Cristiano Ronaldo attends White House dinner with Trump and Saudi crown prince

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair James Risch (R-Idaho) objected to a request by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to commemorate slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington, calling it 'inappropriate.' Khashoggi, a Virginia resident, was murdered in 2018, and Kaine's request aimed to honor his legacy amid ongoing discussions about human rights and accountability.

President Trump is contemplating an executive order aimed at blocking state-level artificial intelligence (AI) laws. This initiative comes as the White House seeks to establish a federal framework for AI technology. The proposed order would instruct Attorney General Pam Bondi to form a task force to challenge state AI regulations and potentially limit federal funding to states that enact such laws.

Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-Va.), a former member of the National Security Council, has urged President Trump to release the transcript of a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that occurred around the time of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's assassination. Vindman described the call as 'shocking' and emphasized the need for transparency regarding the events surrounding Khashoggi's murder.

The U.S. Commerce Department has approved the sale of up to 70,000 advanced AI chips to two companies based in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. This decision follows discussions between President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reflecting a strengthening of economic ties between the nations.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended new restrictions that limit reporter access to staff offices, citing concerns about eavesdropping. The decision has sparked discussions regarding transparency and media access within the White House.

A recent incident involving President Donald Trump aboard Air Force One has sparked significant outrage. During a press gaggle, Trump directed an insult at a female reporter, calling her 'piggy' while pointing angrily. This incident has gained traction on social media, contributing to a growing list of controversial remarks made by the president in recent days.

President Trump referenced SpaceX CEO Elon Musk during an investment forum, indicating a potential thaw in their previously strained relationship. This remark followed Musk's recent visit to the White House, suggesting improved dynamics between the two influential figures.

Saad Almadi, a 75-year-old US citizen, has been released by Saudi Arabia after being imprisoned for five months due to critical tweets about the government. His release follows a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and former President Donald Trump, which has been linked to Almadi's case. Initially sentenced to 19 years in prison in 2021, Almadi's charges were later reduced to cyber crimes, resulting in a 30-year travel ban.