However, the ban also attracted significant backlash. Conservatives decried it as an attack on free speech, while progressives questioned why Meta had allowed Trump to operate unchecked for so long. The move cemented Meta’s role as a central player in the fraught discourse over technology’s influence on democracy.
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Donald Trump's national security advisor Mike Waltz claimed that many Canadians wish to become American citizens due to dissatisfaction with Trudeau's liberal policies. Waltz asserted that there are no plans to annex Canada, but noted significant interest in the United States' economic benefits. He emphasized the renewed American influence in the Western Hemisphere under Trump's leadership.
Hours after TikTok went dark in the US, the company said Sunday that it was in the process of restoring service. “We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive,†TikTok Policy wrote on X.
Michigan state Senator Mallory McMorrow has announced her candidacy for the US Senate, emphasizing the need for new Democratic leadership. McMorrow, known for her progressive stance and viral speeches, aims to bring fresh ideas to Washington and challenge the current political status quo.
Greece’s defense minister Nikos Dendias urged the EU to ease strict defense spending limits, calling them "schizophrenic" amid growing security concerns. He emphasized that military self-sufficiency requires greater financial flexibility, aligning with Nato commitments. Greece and Cyprus, along with 19 other EU states, support expanded access to European Investment Bank funds for defense. Key decisions on EU military strengthening will be ratified at an upcoming summit.
Hamas has announced the release of three Israeli hostages on Saturday as part of a weekend exchange under a fragile ceasefire. In return, Israel will release over 300 Palestinian prisoners. Tensions have risen regarding Israel's compliance, and concerns persist about the 73 remaining hostages. The ceasefire's first phase ends in March, with discussions for a second phase stalled. Violence in Gaza has led to significant casualties and displacement.
Indo-Canadian Anita Anand, 58, becomes the minister of innovation, science, and industry in new Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet, while Delhi-born Kamal Khera, 36, is the minister of health. Carney, formerly a central banker, was sworn in with a smaller cabinet of 24 members, including 13 men and 11 women.
India is ready to cooperate with Donald Trump’s administration to repatriate around 18,000 illegal Indian migrants from the US. In return, India hopes to secure legal immigration routes like student and H-1B visas. This move also aims to strengthen India’s labor agreements with other countries and deter secessionist movements.
"Which is why I was struck this week when Mr Trump was asked directly if he viewed Mr Vance as his successor for 2028, and replied that he did not. He praised Mr Vance for doing a “fantastic job†but said, in his view, it was “too early†to anoint him as the next Republican nominee," Republican pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson wrote in the New York Times.
Republican senators face difficulty defending President Trump's pardons of January 6 protesters, including those who attacked police officers. The decisions raise safety concerns on Capitol Hill and conflict with the party's law and order stance. Many GOP members express dissent while some defer to presidential authority.
Schools and government offices will close and thousands of police will be deployed on Monday to oversee a planned "million-strong" rally by an influential religious group opposing calls to unseat Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, officials said. Philippine police chief Rommel Marbil said on Friday that he will deploy 2,500 police officers to keep the peace during the Manila rally.