The White House has asked Congress to rescind $9.4 billion in previously approved spending, targeting programs criticized by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for promoting liberal agendas. This rescission requires congressional approval and, if passed, would cement many of DOGE’s proposed cuts amid Musk’s strong opposition to the current tax and spending plan, which he called a “disgusting abomination” for worsening the federal … Continue reading Trump formally asks Congress to claw back approved spending targeted by DOGE

Mongolia’s Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai resigned after failing a parliamentary vote of confidence, receiving only 44 votes out of the 64 needed. The vote followed protests sparked by reports of lavish spending by his son and public dissatisfaction. Oyun-Erdene, who had been in office for four years, warned that political instability could threaten Mongolia’s young democracy. The country, transitioning from its communist past, faces challenges … Continue reading Mongolia’s prime minister resigns amid protests over reports of son’s lavish spending

The Netherlands will hold new elections after Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s coalition government collapsed when far-right leader Geert Wilders withdrew his Party for Freedom (PVV) ministers over disputes on migration policy. Wilders demanded stricter asylum controls, including border closures and deportations, which coalition partners rejected. Schoof’s government will continue in a caretaker role, but a snap election is expected in several months. The collapse comes … Continue reading Dutch PM calls election after coalition collapse

South Korea’s opposition leader Lee Jae-myung won a snap presidential election with 49.42% of the vote, defeating conservative Kim Moon Soo. Lee will be sworn in immediately, skipping the usual transition period, following the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol over a failed martial law attempt. Lee, from the Democratic Party, faces key challenges including reviving the economy and managing U.S. trade negotiations. Though … Continue reading South Korea’s opposition leader Lee Jae-myung wins presidential election

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