Meg Kinnard, 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 Meg Kinnard, The Associated Press.

Trump says he and Mamdani will meet Friday in Washington, setting up clash of political opposites

Trump says he and Mamdani will meet Friday in Washington, setting up clash of political opposites

President Donald Trump said late Wednesday that the long-awaited meeting with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani would happen in Washington later this week, setting up an in-person clash between the political polar opposites who for months have antagonized each other from afar.

Trump cuts ties with 'Wacky' Marjorie Taylor Greene, once among his top MAGA-world defenders

Trump cuts ties with 'Wacky' Marjorie Taylor Greene, once among his top MAGA-world defenders

President Donald Trump has publicly called it quits with one of his most stalwart MAGA-world supporters, calling Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene "'Wacky' Marjorie" and saying he would endorse a challenger against her in next year's midterms "if the right person runs."

Democrats set January deadline for states to apply for early 2028 primary contests

Democrats set January deadline for states to apply for early 2028 primary contests

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Not even a year out from the last presidential election, the Democratic National Committee has begun setting up a framework for the party's next round of presidential primary elections, which could upend the early-voting calendar yet again.

JD Vance dismisses bipartisan outrage over racist and offensive Young Republican group chat

JD Vance dismisses bipartisan outrage over racist and offensive Young Republican group chat

The public release of a Young Republican group chat that included racist language, jokes about rape and flippant commentary on gas chambers prompted bipartisan calls for those involved to be removed from or resign their positions.

AP reader question: How might the federal shutdown affect the economy?

AP reader question: How might the federal shutdown affect the economy?

Here's a question about the shutdown submitted by an Associated Press reader, Ryan S.:

AP reader question: Is it legal to fire furloughed federal workers during a shutdown?

AP reader question: Is it legal to fire furloughed federal workers during a shutdown?

Here's a question about the shutdown submitted by an Associated Press reader, G:

AP reader question: Do federal workers get paid during the government shutdown

AP reader question: Do federal workers get paid during the government shutdown

Here's a question about the shutdown submitted by an Associated Press reader, John P.:

AP reader question: How does the shutdown affect National Guard troops?

AP reader question: How does the shutdown affect National Guard troops?

Here's a question about the shutdown submitted by an Associated Press reader, Christian P.:

Trump administration blames Democrats for shutdown in official government warnings as deadline nears

Trump administration blames Democrats for shutdown in official government warnings as deadline nears

HOUSTON (AP) -- With the first U.S. government shutdown in almost seven years looming, the Trump administration is using official government communications to blame Democrats and promote the president's policies.

Trump ramps up retribution campaign with push for Bondi to pursue cases against his foes

Trump ramps up retribution campaign with push for Bondi to pursue cases against his foes

Eight months into his second term, President Donald Trump's long-standing pledge to take on those he perceives as his political enemies has prompted debates over free speech, media censorship and political prosecutions.

FCC taking steps that would allow US prisons to jam prisoners' cellphone signals

FCC taking steps that would allow US prisons to jam prisoners' cellphone signals

CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) -- Federal officials on Friday said they are taking steps that will give state and federal prisons the right to jam the signals of cellphones smuggled to inmates, devices they argue allow prisoners to plot violence and carry out crimes.

Charles Bierbauer, longtime CNN correspondent and journalism dean, dies at age 83

CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) -- Charles Bierbauer, former CNN White House correspondent and a past president of the White House Correspondents Association who later became dean of the University of South Carolina's journalism program, has died. He was 83.

South Carolina GOP governor hopefuls clamor to show Trump ties, as Evette launches race's first ad

South Carolina GOP governor hopefuls clamor to show Trump ties, as Evette launches race's first ad

CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette is playing up her connection to President Donald Trump in the first TV campaign ad of a hotly contested gubernatorial race, highlighting the Republican candidates' heated pursuit of the president's backing in a state where his support remains high.

