Report: Trump Wants DOJ to Pay Him $230 Million for Previous Investigations

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President Donald Trump is pressing for his Justice Department to pay roughly $230 million as a settlement for investigations he faced during the Biden administration and his first term in office, sources familiar with the matter confirmed to ABC News Tuesday.

The extraordinary arrangement, as first reported by The New York Times, would likely first need sign-off from top officials in the department who previously served as Trump’s defense attorneys or otherwise represented his allies.

The settlement negotiations stem from two separate administrative claims that were submitted by attorneys for Trump while he was out of office in 2023 and 2024. One sought damages over the investigation he and those in his orbit faced surrounding ties his 2016 campaign had to the Russian government. . .

Trump, asked Tuesday by reporters in the Oval Office about the New York Times’ story, said regarding the Justice Department, “I don’t even talk to them about it — all I know is that they would owe me a lot of money, but I don’t, I’m not looking for money. I’d give it to charity or something.”

“It’s interesting, because I’m the one that makes a decision, right?” Trump said. “And you know that decision would have to go across my desk, and it’s awfully strange to make a decision where I’m paying myself. In other words, did you ever have one of those cases where you have to decide how much you’re paying yourself in damages? But I was damaged very greatly, and any money that I would get, I would give to charity.” (Read more from “Report: Trump Wants DOJ to Pay Him $230 Million for Previous Investigations” HERE)

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Ranchers Blast Trump’s Argentina Beef Deal: ‘This Is Going to Hurt Us’

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American cattle ranchers are now pushing back hard against the president’s new beef import deal with Argentina, warning it could devastate an industry already struggling with record costs, shrinking herds, and unpredictable trade policies.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) blasted Trump’s plan this week, saying that importing Argentine beef to lower U.S. meat prices “only creates chaos at a critical time of the year for American cattle producers.” NCBA CEO Colin Woodall argued the deal would undercut U.S. ranchers who are just beginning to recover from years of market instability.

“I’m appalled President Trump, who campaigned on how he loved farmers, is putting America’s farmers out of business by helping Argentina farmers first,” said John Boyd, founder of the National Black Farmers Association.

While the administration defends the move as a way to bring down historically high beef prices for consumers, the political backlash from rural America — a key bloc in Trump’s base — has been swift. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), who represents one of the nation’s top cattle-producing states, urged Trump to reconsider, saying ranchers “cannot afford to have the rug pulled out from under them when they’re just getting ahead or simply breaking even.”

The tensions come as the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee voted 19–5 this week to advance the Fix Our Forests Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at overhauling forest management and reducing wildfire risks — another issue central to western ranchers.

The NCBA strongly supports the measure, calling it a step toward “unleashing the conservation prowess of ranchers” by expanding the use of livestock grazing as a wildfire mitigation strategy and reducing government red tape. “The federal government must better utilize grazing to combat the wildfire crisis,” said Kaitlynn Glover, NCBA’s executive director of natural resources.

But while ranchers broadly back the wildfire legislation, their optimism about domestic policy has been overshadowed by frustration over Trump’s Argentina beef deal and his foreign aid strategy.

Beef prices have soared to record highs this year as American cattle herds reach their lowest levels in decades, and imports from major producers like Brazil have plummeted under Trump’s 50 percent tariff policy. Ranchers say that instead of opening the door to Argentine imports, the administration should focus on investing in domestic production and rural infrastructure.

As one Kansas rancher told local media, “We don’t need foreign competition and flashy trade deals — we need fair prices and a president who keeps his word to American farmers.”

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Trump Blasts United Nations for ‘Funding an Assault on Western Countries and Borders’ with Mass Migration

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The United Nations is “funding an assault on Western countries,” President Donald Trump said to the U.N. annual convention on Tuesday.

In his address, the president accused weak western nations of destroying their own countries through mass migration with the U.N. playing a central role.

“The number one political issue of our time [is] the crisis of uncontrolled migration,” he exclaimed. “Your countries are being ruined,” he added. “The United Nations is funding an assault on western countries and their borders.

The president then laid out the material support that the United Nations gave to these invading illegals who flooded border by the hundreds of millions all across the world.

