United News of Bangladesh

A senior Democrat on the House Oversight Committee has accused the US justice department of withholding documents linked to allegations made during federal investigations into late financier Jeffrey Epstein that reference President Donald Trump. Representative Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the committee, said he personally reviewed unredacted records that contain allegations of sexual abuse of a minor against Trump which have not been released publicly. He said the missing material relates to interviews conducted by federal investigators and is absent from the files already disclosed by the justice department. The United States Department of Justice rejected the accusation, saying no files had been deleted. It said documents were withheld only if they were duplicates, legally privileged, or part of an ongoing investigation. The department has also said some records include false or sensational claims against Trump. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and has said he has been fully exonerated. The White House said the administration has cooperated extensively by releasing thousands of pages of records, complying with congressional subpoenas and signing legislation allowing staged disclosure of Epstein-related files, while protecting victims and active investigations. Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019, was known to have social ties with Trump in the past, though Trump has said the relationship ended years before Epstein’s first arrest. The justice department has released millions of pages tied to federal probes into Epstein, with some records redacted or withheld under the law. Garcia said the documents he reviewed show that a woman made additional, specific allegations against Trump that do not appear in the publicly released material. As a member of Congress, he is permitted to view unredacted files as the House Oversight Committee conducts its own inquiry. He said Democrats would press for the release of the remaining records, including interviews related to the accuser. Garcia has written to Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding publication of the material. In response, the justice department accused Democrats of misleading the public and said it would review whether any files were improperly withheld. Committee chairman James Comer, a Republican, said lawmakers are still seeking a definitive answer on the issue. US media reports, including by NPR and The New York Times, have said indexes suggest multiple FBI interviews with an alleged Epstein victim were conducted but not fully released. One heavily redacted document indicates the woman alleged abuse by Epstein as a minor, while other entries reference an allegation involving Trump during the mid 1980s. Investigators marked the allegation for follow up, though no corroboration or credibility assessment is evident in the released records. The justice department has said such claims are unfounded and would have been acted upon if credible. Searches of the publicly available files do not show summaries of the additional interviews referenced in the indexes. The woman, with matching biographical details, was among several alleged Epstein victims who filed a civil lawsuit against his estate in 2019, alleging trafficking and abuse by men linked to Epstein. The suit did not name the men and was later withdrawn. Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking in 2022. Trump appears in some of the released Epstein files, though officials have said inclusion does not imply wrongdoing. In previously released emails, Epstein discussed Trump years after their association ended. The White House has said references to a victim in those emails pointed to the late Virginia Giuffre, who had stated that Trump was not involved in abuse and had been friendly in limited interactions. The allegations and responses were reported by the BBC, as Democrats continue to demand full disclosure of all Epstein-related records.   With inputs from BBC

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday to provide testimony in the ongoing investigation into late financier Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes. Hillary Clinton, along with her husband, former President Bill Clinton, had initially resisted congressional demands to testify, calling them politically motivated. Their decision to appear came after potential contempt-of-Congress proceedings were considered. Hillary Clinton told the panel she does not recall meeting or speaking with Epstein, though she met his convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell on a few occasions. Maxwell had attended the wedding of the Clintons’ daughter, Chelsea, in 2010. Bill Clinton has acknowledged knowing Epstein but denies any wrongdoing or knowledge of his crimes. He is scheduled to testify on Friday. In an interview last week, Hillary Clinton described the deposition as a Republican effort to shift attention from questions about President Donald Trump’s ties to Epstein. She said, “We have nothing to hide” and called for full public release of related files. Some Democratic committee members had supported initiating contempt proceedings before the Clintons agreed to testify. The couple has called the investigation “partisan politics” and said legal summonses were intended to embarrass political rivals. Nevertheless, they agreed to testify to set a precedent that “no one is above the law,” according to Bill Clinton’s spokesperson. The hearings are being held near the Clintons’ home in Chappaqua, New York. Unlike typical depositions, they have requested parts of their testimony be public to prevent selective leaks. This will be the first time a former US president has testified before a congressional panel since Gerald Ford in 1983. Committee members from both parties are expected to brief reporters following Hillary Clinton’s testimony. The House probe has also released documents showing Epstein’s connections to several high-profile individuals, including former and current US officials. Appearances in the files do not imply wrongdoing. The depositions are seen as an effort to clarify the Clintons’ limited involvement with Epstein and related associates.   With inputs from BBC

