian Lubin

Rounded up and detained in facilities largely in the South, a map of where tens of thousands are being held in states across the U.S. paints a striking picture of the vast Trump administration’s hardline immigration crackdown.

With Immigration Customs and Enforcement detention facilities at capacity, The Independent’s map shines a light on where 43,759 people are being held in the centers across the country as of February 8 — and more than half do not hold criminal records, according to data collected by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse.

Many will have to wait in the facilities for weeks and, in some cases, months before their cases proceed.

Read the full report by Rhian Lubin and Alicja Hagopian.

These states hold the most immigration detainees since Trump’s crackdown

President shares Truth Social post saying 'Zelensky will have no choice but to back down' and accept 'Trump's terms'

Sunday 2 March 2025 20:02 , Rhian Lubin

President Donald Trump has shared a Truth Social post where he says “Zelensky will have no choice but to back down and accept Trump’s terms.”

The president shared a social media post by Facebook user Michael McCune.

Senior DOJ official resigns because of a ‘toxic work environment’ within the agency

Sunday 2 March 2025 19:30 , Rhian Lubin

A top Department of Justice official, spokesperson Joshua Stueve, has resigned because of a “toxic work environment within the agency.

Stueve has served in administrations headed by both parties, but resigned in a bombshell letter to the department’s leadership this week.

“Simply put, I cannot continue to serve in such a hostile and toxic work environment, one where leadership at the highest levels makes clear we are not welcomed or valued, much less trusted to do our jobs,” Stueve wrote in part.

Read on for the details.

Senior DOJ official resigns because of ‘toxic work environment’

These Republicans loved Trump and Vance’s attack on Zelensky

Sunday 2 March 2025 19:00 , Rhian Lubin

While a number of Republicans and a large contingent of traditional U.S. allies have expressed outrage at the White House blowup between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, some Republicans rejoiced at the controversial spectacle.

Despite worldwide condemnation of Trump and Vance’s behavior, many Republicans from around the country were delighted with the showing and used the furore as an opportunity to commend the 47th president.

MAGA Republicans in Congress said the meeting showed off the “America First” point of view. Others saw it as a reason to end American aid to Ukraine.

Gustaf Kilander reports.

These Republicans loved Trump and Vance’s attack on Zelensky

Nearly 15,000 will have died already because of Trump and Musk’s cuts to USAID, advocacy program claims

Sunday 2 March 2025 18:30 , Rhian Lubin

Nearly 15,000 will have died already because of Trump and Musk’s cuts to USAID, advocacy program claims

Nearly 15,000 people - including more than 1,500 children - are estimated to have died already because of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s savage cuts to USAID, according to an advocacy program tracker.

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the global health program funded by USAID that includes HIV treatment, testing and prevention drug distribution, has saved more than 25 million lives since it began in 2003 under former President George W. Bush.

A tracker compiled by the HIV Modeling Consortium – a network of epidemiologists, modelers, health economists and policymakers – charts the impact of the Trump administration’s freeze on funding for the AIDS’ program.

Read the full story.

Nearly 15,000 will have died already because of Trump cuts to USAID, program claims

Donald Trump signs executive order making English official language of U.S.

Sunday 2 March 2025 18:00 , Rhian Lubin

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring English the official language of the United States, reversing a policy from the Clinton administration.

The order, signed on Saturday, grants federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funds the autonomy to decide whether they will continue offering services and documents in languages other than English.

This effectively rescinds a mandate established by former President Bill Clinton that required these entities to provide language assistance to individuals who do not speak English.

Continue reading...

Trump signs order designating English as the official language of the US

Watch: Protesters line streets of Vermont where JD Vance takes ski vacation after Zelensky clash

Sunday 2 March 2025 17:30 , Lucy Leeson

JD Vance protesters line the streets of Vermont as the vice president takes a ski vacation following his clash with Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Footage filmed by local residents captures protesters lining Route 100 in Waitsfield on Saturday (1 March). They can be heard cheering and can be seen holding anti-Donald Trump signs.

