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World News

Fresh news brought to you daily from around the world. Hot news, breaking stories as they happen.

Judge criticises jail treatment of White House dinner suspect

A federal judge has sharply criticised the conditions under which a man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump is being held, saying he was “very troubled” by the restrictions imposed during the suspect’s first days in custody.

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Cole Allen faces charges of attempting to assassinate the president and two firearms offences following an alleged incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on 25 April. Prosecutors say Allen, carrying a shotgun, ran through a security checkpoint above the ballroom of the Washington Hilton hotel, where about 2,600 guests – including the president, senior officials and journalists – were attending the annual event.
Allen has agreed to remain in custody while awaiting trial, but his lawyers argue that the conditions of his detention at the D.C. jail have been excessively harsh.
Judge questions jail conditions
During a hearing on Monday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui pressed officials from the District of Columbia Department of Corrections about Allen’s treatment since his arrival at the facility.
Allen’s lawyers told the court he was placed on suicide watch shortly after entering jail last week. Under that status, he was held in a padded cell with lights on at all times and without access to a phone or tablet.
The following day, officials downgraded the status to suicide precautions, which still significantly limited his ability to make calls or leave his cell, according to his legal team.
Lawyers also said Allen had been denied access to a Bible, had not yet received a working tablet for legal materials and had been unable to meet privately with his attorneys during his first week in detention.
Addressing the defendant directly in court, Faruqui said he was “very troubled by the conditions you’ve been treated to,” and apologised for the issues raised about Allen’s treatment.
Officials cite safety concerns
Tony Towns, acting general counsel for the D.C. Department of Corrections, told the judge that many of the problems raised during the hearing would be resolved in the coming days.
He said a tablet allowing Allen to read court filings and legal documents would soon be set up.
Towns also said a psychiatrist had determined Allen posed a suicide risk, though the written medical evaluation was not included in the court record. Faruqui asked to see the assessment.
Officials have also issued a separation order for Allen, meaning he is housed apart from other inmates and did not travel to court alongside other detainees.
“We don’t really know how to keep him safe, your honour, outside of separation,” Towns said.
Faruqui responded that the situation itself appeared to indicate a problem.
Wider concerns raised in court
The judge, who has previously criticised aspects of federal prosecutions, said the case raised broader concerns about how detainees are treated.
Faruqui said he was particularly struck by what he described as differences between Allen’s conditions and those faced by some defendants charged over the January 6 United States Capitol attack, many of whom were later pardoned and held in medium- or low-security facilities rather than in strict isolation.
“A lot of people seem to have forgotten January 6,” he said, adding that pardons may erase convictions but not the historical events themselves.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations against Allen, Faruqui said he struggled to understand why the current detention conditions had been imposed.
Prosecutors defend precautions
After the hearing, Washington’s top federal prosecutor Jeanine Pirro criticised the judge in a message on X, saying he appeared to believe a suspect accused of attempting to assassinate the president deserved preferential treatment.
Prosecutors also told the court that Allen had made statements to FBI agents after the alleged attack suggesting he did not expect to survive.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine said that raised concerns about potential suicide risk.
Next steps in detention decision
Faruqui ordered the Department of Corrections to update the court by Tuesday morning on how long it will take to decide where Allen will be held while awaiting trial.
If officials cannot provide a clear timeline, the judge said he would convene another hearing to examine the issue further.
Towns told the court that a prison housing board meeting would soon be held to determine Allen’s placement, stressing that the department’s primary concern is both his safety and his health.




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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 May 2026
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Secret Service Shoots Man Near White House

U.S. Secret Service agents shot a man near the White House on Monday after he allegedly fired toward officers during an attempted apprehension, authorities said. A bystander was also injured in the incident.

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Officials said it was not immediately clear whether the episode had any connection to the White House or to President Donald Trump.
Confrontation Near the White House
According to Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn, plainclothes officers spotted a man they considered suspicious at around 3:30 p.m. ET. Quinn said the individual appeared to have a firearm, prompting officers to alert nearby uniformed personnel.
When officers approached him, the suspect fled on foot and then produced a firearm, Quinn said.
Authorities say the man fired toward Secret Service agents, who returned fire. The suspect was struck and later taken to hospital. Quinn told reporters he did not know the man’s condition.
The incident occurred at the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue, just south of the White House complex.
Bystander Injured
During the exchange of gunfire, a bystander was also hit by a shot allegedly fired by the suspect. Quinn said the injured person is a minor.
The bystander was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Investigators later recovered a weapon from the suspect, though officials did not immediately release details about the firearm.
Quinn said plainclothes officers had first identified the man after noticing what he described as a “visual print” of a gun, suggesting the outline of a weapon visible through clothing.
Motorcade Passed Nearby
The shooting occurred shortly after the motorcade of Vice President JD Vance passed through the area.
Quinn said the suspect did not target the motorcade and that there was no indication he intended to approach or attack it.
Witnesses told NBC News they saw a man running toward the motorcade shortly before shots were heard. NBC journalists at the scene reported hearing three or four gunshots moments after the motorcade departed the White House grounds.
White House Activity Uninterrupted
At the time of the shooting, Trump was inside the White House hosting a small business summit in the East Room. Officials said the event continued without interruption.
The White House North Lawn was briefly evacuated during the incident. Secret Service personnel carrying long guns directed members of the press to leave the lawn and move inside the briefing room.
Reporters were allowed to return outside less than 10 minutes later.
Quinn said it remained unclear whether the suspect had any connection to the president or to the White House itself.
Investigation Underway
The investigation will be led by Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department.
Asked whether the incident might be linked to previous threats against Trump, Quinn said authorities would continue examining the circumstances.
The shooting comes about a week after a man from California, Cole Allen, was charged with attempting to assassinate the president on April 25.
Quinn declined to provide further details on how officers initially determined the man was suspicious.
“We’re patrolling this area and every site we do, 24/7, hard core,” he said.
Security Scrutiny
The episode highlights ongoing security concerns around the White House and its surrounding streets, which are regularly monitored by the Secret Service.
Officials said investigators are continuing to gather evidence and review witness accounts to determine what led to the confrontation.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 May 2026


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Trump’s Poor Polls Raise GOP Midterm Concerns

President Donald Trump’s rising disapproval ratings are emerging as a potential challenge for Republican candidates as the party seeks to maintain its narrow hold on power in Washington ahead of the November midterm elections.

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A new poll conducted by ABC News, The Washington Post and Ipsos shows Trump’s disapproval rating climbing to 62%, while 37% of respondents said they approve of his performance as president. The survey also recorded strong public dissatisfaction with his handling of several key issues, including the cost of living and inflation, with 76% and 72% disapproving respectively. A further 66% said they disapproved of how he has managed the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Polling pressures for Republicans
The latest figures add to a string of surveys indicating declining support for Trump during the early months of his second term. Analysts say the numbers could create complications for Republican candidates competing in congressional races, particularly if the election becomes closely tied to views about the president.
Democrats have already begun framing the midterms as a referendum on Trump’s leadership. Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said that strategy could place Republicans in a difficult position.
“The Democrats are going to say, ‘This is about Trump. Forget about who we are. Forget about our platform or issues. This is just about what the president is,’” Kimball said.
He added that Republican candidates may face pressure to balance support for Trump’s policies with efforts to appeal to voters concerned about the president’s record.
“The Republicans are going to have to somehow distance themselves from some of those policies while still coming up with other ideas for why voters should vote for them,” Kimball said.
Economy and foreign policy concerns
Other recent surveys show similar trends. A Reuters/Ipsos poll last week found Trump’s overall approval rating at its lowest level of his second term, including record lows on economic management and foreign policy.
Trump has defended his economic record, saying he “won affordability” and brought inflation under control. He has also blamed rising prices on policies from the previous administration, while promoting his tariff measures and a major tax-cut law passed last year.
However, economic data released in March showed the annual inflation rate rising to 3.5%, up from 2.8% in February. The unemployment rate also edged up to 4.3% in March from 4% in January, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found Trump’s approval rating on economic management dropped eight percentage points between March and April. Support among Republicans also declined, with 62% approving of his economic policies compared with 74% a month earlier.
War in Iran adds pressure
Trump’s approval ratings have also been affected by the conflict with Iran, which has pushed energy prices higher and drawn mixed reactions from the public.
The United States is attempting to negotiate a new nuclear agreement with Tehran after Trump withdrew from a previous deal during his first administration. Iran recently threatened action in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for global oil supplies, after Trump said the U.S. would help ensure vessels could move safely through the waterway.
In the AP-NORC survey, just 32% of Americans said they approved of Trump’s leadership on Iran. A Reuters poll found 61% of respondents disapproved of U.S. strikes against Iran, including a quarter of Republicans and two-thirds of independent voters.
Republican strategist Jason Cabel Roe said the party’s electoral prospects may depend partly on whether energy prices stabilise before the election.
“If there is a stabilising situation, not just in the conflict but for the region long-term, you’re going to see that reflected in the price of oil,” Roe said, adding that lower fuel prices could ease pressure on the cost of living.
Midterm stakes and political landscape
Historically, the party of a sitting president tends to lose seats in midterm elections. Democrats need a net gain of three seats to win control of the House of Representatives and four seats to take the Senate.
Recent averages from Decision Desk HQ show Democrats leading the generic congressional ballot by 46% to 41%. However, both parties currently have negative favorability ratings.
Republicans maintain a significant financial advantage. The Republican National Committee reported about $117 million in funds, compared with roughly $14 million held by the Democratic National Committee, which also reported more than $18 million in debt.
At the same time, analysts say changes in electoral maps following redistricting may reduce the number of competitive House races, potentially limiting large swings in either direction.
Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, said the growing number of safe districts for both parties could make the outcome harder to predict than in past elections.
Uncertain outlook
Some analysts argue Trump’s approval rating could still rebound before November. Scott Tranter, director of data science at Decision Desk HQ, said Trump’s polling numbers have historically fluctuated and may return to the low-to-mid 40% range.
Even so, Republicans acknowledge the political risks as the election approaches, particularly if economic pressures and the conflict with Iran continue to shape voter sentiment.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 May 2026

