President Donald Trump relished the glow of a British royal spectacle Wednesday, greeted at Windsor Castle on his state visit by King Charles III, military honor guards and mounted troops before paying a private tribute at Queen Elizabeth II鈥檚 tomb.
No. No U.S. president, or any other world leader, has ever had the honor of a . The pomp and pageantry are deliberate, meant to bolster ties with Trump at a time when his and security arrangements around the globe. For the grandeur-loving president, festivities involved 120 horses and 1,300 troops 鈥 including the largest guard of honor in living memory.
Meanwhile, testified before senators on Wednesday that Health Secretary fired her after she refused to endorse forthcoming vaccine recommendations without reviewing scientific evidence to support the guidance.
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Kimmel鈥檚 comments on Kirk mirror those Trump and allies have made on other political violence victims
Trump and his allies have regularly done what Kimmel did in his statements 鈥 falsely imply that victims of political violence were targeted by their own ideological allies.
Trump routinely spread a false conspiracy theory that the man who broke into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi鈥檚 house in 2022 and attacked her 82-year-old husband with a hammer was secretly his lover, rather than a believer in the Q-Anon conspiracy theory that posits Trump as a hero who will crush the 鈥渄eep state.鈥 He continues to make jokes about the attack, which gravely injured Paul Pelosi.
Numerous Republicans 鈥 most prominently 鈥 also claimed the killing of a Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband by a Trump supporter with a long list of other Democrats to target was in fact the act of a leftist, because the man had been appointed to a ceremonial board by the state鈥檚 Democratic governor, Tim Walz.
Trump celebrates ABC鈥檚 indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel鈥檚 show over Charlie Kirk comments
ABC indefinitely beginning Wednesday after comments he made about led a group of ABC-affiliated stations to say it would not air the show.
, made several comments about the reaction to Kirk鈥檚 assassination on 鈥淛immy Kimmel Live!鈥 Monday and Tuesday nights, including that 鈥渕any in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.鈥
Trump posted on Truth Social, 鈥淐ongratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.鈥
He also targeted two other late-night hosts, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, and said they should also be canceled, calling them 鈥渢wo total losers.鈥
In July, Trump wrote on his social media platform: 鈥淚 absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert!鈥
Like Colbert, Kimmel has consistently been critical of Trump and many of his policies.
Brothers testify about box left with them by man accused of trying to kill Trump
Samuel and Lazaro Plata described in Spanish through translators how Ryan Routh left the container filled with pipes, bullets, wires and other items at Lazaro Plata鈥檚 home in Greensboro, North Carolina, in April 2024 鈥 months before the alleged assassination attempt on Sept. 15, 2024, at Trump鈥檚 West Palm Beach country club.
Both men have known Routh for about 30 years and had previously worked at his roofing business.
Wednesday was the fifth day of testimony in .
An FBI agent testified that he found a 12-page letter in the box addressed to 鈥淒ear World.鈥 Prosecutors only wanted the first few lines included as evidence, one of which reads: 鈥淭his was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you.鈥
Routh had asked that the entire letter be allowed into evidence, arguing the first few lines lacked context.
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House advances effort to avoid shutdown
A stopgap spending bill to fund the federal government through Nov. 21 has cleared a key test vote in the House.
Republicans muscled a resolution through on Wednesday that establishes the terms for debating the bill later this week. The vote was 216-210.
So far, Republicans are ignoring Democratic calls to negotiate with them to extend enhanced tax credits that make health insurance coverage more affordable for millions who purchase through the marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act. Democrats want the health insurance relief included in the stopgap bill.
Republicans can get the spending bill through the House if they stay united, but they鈥檒l need some Democratic help when it gets to the Senate.
House rejects effort to punish Rep. Ilhan Omar over Charlie Kirk comments
The 214-213 roll call essentially shelved a resolution from to censure and have her removed from two House committees.
The two have feuded viciously on social media.
The effort comes as Trump has pushed to go after those critical of Kirk as well as his own perceived political opponents.
British broadcaster marking presidential visit with 鈥楾rump v The Truth鈥 special
Channel 4 in Britain announced that it will broadcast a special featuring 鈥渁n unbroken catalogue of over 100 falsehoods, distortions and inaccuracies uttered or written鈥 by Trump since he returned to the White House in January.
The broadcast begins at 10 p.m. in the U.K. on Wednesday.
The channel said in a statement that the program would run 鈥渙ver several hours鈥 and that Trump鈥檚 鈥渦ntrue statements will be punctuated by text-based fact-checks, offering viewers the truth behind the tweets, speeches and soundbites.鈥
Kate dons a couture gown by a British designer and Diana鈥檚 tiara
The Princess of Wales showed her support for British craftmanship and creativity on Wednesday by wearing a couture gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley with a full-length, hand-embroidered gold Chantilly lace evening coat over a silk crepe gown.
Kate, as she is commonly known, sat beside President Trump, who described her as 鈥渟o healthy, so radiant and so beautiful during the banquet for the state visit honoring him. The princess鈥 coat, featuring hand-embroidered roses with couched gold cording, caught the candlelight and shimmered.
She also wore The Lover鈥檚 Knot Tiara, which was once owned by Prince William鈥檚 mother, Princess Diana.
King Charles III celebrates alliance between US and Britain
King Charles III celebrated the longstanding defense and security alliance between the U.S. and Britain while highlighting the threat posed by Russian aggression in Ukraine as he delivered a speech at a gala banquet honoring President Donald Trump.
鈥淚n two World Wars, we fought together to defeat the forces of tyranny,鈥 Charles said at Windsor Castle, west of London. 鈥淭oday, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine.鈥
The speech, on the first day of the president鈥檚 state visit to the U.K., comes amid concern that Trump isn鈥檛 doing enough to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine.
But Charles lauded Trump鈥檚 work as a peacemaker.
