Trump and Biden Edging Closer to Debate Showdown

After persistent pressure from Donald Trump's presidential campaign and allies, the anticipation of a face-off between the former POTUS and President Joe Biden on the debate stage is growing as the most critical election of our time looms.

After persistent pressure from Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and allies, the anticipation of a face-off between the former POTUS and President Joe Biden on the debate stage is growing as the most critical election of our time looms.

In a recent interview with Howard Stern, Biden expressed his willingness to debate Trump, stating, “I’m happy to debate him.” Responding via Truth Social, Trump challenged Biden’s sincerity but declared his readiness to debate “ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, ANYPLACE.”

This exchange follows a crescendo of calls from Republicans urging the debates to proceed promptly. Asserting Trump’s eagerness to engage and the American people’s right to witness the showdown, campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita emphasized Trump’s readiness for a debate in a memo.

Former Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway, who famously coined the term “alternate facts,” underscored the importance of Vice President Kamala Harris debating Trump’s running mate sooner than later, once Trump’s VP is named.

Efforts to accelerate the debate timeline have been made, with the Trump campaign urging the Commission on Presidential Debates to schedule debates earlier. Trump’s team strategizes to pressure Biden’s camp into an early debate decision, believing it places Biden in a dilemma: face Trump on stage or explain the avoidance to the electorate.

Amidst this push, the Commission on Presidential Debates has yet to finalize candidate eligibility criteria. However, the source insists Trump is prepared to debate regardless of third-party candidates’ presence. With both camps on the brink of an epic showdown, anticipation mounts as voters await a clash of ideas on the national stage.

It’s important to note that this election cycle’s initial presidential debate will be the first time one candidate will face dozens of felony charges across several criminal cases. And to think people will still vote for a potential felon is wild, to say the least. 

The post Trump and Biden Edging Closer to Debate Showdown first appeared on The Source.

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Trump Criminal Trial: Day 8 Key Takeaways

Here’s What We Know About the Jurors Seated in Trump Historic Criminal Trial

As the first full week of testimony wrapped up in the historic Donald Trump hush money trial, jurors were granted a three-day weekend to mull over what they had heard. After over 10 hours of detailed testimony across four days, David Pecker, the former chief of American Media Inc., concluded his time on the witness stand. 

Pecker outlined how he assisted Trump in suppressing negative stories and attacking his rivals in the National Enquirer during the 2016 campaign. Upcoming testimonies from Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen are heavily anticipated.

Friday afternoon, the prosecution called Rhona Graff, Trump’s longtime assistant at the Trump Organization, followed by a banker for Cohen, indicating a shift towards the pivotal documents central to the charges against Trump.

The courtroom drama unfolded with more of the alleged scandalous affair, where the focus shifted to 34 counts of falsified business records. Prosecutors meticulously presented evidence, including a shell company and its dormant bank account, intended for hush money payments that never materialized. 

Pecker’s testimony, portraying a narrative of unique dealings and campaign assistance, clashed with Trump’s legal team’s efforts to discredit him by pointing out alleged inconsistencies. The jury was given testimony to navigate through a complex paper trail.

The Trump legal team worked to undermine Pecker’s credibility during his extensive testimony. Meanwhile, prosecutors portrayed Pecker’s deal with Trump as vital and positioned him as a campaign insider. Trump’s attorneys challenged this narrative by the prosecution. They pointed out alleged inconsistencies in Pecker’s testimony and disputed his claims about AMI’s acknowledgment of campaign finance violations.

Pecker concluded his time on the stand. The courtroom tension was high, with both sides contesting the credibility of his statements.

Of course, Trump raged outside the courtroom about witnesses and still violating his gag order. BTW, he’s still nodding off in court; He’s also complaining about how cold the courtroom is. But wait, isn’t he a strong alpha male that will make America great again? Or just another criminal defendant who can’t stand a little air conditioning? Meh, who knows at this point? 

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Four Takeaways From Thursday’s Proceedings at Trump Hush Money Trial

Four Takeaways From Thursday’s Proceedings at Trump Hush Money Trial

On Thursday, Trump returned to a Manhattan court for his criminal trial connected to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. To refresh, he is facing 35 felony counts. 

