Senate blocks attempt to limit Trump's military power against Iran
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The US Attorney General called the committee because of the Epstein scandal
Trump: China is selling wind turbines to stupid people in Europe
Epstein Scandal: US Commerce Secretary Makes Statement
First Lady of the United Nations Security Council: Melania Trump chairs the meeting.
Clinton: There is no evidence of any wrongdoing by Trump in the Epstein case
Senate blocks attempt to limit Trump's war powers against Iran
The US Senate on Wednesday rejected a Democratic move to limit President Trump's authority to go to war against Iran without Congressional approval.By a vote of 53 to 47, Republicans blocked the measure almost unanimously along party lines.It was the first clear vote in Congress since the US-Israeli joint military operation "Epic Fury" began four days ago.Senators Tim Kaine (Democrat, Virginia) and Rand Paul (Republican, Kentucky) have tried to push through the resolution, citing the War Powers Act of 1973.
The vote came after the administration made sometimes contradictory statements about the war and questions arose about its legality.At least six US soldiers have been killed so far.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Cain, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said before the vote that the US military was crushing Iran with airstrikes - "death and destruction from the sky, all day long."The operation has already seriously affected Iran's missile program and navy and will expand "gradually deeper into Iranian territory."
Republicans defended Trump's decision, citing decades of Iranian attacks on Americans through its forces and proxies.Senator Mitch McConnell claimed that the Islamic Republic was "literally founded on a war between America and Israel."But some Republicans suggest their support could wane if the operation expands or the military deploys.According to the American media, a similar election is scheduled for Thursday in the Senate, which is also expected to fail.
The vote comes after the administration has made sometimes conflicting statements about the war and raised questions about the war's legality.At least six US soldiers have been killed so far.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said before the vote that the US military would dominate Iran with airstrikes - "death and destruction from the sky, all day long."The operation has already affected many of Iran's missile and naval programs and will "go forward".go deeper into Iran's territory".
Republicans defended Trump's decision, citing decades of Iranian attacks on Americans through its forces and proxy groups.Senator Mitch McConnell emphasized that the Islamic Republic "was literally built on the premise of an existential war against America and Israel."But some Republicans suggest their support could wane if the operation expands or if ground troops are sent.According to American media reports, such a vote is planned for Thursday in the House of Representatives, where failure is also expected.
The committee subpoenas the US attorney general in connection with the Epstein scandal
A committee in charge of the United States House of Representatives subpoenaed Attorney General Pam Bondi to question her role in the release of the Epstein files.The committee voted with the support of the parties to invite the minister, as reported by US media.
It has previously been criticized for processing millions of files related to the investigation into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Among other things, it has been criticized for not adequately protecting victims and for removing incriminating files from the Internet.
The Oversight Committee's decision requires Bondi to attend the session behind closed doors and answer questions from representatives. Recently, the committee conducted interviews with former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Bondi was already defending his handling of the Epstein files in mid-February, while also admitting mistakes.He admitted that the names of some of the victims of the sexual crime had been published "accidentally".
The handling of millions of documents related to the investigation of now-deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been criticized in the past for, among other things, insufficient protection of victims and the removal of incriminating documents from the Internet.
The oversight commission's decision requires Bondi to appear at the hearing behind closed doors and answer questions from MPs.Finally, the committee also interviewed former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
By mid-February, Bondi was already defending Epstein's handling of the images, but also admitted mistakes.The names of some confessed sex offender victims were "accidentally" published.These are blacked out after the relevant information.
Tech companies pledge to self-fund AI power
The energy hunger of data centers is growing rapidly.That's why the American president wants big technology companies to build their own power plants.This is to prevent price increases for the public.To do this, Trump signed a corresponding agreement with large technology companies.Representatives of such companies as Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and OpenAI have committed to the so-called "electricity consumer protection agreement" at the White House.
Companies agree to self-finance the additional electricity needs of their AI data centers or build their own power plants directly in their respective locations.They should also take investments in network and infrastructure expansion.Consumers, especially those living near data centers, don't have to pay for the growing industrial energy needs, Trump said.In some regions, electricity prices could also fall, he speculated.
Trump introduced the initiative as part of his "affordability" economic policy agenda, with which he wants to achieve a lower cost of living for US citizens - even with the upcoming midterm elections at the end of the year in mind.This theme is currently considered one of the central political slogans in the US election campaign and is particularly emphasized by the Democrats.At the same time, he explained that the expansion of data centers is essential for the US to remain a leader in AI competition compared to China.