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US Sinks Iranian Boats During Strait of Hormuz Push

The United States said its forces destroyed several Iranian boats and intercepted missiles and drones on Monday as Washington launched a military operation aimed at reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

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The operation, ordered by US President Donald Trump and named Project Freedom, seeks to restore commercial shipping through the narrow waterway after Iran effectively blocked the route following the start of the conflict with the US and Israel on February 28.
US military officials said Iranian forces attempted to disrupt the mission with a series of attacks, but all threats were successfully repelled.
Iranian attacks intercepted
US Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, said American forces shot down Iranian cruise missiles and drones and destroyed six Iranian fast boats that approached ships under US protection.
“The IRGC has launched multiple cruise missiles, drones and small boats at ships we are protecting,” Cooper said, referring to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
He said US forces had “defeated each and every one of those threats” using defensive weapons.
Cooper warned Iranian units to stay away from US military assets as the mission expanded, saying commanders had full authority to protect both their forces and commercial shipping.
The operation involves about 15,000 US troops, naval destroyers, more than 100 aircraft operating from land and sea, and additional undersea assets.
Operation to reopen the strait
US officials said the mission was designed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor through which about one fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies moved before the conflict disrupted traffic.
The effort began with clearing Iranian mines from the waterway. US forces later sent two US-flagged commercial vessels through the passage to demonstrate that the route was safe.
Cooper said the operation differed from a traditional escort mission for merchant ships. Instead, it uses a broader defensive structure including naval vessels, helicopters, aircraft and electronic warfare systems to counter potential threats.
The Iranian fast boats that were destroyed were targeted by US Apache and Seahawk helicopters, he added.
Conflicting claims from Iran
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards denied that any commercial ships had crossed the strait recently and dismissed US claims about the military operation.
Iranian state media also rejected reports that Iranian vessels had been sunk.
Meanwhile, a South Korean vessel was damaged by an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. Trump said in a social media post that the ship was not part of the US operation, suggesting it might benefit from joining the American effort to protect shipping near Iran.
Trump also estimated that US forces had sunk seven Iranian fast boats, though the US military reported six.
Shipping urged to resume passage
Cooper said the US military had been contacting shipping companies and vessels in the region to encourage traffic through the strait despite Iranian warnings.
He said ships from 87 countries had been effectively stranded in the Gulf due to Iran’s blockade and threats of military action.
According to Cooper, early responses from the shipping industry had been positive, with some movement through the waterway already beginning.
The United States is also maintaining a separate blockade preventing vessels from entering or leaving Iran, a measure Cooper said had so far been highly effective.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 May 2026
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Channel Crossings Pass 800 in Early May

More than 800 people crossed the English Channel in small boats during the first three days of May, according to figures released by the UK Home Office. The data shows 55 people were brought ashore in Dover on Friday, followed by 325 arrivals on Saturday and 422 on Sunday.

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The figures bring the total number of migrants arriving in the UK by small boat so far this year to 7,218.
Authorities said the crossings occurred despite ongoing enforcement efforts aimed at reducing the number of people attempting the journey across the English Channel.
Crossings lower than last year
The cumulative figure for 2026 remains lower than the same point last year. During the corresponding period in 2025, 11,516 people had already reached the UK via small boats.
The Channel route has become one of the most frequently used paths for migrants seeking to reach Britain, often departing from the northern coast of France in small, inflatable vessels.
Officials have repeatedly warned that the crossing is dangerous due to heavy maritime traffic, cold water and unpredictable weather conditions.
Fatalities reported during crossing
On Sunday, two women died while attempting to cross the Channel. Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Fatal incidents during crossings have been reported in previous years, with rescue services frequently called to assist vessels carrying migrants attempting the journey.
Government response
A spokesperson for the UK Home Office said the government was intensifying efforts to curb the crossings.
“This government is bearing down on small boat crossings,” the spokesperson said.
The department said the home secretary had signed what it described as a landmark agreement with France aimed at strengthening enforcement along beaches used by smugglers and improving cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement is intended to help disrupt criminal networks involved in organising Channel crossings and to increase arrests of people-smuggling gangs.
Officials added that joint operations between the UK and French authorities had prevented more than 42,000 migrants from attempting the crossing since the most recent general election.
The spokesperson also said the government had removed or deported nearly 60,000 people who were in the country without legal permission.
According to the Home Office, further measures are being introduced to reduce incentives that encourage irregular migration to the UK.
Continuing political focus
Small boat crossings remain a major political issue in the UK, with successive governments facing pressure to reduce the number of people reaching the country through irregular routes.
Authorities continue to work with French officials and border agencies to increase patrols, disrupt smuggling networks and intercept vessels before they reach British waters.
Despite these efforts, crossings continue throughout the year, often increasing during periods of calmer weather in the Channel.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 May 2026
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Two Killed as Car Ploughs Into Crowd in Leipzig, Germany

Two people have died and more than 20 others were injured after a car drove into a crowd in the German city of Leipzig on Monday afternoon, authorities said.

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Police said the suspect, a 33-year-old German man, was arrested shortly after the incident. Officials said the motive remains unclear.
The car struck pedestrians in the busy central area of Grimmaische Straße after crossing Augustusplatz, according to police. The vehicle then continued along the street before coming to a stop.
Local officials said the incident is being treated as a violent rampage carried out by a lone attacker.
Victims and injuries
Leipzig’s fire chief Axel Shuh said 22 people were injured in the incident, two of them seriously.
Prosecutors later confirmed that two people were killed — a 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man, both German citizens.
Authorities said the suspect is being investigated on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
The head of the eastern German state of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, said the man had previously suffered from mental illness. Officials said there is currently no indication that the attack was motivated by religion or politics.
How the incident unfolded
Police spokesperson Susanne Luebcke said the incident began shortly after 17:35 local time.
“A person drove a vehicle across Augustusplatz into Grimmaische Street, continuing past the market,” she said, adding that several people were struck.
“We unfortunately also have to report two fatalities.”
Authorities said they believe the suspect acted alone and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Eyewitness accounts
Witnesses described scenes of panic as the vehicle drove through the crowded street.
One woman, identified as Susi, told Radio Leipzig she had been sitting on a bench with a friend on Grimmaische Straße when they heard a loud crash.
She said the car appeared to be travelling at high speed. The two women ran into a nearby jewellery shop for safety.
When they later emerged, she said several injured people were lying on the ground.
Another witness said the vehicle eventually stopped after hitting bollards. According to the account, bystanders rushed to help the injured while others attempted to restrain the driver.
The witness said around 15 people surrounded the car and tried to pull the man out through an open window. The driver reportedly attempted to escape through the passenger side before police arrived and restrained him using cable ties.
Recent attacks involving vehicles
Germany has experienced several incidents in recent years in which vehicles were used to target crowds.
In December 2024, at least six people were killed and more than 300 injured in a car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg.
In February last year, a driver ploughed into a crowd in Munich, injuring at least 30 people more than a week before the country’s federal elections.
Investigations into Monday’s attack in Leipzig are continuing.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 May 2026
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Ukrainian Drone Hits Moscow High-Rise Near Kremlin

A Ukrainian drone struck a luxury residential high-rise in Moscow early Monday, damaging the building’s façade but causing no injuries, Russian officials said. The incident comes days before Russia’s annual Victory Day celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

