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Trump's Reshaping of US Foreign Policy

Trump's withdrawal from 66 international organizations, confrontations with NATO allies, and a transactional approach to global commitments

EU rejects Trump administration push to dismantle International Criminal Court

Illustration accompanying article: EU rejects Trump administration push to dismantle International Criminal Court
  • The European Union rejected the Trump administration's claim that the International Criminal Court threatens US sovereignty, with EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni calling attacks on the court "not acceptable."
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a campaign Monday to "systematically disable" the ICC, accusing the court of threatening "every aspect" of the US political and legal system.
  • The US has already placed 11 ICC officials — including the chief prosecutor and eight judges — under sanctions, leaving them with cancelled financial accounts and travel bans.
  • Legal experts said Rubio's characterizations misrepresent the court's jurisdiction, which is limited to cases where national authorities cannot or will not prosecute the world's gravest crimes.
 2026-07-14 · 3 MIN READ
Illustration accompanying article: UK carrier deploys to Arctic as NATO confronts Russian incursions

US lawmakers urge Trump administration to halt plan moving Afghans to DRC

2026-06-11

More than 80 House lawmakers — including three Republicans — appealed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday to scrap any plan to move 1,100 Afghan nationals who worked alongside U.S. forces from temporary housing in Qatar to a third country, amid reports the administration had been in talks to send them to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

White House lawn gets 4,500-seat UFC octagon for Trump's 80th, July 4 event

2026-06-09

A 4,500-seat mixed martial arts arena now dominates the South Lawn of the White House, where the Trump administration plans to host a UFC championship event this Sunday that doubles as a celebration of President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. Trump has suggested the structure, built for an event called UFC Freedom 250, could remain permanently.

Vance blames European 'mass invasion of migrants' for UK teen's killing

2026-06-09

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said “righteous anger” was the only response to the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Britain, blaming European elites for a “mass invasion of migrants,” according to a Guardian column published Tuesday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth separately characterized migrant arrivals in Europe as an “invasion” during D-Day commemorations. The British government publicly rebuked both officials.

Hegseth calls Europe's migrant arrivals 'invasion' in D-Day speech

2026-06-06

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a D-Day anniversary speech in Normandy to accuse European nations of failing to stop what he called an 'invasion' of migrants on their shores, drawing a sharp line between the 1944 Allied liberation and contemporary migration flows.

America prepares for 250th birthday celebrations amid politicization concerns

2026-06-03

The United States is preparing for its 250th birthday on July 4 with a 16-day state fair on the National Mall, a UFC championship fight on the White House lawn, and a fireworks display expected to break the world record, but the celebrations have become entangled in political controversy as two rival planning organizations — the congressionally-established America250 and the Trump-created Freedom250 — offer competing visions for the event.

EU proposes tech sovereignty package to cut US reliance

2026-06-03

The European Commission on Wednesday proposed a wide-ranging technology sovereignty package aimed at reducing the European Union's dependence on non-EU tech companies, with measures targeting semiconductors, cloud services, data centers and artificial intelligence. The proposals, which require approval from the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, come as trade and geopolitical tensions between the EU and the Trump administration have intensified.

U.S. team trains at new $250M, 200-acre complex ahead of home World Cup

2026-05-29

The U.S. men’s national soccer team has begun training at its newly completed $250 million National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia, a 200-acre, 19-field complex that marks a dramatic upgrade from the makeshift facilities of past World Cup cycles. The facility opened this week as the Americans prepare to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off next month across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Trump plays mayor at Cabinet meeting, detailing DC renovations

2026-05-27

President Donald Trump spent roughly 10 minutes of a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday detailing renovation projects across Washington, including power-washing and painting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and repairing brick walkways at Lafayette Park, in a digression that drew more attention than discussions on the war in Iran and rising gas prices.

UFC octagon rises on White House lawn for June championship fights

2026-05-26

Crews have begun erecting an octagonal steel cage on the White House South Lawn for a Ultimate Fighting Championship bout on June 14, an event tied to the nation's 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump's 80th birthday, the Associated Press reported.

LEGO Foundation donates $97M with IRC to fund play-based learning in conflicts

2026-05-26

The LEGO Foundation said it is committing $97 million over five years to expand International Rescue Committee programs that use play-based learning for children affected by conflicts, including in East Africa and the Middle East. The partnership, announced Wednesday, aims to reach 5 million children and will adapt as crises shift.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard resigns, cites husband’s cancer

2026-05-23

Tulsi Gabbard resigned as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence on Friday, saying she needed to leave her post so she could support her husband as he battles cancer. In her resignation letter, she said she told Trump she would step away from overseeing coordination among 18 intelligence agencies on June 30.

Tulsi Gabbard resigns as director of national intelligence, cites husband’s illness

2026-05-22

Tulsi Gabbard resigned on Friday as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence, saying she needed to step away to support her husband as he battles cancer. In a resignation letter she posted on social media, Gabbard said she told Trump she would leave her job overseeing coordination of 18 intelligence agencies on June 30.

Rubio tries to balance impulsive Trump with nervous NATO allies

2026-05-22

Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to calm NATO allies ahead of Friday’s foreign ministers meeting in Sweden after President Donald Trump’s latest abrupt decision about U.S. troop deployments. Hours after Rubio left for the Helsingborg meeting, Trump announced he would send an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, drawing new questions from allies who had recently been told they would not get an expected deployment.

