U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Panamanian leader José Raúl Mulino to reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal area or face potential U.S. retaliation. During Rubio’s visit to Panama, he conveyed President Trump’s concerns that China’s presence in the canal could violate a treaty ensuring its neutrality. While Mulino rejected threats to the canal’s sovereignty, he agreed not to renew Panama’s involvement in … Continue reading Rubio says Panama must reduce Chinese influence around the canal or face possible US action

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies are driving Europe to take more responsibility for its own security. Speaking ahead of an EU summit, Macron highlighted the need for Europe to strengthen its defense industry and reduce reliance on external powers. While Macron emphasized European “strategic autonomy,” some leaders, like Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, stressed … Continue reading Trump pushes Europe to be more independent, Macron says

Over 600 USAID workers were locked out of their computer systems, and those still connected received notices stating that the headquarters would be closed to personnel on February 3. Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), stated that former President Trump agreed with shutting down USAID. Musk called the agency “beyond repair,” describing it as “a bowl of worms” and accused it of … Continue reading USAID closes HQ to staffers Monday as Musk says Trump supports shutting agency down

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine has received around $76 billion in aid from the U.S., despite the U.S. authorizing approximately $175 billion for the country. Zelensky expressed uncertainty about where the remaining funds have gone, suggesting they may have been allocated to humanitarian programs. He noted that most of the aid received was in the form of weapons, amounting to about $70 billion, … Continue reading Zelensky Claims Ukraine Received Less Than Half of U.S. Aid

Panama President José Raúl Mulino stated there will be no negotiations with the U.S. over ownership of the Panama Canal, emphasizing that it belongs to Panama. He downplayed tensions regarding U.S. President Trump’s past remarks about retaking the canal, clarifying that while China manages some canal ports, Panama controls the waterway. Mulino expressed hope that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit would focus on … Continue reading Panama’s president says there will be no negotiation about ownership of canal

Newly-confirmed Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is moving to reverse the Biden administration’s fuel economy standards. Duffy signed a memorandum to reset the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which were strengthened by the Biden administration in June 2024 to increase fuel economy by 2% annually for passenger vehicles and light trucks. Duffy criticized the standards, claiming they harmed America’s auto industry and led … Continue reading Trump Admin Moves To Toss Out Biden’s Fuel Economy Rules

Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed President Trump’s serious interest in acquiring Greenland, emphasizing national security concerns due to China’s growing interest in the Arctic. Rubio explained that the U.S. would benefit from controlling Greenland, especially given China’s potential to build facilities there for military purposes. While Trump has expressed interest in purchasing the island, Greenlandic leaders reject the idea, wanting to remain independent. Despite … Continue reading Rubio on buying Greenland: ‘This is not a joke’

Norway’s government collapsed on Thursday after the eurosceptic Centre party withdrew from the ruling coalition over disagreements about EU green energy laws. Centre party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum opposed three EU directives on renewable energy, citing concerns over Norway’s electricity policy and sovereignty. With the Centre party’s exit, the centre-left Labour party will govern alone for the first time in 25 years. While Prime Minister … Continue reading Norway eurosceptics collapse coalition government over green energy row