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Trump Convenes First Peace Board Meeting Amid Lingering Gaza Uncertainties

  The U.S. Institute of Peace building prepares to host U.S. President Donald Trump's first Board of Peace meeting in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 18, 2026. As President Donald Trump prepares to chair the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Board of Peace, the gathering is already drawing global attention due to unresolved questions surrounding the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in Gaza. The board, created to advise on conflict resolution and long‑term stability initiatives, is expected to face immediate scrutiny over how it will address the region’s fragile cease-fire and the stalled negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian representatives. Officials close to the administration have signaled that the meeting will focus on establishing the board’s priorities, though observers note that the situation in Gaza looms large over any discussion of regional peace. Humanitarian groups continue to raise alarms about access to aid, reconstruction challenges, and the un...

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Judge Rebukes Trump’s Lawyer for ‘Losing All Credibility’ in Hush Money Trial”

 

    

In a dramatic courtroom exchange, Judge Juan Merchan admonished former President Donald Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, for what he deemed a lack of credibility during the ongoing criminal trial related to hush money payments. The trial centers around a 2016 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, allegedly to boost Trump’s electoral prospects.

Merchan expressed visible frustration with Blanche’s defense, stating, “You have presented nothing.” The judge further criticized Blanche’s assertion that Trump had carefully adhered to the gag order preventing him from publicly criticizing witnesses. “You’re losing all credibility with the court,” Merchan declared.

Blanche attempted to argue that Trump had not intended to violate the gag order, but Merchan remained unsatisfied. When Blanche suggested there were “two systems of justice” in the courtroom, referencing the imprisonment of Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg, Merchan sharply responded, “Is that what you are saying?”

The contempt hearing intensified as Blanche defended Trump’s social media posts as mere responses to attacks, yet failed to provide clear examples. The trial continues to captivate the nation as it marks the first time a former U.S. president faces criminal charges.

Stay tuned for further developments in this historic case. 

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