1 UNITED STATES
Biden and Trump get set for a likely presidential tussle
The probable candidates in the 2024 presidential match-up issued two starkly different new year messages to voters, with Joe Biden striking a note of optimism while his almost certain challenger Donald Trump lash ed out in a social media post laden with lies and conspiracy theories.
The president and first lady, Jill Biden, offered a New Year’s message touting US job gains and the performance of the US economy during his administration – a message that voters have so far refused to accept. “We’re coming back, and it’s about time,” Biden said.
Trump, however, issued a simple: “Happy New Year. It will be a historic one. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!” on his Truth Social platform.
A day earlier, Trump issued a more typically acidic message, predicting rival Joe Biden won’t “make it to the gate” in November. He repeated his unproven claims that the 2020 election was rigged.
Polling averages compiled by FiveThirtyEight show that 39% of Americans approve of Biden’s performance, with 55% disapproving – a gap that has doubled in 12 months.
The year ahead Page 10 →
2 UKRAINE
Russia intensifies bombing to avenge Belgorod attack
Kyiv came under heavy attack on Tuesday morning as at least 10 people were injured in a missile strike. Two residential blocks were hit in the Solomyansky district and a blaze broke out at
