President Donald Trump introduced a new savings initiative Monday as part of the pending $1.45 trillion budget package. ⁠
⁠
The pilot program, called “Invest America,” would provide $1,000 in government seed money for newborns’ index fund accounts, available to U.S. citizens born from 2025 through 2028. Contributions up to $5,000 annually could also be made by families, friends, or employers. “These men and women lead large, successful companies. And they are committed to contributing millions of dollars to the Trump account,” Trump said.⁠
⁠
The event brought together Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and executives from firms including Dell, Uber, Goldman Sachs, and Robinhood. Michael Dell said his company would match the federal contribution and add a “significant gift” from his foundation. ⁠
⁠
“This is an investment in our people, their families, our communities and America’s future,” Dell said. The accounts, controlled by legal guardians until beneficiaries turn 18, allow partial withdrawal at 18 and full access by age 30.⁠
⁠
​​​🔗Head to our bio to download the Ground News app and read the full story as reported by 77 sources.

The U.S. and Ukraine have signed a new agreement granting Washington access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and energy resources. ⁠
⁠
The deal, named the United States-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund, is framed as a joint investment initiative and is expected to support Ukraine’s reconstruction while offering the U.S. compensation for its military assistance. ⁠
⁠
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the agreement reflects “a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine,” and President Donald Trump called the terms a safeguard against the U.S. “looking foolish” by not being repaid.⁠
⁠
Ukraine’s government approved the deal after adding provisions to create a more balanced partnership. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal described it as “an equal and good international deal.” ⁠
⁠
The updated version limits the American contribution to future military aid, excludes previous assistance, and affirms compatibility with Ukraine’s path toward EU membership.⁠
⁠
​​​🔗Head to our bio to download the Ground News app and read the full story as reported by 112 sources.

President Donald Trump’s newly released budget plan calls for a $163 billion cut to nondefense spending while increasing the defense budget to $1.01 trillion. ⁠
⁠
The Department of Homeland Security would receive $175 billion to fund expanded border security. The proposal targets “woke” and “radical left” programs and seeks to eliminate funding for climate initiatives, DEI efforts, and agencies such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.⁠
⁠
The Department of Education would lose $12 billion, with funding shifted toward charter schools. Health and Human Services would see a $33.3 billion cut, eliminating grants for mental health, substance abuse, and chronic illness prevention. ⁠
⁠
The EPA faces a $5 billion reduction, with climate programs slashed and limited investment in clean water. Several international aid programs, including disaster relief and peacekeeping, would be eliminated or severely cut.⁠
⁠
Despite widespread cuts, the Department of Defense receives a $113.3 billion boost, with pledges to dismantle DEI and climate programs. The VA would gain $5.4 billion for healthcare and records upgrades, while NASA’s budget would drop by $6 billion, with funding redirected to lunar and Mars exploration. ⁠
⁠
The budget also includes increases for rural development, food inspection, and FAA modernization, while scaling back social programs, housing support, and job training initiatives.⁠
⁠
​​​🔗Head to our bio to download the Ground News app and read the full story as reported by 66 sources.

The Trump administration has admitted 49 white South Africans to the U.S. as refugees, citing “government-sponsored racial discrimination,” according to a senior State Department official. ⁠
⁠
Most of the group are Afrikaners from farming communities. President Donald Trump ordered their resettlement through an executive action titled “Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa,” claiming they face violence and economic exclusion. ⁠
⁠
The move comes amid an ongoing dispute over South Africa’s land reform efforts. In 2017, an audit found that white South Africans—who make up about 7% of the population—own roughly 75% of individually held farmland.⁠
⁠
A 2025 law allows limited expropriation without compensation, which the Trump administration framed as targeting whites. South African officials say the policy is intended to address the legacy of apartheid, during which the Afrikaner-led government denied Black South Africans land rights, political representation, and basic freedoms under a formal system of racial segregation that lasted from 1948 to 1994.⁠
⁠
South Africa’s government rejected Trump’s refugee designation, calling the persecution claims “completely false” and politically motivated. “There is no data at all that backs that there is persecution of white South Africans,” said Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola. ⁠
⁠
Critics in the U.S., including Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, questioned why this group was prioritized while refugee programs for people fleeing war and famine remain suspended. ⁠
⁠
​​​🔗Head to our bio to download the Ground News app and read the full story as reported by 53 sources.