As America turns 250, many Brits say Trump defines the U.S.

2026-05-22

As the United States marks 250 years of independence, a new Associated Press survey of Britons finds that many struggle to discuss the country without quickly bringing up President Donald Trump. In interviews across Britain, those with differing views of Trump nonetheless said the president shapes how they see America now.

Rubio Seeks to Reassure NATO Allies After Trump Pledges 5,000 Troops to Poland

2026-05-21

Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to reassure NATO allies on Friday that the U.S. remains committed to the alliance, hours after President Donald Trump stunned European diplomats by announcing he would send 5,000 additional troops to Poland — a reversal from an earlier decision to cancel an expected deployment.

All-women Senate delegation heads to the Arctic to reassure US allies

2026-05-21

A bipartisan all-women delegation of eight U.S. senators, led by Republican Lisa Murkowski and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, departed for a tour of Arctic nations on May 22, aiming to reassure allies unsettled by the Trump administration’s confrontational posture in the region.

All-women Senate delegation heads to Arctic to reassure allies

2026-05-21

A bipartisan delegation of eight U.S. senators — all women — departed for a tour of Arctic nations Thursday, seeking to reassure allies unsettled by President Donald Trump’s confrontational stance in the region. Led by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the group will visit four Arctic countries, observe military operations, and travel to the remote Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, where escorts are needed to avoid polar bears.

As America hits 250, many Brits say one man defines it: Trump

2026-05-21

Brits marked the United States’ 250th anniversary with a familiar refrain: many say President Donald Trump defines how they view America. In interviews across Britain, people who admire the U.S. still often begin with Trump when asked what America is like now. (Associated Press)

Rubio heads to NATO meeting in Sweden as allies fret about U.S. moves

2026-05-21

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden on Friday, the State Department said May 19, as European allies weigh U.S. troop changes and Trump’s past comments about the alliance. Rubio is also scheduled to travel to India after the NATO meeting to meet with officials and counterparts from the Quad.

Rubio tries to ease NATO allies after Trump reverses troop plans

2026-05-21

Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to calm NATO allies on Friday after President Donald Trump abruptly announced he would send an additional 5,000 troops to Poland—an about-face from a recent message that Poland would not get an expected deployment. Speaking at a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rubio said the United States remained committed to NATO while adjusting its military footprint in Europe.

Trump says he'll send 5,000 more troops to Poland, stirring confusion

2026-05-21

President Donald Trump said the United States will send an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, upending recent signals that Washington would be drawing down in Europe. The announcement has prompted U.S. defense officials to express confusion and has left NATO allies seeking clarity about whether the Pentagon’s shifting troop plans include further reductions.

Rubio heads to NATO foreign ministers in Sweden amid troop, Iran concerns

2026-05-20

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel this week to a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden, where U.S. plans to reduce troop levels in Europe have met European anxiety about President Donald Trump’s stance toward the alliance, an Associated Press report said. The State Department said Rubio will attend the meeting in Helsingborg on Friday before traveling to India.

US pauses joint defense board with Canada as alliance strains deepen

2026-05-19

The United States is suspending its participation on the Permanent Joint Board on Defense with Canada, a bilateral military cooperation body that has operated continuously since 1940, the Pentagon announced Monday. Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby accused Canada of failing "to make credible progress on its defense commitments."

Rubio heads to NATO meeting as European angst grows

2026-05-19

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Sweden this week for a NATO foreign ministers meeting, as European allies grow increasingly concerned about U.S. plans to cut troop levels in Europe and President Donald Trump's shifting stance on the alliance. The meeting comes against a backdrop of the ongoing Iran war and rising global energy prices.

Rubio to visit NATO meeting in Sweden amid concerns over Trump, troops

2026-05-19

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel this week to a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden as European officials weigh U.S. plans to reduce troop levels in Europe and President Donald Trump’s stance on the alliance. The State Department said Rubio will attend the meeting in Helsingborg on Friday, then travel to India for meetings with officials and expected encounters with the “Quad” partners.

Pentagon releases defense strategy emphasizing Western Hemisphere over China

2026-05-18

In January, the Trump administration released a National Defense Strategy that fundamentally shifts U.S. foreign policy priorities, emphasizing control of the Western Hemisphere over decades-long efforts to counter China while directing U.S. allies to take greater responsibility for their own defense. The 34-page document, the Pentagon's first comprehensive defense strategy since 2022, sharply criticizes U.S. allies for relying on American military protection and explicitly seeks to guarantee U.S. access to strategic terrain including Greenland and the Panama Canal. "For too long, the U.S. Government neglected — even rejected — putting Americans and their concrete interests first," states the opening sentence of the document, which calls for "a sharp shift — in approach, focus, and tone."

US pauses Canada joint defense board dating to WWII, citing defense gaps

2026-05-18

The Pentagon said the United States is pausing participation in a joint defense board with Canada that dates to World War II, accusing Canada of failing to make credible progress on its defense commitments. The decision was announced Monday by Defense Department officials, as relations between the two neighbors strained further amid disputes over tariffs and NATO spending.