A man stabbed four people to death in Washington state on Tuesday morning as sheriff’s deputies were on their way to serve him a domestic violence protection order, authorities said. The suspect was later shot dead by a deputy who arrived at the scene. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, deputies first received a call around 8:40 a.m. that a 32-year-old man was violating a no-contact order at a home on the Key Peninsula, northwest of Tacoma. After confirming the order had not yet been formally served, officers headed to the address to deliver it. While they were on the way, fresh reports came in around 9:30 a.m. that the man was stabbing people outside the home. The first deputy reached the location within minutes and shot the suspect, who died at the scene. Three victims were found dead there, while another died on the way to hospital. Court records show that the suspect’s mother, who lived at the home, had obtained a one-year protection order against her son last May, citing mental health and substance abuse issues, past physical aggression and repeated threats. She said he had been mentally and emotionally abusive, damaged property and hurt her cat, adding that she was an elderly disabled woman being taken advantage of. The order required him to stay away from his mother and not possess dangerous weapons, and to follow a mental health treatment plan. It remains unclear why the order had not yet been formally served. A nearby resident said he heard several gunshots echo through the area, followed by continuous sirens, before learning of the tragic incident.

Donald Trump used his State of the Union address on Tuesday to project confidence and momentum, declaring that the United States is “winning so much” as he tried to ease voter anxiety about the economy ahead of November’s midterm elections. Facing slipping approval ratings, Trump focused on persuading skeptical Americans that economic conditions are stronger than many feel and that Republicans deserve continued support. He highlighted job growth, a revival in manufacturing and what he described as a reshaped global order under his leadership. Seeking bipartisan appeal, Trump orchestrated several television-ready moments, including welcoming the Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. men’s hockey team to the House chamber after their visit to the White House. The players, wearing their medals and USA jerseys, received a standing ovation from both sides of the aisle. Trump also announced that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The president introduced few major new policy proposals early in the speech, but portrayed his presidency as a historic turnaround. He praised his immigration crackdown, efforts to shrink the federal government and use of military force abroad, including actions involving Iran and Venezuela. Trump also criticized the Supreme Court of the United States for striking down his signature tariff policies, calling the ruling unfortunate and vowing to find ways to preserve the levies without relying on Congress or unsettling financial markets. Several justices, including Chief Justice John Roberts, attended the address. According to a White House official, Trump plans to announce that technology companies involved in artificial intelligence will pay higher electricity rates in areas hosting their data centers, arguing that their heavy power use strains local grids. Before the speech, Senate Democrats blocked a bill to restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security, pressing for limits on immigration enforcement. Trump plans to demand the immediate restoration of all border security funding. Despite his optimistic tone, affordability remained a central political challenge. While Trump has repeatedly claimed inflation is under control and pointed to record highs in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, many Americans continue to feel squeezed by high living costs. Critics also warn that tariffs may be contributing to higher prices and slowing economic growth. Democrats plan to counter Trump’s address with a response from Abigail Spanberger, while some Democratic lawmakers boycotted the speech in protest. On foreign policy, Trump spoke as U.S. aircraft carriers were deployed to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. He again cited last summer’s airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear facilities and touted diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, while critics note strains with NATO allies and his approach to Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.

U.S. military forces have boarded a third sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking the vessel from the Caribbean Sea, the Pentagon said Tuesday, in an effort to curb illicit oil linked to Venezuela. U.S. Southern Command said in a post on X that American forces boarded the tanker Bertha overnight, carrying out a “right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding” operation. According to the statement, the vessel had been operating in defiance of President Donald Trump’s quarantine on sanctioned ships in the Caribbean and attempted to evade monitoring. Officials said the tanker was tracked across oceans before being intercepted in the Indian Ocean. Venezuela has faced U.S. sanctions on its oil sector for years and has reportedly relied on a shadow fleet of falsely flagged tankers to move crude into global supply chains. Trump ordered a quarantine of sanctioned tankers in December as part of efforts to pressure then-President Nicolás Maduro, who was apprehended in January during a U.S. military operation. The Bertha is registered under the Cook Islands flag and is also listed under U.S. sanctions related to Iran, according to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. Pentagon-released video showed U.S. military helicopters approaching the tanker during the operation. However, the Pentagon did not confirm whether the vessel was formally seized or placed under U.S. control. The latest boarding is part of broader U.S. efforts to disrupt illicit oil shipments connected to Venezuela’s sanctioned network.

