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.

Trump says his son's wedding party being bankrolled by a Russian oligarch is 'totally allowed'

Trump says his son's wedding party being bankrolled by a Russian oligarch is 'totally allowed'

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Friday defended his son's recent wedding party being partially bankrolled by a Russian oligarch, but also said he'd been told the money would be paid back.

Trump wants voters to pretend he's on the ballot. The Republican Party is going along for the ride

Trump wants voters to pretend he's on the ballot. The Republican Party is going along for the ride

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump is embracing his inner cowboy, seeking to gallop into this week's Republican convention in Dallas and save the midterm elections for his party just in the nick of time.

Here's a look at 'reach' election races where Democrats hope to pull off House upsets

Here's a look at 'reach' election races where Democrats hope to pull off House upsets

MURDOCK, Neb. (AP) -- They aren't toss-up races. Not even close.

Trump still teases seeking a third term. But he's now talking more about post-presidency life

Trump still teases seeking a third term. But he's now talking more about post-presidency life

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump has frequently suggested he wants to seek a third term, posting about mounting another campaign, donning 2028 caps and discussing ways to make it happen -- even as he's acknowledged the Constitution prohibits it.

Trump still teases a third presidential run, but he's talking more and more about life after 2028

Trump still teases a third presidential run, but he's talking more and more about life after 2028

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump has frequently suggested he wants to seek a third term, posting about mounting another campaign, donning 2028 caps and discussing ways to make it happen -- even as he's acknowledged the Constitution prohibits it.

Trump is heading to his golf course in Ireland to watch the Irish Open golf tournament next month

Trump is heading to his golf course in Ireland to watch the Irish Open golf tournament next month

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump plans to visit Ireland next month to attend the Irish Open golf tournament at his golf course in Doonbeg in County Clare on the country's Atlantic coast, according to a White House official.

This rare Nebraska district backed Harris but sent a Republican to Congress. Can Democrats win here?

This rare Nebraska district backed Harris but sent a Republican to Congress. Can Democrats win here?

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- "Do they still like Trump in Nebraska? I think so," the president said during a recent event in Washington.

The buck stops somewhere else: A look at Trump's tendency to avoid blame when things go awry

WASHINGTON (AP) -- It is among the most famous phrases in presidential history: " The buck stops here." Except with President Donald Trump, it almost never does.

Trump says Secret Service and the military wanted him off Air Force One in Turkey due to threat

Trump says Secret Service and the military wanted him off Air Force One in Turkey due to threat

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he slipped away from Air Force One after a trip last month in Turkey because the Secret Service and military wanted him on a "different plane" due to a threat that he insisted didn't scare him.

Trump says advisers wanted him off Air Force One in Turkey due to threat

Trump says advisers wanted him off Air Force One in Turkey due to threat

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he slipped away from Air Force One after a recent summit in Turkey because the Secret Service and military wanted him on a "different plane" due to a threat.

Why the elaborate ruse Trump used in Turkey isn't like other secret presidential trips

Why the elaborate ruse Trump used in Turkey isn't like other secret presidential trips

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Presidents have taken secret overseas trips in the past for security reasons, with schedules and logistics kept classified until after the fact to protect the commander in chief.

El-Sayed spoke with Obama as Michigan Democrats look to unite after a bitter Senate primary

El-Sayed spoke with Obama as Michigan Democrats look to unite after a bitter Senate primary

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) -- Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, said Sunday he has spoken with Barack Obama and hopes the former president campaigns with him as the party tries to unite after a bitter primary that exposed deep rifts between its progressive and moderate wings.

'I'm very good at grass.' Why Trump goes into the weeds on one of his favorite topics

'I'm very good at grass.' Why Trump goes into the weeds on one of his favorite topics

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump will tell you: The grass is always greener on his side of the fence.

Trump celebrates US Winter Olympians and Paralympians at the White House

Trump celebrates US Winter Olympians and Paralympians at the White House

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump hosted on Thursday dozens of Winter Olympians and Paralympians for a reception honoring their accomplishments in the Milano Cortina games earlier this year.

Trump will welcome the World Series champion Dodgers to the White House

Trump will welcome the World Series champion Dodgers to the White House

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump is welcoming Shohei Ohtani and the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House on Thursday with a Rose Garden event celebrating their second title in as many years.

