Mikey Smith

Karoline Leavitt is expected to leave her role as Donald Trump's press secretary at the end of August, officially citing the demands of the job after having a child. The column criticizes her conduct, including attacks on journalists, alleged falsehoods and the exclusion of the Associated Press, and identifies deputy Anna Kelly, communications director Steven Cheung and former Trump lawyer Alina Habba as potential successors. It also describes an elaborate decoy-plane security operation involving Trump and members of his administration. The piece concludes by examining Mike Lindell's defeat by Lisa Demuth in Minnesota's Republican governor primary, arguing that his loss despite Trump's endorsement may signal limits to Trump's influence within the Republican Party.

Donald Trump is portrayed as enduring a politically damaging week ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. He declined to rule out declaring a national emergency to impose voting requirements and limits on mail-in ballots, threatened to claim the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory after the Iran conflict, and defended higher petrol prices caused by the war. The article also mocks his $10 billion BBC lawsuit, reports Karoline Leavitt’s impending departure as press secretary, criticizes Todd Blanche’s record on January 6 pardons, and condemns Trump’s effort to alter the childhood vaccine schedule despite medical warnings. Concerns are also raised about the prolonged deployment and mental-health pressures affecting sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Carrie Johnson’s Instagram photos from a holiday show Boris Johnson looking unusually groomed, slimmer and more carefully dressed than in previous vacation images. The writer treats the transformation humorously but argues that Johnson’s improved appearance could not repair public anger over his time in Downing Street, especially the Partygate scandal and perceptions that he neglected national crises while holidaying.

Hunter Biden said his decades of drug addiction may have worsened the strain on his father Joe Biden and described the former president's cancer as having spread to his bones, causing severe pain and debilitation. He praised his father's continuing public engagement and unconditional support while acknowledging the emotional cost to the family. Hunter also defended Joe Biden's pre-emptive pardon of him, despite conceding that it could harm his father's constitutional and political legacy, and discussed Joe Biden's forthcoming memoir.

Donald Trump is portrayed as having endured a turbulent week marked by legal setbacks over his plan to demolish part of the White House for a ballroom, an expensive redesign of the South Lawn helipad, tensions with U.S. Attorney Jeannine Pirro, and an alleged dispute with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over dwindling munitions stocks. The piece also covers diplomatic meetings involving Ed Miliband, Marco Rubio, Robert Jenrick and JD Vance. Despite opposition from Republican senators and controversy over a settlement involving Trump and the IRS, Senator Bill Cassidy’s support is expected to clear the way for Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general. The article closes with a mocking account of Trump chasing a toddler at a Las Vegas event.

Donald Trump is seeking to amend his $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC over a Panorama edit of his January 6 speech, apparently to recast the case around personal reputational harm and avoid disclosing the financial performance of hundreds of companies. A judge allowed the complaint to be rewritten while keeping the financial records confidential. The piece also reviews Ed Miliband's diplomatic Washington meetings with Marco Rubio and the differing UK and US accounts of their discussions, including pressure for greater European defense spending. Trump’s repeated visits to Las Vegas are attributed to attempts to promote his “no tax on tips” policy, but his broader rhetoric on immigration, gasoline and political opponents is portrayed as undermining that message as Republicans face difficult midterm prospects.

The Trump administration abandoned charges against champion canoeist David Hearn after new Interior Department information indicated that damage to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool resulted from a botched contractor installation rather than vandalism. The rushed, nearly $15 million refurbishment ran late, exceeded its promised budget by roughly tenfold, and quickly developed algae and peeling sealant. Trump nevertheless rejected the revised explanation, criticized U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro on Truth Social, and continued to blame alleged vandals.

Donald Trump said he had never discussed Gianni Infantino’s proposed FIFA World Cup commercial selloff with the FIFA president. The plan would have created a $20 billion subsidiary, 20% owned by private investors, with a firm founded by Joshua Kushner identified as the core investor. Infantino withdrew the proposal after opposition from football confederations and national associations, while UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Football Australia stressed consultation and proper governance. FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro also resigned, calling the proposal a bad deal for football. The episode highlights Infantino’s close ties to Trump and the political and governance concerns surrounding FIFA’s commercial plans.

Donald Trump is portrayed as politically weakened and increasingly erratic with midterm elections approaching and his approval ratings at a low point. The piece highlights his awkward remarks about Iranian missiles, unsupported claim that Minnesota was behind cyberattacks on water systems, refusal to clarify ties to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and public disagreement with Sean Hannity over Lindsey Graham's legacy. Trump also conceded that Todd Blanche's nomination for permanent attorney general was unlikely to pass after Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis opposed him over a controversial IRS settlement involving Trump and January 6 defendants. The article criticizes Trump's reversal of an apparent commitment to let Ukraine produce Patriot interceptors and treats his claimed Gaza ceasefire and Hamas disarmament agreement with skepticism, while contrasting Republican attacks on Anthony Fauci with Trump's own repeated use of the Fifth Amendment.

