Trump says US will let Ukraine make Patriot missiles in major policy shift
President Donald Trump said Wednesday the U.S. will give Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defense systems, a move that could mark a significant shift from supplying Kyiv with American-made weapons to helping Ukraine produce them itself. Trump made the comments while meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as Kyiv continues to press Western allies for additional air defense capabilities to counter Russian missile and drone attacks. Trump’s announcement comes as Patriot interceptors have become one of Ukraine’s most urgent military needs. The U.S.-made Patriot system is widely regarded as Ukraine’s most capable defense against Russian ballistic missile attacks and has played a central role in protecting Kyiv and other critical infrastructure. TRUMP ENTERS FINAL NATO SUMMIT DAY AS UKRAINE, DEFENSE SPENDING TAKE CENTER STAGE Asked whether he would allow Patriot interceptors to be made in Europe and whether he was comfortable licensing the technology, Trump said the two leaders would discuss it. “We’re going to talk about that,” Trump said. “Look, it’s a defensive weapon, which I like better than an offensive weapon. It’s the best.” Minutes later, Trump went further, saying the U.S. would give Ukraine a license to make Patriots. “We’re going to give a license to you to make Patriots,” Trump said. “That’s pretty cool. Right? This way you can’t complain that we’re not giving them enough. I’d say make them yourself.” TRUMP COULD HAND PRIZED STEALTH JETS TO NATO ALLY ONCE SEEN AS ALLIANCE HEADACHE “We haven’t informed the company of that yet, but that’ll work out all right,” he added. “You know, I’m sure they’ll be thrilled, but, you know, they’ll be able to do it. You’ll be able to figure that out.” Ukrainian officials have warned that supplies of Patriot interceptors have fallen to dangerously low levels, leaving the country increasingly vulnerable as Russia intensifies missile strikes. Zelenskyy arrived at the NATO summit seeking additional Patriot interceptors from allies while also pressing for longer-term solutions to expand production, arguing that current manufacturing cannot keep pace with Russia’s growing missile campaign. It was not immediately clear whether Trump was referring to Patriot interceptor missiles, the broader Patriot air defense system, or production in Ukraine, Europe or both. Trump’s comment that the administration had not yet informed the company also raised questions about how far along the licensing plan is and what role RTX, the defense contractor that manufactures Patriot systems, would play in any future arrangement. The Patriot system has been one of Ukraine’s most sought-after air defense platforms as Russia continues launching missile and drone barrages against Ukrainian cities, energy infrastructure and military targets. Any effort to expand Patriot production would face significant industrial hurdles. RTX serves as the prime contractor for the Patriot air defense system, manufacturing its radars, launchers and the PAC-2 GEM-T interceptor, while Lockheed Martin builds the newer PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptor, which is designed to defeat ballistic missiles. The interceptors are among the world’s most sophisticated air defense weapons, relying on hundreds of specialized suppliers and complex manufacturing processes. Fox News Digital has reached out to RTX and Lockheed Martin for comment. Defense officials and industry executives have said it could take more than two years to produce a Patriot interceptor, underscoring why the U.S. and its allies have struggled to replenish stockpiles as demand has surged amid conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
‘Squad’ member calls DHS ‘greatest threat to our safety’ after ICE-involved shooting
One leftist lawmaker is ramping up her attacks on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after an immigration officer fatally shot an illegal alien during an enforcement operation in Houston on Tuesday. Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., declared DHS the “greatest threat to our safety” in a social media post, arguing that Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who allegedly resisted arrest during an attempted traffic stop, was the agency’s latest victim. DHS said Salgado Araujo was shot in self-defense after he allegedly attempted to run over a federal agent with his vehicle, prompting the officer to open fire. “The greatest threat to our safety is DHS,” Ramirez, a Chicago-based lawmaker who has called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), wrote Tuesday. “CBP and ICE continue to violently attack our neighbors and trample the rights of our residents.” ICE SAYS OFFICER SHOT AND KILLED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO TRIED TO RAM HIM WITH CAR IN HOUSTON Democrats have recently taken a hard line against DHS — a sprawling agency that oversees everything from the Secret Service to the Coast Guard and TSA — over its immigration enforcement and border security functions. Top Democrats refused to fund the department earlier this year following the Trump administration’s controversial Minneapolis immigration enforcement surge that led to the killing of two Americans by federal officers. The party’s hardball tactics led to the longest partial government shutdown in history and later prompted Republicans to pass a second “big beautiful bill” that funded ICE and CBP for the rest of President Donald Trump’s term. Ramirez did not mention DHS’ statement that Salgado Araujo allegedly evaded arrest while federal authorities attempted to pull him over or that he was not authorized to be in the country. “From information we are