Giorgia Meloni says she is under investigation for repatriation of Libyan warlord

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is under investigation for her role in the unexpected release and repatriation of Libyan general Osama Najim, who is wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Meloni is suspected of aiding and abetting a crime and embezzlement. The investigation also involves key ministers, including Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi. Najim, accused of war … Continue reading Giorgia Meloni says she is under investigation for repatriation of Libyan warlord

Trump administration offers roughly 2 million federal workers a buyout to resign

The Trump administration is offering federal workers a “deferred resignation” program, allowing them to resign now and continue receiving pay through September. This is expected to save around $100 billion, with 5%-10% of federal employees potentially quitting. Exclusions apply, such as military and national security personnel. The offer was sent via email, including a resignation letter draft for employees to review. The initiative has drawn … Continue reading Trump administration offers roughly 2 million federal workers a buyout to resign

Murkowski Releases Joint Statement with Danish MP: Greenland ‘Open for Business, but Not for Sale’

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Danish MP Aaja Chemnitz issued a joint statement addressing President Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland, stating that while Greenland is “open for business,” it is “not for sale.” The statement emphasized that the U.S. should view Greenland as an ally rather than an asset, highlighting its strategic importance. Murkowski and Chemnitz proposed fostering a partnership with Greenland instead of pursuing … Continue reading Murkowski Releases Joint Statement with Danish MP: Greenland ‘Open for Business, but Not for Sale’

CDC ordered to stop working with WHO immediately by White House

The White House has instructed the CDC to halt all collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), including ceasing involvement in technical groups and barring staff from visiting WHO offices. This decision, which follows an executive order by President Trump to withdraw from the WHO, has raised concerns among health experts. They warn that the move could hinder efforts to address global health threats like … Continue reading CDC ordered to stop working with WHO immediately by White House

Top House Dems plot first big battle with Trump

House Democrats are exploring legal, investigative, and legislative options in response to President Trump’s firing of at least 12 inspectors general. These dismissals, questioned by some Republicans, mark a significant challenge for Democrats in their minority role. Key Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are focusing on defending federal agency integrity and have discussed potential court action and new legislation, Axios has reported. Although … Continue reading Top House Dems plot first big battle with Trump

Billionaire investor Scott Bessent is confirmed as Treasury secretary

Scott Bessent, a wealthy hedge fund manager, was confirmed as the next Treasury Secretary by the Senate on Monday with a bipartisan vote of 68 to 29. Bessent, seen as a business-friendly choice, is expected to play a key role in advocating for the extension and possible expansion of the 2017 tax cuts. He will also make history as the first openly gay person to … Continue reading Billionaire investor Scott Bessent is confirmed as Treasury secretary

Trump promises to get large reconciliation bill passed either way

President Donald Trump promised House Republicans at a conference that they would secure the U.S. border through a reconciliation package. He emphasized the need for funding to increase border security personnel and retention bonuses for ICE and Border Patrol agents. Trump also discussed his plans for the largest tax cuts and reforms in U.S. history, aiming to extend the tax cuts from the 2017 Tax … Continue reading Trump promises to get large reconciliation bill passed either way

Trump signs executive order to examine FEMA overhaul

President Trump signed an executive order to overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), following complaints from him and other Republicans about the agency’s disaster response. The order establishes a task force, the FEMA Review Council, to recommend changes to the agency. Trump has hinted at possibly eliminating FEMA, although only Congress can do so. The task force, which will include homeland security and defense … Continue reading Trump signs executive order to examine FEMA overhaul

Trump’s most vulnerable nominees RFK Jr, Tulsi Gabbard get back-to-back hearings

President Trump’s controversial picks, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, will undergo back-to-back Senate confirmation hearings this week. Kennedy faces scrutiny over his vaccine stance and agricultural policies, while Gabbard’s national security positions raise concerns. Both nominees have moderated their views, with Kennedy advocating for vaccine choice and Gabbard reversing her position … Continue reading Trump’s most vulnerable nominees RFK Jr, Tulsi Gabbard get back-to-back hearings

DeSantis pushes Florida lawmakers to take action on illegal immigration, warns of consequences for defiance

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged state lawmakers to act quickly on illegal immigration, warning of political consequences if they delay. He is pushing for new laws to align with federal policies under President Trump, including compliance with immigration orders and penalties for violating Florida’s “anti-sanctuary” policies. However, GOP leaders have expressed concerns, calling the session premature due to a lack of detailed proposals. DeSantis vowed … Continue reading DeSantis pushes Florida lawmakers to take action on illegal immigration, warns of consequences for defiance

Trump to ink new executive orders today banning transgender service members, military DEI programs

President Trump is expected to sign two executive orders prohibiting transgender service members and eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs from the military. These orders go further than his previous 2017 directive, addressing issues like pronouns, gender identity, and the readiness of transgender soldiers. The Department of Defense will implement these policies, emphasizing military readiness and physical demands. The second order targets DEI practices, … Continue reading Trump to ink new executive orders today banning transgender service members, military DEI programs

Hungary backs down from veto threat and allows renewal of EU sanctions on Russia

Hungary lifted its veto threat, allowing the EU to renew its sanctions against Russia for another six months. The sanctions, aimed at depriving Moscow of revenue to fund its war, include bans on oil, coal, and luxury goods, as well as freezing €210 billion from Russia’s Central Bank. Hungary had previously linked its veto to energy concerns but was appeased with a statement on the … Continue reading Hungary backs down from veto threat and allows renewal of EU sanctions on Russia

