INTERNACIONAL
GOP reps, advocacy group to target competitive House districts in Trump tax-cut push
EXCLUSIVE: Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is hosting a day of action on Saturday in competitive congressional districts as House Republicans iron out the details of President Donald Trump’s «big, beautiful bill.»
AFP is teaming up with GOP Reps. David Schweikert and Juan Ciscomani of Arizona, Ashley Hinson of Iowa, Tom Barrett of Michigan and Ryan Mackenzie of Pennsylvania for door-knocking, phone banks and grassroots organizing in a show of support for extending Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
Canvassers will encourage constituents in Arizona, Iowa, Michigan and Pennsylvania to urge their senators and representatives to extend Trump’s tax cuts as a key component of his «big, beautiful bill.»
«Working families and small businesses throughout the country are counting on Congress to act as soon as possible to renew President Trump’s tax cuts,» AFP Managing Director Kent Strang said in a statement to Fox News Digital ahead of the day of action.
CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS TARGETING DOZENS OF HOUSE REPUBLICAN-HELD SEATS IN 2026 MIDTERM BATTLE FOR MAJORITY
From left: GOP Reps. David Schweikert of Arizona, Tom Barrett of Michigan and Ashley Hinson of Iowa are joining Americans for Prosperity in a day of action on Saturday. (Getty Images)
«With support from AFP’s activists bringing their unmatched energy and drive this weekend, we can ensure we extend pro-growth tax policy and help Republicans prevent the largest tax hike in history from crushing the middle class.»
REPUBLICANS TO TAKE AIM AT THESE 26 DEMOCRAT-HELD HOUSE SEATS IN 2026 MIDTERMS
AFP is launching their day of action in conjunction with their $20 million «Protect Prosperity» campaign, which the conservative advocacy group has called the single largest investment of any outside group dedicated to preserving the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
As House Republicans searched for alternative ways to offset an extension of the 2017 tax cuts and Trump’s ambitious goals to cut taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security, AFP urged Republicans to offset budget cuts by eliminating former President Joe Biden’s «Green New Deal giveaways.»
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., left, is leading House Republicans’ negotiations on President Donald Trump’s «big, beautiful bill.» (Andrew Harnik)
The House Energy and Commerce Committee debated green energy cuts during their lengthy markup on Capitol Hill this week as part of the House budget reconciliation process.
Meanwhile, House Republicans debated potentially raising taxes as Trump indicated his support for a small tax hike to fund his «big, beautiful bill.» While rumors swirled among House Republicans for weeks that the White House was floating a tax hike on millionaires, Trump confirmed on Friday he would be «OK if they do.»
However, House Republicans seemed to drop their plans for a new millionaire’s tax hike as the reconciliation began. The House Ways and Means Committee released nearly 400 pages of legislation on Monday that did not include a tax hike.
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa., flipped his competitive House district from blue to red in 2024. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
It’s no coincidence that AFP is focusing its attention on competitive districts in Arizona, Iowa, Michigan and Pennsylvania, as contentious races are expected in 2026.
In Arizona’s sixth congressional district, Ciscomani won his House seat in 2022 with just over 50% of the vote. Schweikert narrowly won Arizona’s first congressional district by less than 2% of the vote in 2022 and 2024, as one of the most expensive House races in the country last year.
And while Hinson won by a much larger margin in Iowa’s second congressional district, Democrat Kevin Techau has already announced his campaign to unseat Hinson.
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Both Barrett in Michigan and Mackenzie in Pennsylvania managed to pick up Republican House seats in 2024, flipping their congressional districts from blue to red. Democrats will likely seek to win those seats back in 2026.
Politics,House of Representatives Elections,House Budget
INTERNACIONAL
El programa nuclear: Irán califica de «injustificable» el restablecimiento de las sanciones de la ONU
«A la ruina»
«Inaceptable»
Irán,energía nuclear
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Iraq is entering «a new phase» of stability and growth, President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid said in an interview, declaring the country «100% safe» as U.S. troops prepare to draw down after more than two decades on the ground.
While praising the U.S. for helping to defeat ISIS, Rashid stressed that Iraq now intends to stand on its own — maintaining ties with both the United States and neighboring Iran.
«Americans have helped us in defeating terrorism… and I think Iraq is 100% safe and secure,» Rashid told Fox News Digital on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. «It’s a new phase in Iraq, really concentrating on improving the infrastructure.»
Those who served in Iraq in the early 2000s — through the War on Terror and a civil war — may not recognize it as the same place, according to Rashid.
SENIOR ISLAMIC STATE LEADER KILLED IN IRAQ, TRUMP SAYS HIS ‘MISERABLE LIFE WAS TERMINATED’
Rashid spoke with Fox News Digital after his UNGA speech. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)
«We have started development in every field of life, and there are good opportunities for number of American companies, American businessmen, to be our partner in improving the situation in Iraq.»
Under this «new phase,» Rashid said he wants Iraq to be defined less by conflict and more by commerce.
«Our relationship with the United States is a long relationship. We want to make a stronger relationship… on trade, on investment, on energy and water.»
The timing is significant. The U.S.-led coalition that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003 and later fought ISIS was scheduled under an agreement last year to begin its final withdrawal this September. That exact timeline is unclear, and the Pentagon has disclosed few details.
The issue is sure to dominate next month’s parliamentary elections, where a swath of Iraqis want the U.S. to adhere to its agreement and leave.
«This is a hot button political issue,» said Behnam Taleblu, fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), «with a timetable that was technically — or at least allegedly — already supposed to have started by then, is going to be something that we should be keeping our eyes on.»
American commanders have warned that ISIS cells remain active in rural areas, while Iran-aligned militias have targeted U.S. and Iraqi government facilities with rockets and drones.
US CHAMPIONS LEBANON’S RESPONSE TO HEZBOLLAH DISARMAMENT, HINTS AT ABRAHAM ACCORDS OPPORTUNITY
Some argue the counter-ISIS mission is not over, and U.S. troops should remain. Others say the U.S. footprint lacks a clear purpose at this point.
«ISIS is a shell of its former self — the Caliphate collapsed in 2019 and its strikes on Europe have ended since then. The remaining threat can be handled by others, notably the Iraqi government, which is popular at home and capable of carrying the load, along with the Kurdish Peshmerga and other regional states,» said Will Walldorf, a senior fellow at Defense Priorities.
«Iran’s influence has waned with the near-total collapse of its regional proxies. Any threats the U.S. might face in the future can be handled from over the horizon.»
«The deterrent effect of U.S. forces there, I think, could be significant,» countered Taleblu.
Pressed on concerns, Rashid dismissed talk of Iraq being «overrun with Iranian proxies» as exaggerated and said Baghdad is determined to prevent outside powers from dictating its politics.
«We want to keep our independence, our decision-making in Iraq as the Iraqis, not to be influenced by outsiders,» he said.
On reports of militia attacks, Rashid claimed ignorance but insisted such actions would not be tolerated.
«I’m not really aware of any groups [carrying out attacks]. We will not allow it. And these are against the Iraqi security and Iraqi independence,» he said.
Still, the perception of Iranian influence remains a flashpoint in Washington.
ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN LEADERS SEEK TO EASE RUSSIAN AND IRANIAN CONCERNS AFTER US-BROKERED PEACE DEAL
US troops have had a presence in Iraq for over two decades. (Goran Tomasevic/Reuters )
«Iranian influence has already taken over Iraq,» Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., told Fox News Digital.
Tehran has close ties to Shiite parties that shape government coalitions in Baghdad, and it supports militias within the Popular Mobilization Forces that remain powerful players in the country’s security environment.
Iraq also relies on Iranian electricity and natural gas imports, while Iranian goods fill local markets, making Iraq one of Tehran’s most important trading partners despite international sanctions.
UN GIVES LONG ROUND OF APPLAUSE AFTER PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY PRESIDENT ACCUSES ISRAEL OF ‘GENOCIDE’
That reach, however, is not uncontested. Iraqi nationalist movements — including many Shiites — have resisted Tehran’s sway, and mass protests in recent years have condemned Iran’s role, sometimes targeting its consulates. Baghdad today remains a space of competing influence.
«The Islamic Republic benefits from Iraq looking like Swiss cheese,» said Taleblu, referring to Iranian pockets of influence across the country and its institutions.
«Iran and Iraq are two neighbors,» Rashid said, emphasizing that they had friendly relations. «We will not allow politicians from either [U.S. or Iraq] to be imposed on Iraqi people.»
Still others say Iran could take note of the Iraqi success story. In less than 20 years, the nation rose from decades of conflict and dictatorial leadership under Saddam Hussein to relative stability and democratic elections.
Rashid confirmed that Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government have resolved their dispute over oil exports, paving the way for flows to resume after months of disruption. «It’s a big deal,» said Rashid, who himself is Kurdish by background.
Veterans of the Iraq War may not recognize the Baghdad of today, which President Rashid says is «100% secure.» (Thaier al-Sudani/Reuters)
The Iraqi presidency is reserved for a Kurd under an informal power-sharing agreement, while the prime minister is Shi’a Arab and the speaker of the parliament is Sunni Arab.
Rashid also pointed to November’s parliamentary elections as proof of democratic stability.
«We are going to have elections in two months’ time in November. That’s really an indication of how stable the country is… We want the process to be fully democratic,» he said.
But the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) — a state-sanctioned umbrella of mostly Shiite militias, some with close ties to Tehran — are seen by critics as a parallel power structure undermining Iraq’s sovereignty.
Rashid, however, argued that integrating all armed groups under the constitution strengthens, rather than weakens, the state.
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And on foreign policy, Rashid tried to position Iraq as a bridge.
He welcomed growing recognition of a Palestinian state, cautiously praised Donald Trump’s push for peace in Gaza, and reiterated that war — whether in the Middle East or in Ukraine — «doesn’t solve any problem. It makes the problem more complicated.»
iraq,iran,middle east,middle east foreign policy,world,politics
INTERNACIONAL
El presidente de Colombia cruzó a Trump por revocarle la visa y propuso trasladar la sede de la ONU a Doha
El presidente de Colombia, Gustavo Petro, cuestionó a Estados Unidos por revocarle su visa por supuestos “actos imprudentes e incendiarios” que habría cometido el viernes durante una manifestación propalestina en Nueva York al margen de la Asamblea General de Naciones Unidas. Además, propuso mudar la sede de la organización a Doha, en Qatar.
“Revocar la visa no es un acto contra Petro, sino contra las Naciones Unidas, y contra la lucha por la vida de la humanidad”, dijo este domingo el mandatario colombiano en X.
Leé también: Trump dijo que hubo avances en las negociaciones de paz en Medio Oriente: “Tenemos una oportunidad real”
El presidente izquierdista es uno de los críticos más duros de la ofensiva israelí en Gaza. Además, califica de “genocida” a su primer ministro, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Petro “se manifestó en las calles de Nueva York e hizo un llamado a los soldados estadounidenses a desobedecer órdenes y a incitar a la violencia. Revocaremos la visa (…) debido a sus actos imprudentes e incendiarios”, indicó el sábado el Departamento de Estado en la red social X.
En su cuenta de X, Petro propuso trasladar de la sede de la ONU a Doha. “Cómo presidente de Colombia, en la asamblea general de las naciones que fundamos en la ONU, expreso mis opiniones libremente. El derecho internacional, es la sabiduría de la humanidad y me protege. El genocidio es un crimen contra la humanidad y la humanidad debe responder, juzgar y castigar. El señor Trump ha violado los principios fundantes de la ONU. Hora de irse a un lugar más democrático. Propongo, Doha como sede de las Naciones Unidas”, afirmó. El mensaje de Gustavo Petro en X (Foto: Captura X/petrogustavo)
Qué dijo Gustavo Petro en Nueva York
El presidente colombiano compartió un video en el que se le ve hablando en español con un megáfono durante una manifestación en Nueva York, en la que llamó a “las naciones del mundo” a aportar soldados para un ejército “más grande que el de Estados Unidos” para defender a los palestinos.