Donald Trump held separate closed-door meetings at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while both were in Washington for Lindsey Graham’s funeral. Zelenskyy thanked Trump for US support and warned that Russia had provided Iran with satellite imagery allegedly linked to subsequent strikes. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized both meetings as positive and productive, while Trump highlighted Graham’s unwavering support for Ukraine and suggested the late senator favored a deal with Iran but remained hawkish on the Russia-Ukraine war.

The rescheduled White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C., will feature Donald Trump as guest of honour and a magician instead of the traditional comedian. The event comes amid intensified attacks on the press, including the Justice Department's demands for New York Times journalists' phone records over a report about security problems with Trump's proposed Qatari jet. The commentary argues that such legal actions are intended to intimidate journalists and sources even when they are unlikely to succeed in court. It criticizes journalists and the White House Correspondents Association for continuing to host Trump despite his repeated attacks on the media, suggesting that the press should attend only to report on the event or disinvite him altogether.

Donald Trump reacted angrily to questions about the ongoing Iran conflict during an Oval Office media session, dismissing concerns about Iran’s continued attacks and blaming unnamed others for the deaths of U.S. troops. Newly appointed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham held a warm introductory call with Trump, while Trump officials confirmed the soaring cost of the Iran war as Pete Hegseth requested substantial additional military funding. The Smithsonian pushed back against a White House report accusing the institution of ideological bias, and the Justice Department issued subpoenas targeting family members of New York Times reporters as part of a leak investigation involving Trump’s presidential aircraft.

Andy Burnham’s relationship with Donald Trump is unlikely to be affected by his past criticisms, but tensions may arise from figures within the US administration, particularly Marco Rubio, who is unhappy about Ed Miliband’s appointment as Foreign Secretary. While Trump pays little attention to UK domestic politics, Burnham’s positions, including a pragmatic stance on North Sea drilling, have so far kept interactions calm. With an initial meeting expected at the UN General Assembly, Burnham will need to manage Trump’s unpredictability and the influence of his advisors to maintain stable UK‑US relations.

Donald Trump sought to cast doubt on upcoming midterm elections with an unsubstantiated prime‑time claim of foreign interference, prompting warnings from intelligence experts about the dangers of undermining public trust. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin escalated the situation by threatening state officials and pushing for voter‑roll seizures based on unsupported allegations of non‑citizen voting. The week also included Trump’s World Cup commentary and a ceremony with FIFA’s Gianni Infantino. Critics across government and media voiced concern that Trump’s actions signal an effort to delegitimise or overturn expected Republican losses, while his push for the SAVE America Act was framed as an attempt to reshape election rules to his advantage.

A lightly attended CPAC GB conference in London, hosted by Liz Truss, attempted to replicate the pro‑Trump political spectacle seen in the United States, drawing a mix of Conservative, Reform UK and fringe right‑wing figures. Nigel Farage served as the main attraction, while appearances by Suella Braverman and Jacob Rees‑Mogg drew larger crowds in an otherwise sparsely filled venue. The event featured numerous far‑right influencers and controversial personalities, prompting questions about Truss’s comfort with the ideologies represented. Truss defended the gathering as a forum for people concerned about Britain’s future and rejected criticism of extremist attendees. The conference was widely mocked as a scaled‑down imitation of a MAGA rally, highlighting divisions and radical elements within the UK right wing.

Nigel Farage launched his Clacton by‑election campaign with a keynote speech at the CPAC GB conference in London, distancing himself from scrutiny over a £5 million donation and portraying the UK as in steep decline. He criticised Labour leader Andy Burnham for lacking a mandate and condemned Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for rejecting her party’s record. Farage accused the political establishment of targeting Reform UK and highlighted an array of fringe candidates contesting the by‑election after major parties declined to run.

Donald Trump used a prime-time speech to allege unproven Chinese interference in the 2020 election, raising concerns he may seek to challenge the legitimacy of the upcoming 2026 midterms. Intelligence agencies have repeatedly found no evidence of vote manipulation, and Democratic lawmakers warned that Trump’s statements appear aimed at sowing confusion ahead of November. Several major networks declined to air the speech live, prompting Trump to accuse them of participating in a plot against him. Senior administration figures, including Vice President JD Vance, attended the address, which renewed focus on Trump’s refusal to accept past election results.

The White House declined to commit to Donald Trump accepting the results of the upcoming midterm elections ahead of a televised address focused on election integrity. Trump’s planned speech sparked concerns he may attempt to undermine confidence in the electoral process. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt urged the public to wait for the address, while Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed Trump’s past and potential claims of interference as meritless. Intelligence findings cited by Rep. Jim Himes reiterated that no foreign actor tampered with the 2020 vote, amid warnings Trump may misuse unverified information. Trump's address is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.

Liz Truss' attempt to build a Trump-style political movement in the UK faltered as her CPAC GB conference drew sparse attendance, filling only a third of its 500-seat venue. Despite contributions from prominent Conservatives and Reform UK figures, the event featured several far-right and populist speakers, provoking questions about the lineup. Truss defended the guest list while acknowledging the effort to build momentum. Jacob Rees-Mogg attributed the low turnout to the event’s novelty and location, and voiced support for Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election. Tributes were also paid to Ann Widdecombe, during which Truss became emotional.

Trump prepares a rare prime‑time national address hinting at claims involving voting machines and elections, prompting speculation about his motives and potential political fallout. His installation of Bill Pulte as interim intelligence chief and the firing of the Election Assistance Commission board heighten concerns about attempts to influence election oversight. Rumors of attacks on Georgia senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock circulate before being partially dismissed. Trump reverses course on a proposed Strait of Hormuz oil toll and declines to endorse conspiracy theories surrounding Senator Lindsey Graham’s death. E. Jean Carroll receives more than $5 million in damages following her successful lawsuit against Trump.

Donald Trump’s week included a controversial aircraft switch at the NATO summit amid security concerns, a leak inquiry targeting journalists, renewed military action against Iran, and public missteps during meetings with foreign leaders. He faced accusations of hypocrisy over storm-related event decisions, delivered rambling remarks in Ankara, and mistakenly referred to Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin.” Trump moved to dismantle the Election Assistance Commission following a Supreme Court ruling and continued pressuring Congress to pass his restrictive voting legislation by withholding signature on a housing bill. Fresh concerns over his health resurfaced after another unexpected visit to Walter Reed Hospital, his fourth in recent months.

Frequent medical visits by the 80-year-old U.S. president raised renewed concerns following recent public missteps during the NATO Summit in Ankara. Donald Trump acknowledged undergoing another physical examination just weeks after his last and claimed to have repeatedly passed cognitive tests, despite experts noting diminished usefulness with repetition. His comments accompanied an attack on reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, whose new book has sold strongly and which he denounced as inaccurate.

Donald Trump warned that the United States would conduct a year-long campaign of heavy bombing against Iran if the country attempts to assassinate him, claiming military orders are already in place. Rising tensions followed Iranian demonstrators calling for his death at Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral and renewed clashes after Iran targeted vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. responded by striking 180 Iranian targets and suspending the ceasefire. Trump stated he has long been a top target for Iran and indicated instructions are in place for retaliatory attacks should an assassination attempt succeed.

Trump uses new powers to dismantle the Election Assistance Commission and continues pressuring Congress to pass the SAVE America Act despite lacking support. His refusal to sign a broadly backed housing bill serves as leverage to force action on his voting legislation. He issues provocative statements about Iran, while Kristi Noem’s divorce surfaces amid ongoing scandals. The administration proposes placing Lafayette Park behind a permanent fence, raising concerns about transparency and public access to the White House.

Strategist Morris Katz, known for promoting blue‑collar styled political candidates, faces scrutiny after Graham Platner quit the Maine Senate race amid allegations and past behavior concerns. Katz, credited with a successful New York campaign, is criticized for poor vetting and mixed results while simultaneously courting Labour MPs in the UK. Party insiders reject his approach as patronizing to working‑class voters and warn against adopting his “rugged Democrat” model.

Donald Trump switched aircraft during a visit to Britain, using an older Air Force One for the trip from Ankara because security officials advised against flying the Qatar‑donated jet amid renewed US strikes on Iran. After landing at RAF Mildenhall, he transferred to the newer plane for the return to Washington. NATO summit leaders avoided discussing the US World Cup defeat to prevent further agitation after Trump reportedly arrived irritable and made provocative remarks on trade and foreign policy.

The White House criticised Keir Starmer for allegedly putting lives at risk by opposing a change to the kickoff time of England’s World Cup match due to storm concerns, despite Donald Trump overruling similar weather warnings the previous day to proceed with his Fourth of July speech. Andrew Giuliani defended the White House position while dismissing concerns surrounding Team USA. Critics, including Lib Dem spokesperson Anna Sabine, accused the administration of hypocrisy. Lightning affected both events, though no casualties were reported, while a heatwave in Washington led to several hospitalisations.

