Will Weissert, The Associated Press

While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Will Weissert, The Associated Press.

Two weeks into war with Iran, Trump has been knocked back on his political heels

Two weeks into war with Iran, Trump has been knocked back on his political heels

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- In the two weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, President Donald Trump increasingly has been knocked on his political heels.

Trump visits Ohio and Kentucky to downplay war's effect on economy and target a top GOP antagonist

Trump visits Ohio and Kentucky to downplay war's effect on economy and target a top GOP antagonist

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump plans to visit Ohio and Kentucky on Wednesday to argue that his policies can steady an economy facing shock waves from the war on Iran and to try to defeat one of the few congressional Republicans who has dared to defy him.

Trump to visit Ohio and Kentucky to downplay war's effect on economy and target a top GOP antagonist

Trump to visit Ohio and Kentucky to downplay war's effect on economy and target a top GOP antagonist

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump plans to visit Ohio and Kentucky on Wednesday to argue that his policies can steady an economy facing shock waves from the war on Iran and to try and defeat one of the few congressional Republicans who has dared to defy him.

Dealing with Iran war is 'easy,' Trump says. College athlete pay? Not so much

Dealing with Iran war is 'easy,' Trump says. College athlete pay? Not so much

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump said Friday that questions about the war in Iran were "easy" compared to efforts to better regulate college sports and rein in high salaries for football players -- an extraordinary suggestion that even he himself seemed to think better of a short time later.

Trump raises the possibility of a 'friendly takeover of Cuba' coming out of talks with Havana

Trump raises the possibility of a 'friendly takeover of Cuba' coming out of talks with Havana

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. is in talks with Havana and raised the possibility of a "friendly takeover of Cuba" without offering any details on what he meant.

Trump raises the possibility of a 'friendly takeover of Cuba'

Trump raises the possibility of a 'friendly takeover of Cuba'

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. is in talks with Havana and raised the possibility of a "friendly takeover of Cuba" without offering any details on what he meant.

Trump's State of the Union will seek to calm voters' economic concerns ahead of midterm elections

Trump's State of the Union will seek to calm voters' economic concerns ahead of midterm elections

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump will use Tuesday's State of the Union to champion his immigration crackdowns, his slashing of the federal government, his push to preserve widespread tariffs that the Supreme Court just struck down and his ability to direct quick-hit military actions around the world, including in Iran and Venezuela.

War-hammered Gaza needs basics like homes, roads and power. FIFA is offering a $50M soccer stadium

War-hammered Gaza needs basics like homes, roads and power. FIFA is offering a $50M soccer stadium

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Gaza Strip is in ruins with entire city neighborhoods reduced to rubble and serious questions about rebuilding basic water and sewage facilities, roads, electrical grids and the critical infrastructure needed to consistently produce enough food to prevent widespread starvation.

Trump's Fort Bragg visit will spotlight special forces who captured Venezuela's Maduro

Trump's Fort Bragg visit will spotlight special forces who captured Venezuela's Maduro

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump headed to North Carolina on Friday where he planned to honor members of the special forces who stormed into Venezuela last month and whisked away Nicolas Maduro, the leader of the South American country, to face drug smuggling charges in the United States.

Trump heads to Fort Bragg to cheer special forces members who ousted Venezuela's Maduro

Trump heads to Fort Bragg to cheer special forces members who ousted Venezuela's Maduro

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump is heading to North Carolina on Friday to celebrate members of the special forces who stormed into Venezuela on the third day of the New Year and whisked away that country's leader, Nicolas Maduro, to face U.S. smuggling charges.

Trump says Washington has waited 200 years for the arch he wants to build. Not quite

Trump says Washington has waited 200 years for the arch he wants to build. Not quite

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump says history is on his side.

Trump says feds won't intervene during protests in Democratic-led cities unless asked to do so

Trump says feds won't intervene during protests in Democratic-led cities unless asked to do so

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump said Saturday that he has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to intervene in protests occurring in cities led by Democrats unless local authorities ask for federal help amid mounting criticism of his administration's immigration crackdown.

