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US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump will meet at the White House on Wednesday, November 13, following an invitation from Biden, the White House confirmed on Saturday. Trump, who won the November 5 presidential election against Vice President Kamala Harris , is set to take office on January 20 next year. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement that Biden and Trump will meet in the Oval Office . Biden, who initially sought re-election but dropped out in July after a poor debate performance, confirmed the meeting on Saturday after attending a church service in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware . He did not elaborate on the nature of his conversation with Trump but dismissed questions about Trump being a threat to democracy.

Republicans are on the brink of taking control of the US House of Representatives following the November 5 election, a key victory for President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda as he prepares for his return to the White House in January 2025. With 213 seats secured in the 435-member House, Republicans need just five more to maintain control, while Democrats have won 205 seats so far. Control of the Senate has also shifted to Republicans, despite a Democratic win in Nevada. This potential House control, coupled with Trump’s presidential victory, would empower Republicans to advance major policy priorities, including tax cuts, deregulation, and tighter border security. The remaining 17 seats are in competitive districts, with the pace of vote-counting slower in Western states. Republican senators are set to decide their leadership for 2025 next week, with John Thune , John Cornyn , and Rick Scott in the running. Cornyn vowed to keep the Senate in session until Trump’s cabinet is confirm...

US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Nikki Haley , the former South Carolina governor and UN ambassador, and Mike Pompeo , former Secretary of State and CIA Director, will not be invited to join his second administration. In a social media post, Trump expressed gratitude for their past service, stating, "I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously, and would like to thank them for their service to our country." Trump, currently forming his administration ahead of his January 20 inauguration, has been meeting with potential cabinet members. Nikki Haley , who endorsed Trump for president despite their past differences, expressed her support on social media, wishing him success in moving America forward. Mike Pompeo , previously considered for defense secretary, has declined to comment on the decision.

Donald Trump has officially won Arizona , the final battleground state to be decided in the US presidential election , completing a clean sweep of all seven swing states . The Associated Press (AP) called the state for Trump on Saturday night (Nov 9) , as his current lead of about 185,000 votes in Arizona rendered it out of reach for Vice President Kamala Harris . Arizona, which was flipped by Joe Biden in 2020, had long been considered a key battleground. Trump’s victory here, along with its 11 electoral votes , brings his total to 312 , while Harris stands at 226 . Other battleground states won by Trump include Georgia , Michigan , Nevada , North Carolina , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin . Trump’s Strong Position for Economic Priorities Emerging from Tuesday’s (Nov 5) election with a stronger-than-expected outcome, Trump is now poised to quickly move forward on core economic priorities such as raising tariffs , cutting taxes , and cracking down on undocumented migration . This e...

Donald Trump has reclaimed the White House after a divisive campaign that defied polls and criminal charges. Kamala Harris conceded but vowed to continue her "fight for freedom and dignity." Trump’s win represents a strong shift in voter sentiment, with Americans prioritizing economic and border security concerns. Harris consoled her supporters, calling for resilience while refusing to align with Trump’s vision. Biden plans to address the nation on Thursday. Trump, along with Vice President-elect JD Vance, aims to take office on January 20 with promises of sweeping changes, including firing civil servants he deems disloyal and possibly replacing regulatory heads. He has tapped prominent figures, such as Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for administration roles. Trump's Electoral College win was bolstered by strong support across at least five battleground states. His victory also secured a Republican majority in both the Senate and House , easing the way for h...

As Donald Trump returns to the White House, Silicon Valley prepares for a drastically altered relationship with the US government, with AI regulations, antitrust enforcement, and semiconductor policies taking center stage. On artificial intelligence (AI) , Trump has vowed to dismantle an executive order from President Biden that sets safety standards and privacy guidelines for AI development. He has criticized the policy as "dangerous" and restrictive, proposing a new approach rooted in "AI development rooted in free speech." This shift could alter the AI landscape, emphasizing rapid innovation over security, with expanded energy capacity potentially easing land and electricity permitting hurdles . The antitrust landscape is also likely to shift, with a friendlier stance toward mergers and acquisitions. Although Trump is expected to maintain lawsuits targeting Big Tech, changes in leadership at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Justice Department might f...

Amid high political tensions, US states are bolstering security for the presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, with measures including fences, drones, and National Guard deployments to prevent potential violence. Key Security Measures: Nevada : A security fence now encircles Las Vegas' vote tabulation center, with 60 National Guard members on standby. Arizona : Maricopa County has added a fence around its tabulation center, with police drones and snipers on alert. Schools and churches are opting out of serving as polling locations due to safety concerns. Michigan : In Detroit, metal detectors and police patrols, including rooftop surveillance, are stationed at the ballot-counting site. Additional States : Oregon and Washington have activated the National Guard. In Washington, DC, storefronts have been boarded up as a precaution. In response to fears of post-election violence, community groups are also taking proactive steps. In Arizona, a bipartisan committee...

