Trump News for Saturday, September 20, 2025

India says Trump's H-1B visa changes could have 'humanitarian consequences'

lvaranasi@businessinsider.com (Lakshmi Varanasi), Business Insider

The Indian government said Trump's new H-1B visa fees could hinder talent mobility and impact Indian families.

White House scrambles to clarify Trump plan to add $100K fee to visas for highly skilled workers

CBC News

President Donald Trump's latest plan to overhaul the U.S. immigration system has created confusion, leaving the White House scrambling to clarify that a new $100,000 fee on visas for skilled workers only applies to new applicants and not current visa holders.

CNN Analyst Reveals Final Message Charlie Kirk Sent Him Just Day Before His Passing

Renan Duarte, Boredpanda.com

“People are using his horrific assassination to call for MORE violence."

Why Starmer decided the time was right to recognise a Palestinian state

BBC News

The PM had signalled a shift in policy unless Israel took steps including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.

Heightened security as Americans gather for Kirk memorial

BBC News

Donald Trump and JD Vance will be among the speakers at the event in Arizona.

Zelenskyy plans to meet Trump on sidelines of UN as Russia steps up attacks

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

Kyiv in sanctions push as NATO states on Europe’s eastern flank take preventive action after Moscow's air incursions.

White House outlines TikTok deal that would give US control of algorithm

BBC News

The White House said a deal could be signed "in the coming days", but Beijing is yet to comment.

California bans masks meant to hide law enforcement officers' identities

Gerardo Zavala, NPR

The law, opposed by police organizations, was aimed by lawmakers at immigration agents and will test state powers over the conduct of federal officials.

Trump's new $100K fee on H-1B visas will hurt the tech companies trying to woo him

Maria Aspan, NPR

More than half a million high-skilled U.S. workers are in the country through the H-1B program, which is heavily used by the big tech companies trying to curry favor with the president.

2 charts show which industries employ the most H-1B workers and how much those roles typically pay

Lauren Edmonds,Andy Kiersz, Business Insider

Tech companies hire thousands of workers through the H-1B program each year, so Trump's new fee could impact their workforce and bottom line.

NEWSOM FIGHTS DYSTOPIAN SPIRAL

Trân Nguyễn, Martha Bellisle, Associated Press

California has become the first state to ban most law enforcement officers from covering their faces while conducting official business. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the measure into law Saturday. The measure prohibits neck gaiters, ski masks and other facial cov…

Starmer set to announce UK recognition of Palestinian state

BBC News

A host of countries, including France and Canada, are expected to do the same when world leaders gather at the UN General Assembly next week.

Why is a deal with China on TikTok’s US assets so important to Trump?

Inside Story, Al Jazeera English

After a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump says an agreement is on the way.

U.S. Attorney Refers Gavin Newsom To Secret Service For ‘Threat Assessment’ Over X Post

Ty Roush, Forbes Staff, Ty Roush, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/, Forbes

The California governor wrote on X: “Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today.”

Americans to dominate board of TikTok’s US operations: White House

Usaid Siddiqui, Al Jazeera English

Six of seven board seats for TikTok's US operations will be held by Americans, White House press secretary says.

Trump warns of ‘incalculable price’ if Venezuela won’t accept ‘prisoners’

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

Outburst comes after another US strike on alleged drugs vessel in Caribbean, as Maduro rallies to defend sovereignty.

Maduro's YOUTUBE channel disappears...

Barron's

Maduro's YOUTUBE channel disappears... (Second column, 3rd story, link) Related stories:U.S. Military Buildup in Caribbean Signals Broader Campaign Against Venezuela... Trump threatens with 'incalculable' consequences...

Mark Ruffalo Warns Disney’s Stock Price Will Drop “A Lot Further” If ABC Cancels ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’

Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline

Marvel star Mark Ruffalo has joined fellow Hulk actor Tatiana Maslany in condemning ABC parent company Disney’s decision to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! following pressure from the FCC and affiliate owners. In comments posted to Threads this morning, the longti…

US Attorney Erik Siebert resigns, won’t prosecute Letitia James on flawed charges

CK Smith, Salon

Trump criticizes Siebert for declining to pursue charges against Letitia James in potential government overreach

No More Masked ICE In LA; Gov. Newsom Signs No Secret Police Act In Latest MAGA Rebuke: “Kristi Noem Is Going To Have A Bad Day Today”

Dominic Patten, Deadline

“Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today,” exclaimed Gavin Newsom’s press office X feed this morning, calling out the Homeland Security Secretary by name. “You’re welcome, America.” The taunting post came just a few hours before the California Governor S…

What is an H-1B visa? Everything you need to know about the skilled foreign worker program.

ledmonds@businessinsider.com (Lauren Edmonds), Business Insider

Trump signed an executive order on Friday requiring US employers to pay a $100,000 fee for H-1B workers. Here's everything you need to know.