Trump announces upcoming IndyCar race through Washington's streets  -  including Pennsylvania Avenue

Trump announces upcoming IndyCar race through Washington's streets - including Pennsylvania Avenue

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The streets of the nation's capital will host an IndyCar race this summer as part of celebrations marking America's 250th birthday, President Donald Trump announced Friday, relishing the prospect of vehicles roaring past the White House at speeds approaching 200 mph.

Trump announces upcoming IndyCar race through Washington's streets -- including Pennsylvania Avenue

Trump announces upcoming IndyCar race through Washington's streets -- including Pennsylvania Avenue

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The streets of the nation's capital will host an IndyCar race this summer as part of celebrations marking America's 250th birthday, President Donald Trump announced Friday, relishing the prospect of vehicles roaring past the White House at speeds approaching 200 mph.

Here's where Trump's most jaw-dropping promises stand a year into his second term

Here's where Trump's most jaw-dropping promises stand a year into his second term

WASHINGTON (AP) -- From toppling Venezuela's leader to ordering mass deportations, from turning once independent government entities into rubber stamps to demolishing the East Wing for a White House ballroom, President Donald Trump spent his first year back in office trampling political norms and testing institutional checks and balances.

Trump offers to restart US mediation in Nile River dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia

Trump offers to restart US mediation in Nile River dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump said Friday that he was ready to restart U.S. mediation efforts between Egypt and Ethiopia with an eye toward resolving long-standing issues of water sharing from the Nile River.

Milk gets a perch on Trump's desk but takes a back seat at bill signing

Milk gets a perch on Trump's desk but takes a back seat at bill signing

WASHINGTON (AP) -- There was a glass bottle of milk on the Resolute Desk, and President Donald Trump promised to get to it soon.

Trump wears a new 'Happy Trump' lapel pin, but insists he's never happy

Trump wears a new 'Happy Trump' lapel pin, but insists he's never happy

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump insists he's never happy. But now he has a lapel pin that is.

US launches strikes against Islamic State group in Nigeria after attacks target Christians

US launches strikes against Islamic State group in Nigeria after attacks target Christians

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- President Donald Trump said the United States launched a "powerful and deadly" strike against forces of the Islamic State group in Nigeria, after spending weeks accusing the West African country's government of failing to rein in the targeting of Christians.

Trump warns against infiltration by a 'bad Santa,' defends coal in jovial Christmas calls with kids

Trump warns against infiltration by a 'bad Santa,' defends coal in jovial Christmas calls with kids

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- President Donald Trump marked Christmas Eve by quizzing children calling in about what presents they were excited about receiving, while promising to not let a "bad Santa" infiltrate the country and even suggesting that a stocking full of coal may not be so bad.

Trump's 'gold card' program goes live, offering US visas starting at $1 million per person

Trump's 'gold card' program goes live, offering US visas starting at $1 million per person

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that his long-promised " gold card " was officially going on sale, offering legal status and an eventual pathway to U.S. citizenship for individuals paying $1 million and corporations ponying up twice that per foreign-born employee.

Trump meets Mexican President Sheinbaum in person for the first time at World Cup draw

Trump meets Mexican President Sheinbaum in person for the first time at World Cup draw

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump has finally met with his Mexican counterpart, Claudia Sheinbaum.

Trump is meeting Mexican President Sheinbaum in person for the first time at World Cup draw

Trump is meeting Mexican President Sheinbaum in person for the first time at World Cup draw

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump is finally meeting with his Mexican counterpart, Claudia Sheinbaum.

Trump teaming up with Jack Nicklaus to revamp 'president's golf course' at Joint Base Andrews

Trump teaming up with Jack Nicklaus to revamp 'president's golf course' at Joint Base Andrews

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump says he's enlisting the help of legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus to spruce up the courses at Joint Base Andrews -- adding a site long known as the "president's golf course" to his long and still- growing list of construction projects.

