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Trump writes to NATO leaders to share defence cost

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Trump writes to NATO leaders to share defence cost

Continuing his “America First” populist move the US President Donald Trump has recently written sharply worded letters to the leaders of several NATO allies: including Germany, Belgium, Norway and Canada taking them to task for spending too little on their own defence and warning that the US is losing patience with their failure to meet security obligations shared by the alliance.

According to New York Times, the letters, sent in June, are the latest sign of acrimony between Mr. Trump and US allies as he heads to a NATO summit next week in Brussels.

While writing the letters to heads of the NATO states, Trump has repeatedly questioned it’s value and has claimed that its members are taking advantage of the US.

NYT journalist Julie Hirschfeld Davis says that Trump’s criticism raised the prospect of another confrontation involving the president and American allies after a blow-up by Trump at the G-7 summit last month in Quebec, Canada and increased concerns that far from projecting solidarity in the face of threats from Russia.

It further observed that the NATO meeting will highlight divisions within the alliance. Such a result could play into the hands of President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who is to meet with Trump in Helsinki, Finland, after the NATO meeting, and whose primary goal is sowing divisions within the alliance.

In his letters, the president hinted that after more than a year of public and private complaints that allies have not done enough to share the burden of collective defence, he may be considering a response, including adjusting the US’ military presence around the world.

Trump writes to NATO leaders to share defence cost

In his letter to German Chancellor Angela Markel, Trump said, “As we discussed during your visit in April, there is growing frustration in the United States that some allies have not stepped up as promised. The United States continues to devote more resources to the defence of Europe when the Continent’s economy; including Germany’s, are doing well and security challenges abound. This is no longer sustainable for us. Growing frustration is not confined to our executive branch. The United States Congress is concerned, as well.”

Donald Trump’s complaint is that many NATO allies are not living up to the commitment they made at their Wales summit meeting in 2014 to spend 2 percent of their gross domestic product on national defence.

American presidents have long complained about the lack of burden-sharing by NATO member countries, but Mr. Trump has taken that criticism much further.

The NYT report says that Trump administration has been reportedly analyzing a large-scale withdrawal of American forces from Germany, after he expressed surprise that 35,000 active-duty troops are stationed there.

In his critical remarks to German Chancellor, Trump further said, “Continued German under-spending on defence undermines the security of the alliance and provides validation for other allies that also do not plan to meet their military spending commitments, because others see you as a role model.”

“It will, however, become increasingly difficult to justify to American citizens why some countries do not share NATO’s collective security burden while American soldiers continue to sacrifice their lives overseas or come home gravely wounded,” Mr. Trump wrote to Ms. Merkel.

He also wrote letters to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Norwegian PM Erna Solberg of Norway and Belgian PM Charles Michel, saying, he understands the “domestic political pressure” brought to bear by opponents of boosting military expenditures, noting that he has expended “considerable political capital to increase our own military spending.”

Meanwhile, CNN reports that White House has declined to comment on presidential correspondence.

However the National Security Council spokesman was quoted saying, “The President is committed to the alliance, as he has stated repeatedly. The President has also been clear we expect our allies to shoulder their fair share of our common defence burden and to do more in areas that most affect them. There is no better way to signal NATO’s resolve than for every ally to allocate the resources necessary to share their burden of our collective defence.”

During May 2017 NATO meeting Trump reportedly said, “Members of the alliance must finally contribute their fair share and meet their financial obligations, Twenty-three of the 28 member nations are still not paying what they should be paying and what they are supposed to be paying for their defence. This is not fair to the people and taxpayers of the United States.”

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance between 29 North American and European countries. It constitutes a system of collective defence whereby its independent member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party. Its headquarters are located in Brussels.

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Russia says President Vladimir Putin to visit India soon

In July 2024, Modi made a significant trip to Russia, marking his first visit in almost five years, during which he invited President Putin to India.

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On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov revealed that arrangements are being made for President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. Lavrov stated, as per the reports, that “President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to visit from the Indian Prime Minister,” affirming that preparations for this significant visit are currently underway.

During the announcement, Lavrov highlighted the diplomatic ties between the two nations, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made his first foreign trip to Russia after his re-election last year. “Now it’s our turn,” Lavrov remarked, underscoring the reciprocal nature of the visits between the leaders of both countries.

