US Election 2024 Live Updates: George W Bush's daughter Barbara endorses Harris

Trump advisor Bannon released from prison ahead of US vote

Steve Bannon, a prominent right-wing figure and former senior advisor to Donald Trump, was released from prison after spending nearly four months behind bars and just a week ahead of the US election.

Bannon left a federal prison in Connecticut where he was serving time for a contempt of Congress conviction, Federal Bureau of Prisons records showed.

"I'm not broken, I'm empowered," the 70-year-old told The New York Times outside the prison.

Bannon was convicted of defying a subpoena to testify before the congressional panel investigating the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters.

Bush's daughter Barbara endorses Harris in US election

Barbara Bush, daughter of former Republican president George W. Bush, has shown her support for Democratic vice president Kamala Harris in the closely contested presidential election by actively participating in campaign activities, as reported in People magazine.

The 42-year-old Bush dedicated time during the weekend to canvassing for Harris's campaign in Pennsylvania, a state widely recognized as a critical battleground that could determine the outcome of the November election between Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump.

"It was inspiring to join friends and meet voters with the Harris-Walz campaign in Pennsylvania this weekend," she told People. "I'm hopeful they'll move our country forward and protect women's rights."

How a comedian’s ‘garbage’ remark could cost Trump US presidential polls

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe sparked backlash with a derogatory comment about Puerto Rico during a rally for Donald Trump in New York. This has caused significant political fallout, particularly in the swing state of Pennsylvania, which has a large Puerto Rican population. The incident may impact Trump's chances in key states, highlighting the sensitivity of Latino voter support. Read full story

Trump says he's 'opposite of a Nazi' as toxic MSG rally poisons America

Donald Trump, at a Monday rally, fiercely rebuffed allegations of being a Nazi, amid backlash from a previous rally laced with extremist rhetoric and offensive remarks against Kamala Harris and minorities. The controversial events have intensified Latino voters' scrutiny and heightened tensions as the election approaches. Read full story

Harris reaches for a big moment in her closing argument for 'turning the page' on Trump

Vice President Kamala Harris plans to deliver a closing campaign speech from the Ellipse, near the White House, where former President Donald Trump spoke before the Capitol insurrection. Harris intends to draw a sharp contrast between herself and Trump, promising to focus on Americans' well-being if elected, while accusing Trump of prioritising his grievances and divisiveness. With the race tightening one week from Election Day, Harris aims to appeal to undecided voters, especially in battleground states, by outlining a forward-looking plan emphasizing economic progress and reproductive rights. Her campaign is using this site and timing to underscore the stakes, countering recent Trump rally rhetoric. Harris, positioning herself as a new-generation leader, is emphasizing themes of unity, order, and hope. Meanwhile, Trump is expected to respond from Mar-a-Lago ahead of her address.

US Elections: Fires at ballot drop boxes being probed, say officials

Federal authorities are investigating fires set at two ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and nearby Vancouver, Washington. In Portland, an incendiary device damaged a ballot box, though most ballots were preserved; affected voters will receive replacements. In Vancouver, a ballot box near a bus station was also set on fire, impacting hundreds of ballots. Both local and federal law enforcement are involved. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs condemned these attacks, affirming election security.

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Bitcoin tops $70,000 for first time since June as US election nears

Bitcoin surged past $70,000, driven by inflows into ETFs and election-related speculation. Anticipations of a Trump victory, favorable to digital assets, and elevated implied volatility ahead of the US election have boosted Bitcoin. Traders are betting it could reach $80,000 by November's end, supported by strong ETF inflows and a 66% rise in 2024. Read full story

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Meet the young, first-time US voters going for Trump

Teenage supporters of Donald Trump in Georgia, a crucial swing state, express their admiration for his leadership amid criticisms. They emphasize his perceived strength, economic policies, and ability to inspire a sense of community, ignoring allegations of racism and his advanced age. Trump strives to secure young, first-time voters' support before the election. Read full story

US Election 2024 Live Updates: I am fighting for every family’s right to opportunity in Silicon Valley, says Indian-American Tara Sreekrishnan running for California assembly

Tara Sreekrishnan, a daughter of Indian immigrants and member of the Santa Clara county board of education, is running for the California state assembly. She advocates for high-quality education, affordable housing, and improved healthcare. A cancer survivor, she champions women's health and climate action. Sreekrishnan aims to amplify the voices of Indian Americans in politics. Read full story

Donald Trump held a massive and controversial rally at Madison Square Garden, drawing comparisons to a 1939 pro-Nazi event. Critics labeled it a 'hate rally,' while MAGA supporters defended it, highlighting diverse speakers and Musk's memes. Discussions intensified around Trump's potential second-term actions.