Trump says allowing skilled immigrants to train US workers 'is MAGA'

Trump says allowing skilled immigrants to train US workers 'is MAGA'

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump has made hardline immigration policies a signature issue, but acknowledged on Wednesday that he's been criticized for recently saying some skilled immigrants should be allowed into the country from his "Make America Great Again" supporters.

50-year mortgages? NFL kickoff rules? Here's where some of Trump's latest jaw-dropping musings stand

50-year mortgages? NFL kickoff rules? Here's where some of Trump's latest jaw-dropping musings stand

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump loves offering outlandish ideas and then repeating them until they start to become mainstream -- even if they don't always come to fruition.

These are the 37 donors helping pay for Trump's $300 million White House ballroom

These are the 37 donors helping pay for Trump's $300 million White House ballroom

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump says his $300 million White House ballroom will be paid for "100% by me and some friends of mine."

Trump pardons former Mets great Darryl Strawberry on past tax evasion and drug charges

Trump pardons former Mets great Darryl Strawberry on past tax evasion and drug charges

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump has pardoned former New York Mets great Darryl Strawberry of tax evasion and drug charges, citing the 1983 National League Rookie of the Year's post-career embrace of his Christian faith and longtime sobriety.

Trump pardons former Tennessee House speaker convicted of federal public corruption charges

Trump pardons former Tennessee House speaker convicted of federal public corruption charges

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump has pardoned the former Tennessee House speaker and a onetime aide of public corruption charges after the White House said the Biden administration Justice Department "significantly over-prosecuted" both for a minor issue.

Trump hosts White House Halloween bash with superheroes and presidential lookalikes amid shutdown

Trump hosts White House Halloween bash with superheroes and presidential lookalikes amid shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump hosted hundreds of costumed guests -- from superheroes to dinosaurs and even a few children dressed as the first couple -- as part of Thursday night's Halloween celebration at the White House.

What shutdown? Trump isn't canceling travel, golf or his ballroom even with the government shuttered

What shutdown? Trump isn't canceling travel, golf or his ballroom even with the government shuttered

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump isn't curtailing travel. He's not avoiding golf or making do with a skeleton staff in the West Wing. Even hamburgers served at the White House aren't from McDonalds, this time.

Trump honors Charlie Kirk with Presidential Medal of Freedom on what would be his 32nd birthday

Trump honors Charlie Kirk with Presidential Medal of Freedom on what would be his 32nd birthday

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Tuesday posthumously awarded America's highest civilian honor to Charlie Kirk, the assassinated activist who inspired a generation of young conservatives and helped push the nation's politics further to the right.

Trump threatens to yank World Cup games from Boston though it's up to FIFA to choose sites

Trump threatens to yank World Cup games from Boston though it's up to FIFA to choose sites

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to relocate World Cup matches set to be played next year in Boston, parts of which he'd suggested had been "taken over" by recent unrest.

Trump honoring Charlie Kirk with Presidential Medal of Freedom on what would be his 32nd birthday

Trump honoring Charlie Kirk with Presidential Medal of Freedom on what would be his 32nd birthday

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Tuesday is posthumously awarding America's highest civilian honor to Charlie Kirk, the assassinated activist who inspired a generation of young conservatives and helped push the nation's politics further to the right.

Trump wants to push for Middle East peace. Netanyahu is still talking up Israel's military might

Trump wants to push for Middle East peace. Netanyahu is still talking up Israel's military might

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump is declaring Israel's war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip over and has already barreled ahead toward far larger goals -- arguing that the fragile ceasefire his administration helped broker is a chance to bring a lasting peace to the greater Middle East.

AstraZeneca agrees to lower drug prices for Medicaid under Trump administration deal

AstraZeneca agrees to lower drug prices for Medicaid under Trump administration deal

WASHINGTON (AP) -- AstraZeneca on Friday became the second major pharmaceutical manufacturer to announce it had agreed to lower the cost of prescription drugs for Medicaid under a deal struck with the Trump administration that avoided its threats of steep tariffs.

