Politics

A diplomatic clash between the US and Colombia was swiftly resolved after President Trump threatened 25% tariffs on Colombian goods in response to the country blocking two US military deportation flights. The conflict began when Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused entry to US military flights carrying deportees, insisting migrants should return on civilian aircraft "without treating them like criminals." Trump retaliated by announcing tariffs and visa sanctions through Truth Social. Petro initially stood firm, posting on X that Trump's "blockade" didn't frighten Colombia, "the country of beauty" and "heart of the world." However, within hours, Colombia agreed to accept migrants on US military aircraft "without limitation or delay," according to a White House statement. The White House termed this a victory for Trump's approach, though warned that drafted tariffs would be implemented if Colombia breached the agreement. Visa sanctions and […]

US President Donald Trump has indicated his intention to reach out to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un following his return to the White House. During a recent interview, when asked if he would contact Kim, Trump responded, "I will, yeah. He liked me." Their relationship, unique for two nations historically at odds since the Korean War, was marked by three in-person meetings between 2018 and 2019. In a historic moment, Trump became the first sitting US president to visit North Korea since the 1953 armistice. Trump has consistently described their relationship as "very, very good," characterizing Kim as a "smart guy" in media interactions. Following his November re-election, Trump's team suggested they were considering reopening "direct talks" with North Korea. However, Trump's approach to Kim has not been without complexity. The relationship has occasionally created tension with South Korea, […]

Ireland's 35th Dáil (parliament) is set to reconvene Wednesday with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin returning as taoiseach (prime minister). The transition will see current leader Simon Harris of Fine Gael move to the role of tánaiste (deputy prime minister). Following November's election, Fianna Fáil emerged as the largest party with 48 seats and has formed a government through a coalition with Fine Gael (38 seats) and several independent regional TDs (members of parliament). Sinn Féin, despite winning 39 seats, remains in opposition after being ruled out as a coalition partner by both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael—a decision that Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald criticized as "bad practice." The new government formation comes after approximately five weeks of negotiations, with both Martin and Harris recently confirming a draft programme for government that received endorsement from their respective parties. […]

Admiral Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead a U.S. military branch, has been removed from her position as Coast Guard Commandant within 24 hours of President Donald Trump taking office. The dismissal was first reported by Fox News and was confirmed through a statement to Coast Guard units obtained by The New York Times. The statement cited "leadership deficiencies, operational failures and inability to advance the strategic objectives of the U.S. Coast Guard" as reasons for her termination. It also mentioned her "excessive focus" on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies as a factor. The removal aligns with Trump's broader executive action issued after his inauguration, calling for federal agencies to end DEI initiatives, which he described as "illegal and immoral." In the executive order, Trump stated that "the public release of these plans demonstrated immense public waste and […]

In his final moments as president, Joe Biden issued pre-emptive pardons to several family members, including his siblings James, Francis, Frank Biden, and Valerie Biden Owens, citing protection from politically motivated attacks. The last-minute decision followed earlier pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci and January 6 investigation committee members to prevent what Biden termed "unjustified politically motivated prosecutions." Biden emphasized these public servants' dedication to the nation. The move comes amid longstanding tension with Trump, who frequently clashed with Dr. Fauci during the pandemic and suggested action against those involved in the January 6 investigation. Trump had previously made unproven corruption allegations against the Bidens, though a 2023 House Republican investigation found no criminal wrongdoing. Biden extended pardons to his in-laws Sara Jones Biden and John Owens, adding to an earlier pardon for his son Hunter Biden, who faced sentencing in […]