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Why is Trump now defending TikTok in the US after trying to ban it?

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Why is Trump now defending TikTok in the US after trying to ban it?

Why is Trump now defending TikTok in the US after trying to ban it?

Washington, US (SCMP) – Former United States president Donald Trump has markedly changed his tune on TikTok, the popular short-video app that he once sought to ban over concerns about its Chinese ownership.

Throughout his term in the White House and in the run-up to the 2024 US presidential election, the presumptive Republican nominee with a reputation for mercurial moves has repeatedly touted his toughness on Beijing, citing trade tariffs he pushed the US to impose on China that remain in place.

But as legislation that could ban the social media platform from the US moves at lightning speed through Congress, he has now spoken out against such an action.

READ MORE : Trump’s ‘never-surrender’ sneakers step in after $355-million fine setback

Trump’s public U-turn coincides with his recent meeting with a billionaire Republican megadonor deeply invested in ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant that owns TikTok, fuelling speculation among pundits that business interests are driving the former president’s positions on the matter.

Trump has argued of late that if the US were to shut the door on TikTok, competitors like Facebook would reap undue advantage.

“Without TikTok, you can make Facebook bigger, and I consider Facebook to be an enemy of the people,” he said in an interview on Monday (Mar 11).

Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, a resort where former US president and presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump lives and entertains visitors. Photo: AP

Asked about his earlier concerns about the app, Trump replied that “there’s a lot of good and there’s a lot of bad” with TikTok. “There are a lot of young kids on TikTok who will go crazy without it.”

But in 2020, as president, Trump signed an executive order to get the app removed from all US app stores while also telling ByteDance to divest within 90 days.

A federal court ruled against the push, calling it “arbitrary and capricious”. The ruling was hailed by TikTok supporters who argued that the ban would have violated the US Constitution’s First Amendment guaranteeing free speech.

Now American lawmakers from both parties are again ramping up efforts to do away with TikTok, which has about 170 million US users, over renewed fears around data privacy, foreign influence and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

On Monday, Avril Haines, America’s director of national Intelligence, told the House Intelligence Committee that Beijing could tap into TikTok to influence the 2024 US elections.

“We cannot rule out that the CCP would use it,” Haines said, referring to China’s Communist Party.

And earlier this month, leaders of the House select committee on the CCP introduced a Bill calling for either a divestiture of TikTok by ByteDance or an outright ban.

The House is expected to vote on Wednesday on the legislation, which unanimously cleared an energy and commerce committee vote last week. US President Joe Biden later said he would sign the bill if Congress approves it.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to visit Capitol Hill this week to meet with members of Congress in a last-ditch effort to halt the Bill in the Senate.

While many congressional Republicans have voiced support for the measure, some in the party have aligned with Trump’s reversal.

Former Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, for instance, said “all forced data transfers to the CCP, regardless of ownership” needed to end, posting on X, formerly Twitter. Ramaswamy has endorsed Trump’s 2024 bid for the White House.

“Bashing TikTok is easy. Understanding the actual issue is harder,” Ramaswamy also wrote, saying American tech companies like Google and Facebook were likewise transferring private user data to domestic and foreign governments.

US President Joe Biden has pledged to sign a House bill banning TikTok from the US, if it passes. Photo: Bloomberg

Meanwhile, ByteDance has spent millions in lobbying since Trump’s failed executive order.

The Chinese tech giant last year spent more than US$8 million in its quest, according to Open Secrets, a Washington-based non-profit group that tracks and publishes data on campaign finance and lobbying.

That outlay dwarfed what ByteDance spent in 2019, when it first reported payments to federal lobbyists and doled out just US$270,000.

In 2021, the year after Trump said he intended to ban TikTok, the tech company spent a whopping US$4.7 million on lobbying, according to Open Secrets, and last year its expenditure nearly doubled to US$8.7 million.

American media have linked Trump’s change of heart to billionaire conservative donor Jeff Yass, whose company reportedly has a 15 per cent stake in ByteDance.

“Put simply, Trump supported a ban, then, after receiving Yass’s patronage, immediately opposed a ban.”