Takeaways from Justice Department interviews of Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell

Takeaways from Justice Department interviews of Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell

In the hundreds of pages of transcripts from Justice Department interviews of Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein spoke glowingly of President Donald Trump, called him a "gentleman in all respects" and describing him as "friendly" with Epstein.

Obama applauds Newsom's California redistricting plan as 'responsible' as Texas GOP pushes new maps

Obama applauds Newsom's California redistricting plan as 'responsible' as Texas GOP pushes new maps

Former President Barack Obama has waded into states' efforts at rare mid-decade redistricting efforts, saying he agrees with California Gov. Gavin Newsom's response to alter his state's congressional maps, in the way of Texas redistricting efforts promoted by President Donald Trump aimed at shoring up Republicans' position in next year's elections.

Bauer, South Carolina's former lieutenant governor, ends GOP primary challenge to Sen. Graham

Bauer, South Carolina's former lieutenant governor, ends GOP primary challenge to Sen. Graham

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is suspending his GOP primary challenge to Sen. Lindsey Graham, shuttering his effort to oust the four-term incumbent after just more than a month and eschewing a "political climate that rewards deception over honesty, or ambition over unity."

Trump honors Purple Heart recipients, including 3 who sent him medals after attempt on his life

Trump honors Purple Heart recipients, including 3 who sent him medals after attempt on his life

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump recognized nearly 100 recipients of the Purple Heart at the White House on Thursday, including several service members who gave him their own medals after an attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania campaign rally.

Trump is honoring Purple Heart recipients, including 3 who sent him medals after attempt on his life

Trump is honoring Purple Heart recipients, including 3 who sent him medals after attempt on his life

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump is recognizing nearly 100 recipients of the Purple Heart at the White House on Thursday, including several service members who gave him their own medals after an attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania campaign rally.

Trump maintains influence over GOP and keeps potential successors vying for his favor

Trump maintains influence over GOP and keeps potential successors vying for his favor

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Although President Donald Trump has not directly said he thinks JD Vance should be the heir to his "Make America Great Again" base of support, he acknowledged this week that his vice president is probably the favorite to succeed him "at this point."

Trump wields influence over GOP and keeps potential successors vying for his favor

Trump wields influence over GOP and keeps potential successors vying for his favor

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Although President Donald Trump has not directly said he thinks JD Vance should be the heir to his "Make America Great Again" base of support, he acknowledged this week that his vice president is probably the favorite to succeed him "at this point."

In his own words: Trump's comments over the past year on the jobs report

In his own words: Trump's comments over the past year on the jobs report

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In firing the head of the agency that produces monthly jobs figures, President Donald Trump alleged that the recent weaker-than-expected numbers were phony and that positive numbers reported before the 2024 election were manipulated to make him look bad.

Rep. Nancy Mace kicks off South Carolina GOP gubernatorial bid. She says she's 'Trump in high heels'

Rep. Nancy Mace kicks off South Carolina GOP gubernatorial bid. She says she's 'Trump in high heels'

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina is running for governor, entering a GOP primary in which competition for President Donald Trump's endorsement -- and the backing of his base of supporters -- is expected to be fierce.

More Trump administration figures who met Laura Loomer's ire are out. A look at her influence

More Trump administration figures who met Laura Loomer's ire are out. A look at her influence

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- President Donald Trump has downplayed the influence of Laura Loomer, a right-wing provocateur known for her incendiary social media presence, in his administration's decision-making.

Another Trump administration figure who met Laura Loomer's ire is out. A look at her influence

Another Trump administration figure who met Laura Loomer's ire is out. A look at her influence

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- President Donald Trump has downplayed the influence of Laura Loomer, a right-wing provocateur known for her incendiary social media presence, in his administration's decision-making.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders tests political waters by headlining GOP event in early-voting South Carolina

Sarah Huckabee Sanders tests political waters by headlining GOP event in early-voting South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is set to headline the latest iteration of an event previously billed as the largest annual gathering of Republicans in South Carolina, a state traditionally key to picking the GOP's presidential nominees, and one in which she already has deep relationships.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to headline signature South Carolina GOP event

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to headline signature South Carolina GOP event

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is set to headline the latest iteration of an event previously billed as the largest annual gathering of Republicans in South Carolina, a state traditionally key to picking the GOP's presidential nominees, and one in which she already has deep relationships.

