US Democrats reject Trump's election claims

IANS | July 17, 2026 8:30 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) Senior Democrats swiftly rejected President Donald Trump's claims of widespread foreign interference and election vulnerabilities after his prime-time address to the nation, accusing him of reviving false narratives about the 2020 election and laying the groundwork to influence next year's midterm elections.

US spy agencies split over China election intel

IANS | July 17, 2026 8:22 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) Newly declassified US government records released by President Donald Trump's administration show sharp internal disagreements within the American intelligence community over how to assess and report alleged Chinese efforts to influence the 2020 US presidential election.

Trump accuses China of targeting US elections

IANS | July 17, 2026 8:21 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) President Donald Trump accused China of orchestrating a wide-ranging campaign to interfere in US elections, alleging that Beijing sought to undermine his presidency, acquire millions of American voter records and conceal its activities through what he described as a cover-up inside the US intelligence community.

US envoy vows Cambodia scam crackdown

IANS | July 17, 2026 8:02 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) President Donald Trump's nominee to serve as the next US ambassador to Cambodia told lawmakers on Thursday (local time) that dismantling cyber scam centres operating in the Southeast Asian nation would be his top priority, while also pledging to deepen bilateral ties and counter China's growing influence in the region.

IAF Rafales arrive in Australia for Pitch Black 2026 air combat exercise

IANS | July 17, 2026 7:57 AM

Canberra, July 17 (IANS) India’s Rafale fighter jets and C-17 transport aircraft have arrived in Australia to participate in the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) premier multinational air combat exercise, Pitch Black 2026, marking another step in expanding defence cooperation between the two countries.

China sought Trump's defeat, CIA files allege

IANS | July 17, 2026 7:44 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Thursday released newly declassified intelligence records that he said show China sought to undermine his presidency and influence the outcome of the 2018 midterm and 2020 presidential elections through a broad political and information campaign.

Trump Admin defends lighter US bank regulation

IANS | July 17, 2026 7:38 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) The Trump administration defended its drive to scale back federal oversight of the US financial sector on Thursday, arguing that lighter regulation would expand access to credit and lower costs for consumers, while Democrats accused the White House of weakening protections against financial misconduct during a combative Senate hearing.

Trump releases declassified files alleging Chinese election interference

IANS | July 17, 2026 7:34 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) President Donald Trump has ordered the release of a sweeping collection of intelligence and law-enforcement records that he said expose Chinese acquisition of American voter data, foreign interference risks and serious weaknesses in the United States election system.

Trump's Space Force nominee warns China advancing space warfare at 'breathtaking' pace

IANS | July 17, 2026 7:16 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the US Space Force warned lawmakers that China is developing space warfare capabilities at a "breathtakingly fast" pace, arguing that the United States must move quickly to strengthen its military advantage in orbit as Beijing builds systems capable of threatening American satellites and forces.

Trump's pick for Brazil ambassador prioritises trade, critical minerals

IANS | July 17, 2026 6:55 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) US President Donald Trump's nominee to serve as the next US ambassador to Brazil told lawmakers on Thursday (local time) that expanding trade, securing access to critical minerals and strengthening cooperation against transnational crime would be among his top priorities if confirmed, while pledging to support Brazil's democratic institutions and freedom of expression.