Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, known for his military-style clothing, was questioned about not wearing a suit. During a tense visit to Washington, a confrontation with US President Donald Trump led to an abruptly cancelled minerals deal and accusations of disrespect and insufficient gratitude by Trump.
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US President Donald Trump has fired USAID inspector general Paul Martin, a day after his office criticized the administration’s aid freeze. The report warned of $489 million in food aid at risk due to staffing cuts and policy changes. Trump, in his second term, is aggressively downsizing USAID, slashing staff and freezing aid. Critics argue the move is unconstitutional, while legal challenges have temporarily halted mass layoffs.
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency canceled over $180 million in administrative contracts, including a $170,000 contract for an exhibit on Anthony Fauci. The exhibit was scheduled for completion in 2025. "Can you believe your taxpayer dollars were being spent on a Fauci exhibit," Elon Musk said reacting to the news.
The Kremlin declined to comment Monday on Kyiv saying it had captured North Korean soldiers fighting with Moscow's army in Russia's Kursk region, after President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested he was ready to exchange them for Ukrainian POWs. Russia has not denied or confirmed reports that thousands of North Korean soldiers have been sent to its border Kursk region to help Moscow fight off a Ukrainian incursion.
The Trump administration withdrew lawsuits filed by Biden's DOJ against Iowa and Oklahoma over their immigration laws criminalising illegal immigration. GOP leaders welcomed the dismissal, blaming Biden’s border security policies. Despite the DOJ's withdrawal, immigrant rights groups continue to challenge Iowa's law.
An F-35 fighter jet crashed during a training exercise at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, with the pilot safely ejecting and in stable condition. The incident occurred during landing, and a malfunction was reported. Authorities are investigating the cause to prevent future crashes. There were no other injuries reported.
The Biden administration ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to halt activities, effectively shutting down the organisation created after the 2008 crisis. Russell Vought directed the CFPB to stop work on regulations, suspend rule implementations, and cease investigations. The directive also ended the bureau's Federal Reserve funding to reduce what the administration views as excessive agency operations.
Hundreds of Palestinians in northern Gaza held an anti-Hamas protest, demanding an end to the ongoing conflict with Israel. Demonstrators expressed fatigue with the war and questioned Hamas's governance. The protest is seen as the largest since the conflict began in October 2023.
The recent killing of Cambodian dissident Lim Kimya in Thailand and the potential deportation of Uyghur refugees highlight Thailand's inability to protect political refugees. Thailand's membership in the UN Human Rights Council might increase scrutiny on its human rights record and its handling of transnational repression.
The death toll from the 1999 Columbine High School shooting has increased to 14 following the death of Anne Marie Hochhalter due to sepsis related to her shooting injuries. Hochhalter, who was paralysed in the attack, had lived independently despite medical difficulties before her death.
The Teamsters union has initiated strikes at seven Amazon facilities, impacting a key shopping period. The union seeks a labor agreement and accuses Amazon of ignoring negotiation deadlines. While representing a small fraction of Amazon's workforce, the Teamsters claim this is the largest strike against the company in US history.