Senators are ramping up efforts to pass a tough Russia sanctions bill that would impose 500% tariffs on countries buying Russian energy. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, after visiting Kyiv with Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, announced that the Senate could begin advancing the bill this week. The legislation, backed by around 80 bipartisan co-sponsors, aims to isolate Russia economically and pressure President Putin to agree to … Continue reading Graham among senators escalating calls for severe Russia sanctions bill to advance

A U.S. District Court judge dismissed California’s lawsuit challenging President Trump’s tariffs, ruling the case belongs in the U.S. Court of International Trade. While the decision sides partially with the Trump administration, the judge allowed California to appeal to the 9th Circuit instead of transferring the case. The ruling is a procedural setback for Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta, who argue Trump lacked authority … Continue reading Judge dismisses California’s lawsuit over Trump tariffs, citing jurisdiction issue

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is coordinating with House Democrats to resist Senate Republicans’ push to pass President Trump’s sweeping policy agenda through budget reconciliation, which bypasses Democratic input. In a letter to Senate Democrats, Schumer outlined a strategy to expose GOP divisions and slow the process, calling the bill an attack on working families and democracy. Republicans aim to make Trump’s tax cuts permanent … Continue reading Schumer, Democrats plot coordinated resistance to Trump’s ‘one ugly bill’

President Trump declared that the U.S. would not allow Iran to enrich uranium under a potential nuclear deal, contradicting a recent proposal made by his envoy, Steve Witkoff. According to Axios, the U.S. offer would permit limited low-level enrichment for a set period and does not require dismantling Iran’s nuclear facilities. Despite Trump’s firm public stance, the proposal signals possible flexibility. Iran insists on enrichment … Continue reading Trump claims U.S. won’t let Iran enrich uranium under nuclear deal

Germany’s former foreign minister Annalena Baerbock has been elected president of the U.N. General Assembly, winning 167 votes in a secret ballot requested by Russia. She will begin her one-year term in September, succeeding Philemon Yang of Cameroon. Baerbock’s nomination faced criticism from Russia and some in Germany after she replaced the original nominee, Helga Schmid. Despite opposition, Baerbock emphasized unity under the theme “Better … Continue reading Germany’s Baerbock elected as UN General Assembly head

Two senior U.S. senators, Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal, warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is stalling peace talks while preparing a new offensive in Ukraine. After visiting Kyiv and meeting President Zelenskyy, they stressed that the next two weeks are critical to prevent further Russian aggression. The senators urged Congress to pass a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia’s war economy, including steep … Continue reading After talks with Zelenskyy and Macron, US senators warn: Putin ‘is preparing for more war’

House Republicans narrowly passed a massive bill in May containing President Trump’s priorities on taxes, immigration, energy, defense, and debt. Now Senate Republicans face the challenge of revising the package, with key changes likely that could complicate House Speaker Mike Johnson’s slim margin for approval. While Trump supports the bill, he expects Senate negotiations to alter it somewhat. Senate GOP leaders want to keep the … Continue reading Senate Republicans eye changes to Trump’s megabill after House win

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reassured Indo-Pacific allies that the U.S. will strengthen its military presence to counter growing threats from China, especially regarding Taiwan. He urged regional countries to increase their own defense spending, warning that economic dependence on China risks their security. China denied these accusations, calling them provocations. The U.S. commitment comes amid tensions over China’s military buildup and ambitions, including in … Continue reading US defense secretary warns Indo-Pacific allies of ‘imminent’ threat from China

Conservative Karol Nawrocki narrowly won Poland’s presidential runoff with 50.89% of the vote, defeating liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski. Nawrocki’s victory signals a more nationalist and populist direction for Poland, continuing the conservative legacy of outgoing President Andrzej Duda. Although the prime minister holds most political power, the president can influence foreign policy and veto laws, which could hinder Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s efforts on … Continue reading Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election