US President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs have taken effect at 10%, lower than his earlier pledge of a higher rate, after the Supreme Court blocked many sweeping import taxes. Although Trump later mentioned a 15% rate, official documents show the 10% duty was implemented from Tuesday. The White House has been asked for comment. Carsten Brzeski of ING said the shifting policy added to “chaos and mess,” increasing uncertainty for businesses and raising the risk of retaliation from US trading partners and a possible escalation into a full trade war. Trump warns of higher tariffs after court blocks levies An executive order signed Friday said the temporary 10% duty aims to address international payments imbalances and rebalance trade to benefit American workers, farmers and manufacturers. The levy is imposed under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, allowing a 150-day tariff without congressional approval. Trump argues tariffs are needed to shrink the US trade deficit, which rose 2.1% from 2024 to about $1.2 trillion (£890bn). The US has already collected at least $130bn in tariffs under the 1977 IEEPA, recent data show. The court ruled Friday Trump exceeded authority using IEEPA, raising prospects of billions in refunds. FedEx has sued for a full refund, while campaign group We Pay The Tariffs says it represents 900 firms seeking automatic refunds. Experts doubt repayments, and Trump said the issue could be litigated for five years. Justice Brett Kavanaugh warned the refund process could be a “mess.” Greenland rejects Trump’s offer of US hospital ship Trump criticised the ruling as “ridiculous” and “anti-American” and warned countries “playing games” with trade deals could face higher tariffs. The United Kingdom said reciprocal action was possible if agreements are not honoured, though it stressed no one wants a trade war. The European Union paused ratification of a summer deal, with MEP Brando Benifei urging clarity and coordinated response. India also deferred talks to finalise a recent agreement.

Residents, government crews and a powerful rail snowplow nicknamed “Darth Vader” worked to clear heavy snow across much of the northeastern United States after a severe and, in some places, record-breaking storm that caused thousands of flight cancellations and school closures. Forecasters said the storm, considered the strongest in about a decade, dumped more than 2 feet of snow in parts of the region on Monday. By Tuesday, roads were gradually reopening, some public transport services resumed and electricity was restored for many of the hundreds of thousands affected in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Delaware and Rhode Island. Another storm could hit later this week, though it is expected to be weaker. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced schools would reopen for in-person classes Tuesday after Monday’s closure, despite large piles of snow still blocking sidewalks. Some officials and teachers’ leaders warned that attendance could be low due to travel difficulties. Meanwhile, Philadelphia continued online classes for two days, and several districts on Long Island and nearby suburbs canceled school again on Tuesday. Danish forces evacuate ill US submariner off Greenland The National Weather Service said even a few more inches of snow could slow cleanup in the hardest-hit areas. More than 2,000 flights were canceled nationwide on Tuesday, mainly affecting airports in New York, New Jersey and Boston, according to FlightAware. Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport temporarily shut down after receiving nearly 38 inches of snow, breaking a record from 1978. Central Park recorded 19 inches, while Warwick, Rhode Island, saw more than 3 feet. Strong winds also lashed coastal areas. Several cities and states declared emergencies as recovery efforts continued.