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The attack was the third consecutive night that drones targeted the Russian capital, increasing tensions ahead of a scaled-down military parade scheduled for Saturday.
Damage in Upscale Moscow District
Footage circulating on social media, which has not been independently verified, appeared to show firefighters entering a heavily damaged apartment filled with dust and debris, with windows blown out by the blast. Separate video clips showed fragments believed to be drone wreckage scattered on a street below.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said two additional drones were intercepted before reaching the city. Authorities temporarily halted operations overnight at Vnukovo and Domodedovo international airports as a precaution.
The building that was struck lies in an affluent neighbourhood in south-western Moscow, less than 10km (six miles) from the Kremlin and Red Square, where Victory Day commemorations are due to take place.
Wave of Drone Attacks Across Russia
Russia’s defence ministry said air defences intercepted 117 drones across several regions between Sunday and Monday.
Sixty of those were aimed at the St Petersburg region, where the regional governor, Aleksandr Drodzhenko, described the barrage as a “massive” attack.
Ukraine has repeatedly launched drone strikes deep into Russian territory since Moscow began its full-scale invasion in February 2022. While drones have occasionally reached Moscow, successful hits close to the centre of the capital remain uncommon.
Much of the city is protected by the Pantsir-S air defence system, and most incoming drones are intercepted before causing damage.
Despite this, alerts triggered by drone threats have frequently forced temporary closures of airports around the capital and disrupted flights.
Security Tightened Ahead of Victory Day
Authorities have taken additional security measures ahead of the 9 May celebrations.
The Kremlin said last week that this year’s Victory Day parade in Red Square would be scaled back because of what it described as a “terrorist threat” from Ukraine. For the first time since 2008, the event will not feature armoured vehicles or missile systems.
Russia also announced a unilateral ceasefire on 8 and 9 May to coincide with the commemorations. At the same time, the defence ministry warned it could launch a major retaliatory strike on central Kyiv if Ukraine attempted to disrupt the celebrations.
Russian media reported that several mobile phone operators in Moscow plan to restrict mobile internet access during much of the week for security reasons.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested Moscow was concerned about the possibility of drone attacks during the parade. “The Kremlin is afraid that drones will fly over Red Square,” he said.
Zelensky also dismissed the proposed one-day ceasefire as “not serious,” adding that Kyiv had not received an official offer. He said Ukraine would instead observe its own ceasefire starting shortly after midnight on the night of 5–6 May.
Wider Strikes Continue
Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range drones capable of striking targets hundreds of miles from its borders. These attacks often focus on Russian energy infrastructure, including refineries and oil facilities, with the aim of limiting Moscow’s oil production and revenue.
On Sunday, Zelensky said Ukrainian forces had struck three Russian oil tankers, a cruise-missile carrier warship and a patrol boat in separate operations at two Russian ports. He said the tankers were part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, used to bypass Western sanctions imposed after the 2022 invasion.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to conduct aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Ukrainian officials said on Monday that a missile strike near Kharkiv, close to the Russian border, killed four people and injured 18 others.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 May 2026
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Assassination Fears, Coup Risk Drive Security Around Putin

The Kremlin has tightened security around Russian President Vladimir Putin, introducing stricter controls for staff and limiting his movements amid fears of assassination attempts and possible political intrigue within Russia’s elite, according to a European intelligence report obtained by CNN.

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The dossier outlines a series of new precautions adopted after a string of killings targeting senior military figures and rising concern inside the Kremlin over internal instability as the war in Ukraine continues.
New Restrictions on Staff and Visitors
The report says individuals working closely with Putin — including cooks, bodyguards and photographers — are now prohibited from using public transport. Staff members must rely on phones without internet access, while visitors seeking meetings with the Russian leader must pass through two rounds of security screening.
Surveillance systems have also reportedly been installed in the homes of some presidential staff.
The intelligence assessment suggests these steps reflect growing unease within the Kremlin as Russia faces mounting pressures from the war, economic strain and signs of dissent at home.
Reduced Public Appearances
According to the report, security officials have significantly reduced the number of locations Putin regularly visits.
The president and his family have reportedly stopped using several residences in the Moscow region and at Valdai, a well-known retreat between Moscow and St. Petersburg often associated with the Russian leader’s private stays.
The dossier also claims Putin has not visited military facilities so far this year, despite making such trips regularly in 2025. Instead, the Kremlin is said to distribute pre-recorded images to maintain the appearance of normal public activity.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the report says Putin has also spent extended periods in fortified bunkers, including locations in Russia’s Krasnodar region near the Black Sea.
Concerns Over Coup Plot
The intelligence document says the Kremlin has been increasingly worried about the risk of internal betrayal since March 2026, including potential information leaks and the possibility of a coup attempt.
It claims Putin is particularly concerned about drones being used in a possible assassination attempt by members of Russia’s political elite.
One notable figure mentioned in the report is former defence minister Sergei Shoigu, now secretary of Russia’s Security Council. The dossier says Shoigu retains significant influence among senior military leaders and is therefore associated with a potential risk of a coup.
The report adds that the arrest of Shoigu’s former deputy, Ruslan Tsalikov, on corruption charges in March may have weakened longstanding informal protections among Russia’s ruling elite.
Russia’s investigative committee has said Tsalikov was detained on allegations including embezzlement, bribery and money laundering.
The intelligence report does not present evidence supporting claims about Shoigu’s possible involvement in a coup plot.
Tensions Within Security Leadership
The dossier also describes tensions among Russia’s top security officials following the killing of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov in Moscow in December 2025.
After the assassination, Putin reportedly summoned senior officials including Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and Federal Security Service chief Alexander Bortnikov.
According to the report, Gerasimov criticized the security services for failing to protect senior officers, while Bortnikov complained about insufficient resources.
Following the dispute, Putin expanded the responsibilities of the Federal Protection Service to provide security for additional senior military commanders.
Intelligence Claims Hard to Verify
The intelligence report comes as Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, with heavy casualties and increasing Ukrainian drone strikes inside Russia.
However, the claims in the dossier are difficult to independently verify. Western intelligence leaks often reflect broader political messaging as well as confidential information.
The Kremlin has not publicly responded to the report.
Putin has continued to appear at official meetings, including recent talks with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Security concerns have also affected public events. Russia’s annual Victory Day parade on May 9 — marking the Soviet victory in World War Two — will reportedly take place without heavy weaponry this year.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said the adjustments reflect security threats, including the growing reach of Ukrainian strikes inside Russian territory.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 May 2026
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Rudy Giuliani Hospitalised in Critical Condition

Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City and one-time personal lawyer to Donald Trump, has been admitted to hospital and is reported to be in critical but stable condition, according to his spokesperson.

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Ted Goodman, speaking on behalf of the 81-year-old, said Giuliani was receiving medical care but did not disclose the cause of his hospitalization or identify the facility where he was being treated.
“Mayor Rudy Giuliani is currently in the hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition,” Goodman wrote on social media on Sunday. He added that the former mayor “is a fighter” who has confronted challenges throughout his life and was continuing to show the same determination while in hospital.
Goodman also asked supporters to pray for Giuliani’s recovery.
Limited Details on Hospitalisation
No further details have been released about what prompted Giuliani’s admission to hospital, and his spokesperson has not said when he was first admitted.
Giuliani, once widely known for his leadership of New York City during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, has remained a prominent political figure in recent years due to his close association with Trump.
Trump Confirms Hospitalisation
President Trump confirmed Giuliani’s hospitalization in a message posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.
In the post, Trump described Giuliani as a “true warrior” and praised him as the best mayor in the history of New York City. He also used the message to criticise Democrats, accusing them of treating Giuliani unfairly.
Trump wrote that it was “sad” to see Giuliani in hospital and repeated claims that political opponents had targeted him.
Legal Battles After the 2020 Election
Giuliani played a prominent role in efforts by Trump and his allies to challenge the outcome of the 2020 United States presidential election. Acting as Trump’s personal attorney, he helped lead legal attempts to overturn the results in several states.
Many of those lawsuits were dismissed by courts.
Following his involvement in those efforts, Giuliani was disbarred in both New York and Washington, D.C., with disciplinary authorities concluding that he had made false statements about the election.
He has also faced criminal charges in the states of Georgia and Arizona related to attempts to overturn the election results. Giuliani has denied wrongdoing in those cases.
In addition, he was listed as an unindicted co-conspirator in the federal election interference case brought against Trump by special counsel Jack Smith.
Despite the legal challenges, Giuliani has remained an outspoken supporter of Trump and continues to be a visible figure in US political debates.
For now, attention has turned to his health, with supporters awaiting further updates on his condition.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 May 2026
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US Senator Reed Says Trump Has No Plan in Iran War

Senior Democrat says the president lacks a clear strategy and may be sidestepping war powers law. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticised Donald Trump over the handling of the conflict with Iran, saying he does not believe the president has a coherent plan to achieve his stated objectives.

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Speaking on ABC’s “This Week”, Reed said the United States appeared to be in a weaker position since the war began. “We’re in, in many respects, a much worse position,” Reed told co-anchor Martha Raddatz. He argued that the government in Tehran had become more hostile and that key issues, including Iran’s nuclear material, remained unresolved.
Concerns over direction of the conflict
Reed said the military campaign had shown U.S. capability but had not achieved the strategic goals outlined by the president. He added that he had seen little evidence of a clear plan to reach those goals.
War enters its tenth week
The conflict between the United States and Iran has now lasted about 10 weeks. Although a ceasefire is currently in place, negotiations aimed at ending the fighting broke down on April 12, leaving the two sides at an impasse.
One of the most significant economic consequences has been the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil supplies. The disruption has pushed energy prices higher worldwide.
The Trump administration has repeatedly said its central objective in the war is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iranian authorities have consistently denied seeking such weapons.
Warnings about possible further strikes
Reed was also asked about comments by fellow Democratic senator Richard Blumenthal, who suggested additional U.S. military strikes on Iran could be under consideration.
Blumenthal said briefings and other information he had received suggested a potential attack could be imminent, raising concerns about the possibility of American casualties.
Reed said U.S. forces were positioned in ways that would allow further strikes if ordered, but he stressed that he did not know what decision the president might take next.
“I don’t believe the president has a plan,” Reed said, describing the administration’s approach as reactive and driven by short-term decisions rather than long-term planning.
Dispute over war powers law
Reed has also clashed with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the administration’s description of the conflict’s progress.
During a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Reed accused Hegseth of overstating the war’s military achievements. He said Iran’s leadership remained in power, the country still held stockpiles of enriched uranium, and its nuclear programme continued to operate.
The disagreement also extends to the legal authority for continuing military action. Under the War Powers Resolution, presidents must seek congressional approval if military operations continue beyond 60 days.
That deadline passed on Friday. Hegseth told lawmakers the countdown had effectively stopped after Trump declared a ceasefire.
In a letter sent to Congress the same day, Trump said hostilities that began on February 28 had ended.
Reed rejected that interpretation, arguing the statute does not allow the administration to pause the timeline without formally notifying Congress or requesting an extension.
“The language of the statute does not provide for timeouts,” he said, adding that the president had not submitted the required notification to lawmakers.
Political pressure grows
The dispute highlights growing political tension in Washington over the handling of the Iran conflict. Critics say the administration has not provided a clear strategy or legal justification for continuing military operations.
With peace talks stalled and the ceasefire fragile, questions remain over whether the conflict could escalate again and how the administration intends to bring it to a lasting conclusion.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 May 2026
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UK to Hold Talks on Joining EU €90bn Ukraine Loan Plan

The United Kingdom plans to open negotiations on joining a €90bn (£78bn) European Union loan programme aimed at supporting Ukraine, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said.