Putin to visit Chinese leader Xi Jinping days after Trump’s trip to Beijing

2026-05-16

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday and Tuesday, the Kremlin announced Saturday, less than 24 hours after U.S. President Donald Trump wrapped up his own state visit to China. The two-day trip, scheduled to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship, will focus on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and “key international and regional issues,” the Kremlin said, as Moscow deepens its reliance on Beijing amid Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

Putin to visit Xi in Beijing days after Trump’s trip

2026-05-16

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping on a two-day trip to Beijing on May 19-20, the Kremlin said Saturday. The announcement came less than 24 hours after U.S. President Donald Trump finished his state visit to China, where he also met Xi.

Pentagon halts troop deployments to Poland, Germany to cut European footprint

2026-05-16

The Pentagon has canceled upcoming deployments of Army combat units to Poland and Germany, halting the movement of roughly 4,000 troops in a drawdown directed by the Trump administration to reduce the U.S. military footprint in Europe. U.S. officials say the move aligns with a recent presidential order to cut forces by approximately 5,000 following diplomatic friction over the Iran war.

Belarus’s Lukashenko welcomes US evangelist Franklin Graham for historic gathering

2026-05-16

Belarus’s authoritarian president Alexander Lukashenko on Friday greeted U.S. evangelist Franklin Graham, who arrived in the tightly controlled country for the largest evangelical Christian gathering in its history, and asked him to convey warm greetings to President Donald Trump, telling Graham that Trump has “reliable friends and supporters in Belarus.”

Pentagon halts troops heading to Poland and Germany to cut numbers in Europe

2026-05-16

The Pentagon is canceling deployments of thousands of U.S. troops to Poland and Germany as part of a plan to reduce the number of American forces in Europe, U.S. officials told The Associated Press. The canceled movements include 4,000 troops from an Army brigade that had been headed to Poland, officials said.

AP lays off 20 US-based journalists as it pivots from print

2026-05-16

The Associated Press laid off 20 U.S.-based journalists on Friday, according to the News Media Guild, as part of a restructuring announced last month that shifts the news organization away from print journalism and toward visual journalism and other revenue sources.

Belarus leader welcomes Franklin Graham for historic evangelical gathering

2026-05-16

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko greeted U.S. evangelist Franklin Graham during a visit to hold what organizers call the largest evangelical gathering in Belarus’ history, including a festival in Minsk. Lukashenko asked Graham to convey warm greetings to President Donald Trump and told him he has “reliable friends and supporters in Belarus,” while Belarusian and U.S.-linked discussions on sanctions and prisoner releases form the backdrop.

US pledges $1.8 billion more for UN humanitarian aid, bringing total to $3.8 billion

2026-05-15

The United States on Thursday announced $1.8 billion in additional funding for United Nations humanitarian programs, bringing total U.S. support to $3.8 billion across 21 countries even as the Trump administration has cut foreign assistance overall. Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, said the new money — earmarked for lifesaving aid to victims of natural disasters, famine and 'people who are truly in critical need' — is 'the latest step' in America’s humanitarian engagement.

Abrupt USAID shutdown followed by increase in violence in aid-dependent African regions, study finds

2026-05-15

The Trump administration's decision to abruptly dissolve the U.S. Agency for International Development has been followed by a significant increase in violence across Africa's most aid-dependent regions, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Science. The researchers cautioned that the findings do not establish that the cuts caused the violence, only that the sudden disruption correlated with destabilization in fragile settings.

US pledges $1.8 billion more to UN humanitarian aid amid broader cuts

2026-05-15

The Trump administration said it will add $1.8 billion toward U.N. humanitarian aid, pledging the money will go to relief for disaster and famine victims and people “truly in critical need.” The new contribution comes as the United States has cut foreign assistance overall, while U.N. agencies have warned they are overstretched and underfunded.

Global Citizen plans World Cup halftime push to raise $100M for education

2026-05-15

Global Citizen is preparing the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show, planned for July 19, and says the performances will help raise money for education through its FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The antipoverty group said it aims to reach $100 million and that the fund will support grassroots organizations providing underserved children access to education and sports.

Study links USAID cuts to higher violence in conflict-hit African regions

2026-05-15

U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision last year to dissolve the U.S. Agency for International Development, once a leading global aid donor, was followed by a significant increase in violence in several African countries, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Science. The authors said the findings show that “large-scale, sudden aid cuts can destabilize fragile settings,” though they said the study does not prove that more aid reduces conflict.

Trump administration suspends visa bonds for World Cup ticket holders from five African nations

2026-05-14

The Trump administration said Wednesday it will waive a visa bond requirement of up to $15,000 for foreign ticket holders from five World Cup-qualifying African nations, a rare relaxation of immigration restrictions as the country prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup beginning June 11. The State Department imposed the bond last year for 50 countries with high rates of visa overstays, part of a broader immigration crackdown. Fans from Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia who have purchased tickets through FIFA and opted into the FIFA Pass expedited visa system as of April 15 are now exempt.

Macron, Guterres back African seats on UN Security Council in Ethiopia talks

2026-05-14

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — French President Emmanuel Macron concluded his Africa visit on Wednesday with talks in Ethiopia that focused on Africa’s long-running push for permanent representation on the U.N. Security Council. Meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, the leaders agreed on the need for African seats, according to a readout from the discussions.

