White House fires USAid inspector general who issued damning report on Trump’s funding freeze – as it happened

12/02/2025 02:49 The Guardian

This live coverage has ended. You can find all of our live US politics coverage hereDonald Trump announced he is dispatching Treasury secretary Scott Bessent to Ukraine to meet with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while also predicting the war in the country would end “soon”.The US president made the news on Truth Social:I am sending Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent to Ukraine to meet President Zelensky. This War MUST and WILL END SOON — Too much Death and Destruction. The U.S. has spent BILLIONS of Dollars Globally, with little to show. WHEN AMERICA IS STRONG, THE WORLD IS AT PEACE.“As you know we have been ordered to cease all work. I don’t believe in these conditions I can effectively serve in my role, which is protecting American consumers,” said Halperin wrote. “Today I made the difficult decision to resign effective today.”Salas said she believed the decision by Vought to halt all supervisory work was illegal. Continue reading...

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Trump China visit live: Xi Jinping warns US and China could ‘come into conflict’ if Taiwan issue mishandled, state media reports

Security was heightened in Beijing ahead of the two leaders’ crucial talks, which were set to be dominated by trade, AI and the war in IranTrump lands in China for high-stakes summit with Xi Jinping as Iran war looms over talksExplainer: five key issues on the table at summitDonald Trump will driv...

14/05/2026 08:40 The Guardian

One dead and 40 injured as intense Russian strikes on Ukraine continue – Europe live

Russia has deployed more than 1,500 drones in the last two days, according to Ukraine’s president Volodymyr ZelenskyyLatvian prime minister Evika Siliņa has announced her intention to resign from the post after her coalition partners, the Progressives, refused to support her dismissal of the coun...

14/05/2026 08:36 The Guardian

‘Inevitable’ jet fuel shortages will drive up air fares this summer, says Willie Walsh

Impact of disruption caused by US-Israeli war on Iran may be felt into 2027 even if strait of Hormuz reopens, says aviation body headIncreases in air fares for travellers in Europe are “inevitable” over the peak summer period because of the high cost of jet fuel, according to the head of the int...

14/05/2026 08:35 The Guardian

UK economy records surprise 0.3% growth in first month of the Iran war

GDP reading ties in with some surveys suggesting UK plc has kept up momentum despite rising fuel costsThe UK economy unexpectedly grew during the first full month of the Iran war, according to official figures, suggesting the Middle East conflict has not yet affected growth as much as feared.Figures...

14/05/2026 08:18 The Guardian

‘There’s a risk of another Liz Truss moment’: City raises spectre of bond market meltdown again

As Keir Starmer’s leadership totters, investors warn a Labour leadership contest ignoring public finances and market realpolitik could be disastrousA rise in borrowing costs and warnings to avoid a “Liz Truss moment”. As Keir Starmer faces a potential leadership challenge, the spectre of the b...

14/05/2026 06:00 The Guardian

Housing market in England and Wales weakening due to Iran war, say estate agents

Homebuyers more cautious due to possible mortgage rate rises and higher inflation as sellers sit on propertiesFears of higher mortgage rates and rising inflation as a result of the Middle East conflict are leading to a subdued and downbeat housing market, according to estate agents.Demand from poten...

13/05/2026 23:01 The Guardian

Senate fails to curb Trump’s war on Iran even as Republican opposition grows

Resolution fails by 49-50, with Lisa Murkowski and fellow GOP members Rand Paul and Susan Collins voting in favorThe Senate on Wednesday rejected the seventh attempt by Democrats to force an end to American involvement in the war on Iran, even as the ranks of Republicans opposed to Donald Trump’s...

13/05/2026 20:46 The Guardian

US Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair, replacing Jerome Powell

Warsh will serve four-year term as chair, taking over amid rising inflation and pressure from Trump to lower ratesThe US Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as chair of the Federal Reserve, one of the most powerful roles in the federal government that holds enormous sway over the economy.The 54-45 Senate v...

13/05/2026 20:10 The Guardian

Benjamin Netanyahu says he made secret trip to UAE at height of Iran war

Emirates’ foreign ministry rejects claims that Netanyahu visited the country describing them as ‘baseless’Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed he made a secret trip to the United Arab Emirates at the height of the Iran war to meet the president, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.“This visit has l...

13/05/2026 18:54 The Guardian

Met warns about hate speech at Unite the Kingdom and Palestine marches

Organisers as well as speakers will be held responsible for unlawful speech as police face exceptionally busy weekendThe Metropolitan police have said organisers of this weekend’s Unite the Kingdom and March for Palestine demonstrations will be held responsible for any hate speech connected with t...

13/05/2026 17:27 The Guardian

At 10.15pm, do you know where Donald Trump is?

The US president’s late-night Truth Social vitriol riddled with erratic capitalization and spelling? That’s leadershipThis was originally published in This Week in Trumpland. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every WednesdayGas prices are soaring because of blockages in the strait of Hormuz as...

13/05/2026 17:00 The Guardian

Slovakia closes border crossing with Ukraine amid warnings of further Russian strikes – as it happened

This blog is now closed, you can read more of our Ukraine war coverage hereResponding to the Guardian’s questions, the operator also confirmed that the vast majority of the 1,187 guests on board are British. There are also 514 crew members.Ambassador Cruise Line also confirmed that a 92-year-old m...

13/05/2026 15:48 The Guardian

Russia targets Ukraine with more than 800 drones in deadly daytime assault

Strikes killed at least six people as Moscow and Kyiv trade long-range attacks after brief ceasefireEurope live – latest updatesRussia targeted Ukraine with more than 800 drones in a large-scale daytime assault that killed at least six people on Wednesday, hours after a previous deadly barrage.The...

13/05/2026 15:23 The Guardian

Marine Le Pen’s party hits back at Kylian Mbappé criticism

French football captain warned against prospect of far-right National Rally party gaining powerThe French football captain, Kylian Mbappé, has angered Marine Le Pen’s far-right party after expressing concerns about it winning next year’s presidential election.Mbappé, 27, who grew up in Paris...

13/05/2026 15:08 The Guardian

Has Labor’s tax reform killed ‘rent-vesting’ for young Australians seeking a foothold in the housing market?

Changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing will make the strategy of renting in a preferred area while buying a cheaper property elsewhere less attractive, experts sayExplore all of our 2026 Australia federal budget coverageFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breakin...

13/05/2026 15:00 The Guardian

Man dies in Sydney prison unit that watchdog wanted shut down because it ‘cannot provide a safe environment’

Exclusive: Young inmate took own life in Long Bay prison five months after independent inspector warned of ‘ligature points in cells across all areas’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA 19-year-old man has died in a S...

13/05/2026 15:00 The Guardian

Trump urged to rule out ‘unlawful’ Cuba takeover and stop using Guantánamo Bay for migrant detention

Exclusive: In letter seen by the Guardian, 30 members of Congress warn US president’s Cuba military operation would worsen ‘mass suffering’US politics live – latest updatesMore than 30 members of Congress have urged Donald Trump’s top officials to end the use of the Guantánamo Bay naval b...

13/05/2026 14:47 The Guardian

‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation,’ says Trump amid Iran talks

With US inflation at a three-year high, US president insisted he’s not focused on economic hardship sparked by the conflictSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailDonald Trump has said the growing financial pressure inflicted on Americans by the war on Iran is “not even a little bit”...

13/05/2026 14:03 The Guardian

Gunshots in Philippines senate where senator is holed up to evade arrest

Ronald dela Rosa, accused of crimes against humanity by international criminal court, still in standoff with authoritiesGunshots have been fired in the Philippine senate, as a senator who is wanted by the international criminal court (ICC) remained holed up in the building to evade arrest.The Philip...

13/05/2026 12:23 The Guardian

US-based internet suicide forum implicated in 160 UK deaths fined £950,000

Ofcom attempts to block UK access to site cited in multiple coroners’ reports as it levies fine under Online Safety ActA nihilistic internet suicide forum implicated in over 160 UK deaths has been fined £950,000 by the online regulator in its latest attempt to shut it down.Ofcom said the US-based...

13/05/2026 12:09 The Guardian

Trump due in China for high-stakes summit with Xi Jinping | First Thing

The Iran war will cast a long shadow over the talks. Plus, the 100 best novels of all timeDon’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up hereGood morning.Donald Trump is due to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday evening, the first visit to China by a US president since he was last there nearly a...