Caitlin Chin-Rothmann of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank, said Trump’s “flip-flopping could hurt his ‘anti-China’ image among Republican politicians and possibly cause confusion for members of Congress who might be on the fence about banning a popular app” in an election year.

Trump’s claim that a ban on TikTok would “double the size” of Facebook’s business was highly unlikely to prove true, she added.

“It is theoretically possible that Trump has personal or business interests that could influence his policy proposals,” said Chin-Rothmann, noting numerous conflict-of-interest claims arising while he was president.

“But we can only speculate [as] to his reasoning at this point.”

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India China trade barbs over Modi’s visit to disputed region

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India China trade barbs over Modi’s visit to disputed region

India China trade barbs over Modi’s visit to disputed region

New Delhi, INDIA (EFE) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to a state controlled by New Delhi but disputed by Beijing sparked an exchange of accusations between both countries on Tuesday.

Modi visited Arunachal Pradesh on Friday as part of a trip to northeast India during which he inaugurated multimillion-dollar development projects, including a strategic tunnel at an altitude of 3,000 meters in the disputed region.

“Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other States of India. Objecting to such visits or India’s developmental projects does not stand to reason,” the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

READ MORE : India’s Supreme Court orders state bank of India to share names of political donors

On Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin slammed Modi’s visit to the state, which China calls Zangnan, meaning South Tibet.

Wang said that India had no right to “arbitrarily develop” the area and warned that India’s recent measures would complicate the border disputes that have erupted in the past between both countries.

The spokesperson said that China had lodged a protest with India over Modi’s visit.

Both India and China have been locked in a dispute over the sovereignty of Arunachal Pradesh practically since its creation in 1947.

Both countries also dispute other regions of the Himalayas, including Aksai Chin, which is administered by Beijing and claimed by India.

Bilateral relations between the world’s two most populated countries are at one of their lowest points in decades, especially after a border clash in the Galwan Valley, in the western Himalayas in June 2020.

At least 20 Indian soldiers were killed and 76 wounded during the clash, in which four Chinese died and one was seriously injured.

Since then, India and China have held multiple rounds of military talks to de-escalate tensions along the border, although diplomatic incidents occasionally arise.

The last border clash occurred in April last year, when China unilaterally renamed 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh. EFE

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India’s Supreme Court orders state bank of India to share names of political donors

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India’s Supreme Court orders state bank of India to share names of political donors

India’s Supreme Court orders state bank of India to share names of political donors

New Delhi, INDIA (EFE) – India’s top court gave an ultimatum to government-run State Bank of India (SBI) on Monday to reveal anonymous donations made to political parties through an opaque funding system in the last five years.

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud ordered the bank to disclose the information “by the close of business hours” on Mar. 12, thus rejecting SBI’s request to publish details by Jun. 30.

The judge ordered the Election Commission of India (ECI), the body in charge of conducting and regulating elections in the country, to compile the details disclosed by the bank and publish it on its website “no later than by 5 pm on Mar. 14.”

READ MORE : India signs a trade accord with 4 European nations for $100 billion investment over 15 years

The verdict comes almost a month after the apex court struck down the so-called electoral bonds scheme, as “unconstitutional” as it permitted anonymous funding to political parties.

The scheme, introduced by the Narendra Modi government in 2018, allowed individuals and companies to purchase these electoral bonds issued only by the SBI.

Donors used these bonds to fund political parties of their choice.

Before 2018, political parties were required to disclose the identity of donors contributing more than 20,000 Indian rupees ($242).

The logo of State Bank of India (SBI) is seen on the facade of its headquarters in Mumbai, India, April 12, 2023. REUTERS/Niharika Kulkarni/File Photo

The contentious scheme allowed them to reveal the amount received in electoral bonds but not the identity of the donor.

During the hearing on Feb.15, the court criticized the scheme for allowing “unlimited corporate funding to political parties,” describing it as “arbitrary and violative” of the Indian constitution.

The court had ordered SBI to submit details of the electoral bonds purchased since April 2019 to the ECI by Mar. 6.

