Top BBC bosses resign after criticism of the broadcaster’s editing of a Trump speech
The head of the BBC and the British broadcaster’s top news executive both resigned Sunday after criticism of the way the organization edited a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump. The BBC said Director-General Tim Davie and news CEO Deborah Turness had both decided to leave the corporation. Britain’s publicly funded national broadcaster has been criticized for editing a speech Trump made on Jan. 6, 2021, before protesters attacked the Capitol in Washington. Critics said the way the speech was edited for a BBC documentary last year was misleading and cut out a section where Trump said he wanted supporters to demonstrate peacefully. A clip of the BBC “Panorama” episode shared by The Daily Telegraph appears to show different parts of Trump’s speech edited into one quote. In the episode, Trump is shown saying: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol and I’ll be there with you. And we fight. We fight like hell.”According to video and a transcript from Trump’s comments that day, he said: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol, and we’re going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and we’re probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them.“Because you’ll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength and you have to be strong. We have come to demand that Congress do the right thing and only count the electors who have been lawfully slated, lawfully slated. “I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard.” Nearly an hour later, Trump used the phrase “we fight like hell” toward the end of his speech, but without referencing the Capitol. “We fight like hell. And if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore,” Trump said then. In a letter to staff, Davie said quitting the job after five years “is entirely my decision.”
Trump slaps additional 100 percent tariff on China
Intensifying trade tensions with China, US President Donald Trump announced a 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods in response to Beijing’s export policy of tightening its control over critical minerals and rare earth elements—key resources vital to global technology and defense industries. Trump further clarified on his earlier comments regarding his planned meeting with Xi, saying he had not officially canceled the summit. Trump revealed the tariff increase via Truth Social, stating the new duties would take effect on November 1, or possibly sooner. These tariffs would supersede the existing duties on Chinese goods, which have been in place since the previous trade conflict. Additionally, Trump announced his administration would implement export controls on “any and all critical software,” in response to China’s tightened grip on rare earth exports. “It is impossible to believe that China would have taken such an action, but they have, and the rest is history,” Trump posted on Truth Social. However, he expressed surprise at China’s sudden imposition of the export restrictions, calling them “out of the blue.” Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump added, “No, I haven’t canceled. However, I’m not sure if we’ll have it. I’ll be there regardless. I would assume we might have it, but they hit the world with something. It was shocking. Out of the blue, they came up with this whole import-export concept, and nobody knew anything about it.” Trump reiterated that the additional tariffs and export controls would be imposed in retaliation for what he described as Beijing’s “extraordinarily aggressive” actions. The tariffs, effective November 1, will target a wide range of Chinese goods, exacerbating the already tense trade relationship between the two nations. Stock markets reacted negatively to the news, with the Nasdaq falling 3.6% and the S&P 500 dropping 2.7 pc. China introduced new restrictions this week that require foreign entities to obtain licenses to export any products containing more than 0.1 percent rare earth elements sourced from or processed in China. China currently controls approximately 70 percent of the world’s supply of rare earth metals, which are essential for a wide range of technologies, from smartphones to military equipment. Currently, Chinese goods face US tariffs of 30 pc, a measure Trump implemented during his first term, accusing Beijing of enabling the fentanyl trade and engaging in unfair trade practices. Earlier in the week, Trump stated there was “no reason to meet” with Xi Jinping after Beijing’s “very hostile” actions regarding rare earth exports. He warned that the US was preparing to respond with “strong countermeasures.” When asked if the US would revoke the additional tariffs if China rolled back its restrictions, Trump responded, “We’ll have to see what happens. That’s why I made it November 1.” Trump also hinted at further export controls, suggesting that aircraft parts could be among the items targeted by the US. “A lot more. We have airplanes and their parts. We were just surprised by China. I have a very good relationship with President Xi, and they did that. This is not something that I instigated. This was just a response to something they did. And they didn’t really aim it at us. They aimed it at the whole world. I thought it was very, very bad,” he said. The tariffs will be in addition to those already in place, marking a significant escalation in the trade standoff. Trump also reaffirmed that export controls on all critical software will begin on the same day.
