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World Economic Forum Head Steps Down Over Epstein Links

FILED - 21 January 2025, Switzerland, Davos: World Economic Forum president and CEO Borge Brende speaks during the Uncertain Times session at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. Photo: Faruk Pinjo/World Economic Forum/dpa
FILED - 21 January 2025, Switzerland, Davos: World Economic Forum president and CEO Borge Brende speaks during the Uncertain Times session at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. Photo: Faruk Pinjo/World Economic Forum/dpa
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World Economic Forum Head Steps Down Over Epstein Links

FILED - 21 January 2025, Switzerland, Davos: World Economic Forum president and CEO Borge Brende speaks during the Uncertain Times session at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. Photo: Faruk Pinjo/World Economic Forum/dpa
FILED - 21 January 2025, Switzerland, Davos: World Economic Forum president and CEO Borge Brende speaks during the Uncertain Times session at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. Photo: Faruk Pinjo/World Economic Forum/dpa

World Economic Forum head Børge Brende said Thursday that he is stepping down after facing pressure over his contacts with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister, said in a statement that he had decided “after careful consideration” to step down as president and chief executive of the forum, known for its annual January summit in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos.

“I am grateful for the incredible collaboration with my colleagues, partners, and constituents, and I believe now is the right moment for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions,” Brende said in a statement released by the WEF.

The US Justice Department has released more than 3 million pages of documents relating to Epstein, who died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.

Brende was Norway’s foreign minister from 2013-2017 and is one of several prominent Norwegians who have faced scrutiny following the latest release of Epstein files.

He didn't refer directly to that controversy in Thursday's statement, but the WEF announced earlier this month that it was opening an internal review into Brende to determine his relationship with Epstein after files indicated the two had dined together several times and exchanged messages.

Brende told Norwegian broadcaster NRK at the time that he was cooperating with the investigation, that he only met Epstein in business settings and that he had been unaware of Epstein’s criminal background.

WEF co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink said in a statement that “the independent review conducted by outside counsel has concluded. The findings stated that there were no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed.”

They said that Alois Zwinggi will serve as the forum's interim president and CEO, and the forum's Board of Trustees would oversee the leadership transition, including a plan to identify a permanent successor.

Brende's resignation follows the departure last year of the WEF's founder and longstanding chair Klaus Schwab after he came under pressure from a whistleblower alleging misconduct.

The WEF subsequently said an internal investigation had found no evidence of material wrongdoing by Schwab.

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World

Israel Opens Embassy in Slovenia as Small EU Nation Shifts Policies

People protest against the opening of the Israeli embassy in Ljubljana, Slovenia, September 9, 2026. REUTERS/Borut Zivulovic
People protest against the opening of the Israeli embassy in Ljubljana, Slovenia, September 9, 2026. REUTERS/Borut Zivulovic
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Israel Opens Embassy in Slovenia as Small EU Nation Shifts Policies

People protest against the opening of the Israeli embassy in Ljubljana, Slovenia, September 9, 2026. REUTERS/Borut Zivulovic
People protest against the opening of the Israeli embassy in Ljubljana, Slovenia, September 9, 2026. REUTERS/Borut Zivulovic

Israel opened its first embassy in Slovenia on Wednesday, boosting relations with the small European Union nation even as ties sour with some longtime allies over its policy on illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar travelled to Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, for the occasion that asserts a shift in Slovenia's policy toward Israel under the current right-wing Prime Minister Janez Jansa, The Associated Press said.

Saar called the embassy opening a “historic day” after a meeting with his Slovenian counterpart Tone Kajzer. He described Israel as "the only democracy in the Middle East and almost the only real and true partner of Europe,” the STA news agency reported.

“Moreover, we are defending Europe, Europe’s security, directly and indirectly,” Saar said, adding that “Israel is the fortress on the front line for Western civilization.”

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the new embassy building to protest the visit, demanding the embassy's closure.

Kajzer said “we want today’s opening to mark the beginning of a period of greater dialogue, stronger cooperation and, above all, more tangible results for the benefit of our people,” according to the foreign ministry post on X.

The trip to Slovenia comes a day after the United Kingdom banned trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, and France and Canada announced they would take similar action.

