US Election 2024 Live Updates: Trump criticise Kamala’s absence at Al Smith Dinner, calls it 'deeply disrespectful'

Kamala Harris will appear with Detroit-born singer Lizzo as the Democratic presidential nominee marks the beginning of in-person early voting in the city on Saturday.

More than 1 million Michigan residents have already voted by mail in the Nov. 5 election.

“The election is here,” Harris said Friday as she campaigned around the battleground state. “The election is here right now.”

The vice president will get more star power later Saturday when she holds a rally in Atlanta with Usher. The singer is expected to speak at the event.

Early voting is also underway in Georgia. More than 1.2 million ballots have been cast, either in person or through the mail.

Democrats hope an expansive organizing effort will boost Harris against Republican nominee Donald Trump in the campaign's final weeks. (AP)

US Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose tariffs of "150 per cent to 200 per cent" on China if the country takes military action against Taiwan, Taiwan News reported.

In a recent interview, Trump was asked whether he would consider military force in response to a potential Chinese blockade of Taiwan. He asserted that such action would not be necessary, claiming that Chinese President Xi Jinping respects him, stating, "I wouldn't have to, because he respects me and he knows I'm f-- crazy."

Trump, who served as President from 2017 to 2021, previously adopted a tough stance against China, implementing multiple rounds of tariffs that sparked a trade war and had widespread implications for the global economy.

The US State Department is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to any foreign person or entity engaging in election interference, it said just weeks before Americans select their next president.

An announcement from the department's Rewards for Justice program specifically singled out Russian media organization Rybar LLC, which it said used social media to "sow discord, promote social division, stoke partisan and racial discord, and encourage hate and violence in the United States."

There was no immediate reaction from Rybar or Russian authorities.

Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump hit the campaign trail on Saturday, pressing their case with voters from Georgia to Pennsylvania who are already starting to cast ballots in the U.S. presidential election.

Harris and Trump are essentially tied in the most competitive states and many Americans are already voting early by mail or in person, with just 17 days until the election.

On Saturday, Harris will host a get-out-the-vote event in Detroit, Michigan, for the city's first day of early voting, alongside Michigan-born rapper Lizzo.

Then, she travels to Atlanta, Georgia, for a rally with pop singer Usher, who is currently headlining a sold-out, three-date concert tour in the southern city. Early voting started in Georgia this week.

Harris will need a strong result in the majority-nonwhite cities of Detroit and Atlanta and their surrounding suburbs to repeat U.S. President Joe Biden's 2020 wins in those two states.

Trump planned to stage a rally on Saturday in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, seeking to take advantage of what he felt was an improved position for him in opinion polls that show a deadlocked race. Some voters already have mail-in ballots in the state, which is the biggest prize on Election Day among battleground states and could tip the 2024 race.

Early voting also starts on Saturday in Nevada, where former President Barack Obama was expected to campaign for Harris in Las Vegas.

Both 2024 candidates spent Friday in closely contested Michigan, trading jabs about their fitness for office. Trump, 78, dismissed accusations from Harris that he was exhausted by the pace of the campaign's closing days. Harris turns 60 on Sunday. (Reuters)

Donald Trump took a jibe at the White Dudes for Harris at the AI Smith charity dinner as he said he's least worries about the white dudes' support to vice president Kamala Harris as they may support Harris but their wives and the lovers of those wives are voting for Trump. White Dudes for Harris is a group of voters that are supporting Kamala Harris for the election campaign.Ross Morales Rocketto and Mike Nellis have created the group. They had a terrific fundraiser with 190,000 participants in July 2024 -- a month after President Joe Biden opted out of the race and endorsed Kamala Harris.

Donald Trump's campaign is in talks with former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley to rope her in to Trump's campaigning in the last few weeks left for the election. But Trump doesn't like the idea and is putting no fig leaf to his frustration. In a Fox interview on Friday, Trump said "I'll do what I have to do" on a question as to whether he would call Haley and ask her to campaign for him.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made a comment on sex offender film producer Harvey Weinstein at the Dan Bongino Show. He said he was amazed that Harvey Weinstein got his due because Democrats usually protect their own. Calling Weinstein 'king of the woke', Trump said it's interesting that he got hit so hard.

