President Trump, amid heightened tensions, declined to comment on the use of force to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. He announced 10% tariffs on Denmark and seven other European nations, tying the move to the acquisition. Trump also linked his Greenland efforts to his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize, texting the Norwegian Prime Minister and dismissing Norway’s role in the committee’s decision. Trump also stated he will follow through on plans to hit the European nations with tariffs, citing the need to safeguard national security against outside threats.
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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell plans to attend the Supreme Court’s oral argument on Wednesday in a case concerning the attempted firing of Fed governor Lisa Cook. This move represents an unusual show of support by the central bank chair amid a legal challenge regarding President Trump’s ability to remove Cook from the Fed’s board. Powell’s attendance follows his recent condemnation of subpoenas issued to the Fed by the Trump administration, seemingly signaling a shift towards a more public defense against attacks on the central bank. If Trump succeeds in removing Cook, he could appoint a replacement, potentially influencing the Fed’s decisions on interest rates and bank regulation.
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Over the weekend, Donald Trump threatened escalating tariffs on Greenland and its allies, leading to widespread condemnation from NATO members and within his own party. Republicans like Congressman Don Bacon and Senator Thom Tillis criticized the tariffs, labeling them “foolish” and detrimental to American interests and alliances. These actions are seen as a potential threat to his presidency, with some Republicans warning of impeachment and arguing that Trump’s overreach is undermining his own position. Furthermore, the Supreme Court may rule against the tariffs, which could have significant legal and political consequences.
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The Trump administration has extended invitations to Russia and Belarus to join a proposed Gaza “Board of Peace,” with both countries confirming receipt of the offer. Russia is reviewing the invitation through diplomatic channels and hopes to clarify details with the U.S., while Belarus expressed readiness to participate, hoping the organization will expand. Alongside these countries, Argentina, Jordan, Canada, India, Egypt, Hungary, and Vietnam also received invitations, with the White House and State Department yet to release a full list. The board, chaired by Trump, aims to oversee Gaza’s governance, reconstruction, and development as part of his broader peace plan, with potential members reportedly required to pay a $1 billion fee.
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The first U.S. sale of Venezuelan oil since the Trump administration’s actions has gone to Vitol, a trading firm whose senior trader, John Addison, donated millions to Trump’s 2024 campaign. Addison reportedly pledged to Trump that Vitol would secure the best price for the oil, sparking accusations of corruption given Vitol’s history and the deal’s potential for windfall profits. Proceeds from the sale are being held in Qatar, raising concerns of a slush fund with a lack of oversight, as critics argue. This arrangement, along with the involvement of a campaign donor and the administration’s actions, fuels accusations of abuse of power.
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Videos obtained following a shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis appear to contradict the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) account of events. DHS claims the agent shot Julio Sosa-Celis in self-defense after he was ambushed, but video evidence suggests a different scenario. The videos, including a family member’s frantic account and a livestream, indicate that the person chased may have been another man and that Sosa-Celis was shot while attempting to secure the home. These conflicting accounts, along with other eyewitness statements, raise questions about the details surrounding the incident.
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Several reports highlight growing concerns about Donald Trump’s actions and their consequences. There are criticisms of Trump’s foreign policy, questioning the trustworthiness of the United States by its allies. Domestically, there is scrutiny of his immigration policies and Justice Department, with allegations of prioritizing loyalty over competence. Furthermore, the article references fact-checking of Trump’s inauguration pledges, suggesting broken promises.
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President Donald Trump has departed from the tradition of his predecessors by not recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day through any official statements or activities. This marks a significant change from his first term and other presidents. Furthermore, the National Park Service has removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day from its list of fee-free days, replacing it with Trump’s birthday. This shift aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
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The FBI has requested that agents from field offices voluntarily travel to Minneapolis for temporary assignments amidst anti-ICE protests and the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good. The assignment specifics are unclear but will likely involve investigating cases of assault on federal officers, as well as vandalism and theft targeting FBI property. The request is currently voluntary, and response has been minimal. This request comes as Minneapolis experiences a large presence of federal immigration personnel, and local officials have called for ICE to leave the city.
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The Pentagon has ordered roughly 1,500 soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division to prepare for deployment, ostensibly to Minneapolis following the shooting of a local activist. However, the selection of this Arctic-specialized unit has raised eyebrows, given their unusual suitability for a domestic mission. This alert coincides with escalating geopolitical tensions over Greenland, where the United States has expressed interest in acquisition, leading analysts to question whether the domestic rationale masks a broader strategic purpose. Increased Special Operations Forces activity and heightened allied readiness further fuel speculation of a potential military move. The ultimate destination of the troops, whether Minneapolis, elsewhere, or nowhere, hinges on their flight plans, which could carry significant strategic implications.
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John Q. Hosedrinker