Mike Myers hits back at Donald Trump’s Canada jibes on Saturday Night Live

Sunday 2 March 2025 17:00 , Rhian Lubin

Mike Myers took a swipe at Donald Trump’s calls to make Canada the “51st state” during an appearance on Saturday Night Live.

The comic, who hails from Toronto, appeared in the comedy show’s curtain call on Saturday (1 March) after making a surprise cameo in the opening sketch, playing Elon Musk.

Standing with host Shane Gillis and musical guest Tate McRae, the 61-year-old SNL alumnus wore a black t-shirt featuring the slogan “Canada is not for sale” alongside his home nation’s red and white flag.

Kelly Rissman has the details.

Mike Myers hits back at Donald Trump’s Canada jibes on Saturday Night Live

U.K.'s PM says he trusts Trump wants lasting peace in Ukraine

Sunday 2 March 2025 16:30 , Rhian Lubin

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he trusts President Donald Trump and stated the he trusts that Trump wants lasting peace in Ukraine.

The prime minister said he trusts both Trump and Ukraine President Volodymr Zelensky when he appeared on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg today.

Pressed on why he trusts Trump, Starmer said: “Because I’ve spoken to him a number of times. I’ve got to know him. I’ve had extensive discussions with him and I believe his motivation is lasting peace.”

Watch the clip below.

Anti-DOGE protests at Tesla stores target Elon Musk's bottom line

Sunday 2 March 2025 16:00 , AP

Demonstrators gathered outside Tesla stores across the U.S. over the weekend to protest the automaker's billionaire CEO, Elon Musk, and his push to slash government spending on behalf of President Donald Trump.

The demonstrations are part of a growing backlash in North America and Europe to Musk's disruptive role in Washington.

Critics of Trump and Musk hope to discourage and stigmatize purchases of Tesla, the electric car company that is the world's most valuable automaker.

Liberal groups for weeks have organized anti-Tesla protests in hopes of galvanizing opposition to Musk's Department of Government Efficiency and energizing Democrats still demoralized by Trump's November victory.

Continue reading...

Anti-DOGE protests at Tesla stores target Elon Musk's bottom line

JD Vance says U.S. 'can't sustain' sending military equipment to Ukraine

Sunday 2 March 2025 15:30 , Rhian Lubin

Vice President JD Vance says the U.S. “can’t sustain indefinitely” sending military equipment to Ukraine following the explosive meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump.

Vance was responding to a post on X which shared an excerpt from a New York Times article.

The vice president disagreed with the sentiment: “The actual issue at hand is whether we should continue to send military equipment to Ukraine which is something we can clearly sustain indefinitely.”

“Actually, we can’t,” Vance replied.

Special government employees come with a 130-day cap. But, no one knows when - or if - Musk will leave

Sunday 2 March 2025 15:00 , Rhian Lubin

With Elon Musk’s status as a “special government employee” comes a limit of 130 days in the executive branch — but now the White House suggests no such limit exists for the tech billionaire.

Musk has led the Department of Government Efficiency on a crash course through the federal government marked by slashed contracts and mass layoffs, which are sometimes followed by prompt re-hirings. The quick cuts have left the American public and members of Congress concerned about the roles of DOGE and Musk.

The time limit of the SpaceX founder’s status — “special government employee” — perhaps provided solace to some that his time in the federal government would be short. The work designation allows for someone to work in the executive branch for a maximum of 130 days during a 365-day period.

Kelly Rissman reports.

Special government employees have a 130-day cap. But no one knows when Musk will exit

SNL cold open: Mike Myers Crashes Trump Zelensky meeting as Elon Musk

Sunday 2 March 2025 14:16 , Rhian Lubin

In Trump’s 1.0 his decisions left an impact on National Parks that would be felt for centuries. He just did it again

Sunday 2 March 2025 13:00 , Rhian Lubin

The last time America’s national parks were impacted by the Trump administration, the effects were so devastating experts said it would take as many as 300 years to recover.

In 2019, a federal government shutdown lasted 35 days. It resulted in massively destructive impacts to America's national parks, including closures and vandalism, as parks were left without rangers. The iconic trees at California’s Joshua Tree National Park were damaged and chopped down as guests ran wild. Conservationists said that recovery could take centuries.

