Former President Donald Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Michigan and Canada unless Ottawa renegotiates trade agreements with the United States, according to Fox News. The announcement came on Monday, as Trump accused Canada of unfair trade practices in a post on Truth Social.
The bridge, named after the legendary Canadian hockey player, was intended to improve trade and travel between the two countries. Trump's statement suggested he would prevent its opening to pressure Canada into addressing trade disputes and perceived advantages.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration also planned to rescind $600 million in public health funds from four states led by Democrats: California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota, according to documents reviewed by The New York Times. The funds, administered through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, were allocated for various purposes, including hiring staff, modernizing data systems, and managing disease outbreaks. A list of the cuts was shared with relevant congressional committees on Monday.
In other news, Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, refused to answer questions from the US House Oversight Committee on Monday, invoking her right to remain silent, according to BBC World. Maxwell appeared virtually for a closed-door deposition from the Texas prison where she is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Republican House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer said that "as expected", Maxwell pleaded the Fifth Amendment, invoking her right to remain silent. "This is obviously very disappointing," he said.
Additionally, statements by administration officials indicated that Washington was actively weighing the deployment of more nuclear weapons and was likely to conduct a nuclear test of some kind, according to The New York Times. These steps would reverse nearly 40 years of stricter nuclear control by the United States. The last time the United States conducted a nuclear test was in 1992.
Finally, Texas State Rep. Gene Wu faced backlash after a clip resurfaced showing him calling on various racial groups to unite against their common "oppressor," according to Fox News. The clip was from a December 31, 2024, episode of the "Define American" podcast.
Discussion
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment