During a House committee hearing, former special counsel Jack Smith defended his decisions to prosecute President Trump, including the decision to bring charges against him. Smith stated his investigations provided proof “beyond a reasonable doubt” of Trump’s criminal activity. Smith affirmed he would pursue the same course of action regardless of the president’s political affiliation, emphasizing that “no one should be above the law.” These investigations led to unprecedented indictments that were delayed due to Department of Justice policy preventing the prosecution of a sitting president.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced Spain would not join US President Donald Trump’s newly launched Board of Peace. The decision was made to remain consistent with the multilateral order and the United Nations system, particularly as the body does not include the Palestinian Authority. Trump formally launched the board at the World Economic Forum, with the aim of overseeing reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, but suggesting it could expand to handle global conflicts, which many view as undermining the UN. While 60 governments have been invited to join, few of Washington’s Western allies have accepted the invitation so far.
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During Jack Smith’s congressional testimony, Rep. Ben Cline questioned the gag order imposed on Donald Trump, suggesting a lack of “real-world harm” to justify it. However, the judge had already cited evidence of threats and harassment against individuals targeted by Trump’s public attacks. Smith countered by emphasizing the appeals court’s agreement on the basis for the order, highlighting the threats to witnesses and confirming the court’s narrowing of the order. Smith then detailed the evidence of Trump’s intimidating statements, further solidifying the necessity of the gag order.
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In a surprising move, President Donald Trump rescinded Canada’s invitation to join his Board of Peace initiative. The withdrawal was communicated via a Truth Social post addressed to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Trump asserted the Board would be “the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled.” This decision highlights a shift in international relations and signals potential tension between the two countries.
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In a recent interview, former US President Donald Trump criticized NATO’s involvement in the Afghanistan conflict, stating that allied troops stayed “a little off the front lines.” These comments have drawn widespread condemnation, with critics calling them “grossly offensive” and an “insult” to the sacrifices made by those who served alongside the US. The UK, with the second-highest number of deaths after the US, and other allies, also suffered significant casualties during the conflict. Several politicians, including a former captain who served in Afghanistan, have stated that Trump’s words are a disservice to the sacrifices of the troops.
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Following a sparsely attended “Board of Peace” ceremony in Davos, Donald Trump took to Truth Social for two hours, sharing a barrage of posts. These posts included attacks on his political enemies, reposted praise, and discussions about legal battles. The posting spree coincided with a widely criticized trip to the World Economic Forum, where his “Board of Peace” initiative, intended to attract 35 countries, was largely ignored by prominent world leaders. Surrounded by a few allies, Trump called the attendees “great friends of mine” and subsequently adopted a more positive tone on his account.
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During Thursday’s hearing on the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, former D.C. Police officer Michael Fanone vocally expressed his outrage. Rep. Troy Nehls’s statement that absolved Trump of responsibility for the riot, prompted Fanone to interject with profanity. Following the hearing, Fanone also engaged in a heated exchange with far-right conspiracy theorist Ivan Raiklin, who has allegedly threatened Fanone and his family. The hearing was attended by Fanone in support of former special counsel Jack Smith’s decision to bring charges against Trump.
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Donald Trump has ignited controversy with his statement that NATO troops stayed “a little off the front lines” during the Afghanistan war, prompting strong condemnation from UK political figures. Labour MP Emily Thornberry called the remarks an “absolute insult” to British service members, while others expressed outrage over the questioning of their sacrifice. These criticisms were echoed by Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaders, who highlighted the sacrifices made by UK and NATO forces in Afghanistan. The comments came after Trump questioned the value of the military alliance and its commitment to the US, drawing a sharp rebuke from those who served in the conflict.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney directly addressed President Trump’s comment that “Canada lives because of the United States,” asserting instead that Canada thrives because it is Canadian. This statement was made during a speech kicking off the Liberal cabinet meeting in Quebec City, where Carney also promised to protect Canadian values like inclusivity and fairness. In his address, Carney outlined priorities for the coming Parliamentary session, including economic cooperation, international trade, and investments in defense. The Prime Minister’s speech occurred just after his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he had made remarks about American hegemony and economic integration.
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Following a recent speech in Davos, Switzerland, where former President Trump made several notable misstatements and criticized European leaders, calls for the 25th Amendment have resurfaced on social media. These calls were prompted by concerns over Trump’s speech style and perceived cognitive decline. Such calls for the 25th Amendment would require his cabinet to reach the conclusion that the president is unable to discharge the duties of his office, which seems unlikely. While some Democratic lawmakers and commentators have expressed concerns and support for the 25th Amendment, White House officials have maintained that the speech was a success.
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John Q. Hosedrinker