INTERNACIONAL
Trump touts bringing country back from ‘brink of ruin’
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President Donald Trump touted the work his administration has done since January in an address to the nation on Wednesday night as he labeled the U.S. the «hottest country in the world.»
Trump blamed his predecessor Joe Biden and reiterated claims that his administration inherited a «mess» as he praised the work done since taking office to improve the economy, curb the influx of drugs into the U.S., and support the U.S. military.
«Here at home, we’re bringing our economy back from the brink of ruin,» Trump said. «The last administration and their allies in Congress looted our treasury for trillions of dollars, driving up prices and everything at levels never seen before. I am bringing those high prices down and bringing them down very fast.»
President Donald Trump looks on during a meeting with the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Nov. 17, 2025. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump also said that Americans would start to see the benefits of his massive tax and domestic policy bill that was signed into law in July. The bill included key provisions that permanently established individual and business tax breaks included in Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and incorporated new tax deductions to cut duties on tips and overtime pay.
TRUMP SAYS ECONOMY WILL ‘ROCKET’ AFTER SIGNING ‘BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL’: ‘IT’S GOING TO BE REALLY GREAT’
«Next year, you will also see the results of the largest tax cuts in American history that were really accomplished through our great, big, beautiful bill, perhaps the most sweeping legislation ever passed in Congress,» Trump said.
Trump also touted the strength of the U.S. military under his administration, citing strong recruitment numbers across the services. As a result, Trump said that military service members will receive a new so-called «Warrior Dividend» before Christmas to send troops $1,776 in honor of America’s founding in 1776.
«We are sending every soldier $1,776. Think of that,» Trump said. «And the checks are already on the way.»
President Donald Trump visits Michigan Air National Guard troops on April 29, 2025, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
TRUMP SET TO ADDRESS THE NATION IN PRIMETIME WHITE HOUSE SPEECH AS AMERICANS REPORT ECONOMIC SQUEEZE
Trump signed off his address claiming that the U.S. is respected once again, and is the «envy of the entire globe» as he wished Americans a «Merry Christmas.»
«Our nation is strong. America is respected and our country is back stronger than ever before,» Trump said. «We’re poised for an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen. Soon we will host the World Cup and the Olympics, both of which I got. But most importantly, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.»
The speech comes as Trump has launched a new effort focusing on his economic policies, amid criticism surrounding how his administration has handled messaging on economic issues. Scrutiny intensified following the November elections that delivered Democrats wins in several key elections – including the New York mayoral race, and the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races – where Democrats focused on «affordability.»
President Donald Trump, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, right, speaks during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, Aug. 26, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
While Trump told Politico in December that he would grade his economy an «A+++++,» voters don’t share the same optimism. For example, 76% of voters reported that they view the economy negatively, an increase from 67% who reported the same in July and the 70% who said so following former President Joe Biden’s term, a November Fox News national survey found.
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Trump has previously held several White House addresses, including in November after two members of the National Guard were shot in Washington, and another in June after the U.S. military launched strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
Fox News’ Emma Colton contributed to this report.
white house,donald trump,economy
INTERNACIONAL
Trump signs executive order overhauling mail-in voting in major election integrity push
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President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a sweeping executive order targeting mail-in voting and voter eligibility, calling the move a major step toward restoring confidence in U.S. elections.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the order is focused on «voter integrity and Mail-In ballots» and on «stopping the massive cheating that’s gone on.»
«We’re going to be signing an executive order,» Trump said. «It’s, I believe it’s foolproof… I think it’s very obvious what’s said.»
The order directs federal agencies to work with states to compile lists of eligible voters using federal citizenship and identity data, while also instructing the U.S. Postal Service to develop new safeguards for mail-in ballots, including barcode tracking and verification measures.
TRUMP REVEALS TOP ISSUES GOP SHOULD FOCUS ON TO SECURE MIDTERMS VICTORY: ‘I’VE NEVER BEEN MORE CONFIDENT’
President Donald Trump signs an executive order addressing mail-in ballots in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, in Washington, D.C. (Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Under the order, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) working with the Social Security Administration and other federal databases, will create and share «State Citizenship Lists» with state election officials.
The lists are intended to identify individuals confirmed to be U.S. citizens who will be at least 18 years old by the time of a federal election and who reside in that state.
Those lists are to be updated and transmitted to states ahead of federal elections, according to the order.