Trump receives urgent note from Rubio on Mideast peace deal during antifa roundtable

Trump receives urgent note from Rubio on Mideast peace deal during antifa roundtable

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump was holding a roundtable event with conservative influencers about antifa Wednesday when Secretary of State Marco Rubio, standing in the back corner of the White House's Blue Room, caught his eye.

Dr. Trump? The president reprises his COVID era, this time sharing unproven medical advice on autism

Dr. Trump? The president reprises his COVID era, this time sharing unproven medical advice on autism

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump isn't a doctor. But he played one on TV Monday, offering copious amounts of unproven medical advice that he suggested -- often without providing evidence -- might help reduce autism rates.

Trump says he would have lowered flags for Minnesota slayings if asked. But he didn't call governor

Trump says he would have lowered flags for Minnesota slayings if asked. But he didn't call governor

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump defended his order that flags be lowered to half-staff after last week's slaying of conservative activist Charlie Kirk by suggesting he would have done the same following the assassination of a Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker this summer had he been asked by the state's governor.

Trump deploys National Guard to Memphis, calling it a 'replica' of his crackdown on Washington

Trump deploys National Guard to Memphis, calling it a 'replica' of his crackdown on Washington

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Monday signed an order sending the National Guard into Memphis to combat crime, constituting his latest test of the limits of presidential power by using military force in American cities.

Trump meets with Tennessee's governor after saying he'd deploy National Guard troops to Memphis

Trump meets with Tennessee's governor after saying he'd deploy National Guard troops to Memphis

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump is hosting Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee in the Oval Office on Monday after suggesting that he's ready to send the National Guard into Memphis to help combat crime.

Trump dines at a restaurant near the White House to promote his federal law enforcement surge in DC

Trump dines at a restaurant near the White House to promote his federal law enforcement surge in DC

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump had dinner Tuesday night at a seafood restaurant near the White House, promoting his deployment of the National Guard and federalizing the police force in an effort to crack down on crime in the nation's capital.

Trump dines at a restaurant near the White House to promote his DC crime crackdown

Trump dines at a restaurant near the White House to promote his DC crime crackdown

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump had dinner Tuesday night at a seafood restaurant near the White House, promoting his deployment of the National Guard and federalizing the police force in an effort to crack down on crime in the nation's capital.

Trump having dinner at a restaurant near the White House to promote his Washington crackdown

Trump having dinner at a restaurant near the White House to promote his Washington crackdown

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump is having dinner Tuesday night at a seafood restaurant near the White House, promoting his deployment of the National Guard and federalizing the police force in an effort to crack down on crime in the nation's capital.

Trump's US Open visit sparks boos and long security lines

Trump's US Open visit sparks boos and long security lines

NEW YORK (AP) -- President Donald Trump attended the U.S. Open on Sunday and was booed by the crowd at a men's final, which was delayed due to the extra security associated with his visit.

Trump attends the US Open as Rolex's guest despite Swiss tariffs. Mixed cheers and boos greet him

Trump attends the US Open as Rolex's guest despite Swiss tariffs. Mixed cheers and boos greet him

NEW YORK (AP) -- President Donald Trump attended the U.S. Open on Sunday and briefly stepped out from a luxury box to wave at a main court crowd mostly still arriving for the men's final. He drew mixed cheers and boos.

Trump attending the US Open as Rolex's guest despite Swiss tariffs. Any boos may not be seen on TV

Trump attending the US Open as Rolex's guest despite Swiss tariffs. Any boos may not be seen on TV

NEW YORK (AP) -- President Donald Trump is attending the U.S. Open on Sunday as a guest of Rolex despite imposing steep tariffs on the Swiss watchmaker's home country and with organizers seeking to keep off-court disruptions -- like audience members booing him -- from being seen on the TV broadcast.

Trump threatens Chicago with apocalyptic force and Pritzker calls him a 'wannabe dictator'

Trump threatens Chicago with apocalyptic force and Pritzker calls him a 'wannabe dictator'

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Saturday amplified his promises to send National Guard troops and immigration agents to Chicago by posting a parody image from "Apocalypse Now" featuring a ball of flames as helicopters zoom over the nation's second-largest city.