“In 2024, the U.N. budgeted $372 million in cash assistance to support… migrants journeying into the United States,” the president said from the podium. “The U.N. also provided food, shelter, transportation, and debit cards to illegal aliens on the way to infiltrate our southern border.” (Read more from “Trump Blasts United Nations for ‘Funding an Assault on Western Countries and Borders’ with Mass Migration” HERE)

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Tucker Carlson Warns Trump Admin Is Using Kirk’s Death to Justify War on Free Speech

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Tucker Carlson delivered a sharp rebuke of the Trump administration Wednesday, accusing Attorney General Pam Bondi of weaponizing the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk to erode First Amendment protections.

In the latest episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, the former Fox News host said Kirk — a close personal friend — would be “heartbroken” to see his name invoked in efforts to restrict so-called hate speech.

“Charlie was a free speech champion. He died believing Americans have the right to say what they believe — even if it’s ugly. And I pray that’s his legacy,” Carlson, 56, said.

The comments were a direct response to Bondi’s Monday appearance on The Katie Miller Podcast, in which the Attorney General vowed to “target” individuals spreading hate speech in the wake of Kirk’s September 10 killing.

“There’s free speech, and then there’s hate speech,” Bondi said. “And there is no place — especially now, especially after what happened to Charlie — for hate speech in our society.”

Carlson took issue with that distinction.

“The implication that hate speech is a crime — there’s no sentence Charlie Kirk would’ve objected to more than that,” Carlson said. “You’ve got to think the Attorney General didn’t think that through and was not attempting to desecrate the memory of the person she was purporting to celebrate. You hope that.”

Kirk, 31, was shot and killed during a public event in Dallas last week. The alleged shooter, a 23-year-old student, reportedly cited Kirk’s “rhetoric” as a motive. The killing has since reignited political debates over speech, extremism, and accountability online.

But Carlson warned that grief and fear should not be manipulated into policy.

“You hope that Charlie’s death won’t be used by a group we now call ‘bad actors’ to create a society that was the opposite of the one he hoped to build,” Carlson said.

Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and host of The Charlie Kirk Show, frequently criticized efforts to criminalize offensive speech. In 2024, he tweeted:

“Hate speech does not exist legally in America. There’s ugly speech. There’s gross speech. There’s evil speech. And ALL of it is protected by the First Amendment.”

Carlson went further, suggesting that Bondi’s comments echoed the very ideology that led to Kirk’s murder.

“That thinking that she just articulated on camera is exactly what got us to a place where some horrifying percentage of young people think it’s okay to shoot people you disagree with,” he said.

The White House did not comment directly on Carlson’s accusations, but on Tuesday President Trump praised Bondi’s performance, telling reporters, “Pam has done an unbelievable job, and everyone agrees with that.” The Department of Justice has not responded to media requests for clarification on Bondi’s remarks.

Carlson’s podcast, which has gained a massive audience since his departure from Fox News in 2023, has become a leading voice for populist conservatives and libertarians skeptical of state power. His criticism of the administration has added to a growing chorus across the political spectrum alarmed by government efforts to monitor speech.

Just hours after Carlson’s episode aired, ABC announced it had “indefinitely” pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its late-night lineup. The move followed a threat from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to revoke the network’s broadcast license over Kimmel’s controversial remarks about Kirk’s death. President Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, calling it “Great news for America.”

Carlson warned that such developments point to a dangerous trend.

“There are a lot of people who’d like to codify their own beliefs by punishing those under the U.S. code who disagree with them,” he said. “Any attempt to do that is a denial of the humanity of American citizens and cannot be allowed under any circumstances. That’s got to be the red line. When they can do that, what can’t they do?”

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Trump Maintains Epstein Birthday Letter Is “Fake” as Alleged Note Surfaces in Records Turned Over to Congress

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Lawyers for Jeffrey Epstein’s estate have submitted a copy of Epstein’s infamous 50th birthday book to Congress — including a controversial letter bearing Donald Trump’s signature that he has repeatedly claimed does not exist.

On Monday, members of the House Oversight Committee confirmed receipt of the book and the letter, which was originally reported by The Wall Street Journal in July. The book, professionally bound in 2003, includes messages from dozens of Epstein’s associates — among them, Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and billionaire Leon Black. Some notes were harmless birthday wishes, while others reportedly featured sexual references, drawings, or provocative imagery.

The letter attributed to Trump is among the more graphic. According to WSJ reporting, it featured typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman, ending with the message: “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” The letter was signed “Donald” in a stylized, squiggly manner positioned under the woman’s waistline to mimic pubic hair.