The bank, however, sought more time from the court, stating it had to decode and compile the data of over 22,200 electoral bonds purchased by the donors and encashed by the parties.

According to the Association for Democratic Reforms, an independent election watchdog, Indian political parties received over 165 billion rupees in election funding from March 2018 to January 2024.

That decision was a setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, which has been the largest beneficiary of the system introduced in 2017, and came ahead of a national election expected to be held in April or May.

SBI had been asked to share names of the donors, the beneficiaries and the amounts with the independent Election Commission of India (ECI) by March 6 and the poll panel was directed to make it public by March 13.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received 66 billion rupees, or 55 percent of the total, from electoral bonds. In all, more than 121 billion Indian rupees worth of electoral bonds were sold until 2023.

The opposition Indian National Congress received less than 10 percent of the total funds in the five years, amounting to around 11 billion rupees, as per audited reports cited by the watchdog.

The BJP has staunchly defended the electoral bond system, arguing that it eliminates the possibility of funneling unaccounted cash into India’s political system.

However, rights groups have often noted that the alleged nexus between politics and business poses a significant challenge to democracy.

India is expected to hold general elections in either April or May, the largest in the world with some 960 million voters, where Modi is seen as an overwhelming favorite to win his third consecutive term. EFE

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Landslide and flash floods hit Indonesia’s Sumatra island as At least 19 dead and 7 missing

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Landslide and flash floods hit Indonesia’s Sumatra island as At least 19 dead and 7 missing

Landslide and flash floods hit Indonesia’s Sumatra island as At least 19 dead and 7 missing

Padang, INDONESIA (AP) — Torrential rains have triggered flash floods and a landslide on Indonesia’s Sumatra island, killing at least 19 people and leaving seven others missing, officials said Sunday.

Tons of mud, rocks and uprooted trees rolled down a mountain late Friday, reaching a river that burst its banks and tore through mountainside villages in Pesisir Selatan district of West Sumatra province, said Doni Yusrizal, who heads the local disaster management agency.

Rescuers by Saturday pulled out seven bodies in the worst-hit village of Koto XI Tarusan, and recovered three others in two neighboring villages, Yusrizal said.

READ MORE : 11 climbers killed, 12 missing following Indonesian volcano eruption

Rescuers retrieved six bodies in Pesisir Selatan and three more in the neighboring district of Padang Pariaman, bringing the death toll to 19, the National Disaster Management Agency said on Sunday.

The agency in a statement said at least two villagers were injured by the flash flood and rescuers are searching for seven people who are reportedly still missing.

It said more than 80,000 people had fled to temporary government shelters after the flood and landslide buried 14 houses, while 20,000 houses were flooded up to the roof in nine districts and cities in West Sumatra province.

“Relief efforts for the dead and missing were hampered by power outages, blocked roads covered in thick mud and debris,” Yusrizal said.

Heavy rains cause frequent landslides and flash floods in Indonesia, where millions of people live in mountainous areas or near floodplains.

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Muslims spot Ramadan crescent moon in Saudi Arabia, meaning month of fasting starts Monday for many

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Muslims spot Ramadan crescent moon in Saudi Arabia, meaning month of fasting starts Monday for many

Muslims spot Ramadan crescent moon in Saudi Arabia, meaning month of fasting starts Monday for many

Dubai, UAE (AP) — Officials saw the crescent moon Sunday night in Saudi Arabia, home to the holiest sites in Islam, marking the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan for many of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims.

The sacred month, which sees those observing abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset, marks a period of religious reflection, family get-togethers and giving across the Muslim world. Seeing the moon Sunday night means Monday is the first day of the fast.

Saudi state television reported authorities there saw the crescent moon. Soon after, multiple Gulf Arab nations, as well as Iraq and Syria, followed the announcement to confirm they as well would start fasting on Monday. Leaders also shared messages of congratulations the month had begun.

READ MORE : Heavy Rain & thunderstorms, yellow alert issued in the UAE, diverts 13 Dubai-bound flights to nearby airports

However, there are some Asia-Pacific countries like Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, that will begin Ramadan on Tuesday after failing to see the crescent moon. Oman, on the easternmost edge of the Arabian Peninsula, similarly announced Ramadan would begin Tuesday. Jordan will also begin Ramadan on Tuesday.

