In an unexpected turn of events, audio recordings of a high-profile interview featuring former President Joe Biden and then-special counsel Robert Hur have been leaked, shedding light on Biden's memory lapses during the questioning.
The audio, which Axios obtained, provides a rare glimpse into the interactions between Biden and Hur as they navigated the investigation into the former's handling of classified documents dating back to his vice presidency, as Fox News reports, and the recordings have sparked discussions about the then-president's mental faculties while in the Oval Office.
The leaked audio clips have sparked widespread public and political discourse, primarily due to Biden’s apparent struggles with recalling key personal and professional details during his interview with Hur. Noteworthy is Biden's confusion over the timeline surrounding his son Beau Biden's death, mistakenly placing it around 2017-2018, when it occurred in 2015. A lawyer had to clarify the timeline for him, providing additional context to clarify the situation.
In another instance, Biden appeared puzzled while attempting to reconcile the timeline of his departure from office, asking why he noted 2017 in his records. It was pointed out to him that 2017 marked the year he left the vice presidency. Such moments in the audio have been pivotal in shaping the public's perception of Biden's cognitive state during that period.
With his handling of sensitive documents, Biden expressed uncertainty over the retention of a classified document concerning Afghanistan. He speculatively suggested that he might have held on to it for "posterity's sake," adding another layer to the ongoing discussions regarding his cognitive functions and decision-making capabilities as vice president.
The leak has reignited interest in Biden's mental acuity, with calls for the audio's release originating from Congress over a year ago. The House Judiciary Committee had previously filed a lawsuit in July to access the recordings, arguing the necessity of understanding both verbal and nonverbal cues in the interview. This lawsuit came just before Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, following a challenging debate with Donald Trump the previous June.
Despite the findings of Hur's investigation, the special counsel refrained from recommending any legal action against Biden concerning the mismanagement of classified documents. In Hur’s report from February 2024, he characterized Biden as a "sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory," a perception that influenced his decision not to pursue charges.
The findings and Hur's decision have drawn mixed responses. Some view the depiction of Biden as lenient, considering the gravity of mishandling classified documents. Biden himself expressed dissatisfaction with how Hur portrayed him, despite the lack of charges.
In response to Hur's conclusions, Biden commented on his experience and capacity as a leader, asserting his competence and significant contributions as President by stating, "I've been president. I put this country back on its feet."
Biden's previous use of executive privilege to protect the audio recordings underscores the significance and potential impact such excerpts can have on public opinion and political standing. His frustration over the portrayal in Hur's report highlights his ongoing struggle with the public's assessment of his mental acuity.
For those examining Biden’s political journey, the leaked audio acts as a crucial narrative in understanding decisions made by the special counsel and Biden's consequent exit from the 2024 race. Critics and supporters alike are left evaluating the implications of cognitive lapses in public figures and what such revelations mean for future candidacies.
Beyond the specific incidents of memory lapses, the dialogue between Biden and Hur reflects broader themes about aging leaders in politics and the demand for transparency in monitoring leaders' cognitive health. This conversation continues to garner attention, serving as a defining discussion point for upcoming election cycles.
Ultimately, the long-term effects of this leaked audio on Biden’s legacy and public perception remain an open question, inviting further debate and analysis as the nation considers the complex intersections of health, leadership, and accountability.
President Donald Trump and Iranian leaders are at odds over whether a new nuclear agreement proposal has been made, marking a contentious turn in ongoing discussions about Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
While Trump asserted during his Mideast travels that a proposal has been sent to Iran, officials in Tehran sharply deny any such action, emphasizing a communication gap amid nuclear negotiations, as Just the News reports.
Conflicting messaging has characterized the dialogue between the U.S. and Iran as Trump and Iranian Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi offer differing accounts of the nuclear proposal.
Trump, speaking during an interview on Fox News, maintained that he has forwarded a proposal to limit Iran's nuclear activities. In contrast, Araghchi contended that Iran had not received any formal proposal, either directly or indirectly, challenging the U.S. president’s assertion.