Trump has denied any connection to the letter, calling it “a fake thing.” He has since filed a defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, its parent company News Corp, and several of its reporters, arguing the letter is fabricated and defamatory. In response, a Dow Jones spokesperson stated, “We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting.”

Now, with the birthday book delivered under subpoena by House Oversight Chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), the contents are expected to receive further congressional review. The subpoena followed a July 25 letter from Democratic Reps. Robert Garcia and Ro Khanna urging Epstein’s estate to release the book “to assist in bringing transparency and accountability.”

Rep. Garcia, the committee’s Democratic ranking member, issued a strong statement Monday:

“President Trump called the Epstein investigation a hoax and claimed that his birthday note didn’t exist. Now we know that Donald Trump was lying and is doing everything he can to cover up the truth. Enough of the games and lies — release the full files now.”

The book was compiled by Epstein’s close associate Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003, prior to Epstein’s first arrest in 2006. Maxwell has since acknowledged to Justice Department officials that she helped assemble the book, though she claimed she could not recall who contributed what.

Trump, Clinton, and roughly 20 others were listed in the book under the “Friends” section, according to WSJ. Trump and Epstein were known to socialize in Palm Beach, Florida, during the 1990s. Flight logs show Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet, and the financier was photographed at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate multiple times.

Trump has claimed he cut ties with Epstein years before his 2019 arrest, citing a personal falling-out after Epstein allegedly recruited staff away from the Mar-a-Lago club. However, WSJ reported that Trump’s name appears multiple times in government files related to Epstein — a fact the Justice Department reportedly informed him of in May. The department emphasized that being named in such files does not indicate criminal wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, efforts to release more Epstein-related materials remain stalled. The Justice Department stated in July that no “client list” exists and declined to release further records — a decision that sparked backlash from some of Trump’s political allies, who had previously demanded transparency.

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Putin Drops Missile Pact, Sparking Fears of New U.S.-Russia Nuclear Arms Race

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In a chilling throwback to Cold War brinkmanship, arms race fears are mounting as Putin says Russia is no longer bound by missile treaty limits that once curbed the deployment of intermediate-range nuclear weapons. The announcement has escalated tensions between Moscow and Washington to dangerous new levels as both nations engage in an increasingly volatile military standoff centered around Ukraine.

On Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared an end to its self-imposed moratorium on intermediate-range missile deployments, citing aggressive moves by the United States and NATO allies, particularly the planned stationing of American Typhoon and Dark Eagle missile systems in Germany next year. The ministry warned that such deployments near Russian borders are a “direct threat” to the country’s security and could have “significant harmful consequences” for regional and global stability.

“Russia no longer has any limitations,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. “Russia believes it has the right to take respective steps if necessary.”

While the statement stopped short of detailing where or when Russia might deploy its own systems, President Vladimir Putin has already announced the coming placement of Russia’s new Oreshnik intermediate-range missiles in Belarus later this year. Designed for maximum speed and devastation, the Oreshnik—capable of flying at Mach 10 and carrying conventional or nuclear warheads—can reportedly reach any target in Europe.

NATO’s Missile Moves Spark Russian Reaction

Russia’s Foreign Ministry justified the policy shift as a response to Washington’s missile plans and broader NATO military buildup. “Decisions on specific parameters of response measures will be made based on the scale of deployment of American and other Western missiles,” the ministry said, stressing the need for a flexible strategy as the international security landscape evolves.

The United States and Russia both abandoned the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019 after accusing each other of violations. Signed in 1987 by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, the INF Treaty had banned land-based missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. Following the collapse of the agreement, Moscow pledged a voluntary halt in deployment—until now.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of the country’s Security Council, celebrated the end of the moratorium as a “new reality” that “all our opponents will have to reckon with.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Medvedev warned, “Expect further steps.”

Trump Orders Submarine Repositioning

The Kremlin’s announcement follows a separate development that could compound tensions. Former President Donald Trump, now leading in the polls as the 2024 election nears, said Friday he had ordered the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines. The move came after a defiant Medvedev dismissed Trump’s warning to accept a Ukraine peace deal or face severe consequences.

Trump said he was alarmed by Medvedev’s combative rhetoric and nuclear threats, noting the escalation as a sign of worsening nuclear brinkmanship. “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step toward war,” Medvedev had replied to Trump’s peace proposal.

With Trump’s self-imposed deadline for a Ukraine deal approaching, the maneuvering of both Russian and American nuclear assets underscores the renewed volatility in U.S.-Russia relations and the looming threat of a broader conflict that could involve NATO states.

