INTERNACIONAL
World Economic Forum president and CEO steps down after facing scrutiny over Epstein links
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Børge Brende, who has faced scrutiny due to the revelation of links between him and the late Jeffrey Epstein, is stepping down from his role as World Economic Forum president and CEO.
«I am grateful for the incredible collaboration with my colleagues, partners, and constituents, and I believe now is the right moment for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions,» Brende said in a statement.
Disclosures by the U.S. Justice Department indicated that Brende had attended three business dinners with Epstein and engaged him in communications through email and texts, according to Reuters.
President Donald Trump is greeted by Børge Brende before taking part in a discussion onstage at the World Economic Forum on Jan. 21, 2026, in Davos, Switzerland. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
«In light of these interactions, the Governing Board requested the Audit and Risk Committee to look into the matter, which subsequently decided to initiate an independent review,» the WEF noted in a statement, the outlet reported earlier this month. «This decision underscores the Forum’s commitment to transparency and maintaining its integrity.»
In the statement about Brende’s departure, the globalist body noted, «The independent review conducted by outside counsel has concluded. The findings stated that there were no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed.»
WEF’s co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink said in a statement on behalf of the board of trustees that they wanted «to express our sincere appreciation for Børge Brende’s significant contributions to the World Economic Forum.»
«His dedication and leadership have been instrumental during a pivotal period of reforms for the organization, leading to a successful annual meeting in Davos. We respect his decision to step down,» they said.
«We are pleased to announce that Alois Zwinggi will serve as Interim President and CEO and looking forward to his continued collaboration and partnership over time,» Hoffmann and Fink added. «The Board of Trustees will oversee the leadership transition including the plan to drive a proper process to identify a permanent successor.»
FORMER NORWEGIAN PM THORBJØRN JAGLAND HOSPITALIZED AMID EPSTEIN PROBE
Close-up image of a tablet screen displaying a portrait of Jeffrey Epstein beside the official U.S. Department of Justice website page titled Epstein Library in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 11, 2026. (Véronique Tournier/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)
Brende asserted in a statement that he met Epstein while attending a dinner that former Norwegian Deputy Prime Minister Terje Rod-Larsen invited him to, according to Reuters.
Brende noted that he later went to two similar dinners that included Epstein and that those dinners plus «a few emails and SMS messages» comprised the full scope of his engagements with Epstein, according to the outlet.
SON OF NORWAY’S CROWN PRINCESS TO FACE RAPE CHARGES AS NEW EPSTEIN FILES MENTION HER HUNDREDS OF TIMES
World Economic Forum President Borge Brende delivers a speech at the annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 20, 2026. (Harun Ozalp/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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«I was completely unaware of Epstein’s past and criminal activities,» Brende noted, according to the outlet.
«Had I known about his background, I would have declined the initial invitation to join Rod-Larsen and any subsequent dinner invitations or other communications,» he said.
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world,jeffrey epstein,globalism,justice department,us
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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