Here are key takeaways from Thursday’s court action:

1. Tabloid publisher David Pecker of the National Enquirer knew ‘catch and kill’ payments to ensure stories never saw the light of day was a violation of federal election laws.

2. Pecker testified that Trump was not worried in the slightest about his family learning of his alleged affair with Stormy Daniels. He said Trump showed no concern about the potential damage his family would receive after enduring his alleged extramarital affairs asserted by both Karen McDougal and Daniels. 

3. Prosecutors say Trump has continuously violated gag orders. Judge Juan Merchan barred Trump from speaking publicly or on social media about individuals involved in the case.

The judge will be ruling on allegations that Trump violated the gag order at least 10 times.

4. On Thursday, the Defense began their cross-examination of Pecker by Emil Bove.

A CNN Poll conducted by SSRS found that just 13% nationwide feel Donald Trump is being treated the same as other criminal defendants. A majority of the nation was divided over whether Trump is being treated more harshly (34%) or more leniently (34%) than other defendants. Only 44% of Americans believe that the jury will make a fair verdict, and 56% are more skeptical that a fair result will happen.

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50 Cent Thinks Joe Biden’s Tax Increase Proposals Are “Not It”

50 Cent has never been that much of a fan of President Joe Biden, something that he makes very clear through his many social media posts on his proposals, actions, etc. Moreover, the most recent example of this phenomenon has to do with No. 46’s budget proposition for the 2025 fiscal year, pushing for an increase to 44.6% in capital gains taxes for individuals with over $1 million in taxable income and over $400,000 in investment earnings. It looks like this falls in Fif’s wildly successful tax bracket, as he took to Instagram on Thursday (April 25) to share a Wealth report on the matter. According to the publication, this would be the biggest capital gains tax rate in over 100 years in the U.S. with the goal of equalizing taxing for investment income and wage income.

“COME ON NOW JOE, THINK OF SOMETHING ELSE THIS IS NOT IT!” 50 Cent captioned his repost of this Wealth report. While hip-hop has never been the end-all, be-all for solid political opinions on either side of the aisle, there have been plenty of mixed rap reactions to many of Joe Biden’s actions and moves as the nation’s president. For one, GloRilla seemingly dodged endorsing him outright despite her White House visit. It’s a moment that went both ways by metaphorically extending her hand out for a greeting rather than going in for the full hug.

Read More: Chuck D Reacts To Joe Biden’s State Of The Union Address: “Pay Attention”

50 Cent Reacts To Joe Biden’s Proposed Tax Increases

Meanwhile, there is one recent development outside of politics that 50 Cent definitely endorses: Gucci Mane’s diss track against Diddy, “TakeDat.” For those unaware, Fif has spent a bulk of his time on social media attacking the Bad Boy mogul amid the wave of allegations against him concerning multiple sex crimes. As such, it’s no surprise that a lyrical takedown of him, albeit a tongue-in-cheek and mostly extravagant one, would excite him. Is there a remix on the way?

Jokes aside, what do you think about this proposed tax increase? What about other recent moves in politics, such as the TikTok ban? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, stick around on HNHH for the latest news and more updates on 50 Cent and President Joe Biden.

Read More: Ja Rule Claims 50 Cent Had An Order Of Protection During Their Feud

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First Day of Testimony in Trump Criminal Trial Ends After Opening Statements and First Witness

First Day of Trump Trial Ends After Opening Statements

The first day of testimony wrapped up Donald Trump’s history in New York’s hush money criminal trial. This is the first time a former President has been tried in criminal court, so here’s what you need to know.

Open statements were laid out. Prosecutors said this case is about a “criminal conspiracy and a cover-up.” The defense, unsurprisingly, tried to discredit their points. That’s their job, but let’s see if the jury buys it after the first day.

Then, the first witness testified. Now get this, his name is David Pecker. Insert chuckle. He’s the ex-publisher of the National Enquirer, arguably the most prominent tabloid magazine in the country. Pecker will resume testimony Tuesday. He only briefly took the stand on Monday. CNN reports that prosecutors believe Pecker was “a central player in the alleged hush money scheme in an effort to suppress” or kill negative details about Trump before the 2016 election.

