(2026-05-20). Headlines for May 20, 2026. democracynow.org Iran Threatens War Will Spread Beyond Middle East If Trump Resumes Attacks, Lebanon's Health Ministry Says at Least 22 People Killed in Israeli Attacks Despite Ceasefire, Israeli Forces Intercept Last Remaining Boats with Gaza Sumud Flotilla, Abducting Over 400 Activists, Israel's Far-Right Finance Minister Smotrich Says ICC Seeks Arrest Warrant Against Him, Victims of Islamic Center Shooting in San Diego Identified, DOJ "Forever" Bars IRS From Probing Trump, His Sons and Their Family Business, Democratic Senators Grill Transportation Secretary Duffy About Reality TV Road Trip Project, WHO…
(2026-05-20). Strait of Peril: Trump, Tehran and The New Battle for Hormuz. ummid.com The United States and Iran appear locked between diplomacy and military escalation as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz intensify.
(2026-05-20). Trump says Iran diplomacy space is shrinking. tribune.com.pk 
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States could launch fresh military strikes against Iran within days if negotiations fail, even as Washington and Tehran continued indirect efforts to reach a deal aimed at preventing a renewed escalation in the Middle East conflict. | Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump revealed he had been "an hour away" from authorising a new attack before postponing the move following requests from Gulf Arab states seeking more time for diplomacy. | "Well, I mean, I'm saying two or three days, maybe Friday, Saturday, Sunday, something, maybe early next week,…
(2026-05-20). Is an Invasion of Cuba Next? Peter Kornbluh on U.S. Move to Indict Raúl Castro & CIA's Widening Role. democracynow.org 
In the latest escalation of the decadeslong U.S. pressure campaign against Cuba's communist government, the Trump administration is expected to unseal an indictment against Raúl Castro, the 94-year-old former president of Cuba, later today. The charges stem from the 1996 shootdown of four pilots with Brothers to the Rescue, the U.S.-based anti-Castro organization formed by Cuban exiles and dissidents. Peter Kornbluh, a Cuba specialist at the National Security Archive, says that the indictment will send "a clear warning" to Cuban leaders and provide justification for a possible future attempt to…
(2026-05-20). G7 imperialist governments line up behind Trump's threats against Iran as global war escalates. wsws.org Trump's gangster-like threats are the authentic voice of world imperialism, which is determined to impose colonial chains on Iran and the entire region as part of the new redivision of the world among the major powers that is already well underway.
(2026-05-20). Alexander Zevin: Trump's Gulf War. newleftreview.org Asymmetries of the US-Israeli assault on Iran, as an uneasy balance holds between Tehran's tourniquet on the Strait of Hormuz—and the world economy—and the enormous firepower of the aggressors, at the end of the first round.
(2026-05-20). On cam: Putin arrives in China to grand red carpet welcome after Trump-Xi Beijing meet | Russia. hindustantimes.com Xi Jinping rolled out the red carpet for Vladimir Putin in Beijing as the two leaders prepared for a high-stakes summit amid growing global tensions. Putin's visit comes shortly after his diplomatic engagements with the United States, putting fresh focus on Beijing's balancing act between East and West. Ahead of the visit, Putin sent a message of solidarity to China, while Xi welcomed his "old friend" for talks expected to cover geopolitics, trade, Ukraine, and the shifting global power balance.
(2026-05-20). Putin, Xi hail 'unyielding' ties in talks after Trump visit. geo.tv 
Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, May 20, 2026. — Reuters Beijing and Moscow continuously deepened mutual trust: Xi.Putin says relations reached…
(2026-05-20). U.S., China agree to launch government-to-government dialogue on AI: FM. ecns.cn During U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China, top leaders of the two countries had constructive exchanges on AI and agreed to launch government-to-government dialogue on AI, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference on Tuesday.
(2026-05-20). Trump-Xi Beijing Summit Signals Fragile Reset in US-China Relations. ummid.com US President Donald Trump's high-stakes visit to Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping has triggered global attention amid worsening geopolitical rivalries, trade tensions and security concerns.
(2026-05-20). Media reports highlight concerns in Japan over possible U.S.-China policy recalibration. ecns.cn Recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump on Taiwan and regional security have sparked discussion in Japanese media and policy circles over the future direction of U.S.-China relations and their potential impact on Japan.