Trump shifts his tone on Jimmy Carter while grappling with Iran, inflation and his own legacy

Trump shifts his tone on Jimmy Carter while grappling with Iran, inflation and his own legacy

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Jimmy Carter used to be one of President Donald Trump 's favorite political targets, a catchall foil for feckless Democrats that he could jeer at to make himself look strong and decisive.

Trump will address a defense technology gathering as the Iran war has reduced US weapon stocks

Trump will address a defense technology gathering as the Iran war has reduced US weapon stocks

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump is headlining a defense summit at the U.S. Army War College on Wednesday, planning to tout major investments in battlefield technology when the war in Iran has reduced the U.S. supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles and Patriot and THAAD interceptors.

Trump to address defense technology gathering as the Iran war has reduced US weapon stocks

Trump to address defense technology gathering as the Iran war has reduced US weapon stocks

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump is headlining a defense summit at the U.S. Army War College on Wednesday, planning to tout major investments in battlefield technology at a time when the war in Iran has reduced the U.S. supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles and Patriot and THAAD interceptors.

From staunch critic to fierce ally: Graham's long, strange and consequential friendship with Trump

From staunch critic to fierce ally: Graham's long, strange and consequential friendship with Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) -- After the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, Sen. Lindsey Graham said he had finally had enough of the man who was championed by the mob that stormed the pillar of American democracy: President Donald Trump.

Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again as part of Trump's troubled revamp

Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again as part of Trump's troubled revamp

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Crews are again draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as President Donald Trump's problem-plagued efforts to revamp the waterway pushes well past his initial goal of having it ready by July 4 to mark the nation's 250th birthday.

Trump posts a doctored photo of the Obamas and Air Force One with graffiti spray-painted on plane

Trump posts a doctored photo of the Obamas and Air Force One with graffiti spray-painted on plane

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Sunday posted a falsified image of former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, waving before boarding an Air Force One that had been spray-painted with graffiti.

Analysis: Trump embraces 'Great Equivocator' role sending mixed signals that vex markets and allies

Analysis: Trump embraces 'Great Equivocator' role sending mixed signals that vex markets and allies

WASHINGTON (AP) -- When the U.S. and Iran reached a tentative agreement to end the war, President Donald Trump managed to both trumpet the deal and raise questions about its viability, all in the same answer.

Trump from 'hunted' to 'hunter': New book details Trump's push to test the limits of executive power

Trump from 'hunted' to 'hunter': New book details Trump's push to test the limits of executive power

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Showing off towering new flagpoles he had erected on the White House North and South Lawns last summer, President Donald Trump suggested that he wanted to make similar renovations in his first term but was worried about the negative press.

Trump celebrates 80th birthday with an Iran deal and UFC cage fights at the White House

Trump celebrates 80th birthday with an Iran deal and UFC cage fights at the White House

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump marked his 80th birthday on Sunday by hailing an initial agreement to end the war in Iran and staging a once unfathomable cage-fighting show on the White House's storied South Lawn.

Trump celebrates his 80th birthday with an Iran deal and UFC cage fights at the White House

Trump celebrates his 80th birthday with an Iran deal and UFC cage fights at the White House

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump marked his 80th birthday on Sunday by hailing an initial agreement to end the war in Iran and staging a once unfathomable cage-fighting show on the White House's storied South Lawn.

Trump celebrates his 80th birthday with an Iran deal and a UFC cage fight at the White House

Trump celebrates his 80th birthday with an Iran deal and a UFC cage fight at the White House

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump marked his 80th birthday on Sunday by hailing an initial agreement to end the war in Iran and staging a once unfathomable cage-fighting show on the storied South Lawn of the White House.

Trump celebrates his 80th birthday with an Iran deal ahead of a UFC cage fight at the White House

Trump celebrates his 80th birthday with an Iran deal ahead of a UFC cage fight at the White House

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump marked turning 80 on Sunday by hailing an agreement to end the war in Iran hours before a birthday celebration that once would have seemed unfathomable: a cage-fighting show on the storied South Lawn of the White House.

Trump celebrates turning 80 with a UFC cage-fighting event while big issues loom over his presidency

Trump celebrates turning 80 with a UFC cage-fighting event while big issues loom over his presidency

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump marks turning 80 on Sunday with a birthday celebration that once would have seemed unfathomable: a cage-fighting show on the storied South Lawn of the White House.

