Vice President of the United States J.D. Vance has reacted after President Donald Trump refused to outright endorse him as his successor. Trump speaking with Fox News host, Bret Baier, said he wasn’t yet ready to endorse Vance for a 2028 presidential run of his own. But he added “No, but he’s very capable.” When asked in an interview with the Daily Mail about Trump’s remarks, Vance laughed it off. “I think he said exactly what he should have said, which is: “It’s too early”,’ he replied. Vance said that his only current focus is “the American people’s business” and not politics. He added: “There will be a time to focus on politics, of course — [like] the midterms [in November 2026] — so let’s do a good job and then worry about the midterms. “And then we’ll worry about presidential politics at the appropriate time.” James David Vance (born James Donald Bowman; August 2, 1984) is an American politician, author, attorney, and Marine Corps veteran serving as the 50th vice president of the United States since 2025 under President Donald Trump. A member of the Republican Party, he represented Ohio in the U.S. Senate from 2023 to 2025. Vance was born in Middletown, Ohio. After high school, Vance joined the Marine Corps, where he served as a military journalist from 2003 to 2007, and was deployed to the Iraq War for six months in 2005. He graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in 2009 and Yale Law School with a law degree in 2013. He practiced briefly as a corporate lawyer before embarking on a career in the tech industry as a venture capitalist. His memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, was published in 2016[2] and adapted into a film in 2020. Vance won the 2022 United States Senate election in Ohio, defeating Democratic nominee Tim Ryan. After initially opposing Donald Trump’s candidacy in the 2016 election, Vance became a strong Trump supporter during Trump’s first presidency. In July 2024, Trump selected Vance as his running mate before the Republican National Convention. He served as Ohio’s senator until his resignation in preparation to assume the vice presidency in January 2025. Vance is the third-youngest vice president in U.S. history, as well as the first millennial to hold the office.
London, UK – Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson could stage a dramatic return to Parliament, according to close ally, Jacob Rees-Mogg. Speaking on GB News, Rees-Mogg suggested that Johnson might contest the Runcorn and Helsby by-election if the seat becomes available. The speculation follows the sentencing of current MP Mike Amesbury, who was handed a 10-week prison sentence after pleading guilty to assaulting a constituent. Despite his conviction, Amesbury—who was originally elected as a Labour MP—has refused to step down. However, local voters could trigger a by-election if 10 percent of constituents sign a recall petition. Read Also: A Tory-Reform Alliance in the Works? The New Daily Prime previously reported that a political realignment is unfolding on the British right, as Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage explore a Tory-Reform UK alliance to challenge Labour in the next general election. Sources close to Reform UK revealed that Farage has expressed openness to working with Johnson “in the national interest,” a move that could reshape the UK’s political landscape. The discussions come amid plummeting public support for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government, prompting urgent strategic recalibrations within conservative factions. Rees-Mogg believes that Boris Johnson’s candidacy could energize the Conservative Party, but emphasized that an electoral alliance with Reform UK would be key to securing victory. “What if Boris Johnson stood in this seat? If there’s an alliance to defeat Labour, Boris could easily be the beneficiary if he throws his hat into the ring,” Rees-Mogg stated. However, he cautioned that without unity among right-wing parties, Labour could retain the seat. Rees-Mogg also questioned why Amesbury has not been expelled from Parliament, highlighting precedents where imprisoned MPs were removed, including Peter Baker (1954) and Horatio Bottomley (1922). “It offends the electorate that somebody found guilty and in prison is still receiving their £91,000 salary,” Rees-Mogg remarked. He criticized Labour’s Yvette Cooper for deflecting responsibility, arguing that Parliament has the authority to expel MPs convicted of crimes. Johnson’s Road to Redemption? Johnson, who served as Prime Minister from 2019 to 2022, was forced out following a series of scandals, including the Partygate controversy and the handling of ex-Conservative deputy chief whip Christopher Pincher’s misconduct allegations. Despite his tumultuous exit, Johnson remains a polarizing but influential figure within the Conservative Party. A return to Parliament via a by-election victory could set the stage for an even larger political comeback—potentially positioning him as a key challenger to Starmer’s Labour government in 2029. Will Boris Johnson make a political comeback? Could an alliance with Reform UK be his path back to power? The coming weeks will determine whether Johnson seizes this opportunity to re-enter the political arena.
New York, NY – The Trump administration has taken decisive action to eliminate New York City’s controversial congestion charge, a policy that has been widely criticized by drivers. In a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the Federal Highway Administration had revoked federal approval for the tolling program. Duffy stated that the administration would work with the New York State Department of Transportation to implement an “orderly termination” of the tolls. However, no date has been provided for when the reversal will take effect. The congestion pricing plan, which requires motorists to pay a $9 daily fee to enter lower Manhattan below 60th Street, had finally gone into effect on January 5, 2025, following years of debate and delays. President Donald Trump, who had pledged to dismantle the program during his campaign, celebrated the move, likening himself to royalty. Read Also: Trump open to deals with Russia, says Ukraine war could end within weeks “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!” — Donald Trump, via Truth Social New York Governor Fights Back Governor Kathy Hochul swiftly responded to Trump’s statement, dismissing his declaration of victory and asserting her administration’s intent to fight the decision in court. “We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king. The MTA has initiated legal proceedings in the Southern District of New York to preserve this critical program. We’ll see you in court.” — Governor Kathy Hochul Congestion Pricing’s Impact & The Growing Divide Governor Hochul defended the congestion pricing plan, arguing that it had significantly reduced traffic congestion in Manhattan. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reported that weekday traffic inside the congestion zone during the first week of February was down by 9% compared to the previous year. Hochul further claimed that support for the policy was increasing daily, despite its critics. However, Sean Duffy called the congestion pricing program “backwards and unfair,” saying it disproportionately affects working-class Americans and small business owners. share the president’s concerns about the impact on working-class Americans who now have an additional financial burden to account for in their daily lives.” — Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary The battle over congestion pricing has also drawn in New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, who has long opposed the program and launched several legal challenges against it. Murphy and other opponents argue that congestion pricing unfairly penalizes commuters from New Jersey and outer borough residents, many of whom have limited public transportation options. While congestion pricing was designed to reduce traffic, cut emissions, and generate revenue for public transit, its implementation has remained politically divisive. Last summer, Governor Hochul temporarily paused the plan, fearing that it could negatively impact local Democratic candidates in upcoming elections. With Trump’s administration pulling federal approval and Hochul taking the case to court, New York’s congestion pricing policy is now at the center of a high-stakes legal and political battle. Will Trump successfully dismantle the program, or will Hochul and the MTA prevail in their legal fight to keep it in place? Stay tuned as New Daily Prime continues to bring you the latest updates on this developing story
President Trump said Monday that his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron marked an “important step” in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, as Trump’s return to the White House has indicated a likely tipping point in American support — and a possible rift with France and other European allies. Trump and Macron, who have a long-standing relationship after both came to office in 2017, held a bilateral meeting and news conference Monday afternoon, after participating in a Group of Seven leadership call earlier in the day to mark three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Macron is the first European leader to visit the White House since Mr. Trump returned to office last month. “France is America’s oldest ally, our cherished partnership has been a force for freedom, prosperity and peace from the very beginning,” Trump said. “We’re now working on some very interesting developments, one in particular, as you know, the war between Russia and Ukraine.” Citing France’s support during the American Revolution and during World War II, Trump said the purpose of the meeting was to “end another battle,” the war between Russia and Ukraine. “The horrors of this gruesome and bloody war can scarcely be underestimated,” Trump said, citing the Russians and Ukrainians who have “needlessly died.” “It’s time to end this bloodletting and restore peace, and I think we’re going to do it.” Trump called his meeting with Macron an “important step” toward achieving a permanent peace between Russia and Ukraine. He said it’s in the best interest of the U.S., Ukraine, Russia and Europe more broadly to “stop the killing now and bring the world to peace.” He added that he hopes his legacy will be of “a peacemaker and a unifier.” President Trump meets with French President Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office at the White House on Feb. 24, 2025, in Washington, D.C. LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images Macron reiterated that France and the U.S., along with European leaders, are committed to reaching lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia, while outlining how Europe would take on a larger role. Trump touted his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying one of the first calls he made when he returned to the White House was to the Russian president, and he said the White House has been working on “deals right now” to end the war through a ceasefire or a broader agreement. “They want to end this war,” Trump said. Macron said with the new U.S. administration, there’s “good reason for President Trump to reengage with President Putin,” while warning that Putin could violate a negotiated peace. Macron said “being strong and having deterrence capacities is the only way to be sure it will be respected,” saying the U.S. “has the capacity to do so.” “A lot of my European colleagues are ready to be engaged, but we do need this American backup because this is part of the credibility of the security guarantees. And this is our collective