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Meet Karoline Leavitt, White House’s Youngest Press Secretary

Karoline Leavitt, who previously held the role of National Press Secretary for Trump’s 2024 US Presidential campaign, was also part of the Trump administration as the Assistant Press Secretary of the White House during his first tenure.

US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday announced the name of Karoline Leavitt as the latest addition to his cabinet to serve as the White House Press Secretary.

27-year-old Levitt will become youngest person to take the key role, acting as the face of the White House. She broke the record of Ron Ziegler, who was 29 when appointed by President Richard Nixon in 1969, according to reports.

Leavitt, who previously held the role of National Press Secretary for Trump’s 2024 US Presidential campaign, was also part of the Trump administration as the Assistant Press Secretary of the White House during his first tenure.

In a statement, Trump praised Leavitt for her work on his campaign and said that he was pleased to announce her name as the White House Press Secretary.

He noted that Leavitt was “smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator” and that he had the utmost confidence in her to excel at the position.

“Karoline Leavitt did a phenomenal job as the National Press Secretary on my Historic Campaign, and I am pleased to announce she will serve as White House Press Secretary. Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator. I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium and help deliver our message to the American People as we, Make America Great Again,” the statement read.

Earlier, US President-elect Trump selected his campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, as White House communications director as well as named Sergio Gor to lead the Presidential Personnel Office.

Meanwhile on Thursday, former Georgia Congressman Doug Collins was nominated by Trump for the next US Secretary of Veterans Affaiss (VA).

Trump also announced the name of Robert F Kennedy Jr. as the next US Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

On Wednesday, Trump nominated Congressman Matt Gaetz to be the Attorney General of the US, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida as Secretary of State and former Congresswoman Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

Additionally this week, he announced Tesla CEO Elon Musk, along with Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).Moreover, Trump nominated former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), William Joseph McGinley as White House Counsel, former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin as Administrator of the United States Environmental Protective Agency (EPA), and Pete Hegseth as the Secretary of Defense.

Donald Trump won a second term as President of the United States after securing 295 electoral votes in the 2024 presidential election, defeating Democratic rival Kamala Harris, who garnered 226 votes. Following his victory, President-elect Donald Trump has moved swiftly with finalising his foreign policy and national security team ahead of his formal inauguration in January 2025. (ANI)

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Kamala Harris Officially Becomes Presidential Candidate

US Vice President Kamala Harris officially declared her 2024 presidential candidacy, assuring that her people-powered campaign will secure victory in November.

US Vice President Kamala Harris signed the forms, officially declaring her candidature for the US presidential elections, assuring that her people’s-powered campaign will win in November.

Harris took to social media X, and emphasised that in November, her people-powered campaign will win.

She further reiterated that she would work hard to earn every vote.

“Today, I signed the forms officially declaring my candidacy for President of the United States. I will work hard to earn every vote. And in November, our people-powered campaign will win,” Kamala Harris said in her post.

The upcoming US presidential election on November 5 will see Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, following Biden’s endorsement.

Earlier on Friday, former US President Barack Obama publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the US presidential post after Joe Biden exited the race recently.

Obama said he and former US First Lady Michelle Obama will do everything they can to make sure Harris wins the presidential election in November.

In a post on X, Barack Obama said, “Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend @KamalaHarris. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support. At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November. We hope you’ll join us.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Actor and prominent Democratic fundraiser George Clooney publicly endorsed Harris for the US Presidential post.

While addressing the nation from the Oval Office earlier this week, US President Joe Biden thanked Kamala Harris, calling her a “great vice president.”

“She’s experienced. She’s tough, and she’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people,” Biden said.

Moreover, White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean Pierre emphasised that no one is more qualified to step in as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee than US Vice President Kamala Harris. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Obamas endorse Kamala Harris for 2024 Race

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Trump considering Musk for White House advisory role  

Musk met with former president at Mar-a-Lago following Trump’s triumphs on Super Tuesday, which solidified his status as the presumed Republican nominee, as reported by the Wall Street Journal…reports Asian Lite News

Donald Trump is considering appointing Tesla CEO Elon Musk for the role of an advisor to him in the White House, as the 2024 Presidential elections draw close, New York Post reported on Thursday, citing The Wall Street Journal.