People shop for decoration for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at a shop in Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday, March 9, 2024Photo : Bilal Hussein/AP

This year’s Ramadan comes as the Middle East remains inflamed by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. That’s raised fears that the conflict may spark unrest far beyond the current borders of the war.

Saudi King Salman specifically pointed to the Israel-Hamas war in remarks released to the public after the Ramadan announcement.

“As it pains us that the month of Ramadan falls this year, in light of the attacks our brothers in Palestine are suffering from, we stress the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities, to stop these brutal crimes, and provide safe humanitarian and relief corridors,” the king said.

Meanwhile, inflation and high prices of food around the world since the pandemic began continue to pinch.

In Saudi Arabia, the kingdom had been urging the public to watch the skies from Sunday night in preparation for the sighting of the crescent moon. Ramadan works on a lunar calendar and moon-sighting methodologies often vary between countries, meaning some nations declare the start of the month earlier or later.

However, many Sunni-dominated nations in the Middle East follow the lead of Saudi Arabia, home to Mecca and its cube-shaped Kaaba that Muslims pray toward five times a day.

A view of the Dome of the Rock shrine at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound during dusk, ahead of Ramadan, in the Old city of Jerusalem, Thursday, March 9, 2024. Photo : Loe Correa/AP

In Iran, which views itself as the worldwide leader of Islam’s minority Shiites, authorities typically begin Ramadan a day after Sunnis start. Already, the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced Ramadan will start on Tuesday, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

“This year, Ramadan will coincide with Nowruz,” said Tehran resident Robabeh Khodkameh, referring to the Persian New Year that begins March 20. “Since the old days, we have a custom of thoroughly cleaning homes for Nowruz, and making everything look new. This year, since it’s also Ramadan, we’ll clean our hearts too and use it as a fresh start for things.”

During Ramadan, those observing typically break their fast with a date and water, following the tradition set by the Prophet Muhammad. Then they’ll enjoy an “iftar,” or a large meal. They’ll have a pre-dawn meal, or “suhoor,” to sustain themselves during the daylight hours.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; the month cycles through the seasons and the months in the Gregorian calendar.

Muslims try to avoid conflict and focus on acts of charity during the holy month. However, the war in the Gaza Strip is looming large over this year’s Ramadan for many Muslims.

The war began on Oct. 7 with Hamas’ attack on Israel that killed around 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage. Israel responded with a grinding war targeting the Gaza Strip that so far has seen more than 30,000 Palestinians killed and an intense siege of the seaside enclave cutting off electricity, food and water.

Scenes of Palestinians praying before bombed-out mosques and chasing after food airdropped by foreign nations continue to anger those across the Middle East and the wider world. The U.S. has been pressuring Israel, which relies on American military hardware and support, to allow more food in as Ramadan begins. It also plans a sea corridor with other partners.

The war, as well as Israeli restrictions on Muslims praying at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third-holiest site, may further inflame militant anger. The site is also known as the Temple Mount, which Jews consider their most sacred site. The Palestinian territories will begin Ramadan on Monday as well.

The Islamic State group, which once held a self-described caliphate across territory in Iraq and Syria, has launched attacks around Ramadan as well. Though now splintered, the group has tried to capitalize on the Israel-Hamas war to raise its profile.

War also continues to rage across Sudan despite efforts to try and reach a Ramadan cease-fire.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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India signs a trade accord with 4 European nations for $100 billion investment over 15 years

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India signs a trade accord with 4 European nations for $100 billion investment over 15 years

India signs a trade accord with 4 European nations for $100 billion investment over 15 years

New Delhi, INDIA (AP) — India signed a trade agreement with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland on Sunday that includes a commitment of $100 billion investment and creating 1 million direct jobs in India in the next 15 years, officials said.

India on its part committed to reducing import tariffs on industrial products from the four European countries that comprise the European Free Trade Association, or EFTA.

