Donald Trump admitted to reporters during his visit to South Korea that he is “sad” about not being able to run for an unconstitutional third term, while a government shutdown drags on in Washington.
Still, the president managed to slip in a subtle brag, while lamenting the news, as he claimed to have the “highest numbers that I’ve ever had.”
Previously, Trump has said that he would “love” to have a third term in office and even sold “Trump 2028” hats on his website.
His dreams of another four years in the Oval Office were quashed by his own party, though, after Speaker Mike Johnson said that he does not “see the path” for a third term.
Trump is scheduled to meet with the South Korean President in Gyeongju before sitting down with China’s President Xi Jinping on Thursday.
The U.S. president is hoping to use the talks to thaw tensions between America and China which were enflamed by Trump’s massive tariff hike earlier this year.
His visit has been overshadowed by missile tests by North Korea, despite Trump spending much of his first term trying to get Kim Jong Un to commit to denuclearizing his country.
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Key Points
- Trump expects a 'good deal' in talks with China's Xi Jinping
- Trump says ‘I don’t know if we’ll speak about Taiwan’ before meeting with Xi
- Trump says he did not come to South Korea to see Canada
- Japan to nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize
- Speaker Johnson quells speculation about Trump running for third term
South Korea appeals to Trump's love of gold with golden dessert
09:27
,
Owen Scott
During his lunch with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Trump was given a glamorous “gold-themed dessert” in a reference to his infamous love for golden furniture, jewelry and decorations.
The luxurious dish was meant to symbolize “the two nations’ shared commitment to peace and prosperity,” according to the South Korean president’s office.
The meal featured golden-enrusted brownies and tangerines and had the word “PEACE” spelt out on the plate.
The statement from Lee’s office added that the dish celebrated “a golden era of the Korea-US alliance.”
Judge extends ban on Trump firing federal officials during shutdown
09:21
,
Owen Scott
A federal judge extended a ban on the president firing government employees during the government shutdown yesterday.
Previously, Trump had suggested that he will slash what he calls “Democrat Agencies” before Judge Susan Illston ruled in favor of the labor unions who filed a lawsuit against the president.
“Today’s ruling is another victory for federal workers and our ongoing efforts to protect their jobs from an administration hellbent on illegally firing them,” AFSCME President Lee Saunders said in a statement.
White House Office of Management and Budget chief Russ Vought had previously said that the Trump administration were planning to axe as many as 10,000 federal jobs before the judge’s ruling.
40 million Americans could go without food stamps because of the government shutdown
09:04
,
Owen Scott
Funding for SNAP could run out by Saturday, leaving 40 million Americans without state support to buy groceries.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is used by one in every eight Americans. The amount of money allocated for the scheme is normally determined in a spending bill by Congress, which has been unable to agree on a budget for nearly four weeks.
Now, Democratic state officials are suing the government to unlock emergency SNAP funds.
The lawsuit was filed by 22 states and the District of Columbia, as well as three governors. Democrats hope it will allow them to use a federal contingency fund worth around $5 billion.
South Korean president hopes Trump will allow Seoul to use fuel for nuclear-powered submarines
09:00
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday he hoped U.S. President Donald Trump would allow Seoul to use fuel for nuclear-powered submarines, a long-standing request Washington has resisted.
“We don't mean to build nuclear-armed submarines, but because diesel submarines are less capable of submerged navigation, there are restrictions on tracking North Korean or Chinese submarines,” Lee told Trump during talks.
“So if you allow us to supply fuel... if we build several submarines equipped with conventional weapons... the U.S. military's burden could be significantly reduced.”
Previous South Korean presidents have also expressed interest in developing nuclear-powered submarines, but Washington has opposed the move for decades.
Trump has previously ruled out a backdoor plot to becoming president again
08:55
,
Owen Scott
Trump told reporters on Monday that he has ruled out running for the vice presidency in 2028.
If he won the VP job, some lawmakers say that he could become president once again - should his running mate resign from the presidency.
However, Trump confessed that a backdoor scheme like that was too “cute.”
“You’d be allowed to do that, but I wouldn’t do that,” he said.
Trump gifted crown by South Korean PM
08:37
,
Owen Scott
Trump has become the first American leader to ever receive the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea's highest honor.
In an ironic twist following the No King’s protests in America, Trump was then gifted gifted a replica of the largest crown in Korea’s Silla-era.
However, he did not try to put the crown on while speaking with the South Korean PM.
Still, Trump admitted that he wanted to wear the crown.