“¡Pido a todos los soldados del ejército de los Estados Unidos que no apunten a la humanidad con sus rifles! ¡Desobedezcan la orden de (el presidente Donald) Trump! ¡Obedezcan la orden de la humanidad!”, exclamó. Gustavo Petro habló sobre el conflicto en Gaza y EE.UU. le retiró la visa (Foto: REUTERS/Bing Guan)
El Departamento de Estado anunció la sanción mientras el mandatario volaba de regreso a Colombia. Al aterrizar el sábado en la madrugada, el primer presidente izquierdista del país expresó su rechazo a la medida estadounidense.
“El que no se haya permitido la entrada a la Autoridad Palestina y el que se me quite la visa por pedirle al ejército de EEUU y de Israel que no apoyen un genocidio, que es un crimen contra la humanidad toda, demuestran que el gobierno de EEUU ya no cumple con el derecho internacional”, dijo Petro en X.
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“No volveré a ver el Pato Donald, por ahora, eso es todo”, escribió irónicamente sobre su par estadounidense.
Previamente, Petro dijo tener la ciudadanía italiana, por lo que no necesitaría un visado para entrar en Estados Unidos.
“Un arma diplomática”
Este sábado, la Cancillería colombiana rechazó la medida en el marco de la Asamblea General de la ONU y dijo que la decisión de la administración Trump es un “arma diplomática”
Si el acceso a Naciones Unidas está condicionado a las relaciones diplomáticas con Estados Unidos, “sería imprescindible la búsqueda de un país sede (de la ONU) completamente neutral”, dijo en un comunicado.
“Le quitan la visa porque fue de los pocos presidentes que en la ONU se atrevió a denunciar el genocidio contra Palestina”, dijo el ministro de Interior, Armando Benedetti.
Petro se encontraba en Nueva York para asistir a la Asamblea General de la ONU. En un evento de la organización propuso abrir una “lista de voluntarios colombianos y colombianas que quieran ir a luchar por la liberación de Palestina”, al considerar que la diplomacia no logró su trabajo. Dijo que, de ser necesario, iría a la batalla él mismo. El presidente de Colombia, Gustavo Petro Urrego, se dirige al 80mo periodo de sesiones de la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas, el martes 23 de septiembre de 2025, en la sede de la ONU. (Foto AP/Pamela Smith)
Gustavo Petro cargó contra Donald Trump
El martes, reprendió en su discurso ante la Asamblea a la administración Trump y pidió un “procedimiento penal” contra su homólogo estadounidense tras ataques militares que destruyeron en el Caribe lanchas que, según Washington, transportaban narcotraficantes y droga.
Petro dijo que en los ataques murieron “jóvenes pobres” desarmados, más de una docena en total.
Washington sostiene que las acciones forman parte de una operación antidroga frente a las costas de Venezuela, a cuyo presidente, Nicolás Maduro, Trump acusa de dirigir el Cártel de los Soles.
El mandatario republicano envió ocho buques de guerra y un submarino al Caribe sur.
Petro, cuyo país es el mayor productor de cocaína del mundo, dijo que sospecha que algunos de los muertos en los ataques desde barcos estadounidenses eran colombianos.
La semana pasada, el gobierno de Trump retiró a Colombia la certificación como aliado en la lucha antidrogas, pero no retiró su multimillonaria ayuda económica y cooperación militar para luchar contra el narco.
Petro y Trump, contrapuestos ideológicamente, mantienen una relación tensa por desacuerdos en temas como la deportación de migrantes, los aranceles estadounidenses o su postura respecto a la guerra en Gaza.
En 2024, Colombia rompió relaciones con Israel por su ofensiva en la Franja de Gaza, desatada en represalia por los ataques del movimiento islamista palestino Hamás el 7 de octubre de 2023.
(Con información de AFP)
Colombia, Estados Unidos, Gustavo Petro
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