“The landmark agreement between India and EFTA is set to bring significant economic benefits, such as better integrated and more resilient supply chains, new opportunities for businesses and individuals on both sides leading to increased trade and investment flows, job creation, and economic growth,” an EFTA communique said.

READ MORE : Agreement for Air Services between Japan and the Czech Republic was signed in Tokyo

India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India for the first time had signed an agreement with an important economic bloc in Europe. India is also working on trade pacts with Britain and the European Union.

In the image, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar are seen alongside EFTA delegates including Switzerland’s Guy Parmelin, Iceland’s Foreign Minister Bjarni Benediktsson, Liechtenstein’s Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler, and Norway’s Trade and Industry Minister Jan Christian Vestre on Sunday, March 10, 2024.Photo credit: @PiyushGoyal

The agreement includes trade in goods and services, investment promotion and cooperation, intellectual property, government procurement, trade and sustainable development, and dispute settlement. It will provide a window for Indian exporters to access European and global markets, Goyal said in a statement.

The agreement was signed in New Delhi by Mr. Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Govt. of India with Switzerland’s Guy Parmelin, Iceland’s Foreign Minister Bjarni Benediktsson, Liechtenstein’s Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler, and Norway’s Trade and Industry Minister Jan Christian Vestre.

Parmelin, representing the EFTA member states, highlighted that “EFTA countries gain access to a significant growth market. Our companies aim to diversify and strengthen their supply chains. In return, India stands to attract more foreign investment from EFTA, leading to the creation of additional quality jobs.”

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Krystyna Pyszková from the Czech Republic has been crowned Miss World 2024

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Krystyna Pyszková from the Czech Republic has been crowned Miss World 2024

Krystyna Pyszková from the Czech Republic has been crowned Miss World 2024

Mumbai, INDIA (DT) – Krystyna Pyszková from the Czech Republic emerged victorious among 111 contestants from around the world to claim the title of Miss World 2024. The prestigious international pageant took place in Mumbai, India, this year.

During the preliminary competition, which featured various events such as fitness, beauty, talent, and public speaking, several contestants secured “fast track” spots in the top 40, which was announced at the beginning of the show.

READ MORE : Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios wins Miss Universe crown

The 71st Miss World 2024 held in India has sparked tremendous enthusiasm and anticipation, owing to the country’s rich tradition of producing exceptional beauty queens. The event was eagerly awaited by both participants and spectators alike, as it transcended being merely a beauty pageant—it was a celebration of womanhood and diversity.

Miss World 2024 winner Krystyna Pyszková receives her crown from Miss World 2022 Karolina Bielawska. Photo : Instagram/krystyna_pyszko/

Renowned Indian designer Archana Kochhar played a pivotal role by styling and designing all the outfits for the Miss World 2024 contestants, utilizing special silk fabric to showcase the cultural richness and elegance of India.

Who is Krystyna Pyszková new Miss World

Krystyna Pyszkova, the winner of Miss World 2024, is a Czech model and beauty queen known for her advocacy of sustainable development through education. Standing at 5’11” tall, she is based in Prague, Czech Republic, and represented her country in the Miss World pageant.

Krystyna Pyszkova’s journey to Miss World began when she won the Miss Czech Republic 2022 title on May 7, 2022. Following this achievement, she joined Elite Model Management in London, England, United Kingdom, on May 31, 2022. In her pursuits, Krystyna is studying law at Charles University in Prague and business administration at MCI Management Center Innsbruck in Innsbruck, Austria.

Additionally, Krystyna is actively involved in volunteer work, particularly at the Sonta Foundation in Tanzania, where she teaches English to underprivileged children. Her commitment to philanthropy extends beyond borders.

During her journey, Krystyna visited Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 20, 2023, and Planters Elementary School in Cainta, Rizal, Philippines, on December 13, 2023. She celebrated her 25th birthday on January 19, 2024.