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Joe Biden casts vote for Kamala Harris, Tim Walz

US President Joe Biden cast an early in the 2024 general election at an early voting site in Delaware. The moment was tinged with emotion for Biden, who had decided to withdraw from the presidential race in July due to health concerns and Democrats' apprehensions about his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump. Despite the long wait, Biden took the time to interact with voters and assist an elderly woman in a wheelchair. As Biden cast his vote, the room erupted in cheers for first-time voters who were announced. This election season marks a departure for Biden, who has been either holding office or running for one for most of the years since 1970.

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Harris brings in Maggie Rogers as she tries to fire up college-age voters in battleground Michigan

Vice President Kamala Harris energized young supporters at a rally and concert in the crucial swing state of Michigan on Monday. The event featured singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers, who encouraged the audience to vote, stating that taking action is "greater than fear" during these uncertain times.

Michigan had the highest youth voter turnout in the country in 2022, with long queues at polling stations on university campuses. Democrats are aiming to recreate that enthusiasm this year through events like the one Harris held in Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, featuring Rogers.

"You can vote early now through Sunday, Nov. 3, and we need you to vote early, Michigan, because we have just eight days to go," the Democratic presidential nominee said at an outdoor rally in 50-degree weather. "Eight days left in one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime."

Harris expressed confidence in their victory, stating that they have the chance to turn the page and create a new and joyful path forward. Thousands of people attended the event at Burns Park, where Rogers performed hits like "Love You for a Long Time." The rally also brought Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, together for the first time since their campaign bus tour of Georgia in August.

Rogers shared her concerns about the frightening headlines she's been seeing on her phone, admitting that the future feels uncertain and that she doesn't always know how to cope with that feeling. However, she emphasized that taking action, such as voting, is more powerful than fear. "Voting is the key to the future," she said.

US elections 2024: 'I'm not a Nazi,' Trump tells US campaign rally

During a campaign rally in the battleground state of Georgia on Monday, Donald Trump addressed his supporters, refuting allegations from his detractors that he aspires to become an authoritarian leader in the United States. "I'm not a Nazi. I'm the opposite of a Nazi," Trump declared to an enthusiastic audience in Atlanta.

The former president's remarks came just a day after he hosted a massive rally at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Fires destroy hundreds of ballots in Oregon and Washington drop boxes

Authorities on Monday were investigating incidents of early morning fires destroying hundreds of ballots in ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.According to the Portland police bureau, officers and firefighters responded to a fire in a ballot drop box around 3:30 am and determined that an incendiary device had been placed inside. Read more

With election day nearing, Harris and Trump intensify push in key swing states

Kamala Harris traverses Michigan on Monday while Donald Trump ventures to Georgia, another crucial swing state in one of the tightest US elections in recent memory, following his presiding over a sombre mega-rally aimed at energising his conservative supporters.With only a week until November 5 Election Day, early voting has already witnessed more than 41 million Americans casting their ballots, including outgoing Democratic President Joe Biden, who will vote in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware on Monday. Read more

In a bittersweet moment, Biden casts early vote as he backs Harris and rising democrats

US President Joe Biden cast an early in the 2024 general election at an early voting site in Delaware. The moment was tinged with emotion for Biden, who had decided to withdraw from the presidential race in July due to health concerns and Democrats' apprehensions about his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump.Despite the long wait, Biden took the time to interact with voters and assist an elderly woman in a wheelchair. Read more

'Everything about this woman is fake': Kamala Harris under fire for her new 'pastor' accent

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday faced criticism on social media for allegedly unveiling in a "new accent" while speaking at an event in Philadelphia. The popular conservative X account "End Wokeness" shared a video of Harris at the Church of Christian Compassion, where she addressed the predominantly Black congregation.