receiving, he rammed an ICE law enforcement vehicle, refused to follow multiple verbal commands, and weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run over an ICE law enforcement officer, resulting in our officer firing his weapon in self-defense,” DHS wrote in a statement. “The driver was struck, and emergency services were immediately contacted,” the department continued. “The driver was transported to the hospital where he passed away from his injuries.” ILLEGAL ALIEN ON THE RUN AFTER ALLEGEDLY RAMMING ICE VEHICLE IN PENNSYLVANIA, PROMPTING AGENT TO FIRE WEAPON A spokesperson for Ramirez did not immediately respond to a request for comment on DHS’s account. DHS said the department’s Office of Inspector General is probing the shooting. The FBI’s Houston Office launched a separate investigation into the “potential assault” of the ICE officer, according to DHS’ statement. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, who represents the Magnolia Park neighborhood where Salgado Araujo was shot, issued a more measured statement. “ICE has released an initial account, but the facts must be independently and thoroughly investigated, including the circumstances that led to the use of deadly force,” Garcia wrote on social media. “All available footage, communications, and other evidence should be preserved and reviewed as part of a full and impartial investigation.” Ramirez, who is associated with the far-left cohort known as the “Squad,” also called on the Republican-controlled House to pass her Melt ICE Act, which would effectively defund the agency while laying out a timeline to shutter all immigration detention facilities and releasing detained illegal aliens. The legislation is sponsored by fellow “Squad” members, Reps. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., Summer Lee, D-Pa., Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., and Ilhan Omar, D-Minn. It has no clear path to passage amid widespread opposition from Republicans and likely from some Democrats. Ramirez’s ICE abolition advocacy comes as she has not commented on a spate of illegal aliens with criminal backgrounds who were arrested in her home state of Illinois in June. Federal agents recently arrested Venezuelan national Mercedes Moreno Occhipinti, who allegedly assisted in a 2024 mass shooting involving Tren de Aragua members at a house party in Chicago. Last month, authorities also detained Noe Moreno-Salazar, an illegal alien from Mexico, in St. Charles, Ill. He was previously convicted of sexual abuse and aggravated unlawful use of a loaded weapon, among other offenses, according to DHS. Ramirez also did not appear to comment on the March killing of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman by a Venezuelan illegal alien in Chicago — an incident that sparked outrage over the perpetrator’s previous arrest. Fox News Digital reached out to DHS for comment.
Denmark vows to defend Greenland after Trump reiterates US should control territory
Greenland is “not for sale,” Denmark’s prime minister said Wednesday, vowing to defend the Danish territory after President Donald Trump again said the United States should control the Arctic island for NATO defense. Denmark is “ready to defend every inch of NATO including our own territory,” Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, adding she would call on NATO allies to honor their commitment to defend each other. “We hope that all, including all allies, will respect the Greenland people’s right for self-determination,” she continued. “And we are sovereign states and we need everybody to respect our territorial integrity and our sovereignty. “Greenland is of course not for sale.” TRUMP MAKES FRESH GREENLAND PLAY AFTER XI TALKS AS CHINA’S ARCTIC AMBITIONS LOOM Trump continues to stress that Greenland “is very important” for the U.S. but not for Denmark, declaring, “We need it for protection of the world, not just the United States.” Also, Denmark is coming up short in its support for Greenland, which remains a strategic target for both Russia and China. “That’s what hurt my relationship with NATO,” Trump said Tuesday of the refusal to grant his request for annexation of the strategic land. “Denmark doesn’t spend money to really help Greenland, but it’s an important part for the United States. And it’s surrounded by China ships and Russian ships.” GREENLAND TALKS ON ‘GOOD TRAJECTORY,’ WHITE HOUSE SAYS AMID TRUMP TAKEOVER PUSH For global security, Greenland “should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark,” Trump added. “They wouldn’t go along with it,” Trump lamented. “And with all the money we spend to help them with Russia. And we don’t have to spend any money, we could remove all of our soldiers out of Europe because, as you probably noticed, Europe is a very different place than it was 20 years ago. A lot different.” Greenland is a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO ally. Trump’s push for U.S. control has repeatedly angered Danish and Greenlandic officials, who have insisted the island’s future should be decided by its people. Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir also weighed in Wednesday, saying Greenland’s people “do not wish to be a part of the United States” and urging NATO leaders to stay focused on Russia. TRUMP CALLS OUT NATO AHEAD OF SUMMIT, CALLING IT ‘RIDICULOUS’ FOR US TO PERSIST ON ‘ONE SIDED PATH’ The dispute injected a tense territorial confrontation into a summit already shaped by Trump’s demands that allies spend more on defense and take greater responsibility for Europe’s security as the U.S. shifts its focus. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte sought to emphasize the alliance’s recent defense spending increases, telling Trump that European allies and Canada had made major new commitments. “I would argue that without you in this chair, this would not have happened,” Rutte told Trump. “Grab the win. It’s there.” Trump, however, continued criticizing allies over both Greenland and Iran, where he ordered overnight U.S. strikes after attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Rutte backed the U.S. strikes, telling Trump they were “absolutely necessary.” The NATO summit is also expected to address Ukraine’s war against Russia, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pressing allies for deeper support and renewed consideration of Ukraine’s bid to join the alliance. But Trump’s comments on Greenland underscored a growing challenge for NATO leaders: projecting unity against outside threats while managing disputes inside the alliance itself. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