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Heavy Rain & thunderstorms, yellow alert issued in the UAE, diverts 13 Dubai-bound flights to nearby airports

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Heavy Rain & thunderstorms, yellow alert issued in the UAE, diverts 13 Dubai-bound flights to nearby airports

Heavy Rain & thunderstorms, yellow alert issued in the UAE, diverts 13 Dubai-bound flights to nearby airports

Dubai, UAE (DT) – Amidst heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, the UAE issued a yellow alert, resulting in the diversion of 13 Dubai-bound flights to nearby airports.

The inclement weather disrupted air travel schedules, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety.

READ MORE : Dubai International Airport had 86.9 million passengers last year in a post-pandemic surge

The UAE experienced heavy rains accompanied by lightning and thunder throughout the night, as reported by the National Centre of Meteorology. Rainfall of varying intensities was recorded across several emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman.

Passengers have been advised to arrive at the airports earlier than usual to prevent missing their flights due to the weather conditions and potential delays caused by the heavy rain and thunderstorms.

The Dubai Airport authority posted on their Twitter/X handle that despite the prevailing weather conditions, all flights are currently operating as scheduled, albeit with some departure delays. Travelers are encouraged to check their flight status for the latest updates.

Additionally, due to water accumulation on roads near Terminals 1 and 2, passengers are advised to allocate extra time for their journey to the airport or consider utilizing the Dubai Metro as an alternative mode of transportation.

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, has issued a statement regarding forecasted adverse weather conditions across the UAE from March 8-10. Passengers are urged to regularly check etihad.com for the latest updates on their flight departures. Additionally, travelers are advised to allocate ample time for their journey to the airport.

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Hungary’s PM Orban openly supports Trump after Florida meeting

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Hungary’s PM Orban openly supports Trump after Florida meeting

Hungary’s PM Orban openly supports Trump after Florida meeting

Florida, USA (REUTERS/AP) – Hungary’s right-wing nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban lent his support to long-time ally Donald Trump’s bid to return to White House after meeting the former U.S. president in Florida late on Friday.

The two discussed “a wide range of issues affecting Hungary and the United States, including the paramount importance of strong and secure borders to protect the sovereignty of each nation,” according to a statement from Trump’s campaign.

Orbán has garnered admiration from certain conservative populists by advocating for what he terms “illiberal democracy,” characterized by stringent controls on immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. However, he has also implemented measures to tighten control over the press and judiciary in his nation, restructuring the political system to ensure his party’s dominance while fostering exceptionally close ties with Russia compared to other European Union member states.

READ MORE : Hungary PM Orbán blasts the European Union on the anniversary of Hungary’s 1956 anti-Soviet uprising

Orban has long been at odds with his fellow European Union members over a range of issues, including refusing to send weapons to Kyiv and keeping up economic ties with Moscow since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Orban has said only the return of Republican candidate Trump to the White House could bring peace in Ukraine.

“We need leaders in the world who are respected and can bring peace. He is one of them! Come back and bring us peace, Mr. President!,” Orban said in a post on X after the meeting.

PM Orban shared his Photo with former US President Donald Trump post on x and write, We need leaders in the world who are respected and can bring peace. He is one of them! Come back and bring us peace, Mr. President!. Photo : PM Orban X

Orban, admired by many conservatives in the United States for his tough policies on immigration, his family support schemes and vocal stance on national sovereignty, said in a video on his Facebook page that under Trump’s 2017-2021 presidency there was peace in the Middle East and also Ukraine.

“Viktor is a Great Leader, respected all over the World,” Trump said on Saturday in a post on his Truth Social messaging platform, saying it had been an honor to host Orban.

“Hungary is a Safe Country because of his Strong Immigration Policies, and as long as he is in charge, it always will be!” Trump added.
Orban has regularly been at loggerheads with the EU over his anti-immigration campaigns and moves to put the judiciary, NGOs, and media under more state control, which critics say have eroded democracy in Hungary.

Orban has also criticised EU sanctions against Russia, although never vetoed them in the end, and held up an EU decision on granting new aide for Ukraine last December until finally agreeing to it early this year.

Biden’s reaction after donald trump’s meeting with Hungary PM

The Trump campaign said late Friday that the two men discussed “a wide range of issues affecting Hungary and the United States, including the paramount importance of strong and secure borders to protect the sovereignty of each nation.”