During her speech, Harris emphasised the importance of the upcoming election, saying, "Here in Pennsylvania, right now each of us has an opportunity to make a difference. Because in this moment we do face a real question. What kind of country do we want to live in?" She highlighted the power of democracy, encouraging the audience to answer the question not only with words but also with actions. Read more

US elections 2024: Kamala Harris challenges Trump for cognitive test, calls him 'increasingly unstable and unhinged'

In response to former US President Donald Trump's remarks about her intelligence, Vice President Kamala Harris said that she would take a cognitive test and "would challenge him to take the same one." Harris, who was interviewed by CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell while campaigning in Kalamazoo, Michigan, described Trump as "increasingly unstable and unhinged," resorting to name-calling due to his lack of a plan for the American people. Read more

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Biden casts early ballot for Harris as election day nears

President Joe Biden on Monday cast his ballot in the US presidential election, voting early in his home state of Delaware for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in her race against Republican Donald Trump.

The president, who dropped his reelection bid in July, joined many Americans who can vote before next Tuesday's polling day. He cast his vote at an early voting site in New Castle, Delaware

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Biden slams 'very dangerous' deployment of N Korean troops to Russia

US President Joe Biden said Monday that North Korea sending thousands of troops to Russia was a dangerous development, amid Western fears that they will be used for Moscow's war in Ukraine.

"Very dangerous," Biden said when asked about the North Korean deployment, as he spoke to reporters after casting his early vote in the US presidential election in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Neo-Nazi or no-Nazi? MAGA and liberals duke it out over MSG rally

The rally was enormous -- and raucous. Madison Square Gardens was filled to the rafters with 20,000 people, with thousands more outside. The speeches were fierce, vitriolic, and in some instances, racially loaded. Elon Musk, the world's richest man and MAGA's social media megaphone, introduced Melania Trump, making a rare campaign rally appearance; and she in turn introduced her husband, Donald Trump. For the MAGA faithful, the rally was a celebration of unity, the energy indicative of imminent victory. Read more

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Does US need a 'militant democracy' to stop Donald Trump?

In the wake of escalating political polarization and concerns over democratic erosion, two Harvard professors are advocating for a significant shift in the US approach to safeguarding democracy. Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, authors and government scholars at Harvard University, argue that traditional American defenses against authoritarianism are failing, and that adopting a "militant democracy" framework may be necessary to prevent a potential authoritarian slide under a possible second term for former President Donald Trump. Read more

Puerto Rico-chet: Anti-Latino joke at Trump rally misfires on MAGA

It was meant to be funny. Instead, it could turn out to be a serious mistake. Throwaway lines by a comedian who labeled Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage,” at Trump rally, bookended by other speakers calling Kamala Harris a "devil" and suggesting she began her career as a prostitute, has exploded across US political spectrum with just about a week to go before Election Day on November 5. At a packed rally in Madison Square Gardens (MSG) in New York City which critics said had echoes of a Nazi rally in 1939, speaker after speaker excoriated Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party, minorities, and immigrants in disparaging and derogatory terms to an extent even moderate Republicans reeled back. Read more

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Biden calls out Musk over a published report that the Tesla CEO once worked in the US illegally

President Joe Biden slammed Elon Musk for hypocrisy on immigration after a published report that the Tesla CEO once worked illegally in the United States. The South Africa-born Musk denies the allegation.

“That wealthiest man in the world turned out to be an illegal worker here. No, I’m serious. He was supposed to be in school when he came on a student visa. He wasn’t in school. He was violating the law. And he’s talking about all these illegals coming our way?” Biden said while campaigning on Saturday in Pittsburgh at a union hall.

The Washington Post reported that Musk worked illegally in the country while on a student visa. The newspaper, citing company documents, former business associates and court documents, said Musk arrived in Palo Alto, California in 1995 for a graduate program at Stanford University "but never enrolled in courses, working instead on his startup. ”

Musk wrote on X in reply to a video post of Biden’s comments: “I was in fact allowed to work in the US." Musk added, “The Biden puppet is lying.”