Macron ends Africa trip in Ethiopia with UN reform and governance push

2026-05-14

French President Emmanuel Macron concluded his Africa trip in Ethiopia, holding talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and meeting African Union officials and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, according to a meeting readout shared with reporters. The leaders discussed inclusive international governance, including the longstanding question of Africa’s representation on the U.N. Security Council.

Macron faces backlash after interrupting Africa summit panel in Kenya

2026-05-14

French President Emmanuel Macron faced backlash after interrupting a panel at the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya to demand silence from the audience. Videos of the Monday intervention spread online as Macron rebuked attendees for talking over speakers during a session that featured artists and young entrepreneurs.

U.S. waives visa bond for World Cup ticket holders from five countries

2026-05-14

The Trump administration is suspending a requirement that some foreign visitors pay immigration bonds to enter the United States, the State Department said Wednesday. Ticket holders from five World Cup-qualified countries—Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia—will be exempt from paying bonds if they opt in to FIFA’s Pass system for expedited visa appointments.

Hungarian Cabinet sworn in as Péter Magyar takes power from Orbán

2026-05-13

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s new Cabinet was sworn into office Tuesday, marking the final transfer of power from Viktor Orbán’s outgoing administration. The swearing-in followed two days of parliamentary committee hearings, as Magyar moved to quickly reset Hungary’s political direction. Speaking in parliament, Magyar said the government being formed would be “the government of all Hungarians” and described it as “a servant of the nation and not of the prime minister.”

Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense plan estimated at $1.2T over 20 years

2026-05-13

The Congressional Budget Office estimated President Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense program would cost $1.2 trillion over 20 years—far more than Trump’s earlier $175 billion figure. The estimate, requested by Sen. Jeff Merkley, comes as the Pentagon still lacks details needed for a narrower cost projection.

Turkey lifts trade restriction with Armenia, easing path to ties

2026-05-12

Turkey removed a restriction on direct trade with Armenia on Wednesday, a move intended as a symbolic step toward improved relations between the longtime rivals. Armenia welcomed the change, which Turkish officials said reflects ongoing technical and bureaucratic work toward reopening their shared border.

Macron announces $27 billion Africa investment as summit calls for ‘sovereign equality’

2026-05-11

Paris announced a financial shift in its Africa relations Tuesday at the close of the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, with French President Emmanuel Macron unveiling a €23 billion ($27 billion) investment plan for the continent’s energy, artificial intelligence and agriculture sectors. The summit, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto, drew 30 African leaders to Nairobi, where Ruto declared that future partnerships must rest on “sovereign equality, not on aid or charity.”

Macron unveils $27 billion Africa investment push at Kenya summit

2026-05-11

French President Emmanuel Macron announced 23 billion euros ($27 billion) in new investments in Africa as a partnership summit in Nairobi closed on Tuesday. Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit with Kenyan President William Ruto, Macron said 14 billion euros would come from French companies and 9 billion euros from African entities.

Uganda's Museveni sworn in for seventh term, with son Muhoozi poised

2026-05-11

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in Tuesday for a seventh consecutive term, extending his rule by five years in a transition many expect to involve his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The 81-year-old took the oath in Kampala as thousands attended the ceremony and the military parade featured Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jets overhead, according to the Associated Press.

Trump presses Washington renovation blitz as Iran, economic pressures mount

2026-05-10

President Donald Trump inspected the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Thursday, days after ordering it repainted a shade he calls “American flag blue,” as his administration pushes a sweeping overhaul of Washington landmarks that has drawn legal challenges, preservationist opposition, and questions about the president’s priorities amid a volatile ceasefire with Iran and rising consumer costs.

Rwanda-backed rebels say U.S. sanctions show mediator bias in Congo conflict

2026-05-10

(AP) — A coalition of Rwanda-backed rebels in Congo has accused the Trump administration of abandoning the impartiality required to mediate peace in the country's mineral-rich east, arguing in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Washington has sanctioned opponents of the Congolese government but failed to pressure Kinshasa over alleged ceasefire violations.

Trump nominates David Cummins to head the beleaguered TSA

2026-05-10

President Donald Trump on Monday nominated David Cummins to lead the Transportation Security Administration after the agency’s bruising experience during the longest partial government shutdown in history. The TSA has been overseen by acting administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill since the shutdown ended late last month, as travelers reported long security lines and delays during the funding lapse.

Former Polish justice minister Ziobro says he is in the U.S.

2026-05-10

Poland’s national prosecutor’s office said Monday it is investigating whether Zbigniew Ziobro, a former justice minister sought at home, received help in evading liability after he said he traveled from Hungary to the United States. Ziobro, who authorities say is sought over allegations including abuse of power and misuse of a justice victims fund, told a Polish broadcaster he arrived in the U.S. the day before. The Polish foreign ministry said it wants the issue handled without political spillover, while the current justice minister said Poland has invalidated Ziobro’s travel documents.

AP photojournalist describes rare White House angle for Trump, King Charles

2026-05-10

Jacquelyn Martin, an Associated Press staff photojournalist, described how she was granted a rare vantage point in the White House “diplomatic room” as President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump awaited King Charles III and Queen Camilla for a state visit. In remarks tied to an AP “One Extraordinary Photo” feature, Martin said she used brief exposure adjustments to capture both a silhouette moment and later portraits once the royal party arrived.