Big Tech Tells H-1B Workers Not to Leave Country Due to Trump’s New Policy

AJ Dellinger, Gizmodo.com

Confusion and panic all around.

Hungary urges EU to designate antifa as a ‘terrorist’ group

Usaid Siddiqui, Al Jazeera English

Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto urges EU alignment with the US calling the anti-fascist group a 'grave threat'.

This Week In Techdirt History: September 14th – 20th

Leigh Beadon, Techdirt

Five Years Ago This week in 2020, the first phase of the TikTok fight resolved with Oracle getting a lucrative hosting deal instead of buying the company in a deal driven by Trump-world insiders, while a court refused to block Trump’s executive order. At the …

Democratic leaders in US Congress demand talks with Trump to avert shutdown

Lorraine Mallinder, Al Jazeera English

With funding ending in 10 days, Democrats want a deal that will extend Obamacare subsidies and reverse Medicaid cuts.

Armed Impostor Claiming To Be Police Arrested At Charlie Kirk Memorial

Renan Duarte, Boredpanda.com

“Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?”

FCC threatens, ABC suspends Kimmel, Cruz warns of chilling effects on political speech

CK Smith, Salon

Suspension of politically charged segments highlights the tension between satire, broadcast rules, FCC enforcement

Trump seeks enforcement of transgender and non-binary passport policy

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

Rights groups say policy requiring male or female designations on passports is 'unjustifiable and discriminatory'.

DeepSeek Model ‘Nearly 100% Successful’ at Avoiding Controversial Topics

AJ Dellinger, Gizmodo.com

Huawei chipped in on the censorship effort.

Bill Maher Defends ‘Compatriot’ Jimmy Kimmel, Slams ABC: ‘Stands for Always Be Caving’

Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone

Real Time host's Politically Incorrect was canceled by network "24 years to the day" of Kimmel's "indefinite" suspension

White House says Trump's H-1B visa changes will only affect new applicants

Brent D. Griffiths, Business Insider

Trump announced in an executive order on Friday a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa holders. Here's who the new rules will impact.

Trump announces skilled worker visas will now cost $100,000

Terrence O’Brien, The Verge

All the fawning by tech CEOs wasn’t enough to convince Donald Trump to back off his crusade against immigrants. Yesterday the president announced that the government would be adding a $100,000-a-year fee on all H-1B visas in an effort to discourage their use.…

TikTok’s Algorithm And Board Will Be U.S.-Controlled In Deal With China, White House Says

Ty Roush, Forbes Staff, Ty Roush, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/, Forbes

President Donald Trump signaled a deal to keep TikTok online in the U.S. was “approved” by China.

US residency is becoming a luxury loyalty program

CK Smith, Salon

Gold and Platinum cards offer perks for millionaires, ordinary H-1B applicants now pay $100K just to apply

Jimmy Kimmel Impasse Follows Years Of Growing Tensions Between Local TV Stations And Broadcast Networks

Dade Hayes, Deadline

More than a few viewers and observers, even some who work in the television business, were surprised that local station owners Nexstar and Sinclair made the first move in the Jimmy Kimmel saga by pulling his show off their air. But warning signs of discord be…

US TikTok deal gives Americans 6 of 7 board seats: White House

Express Web Desk, The Indian Express

Trump, who had earlier criticised TikTok, told reporters this week that the app would be “owned by all-American investors” and said Oracle would lead on safeguarding data and privacy.

Here's Why Experts Are Really, REALLY Worried About Marjorie Taylor Greene's Call For The US To Split Up Into Blue And Red States

Kimberley Richards, Buzzfeed

“There is nothing left to talk about with the left. They hate us,” she wrote on X.

The battle over Ben & Jerry’s soul

Joy Saha, Salon

Ben & Jerry’s says parent company Unilever is stifling its activism. Now the ice cream maker is pushing back — hard

JD Vance Is Full of Hot Air

Claire Guinan, Jezebel

Since 2007, Jezebel has been the Internet's most treasured source for everything celebrities, sex, and politics...with teeth.