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The proposal, which would allow Britain to participate in the EU’s financial support mechanism for Kyiv, will be raised at a summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in Armenia on Monday. The initiative marks another step in the government’s push to strengthen cooperation with European partners following Brexit.
Officials say the talks are intended both to reinforce Ukraine’s defence capabilities and to ensure British companies can compete for future reconstruction and supply contracts.
Summit diplomacy in Yerevan
Sir Keir met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday in Yerevan, the Armenian capital, ahead of the gathering of 48 European leaders invited to attend the EPC meeting.
During the meeting, Zelensky asked the British prime minister to convey his thanks to King Charles III for recent remarks supporting Ukraine during a state visit to the United States.
Speaking before the summit, Starmer said the UK was ready to work closely with its allies to sustain support for Ukraine as the war continues.
He said Britain would cooperate with partners to provide Kyiv with the assistance required to defend itself while maintaining pressure on Vladimir Putin’s Russia in pursuit of what he described as a “just and lasting peace”.
Downing Street also indicated that further UK sanctions targeting Russian companies are expected later this week, with the aim of disrupting supply chains linked to Moscow’s military operations.
EU funding plan
European Union leaders approved the €90bn loan programme last month after Viktor Orbán’s Hungary lifted its veto. The funds are intended to be distributed to Ukraine over the next two years.
According to EU officials, around two-thirds of the money will be allocated to strengthening Ukraine’s defence capacity, while the remaining share will be directed towards wider financial support for the country’s economy.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka previously described the financial package as “a matter of life and death” for the country as it continues to resist Russia’s invasion.
Britain is not an EU member but is seeking ways to participate in joint European initiatives related to security and defence. The government argues that involvement would also open opportunities for British industry to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and defence supply needs.
Wider security discussions
The EPC summit is also expected to address tensions in the Middle East. British officials say Starmer will discuss regional security concerns with European counterparts, including developments around the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping through the strategic waterway has been severely restricted by Iran following air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel earlier this year.
The EPC, which first convened in October 2022 months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, brings together EU members and non-EU countries to coordinate responses to security challenges across Europe.
Starmer has repeatedly said his government wants to rebuild cooperation with European partners on defence and economic issues while maintaining Britain’s position outside the EU.
However, opposition parties have raised concerns about aspects of the government’s approach. The Conservatives and Reform UK have criticised proposed legislation that could allow Britain to adopt certain EU rules without requiring a full parliamentary vote each time.
The government insists closer cooperation with the bloc does not represent a reversal of Brexit, but rather reflects the need for joint action on security and economic stability.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 May 2026
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Iran Says It Is Reviewing US Reply to Peace Plan

Iran says it has received a response from the United States to its latest proposal aimed at ending the conflict, according to Iranian state-linked media. Iran’s foreign ministry said the message was delivered through Pakistan and is currently being examined in Tehran, the Tasnim news agency reported. Washington has not formally confirmed that it has sent a reply.

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US President Donald Trump reportedly told Israel’s Kan News on Sunday that Iran’s proposal was unacceptable, though the White House has not issued an official response.
Details of Iran’s proposal
Iranian state media said Tehran’s plan contained 14 points and called for the withdrawal of US forces positioned near Iran’s borders and an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports.
The proposal also demanded a halt to all hostilities in the region, including Israel’s ongoing military operations in Lebanon.
According to the reports, the plan urged the two sides to reach a formal agreement within 30 days. It also stressed the need to focus on ending the war rather than prolonging the current ceasefire arrangement.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, said there were currently no nuclear negotiations under way between Tehran and Washington, an issue that has been a key demand from the United States.
Iran has consistently denied that it is pursuing nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear programme is intended solely for civilian use. However, the country remains the only non-nuclear-armed state known to have enriched uranium to levels close to weapons-grade.
Shipping plan announced
Separately on Sunday, Trump announced that the United States would help countries with vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.
Posting on social media, the president said the initiative — which he called “Project Freedom” — would guide ships through restricted waterways so they could resume normal trade.
He said the programme would begin on Monday and warned that any interference would be dealt with “forcefully”.
Iran has sharply limited traffic through the strait since the conflict began in February, while the United States has maintained a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Questions over the war
Trump confirmed on Saturday that Washington had received Iran’s latest proposal. In a post on his Truth Social platform, he said he would review the plan but suggested it would not be acceptable.
Speaking to reporters in Palm Beach, Florida, he said he had been briefed on the outline of the proposal and was awaiting the full details.
Asked whether US military strikes inside Iran might resume, Trump said it remained “a possibility”, depending on Tehran’s actions. He also indicated the United States would not withdraw from the conflict entirely.
Growing pressure in Washington
The latest developments come as some lawmakers in Washington question the direction of the war.
Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri said the administration should begin redeploying forces away from the conflict and argued that Congressional approval would be required if hostilities continued.
Another Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, warned against both a prolonged conflict and an abrupt withdrawal, saying neither option offered a clear solution.
Under US law, a president must obtain approval from Congress within 60 days after notifying lawmakers of military action. Trump formally informed Congress of strikes against Iran on 2 March, two days after US and Israeli attacks began.
Trump has argued that the legal deadline does not apply because the conflict was effectively “terminated” when a ceasefire took effect on 8 April.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high as both sides consider whether negotiations could lead to a broader agreement to end the war.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 May 2026
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Trump’s Economic Record in Focus Before Midterms

The US economy expanded at the start of 2026 despite rising prices triggered by the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, placing economic performance at the centre of political debate ahead of November’s midterm elections.

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New figures show the economy grew at an annualised rate of 2% during the first quarter of the year, rebounding after a slowdown late in 2025. The growth came even as the conflict in Iran entered its third month and disrupted global energy markets, pushing up fuel and household costs.
The fighting, which President Donald Trump had previously suggested could end quickly, has contributed to a surge in oil prices comparable to the energy shocks of the 1970s. The resulting increase in living costs is likely to shape how voters assess the administration as elections approach.
Growth supported by investment
Thursday’s growth figures provide support for the White House’s economic strategy in the run-up to the midterms.
Official statistics show the economy expanded by 2% on an annualised basis in the first three months of 2026. That represented a recovery after weaker growth late last year.
Consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of economic activity, rose by 1.6% on an annualised basis. Economists said the increase indicated that higher prices from tariffs and energy costs had not slowed household spending as sharply as many had feared.
However, analysts say a large share of the growth has been driven by corporate investment, particularly from technology companies spending heavily on artificial intelligence infrastructure.
James Knightley, chief international economist at ING, said that while consumer demand is beginning to cool, investment tied to AI development has become a key driver of economic expansion.
Rising costs for households
Despite the positive headline growth numbers, the cost of living remains a major concern for many Americans.
Energy prices surged after the conflict disrupted shipping routes and led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key channel for global oil supplies. Brent crude climbed to $126 a barrel, the highest level in four years, before easing to about $111. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities in late February, it had been trading near $73.
Higher oil prices quickly fed through to fuel costs for US motorists. By the end of April, Americans were paying an average of $4.30 per gallon, according to data from the American Automobile Association. In February the average price had been below $3.
The jump in energy costs contributed to rising inflation. Annual price increases reached 3.3% in March, up from 2.4% the previous month and the highest level in nearly two years.
Interest rates remain elevated
Rising inflation has also influenced monetary policy.
The Federal Reserve decided this week to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at between 3.5% and 3.75%. Before the war began, many economists had expected the central bank to begin cutting borrowing costs during 2026.
Mortgage rates have already moved higher since the start of the conflict. Data from Freddie Mac shows the average rate for a 30-year mortgage has climbed from 5.98% to 6.3%.
Samuel Tombs, chief US economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said the combination of higher oil prices and expectations that the US may maintain restrictions on Iranian ports could push potential rate cuts further into the future.
Stock markets recover
Financial markets have shown resilience despite the geopolitical tensions.
Major US indices have recovered early losses recorded after the outbreak of hostilities. The technology-focused Nasdaq Composite has risen about 10% since the conflict began, while the S&P 500 is roughly 5% higher and the Dow Jones Industrial Average has gained just over 1%.
Rising stock prices benefit investors and Americans with retirement savings tied to equities, such as those holding 401(k) plans.
Even so, the broader economic outlook could prove decisive in November’s midterm elections. While economic growth and strong markets may support the administration’s case, rising everyday costs remain a key concern for voters.
Much may depend on how the conflict with Iran develops in the coming months, including whether the Strait of Hormuz reopens and whether energy prices ease before Americans head to the polls.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 May 2026

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Trump’s Troop Cut in Germany Signals Deeper NATO Rift

Europe faces mounting pressure to bolster its own defences as tensions grow between Washington and its NATO allies, highlighted by plans from the Trump administration to withdraw thousands of US troops from Germany.