Rep. Ralph Norman, among House's most conservative, set to enter South Carolina governor's race

Rep. Ralph Norman, among House's most conservative, set to enter South Carolina governor's race

CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) -- Rep. Ralph Norman, among the most conservative Republicans in the U.S. House, is entering South Carolina's 2026 governor's race.

Gavin Newsom swings through South Carolina, where Democrats will play pivotal 2028 nominating role

Gavin Newsom swings through South Carolina, where Democrats will play pivotal 2028 nominating role

FLORENCE, S.C. (AP) -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom is launching a two-day tour of South Carolina on Tuesday, meeting voters across rural areas -- and some GOP strongholds -- in the early-voting state, the latest signal that the Democrat is eyeing a 2028 run for president.

Elon Musk says he's formed a new political party. But it's not clear if he actually has

Elon Musk says he's formed a new political party. But it's not clear if he actually has

Elon Musk has said that he's formed a new political party, but it's unclear what steps -- if any -- he's taken to do so, or how the effort might affect upcoming elections.

Lindsey Graham gets GOP primary challenge from Andre Bauer, South Carolina's former lieutenant gov

Lindsey Graham gets GOP primary challenge from Andre Bauer, South Carolina's former lieutenant gov

CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) -- Former South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is mounting a GOP primary challenge to Sen. Lindsey Graham, arguing the incumbent isn't conservative enough to represent the state.

Musk proposes a new political party, Trump suggests DOGE 'might have to go back and eat Elon'

Musk proposes a new political party, Trump suggests DOGE 'might have to go back and eat Elon'

Elon Musk's feud with President Donald Trump -- and seemingly any congressional Republicans who support the president's massive tax cuts and spending package -- has reignited, with the tech billionaire threatening to launch a new political party, and Trump suggesting Musk could be punished for his opposition.

Alan Wilson, South Carolina's four-term Republican attorney general, enters 2026 governor's race

Alan Wilson, South Carolina's four-term Republican attorney general, enters 2026 governor's race

LEXINGTON, S.C. (AP) -- Alan Wilson, the four-term Republican attorney general of South Carolina, kicked off his bid for the state's first open gubernatorial race in 16 years, setting up a 2026 GOP primary contest that's likely to be a heated competition for President Donald Trump's endorsement.

Alan Wilson, South Carolina's longtime GOP attorney general, set to enter 2026 governor's race
In their own words: Trump, Newsom trade insults and barbs over National Guard in Los Angeles

In their own words: Trump, Newsom trade insults and barbs over National Guard in Los Angeles

The swiftly evolving situation in the Los Angeles area over protests surrounding immigration enforcement actions has also cued up a public spat between President Donald Trump and Gov. Gavin Newsom, the California governor who has been one of the Republican president's most vocal Democratic critics.

Sen. Lindsey Graham gets a 2026 challenge from Democrat Annie Andrews, who ran against Nancy Mace

Sen. Lindsey Graham gets a 2026 challenge from Democrat Annie Andrews, who ran against Nancy Mace

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Dr. Annie Andrews, the South Carolina Democrat who unsuccessfully challenged Rep. Nancy Mace in 2022, says she's running against Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham in 2026, challenging the four-term incumbent in part due to what she characterized as his waffling positions over the course of his political career.

Kristi Noem says habeas corpus lets Trump 'remove people from this country'

Kristi Noem says habeas corpus lets Trump 'remove people from this country'

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says the constitutional provision that allows people to legally challenge their detention by the government is actually a tool the Trump administration can use in its broader crackdown at the U.S.-Mexico border. She called habeas corpus "a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country and suspend their...

