INTERNACIONAL
Kash Patel torches ‘conspiracy theories’ about Bondi feud amid MAGA furor over Epstein files
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FBI Director Kash Patel on Saturday squashed rumors of a rift inside the Trump administration’s law-and-order team, just hours before the president himself defended Attorney General Pam Bondi amid Jeffrey Epstein probe backlash.
The criticism came after the FBI and Department of Justice on Sunday released a memo shutting down theories about an alleged Epstein client list, finding a tell-all document exposing his associates did not exist. Fueling the fire was a one-minute gap in a surveillance video from Epstein’s cell, which was part of the evidence the DOJ released. The review found the disgraced financier died by suicide in jail in 2019.
INSIDE DAN BONGINO’S TENSE MEETING WITH WHITE HOUSE OFFICIALS OVER JEFFREY EPSTEIN FALLOUT
Fox News reported Friday that Patel’s No. 2, Deputy Director Dan Bongino, was considering resigning if Bondi stayed on as head of the Department of Justice, which oversees the FBI. There were unconfirmed reports that Patel might step down as well, but he shot that down with a social media post Saturday, saying «conspiracy theories» about a potential resignation over Bondi’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files «just aren’t true.»
«The conspiracy theories just aren’t true, never have been,» Patel wrote. «It’s an honor to serve the President of the United States @realDonaldTrump — and I’ll continue to do so for as long as he calls on me.»
FBI Director Kash Patel, left, and disgraced financier and alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, right. (Getty)
Hours after Patel’s post, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to express unhappiness with his follower’s reaction.
Trump supporters posted videos to social media Saturday afternoon charring MAGA hats in protest.
«What’s going on with my ‘boys’ and, in some cases, ‘gals?’ They’re all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB,» Trump wrote. «We’re on one Team, MAGA, and I don’t like what’s happening.»
FBI’S DAN BONGINO AND ATTORNEY GENERAL PAM BONDI CLASH OVER HANDLING OF EPSTEIN FILES
He went on to describe Epstein as a «guy who never dies» and shifted blame to former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former FBI Director James Comey, former CIA director John Brennan, and the Biden administration.
«They created the Epstein Files, just like they created the FAKE Hillary Clinton/Christopher Steele Dossier that they used on me, and now my so-called ‘friends’ are playing right into their hands,» Trump wrote. «Why didn’t these Radical Left Lunatics release the Epstein Files? If there was ANYTHING in there that could have hurt the MAGA Movement, why didn’t they use it?»
Jeffrey Epstein’s private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Little St. John. (Getty Images)
The president claimed that one year ago, the country was «DEAD,» but is now «the ‘HOTTEST’ Country anywhere in the World.
«Let’s keep it that way, and not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about,» Trump wrote.
Rumors about a change in leadership were triggered by Patel’s apparent X biography change, where his title as FBI Director was removed to only read, «Fmr Chief of Staff @DeptofDefense.»
10 REASONS THE DOJ AND FBI FACE BACKLASH OVER EPSTEIN FILES FLOP
Multiple sources told Fox News Digital Bongino and Bondi butted heads at a White House meeting Wednesday, with Bongino accusing Bondi of a «lack of transparency from the start» in the Epstein files probe.
The former Secret Service agent-turned FBI official allegedly raised his voice at Trump’s White House chief of staff before storming out, and has since been weighing resignation over the episode, insiders said.
Bondi and Patel, however, have presented a united front. Sources close to Bondi claim she has «no intention of stepping down» and the pair are in constant communication.
BG Group Demolition crews tear down the Palm Beach home of late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Palm Beach, Fla. April 20, 2021. (Greg Lovett/USA TODAY NETWORK)
«Any attempt to sow division within this team is baseless and distracts from the real progress being made,» White House Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields told Fox News Digital, emphasizing that Trump’s law-and-order lineup is working «seamlessly and with unity.»
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«President Trump has assembled a highly qualified and experienced law and order team dedicated to protecting Americans, holding criminals accountable, and delivering justice to victims,» Fields added. «This work is being carried out seamlessly and with unity. Any attempt to sow division within this team is baseless and distracts from the real progress being made in restoring public safety and pursuing justice for all.»
The FBI did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Fox News’ David Spunt, Amanda Macias, Jake Gibson, Ashley Oliver and Brie Stimson contributed to this report.
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.
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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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