US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that Europe should enhance its defence spending to support NATO, as echoed by President Trump. He stressed that the US will not be taken advantage of and reiterated that Ukraine's NATO membership remains unlikely, aligning with Trump's stance.
Related news
“More than 25,000 New Yorkers signed my Democratic primary petition, but the dismissal of the bogus case against me dragged on too long, making it impossible to mount a primary campaign while these false accusations were held over me,†Adams said in his announcement. While maintaining his status as a Democrat, Adams emphasized his intention to appeal directly to all voters as an independent. “I firmly believe that this city is better served by truly independent leadership,†he declared.
Hindu on Campus (HOC) has launched a website to document incidents of Hinduphobia on university campuses in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Over 100 cases of anti-Hindu and anti-India bias reported in the past four years have been compiled as a resource for advocacy groups.
President Trump directed Elon Musk to scrutinize spending in the US Department of Defense and Education as part of a federal government efficiency initiative. Musk's team is investigating various departments to identify waste, fraud, and abuse. Trump praised Musk's efforts so far and indicated ongoing evaluations.
China's trade surplus approached $1 trillion last year due to massive exports and careful domestic spending on imports. This surpasses the previous record, indicating China's strong dominance in global manufacturing. Many countries have responded by increasing tariffs to protect their own industries. As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, further trade tensions may arise.
JD Vance resigns from the Senate to prepare for his role as US vice president alongside President Donald Trump. Vance's time in the Senate was marked by loyalty to Trump's policies. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine will appoint a temporary Senate replacement until a special election in 2026.
Greenland is holding an election on Tuesday amid close international attention. President Trump has shown interest in the US taking over Greenland and promised prosperity to its residents. Greenland’s political parties have different visions for independence and relations with the US and Denmark. The election will also highlight the daily life concerns of Greenlanders.
Turkey's main opposition leader visited the jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, arrested on corruption charges. Imamoglu's detention, seen as politically motivated, has sparked massive protests. Authorities are cracking down on journalists covering the protests, while demonstrators demand Imamoglu's release and an end to democratic backsliding.
The House has passed a bill, largely following party lines, to bar transgender women and girls from participating in school sports designated for female students. The bill faces a tough challenge in the Senate. Republicans argue it protects women's rights, while Democrats criticize it as an invasion of privacy and harmful to transgender children.
Multiple federal agencies, including defence, state, interior, energy, EPA, and SSA, witnessed firings as President Trump removed 17 inspectors general appointed during his first term. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, argue this action undermines checks on presidential power and facilitates corruption.
UK Premier Keir Starmer emphasized that Russia must decide to engage in peace talks, with President Vladimir Putin needing to come to the table eventually. Starmer noted Ukraine's commitment to peace, while highlighting Russia's delays. Simultaneously, both nations experienced significant aerial attacks overnight, trading over 100 drones each.