WASHINGTON D.C.: President Joe Biden on Thursday savaged Donald Trump’s “lies” and attempt to overturn the 2020 election, vowing on the first anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot that he would let no one put a “dagger at the throat of democracy.”
After largely ignoring Trump for a year, Biden took off the gloves, describing the Republican as a cheat whose ego wouldn’t let him accept defeat and whose supporters almost shattered US democracy when they stormed Congress to prevent certification of the election.
“This was an armed insurrection,” Biden said in his dramatic speech from Statuary Hall inside the Capitol, where a year ago thousands of people brandishing Trump flags trampled over police to invade the chamber, forcing lawmakers to flee for their lives.
“For the first time in our history, a president not just lost an election. He tried to prevent the peaceful transfer of power,” Biden said.
“They came here in rage,” Biden said of Trump’s backers, and “held a dagger at the throat of America.”
“I will allow no one to place a dagger at the throat of democracy.”
Biden’s voice filled with anger as he laid out the dangers facing a country that has long styled itself as leader of the free world.
“Are we going to be a nation that accepts political violence as a norm?” he asked.
Although Biden deliberately did not mention Trump’s name, he made clear whom he was talking about in a blistering portrait of a man he said scorned democracy because he couldn’t accept defeat.
“The former president of the United States of America has created and spread a web of lies about the 2020 election,” Biden said. “He values power over principle.”
During the assault on Congress, Trump was “sitting in the private dining room off the Oval Office in the White House, watching it all on television and doing nothing for hours,” Biden said, his anger clear. “He’s a defeated former president.”
Trump, who has spent the last year spreading conspiracy theories about his election loss to millions of followers, quickly fired back with a series of statements doubling down on his lie about the “rigged” election and dismissing Biden’s speech as “political theater.”
“Never forget the crime of the 2020 Presidential Election. Never give up!” read Trump’s latest statement.
The day’s commemorative events also featured remarks by the speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, ahead of a prayer vigil on the steps of the Capitol.
However, such are the depths of division 12 months later that barely any Republicans showed up.
The party’s top lawmaker, Senator Mitch McConnell, was leading a delegation to a funeral of a recently deceased senator some 600 miles (965 kilometers) away in Atlanta, Georgia.
In a statement, McConnell said January 6 had been a “dark day” but called it “stunning to see some Washington Democrats try to exploit this anniversary.”
McConnell was among the senior Republicans a year ago who condemned Trump for stoking the unprecedented violence with his barrage of lies about fraud, which no court or independent investigator has ever substantiated.
Since then, however, almost the entire party has quietly backed off from talking about January 6, bowing to Trump’s enormous influence with Republican voters — and possible bid to return as president in 2024.
A photo tweeted by Democratic Senator Chris Murphy showed just two Republicans present at the minute of silence held for Capitol police officers who died in the wake of the unrest. “An extraordinary image of where this country’s politics are,” Murphy said.
Writing in The New York Times, former Democratic president Jimmy Carter said the United States “teeters on the brink of a widening abyss.”
“Without immediate action, we are at genuine risk of civil conflict and losing our precious democracy. Americans must set aside differences and work together before it is too late,” Carter wrote.
More surprising was the voice of Karl Rove, one of the chief architects of Republican strategy over the last 30 years, who wrote in the right-leaning Wall Street Journal editorial pages that there was no forgiveness for the assault on democracy.
“There can be no soft-pedaling what happened and no absolution for those who planned, encouraged and aided the attempt to overthrow our democracy. Love of country demands nothing less. That’s true patriotism,” he wrote.
President Biden tears into Donald Trump on anniversary of Capitol ‘insurrection’
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President Biden tears into Donald Trump on anniversary of Capitol ‘insurrection’
- Biden’s voice filled with anger as he laid out the dangers facing a country that has long styled itself as leader of the free world
Leclerc tops final red-flagged practice at Silverstone
- The Monegasque driver was quickest in one minute and 25.498 seconds to outpace Piastri
- Verstappen was third for Red Bull ahead of Lando Norris in the second McLaren
SILVERSTONE, UK: Charles Leclerc confirmed Ferrari’s competitive renaissance by clocking the fastest lap ahead of championship leader Oscar Piastri of McLaren in Saturday’s third and final practice at the British Grand Prix.
