Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced the capture of two Chinese citizens fighting alongside Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, claiming to possess information on more Chinese involvement. He has instructed his foreign minister to contact Beijing regarding this matter, which has not been independently verified. This development, along with prior allegations of Chinese military aid to Russia, casts doubt on China’s professed commitment to peace and raises concerns about the ongoing conflict’s trajectory. Zelenskyy called for a global response to Russia’s continued aggression, urging a reaction from world leaders seeking peace.
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Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone, a major GOP donor, strongly criticized President Trump’s tariff policies, deeming them “bulls–t” and poorly advised. Langone specifically cited the 34 percent tariff on China and the 46 percent tariff on Vietnam as excessively aggressive and detrimental to negotiations. He questioned the flawed calculation methodology behind the tariffs, a sentiment echoed by other experts, including the economist whose work the administration cited. This criticism joins that of other prominent billionaires, indicating a growing concern among Trump loyalists regarding the economic impact of these trade measures.
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During an Oval Office meeting on April 7, President Trump expressed displeasure with Russia’s intensified attacks in Ukraine, citing the widespread bombing as unacceptable. His comments follow a recent escalation of violence, including deadly strikes on civilian targets like Kryvyi Rih and Kyiv. Despite his previous mediation attempts and expressed anger toward Putin, Trump has yet to implement punitive measures against Russia, instead focusing on a new tariff regime that notably excludes Russia. This inaction occurs despite continued Russian aggression and violations of a partial ceasefire agreement.
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A YouGov poll reveals widespread American disapproval of President Trump’s new tariff policy, with over half of respondents viewing it as the largest peacetime tax increase in U.S. history. The poll also indicates significant public agreement that the tariffs are negatively impacting the economy. While a minority supports the tariffs, believing they address unfair trade practices, the majority favor reducing or eliminating them. The substantial opposition suggests the policy may be politically damaging for Trump and the Republican Party.
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Donald Trump plans a military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14th, his 79th birthday, and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. This revived proposal, similar to a 2018 plan that was ultimately cancelled due to cost and logistical concerns, is expected to cost millions of taxpayer dollars. The parade, spanning nearly four miles, has sparked criticism over its expense and potential diversion of resources, with some comparing it to displays of authoritarian regimes. Local officials report receiving minimal advance notice for the event’s planning.
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On Monday, approximately ten North Korean soldiers crossed the heavily fortified border into South Korea, prompting South Korean military warning shots and the soldiers’ subsequent retreat. This incident, occurring amidst heightened tensions fueled by North Korea’s weapons tests and ignored diplomatic overtures from the U.S., follows a pattern of similar, albeit less significant, border violations. The incursion comes at a time of political instability in South Korea, further complicating the already fragile security situation on the peninsula. While the North Korean motive remains unclear, the event underscores the ongoing volatility and military posturing in the region.
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The Trump administration, in a Supreme Court brief, argues it can deport anyone—citizen or immigrant—to a foreign country without due process and deny them all constitutional rights. This claim, made in the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, wrongly deported to El Salvador despite having protected status, asserts the government’s inability to retrieve individuals held in foreign prisons, even if the deportation was an error. The administration contends that federal courts lack jurisdiction over individuals held abroad at the government’s request, even though the US pays for their detention. This unprecedented assertion, if accepted, would effectively allow the government to create overseas black sites from which individuals could be permanently disappeared, undermining fundamental due process protections for all.
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Following President Trump’s implementation of sweeping tariffs, controversial streamer Adin Ross reported significant financial losses. Ross revealed during a livestream with DJ Akademiks that he has lost eight figures, or at least $10 million, in the market. This comes months after Ross publicly endorsed Trump and gifted him expensive presents, including a custom Tesla Cybertruck and a gold Rolex. While acknowledging the substantial financial impact, Ross refrained from criticizing Trump directly.
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European allies are reconsidering their commitment to the Lockheed Martin F-35, prompting exploration of alternative sixth-generation fighter programs. Australia and Canada, facing trade tensions with the U.S. and considering alternatives to the F-35, have shown interest in joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a UK, Italy, and Japan collaborative effort. GCAP aims to field a next-generation fighter by the mid-2030s, featuring advanced technologies like AI co-pilots and potentially directed-energy weapons. Australia’s existing F-35As and both nations’ Commonwealth ties make their participation in GCAP feasible.
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Monday’s stock market experienced dramatic volatility due to a false report about President Trump considering a tariff pause. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ultimately fell 349 points, while the S&P 500 dropped 11 points, though the NASDAQ saw a slight increase. This followed a devastating Friday, marking the worst week for the market since 2020, triggered by Trump’s announcement of widespread tariffs. The market swings underscore investor anxieties surrounding the global economic impact of these tariffs.
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John Q. Hosedrinker