Trump’s appearance at the NATO summit was marked by a series of erratic statements, including claims of renewed attacks on Iran, insults toward Iran’s leadership, and threats to target civilian infrastructure. He chastised NATO allies, fixated on acquiring Greenland, and repeatedly disparaged Spain. A Danish journalist challenged Mark Rutte for failing to respond to Trump’s conduct, while Trump later compared Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to a playground fight during a meeting with Zelensky. He offered Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot missiles without notifying Lockheed Martin and publicly suggested imminent military action against Iran. Trump also mistakenly referred to Zelensky as “President Putin,” dismissed rising oil prices, and created confusion over which Air Force One he would use for travel. Reporters were instructed to keep window shades closed on the flight out, adding to concerns over unusual behavior and security practices.

Donald Trump mistakenly referred to Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” during a press conference at the NATO summit, echoing a similar error Joe Biden made two years earlier. Reporters highlighted the gaffe, which Trump attempted to play off by prompting a Ukrainian journalist for a question he would hypothetically pose to Vladimir Putin. Trump also announced that the United States would allow Patriot air defence systems to be manufactured overseas for Ukraine, a significant development for Kyiv. Later in the event, he mistakenly referred to Iran as “the Islamic Republic of Japan.”

Residents in Clacton express mixed and often conditional support for Nigel Farage after his resignation and bid to trigger a by-election, with many doubting his motives and weary of ongoing political turmoil. Several major parties have declined to field candidates, leaving Farage likely to face only a satirical challenger, but locals appear divided on whether they will back him again. The prolonged attention from probes and repeated elections risks alienating the community, raising doubts about whether Farage’s gamble will secure his seat or damage his political standing.

Keir Starmer attends his final NATO summit as prime minister amid Donald Trump’s renewed criticism of the alliance and complaints about defence spending. As Andy Burnham prepares to succeed him, questions arise about how he might handle relations with Trump, given his limited enthusiasm for international diplomacy and past criticism of the US president. Starmer warns that global instability will challenge the next leader, while political dynamics in the United States and upcoming midterm elections may shape any future engagement between Burnham and Trump.

Donald Trump used his July 4th address at America’s 250th anniversary celebration to promote the SAVE America Act, attack political opponents as communists, and repeat false claims about past elections. He pressured Republicans to eliminate the Senate filibuster, joked about serving a third term, and complained about his legal troubles. The event was disrupted by severe weather, causing evacuations and a delayed start, and Trump appeared to fall asleep during the fireworks he previously boasted would be record‑setting.

Donald Trump marked America’s 250th anniversary with a speech at Mount Rushmore that emphasized ethnonationalist themes and outlined strategies critics fear could undermine democratic norms. He praised a selectively framed national identity, invoked white nationalist rhetoric, and promoted the SAVE America Act, a restrictive voting bill he suggested could guarantee long-term Republican dominance if passed by abolishing the Senate filibuster. Trump characterized left-leaning Democrats as communists and implied they could be exiled, heightening concerns about political repression. The speech coincided with a Patriot Front march in Washington, while California Governor Gavin Newsom warned Trump is declining and poses escalating risks in the months ahead.

Donald Trump unveiled his signature on a new $100 bill and promoted a planned $250 commemorative note featuring his image while issuing six new pardons described with claims similar to those previously shown to be misleading. He made an unusual admission about mostly reading stories about himself and promoted Micron shortly after expanding his investments in the company. A former Olympic canoeist was indicted over alleged damage to the Reflecting Pool, an outcome likely guaranteed by the grand jury process. Trump also asserted voters supported him because of his business background while inaccurately claiming to be the only president to forgo his salary. Extreme heat forced the evacuation of his sparsely attended Great American State Fair as preparations continued for an oversized July 4th fireworks display on the National Mall.

A series of controversial incidents involving Donald Trump included posting an AI-generated video, making an inappropriate remark about his sons, showcasing a poorly constructed arch at his anniversary fair, and delivering partisan speeches overshadowed by protests. His visit to open the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library featured AI interactions and theatrics, while reports highlighted his growing personal earnings and travel aboard a Qatari-funded Air Force One. Former CIA Director John Brennan filed a lawsuit to preserve records related to investigations he says reflect politically motivated targeting by the Trump administration.