“Democrats don’t have to be honest, they really don’t have to be honest, because they will never be accused of anything.It’s interesting,” Trump said. “I was so amazed that Harvey Weinstein got schlonged, he got hit as hard as you can get hit. Because he was sort of the king of the woke, right? And yet he got hit and I figured, maybe, he wouldn’t get hit so hard.”

Some prominent Lebanese Americans on Friday endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris for president in a letter that said the U.S. had been "unrelenting" in its support for Lebanon under the Biden administration and that they expect additional backing if Harris wins in November.

The endorsement came amid ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon that have killed at least 2,350 people over the last year, according to the Lebanese health ministry, with more than 1.2 million people displaced. Militant group Hezbollah has also fired on Israel and about 50 Israeli soldiers and civilians have been killed.

Signatories include former Congress members Donna Shalala and Toby Moffett, former President Barack Obama's former transportation secretary Ray LaHood, academics, CEOs and investors.

A number of Arab Americans and Muslims are abandoning the Democratic Party over the Biden administration's support for Israel in its war with Hamas.

Kamala Harris questioned Donald Trump's fitness for office Friday as the oldest major-party White House candidate in history faced speculation that he is "exhausted" after backing out of a spate of interviews.

While he has been appearing on friendly TV networks, the 78-year-old Republican has canceled sitdowns with media outlets including NBC, CNBC and CBS. He has also refused a second debate with Harris, after being soundly bested in the first.

Politico reported that a Trump aide had told producers at a website negotiating an interview that the ex-president was "exhausted" and refusing some appearances -- a claim described by his campaign as "detached from reality."

But Harris, who turns 60 this weekend, hammered Trump over his health and resilience.

Former US President and Republican nominee Donald Trump faced technical issues during a rally in Detroit on Friday night when his microphone cut out, leaving him to pace the stage in silence for almost 20 minutes.

He was prepared to discuss tariffs in his poll rally, the sound unexpectedly failed, halting his speech.

Visibly frustrated, Trump wandered the stage while the crowd chanted "USA" and "We love Trump" in support.The event’s screens displayed messages of "Technical Difficulties" and "Complicated Business" as Trump waited for a solution.

US President Joe Biden emphasised the importance of continued support for Ukraine during a meeting with European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The leaders discussed Ukraine's war with Russia, with Biden urging allies to "sustain our resolve" ahead of a difficult winter for Ukraine. Scholz reaffirmed Germany's commitment but remained cautious about supplying certain military aid, while Biden indicated some flexibility on long-range weapons.

The US election looms over these discussions, with concerns about how a potential Donald Trump presidency could impact NATO and U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump has criticized alliances and voiced skepticism about defending NATO members. Biden also touched on the Middle East conflict, advocating for peace following Israel's killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and suggesting the possibility of a ceasefire with Hezbollah.

Despite the election uncertainty, Biden underscored the importance of democracy and alliances, receiving Germany’s highest Order of Merit for his efforts to strengthen US-European ties.

Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank President Raphael Bostic warned on Friday that uncertainty surrounding next month’s U.S. presidential election could cause a slowdown in spending and business investment. Speaking to high school students at a Mississippi Council on Economic Education event at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, Bostic explained that households and companies may delay financial decisions as they wait for more political clarity. "You might see a lull in some of the activity for some businesses, particularly when we think about investments," he said, referencing his discussions with business leaders. "You also see the same thing with families as well...many of them may have ideas about where to go, what to do next but are feeling the uncertainty around the election is just making them uncomfortable."

The killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar represents a significant victory for Israel amid its ongoing military campaign in Gaza and against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli leaders aim to reshape the regional landscape to enhance their security and prevent future threats from Hamas and Iran. With US elections nearing, Israel is keen to establish de facto buffer zones before a new president takes office in January. While President Biden is likely to pressure Prime Minister Netanyahu to end the war, Netanyahu may prefer to wait for the next administration. Israel has intensified its military operations, resulting in significant casualties on both sides, and is focused on dismantling the military capabilities of its enemies. However, Israeli ambitions extend beyond immediate military gains, aiming for long-term strategic changes in the region.

Germany honored US President Joe Biden with its highest Order of Merit for his contributions to trans-Atlantic relations. This recognition came ahead of Biden's meetings with European allies to discuss the war in Ukraine and the Middle East conflict. However, the looming U.S. presidential election casts uncertainty over the future of these alliances, particularly with Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, posing a potential challenge. Trump’s past policies, such as imposing tariffs and his indifference toward Ukraine and NATO, have raised concerns in Europe. During the visit, Biden emphasized the importance of US-European partnerships and ongoing support for Ukraine.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump revealed during a podcast with Patrick Bet-David that Apple CEO Tim Cook contacted him, expressing concerns over significant financial penalties imposed on Apple by the European Union.

Trump mentioned that Cook called to discuss the EU’s recent actions, including a $15 billion fine and an additional $2 billion penalty.

Apple has not confirmed the authenticity of the call. However, European regulators have been intensifying their scrutiny of Big Tech firms, aiming to reduce their dominance and promote fair competition. Recently, Apple lost a legal battle with the EU, forcing the company to pay €13 billion ($14.08 billion) in back taxes to Ireland.

Earlier this year, Apple was also fined $2 billion for anti-competitive practices related to its App Store.

During the podcast, Trump quoted himself telling Cook, “Tim, I got to get elected first. ... But I'm not going to let them take advantage of our companies. That won't be happening.”

Former President Donald Trump recently shrugged off concerns about the newly formed group 'White Dudes for Harris' during his speech at the Al Smith charity dinner in New York. Trump, known for his witty and often biting remarks, joked, “I’m not worried about them at all, because their wives and their wives' lovers are all voting for me.” The group, which is actively supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, aims to mobilise white men across the country, particularly those disillusioned with Trump’s divisive rhetoric.

‘White Dudes for Harris’ has drawn significant attention since its launch. The group’s founder, Ross Morales Rocketto, highlighted the motivation behind it, stating that many white men are seeking an alternative to Trump. “There is a real hunger out there for an alternative,” he explained. Their initiative has already pledged to engage over 200,000 white men nationwide, focusing on key battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

As part of their effort, the group recently rolled out a $10 million ad campaign targeting disillusioned voters who feel overlooked by Trump’s policies. The advertisement highlights the frustration of these voters, accusing Trump of “screwing them over” and positioning Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, as leaders more aligned with their interests.

Despite the push from 'White Dudes for Harris', a recent NBC News poll shows a tight race between Harris and Trump, with both tied at 48% among registered voters. Just a month ago, Harris held a five-point lead, but the race has now narrowed, reflecting the increasingly competitive political landscape.

During his speech at the Al Smith dinner, Trump used the moment to mock Harris, who was absent from the event due to her campaigning efforts in Wisconsin. He labelled her no-show as “deeply disrespectful” and launched a broader critique of her and President Joe Biden. Known for blending humour with sharp political jabs, Trump’s comments were characteristic of his campaign style.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump took the opportunity to make light-hearted jabs at his political opponents while addressing the annual Al Smith charity dinner in New York City on Thursday night. The event, which raises funds for Catholic charities, has long been a tradition where candidates from both sides can engage in playful banter.

Speaking at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, Trump, known for his brash style, quipped, “It’s really a pleasure (to be) anywhere in New York without a subpoena for my appearance,” referencing his ongoing legal troubles. His comment was met with chuckles from the crowd, which included many of the city’s elite.

During his speech, Trump also poked fun at embattled New York Mayor Eric Adams, who is facing federal corruption charges, saying, “Good luck with everything,” in a tone that blended humour with sharp undertones.

