标签： North America

Ghazala Hashmi, an India-born Democratic State Senator, is making waves in Virginia’s political landscape as she campaigns for the position of lieutenant governor. If successful, Hashmi would become the first Asian-American and Muslim to hold a statewide office in Virginia. Running alongside Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger and attorney general candidate Jay Jones, Hashmi’s candidacy represents a significant milestone in the state’s diverse political history.

An undisclosed donor has contributed $130 million to the Pentagon to assist in paying U.S. troops during the ongoing government shutdown, sparking ethical debates. President Donald Trump confirmed the donation, emphasizing that it would help cover the salaries of the nation’s 1.32 million service members, but he declined to reveal the donor’s identity. Trump described the benefactor as a ‘great gentleman,’ ‘patriot,’ and ‘big supporter,’ who prefers anonymity. The government shutdown, now in its 25th day, is on track to become one of the longest in U.S. history. Last week, the Trump administration managed to pay troops by reallocating $8 billion from military research, but the funding for the next payday on October 31 remains uncertain. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the donation was made with the condition that it be used exclusively for service members’ salaries and benefits, and it was accepted under the department’s ‘general gift acceptance authority.’ Critics, including Delaware Senator Chris Coons, have raised concerns about the potential risks of accepting anonymous funds, questioning whether foreign powers could influence the military. Defense department rules require donations over $10,000 to undergo ethical review, with additional scrutiny for non-U.S. citizens. While the Pentagon occasionally accepts donations for specific projects like schools or hospitals, this large, anonymous contribution has drawn significant attention and skepticism.

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has hinted at a potential return to the political arena, suggesting she may run for the presidency in 2028. In her first UK interview with the BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, Harris expressed confidence in her political future, stating, ‘I am not done. I have lived my entire career as a life of service, and it’s in my bones.’ Despite her loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 election, Harris dismissed unfavorable polls and reaffirmed her commitment to public service. She also criticized Trump, labeling him a ‘tyrant’ and asserting that her warnings about his authoritarian tendencies during the campaign had been vindicated. Harris pointed to Trump’s alleged weaponization of federal agencies, including the suspension of late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel, as evidence of his overreach. While reflecting on her 2024 campaign, Harris acknowledged the challenges of entering the race late after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal but stopped short of assigning blame. She emphasized the narrow margin in the popular vote, though she was decisively defeated in the electoral college. As the Democratic Party grapples with its future, Harris’s potential candidacy raises questions about the party’s strategy against right-wing populism. Her recent book, *107 Days*, chronicles her tumultuous campaign and offers insights into her political journey. Harris’s candid remarks signal her readiness for another presidential bid, though she remains noncommittal about her final decision.

In a surprising move, US President Donald Trump announced the suspension of trade negotiations with Canada on Thursday night, citing a controversial advertisement by the Ontario government. The ad featured archival footage of former US President Ronald Reagan’s 1987 speech criticizing tariffs, which Trump labeled as “fraudulent” and “fake.” The decision has sparked confusion and concern among analysts, given the seemingly positive progress in prior discussions. Adam Chapnick, a professor at the Canadian Forces College, described the move as “unanticipated but not entirely surprising,” noting the Trump administration’s unpredictable trade policies over the past year. Trump claimed the ad was an attempt to interfere with US judicial decisions, emphasizing that tariffs are crucial to national security and the economy. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who recently set a goal to double Canada’s non-US exports in the next decade, expressed concerns over the chilling effect of US tariffs on investment. He highlighted the vulnerability of industries like autos, steel, and lumber, which have been heavily impacted by the trade tensions. Ontario Premier Doug Ford later announced the withdrawal of the ad, stating it was a step to facilitate the resumption of trade talks. Chapnick emphasized that while the Canadian government aims to reduce reliance on the US, the private sector will ultimately determine the success of this economic shift.