Prime Minister Sunak’s upcoming meeting with President Trump carries heightened political risk due to escalating tensions between Trump and Zelensky. Sunak aims to secure a US commitment to deter future Russian aggression in Ukraine, potentially involving British troop deployment as part of a peace agreement. However, Russia’s ambassador to the UK rejects the idea of foreign troops in Ukraine and questions the possibility of peace without Ukrainian elections. Trump’s recent comments blaming Ukraine for the war and threatening Zelensky have further complicated the situation.
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The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is revoking its approval of New York City’s congestion pricing program, citing its primary focus on MTA revenue generation rather than congestion reduction, exceeding the scope of its authorized pilot program. MTA Chair Janno Lieber plans to challenge this decision in federal court, emphasizing the program’s success in reducing congestion and improving commute times. Governor Hochul also intends to fight the USDOT’s decision, highlighting the positive impacts on traffic and businesses. The future of congestion pricing remains uncertain pending legal action.
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Despite recent assertions by Trump that Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid are safe from cuts, opposition is emerging within the Republican party. Moderate Republicans are publicly rejecting proposed Medicaid cuts, citing the negative impact on constituents’ healthcare access. Representative Bresnahan’s statement exemplifies this resistance, highlighting his commitment to his constituents’ well-being over party politics. This internal conflict underscores the potential challenges facing any legislation aiming to reduce these social programs.
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Following President Trump’s executive order reinstating the federal death penalty, a $11,000 donation—the largest to date—was made to Luigi Mangione’s legal defense fund. The anonymous donor cited concerns about the politicization of capital punishment and potential prejudice against Mangione, who faces federal murder charges for the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione’s legal team will utilize the over $485,000 raised to fight charges across multiple jurisdictions. His next court appearances are scheduled for this week and into March.
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Following Ukrainian President Zelensky’s accusation that Trump is influenced by Russian disinformation, Trump retaliated by calling Zelensky a “dictator without elections” on Truth Social. Trump criticized U.S. financial aid to Ukraine, blaming Zelensky for a prolonged war and mishandling of funds. Simultaneously, U.S. and Russian officials met to discuss ending the conflict, notably excluding Ukrainian representatives. Trump asserted his ability to negotiate a peace deal with Russia, a claim met with mixed reactions internationally.
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Town hall meetings in Omaha and Iowa City this weekend mark the beginning of a nationwide grassroots movement to counter Trumpism. This movement aims to defeat Trumpism not through Washington politics, but by mobilizing Americans against oligarchy and for policies benefiting working people. Success hinges on countering Trump’s financial and media advantages and his disregard for democratic norms and the rule of law, while simultaneously pushing for progressive policies such as universal healthcare and a living wage. The upcoming Republican “reconciliation” bill, which offers massive tax cuts to the wealthy while slashing crucial social programs, serves as a key battleground for this movement.
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President Trump signed an executive order granting the president and attorney general sole authority to interpret the law for the executive branch, effectively overriding the independence of numerous federal agencies. This action, supported by figures like OMB Director Russell Vought, reflects the “unitary executive theory,” consolidating presidential power. The order targets agencies like the FTC and SEC, diminishing their autonomy granted by Congress and designed to protect against political influence. This power grab is part of a broader effort to reshape the American government through executive action and mass firings.
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Vice President Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference, praising Germany’s far-right AfD party, was viewed as blatant political interference by European officials and a sign of disarray within the Western alliance. Trump’s subsequent endorsement of Vance’s comments, coupled with Elon Musk’s support for the AfD, further damaged transatlantic relations. Secretary Hegseth’s statement prioritizing American interests over European security, and Trump’s planned private talks with Putin excluding Ukraine, intensified concerns about US reliability as an ally. This culminated in an emergency meeting of European leaders to discuss independent European defense, highlighting the potential for a weakened transatlantic partnership.
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A recent Kyiv International Institute of Sociology poll revealed that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy enjoys a 57% approval rating, contradicting former US President Trump’s assertion of minimal support. This February poll, conducted before US-Russia talks, shows a rise from 52% in December and surpasses Trump’s own approval rating at the time. Zelenskyy maintains that claims of low support originate from Russian disinformation, while experts confirm his legitimacy as president amidst ongoing conflict. He remains open to discussing elections but cites Ukrainian fears of jeopardizing national defense as the reason for the postponement.
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Following Ukrainian President Zelensky’s public criticism of President Trump, Vice President Vance warned against this approach, arguing that it would be counterproductive. Vance emphasized the administration’s desire for a swift resolution to the war, a policy he attributed to Trump’s geopolitical expertise, not Russian disinformation. This exchange highlights a significant deterioration in U.S.-Ukraine relations, fueled by Trump’s recent push for peace talks with Russia and Zelensky’s concern over being excluded from any potential agreement. Trump, meanwhile, responded with his own criticism of Zelensky on social media. The situation reflects a complex and tense geopolitical dynamic.
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John Q. Hosedrinker