Pedro Pascal Defends Jimmy Kimmel Amid ABC Suspension: “Standing With You”

Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline

The Fantastic Four: First Steps star Pedro Pascal is among the Hollywood powerhouses defending host Jimmy Kimmel following ABC’s preemption of late-night mainstay Jimmy Kimmel Live! On Thursday, the multi-Emmy-nominated actor — who is a significant part of Di…

Luigi Mangione calls the death penalty unconstitutional in a court filing critical of Pam Bondi

Laura Italiano, Business Insider

Mangione filed a 114-page legal attack on the death penalty and US Attorney General Pam Bondi. He is charged in the murder of UHC CEO Brian Thompson.

What Are H-1B Visas? Trump’s $100,000 Fees Could Impact Amazon, Apple And Google.

Ty Roush, Forbes Staff, Ty Roush, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/, Forbes

Earlier fees to assist specialty workers were as low as $215.

Pentagon To Require Journalists To Pledge Not To Report Unauthorized Information, Or Face Having Credentials Denied Or Revoked

Ted Johnson, Deadline

Media outlets are protesting new Trump administration Pentagon policies on access to the sprawling facilities, including a requirement that journalists not report unauthorized information. The restrictions are that latest under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth,…

Why America still needs public schools

Sidney Shapiro, Joseph P. Tomain, Phys.Org

While the White House's fight with elite universities such as Columbia and Harvard has recently dominated the headlines, the feud overshadows the broader and more far-reaching assault on K-12 public education by the Trump administration and many states.

ICE in Chicago with “excessive force and intimidation tactics”

CK Smith, Salon

Activists, local officials, faith leaders decry Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement strategy

TrumpRx: White House Considering Trump-Branded Prescription Drug Website

Matt Novak, Gizmodo.com

Would you buy drugs from TrumpRx?

Read the memos sent to Amazon and Microsoft staff about Trump's H-1B changes

Pranav Dixit, Business Insider

The Trump administration said on Friday that it would raise application fees for the H-1B visa.

“Don’t underestimate your voice”: Cincinnati imam jailed by ICE released, case dropped

Tatyana Tandanpolie, Salon

The government did not explain why it rescinded its termination of the imam's asylum status, his lawyer said

Trump says U.S. military fatally struck another alleged drug-smuggling boat

The Associated Press, NPR

President Trump posted a video that shows a vessel speeding through waters before it appears to be struck by a pair of missiles from overhead and sink in a fiery explosion.

H-1B visa fee timeline imposed by US ‘concerning’, says India trade body

Mariamne Everett, Al Jazeera English

Nasscom says the one-day deadline could have 'ripple effects' on the US innovation ecosystem and global job markets.

Looking to Buy an Electric Vehicle? You Should Do It Before October

Ece Yildirim, Gizmodo.com

Here's how you can claim the $7,500 tax credit before it's retired by Trump admin.

Cash bail doesn’t reduce crime — or make us safer

Emily Galvin Almanza, Salon

Donald Trump's recent executive order isn't tough on crime

The bruise on America’s soul: Moral injury in the age of Trump

Michael Bader, Salon

Our shared trauma is not imaginary. The Trump regime's cruelty is affecting all of us — but there's hope

Donald Trump’s Most Authoritarian Week Yet

Andrew Perez, Rolling Stone

After Charlie Kirk’s murder, Trump used threats to force Jimmy Kimmel off the air, pledged to go after liberal nonprofits and “antifa,” and more.

Hamas posts ‘farewell picture’ of 48 captives as Israel destroys Gaza City

Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera English

Palestinian group says an expanded Israeli ground invasion and air raids threaten safety of the captives held in Gaza.

Around the world in a Free Palestine hoodie

Belén Fernández, Al Jazeera English

From Uzbekistan’s steppe to the jungle of Colombia, my sweatshirt has evoked Palestinian solidarity all over.

Large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine kills 3 people and wounds dozens

CBC News

Russia unleashed a major drone and missile attack on Ukraine overnight, killing three people, injuring dozens more and damaging infrastructure and residential buildings, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday.

‘Stay in US, avoid travel’: Microsoft, JP Morgan, Amazon advise H-1B visa holders to return before fee deadline

Express Web Desk, The Indian Express

Trump on Friday signed a measure restricting the entry of H-1B visa holders and raising the annual application fee to $100,000.

Trump Moves To Price Out Global Talent With $100K H-1B Visa: What’s Next?

Alexander Puutio, Contributor, Alexander Puutio, Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexanderpuutio/, Forbes

Trump’s $100K H-1B visa fee threatens U.S. tech’s talent pipeline, risking offshoring, AI substitution, and America’s global innovation edge.