“I'd like to wear it right now,” Trump joked. “I will cherish it.”
Trump brushes off North Korea missile test as he arrives in South Korea
08:30
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
U.S. President Donald Trump began the final leg of his Asia tour in South Korea, aiming to strike a trade truce with China and finalize a tariff deal with Seoul.
Arriving just after a North Korean missile test, Trump brushed off the provocation, saying he was focused on talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump hopes to cut U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods in return for China curbing fentanyl chemical exports.
With South Korea, progress has stalled on a $350bn U.S. investment pledge, though both sides say a deal is close.
Protests against Trump's visit erupt in Gyeongju
08:18
,
Owen Scott
Demonstrations against Trump’s visit have erupted across Gyeongju, with protestors holding signs depicting a cartoon of the U.S. president crying.
Some of the placards read: “THIS IS ROBBERY, NOT NEGOTIATION.”
Huge banners with Trump shovelling dollars and South Korean flags into his mouth have also been seen.
Trump says that Israel was right to 'hit back' with Gaza bombings
08:06
,
Owen Scott
Donald Trump said that "nothing is going to jeopardise" after Benjamin Netanyahu ordered “powerful” strikes on the Gaza Strip.
"They took out, they killed an Israeli soldier, so the Israelis hit back and they should hit back,” Trump said. “When that happens, they should hit back.”
Local authorities say that the strikes killed 26 people.
The strikes have proven to be highly controversial with Turkey’s foreign ministry saying that the bombings “openly violate” the ceasefire agreement.
JD Vance says that "the ceasefire is holding,” thoigh.
“That doesn't mean that there aren't going to be little skirmishes here and there," he told reporters. "We know that Hamas or somebody else within Gaza attacked an Israeli military soldier.
“We expect the Israelis are going to respond, but I think the president's peace is going to hold despite that."
Trump expects a ‘big step’ in talks with China’s Xi Jinping which may roll back tariffs for a crackdown on fentanyl
08:00
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
President Donald Trump said he expects a “big step” on the topic of fentanyl during his anticipated meeting this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump told reporters on Tuesday that he expects to lower his fentanyl-related tariff on Chinese goods, which he imposed earlier this year to pressure Beijing into further curbing the export of chemicals that can be used to make the drug.
“I expect to be lowering that because I believe that they're going to help us with the fentanyl situation. They're going to be doing what they can do,” Trump said.
“We haven't talked about the timing yet, but we're going to work out something we're doing very well with rare earth, as you know, and we're, I think, going to make a big step with fentanyl,” Trump continued.
Trump is planning to meet with Xi on Thursday in South Korea during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit but Beijing is yet to confirm the talks.
Read more here:
More than two dozen states sue Trump administration for refusing to fund food stamps as government shutdown continues
07:30
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
More than two dozen U.S. states have sued the Trump administration for refusing to fund food stamps during the ongoing government shutdown, warning that 42 million Americans could lose access to benefits starting 1 November.
The states filed their petition in federal court just days after the Agriculture Department announced it would not invoke emergency measures to distribute aid amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Massachusetts, by officials – including those from California, New York, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia – accuse the administration of illegally halting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) despite having $5–6bn in reserve funds.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said: “SNAP is one of our nation’s most effective tools to fight hunger, and the U.S.D.A. has the money to keep it running.
“There is no excuse for this administration to abandon families who rely on SNAP, or food stamps, as a lifeline.”
US House Speaker says Trump’s 2028 talk meant to troll Democrats
07:00
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Tuesday that the Constitution makes it clear U.S. President Donald Trump cannot seek a third term, despite Trump’s recent teasing about running again in 2028.
Johnson, who is a former constitutional lawyer, acknowledged that while it’s fun to pretend for political effect, there is “no path” to amending the Constitution to allow it.
He said Trump enjoys wearing his “Trump 2028” cap to “troll Democrats”, but confirmed both men understand the two-term limit is absolute.
“The president knows, and he and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution, as much as so many of the American people lament that.”
“I don’t see a way to amend the Constitution; I don’t see the path for that,” Johnson said.
“The ‘Trump 2028’ cap is one of the most popular that’s ever been produced,” Johnson said.
“And he has a good time with that, trolling the Democrats, whose hair is on fire about the very prospect.”
Trump to be decorated with South Korea’s highest honor
06:30
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
South Korea will award U.S. President Donald Trump its highest honor, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, and present him with a replica gold crown symbolizing peace and unity on the Korean Peninsula.