The judge ruled that, on Monday, he would allow Trump to be asked about the civil fraud and the E. Jean Carroll verdicts, among other previous cases, if he decided to testify. ICYMI, Trump was ordered to pay over $400 million in penalties after a New York civil court found he defrauded the state of NY through years of fraudulent business dealings. As for Carroll, a civil jury found that Trump defamed her when he said he did not rape her in the mid-nineties. A jury believed some of her accounts and found he sexually assaulted Ms. Carroll and defamed her. When Trump defamed her again, he was ordered to pay over $80 million in damages. The former President is appealing both verdicts. 

Now, get this. Trump is under a strict gag order. The judge said there will be a gag order hearing to determine if Trump violated the order. That is set for 9:30 a.m. ET tomorrow, and the jury has been excused until 11 a.m. ET while the prosecution and defense argue over Trump and his gag order, which he seemingly is violating. 

The Trump legal saga continues.

The post First Day of Testimony in Trump Criminal Trial Ends After Opening Statements and First Witness first appeared on The Source.

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Kanye West Wants To Have A Threesome With Michelle Obama: “Got To F**k The President’s Wife”

Kanye West says if he could sleep with any third woman in a threesome with his wife, Bianca Censori, he’d go with the former first lady, Michelle Obama. He made the remark while speaking with Justin Laboy on The Download podcast over the weekend. When Laboy prompted the question, Ye took a moment to collect his thoughts. “Michelle Obama,” he revealed before bursting into laughter. “Got to f*ck the President’s wife.”

Elsewhere during the interview, West premiered a new remix of Metro Boomin and Future’s song, “Like That.” Similar to Kendrick Lamar’s verse on the original version, Ye takes aim at Drake with his lyrics. He raps: “It’s a wrap for n**gas, where’s Lucian? Serve ya’ master, n**ga/ You caught a little bag for your masters didn’t ya’, lifetime deal, I feel bad for n**gas/ Y’all so outta sight outta mind, I can’t even think of a Drake line/ Play J. Cole, get the p**sy dry, play this s**t back 130 times.”

Read More: Kanye West Claims The “Elimination Of Drake” Is Energizing Himself And Others

Kanye West Meets With Donald Trump At The White House

Surrounded by members of the press and others, American rapper and producer Kanye West (seated left) and retired professional football player Jim Brown (seated second left) talk with real estate developer and US President Donald Trump in the White House’s Oval Office, Washington DC, October 11, 2018. West wears a red baseball cap that reads ‘Make America Great Again,’ Trump’s campaign slogan. (Photo by Ron Sachs/Consolidated News Pictures/Getty Images)

Speaking with Laboy, he elaborated on the bars. “Drake has a rich baby daddy, named Lucian [Grainge] and Universal,” Ye claimed. “He’s like, ‘My daddy got it. My daddy control the spins. My daddy got the DSPs. Drake has a rich baby daddy named Lucian.” From there, he claimed Grainge works for “people who control the banks in Africa.” West also remarked that the “elimination of Drake” is energizing himself and others.

Kanye West On Michelle Obama

Check out West’s comments on Michelle Obama above. Be on the lookout for further updates on Kanye West on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Kanye West Claims To Reveal Drake’s “Rich Baby Daddy”

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Donald Trump Trial: Man Sets Himself On Fire Outside Courthouse

Today, chaos unfolded outside of the Manhattan courthouse where Donald Trump’s trial is taking place. The former president has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records in relation to the alleged $130K payment he’s accused of making to adult actress Stormy Daniels. Allegedly, the payment was made in exchange for Daniels’ silence on an alleged affair, which Trump denies.

Around the time that the jury was empaneled, and just before a lunch break, a man set himself on fire outside of the courthouse. The man was reportedly located in a designated protest area when the act took place, and several witnesses looked on in horror. At the time of writing, it remains unclear whether or not this was directly related to Trump or the trial. Law enforcement sources tell NBC News that the man appeared to be an alleged follower of unspecified conspiracy theories and that he may have also been struggling with “emotional issues.”