Companies either self-finance the additional electricity needs of their AI data centers or agree to build power plants directly at their respective locations.Investments must also be made in expanding the network and infrastructure.Trump said customers, especially those living near data centers, should not have to pay because of the industry's growing energy needs.He predicted that electricity prices could drop in some areas.
Trump introduced the initiative as part of his economic policy "affordability" agenda, with which he wants to achieve a lower cost of living for US citizens - also with the aim of holding the upcoming midterm elections later in the year.This issue is currently considered one of the main political slogans in the US election campaign and was particularly emphasized by the Democratic Party.At the same time, he described US data as an essential hub.A leader in artificial intelligence competition compared to China.
Trump: China is selling wind turbines to 'idiots in Europe'
US President Donald Trump - an avowed opponent of wind turbines - has mocked Europe for buying and deploying the systems.China makes "all wind turbines. The only problem is they don't have wind farms," he told a news conference."They sell them to idiots in Europe. Europe buys them by the thousands."
Trump opposes wind turbines. He has been confused many times by the technology used in Europe. For example, he talks about the "green scam", "probably the biggest scam in history." Europe is destroying its terrain with wind turbines;the production of energy is too expensive. He preferred to use coal to generate electricity, and he advocated for it several times during his mandate.
In addition to oil and natural gas, the United States relies heavily on nuclear power.
Trump opposes wind turbines.He has repeatedly expressed outrage at the technology used in Europe.For example, he talked about the “green scam,” “possibly the biggest scam in history.”Europe is distorting the landscape with wind turbines; Energy production is very expensive.He prefers to generate electricity from coal and has advocated for it many times during his tenure.
In addition to oil and gas, the US is also heavily dependent on nuclear energy. "I signed an executive order that provides for the construction and approval of many new nuclear reactors," he said at the time. Great progress has been made in the safety of nuclear reactors.
Epstein scandal: US Commerce Secretary wants to make a statement
The US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, wants to be questioned about his past contacts with the dead sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.As the American portal Axios reported, Lutnick was said to have agreed to a closed hearing before the committee of the US House of Representatives.The commission is part of a political investigation in the network of abuses of money that died in custody in 2019. "I have not done anything wrong and I want to get rid of everything," Axios told the official.The committee's chairman, Republican James Comer, said Lutnick agreed to testify on a voluntary basis.The minutes of the meeting should be released after legal review.
Lutnick was mentioned in recently released US Justice Department files related to Epstein.However, the mention itself means nothing.However, Democrats, particularly in the Senate, recently demanded a tougher explanation of the nature and extent of Lutnick's contacts with Epstein and even his resignation.Lutnick had previously told a Senate committee in February that he had "no association" with Epstein nor any relationship with him.The minister used to be Epstein's neighbor in New York.Last year he spoke on a podcast about Epstein, saying that he had decided in 2005 that he never wanted to be in the same room with this "disgusting man" again.At the same time, published documents show that meetings took place several years later, including a meeting with Epstein's family in 2012.Lutnick said he never witnessed any crime.
Lutnick was cited in recently released U.S. Justice Department records about Epstein.However, the report itself means something.However, Democrats in Congress in particular have recently pushed hard for information on the nature and extent of Lutnick's contacts with Epstein and even his divorce.Lutnick previously told a Senate panel in February that he had "no relationship" with Epstein and had little to do with him.The minister was once Epstein's neighbor in New York.He told a podcast about Epstein last year that he had already decided in 2005 that he didn't want to be in the same room with a "disgusting man" again.Meanwhile, published documents show that there were still meetings years later, including a family visit to Epstein's private island in 2012. He never noticed any crime, Lutnick explained.
Prime Minister at the UN Security Council: Melania Trump is the first lady to chair the meeting
US first lady Melania Trump on Monday became the first woman of a sitting head of state to chair a session of the UN Security Council.The meeting in New York focused on the protection and education of children in conflict zones.In her speech, the 55-year-old said things like, "Peace doesn't have to be fragile."Melania Trump continued to emphasize that the United States is committed to all children around the world."I hope you find peace soon."
He did not elaborate on the military conflict in the Middle East, which came two days after a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran.He denied the allegations and said the United States would not target schools specifically.The information could not be independently verified.