With the recent seasonal hiring freeze and unceremonious layoffs at the agency during President Donald Trump’s second term, parks leaders say similar situations could happen again.

Julia Musto reports.

Experts warn parkgoers to ‘lessen their expectations’ after Trump cuts to agency

Elon Musk says it's 'mandatory' federal workers reply to productivity emails

Sunday 2 March 2025 12:00 , Rhian Lubin

Elon Musk said it is “mandatory” that federal workers respond to the second email demanding they account for their past working week in five bullet points.

The latest emails are beginning to arrive seven days after a similar request from the Donald Trump administration’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sparked widespread chaos and confusion across Washington, D.C.

This time, emails are being sent from individual agencies rather than OPM.

In Trump’s 1.0 his decisions left an impact on National Parks that would be felt for centuries. He just did it again

Sunday 2 March 2025 12:00 , Rhian Lubin

The last time America’s national parks were impacted by the Trump administration, the effects were so devastating experts said it would take as many as 300 years to recover.

In 2019, a federal government shutdown lasted 35 days. It resulted in massively destructive impacts to America's national parks, including closures and vandalism, as parks were left without rangers. The iconic trees at California’s Joshua Tree National Park were damaged and chopped down as guests ran wild. Conservationists said that recovery could take centuries.

With the recent seasonal hiring freeze and unceremonious layoffs at the agency during President Donald Trump’s second term, parks leaders say similar situations could happen again.

Julia Musto reports.

Experts warn parkgoers to ‘lessen their expectations’ after Trump cuts to agency

Senior DOJ official resigns because of a ‘toxic work environment’ within the agency

Sunday 2 March 2025 11:00 , Rhian Lubin

A top Department of Justice official, spokesperson Joshua Stueve, has resigned because of a “toxic work environment within the agency.

Stueve has served in administrations headed by both parties, but resigned in a bombshell letter to the department’s leadership this week.

“Simply put, I cannot continue to serve in such a hostile and toxic work environment, one where leadership at the highest levels makes clear we are not welcomed or valued, much less trusted to do our jobs,” Stueve wrote in part.

Read on for the details.

Senior DOJ official resigns because of ‘toxic work environment’

ICYMI: Keir Starmer reassures Zelensky after Trump showdown

Sunday 2 March 2025 10:00 , Rhian Lubin

Nearly 15,000 will have died already because of Trump and Musk’s cuts to USAID, advocacy program claims

Sunday 2 March 2025 01:00 , Rhian Lubin

Nearly 15,000 people - including more than 1,500 children - are estimated to have died already because of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s savage cuts to USAID, according to an advocacy program tracker.

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the global health program funded by USAID that includes HIV treatment, testing and prevention drug distribution, has saved more than 25 million lives since it began in 2003 under former President George W. Bush.

A tracker compiled by the HIV Modeling Consortium – a network of epidemiologists, modelers, health economists and policymakers – charts the impact of the Trump administration’s freeze on funding for the AIDS’ program.

Read the full story.

Nearly 15,000 will have died already because of Trump cuts to USAID, program claims

Watch: Keir Starmer’s reassuring words to Volodymyr Zelensky after Donald Trump and JD Vance clash

Sunday 2 March 2025 00:30 , Rhian Lubin

Meanwhile, Zelensky is in the U.K. seeking reassurance from Prime Minister Keir Starmer following Friday’s heated meeting with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

These Republicans loved Trump and Vance’s attack on Zelensky

Sunday 2 March 2025 00:00 , Rhian Lubin

While a number of Republicans and a large contingent of traditional U.S. allies have expressed outrage at the White House blowup between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, some Republicans rejoiced at the controversial spectacle.

Despite worldwide condemnation of Trump and Vance’s behavior, many Republicans from around the country were delighted with the showing and used the furore as an opportunity to commend the 47th president.

MAGA Republicans in Congress said the meeting showed off the “America First” point of view. Others saw it as a reason to end American aid to Ukraine.

Gustaf Kilander reports.

These Republicans loved Trump and Vance’s attack on Zelensky