FIRST ON FOX: Pressure mounts on YMCA to ditch transgender policies after Supreme Court Title IX ruling
FIRST ON FOX: The YMCA is facing renewed pressure to change its policies on transgender access to sex-segregated locker rooms, sports teams and overnight accommodations after the American Parents Coalition (APC) argued the organization’s rules conflict with the Supreme Court‘s recent Title IX rulings. The coalition argued the nonprofit, which operates about 2,600 locations nationwide and receives more than $600 million annually in government funding, should update its policies to align with the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Title IX because it accepts taxpayer funding. In a letter sent this week to YMCA President and CEO Suzanne McCormick and the organization’s board of directors, APC urged the organization to revise its policies governing sports, bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations following the Supreme Court’s June 30 decisions in West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox. In a decision that was unanimous on the Title IX question and split 6-3 on constitutional grounds, the Supreme Court ruled that states can limit women’s and girls’ sports to biological females and that Title IX’s use of the word ‘sex’ refers to biological sex. CONSERVATIVES HAIL JUSTICE THOMAS FOR ‘TRUTH BOMB’ ABOUT RULING PROTECTING WOMEN’S SPORTS “The Supreme Court has drawn an unmistakable line by reaffirming that Title IX’s protections are rooted in biological sex,” American Parents Coalition Executive Director Alleigh Marré said in a statement. “The YMCA has ignored parents’ concerns for far too long while maintaining policies that undermine the privacy, safety, and fairness Title IX was enacted to protect. The Court’s decisions should serve as a wake-up call for every federally funded institution.” The coalition is calling on YMCA leadership to rescind policies allowing biological males to participate in female sports or access female-only bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations, publish updated policies recognizing sex-based protections for women and girls, and publicly affirm the organization’s commitment to complying with Title IX. “The Supreme Court has now made clear that biological sex is the legally operative distinction under Title IX,” the letter states. “The YMCA faces a choice. It can restore policies that protect women and girls, rebuild parents’ trust, and align its practices with the law as interpreted by the highest court in the land.” BIDEN OFFICIALS CIRCUMVENTED COURT ORDER IN TITLE IX CASES, INCLUDING MALES IN GIRLS’ SPORTS, DOCS SHOW The letter marks the latest step in APC’s yearlong campaign targeting the YMCA’s transgender inclusion policies. Last year, the organization filed Title IX complaints with the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development, alleging the YMCA’s policies violated federal civil rights law. It also asked Congress to investigate the YMCA’s use of federal funding. APC argues that although the Supreme Court’s recent rulings focused on women’s sports, the Court’s reasoning extends to other sex-separated spaces. The group contends YMCA policies allowing individuals to use bathrooms, locker rooms, overnight accommodations and participate on sports teams according to their gender identity are inconsistent with the Court’s interpretation of Title IX. The coalition also alleges the YMCA removed or revised webpages describing some of its gender identity policies after they received public scrutiny while leaving the underlying policies unchanged. APC further claims some YMCA camps continue allowing counselors to stay in cabins that correspond with their gender identity rather than their biological sex. TRUMP CABINET MEMBER SCRAPS OBAMA-ERA GENDER IDENTITY HOUSING RULE, CITES ‘BIOLOGICAL REALITY’ A Fox News Digital review found several local YMCA associations, including the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, Lakeland Hills YMCA in New Jersey and the Gateway Region YMCA, maintain policies allowing members to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER The renewed criticism comes a month after controversy at a San Francisco YMCA drew national attention. After months of complaints from some members regarding a transgender woman using the women’s locker room at the Stonestown branch, the facility adopted updated locker room guidelines emphasizing that nudity should be “discreet, limited, and brief” while instructing members to respect others’ privacy and personal space. The revised rules addressed conduct inside the locker room but did not change the YMCA’s policy allowing transgender members to access facilities consistent with their gender identity. The YMCA did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on APC’s allegations or whether it plans to review its policies following the Supreme Court’s decisions.