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The move follows a series of disputes between the United States and European partners, ranging from trade tariffs to disagreements over the conflict involving Iran. Analysts say the proposed troop reduction is only the latest sign of a widening transatlantic divide over security responsibilities.
Troop withdrawal sparks concern
US President Donald Trump has said Washington will withdraw around 5,000 troops stationed in Germany, with the possibility of further reductions. The announcement came after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised the US handling of the Iran conflict, accusing Tehran of humiliating Washington.
Trump also criticised Spain and Italy for what he described as a lack of support for US actions against Iran. When asked whether troop withdrawals could extend to those countries, he replied that it was possible, saying Spain had been “horrible” and Italy had offered little help.
Spain has refused US requests to use its bases or airspace for operations connected to the conflict. Trump’s comments about Italy surprised some observers, given that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been viewed as a close ally of Washington.
The US president has repeatedly argued that European nations rely too heavily on American military protection. He previously labelled Germany “delinquent” for failing to spend enough on defence.
Europe urged to take greater responsibility
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the troop reduction had been anticipated and stressed the need for Europe to strengthen its role within NATO.
“If we are to remain transatlantic, we must strengthen the European pillar within NATO,” Pistorius said.
Merz also played down the dispute, telling German broadcaster ARD that there was “no connection” between tensions with Washington and the planned withdrawal.
Germany still hosts a substantial American military presence. US Defence Department data shows that more than 36,000 active-duty US personnel were stationed in the country as of December 2025. During the Cold War, the number was about 250,000.
A NATO spokesperson said the shift highlighted the need for Europe to increase its own defence spending, particularly as Russia continues to pose a security threat.
Senior Pentagon official Elbridge Colby said Washington intends to prioritise challenges in Asia and the Western Hemisphere, areas where US military power is seen as uniquely decisive. He added that the United States expects European allies to assume primary responsibility for conventional defence on the continent.
Rising spending but structural hurdles
Some European leaders warn that weakening unity within NATO could have long-term consequences. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the alliance risked undermining itself if the trend continued.
Plans already in motion could see Europe’s annual defence spending nearly double to about $750bn by 2030. But experts say simply increasing budgets will not solve deeper structural problems.
European governments often prioritise national industries when procuring military equipment, resulting in fragmented production and higher costs. For example, Europe manufactures several different main battle tanks, while the United States produces just one model.
Attempts at joint development have also faltered. A major Franco-German project to build a next-generation fighter aircraft collapsed after disputes over leadership between companies involved in the programme.
At the same time, the European Union aims for at least half of member states’ defence spending to remain within the bloc by 2030. Historically, nearly 80% of purchases have been made outside the EU, largely from American suppliers.
Shortfalls in missile defence
Missile defence is among the most pressing concerns. Analysts say the use of interceptor systems such as Patriots and THAAD during the conflict in the Gulf has significantly depleted available stockpiles.
The Pentagon has also indicated it will not deploy a planned Long-Range Fires battalion to Germany equipped with Tomahawk and hypersonic missiles.
European defence firms do manufacture some interceptor systems, but analysts say they lack the scale and technological range to fully replace American capabilities.
A recent study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies concluded that European systems do not yet provide a complete substitute for US missile defence technology.
Searching for a new balance
European leaders increasingly face a strategic choice. One option is to continue relying heavily on American military support while strengthening cooperation with US defence companies.
The alternative would require significantly greater investment in domestic industries and closer coordination among European states to build a more independent defence capability.
Some progress is already visible. Defence companies such as Saab, Rheinmetall and BAE Systems report record order books, while new NATO members Sweden and Finland have rapidly integrated into alliance structures.
However, analysts say Europe’s ability to act collectively remains uncertain, particularly when national interests compete with the goal of building a unified defence system.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 May 2026
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Republicans Divided Over Clemency Talk for Ghislaine Maxwell

Discussions among Republican lawmakers about whether clemency could be offered to Ghislaine Maxwell in exchange for cooperation in the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein have exposed divisions within the party and drawn sharp criticism from advocates for survivors.

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Reports in late April indicated that members of the House oversight and government reform committee were split on the idea of encouraging President Donald Trump to pardon Maxwell so she could testify in their inquiry into Epstein. While clemency appears unlikely, the discussion has revived controversy surrounding the long-running case.
Advocates representing Epstein survivors reacted strongly, warning that any consideration of clemency would undermine justice for victims.
Spencer Kuvin, chief legal officer and litigation director at Goldlaw who has represented numerous Epstein survivors, said that exchanging a pardon for testimony would reward someone convicted of enabling abuse. He argued that even raising the idea signalled that political considerations were being placed ahead of victims’ suffering.
Survivors’ lawyer condemns clemency idea
Lawyers representing survivors also rejected the possibility that Maxwell could provide meaningful new information. Sigrid McCawley, managing partner at Boies Schiller Flexner, said a pardon would amount to a profound injustice for victims given Maxwell’s conviction for serious crimes involving minors. Jennifer Freeman of Marsh Law Firm, who represents survivor Annie Farmer, said commuting or pardoning Maxwell’s sentence would betray victims and undermine confidence in the legal system.
Republican divisions emerge
The clemency discussion has highlighted disagreements among Republicans as scrutiny of the Epstein case intensifies.
James Comer, the Republican chair of the oversight committee, told Politico that opinions within his panel were divided on the idea. While acknowledging that some lawmakers believed such an arrangement might help investigators obtain testimony, Comer said he personally opposed it and warned that it would appear inappropriate.
He described Maxwell as one of the most culpable figures in the investigation after Epstein himself.
Other Republicans have taken a similarly firm stance. Thomas Massie, who co-sponsored legislation aimed at releasing documents connected to the case, said he was “adamantly opposed” to any clemency. Massie criticised a recent decision to move Maxwell to a lower-security prison facility in Texas, describing it as unjustified given the lack of new indictments or information.
Pressure over release of Epstein files
The renewed debate also comes amid political fallout over the handling of records linked to Epstein.
During his campaign, Trump promised to release files related to the case, a pledge that gained strong support among some far-right Republicans who believe Epstein was part of a wider network of powerful figures involved in trafficking minors.
However, the Department of Justice has faced criticism for failing to fully deliver on that promise. Lawmakers from both parties subsequently passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requiring authorities to disclose documents by mid-December.
Although some materials were released, further documents appeared later and many were heavily redacted, prompting frustration among lawmakers and activists who argue the public has not received full transparency.
The controversy has intensified as the United States approaches midterm elections, with both parties seeking to position themselves as advocates for accountability.
Democrats criticise clemency talk
Democrats have strongly criticised reports of discussions about a possible pardon.
Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the oversight committee, said any consideration of clemency for Maxwell would be unacceptable and disrespectful to survivors. He said Democratic members of the panel were united in opposing such a move.
Political strategists also warned that the issue could damage Republicans’ messaging. Veteran Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf said clemency for someone convicted of widely publicised crimes would likely face strong public opposition.
Republican strategist Brittany Martinez likewise described the reported discussions as deeply troubling, noting that Republicans had campaigned heavily on promises to release Epstein-related records.
Maxwell continues legal challenge
Amid the political debate, Maxwell is pursuing legal efforts to overturn her conviction.
Court records show she has filed another challenge in a Manhattan federal court, continuing to maintain her innocence despite the jury verdict that found her guilty of sex-trafficking offences linked to Epstein.
Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani said the chances of the appeal succeeding appeared slim, noting that a jury had already rejected Maxwell’s defence.
While the White House has said Trump is not considering a pardon, the episode underscores how the Epstein case continues to shape political tensions in Washington years after his death and Maxwell’s conviction.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 May 2026
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Three Dead After Suspected Virus Outbreak on Cruise Ship

Three people have died following a suspected outbreak of hantavirus aboard a cruise ship travelling in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

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Health officials said there has been one confirmed infection and five suspected cases linked to the incident. Among those affected is a 69-year-old British national who is currently receiving intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa. Local authorities have confirmed that he has contracted the virus.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted to humans through contact with rodent urine or faeces and can cause severe respiratory illness. Human-to-human transmission is rare.
The UK Foreign Office said it was aware of the situation and was monitoring developments while standing ready to assist British nationals if needed.
Outbreak reported aboard expedition vessel
The cases were reported on board the MV Hondius, a polar expedition cruise ship operated by tour company Oceanwide Expeditions.
According to the company’s published itinerary, the vessel departed from Ushuaia in southern Argentina on 20 March and was due to reach Cape Verde on 4 May.
The ship measures 107.6 metres (353 feet) in length and has capacity for 170 passengers across 80 cabins. It also carries 57 crew members, 13 guides and one onboard doctor.
South Africa’s health ministry said approximately 150 tourists from several countries were travelling on the vessel at the time the illness emerged.
Dutch couple among the dead
Before the WHO confirmed three fatalities, South African officials had reported at least two deaths linked to the suspected outbreak.
Foster Mohale, a spokesperson for the country’s health ministry, told the BBC that the first two victims were a Dutch couple.
The man, aged 70, developed symptoms including fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea while on board. He died shortly after the ship arrived at St Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic.
His partner, aged 69, also became ill during the voyage. She was evacuated to South Africa but later died in hospital in Johannesburg.
Additional fatality and medical evacuations
A third passenger is also believed to have died while still on the ship, according to a source cited by the AFP news agency.
The source, speaking anonymously, said discussions were taking place over whether two other passengers who had fallen ill should be isolated in hospital once the ship reached Cape Verde.
Following the stop in Cape Verde, the vessel was expected to continue its journey to Spain’s Canary Islands.
WHO coordinating response
The World Health Organization said it was working with national authorities and the cruise operator to manage the situation.
This includes coordinating the medical evacuation of two passengers who are showing symptoms of illness, conducting a full public-health risk assessment, and providing support for those still on board the vessel.
Officials are continuing to monitor the situation as the ship proceeds on its planned route.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 May 2026
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Trump Reviews Iranian Proposal to End War

US President Donald Trump said he is reviewing a new proposal from Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with the United States, but expressed doubt that it would lead to an agreement.

