INTERNACIONAL
Trump gets major win against China in African rare earth minerals race
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
In what’s being hailed as a major win for the Trump administration against Chinese domination of the rare earth minerals market, the U.S. has supported an American company, Virtus Minerals, in developing two major mines producing cobalt and copper in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This is claimed to be the first U.S. rare earth minerals acquisition in the African nation since President Trump announced the Washington Accord last December.
Historically, China has been the heavy lifter of these metals. The Strategic Studies Institute reported that 80% of the world’s cobalt is produced in the DRC — and 80% of that is controlled by China. Cobalt, used in a wide range of applications, from electric cars and mobile phones to military jets, is on the U.S. government’s list of critical minerals. Copper, also on the list, has traditional uses such as piping for plumbing, but is also needed in electronics and the automotive industry.
President Donald Trump attends a signing ceremony with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington on Dec. 4, 2025. (Evan Vucci/AP)
During December’s signing at the White House, Trump made clear the administration’s fight to curb Chinese domination of minerals and help American mining companies make a major impact in the DRC. «A great day for Africa, a great day for the world,» Trump said. The accord also aims to bring an end to fighting between the DRC and Rwandan-backed forces, although the Rwandan-supported M23 rebel group have continued their hostile infiltration in the Eastern DRC.
American mining company Virtus is, with U.S. support, claiming to be «the first U.S.-owned operator back in the DRC in more than a decade», with its investment in Chemaf, a local cobalt and copper producer with two mining operations, one, Étoile, in Lubumbashi and Mutoshi, in Kolwezi. Together it’s planned the mines will produce a combined 75,000 tonnes of copper, and 20,000 tonnes of cobalt a year. The processing plants are currently under development and will come online next year.
Virtus Minerals CEO and Chamaf Chairman. Phillip Braun, the Chargé d’Affaires U.S. Embassy Kinshasa Ian J. McCary, and Chemaf Managing Director Sooryanarayanan Prabhakaran cutting the ribbon of the new mine. (Virtus Minerals / Chemaf)
The minerals will ultimately be exported to the west through the Lobito Corridor to a port in Angola. Lobito is the rail route the U.S. has backed with a $5 billion investment commitment, with, according to a Virtus statement, «the aim of obtaining a secure, auditable copper and cobalt supply chain for the U.S. and its allies.»
THE WEST STILL DOESN’T GRASP THE DANGER OF CHINA’S RARE EARTH ENDGAME
Frans Cronje, president of the Washington-based Yorktown Foundation for Freedom, says the Virtus projects are significant because they show the administration is seriously trying to change the balance in a minerals battle with China.
He told Fox News Digital, «This development signals a more assertive United States effort to compete with China for access to Africa’s critical mineral base, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where cobalt and copper are strategically vital to global energy and defense supply chains.»
The U.S. and DRC flags fly outside Chemaf’s site in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. (Virtus Minerals / Chemaf)
Cronje added, «China has built deep structural dominance across much of Africa’s resource sector over the past two decades, but U.S.-backed initiatives such as this suggest a shift towards more direct engagement, rather than relying on Chinese-controlled supply routes. This matters because Africa’s vast resource endowment, combined with its geostrategic position along key Atlantic and Indian Ocean corridors, makes it central to future global economic and security competition.»
A State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital, «President Trump and Secretary Rubio remain firmly committed to supporting U.S. companies that seek to do business in the DRC.»
AFRICAN WAR-TORN NATION INVOKES TRUMP ‘GOLDEN AGE’ FOR MINERALS DEAL IN EXCHANGE FOR BOOTING VIOLENT REBELS
Chemaf’s site in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. (Virtus Minerals / Chemaf)
«The United States government fully supports the efforts of Virtus Minerals,» the spokesperson continued. «This acquisition serves as an initial flagship U.S. investment in the DRC, and sends a clear signal that the U.S. private sector interest is real and will catalyze further investment in alignment with the U.S.-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement, which positions the DRC to play an integral role in the Trump Administration’s global efforts to secure critical mineral supply chains.»