The order also directs the attorney general to prioritize investigations and potential prosecutions involving officials or others who issue ballots to individuals not eligible to vote in federal elections, as well as those involved in the «printing, production, shipment, or distribution of ballots» to ineligible voters.
SCOTUS CONSERVATIVES SIGNAL READINESS TO CURB LATE-ARRIVING MAIL BALLOTS
President Donald Trump addresses members of the assembled media after signing an executive order, Tuesday, in the Oval Office. (Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
On mail ballots, the executive order calls on the postmaster general to initiate a rule-making process within 60 days. Proposed changes include requiring ballots to be clearly marked as official election mail, including a unique Intelligent Mail barcode or similar tracking technology, and undergoing Postal Service design review.
The order also outlines a system under which states would notify USPS if they plan to use mail-in or absentee ballots and provide lists of eligible voters, allowing the Postal Service to maintain participation records tied to ballot distribution.
Trump framed the changes as a direct response to what he described as longstanding vulnerabilities in voting by mail.
NOEM BACKS SAVE AMERICA ACT, SLAMS ‘RADICAL LEFT’ OPPOSITION TO VOTER IDS AND PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, left, looks on as President Donald Trump prepares to sign an executive order addressing mail-in voting. ( Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
«The cheating on mail-in voting is legendary,» he said. «It’s horrible what’s going on.»
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the administration is pushing for a system that ties each ballot to a trackable envelope.
«If you voted by mail, you will have it on the envelope,» Lutnick said. «There’ll be a million envelopes… and you’ll be able to know exactly correctly, that citizens voted.»
Trump said additional election-related measures, including voter ID and proof of citizenship requirements, are also under consideration.
«We’d like to have voter ID, we’d like to have proof of citizenship… we’re working on that,» he said.
He also argued that opposition to such measures is politically motivated.
«The only people that don’t want to do voter ID are people that cheat,» Trump said.
Trump acknowledged the order could face legal challenges but said he believes it will withstand them.
«I don’t know how it can be challenged,» Trump said after signing the order. «You may find a rogue judge… but that’s the only way that could be changed.»
The executive order states that voting in federal elections is reserved «exclusively for citizens of the United States» and argues that additional safeguards are necessary to «maintain public confidence in election outcomes.» It also says that ballot identifiers such as barcodes can help ensure that only eligible voters receive and cast ballots.
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Within minutes of Trump signing the order, top elections officials in Oregon and Arizona pledged to sue, arguing the president was illegally encroaching on states’ authority to run elections, according to The Associated Press.
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said the state’s vote-by-mail system, originally designed by Republicans, is now used by about 80% of voters.
Arizona does not need the federal government to determine voter eligibility, and federal data is not always reliable, Fontes said.
Trump cast the issue in much broader terms.
«If you don’t have honest voting,» he said, «you can’t have really a nation.»
voting, donald trump, elections, white house, politics
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More key European allies are restricting U.S. military access as the Trump administration presses ahead with its war against Iran, with both France and Spain moving to block U.S.-linked aircraft from using their airspace or bases.
France has refused overflight for planes carrying U.S. military supplies to Israel, according to President Donald Trump, marking a rare disruption to routine military coordination between Washington and key European allies.
Their refusals carry operational weight because U.S. bases in Europe are «essential» for supporting Middle East operations, acting as critical staging and transit hubs for military aircraft.
MULTIPLE ALLIES DECLINE US CALLS FOR STRAIT OF HORMUZ SUPPORT AMID RISING MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS
The move marks the latest sign of growing friction between the United States and European allies as President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on NATO partners to support operations tied to the war with Iran.
President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shake hands as they pose for a photo. (Suzanne Plunkett/Pool/Reuters)
According to a Tuesday Reuters report, Italy denied permission for U.S. military aircraft to land at the Sigonella Air Base in Sicily before heading to the Middle East, saying Washington had not sought prior authorization from Rome.
An Italian government statement pushed back on reports of a rupture, saying: «With reference to media reports regarding the use of military bases, the government reiterates that Italy acts in full compliance with existing international agreements and with the policy guidelines set out by the government to parliament.»
«Relations with the United States, in particular, are solid and based on full and loyal cooperation,» the statement added.
A senior U.S. official reinforced Italy’s claim, telling Fox News Digital, «This is false. Italy is currently supportive in providing access, basing and overflight for U.S. forces.»