Congo rebels question US impartiality in U.S.-mediated peace efforts

2026-05-10

Congolese rebel groups on Saturday questioned whether the United States has remained impartial as a mediator in eastern Congo, accusing Washington of failing to pressure Congo’s government over alleged violations of peace commitments. In a letter seen by The Associated Press, rebel leader Corneille Nangaa wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the absence of sanctions or warnings undermines the credibility of the U.S. “Facilitator/Mediator.”

Trump nominates David Cummins to lead TSA after shutdown rocked agency

2026-05-10

President Donald Trump has nominated government-contracting executive David Cummins to head the Transportation Security Administration, the agency announced Monday, tapping an outsider to steady an agency battered by the longest partial government shutdown in U.S. history.

Remains of missing U.S. soldier recovered in Atlantic off Morocco coast

2026-05-09

The remains of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., a 27-year-old U.S. Army officer who disappeared during military exercises in Morocco, were recovered from the Atlantic Ocean on May 9, the Army confirmed Sunday. A multinational search operation involving more than 600 personnel continues for a second missing service member.

Remains of US soldier missing in Morocco recovered; another still sought

2026-05-09

The U.S. Army said Sunday that the remains of a U.S. soldier who went missing during military exercises in Morocco a week earlier were recovered in the Atlantic Ocean. The service member who died was 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., while military teams continued searching for a second missing U.S. soldier.

France's Macron in Kenya for Africa summit aimed at equal partnership

2026-05-09

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Nairobi on Sunday for the Africa Forward Summit, where he and Kenyan President William Ruto aim to reset France’s relationship with the continent as a partnership of equals, moving away from decades of post-colonial dominance.

Macron visits Kenya ahead of Africa Forward Summit

2026-05-09

French President Emmanuel Macron began a two-day visit to Kenya on Sunday ahead of the Africa Forward Summit, an event meant to showcase France’s revised approach to the continent, with Macron and President William Ruto calling it a “partnership of equals.” The summit, held for the first time in an Anglophone country, is expected to draw attention to France’s withdrawal of troops from West Africa completed last year.

Trump administration reviews Mexico consulates; some could close

2026-05-08

The Trump administration is reviewing Mexico’s 53 consulates in the United States, a move that could lead to some closures, a State Department official said May 8. The official said the State Department is constantly reviewing aspects of American foreign relations but did not provide a reason or details of the review, which CBS News previously reported.

Antarctica tourism surge raises biosecurity concerns after hantavirus case

2026-05-08

Belgium-based researchers and global health officials say the rapid growth of Antarctic tourism is raising biosecurity concerns, after a deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard a Dutch ship on a polar cruise. The World Health Organization said it is investigating possible human-to-human transmission on the MV Hondius voyage, which left Argentina for Antarctica on April 1 and visited isolated islands.

Injured veterans swim with manta rays and whale shark at Georgia Aquarium

2026-05-08

An event for injured U.S. military veterans brought them to Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta for a healing swim Wednesday, part of the Wounded Warrior Project’s recovery support through marine-life encounters. Staff said the program offers participants time to relax and that the weightlessness in the water can ease physical pain. The swim also included a chance to snorkel and swim with a whale shark named Yushan, the only one in captivity in the Western Hemisphere, according to aquarium officials.

Trump tours Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool paint job he calls “American flag blue”

2026-05-08

President Donald Trump on Thursday took reporters on an unannounced trip to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool to inspect a new blue coating he says will replace gray stone at the site. The Republican president arrived after the pool was coated in what he called “American flag blue,” and he spoke with members of his Cabinet as reporters awaited his departure before sunset.

Zambia accuses US of tying $2B health deal to mineral access

2026-05-06

Zambia's foreign minister on Monday accused the United States of linking a $2 billion health assistance package to access to the country's critical minerals, escalating a diplomatic row over the Trump administration's transactional approach to foreign aid. The accusation, which the U.S. ambassador dismissed as 'absolutely and patently false,' comes amid broader tensions as Washington rewrites health agreements with dozens of aid-dependent nations.

Trump signs counterterrorism strategy prioritizing Western Hemisphere drug cartels

2026-05-06

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump signed a new U.S. counterterrorism strategy that the White House says makes eliminating drug cartels in the Western Hemisphere the administration’s top priority. The strategy, a 16-page document, also lists Islamic military groups, violent secular political groups, and efforts to keep nonstate actors from obtaining weapons of mass destruction, according to the White House.

Zambia accuses U.S. of tying $2B health aid deal to mineral access

2026-05-06

Zambia’s foreign affairs minister said the United States is tying a $2 billion health assistance deal to access to the country’s critical minerals, calling allegations by outgoing U.S. ambassador Michael Gonzales “mischievous” and “undiplomatic.” Mulambo Haimbe made the comments after the departing ambassador said Zambian leaders “abdicated their responsibilities” by diverting funds and ignoring U.S. overtures.

Trump pushes for deeper US troop reductions in Germany after Pentagon drawdown

2026-05-05

President Donald Trump said Saturday he would go “a lot further” than the Pentagon’s announced withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, escalating a break with decades of U.S. policy that has maintained a large military presence in Europe as a deterrent against Russia. The Pentagon announced the drawdown Friday without detailing which units would be affected, a move that Republican leaders of the armed services committees in Congress said would “send the wrong signal to Vladimir Putin.”

