President Trump issued an executive order withdrawing the US from the OECD’s global minimum corporate tax agreement, threatening Ireland’s significant corporate tax revenue. This action targets countries imposing “extraterritorial” levies on US multinationals, potentially impacting Ireland’s reliance on taxes from US companies headquartered there. The Irish Department of Finance is reviewing the order, while the IDA Ireland emphasizes that taxation is only one factor attracting foreign direct investment. The EU expressed regret over the decision and stated its commitment to the tax reforms, though uncertainty remains regarding potential retaliatory measures and escalating trade disputes.
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President Trump pardoned David Dempsey, a January 6th rioter sentenced to 20 years for violently assaulting police officers, including stomping on their heads. This pardon, among others for those convicted of violent crimes during the riot, is drawing significant criticism. Prosecutors described Dempsey’s actions as exceptionally brutal, highlighting his use of various weapons against law enforcement. The pardons fulfill a campaign promise but are condemned by some lawmakers as undermining justice and ignoring the severe consequences of the Capitol attack.
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Two years after Canada announced the unprecedented seizure of US$26 million from sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, the government has yet to initiate legal proceedings for forfeiture. This delay stems from complexities in proving direct ownership, potentially necessitating compensation to Abramovich under a 1991 investment protection agreement. The government’s cautious approach, considered a landmark case with international implications, contrasts with other G7 nations’ methods of utilizing frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. Despite freezing roughly $140 million in Russian assets, including a large cargo plane, legal hurdles and disputes hinder their transfer to Ukraine.
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President Trump has tasked Keith Kellogg with ending the war in Ukraine within 100 days, a goal met with widespread skepticism. Kellogg’s appointment is seen as a precursor to Trump personally overseeing peace negotiations, though Russia’s lack of cooperation and concerns about potential concessions by Ukraine cast doubt on success. Experts like John Bolton worry Trump might pressure Ukraine into unfavorable deals, while others note the Kremlin’s immediate dismissal of Kellogg’s proposed peace plan as a negative sign. Despite these challenges, Trump remains committed to a negotiated settlement, potentially involving a meeting with Putin and leveraging sanctions as leverage.
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President Trump’s assertion that Elon Musk’s expertise in Pennsylvania voting machines contributed to his 2024 election win has sparked calls for an investigation. While Trump didn’t explicitly allege manipulation, his comments fueled speculation of election rigging among his critics. Representative Daniel Goldman (D-NY) has publicly demanded an inquiry into the matter. Although Pennsylvania uses secure voting systems, a software malfunction during the election and an unverified report alleging vote tampering have further complicated the situation.
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Attorney General Merrick Garland’s handling of the investigation into Donald Trump’s actions surrounding the January 6th insurrection is widely criticized for its delay and perceived lack of decisiveness. While initially focusing on lower-level participants, Garland’s slow response to investigate Trump directly allowed time for the Supreme Court and other actors to hinder subsequent prosecutions. This inaction, coupled with the Supreme Court’s decision in *Trump v. United States*, is argued to have significantly weakened efforts to hold Trump accountable, ultimately contributing to the rise of reactionary forces. The author contends that Garland’s failure to act swiftly represents a significant dereliction of duty.
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After a decades-long investigation, the remains of U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Donald W. Downing, missing since a 1967 Vietnam War mission, have been identified. A recovery team located wreckage and possible human remains in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, in Spring 2024. DPAA scientists utilized anthropological analysis, DNA testing, and circumstantial evidence to confirm the identity. Lt. Col. Downing will receive full military honors, including a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, and a rosette will be added to his name on the Courts of the Missing.
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The Royal Navy tracked the Russian spy ship Yantar, known for intelligence gathering and mapping underwater infrastructure, near UK waters this week. Defense Secretary John Healey stated this incident, the second in recent months, demonstrates escalating Russian aggression and prompted a warning to President Putin. The UK deployed HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne to monitor Yantar, even authorizing a Royal Navy submarine to surface nearby as a deterrent. Following a verbal warning, the ship departed UK waters.
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Following a national prayer service at Washington National Cathedral, President Trump condemned Bishop Mariann Budde’s remarks as “nasty” and politically motivated, criticizing her focus on marginalized groups and immigrants. He took to Truth Social to demand an apology from Budde and the Episcopal Church, alleging her speech was inappropriate and uninspiring. Trump further criticized the service’s overall quality, deeming it “boring and uninspiring.” The President’s response followed Budde’s plea for mercy and recognition of the fears and vulnerabilities of various communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and undocumented immigrants.
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John Q. Hosedrinker