13/05/2026 11:10 The Guardian

Datacentres using 6% of electricity supply in UK and US, research says

Industry body says energy consumption driven by AI up 15% globally in two years as it warns of societal backlashDatacentres are consuming 6% of electricity in the UK and US, with the growing strain of AI on energy supplies prompting community resistance, according to research.The proportion of elect...

13/05/2026 10:48 The Guardian

UK housebuilder Vistry warns of ‘significantly’ lower profits amid Iran war uncertainty

Bovis Homes owner’s shares plunge 10.5% after being forced to cut prices as buyers become cautiousOne of the UK’s biggest housebuilders has said its profits will be “significantly” lower, as it was forced to cut prices after heightened uncertainty caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran.Vistry...

13/05/2026 09:46 The Guardian

Easy as ABC: voters in England tend to pick names nearer top of ballot, data suggests

Exclusive: Where parties fielded multiple candidates in last week’s vote, those at top of list were more likely to be pickedFancy your chances in politics? Then perhaps you should change your name to Aaron Aaronson or Aaliyah Aardvark, figures from last week’s local elections in England suggest....

13/05/2026 08:00 The Guardian

Experts believe breakthrough in US fentanyl crisis may have started in China

US overdose deaths have plunged, but experts warn the ‘supply shock’ from Chinese precursors may only be a temporary fixAs Donald Trump travels to Beijing this week, fentanyl – and China’s role in its supply chain – remains an enduring point of acrimony in bilateral relations.At a UN meeti...

13/05/2026 06:00 The Guardian

Wednesday briefing: How much longer can Keir Starmer cling to power?

In today’s newsletter: A leadership crisis once again grips Westminster, with the Labour party currently split, the prime minister may not last the weekGood morning. First as tragedy, then as farce. Once again, the UK is shrouded in political uncertainty as a deeply unpopular prime minister clings...

13/05/2026 05:43 The Guardian

Budget 2026 live updates: Chalmers says Labor ‘the last ones standing in the sensible centre’ as Pauline Hanson warns of ‘communism taking over’

Anthony Albanese defends changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, which Bill Shorten says will give young people a ‘fighting chance’. Follow today’s news liveSee all our Australia budget 2026 coverageGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia to send militar...

13/05/2026 04:08 The Guardian

‘Blatant disregard for rights’: concern grows over Gabon’s social media clampdown

Activists claim use of laws to curtail internet freedoms part of well-documented history of cracking down on dissentWhen Gabon’s media regulator indefinitely suspended major social media platforms in February, citing security concerns during anti-government protests, it became the talk of town –...

13/05/2026 04:00 The Guardian

Crisis of First Nations children in care will worsen under NT child protection reforms, advocates warn

Legal and child advocates have criticised the changes, which include eroding the Aboriginal child placement principle, as ‘dangerous, ignorant and wrong’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Northern Territory governm...

13/05/2026 02:53 The Guardian

Kash Patel lobs false claims about top Democrat as they spar over allegations of FBI chief’s excessive drinking on the job – as it happened

This live blog is now closed.Kash Patel denies excessive drinking allegations as ‘total farce’ in Senate hearingSign up for the Breaking News US emailThe Pentagon revealed on 29 April that the US war on Iran had cost about $25bn for roughly two months of spending. Today, when asked if there are...