US Tech Giants Urge H-1B Workers to Stay Amid Trump Visa Fee Hike
U.S. multinational companies including Meta, Amazon, Microsoft and JPMorgan Chase have urged their employees holding H-1B visas to remain in the United States, as uncertainty grows following President Donald Trump’s new directive raising the cost of such visas. Emails sent to employees this week, reviewed by Reuters, instructed H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return to the U.S. by Sunday or avoid international travel until further notice. Microsoft, in a message to its staff, said, “We are asking those on H-1B and H-4 visas to return to the United States within the specified time frame.” JPMorgan has gone further, advising workers not to leave the country at all until the company receives additional guidance. The companies have not explained the move, but industry observers believe it is tied to Trump’s latest executive order. Signed Friday, the directive imposes a $100,000 annual fee — roughly 8.8 million rupees — for companies employing workers on H-1B visas. The H-1B program, a nonimmigrant visa system, allows U.S. firms to hire skilled foreign workers, many of them from India and China. While the new policy does not ban the visa outright, labor experts say the steep fee is intended to discourage companies from sponsoring foreign talent. The technology sector, heavily reliant on international hires, could face a major disruption. According to government data, Amazon employs more H-1B workers than any other U.S. company, with more than 10,000 staff on the visa. Tata Consultancy Services follows with 5,505, while Microsoft employs 5,189, Meta 5,123, Apple 4,202 and Google 4,181. Industry leaders have yet to comment publicly on the White House’s announcement, but labor analysts warn that higher costs could slow recruitment of overseas professionals and intensify an already competitive U.S. job market for tech skills. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the measure, saying the administration consulted “all major U.S. multinationals” before finalizing the decision. “This is about ensuring American workers are prioritized while companies contribute fairly to the system,” Lutnick said. The H-1B visa has long been a political flashpoint in Washington. Supporters argue the program supplies essential talent to keep U.S. companies globally competitive, while critics contend it undercuts American workers by lowering wages. For now, thousands of foreign professionals and their families are scrambling to comply with employers’ instructions, hoping to secure their legal status before the new rules take effect.
Trump Pushes for Return of U.S. Control Over Key Afghan Air Base; Taliban Rejects Demand
Four years after the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, former President Donald Trump has called for Washington to regain control of the Bagram air base, a demand swiftly rejected by the Taliban. The Trump camp said Thursday that the former president has long sought the return of the sprawling facility, once America’s largest military installation in the region. Trump argued that Bagram is strategically vital to counter China’s growing influence and to monitor rivals across South and Central Asia. “We simply handed over the base to the Taliban for free,” Trump said, describing the site as “the biggest air base in the world” with a 3,600-meter runway capable of handling everything from cargo planes to bombers. He added that its location, less than an hour from China’s missile production sites, makes it critical for U.S. defense interests. The former president also noted that Bagram would provide the U.S. with an advantage in keeping watch over Russia. The Taliban, however, dismissed the idea. Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zakir Jalal, wrote on social media that Washington should seek “friendly relations” with Kabul but ruled out any American troop presence. “There is no place for U.S. forces in Afghanistan,” Jalal said. “We want diplomatic and economic ties with the United States, but only on the basis of mutual respect.” Located north of Kabul, Bagram has a long and controversial history. Soviet forces first used it as a launchpad during their 1979 invasion, and later it became the hub of America’s two-decade-long war in Afghanistan. The site also housed a notorious prison where thousands were detained without charges. When the U.S. withdrew in 2021 under the Biden administration, the base was handed over to the Taliban. Trump had strongly opposed the pullout at the time and has since accused Beijing of exerting control over the site.
Trump Calls Modi on 75th Birthday, Thanks Him for Support on Ukraine Peace Efforts
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend birthday greetings on his 75th birthday, in a move viewed as part of Washington’s efforts to reset ties with New Delhi. In a post on social media, Modi expressed gratitude for Trump’s call and emphasized their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. “Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday,” Modi wrote. “Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-U.S. Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights.” Trump, who returned to the White House earlier this year, also highlighted Modi’s role in global diplomacy. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said, “Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine!” The U.S. president signed off the message with “President DJT,” underscoring the personal tone of the outreach. “We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict,” he added. Trump’s phone call, which came a day before Modi officially turned 75, was widely seen as a gesture aimed at reaffirming Washington’s strategic partnership with New Delhi amid shifting global alignments. India has maintained relations with both Moscow and Washington during the Russia-Ukraine war, often positioning itself as a potential mediator. The conversation between the two leaders is expected to reinforce cooperation in areas ranging from defense and trade to regional security in the Indo-Pacific. While officials did not disclose details of the discussion, Trump’s direct acknowledgment of India’s diplomatic efforts on Ukraine signaled Washington’s interest in engaging New Delhi on broader global issues.
Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot at Utah Campus Event; Trump Calls It a ‘Dark Moment for America’
Conservative activist and prominent Trump ally Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, prompting grief, outrage and a massive law enforcement manhunt for the shooter. He was 31. Utah authorities said the shooting appeared to be a “targeted attack,” with the fatal shot believed to have been fired from the roof of a campus building into a courtyard where Kirk was addressing about 3,000 people. Kirk, who founded the conservative group Turning Point USA at age 18 and was known as a close ally of former President Donald Trump and his family, was married and the father of two young children. “This heinous assassination fills me with grief and anger,” Trump said in a video message posted late Wednesday. Calling the killing “a dark moment for America,” Trump urged authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrator to justice. Two people initially detained near the scene were later released. Utah’s Department of Public Safety said they had “no current ties” to the attack. The shooter remains at large. The university was immediately placed on lockdown as heavily armed officers swept the area. Six campus security officers were on duty at the event, along with members of Kirk’s private security detail. A video circulating online showed Kirk fielding a question about mass shootings moments before a gunshot rang out, sending the crowd screaming and ducking for cover. Press Verify reviewed another clip suggesting the shot originated from a rooftop overlooking the outdoor quad. The killing has roiled political leaders in Washington. The House of Representatives held a moment of silence, but it quickly erupted into partisan shouting. Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert demanded aloud prayers for Kirk, saying, “silent prayers get silent results.” Several Democrats shouted back, “What about the kids in Colorado?” — a reference to a high school shooting that occurred the same day. First Lady Melania Trump also paid tribute, writing on X that Kirk’s children would now grow up with “stories instead of memories, photographs instead of laughter, and silence where their father’s voice should have echoed.” She said his life should serve as a reminder that “compassionate awareness elevates family, love, and country.” As the investigation continues, officials stressed that the community should remain vigilant. “This shooting is still an active investigation,” the Department of Public Safety said. “We are doing everything possible to track down the suspect.”
Hindus Outraged by Trump Adviser Navarro’s ‘Anti-Brahmin’ Remark
Hindu groups in the United States are demanding the removal of Donald Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro after he made remarks accusing India’s Brahmin community of profiteering from discounted Russian oil, sparking a storm of criticism both in the US and India. Speaking at a recent policy discussion, Navarro claimed that India was acting as a “laundry for the Kremlin,” purchasing crude oil from Russia at discounted prices, refining it, and then selling it to Europe at a profit. In his comments, he singled out “Brahmins,” suggesting they were reaping the benefits of the trade “at the expense of the Indian people.” “India is nothing more than a laundromat for the Kremlin… you’ve helped the Brahmins profit at the expense of ordinary Indians. This has to stop,” Navarro said, without clarifying why he referred specifically to the Brahmin community. The remark has been met with strong backlash from Hindu advocacy groups in the United States, who accuse Navarro of fueling caste-based divisions and displaying what they describe as “colonial arrogance.” Ajay Shah, executive director of the Washington-based advocacy group HinduPACT, called the comment “pure Hinduphobia.” “This has nothing to do with foreign policy,” Shah said. “It is a divisive remark targeting Hindus with a colonial mindset.” Deepthi Mahajan, president of the same organization, added: “If Navarro was addressing Hindus as a community, this is religious bigotry. If he was addressing India’s leadership, it is a diplomatic misstep. Either way, the statement is reckless.” The controversy has spilled over into Indian political circles as well. On X, Indian parliamentarian Sagarika Ghosh sought to contextualize the comment, noting that the phrase “Boston Brahmins” was historically used in the United States to describe wealthy elites. “Even today, some English speakers use ‘Brahmin’ as a shorthand for the rich,” Ghosh explained, suggesting Navarro’s usage may have drawn from that lineage. Still, Hindu groups argue the impact of his words is deeply damaging. “This is an attempt to sow divisions among Hindus,” Shah said. “We reject this rhetoric and call for his immediate dismissal from the Trump campaign.” Navarro, who has been a close adviser to Trump since his first administration, also criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. “I don’t understand why the world’s largest democracy would choose to stand with Putin and Xi,” he said. With Trump campaigning for a return to the White House in 2025, Navarro’s remarks threaten to strain relations with Indian-American voters, many of whom see his words as inflammatory and divisive.
