Trump's Troubles Mount as Allies Face Scrutiny

The Trump administration is facing a series of challenges on multiple fronts, with its ambassador to Paris banned from meeting French ministers, Jared Kushner's role in Iran policy under scrutiny, and a majority of Americans expressing disapproval of Trump's direction.

In Paris, US Ambassador Charles Kushner has been barred from meeting French government ministers after failing to show up for a meeting at the foreign ministry to explain US comments about the killing of a far-right activist. The move is a significant escalation of tensions between the two countries, and comes as the US embassy in Paris reposted state department comments saying that violent left-wing activism was a public safety threat.

Meanwhile, Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and senior advisor, is facing criticism for his role in shaping the administration's Iran policy. According to sources, Trump's decision to order airstrikes against Iran will hinge in part on Kushner's judgment, along with that of Steve Witkoff, about whether Tehran is stalling over a deal to relinquish its capacity to produce nuclear weapons.

The news comes as a majority of Americans express disapproval of Trump's direction, according to a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. Fifty-five percent of adults feel that Trump is changing the country for the worse, a 13-point increase from around the same time of his first presidency. The number of people who held that view also increased four points from April.

The poll's findings are a blow to Trump's administration, which has been facing criticism on multiple fronts. In recent days, Peter Attia, a controversial doctor and CBS News contributor, resigned from his post amid revelations about his ties to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

In other news, a Tourette syndrome campaigner involuntarily shouted a racial slur during the BBC's broadcast of the BAFTA Film Awards, sparking controversy and highlighting the need for greater awareness and understanding of the condition.

As the Trump administration navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how the president will respond to the mounting criticism. With the State of the Union address looming, Trump will be under pressure to address the concerns of Americans and provide a clear vision for the country's future.

Sources:

• US embassy in Paris reposts state department comments on violent left-wing activism
• Peter Attia resigns from CBS News amid Epstein revelations
• Trump's Iran airstrikes decision to be guided by Kushner and Witkoff's advice
• Majority believes Trump moving US in wrong direction, poll finds
• Tourette syndrome campaigner shouts slur at BAFTA ceremony