Araghchi’s statement mirrored growing tensions as he declared, “Iran has not received any written proposal from the United States.” He further criticized the communication as “confusing and contradictory,” calling for a more straightforward approach. Despite Iran’s rapid advancement toward potentially developing nuclear weapons, no direct communication about a proposal has been reported by Iran. Meanwhile, Trump has emphasized that under his leadership, the United States will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.
Since the beginning of Trump's second term in office, four rounds of talks have taken place, predominantly in Oman. These discussions have focused extensively on the scrutiny and management of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. However, during Trump's recent diplomatic tour of the Middle East, Iran was conspicuously absent from the itinerary, leaving many speculating about the implications for future engagements.
While outlining his approach, Trump hinted at leveraging trade to sway negotiations, inviting the possibility of economic ties as a means to progress toward peace. “Iran wants to trade with us,” Trump stated, describing his plan to incorporate these strategies as a tool for enhancing diplomatic ties. He added, “I’m using trade to settle scores and to make peace.” However, he cautioned about the urgency, suggesting limited time to reach an agreement.
The discourse over nuclear policies is set against a backdrop of longstanding mistrust between the two nations, influenced by historical sanctions and geopolitical dynamics. Iran’s firm stance, as reiterated by Araghchi, insists upon the respect of their rights and the lifting of sanctions as prerequisites for cooperation. “Respect our rights and terminate your sanctions, and we have a deal,” he stated, summarizing Iran's fundamental requirements.
Negotiations have been fraught with complexity as both countries navigate these diplomatic waters. Trump's refusal to include Iran in his recent Middle East visit has been perceived by some as a symbolic move, indicating a shift in priorities or strategies.
Despite the exchange of words, concrete actions remain elusive. The U.S. president has continuously affirmed his intent to spearhead a deal, yet tangible outcomes have yet to manifest. Across multiple platforms, Trump has maintained that his administration is committed to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons in Iran. This goal remains a critical point of de-escalating tensions and ensuring stability within the region.
At the heart of these interactions lies a pivotal challenge: overcoming misinterpretations and establishing a platform for direct, honest conversation. As Araghchi suggested, the path forward hinges on clear, unequivocal communication to avoid mixed messages. Whether or not Trump’s strategies involving trade will lead to productive outcomes remains uncertain, with each side presenting firm yet distinct perspectives.
The mutual acknowledgment of these issues points to a broader need for clarity and cooperation. Though the landscape of these relations is dynamic, the necessity for diplomatic resolution is more pressing than ever.
Moving forward, both Trump and Iranian leaders face significant challenges. As new dialogues potentially unfold, observers and global stakeholders watch closely, knowing that any agreement or disagreement will have profound implications on international relations. The future of the nuclear deal remains a contentious yet crucial topic on the world stage.
The Trump family celebrates a new addition as the president's youngest daughter gives birth in Palm Beach, Florida.
According to Fox News, Tiffany Trump and her husband, Michael Boulos, welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Alexander Trump Boulos, on May 15, 2025, at 4:44 AM, marking President Donald Trump's 11th grandchild.
The 31-year-old Georgetown Law graduate announced the birth through her social media accounts on X and Instagram, expressing boundless love for their newborn son. First-time grandmother Marla Maples, Trump's second ex-wife, shared her daughter's post on Instagram, celebrating the early morning arrival of her grandson.
The new parents, who tied the knot at Mar-a-Lago in 2022, have been together since 2018. Their relationship progressed to engagement in January 2021, shortly after President Trump completed his first term. The couple, along with grandmother Marla Maples, currently reside in the Palm Beach area of Florida.
Tiffany's path to motherhood follows her successful academic achievements and career development. After completing her law degree from Georgetown in 2020, she established herself as an attorney.
As Trump's youngest daughter and only child with Marla Maples, she has maintained a relatively lower public profile compared to her siblings.
The proud mother shared the news on social media:
Welcome to the world, our sweet baby boy, Alexander Trump Boulos. We love you beyond words! Thank you for coming into our lives! 5.15.2025.
