Displaying items by tag: USA

Donald Trump has paused a proposed 50% tariff on EU goods, extending the negotiation deadline to 9 July after a phone call with EC president Ursula von der Leyen. She requested more time to reach a deal, which Trump agreed to, calling the EU ‘willing to negotiate’. While both sides seek a resolution, the USA remains firm on maintaining a 10% base tariff, rejecting the EU’s recent offer to eliminate industrial tariffs and boost cooperation in AI and energy. Trump’s stance stems from concerns over the EU’s significant trade surplus and regulatory barriers. Meanwhile, the EU has approved retaliatory tariffs worth billions, set to begin on 14 July if talks fail. The escalating tensions risk sparking a costly trade war, which the IMF warns could shrink GDP on both sides. EU and US officials are set to meet next month in Paris to seek resolution. In preparation for these, the EU has requested firms to give details of their dealings with US companies: see

North Korea has strongly condemned the US plan to develop a futuristic ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence system, warning it could trigger a nuclear arms race in space. The system, promoted by Donald Trump to counter next-generation threats such as hypersonic and cruise missiles, is viewed by Pyongyang as a provocation that would undermine its nuclear deterrent. North Korea’s foreign ministry described the plan as arrogant and dangerous, while China has called it a threat to global stability, saying the USA is ‘obsessed’ with its own security. Analysts note the system could compel North Korea to advance its missile capabilities. While many experts agree that US defence infrastructure needs updating, critics point to the potential geopolitical fallout and high costs - estimated at up to $500 billion long-term. Strategic tensions over space militarisation continue to grow as nations grapple with balancing national defence and global security.

A federal court has blocked Donald Trump’s broad use of tariffs, ruling that the Constitution grants Congress - not the president - authority to regulate foreign commerce. The decision challenges Trump's use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping import taxes, a cornerstone of his ‘America First’ agenda. Two lawsuits, one by small businesses and another by a coalition of US states, sparked the ruling. The court also blocked tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, imposed under immigration and drug control claims. However, tariffs on specific goods like steel and cars were not addressed. Markets responded positively, with global stocks rising and the dollar strengthening. If the ruling is upheld, affected businesses may receive tariff refunds with interest. Legal experts suggest the decision may constrain executive power over trade, sending a strong constitutional message. The White House has vowed to appeal, calling the ruling a judicial overreach. In another development, the Trump administration has asked the supreme court to overturn a judge’s ban on deporting migrants without giving them a chance to seek legal relief: see

Donald Trump’s administration has ordered US embassies to halt new student visa appointments as it prepares to expand social media vetting of international applicants. The move is part of a broader crackdown on US universities, which Trump accuses of harbouring left-wing and antisemitic sentiment amid pro-Palestinian campus protests. Embassies are directed to cancel unscheduled interviews, with warnings of ‘significant implications’ for visa processing. Critics say this threatens the rights and futures of international students, who often pay higher fees and significantly fund the universities. The administration has frozen millions in university funding, revoked thousands of visas, and moved to deport foreign students - many actions now under legal challenge. Harvard University, a prime target, recently had its ability to host international students suspended, though a federal judge blocked the decision: for a view on how much its international students contribute, see Critics argue the social media screening policy infringes on free speech, while Trump insists it protects national security and combats extremism.

Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. The diagnosis followed recent urinary symptoms and revealed a high-grade, aggressive form of the disease. However, the cancer is hormone-sensitive, meaning it may respond well to treatment. Biden and his family are currently considering treatment options. The news has drawn sympathy from across the political spectrum. Donald Trump expressed support for Biden and his family, wishing him a swift recovery. Other political figures voiced their prayers and confidence in Biden’s resilience. Biden, who stepped down from the 2024 presidential race due to health concerns, has maintained a low public profile since leaving office, though he has given occasional speeches and interviews. A long-time advocate for cancer research, he relaunched the Cancer Moonshot initiative in 2022. His son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015.

Two Israeli embassy staff members, Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC. The couple, described as being 'in the prime of their lives', were leaving an event when they were attacked. A suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, was apprehended at the scene and reportedly shouted 'free Palestine' while being detained. Authorities are investigating potential links to terrorism and antisemitism. The killings have shocked both US and Israeli communities, and are being condemned as a brutal act of antisemitic violence. Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to increase security at diplomatic missions worldwide, while the foreign minister called the attack 'a direct result of toxic, antisemitic incitement’. The incident comes amid intensifying scrutiny of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has triggered widespread global criticism and deepening humanitarian concern.

Donald Trump began a Middle East tour with major policy and economic announcements, including lifting long-standing US sanctions on Syria - a country rebuilding after civil war and regime change. The move, which follows a request by Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, signals a dramatic policy shift. Trump also unveiled a $600 billion Saudi investment commitment in the USA and signed a record-breaking $142 billion arms agreement with Riyadh. The visit prioritised economic cooperation over security concerns and featured meetings with top US business leaders and Saudi officials. The deals, on energy, defence, and infrastructure, could eventually total $1 trillion. Trump praised bin Salman but avoided any mention of the 2018 Khashoggi killing. He also reaffirmed a hard stance against Iran, offering conditional diplomacy. His broader goal: to realign regional power structures, bolster US business, and isolate Tehran while pushing for eventual Arab-Israeli cooperation.

Over 7,750 believers were baptised at Huntington Beach, California, marking the largest single-day baptism in US history. The event, hosted by Oceans Church and Pastor Mark Francey, gathered 30,000 attendees from over 300 churches statewide. Held as part of the Baptise California initiative, it surpassed last year’s record and is seen as a powerful spark for revival across America. The movement’s vision is expanding through the upcoming Baptise America event on Pentecost Sunday, seeking to unite churches nationwide in synchronised water baptisms. Organisers say that this initiative is not about one church but the entire Body of Christ, standing together in obedience to the Great Commission. Testimonies included a 71-year-old woman baptised after forty years of waiting, a symbol of God’s ongoing call to repentance and renewal. The team’s ultimate goal is lasting fruit: connecting new believers into local churches and fostering a growing, united movement of faith across the nation.

Rwanda has confirmed it is in early discussions with the Trump administration about potentially receiving immigrants deported from the USA. Foreign minister Olivier Nduhungirehe stated the talks are ongoing but not finalised. The move follows US efforts to find foreign partners for deportations as part of Trump’s expansive immigration enforcement strategy, which includes invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act - granting the president wartime authority to deport noncitizens without due process. In April, the USA deported an Iraqi man accused of IS ties to Rwanda. Reports also suggest that migrants with criminal records might be sent to Rwanda or Libya. In 2022 Rwanda had agreed to accept asylum-seekers from the UK, but Keir Starmer’s government scrapped the deal due to legal and human rights concerns. A spokesperson for UNHCR has said: ‘People fleeing war, conflict and persecution deserve compassion and empathy. They should not be traded like commodities and transferred abroad for processing.’

Donald Trump’s administration has launched a voluntary ‘self-deportation’ initiative offering $1,000 to illegal immigrants who choose to leave the USA. Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem described it as a safer, more cost-effective alternative to forced removal. In addition to the cash incentive, the government will cover travel costs and provide return assistance via an app called CBP Home. Participants would be ‘deprioritised’ for detention and only receive the payout after their return is verified. The Department of Homeland Security highlighted the fiscal rationale: removing someone through standard procedures costs over $17,000. Trump, who made mass deportation central to his platform, argues this strategy fulfils his promises more economically. Critics, however, question its effectiveness and ethics. During his campaign, he repeatedly said that he planned to carry out ‘the largest deportation operation’ in American history, but so far the numbers have not matched his promises.