US Election 2024 Live Updates: US policy toward Cuba hangs in balance as presidential election looms

Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican contender Donald Trump have said little about the Caribbean island nation, a longtime US foe just 90 miles (145 km) from its border.

But this election, Cubans and on-island analysts told Reuters, could be decisive as its communist-run government struggles to beat an economic crisis that has increasingly made life unbearable for many of its residents.

For decades, the United States has enforced a trade embargo against the island that complicates Cuba's global financial transactions. Trump's designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism and reinstatement of other restrictions during his 2017-2021 presidency snuffed out an historic rapprochement under former President Barack Obama, under whom President Joe Biden served as vice president.

Both candidates said in brief statements they would continue to draw a hard line on Cuba.

"Cuba is not prepared, nor will it be prepared to resist any more pressure (from the United States)," said Carlos Alzugaray, a former Cuban diplomat who is now an independent political analyst.

(Reuters)

US Election 2024 Live Updates: In uncertain US election, two prestige US papers refuse to pick sides

Days ahead of a close presidential election, two of the most prestigious liberal American newspapers have declined to give their usual endorsements to the Democratic Party candidate, sparking furious reactions.

The Los Angeles Times and Washington Post announced they had ended their decades-long practice of officially backing a presidential contender.

That drew a pointed retort from the Post's former top editor Marty Baron, who suggested his old newspaper was giving in to intimidation from Republican Donald Trump.

"This is cowardice," Baron said on X, "with democracy as its casualty."

The generally left-leaning newspaper -- owned by the billionaire Jeff Bezos, the founder and owner of Amazon -- was about to back Kamala Harris but said Friday that it would no longer endorse presidential candidates in any future election.

That decision, following a similar move by the Los Angeles Times, sent shock waves through politics and journalism.

The Post, in seeking to justify its choice, said: "Our job as the newspaper of the capital city of the most important country in the world is to be independent. And that is what we are and will be."

But the newspaper's guild, representing its journalists, said it was "deeply concerned," adding that "an endorsement for Kamala Harris was already drafted, and the decision to not publish was made by The Post's owner, Jeff Bezos."

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Global economy chiefs fret over a Trump return as US election draws closer

Low growth, high debt and escalating wars topped the official agenda at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings, but finance leaders spent much of their energy worrying about the potential impacts of a return of Donald Trump to power in November's US presidential election.

Republican candidate Trump's gains in recent polls to erase much of the early advantage of his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, was part of nearly every conversation among finance officials, central bankers and civil society groups attending the meetings in Washington this past week.

Among concerns were Trump's potential to upend the global finance system with massive tariff increases, trillions of dollars more in debt issuance and a reversal of work to fight climate change in favor of more fossil fuel energy production.

"Everyone seemed to worry about the high uncertainty on who would become the next president, and what policies would be taken under the new president," Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said.

Another central banker, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the concerns more bluntly: "It's starting to feel like Trump is going to win."

Trump has vowed to impose a 10% tariff on imports from all countries, and 60% duties on imports from China. These would hit supply chains throughout the world, likely triggering retaliation and raising costs.

Republican presidential nominee and former US President Trump brought his campaign to New York City on Sunday, holding a rally at Madison Square Garden where he took repeated jabs at Kamala Harris.The former president opened the speech by asking if Americans were better off than four years ago, emphasising his intent to restore what he claimed Harris had broken. As part of his closing argument just 9 days before Election Day, Trump told the crowd, "On issue after issue, Kamala broke it, but I’ll fix it," with supporters waving signs that read, “Trump Will Fix It.”

At Republican nominee Donald Trump’s closing rally at Madison Square Garden, comedian Tony Hinchliffe, known by his stage name “Kill Tony,” sparked controversy with jokes targeting Latinos and Puerto Ricans. Hinchliffe referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating garbage island,” pausing before delivering, “I think it’s called Puerto Rico,” which drew a mix of laughs and groans from the audience.

Hinchliffe, whose YouTube show “Kill Tony” has a large following but has faced criticism for racist and sexist humor, also made comments about Latinos, gesturing as if to welcome migrants before motioning them away. He joked about Latino families having “too many babies,” prompting a varied response from the crowd. The performance underscored Trump’s rally style, resonating with supporters while sparking backlash.

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Trump declares Republican Party is now the 'party of inclusion'

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Trump criticized Kamala Harris' radical agenda at NYC

At a rally in New York City, President Trump highlighted what he described as Kamala Harris's radical record, asserting that she was an original creator of the Defund-the-Police movement, vowed to abolish ICE, called for free sex changes for illegal immigrants, and lied about her work experience at McDonald's.

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Trump claims that their fight is against 'Radical Left machine, not just Kamala'

Speaking at a New York City rally, former President Trump said, "We are not just running against Kamala -- She means nothing. She is purely a vessel -- We are running against something far bigger than Joe or Kamala and more powerful than them, which is a massive, vicious, crooked, radical left machine that runs today’s Democrat Party."

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Trump claims Kamala Harris' presidency could risk 'World War III'

Speaking at a rally in New York City, former President Donald Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her a “trainwreck” and cautioning that her leadership could endanger “millions of people.” Trump further warned that a Harris presidency could potentially lead the country into a global conflict, describing it as a “gamble” with grave consequences, including the risk of World War III.

US Election 2024 Live Updates: Trump calls for death penalty for migrants who kill Americans

Trump's Madison Square Garden rally

"I am announcing a new policy today that I will support a tax credit for family caregivers who take care of a parent or a loved one. It's about time that they were recognized," said Trump.

'I will stop the invasions of criminals into our country': Donald Trump

"I'm here today with a message of hope for all Americans: With your vote in this election, I will end inflation, I will stop the invasions of criminals into our country, and I will bring back the American Dream -- Our country will be bigger, better, bolder, richer, safer and stronger than ever before," said Trump at Madison Square Garden rally

Trump's Madison Square Garden rally

"This town has produced America's most fearless leaders whose mark changed the course of the world. New York City and America needs their magic back," said Melania Trump at Madison Square Garden.

'We are leading in every swing state': Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden rally

Trump's Madison Square Garden event begins with crude jokes and denunciations of critics

Donald Trump is finally getting his Madison Square Garden moment.

With just over a week to go before Election Day, the former president will take the stage Sunday at one of the country's most well-known venues, hosting a hometown rally to deliver his campaign's closing message against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.

The opening of the rally was a hodgepodge of Trumpism, with an extended clip played from the 1970 film “Patton,” a painting of the American flag with Trump in front of it as “God Bless America” blared from the speakers, and a stand-up routine from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe that was full of lewd jokes, often invoking racist stereotypes of Latinos, Jews and Black people.

“I don’t know if you guys know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico," said Hinchcliffe, whose joke was immediately flagged by Democrat Kamala Harris' campaign, which is competing with Trump to win over Puerto Rican communities in Pennsylvania and other swing states.

Several critics ripped Hillary Clinton, the Democrat defeated by Trump eight years ago, for saying Trump on Sunday would be “reenacting” a pro-Nazi event at the Garden in February 1939. One speaker, radio host Sid Rosenberg, used a profanity to denounce the former secretary of state.

Trump lawyer Alina Habba vows to 'make liberals cry'

New Jersey-born Trump attorney Alina Habba took the stage to a boisterous applause and decried the legal onslaught against the former president.

"They thought they could take the greatest president down through lawfare," she said to a roaring crowd, noting that the rally has rattled some of "my favorite swamp creatures."

"They thought they could crush the man who built this city skyline."

Republican battleground state legal blitz falters ahead of US presidential election

Donald Trump's Republican allies have suffered a string of courtroom setbacks in battleground US presidential election states as Election Day draws closer, losses that could boost voter turnout and speed certification of the eventual winner.

In the past three weeks, Trump's allies have been dealt at least 10 court losses in battleground states that could decide the outcome of the Nov. 5 contest between Republican former President Trump and his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.

On Friday, they were dealt another loss in Virginia, when a federal judge blocked the state's removal of people it said had not proved their citizenship from its voter rolls.