The spokesperson added, «increased U.S. investment will create quality jobs for American and Congolese workers, foster skills development and support local communities that have long been exploited by the opaque systems constructed and perpetuated by adversarial foreign actors who have controlled the DRC’s critical minerals sector.»
Cobalt and Copper mined from Chemaf’s Etoile site in Lubumbashi, DRC. (Virtus Minerals / Chemaf)
Virtus holds 56 mining licenses in total in the DRC. Phillip Braun, Virtus Minerals CEO and Chemaf chairman, told Fox News Digital, «our first goal is to bring the Étoile and Mutoshi plants up to full production. From there, we will explore everything Chemaf’s 56 mining permits have to offer — copper, cobalt and other metals like tungsten.»
«None of this would be possible,» Braun added, «without the strong partnership now growing between the United States and the DRC, and the support of leaders in both countries who saw what was possible. We look forward to bringing our two nations closer by building a steady, trusted supply of the minerals we depend on and supporting other American companies that want to invest in the DRC any way we can.»
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
«A more active U.S. presence in these supply chains,» Cronje continued, «would mark a significant rebalancing of influence on the continent, with implications not only for resource access but for broader geopolitical alignment in regions that are becoming increasingly contested.»
Fox News Digital reached out to the DRC government for comment, but did not receive a response.
africa, administration, conflicts, donald trump
INTERNACIONAL
Tim Walz’s jab at Trump over Reflecting Pool draws fraud scandal backlash: ‘Sit this one out’
Trump blames vandals for Lincoln Memorial pool repairs
President Donald Trump attributes Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool’s $14 million repair needs to vandalism, citing viral videos of peeling paint. He announced arrests and criticized ABC reporter Jonathan Karl for touching the pool. US Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro emphasized prosecuting all vandalism, including minor acts, to maintain D.C.’s beauty and safety.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz’s viral jab at President Donald Trump over the troubled Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool cleanup drew swift blowback from critics online, who pointed to the massive fraud scandal that unfolded in Minnesota under Walz’s watch.
«Found an imaginary problem, said only they could fix it, didn’t listen to experts, hired buddies who grifted millions, failed miserably, bragged how great it went,» Walz wrote on Friday in a post on X with over 3.5 million views. «The entire Trump presidency in a nutshell.»
Walz was reacting to a news report about the issues the Trump administration has had cleaning up the historic reflecting pool next to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., which has recently become fodder for Democrats in response to peeling paint and algae growth just weeks after a $14.8 million restoration project was completed.
Walz’s post, which was received well by some of his supporters, was widely criticized by conservatives, who suggested that Walz’s inability to stop the scammers involved in the massive fraud scandal that unfolded under his watch makes his opinion on the Reflecting Pool less convincing.
TIM WALZ FIRES BACK AT TRUMP ACCUSATION OF ‘INCOMPETENCE,’ DODGES ON RESPONSIBILITY FOR FRAUD IN MINNESOTA
Gov. Tim Walz’s post drew praise from some supporters, but conservatives quickly turned the criticism back on the governor. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images ; Mehmet Eser/Anadolu via Getty Images)
«I’m sorry, TIM WALZ is accusing someone else of enabling grifting?» journalist Mark Hemingway posted on X.
«From the dude who gave us all those ‘Learing Centers,’» Fox Business senior correspondent Charles Gasparino posted on X.
«Tim Walz: Are you describing yourself?» Minnesota Staff Fraud Reporting Commentary, an account representing more than 480 Minnesota state staff members who have sounded the alarm on fraud in the state, posted on X.
WALZ APPROVAL RATING CRATERS TO LOWEST LEVEL EVER AND TRAILS TRUMP AMID MASSIVE FRAUD SCANDAL: ‘TIRED OF IT’
National Park Service employees and contractors use vacuums to remove green algae from the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on June 18, 2026, in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
«Ya might want to sit this one out…,» Sal Nuzzo, executive director of Consumers Defense, posted on X.
«Actually, the problems were very real: 9% inflation, an open border with 20M+ illegal crossings, fentanyl killing 100K Americans a year, factories shipped overseas, energy dependence, and cities that couldn’t keep the lights on,» former Trump White House spokesman Harrison Fields posted on X. «Voters didn’t imagine those — they lived them. That’s why you’re a retiring governor and failed VP nominee.»