(2026-05-20). Why Marco Rubio's name changed before his entry to China? ummid.com US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in China Wednesday May 13, 2026 along with Donald Trump onboard Air Force 1 — the US President's official carrier, but not before his name changed.
(2026-05-20). Putin arrives in China for talks with 'long-time friend' Xi. tribune.com.pk 
Russian leader Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for talks with 'long-time good friend' Xi Jinping, just four days after Donald Trump's own visit. | In talks that were confirmed just a few hours after Trump wrapped up his own state visit last Friday, the leaders of Russia and China are set to discuss how to 'further strengthen' Russia and China's strategic partnership and 'exchange views on key international and regional issues.' | Setting warm tones for the visit, the two leaders exchanged 'congratulatory letters' on Sunday to mark 30 years of their countries' strategic partnership. | Xi said coope…
(2026-05-20). US President Donald Trump arrives in China to a rousing welcome. ummid.com U.S. President Donald Trump Wednesday May 13, 2026 arrived in the Chinese capital Beijing where senior officials and hundreds of school students were present to greet him.
(2026-05-20). Don't fall for it: Congress must reject the $1.5 trillion war budget. responsiblestatecraft.org As President Donald Trump considers the path forward in Iran, Americans' economic troubles are apparently not a concern. "I don't think about Americans' financial situation," Trump said in response to a reporter's question last week about efforts to end the conflict. "Not even a little bit."President Trump's lack of concern will surprise many given an almost 50% rise in gas prices, rising grocery costs, job losses, and other economic pain since the start of the U.S.—Israeli war on Iran.Rather than focusing on addressing Americans' economic insecurity, Trump has shown repeatedly that he wants to focus th…
(2026-05-20). Was Iran hours away from US attack? Trump reveals warships were loaded and ready to strike | Watch. hindustantimes.com Donald Trump has sparked fresh confusion after claiming he personally halted a possible strike on Iran, even as Gulf allies reportedly denied receiving any prior warning about a planned U.S. operation. Trump's latest remarks have fueled speculation over whether Washington was truly preparing military action or using pressure tactics to force Tehran into a deal.
(2026-05-20). Report from Havana: Cubans Starving & Dying Because of Intensified U.S. Blockade. democracynow.org 
In Havana, we speak to journalist Ed Augustin, who calls the Trump administration's strict fuel blockade of Cuba, in place since the beginning of 2026, "the collective punishment of a population, particularly targeting poor communities, pregnant women, children and the elderly." Augustin shares stories of hardship faced by everyday Cubans who are increasingly forced to go without electricity, drinking water and medical care.
(2026-05-20). Hospitales de Pinar del Río reciben ayuda de cubanos residentes en Estados Unidos. radiohc.cu 
Los cubanos patriotas en Estados Unidos ayudan a su pueblo y un ejemplo lo tenemos con la organización Zunzún que envío recientemente a los hospitales pinareños León Cuervo Rubio y Abel Santamaría, medicamentos e insumos médicos. | Desde el sur de La Florida, en Miami Dade, los cubanos dignos desafiaron el criminal bloqueo económico, comercial y financiero que impone la Casa Blanca por más de seis décadas y recrudecido en la actualidad con más medidas decretadas por la administración de Donald Trump. | A través del Instituto Cubano de Amistad con los Pueblos (ICAP), el donativo llegó a su destino y fue entregado…
(2026-05-20). Gaza board reports funding 'gap'. tribune.com.pk 
The gap between funding pledges and disbursement for Donald Trump's Gaza rebuilding plan must be closed urgently, the US president's "Board of Peace" has said in a report, identifying a potential cash crunch in a plan estimated to cost $70 billion. | Trump set up the Board of Peace to oversee his ambitious plan to end Israel's war in Gaza and rebuild the shattered territory. | The UN Security Council has recognised the board, though many major powers have not joined Washington's main Middle Eastern allies and some middling and smaller states in signing up. | Reuters reported in April that the board had only re…
(2026-05-20). DOJ Says IRS Is "Forever Barred" from Investigating Trump Family Tax Returns. truthout.org In a shocking and unprecedented move, the Justice Department issued a memo Tuesday saying the IRS is "forever barred" from investigating past tax returns of President Trump, his family, company and "related companies." It came just a day after the department announced the creation of a $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization" fund to "compensate" people prosecuted for supposedly political reasons by… |
(2026-05-20). Trump's Ebola response cuts face renewed scrutiny as deadly outbreak spreads through Central Africa. nationofchange.org WHO warns the outbreak in Congo and Uganda is "deeply concerning" as former health officials and aid experts say Trump administration cuts weakened the systems designed to detect and contain Ebola before it spread.