Although Trump has not finalised the specifics, the two have been in discussions over how Musk may provide “formal input” on matters like the border, the economy, and stopping voting fraud.

The third-richest man in the world, Musk, and Trump have just begun to warm up to one another. Citing the WSJ report, the New York Post reported that the two speak on the phone “several times a month.”

Musk and billionaire investor Nelson Peltz have also discussed with Trump the campaign Musk started in November to persuade corporate executives not to back President Biden, the report stated.

The creator of Space X and the owner of the social media platform X, has publicly opposed Biden and previously stated he would not provide money to any candidate.

However, the millionaire, who was born in South Africa, has presented himself as mainly autonomous. In 2002, Musk obtained US citizenship.

Musk met with former president at Mar-a-Lago following Trump’s triumphs on Super Tuesday, which solidified his status as the presumed Republican nominee, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

In a cryptic post in March on the US Presidential elections, Musk had said that he has no plans to donate money to either candidate for US President.

In a post on X, the multibillionaire wrote, “Just to be super clear, I am not donating money to either candidate for US President.”

In the past, Musk has contributed to both Republicans and Democrats, much like many other business titans.

He has not heavily invested in a presidential campaign, in contrast to other American billionaires, and over the years, he has divided his contributions roughly equally between Republicans and Democrats, according to the New York Times.

Trump and Biden will be facing off in the presidential elections scheduled for November this year.

While Biden is facing the challenge some of domestic issues and his foreign policy — particularly the conflict in Ukraine and Gaza; Trump is under the hassle of multiple criminal cases.

ALSO READ-Trump’s Texas tour nets millions in donations

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White House defends Biden calling Japan, India ‘xenophobic’

The Press Secretary stressed that Biden’s focus remains on bolstering diplomatic relationships with nations such as India and Japan, evident in his actions over the past three years…reports Asian Lite News

Hours after President Joe Biden termed India, Japan and other nations, “xenophobic,” the White House clarified the President’s intentions, emphasising his “respect” for allies and partners.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre asserted that the President’s comments were part of a broader message emphasising the strength derived from America’s immigrant heritage.

“Our allies and partners know very well how much this President respects them…He was making a broad comment speaking about this (US) country, speaking about how important it is to be a country of immigrants and how it makes our country stronger.”

The Press Secretary stressed that Biden’s focus remains on bolstering diplomatic relationships with nations such as India and Japan, evident in his actions over the past three years.

“Obviously, we have a strong relationship with, India with Japan, and the President if you just look at the last three years has certainly focused on those diplomatic relationships,” she added.

“The broader case that he was trying to make,” Jean Pierre continued, “which most leaders and allies across the globe understand that when it comes to who we are as a nation, we are a nation of immigrants.”

Emphasising the significance of America’s immigrant identity, she reiterated Biden’s belief that diversity strengthens the nation. “That is in our DNA. You have heard the President say it, it makes us better, and we are stronger for it and that is a very important point to know,” Jean Pierre said

The comments were made at a Washington, DC, fundraiser that marked the start of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which celebrates diversity in the United States. “One of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants,” Biden said, according to a pool report and a transcript sent out by the White House.

“Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants,” he continued. “Immigrants are what makes us strong. Not a joke. That’s not hyperbole, because we have an influx of workers who want to be here and just contribute,” he added.

White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby, also defended the President’s comments, telling reporters that allies and partners like India and Japan understood that Biden “completely and utterly values the idea of alliances and partnerships.”

Immigration is a polarising issue in US politics, and will almost certainly play a major role in the November presidential election. Illegal border crossings have contributed to an average 2 million influx per year since 2021, the highest level ever.

Polls show broad public disapproval of how President Biden has handled the surge, and former president Donald Trump, who also faced criticism for his immigration policies, is running for office on promises to crack down and deport millions of people. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Gaza war casts shadow over White House correspondents’ dinner

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White House ‘Appalled’ By Student Leader’s ‘Kill Zionists’ Comment

Student leader Khymani James was heard saying in a video in January this year that “Zionists don’t deserve to live” and that people should “be grateful that I’m not just going out and murdering Zionists.”

At a time when varsities in the United States are rocked by pro-Palestinian protests, the White House has come in for strong criticism of the “appaling and dangerous” comments made by a student leader of the pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, according to The Hill.

“These dangerous, appalling statements turn the stomach and should serve as a wakeup call. It is hideous to advocate for the murder of Jews,” White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a statement on Friday.

“President Biden has been clear that violent rhetoric, hate speech, and antisemitic remarks have no place in America whatsoever, and he will always stand against them,” he said.

“Calls of violence and statements targeted at individuals based on their religious, ethnic, or national identity are unacceptable and violate university policy,” the spokersperson said.

Student leader Khymani James was heard saying in a video in January this year that “Zionists don’t deserve to live” and that people should “be grateful that I’m not just going out and murdering Zionists,” according to The Hill.

In a social media post on Friday, Khymani expressed regret and said that his remarks were “wrong.”

James’ remarks coincided with a meeting he had with school administrators on a social media post he had made about battling a Zionist.

“I don’t fight to injure or for there to be a winner or a loser, I fight to kill,” James said at that time.

In a social media post on Friday, the student expressed regret and said that his remarks were “wrong.”

Earlier on Thursday, House Speaker Mike Johnson called for the resignation of Columbia University’s president amid ongoing demonstrations sparked by pro-Palestinian sentiments at major American universities, reported CNN.

However, protesters at Columbia University, where demonstrations ignited last week, demand the severance of ties with Israeli academic institutions and a complete divestment from entities linked to Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasised the need for order on campus, stating that if the university president cannot restore calm, she should resign. However, student reactions to this call for resignation are varied, with some expressing willingness to continue working with her. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Israel’s Ultimatum: Release 33 Hostages or Face Rafah Assault

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White House declares April as Arab-American Heritage Month

Indian-American in House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries' team.

Biden has also refused to support a permanent ceasefire or put conditions on aid to Israel…reports Asian Lite News

The White House on Friday declared April as Arab-American Heritage Month, recognising the achievements of the community as well as their pain amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.

President Joe Biden said Arab Americans have helped shape the fabric and trajectory of the US, in addition to greatly contributing to its economy.

“People with Arab heritage were among the many immigrants who came to our country’s shores with a range of cultures, customs, backgrounds and beliefs, sharing a common courage to start new chapters in an unfamiliar land,” he said.

The Biden administration has nationally recognised April as Arab-American Heritage Month every year since taking office in 2021.

The US has similar recognition for other minority groups and throughout the designated month, the achievements of Americans belonging to those groups are celebrated.

This declaration comes as the Israel-Gaza war approaches its six-month mark.

More than 32,000 Palestinians – many of them with relatives in the US – have been killed in the Israeli bombardment and ground offensive.

Israel’s onslaught on the Palestinian enclave followed an attack by Hamas on Israeli settlements on October 7, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 240 abducted.

Biden said was he “devastated” by the suffering and the loss of life in Gaza. “As we come together this month to honour these contributions, we must also pause to reflect on the pain being felt by so many in the Arab-American community with the war in Gaza,” Biden said.

“The trauma, death and destruction in Israel and Gaza have claimed, and continue to claim, far too many innocent lives ‑ including family and friends of Arab Americans across our nation.”

More than 3.5 million people in the US claim ancestry to an Arab country.

On Thursday, the US government announced that residents would be able to identify as Middle Eastern or North African in the 2030 Census, after years of demands for recognition and visibility.

Arab Americans have historically largely leaned Democrat and many came out to support Mr Biden in 2020, when he ran for office on a campaign of inclusivity and overturning the legacy of his predecessor Donald Trump.

But the Biden administration has staunchly supported Israel in its response to the Hamas attack.

Washington has supplied Israel with weapons and provided it with political as well as diplomatic support, amid outrage from the international community over its actions in Gaza.

Biden has also refused to support a permanent ceasefire or put conditions on aid to Israel.

His position has drawn intense anger from Arab Americans, who say they feel betrayed by Biden. States with sizeable Arab American populations, such as Michigan, have organised protests and campaigns against him as he runs for re-election.

In Michigan last month, more than 100,000 voters marked “uncommitted” on their Democratic ballots in the primary elections in protest against his position on Gaza.

Biden also acknowledged that Arab Americans remain the target of persistent Islamophobia, including harassment, hate crimes, racist rhetoric and violent attacks, which has worsened since the start of the war.