The arrival of Alexander expands the already substantial Trump family tree. As President Trump's 11th grandchild, the newborn joins a large extended family of cousins through his father's other children. This birth marks a significant milestone for both the Trump and Boulos families.
The timing of Alexander's birth coincides with various family developments and political activities. The Trump family continues to make headlines, balancing personal celebrations with public responsibilities and business ventures. Their Palm Beach residence has become a central gathering point for family events and celebrations.
President Trump's role as a grandfather continues to evolve as his family grows. The addition of Alexander represents another chapter in the family's legacy, bringing joy to both the immediate and extended family members. The birth announcement garnered significant attention from supporters and media outlets, highlighting the public's continued interest in Trump family developments.
Baby Alexander's arrival represents a significant milestone for Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos, marking their transition into parenthood. The birth occurred in Palm Beach, Florida, where the couple has established their home base near other family members. The timing of the birth, early morning on May 15, 2025, adds another memorable date to the Trump family calendar.
The announcement reflects the family's tradition of sharing personal moments with the public while maintaining certain privacy boundaries. As President Trump's youngest daughter embraces motherhood, she joins her siblings in expanding the family's next generation. The news has sparked congratulatory messages from family members, friends, and supporters across social media platforms.
The birth of Alexander Trump Boulos adds another layer to the complex and growing Trump family dynamic, marking a new chapter in their ongoing story. His arrival brings joy to his parents and extended family, including his presidential grandfather and first-time grandmother, Marla Maples, who all share in celebrating this newest addition to their family tree.
President Trump's administration implements new measures to identify and separate transgender service members from the U.S. military forces.
According to The Hill, the Defense Department has issued a directive requiring gender dysphoria screening during annual physical examinations as part of its broader initiative to remove transgender individuals from military service.
The Pentagon's acting head of personnel and readiness signed a memorandum instructing senior officials to begin identifying affected service members through the Defense Department's Periodic Health Assessment. This new screening process represents a significant shift in military health evaluation procedures, directly targeting service members who may experience gender dysphoria, a condition where individuals do not identify with their biological sex.
President Trump's January executive order declared gender dysphoria "inconsistent" with military readiness, effectively reversing a Biden-era policy that had permitted transgender individuals to serve openly. The administration has not provided specific evidence demonstrating how gender dysphoria impacts military fitness or deployment capabilities.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's initial attempts to implement the policy faced legal challenges. However, a recent Supreme Court decision has cleared the way for the administration to proceed with enforcing the transgender service ban.
The Pentagon estimates approximately 4,200 service members may be affected by this policy change, significantly higher than the 1,000 individuals who have self-identified as having gender dysphoria.
Active-duty service members diagnosed with gender dysphoria have until June 6 to voluntarily separate from the military, while reserve forces face a July 7 deadline. Those choosing voluntary separation before these dates may qualify for separation pay.
The Defense Department has established a two-tier system for separation benefits. Service members who leave voluntarily within the specified timeframe will receive more favorable separation packages compared to those who remain past the deadlines.
Unit commanders have been granted authority to identify service members showing "symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria" for medical review, adding another layer to the identification process.
The military's annual health assessment will now include specific questions designed to identify service members with gender dysphoria. This systematic screening approach represents an unprecedented step in military medical evaluations.
Military medical personnel will conduct individualized medical record reviews for service members identified through the screening process or by their commanding officers.
The Pentagon's chief spokesperson Sean Parnell has indicated that affected service members who do not voluntarily separate may face forced removal with reduced benefits.
The Defense Department's implementation of gender dysphoria screening during annual physicals marks a decisive step in President Trump's military transgender ban. This policy affects thousands of service members, with the Pentagon identifying 4,200 potentially impacted individuals. As the June and July deadlines approach, transgender service members must decide whether to separate voluntarily with full benefits or risk forced removal with reduced compensation.
President Donald Trump's popularity among millennial voters has seen a remarkable shift in recent months, marking a significant change in the demographic's political leanings.
According to the Washington Examiner, a recent YouGov/Economist survey reveals Trump's favorability among voters aged 30-44 has increased by 10 percentage points from April to May 2025, reaching 48% approval.