Trump turns 80 with a showstopping spectacle of cage fights at the White House. But big issues loom

Trump turns 80 with a showstopping spectacle of cage fights at the White House. But big issues loom

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump celebrates turning 80 on Sunday with a showstopping birthday spectacle that once would have seemed unfathomable: a cage-fighting show on the storied South Lawn of the White House.

It's not just the Knicks: Trump's attendance at big games often spells trouble for the home team

It's not just the Knicks: Trump's attendance at big games often spells trouble for the home team

WASHINGTON (AP) -- If President Donald Trump is coming to the game, bet on the visiting team.

Trump takes the lead for America's 250th birthday and World Cup celebrations

Trump takes the lead for America's 250th birthday and World Cup celebrations

WASHINGTON (AP) -- When nearly all the scheduled musical performers pulled out of a concert series marking America's 250th anniversary -- fearing the event had become too closely tied to President Donald Trump -- he responded by making it official.

The White House as a stage: Trump's hosting streak meets America's 250th birthday and the World Cup

The White House as a stage: Trump's hosting streak meets America's 250th birthday and the World Cup

WASHINGTON (AP) -- When nearly all the scheduled musical performers pulled out of a concert series marking America's 250th anniversary -- fearing the event had become too closely tied to President Donald Trump -- he responded by making it official.

UFC fighting cage rises on White House lawn for bout celebrating America's 250th anniversary

UFC fighting cage rises on White House lawn for bout celebrating America's 250th anniversary

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Yet another White House construction project is underway, though this one is meant to be only temporary.

As Trump heads to China, past US flubs on US policy toward Taiwan can be a warning

As Trump heads to China, past US flubs on US policy toward Taiwan can be a warning

BEIJING (AP) -- It's a verbal tightrope American presidents have had to walk for nearly 50 years, where even small slip-ups when stating official U.S. policy toward Taiwan and China can trigger geopolitical alarm bells.

Iran war could make Trump's trip to China a bit chillier than his first-term visit

Iran war could make Trump's trip to China a bit chillier than his first-term visit

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Weeks before his trip to China, President Donald Trump was already predicting on social media that his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, would "give me a big, fat hug when I get there."

Trump calls for unity and bipartisan healing after another violent incident. But will it last?

Trump calls for unity and bipartisan healing after another violent incident. But will it last?

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump was somberly contemplative and unusually conciliatory after confronting what he saw as a third attempt on his life in less than two years. He suggested that his personal politics had made him a repeated target, but he also called for unity and bipartisan healing in an increasingly violent world.

'Two ways of calculating': Trump defends his mathematically impossible calculations on drug prices

'Two ways of calculating': Trump defends his mathematically impossible calculations on drug prices

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump, who helped push the term " fake news " into the mainstream, now seems to have a new favorite subject: fake math.

Trump tips DoorDash driver $100 for delivering McDonald's to Oval Office

Trump tips DoorDash driver $100 for delivering McDonald's to Oval Office

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump had two bags of McDonald's delivered to the Oval Office on Monday by a DoorDash driver he tipped $100, using his favorite food and a reality TV flourish to promote a tax policy he says has meant big rebates for Americans who earn gratuities.

Trump interrupts a Cabinet meeting dealing with the Iran war and rising prices to talk Sharpies

Trump interrupts a Cabinet meeting dealing with the Iran war and rising prices to talk Sharpies

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump may believe the adage that the pen is mightier than the sword -- as long as it's a Sharpie.

Warning signs flash red for Republicans as Iran war drives up gas prices and Florida district flips

Warning signs flash red for Republicans as Iran war drives up gas prices and Florida district flips

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Political warning signs that have privately worried some Republicans for months are starting to flash red ahead of November's midterm elections, as the war in Iran keeps gas prices high, travelers face unprecedented airport security wait times and Americans remain concerned about steep costs of living.

Trump suggests he may delay China trip, but Bessent says it's not to pressure on Strait of Hormuz

Trump suggests he may delay China trip, but Bessent says it's not to pressure on Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump may delay his China trip due to the Iran war, but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday it's not to pressure Beijing on the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump suggests he may delay China trip as he pressures Beijing for help with Strait of Hormuz

Trump suggests he may delay China trip as he pressures Beijing for help with Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump is suggesting he may delay his much-anticipated visit to China at the end of the month as he seeks to ramp up the pressure on Beijing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and calm oil prices that have soared during the Iran war.

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

Analysis: 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.

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.