ALSO READ-Biden Says World Leaders Told Him ‘Don’t Let Trump Win’

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Biden Says World Leaders Told Him ‘Don’t Let Trump Win’

President Joe Biden participates in an interview with Scott Pelley for CBS' "60 Minutes", Thursday, October 12, 2023, in the Map Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)

Joe Biden’s remarks came during a public event in New York and said that world leaders always say that their democracies are at stake.

US President Joe Biden has claimed that at multiple meetings, wherever he goes to attend them, including the G20 meeting in India, the world leaders express support for him and implore that you can’t let the former US President Donald Trump win in the upcoming presidential elections.

His remarks came as President Biden addressed a public event during his election campaign in New York and said that world leaders always say that their democracies are at stake.

“And — but whether it’s the G20 meeting in — in India or whatever the meeting where there are other heads of state, I am not exaggerating when I say — and I say it in front of the press without giving the names — almost every one of the world leaders finds an excuse to get me alone for a moment, put their hand on my arm, and say, “You can’t let him win.” “My” — meaning his country or her country — “my democracy is at stake. My democracy is at stake.” Biden said.

“And, again, it’s not an exaggeration. Think about it. This is a guy who walked away from NATO. Th– told Putin he could do whatever he wants if they’re not paying their dues. As I said, he’s working — talks about — anyway,” he added.

President Biden also highlighted Donald Trump’s statement that he would encourage Russia to do whatever it wants with the countries that don’t spend 2 per cent of their GDPs on defence.

“Just — just look at what he’s done. The rest of the world is wondering what in the hell is happening to us. And they’re relieved, not because I’m so special but that I’m not Trump. I’m serious. I wish it was because they thought Biden was such a wonderful guy,” Biden said.

“I think they respect me. I think they listen to me. But the point is, it’s because they’re scared to death for their countries if he were to win again,” he added.

Earlier, Republican front-runner Donald Trump said that, as president, he warned NATO allies that he “would encourage” Russia “to do whatever the hell they want” to countries that are “delinquent” as he ramped up his attacks on foreign aid and longstanding international alliances.

Speaking at a rally in Conway, South Carolina, Trump recounted a story he has told before about an unidentified NATO member who confronted him over his threat not to defend members who fail to meet the trans-Atlantic alliance’s defense spending targets.

But this time, Trump went further, saying had told the member that he would, in fact, “encourage” Russia to do as it wishes in that case.

“‘You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?'” Trump recounted saying. “‘No I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills.'”

NATO allies agreed in 2014, after Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, to halt the spending cuts they had made after the Cold War and move towards spending 2 per cent of their GDPs on defence by 2024. (ANI)

ALSO READ: ‘I Don’t Sit By The Doors’: Biden Jokes About Boeing Mishaps

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White House Condemns Violence Against Indians in the US

Allaying the fears of parents in India as well as in the US, Kirby said President Joe Biden and his administration are working “very hard” to address the situation…reports Asian Lite News

Asserting that there is no excuse for violence based on race or gender, the White House has said that the US is working very hard to thwart and disrupt attacks on Indians as well as Indian-origin students.

A series of attacks beginning this year has put the focus back on the security and safety of the Indian students across the country which has witnessed more than four deaths from the community.

“There’s no excuse for violence, certainly based on race or gender or religion or any other factor. That’s just unacceptable here in the United States,” John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, said on Thursday.

Allaying the fears of parents in India as well as in the US, Kirby said President Joe Biden and his administration are working “very hard” to address the situation.

“The President and this administration have been working very, very hard to make sure we’re doing everything we can to work with state and local authorities to try to thwart and disrupt those kinds of attacks and make it clear to anybody who might consider them that they’ll be held properly accountable,” Kirby said in response to a question.

Five Indian students have died in quick succession in the US since the start of this year, including Shreyas Reddy Benigeri in Cincinnati and Purdue University’s Neel Acharya in Indiana.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that the welfare of Indian students abroad is one of the foremost priorities of the government.

Indian students constitute more than 25 per cent of the over one million foreign students studying in the US, according to a November 2023 Open Doors report.

The number of Indians who travelled to the US for higher education increased by 35 per cent and resulted in an all-time high of 2,68,923 students in the academic year 2022-23, the report said.