The surge in millennial support represents the most substantial monthly increase across all demographic groups in the poll. This dramatic shift comes at a crucial time when millennials constitute the largest voting bloc in the electorate, potentially reshaping the political landscape for future elections.
President Trump's "America First" agenda initially faced resistance from younger voters during the early months of 2025. His administration's sweeping global tariffs, controversial deportation policies, and extensive restructuring of federal agencies through the Department of Government Efficiency created significant upheaval. These bold moves initially resulted in declining approval ratings, particularly concerning immigration and economic policies.
Recent diplomatic victories have helped turn the tide in Trump's favor. Successfully negotiating new trade agreements with China and the United Kingdom has resolved long-standing tariff disputes. These achievements have contributed to the president's growing appeal among younger voters who previously expressed skepticism about his economic policies. The administration's ability to deliver tangible results has seemingly validated Trump's aggressive negotiating stance on international trade.
Recent years have witnessed a dramatic decline in millennial backing for Democratic policies and candidates. This shift represents a stark contrast to the Obama era when young voters consistently provided strong support for Democratic initiatives.
Pollster Jeremy Zogby's February surveys highlighted this significant transformation in millennial voting patterns. His research revealed that the same demographic cohort that strongly supported former President Barack Obama through two terms has now largely shifted their allegiance to Trump. The demographic's evolving priorities and values appear increasingly aligned with Trump's policy approaches.
Trump's rising popularity extends beyond just millennial voters. The 2024 election demonstrated his growing appeal among traditionally Democratic-leaning demographics, including significant gains within the Black community and working-class voters.
This broad-based support suggests Trump's message resonates across various demographic boundaries. His ability to attract voters from different backgrounds indicates a possible realignment of traditional political affiliations. The president's success in building these diverse coalitions challenges conventional political wisdom about demographic voting patterns.
The YouGov/Economist survey, conducted between Friday and Monday, gathered responses from 1,786 adults with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. These findings provide crucial insights into evolving voter preferences as the country navigates significant policy changes.
The 10-point jump in millennial approval ratings stands out as particularly significant given the traditionally left-leaning tendencies of younger voters. This dramatic shift suggests a possible long-term transformation in American political alignments. These polling results may indicate broader changes in how different age groups respond to various policy initiatives and leadership styles.
President Trump's recent surge in popularity among millennial voters represents a significant shift in American political dynamics. The 10-point increase in approval ratings among voters aged 30-44 demonstrates growing support for his policy initiatives and leadership approach.
This transformation in millennial voting patterns, combined with Trump's success in attracting support from traditionally Democratic-leaning demographics, suggests a potentially lasting change in American political alignments. The president's ability to resolve international trade disputes and implement domestic policy changes appears to resonate strongly with younger voters who previously supported Democratic candidates.
In a dramatic court appearance, Bryan Kohberger's defense team has revealed the existence of an alternate suspect in the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students, marking a significant development in the high-profile case.
According to Daily Mail, the revelation came during a hearing at Ada County courthouse, where Judge Steven Hippler is making final decisions that will shape Kohberger's upcoming capital murder trial.
The identity of this new suspect and supporting evidence remain sealed under court order, with Judge Hippler setting a May 23 deadline for Kohberger's attorneys to present concrete evidence backing their allegations. This latest development aligns with the defense team's previous strategy, suggesting Kohberger was framed and that two killers were responsible for the murders.
Kohberger's legal team must now prove the admissibility of this alternate suspect theory before the June hearing, where both sides will argue their positions. The prosecution will have until June 6 to respond to these claims, setting the stage for a crucial legal battle that could significantly impact the trial's direction.
The 30-year-old criminology PhD student faces death by firing squad if convicted of murdering Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. These four students were killed in a horrific knife attack on November 13, 2022, at their off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho.
Recent evidence has emerged showing Kohberger made three phone calls to his father, Michael, just hours after the murders. The calls, beginning at 6:17 AM, lasted up to 54 minutes each, raising new questions about the timeline of events.