Trump's Homeland Security secretary says habeas corpus lets him 'remove people from this country'

Trump's Homeland Security secretary says habeas corpus lets him 'remove people from this country'

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says the constitutional provision that allows people to legally challenge their detention by the government is actually a tool the Trump administration can use in its broader crackdown at the U.S.-Mexico border. She called habeas corpus "a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country and suspend their...

Vance heralds 'industrial renaissance' in his visit to a South Carolina steel plant

Vance heralds 'industrial renaissance' in his visit to a South Carolina steel plant

HUGER, S.C. (AP) -- Vice President JD Vance visited a steel plant in South Carolina on Thursday as he heralded the launch of an "industrial renaissance" in the U.S., in part due to President Donald Trump's moves to boost domestic industry.

Joe Rogan, Dave Portnoy and Ben Shapiro are among Trump backers now questioning tariffs

Joe Rogan, Dave Portnoy and Ben Shapiro are among Trump backers now questioning tariffs

WASHINGTON (AP) -- As President Donald Trump's tariffs roil global markets, some of the thought leaders and influential podcasters who backed the Republican's campaign are voicing doubts.

Joe Rogan and Dave Portnoy are among the Trump backers now questioning his tariff policies

Joe Rogan and Dave Portnoy are among the Trump backers now questioning his tariff policies

WASHINGTON (AP) -- As President Donald Trump's tariffs roil global markets, some of the thought leaders and influential podcasters who backed the Republican's campaign are voicing doubts.

Reductions in force: A look at which agencies are affected by DOGE-led job cuts

Reductions in force: A look at which agencies are affected by DOGE-led job cuts

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The deep cuts across federal agencies since Donald Trump's return to the White House include reductions in force, which mean not only layoffs but also elimination of positions altogether.

Some Republican lawmakers have concerns about Elon Musk and DOGE. Here's what they've said

Some Republican lawmakers have concerns about Elon Musk and DOGE. Here's what they've said

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republicans, particularly those in Congress, have been overwhelmingly supportive of broad cuts across the federal government at the hands of Elon Musk 's Department of Government Efficiency. But some have had words of caution.

Why Trump's joint remarks to Congress won't be a 'State of the Union' address

Why Trump's joint remarks to Congress won't be a 'State of the Union' address

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Tuesday night will stand at the front of the U.S. House chamber to address a joint session of Congress, the first of his second term in office.

How to watch the first joint address to Congress of Trump's second term

How to watch the first joint address to Congress of Trump's second term

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Tuesday night will deliver the first joint congressional address of his second presidency.

Trump's Cabinet members have already backtracked on some promises made before being confirmed

Trump's Cabinet members have already backtracked on some promises made before being confirmed

WASHINGTON (AP) -- As they mustered support for their confirmations by the U.S. Senate, some of President Donald Trump's appointees made statements from which they've already distanced themselves upon taking office.

Senate confirms Kelly Loeffler, former Georgia senator, to lead Small Business Administration

Senate confirms Kelly Loeffler, former Georgia senator, to lead Small Business Administration

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed Kelly Loeffler, a Georgia businesswoman and former senator, to lead the Small Business Administration, returning a stalwart supporter of President Donald Trump to Washington.

The White House says it's a 'fact' that the Gulf of Mexico has been renamed. Is that right?

The White House says it's a 'fact' that the Gulf of Mexico has been renamed. Is that right?

WASHINGTON (AP) -- For more than four centuries, the body of water stretching from Florida through Texas and into Mexico has been known as the Gulf of Mexico. But in a matter of weeks, President Donald Trump and White House officials have sought to rewrite the map by calling it the Gulf of America -- and insisting others do the...