Melania Trump thanked the other members of the Security Council for welcoming her. The first lady chaired the meeting and was welcomed by the United Nations. Secretary-General Guterres' spokesman had already said that this was a sign of the United States' appreciation for the Security Council. The appearance came against the backdrop of strained relations between the administration of US President Donald Trump and the United Nations.has prompted to withdraw from the institutions. According to the United Nations, the United States still owes billions of dollars to this institution.
In March, the United States assumed the monthly presidency of the United Nations Security Council.Their duties include chairing meetings.Meetings of the 15-member body are usually chaired by UN ambassadors or government representatives.The First Lady barely appeared in public during her husband's term.wrote a letter demanding the return of Ukrainian children to Russia.
They did not specifically mention the military conflict in the Middle East.The meeting took place two days after a joint attack by the US and Israel on Iran.Tehran's ambassador to the U.N., Amir Saeed Iravani, called the U.S. meeting "deeply shameful and hypocritical" over the bombing of Iranian schools.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied the accusation, saying the US would never attack a school specifically.Cannot be independently verified.
Melania Trump thanked other Security Council members for welcoming her.The First Lady's presiding over the meeting was welcomed by the United Nations.A spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in advance that this was a sign of the United States' gratitude to the Security Council., the United States still owes the organization billions of dollars.
In March, the US assumed the monthly rotating presidency of the UN Security Council.Their duties include leading meetings.The 15-member body's meetings are chaired by UN ambassadors or government representatives.The first lady stayed out of the public eye during her husband's tenure.However, she often advocates for children's needs.In the yearIn 2025, she wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin asking for the return of children from Ukraine who were abducted to Russia during the war.
Clinton: No evidence of wrongdoing by Trump in Epstein case
In a newly recorded video recording of his hearing before the United States Congress, former President Bill Clinton described a conversation he had with current President Donald Trump about sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein.Trump told him on one of his golf courses in the early 2000s that he had a fight with Epstein — "over any real estate deal."
Clinton also said Trump "never said anything to him" that would have led him to believe he was involved in "anything inappropriate" involving Epstein.“This is the truth,” the statement continued.He said he had "no information" that Trump had done anything wrong.
The image is juxtaposed with Trump's sometimes varying public statements about his previous relationship with Epstein.In a 2002 interview, Trump called Epstein a "great man" and said he liked beautiful women "even when he was young."He later distanced himself, explaining that he had a falling out with Epstein and was "not a fan of Epstein's."More recently, Trump also claimed that Epstein poached employees from the spas to justify ending the relationship.Details of his Mar-a-Lago club vary from account to account.For years, U.S. media have pointed to the Florida luxury real estate dispute as a possible turning point in relations between the two countries.
Clinton also said that "Trump never told her anything" that led her to believe that he was involved in "anything inappropriate" related to Epstein."This is true," the statement said.He said he had "no evidence" that Trump had done anything wrong.
The photo stands alongside Trump's various public statements about his relationship with Epstein in the past.In a 2002 interview, Trump called Epstein a "great man" and said he liked beautiful women "even at a young age."at the resort at his Mar-a-Lago Club - the details of this vary by account.For many years, the US media has pointed to, among other things, a dispute over a mansion in Florida as something that could change the relationship.
Clinton trial videos continue in Epstein case
Epstein's interviews with former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were released.The US Senate has posted an hour-long video recording online.The questions before the US House Oversight Committee are to assist in the political investigation into the corruption scandal surrounding the criminal and financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The recording shows the Clintons' swearing-in at the home in Chappaqua, New York, where the couple lives.Both insisted they had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes.Bill Clinton's name and photos appear in documents related to the Epstein investigation.It is known, among other things, that during Clinton's presidency Epstein visited the White House several times and that the former president traveled on Epstein's plane several times.However, mentions in files alone are not evidence of misconduct.
A full written transcript of the hearing has not yet been released.Democratic lawmakers recently called for a broader release of the documents.Republicans said they would make the video recordings available as soon as possible.
The videos show Clinton swearing in at a building in Chappaqua, New York, where the couple lives.Both had insisted they had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes.Documents related to the Epstein investigation include Bill Clinton's name and pictures.However, mere mention in the files is not proof of misconduct.
Full written transcripts of the hearing have not yet been released.Democratic lawmakers recently called for full disclosure of the documents.Republicans said they would release the videos as soon as possible.