With one trading session left before the highly anticipated US presidential election, Wall Street is closely monitoring polls for Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris. However, rather than making big market moves, investors are holding back, deeming the election too close to call and uncertain. Market volatility is expected, with the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) hovering above 20, signaling rising stress. Investors are opting to hold cash reserves , preparing to jump on opportunities that could arise from potential fluctuations. "We’re not positioning for an election outcome; it’s a coin flip," says Eric Diton of Wealth Alliance. This cautious approach extends to interest rate decisions from the Federal Reserve and upcoming corporate earnings, adding further unpredictability. Several investors, like Blanke Schein Wealth Management’s Robert Schein, have increased cash holdings to be ready for post-election market reactions . Others, such as Northern Trust, are ...

A recent Bloomberg survey reveals that the wealth of American investors is poised to grow, regardless of whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins the upcoming November 5 election . The survey suggests that stocks are expected to perform well under both candidates, though Trump is viewed as more favorable for Bitcoin and gold , while a Harris presidency could provide a slight relief in housing costs . According to the Bloomberg Markets Live Pulse survey , 38% of respondents believe stock market gains will accelerate under Trump, compared to 13% who anticipate the same under Harris. Still, nearly half of investors expect the stock market to continue its strong performance under the Democratic candidate, with 59% predicting similar results under Trump. Historical data shows that US elections tend to have a limited long-term effect on the markets. Analysts at Deutsche Bank AG , led by Jim Reid , note that 13 of the last 15 US presidents saw annualized stock returns of between 10...

Elon Musk has pledged to reduce US budget spending by at least US$2 trillion if Donald Trump secures victory in the upcoming November 5 presidential election , according to a report by Sputnik . Speaking at a Trump campaign rally held at Madison Square Garden in New York, Musk, the headliner of the event, responded to fellow billionaire Howard Lutnick 's question about how much of the US’s US$6.5 trillion budget could be cut. "I think we can do at least two trillion," Musk stated. This promise has drawn criticism, with Bloomberg pointing out that Musk's position appears to contradict the interests of his own companies, which benefit from billions in US government contracts and investments. Trump has previously expressed his willingness to offer Musk a position in the US government should he win the election, noting that Musk is eager to contribute to optimising government operations . In the upcoming election, the Democratic Party is represented by Vice Pre...

Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance stated that Donald Trump would keep the US in NATO if reelected, but emphasized that the alliance must not become “just a welfare client.” In an interview on NBC's Meet the Press , Vance affirmed that Trump supports a strong NATO, but believes that European allies need to contribute more to the defense burden . "Donald Trump wants NATO to be strong. He wants us to remain in NATO,” Vance said, adding that the expectation is for NATO countries to carry their fair share. During his presidency, Trump consistently pressed European NATO members , particularly Germany , to increase their defense spending. Vance reiterated that Germany, as Europe's largest economy , needs to contribute more to security and defense within the alliance. He singled out the UK and a few other nations as the primary contributors alongside the US, underscoring the need for Germany to do more. When asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin , Vance s...

The US-China tech war is anticipated to escalate no matter the outcome of the November 5 US presidential election , with Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris offering differing approaches but a shared commitment to curbing China’s technological and military advancements. Both candidates are expected to implement new restrictions on Chinese imports of tech products like chips, smart cars , and AI technologies , according to former officials and experts. Harris has pledged to ensure "America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century" , while Trump continues to emphasize tariffs as a key solution. In either administration, the goal is clear: to slow China’s technological progress , particularly in areas that could enhance its military capabilities. The Biden administration has already laid the groundwork with rules to keep Chinese-made connected cars off US streets, and Harris is likely to continue this targeted, allied-based strategy. A second T...

Billionaire Elon Musk toured Pennsylvania for four days, lending his fame and financial support to Donald Trump's presidential campaign, while also stirring controversy by promoting conspiracy theories about election fraud. Musk’s tour included handing out US$1 million cheques to randomly selected voters and making false claims about voting machines and migrants. At rallies, Musk, CEO of Tesla , SpaceX , and owner of X (formerly Twitter) , addressed topics ranging from artificial intelligence to government regulations , but also echoed Trump’s unfounded claims of election fraud, including the Dominion Voting Systems conspiracy, which has been widely debunked. Dominion responded to Musk’s remarks, pointing out inaccuracies, including the fact that its machines are not used in Philadelphia, as Musk claimed. During an event at a Harrisburg church , Musk shocked attendees by giving away US$1 million to a randomly selected Trump supporter. He awarded a second US$1 million cheq...