Europe leaders seek NATO clarity after Trump surprise troop pullback

2026-05-05

European leaders meeting in Yerevan said President Donald Trump’s decision to pull thousands of U.S. troops out of Germany is prompting renewed emphasis on Europe taking more responsibility for its security within NATO. The Pentagon last week announced a withdrawal of about 5,000 troops, while Trump told reporters Saturday that the U.S. plans on “cutting a lot further,” without providing a reason.

What to know about US military presence in Europe as Trump seeks drawdown

2026-05-05

President Donald Trump said he would go “a lot further” than a Pentagon plan to remove 5,000 troops from Germany, putting new focus on the U.S. role in Europe. The Pentagon’s Friday announcement followed weeks of tense exchanges with Germany’s chancellor, and comes as the United States has maintained large troop deployments supporting NATO and missions beyond Europe.

Two US service members missing in Morocco after African Lion exercise hike

2026-05-04

Two U.S. service members were reported missing in southwestern Morocco after they went on a recreational hike following exercises in the North African country, U.S. Africa Command said Sunday. AFRICOM said the U.S., Morocco and other participating countries have launched a search and rescue operation after the incident Saturday near the Cap Draa Training Area.

Trump stokes UFO file suspense as Pentagon prepares more releases

2026-05-04

President Donald Trump said the Pentagon will soon release additional records related to unidentified anomalous phenomena, fueling interest and skepticism amid ongoing efforts to declassify such material. Speaking at a White House event honoring NASA astronauts, Trump said the administration “is going to publish a lot of things we haven’t published” and called some of them “very interesting.” The remarks come as a Pentagon office and a congressional working group press for more disclosures about UFOs and alleged encounters.

US to cut more troops in Germany than planned, Trump says

2026-05-03

President Donald Trump said the United States will significantly reduce its troop presence in Germany, escalating a dispute with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The Pentagon had announced earlier that 5,000 troops would be withdrawn, but Trump told reporters in Florida that the reduction would be “a lot further than 5,000.”

Air Force says Qatar-donated 747 will be ready as Trump’s Air Force One

2026-05-02

The U.S. Air Force has finished modifying and testing a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for temporary use as Air Force One for President Donald Trump and expects it to be ready this summer, the service said. The jet is being painted red, white and blue, and Air Force officials said it will act as a “bridge” until new Boeing 747 aircraft are delivered, expected in 2028.

King Charles III’s US state visit praised for deft handling of Trump

2026-05-02

King Charles III’s state visit to the United States drew praise for what U.K. and U.S. observers described as deft handling by the monarch despite tensions in Washington over Iran and other issues. President Donald Trump praised Charles after the four-day trip and said he was lifting tariffs on Scotch in honor of the king and Queen Camilla.

US to withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany in 6-12 months

2026-05-02

The Pentagon said the United States will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany within the next six to 12 months, a move President Donald Trump has threatened amid clashes with German leader Friedrich Merz over Washington’s war with Iran. The Pentagon said the decision followed a review of its force posture in Europe.

UN cuts South Sudan peacekeeping force ceiling to 12,000 troops

2026-05-01

The U.N. Security Council voted Thursday to reduce the ceiling for its peacekeeping force in South Sudan from 17,000 to 12,000 troops and extend the mandate until April 30, 2027. The U.S.-drafted resolution passed 13-0 with Russia and China abstaining, and the U.S. ambassador said the effort aims to return the mission to “back to basics,” including keeping the peace, protecting civilians and supporting humanitarian access.

Trump backs Iraq’s prime minister pick after call and Washington invite

2026-05-01

U.S. President Donald Trump called Iraq’s prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, and invited him to Washington after he forms a government, the Iraqi prime minister’s office said Thursday. Trump also congratulated al-Zaidi in a post on Truth Social, saying he wished him “success” as he works to form a government “free from terrorism.”

Netherlands boosts reservists with royal recruitment as Europe expands forces

2026-05-01

Their faces painted with camouflage, reservists in eastern Netherlands trained over a weekend as the Dutch government pushes to grow its force of volunteers and reservists. The effort is drawing extra attention after Queen Maxima and her eldest daughter, Amalia, Princess of Orange, enrolled as volunteer reservists, prompting officials to step up recruiting, training and equipping.

Who was invited to dinner with King Charles: courts, tech CEOs and Palm Beach friends

2026-04-30

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted King Charles III and Queen Camilla at a white-tie state dinner at the White House on Tuesday evening, with nearly 130 guests in attendance, according to the Associated Press. AP reported that the guest list drew heavily from business leaders, technology executives and friends from Palm Beach, Florida, along with lawmakers and prominent media figures.

Trump says he is weighing reducing U.S. troops in Germany amid Iran feud

2026-04-30

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is studying and reviewing whether to reduce U.S. troop presence in Germany, escalating a public dispute with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The remarks followed Merz’s criticism of Washington over the Iran war and were made as the Strait of Hormuz has remained closed since Feb. 28.

Trump’s picture will appear on commemorative passports for U.S. 250th

2026-04-30

The U.S. State Department said it is preparing a limited release of commemorative U.S. passports for the country’s 250th birthday that will feature President Donald Trump’s picture. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the passports would be available at the Washington, D.C., passport office in the run-up to July 4.

