U.S. Secret Service responds after a person was shot by law enforcement near the Washington Monument in Washington, on May 4,, 2026.
| Photo Credit: AP

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance speaks during a news conference after meeting with representatives from Pakistan and Iran, on April 12, 2026, in Islamabad, Pakistan.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

U.S. Vice President JD Vance waves as he boards Air Force Two, after peace talks with Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 12, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

A drone view shows an installation representing U.S. President Donald Trump thinking about a depiction of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the word “liability”, on the beach near the U.S Consulate in Tel Aviv on October 24, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Munich:

US Vice President JD Vance launched a withering attack Friday against European policies on immigration, populist parties and free speech, echoing President Donald Trump whom he called Washington’s “new sheriff in town”.

Vance’s speech — which focussed on key themes of Trump’s MAGA campaign — was a combative broadside at the Munich Security Conference at a time of deep transatlantic discord over Ukraine, defence, trade and other issues.

Vance stressed that Europe must “step up” in managing its own security, a key bone of contention. But he mostly lambasted the EU’s members on culture war issues.

“There is a new sheriff in town under Donald Trump’s leadership,” said Vance in a speech that stunned the room, and was later condemned as “unacceptable” by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

“We may disagree with your views, but we will fight to defend your right to offer it in the public square,” said Vance. “Agree or disagree.”

Vance slammed EU “commissars” for stifling free expression and charged that “across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat”.

‘Change course’ 

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier had earlier made clear that what had been Berlin’s most important diplomatic relationship had sharply deteriorated since Trump returned to the White House.

“The new American administration has a very different world view to ours,” Steinmeier said. “One that has no regard for established rules, partnership and established trust.”

The German head of state urged European leaders to keep calm in the face of a blizzard of disruptive policy announcements from Washington.

“We must not freeze in fear, or as the English saying goes: Let’s not be a deer caught in the headlights.”

Vance, undeterred, in his later speech urged European countries, including conference host Germany, which faces elections on February 23, to “change course” on immigration.

His speech came a day after a 24-year-old Afghan man was arrested in Munich over a car-ramming attack that wounded 36 people.

“How many times must we suffer these appalling setbacks before we change course and take our shared civilisation in a new direction?” he said.

“Why did this happen in the first place? It’s a terrible story but it’s one we’ve heard way too many times in Europe and unfortunately too many times in the United states as well.

“An asylum seeker, often a young man in his mid-20s already known to police, rams a car into a crowd and shatters a community.”

Defending political parties that oppose immigration and their supporters, Vance added: “No voter on this continent went to the ballot box to open the floodgates to millions of unvetted immigrants.”

‘Meddling’ 

Germany warned earlier Friday against foreign “meddling” in its politics after Vance called for a bigger role for Europe’s anti-immigration parties, nine days before the German general election.

Vance told the Wall Street Journal: “Unfortunately, the will of voters has been ignored by a lot of our European friends” on the issue and urged governments not to exclude anti-immigration parties.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) looks set for its best ever result of around 20 percent in the election and has received enthusiastic backing from tech billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk.

Vance said Germany should get used to the Tesla and SpaceX boss weighing in, just as the United States tolerated criticism by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

“If American democracy can survive 10 years of Greta Thunberg’s scolding, you guys can survive a few months of Elon Musk,” he said.

“But what German democracy, what no democracy — American, German or European — will survive is telling millions of voters that their thoughts and concerns, their aspirations, their pleas for relief are invalid or unworthy.”

Vance also touched on a heated German pre-election debate around the need for mainstream political parties to maintain a so called “firewall” of non-cooperation with the AfD.

“Democracy rests on the sacred principle that the voice of the people matters,” he said. “There’s no room for firewalls.”

Pistorius blasted Vance, saying “democracy was called into question by the US Vice President for the whole of Europe”.