鈥淥ur countries are working together in support of crucial diplomatic efforts, no least of which, Mr. President, is your own personal commitment to finding solutions to some of the world鈥檚 most intractable conflicts, in order to secure peace.鈥
Trump praises royals in his toast and joke鈥檚 about king鈥檚 knowledge of guests
The president was impressed at King Charles鈥 ability to know the names of, in Trump鈥檚 estimation, about 150 people they shook hands with.
鈥淎nd some of them had bad names like X,Y, Z, dash two-three,鈥 Trump quipped. 鈥淎nd he knew every one of them. Or at least I think I did, because nobody was complaining.鈥
He also praised his son, Prince William as 鈥渞emarkable鈥 and 鈥渁mazing鈥 and his wife, Princess Kate, 鈥渟o radiant and so healthy, so beautiful.鈥
He appeared to be alluding to her cancer diagnosis. The princess said earlier this year that her cancer is in remission.
Trump calls his second UK state visit a 鈥榮ingular privilege鈥
He joked in his remarks before at the start of the lavish state dinner that he hopes no other American president is so honored again.
鈥淭his is truly one of the highest honors of my life,鈥 Trump said, reading from prepared remarks.
In his toast, King Charles highlights the special relationship
The king marveled at the shared history of the two nations and their strong relationship which 250 years ago, at the time of America鈥檚 founding, would have been unimaginable to George Washington and King George.
鈥淲e celebrate a relationship between two countries that surely neither old George could possibly have imagined,鈥 he said.
The king touched on Trump鈥檚 British roots, his recent visits to the U.K. and in a nod to the president鈥檚 favorite sport, said, 鈥淚 understand that British soil makes for rather splendid golf courses.鈥
Sen. Bernie Sanders describes war in Gaza as 鈥榞enocide鈥 for the first time
While Sanders has led efforts in the Senate to block the sale of U.S. bombs and firearms to Israel, he has stopped short of describing the war as a 鈥済enocide鈥 鈥 which at times has drawn criticism.
But in a statement Wednesday titled 鈥淚t鈥檚 a genocide,鈥 Sanders said 鈥渢he conclusion is inescapable.鈥
鈥溾淗aving named it a genocide, we must use every ounce of our leverage to demand an immediate ceasefire,鈥 said Sanders.
Tech giants and industry leaders dominate guest list of state banquet
Among those invited to the banquet hosted by King Charles III were technology CEOs Tim Cook of Apple, Demis Hassabis of Google DeepMind and Sam Altman of OpenAI. Pascal Soriot, who heads drugmaker Astrazeneca, the most valuable company on the London Stock Exchange, was also in attendance.
In a nod to Trump鈥檚 love of golf, English golfer Nick Faldo, winner of six major championships, including three Masters鈥 titles, was also present.
The king is sitting next to Trump at the center of the 50-meter long table in St. George鈥檚 Hall, where the ceiling is adorned with the coat of arms of every Knight of the Garter since the order was founded in 1348. Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is seated to the president鈥檚 right.
On the other side of the table, Queen Camilla is seated next to first lady Melania Trump and Treasury chief Scott Bessent. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch also has a seat at the table.
The king and president lead off a royal procession into the state banquet
King Charles and Trump walked side by side to enter St. George鈥檚 Hall, where the banquet is being held.
They were followed by Queen Camilla and Melania Trump.
An awkward dinner party: Rupert Murdoch to appear at royal banquet as Trump sues him for $10 billion
A place setting was marked at the table for Murdoch, according to journalists given a preview of the event.
The president in July sued The Wall Street Journal and its media mogul owner, Murdoch, over the newspaper鈥檚 report on a sexually suggestive letter purportedly written by Trump for disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump denied writing the letter, which was later released by Democrats in Congress. The White House has said Trump鈥檚 signature on it was forged.
The lawsuit became even more personal when Trump had his lawyers try to force Murdoch to give a deposition quickly in the case, citing the 94-year-old mogul鈥檚 age and physical condition.
Murdoch is also the owner of Fox News Channel, a Trump-friendly network from where the president has plucked people to staff his administration.
Senate Democrats call on Pentagon leaders to testify on use of military force in US cities
Senate Democrats on the Armed Services Committee on Wednesday urged Republicans to hold a hearing with Defense Department leaders over the deployment of military personnel to U.S. cities.
In a letter signed by 13 Democratic senators, the group argued the hearing is needed 鈥渢o help Congress and the public better understand the implications of such large-scale redirection of the U.S. military and defense apparatus for support to traditionally non-military missions.鈥
The request follows Trump鈥檚 order this week to deploy the National Guard to Memphis 鈥 mirroring similar actions in DC and Los Angeles 鈥 and signals he may target more cities.
鈥淲e believe it is critical that we conduct public oversight to ensure that the use of military power remains lawful, constitutional, strategically justified and responsible and transparent to the American public,鈥 the senators wrote.
State Department pulls down its remaining efforts to counter foreign mis- and disinformation
The State Department has pulled down its remaining efforts to counter foreign mis- and disinformation, disbanding programs that had survived the Trump administration鈥檚 dismantlement of the Global Engagement Center earlier this year.
In a statement released Wednesday, the department said it had 鈥渃eased all frameworks to counter foreign state information manipulation and any associated instruments鈥 that had been introduced during the Biden administration. It said that like the GEC, those frameworks had 鈥渄evolved into tools for political censorship instead of protecting Americans from foreign adversarial propaganda.鈥
Administration critics have predicted that the elimination of such tools will leave Americans more vulnerable to false and misleading information promoted by adversarial nations like Russia, China and Iran. However, administration officials argue that they will be better able to counter mis- and disinformation by promoting free speech.
鈥淭hrough free speech, the United States will counter genuine malign propaganda from adversaries that threaten our national security, while protecting Americans鈥 right to exchange ideas,鈥 the department said.
State banquet honoring Trump features a bounty of royal finery
Beefeaters in traditional red uniforms and ruff collars lined the entrance to St. George鈥檚 Hall at Windsor Castle on Wednesday night as Britain brought out its royal finery for the state banquet honoring U.S. President Donald Trump.