Trump says residents of Greenland want to be part of US

Donald Trump has expressed confidence that the US will eventually take control of Greenland, despite Denmark’s refusal to sell the territory. Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, claimed the 57,000 residents of Greenland “want to be with us” and argued that the US can provide global freedom. His comments followed a “horrendous” phone call with Denmark’s prime minister, during which he reportedly threatened tariffs on … Continue reading Trump says residents of Greenland want to be part of US

Democrats are splintered on immigration and how to respond to Trump

When Donald Trump took office in 2017, his tough stance on immigration sparked widespread protests, but by his second term, Democrats were helping pass immigration legislation. However, the party remains divided on how to respond to Trump’s push to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Some Democrats have voted for stricter enforcement, such as the Laken Riley Act, which requires detaining … Continue reading Democrats are splintered on immigration and how to respond to Trump

Trump fires 17 government watchdogs at various federal agencies

President Donald Trump fired 17 independent inspectors general across various federal agencies late Friday, continuing his efforts to reshape the government. The dismissals affected agencies like the Defense, State, and Energy Departments, among others. The firings have sparked criticism, with some calling it a “widespread massacre” and claiming that the replacements will be loyalists. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley raised concerns that the firings … Continue reading Trump fires 17 government watchdogs at various federal agencies

Belarus exit poll puts Lukashenko on 87.6% of vote in presidential election

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is on track to win a seventh term with 87.6% of the vote in Sunday’s election, according to an exit poll. Lukashenko, in power since 1994, faces criticism from the US and EU, who argue the election cannot be fair due to the suppression of independent media and opposition figures. Turnout was reported at 81.5%. Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin, … Continue reading Belarus exit poll puts Lukashenko on 87.6% of vote in presidential election

South Korea’s president charged with insurrection over declaration of martial law

South Korean prosecutors have indicted suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol on insurrection charges related to his brief declaration of martial law in December. Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law, which he justified by accusing the opposition of North Korean sympathies, sparked political turmoil and was quickly overturned by parliament. Yoon denies wrongdoing but was impeached and arrested last week. Prosecutors confirmed they have sufficient evidence … Continue reading South Korea’s president charged with insurrection over declaration of martial law

Putin claims ‘Ukraine crisis’ may have been averted if Trump was president

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that the crisis in Ukraine might have been avoided if Donald Trump had won the 2020 election, agreeing with Trump’s assertion that the war wouldn’t have happened under his leadership. Putin also echoed Trump’s claim about the election being “stolen.” Trump has previously said he could end the war in a day and suggested that Ukraine’s President Zelensky wants peace … Continue reading Putin claims ‘Ukraine crisis’ may have been averted if Trump was president

Trump admin tells agencies to start firing DEI staffers

The Trump administration is moving quickly to dismantle diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs in federal agencies. A memo issued by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management directs agency heads to terminate DEI offices and positions within 60 days. Agencies are also instructed to lay off staff and cancel DEI-related programs, trainings, and contracts. The directive has created anxiety among workers, with some being … Continue reading Trump admin tells agencies to start firing DEI staffers

Japan’s leader says he’s preparing for tough negotiations with Trump

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, facing challenges in stabilizing his minority government after an election loss in October, plans to prioritize regional security and strengthen Japan-U.S. relations. He is preparing for talks with President Donald Trump to secure continued U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific amid growing threats from China and North Korea. I shiba emphasized the need for Japan to bolster defense capabilities and deepen … Continue reading Japan’s leader says he’s preparing for tough negotiations with Trump

Trump revokes security protection for Covid adviser Fauci

President Donald Trump revoked security protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former top US health official who faced death threats during the Covid-19 pandemic. Trump defended the decision, stating it’s standard for government workers not to receive lifetime security. Trump also withdrew security protections for other former officials, including Mike Pompeo, John Bolton, and Brian Hook. Fauci, previously protected by federal marshals and a private … Continue reading Trump revokes security protection for Covid adviser Fauci

Senate Confirms Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary as JD Vance Breaks Tie

The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense in a tense 51-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie. Three Republicans opposed the nomination, including Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Mitch McConnell. Murkowski cited concerns about Hegseth’s past behavior, including infidelity, allegations of sexual assault, and excessive drinking. Despite these issues, Hegseth’s supporters, including the advocacy group Concerned Veterans for America, praised … Continue reading Senate Confirms Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary as JD Vance Breaks Tie

House GOP launches new panel to investigate Jan. 6

House Republicans are forming a new committee to investigate the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, focusing on events leading up to and after the assault. Led by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), the subcommittee under House Judiciary aims to uncover new information and challenge the narratives surrounding the attack. Republicans hope to work with soon-to-be-confirmed allies in the Justice Department and FBI to further their investigation. … Continue reading House GOP launches new panel to investigate Jan. 6

Trump nominates head of his personal security detail, Sean Curran, to lead Secret Service

Former President Donald Trump announced key appointments Wednesday, including Sean Curran as director of the U.S. Secret Service. Curran, head of Trump’s personal security detail, gained recognition for protecting Trump during a 2024 assassination attempt. Trump praised Curran’s leadership and bravery, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen the agency. Other nominees included Andrew F. Puzder as U.S. ambassador to the European Union, highlighted for … Continue reading Trump nominates head of his personal security detail, Sean Curran, to lead Secret Service

Sánchez hits back at Trump after criticism of Spain’s defense spending

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended Spain’s NATO contributions after former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized its low defense spending. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Sánchez highlighted Spain’s 70% defense spending increase over the last decade, making it NATO’s 10th-largest contributor by absolute terms. However, Spain’s defense budget of $21.3 billion in 2024 equated to just 1.28% of its GDP—the lowest among NATO members … Continue reading Sánchez hits back at Trump after criticism of Spain’s defense spending