Defeat for Trump: Federal judges refuse to explain delay in duty refunds
US President Donald Trump is facing legal defeat in a dispute over the rollback of tariffs.A US federal appeals court on Monday rejected the government's request to delay the trial for up to four months.Instead, the justices sent the case back to a lower court, the U.S. Court of International Trade.It can now clarify whether and how importers will receive more than $130 billion in refunds.
On February 20, the US Supreme Court declared that Trump's tariffs were not allowed under emergency law.Therefore, the Supreme Court provided no guidance on how to refund the more than 300,000 affected importers.About 2,000 companies, including the FedEx group, have filed suit.Mr. Trump said the legal battle over the payments could continue for five years.
Washington correspondent Peter Burghardt analyzes the U.S. Supreme Court's tariff decision issued on February 20:
On February 20, the US Supreme Court declared Trump's tariffs based on the emergency legislation unconstitutional.However, the Supreme Court did not provide guidelines for processing refunds for the more than 300,000 affected importers.Nearly 2,000 companies, including logistics group FedEx, have filed lawsuits.Trump said the legal battle over the payments could last five years.
Washington correspondent Peter Burghardt analyzed the February 20 US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs.
Protests are taking place in US cities after the attack on Iran
After the American and Israeli attacks on Iran, people gathered on the streets of many American cities.Large protests were held in other places including Washington, DC, New York and Los Angeles.who roamed the streets under the guise of prison — topped off with a large letter calling for Trump's impeachment.
Others celebrated the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Others celebrated the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The US government classifies Anthropic AI as a security risk
US President Donald Trump has banned all federal agencies from using technology from artificial intelligence company Anthropic, effective immediately.“We don't need them, we don't want them, and we won't do business with them again,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.The Pentagon also classified the company as a supply chain risk, a rating usually reserved for companies from competing countries.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered that U.S. military contractors no longer be allowed to do business with Anthropic.The Department of Defense has a six-month phase-out period to switch to another vendor.
The controversy was sparked by Anthropic's insistence that its AI software be not used for large-scale surveillance in the United States or in fully autonomous weapons.However, the Pentagon has required unrestricted access to the technology for any legitimate use.Anthropic captain Dario Amodei defended his company's position that AI was not yet reliable enough for fully autonomous weapons, meanwhile allowing for large-scale automated surveillance on an unprecedented scale.The Trump administration's decision nullifies a $ 200 million contract with the Pentagon and could delay the use of AI in national security for at least six months.
ChatGPT developer OpenAI has reached an agreement with the US military to use its AI models in private cloud networks.Company CEO Sam Altman announced this on Friday evening (local time).
The case also raises questions in Europe: While the EU also sets ethical guidelines for artificial intelligence systems in its "Artificial Intelligence Act," the U.S. conflict highlights the pressure that can come on tech companies when state security interests clash with usage restrictions.
The conflict was sparked by Anthropic's insistence that its AI software not be used for mass surveillance in the United States or in private weapons.However, the Pentagon said it would access the technology for all legal uses.The CEO of Anthropic Dario Amodei defended his company's position: AI is not yet reliable for special weapons while allowing for automated mass surveillance on an unprecedented scale.The Trump administration's decision to cancel a Pentagon contract worth up to $200 million, which could restore the use of AI in national security in six months.
ChatGPT developer OpenAI, on the other hand, has signed a contract with the US military to use its AI models in secret cloud networks, company boss Sam Altman announced late Friday evening (local time).
The case also raises questions in Europe: Although the EU established ethical guidelines for AI systems with the "AI Act", the conflict in America shows the pressure that can arise on technology companies when the security interests of the state collide with restrictions on use.
The Democrats demand that Trump testify before the Epstein Commission
During a break from former President Bill Clinton's questioning of Epstein, Democrats demanded the testimony of President Donald Trump.Clinton answered "every question" in detail, did not exercise her right to remain silent and felt comfortable doing so, Democratic spokesman Suhas Subramanian said.to the public.
The US House Oversight Committee should conduct a political investigation into the network of abuse of financial investor and sex offender Jeffery Epstein, who died in 2019. Democrats accused the White House of "continuing to cover up".did not bring.
Referring to statements of ongoing inquiries, Democrats suggested that Clinton provide additional information about past conversations with Trump that could raise new questions.They did not provide further details, citing the confidentiality of the hearing.The full and unrecorded video recordings of both Clinton hearings should be released immediately.