These comments were made during a video address at a conference hosted by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), which focused on the theme “Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda.” Although the specific dates for President Putin’s visit have not yet been disclosed, the discussions signal a continued commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Earlier in February, there were indications from Tass that Prime Minister Modi might visit Moscow to attend the annual military parade at Red Square, commemorating the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. However, sources familiar with the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity, informed the Hindustan Times that while an invitation had been extended to Modi, an official visit was not being planned at that time.

In July 2024, Modi made a significant trip to Russia, marking his first visit in almost five years, during which he invited President Putin to India. This forthcoming visit will be particularly noteworthy as it will be Putin’s first trip to India since December 2021, when he participated in an annual summit.

It will also be his first official visit since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022. The evolving diplomatic landscape between Russia and India continues to attract attention as both nations seek to enhance their strategic partnership.

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Gaza sees largest anti-Hamas protest amid ongoing humanitarian crisis

In a rare show of defiance, Palestinians in northern Gaza rallied in large numbers against Hamas, demanding the group step down and calling for peace.

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Gaza protest, Hamas Gaza, anti-Hamas protest, Gaza war news, Gaza humanitarian crisis,

In a rare and bold display of public dissent, thousands of Palestinians took to the streets of northern Gaza on Tuesday, staging what is being described as the largest anti-Hamas protest since the outbreak of the war in October 2023. The demonstrations unfolded in Beit Lahia, where crowds were seen chanting slogans such as “For god’s sake, Hamas out,” “Hamas terrorists,” and “We want an end to the war.”

The scale of the protest, captured in video footage verified by a journalist present in the area, highlights a growing frustration among civilians as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. The death toll has now crossed 50,000, according to Gaza’s health ministry, with the enclave devastated by sustained military action and blockade.

A circulating social media message also called for nine separate protests across Gaza on Wednesday, encouraging citizens to make their voices heard. The message urged, “Let them hear your voice, let them know that Gaza is not silent, and that there is a people who will not accept to be eradicated.” The origin of the message has not been independently verified.

Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 following a civil conflict with the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority, the group has faced sporadic internal criticism. However, public demonstrations of this magnitude are rare, especially amid an active conflict.

The protest comes at a time when northern Gaza is virtually cut off. Following the collapse of ceasefire talks earlier this month, Israel announced it was suspending all humanitarian aid to the enclave. UNRWA reported that no food, water, medicine, or fuel had entered Gaza in three weeks, warning of an impending acute hunger crisis.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian aid to serve its military operations—allegations the group denies.

With infrastructure in ruins and the population relying almost entirely on international assistance, the protests underline growing public anger over both the war and Hamas’ governance during this crisis.

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Tiger Woods confirms relationship with Vanessa Trump, Donald Trump Jr’s ex-wife

Tiger Woods has officially confirmed his relationship with Vanessa Trump, Donald Trump Jr’s former wife. The pair shared the news via social media following weeks of public curiosity.

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Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump confirmed relationship on social media

Tiger Woods has confirmed that he is in a relationship with Vanessa Trump, the former wife of Donald Trump Jr. The golfing icon made the announcement public via a heartfelt post on social media, requesting privacy as their relationship moves forward.

“Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together,” Woods wrote to his 6.4 million followers on X. He also asked for privacy for all those close to them.

Vanessa Trump was married to Donald Trump Jr from 2005 until their separation in 2018. The former couple shares five children, including 17-year-old Kai, who is expected to play collegiate golf at the University of Miami in 2026. Notably, Kai attends the same school as Woods’s children, Sam and Charlie, and recently competed alongside Charlie at a golf invitational.

The couple had been the subject of growing speculation across gossip platforms in recent weeks. Despite being known for guarding his personal life, Woods made the relationship public, drawing comparisons to his 2013 social media announcement about dating Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn.

In the past, Woods explained that going public was a strategy to deter paparazzi and safeguard his children. His children Sam and Charlie were born during his marriage to Elin Nordegren, which ended in 2010 following revelations of Woods’s extramarital affairs.

Woods’s most recent public relationship before Vanessa Trump was with Erica Herman, which ended in 2022 after a long-term partnership and legal disputes over property matters.

Woods also shares a professional connection with the Trump family. He has played golf with Donald Trump on multiple occasions and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump in 2019. In February, Woods was also seen attending a meeting with Trump to discuss developments in the golf world, especially around the emergence of the Saudi-backed LIV tour.

The announcement comes shortly after Woods revealed he had ruptured his Achilles tendon, ruling him out of the upcoming Masters tournament.

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