deterrence capacity,” Macron said. “And I have the feeling that the president has this capacity.” Trump said it’s “to the very much benefit of Russia to make a deal,” adding that he’s confident that Putin wants to make a deal. The meeting came as more than a dozen Western leaders, including European leaders and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, gathered Monday in Kyiv to show their continued support three years into the war with Russia. Meanwhile, the U.S. has reopened relations with Putin and sought to negotiate an end to the war, marking a major shift from the Biden administration. Preparations are underway for a meeting between Trump and Putin, Russia’s deputy foreign minister told state media on Saturday. Trump has also escalated a public feud with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in recent days, calling Zelenskyy a “dictator.” And Trump has argued that Ukraine should give something to the U.S. in return for the American aid the country has received, pointing to U.S. interest in Ukraine’s rare minerals. Over the weekend, Zelenskyy said he would be willing to step down in exchange for Ukraine’s entrance into NATO military alliance. In a post Monday on Truth Social after the G7 meeting, Trump said everyone “expressed their goal of seeing the War end,” while claiming that it would never have started had he been in office. The president also said he expressed the importance of a rare minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine in the meeting, adding that he hopes the deal will be signed “very soon.” He also said he is engaged in “serious discussions” with Putin “concerning the ending of the War, and also major Economic Development transactions which will take place between the United States and Russia.” Trump called Macron a “very special man” during the bilateral meeting, noting that they talked about various trade deals between the U.S. and France earlier in the day. Macron made clear the shared objective of peace, while praising the “bravery and resistance of the Ukrainian people.” The French president also touted the friendship between the U.S. and France, along with his personal friendship with Trump, while noting that this is a “very important moment for Europe.” Macron said European leaders are willing to be a “stronger partner” and do more on defense and security within the continent. Trump is also set to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House later this week.
A newborn baby died in Paris, the French capital on Monday after his 18-year-old American mother threw him out a hotel window, with umbilical cord still attached, According to French prosecutors and a police source, she threw the infant from the second-floor window of a hotel in the 20th arrondissement in eastern Paris, the prosecutor’s office said. “The newborn was given emergency care but did not survive,” prosecutors said. The baby died at 7:45 am (0645 GMT) at the Robert Debre hospital, a police source told AFP. Police had been alerted after an infant wrapped in a cloth, with its umbilical cord still attached, had been discovered in front of the hotel, the police source said.\ The mother, an 18-year-old American student, had given birth in a room on the second floor of the hotel and then thrown her child out of the window, according to the source. French officials said they had launched a murder investigation, adding that the young woman — who was “part of a group of young adults travelling in Europe” — had been taken into custody. The officials added that the incident was being looked into as a possible “case of pregnancy denial.” Pregnancy denial can be described as a case of a mother either not being aware of or not being able to accept her pregnancy. The mother was taken to hospital where she was to undergo treatment following her delivery, the prosecutor’s office reported. Reports said the child’s mother was on a study trip to Paris with other students from the United States.
President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States is open to forging economic agreements with Russia, confirming that recent talks with Moscow over ending the Ukraine war have been “very good.” Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office, Trump downplayed tensions with Russia and suggested that Washington could engage in economic development deals in exchange for resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “A lot of progress has been made. We’ve had some very good talks with Russia,” Trump told reporters.“Just as we’re doing with Ukraine, we could do some economic development in terms of Russia and getting things that we want.” The comments come amid a dramatic shift in U.S. policy, following Washington’s vote against a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Macron Supports European Peacekeeping Force, Trump Claims Putin Won’t Object Trump further suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not oppose a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine once hostilities conclude. “He has no problem with it,” Trump said, referring to Putin’s stance on a potential European-led mission. Macron, however, took a firmer stance, stating: “Europeans are ready to support Ukraine in various ways, supporting its military, and are ready to be present to make sure the peace lasts.” Despite European efforts to maintain pressure on Moscow, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion, backed by Kyiv and EU nations—without U.S. support. The U.S. not only voted against the resolution but actively urged other nations to oppose it, signaling a major break from previous Western unity. Trump’s Shift on Ukraine Stuns European Allies Trump’s rapid policy shift on Ukraine has shaken decades of transatlantic cooperation, blindsiding European allies who fear that a U.S.-Russia bilateral deal could sideline both Kyiv and Europe from the negotiating table. 🔹 G7 leaders failed to agree on a joint statement condemning Russia’s war on Ukraine on the third anniversary of Putin’s invasion.🔹 The Trump administration introduced its own UN resolution but later abstained from voting on it after key amendments referenced Russia’s invasion. These diplomatic reversals have led to concerns that Trump’s approach may weaken NATO solidarity and fracture the Western alliance that has underpinned European security for the past 80 years. With Trump pushing for a rapid peace deal with Moscow, all eyes are on how this shift will reshape global geopolitics.
