Trump Criticizes NATO Allies Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions at Ankara Summit
Donald Trump sharply criticized NATO allies during a summit in Ankara, as escalating tensions between the US and Iran threatened to overshadow the event. Following an overnight confrontation between US and Iranian forces, Trump declared the Iran ceasefire "over" and targeted NATO members for their lack of support in his campaign against Tehran.
He also reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, describing European opposition as a "big problem."
"I’m very upset with Nato... because of what they did with Greenland, and... because of the fact that they didn’t want to help us with the number one state sponsor of terror, that’s Iran," Trump said.
Trump singled out Spain for criticism, labeling it a "terrible partner in Nato" and stating,
"Spain is a wasted cause. We don’t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore,"referencing disputes over Madrid’s defense spending and instructing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to "cut it off." He also emphasized his continued desire for Denmark’s territory of Greenland.
"Greenland is a big problem for us," he told reporters. "It was very important for the United States, but it’s not important for Denmark. We need it for protection of the world, not just the United States... it doesn’t help Denmark but it helps us."
Trump Escalates Warnings of 'Communist Takeover' in Democratic Party Ahead of Midterms
President Trump has intensified his rhetoric about a "communist takeover" of the Democratic Party ahead of November’s midterm elections, as his political team evaluates whether this message resonates beyond his core supporters.
Preliminary focus group findings indicate the message strongly energizes Trump’s base and could increase turnout among infrequent Republican voters, according to two individuals familiar with the matter. However, it appears less effective with independents—often decisive in close contests—and younger voters unfamiliar with the Cold War era.
The success of democratic socialists and other progressive candidates in Democratic primaries across Colorado, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Texas, and elsewhere has provided Trump and fellow Republicans with a new line of attack, portraying Democrats as extreme rather than defending Trump’s record on addressing the high cost of living.
A analysis of Trump’s public comments from 23 June to 6 July—during which several left-wing Democratic candidates won primaries in New York—found he invoked communism 81 times, including calling some victorious candidates "hardcore, godless communists."
Republican Leaders Address Speculation Over Mitch McConnell’s Health Amid Growing Concerns
Republican leaders have sought to quell speculation surrounding Mitch McConnell, the former Republican leader in the US Senate, amid increasing unrest over his health.
The 84-year-old Kentucky senator, who led Senate Republicans longer than anyone in history before stepping down last year, was hospitalized on 14 June. However, his office declined to disclose details regarding his treatment.
The lack of information sparked backlash from Donald Trump’s support base, with some alleging McConnell’s condition is more serious than acknowledged and accusing his office of a cover-up.
On Tuesday, Senator John Thune, McConnell’s successor as Republican leader, attempted to calm concerns by stating he had spoken by phone with McConnell on Monday. A spokesperson for Thune said,
"They had a lengthy and substantive conversation that covered a variety of topics, including national security."
Senate Republican whip John Barrasso also commented. Kate Noyes, spokesperson for the Wyoming senator, said on Tuesday,
"Senator Barrasso and Senator McConnell had a lengthy conversation early this afternoon. Their phone call lasted roughly 20 minutes."
Succession Battle Underway as Bernie Sanders Calls for Platner to Withdraw from Maine Senate Race
Welcome to the live blog.
The contest to replace Graham Platner is already underway as Senator Bernie Sanders became the latest prominent figure to call for the scandal-plagued Democratic nominee to step down.
Sanders, an independent senator from Vermont, urged Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race, citing "very serious allegations" of sexual assault, just hours before Platner faced another accusation of sexual misconduct.
"I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for ," Sanders said in a statement on Tuesday. "In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside."
While Platner has denied the latest allegations reported by Politico and later by the Washington Post, the initial report prompted a wave of prominent Democrats to urge him to stand aside as the party’s nominee in the consequential Senate contest.
By Tuesday night, executive director Devon Murphy-Anderson released a video stating the party is developing an "open, inclusive, transparent and fair" process but will not disclose details until Platner formally withdraws. Murphy-Anderson accused Platner’s team of repeatedly attempting to "put their thumb on the scale."
"We have repeatedly reiterated to Graham Platner’s team that they have no role in determining our next Democratic nominee for the US Senate, nor in determining what this process looks like," she said.
According to the Politico report published Monday, Jenny Racicot, 41, who previously dated Platner, alleged he forced her to have sex despite repeated objections. Racicot said the incident, which she described as occurring five years ago while Platner was heavily intoxicated, was denied by Platner.
Separately, Donald Trump has revived his bid for the US to acquire Greenland, threatening to withdraw all American armed forces from Europe after repeated pushback from the continent. Upon arriving at the NATO summit in Ankara, the US president suggested his commitment to defending Europe had been tempered by political decisions made by leaders on immigration and energy.
In other news, a federal appeals panel struck down a significant portion of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s so-called Stop Woke Act, delivering another setback to the Republican’s efforts to restrict free speech in higher education. Judges of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal ruled that the higher education component of the law—which prohibited college and university professors from teaching or sharing thoughts on concepts of race and gender—violated the free expression rights guaranteed under the US Constitution’s First Amendment.
Additionally, 95% of Americans believe the US is experiencing an affordability crisis, with many reporting difficulties affording groceries and gas, according to an exclusive new poll conducted for by Harris Poll. The survey paints a bleak picture of public sentiment regarding the US economy amid the war in Iran and ahead of the critical midterm elections this fall.