Melania Trump Sends Personal Letter to Vladimir Putin During Alaska Summit
US First Lady Melania Trump has written a personal letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was handed over by her husband, former US President Donald Trump, during his meeting with the Russian leader in Alaska, according to White House sources. While officials US First Lady Melania Trump has written a personal letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was handed over by her husband, former US President Donald Trump, during his meeting with the Russian leader in Alaska, according to White House sources. While officials declined to reveal the full contents of the letter, it is understood that Mrs Trump raised concerns about the plight of children affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine. She is said to have urged the Russian leader to consider the suffering of minors displaced or separated from their families due to the conflict. The issue of children caught up in the war has long been one of its most sensitive aspects. Kyiv has accused Moscow of forcibly transferring hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia or Russian-occupied territories without parental consent, describing the practice as a war crime. Moscow has defended its actions, insisting it relocated vulnerable children from active war zones for their own safety. The United Nations’ human rights office has condemned Russia’s actions, accusing it of violating international law and depriving children of their rights. Friday’s meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Putin, which lasted nearly three hours, did not produce a ceasefire agreement. However, both leaders described the talks as “constructive.” Mr Trump suggested that the next step lay with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, advising him to pursue direct negotiations with Moscow. A potential meeting between Mr Putin and Mr Zelensky is now being considered, with Mr Trump indicating he may also be present. Following the Alaska summit, President Putin praised Mr Trump’s “friendly” approach and expressed hope that peace could eventually be restored in Ukraine. Check important plight of children affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine. She is said to have urged the Russian leader to consider the suffering of minors displaced or separated from their families due to the conflict. The issue of children caught up in the war has long been one of its most sensitive aspects. Kyiv has accused Moscow of forcibly transferring hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia or Russian-occupied territories without parental consent, describing the practice as a war crime. Moscow has defended its actions, insisting it relocated vulnerable children from active war zones for their own safety. The United Nations’ human rights office has condemned Russia’s actions, accusing it of violating international law and depriving children of their rights. Friday’s meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Putin, which lasted nearly three hours, did not produce a ceasefire agreement. However, both leaders described the talks as “constructive.” Mr Trump suggested that the next step lay with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, advising him to pursue direct negotiations with Moscow. A potential meeting between Mr Putin and Mr Zelensky is now being considered, with Mr Trump indicating he may also be present. Following the Alaska summit, President Putin praised Mr Trump’s “friendly” approach and expressed hope that peace could eventually be restored in Ukraine.
Modi May Meet Trump During UN General Assembly Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet US President Donald Trump next month during a potential visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Indian Express reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not confirmed the visit, and a spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. An Indian official familiar with the planning said no final decision had been made, noting that the provisional list of speakers at the UNGA’s General Debate — which includes Modi on September 26 — is subject to revisions. “The list will go through changes,” the official said. “It has not been decided yet if the Prime Minister will attend.” The 78th session of the UN General Assembly will open on September 9 in New York, with the high-level debate involving heads of state and government scheduled from September 23 to 29. While the official purpose of Modi’s potential visit would be to address the UN gathering, the Indian Express report suggests a key aim would be to hold bilateral talks with Trump. The discussions would likely focus on trade and tariff disputes that have strained relations between New Delhi and Washington over the past year. Tensions rose after the United States withdrew India’s preferential trade status under the Generalized System of Preferences in 2019, citing lack of reciprocal market access. India responded with retaliatory tariffs on certain US goods. While both sides have sought to keep strategic and defence cooperation unaffected, trade remains a sticking point. If the meeting materialises, it would come amid a busy diplomatic season for both leaders. Trump is heading into a re-election campaign, while Modi is keen to project India’s role as a rising global player and maintain strong US ties in the face of China’s growing influence. Modi and Trump last met in Osaka, Japan, on the sidelines of the G20 summit, where they pledged to resolve trade issues “soon.” Whether next month’s UNGA sidelines will offer that breakthrough remains uncertain.
Trump, Zelensky and EU leaders hold talks ahead of Putin summit
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosted an online meeting on Tuesday with U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders to discuss the war in Ukraine, ahead of Trump’s planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week. Zelensky joined Merz in Berlin for the virtual talks, which the White House described as a “listening exercise,” appearing to play down expectations for any immediate breakthrough in efforts to end the 30-month-old conflict. Trump is scheduled to meet Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday. Speaking ahead of the summit, Zelensky said Ukraine would not cede territory in the east to Russia, warning that abandoning the Donbas region would embolden Moscow to “start a third war” in the country. Ukrainian officials have said Russia is massing troops for a new offensive, expected to begin by September. In a statement posted on Telegram, Zelensky called on Ukraine’s allies to “put pressure on Russia for an honest peace,” adding that there is “currently no sign that the Russians are preparing to end the war.” “We must learn from the experience of Ukraine and our partners to prevent deception by Russia,” he said. “By working together, Ukraine, the U.S., Europe and other allied nations can definitely force Russia to make peace.” Western leaders have reiterated their support for Kyiv, but diplomatic efforts have so far failed to produce a viable framework for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