The move is seen as a symbolic expression of displeasure with Israel by some of its closest allies, and it offers a new sign of the Israeli government’s growing isolation as a result of the Gaza war.

Israel responded angrily and said it would close the British consulate in Jerusalem.

Slovenia breaks with policy of past government

The previous, Slovenian center-left government of former Prime Minister Robert Golob was one of the most vocal critics of Israel in the European Union, but Jansa has reversed the policy since coming to power in early June.

Slovenia’s previous government recognized a Palestinian state in 2024, before imposing a ban in 2025 on imports from the Israeli settlements, an arms embargo and entry bans on top officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Upon taking office, Jansa immediately removed the Palestinian flag from the Slovenian government building where it was placed alongside the Slovenian, EU and Ukrainian flags. His government soon scrapped all measures against Israel.

Jansa said on X this week that his government is working to repair the damage of the past administration.

“The economic damage alone due to the anti-Semitic policies of the Golob coalition is enormous,” he said.

Golob accused his successor of blocking the EU from taking a harsher stance on illegal settlements and said in an interview with The Associated Press that the embassy opening marks "another step in the same direction of shifting away from international law.” His Freedom Movement party on Wednesday said it would seek to oust Jansa and Kajzer in Parliament.

In August, media reported that Slovenia forced the EU to water down a statement condemning the Israeli settlements, drawing criticism at home and praise from Israeli officials.

Foreign Minister Kajzer told the AP that “we never blocked anything" but Slovenia is “constructively contributing to the discussion.”

Andraz Zorko, a Slovenian political analyst, said the major policy shift does not align with what he believes is the prevailing public opinion in the traditionally moderate Alpine nation of some 2 million people.

"The majority of Slovenian public is either against Israel or in some kind of neutral position,” he said.

Israel’s embassy in Austrian capital Vienna had previously covered the country’s diplomatic interests in neighboring Slovenia.

Kajzer and Saar on Wednesday signed a multi-sector cooperation agreement in the fields of education, science, culture, youth and sport, the STA news agency reported. A business forum is also taking place in Ljubljana.

World

North Korean Leader Thanks Troops Participating in Operations Abroad

This picture taken on September 4, 2026 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on September 5, 2026 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waving during the 15th National Conference of Teachers in Pyongyang. (Photo by KCNA / KCNA VIA KNS / AFP)
This picture taken on September 4, 2026 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on September 5, 2026 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waving during the 15th National Conference of Teachers in Pyongyang. (Photo by KCNA / KCNA VIA KNS / AFP)
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North Korean Leader Thanks Troops Participating in Operations Abroad

This picture taken on September 4, 2026 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on September 5, 2026 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waving during the 15th National Conference of Teachers in Pyongyang. (Photo by KCNA / KCNA VIA KNS / AFP)
This picture taken on September 4, 2026 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on September 5, 2026 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waving during the 15th National Conference of Teachers in Pyongyang. (Photo by KCNA / KCNA VIA KNS / AFP)

Leader Kim Jong Un praised troops in "overseas military operations" during a speech marking North Korea's founding anniversary, state media reported Thursday, an apparent nod to Pyongyang's assistance in Moscow's war against Ukraine.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, North Korea has become a key ally of the Kremlin, sending troops to support Moscow's war effort in return for economic benefits and military technology, analysts say.

During comments marking North Korea's September 9, 1948 founding, Kim hailed overseas compatriots but paid special tribute to troops deployed abroad, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Thursday.

"I also extend my special gratitude and profound respect to the commanders and soldiers of our military participating in overseas military operations," AFP quoted Kim as saying on the nation's the 78th anniversary.

"Our ideal is being realized rapidly thanks to patriotism, voluntary service and devoted contributions by all citizens praying for the country's prosperity," he added.

According to South Korea, some 2,000 North Korean troops have been killed in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

In August, Ukraine claimed that Moscow had launched North Korean ballistic missiles in a strike that killed at least nine people and wounded dozens.

Kyiv has also said that up to 50,000 North Korean troops are due to deploy to Russia, although it has provided no evidence to back the claim or a timeframe for the deployment.

In making the claim, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked Seoul to supply air defense systems to protect against Russian missiles, a request that has gone unanswered by the South.

