Trump Expresses Shock Over Kimmel’s ABC Return, Hints at Possible Action Against Network – US Politics Live

Adelita Grijalva, daughter of the late progressive congressman Raúl Grijalva, triumphed in a special election held Tuesday to fill the congressional seat her father left vacant earlier this year.

In Arizona’s predominantly Democratic 7th district, which encompasses the southern region and border areas of the state, Grijalva defeated Republican contender Daniel Butierez.

Raúl Grijalva represented this district for over 20 years until his passing at age 77 in March. With her election, Adelita Grijalva becomes the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress.

This win slightly reduces the Republican majority in the House, where legislation championed by former President Trump narrowly passed by a single vote.

Having served as a seasoned local official in southern Arizona, Adelita overcame several Democratic primary opponents in a contest that drew national focus amid ongoing discussions about the Democratic Party’s direction and the aging of its representatives. Her father was among several Democratic lawmakers who died while in office this year.

Donald Trump Expresses Frustration Over Jimmy Kimmel’s Return to ABC

Rachel Leingang

Former President Donald Trump voiced his disapproval on Tuesday regarding the reinstatement of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s show on ABC, hinting at potential legal action against the network.

Prior to Kimmel’s Tuesday broadcast, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express disbelief that ABC had restored Kimmel’s program, suggesting the network might face consequences.

“Why would they bring back someone who performs so poorly, lacks humor, and endangers the network by promoting overwhelmingly pro-Democrat content?” Trump questioned.

He further accused Kimmel of acting as an extension of the Democratic National Committee, implying this could constitute an illegal campaign contribution and stating, “We’re going to test ABC on this.”

Trump also referenced a previous defamation lawsuit settlement with ABC News, noting, “Last time I challenged them, they paid me $16 million. This time might be even more rewarding.”

In his first show since a suspension over remarks about the shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, Kimmel condemned governmental attempts to silence comedians as “anti-American.”

Kimmel clarified that he did not intend to trivialize Kirk’s death and acknowledged that his comments might have been perceived as “ill-timed or unclear.”

During the monologue, Kimmel criticized Trump, stating the former president “did his utmost to cancel me,” but ironically “ended up making millions watch the show.”

He added, “The president clearly wants me and the hundreds of staff here to lose our jobs. Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods simply because he can’t handle a joke.”

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Disbands Women’s Military Advisory Committee

Rachel Leingang

On Tuesday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the termination of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services, criticizing it for promoting a “divisive feminist agenda.”

According to Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson, “The committee’s focus on a divisive feminist agenda undermines combat readiness, whereas Secretary Hegseth prioritizes uniform, gender-neutral standards throughout the Department.”

Established in 1951, the committee historically gathered data and provided recommendations to the defense secretary concerning women’s roles in the military.

The committee’s website notes that most of its suggestions have been fully or partially adopted, playing a key role in shaping laws and policies affecting female service members.

Trump Declines Meeting with Congressional Democrats Amid Government Funding Standoff

Chris Stein

Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he would not engage in talks with leading Democratic lawmakers over their conditions to prevent a federal government shutdown, drawing criticism from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

With a looming deadline of September 30 to approve funding, failure to reach an agreement could result in the closure of numerous federal agencies and furloughs for government employees.

Republicans have proposed extending funding through November 21 to allow time for comprehensive budget legislation, while Democrats have leveraged the deadline to push for healthcare reforms.

Initially, Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that Trump had agreed to a meeting to discuss the impasse, emphasizing the urgency of addressing rising costs and avoiding a shutdown caused by Republican inaction.

However, hours later, Trump declared on Truth Social that he would not meet with Democratic leaders, dismissing their demands as “unserious and ridiculous.”

He left open the possibility of future discussions if Democrats “get serious about the future of our Nation.”

Global Health Authorities Reject Trump’s Unfounded Claims Linking Painkillers and Vaccines to Autism

Oliver Holmes

International health organizations and regulators have dismissed former President Donald Trump’s baseless assertions connecting common pain relievers and vaccines to autism.

Highlighting concerns over the impact of Trump’s statements, the UK’s health secretary urged the public to disregard his medical advice entirely.

On Monday, Trump advised pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen (known as Tylenol in the US and paracetamol globally), suggesting those unable to endure pain should limit their use.

He also controversially recommended that parents delay or skip certain vaccinations for young children, warning against “pumping your baby with the largest pile of stuff you’ve ever seen.”

The World Health Organization responded on Tuesday, emphasizing that vaccines save countless lives and that scientific evidence does not support a link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism.

WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević stated, “Vaccines do not cause autism. This is a scientifically proven fact and should not be questioned.”

Trump Affirms Strong Support for Ukraine’s Territorial Recovery

Patrick Wintour

In one of his most robust endorsements of Kyiv, Donald Trump expressed confidence that Ukraine can reclaim all territories lost since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the United Nations in New York, Trump posted on Truth Social that, with European Union support, Ukraine is positioned to “fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.”

He elaborated, “With patience, time, and financial backing from Europe and NATO, restoring the original borders where this conflict began is a very real possibility.”

Trump also criticized Russia’s prolonged military engagement, stating, “Russia has been fighting aimlessly for over three years in a war that a true military power should have resolved in less than a week.”

Late-Night Hosts Praise Public Boycott for Jimmy Kimmel’s Return to Airwaves

Rachel Leingang

Following Disney’s decision to reinstate Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show after an indefinite suspension amid pressure from the Trump administration, fellow late-night personalities credited public backlash and boycotts for the reversal.

Stephen Colbert humorously remarked on Monday night, “Our long national late-night nightmare is finally over.” He quipped about being the sole late-night martyr, referencing CBS’s cancellation of his own show earlier this year.

Public protests and subscription cancellations to Disney services surged as concerns over free speech intensified. High-profile figures joined calls to boycott, including Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who reversed his decision to hold a town hall on a local ABC channel after Kimmel’s return.

Republican senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul also criticized the Federal Communications Commission chair for pressuring Disney.

Colbert noted, “Google searches for ‘cancel Disney+’ and ‘cancel Hulu’ skyrocketed, alongside ‘how to entertain my child without Bluey.’ Disney reinstated Kimmel because the American people made their voices heard.”

Comedian Jon Stewart humorously acknowledged the boycott, saying viewers pretended to cancel Hulu while binge-watching shows like Only Murders in the Building.

Welcome to our latest briefing on US political affairs, highlighting significant events and statements shaping the current landscape.

• Trump expresses optimism about Ukraine’s ability to reclaim lost territories. After meeting President Zelenskyy, Trump stated that with EU support, Ukraine can restore its original borders.
• In a fiery UN speech, Trump criticized the United Nations as ineffective and corrupt. He urged nations to close borders, expel foreigners, and accused the UN of promoting a “globalist migration agenda.”
• UK officials rebuff Trump’s claims about London’s governance. After Trump alleged the city aims to adopt sharia law and criticized Mayor Sadiq Khan, British ministers dismissed these assertions as misinformed.
• The Secret Service dismantled a sophisticated network in New York capable of disrupting cellular communications. The operation involved over 100,000 SIM cards and 300 servers.
• A Florida jury found Ryan Routh guilty of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump. The attack occurred at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course prior to the 2024 election; Routh faces life imprisonment.
• Trump rescinded plans to meet with top Democratic leaders over government funding negotiations. The talks aimed to prevent a shutdown before the September 30 deadline.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth closed the advisory committee focused on women in the military. The Pentagon cited concerns that the committee’s agenda was divisive and detrimental to combat readiness.