While Trump attended the gala in person, his opponent, Democrat Kamala Harris, skipped the event, opting to campaign in Wisconsin, a vital swing state. Trump took the opportunity to jab at Harris for her absence, comparing her to Democrat Walter Mondale, who missed the dinner in 1984 and suffered a major defeat against Ronald Reagan. “It shows you there is a God,” Trump joked, sparking laughter and applause from the audience.

Harris, however, still made her presence known through a pre-recorded video, calling for unity and understanding. "In the spirit of tonight's dinner, let us recommit to reaching across divides, to seek understanding and common ground," she said.

Not one to hold back, Trump continued with a more controversial joke, suggesting Harris might have attended if the charitable funds had been earmarked for "the looters and rioters in Minneapolis"—a reference to the 2020 racial justice protests. The remark led to boos from parts of the audience.

In attendance with Trump was his wife, former first lady Melania Trump, making a rare political appearance alongside him. It was their first time together at such an event since the 2020 Republican National Convention.

Despite the event’s tradition of light-hearted self-deprecation, Trump struggled to poke fun at himself. "Tradition holds that I'm supposed to tell you a few self-deprecating jokes this evening," he admitted. "Nope, I've got nothing," a statement that drew mixed reactions from the crowd.

The dinner, however, is more than just an opportunity for political jabs. With Catholic voters being a key swing constituency, Trump sought to shore up support. Polls released this week show him leading Harris among Catholic voters in battleground states like Michigan and Pennsylvania by a margin of 5 per cent.

As the race between Trump and Harris remains tight, with the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll showing Harris slightly ahead at 45 per cent to Trump’s 42 per cent, events like the Al Smith dinner serve as vital moments for both candidates to connect with voters and energize their base.

In a vibrant effort to rally support for Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, an Indian American Democratic fundraiser has launched a captivating digital video aimed at engaging South Asian voters in crucial battleground states. Released on Thursday, the video creatively utilizes the instrumental version of AR Rahman's iconic tune "Dil Hai Chhota Sa, Chhoti Si Asha" from the beloved film Roja, infusing a Bollywood flair into the political arena.

Titled "I WILL VOTE FOR KAMALA HARRIS - TIM WALZ," the video is strategically crafted to resonate with South Asian communities across key states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, and North Carolina. The initiative underscores the importance of unity and collective action within the South Asian diaspora as the election approaches.

Ajay Bhutoria, a National Finance Committee member for Kamala Harris's campaign, emphasised the significance of this moment for the community. "This is the moment for us to unite and show our support for Kamala Harris," he stated, highlighting the power of collaboration in securing electoral success.

Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are heading to Michigan on Friday in a bid to lock down support in this crucial battleground state ahead of the upcoming election. With both candidates hosting events, their presence highlights Michigan’s pivotal role in determining the outcome.

Harris, representing the Democrats, will kick off her day in Grand Rapids before moving to Lansing and Oakland County, which lies northwest of Detroit. Meanwhile, Trump, the Republican candidate, will also be focusing on Oakland County with an afternoon event there, followed by a rally in Detroit in the evening.

Michigan, part of the critical "blue wall" states along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, has been a key focus for both parties. Trump’s recent rhetoric, particularly his comment that under Harris, “our whole country will end up being like Detroit," has sparked controversy. Detroit, once struggling with financial problems and a population exodus, has recently seen a resurgence, making Trump's remark contentious.

One of Harris’ main challenges in the state has been securing support from labour unions, a group that traditionally leans Democratic but has been hesitant in backing her fully this time around. Additionally, Arab American voters have expressed scepticism due to the White House's stance on Israel's military actions in Gaza.

Despite these challenges, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a co-chair of Harris’ campaign, remained confident, acknowledging that the election in Michigan was always expected to be tight. “Michigan is a divided state,” Whitmer said. “We don’t write off the reddest of areas. We show up.”

Trump’s previous success in Kent County in 2016, where he won by 3 per cent, has been overshadowed by Biden's 2020 victory in the area, with the county increasingly leaning Democratic. Both Harris and Trump’s appearances in Michigan reflect how fiercely contested this state remains as they vie for its electoral influence.