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Speaking to reporters on Saturday before boarding Air Force One, Trump said he would examine the plan in more detail once its final wording had been delivered.
“I’ll let you know about it later,” he said, adding that Iranian officials were expected to provide the exact text shortly.
Shortly after the remarks, Trump wrote on social media that he struggled to see how the proposal could be acceptable. He argued that Iran had “not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years.”
Two semi-official Iranian news agencies, Tasnim and Fars, reported that Tehran had submitted a 14-point proposal in response to a nine-point plan put forward by the United States. The proposal was reportedly sent via Pakistan, which has previously hosted discussions between the two sides.
Iran’s state-run media have not yet reported on the proposal. Earlier this week Trump rejected a separate Iranian plan, though diplomatic contacts have continued and a three-week ceasefire between the sides remains in place.
Trump has also floated the possibility of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with global shipping routes. Roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas trade normally passes through the strait.
Concern over jailed activist’s health
Meanwhile, concerns have grown over the health of imprisoned Iranian human rights lawyer Narges Mohammadi.
Her family and foundation said on Saturday that her condition was at “very high risk”, accusing Iran’s Intelligence Ministry of blocking her transfer to the capital, Tehran, for treatment by doctors of her choosing.
Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in her early 50s, was urgently taken to hospital in the north-western city of Zanjan on Friday after suffering a cardiac episode and fainting.
Her relatives say her health has deteriorated partly because of injuries sustained during her arrest in December.
Doctors in Zanjan have asked for her medical records before providing treatment and have recommended that she be moved to Tehran. However, her husband, Taghi Rahmani, said the Intelligence Ministry opposed the transfer for angiography, a medical imaging procedure used to examine blood vessels.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee called on Iranian authorities to allow Mohammadi to be transferred immediately to her medical team, warning that her life was at risk.
Before her arrest on 12 December, Mohammadi had been serving a sentence of 13 years and nine months on charges including collusion against state security and propaganda against the government. She had been temporarily released on furlough since late 2024 because of medical concerns.
Shipping sanctions warning
The United States has also warned shipping companies that they could face sanctions if they pay Iran to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran effectively closed the strait after attacking or threatening vessels following the start of the war between the United States, Israel and Iran on 28 February.
Iran later allowed some ships to use routes closer to its coastline in exchange for fees.
Washington warned that payments could include not only cash but also “digital assets, offsets, informal swaps, or other in-kind payments”, such as charitable donations or payments made through Iranian embassies.
The US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports since 13 April in an effort to restrict the country’s oil revenue. United States Central Command said on Saturday that 48 commercial vessels had been ordered to turn back.
Iran executes men accused of spying
Iranian authorities also announced the execution of two men accused of spying for Israel.
According to the judiciary’s news outlet Mizanonline, Yaghoub Karimpour was convicted of sending sensitive information to an officer in Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. Another man, Nasser Bekrzadeh, was accused of providing information about government and religious figures as well as details relating to the nuclear facility in the city of Natanz.
Iran has executed more than a dozen people in recent weeks on charges of espionage or terrorism. Human rights groups say such cases often involve closed trials where defendants cannot properly challenge the accusations against them.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 May 2026
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Syrian Man Returned Under UK-France Pact Faces Deportation

A Syrian asylum seeker sent back to France under a UK-France migration agreement now faces the possibility of being deported to Syria after French authorities rejected his asylum claim, in what is believed to be the first such case.

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The 26-year-old Kurdish man arrived in the UK by small boat but was returned to France last November under the “one in, one out” scheme agreed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in July 2025.
The arrangement aims to deter Channel crossings by returning one small-boat arrival from the UK to France in exchange for allowing another asylum seeker in northern France to enter the UK through legal routes. Both governments described France as a safe destination for people sent back under the plan.
However, after submitting an asylum claim in France, the Syrian man has now been told by French authorities that he could safely return to Syria.
First case linked to the scheme
The decision is believed to be the first known instance of an asylum seeker returned under the policy subsequently facing deportation to their country of origin.
In a rejection letter, French officials stated that the applicant had failed to demonstrate that returning to Syria would expose him personally to a serious threat.
“The individual … has not presented any relevant arguments that would convince the office that his personal circumstances would pose a serious and individual threat to his life or person should he return to his country,” the letter said.
Syria is not included on the European Union’s current list of countries considered safe for the return of asylum seekers.
The man’s asylum interview reportedly lasted just over an hour, followed by a second session lasting 49 minutes. According to documents seen by the Guardian, much of the questioning focused on verifying his claim that he had lived in a particular Syrian village.
Fleeing forced conscription
The man says he fled Syria after learning that the Kurdish militia operating in his area had placed his name on a list for compulsory military service.
He said a village leader told him the militia, known as the YPG, planned to conscript him.
“I didn’t want to go to war and kill people,” he said.
He left Syria last year with members of his family, including his mother and younger siblings. They crossed into Turkey with the help of smugglers but were separated during the journey.
According to his account, the smugglers forced him into a different vehicle from the rest of his family.
“I do not know what has happened to my family,” he said. “I have not managed to make contact with them since the smugglers separated us.”
The uncertainty and stress of the situation, he said, have taken a toll on his health.
“I am so stressed by everything that has happened to me that my hair has started falling out,” he said.
Debate over the policy
Since the system began operating in September 2025, a total of 561 people have been returned to France after arriving in the UK on small boats, according to official figures released up to 24 April. In exchange, 551 people in northern France have been allowed to enter the UK legally.
The figures were published shortly after a separate spike in Channel crossings, when 602 asylum seekers reached the UK by small boat on 18 April alone.
Critics say the case highlights concerns that people returned to France could ultimately be deported to countries where they face danger.
Immigration solicitor Sonia Lenegan said the situation illustrated the risks associated with the agreement.
“Most people who make the journey across the Channel are refugees,” she said. “Returning people to France puts them at real risk of being sent back to countries where they face persecution.”
Campaigners have also targeted companies involved in removal flights. The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants said more than 6,500 people had written to airlines urging them to stop participating in the deportations.
Government response
A spokesperson for the UK Home Office said the agreement with France had led to the removal of more than 600 people who entered Britain illegally.
Officials added that nearly 60,000 people had been returned since July 2025, representing a 31% increase compared with the previous 19-month period.
Home Office sources said Syrian asylum seekers whose applications are rejected could be returned to Syria if conditions allowed, though no one would be deported if they faced a risk of persecution or serious harm.
France’s interior ministry has been approached for comment.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 May 2026
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London Brixton Drive-By Shooting Leaves Four Injured

Four people were taken to hospital after a drive-by shooting in Brixton, south London, early on Saturday, in what police described as an “act of indiscriminate violence”.

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The shooting happened on Coldharbour Lane shortly after 01:00, leaving a 25-year-old man with life-threatening injuries. Three other people – aged 21, 47 and 70 – were also injured but their conditions have been assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing.
The Metropolitan Police said no arrests had been made and detectives are continuing their investigation.
Gunfire in Brixton
Police were called at 01:14 after reports of a firearm being discharged on Coldharbour Lane, a major road in the Brixton area of south London.
Officers, including specialist crime teams, arrived within minutes. They provided emergency first aid at the scene alongside paramedics from the London Ambulance Service while the injured were treated.
According to the ambulance service, two of the victims were taken to a major trauma centre, while the other two were transported to a local hospital.
A trauma team from London’s Air Ambulance also attended the incident to support ambulance crews.
Victims Hospitalised
The most seriously injured victim, a 25-year-old man, remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Three other people – aged 21, 47 and 70 – were also admitted to hospital. Police said their injuries are not considered life-threatening or life-changing.
Authorities have not said whether the victims were the intended targets of the shooting.
Police Investigation
Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo, who is leading the investigation, said the shooting would cause concern among residents.
He described the incident as “an act of indiscriminate violence” and said detectives were working quickly to identify those responsible.
“We understand how concerning this incident will be for the local community and want to reassure residents that officers are working at pace to identify those responsible,” he said.
Bhangoo urged anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information that could help investigators to come forward.
Appeal for Witnesses
Police have asked anyone with information or relevant footage to contact them via 101.
Information can also be provided anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers.
Officers said residents can expect an increased police presence in the Brixton area in the coming days while inquiries continue.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 May 2026
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Starmer Signals Possible Limits on Some Protests

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has suggested that some protests could potentially be banned, amid growing concern about the impact of repeated pro-Palestinian marches on Britain’s Jewish community.