Platner told rape victims to ‘take some responsibility’ and avoid being assaulted in vulgar resurfaced post
Graham Platner, Maine’s embattled Democratic Senate nominee who stands accused of rape, made a Reddit post in 2013 where he criticized victims of rape. “Holy f—, how about people just take some responsibility for themselves and not get so f—ed up they wind up having sex with someone they don’t mean to?” Platner wrote in 2013, responding to another user who expressed disappointment that women couldn’t get intoxicated without fearing sexual assault. “Men and women, you make a choice to consume enough of a substance to lose your self control. So if you don’t want to be in a comprising [sic.] situation, act like an adult for f—s sake,” Platner continued. “Rape is a real thing, if you’re so worried about it to buy Kevlar underwear you’d think you might not get blacked out f—ed up around people you aren’t comfortable with.” EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE Jenny Racicot, Platner’s former girlfriend, accused him of raping her in late 2021, saying he broke into her home while intoxicated and forced her to have sex despite her objections. Platner has denied the allegation, which Politico first reported July 6. “I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me,” Racicot told Politico. “I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’” “One of the reasons I didn’t come forward sooner was the huge moral conflict that I had between supporting his politics, but not supporting him as a person,” she continued. NEW YORK TIMES UNDER SCRUTINY OVER GRAHAM PLATNER COVERAGE AS ACCUSERS SPEAK OUT AGAINST PAPER Lyndsey Fifield, also one of Platner’s ex-girlfriends, corroborated the claim that Platner abused alcohol, telling the New York Times in June he “too often self medicated with alcohol, and was a far from perfect boyfriend.” She also accused Platner of emotional abuse and intimidation, allegations he denies as well. “You can’t be that way in private and not have it translate into how you would govern or how you would legislate,” Fifield said. “It terrifies me to think of him having any type of power politically, because what is he going to do with the women in his office?” HOW GRAHAM PLATNER’S CAMPAIGN UNRAVELED: FROM REDDIT POSTS TO RAPE ALLEGATION Platner has so far resisted calls to drop out of the Senate race despite a number of high-profile Democrats rescinding their endorsements. Platner must withdraw by July 13 for Democrats to be able to select a replacement candidate by July 27. If Platner does decide to stay in the race, a different Reddit post where he criticized Republicans for supporting candidates accused of sexual assault could come back to haunt him. “Ah yes, the old ‘I’ll vote for the sexual predator/corrupt candidate scheme because he’s a Republican’ game,” Platner wrote in 2018, responding to a now deleted post on a firearms subreddit. The Platner campaign did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
Platner campaign putting ‘thumb on scale’ to influence possible replacement, Maine Dem alleges
The Maine Democratic Party issued a stern warning to U.S. Senate primary winner Graham Platner, telling him and his campaign that they have “no role” in choosing his replacement. Platner has not yet withdrawn from the race, and is still the state’s Democrat nominee for U.S. Senate, despite mounting pressure from state and national Democrats to drop out after a woman who previously dated him accused him of sexual assault in a Politico report published Monday. Platner has denied the allegations, but said he is looking at “the best path forward,” as he understood the political fallout the accusation would create. “The Maine Democratic Party has been working around the clock to develop a process to replace our U.S. Senate nominee that is open, inclusive, transparent, and fair,” state party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson said in a video posted to X amid myriad newly surfaced allegations levied against Platner with less than a week before the deadline to lock in the candidate to challenge incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. “The integrity of this process is just as important as the outcome, and we are committed to ensuring that Democrats across our state can have confidence in both,” Murphy-Anderson continued. “Unfortunately, Graham Platner’s team has repeatedly reached out to us in an attempt to put their thumb on the scale of what this process looks like. We have repeatedly reiterated to Graham Platner’s team that they have no role in determining our next Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, nor in determining what this process looks like.” WHAT HAPPENS NEXT IF PLATNER DROPS OUT? HERE’S WHO COULD REPLACE HIM ON THE BALLOT AND HOW IT WOULD WORK Amid the fight with the Maine party leaders, an official for the Platner campaign said it “has reached out to the party to try and understand what this process would look like” and “at no point has the campaign tried to ‘put its finger on the scale.’” The official added that thousands of Maine residents voted and