US President Donald Trump has warned that countries attempting to back away from recent trade commitments could face steeper tariffs, following a Supreme Court ruling that blocked most of the broad import levies he imposed last year. Trump’s warning came as governments around the world reassessed the status of tariffs and trade agreements after the Supreme Court of the United States last week struck down the bulk of the duties introduced under a 1977 emergency law. The ruling said the statute did not give the president authority to impose the sweeping measures. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump cautioned countries against using the court decision to retreat from deals negotiated in response to last year’s tariffs. He said any nation that “plays games” with the ruling would be met with tariffs higher than those recently agreed. The decision has injected fresh uncertainty into global trade. The European Union said on Monday it would suspend ratification of a trade deal agreed with Washington last summer, while India said it would delay talks aimed at finalising a recent agreement. The ruling has not altered the White House’s broader trade stance, officials said. Trump has already announced a new global tariff of 15 percent, introduced using a different legal authority, which is due to take effect this week. Some products are exempt, and the measure is set to expire after 150 days unless Congress approves an extension. Countries that negotiated reduced tariffs in exchange for investment pledges or market access concessions are now seeking clarity on whether those arrangements still stand. The UK said it was pressing US officials for confirmation that its agreement, which set tariffs at 10 percent, would remain in force. UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the latest US announcement had created uncertainty and that London was considering all options to protect businesses and consumers. Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee, said approval of the EU-US deal had been paused while lawmakers sought clarity, describing the situation as more uncertain than ever. Trump has moved to rely on other legal tools to maintain his tariff agenda, including invoking Section 122, which allows temporary tariffs without congressional approval, and ordering investigations under Section 301 into alleged unfair trade practices. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the administration had found ways to continue its policy despite the court setback, adding that while the legal mechanisms may change, the underlying approach would not. Financial markets reacted nervously to the uncertainty, with US stocks falling on Monday. Meanwhile, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats would oppose any attempt to extend the new tariffs, arguing they would deepen economic harm. Trump, however, has insisted he does not need congressional approval to impose tariffs, signalling that trade tensions are likely to persist in the coming months.   With inputs from BBC

An armed man was shot dead after breaching the secure perimeter of Donald Trump’s Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago, the United States Secret Service said. The incident occurred around 1:30am local time on Sunday while the president was in Washington, DC. Authorities said the suspect was carrying a shotgun and a fuel can and was confronted by Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy. The agency said the man unlawfully entered the restricted area near the property’s north gate and ignored commands to drop the items. When he raised the weapon, officers fired to neutralise the threat. No law enforcement officers were injured. US media identified the suspect as Austin T Martin of North Carolina, citing CBS. Local authorities said his family had reported him missing earlier on Sunday, and that information was later shared with federal agencies. Investigators are examining whether the suspect purchased the firearm during his drive to Florida. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the probe. Officials said it remains unclear whether the weapon was loaded. Secret Service Director Sean Curran travelled to Florida following the incident for post-incident reviews, the agency said, noting that security operations and communications are being reassessed. Mar-a-Lago is protected by multiple security layers, including local sheriff patrols and an inner Secret Service cordon, with visitors and vehicles subject to screening. The shooting comes amid heightened concern over political violence in the United States, after previous assassination attempts and threats against the president in recent years.   With inputs from BBC

The Pentagon and the Energy Department have airlifted a small nuclear reactor from California to Utah for the first time, showcasing the United States’ ability to quickly deploy portable nuclear power for military and civilian use. The nearly 700-mile flight on a C-17 military aircraft on Feb. 15 carried a 5-megawatt microreactor without nuclear fuel. Officials say the move highlights the Trump administration’s push to expand nuclear energy to meet rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence and data centers, as well as to strengthen energy security at military bases. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Defense Undersecretary Michael Duffey described the airlift as a breakthrough that could help speed up licensing and deployment of next-generation microreactors. President Donald Trump has strongly backed nuclear power as a reliable, carbon-free energy source, even as his administration prioritizes fossil fuels and takes a cautious stance on renewables. The portable reactor, about the size of a minivan, is designed to generate up to 5 megawatts of electricity, enough to power roughly 5,000 homes. Officials said at least three such reactors are expected to reach operational capability later this year. Microreactors are intended to provide flexible power in remote areas, including military installations that may need to operate independently from the civilian grid. The reactor flown to Utah will undergo testing at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab, with fuel expected to be supplied from a federal site in Nevada. However, some experts have raised safety and cost concerns, questioning whether the technology is economically viable or secure once fueled and transported. Critics also say long-term plans for handling nuclear waste remain unresolved. Despite the concerns, US officials say the project marks a major step toward faster, more mobile nuclear power deployment.