Donald Trump opened the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations with a highly partisan rally marked by personal praise, political messaging and criticism of perceived opponents. The event followed the withdrawal of most planned performers, leaving a replacement program dominated by pro‑Trump figures. Sean Duffy delivered a controversial warm‑up speech, while a PragerU exhibit highlighted the event’s ideological tone. Trump focused on warnings about socialism, asserted that new monuments including his planned ballroom reflect American greatness and linked voting restrictions in the SAVE America Act to preventing undesirable political outcomes. He also blocked a bipartisan housing bill to pressure Congress on the voting measure, creating tension within his own party. In comments on UK politics, Trump dismissed Andy Burnham and reiterated his opposition to limits on North Sea drilling.

Donald Trump dismissed Andy Burnham as an extremely liberal figure during a Q&A in the Oval Office, suggesting this would hinder future US‑UK cooperation on North Sea oil development. He reiterated his criticism of the UK’s halt on new drilling licences and argued that opening the North Sea to major US and British energy companies would address economic and energy challenges. Trump contrasted Burnham with Keir Starmer, saying he advised Starmer to focus on immigration, energy and crime while emphasising his interest in seeing American firms gain access to British oil resources.

Trump escalates attacks on political institutions by accusing the US Senate of treason after lawmakers approved a symbolic motion urging troop withdrawal from the Middle East. At a Pennsylvania rally he falsely claimed election interference in California’s gubernatorial primary and suggested he influenced results through a call to a federal attorney. He repeated unfounded claims of widespread electoral fraud and misrepresented vandalism at the Lincoln reflecting pool. Additional controversies included mocking a female weightlifter and further military leadership turnover with Gen. Christopher Donahue stepping down. In New York, progressive candidates aligned with Mayor Zohran Mamdani defeated establishment Democrats in key primaries, signaling internal party shifts ahead of the midterm elections.

Donald Trump criticized Keir Starmer over the Iran conflict while making several disputed claims about UK public opinion and the war itself. A new book revealed Trump once offered Starmer personal assistance from an aide, and the White House faced backlash for mixing quantum computing messaging with QAnon references. Trump continued insisting that damage to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool was vandalism despite lack of evidence as the pool’s structural problems and rising duck deaths drew scrutiny. He also attacked ABC News over its reporting and repeated false claims about past renovation costs under the Obama administration.

Donald Trump returned from Camp David amid escalating tensions over stalled Iran peace talks, influenced by advice from Senator Lindsey Graham, who advocates tolls on the Strait of Hormuz and a hardline stance against Iran. Trump stirred controversy by prematurely suggesting Keir Starmer would resign, threatening Iran during Fox News interviews, and attacking the New York Times for its reporting on the conflict. Observations in Washington included structural issues at the Lincoln Reflecting Pool and the discovery of a dead duck. In Colombia, Trump-backed candidate Abelardo de la Espriella held a narrow lead in the presidential election, prompting Trump to exaggerate the outcome.

Trump’s refurbishment of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool turned into an overbudget, delayed failure, with algae, peeling surfacing and ineffective fixes highlighting a pattern of mismanaged construction projects. Past real‑estate failures such as the Trump Taj Mahal and Trump Tower Tampa reinforce doubts about his claimed building expertise. As new Washington DC projects advance—including a vast White House ballroom, the Arc De Trump and the Trump Promenade—concerns grow that they will run over time, over budget and potentially harm the capital’s historic landscape.

Donald Trump escalated his feud with Keir Starmer by predicting the prime minister will resign and attacking his record on immigration and energy policy. Their relationship deteriorated after the UK refused to allow US strikes on Iran from British bases. Trump reiterated criticism of halted North Sea oil drilling and issued fresh warnings to Iran over Hezbollah. JD Vance, in Switzerland for talks aimed at advancing a peace agreement with Iran, described the region as being at a turning point.

Donald Trump faced multiple controversies during a weekend at Camp David, including backlash over a failed refurbishment of the Lincoln Reflecting Pool and criticism for deploying the National Guard in a low-crime area to protect it. A late-night post of a woman he called a “great daughter” prompted confusion, later resolved as identifying her as wealthy GOP donor Margo Catsimatidis in an old Camp David photo. Meanwhile, JD Vance arrived in Switzerland to participate in negotiations with Iran amid regional tensions and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also escalated a dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who publicly rejected his claims about her requesting a photo and criticized his repeated attacks.

Zia Yusuf’s trip to Washington included a speech at the Heritage Foundation in which he warned of foreign-funded political interference, despite controversy surrounding Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s undeclared £5 million gift and inflammatory rhetoric. His meetings with Trump‑aligned lawmakers prompted concerns about the influence of conspiracy‑driven ideas. The column provides a critical perspective on Reform UK figures engaging with US right‑wing circles.