Leader Without a Mandate? Ukrainian Parliament Snubs Zelensky’s Legitimacy Kyiv, Ukraine – A symbolic resolution affirming the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky failed to pass in the Ukrainian parliament (Verkhovna Rada) today, as political divisions deepen over ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. The resolution, which sought to reaffirm Zelensky’s democratic mandate, garnered 218 votes—falling short of the 226 required for passage. Notably, 54 lawmakers abstained, including 38 members from Zelensky’s own Servant of the People party, raising concerns about the president’s ability to maintain a parliamentary majority. The resolution stated: “The Verkhovna Rada once again recalls that President Volodymyr Zelensky was elected in free, transparent, democratic elections. His mandate is not called into question by the Ukrainian people or the parliament.” It also cited Article 108 of the Ukrainian Constitution, which allows a sitting president to remain in office until a new one is elected. However, with martial law still in effect due to the war, elections cannot be scheduled, fuelling criticism of Zelensky’s extended rule. Internationally, Zelensky’s legitimacy has come under renewed attack from both Russia and, more recently, the United States. Last week, President Donald Trump labeled Zelensky a “dictator” for not holding elections, echoing Kremlin rhetoric that questions Ukraine’s democratic process. Read Also: No weak deal with Putin at Ukraine’s expense, says Macron Read Also: Europe, US disagree on Ukraine strategy at G7 and UN Domestically, the failure to pass the resolution signals growing instability within Zelensky’s parliamentary coalition. While he has previously relied on shifting majorities to push legislation, the lack of solid parliamentary backing could jeopardize key international agreements, such as a potential peace treaty with Russia and proposed raw materials deal with the U.S. Without parliamentary ratification, these agreements cannot be finalized, potentially weakening Ukraine’s position in international negotiations. In a stunning diplomatic shift, the United States voted against a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s war against Ukraine, aligning with Russia on the third anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion. The European-backed resolution, which called for an end to hostilities and reaffirmed Ukraine’s territorial integrity, passed with 93 votes in favour. However, Washington introduced a competing resolution, omitting references to Russia as the aggressor and instead calling for a “swift end to the conflict” and a “lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.” “A path to peace is possible,” said Dorothy Shea, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, defending Washington’s decision to oppose Ukraine’s resolution.“That is why the United States cannot support Ukraine’s resolution and instead urges a strong commitment to ending the war.” The U.S. is now expected to introduce its resolution at the UN Security Council, further escalating tensions between Washington and its European allies. With the Ukrainian parliament struggling to unite behind Zelensky, and U.S. support for Kyiv shifting under the Trump administration, Ukraine faces uncertain political and diplomatic terrain. And Russia may exploit these divisions to push for a favorable settlement. With peace talks, war strategy, and Ukraine’s leadership under scrutiny, the coming months will be critical in shaping the country’s political stability and future international alliances.
Washington, D.C. – French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the White House today to present a European-backed peace plan for Ukraine, as concerns mount over Donald Trump’s shifting stance on the war and his recent engagements with Moscow. During a 90-minute session with Trump, Macron pushed for a clear Western strategy to counter Russian aggression, emphasizing that Ukraine’s sovereignty must be upheld. His proposal, described as a “call to action” against Russian influence, could include European military support in Kyiv to reinforce Ukrainian defences. Macron’s visit comes ahead of a similar trip by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, as both European leaders seek to secure military commitments for Ukraine and prevent Trump from rushing into a ceasefire deal with Vladimir Putin. Over the weekend, Trump hinted that an agreement on Ukraine was imminent, fuelling speculation about what terms he is considering. His administration is reportedly negotiating a revenue-sharing deal with Ukraine to recoup part of the U.S. military aid sent under the Biden administration. However, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected U.S. demands for $500 billion in mineral wealth as repayment for war aid, arguing that the actual support received from Washington falls far short of that amount and lacks concrete security guarantees. Macron, leveraging his previous relationship with Trump, has warned against striking a bad deal with Russia, arguing that any rushed agreement could lead to Ukraine’s capitulation and embolden U.S. adversaries such as China and Iran. The French leader also participated in a G7 video conference from the Oval Office, underscoring Europe’s push to remain central in shaping Ukraine’s future. “We had the video conference in the Oval Office with the G7,” Macron said after leaving the White House. He described his meeting with Trump as ‘very good, very friendly’ but remains firm on his stance against any premature agreement with Moscow. Following the initial discussions, Trump and Macron will hold a joint press conference at 2 p.m. EST, where further details on their negotiations and next steps for Ukraine are expected. As the Biden-era military strategy faces revaluation under Trump, the future of Western support for Ukraine hangs in the balance, with Europe racing to preserve its influence in the process. Read Also:
The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This pivotal resolution was co-sponsored by Ukraine and several European Union nations, and it garnered a total of 93 votes in favor. Notably, the United States and Russia were among the 18 countries that voted against the measure, while China chose to abstain, along with 64 other nations. The resolution comes at a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, which has now entered its third year. The U.S. actively campaigned against the resolution, urging other nations to join its dissent. The American government has put forth its own resolution that seeks to promote peace in the region, yet it notably refrains from condemning Russia’s initial invasion or its continued acts of aggression against Ukraine. The vote in the General Assembly follows a recent meeting of G7 leaders, who failed to reach a consensus on a joint statement denouncing Russia’s actions. This lack of unity among some of the world’s most influential economies further underscores the complex geopolitical landscape as the conflict continues to evolve. The situation raises concerns about the increasingly divergent perspectives between the United States and its European allies, especially in light of Donald Trump’s second term as President. Trump’s administration has advocated for a rapid peace deal through bilateral negotiations with Moscow, an approach that has alarmed European capitals. Many fear that this unilateral strategy could fracture the longstanding transatlantic relationship, which has been essential for maintaining security across the continent for nearly eight decades. The implications of this vote are profound. The General Assembly’s resolution serves as a clear indication of global disapproval of Russia’s military actions. It reflects the collective will of nations that stand in solidarity with Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The assembly’s decision also emphasizes the importance of multilateralism in addressing crises of this magnitude. Following the vote, discussions are anticipated in the UN Security Council, where the U.S. and four other permanent members hold veto power. The Security Council’s response to the ongoing situation will be closely monitored, as it could further influence the international community’s stance on the conflict. The contrast between the U.S. and European positions is particularly striking. While the U.S. seeks to promote a peace-focused resolution that lacks direct condemnation of Russia, EU nations remain steadfast in their support for Ukraine, viewing the invasion as an affront to international law and a threat to regional stability. This divergence could have lasting repercussions for diplomatic relations and cooperative efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the international community remains divided on how best to address the crisis. The resolution passed by the UN General Assembly is a testament to the resolve of numerous countries to hold Russia accountable for its actions, despite the challenges posed by differing priorities and strategies among global powers. In summary, the UN’s condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlights the ongoing struggle for unity among nations as they navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. The outcome of future discussions in the Security Council will be crucial in shaping the trajectory of international responses to the conflict, as the world watches closely for signs of progress or further discord. The unfolding events will undoubtedly influence not just the immediate situation in Ukraine but also the broader dynamics of international relations in the years to come.
President Donald Trump has appointed Dan Bongino, a prominent right-wing commentator and podcaster, as the deputy director of the FBI. Bongino, known for his vocal support of Trump and his promotion of various conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election and the January 6 Capitol attack, will serve under Kash Patel, who was recently sworn in as the agency’s ninth director. Bongino’s rise to this influential position is notable, especially given his background as a former Secret Service agent and his history of engaging audiences through his widely-followed podcast, “The Dan Bongino Show.” His podcast has become a platform for discussing controversial topics, including allegations regarding the FBI’s role in the Capitol riots. Media analysts have pointed out that Bongino, alongside other influential figures like Joe Rogan, played a critical role in bolstering Trump’s political ascent during the previous election cycle. Throughout his career, Bongino has been a fierce advocate for Trump, often appearing on Fox News to promote the president’s agenda while framing his political opponents—especially Democrats—as inept. He has been particularly vocal in criticizing President Joe Biden, whom he has labeled “the worst president in US history.” Additionally, Bongino has not shied away from challenging the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, which has further solidified his standing within far-right circles. The announcement of Bongino’s appointment was made by Trump on Sunday night, who praised him as a man of “incredible love and passion for our Country.” Trump noted that Bongino was prepared to give up his podcast to take on this new role, underscoring the significance of the appointment. Bongino expressed his gratitude on social media, thanking Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Director Patel for their support. Notably, Bongino’s appointment does not require Senate confirmation, which has raised concerns about the politicization of the FBI. Traditionally, the role of deputy director has been filled by seasoned career agents rather than political allies, a practice that has aimed to maintain the agency’s integrity and independence. Critics worry that Trump’s influence over the FBI could lead to increased targeting of political adversaries. Bongino’s previous experience includes a tenure with the New York Police Department and protective details for both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama, alongside three unsuccessful attempts to secure a seat in Congress. His appointment is likely to amplify fears among Democrats about the potential for political retribution within the federal law enforcement agency, marking a significant shift in how such positions are filled and the implications they carry for the future of American governance.