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Federal Grand Jury Investigates Ex-Obama Officials Over Alleged Trump-Russia Hoax

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A federal grand jury has been convened to investigate whether former Obama-era officials coordinated efforts to promote what turned out to be false claims of collusion between Donald Trump and Russia during the 2016 election cycle, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

The Justice Department’s probe is centered around the early days of “Crossfire Hurricane,” the FBI’s investigation into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives — an inquiry that ultimately resulted in no findings of collusion after years of scrutiny by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

The investigation, which could lead to criminal charges, is said to focus on key intelligence figures including former CIA Director John Brennan, former FBI Director James Comey, and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. All three served under President Barack Obama and were involved in initiating or advancing the Russia probe.

President Trump and current Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard have both called for accountability, alleging the Russia narrative was a politically motivated operation designed to derail Trump’s presidency. Gabbard, a former Democrat congresswoman, submitted a criminal referral to Attorney General Pam Bondi last month, citing alleged misconduct by Obama-era intelligence officials and suggesting the former president himself may have orchestrated the effort.

Obama-Era Intelligence Under Scrutiny

Central to the investigation are claims that the infamous Steele dossier — a collection of salacious and unverified allegations compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele — was knowingly used to legitimize the Russia narrative. The dossier was funded by opposition research firm Fusion GPS, on behalf of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and the Democratic National Committee.

Documents obtained during the inquiry reportedly contradict Brennan’s 2023 congressional testimony, in which he claimed the CIA opposed inclusion of the Steele dossier in an intelligence assessment. At the time, Brennan had allegedly supported its inclusion, according to internal agency communications.

Comey is also facing renewed scrutiny following his 2023 interview with Secret Service agents regarding an image he posted online, interpreted by some as a threat against Trump. Republican lawmakers have long accused Comey of providing false testimony to Congress in 2017, which carries a potential five-year prison sentence — although that charge is subject to a statute of limitations.

Legal Hurdles and Political Fallout

The grand jury inquiry comes at a legally complex moment. In 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that former presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for official acts — a decision that likely shields Obama from direct legal consequences related to presidential directives.

However, DOJ officials are exploring whether lower-level officials knowingly misled Congress or manipulated intelligence for political ends. Treason, while historically rare and difficult to prove, remains on the table as a charge with no statute of limitations.

“Following the compelling case outlined by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, which exposed clear and blatant weaponization by corrupt intelligence officials acting at the behest of the Democrat Party and likely former President Obama, the Administration remains committed to conducting a thorough investigation,” said White House spokesman Harrison Fields.

Trump, who has faced multiple indictments himself in recent years, has argued that he was too forgiving of political rivals during his first term — referencing his decision not to prosecute Hillary Clinton for her use of a private email server while serving as Secretary of State.

“I let her off the hook for what?” Trump said during a recent interview. “Now we know they actually meant it — and it was all a hoax. I think they should pay a price.”

Political and Historical Significance

The grand jury proceedings signal a significant shift in how past political investigations may be scrutinized in future administrations. While many legal experts caution that pursuing charges against former national security leaders could further politicize the justice system, supporters argue it’s necessary to restore public trust.

The Justice Department has not announced a timeline for potential indictments, and sources say the location of the grand jury — whether in Washington, D.C. or another jurisdiction — remains undisclosed for now.

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Texas Democrats Arrest Warrants Issued After Fleeing Redistricting Vote

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The Texas House has voted to issue arrest warrants for dozens of Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to avoid voting on a redistricting proposal backed by former President Donald Trump. The move, aimed at restoring quorum and proceeding with the legislative agenda, marks a significant escalation in a long-simmering partisan standoff.

On Monday, Texas lawmakers passed the motion to authorize the arrest of Democrats who left for Illinois and other states, including New York and Massachusetts, in a coordinated attempt to deny the Legislature the quorum needed to vote on newly drawn congressional maps. These maps are designed to establish five additional Republican-leaning districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Governor Greg Abbott (R) warned that the absent legislators would face consequences, including a $500 daily fine, removal from office, and arrest. “They have a constitutional duty to be here, and they’re not above the law,” Abbott said. “They cannot just abandon their responsibilities and expect no consequences.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton echoed those sentiments, calling for immediate enforcement: “They need to be found, arrested, and returned to the Capitol so the people’s work can continue.”