President Lee Jae Myung’s office said the award recognizes Trump’s role as a “peacemaker” for the Korean Peninsula.
Trump, who arrived in South Korea on the last stop of his Asia tour, was greeted with a military salute, a band playing “YMCA” and a museum visit in Gyeongju.
Trump expects a 'good deal' in talks with China's Xi Jinping
06:20
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
U.S. President Donald Trump has said that he expects to sign a “good deal” with China’s Xi Jinping Thursday.
A framework agreed earlier this week included a reduction in U.S. tariffs in exchange for the removal of Chinese export controls on rare earth minerals.
Trump says he did not come to South Korea to see Canada
06:00
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
In a post on the social media site Truth Social on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he “didn’t come to South Korea to see Canada!” amid a trade spat with the United States’ northern neighbour.
Trump, who arrived in South Korea on Wednesday, is set to attend a group dinner whose guests include Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
China says it will not rule out using force to take Taiwan
05:30
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
China said it “absolutely will not” rule out the use of force to take Taiwan, even as it reiterated a preference for peaceful “reunification”.
Peng Qing’en, a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, told a news conference in Beijing that peaceful “reunification” under the “one country, two systems” model is the fundamental approach to “resolving the Taiwan issue”.
“We are willing to create ample space for peaceful reunification and will spare no effort to pursue this prospect with the utmost sincerity,” he said.
“However, we absolutely will not renounce the use of force and reserve the option to take all necessary measures.”
The statement comes ahead of Thursday’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump says ‘I don’t know if we’ll speak about Taiwan’ before meeting with Xi
05:00
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Before his meeting with China’s Xi Jinping on Thursday, Donald Trump told reporters on board Air Force One that he is not sure if the two will discuss Taiwan.
“I don’t know if we’ll speak about Taiwan. Taiwan is Taiwan,” he said when asked if the two leaders will discuss Taiwan - a region that China claims its own.
Trump has now landed in South Korea, where he will meet with the South Korean President today before sitting down with China’s Xi Jinping tomorrow, also in South Korea.
South Korea is buying a lot of our weapons, Trump says
04:36
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
“We have the strongest military in the world. We have the best equipment. We have the best manufacturers of equipment, and South Korea is buying a lot of our weapons. We make the best... planes and just about everything other than ships. And we'll be there very shortly with ships too.”
Recap: The key stops on Trump’s whirlwind Asia tour
04:30
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
U.S. President Donald Trump began his Asia tour in Malaysia, where he oversaw the signing of a “peace deal” between Thailand and Cambodia after months of border clashes.
In Japan, he met new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, signing agreements to boost rare earths cooperation and strengthen trade ties.
He also addressed U.S. troops at a naval base near Tokyo before heading to South Korea for the final leg of his trip.
He is meeting the South Korean President today and will sit down with China’s Xi Jinping tomorrow, also in South Korea.
Earlier, Trump had shown interest in meeting with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un during this trip, but on board Air Force One he told reporters that he could instead return to the region to meet with the North Korean leader at a later date.
He said his emphasis was on trade negotiations this time.
Trump says when America wins, everyone wins
04:28
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
“When America thrives, our partners thrive and our alliances thrive with all of the countries. The Indo-Pacific thrives, and that’s good for all of us. The entire world becomes safer and wealthy and greater than ever before. We get along with a lot of countries, we solved a lot of wars and a lot of problems and that’s all good for all of us.”
Trump declares U.S. the ‘hottest country in the world’ and calls it a new ‘golden age’
04:18
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Donald Trump claimed the U.S. has “secured commitments for over $18 trillion of new investments”, contrasting it with the previous administration, which he said achieved “much less” in four years.
“One year ago, our country was in very, very serious trouble. Some people thought our country was dead. Now we're literally the sort of an inspiration to a lot of other countries. We are, indeed, I use the term hottest country, but we're the hottest country anywhere in the world. By far the United States is blessed with the right now, the strongest economy, the strongest borders.
“This all happened over the last nine months, the strongest military, the strongest friendships and the strongest spirit of any nation on the face of the earth. This is a golden age.”
He added: “In less than one year, we've secured commitments for over $18 trillion of new investments.”
In pictures: Trump's visit to Japan
04:00
,
Rachel Dobkin
Here are some photos of President Donald Trump’s visit to Japan. He departed Tokyo Tuesday night for Gyeongju, South Korea.
Watch: Senate leader says Trump will talk to Democrats...after they open the government
03:30
,
Rachel Dobkin
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said President Donald Trump will talk to Democrats...after they open the government back up.