“He speaks of the annihilation of democracy. And if I have understood him correctly, he is comparing conditions in parts of Europe with those in authoritarian regimes… that is not acceptable.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Munich:

US Vice President JD Vance met Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky in Munich on Friday for crunch talks on ending Russia’s war, as Kyiv insisted it wanted to hammer out a joint plan with Washington.

The sit-down in Germany was seen as a key moment for Kyiv as it seeks to keep Washington on its side after US President Donald Trump stunned allies by launching peace efforts with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

“I will meet with Russians — with only one Russian guy, with Putin — only after we will have a common plan with Trump, Europe,” Zelensky told the Munich Security Conference before seeing Vance.

“Only in this case I’m ready to meet.”

Vance in the run-up insisted the United States was prepared to pressure Russia to end its three-year war on Ukraine, as he said Europe should “of course” be at the table.

But the vice president also told Europe to “step up” on bolstering its own defence to allow Washington to focus on threats elsewhere in the world.

US officials have sent mixed messages over Washington’s strategy after Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth appeared to rule out Ukraine joining NATO or retaking all of its territory.

That has sparked major worries in Kyiv and Europe that Ukraine could be forced into a bad deal that leaves the continent facing an emboldened Putin.

But Vance told the Wall Street Journal that Trump would put everything “on the table” in potential talks, and that Washington could even use “military leverage” against Russia to force a deal.

The vice president did not give more away in a keenly-awaited keynote speech, as he avoided addressing the war in Ukraine and focused instead on scolding Europe over immigration and free speech.

– Trump’s phone number –

Trump rattled US allies on Wednesday by agreeing to launch peace talks in his first publicly announced call with Putin since returning to office.

After being named by Trump as a likely venue for a meeting with Putin, Saudi Arabia said it would welcome holding any talks between the two leaders.

Zelensky appeared to play down fears that Trump was leaving Kyiv out in the cold, as he joked the US president had given him his personal number when they spoke.

“If he will choose our side, and if he will not be in the middle, I think he will pressure and he will push Putin to stop the war,” Zelensky said.

In a bid to keep Washington close Kyiv has held talks over granting access to its rare mineral deposits in return for future US security support.

– Chernobyl strike –

European allies — who along with Washington are Ukraine’s strongest backers — demanded that they too be included in negotiations that will impact their continent’s security.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen warned that forcing Ukraine into a bad deal would harm US interests.

“I believe that by working together, we can deliver that just and lasting peace,” she said.

While Europe nervously monitors the US stance on Ukraine, there is little ambiguity on Trump’s determination to get Europe to spend more on its defence.

Fears Vance could announce a major US troop reduction in Europe did not materialise, but he repeated warnings that Washington needs to focus more on other parts of the globe.

Amid the diplomatic flurry in Munich, Zelensky said that back on the ground in Ukraine a Russian drone had struck a cover built to contain radiation at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, adding that radiation levels were normal.

The Ukrainian air force said Russia had launched 133 drones across the country overnight — including attack drones — targeting northern regions of the country where the Chernobyl plant lies.

Zelensky said the attack was evidence that “Putin is definitely not preparing for negotiations — he is preparing to continue deceiving the world.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Paris:

Vice President JD Vance met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, where they discussed topics of mutual interest, including how the United States can assist India in diversifying its energy sourcing through investments in clean, “reliable” US nuclear technology, confirmed an official statement from the White House.

Following the meeting, the two leaders, along with the Second Lady of the United States, Usha Vance, enjoyed coffee together. Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to share gifts with the Vance children and wished the Vice President’s son, Vivek, a happy birthday, the White House statement added.

“Today, Vice President JD Vance met with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. The two leaders, along with the Second Lady of the United States Usha Vance, enjoyed coffee together and discussed topics of mutual interest, including how the United States can assist India in diversifying its energy sourcing through investments in clean, reliable US nuclear technology. Prime Minister Modi graciously shared gifts with the Vance children and wished the Vice President’s son, Vivek, a happy birthday,” the statement read.

Following the meeting, PM Modi wrote on X, “Had a wonderful meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and his family. We had a great conversation on various subjects. Delighted to join them in celebrating the joyous birthday of their son, Vivek!”