Conservative influencer account Gunther Eagleman accused Walz of presiding over Minnesota’s fraud scandal, posting on X, «Says the biggest fraudster in Minnesota.»
«Crazy, you found an imaginary war record,» Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden posted on X in response to questions about Walz’s recollection of his military service while running for vice president in 2024.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Gov. Tim Walz gestures while speaking at the Global Progressive Mobilization conference in Barcelona, Spain, on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Nacho Doce/Reuters)
Fox News Digital reached out to Walz’s office for comment.
«Of the MANY Statues and Fountains that we rebuilt, renovated, cleaned, and fixed, the only one that was Vandalized was the Reflecting Pool, which is being taken care of, ASAP!» Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday after alleging vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, where law enforcement activity and cleanup efforts have drawn national attention.
«It has been given a 300 foot long gash, chemicals have been illegally placed in the water, and the beautiful new grass field has been destroyed with a gigantic 86 47 chemically carved into it (Probably inspired by Dirty Cop, James Comey!). Please remember that there is a 10 year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things – Which will be fully enforced! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT.»
minnesota, republicans elections, minnesota fraud exposed, vandalism, tim walz
INTERNACIONAL
Más de 15 millones de personas están bajo riesgo de inundaciones por lluvias persistentes en cinco estados de EEUU
Una amplia franja del centro y sur de Estados Unidos enfrenta esta semana un riesgo elevado de inundaciones debido a lluvias persistentes asociadas a humedad tropical, según el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (NWS), afectando a más de 15 millones de habitantes desde el martes 23 de junio de 2026. El fenómeno se extiende sobre Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas y Mississippi, donde las autoridades han emitido múltiples avisos ante la posibilidad de desbordamientos y daños a la infraestructura, de acuerdo con reportes de AccuWeather y el NWS.
De acuerdo con el NWS, el patrón atmosférico dominante impulsa rondas sucesivas de tormentas, con potencial para ráfagas de viento superiores a 120 kilómetros por hora (75 millas por hora), granizo y episodios de precipitaciones sostenidas. La amenaza de inundaciones alcanza el nivel 2 sobre 4 en áreas clave, extendiéndose durante la semana. Oficinas regionales, como la de Tulsa, Oklahoma, y Little Rock, Arkansas, han reforzado las advertencias y recomiendan a la población mantenerse informada y no circular por vías anegadas.
Según FOX Weather, la importancia de la situación radica en los suelos ya saturados, el nivel elevado de cauces y la recurrencia de tormentas en los últimos días, condiciones que potencian la posibilidad de inundaciones repentinas y daños a propiedades, cultivos e infraestructura vial. Las autoridades reiteran la necesidad de seguir las indicaciones oficiales y permanecer atentos a nuevas actualizaciones.
El NWS explica que la interacción entre una masa de aire tropical y sistemas de baja presión en altura favorece la persistencia de lluvias en la región central y sur de Estados Unidos. Según la entidad, el flujo de humedad desde el Golfo de México alimenta la formación de tormentas sucesivas, que descargan precipitaciones intensas sobre áreas ya vulnerables por la saturación del suelo.
AccuWeather señala que este patrón se mantendrá durante varios días, con lluvias que podrían superar los 100 milímetros (4 pulgadas) en sectores de Kansas, Oklahoma y el norte de Texas. El martes 23 de junio, la amenaza de inundaciones repentinas se concentra en estas áreas, extendiéndose a Arkansas y Mississippi el miércoles y jueves, de acuerdo con el pronóstico oficial del NWS.
El NWS ha publicado advertencias de inundación y riesgo de tormentas severas para múltiples condados y ciudades, incluyendo:
- Norte y centro de Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth y alrededores).
- Centro y este de Kansas (ríos Slate Creek y Arkansas River).
- Centro y este de Oklahoma (área de Tulsa).
- Oeste y sur de Arkansas (Little Rock y zonas rurales).
- Oeste de Mississippi.