Sen. Tim Scott and South Carolina's governor will chair Lindsey Graham's reelection bid

Sen. Tim Scott and South Carolina's governor will chair Lindsey Graham's reelection bid

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump's closest congressional allies, is kicking off his pursuit of a fifth term with two of his home state's top Republicans chairing his 2026 campaign, an early show of strength in a race where the longtime lawmaker is expected to face primary challengers.

The DNC's outgoing chair says Democrats should have stuck with Joe Biden in 2024

The DNC's outgoing chair says Democrats should have stuck with Joe Biden in 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) -- As the Democratic National Committee prepares to elect a new chair, its departing leader says Democrats should have stuck with Joe Biden in the 2024 race.

Firings, freezes and layoffs: A look at Trump's moves against federal employees and programs

Firings, freezes and layoffs: A look at Trump's moves against federal employees and programs

CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) -- Changeover among federal government agencies is normal when a new administration comes to Washington. But President Donald Trump has implemented sweeping changes in the first days of his second administration, from firing career agency employees to freezing trillions in federal grant funds and halting diversity, equity and inclusion programs that could result in wide-ranging layoffs.

Rep. Nancy Mace says she is considering a run for South Carolina governor

Rep. Nancy Mace says she is considering a run for South Carolina governor

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina said Wednesday that she is "seriously considering" a gubernatorial run in 2026 and will make a final decision in the coming weeks.

Speaker Johnson orders US Capitol flags raised to full height for Trump's inauguration

Speaker Johnson orders US Capitol flags raised to full height for Trump's inauguration

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday ordered that flags at the U.S. Capitol be raised to their full height on Inauguration Day, pausing a 30-day flag-lowering order following the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

Some notable quotes from Jimmy Carter's funeral

Some notable quotes from Jimmy Carter's funeral

Jimmy Carter was remembered at his funeral Thursday at Washington National Cathedral as a man of "character" and "something of a miracle" with "prophetic" vision.

Why are US flags being flown at half-staff on Inauguration Day?

Why are US flags being flown at half-staff on Inauguration Day?

President-elect Donald Trump has expressed frustration that flags will be flying at half-staff when he takes office later this month.

Which US elections are happening in 2025? Here's a look at upcoming primary and general contests

Which US elections are happening in 2025? Here's a look at upcoming primary and general contests

Most of the U.S. holds its major primary and general elections in even-numbered years, but there are a handful of places where competitive congressional, state and local-level contests will be happening in 2025.

What to know about the debt ceiling debate as a government shutdown looms in Washington

What to know about the debt ceiling debate as a government shutdown looms in Washington

A debate over the debt ceiling is at the center of a dispute over funding that is pushing Washington to the brink of a federal government shutdown.

Closures, Social Security checks, furloughs: What a government shutdown might mean

Closures, Social Security checks, furloughs: What a government shutdown might mean

Congress has until midnight Friday to come up with a way to fund the government or federal agencies will shut down, meaning hundreds of thousands of federal employees could be sent home -- or stay on the job without pay -- just ahead of the holidays.

Elon Musk funded a super PAC comparing Trump's position on abortion to Ruth Bader Ginsburg's

Elon Musk funded a super PAC comparing Trump's position on abortion to Ruth Bader Ginsburg's

Elon Musk was the sole funder of a super PAC formed less than a month before the election that focused on advertising intended to convince voters that Donald Trump 's stance on abortion was akin to that of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Elon Musk gave $20 million to a super PAC promoting Trump's position on abortion

Elon Musk gave $20 million to a super PAC promoting Trump's position on abortion

Elon Musk was the sole funder of a super PAC formed less than a month before the election that focused on advertising intended to convince voters that Donald Trump 's stance on abortion was akin to that of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Chronister's withdrawal highlights how incoming presidents often lose Cabinet nominees

MARTIN, Tenn. (AP) -- Losing a Cabinet nominee to the confirmation process isn't unheard of for incoming presidents -- including for Donald Trump when he was elected the first time.