volunteered for Platner, and they should play a role in the decision. “While Graham wouldn’t want to be a part of the process, he would want to make sure the voters and volunteers make this decision — not the political establishment,” the statement said. GRAHAM PLATNER’S CHANCES OF DROPPING OUT SKYROCKET TO 94% AFTER PARTY REVOLT: KALSHI Fox News Digital has made multiple attempts to reach out to Platner’s campaign for further comment, and also reached out to the Maine Democratic Party. EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE Maine Democratic Party leaders called on Platner to withdraw Monday, saying “multiple women have made serious, credible allegations against Graham Platner” and that the party “stands with women and survivors.” The party noted that no replacement process can begin unless Platner suspends his campaign, while stating that “in no scenario is there a legal possibility for a nominee to be selected by an individual campaign.” “The sooner this process can begin, the more time we will have to administer an intentional and inclusive process for Mainers and Democrats,” the party said. “We are entrusted with deciding who represents our values and who carries our banner,” the party said. “That responsibility requires judgment, leadership, and a willingness to act when circumstances demand it.” The timing is critical. According to the Maine Democratic Party, the deadline set by the secretary of state for a nominee to withdraw is July 13, and the deadline for a new nominee to be submitted is July 27. If Platner does not withdraw by the July 13 deadline, Democrats would not have the option to name a replacement. Names of potential replacements floated in media reports include former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Nirav Shah, the former director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The race is one of Democrats’ top pickup opportunities as they seek to defeat Collins, a five-term Republican incumbent, and regain control of the Senate. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
FIFA condemns fan’s racist attack on IShowSpeed at Argentina World Cup match
An Argenitna supporter told Speed to ‘go cry at the zoo’ on his livestream at the match against Cape Verde in Miami. Published On 8 Jul 20268 Jul 2026 FIFA has condemned the racist abuse hurled at social media influencer IShowSpeed during his livestream at a World Cup match in the United States. Football’s global governing body issued a statement on Tuesday saying it “strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms” after an incident involving the American social media celebrity and a fan at Argentina’s last-32 match against Cabo Verde last week. “FIFA was made aware of an incident involving a supporter and #IShowSpeed at Miami Stadium during the Argentina vs Cabo Verde match on 3 July 2026 and immediately initiated an investigation,” the statement said. Speed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr, has attended and streamed several World Cup matches under a deal with FIFA, US-based host broadcaster Fox Sports and YouTube that lets him simulcast official match feeds. During his livestream of Argentina vs Cabo Verde in Miami, Speed turned towards a fan leaning over the railing of her stand to catch his attention. When he asked her what she was saying, the fan apparently told Speed in Spanish to “go cry at the zoo”. The American celebrity boasts a social media following of over 150 million – 57 million subscribers on YouTube, 50 million followers on Instagram, 47 million on TikTok and 4.1 million on X – and is a crowd-puller at World Cup stadiums. Last month, Al Jazeera saw Speed being mobbed by fans at a World Cup match in New Jersey as he exited the stadium, surrounded by security. FIFA said the World Cup was a celebration of “unity, diversity, and respect” and the organisation would not welcome anyone “who acts in a manner that undermines these values”. Advertisement Adblock test (Why?)
Experts warn Trump is playing politics with US intelligence
NewsFeed Former officials warn that Trump’s intelligence overhaul risks politicising national security. Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, who replaced Tulsi Gabbard, has already dismissed 19 officers accused of being part of the ‘deep state’. Published On 8 Jul 20268 Jul 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
IOC eases restrictions on Russian athletes ahead of 2028 games
NewsFeed The International Olympic Committee has lifted some of the restrictions on Russian athletes, allowing them to compete in some team events and qualifying competitions ahead of the Los Angeles games in 2028. But the IOC has kept a ban on Russian flags and its national anthem at all IOC events for now. Published On 8 Jul 20268 Jul 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Delhi: Rekha Gupta government rolls out 300 electric buses, details here
Delhi received a major green boost as Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off 300 new electric buses, raising the city’s EV bus fleet to 4,800, and launched the Mission 70 Lakh Tree Plantation Campaign.