In an incident-filled and closely-contested session, punctuated by red flag interventions, the Monegasque driver was quickest in one minute and 25.498 seconds to outpace Piastri by 0.068 seconds.
Four-time champion Max Verstappen was third for Red Bull ahead of Lando Norris in the second McLaren, a revived Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull and British rookie Ollie Bearman of Haas.
Leclerc was the third different driver to top the times in the three practice sessions following Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton and Norris on Friday.
Alex Albon was seventh for Williams ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell and the RB rookies Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson.
Seven-time champion Hamilton, who had been among the front-runners for Ferrari, was on a fast flying lap in the closing minutes when he was forced to abort his lap because of the first of two late red flags.
Both incidents were caused by incidents that required the track to be cleared. In the second Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto crashed, but was unhurt.
The start of the session was delayed by 10 minutes to clear some minor debris before the two Alpines and both Aston Martins initiated the fray.
On a grey and cool day, with rain threatening the drivers jostled for top spot as Leclerc reported rain at Copse corner.
The track was clearly ramping up and delivering faster lap times as Leclerc demonstrated again by outpacing Piastri by half a tenth before a late red flag, to clear a broken winglet from the circuit at Stowe, paused the action.
Hamilton had been on a flying lap at the time and was given no chance to run again as the final four minutes began, after a restart, before another red flag ended the action.
This time it came when Sauber’s Bortoleto lost control at Becketts where he snapped on entry and broke his car’s suspension and front wing.
In a separate incident Ollie Bearman lost his Haas and hit the barriers as he headed back to the pits.
In a tight session, the top three were separated by less than one-tenth of a second and the top 14 by less than one-tenth.
Indonesia joins hands with Saudi Arabia to achieve energy transition goals
- Initial energy agreements signed on sidelines of President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Jeddah
- Indonesia aims to achieve 34 percent share of renewable power in its energy mix by 2034
Jakarta: Indonesian state energy firm Pertamina has signed an agreement with Saudi power giant ACWA Power to develop clean energy projects, as the Southeast Asian country seeks to make renewables a third of its total energy mix.
Indonesia, one of the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitters, has been working to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and aims to increase the share of renewable sources in its energy mix from around 14 percent currently to 34 percent by 2034.
A memorandum of understanding between Pertamina and ACWA Power was signed on Wednesday on the sidelines of President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to the Kingdom. The agreement covers technology development of up to 500 MW renewable energy and green hydrogen projects.
“Pertamina is fully committed to its dual growth strategy, which is to ensure energy security while also accelerating energy transition. Our collaboration with ACWA Power is a strategic step to realize this vision,” Pertamina CEO Simon Aloysius Mantiri said in a statement.
“By joining forces on renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable infrastructure, we aim to create tangible value for both nations and lead the region’s transformation toward a low-carbon economy.”
ACWA Power has also signed an agreement with new sovereign wealth fund Danantara Indonesia to explore investment opportunities that will center on renewable energy generation, combined cycle gas turbines, green hydrogen, and water desalination.
The total project funding is up to $10 billion, ACWA Power said in a statement.
“These partnerships represent our commitment to support Indonesia in achieving its long-term energy and water security goals, contributing to the development of a sustainable and greener future,” said Raad Al-Saady, vice chairman and managing director of ACWA Power.
The Saudi company already has several projects in Indonesia, including development of the Saguling Floating Solar Photovoltaic Project in West Java province, which will have a 92 MW peak capacity.
Last year, ACWA Power announced it was collaborating with PLN and Indonesian chemicals company Pupuk Indonesia to develop a green hydrogen project that will produce 150,000 tons of green ammonia annually, with plans for commercial operations to begin in 2026.
The latest collaboration came as Prabowo made his first visit to the Kingdom since taking office. The Indonesian president met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Wednesday, where the two leaders agreed to strengthen their strategic cooperation.
During the visit Saudi Arabia and Indonesia also signed deals worth a total of $27 billion between private sector institutions in fields that include clean energy and petrochemicals.
Jameel Motors, Geely Auto to enter Italian market with new energy passenger vehicles
Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice for top automotive brands, has signed a distribution agreement with Geely Auto, a globally renowned auto group, to bring Geely’s new energy passenger vehicles (NEVs) to the Italian market.
Italy is a new market entry for the two automotive leaders, with Jameel Motors having won the distribution agreement through a competitive process involving both local and international companies, shortly after winning the agreement for Poland in April.
Italy is one of Europe’s most relevant markets, with a strong potential for NEV growth. In the first five months of 2025, joint sales of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles accounted for 11% in the Italian market — a remarkable 132% year-on-year increase in EV registrations, signaling strong demand for innovative international brands.
This presents a long-term opportunity and supports Jameel Motors’ strategic expansion into high-potential markets.
Jameel Motors Italia will be bringing advanced automotive technology, a fresh choice of high-quality vehicles, and first-class customer service to Italian drivers, while contributing to the country’s growing shift toward electric mobility.
Jameel Motors Italia will officially launch two of Geely Auto’s standout models in the final quarter of this year. The two models are the Geely EX5, a next-generation all-electric SUV, and a plug-in Super Hybrid SUV. Geely Auto vehicles are built on the brand’s advanced modular platform architecture, delivering state-of-the-art design, safety, performance and offering the highest quality underpinned by its six-year warranty. Jameel Motors Italia aims to develop a professional dealer network across the country, offering approximately 100 Sales and Service points when fully operational.
Fady Jameel, vice chairman, Jameel Motors, said: “This marks an exciting new chapter for Jameel Motors as we expand into Italy — one of Europe’s most high-potential automotive markets. Our collaboration with Geely Auto brings together innovation, quality, and a shared commitment to a more sustainable mobility future.
“By winning this agreement, we look forward to offering Italian customers a new standard in electric mobility with advanced vehicles that truly meet their evolving needs. We also look forward to seeing Jameel Motors continue its international expansion as a distinguished partner in the mobility sector.”
Moe Wang, vice president of Geely Auto International Corporation, said: “Expanding to Italy is an important step in Geely Auto’s globalization strategy. With the in-depth cooperation with Jameel Motors, Geely Auto will fulfill its mission of providing green, intelligent and convenient mobility solutions, and comprehensively enhance consumers' mobility experience.”
Jasmmine Wong, chief executive officer, Jameel Motors, said: “This is an incredible opportunity at a time when the market has become increasingly dynamic due to the green transition and the rapid technological change in the automotive sector. The ability to innovate, listen to the customer, and anticipate trends will be our strength, allowing us to offer increasingly innovative and sustainable solutions.”
Jameel Motors Italia will be led by Marco Santucci, a seasoned automotive executive with almost three decades of experience in the Italian market.
Santucci has held pivotal roles at Ford, Toyota Motor Europe, and most recently served as president and CEO of Jaguar Land Rover Italy.
Renowned for his leadership and expertise in sales and marketing, innovation, and customer experience, he brings a track record of driving performance and sustainable growth.
His deep industry insight and strategic mindset position him as a key asset in advancing Jameel Motors Italia’s vision.
Marco Santucci, managing director, Jameel Motors Italia, said: “With Geely Auto’s cutting-edge technology and Jameel Motors’ customer-first approach, we are well-positioned to deliver real value to the market. Remaining flexible and open to change will be the key to ensuring a future of success, generating a positive impact for the market and our customers.”
Geely Auto is a leading Chinese automobile manufacturer and pioneer in intelligent driving, with a presence in more than 80 countries and sales of over 2.17 million vehicles in 2024.