The complex stories after Charlie Kirk’s killing

Al Jazeera English

Charlie Kirk was both the symptom and the disease afflicting the USA.

U.S. attorney resigns under pressure from Trump to charge N.Y. AG Letitia James

The Associated Press, NPR

Erik Siebert resigned after President Trump said he wanted him "out" after a monthslong mortgage fraud investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James failed to result in criminal charges.

Political Satire Keeps the Powerful in Check. Trump Is Trying to Silence It

Maria Fontoura, Rolling Stone

Former senator and comedian Al Franken says the removal of Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert from TV are attacks on satire that keeps power in check.

‘Open Up The Floodgates’—A BlackRock Price Bombshell Is Suddenly Hurtling Toward Bitcoin And Crypto

Billy Bambrough, Senior Contributor, Billy Bambrough, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/billybambrough/, Forbes

The SEC has approved a major rule change that could mean the bitcoin and crypto ETF “floodgates” open...

Now, Netflix Is Rumored to Want Warner Bros.

Lucas Ropek, Gizmodo.com

It appears there may be some competition to acquire the legendary Hollywood studio.

IG Nobel Prize Winners 2025

Improbable.com

Ig® Nobel Prize Winners For achievements that first make people LAUGH then make them THINK Winners by year: 2025 : 2024 : 2023 : 2022 : 2021 2020 : 2019 : 2018 : 2017 : 2016 2015 : 2014 : 2013 : 20…

Links 9/20/2025

Yves Smith, Nakedcapitalism.com

Our rambunctious daily links: Ig Nobel prize winners, mirror life, dangerous bees? Poland v. China, France and Philippines protests, UK dire harvests, Qatar strike blowback with Pakistan-Saudi pact, moar "Russia incursion", TRIPP, Samsung fridge ads, Trump NY…

New US H-1B visa fee could disrupt Indian IT operations, says industry body

Haripriya Suresh, Yahoo Entertainment

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Imposing a new $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications could disrupt the global operations of Indian technology services companies...

Kimmel’s suspension shows media censorship is a structural problem

Jeff Cohen, Salon

It's not just Donald Trump. Huge corporate power is also muzzling comedians

The Dollar: Ripples Presaging a Financial Tsunami

Yves Smith, Nakedcapitalism.com

A detailed analysis of the poor prospects for dollar hegemony and the forces that could trigger a sharp unwind.

Right-wing extremist violence is more frequent and more deadly

Art Jipson, Paul J. Becker, Salon

Right-wing violence accounts for 75%+ of U.S. domestic terrorism deaths since 2001.

What Trump Wants from a TikTok Deal with China

Clare Malone, The New Yorker

Clare Malone writes about TikTok, the Chinese-owned social-media app that was banned by Congress because of national-security concerns, and how Donald Trump seems more interested in leveraging its future for his personal gain.

Seeing Enemies Everywhere

Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker

Jonathan Blitzer on how the Administration is redefining “hate speech” in pursuit of protesters, news organizations, and late-night comedy shows—and the risks of weaponizing Charlie Kirk’s murder to vilify opponents.

I am pleading with President Trump to skip Charlie Kirk's funeral. Here's why | Letter

Letters to the Editor, Fci Academy

Letter: Mr. President, stay home in the White House this Sunday.

Charlie Kirk memorial service set for Sunday with Trump, Vance to speak

Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News

Charlie Kirk's memorial service will take place on Sunday, little more than a week after his murder sent shockwaves through American politics.

“Is DEI a dirty word for AI?” - Check Point’s responsible AI warning

Ellen Jennings-Trace, TechRadar

Chatbots aren’t neutral, so use them wisely, Check Point warns.

Flushable wipes and Iran: Water treatment facility adds cyber attacks to worry list

Jenna McLaughlin, NPR

Water treatment workers are grappling with how to protect against a new threat: hackers burrowing into the system and wreaking havoc.

Ed Davey loves clowning around, but is it time the Lib Dems get serious?

BBC News

As they gather in Bournemouth for their annual conference, Laura Kuenssberg considers what next for the Lib Dems.

Donald Trump’s H-1B annual fee hike to $100,000 sparks debate; Amitabh Kant says innovation will move to Bengaluru, Gurgaon: ‘America’s loss will be India’s gain’

Trends Desk, The Indian Express

The US administration said the hike is intended to ensure that only “truly highly skilled” workers enter the country and that American jobs are protected.

Russia carries out 'massive' attack across Ukraine

Morgan Winsor, Jon Haworth, ABC News

Russia carried out a “massive” attack across Ukraine Friday night into Saturday morning, using more than 600 drones and missiles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

Charlie Kirk's death has revealed simmering divisions in MAGA world

CBC News

Charlie Kirk's killing seems to have revealed cracks developing within the MAGA movement. It has also prompted questions about how much the influence of more far-right fringe elements will grow, including those considered political enemies of Kirk, such as wh…

Portugal confirms it will recognise Palestinian state

BBC News

A host of countries, including France and the UK, are expected to do the same when world leaders gather at the UN General Assembly next week.

First treaty to protect marine life in high seas to take effect in January

Lyndal Rowlands, Al Jazeera English

World's first-ever pact aims to fight threats like climate change, over-fishing and deep-sea mining.

Big Tech and finance companies are telling H-1B employees to get to the US in under 24 hours

Pranav Dixit, Business Insider

Amazon, Microsoft, JPMorgan, and Meta employees on H-1B visas were told to stay put, per employees and communications reviewed by Business Insider.

US cancels temporary protected status for Syrians

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

Trump administration says Syrians in the US must leave the country within 60 days or face arrest and deportation.

Trump administration to impose a $100,000-per-year fee for H-1B visas

Yahoo Entertainment

The Fed’s Rate Cut Was Expected. Here’s What Not To Expect: Real Help

Erik Sherman, Senior Contributor, Erik Sherman, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/eriksherman/, Forbes

The announcement of a quarter percent rate cut, and the indication of likely future cuts, is something a lot of people were waiting for. But what will ultimately come?

Ryan Walters’ Plan To Teach OK Students Election And COVID Conspiracies Put On Hold By State Supreme Court

Timothy Geigner, Techdirt

We’ve talked a lot about Ryan Walters recently, mostly because he keeps forgetting that the United States Constitution applies to him and his state. Between his attempt to inject Christian theocracy into the public school system while enriching Dear Leader Tr…

Ted Cruz breaks with Republicans, slams ‘mafioso’ threats to broadcasters

Alastair McCready, Al Jazeera English

The US senator has labelled Carr's comments 'dangerous as hell' and something 'right out of Goodfellas'.

3 killed in 3rd US strike on alleged drug boat in Caribbean, Trump says

ABC NEWS, ABC News

President Donald Trump said Friday he ordered another strike against a boat in international waters in the Caribbean that he said was "trafficking illicit narcotics."

WATCH: Humpback whale and calf breach yards away from kayakers in Costa Rica

ABC News

Kayakers in Costa Rica had the best view of an unexpected show in the middle of the ocean when a humpback whale and its calf breached yards away from them.

WATCH: Massachusetts student almost hit by car while crossing street for school bus

ABC News

A student in Massachusetts crossing the street to get on his school bus was nearly hit by a car that sped by him. Police in Hadley are searching for the driver.

WATCH: 3 Russian fighter jets accused of violating Estonia's airspace

ABC News

Three Russian fighter jets are accused of violating Estonia's airspace, flying for about 12 minutes over NATO territory. NATO scrambled jets to intercept.

US forces strike third alleged drug vessel killing three, Trump says

BBC News

Venezuela has condemned a series of strikes by US forces in the Caribbean targeting alleged drug traffickers.

Ted Cruz: 'Unbelievably dangerous' to threaten FCC licenses, compares chair to mob boss

Steven Ardary, FOX 4 News

Senator Ted Cruz criticized FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's comments about pulling ABC's broadcasting license, calling his language "unbelievably dangerous" and ...

Trumpcard (Official US Government Website)

Trump Gold Card, Trumpcard.gov

Available now.

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,304

Lyndal Rowlands, Al Jazeera English

Here are the key events on day 1,304 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Trump announces new deadly strike on suspected drug boat in Caribbean

Guardian staff, Yahoo Entertainment

President says US military carried out strike ‘on my orders’, killing three men he said were carrying illegal narcotics

Trump says U.S. has launched 3rd fatal strike in a month on alleged drug smuggling boat

CBC News

Trump in a social media posting said the strike killed three and was carried out against a vessel "affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization conducting narcotrafficking in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility." He did not provide more precise detai…

Trump says US struck another alleged drug smuggling vessel, killing three

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

US president says American forces struck the vessel in the Southern Command's 'area of responsibility'.

Senator Ted Cruz says US broadcast regulator acted like 'mafioso' on Jimmy Kimmel

BBC News

The Texas senator affected a mobster accent to criticise how ABC was pressed to take action on the late-night host.