El martes 23 de junio, ríos como el Slate Creek en Wellington y el Arkansas River en Arkansas City han superado los niveles de alerta. El NWS reportó que el Arkansas River alcanzó los 4,45 metros (14,6 pies), por encima del umbral de inundación, y no se espera una disminución significativa hasta el jueves.
El NWS de Tulsa advierte que la combinación de lluvias intensas y repetidas incrementa el peligro de inundaciones repentinas y crecidas súbitas de arroyos y ríos, lo que podría afectar tanto a zonas urbanas como rurales. En Texas, la oficina de Austin/San Antonio reportó acumulados de hasta 50 milímetros (2 pulgadas) en pocas horas, con previsión de lluvias adicionales.
Según el NWS y AccuWeather, se esperan precipitaciones acumuladas de entre 75 y 125 milímetros (3 a 5 pulgadas) de forma generalizada en las áreas bajo alerta, con posibilidades de superar esos valores en algunos puntos. El riesgo de tormentas severas incluye ráfagas de viento, granizo y, en menor medida, tornados aislados.
El NWS de Little Rock, Arkansas, destacó que el martes por la noche se esperan tormentas fuertes, con vientos intensos como principal amenaza. “Se prevé la llegada de un nuevo sistema de tormentas que afectará especialmente la mitad occidental del estado”, indica el último parte meteorológico.
En Oklahoma, las lluvias acumuladas entre domingo y martes se estiman entre 25 y 100 milímetros (1 a 4 pulgadas), con posibilidad de eventos adicionales durante la semana. El NWS advierte que los suelos saturados y los cauces elevados aumentan el riesgo de inundaciones rápidas.
El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional insta a la población a evitar circular por áreas inundadas y a respetar las señales de advertencia y las instrucciones de evacuación en las zonas de mayor riesgo. La advertencia oficial destaca: “No conduzca en áreas inundadas ni rodee las barricadas. Dos pies (0,6 metros) de agua pueden arrastrar la mayoría de los vehículos. Dé la vuelta, no se ahogue”, enfatiza el comunicado emitido el martes 23 de junio.
Las oficinas regionales del NWS en Tulsa y Little Rock han reforzado los avisos a través de los canales oficiales, mientras que los servicios de emergencia monitorean constantemente el nivel de los ríos y el estado de las infraestructuras. El NWS recomienda consultar el sitio web www.weather.gov para obtener información actualizada.
Las lluvias intensas han generado afectaciones en comunidades rurales y urbanas, daños en infraestructuras viales, cortes de energía y pérdidas en explotaciones agrícolas, según reportes de FOX Weather y AccuWeather. En Mississippi, se documentaron pérdidas en granjas avícolas debido al desbordamiento de cauces.
De acuerdo con el NWS y FOX Weather, los impactos más severos se registran en áreas donde la combinación de suelos saturados y nuevos episodios de lluvia provocó desbordamientos de ríos y anegamiento de caminos, complicando la movilidad y la logística de emergencia. Las autoridades evalúan los daños y mantienen brigadas listas para responder a incidentes críticos.
El NWS y las agencias estatales recomiendan:
- Evitar desplazamientos innecesarios en áreas bajo advertencia.
- No intentar cruzar caminos inundados.
- Permanecer atentos a los avisos de las autoridades locales.
- Preparar planes de evacuación en caso de residir en zonas de riesgo.
- Mantenerse informados a través de canales oficiales y medios de comunicación confiables.
“Es fundamental seguir las recomendaciones oficiales para reducir el riesgo de lesiones y pérdidas materiales”, subrayan los comunicados del NWS.
La previsión indica que las condiciones de inestabilidad persistirán hasta el viernes 26 de junio, con posibilidad de nuevas tormentas y acumulados adicionales de lluvia. El NWS anticipa que algunas comunidades podrían enfrentar precipitaciones superiores a 125 milímetros (5 pulgadas), con riesgo de inundaciones localizadas.
Se monitorea de cerca el comportamiento de los principales ríos y arroyos, así como las zonas urbanas susceptibles a anegamientos rápidos. Los organismos de protección civil y los servicios de emergencia permanecen en alerta para responder a eventuales situaciones críticas y emitir advertencias adicionales si la evolución meteorológica lo requiere.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A gunman was «neutralized» Monday following a shooting in Montreal that left one police officer and one other person dead.