Investigators have uncovered unsettling details about Kohberger's online activity, including searches related to serial killer Ted Bundy and disturbing pornographic content. His digital footprint revealed multiple viewings of shows about Bundy, particularly in the days following the murders.
Judge Hippler addressed the court regarding these findings, saying, "I am not a fan of surprises, as you may have figured out by now."
The investigation also revealed that Kohberger possessed images of female students from Washington State University and the University of Idaho, many appearing to be connected to the victims through social media.
The upcoming trial, scheduled to begin with jury selection on July 30, will implement extensive security measures and specific protocols for witness protection. Judge Hippler has ordered special considerations for surviving roommates Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortensen, allowing them to shield their faces during testimony.
The trial is expected to last approximately three months, with jury selection incorporating detailed questionnaires about potential jurors' knowledge of the case and views on capital punishment. The judge plans to have eight alternates, bringing the total jury panel to 20 members.
Sources close to the investigation suggest that Madison Mogen may have been the primary target, based on the killer's movement pattern through the house. This theory adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate case.
Bryan Kohberger's fate hangs in the balance as his defense team presents their alternate suspect theory in the murders of four University of Idaho students. The revelation came during a crucial pre-trial hearing where Judge Hippler established strict deadlines for evidence submission and legal arguments. The case will proceed to trial on August 11, following jury selection, where prosecutors will seek the death penalty for the brutal murders that shocked the college town of Moscow, Idaho.
A cryptic Instagram post featuring seashells arranged in numbers has ignited a fierce controversy between two prominent political figures, drawing attention from the White House and the Secret Service.
According to Fox News, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called for ex-FBI Director James Comey's imprisonment after he posted a photo showing seashells arranged to display "86 47" on Instagram, which some interpret as a potential threat against President Trump.
The now-deleted post, which Comey captioned "Cool shell formation on my beach walk...," has sparked intense scrutiny due to the numbers' possible coded meaning. In certain contexts, "86" is understood as slang for eliminating someone or something, while "47" appears to reference Trump's position as the 47th president of the United States.
The White House has taken a strong stance against Comey's social media activity. White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Cabinet Secretary Taylor Budowich expressed serious concerns about the timing and nature of the post, particularly noting that it occurred while President Trump was conducting diplomatic business in the Middle East.
Secret Service agents have launched an investigation into the incident, with plans to interview Comey about the intent behind his post. The agency's swift response underscores the seriousness with which threats against the president are treated, regardless of their form or origin.
Following widespread backlash, Comey removed the post and attempted to explain his actions. He claimed ignorance of the numbers' violent connotations, stating he had simply assumed they carried political significance.
Speaking on "Jesse Watters Primetime," Gabbard delivered a forceful rebuke of Comey's actions. The national intelligence director expressed grave concerns about the president's safety, citing previous assassination attempts.
Gabbard emphasized Comey's influential position as former FBI director, suggesting his actions carry particular weight given his background and connections. She stressed that his explanation of ignorance does not excuse what she views as a serious threat.
Director Gabbard stated:
The rule of law says people like him who issue direct threats against the POTUS, essentially issuing a call to assassinate him, must be held accountable under the law. I'm very concerned for the president's life; we've already seen assassination attempts. I'm very concerned for his life and James Comey, in my view, should be held accountable and put behind bars for this.
The Secret Service's involvement marks a significant escalation in what began as a social media controversy. Their decision to investigate and interview Comey demonstrates the serious nature of potential threats against the president, even when conveyed through seemingly innocent imagery.
Comey's history with Trump adds another layer of complexity to the situation. As FBI director during Trump's first term before being dismissed, their relationship has been marked by public tensions and mutual criticism.
The controversial Instagram post by former FBI Director James Comey featuring seashells arranged as "86 47" has triggered serious security concerns and drawn condemnation from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and White House officials.
Secret Service agents are actively investigating the incident while Gabbard calls for Comey's arrest, viewing the post as a potential threat to President Trump's life. The situation remains under scrutiny as authorities work to determine the true intent behind the cryptic beach photograph and its possible implications for presidential security.