Jordan’s king buys more time on Trump’s Gaza plan

Jordan’s King Abdullah II met with President Trump to discuss the Gaza Strip and the resettlement of Palestinians. Abdullah deflected questions about broader resettlement but offered to accept 2,000 sick Palestinian children, which seemed to placate Trump. Despite opposition in Jordan and across the Arab world to relocating Palestinians, Abdullah expressed a willingness to work with Trump and praised his potential as a peacemaker. While … Continue reading Jordan’s king buys more time on Trump’s Gaza plan

Democrat accuses Trump FBI pick Kash Patel of secretly ordering firings

Sen. Dick Durbin has accused Kash Patel, President Trump’s pick for FBI Director, of secretly orchestrating the firing of FBI officials, despite Patel’s testimony under oath that he was unaware of such plans. Durbin’s allegations, based on whistleblower information, claim Patel directed White House official Stephen Miller to push for FBI firings. Patel denied the accusations, calling them a “false narrative,” NBC News has reported. … Continue reading Democrat accuses Trump FBI pick Kash Patel of secretly ordering firings

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announces resignation

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced his resignation, effective Feb. 12, following pressure from populist opposition groups after a court annulled the presidential election. His departure comes amid political turmoil after far-right candidate Calin Georgescu won the first round amid allegations of Russian interference. Protests erupted in Bucharest following the announcement, with police using tear gas on demonstrators. A new election is set for May 4, … Continue reading Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announces resignation

Trump claims multiple calls with Putin to end Russia’s war in Ukraine

U.S. President Donald Trump revealed he has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine, citing their “good relationship.” Trump claimed Putin wants to stop the violence but did not disclose how many conversations they’ve had. The Kremlin neither confirmed nor denied the talks. Despite Trump’s push for negotiations on Ukraine, experts say Putin has little incentive to engage, as Russia … Continue reading Trump claims multiple calls with Putin to end Russia’s war in Ukraine

Ecuador goes to the polls amid rise in drug-related gang violence

Ecuadorians are voting in a presidential election that mirrors the 2023 race, with incumbent Daniel Noboa facing leftist candidate Luisa González. Crime and insecurity, driven by drug trafficking, dominate voter concerns. Noboa, a conservative millionaire, has reduced the homicide rate but remains unpopular. González, a protégé of former president Rafael Correa, promises to tackle crime and improve the economy. Allegations of gang influence on voting … Continue reading Ecuador goes to the polls amid rise in drug-related gang violence

Kosovo PM Albin Kurti wins election

Kosovo’s ruling Self-Determination (VVL) party, led by PM Albin Kurti, won the general election with 41.3% of the vote but will need a coalition partner. Kurti’s pro-Albanian nationalism has strained ties with the U.S. and EU, especially over policies affecting Kosovo’s Serb minority. His refusal to grant Serb-majority areas autonomy led to EU aid cuts and stalled Kosovo’s EU membership bid. U.S. relations have also … Continue reading Kosovo PM Albin Kurti wins election

VP Vance makes his debut on the international stage at AI summit in Paris

U.S. Vice President JD Vance made his global debut at an AI summit in Paris and a security conference in Munich, promoting Donald Trump’s aggressive diplomatic stance. In Paris, Vance is pushing against stricter European AI regulations, favoring an innovation-driven approach. The summit, attended by world leaders and tech executives, highlights the AI power struggle between the U.S., China, and Europe, the Associated Press has … Continue reading VP Vance makes his debut on the international stage at AI summit in Paris

Rubio scores key wins for Trump immigration agenda with blitz through Latin America

Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded his first Latin America tour with key immigration wins for the Trump administration. He secured agreements to curb human and drug trafficking, pressured Colombia into accepting deportation flights, and convinced Panama to end its Belt and Road Initiative with China. In El Salvador, President Bukele agreed to accept deportees of any nationality, while Mexico pledged 10,000 troops at the … Continue reading Rubio scores key wins for Trump immigration agenda with blitz through Latin America

EU far-right parties rally in Madrid behind slogan ‘Make Europe Great Again’

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and France’s Marine Le Pen headlined a far-right rally in Madrid, celebrating Donald Trump’s political resurgence and calling for a major shift in the EU. The event, hosted by Spain’s Vox party, brought together leaders like Geert Wilders and Matteo Salvini under the “Patriots for Europe” banner, now the EU Parliament’s third-largest bloc. Speakers condemned the EU’s stance on immigration, … Continue reading EU far-right parties rally in Madrid behind slogan ‘Make Europe Great Again’

President Trump revokes Biden’s security clearances, intel briefings

President Donald Trump announced Friday that he is revoking former President Joe Biden’s security clearances and stopping his daily intelligence briefings, citing Biden’s own 2021 decision to deny Trump access to classified information. Trump referenced the Hur Report, which highlighted Biden’s memory lapses, as justification for the move. He declared the decision immediate, stating he will always protect national security, Fox News has reported. Written … Continue reading President Trump revokes Biden’s security clearances, intel briefings

Trump orders ‘anti-Christian bias’ task force, creation of White House Faith Office

President Trump signed an executive order Thursday to create a task force aimed at addressing “anti-Christian bias” in the federal government. Announced during the National Prayer Breakfast, the task force will be led by Attorney General Pam Bondi and focus on ending anti-Christian discrimination within government agencies like the DOJ, FBI, and IRS. Trump also revealed plans for a new presidential commission on religious liberty … Continue reading Trump orders ‘anti-Christian bias’ task force, creation of White House Faith Office

Senate confirms Russell Vought as White House budget director

The Senate confirmed Russell Vought as the next head of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in a party-line vote of 53-47, despite strong opposition from Democrats. Democrats criticized Vought for his ties to Project 2025, his support for slashing spending on middle-class programs, and his past election denial. They argued he would harm key social programs and expand Trump’s influence. Republicans, however, celebrated … Continue reading Senate confirms Russell Vought as White House budget director

Hungary’s Orban Follows Trump’s Lead: Will Shutter Organizations Taking USAID Funding

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced plans to take legal action against local NGOs and media outlets receiving funding from U.S. agencies and international sources, claiming these groups aim to undermine his government. Orbán, a close ally of former President Trump, criticized U.S. foreign aid, particularly from USAID, and praised Trump’s decision to dismantle the agency. He stated that any organizations receiving foreign funding to … Continue reading Hungary’s Orban Follows Trump’s Lead: Will Shutter Organizations Taking USAID Funding

Red states pursue their own DOGE-style reforms

Several Republican-led states are following the Trump administration’s push to reduce government size and cost by establishing local versions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Governors in Oklahoma and New Hampshire have launched DOGE-like commissions, while lawmakers in Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri have introduced similar initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce inefficiencies in state agencies and echo the federal cuts under DOGE, including … Continue reading Red states pursue their own DOGE-style reforms

Netanyahu says ‘worth listening carefully’ to Trump’s proposal for Gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday acknowledged U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, calling it a “worth listening carefully” idea. Trump’s plan, which suggests resettling Gaza’s residents in other countries after the defeat of Hamas, has faced international criticism but remains part of his broader vision for Gaza’s future. Netanyahu agreed that it was an original proposal and emphasized … Continue reading Netanyahu says ‘worth listening carefully’ to Trump’s proposal for Gaza

Trump’s Threats Are Already Getting Results

President Donald Trump’s recent threats of tariffs and land acquisitions are yielding results, as Mexico, Canada, and Panama have made significant concessions. Mexico and Canada reached temporary agreements to pause Trump’s 25% tariffs, with Mexico also agreeing to bolster its border enforcement to combat fentanyl. Panama distanced itself from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, likely in response to Trump’s pressure over Chinese influence on the … Continue reading Trump’s Threats Are Already Getting Results

Trump expected to attend Super Bowl, White House official says

President Donald Trump is expected to attend Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, making history as the first sitting U.S. president to attend the event. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana native, is also in talks to join him. Security preparations are heightened for Trump’s visit, as the Super Bowl is designated a national special security event (NSSE). The … Continue reading Trump expected to attend Super Bowl, White House official says

Trump to sign executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s sports

President Trump is set to sign an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, fulfilling a key promise from his 2024 campaign. The order will direct federal agencies to enforce Title IX rules prohibiting transgender girls and women from participating in female sports. It mandates enforcement against schools and athletic associations, with potential legal action and loss of federal funding for non-compliance. … Continue reading Trump to sign executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s sports

US Senate confirms Trump nominee Pam Bondi as attorney general

The US Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as Attorney General with a 54-46 vote, largely along party lines. Bondi, who takes charge during a tumultuous period for the Justice Department, faces the challenge of balancing Trump’s demands with legal and ethical constraints. She has pledged to maintain the department’s independence, but concerns persist about potential political influence. Bondi’s confirmation follows significant personnel changes, including the firing … Continue reading US Senate confirms Trump nominee Pam Bondi as attorney general

Philippine vice president impeached by House, faces Senate trial

The Philippine House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, accusing her of crimes including plotting to assassinate President Marcos, corruption, and failing to denounce China’s actions in the South China Sea. The impeachment complaint, signed by over 215 legislators, deepens political tensions between Duterte and Marcos, who have a strained relationship despite their alliance during the 2022 elections. The allegations include a death threat … Continue reading Philippine vice president impeached by House, faces Senate trial

Brussels lowers its expectations for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset

Brussels had high hopes for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset but has since lowered expectations. Six months of red lines and rejections have dimmed hopes that he will undo the extreme elements of the Tory Brexit deal. Officials and diplomats still see room for better relations, but no major breakthroughs. Early optimism faded after London dismissed proposals on visas for young people and student exchanges. Frustration … Continue reading Brussels lowers its expectations for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset

Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgian prime minister

More than seven months after the June 2024 elections, a coalition government has been formed, led by nationalist Bart De Wever. De Wever has been sworn in as Belgium’s new prime minister after prolonged negotiations, shifting the government further to the right. He is the first nationalist from Dutch-speaking Flanders to lead the country. His five-party coalition includes the Flemish nationalist N-VA, centrist Christian Democrats, … Continue reading Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgian prime minister

EU leaders deflect Trump on Greenland and on tariffs

European leaders met Monday to discuss defense against Russia, but the focus shifted to the U.S. Donald Trump is dominating headlines with trade wars and threats, including against China, Mexico, Canada, and the EU. Trump has also refused to rule out military action to seize Greenland, part of Denmark. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the EU would respond firmly if Trump … Continue reading EU leaders deflect Trump on Greenland and on tariffs

Rubio says El Salvador will house deportees from U.S., including Americans

Marco Rubio announced that El Salvador’s president has agreed to accept deportees from the U.S., including violent American criminals. Rubio called the agreement unprecedented and said President Nayib Bukele is willing to take in foreign nationals and U.S. citizens convicted of crimes. A U.S. official clarified that there are no current plans to deport American citizens, as such actions would face legal challenges. Rubio’s visit … Continue reading Rubio says El Salvador will house deportees from U.S., including Americans

Joe Biden Is Ready to Make Some Hollywood Deals, Signs With CAA

Joe Biden has signed with Creative Artists Agency for representation in his post-presidential era. CAA co-chair Richard Lovett praised Biden’s lifelong commitment to public service and unity. The agency previously represented Biden after his vice presidency, during which he published a book and went on a nationwide speaking tour. CAA also represents Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions and other Democratic figures. Biden recently … Continue reading Joe Biden Is Ready to Make Some Hollywood Deals, Signs With CAA