Inside, the grand Waterloo table was set with 1,462 pieces of silver that sparkles in the light from 139 candles. Seasonal flower arrangements, handpicked from the castle grounds only hours before, made the hall smell like an autumnal garden.
About 100 staff members are on hand to serve 160 guests, who include tech leaders, athletes and Britain鈥檚 top political leaders.
Each place has several glasses so the guests can sample a variety of wines. The wine list includes Wiston Estate Cuvee 2016, Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2000, Pol Roger Extra Cuvee de Reserve 1998, and Domaine Bonneau de Martray Corton-Charlemagne grand cru 2018.
Vance prefers being in Michigan over the UK on Trump鈥檚 state visit
Vance asked his audience at a manufacturing plant in Howell if they knew that the British royal family was hosting Trump and his wife, Melania, on Wednesday.
鈥淪omebody asked me, 鈥榃ould you rather be in England celebrating the state visit?鈥欌 the vice president said. 鈥淚 said, 鈥楴o, I鈥檇 rather be right here in the great state of Michigan where people are building great products for the American people.鈥欌
Vance didn鈥檛 really have much of a choice, though. Such invitations are for the head of state, and that is Trump.
A menu fit for a king, even if it鈥檚 chicken and ice cream
The first course of the meal at the state banquet that the king is hosting for Trump is a Hampshire watercress panna cotta with parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad.
The second course is chicken 鈥 royal style. It the menu boasts organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettis, with a thyme and savory infused jus.
Dessert will be a vanilla ice cream bombe with a Kentish raspberry sorbet interior and lightly poached Victoria plums.
The banquet drinks were laden with symbolism
A special cocktail, the 鈥淭ransatlantic Whisky Sour,鈥 was created for the banquet.
It is designed as a twist on a whisky sour, made with Johnnie Walker Black. It鈥檚 topped with a pecan foam and a toasted marshmallow set on a star-shaped biscuit meant to evoke campfire s鈥檓ores.
The after-dinner menu includes Warre鈥檚 1945 vintage port, a nod to Trump as the 45th president of the United States, Hennessy 1912 Cognac Grande Champagne, from the year Trump鈥檚 mother was born, and Bowmore Queen鈥檚 Cask 1989, Islay, bottled for Queen Elizabeth鈥檚 Golden Jubilee in 2002.
Trump will find some favorites on the banquet playlist
The musical playlist includes the theme from James Bond but also staples from Trump鈥檚 campaign rallies like Elton John鈥檚 鈥淭iny Dancer鈥 and the Rolling Stones鈥 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 always get what you want.鈥
鈥淣essun Dorma鈥 and 鈥淎ve Maria,鈥 two operatic classics that Trump also favors, were also on the evening鈥檚 playlist.
In Michigan to tout tax cuts, Vance urges Whitmer to allow National Guard into to Detroit to deter crime
鈥淟ook, the city of Detroit we know has got some serious crime problems and we know that it鈥檚 the people in Detroit who suffer the most,鈥 Vice President JD Vance said at Hatch Stamping Co. in Howell, about 60 miles northwest of the city.
鈥淕retchen, we are happy to send the National Guard to Detroit, Michigan. All ya gotta do is ask,鈥 he said, referring to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat.
The Republican vice president said the administration is proud of surging National Guard troops and federal law enforcement into Washington, D.C., to deter crime.
Trump announced Monday that guard troops will go next to Memphis, Tennessee. The state鈥檚 Republican governor appeared with Trump for the announcement.
Federal Reserve cuts benchmark rate by 0.25 points
Fed officials voted 11-1 to cut the central bank鈥檚 benchmark interest rate a quarter of a percentage point to a range of 4% to 4.25%.
The only Fed official dissenting was its new governor Stephen Miran, who just joined the Fed this week and is on leave from his job as the chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
Miran wanted a larger cut of half a percentage point.
Fed officials said in a statement that economic growth has moderated and job gains have slowed, but inflation remains somewhat elevated. The Fed targets inflation at 2%.
President Donald Trump wants deeper cuts to the benchmark rate and has engaged in a pressure campaign against Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
FBI director suggests he鈥檒l look into Epstein birthday letter
Patel was pressed by Rep. Jared Moskowitz over whether the FBI would investigate Trump鈥檚 claim that the sexually suggestive birthday letter to purportedly carrying the president鈥檚 signature was forged.
The letter was after being handed over by the Epstein estate. Trump has denied writing the letter and creating the drawing.
Moskowitz, a Democrat from Florida, asked Patel whether he would open an investigation into Epstein鈥檚 estate over the letter.
Patel initially responded: 鈥淥n what basis?鈥 But when Moskowitz pressed again, Patel responded: 鈥淪ure, I鈥檒l do it.鈥
It was not immediately clear whether the FBI would formally open an investigation or what such a probe would involve.
CDC鈥檚 acting director and Kennedy ally blasts COVID-era decisions
The acting head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a Kennedy ally, criticized the agency鈥檚 scientists on social media while senators heard from Monarez.
, Kennedy鈥檚 deputy, blasted the agency for 鈥渦npopular policies like mask mandates, social distancing鈥 and vaccine mandates during the pandemic, in a post on X.
鈥淭he American people deserve better 鈥 and leaders committed to that cause,鈥 he wrote.
O鈥橬eill is an investor with close ties to billionaire Peter Thiel. He previously served in various health roles under former President George W. Bush.
Kennedy tapped him to run CDC on an acting basis after Monarez was forced out of government last month. He continues to serve as deputy health secretary.
In his new role, O鈥橬eill will be responsible for approving changes to CDC鈥檚 childhood vaccine recommendations. A panel of advisers handpicked by Kennedy meets Thursday and Friday to discuss shots for COVID-19, hepatitis B and chicken pox.
Conservative coalition teaming with Trump administration to push patriotism in education
The U.S. Education Department says it鈥檚 working with a new coalition of conservative groups to promote civics and patriotism in America鈥檚 schools.
The coalition announced Wednesday will be led by the America First Policy Institute, a think tank co-founded by Education Secretary Linda McMahon. It also includes conservative fixtures like Hillsdale College and Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk.
McMahon will oversee the project, called the America 250 Civics Education Coalition. She said it will strive to 鈥渆ducate, inspire and mobilize youth toward active and informed citizenship.鈥
The coalition will not receive department funding but will 鈥渁mplify Department-funded programming to further the coalition鈥檚 goals,鈥 said Billy Atwell, a spokesperson for the America First Policy Institute.
President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to boost patriotism in schools.
ICE use of Chicago-area veterans hospital parking lot prompts outrage
Federal immigration agents鈥 use of a parking lot at a veterans hospital outside Chicago has prompted swift pushback from elected officials and immigrant rights activists.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat, penned a letter Wednesday to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, opposing the use of Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, just over 10 miles west of Chicago. Federal agents are using 12 parking spots as a staging area amid the Trump administration鈥檚 immigration crackdown on immigration in the area, according to a spokesperson for Duckworth鈥檚 office.
Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran and double amputee, said she knows from experience as a patient at the hospital that parking is already a challenge and accused the VA of a 鈥減athetic capitulation to ICE.鈥
鈥淚t adds injury to insult when VA surrenders resources in support of reckless, paramilitary activities that do nothing to enhance Veteran care,鈥 she said.
The DHS has also requested limited logistical support from officials at the Naval Station Great Lakes, 35 miles north of Chicago.
Mexico鈥檚 president wants investigation into death of man shot by US agents near Chicago
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned the death of a by U.S. immigration agents in suburban Chicago.
Sheinbaum said Wednesday that Mexico has requested information from the U.S. government and demanded a thorough investigation of the death of Silverio Villegas Gonz谩lez. He died last week after an encounter with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Franklin Park, which is a suburb of Chicago.
Authorities allege he was evading arrest and dragged an agent with his vehicle before he was fatally shot.
Immigrant rights activists and Illinois elected officials have also raised questions about the circumstances.
Health committee鈥檚 top leaders call for release of any recording of conversations between Secretary Kennedy and Monarez
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican and one of Kennedy鈥檚 closest allies in Congress, tried to raise doubts about Monarez鈥檚 account and claimed that Monarez鈥檚 conversation with Kennedy, where they discussed trust between them, was recorded.
The committee鈥檚 top leaders expressed concern that such a recording had not been shared with them.
鈥淚 also know HHS has a recording. I ask that you release the recording. I don鈥檛 know why it was recorded, but releasing the recording could be radical transparency, and this is about promoting the president鈥檚 vision of radical transparency,鈥 said Sen. Bill Cassidy, the health committee鈥檚 chair.
鈥淗ow does it happen, if it is true, that one senator has access to alleged tape recording to a meeting. Nobody has that, including the chairman,鈥 said Sen. Bernie Sanders, the committee鈥檚 ranking member for the minority. 鈥淭his is a very politicized situation, and it鈥檚 unfortunate.鈥
Cassidy said Mullin later told reporters after his remarks that he was mistaken about there being a recording of the conversation between Kennedy and Monarez.
Still, Cassidy said the committee had asked HHS for any recording.
Cassidy says newborn hepatitis vaccinations 鈥榤ake America healthy again鈥
Cassidy, who for decades was a practicing liver specialist, focused his closing remarks on what he terms successes due to newborn hepatitis B vaccination.
Cassidy said newborn infection went down by 68% in the decade after newborns began being regularly inoculated against hepatitis B.
鈥淭hat is an accomplishment to make America healthy again,鈥 he said, piggybacking on Kennedy鈥檚 signature line, of the near-total decline in the deadly infections.
鈥淲e should stand up and salute the people that made that decision, because these people who would otherwise be dead, if those mothers were not given that option to have their child vaccinated.鈥
Newborn hepatitis B vaccinations are considered a success. But members of Kennedy鈥檚 new vaccine advisory committee have suggested they want to revisit guidance.
Federal Reserve expected to cut its key interest rate, signal future reductions
The Fed will announce its interest rate decision at 2 p.m. Wednesday after a meeting that may be unusually contentious.
The central bank is expected to cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point, to about 4.1%. Cuts by the Fed often, over time, lead to lower borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and business loans.
The Fed鈥檚 interest-rate setting committee now includes both a Trump administration appointee, , a top economic aide who is keeping his White House job, and Lisa Cook, a Fed governor whom Trump has sought 鈥 unsuccessfully so far 鈥 .
Miran is the first member of the Fed鈥檚 governing board to also have a White House job in decades. He is expected to dissent from the Fed鈥檚 decision in favor of a steeper reduction.
Investors will closely watch Powell鈥檚 2:30 p.m. press conference for clues as to how many more rate reductions the Fed may implement in the coming months.
RFK, HHS post clips of Republicans grilling Monarez on social media as hearing continues
Monarez鈥檚 Senate testimony is still underway, and both Kennedy and his agency are trolling her on social media in real time.
From its official X account, the Department of Health and Human Services posted several videos of exchanges in which Republican senators questioned the fired CDC director鈥檚 trustworthiness.
In one exchange, Sen. Jim Banks on Indiana questioned why she had hired an attorney 鈥渉eavily involved with President Trump鈥檚 first impeachment.鈥
Kennedy reposted some of the clips from his own official X account, thanking the senators and, in one post, adding, 鈥淲e will earn back Americans鈥 trust and refocus the CDC on its core mission.鈥
Vaccines go through rigorous testing before approval
Vaccines approved by the FDA and recommended by the CDC go through of testing.
They start with 10 to 15 years of laboratory research, which includes testing in small animals for proof of concept. They are then tested in three phases of clinical trials for safety and effectiveness in humans. The FDA also evaluates the manufacturing facilities where they鈥檙e made and tracks batch quality in real time.
Once approved by the FDA, the CDC鈥檚 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices reviews data on how safe and effective the vaccine is at different ages, how serious the vaccine-preventable illness is and how many people would get sick if there wasn鈥檛 a vaccine. They then recommend how the vaccine should be administered, pending approval from the CDC director.
After the vaccine is in use, multiple safety systems track for rare side effects across millions of people. Childhood vaccines prevent 4 million deaths worldwide every year, .
Fired CDC director worries 鈥檉urther promulgation鈥 of misinformation could mean more violence
Asked by Sen. Chris Murphy about the ramifications of the CDC shooting earlier this year, Monarez said she worried that the spread of 鈥渕isleading information鈥 about vaccines and health overall 鈥渨ill undermine not just the safety and health of our children, but it will also exacerbate some of these tensions.鈥
Dr. Debra Houry added that some CDC personnel have also asked that their names be removed from documentation about vaccines, or not to speak publicly about vaccines, 鈥渂ecause they feel they were personally targeted, because of misinformation.鈥
Authorities said last month that the man who fired dozens of bullets at the CDC headquarters wanted to send a message against COVID-19 vaccines. At the time, Monarez — then CDC director — that 鈥渕isinformation can be dangerous. Not only to health, but to those that trust us and those we want to trust.鈥
House Oversight Committee calls on CEO鈥檚 of online platforms to testify
In the wake of the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the House Oversight Committee is calling on the chief executives of Discord, Steam, Twitch and Reddit to testify on how they are regulating their platforms to prevent violence.
鈥淐ongress has a duty to oversee the online platforms that radicals have used to advance political violence,鈥 said Rep. James Comer, the Republican chairman of the committee, in a statement.
It鈥檚 a change of focus for congressional Republicans, who had previously scrutinized online platforms for policing free speech.
Treasury official Dan Katz to be selected for IMF Deputy Managing Director
US Treasury Chief of Staff, Dan Katz, is expected to be selected as the next IMF First Deputy Managing Director, according to two people familiar with the decision who were not authorized to comment.(backslash)
Katz, who has served during both Trump administrations, most recently helped Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on China trade negotiations, managing four rounds of in-person negotiations with the Chinese, including the recent negotiations over TikTok ownership in Madrid.
Katz would succeed Gita Gopinath, who was the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund from January 2022 to August 2025.
Trump 鈥榓bsolutely not鈥 implicated in Epstein sex trafficking investigation, FBI director says
Patel says he doesn鈥檛 know offhand how many times Trump鈥檚 name is in the Epstein files, but he鈥檚 鈥渁bsolutely not implicated.鈥
Repeatedly pressed by Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee about why the FBI and Justice Department said in July that they would not disclose additional evidence from the case, Patel said the material not shared largely consists of child sex abuse material that鈥檚 unfit for public release, and other information is protected from release by court orders.
Democrat Dan Goldman accused Patel of being part of a 鈥渃overup.鈥 Patel asserted that the Trump administration had released more than prior administrations.
MAHA rallies supporters at Monarez hearing
Staff from MAHA Action, a non-profit political advocacy organization, are handing out 鈥淢ake America Healthy Again鈥 hats to attendees entering the hearing room.
The hats come in green, beige, pink and other colors. Several attendees welcomed hats from staff and wore them as they meandered around the Senate halls and sat behind Monarez in the hearing room.
鈥淢ake America Healthy Again鈥 became the moniker of Kennedy鈥檚 heterodox movement after it aligned itself with Trump鈥檚 broader 鈥淢ake America Great Again鈥 campaign.
GOP senator says Monarez was fired over a difference in 鈥減hilosophy鈥 from Kennedy
Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas physician, said that a difference in philosophy is what caused Monarez to be fired from the nation鈥檚 top health agency. He said her 鈥渄ifferent mindset鈥 made her 鈥渘ot the right person for this job.鈥
鈥淵our attitude that you believe every person should have every vaccine is completely contrary to Secretary Kennedy鈥檚 philosophy,鈥 Marshall said.
Monarez responded that she 鈥渨ill stand behind scientific integrity with every decision I ever make鈥 and that health decisions about vaccines for children and adults should be made 鈥渢o support the best decisions for our children and others.鈥
Monarez noted the CDC only recommends vaccines, which go through years, sometimes decades of testing. Once they鈥檙e approved by the FDA, the CDC鈥檚 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices reviews data on how safe and effective each vaccine is at different ages, how serious the vaccine-preventable illness is and how many people would get sick if there wasn鈥檛 a vaccine.
CDC official who resigned fears 鈥榟eartbreaking鈥 consequences from vaccine preventable diseases in children
Warning of 鈥渓ong term consequences鈥 if fewer U.S. children are vaccinated against diseases like measles, Houry warned that 鈥渋t鈥檚 going to beheartbreaking鈥 to see ramifications for children, even years after contracting the disease.
Houry also said that she repeatedly asked to be allowed to brief Kennedy after he made concerning statements related to vaccines or health, but 鈥渙ur requests were not received to brief him.鈥
Republican leaders say Democrats will be responsible if the government shuts down
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans simply want to continue the status quo when the new budget year begins Oct. 1.
鈥淒emocrats have a choice to make. They can work with Republicans to pass this clean, short-term, nonpartisan measure to fund the government while we continue work on the 2026 appropriations bills, or they can shut down the government with all that will mean for the American people.鈥
Democrats say millions of Americans will lose health care coverage if the spending bill doesn鈥檛 extend the enhanced tax credits that makes insurance more affordable.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e trying to insert unrelated matters into the middle of a clean government extension. And I don鈥檛 think that鈥檚 going to work,鈥 House Speaker Mike Johnson said on CNBC.
House Republicans could pass the bill on their own if they stay united. It鈥檚 a different story in the Senate, where they need 60 votes to overcome procedural hurdles.
Trumps join royals to watch 鈥楤eating Retreat鈥 ceremony
The president, first lady, king and queen walked a red carpet to a tent on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle, where they watched more parading by some 200 military musicians, including the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry and the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
Officials say the music chosen is relevant to the bilateral relationship: 鈥淓agle Squadron鈥 commemorates U.S pilots who flew in the Royal Air Force during World War II. 鈥淕olden Friendship,鈥 a classic American march, is a favorite of the first lady and is often played for her at the White House, they said.
Earlier, the Trumps watched a children’s choir perform.
CDC official who resigned says Kennedy adviser questioned including data on hepatitis B vaccine
Houry said one of Kennedy鈥檚 political advisers expressed concerns about her plan to include data around the hepatitis B vaccine, which is given to many newborns shortly after birth, for this week鈥檚 meeting of a vaccine advisory panel. Houry claimed the adviser said the data would 鈥渂ias鈥 the panel.
Sen. Bill Cassidy responded, somewhat stunned, tripping over his words.
鈥淵ou鈥檙e suggesting that they wanted to move away from the birth dose but they were afraid your data would say you should retain it?鈥
Both Houry and Monarez said they were unaware of any data to support changing the age for receiving vaccines.
Fired CDC director says she鈥檚 鈥榥ervous鈥 about coming vaccine panel recommendations
Asked about expected guidance to come from the Thursday meeting of the panel that makes vaccine recommendations, Monarez said she鈥檚 鈥渧ery nervous about it.鈥
鈥淚 haven鈥檛 prejudged,鈥 Monarez said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know what will happen, but I certainly will be watching.鈥
In June, Kennedy removed every member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the scientific committee that advises CDC on how to use vaccines, and them with a group that includes several anti-vaccine voices. on whether to change recommendations on shots against COVID-19, hepatitis B and chickenpox.
Monarez warns about upcoming vaccine committee hearing
Monarez testified that she was asked by health secretary Kennedy to provide 鈥渂lanket approval鈥 for forthcoming decisions by the CDC鈥檚 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
鈥淭omorrow the reconstituted ACIP will meet. Its composition has already raised concerns from the medical community,鈥 she said. 鈥淏ased on what I observed in my tenure, there is a real risk that recommendations could be made restricting access to vaccines for children and others in need, without rigorous scientific review. With no permanent CDC director in place, those recommendations could be adopted.鈥
Kennedy in June of the scientific committee that advises the CDC on how to use vaccines and replaced them with his own picks. They will vote on whether or not to change recommendations on .
With the U.S already facing its in more than three decades, the risks posed by fewer people getting vaccinated are 鈥渘ot theoretical,鈥 she said.
Key Democrat lambasts FBI Director at House oversight hearing
The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee is sharply criticizing Kash Patel.
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland told Patel at an oversight hearing Wednesday that he was running the FBI not as a law enforcement agency but as a 鈥減olitical enforcement agency working directly for the president鈥檚 vengeance campaign.鈥
Raskin it鈥檚 鈥渋mpossible to overstate the destruction, chaos and demoralization you鈥檝e brought to the FBI and its workforce,鈥 and likened Patel to the infamous and longest-serving FBI director in history, J. Edgar Hoover.
Patel defended himself during his opening statement, saying the FBI under his watch had helped reduce violent crime and had arrested 23,000 violent criminals.
CDC official who resigned says Kennedy puts US on track for 鈥榙rastic increases鈥 in preventable disease
Houry, one of the three CDC officials who resigned in the wake of Monarez鈥檚 departure from the agency, said Kennedy 鈥渟pread misinformation and promoted unproven treatments,鈥 resulting in 鈥渢he highest number of measles cases in 30 years.鈥
Also under Kennedy鈥檚 tenure, flu and COVID sample submissions have dropped by 60% and 70% respectively, 鈥渓eaving us with far less visibility into what鈥檚 coming,鈥 Houry said.
Fired CDC Director says Kennedy told her to override vaccine approvals and fire health officials without cause
鈥淗e directed me to commit in advance to approving every ACIP recommendation, regardless of the science. He also directed me to dismiss career officials responsible for vaccine policy without cause,鈥 said Monarez.
鈥淗e said if I was unwilling to do both, I should resign. I responded that I could not pre-approve recommendations without reviewing the evidence, and I had no basis for firing (scientists). He said he had already spoken with the White House several times,鈥 Monarez told senators.
Kennedy said that Monarez was fired after she said, he claimed, that she was not a trustworthy person.
Monarez said she told Kennedy that she would stand by the scientific process to review, approve or reject vaccines, and that if he did not support that, she should be fired.
Trump lays a wreath at Queen Elizabeth鈥檚 tomb
Trump and Melania Trump traveled in the presidential limousine to St. George鈥檚 Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The president pumped his fist at reporters waiting nearby before entering, where he privately went to lay a wreath at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II.
The late queen hosted Trump during his first state visit in 2019.
Monarez starts by discussing the attack at the CDC headquarters
Saying that Wednesday鈥檚 hearing 鈥渟hould be about the future of trust in public health,鈥 Monarez said that Kennedy wanted her to come to Washington in the days after the Aug. 8 shooting in Atlanta.
Monarez said she was unwilling to miss the funeral of , the DeKalb County officer .
鈥淚n the days after the attack, I focused on security, staff and ensuring the CDC can continue its mission,鈥 Monarez said.
GOP committee chairman opened hearing by mulling what changed since Monarez was confirmed
Sen. Bill Cassidy noted that Kennedy said Monarez had 鈥渦nimpeachable鈥 credentials, yet criticized her just weeks later. 鈥淭urmoil鈥 at the CDC 鈥渋s not good for the health of the American people,鈥 Cassidy said.
Cassidy, a physician, also said that doctors aren鈥檛 able to make informed decisions about care if they 鈥渄o not have clear guidance, or have a reason to distrust what鈥檚 coming out of the CDC.鈥
The Louisiana Republican 鈥 who publicly expressed concern about Kennedy鈥檚 anti-vaccination positions before voting to confirm him as health secretary 鈥 has worried aloud about 鈥渟erious allegations鈥 at the CDC. He has called for oversight, without blaming Kennedy.
GOP committee chairman opened hearing by mulling what changed since Monarez was confirmed
Sen. Bill Cassidy noted that Kennedy said Monarez had 鈥渦nimpeachable鈥 credentials, yet criticized her just weeks later. “Turmoil鈥 at the CDC 鈥渋s not good for the health of the American people,鈥 Cassidy said.
Cassidy, a physician, also said that doctors aren鈥檛 able to make informed decisions about care if they 鈥渄o not have clear guidance, or have a reason to distrust what鈥檚 coming out of the CDC.鈥
The Louisiana Republican 鈥 who publicly expressed concern about Kennedy鈥檚 anti-vaccination positions before voting to confirm him as health secretary 鈥 has worried aloud about 鈥渟erious allegations鈥 at the CDC. He has called for oversight, without blaming Kennedy.
Sen. Bernie Sanders criticizes Kennedy for firing Monarez
鈥淒r. Monarez was fired because she refused to act as a rubber stamp to implement Secretary Kennedy鈥檚 dangerous agenda to substantially limit the use of safe and effective vaccines that would endanger the life the American people and people across the world,鈥 said Sanders.
Kennedy accusations by Monarez that he ordered 鈥渞ubber-stamped鈥 vaccine recommendations.
Senate hearing for fired CDC chief has begun
The is about to begin testimony before the Senate鈥檚 powerful health committee.
Susan Monarez is expected to tell senators on Wednesday that Health Secretary pressured her to endorse new vaccine recommendations before seeing scientific evidence, according to a copy of prepared remarks.
Monarez was initially handpicked by Kennedy and nominated by President Donald Trump. But she was fired just weeks into the job over disagreements on vaccine policies. Accompanying her in the hearing room is the CDC’s former chief medical officer, Debra Houry.
鈥 This item has been corrected. Houry wasn’t fired; she resigned.
Obama says
Trump鈥檚 use of executive power sets up 鈥榙angerous moment鈥
The former president said Republicans in the White House and Congress, with approval for now from the Supreme Court, are saying 鈥渨e鈥檙e okay with just breaking the rules.鈥
He pointed to Trump鈥檚 deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., as well as ID checks by federal agents in Los Angeles.
鈥淢any of the guardrails and norms that I thought I had to abide by as president of the United States, that George Bush thought he had to abide by as president of the United States ... suddenly those no longer apply. And that makes this a dangerous moment.鈥
Obama applauds Utah governor鈥檚 response to Kirk killing
Obama said he and Gov. Spencer Cox 鈥渄isagree on a whole bunch of stuff,鈥 but the Republican鈥檚 messaging around how to respond to Kirk鈥檚 death shows 鈥渢hat it is possible for us to disagree while abiding by a basic code of how we should engage in public debate.鈥
Obama drew parallels to his own leadership following the 2015 slaying of nine Black parishioners at a Charleston, South Carolina, church, as well as former President George W. Bush鈥檚 actions following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
A president should 鈥渃onstantly remind us of the ties that bind us together,鈥 Obama said, adding that the rhetoric used by Trump and his aides, calling 鈥減olitical opponents 鈥榲ermin,鈥 鈥榚nemies鈥 鈥 speaks to a broader problem.鈥
Barack Obama says US at 鈥榠nflection point鈥 after Kirk鈥檚 death
The former U.S. president talked about Charlie Kirk鈥檚 killing during Q&A at an event in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday night that was hosted by the Jefferson Educational Society.
Obama says he disagreed with many of Kirk鈥檚 positions, but 鈥渢hat doesn鈥檛 negate the fact that what happened was a tragedy and that I mourn for him and his family.鈥
鈥淧olitical violence is not new,鈥 Obama said, and such acts are 鈥渁nathema to what it means to be a democratic country.鈥
A brooch, a sword, a handbag and a book: The gifts the Trumps and the royals exchanged
Buckingham Palace has revealed details about what gifts the royals and the Trumps exchanged on Wednesday.
King Charles and Queen Camilla presented the Trumps with a hand-bound leather volume specially made to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the Union flag that flew above Buckingham Palace on the day of Trump鈥檚 inauguration on Jan. 20.
The royals also gave Melania Trump a silver and enamel bowl and a personalized handbag by British designer Anya Hindmarch.
In return, Trump gave Charles a replica of a President Eisenhower sword, and Camilla received a vintage Tiffany & Co. gold, diamond and ruby brooch.
Brad Raffensperger, who stood up to Trump over 2020 voting, runs for Georgia governor
The Republican Secretary of State who to help overturn Georgia鈥檚 2020 election results said Wednesday that he鈥檚 running for governor in 2026.
鈥淚鈥檓 a conservative Republican, and I鈥檓 prepared to make the tough decisions. I follow the law and the Constitution, and I鈥檒l always do the right thing for Georgia no matter what,鈥 Raffensperger said in an announcement video.
The wealthy engineering entrepreneur might appeal most to business-oriented Republicans who once dominated GOP primaries in Georgia, but he is pledging a strongly conservative campaign even while he remains scorned by Trump and his allies. Georgia has had Republican governors since 2002.
Raffensperger to win reelection in 2022, and his first challenge may be to qualify for the primary. State party leaders Raffensperger from running as a Republican.
Nvidia CEO expects to discuss China trade and tech problems with Trump at banquet
The CEO of Nvidia, who is visiting the U.K. at the same time as President Donald Trump to unveil a flurry of new investments, says he expects to discuss the U.S.-China trade and tech battle with Trump at a state banquet later Wednesday.
Santa Clara, Calif.-based Nvidia, the world鈥檚 most valuable company, is restricted from exporting its most advanced chips to China. This week, Beijing regulators also targeted the company, accusing it of antitrust breaches stemming from a 2020 acquisition of an Israeli tech company.
Adding to the problems, the Financial Times reported Wednesday, citing unnamed sources, that China鈥檚 internet regulator is banning domestic tech companies from buying an Nvidia chip model tailored for the local market.
CEO Jensen Huang said he was 鈥渄isappointed鈥 with the situation. He said he hasn鈥檛 yet spoken to Trump about the latest developments, 鈥渂ut I鈥檒l see him tonight, and he鈥檒l probably ask me.鈥
Huang said his company will continue to be 鈥渟upportive鈥 of both governments as they 鈥渟ort through these geopolitical policies.鈥
Trump and royals pause for lunch after military ceremonies
A guard of honor, comprising soldiers and officers from the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards and Scots Guards, have marched past Trump and King Charles.