Last year, the US consular team in India issued over 140,000 student visas — more than in any other country in the world, setting a record for the third year in a row.

ALSO READ-Caretaker PM Summoned in Baloch Missing Students’ Case

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US Reveals North Korea’s Role in Supplying Missiles to Russia

Pentagon Press Secretary John F Kirby.(photo:John F Kirby Twitter)

The North Korean ballistic missiles are capable of ranges of approximately 900 km…reports Asian Lite News

A White House official has said that North Korea recently provided Russia with several ballistic missiles and launchers which were used in the repeated waves of aerial attacks against Ukraine.

Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said that as Moscow continues to “launch these brutal attacks”, the US has “new information to share about the support that Russia is receiving from third countries”.

“Due in part to our sanctions and export controls, Russia has become increasingly isolated on the world stage and they’ve been forced to look to likeminded states for military equipment. As we’ve been warning publicly, one of those states is North Korea,” Kirby said.

The spokesperson said that on December 30, 2023, Russian forces launched at least one of these North Korean ballistic missiles into Ukraine.

The missile appeared to have landed in an open field in the Zaporizhzhia region, he claimed.

Kirby further said on January 2, Russia launched multiple North Korean ballistic missiles into Ukraine, including as part of its overnight aerial attack.

“We’re still assessing the impacts of these additional missiles.”

The North Korean ballistic missiles are capable of ranges of approximately 900 km.

The White House official also warned the US anticipates that “Russia will use additional North Korean missiles to target Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and to kill innocent Ukrainian civilians”.

“This is a significant and concerning escalation in the DPRK’s support for Russia,” he said referring to North Korea by its official name, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Kirby went on to say that North Korea is likely seeking military assistance from Russia in return for its support.

The assistance include “fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armoured vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment or materials, and other advanced technologies”, he said, adding that this will have “concerning security implications for the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region”.

The White House official also said the US believed Russia is seeking to acquire close-range ballistic missiles from Iran.

However, “we do not believe that Iran has delivered close-range ballistic missiles to Russia”.

ALSO READ-White House Urges Full Investigation into Sikh Separatist Assassination Plot

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White House Urges Full Investigation into Sikh Separatist Assassination Plot

The indictment of Indian national Nikhil Gupta in plotting to assassinate Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has reportedly thrown a spanner in the works of the US President’s attendance at Republic Day next year…reports Asian Lite News

 Calling India and the US strategic partners, the White House has reiterated that it wants the plot to kill a Sikh separatist on its soil fully investigated and those behind it be held “properly accountable”.

“India is a strategic partner. We are deepening that strategic partnership. They are a member of the Quad in the Pacific and we participate with them on a range of security-related issues and we want to see that continue unabated,” John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, said on Thursday.

“That said at the same time we certainly recognise the seriousness of these allegations and as I said earlier we want it fully investigated and those responsible to be held properly accountable,” Kirby told reporters at a news conference here.

He was responding to a question on the impact of the allegations on India-US bilateral ties, and President Joe Biden’s visit to India in 2024.

The indictment of Indian national Nikhil Gupta in plotting to assassinate Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has reportedly thrown a spanner in the works of the US President’s attendance at Republic Day next year.

While Kirby said he has no travel to announce at this time, the National Security spokesperson added that they are glad that their Indian counterparts are taking the Pannun issue seriously.

“It’s (the case) under active investigation. We have said that we are glad that our Indian counterparts are taking it seriously in doing that. We want those responsible for these attacks to be held fully accountable but I won’t get ahead of an investigation that isn’t complete,” Kirby said at the news briefing.

The remarks came as US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jonathan Finer visited India this week during which he held talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.

FBI Director Christopher Wray is set to visit India next week against the backdrop of the allegations.

When asked about Wray’s planned trip to India, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the visit is in the works as part of the overall bilateral cooperation in areas of cyber-security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics.

US federal prosecutors last month accused Gupta of “planning and directing” a plot from India to allegedly kill Pannun in New York.

Reacting to the charges, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it was a “matter of concern” and “contrary to Indian government’s policy”.

India constituted a high-level Enquiry Committee to look into all the relevant aspects of the matter, and said it will take necessary follow-up action based on the findings of the Committee.

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