The US House Oversight Committee is tasked with a political investigation into a web of abuses by financial investor and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019. Democrats have accused the White House of a "constant cover-up."Trump repeatedly repeated the "lie" that he was freed.According to Democratic lawmakers, the Justice Department illegally withheld documents and even deleted photos and videos, including of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.At first they did not provide any evidence.
Democrats, citing the ongoing interview, suggested that Clinton brought additional information about past conversations with Trump that could raise new questions.They did not provide details, citing the confidentiality of the hearing.The full and uncut videotapes of both Clinton hearings should be released soon.
Trump is "not satisfied" with Iran
US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with previous discussions about Iran's nuclear program.Trump said of the Iranians in Washington: "I don't agree with their behavior."“They should make a deal, it would be smart for them.”
At the same time, Trump commented on possible military action: It would be better if military action wasn't necessary, "but sometimes you have to do it that way."Trump has stressed that he would not like to use the "strongest military in the world".He has not yet made a final decision about the next school year.
In mid-month, Trump announced a deadline for a deal.He told reporters on the Air Force One plane that it would take 10 to 15 days.He was "very tall".
The United States and Iran negotiated for the last time on Thursday.They want to meet again on Monday.According to the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, "technical negotiations" are planned in Vienna, where the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is located.
At the same time, Trump commented on a possible military action as follows: it would be nice if there was no need for military action - "but sometimes it has to be done that way".Trump emphasized that he does not want to use "the most powerful military in the world."
In the middle of the month, Trump announced a deadline for the agreement.He told reporters on Air Force One that 10 to 15 days would be enough.That's "pretty high."
The US and Iran last met on Thursday.They want to meet again on Monday.According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, "technical talks" are planned in Vienna.The headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is located there.
Trump talks about a "friendly takeover" of Cuba
Amid tensions between Cuba and the United States, US President Donald Trump is proposing a "peaceful takeover" of Cuba.The government in Havana is in deep trouble and is negotiating with Washington, Trump told reporters at the White House.Secretary of State Marco Rubio is addressing the issue at a "very high level.""They have no money. They have nothing right now," Trump said of the Cuban leader.It will be a friendly transaction.” He did not provide further details.
Washington has been putting pressure on Cuba's communist government for weeks. The population has long been deprived of basic necessities.The country has not received oil from Venezuela since December, when Trump ordered a total shutdown of approved oil tankers shipping from the sister South American country.Trump then threatened tariffs on Cuban oil suppliers.Some restrictions are now going to be eased.
Washington has been putting a lot of pressure on Cuba's communist government for weeks. Its citizens have long been without essential supplies.The country has not received oil from Venezuela since December after Trump ordered an embargo on tankers carrying oil from the South American country.Trump then threatened tariffs on Cuban oil suppliers.Some sanctions will now be relaxed.where four people died.
Bill Clinton has denied the allegations in the Epstein case
Former US President Bill Clinton denied knowledge of crimes committed by sex offender Jeffrey Epstein at the start of his hearing before the House Oversight Committee.In a statement shared on social media, Clinton wrote that she "saw nothing and did nothing wrong."Her relationship with Epstein, who died in 2019, was brief and ended years before his crimes came to light.
Clinton confirmed that in his limited contacts he saw "no indication" of what actually happened.He wouldn't say anything under oath that he wasn't sure about."You will often hear me say I don't remember," he wrote.
Clinton insisted that in her limited communications she had "no clue" about what actually happened.He didn't want to say anything under oath that he wasn't sure about."You will often hear me speak but I don't remember," he wrote.He doesn't want to think or speculate - he's not "going to play detective 24 years later".
Documents related to the Epstein investigation include Clinton's name and photos.What is known is that, among other things, Epstein was in the White House several times during Clinton's tenure, and the former president traveled on Epstein's plane several times.
The chairman of the Republican oversight committee, James Comer, said before the hearing that Clinton's wife, Hillary, had asked her husband at least 12 questions during the previous day's questioning.This has widened the list of questions for the former president.There are also questions about Epstein's alleged work at the Clinton Foundation, a charitable foundation founded by the Clintons, and the "Clinton Global Initiative," which organizes international work and collaboration.
Republican Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said before the hearing that Clinton's wife, Hillary, suggested at least a dozen questions to her husband a day earlier.It extended the list of questions for the former presidentThere are also questions about the role Epstein will play