“He’s willing to sit down next week with the Democrats in his office to talk about a path forward on dealing with the unaffordability and unsustainability of Obamacare but not while they hold the government hostage,” Thune told Fox News.
Democrats are treating the #SchumerShutdown like it's some sort of political game where there are winners and losers.
— Leader John Thune (@LeaderJohnThune) October 28, 2025
But this is not a game. The consequences are becoming real for Americans across the country. We need to open the government. pic.twitter.com/B7o94SDiHL
Democrats and Republicans remain in gridlock over a funding bill. Democrats have demanded the extension of Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, subsidies and the reversal of Medicaid cuts made in Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”
Trump arrives in South Korea
03:02
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in South Korea for the final leg of his Asia tour, just hours after North Korea test-fired a nuclear-capable cruise missile.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump downplayed the missile launch and said his focus was on trade.
“The relationship with China is very good. So I think we're going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world, actually,” Trump said.
Trump will meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju later today, with talks expected to cover trade, defense and regional stability.
Trump says he expects to be 'lowering' fentanyl-related tariffs on China
03:00
,
Rachel Dobkin
President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday night he expects to be “lowering” tariffs he put on imported goods from China to pressure the country to stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
“I expect to be lowering that because I believe that they're going to help us with the fentanyl situation. They're going to be doing what they can do,” Trump told reporters Tuesday night.
During the first few months of Trump’s second term, he put a 20 percent tariff on all Chinese goods after the country did not take “adequate steps to alleviate the illicit drug crisis,” the White House said in March.
Senate passes resolution to repeal Trump's tariffs on Brazil
02:30
,
Rachel Dobkin
The Senate voted 52-48 to repeal President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Brazil.
Five Republicans joined all the Democrats in supporting the resolution, which is a symbolic move, Tuesday night.
The Senate voted 52-48 tonight to terminate Trump’s tariffs on Brazil.
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) October 29, 2025
Five Republicans joined all Democrats to support the @timkaine-led resolution:
• Collins
• McConnell
• Murkowski
• Paul
• Tillis
Resolution passes.
Trump increased tariffs on most Brazilian goods to 50 percent in July in retaliation for the country’s prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was found guilty of attempting a coup to remain in power after his 2022 election loss. Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing.
Trump says he's not allowed to run in 2028: 'It's too bad'
02:00
,
Rachel Dobkin
President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday night he’s not allowed to run in 2028 after repeatedly entertaining the idea.
“I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad,” he said.
The 22nd Amendment of the Constitution bars presidents from being elected to office more than twice.
Trump continues to blame Democrats for shutdown as he's out of the country
01:57
,
Rachel Dobkin
President Donald Trump has continued to blame Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown as he travels around Asia.
“All they have to do is say let’s get back to business,” Trump said of the Democrats as he flew to South Korea Tuesday night.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said earlier, “We are in a healthcare crisis, and Republicans don’t even want to talk about how to fix it. Donald Trump isn’t even in the country!”
Trump responds to North Korea launching test missiles
01:53
,
Rachel Dobkin
When asked about North Korea launching test missiles ahead of his South Korea visit, President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday night that the country has “been launching missiles for decades.”
States sue Trump’s USDA to unleash SNAP funding as legal experts blast ‘immoral’ decision to block emergency dollars
01:30
,
Rachel Dobkin
Nearly 42 million Americans and their families could imminently lose access to federal food assistance if Donald Trump’s administration does not tap into billions of dollars in emergency funding to keep the critical program afloat during the government shutdown.
Democratic leaders from 25 states are now suing the administration to keep those dollars flowing, arguing that the Department of Agriculture is legally required to continue providing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as long as there is money to support it.
“Millions of Americans are about to go hungry because the federal government has chosen to withhold food assistance it is legally obligated to provide,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is among 25 attorneys general suing the Trump administration to keep SNAP running.
“SNAP is one of our nation’s most effective tools to fight hunger, and the USDA has the money to keep it running,” she said. “There is no excuse for this administration to abandon families who rely on SNAP, or food stamps, as a lifeline. The federal government must do its job to protect families.”
Read more from Alex Woodward:
Photo shows North Korea's missile test
01:01
,
Rachel Dobkin
North Korea launched sea-to-surface cruise missiles into its western waters in a show of force before President Donald Trump’s visit to South Korea.
