Syria struggles to quell Bedouin-Druze clashes in south Bedouin fighters have reportedly been pushed out of the city of Suweida Sectarian clashes have continued in southern Syria despite an "immediate ceasefire" announced by the country's president. Reports say that Druze fighters on Saturday pushed out Bedouin gunmen from the city of Suweida - but fighting continued in other parts of the province. This has not been verified by the BBC. Government forces deployed earlier this week by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa were blamed for joining in attacks on the Druze. More than 900 people are reported to have been killed in the past week. All sides are accused of atrocities. The US Secretary of ...
By Gary O'Donoghue — Chief North America Correspondent | Reporting from Washington
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In an exclusive phone interview with the BBC, US President Donald Trump said he is “disappointed but not done” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
When asked if he trusts the Russian leader, Trump responded, “I trust almost nobody.” The comment came just hours after he announced a new military aid package for Ukraine and threatened severe tariffs on Russia if a ceasefire agreement isn’t reached within 50 days.
Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump also reiterated his support for NATO — an alliance he once called "obsolete" — and expressed strong backing for its collective defense principle.
BRAKING NEWS
On Putin and the Ukraine War
Trump revealed that he believed peace deals with Russia were close on four separate occasions, only for hopes to collapse each time.
"We’ll be having a great conversation," Trump said, "and I’ll think we’re close to a deal — and then he’ll bomb a building in Kyiv."
Russia has ramped up its drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, leading to record-high civilian casualties. President Putin, while expressing a desire for peace, continues to blame what he calls “external threats” from NATO, Ukraine, and the West for the war.
When asked directly if he was “done” with Putin, Trump replied:
“I’m disappointed in him, but I’m not done with him.”
On Surviving the Assassination Attempt
Marking a year since the assassination attempt at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump reflected briefly but cautiously:
“I try not to think about it. Thinking too much about it could be life-changing.”
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Changing Views on NATO
After a recent meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump praised the alliance, saying it had become the opposite of obsolete now that member nations are “paying their own bills.”
He was particularly enthusiastic about the agreement among leaders to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP — calling it “amazing” and something “nobody thought was possible.”
Praise for UK and Prime Minister Starmer
Trump also spoke positively about the UK, saying:
“It’s a great place — you know, I own property there.”
When asked if the UK had made the most of Brexit, Trump responded:
“No. It’s been a bit sloppy, but I think it’s getting better.”
He also expressed admiration for the new UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, saying:
“I really like the Prime Minister a lot, even though he’s a liberal.”
Trump confirmed he plans a second state visit to the UK in September, where he hopes to “have a good time and show respect to King Charles.” He said he did not want Parliament recalled for a speech, encouraging MPs to “enjoy their time off.”
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Canada Comments and Sovereignty
Addressing recent comments about annexing Canada, Trump said he wasn't concerned by King Charles’s speech emphasizing Canadian sovereignty:
“He has no choice — they’re tied to Canada. I thought he was very respectful.”
He also confirmed the US is in active negotiations with Canada and expects a positive outcome.
Domestic Agenda: Immigration, Taxes, and Legacy
On domestic issues, Trump touted his progress on immigration, claiming illegal border crossings have dropped to record lows.
“I’ve done more than I promised,” he said, emphasizing efforts to deport undocumented migrants, particularly criminals.
He cited a controversial deal with El Salvador and other nations for deportations and dismissed legal challenges as politically driven, saying:
“We’ve won every case on appeal.”
He also praised his new tax and spending bill — calling it “one big beautiful bill” — which extends 2017 tax cuts, includes tax breaks on tips, and significantly reduces Medicaid spending.
When asked how he wants to be remembered, Trump said:
“Saving America. One year ago, America was a dead country — now it’s great again.”
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