Campaigning Friday in Pennsylvania, Biden said of Trump: ’You know who he’s meeting with today down in Mar-a-Lago? Orbán of Hungary, who’s stated flatly that he doesn’t thinks democracy works, he’s looking for dictatorship.”

“I see a future where we defend democracy, not diminish it,” Biden added.

On Friday, Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, posted from Palm Beach, hailing Trump’s “strength” and implying that the world would be more peaceful were he still president.

“If Donald Trump had been elected President of the United States in 2020, the war in Ukraine, now in its third year, would not have broken out and the conflict in the Middle East would have been resolved much faster,” he wrote.

Orbán has served as Hungary’s prime minister since 2010. The next year, his party, Fidesz, used its two-thirds majority in the legislature to rewrite the nation’s constitution. It changed the retirement age for judges, forcing hundreds into early retirement, and vested responsibility for appointing new judges with a single political appointee who was widely accused of acting on behalf of Fidesz.

Fidesz later authored a new media law and set up a nine-member council to serve as the country’s media regulator. All nine members are Fidesz appointees, which media watchdogs say has facilitated a major decline in press freedom and plurality.

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Radek Sikorski, Poland’s FM says the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine is ‘not unthinkable’

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Radek Sikorski, Poland’s FM says the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine is ‘not unthinkable’

Radek Sikorski, Poland’s FM says the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine is ‘not unthinkable’

BY VANESSA GERA | AP

Warsaw, POLAND (AP) — Poland’s foreign minister says the presence of NATO forces “is not unthinkable” and that he appreciates the French president for not ruling out that idea.

Radek Sikorski made the observation during a discussion marking the 25th anniversary of Poland’s accession to NATO in the Polish parliament Friday, and the Foreign Ministry tweeted the comments later in English.

They reflect a larger European debate over how to help Ukraine as Russia has gained some momentum on the battlefield and Kyiv is running low on ammunition. The U.S. Congress is withholding aid that Ukraine says it critically needs to hold off the Russians, putting more pressure on Europe to respond to the war that has shattered peace on the continent.

READ MORE : Ukrainian troops pull back again as Russia’s onslaught pushes ahead in eastern Ukraine

Last month French President Emmanuel Macron said the possibility of Western troops being sent to Ukraine could not be ruled out, a comment that broke a taboo among allies and prompted an outcry from other leaders. French officials later sought to clarify Macron’s remarks and tamp down the backlash, while insisting on the need to send a clear signal to Russia that it cannot win its war in Ukraine.

The Kremlin has warned that if NATO sends combat troops, a direct conflict between the alliance and Russia would be inevitable. Russian President Vladimir Putin said such a move would risk a global nuclear conflict.

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk was among those European leaders who initially ruled out sending troops to Ukraine after Macron’s remarks, saying: “Poland does not plan to send its troops to the territory of Ukraine.”

But less than two weeks later Sikorski struck a different tone.

“The presence of #NATO forces in Ukraine is not unthinkable,” he said, according to the Foreign Ministry’s tweet. He said he appreciated Macron’s initiative “because it is about Putin being afraid, not us being afraid of Putin.”

Sikorski’s remark is part of a broader shift to align with Macron’s position, wrote Phillips O’Brien, professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.

“The issue of sending European forces to help Ukraine was never one to be dismissed — it was always a possibility,” O’Brien wrote in an email analysis sent to subscribers Saturday. “In fact it has become more of one as the USA has stepped back and withdrawn aid. Europe is now faced with a terrible dilemma — watching Ukraine potentially run out of ammunition, or stepping in and helping Ukraine more directly.”

Polish President Andrzej Duda and Tusk will travel to Washington for a meeting at the White House on Tuesday, a visit the Poles hope they can use to spur the United States to do more to help Ukraine.

Poland is a member of NATO along the alliance’s eastern flank, with Ukraine across its eastern border. The country has been under Russian control in the past, and fears run high that if Russia wins in Ukraine, it could next target other countries in a region that Moscow views as its sphere of interest.

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