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Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Sir Keir said he remained committed to protecting the right to peaceful protest but indicated the government was considering stronger measures in certain cases.
“I think certainly the first, and I think there are instances for the latter,” he said when asked whether he supported tougher policing of protest language or halting some demonstrations entirely.
His remarks come days after two Jewish men were stabbed in the north London area of Golders Green.
Stabbing attack and terror investigation
Shloime Rand and Moshe Shine were seriously injured in the attack on Wednesday but have since been discharged from hospital.
Police have charged 45-year-old Essa Suleiman with three counts of attempted murder. He is also accused of attacking Ishmail Hussein, a man he had known for about two decades, in a separate incident in Southwark on the same day.
Authorities declared the Golders Green stabbing a terrorism incident.
The attack follows a series of violent incidents targeting Jewish people in recent months.
Debate over protests
Calls for stronger action on protests have intensified following the attack.
Jonathan Hall KC, the government’s independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, recently proposed a temporary halt to pro-Palestinian marches, arguing it was currently “impossible” for them not to foster antisemitism.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis also called for a pause, saying the demonstrations had contributed to what he described as a growing “tone of Jew hatred” in the UK.
Sir Keir said he understood concerns expressed by Jewish communities about the “cumulative effect” of repeated demonstrations.
“In relation to the repeated nature of the marches, many people in the Jewish community have said to me it’s the repeat nature, it’s the cumulative effect,” he said.
He added the government would examine whether additional powers were needed to address such concerns.
At the same time, the prime minister emphasised that strong opinions about the conflict in the Middle East should not be suppressed.
“I will defend the right of peaceful protest very strongly and freedom of speech,” he said.
Political reactions
The suggestion of possible restrictions drew criticism from several political figures and campaign groups.
The Stop the War Coalition, which has helped organise a number of pro-Palestinian marches, said it condemned antisemitism and racism but argued it was wrong to link the demonstrations with attacks on Jewish people.
Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski accused the government of exploiting fear within the Jewish community to justify greater limits on protest rights.
Jeremy Corbyn’s political movement, Your Party, also warned that responses to the attacks should not undermine civil liberties.
Other parties took a different view. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said it was time to ban the marches altogether, arguing they had become a platform for intimidation and violence against Jews.
The Liberal Democrats said demonstrations should only proceed if they can be carried out safely and should be closely scrutinised by police.
Existing powers and controversial slogans
Police in England and Wales already have the authority to place restrictions on protests, including limiting their routes or timings. Officers can request an outright ban if such conditions are insufficient to prevent serious public disorder, although such powers are rarely used.
Earlier this year the government approved a police request to ban London’s Al Quds Day march, the first such prohibition since 2012.
Sir Keir also criticised chants such as “globalise the intifada”, describing them as “very dangerous” to the Jewish community and saying they should be prosecuted.
The term “intifada”, meaning uprising in Arabic, became widely known during the Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule in the West Bank and Gaza in 1987. Jewish organisations often interpret the phrase as a call for violence against Jews, while pro-Palestinian groups say it represents resistance to Israeli occupation.
During a visit to Golders Green on Thursday, the prime minister was confronted by protesters chanting “Jew harmer”.
He acknowledged that many Jewish people in Britain currently felt fearful but rejected claims the government had failed to respond, pointing to increased police presence and additional funding to protect Jewish communities.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 May 2026
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Somali Pirates Seize Oil Tanker Near Yemen

Somali pirates have hijacked an oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden after boarding the vessel off the coast of Yemen, according to Somali security officials.

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The tanker, MT Eureka, was reportedly seized early in the morning and is now being taken toward Somali waters. Officials said the ship was sailing under the flag of Togo when armed men overran it near the Yemeni port of Qana.
The incident is the latest in a series of piracy attacks that suggest renewed activity along Somalia’s coastline.
Tanker Taken Toward Somali Waters
Security officials from Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region said the tanker was boarded by gunmen at around 05:00 local time (03:00 BST). The attackers are believed to have launched their operation from a remote coastal area near the town of Qandala on the Gulf of Aden.
After taking control of the vessel, the pirates began sailing it across the Gulf of Aden between Yemen and Somalia. Officials expect the ship to anchor in Somali waters in the coming hours.
Earlier, the Yemeni coastguard confirmed that the tanker had been hijacked and said it was heading toward Somalia.
No details have yet been released about the number of crew members on board or their nationalities. Authorities have also not confirmed whether any injuries occurred during the takeover.
Second Oil Tanker Hijacked in 10 Days
The seizure of MT Eureka follows another piracy incident involving an oil tanker less than two weeks earlier.
On 22 April, Somali pirates captured the tanker Honor 25, which was transporting about 18,500 barrels of oil destined for Mogadishu. That attack raised concerns among maritime security officials about a resurgence of piracy in the region.
The latest case marks the second oil tanker hijacked within a 10-day period and the fourth successful pirate seizure reported in the past two weeks.
Separate Encounter Near Yemen
In a separate maritime security report on Friday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a bulk carrier near the Yemeni port city of Al-Mukala had been approached by armed individuals traveling in a small boat.
The group, described as “armed persons” on a skiff, later left the area.
Somali security officials said those individuals were believed to have departed from a remote coastal zone near the fishing town of Caluula, about 209km (130 miles) from the area where the attackers set out to seize MT Eureka.
While the incident did not result in a hijacking, it added to concerns that piracy activity is spreading along Somalia’s extensive coastline.
Concerns Over Renewed Piracy
Somalia has the longest coastline in mainland Africa, stretching roughly 3,333km (2,071 miles). The length of the coast and limited maritime enforcement have historically made the region vulnerable to piracy.
Piracy in Somali waters had fallen sharply after 2011 following years of international naval patrols. However, security officials say attacks have risen again since late 2023.
The resurgence has partly been linked to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Those strikes have drawn the attention of international naval forces toward countering the Houthi threat, potentially leaving fewer resources focused on anti-piracy patrols.
A security official from Puntland warned that the scale of pirate activity may be greater than widely understood.
“The ongoing crisis with the pirates is much worse than many realise,” the official said, adding that armed groups were increasingly active along the coast.
Somali authorities and the European Union Naval Force, which coordinates anti-piracy operations in the region, have not yet issued statements on the latest hijacking.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 May 2026
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California to Ticket Driverless Cars for Traffic Violations

California will soon begin issuing traffic citations to companies operating driverless vehicles when their cars break road rules, closing a gap that has frustrated police as autonomous technology spreads across the state.

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New regulations announced by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will allow officers to send a “notice of AV noncompliance” directly to the manufacturer responsible for a vehicle that commits a traffic offence.
The rules take effect on 1 July and form part of broader legislation adopted in 2024 aimed at tightening oversight of autonomous vehicle technology.
Officials say the measures will create a clearer system of accountability as self-driving cars become more common on city streets.
New system for traffic violations
Under the updated framework, police officers will be able to cite companies whose autonomous vehicles commit moving violations, even if no human driver is present.
Previously, enforcement posed difficulties because traditional traffic tickets are issued to drivers. When a driverless vehicle broke the rules, officers often had no straightforward way to penalise the company operating it.
The new process allows authorities to document the violation and notify the manufacturer directly.
The regulations also require companies operating autonomous vehicles to respond to requests from police or emergency services within 30 seconds. Vehicles entering active emergency zones may face penalties under the updated rules.
Steve Gordon, director of the DMV, said the changes are intended to ensure public safety while the technology continues to expand.
“California continues to lead the nation in the development and adoption of AV technology, and these updated regulations further demonstrate the state’s commitment to public safety,” he said in a statement.
State officials described the new framework as the most comprehensive set of autonomous vehicle regulations in the United States.
Incidents highlight enforcement challenges
Authorities have cited several incidents that illustrate the difficulty of regulating driverless vehicles under existing traffic laws.
In September last year, police in San Bruno, a city south of San Francisco, observed an autonomous vehicle operated by Waymo making an illegal U-turn at a traffic light.
Officers stopped the vehicle but were unable to issue a citation because there was no driver present. Instead, police contacted the company to report what they described as a technical “glitch”.
Similar situations have been reported elsewhere, prompting calls for clearer enforcement rules as robotaxis and test vehicles appear more frequently in urban areas.
Growing presence of robotaxis
Autonomous vehicles are already operating commercially in parts of California.
Waymo runs a fleet of fully driverless robotaxis in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County. Other companies, including Tesla, hold permits allowing them to test autonomous vehicles on public roads in several California cities.
The rapid expansion has also brought operational challenges.
During a major blackout in San Francisco in December, multiple Waymo vehicles stopped in the middle of busy intersections, worsening congestion in parts of the city.
Emergency responders have also raised concerns. The San Francisco Fire Department has repeatedly warned that robotaxis have sometimes obstructed emergency vehicles or blocked access to incidents.
The new regulations are intended to address such situations by ensuring companies remain responsible for the behaviour of their autonomous vehicles on public roads.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 May 2026
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Germany Says US Troop Cut Expected as NATO Seeks Clarity

Germany’s defence minister has said the United States decision to withdraw around 5,000 troops from the country was anticipated, as the NATO alliance seeks further details from Washington about the move.