Had a wonderful meeting with US @VP @JDVance and his family. We had a great conversation on various subjects. Delighted to join them in celebrating the joyous birthday of their son, Vivek! pic.twitter.com/gZpmt1jg5M

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 11, 2025

In response, US Vice President JD Vance expressed his gratitude towards PM Modi, saying, “Prime Minister Modi was gracious and kind, and our kids really enjoyed the gifts. I’m grateful to him for the wonderful conversation.”

PM Modi will visit the US on February 12-13 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since President Trump assumed office for his second term.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Donald Trump and Melania Trump dance

| Video Credit:
The Hindu

Shortly after being sworn-in as the 47th President of the United States of America, Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump danced during the Commander-in-Chief Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre in Washington.

They were joined by Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance. Later, Mr Trump and Mr Vance cut a large cake with swords.

Mr Trump then danced to the hit “Y.M.C.A” by 1970s disco band Village People, a staple in many of his campaign rallies.

Washington DC:

US President-elect Donald Trump will take office on January 20 after defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in November’s presidential election. 

Here is a timeline of events between now and Inauguration Day:

2025

January 6: Harris presides over the Electoral College vote count at a joint session of Congress, announces the results and declares who has been elected.

Ahead of the count on January 6, 2021, then-President Trump lambasted his vice president, Mike Pence, for refusing to try to prevent Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s victory.

On that day, Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol in an effort to stop the count. Biden’s win was certified early the next day.

Congress has since passed reforms that require approval of one-fifth of the House and Senate to consider a challenge to a state’s results – a much higher bar than existed before, when at least one member each in the Senate and the House of Representatives could together trigger a challenge.

January 20: Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will take their respective oaths of office during a swearing-in ceremony that is due to begin at 12 p.m. ET (1700 GMT).

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

US Vice President Kamala Harris sparked controversy and ridicule after appearing to forget the Pledge of Allegiance during a swearing-in ceremony for new senators at Capitol Hill.

The incident, which was captured on video, has now gone viral and showed Harris starting the pledge but leaving out key words, including “to the flag.” She trailed off as others continued reciting the pledge, seemingly unsure of the correct words.

The official Pledge of Allegiance reads: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Kamala just completely messed up the Pledge of Allegiance on the Senate floor.
pic.twitter.com/eoCqa1wdat

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 3, 2025

Harris’s mistake did not go unnoticed, and she faced swift criticism on social media. Conservative commentators and users were quick to pounce on the error, with former Trump campaign aide Chester Tam calling it “absolutely pathetic.”

Donald Trump Jr. shared the video on X with three laughing emojis, while Vice President-elect JD Vance was seen smiling and laughing during the ceremony.

Conservative commentator Collin Rugg remarked, “JUST IN: Kamala Harris appears to forget the Pledge of Allegiance during the swearing-in ceremony for new senators. This woman is a heartbeat away from being the president.”

Despite the criticism, Harris seemed to take the mistake in stride. She was seen smiling back at Republicans after the ceremony.

As President of the Senate, Harris plays a crucial role in swearing in new senators and overseeing key proceedings. Her mistake has raised questions about her preparedness for the role and her ability to represent the United States on the national stage.

In leadership, every second counts and every word counts. Let’s hope that during these important events, clarity and focus stay at the forefront. #LeadershipMatters

— Small World (@smallworld0011) January 3, 2025

The incident has also sparked a wider debate about the importance of the Pledge of Allegiance and the role of public officials in upholding American traditions.

While some have defended Harris’s mistake as a simple error, others have argued that it reflects a broader lack of respect for American institutions and values.

Stuff happens. Let it go

— B Batch (@BobBatchelder2) January 3, 2025

One user on X has commented, “In leadership, every second counts and every word counts. Let’s hope that during these important events, clarity and focus stay at the forefront. #LeadershipMatters” while another has said, “Stuff happens. Let it go”.