Elon Musk made his first solo appearance supporting Donald Trump's presidential campaign, speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania’s critical battleground state.

The billionaire urged the crowd to register and vote early, but some attendees expressed scepticism, shouting "Why?" in response to his call for early voting. This reaction highlights the continued hesitation among Republican voters after Trump’s past criticism of early and mail-in voting.

Musk, speaking to a packed auditorium, emphasized the importance of upholding the US Constitution, calling it the foundation of America's values. He encouraged attendees to ensure their friends and family were registered, stressing the need to act swiftly. “Anyone who is against those values is fundamentally anti-American, and to hell with them,” he declared, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Despite his efforts, some in the audience voiced concerns about voting early, reflecting a broader issue within the party. Trump had long raised doubts about mail and early voting, leading to reluctance among his supporters. This year's renewed Republican push to encourage early voting still faces resistance.

Musk has committed significant resources to the campaign through his America PAC, aiming to mobilize Trump supporters.

However, questions remain about whether Republicans can overcome lingering doubts and fully embrace early voting ahead of the November election.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg in Chicago, Donald Trump, the oldest candidate running for president, made controversial remarks about Supreme Court appointments, asserting, "Only stupid people put old people in position for the Supreme Court." His comments seemed to overlook his own age as he discussed the importance of selecting younger nominees.

Trump highlighted his achievement of appointing three justices during his presidency, noting, "It’s amazing because I got three in four years. Most people get none. Because, you know, you put them in, they’re young." He continued, emphasising the preference for younger justices by saying, "You don’t put old in because they're there for two years or three years."

The former president's comments have sparked discussions about age and qualifications in political positions, particularly as he navigates the challenges of his own candidacy at the age of 78. Trump's remarks reflect his ongoing focus on judicial appointments, a key aspect of his presidential legacy, while also drawing attention to the age dynamics within the highest levels of government.

Donald Trump stirred controversy on Thursday with remarks about Ukraine while continuing his efforts to galvanise supporters ahead of the 2024 US election.

Speaking on the PBD Podcast, Trump suggested that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was responsible for allowing Russia’s invasion to happen. His comments, interpreted as critical of Ukraine, prompted clarification from his campaign, which stated that Trump was referring to President Joe Biden’s foreign policy rather than Zelenskyy’s actions.

During the interview, Trump also discussed his familiar grievances with US media, immigration, and the economy. He notably refrained from mentioning his widely-touted deportation plan but focused instead on the challenges facing legal immigration. Additionally, Trump downplayed his involvement in the January 6 Capitol insurrection, describing the event as a "day of love," further drawing criticism.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and Trump supporter has become increasingly involved in the campaign, hosting events in Pennsylvania aimed at mobilising voters. At one such event, Musk underscored the high stakes of this election, claiming that it would decide the fate of America and Western civilisation.

With the election only weeks away, Trump and his allies continue to push for early voting, despite scepticism among some Republicans who remain wary after Trump’s past attacks on mail-in voting.

Kamala Harris addressed supporters in Wisconsin on Thursday, rallying her base in the vital swing state as the US presidential election draws near.

The Democratic vice president, who is in a tightly contested race with Donald Trump, warned of the grave consequences of Trump returning to the Oval Office. Speaking to crowds in La Crosse and Green Bay, Harris highlighted the stakes in this election, focusing on the issues important to blue-collar workers and young voters in the state.

Harris told the audience, “We are nearing the home stretch, and this is going to be a tight race until the very end.” She further added that Trump is an "unserious man," stressing that the implications of him regaining power are “brutally serious.” Her comments aimed to energise voters to turn out on November 5, as she warned about the potential risks under Trump’s leadership.

The vice president also reflected on her recent appearance on Fox News, explaining her desire to represent all Americans, regardless of their political affiliations or media preferences. Harris’s momentum in the polls has slowed in recent weeks, but she remains focused on securing key demographics in the final stages of the campaign.