World

Trump Promises Americans $5,000 if Republicans Win Congress

09 September 2026, US, Dallas: US President Trump speaks to the crowd during scenes at the Dallas 2026 Mid-Term Convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Photo: Bob Daemmrich/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
09 September 2026, US, Dallas: US President Trump speaks to the crowd during scenes at the Dallas 2026 Mid-Term Convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Photo: Bob Daemmrich/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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Trump Promises Americans $5,000 if Republicans Win Congress

09 September 2026, US, Dallas: US President Trump speaks to the crowd during scenes at the Dallas 2026 Mid-Term Convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Photo: Bob Daemmrich/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
09 September 2026, US, Dallas: US President Trump speaks to the crowd during scenes at the Dallas 2026 Mid-Term Convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Photo: Bob Daemmrich/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

President Donald Trump on Wednesday promised $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans retain control of Congress in November, coupling the extraordinary claim with a plea for his supporters to "pretend" he was on the ballot.

"If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000. It will be called the Trump dividend," he told the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, as the party struggles in polls against the Democrats.

The president did not say where the money would come from -- with the theoretical bill likely topping $1 trillion -- citing only that "our country is making so much money."

Doubling down on his bet that he can help Republicans defy opinion polls and retain both houses of Congress on November 3, Trump said: "I'm asking you to pretend that I'm on the ballot."

"I'm on the ballot, I'm on the ballot -- just one more time," he told the crowd.

Opinion polls overwhelmingly show that Trump's approval ratings are in the low 30s, as voters become increasingly angry about high prices and the war he launched against Iran.

Decision Desk HQ projects Democrats to win the House 230-205 and the Senate to finish 51-49 in their favor in November.

Trump strongly defended the unpopular Iran war, predicting victory and linking it directly to lower oil prices -- before suggesting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz should be renamed after him.

"Food prices and almost every other item are rapidly going down. And by the way oil will be going down as soon as we win the war with Iran, which is taking place right now," Trump said.
Trump also echoed other Republicans at the convention stirring up what he said was a wave of communism threatening the United States.

"It's going to be a communist country if they win," he said.

"Your vote will decide whether our country stumbles at the starting gate of the next 250 years or surges forward and never ever looks back," he said.

Trump is due to return for the convention finale Thursday, after a keynote address from Vice President JD Vance.

Cabinet members, congressional leaders and candidates in closely watched House and Senate races are also on the program.

The central Republican gamble is whether Trump can mobilize voters personally loyal to him even when he is not actually running, without further alienating independents who have soured on his presidency.

Inside the American Airlines Center, there was little sign of Republican anxiety about November.

The convention even featured a video address from Democratic Senator John Fetterman, who has become increasingly at odds with his party's left wing over issues including Israel.

Republicans highlighted tax cuts and immigration enforcement, touting boosted manufacturing and lower prescription drug prices.

The cavernous arena was festooned with Trump posters as supporters milled around in sequined jackets patterned with his name, image and the American flag, some topped with ten-gallon hats.

Food stalls hawked overpriced snacks while merchandise stands did brisk business in T-shirts, mugs, posters and copies of the latest literary offering from the Trump clan, "Under Siege" by the president's second son, Eric.

Despite the political headwinds facing Republicans, the mood was festive. Chants of "USA! USA!" -- familiar from Trump's campaign rallies -- echoed around the hall as the national anthem opened the program.

Trump's speech was received warmly in the room, with spontaneous bursts of chanting after each applause line, and the enthusiasm spilled into the American Airlines Center's vast atrium outside.

Dallas local Tracey Wroblski, 59, said Trump was "on fire" with his inspiring midterm messaging.

"It's awesome, it's meaty, it's we're fixing our country," she told AFP. "He's funny, and he's, he's on point. We're not going to communism. We're staying Republican, thank you very much."

The gathering is the first Republican national convention held specifically for a midterm election, although no candidates are being nominated and no formal party business is planned.

Instead, organizers have constructed what amounts to a two-night television rally touting Trump's record and Republican candidates.

More than 100 House members and candidates were expected to attend, with over 50 speakers or presentations scheduled each night.