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. (Darko Bandic/The Associated Press )
Spain on Monday said it had closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in strikes, going further than its earlier refusal to allow the use of jointly operated bases. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been among the most vocal critics of the U.S. and Israeli campaign.
In remarks before parliament Tuesday, Spain’s defense minister said the government had «prohibited the use of the bases of Rota and Morón» and did not grant flight authorizations «to support operations in Iran.»
The minister stressed the decision was limited specifically to operations linked to Iran and did not signal a broader break with NATO or the United States.
John Hemmings, director of the National Security Centre at the Henry Jackson Society, a London-based foreign policy think tank, told Fox News Digital the decision reflects deeper tensions.
«If one looks at Spain’s refusal to allow U.S. overflight over its airspace or U.S. bases,» Hemmings said, «one could argue it’s a U.S.-Spanish issue. The prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, a socialist, has no love lost for the MAGA movement. But Italy’s refusal comes after Poland’s refusal to allow a U.S. Patriot anti-missile battery to be redeployed and looks like the U.S. wheels are wobbling — if not coming off.»
Trump on Tuesday escalated his criticism of allies in a series of posts on Truth Social, singling out France and the United Kingdom, although the United Kingdom has continued to allow U.S. aircraft to operate from its territory, including bomber and refueling missions tied to Middle East operations.
TRUMP RATES MACRON ‘AN 8’ AS FRANCE AND US SPLIT OVER MIDDLE EAST STRATEGY
«France has been VERY UNHELPFUL with respect to the ‘Butcher of Iran,’ who has been successfully eliminated! The U.S.A. will REMEMBER!!!,» President Donald Trump wrote on social media. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
«The Country of France wouldn’t let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory,» Trump wrote.
«France has been VERY UNHELPFUL with respect to the ‘Butcher of Iran,’ who has been successfully eliminated! The U.S.A. will REMEMBER!!!,» he added.
A source in the French presidency, the Élysée Palace, told Fox News Digital, «We are surprised by this tweet. France has not changed its position since the first day, and we confirm this decision, which is consistent with the French position since the beginning of the conflict.»
The Israeli Ministry of Defense said Tuesday it is moving to reduce defense procurement from France to zero, replacing it with domestic production or purchases from other allied countries. The ministry also said it has suspended plans for further professional engagement with the French military, including canceling meetings with France’s defense leadership.
In another post on Tuesday, Trump criticized the U.K. while urging allies to take action in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route disrupted during the conflict.
«All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you,» Trump wrote.
«Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.»
«You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!»
TRUMP’S IRAN STRATEGY SHOWCASES ‘DOCTRINE OF UNPREDICTABILITY’ AMID STRIKE THREATS AND SUDDEN PAUSE
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) and his wife Victoria Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf club on July 28, 2025, in Turnberry, Scotland. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
War Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed that message during a press briefing Tuesday.
«There are countries around the world who ought to be prepared to step up on this critical waterway as well,» he said. «It’s not just the United States Navy. Last time I checked, there was supposed to be a big, bad Royal Navy that could be prepared to do things like that as well.»
NATO acknowledged the growing strain, pointing to remarks by Secretary-General Mark Rutte from a March 26 press conference.
«What I’ve been seeing is some frustration with him (Trump), about the Europeans needing to take time to react to his request, when it comes to this question of making sure that sea lanes are open,» Rutte said.
«There is a reason for that … the U.S. was not able to consult with allies because they wanted to keep the campaign secret,» he said. «But that also had the disadvantage that it takes time for the Europeans to get organized.»
Rutte added that more than 30 countries have since joined discussions on securing maritime routes, «exactly also to the request of President Trump.»
Hemmings warned the fallout could have broader strategic consequences.
«There is something deeper here, though, and that is that there is a growing transatlantic rift between right-leaning populists and left-leaning populists,» he said. «The fact is that the U.S. and many Western European countries are not only split over NATO spending and trade; they are split ideologically.»
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NATO leaders pose in this shot taken in June. (Claudia Greco/Reuters)
«This should worry planners at the Pentagon and at NATO headquarters in Brussels,» he said. «Despite recent changes in U.S. force structure in Europe, changes have been incremental and carefully broadcast. The U.S. and Europe still need each other badly for defense-industrial cooperation, for helping bring Ukraine to victory, and for deterring their mutual adversaries.»
Fox News Digital also reached out to Italy and the Pentagon but did not receive responses in time for publication.
war with iran, nato, europe, italy, spain, donald trump
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