President Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson have rejected a proposed tax increase on millionaires, dismissing it as harmful and contrary to Republican values. Some GOP lawmakers had floated the idea to offset the cost of Trump’s costly legislative agenda and prevent rising deficits. Trump argued higher taxes would drive the wealthy out of the country, while Johnson reaffirmed the party’s opposition to tax hikes, … Continue reading Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson shoot down millionaire tax hike

President Trump plans to sign a memorandum targeting foreign donations in U.S. elections, with a focus on the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue. Republicans allege the platform is vulnerable to foreign interference, while Democrats call the move a baseless political attack. ActBlue denies any wrongdoing, citing strict compliance with donation laws and enhanced security measures. The Justice Department and Attorney General Pam Bondi are expected to … Continue reading Trump Takes Aim at ActBlue

Former President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for rejecting peace talks over Russia’s annexation of Crimea, calling Zelenskyy’s stance “very harmful” to ending the war. Trump said negotiations with Zelenskyy have been tougher than with Putin and paused U.S. military aid after a heated Oval Office clash. Zelenskyy maintains that giving up Crimea violates Ukraine’s constitution. Peace efforts have faltered, with U.S. officials … Continue reading Trump slams Zelenskyy for rejecting Ukraine-Russia negotiations, saying a deal was ‘very close’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s historic visit to South Africa marked a major diplomatic breakthrough, aiming to counter Russia’s growing influence in Africa and repair previously strained ties. The visit — Zelensky’s first to Africa since taking office — was cut short after a Russian airstrike on Kyiv, but included key talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa on peace and trade. Ramaphosa framed the meeting as part … Continue reading South Africa and Ukraine woo each other – as relationships with Trump turn sour

President Trump’s recent openness to reducing tariffs on Chinese goods has lifted market hopes for easing U.S.-China tensions, but Beijing remains skeptical. Chinese leaders believe Trump may eventually back down and are demanding full tariff removal before talks resume. Though the White House is considering cutting tariffs by up to 50–65%, Beijing views the current trade war as deeply damaging and rooted in U.S. efforts … Continue reading China Bets Trump Will Back Down on Tariffs

California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the Democratic Party for failing to reflect on its recent election losses, saying no serious “forensic” review has been done. In an interview with The Hill, Newsom expressed frustration over the lack of party direction, questioning its leadership and identity. He defended engaging with conservative voices like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon on his podcast, arguing that Democrats need to listen … Continue reading Newsom on Democrats: ‘Don’t know what the party is’

President Trump said he has “no intention” of firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell before his term ends in 2026, despite previously harsh criticism and hints at removal. The comment marked a shift in tone after Trump recently called Powell a “major loser” and pushed for immediate interest rate cuts. U.S. markets rebounded following Trump’s assurance, easing concerns over potential interference with the Fed’s independence, … Continue reading Trump: ‘No intention’ of firing Powell

The European Union has rejected the idea of decoupling from China as a condition for reaching a trade deal with the Trump administration. While Trump hinted that nations should choose between the U.S. and China, the European Commission emphasized that its talks with the U.S. are separate from its China policy, which focuses on “de-risking,” not decoupling. Beijing warned it would retaliate against any deals … Continue reading EU won’t decouple from China as condition for reaching trade deal with Trump

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is cutting 700 positions and 132 offices at the State Department as part of a major reorganization to streamline what he calls a “bloated” bureaucracy. Key offices, including the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations and the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, are being eliminated. Rubio criticized the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor for promoting left-wing agendas and … Continue reading Marco Rubio announces overhaul of U.S. State Department

Colombian President Gustavo Petro says his U.S. visa was revoked, preventing him from attending IMF and World Bank meetings. He’ll be replaced by Finance Minister Germán Avila in Washington, D.C. The move follows tensions with Donald Trump after Colombia blocked two U.S. deportation flights in January. In response, Trump imposed 25% tariffs, visa revocations, and travel bans on Colombian officials and their allies, the Daily … Continue reading Colombian president stunned his US visa has been revoked

U.S. Vice President JD Vance began a four-day visit to India on Monday, combining personal and diplomatic engagements, including talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit aims to strengthen ties and advance trade negotiations amid looming U.S. tariff hikes. Vance, traveling with his family, plans to visit the Taj Mahal and attend a wedding in Jaipur. Modi and Vance will review trade and defense … Continue reading Vance arrives in India, to hold talks with Modi under US tariffs shadow

U.S. Vice President JD Vance met Pope Francis briefly on Easter Sunday at the Vatican, exchanging greetings and gifts. Vance, whose motorcade entered Vatican City during Easter Mass, thanked the pope for the meeting and expressed his well wishes. During their encounter, Francis, who is recovering from pneumonia, gifted Vance chocolate eggs for his children, a Vatican tie, and rosaries. While the meeting was cordial, … Continue reading Vance meets Pope Francis on Easter Sunday after tangle over migration

Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, announced plans for new investments and tax cuts under his incoming coalition government, aiming to make Germany “economically stronger.” Set to take office around May 6, Merz highlighted the coalition’s goal to strengthen the economy, enhance security, and modernize the country. The agreement, forged through intense negotiations, focuses on investing in industry, providing tax relief for small businesses, and ensuring a … Continue reading Merz: My goal is to make Germany ‘economically stronger’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Saturday that Israel must continue its fight in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed, hostages are freed, and the region no longer poses a threat. Despite pressure from families of hostages, reservists, and retired soldiers, Netanyahu insisted Israel has no choice but to press on after Hamas rejected Israel’s offer for a temporary truce in exchange for half of … Continue reading Netanyahu says Israel has ‘no choice’ but to continue fighting in Gaza

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele proposed a prisoner swap with Venezuela on Sunday, offering to exchange 252 Venezuelan deportees from the U.S., currently imprisoned in El Salvador, for 252 political prisoners held by the Venezuelan government. Bukele directed the proposal to President Nicolás Maduro, listing opposition figures, journalists, and activists detained during Venezuela’s electoral crackdown. The offer follows criticism of El Salvador’s detention of deportees, including … Continue reading El Salvador’s Bukele proposes prisoner swap with Maduro for Venezuelans deported from the U.S.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) traveled to El Salvador this week to meet Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old illegal immigrant deported from Maryland to a high-security prison in El Salvador. After repeated denials, Van Hollen was finally allowed to visit Garcia on Thursday night. U.S. courts had ruled Garcia’s deportation was an administrative error and ordered his return, but El Salvador has refused to release … Continue reading Van Hollen meets with Abrego Garcia; El Salvador says inmate will remain in custody

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that China is supplying weapons to Russia, including gunpowder and artillery, citing Ukrainian intelligence. Despite China’s official stance of neutrality in the conflict, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will release more details on the cooperation next week. China has been accused of covertly aiding Russia’s military, including supplying drone components, while denying these claims, Politico has reported. Zelenskyy expressed disappointment, noting … Continue reading China is supplying weapons to Russia, Zelenskyy says

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cambodia for a two-day state visit aimed at deepening strong bilateral ties, concluding his Southeast Asia tour that also included Vietnam and Malaysia. Xi highlighted Cambodia as a key diplomatic partner, pledging continued support for its development and strategic autonomy. Trade and investment are central to the visit, with several agreements expected, amid rising U.S.-China trade tensions. China remains … Continue reading China’s Xi Jinping arrives in Cambodia to wrap up 3-nation Southeast Asia tour

On the 200th anniversary of Haiti’s forced indemnity, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the historic injustice of France demanding a massive debt from Haiti in exchange for its independence. Though he stopped short of offering reparations, Macron announced a joint French-Haitian commission to examine their shared history. The 1825 indemnity, originally 150 million gold francs, severely crippled Haiti’s economy and is linked to the country’s … Continue reading France’s president says making Haiti pay for its independence was unjust

Representative Jamie Raskin and other Democrats are stepping up resistance against Donald Trump’s presidency, with Raskin attending over 50 rallies and holding events in Republican strongholds. While Democrats lack real power in Congress, they’re using tactics like shadow hearings, court briefs, and procedural delays to push back. Progressive leaders like Cory Booker and Chris Van Hollen have gained attention through bold gestures, though critics say … Continue reading Dems Step Up Resistance as Base Hungers for More Fight

Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen was denied entry into a Salvadoran prison on Thursday while trying to check on Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man deported by the Trump administration despite an immigration court order preventing his removal. Van Hollen, who is in El Salvador advocating for Abrego Garcia’s release, was stopped by soldiers at a checkpoint near the Terrorism Confinement Center. Abrego Garcia, who has … Continue reading Sen. Van Hollen says he was denied entry to the El Salvador prison holding Abrego Garcia

Former U.S. President Donald Trump said a decision on Iran would come “very quickly” following what both sides called positive and constructive nuclear talks in Oman on Saturday. The talks marked the first official meeting between Iran and the Trump administration and are set to continue this week, with a second round expected Saturday in Rome, according to Axios. Trump, who has threatened military action … Continue reading Trump says he expects to make a decision on Iran very quickly

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has won the country’s presidential election, according to preliminary results, though his rival Luisa González is demanding a recount. Noboa, a conservative, campaigned on fighting crime and reviving the economy amid rising drug-related violence and blackouts. With 90% of votes counted, electoral officials called his lead irreversible. González, a leftist lawyer, rejected the results, claiming fraud. Noboa, 37, has declared multiple … Continue reading Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa declared election winner as rival demands recount

South Korea’s ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol defended his brief martial law declaration in court, denying charges of leading an insurrection and insisting it was not a coup. The six-hour declaration in December triggered mass protests, political chaos, and ultimately his removal from office by the Constitutional Court. Prosecutors accused Yoon of trying to paralyze state institutions, while military witnesses testified they were ordered to … Continue reading South Korea begins criminal insurrection trial of ousted president Yoon

Chinese President Xi Jinping began a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia by warning that “no one wins in a trade war,” positioning China as a stabilizing force amid rising U.S. tariffs under President Trump. In Vietnam, Xi met top leaders and signed deals on supply chains, railroads, and environmental cooperation, highlighting China-Vietnam ties despite tensions like South China Sea disputes. The visit aims to strengthen … Continue reading China’s Xi says there are no winners in a tariff war as he visits Southeast Asia