Read More: Travis Kelce Has Swifties Up In Arms After Liking Pro Donald Trump Post On Instagram

Chaos Unfolds Outside Of Donald Trump’s Trial

Donald Trump Trial: Man Sets Himself On Fire Outside Courthouse
(Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

A 73-year-old witness named Dave from the Upper West Side saw the shocking incident unfold, and says he watched the man throw various pamphlets before picking them back up again. “I heard this clattering,” he recalled. “That caught our attention. Then he pulled out a can.” From there, the man reportedly poured something on himself and took out a lighter. “There I thought, this could be awful,” Dave also explained. “I’m old enough to remember the Vietnam War.” According to Dave, the man then lit himself on fire and was quickly engulfed in flames.

Another witness, freelance photojournalist Ed Quinn, says he heard someone shout that the man was getting ready to start the fire. “I see him dumping gasoline on his face, very deliberately,” he described. “He had [a] gray t-shirt on. It soaked his face. It soaked his shirt. Boom, he went up.” According to NBC, the man was sent off in an ambulance in critical condition. What do you think of the latest development in Trump’s trial? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Melania Trump Net Worth 2024: What Is The Former First Lady Worth?

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Donald Trump Jr & Akademiks Discuss Fulton County DA Fani Willis “Lying To The Court”

DJ Akademiks isn’t necessarily the most reputable blogger in the hip-hop space, but he certainly knows how to get people talking. Rather than tapping another rapper or industry executive to stream with him, the podcaster recently sat down with nepo baby and politician Donald Trump Jr to discuss many topics. With everything unfolding with Diddy in the news lately, the duo spoke about the Bad Boy leader’s connection with the late Kim Porter. According to Junior, the model was fearful of the man she shared children with. Elsewhere, Ak and his guest compared the raids on Sean Combs’ homes to what Trump experienced on his property.

As the conversation turned more political, Akademiks asked the former POTUS’ son for his thoughts on Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. “The DA, Fani Willis, she’s actually prosecuting a bunch of people that are hip-hop artists. There’s a whole ongoing conversation [about whether] she’s fairly targeting these guys because they committed crimes, or maybe because their lyrics are violent? You’re arresting these guys and holding them for years,” the host explained to Trump Jr.

Read More: Plies Thirsts Over Fani Willis As District Attorney Answers Questions In Court

Akademiks Invites Donald Trump Jr. On His Rumble Stream

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Akademiks TV (@djakademikstv)

Both men then began ranting about Willis being a liar after her romantic relationship with a colleague was exposed. “She lied to the court, her boyfriend lied to the court,” Ak’s guest declared. “A guy that had never tried anything criminally was brought in, paid almost three-quarters of a million dollars. They go on lavish vacations together… He’s a civil lawyer, it’s a DA’s office. They have dozens of criminal prosecutors there,” he reflected, unimpressed with the Georgia native’s shady behaviour. “This is a not-so-humble public servant.’

With the upcoming election, we’ve been seeing a lot more of Donald Trump and his family lately. Kanye West is one MC who made his admiration for the reality star-turned-politician very clear, but since then, several other celebrities have taken up behind the MAGA leader as well. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Rappers Who Support Donald Trump: Weezy, Kodak & More

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Ann Coulter Net Worth 2024: What Is The Conservative Media Pundit Worth?

Ann Coulter is a prominent American conservative media pundit, lawyer, and author. She has established a net worth of $10 million as of 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. Known for her provocative commentary and polarizing political opinions, Coulter has been a fixture in the media for decades, contributing to television, radio, and online platforms. Her career, marked by controversy and debate, underscores her influence in political discourse and her ability to remain relevant in an ever-evolving media landscape.