Geely Auto operates with an innovation-first mindset, driven by more than 50,000 employees working across 12 factories and 5 global R&D centers in Hangzhou, Ningbo, Gothenburg, Coventry and Frankfurt.
Most recently, it released the first ‘Intelligent Vehicle AI’ technology system. Furthermore, Geely Auto has consistently ranked as a top ESG performer within its sector, having achieved an AA grade in the MSCI ESG Rating and as part of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index.
Since 2023, Italy has been Geely Auto's hub for creativity and design with the establishment of Geely Innovation Design Center in Milan.
It works in tandem with the Geely global design network for vehicle design and concept development. From working closely with top-tier Italian designers to provide electric mobility solution to local consumers, Geely is committed to firmly establishing its brand in Italy with increasing awareness.
Jameel Motors represents some of the world’s most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands and has operations in more than 10 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia.
This agreement marks another milestone as Jameel Motors continues to expand internationally and harness innovation for the future of mobility.
For more information, please visit jameelmotors.com and geely.com.
Saudi heritage on display at Hail festival
RIYADH: A heritage festival in Hail is captivating visitors with a rich array of handicrafts that blend artistry and historical authenticity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The 30-day festival offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the dedication behind creating everyday necessities and celebrating the success of local craftswomen.
More than 40 activities are on display, allowing visitors to explore traditional skills such as wickerwork, sadu weaving, crochet, hand-woven textiles, and distinctive Najdi and Hail door making.
Other highlights include traditional clothing, Thamudic embroidery, wood and leather beading, fiber arts, resin art, and soap making, the SPA added.
Visitors can also savor a variety of traditional folk foods. At the heart of the festival, an artistic theater hosts performances, including the Hail Samri and Saudi Ardah.
The festival supports local craftspeople by providing a platform to showcase their work directly to the public. It also celebrates the Kingdom’s national identity and cultural heritage, in line with the Year of Handicrafts 2025.
Gaza Humanitarian Foundation says two of its US aid workers injured in Gaza
- GHF says two Americans in stable condition after grenade attack
- Gaza officials say dozens killed by Israeli military in 24 hours
JERUSALEM: The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said on Saturday that two American aid workers had suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a targeted attack at a food distribution site in Gaza.
The US- and Israeli-backed GHF said in a statement that the injured Americans were receiving medical treatment and were in a stable condition.
“The attack – which preliminary information indicates was carried out by two assailants who threw two grenades at the Americans – occurred at the conclusion of an otherwise successful distribution in which thousands of Gazans safely received food,” the GHF said.
In addition to aid workers, the GHF employs private US military contractors tasked with providing security at their sites.
It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack. The Israeli military had no immediate comment when contacted by Reuters.
Gazan authorities separately reported dozens of Palestinians had been killed by the Israeli military in the past 24 hours, including near aid distribution sites.
The Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza on Thursday had warned residents of the coastal enclave not to assist the GHF, saying deadly incidents near its food distribution sites endangered hungry Gazans.
The GHF began distributing food packages in Gaza at the end of May, bypassing traditional aid channels, including the United Nations which says the US-based organization is neither impartial nor neutral.
The GHF has said it has delivered more than 52 million meals to Palestinians in five weeks, while other humanitarian groups had “nearly all of their aid looted.”
Since Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza on May 19, the UN says more than 400 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid handouts. A senior UN official said last week that the majority of people killed were trying to reach aid distribution sites of the GHF.
Footage released by GHF has shown at least one aid site to be overrun with no clear distribution process. Palestinians have described the sites as chaotic.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 70 people have been killed in the territory by the Israeli military in the last 24 hours, including 23 near aid distribution sites.
The ministry did not specify where or how exactly they had been killed.
Over 57,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in Israel’s war against Hamas, according to the Gaza health ministry, launched after the militant group’s surprise attack on Israel in October 7, 2023.
Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people in that attack and took another 251 hostages into Gaza. There are 50 hostages still held in Gaza, of which 20 are believed to be alive.