Donald Trump , the Republican presidential candidate , has reignited his stance on South Korea’s financial contribution to host US troops , stating that South Korea should pay significantly more if he returns to the White House. He described the nation as a "money machine" and claimed that they would willingly pay US$10 billion annually to keep US military forces stationed there. Trump's remarks come shortly after a new five-year cost-sharing agreement was reached between the US and South Korea , where Seoul agreed to raise its contribution to 1.52 trillion won (US$1.13 billion) by 2026. This deal increases South Korea’s payment by 8.3% compared to this year. During his presidency, Trump pushed for South Korea to contribute US$5 billion , far higher than the US$1 billion previously agreed upon. He has consistently criticized US allies for not spending enough on defense arrangements and emphasized that North Korea's nuclear capabilities justify higher paymen...

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump defended his economic agenda during a speech at the Economic Club of Chicago , arguing that his proposed tariff increases and closer consultations with the Federal Reserve would drive substantial growth, despite economists' warnings that his policies could spur inflation and increase the national debt. Trump dismissed concerns that tariffs could disrupt supply chains or burden consumers, insisting that higher levies would prompt companies to return manufacturing to the U.S. He also downplayed worries about the economic impact of deporting millions of undocumented migrants, claiming legal migration would offset the labor shortage. “We are all about growth,” Trump said, receiving applause for his promise to protect American companies and bring jobs back . Trump, whose proposals include a 60% tariff on Chinese imports and 10% duties on all other imports , argued that tariffs would prevent foreign countries from undermining key U.S. ...

Donald Trump has pledged to eliminate US income taxes on Americans living overseas as part of his tax proposals in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential campaign . His plan aims to simplify tax obligations for the estimated nine million US citizens living abroad, many of whom are currently required to file tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and, in some cases, pay US taxes in addition to taxes in their country of residence. "I support ending the double taxation of overseas Americans!" Trump, the Republican presidential nominee , said in a statement, urging expatriates to register and vote Republican. This proposal would require congressional approval and, if enacted, would reduce paperwork and potentially lower tax bills for expats, particularly higher earners who face tax obligations due to current US tax rules. Currently, Americans making under US$126,500 aren’t required to pay US taxes, and many are eligible for tax credits to offset federal t...

R epublican presidential candidate Donald Trump has escalated his protectionist trade rhetoric , threatening to impose tariffs as high as 200% on vehicles imported from Mexico if elected. Speaking at a rally in Juneau, Wisconsin , Trump vowed to protect the US auto industry by preventing Mexican-made cars from entering the US market. "We'll put a tariff of 200% on if we have to," Trump declared, doubling his previous promise of a 100% duty on imported cars and trucks . His campaign’s focus on the domestic auto industry comes as Trump faces a tight race against Democrat Kamala Harris , with the November election looming. Mexico exported around 3 million vehicles to the US in 2023 , with the Detroit Three automakers accounting for about half of these exports. Experts warn that such massive tariffs could significantly increase vehicle prices , affecting both domestic and imported cars. The Tax Policy Center has also cautioned that Trump's proposal would likely dri...

Donald Trump , the Republican presidential nominee, held a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania , at the site of a July assassination attempt , returning to a critical swing state to energize his campaign just a month before election day. Joined by Tesla CEO Elon Musk , Trump delivered a powerful message to supporters, stating that their movement is "nearer to victory than ever before." At the rally, Musk , in his first onstage appearance with Trump, declared, "This is the most important election of our lifetime," emphasizing the need for Trump to win in order to "preserve the Constitution" and "democracy in America." With the race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris tightening, especially in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Trump has made appearances in the state a focal point of his campaign, saying, "If we win Pennsylvania, we will win the whole thing." Musk’s appearance marks his most prominent political involvement to d...

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump declared on Thursday that if he wins the 2024 election, no state will be allowed to ban gasoline-powered cars or trucks . Trump made the auto industry's future a focal point of his campaign as he seeks votes in Michigan , a crucial swing state home to the Detroit Three automakers . Speaking at a rally in Saginaw, Michigan , Trump stated, "When I'm president, no state in America will be permitted to ban gas-powered cars or trucks, and I guarantee it—no way. You're going to make them right here." This announcement directly challenges California's plan to transition to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2035, which has also been adopted by 11 other states . California has requested a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce the ban under the Clean Air Act . The state’s regulations mandate that 35% of new cars sold must be plug-in or zero-emission by 2026, rising to 100% by 2035 . Pr...

In a surprisingly civil vice presidential debate held on Tuesday, Democratic nominee Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Republican nominee US Senator JD Vance clashed over key policy issues while largely maintaining a cordial demeanor. This debate comes amid an increasingly contentious election campaign marked by inflammatory rhetoric and two assassination attempts. Despite their history of sharp attacks on each other during the campaign, the two rivals reserved their criticisms for their respective running mates: Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former Republican President Donald Trump . The most intense moment of the debate occurred towards the end, when Vance, who previously stated he would not have voted to certify the results of the 2020 election, avoided addressing whether he would challenge this year's vote if Trump were to lose. In response, Walz pointed out that Trump’s false claims of voter fraud incited the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. “He is still ...