Prolific Writing & Media Appearances

Ann Coulter
NEW YORK – MAY 08: (U.S. TABS AND HOLLYWOOD REPORTER OUT) Television personalities Bill O’Reilly and Ann Coulter attend a cocktail party for. Time Magazine’s 100 Most Infuential People issue at Jazz at Lincoln Center May 8, 2006, also in New York City. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)

Ann Coulter’s career took off in the late 1990s when she left her law practice to pursue writing full-time. She has since authored 12 best-selling books, including titles like High Crimes and Misdemeanors: The Case Against Bill Clinton and In Trump We Trust: E Pluribus Awesome!. These works, often centered on her political views, have fortified her status as a leading voice in conservative circles. Her sharp wit and intelligent style have made her books must-reads for many seeking a conservative perspective, significantly contributing to her financial success.

Television & Public Speaking

Ann Coulter
Jimmie Walker and Ann Coulter during 5th Annual TV Land Awards. Arrivals at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, CA, United States. (Photo by Barry King/WireImage)

Beyond her writing, Coulter has regularly been on cable news channels such as Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC. Her television appearances, characterized by her forthright and often contentious debates, have made her a sought-after guest on various political talk shows. Additionally, Coulter’s career as a public speaker has taken her across the United States, where she speaks at colleges, political rallies, and conservative events, where she engages with audiences on a wide range of issues, from immigration to the American judiciary.

Controversies & Public Persona

Ann Coulter
CORAL GABLES, FL – MARCH 10: Ann Coulter signs copies of her book “Adios America” at. Books and Books on March 10, 2016, also in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Aaron Davidson/Getty Images)

Coulter’s public persona is as much a part of her brand as her professional achievements. She is known for her ability to stir public discourse with her controversial statements and for not shying away from conflict. This aspect of her career has been a double-edged sword, attracting both ardent supporters and fierce critics. Despite the polarized responses she elicits, Coulter’s prominence in political commentary has remained strong, helping her to maintain a significant income through book sales, speaking fees, and television appearances.

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Lester Holt Net Worth 2024:

Lester Holt is a distinguished American journalist and news anchor. He has an estimated net worth of $48 million as of 2024, according to CAknowledge. Known for his integrity and depth in news reporting, Holt has become a familiar face on NBC, anchoring the NBC Nightly News and serving as the moderator for Meet the Press. His career spans several decades and is marked by a steadfast commitment to fair and balanced journalism. It also established him as one of the most trusted figures in news media.

Journey Through Journalism

lester holt
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 24: (L-R) Neal Shapiro, Lester Holt, Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue attend The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Annual Gala at The Pierre Hotel on October 24, 2005 in New York. (Photo by Clint Spaulding/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Lester Holt’s career in journalism began in the 1980s, when he started as a reporter for WCBS-TV in New York City. His earnest reporting style and ability to handle complex news stories saw him rise through the ranks quickly. In 2000, he joined NBC News, where he became a cornerstone of the network’s news coverage, eventually taking over as the principal anchor of the NBC Nightly News in 2015. His role at NBC has included covering significant global events, from presidential elections to international crises, showcasing his ability to deliver news with both clarity and empathy.

Defining Moments & Public Trust

lester holt
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 07: Meek Mill and Lester Holt attend the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)

One of Holt’s defining career moments came during the 2016 U.S. presidential debates, where he served as the moderator. His handling of the debates—marked by a fair but firm approach—solidified his reputation as a journalist who could maintain neutrality and control in high-pressure situations. This role not only elevated his profile but also reinforced public trust in his journalistic integrity. Holt’s consistent approach to news reporting, characterized by his calm demeanor and meticulous fact-checking, has made him a reliable source for news for millions of viewers.

Beyond The News Desk

lester holt
New York, NEW YORK- August 14, 2019:
Portrait of Lester Holt. Lester Holt is a journalist and news anchor for the weekday edition of NBC Nightly News and Dateline NBC. Photographed in his office. Credit: Celeste Sloman for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Outside the newsroom, Lester Holt is known for his contributions to journalism education and his involvement in numerous charitable causes. He frequently speaks at colleges and seminars, sharing his experiences and insights on the ethics of journalism and the importance of truth in media. His commitment to education and mentorship helps inspire the next generation of journalists. Additionally, Holt’s interest in music, particularly playing the bass guitar, highlights his multifaceted personality, adding depth to his public persona.

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