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Speaking to the German news agency DPA, Boris Pistorius said the continued presence of American forces in Europe — particularly in Germany — remained beneficial to both sides.
“The presence of American soldiers in Europe, and particularly in Germany, is in our interest and in the interest of the US,” he said.
A spokesperson for NATO, Allison Hart, said the alliance was working with Washington to better understand the scope and implications of the decision.
US Move Follows Political Tensions
The troop reduction comes after Donald Trump criticised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for comments suggesting the United States had been “humiliated” by Iranian negotiators during talks related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Germany currently hosts the largest contingent of US troops in Europe. More than 36,000 American personnel are stationed in the country, compared with about 12,000 in Italy and roughly 10,000 in the United Kingdom.
Asked about the reduction on Saturday, Trump indicated the withdrawal could exceed the initial figure.
“We’re going to cut way down, and we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000,” he said, without giving additional details.
The US president has also floated the possibility of reducing American troop deployments in Italy and Spain.
Last year, Washington already scaled back its military presence in Romania, part of a broader plan by the Trump administration to shift US strategic focus from Europe toward the Indo-Pacific region.
Concerns Inside the Alliance
The announcement has prompted concern among members of the 32-nation NATO alliance that the move could weaken the organisation.
Donald Tusk, the prime minister of Poland, warned that divisions among allies posed a serious risk.
“The greatest threat to the transatlantic community are not its external enemies, but the ongoing disintegration of our alliance,” he said, calling for urgent efforts to reverse what he described as a damaging trend.
Two senior Republican lawmakers in Washington also expressed unease about the plan. Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Mike Rogers, who leads the House Armed Services Committee, said they were “very concerned” by the decision to remove a US brigade from Germany.
They argued that maintaining a strong American military presence in Europe remained an important deterrent.
Europe Urged to Boost Defence Role
Pistorius said the development underscored the need for European countries to assume greater responsibility for their own security.
He said Berlin would intensify cooperation with its European partners and pointed to Germany’s growing defence spending.
For years, Trump had criticised Germany for failing to meet NATO’s benchmark of allocating 2% of gross domestic product to defence. Under the Merz government, however, spending has risen sharply.
Germany is expected to allocate €105.8bn (£91bn) to defence by 2027. When additional security-related funds are included, overall defence spending is projected to reach 3.1% of GDP, partly reflecting continued support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Hart said the troop reduction highlighted the importance of Europe increasing its defence commitments. NATO allies agreed at a summit in The Hague last year to work toward spending 5% of GDP on defence and related security investments.
Dispute Over Iran Talks
The dispute between Trump and Merz was sparked by remarks the German chancellor made earlier in the week.
Speaking to university students, Merz said the United States lacked a clear strategy in negotiations with Iran, accusing Iranian officials of delaying talks and leaving US diplomats without results.
He said the situation had left the United States “humiliated”.
Trump rejected the criticism on his Truth Social platform, claiming Merz believed Iran should be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons and saying the German leader “doesn’t know what he’s talking about”.
Soon after, Washington announced the planned troop withdrawal.
A Pentagon spokesperson, Sean Parnell, said the order had been issued by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, adding that the withdrawal was expected to be completed within six to twelve months.
The decision comes amid wider tensions between Washington and its allies over operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route disrupted after Iranian restrictions on maritime traffic following US and Israeli strikes in late February.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 May 2026
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Polls Show Broad Opposition to Trump Branding Push

Public surveys suggest many Americans are uneasy with President Donald Trump’s efforts to attach his name and image to government projects, buildings and symbols, with several proposals drawing strong opposition across party lines.

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When historians assess the presidency of Donald Trump, some analysts suggest his ambition to leave a visible personal imprint on public institutions may become a defining feature.
Among the most visible initiatives is a plan to demolish the East Wing of the White House and replace it with a large ballroom designed for official receptions and high-profile gatherings. The proposal emerged during a period of economic strain and quickly became controversial.
Plans to reshape Washington
Early polling showed significant opposition. A recent survey conducted by The Washington Post and ABC News indicates attitudes have remained unchanged.
According to the poll, 56% of Americans oppose demolishing the East Wing and constructing the ballroom, while 28% support the idea. The same margin was recorded in October, suggesting little shift in opinion despite months of debate.
Trump has said the ballroom would be financed through private donations, but some Republicans recently floated the possibility of allocating roughly $400 million in taxpayer funding for the project.
Security argument fails to sway opinion
The ballroom plan briefly resurfaced in political debate following a shooting incident linked to the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, traditionally held at the Washington Hilton.
Some Republicans argued a ballroom at the White House could provide a more secure venue for the event. However, the Washington Post–ABC poll, conducted both before and after the shooting, found no statistically meaningful shift in public opinion tied to the incident.
Overall opposition remained roughly two to one. Among those expressing strong views, opponents outnumbered supporters by about three to one.
Monument and currency proposals face pushback
Other proposals linked to Trump’s personal branding have also drawn criticism.
One plan calls for a 250-foot triumphal arch to be constructed between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Polling shows 52% of Americans oppose the project, while 21% support it.
Support among Republicans is limited: just over half back the idea. Independent voters oppose it by nearly five to one.
Another initiative has proved even more unpopular. The United States Department of the Treasury has explored placing Trump’s signature on paper currency, something not previously done while a president remains in office.
Survey results show 68% of Americans oppose the move, compared with only 12% in favor. Even among Republicans, opposition outweighs support.
Naming buildings while in office
Separate research released by Pew Research Center found little enthusiasm for naming government buildings after Trump during his presidency.
Only 9% of Americans said doing so while he remains in office would be appropriate. Another 21% said such recognition could be acceptable after he leaves the White House, while half of respondents said it would not be appropriate at all.
Public opinion about broader cultural changes tied to Trump appears similarly skeptical.
A January survey by CNN found 62% of Americans believed Trump had “gone too far” with changes affecting institutions such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Smithsonian Institution.
That figure was the highest level of opposition recorded among eight policy initiatives tested in the poll.
Political impact uncertain
Trump’s approval ratings have often remained stable despite controversy during his political career. However, the recent surveys suggest that proposals seen as personalizing government institutions may resonate negatively with a broad segment of the public.
With the administration facing additional pressure from issues including the Iran conflict and rising fuel prices, polling indicates that efforts to attach Trump’s name or symbolism to public landmarks and institutions are unlikely to improve public sentiment.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 May 2026
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Conspiracy Theories That Fueled Trump Now Target Him

Conspiracy theories helped fuel the political rise of Donald Trump, but now the same forces are increasingly turning against him as both right- and left-wing commentators question his actions and spread claims targeting the president.

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For years, Trump embraced conspiracy narratives that energized supporters. Early in his political career, he promoted the false “birther” claim that Barack Obama had not been born in the United States. Later he amplified allegations about a supposed “deep state” undermining his presidency and continued to insist that the 2020 election had been fraudulently taken from him.
Yet conspiracy movements often operate outside the control of any single political figure. Recently, Trump has become the focus of speculation and accusations from some of the same voices that once championed him.
Claims spread after White House dinner
The shift became visible following Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Soon after reports emerged of an apparent assassination attempt, social media filled with unfounded claims that the incident had been staged to benefit Trump politically. No evidence has surfaced to support those allegations.
Some of the speculation came from figures who had previously been vocal supporters of the president. Conspiracy broadcaster Alex Jones suggested online that the shooting might have been orchestrated. Former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene questioned the rapid release of writings linked to the suspect.
Skepticism also appeared on the political left. Progressive podcasters Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan published an episode speculating about possible “false flag” elements in the aftermath of the shooting.
The White House rejected the claims outright. Spokesman Davis Ingle said suggestions that Trump staged an assassination attempt were baseless. Republican senator Bernie Moreno, who attended the dinner, also dismissed the theories, saying those making the claims should step away from social media.
Trump himself appeared surprised by the speed with which conspiracy narratives circulated. Speaking to 60 Minutes, he remarked that such claims usually take longer to emerge.
Break with influential supporters
The backlash highlights a widening rift between Trump and several prominent conservative commentators who previously supported him.
Media personalities including Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens have recently criticised the president, particularly over the conflict with Iran and disputes surrounding information about disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump has responded with sharp criticism, accusing some of the figures of promoting extreme or baseless claims. In a social media post he labelled several former allies “nut jobs,” citing conspiracy theories they had spread.
A former senior campaign official said tensions with influential right-wing commentators could pose a political challenge for Trump. The person pointed to internal polling suggesting some softening in Republican support.
Influence of online personalities
Researchers who study online political communities say the split reflects broader changes in the digital media ecosystem.
According to Brian Friedberg of the Harvard Kennedy School Shorenstein Center, several pro-Trump media outlets have seen declines in their audiences, while independent personalities such as Carlson and Owens remain highly popular on video platforms.
The fragmentation makes it difficult to predict whether shifting narratives among online commentators will translate into changes in voter behaviour.
Conspiracy theories across the political spectrum
The trend also illustrates how conspiracy thinking has spread beyond any single political camp.
Trump’s early campaigns were closely linked with conspiracy claims, from the birther theory about Obama to false assertions that he won the 2020 election. During his presidency he also declined to fully distance himself from the movement known as QAnon.
However, conspiracy narratives have increasingly appeared among critics of Trump as well. A survey published by the National Academy of Sciences found that more than three-quarters of Americans believe at least one conspiracy theory.
Some Democratic politicians, including Ro Khanna and Jamie Raskin, have suggested cooperating with unlikely allies on issues such as opposition to war. Others within the party caution that aligning with conspiracy-minded figures could be politically risky.
Political strategists say the evolving landscape reflects a broader shift in American politics, where distrust of institutions and cross-ideological populist sentiments can bring together activists from different sides of the spectrum.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 May 2026
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