U.S. President Donald Trump stated he is withdrawing National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, marking a shift in policy after facing legal challenges to the deployments. Trump announced the decision Wednesday in a post on Truth Social, asserting that crime had been significantly reduced due to the presence of the National Guard, despite court rulings limiting their operations.
The move comes after months of controversy surrounding the deployment of federal forces to these Democratic-led cities, which Trump argued was necessary to combat rising crime rates and civil unrest. Critics, however, accused the president of using the National Guard to suppress dissent and score political points ahead of upcoming elections. The deployments sparked widespread protests, with many residents viewing the presence of federal troops as an overreach of executive power and a violation of states' rights.
The use of federal forces in U.S. cities has a complex history, often intertwined with issues of race, civil rights, and federalism. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, for example, the National Guard was deployed to enforce desegregation orders in the face of resistance from state and local authorities. More recently, the National Guard has been used to respond to natural disasters, civil unrest, and security threats, but such deployments typically occur at the request of state governors.
The situation in the U.S. has drawn international attention, with some observers drawing parallels to the use of military force to quell domestic unrest in other countries. In many nations, the deployment of the military within a country's own borders is viewed with suspicion, raising concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the potential for abuse of power. International human rights organizations have called for restraint and respect for the rights of peaceful assembly and protest.
While Trump stated that the National Guard is being removed, the exact timeline and scope of the withdrawal remain unclear. Legal challenges to the deployments are ongoing, and it is possible that the issue could be revisited in the future. The debate over the role of the federal government in maintaining law and order in U.S. cities is likely to continue, particularly in the lead-up to upcoming elections.
Multi-Source Journalism
This article synthesizes reporting from multiple credible news sources to provide comprehensive, balanced coverage.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
Japanese female MPs, including PM Sanae Takaichi, are petitioning for more restrooms in parliament to accommodate their growing numbers and address the current inadequate facilities. This push highlights the ongoing challenges women face in Japan's male-dominated political landscape, despite recent gains in representation.
Chinese automakers, propelled by EV advancements and government support, are projected to capture 10% of the UK's new car market in 2025, doubling their 2024 sales. This surge, driven by brands like MG and BYD, reflects China's growing dominance in the EV sector and raises concerns in Europe about potential job losses within their domestic automotive industries.
In his New Year's Eve address, President Xi Jinping reiterated China's commitment to reunifying with Taiwan, framing it as an inevitable historical trend. This declaration follows extensive military exercises simulating a blockade of Taiwan, highlighting the ongoing tensions and potential for AI-driven military advancements to influence the geopolitical landscape.
Amidst rising tensions, the United States is reportedly escalating its covert military actions against Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela, evidenced by a recent alleged drone strike. This intervention, part of a broader pressure campaign involving naval deployments and airstrikes, occurs against a backdrop of complex geopolitical dynamics and historical US involvement in Latin America. Despite these efforts, Maduro continues to hold power, underscoring the challenges of external interference in a nation grappling with deep political and economic crises.
Escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over Yemen's future, particularly the potential secession of the south, threaten to ignite a new civil war and destabilize the region. This dispute reflects a broader power struggle between the Gulf states for influence in the Horn of Africa and control over strategic shipping lanes, with Yemen becoming a key battleground. The UAE's backing of the separatist Southern Transitional Council is a central point of contention, challenging Saudi Arabia's vision for a unified Yemen.
Mamady Doumbouya, Guinea's junta leader who initially promised not to seek office, has been elected president amid an opposition boycott sparked by the barring of key rivals from participating. Doumbouya secured a significant majority in the first-round vote, exceeding the threshold needed to avoid a runoff, despite reneging on his commitment to transition the country to civilian rule by the end of 2024. The election commission reported a high voter turnout, although opposition leaders claim the process lacked legitimacy.
Gold and silver prices experienced significant gains this year, driven by anticipated interest rate cuts and geopolitical uncertainty, but experts predict potential price drops in 2026. Central bank gold purchases and investors seeking "safe haven" assets further fueled the price surge, highlighting the complex interplay of economic and global factors influencing precious metal markets.
The US stock market is set to close 2025 with strong gains despite earlier volatility spurred by trade tariffs, with the S\&P 500 up approximately 17% for the year, marking its third consecutive year of double-digit growth. The Nasdaq Composite is poised for a 21% increase, while the Russell 2000 is up about 12%, though analysts caution that leadership changes at the US central bank and concerns about AI stock valuations could introduce volatility in the coming year.
Waitrose is recalling its No1 Royal Deeside Mineral Water (still and sparkling) due to the potential presence of glass fragments, posing a safety risk to consumers. Customers are advised to return affected bottles with specific batch codes for a full refund, and Waitrose is posting in-store notices to inform shoppers.
Multiple news sources confirm that Eurostar and Le Shuttle services have resumed through the Channel Tunnel after significant disruptions caused by a power supply issue and a train failure, but passengers should anticipate potential delays and cancellations. Eurostar is offering compensation and running an extra London to Paris service, while Le Shuttle services are largely operating normally, although delays persist in Calais.
Energy prices are set to increase slightly for many households in the UK due to a recent adjustment in Ofgem's price cap, impacting those on variable tariffs. While the increase is relatively small, coinciding with colder temperatures, upcoming changes announced in the Budget are expected to lower energy costs starting in April.
After a New Year's Eve swim left Dan Richards paralyzed, he's exploring AI-powered technologies that could help him regain the ability to walk, showcasing the potential of AI in restoring mobility and improving the lives of individuals with severe injuries. This development highlights the transformative impact of AI in healthcare, offering hope for those seeking to overcome physical limitations.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment