Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a speech suggesting the U.S. can no longer be trusted as a global leader, prompting President Trump to criticize Canada and rescind their invitation to his new Board of Peace. This exchange highlights a significant fracture in the historically strong relationship between the two nations, with implications for international cooperation and diplomacy.
Donald Trump is suing JPMorgan Chase for $5 billion, alleging the bank illegally closed his accounts for political reasons following the January 6th Capitol riot, causing financial and reputational damage. JPMorgan Chase denies the allegations, stating accounts are closed due to legal or regulatory risks, not political or religious views, and that the suit has no merit. The lawsuit, filed in Florida, is the latest clash between Trump and JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who has recently criticized the Biden administration's policies.
A House resolution to block President Trump from deploying troops to Venezuela failed to pass, highlighting Speaker Johnson's narrow majority. The vote, which required a late arrival by a Republican congressman, revealed divisions within the Republican party regarding US intervention in the Western Hemisphere, mirroring a similar Senate vote. The resolution, backed by Democrats, faced procedural challenges and sparked partisan debate on the House floor.
Government borrowing in the UK experienced a significant decrease in December, totaling £11.6 billion, according to the Office for National Statistics. This reduction of £7.1 billion compared to the previous year is attributed to increased tax revenue and National Insurance contributions, although borrowing remains above pre-2023 levels. The rise in tax revenue reflects increases across income tax, corporation tax, VAT, and National Insurance, partly due to frozen income tax thresholds and changes to employer NIC rates.
President Trump may begin using a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar as early as this summer, though the Air Force is working to expedite its security upgrades. Concerns have been raised by lawmakers and officials regarding the accelerated timeline and whether sufficient security measures can be implemented in time. The Air Force maintains it is committed to meeting security and functional requirements for presidential transport.
During a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, President Trump stated that Canada receives "freebies" from the U.S. and should be more grateful, referencing Carney's recent critical remarks on U.S. foreign policy. Trump also reiterated his plan to acquire Greenland for a missile defense system, a project Canada hopes to participate in.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is employing a recruitment strategy inspired by memes and video games to rapidly expand its workforce, aiming to hire 14,000 new employees. Internal documents reveal targeted online ads and messaging that frame immigration enforcement as a patriotic mission. Critics, including current and former officials, express concern that this approach may attract unsuitable recruits and oversimplify complex policy issues, potentially lowering vetting standards.
Guinea-Bissau's military government has scheduled legislative and presidential elections for December 6, following a coup that ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo last year. Major-General Horta Inta-a, the transitional president, stated that the conditions for free and fair elections have been met, while a transitional charter prevents him from running. The military justified the coup by alleging that Embalo's pursuit of a second term risked violence between opposing factions.
Canadian human rights organizations are applauding the revocation of Canada's invitation to join the U.S. "Board of Peace," viewing the initiative as undermining Palestinian self-determination. Advocacy groups argue that Canadian participation would legitimize a plan they consider an imperial agenda, urging Canada to instead align with international law regarding the conflict. The "Board of Peace" was created by Donald Trump to address the reconstruction of Gaza.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a speech suggesting the U.S. can no longer be trusted as a global leader, prompting a rift between the two nations. President Trump responded by criticizing Carney and rescinding Canada's invitation to the newly formed Board of Peace, further escalating tensions. The developments signal a potential shift in the long-standing U.S.-Canada alliance.
Peruvian President José Jerí faces potential impeachment following leaked videos showing undisclosed meetings with a Chinese businessman under government scrutiny. Critics allege a possible conflict of interest, citing the reversal of a municipal ordinance affecting the businessman's store shortly after Jerí's visit, while supporters await further investigation. The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of political instability in Peru, marked by frequent presidential turnovers and corruption allegations.
Following Prime Minister Mark Carney's critical remarks on US foreign policy, President Trump stated that Canada benefits from "freebies" provided by the United States and should express gratitude. Trump's comments, made at the World Economic Forum, also reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland for a missile defense system, a project Canada hopes to participate in. The remarks highlight ongoing tensions in US-Canada relations and differing perspectives on geopolitical strategy.
Lindsey Halligan, a former Trump personal attorney and White House aide, has left her post as an interim federal prosecutor in eastern Virginia after federal judges questioned the validity of her appointment. Halligan's controversial tenure led to the dismissal of Justice Department cases against figures like James Comey and Letitia James, with judges ruling she lacked the legal standing to hold the position. To legally hold the position, federal judges stated that Halligan would need to be either Senate confirmed or appointed by a District Court.
A House resolution aimed at preventing the president from deploying troops to Venezuela failed to pass, highlighting divisions within Congress regarding US intervention in the region. The vote, which required extended floor debate and the hurried return of a Republican congressman, underscores the challenges faced by House leadership in maintaining party unity. While Democrats supported the measure, a majority of Republicans opposed it, reflecting differing views on executive power and foreign policy in Venezuela.
A House resolution seeking to limit presidential war powers in Venezuela failed in a tie vote, highlighting divisions within Congress regarding executive authority over military actions. Republicans argued that the U.S. military's mission in Venezuela, including the capture of Nicolás Maduro, was a law enforcement action already completed under existing presidential authority, while proponents of the resolution aimed to reassert congressional oversight. The measure would have required congressional approval for any future military presence in the country.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum suggesting a shift away from the post-World War II global political norms of shared prosperity and cooperation. Carney's remarks signal a potential move by Canada, and other U.S. allies, to counter American influence, particularly in light of President Trump's policies. This represents a significant departure in international relations, as Canada, a close U.S. ally, advocates for a new world order.
President Trump's actions in his second term have sparked debate regarding the expansion of executive power and potential erosion of democratic norms. While some critics argue these actions are unprecedented and lean towards authoritarianism, the President and his supporters assert they are within constitutional bounds and reflect the mandate given by voters. The administration's approach to checks and balances, congressional oversight, and media relations are central to this ongoing discussion.
The Trump administration's newly released National Defense Strategy urges allies to prioritize their own security and shifts focus towards Western Hemisphere dominance. The document criticizes allies for relying on the U.S. for defense subsidies, signaling a change in approach and tone, while reaffirming an "America First" policy. This strategy follows a week of strained relations between the Trump administration and traditional allies, particularly concerning trade and defense spending.
A federal judge has temporarily halted the FBI's search of devices seized from a Washington Post reporter's home, pending further proceedings on the legality of the search. The government's action is part of a leak investigation involving a Pentagon contractor, but the Post argues the search violates the First Amendment and includes privileged material, requesting the devices' return. The court will now weigh arguments regarding potential constitutional violations against the government's interest in pursuing its investigation.
Peruvian President José Jerí faces potential impeachment following leaked videos showing undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessman Yang Zhihua, who is under government scrutiny. Critics allege Jerí may have intervened on Yang's behalf after a store owned by the businessman was ordered shut down for violating a municipal ordinance, which was later struck down. Jerí has acknowledged the authenticity of the videos, but his failure to log the meetings as required by Peruvian law has fueled calls for his removal.