Canada selected as headquarters for NATO-linked Defense Bank

2026-04-30

Canada will serve as the headquarters for a new NATO-linked financial institution designed to help alliance members meet defense spending commitments and reduce borrowing costs, a senior government official said Wednesday. The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity ahead of an official announcement. Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for the bank to be headquartered in Toronto, while Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has said Canada will meet NATO’s defense spending guideline.

King Charles III tells Congress UK-US ties are ‘interlinked’ in speech

2026-04-30

King Charles III delivered a speech to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress on April 29, extolling ties between the United Kingdom and the United States as the two countries marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In a wide-ranging address, he cited shared democratic roots, invoked historical moments including Magna Carta and 9/11, and urged unity around international security and cooperation.

Timmy humpback whale is carried on barge toward North Sea

2026-04-30

A barge carrying Timmy, a humpback whale stranded near Germany since March, has started its journey toward the North Sea, German authorities said. The whale reached Danish waters Wednesday, according to the authorities, after rescuers moved it onto the barge this week.

King Charles meets Trump and urges U.S. leaders to stay engaged globally

2026-04-29

King Charles III marked the 250th anniversary of American independence in a Tuesday address to a joint session of Congress, praising the U.S.-U.K. alliance while warning that leaders should not retreat from global engagement. Speaking during a four-day U.S. visit meant to celebrate the anniversary and mend relations, he urged U.S. support for Ukraine, backed NATO’s role, and urged reflection as U.S. regulations are rolled back on climate change.

Germany weighs Trump troop-reduction threat as NATO allies brace

2026-04-29

U.S. President Donald Trump again threatened to pull American troops out of Germany, a key NATO ally and the European Union’s largest economy, after comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. In social media posts on Wednesday and Thursday, Trump said the U.S. was reviewing possible reductions, with a “determination” to follow soon, and advised Merz to focus on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine and fixing Germany.

Planning for Trump’s security during big events may get trickier

2026-04-28

Federal law enforcement officials are evaluating how to handle President Donald Trump’s upcoming high-profile events after an attack at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. The planning follows Saturday’s incident, when a man armed with guns and knives tried to storm the Washington hotel ballroom where Trump was set to speak.

King Charles III arrives in US for 4-day state visit amid Trump rift

2026-04-28

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at the White House on Monday for a four-day U.S. state visit that officials say is meant to reinforce ties, even as tensions between President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have surfaced over the Iran war. Trump greeted the royals upon arrival and later said the trip could “absolutely” help repair the trans-Atlantic relationship. Charles is scheduled to speak to a joint meeting of Congress on Tuesday.

King Charles III’s charity marks 50 years helping young people find work

2026-04-28

King Charles III’s charity, now known as The King’s Trust, marked 50 years of helping young people find work with a gala in New York on Wednesday. The event featured remarks from Charles and brought together business and entertainment figures, while highlighting the charity’s education and employment programs.

King Charles III and Camilla visit New York’s 9/11 memorial during US trip

2026-04-28

King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the National 9/11 Memorial in New York on Wednesday as part of a four-day diplomatic trip to the United States marking 250 years of American independence. The royal couple laid flowers at the memorial and met with victims’ relatives, first responders and local dignitaries before continuing to other events across the city.

Japan’s Takaichi inaugurates panel to review security and defense strategy

2026-04-28

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday inaugurated a 15-member panel to review the country’s security and defense policies as tensions with China, North Korea and Russia intensify, the Associated Press reported. The panel will examine emergency scenarios and the defense budget as it prepares recommendations for changes in the coming months.

Congo launches paramilitary mining guard backed by U.S. and UAE funding

2026-04-28

Congo announced the creation of a paramilitary guard to secure its mining operations, backed by U.S. and Emirati investments, as it seeks more control over mineral supply chains amid insecurity in the east. The General Inspectorate of Mines said the force would be deployed gradually, with an initial 2,500 to 3,000 personnel expected to be operational by December after six months of training. The program is funded through partnerships with the United States and the United Arab Emirates, according to the statement.

Trump calls for unity after hotel breach. But will he keep the tone?

2026-04-27

President Donald Trump called for unity and bipartisan healing after authorities said a man tried to rush a security perimeter near a Washington hotel where Trump was about to speak at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Speaking late Saturday at the White House and again on Fox News Sunday, Trump also described the incident as proof that violence tied to politics has escalated.

Trump calls for unity after third attempt. But will the tone last?

2026-04-26

President Donald Trump called for unity and “bipartisan healing” after a man with weapons tried to breach a White House security perimeter ahead of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington. Trump said he was “undoubtedly” the target and, in remarks to reporters and on Fox News, urged Americans to “resolve our differences,” while also linking political violence to his own presidency and past incidents.

Berlin Zoo offers barrier-free tours for people living with dementia

2026-04-26

People living with dementia often face limited access to public life, and a new barrier-free tour at Berlin Zoo is designed to meet some families where they are. The tours, organized by Malteser Deutschland’s Berlin chapter, take participants through selected habitats with fewer distractions and a slower pace.

Afghans who helped U.S. war can return safely, Kabul says

2026-04-26

Afghanistan’s foreign ministry says Afghans who helped the U.S. during its war and have been stuck in Qatar can return home safely, according to a statement issued Saturday by spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi. The remarks came after reports that the Trump administration is discussing potentially relocating about 1,100 people and relatives of U.S. service members to Congo.