Trump to attend the US Open men's final Sunday, marking another trip to a major sporting event

Trump to attend the US Open men's final Sunday, marking another trip to a major sporting event

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump will attend Sunday's men's final of the U.S. Open, returning to a tournament he once frequently attended for the first time in a decade.

Demolition for new White House ballroom doesn't need approval, Trump-appointed commission head says

Demolition for new White House ballroom doesn't need approval, Trump-appointed commission head says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Demolition to build President Donald Trump's new ballroom off the East Wing of the White House can begin without approval of the commission tasked with vetting construction of federal buildings, the Trump-appointed head of the panel said Thursday.

Trump honors fallen US service members and criticizes Biden to mark Afghanistan bombing anniversary

Trump honors fallen US service members and criticizes Biden to mark Afghanistan bombing anniversary

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Monday marked the fourth anniversary of the suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members during the chaotic withdrawal at the end of the Afghanistan War by signing a proclamation honoring the fallen.

2026 World Cup draw will be held at Washington's Kennedy Center, Trump says

2026 World Cup draw will be held at Washington's Kennedy Center, Trump says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump said Friday that the draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place on Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

Trump orders increased federal law enforcement presence in Washington to 'make DC safe again'

Trump orders increased federal law enforcement presence in Washington to 'make DC safe again'

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House said Thursday night that there will be increased presence of federal law enforcement in the nation's capital to combat crime for at least the next week, amid President Donald Trump 's suggestions that his administration could fully take over running the city.

Trump orders US nuclear subs repositioned over statements from ex-Russian leader Medvedev

Trump orders US nuclear subs repositioned over statements from ex-Russian leader Medvedev

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a warning to Russia, President Donald Trump said Friday he's ordering the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines "based on the highly provocative statements" of the country's former president Dmitry Medvedev.

Trump caps his Scottish visit by opening a new golf course

Trump caps his Scottish visit by opening a new golf course

BALMEDIE, Scotland (AP) -- President Donald Trump is opening a new golf course bearing his name in Scotland on Tuesday, capping a five-day foreign trip designed around promoting his family's luxury properties and playing golf.

Trump talks Gaza, Ukraine and his golf course, in meeting with UK's prime minister

Trump talks Gaza, Ukraine and his golf course, in meeting with UK's prime minister

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Monday used his luxury golf course on Scotland's southeastern coast to host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, mixing critical discussions on the deepening food crisis in Gaza, Russia's war in Ukraine and tariff rates with boasts about the property's opulence.

Trump calls for more Gaza food aid and talks up his golf course in meeting with UK's prime minister

Trump calls for more Gaza food aid and talks up his golf course in meeting with UK's prime minister

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Monday used his luxury golf course on Scotland's southeastern coast to host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, mixing critical discussions on the deepening food crisis in Gaza, Russia's war in Ukraine and tariff rates with boasts about the property's opulence.

Trump urges Israel's leader to take action as images of emaciated children emerge in Gaza conflict

Trump urges Israel's leader to take action as images of emaciated children emerge in Gaza conflict

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) -- President Donald Trump seemed to be recalibrating his stance on Gaza on Monday, expressing concern about the humanitarian situation and urging Israel's leader to take action as images of emaciated children have emerged.

Britain's prime minister presses Trump on 'desperate' situation in Gaza during meeting in Scotland

Britain's prime minister presses Trump on 'desperate' situation in Gaza during meeting in Scotland

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) -- U.S. President Donald Trump met on Monday at one of his Scottish golf courses with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who pressed him on the U.S. taking a larger role in helping quell a growing food crisis in Gaza amid Israel's ongoing war with Hamas in the territory.

As Trump shows off his golf courses for Britain's leader, crisis in Gaza looms

As Trump shows off his golf courses for Britain's leader, crisis in Gaza looms

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) -- President Donald Trump once suggested his golf course in Scotland "furthers" the U.S.-U.K. relationship. Now he's getting the chance to prove it.