13/05/2026 02:00 The Guardian

BREAKING NEWS

14/05 08:49 - Japanese snacks go black-and-white: Why Iran war is driving up ink prices 14/05 08:49 - Japanese snacks go black-and-white: Why Iran war is driving up ink prices 14/05 08:46 - Rescuers search rubble of Kyiv flats after massive Russian strikes kill two 14/05 08:43 - UK economy sees surprise growth in March despite Iran war 14/05 08:41 - A massive overnight barrage on Kyiv splits a residential building in two 14/05 08:40 - Trump China visit live: Xi Jinping warns US and China could ‘come into conflict’ if Taiwan issue mishandled, state media reports 14/05 08:36 - One dead and 40 injured as intense Russian strikes on Ukraine continue – Europe live 14/05 08:35 - ‘Inevitable’ jet fuel shortages will drive up air fares this summer, says Willie Walsh 14/05 08:23 - Nepal in a bind as US-China drone war reaches Everest 14/05 08:23 - Nepal in a bind as US-China drone war reaches Everest 14/05 08:23 - Xi warns Trump that mishandling Taiwan could spark ‘conflicts’ 14/05 08:18 - UK economy records surprise 0.3% growth in first month of the Iran war 14/05 07:37 - Potential leadership challengers jostle for positions as PM's allies warn of 'chaos' 14/05 07:36 - Xi warns Trump over Taiwan 14/05 07:00 - Iran war day 76: Vance says progress made in talks; Israel pounds Lebanon 14/05 07:00 - Iran war day 76: Vance says progress made in talks; Israel pounds Lebanon 14/05 06:01 - Russia pounds Kyiv and cities across Ukraine in massive air attack 14/05 06:00 - ‘There’s a risk of another Liz Truss moment’: City raises spectre of bond market meltdown again 14/05 05:18 - I nearly died after buying skinny jab from friend of friend 14/05 05:07 - Fifa risking player safety over heat at World Cup - scientists 14/05 04:52 - Kyiv building collapses after Russian strike, reportedly trapping residents 14/05 04:52 - Kyiv building collapses after Russian strike, reportedly trapping residents 14/05 04:25 - Why Xi Doesn’t Need a Deal With Trump 14/05 04:10 - China gains major edge on U.S. amid Iran war, intelligence report finds 14/05 03:50 - News24 | Shots fired at Philippine Senate as police move to arrest ICC-wanted drug war senator 14/05 03:30 - South Carolina Governor Plans Special Session to Redraw House Maps 14/05 03:00 - Iran war: Why the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in India matters 14/05 03:00 - Iran war: Why the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in India matters 14/05 02:21 - China's Xi promises more trade but warns Trump over Taiwan as summit kicks off in Beijing 14/05 02:20 - NATO chief wants to triple money flows to corruption-plagued Ukraine – Politico 14/05 00:56 - Harry warns of 'deeply troubling' rise in antisemitism in UK 14/05 00:42 - Trump’s Remark on Americans’ Finances and Iran War Points to GOP Midterm Challenges 14/05 00:00 - Trump-Xi summit live: US, China leaders holding talks on trade, tech, Iran 14/05 00:00 - Iran war live: Tehran slams ‘collusion’ as Netanyahu ‘secretly’ visits UAE 14/05 00:00 - Iran war live: Tehran slams ‘collusion’ as Netanyahu ‘secretly’ visits UAE 14/05 00:00 - Trump-Xi summit live: US, China leaders holding talks on trade, tech, Iran 13/05 23:22 - Hezbollah support endures in south Lebanon as ceasefire fails to stop war with Israel 13/05 23:03 - Higher Europe air fares inevitable due to Iran war, says industry lead 13/05 23:01 - Housing market in England and Wales weakening due to Iran war, say estate agents 13/05 22:53 - Netanyahu's office says he had secret meeting with UAE president - but Emirates deny claim 13/05 22:30 - Netanyahu says he 'secretly visited' UAE during war with Iran 13/05 22:26 - Trump’s China strategy is closer to Kissinger than Biden 13/05 22:00 - Two of the World’s Most Powerful Men Are About to Meet 13/05 21:45 - Price shocks from the Iran war power solar sales in energy-hungry Asia 13/05 21:39 - Starmer warns of 'chaos' amid speculation about challenge 13/05 21:23 - Trade, tech and rare earths to dominate Trump's China trip 13/05 21:01 - Senate confirms Trump pick Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair 13/05 21:00 - Pentagon hikes estimate of Iran war cost 13/05 20:46 - Senate fails to curb Trump’s war on Iran even as Republican opposition