Authorities told Fox News that the shooting happened in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood of the city.
NYPD RELEASES DRAMATIC BODY CAM FOOTAGE OF OFFICERS TACKLING ALLEGED TEEN GUNMAN IN BROOKLYN CHASE
A shooting in Montreal left one person dead Monday, as well as a police officer, authorities said. (Getty Images)
At a news conference, Montreal police (Service de police de la Ville de Montréal) Chief Fady Dagher said officers were called to the Hilton Garden Inn where someone opened fire on them, he said.
A male officer and a civilian died, he said. A female officer was injured and taken to a hospital in critical condition but was upgraded to stable condition.
«It’s a tragedy. It’s a nightmare,» Dagher said.
The weapon used in the shooting was recovered, the chief said.
In an alert, issued around 12:30 p.m., authorities advised people in the Côte-des-Neiges area to shelter indoors because of an «armed and dangerous suspect» in the neighborhood.
«If you are in the affected area, shelter indoors, lock the doors, stay away from windows and follow instructions of local authorities,» the alert stated.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada reacted to the shooting online.
TRANSGENDER STUDENT IDENTIFIED AS ALLEGED SUSPECT IN CANADA SCHOOL MASS SHOOTING THAT LEFT AT LEAST 9 DEAD
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada leaves a caucus meeting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Reuters)
«My deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of the police officer who died in the line of duty in Côte-des-Neiges,» she wrote. «My thoughts are also with all those affected by this tragedy. We are closely following the evolution of the situation and ask the public to respect the instructions of the SPVM.»
In a post on X, Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette said she was «deeply shaken» by the shooting and that the provincial government would offer its full co-operation to the relevant authorities.
«Such acts have no place here. We are monitoring the situation closely,» Fréchette said.
Details about the alleged gunman or what led to the shooting have not been disclosed.
It has been 24 years since the last (SPVM) officer was killed in the line of duty, Dagher said.
Brandon Elkaim, who lives near where the shooting happened, said he was shocked to learn of the violence in the area.
A shooting in Montreal, Quebec, Canada left a police officer dead, as well as one other person, authorities said Monday. (Photographer: Nasuna Stuart-Ulin/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
«It was about 10 or 12, what we now know, were shots in a row,» he told CTV News. «About 10 minutes went by of quiet but in that time, we saw the park completely empty out, parents and kids running in a panic.»
As of Monday afternoon, there was no immediate threat to the public, authorities said.
crime, canada, police and law enforcement
Jesica Cirio le entregó su celular a la Justicia tras la difusión de los videos de los dólares: cuál es la estrategia de su abogado
El megaproyecto del Manchester United va tomando forma: El nuevo Old Trafford, a la altura del Camp Nou
Tim Walz’s jab at Trump over Reflecting Pool draws fraud scandal backlash: ‘Sit this one out’
Más de 15 millones de personas están bajo riesgo de inundaciones por lluvias persistentes en cinco estados de EEUU
El abogado de Jesica Cirio se presentó en los tribunales y entregó el teléfono de ella
Ranking: qué puesto ocupa la Argentina entre los países con mejor calidad de vida de América del Sur
LA DOBLE VARA ZURDA: Militantes K prefieren el pasado dictatorial y los excesos de Maradona antes que el éxito limpio de Messi
Preocupación en el oficialismo por el impacto digital del caso Adorni y la insuficiencia del “efecto Mundial”
Difundieron videos en los que Jésica Cirio aparece junto a miles de dólares
Qué dijo Jesica Cirio tras la difusión de los videos donde se ven fajos con millones de dólares en la casa de Martín Insaurralde
POLITICA2 días agoLA DOBLE VARA ZURDA: Militantes K prefieren el pasado dictatorial y los excesos de Maradona antes que el éxito limpio de Messi
- POLITICA2 días ago
Preocupación en el oficialismo por el impacto digital del caso Adorni y la insuficiencia del “efecto Mundial”
- POLITICA3 días ago
Difundieron videos en los que Jésica Cirio aparece junto a miles de dólares