The formal ceremonial welcome in the castle quadrangle featured the largest ever guard of honor for a state visit to the U.K., officials said.
King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Trumps took their places on the dais as the state colors were lowered and the United States national anthem played. Trump saluted and the first lady placed her hand on her chest.
Trump was then escorted by an officer as he walked along a line of soldiers in red tunics and bearskin hats.
Charles accompanied him, following a short distance behind. He and the president chatted for a bit before they returned to the Royal Dais together.
Gilded carriage ride through Windsor estate
The royals are accompanying the Trumps in a ceremonious horse-drawn carriage ride through the vast grounds of the Windsor estate.
King Charles and Trump are travelling in the Irish State Coach, with Queen Camilla and the first lady in the Scottish State Coach.
Prince William and Kate are following in another carriage, the Semi-State Landau.
A military band played the British and U.S. national anthems as the carriages cross the estate. Trump could be seen chatting with the king as they rode in the carriage together.
Charles and Camilla welcome the Trumps to Windsor
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have shaken hands with the Trumps outside Windsor Castle.
The president and first lady flew on Marine One from Winfield House, the U.S. ambassador鈥檚 residence in London, where they stayed Tuesday night.
They were greeted by Prince William of Wales and Kate, the Princess of Wales, who accompanied them on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the vast grounds of the Windsor estate.
In total, 120 horses and 1,300 members of the British military will take part in the ceremonial welcome at Windsor.
Dozens of groups protesting against Trump in London
While Trump will not be seen in any public-facing events during his two-day trip, police are preparing for a signification operation in central London, where as many as 50 protest groups are expected to march against Trump鈥檚 visit.
The Metropolitan Police said 1,600 officers will be deployed on Wednesday, including 500 assisting from other forces.
Activists say they will demonstrate against what they called 鈥渙ur government鈥檚 choice to honor a man who is violating human rights in the United States and around the world.鈥
鈥淚 don鈥檛 think it鈥檚 right that we鈥檙e having Trump come for the second state visit due to his horrible rhetoric, policies and actions towards women and people of colour,鈥 Grace Nathew said Tuesday near Windsor Castle, where police said they arrested four people involved in projecting an image of Trump and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein onto a tower.
London鈥檚 mayor says Trump fans flames of division
President Donald Trump will largely avoid London during his state visit. And that鈥檚 fine by the city鈥檚 mayor.
Sadiq Khan wrote in The Guardian newspaper that Trump and his allies has helped 鈥渇an the flames of divisive, far-right politics around the world.鈥 He said Trump鈥檚 mass deportations and sending troops to U.S. cities are moves 鈥渟traight out of the autocrat鈥檚 playbook.鈥
Ahead of a planned protest on Wednesday against the president鈥檚 visit, Khan wrote: 鈥淚鈥檓 sure many Londoners will speak up to tell President Trump and his followers that we cannot be divided by those who seek to sow fear.鈥
Khan, a member of the governing Labour Party who has been London mayor since 2016, has traded criticism with Trump since the president’s campaign pledge in 2015 to ban Muslims from entering the U.S.
In July the president said Khan has 鈥渄one a terrible job鈥 and is a 鈥渘asty person.鈥
Carriages and a sumptuous state dinner
The highlight of the visit will be a state banquet late Wednesday at Windsor Castle, where Charles and other royals will join their guests around the massive Waterloo Table.
The mahogany table, which has space for 160 guests, will be laid with the Grand Service 鈥 a silver-gilt dining service that includes more than 4,000 pieces ranging from serving dishes to dinner plates and egg cups.
The mood in Windsor was largely festive ahead of the visit. American and U.K. flags are fastened to lamp posts with gold tassels, waving over the heads of tourists weaving their way past the security cordon surrounding the 1,000-year-old castle that will be the center of the ceremonies on Wednesday.
Harry Law, 22, traveled from Folkestone on the south coast of England, hoping to get a glimpse of the man he called 鈥淥range Hair.鈥欌
鈥淵ou don鈥檛 get to see a president every day,鈥欌 he said. 鈥淚 still haven鈥檛 seen our prime minister.鈥欌
About two dozen people gathered late Tuesday near Windsor Castle to protest the visit, chanting 鈥淒ump Trump鈥 and 鈥淭rump go home.鈥 A larger protest against Trump is planned for Wednesday in central London.
Nvidia, OpenAI bosses are part of US delegation
Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are expected to be among the business leaders in the U.S. delegation.
Media reports suggest that Nvidea and OpenAI will unveil billions of dollars鈥 worth of investment into U.K. data centers this week amid Trump’s state visit.
Starmer and Trump are also expected to sign a technology partnership, accompanied by major investments in nuclear energy, life sciences and Artificial Intelligence data centers.
Differences over Ukraine and Gaza
While Starmer has shown he is adept at charming Trump, his efforts to influence the president to maintain U.S. support for Ukraine has had with limited results.
Last week鈥檚 Russian drew strong condemnation from European NATO allies, and pledges of more planes and troops for the bloc鈥檚 eastern flank. Trump played down the incident鈥檚 severity, musing that it 鈥 鈥
Starmer also departs from Trump over Israel鈥檚 war in Gaza. He has said the U.K. will formally at the United Nations later this month.
Trade talks to feature during visit
On Tuesday Trump told reporters that U.K. officials want to continue trade negotiations during his visit.
鈥淭hey鈥檇 like to see if they can get a little bit better deal, so we鈥檒l talk to them,鈥 he said.
Starmer鈥檚 government is keen to secure favorable trade terms with the U.S., the U.K.鈥檚 largest single economic partner, accounting for 18% of total British trade.
A May trade agreement reduces U.S. tariffs on Britain鈥檚 key auto and aerospace industries. But a final deal has not been reached over other sectors, including pharmaceuticals, steel and aluminum.