Meanwhile, Democratic governors such as Illinois’ J.B. Pritzker have stepped in to offer protection and support to the absent lawmakers. While Pritzker pledged to shield the legislators from legal repercussions within his jurisdiction, he stopped short of covering any financial penalties.

The walkout, which began Sunday, was a deliberate move to derail the redistricting process by eliminating the quorum required to proceed. But by Monday’s 3 p.m. deadline—set by Abbott—many Democrats had failed to return, triggering the House’s decision to act.

Supporters of the redistricting effort argue that the new maps reflect the will of Texas voters and are aligned with constitutional requirements. “This is about fairness and representation,” said one GOP representative. “It’s not democratic to hijack the process because you don’t like the outcome.”

The issuance of Texas Democrats arrest warrants underscores growing political tensions in the Lone Star State and signals that Republican leadership is prepared to take aggressive legal steps to enforce legislative order.

As the showdown continues, all eyes are on whether the absent lawmakers will return voluntarily—or be brought back in handcuffs.

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Rising Illness Raises Concern as Unusual Symptoms Appear in U.S. Outbreaks

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A sharp rise in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases is being reported in various parts of the United States, especially among young children and, unusually, some adults. Public health officials have flagged the increase, prompting renewed awareness of the illness’s transmission and symptoms.

In Virginia, the Fairfax County Health District confirmed at least six outbreaks earlier this year, largely affecting children under the age of five. The illness, commonly associated with young children, is now being seen in adults as well—with symptoms presenting more aggressively than usual, including widespread rashes and even nail loss.

Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst at Fox News, warned that the current HFMD wave—particularly linked to the Coxsackie A6 virus strain—could result in more severe symptoms than in past outbreaks. “The number of cases are increasing and are spreading to adults with more unusual symptoms,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Dr. Tina Q. Tan, a pediatric infectious disease expert at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, emphasized that such outbreaks are common in warmer months. “We are seeing more cases at this time,” she stated, noting that the illness is usually mild and seasonal.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HFMD spreads easily through direct contact with nasal secretions, saliva, blister fluid, stool, or contaminated objects. Shared items like utensils, toys, and even doorknobs can be sources of infection. It’s especially contagious during the first week of symptoms, though the virus can linger for several weeks after.

Typical symptoms of HFMD include:

Fever

Sore throat

Painful mouth sores

Rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks

Fatigue and irritability

Although usually not life-threatening, doctors urge parents and caregivers to take precautions—especially in daycare or school settings where the virus spreads rapidly.

Good hygiene remains the best defense, according to health officials. Frequent handwashing, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals can help limit transmission.

Tensions Mount as Trump Deploys Nuclear Submarines in Warning to Russia: ‘There Can Be No Winner in a Nuclear War’

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President Donald Trump’s decision to reposition two U.S. nuclear submarines near Russia’s borders has sparked the Kremlin’s first official response, warning against nuclear escalation and emphasizing its commitment to nonproliferation.

The high-stakes move came after former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev issued a scathing statement warning that Trump’s demands for Russian de-escalation were “a step towards war.” In response, Trump moved the submarines into position on Friday, signaling a serious posture shift in U.S.-Russia relations.

In a statement on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that “there can be no winner in a nuclear war” and emphasized that Moscow is not seeking confrontation. “Russia is very cautious about nuclear nonproliferation matters, and we believe everyone should be very careful about nuclear rhetoric,” Peskov said, according to The Washington Post.

While Medvedev is known for his inflammatory remarks, Peskov sought to distance his comments from President Vladimir Putin, clarifying that “foreign policy is formulated by the head of state, President Putin.” He declined to say whether the Kremlin would ask Medvedev to tone down his rhetoric.

In a Truth Social post, Trump slammed Medvedev’s “foolish and inflammatory statements,” warning that “words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences.” He added: “I hope this will not be one of those instances.”

Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Putin later this week—his fifth such meeting—amid Trump’s push for a negotiated peace deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump has imposed a deadline of August 9 for Russia to accept peace terms or face secondary tariffs from a future Trump administration.

“This is a war that should have never happened,” Trump wrote online. “This is Biden’s war, not ‘TRUMP’s.’ I’m just here to see if I can stop it!”

Despite escalating rhetoric, the Kremlin insisted it does not plan to escalate militarily. The developments come as civilian casualties continue on both sides of the conflict, and diplomatic efforts remain tense.