Trump waves as he leaves for South Korea
00:43
,
Rachel Dobkin
Trump to depart from Japan soon
00:38
,
Rachel Dobkin
President Donald Trump will depart from Japan soon. He is traveling to Gyeongju, South Korea, as he continues his Asia tour.
Marine One lands at Haneda Airport in Tokyo as @POTUS prepares to depart Japan pic.twitter.com/kiLdsTj58U
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 29, 2025
Trump aides worry about what Trump will say about Taiwan in Xi Jinping meeting: report
00:34
,
Rachel Dobkin
Some of Donald Trump’s aides are worried the president may shift the U.S. position on independence for Taiwan in his meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping Thursday, according to an NBC News report.
China considers Taiwan a breakaway province, despite the country being governed separately since 1949, the Associated Press reported.
The current U.S. position is that it “does not support Taiwan independence,” per the State Department.
NBC News explained that if Trump openly said the U.S. opposes Taiwan’s independence, it would be seen as a shift from a neutral position on the matter to siding with China.
White House posts Japanese newspaper featuring 'new golden age' with Trump and Takaichi
00:11
,
Rachel Dobkin
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has posted a photo of a Japanese newspaper with the headline, “‘New golden age’ promised for Japan-U.S. alliance,” and a photo of President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Good Morning from Japan! pic.twitter.com/XOEczUBwvx
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) October 28, 2025
Chuck Schumer rails against Trump who 'isn’t even in the country' amid shutdown
00:00
,
Rachel Dobkin
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has railed against President Donald Trump, who “isn’t even in the country” during the ongoing government shutdown.
“We are in a healthcare crisis, and Republicans don’t even want to talk about how to fix it. Donald Trump isn’t even in the country!” Schumer wrote on X Tuesday.
We are in a healthcare crisis, and Republicans don’t even want to talk about how to fix it.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) October 28, 2025
Donald Trump isn’t even in the country!
Trump is on a trip to Asia while Democrats and Republicans remain in gridlock over a funding bill. Democrats have demanded the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies and the reversal of Medicaid cuts made in Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”
Watch: Trump in oddball rant rips 'good-looking people' at naval base in Japan
Tuesday 28 October 2025 23:30
,
Ariana Baio
Trump administration strikes $80 billion nuclear reactor deal
Tuesday 28 October 2025 23:00
,
AP
A partnership between the U.S. government and three companies – Westinghouse Electric, Cameco and Brookfield Asset Management – will see at least $80 billion in new nuclear reactors built across the United States.
The ambitious plan, announced on Tuesday, marks one of the most significant U.S. investments in atomic energy for decades.
This initiative underscores the Trump administration's agenda to maximize energy output, encompassing oil, gas, coal and nuclear.
Under the agreement with Westinghouse Electric, Cameco and Brookfield Asset Management, the government will arrange financing and help secure permits for the plants using Westinghouse reactors.
Senators give two vastly different reactions to Trump entertaining a third term
Tuesday 28 October 2025 22:30
,
Rachel Dobkin
Donald Trump has entertained the idea of running for a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution barring presidents from being elected to office more than twice.
Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, said on CNN Tuesday he doesn’t take Trump’s comments about running for a third term “seriously because he will be in violation of the Constitution and he should be arrested if he attempts to do that.”
HUNT: The president is talking about a third term. How seriously do you take that?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 28, 2025
GALLEGO: I don't take it seriously because he will be in violation of the Constitution and he should be arrested if he attempts to do that pic.twitter.com/UyWPQ4g1GX
Gallego’s Republican counterpart, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, acknowledged a third Trump term would be against the Constitution, but fell short of saying it’s impossible.
“If you read the Constitution, it says it's not. But if he says he has some different circumstances that might be able to go around the constitution, but that's up to him,” Tuberville told reporters.
Tuberville on Trump third term: If you read the constitution, it says it's not. But if he says he has some different circumstances that might be able to go around the constitution, but that's up to him. pic.twitter.com/bXp5pxsNfZ
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 28, 2025
Trump rips ‘good-looking people’ and pines for steam catapults in oddball rant at Japan naval base
Tuesday 28 October 2025 22:00
,
Andrew Feinberg
Trump was in the midst of an address to sailors aboard the U.S.S. George Washington, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that is semi-permanently based at the American naval base in Yokosuka, Japan, when he paused an attempt to praise the assembled service members to rant about their excessive attractiveness.
Speaking on the second day of a multi-day, multi-country trip through Asia that will conclude after a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday, Trump said the Navy’s “ultimate strength” comes from “the men and women of the rank and f