Concerns over the US government’s debt and deficit, exacerbated by Moody’s credit rating downgrade, fueled a broad market sell-off Wednesday. Weak demand at a 20-year Treasury note auction, resulting in higher yields, underscored investor anxieties. This, coupled with the advancement of a potentially deficit-increasing tax bill, further pressured stocks, bonds, and the US dollar. The Dow plummeted over 800 points, marking the worst day for major indexes in a month, while the CBOE Volatility Index spiked significantly.
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Greenland granted a 30-year permit to Greenland Anorthosite Mining (GAM), a Danish-French consortium, to extract anorthosite, a key component in aluminum production. This follows past interest from the U.S. in acquiring Greenland, though no significant American investment has materialized. The permit aims to create a climate-friendly aluminum alternative, while cooperation with European partners proceeds more rapidly. According to an expert, U.S. interest may focus more on securing long-term resource access, a challenge under current Greenlandic legislation.
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A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration violated a court order by deporting eight migrants to countries other than their own, including South Sudan, without giving them sufficient opportunity to claim fear of persecution or torture. The administration deported individuals with criminal convictions, despite a prior injunction preventing such deportations to third countries. The judge ordered that the deported individuals be given a reasonable fear interview and the same access to legal counsel they would have had in the U.S. The White House defended its actions, claiming compliance with court orders, while the judge highlighted the migrants’ insufficient notice before deportation and lack of access to legal representation. This ruling follows a similar injunction blocking deportations to Libya.
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President Trump, after speaking with European leaders and Vladimir Putin, acknowledged Putin’s unwillingness to end the war in Ukraine, a position contrary to Trump’s previous public statements. Despite initial suggestions of sanctions, Trump ultimately declined to increase pressure on Russia, citing US disengagement from the conflict. While this lack of US action solidified the need for continued European support for Ukraine, the conversations clarified Putin’s stance for all involved parties. European leaders, however, pressed for an unconditional ceasefire as a condition of any Vatican talks, a demand Trump resisted.
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A $1.5 billion luxury development, including three 18-hole golf courses, broke ground in Vietnam, spearheaded by the Trump Organization and local partner Kinhbac City. The project, approved swiftly by Vietnamese authorities, was lauded by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Eric Trump, who emphasized its potential to become a leading Asian resort. This collaboration comes amidst ongoing U.S.-Vietnam trade negotiations, with Vietnam offering various concessions. Further Trump Organization projects, including a potential skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City, are under consideration.
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During a meeting between US President Trump and South African President Ramaphosa, Trump showed Ramaphosa videos and articles alleging a genocide of white South Africans, claims Ramaphosa refuted, citing high murder rates affecting Black South Africans disproportionately. Despite this, Ramaphosa sought to secure trade deals with the US, including favorable tariffs for Tesla and Starlink, while Trump pressed for exemptions from South Africa’s racial equity laws. The meeting’s outcome remains uncertain, complicated by Trump’s previous actions—including canceling aid and expelling South Africa’s ambassador—stemming from his disputes over land reform and South Africa’s legal action against Israel. The discussions also involved securing duty-free access to the US market for South African farmers under AGOA.
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Following concerns from Disney CEO Bob Iger and ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic, The View’s hosts were asked to reduce their focus on political rhetoric. While framed as a suggestion, not a mandate, the hosts resisted, citing audience demand for their political commentary, particularly given the current administration’s actions. Despite this pushback, the network maintains its dialogue with the hosts regarding content, and the show’s high ratings suggest the political coverage hasn’t negatively impacted viewership.
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President Trump’s current term is marked by unprecedented corruption and self-enrichment, exceeding the concerns of his first term. Unlike his first term where Republican guardrails existed, he now operates with an unqualified, loyalist cabinet and lacking party opposition. The Supreme Court’s rulings further embolden his actions, allowing him to pursue personal gain at the expense of the nation. This behavior, ranging from foreign financial dealings to domestic policy decisions, demands immediate and sustained public outrage to pressure elected officials into accountability.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Air Force to begin modifying a $400 million Boeing 747-8, gifted to President Trump by Qatar, for use as Air Force One. This decision follows concerns regarding the ethical implications and substantial costs — estimated at up to $1 billion — associated with converting the aircraft. Critics, including Senator Tammy Duckworth, argue the project is wasteful and unconstitutional, especially given the existence of two fully operational Air Force One planes. The White House maintains the plane was a donation to the Air Force, not President Trump personally.
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Following a contentious meeting orchestrated by President Trump, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency faced significant pushback from multiple agency secretaries who felt he overstepped his authority. While Musk did achieve some restructuring, including workforce reductions and agency closures, his approach ultimately failed to improve overall government efficiency. This failure stemmed partly from a lack of support from the very agencies he was attempting to reform, and some of his implemented policies were quietly abandoned. His “move fast and break things” strategy, while accepted with some missteps, proved ineffective without agency buy-in.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
ABC News Orders The View to Tone Down Trump Criticism
Following concerns from Disney CEO Bob Iger and ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic, The View’s hosts were asked to reduce their focus on political rhetoric. While framed as a suggestion, not a mandate, the hosts resisted, citing audience demand for their political commentary, particularly given the current administration’s actions. Despite this pushback, the network maintains its dialogue with the hosts regarding content, and the show’s high ratings suggest the political coverage hasn’t negatively impacted viewership.
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