grows 13/05 20:35 - Iran War Powers Vote Fails Again in Senate, but GOP Opposition Grows 13/05 20:10 - US Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair, replacing Jerome Powell 13/05 20:05 - Netanyahu Made a ‘Secret Visit’ to U.A.E. During Iran War 13/05 19:58 - Senate Confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair 13/05 19:53 - Republicans break ranks, but Senate fails to curb Trump’s Iran war powers 13/05 19:53 - Republicans break ranks, but Senate fails to curb Trump’s Iran war powers 13/05 19:51 - Gen. Caine’s Silence on Iran War Leaves Questions About Military Strategy 13/05 19:41 - Russia unleashes massive drone barrage on Ukraine killing six 13/05 19:41 - Russia unleashes massive drone barrage on Ukraine killing six 13/05 19:06 - UAE denies Netanyahu visited in ‘secret’ during US-Israel war on Iran 13/05 19:06 - UAE denies Netanyahu visited in ‘secret’ during US-Israel war on Iran 13/05 19:06 - There’s an app for that: Gaza’s developers use tech to solve war problems 13/05 19:06 - There’s an app for that: Gaza’s developers use tech to solve war problems 13/05 18:55 - Netanyahu reveals secret UAE visit 13/05 18:55 - Kevin Warsh confirmed as new US Federal Reserve chair amid controversy 13/05 18:55 - Kevin Warsh confirmed as new US Federal Reserve chair amid controversy 13/05 18:55 - Beware of Drunk Deer, French Police Say, Announcing Season of Inebriation 13/05 18:54 - Benjamin Netanyahu says he made secret trip to UAE at height of Iran war 13/05 18:48 - Dozens of Polymarket Bets Show Signs of Insider Trading, The Times Finds 13/05 18:29 - Wholesale Prices Jumped in April, in Latest Sign of War’s Economic Ripples 13/05 18:29 - Taiwan vs China: Is conflict inevitable? 13/05 18:18 - Chris Mason: Starmer hopes to save his job with promise of change - and warnings of chaos 13/05 17:27 - Met warns about hate speech at Unite the Kingdom and Palestine marches 13/05 17:07 - Russia unleashes deadly daylight drone blitz across Ukraine 13/05 17:06 - World Cup could see dangerous heat and humidity, experts warn 13/05 17:03 - Russia places UK ex-Defence Minister Ben Wallace on wanted list 13/05 17:03 - Russia places UK ex-Defence Minister Ben Wallace on wanted list 13/05 17:00 - At 10.15pm, do you know where Donald Trump is? 13/05 16:57 - The South Carolina Republican Who Defied Trump on Redistricting 13/05 16:53 - For Trump, the Iran War Looms Over China Summit 13/05 16:52 - ‘One of the longest’ Russian attacks kills at least six people in Ukraine 13/05 16:52 - ‘One of the longest’ Russian attacks kills at least six people in Ukraine 13/05 16:47 - No, two French soldiers have not been killed in a Russian attack in Ukraine 13/05 16:41 - Why the Bombing of Iran Tied the U.S. More Closely to China 13/05 16:20 - Trump arrives in China for high-stakes meeting with Xi Jinping 13/05 16:00 - Saudi Arabia conducted covert attacks on Iran – Reuters 13/05 15:55 - House Backers Reach Threshold to Force Vote on $1.3 Billion in Ukraine Aid 13/05 15:48 - Slovakia closes border crossing with Ukraine amid warnings of further Russian strikes – as it happened 13/05 15:43 - Israeli singer Noa speaks to FRANCE 24 as Israel's participation sparks Eurovision backlash 13/05 15:30 - Trump arrives in China for historic trip 13/05 15:23 - Russia targets Ukraine with more than 800 drones in deadly daytime assault 13/05 15:08 - Marine Le Pen’s party hits back at Kylian Mbappé criticism 13/05 15:07 - Taiwan new key player as Ukraine shifts drone supply chain away from China 13/05 15:04 - Trump Is in China as Iran War Continues With No End in Sight 13/05 15:00 - Man dies in Sydney prison unit that watchdog wanted shut down because it ‘cannot provide a safe environment’ 13/05 15:00 - Has Labor’s tax reform killed ‘rent-vesting’ for young Australians seeking a foothold in the housing market? 13/05 14:55 - What Trump and Xi want from China visit 13/05 14:55 - What Trump and Xi want from China visit 13/05 14:47 - Trump urged to rule out ‘unlawful’ Cuba takeover and stop using Guantánamo Bay for migrant detention 13/05 14:41 - Trump Said The Most Horrific Thing To A Black Female Reporter, And This Is Truly Unhinged Even For This Old Man 13/05 14:25 - ‘Most powerful’: What’s the Sarmat missile Russia has test-launched?