(2026-05-20). "Dictatorship in Action" : David Cay Johnston on $1.8B Slush Fund & Shielding Trumps "Forever" from IRS. democracynow.org 
In a shocking and unprecedented move, the Justice Department issued a memo Tuesday saying the IRS is "forever barred" from investigating past tax returns of President Trump, his family, company and "related companies." It came just a day after the department announced the creation of a $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization" fund to "compensate" people prosecuted for supposedly political reasons by the Biden and Obama administrations — a move expected to benefit January 6 insurrectionists, other Trump allies and even Trump himself. It's all part of an agreem…
(2026-05-20). Trump tightens grip on Republican Party as critic Massie ousted in primary. scmp.com US President Donald Trump tightened his grip on the Republican Party on Tuesday as Kentucky voters ousted one of the few conservative lawmakers willing to challenge him openly. | Congressman Thomas Massie's defeat, which he conceded some three hours after polls closed, marked another victory in Trump's campaign to punish Republican dissent.
(2026-05-20). Trump now placed to end U.S. democracy. independentaustralia.net 
(2026-05-20). After Months of Failed Votes, Senate Finally Advances Iran War Powers Resolution. truthout.org After months of failed votes on Democratic war powers resolutions intended to end President Donald Trump's illegal assault on Iran, the US Senate finally advanced legislation to a final vote on Tuesday, when a fourth Republican broke ranks. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) joined three other Republicans and all Democrats but one for the 50-47 vote on a motion to discharge Sen. Tim Kaine's (D-Va.)… |
(2026-05-20). Trump's EPA vows to fight 'forever chemicals' by loosening regulations. grist.org The Trump administration has
(2026-05-20). Republican Thomas Massie who stood up to Trump defeated in Kentucky primary. aljazeera.com With an estimated 72 percent of the vote counted, Ed Gallrein led with 54.4 percent to Massie's 45.6 percent.
(2026-05-20). US President Trump, family granted immunity from pending tax audits. aljazeera.com Democratic lawmakers blast move, which follows the establishment of a controversial 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'.
(2026-05-20). The Ellisons' Pro-Trump Media Monopoly Threatens Democracy. juancole.com The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and CBS News were sacrificed to satisfy Donald Trump's childish vindictiveness. This was just part of the price paid to secure the merger between David Ellison's Skydance and Paramount Global, owner of CBS. | Chicago (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) — Several months ago, Paramount and the Ellisons — billionaire father Larry, founder of software company Oracle, and nepo son David, CEO of Skydance — did everything possible to kiss up to Trump. Their pandering started with Paramount's shake-down settlement with Trump over his frivolous lawsuit against CBS, en…
(2026-05-20). Trump-Backed Candidate Unseats Massie in $33 Million Primary House Race. truthout.org Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, a far right Republican who has opposed a number of Trump administration initiatives, lost his primary election bid on Tuesday night to a candidate personally endorsed and promoted by President Donald Trump. Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL and farmer, won the Kentucky race with around 54.9 percent of the vote. Massie, meanwhile, garnered 45.1… |
(2026-05-20). Where Legal Challenges Are Helping Deportees. fpif.org Any immigration attorney knows that the government is never a truly equal adversary. Thanks to federal and state laws, it's hard to sue the government. It commands immense power, budget, and judicial deference. In immigration law, that imbalance is perhaps most acute: the courts, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) counsel charging the immigrant with removability, and immigration judges (IJs) all sit inside the executive branch. | The Trump administration has targeted IJs for dismissal based on their progressive interpretation of immigration law and for replacement with loyalists coined "deportation judges,…
(2026-05-20). Trump reveals details of his bunker-like ballroom with drone base, underground hospital. scmp.com US President Donald Trump on Tuesday ‚Å revealed previously undisclosed details ‚Å about his new bunker-like White House ballroom, ‚Å saying it would have a drone base on the roof and a military hospital as part of a six-storey subterranean complex. | Amid the bang and clang of construction, Trump took a group of reporters on a tour of the project to try to bolster his argument ‚Äåthat the US Congress should allocate US$1 billion to pay for security enhancements to the building.