King Charles' U.S. state visit to spotlight US-UK bonds amid Iran tensions

2026-04-26

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will begin a four-day U.S. state visit next week, with ceremonies at the White House and a formal arrival at Washington’s presidential headquarters. Despite tensions tied to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s refusal to support U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy toward Iran, the visit will emphasize what officials and historians call the “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom, including a commemoration of the Sept. 11 attacks and honors for fallen U.S. service members.

Trump to attend White House correspondents’ dinner after decades of roasts

2026-04-26

As Donald Trump prepares to attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner for the first time as president, the AP looks back at how the annual event has swung between laughs and sharp political tension—often through celebrity comedians’ roasts. The dinner’s modern format, with a red carpet for journalists and political figures and televised jokes, has produced viral moments stretching back decades.

Trump says Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is being coated

2026-04-24

President Donald Trump announced that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will be coated in a “American flag blue” swimming-pool surface, during an Oval Office event Thursday. He said the decades-old granite beneath the pool had been “leaking like a sieve” and that replacing it would take years and cost about $301 million. The president said the coating project would be finished in weeks and ready before July 4.

Amnesty warns World Cup visitors about U.S. authoritarianism and violence

2026-04-24

Amnesty International and dozens of U.S. civil and human rights groups issued a World Cup travel advisory for visitors to the United States, warning of “rising authoritarianism and increasing violence” during President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement. The groups said visitors could face arbitrary entry denials, detention in “inhumane” conditions and intrusive searches of phones and social media.

Pentagon abruptly says Navy Secretary John Phelan is departing

2026-04-24

Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving his job, the Pentagon abruptly announced Wednesday, without providing a reason. The service’s acting head will be Undersecretary Hung Cao, a Navy combat veteran who has led unsuccessful campaigns for Congress in Virginia.

Estonia’s Tsahkna in Vietnam seeks tech ties, EU seafood and investment push

2026-04-23

Estonia’s foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, met Vietnam’s prime minister, Le Minh Hung, in Hanoi on Wednesday to discuss deeper cooperation in trade, technology and digital transformation, according to Tsahkna and Vietnam’s state media. Tsahkna said Estonia could help Vietnam digitize public services and ease bureaucracy, while Hung asked Estonia to urge the European Union to ratify an investment protection agreement and to support EU efforts to lift a “yellow card” restricting Vietnamese seafood imports.

Kennedy Center to close for two-year renovation starting in July

2026-04-23

The Kennedy Center plans to shutter the Washington venue for a two-year renovation beginning in July, citing significant water damage and long-needed repairs. New leadership has described building conditions that include severe corrosion tied to water infiltration and aging equipment, while Matt Floca said he recommended closing the facility all at once. Congress has provided nearly $257 million for the work, and the institution expects to seek private donations for refurbishing some premium areas.

US weighs plan to move Afghans from Qatar to third country

2026-04-23

The Trump administration is considering sending more than 1,000 Afghan allies who helped the U.S. war effort and relatives of U.S. service members held in Qatar to a third country, U.S. officials and advocates said. The proposal includes Congo as an option, with the State Department saying it is working to “voluntarily” resettle the group but not confirming where.

US considers sending Afghans from Qatar to a third country

2026-04-22

Washington is considering a plan to potentially move more than 1,000 Afghan allies and relatives of U.S. service members from a U.S. base in Qatar to a third country, according to the U.S. government and advocates. The State Department is working to identify “voluntary” resettlement options but has not confirmed which nations are under discussion.

Estonia and Vietnam discuss trade and tech ties as EU urges grow

2026-04-22

Vietnam and Estonia moved to deepen cooperation on trade, technology and digital services during meetings in Hanoi, Estonia’s foreign minister said. Margus Tsahkna met Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on Wednesday and discussed digital cooperation after a 2025 agreement between the two countries. The prime minister also urged Estonia to press the European Union to ratify an investment protection accord and address an EU “yellow card” affecting Vietnamese seafood imports.

Japan lifts ban on lethal arms exports in shift from postwar pacifism

2026-04-22

Japan approved Tuesday the removal of a ban on exporting lethal weapons, a Cabinet decision that rewrites parts of the country’s postwar pacifist approach as it seeks to strengthen its defense industry amid concerns about aggression from China and North Korea.

Japan scraps ban on lethal weapons exports in postwar policy shift

2026-04-22

Japan on Tuesday scrapped a ban on lethal weapons exports, approving new guidelines that mark a major change to the country’s postwar pacifist policy as it seeks to strengthen its arms industry. The cabinet approved by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi clears hurdles for arms sales, including Japanese-developed warships and combat drones, with approvals also shaped by national security review. Chinese and Japanese critics warned the change could increase tensions, while Japanese officials said it will help ensure safety and build an industrial base for defense resilience.

Trump to read from 2 Chronicles during marathon Bible event for America 250

2026-04-22

President Donald Trump will read an Old Testament passage during a weeklong, livestreamed marathon Bible event tied to America 250, the AP reported. The reading from 2 Chronicles 7:14 calls for national repentance and is being broadcast from the Museum of the Bible in Washington and other locations.

Progressive leaders rally in Barcelona to defend rules-based world order

2026-04-18

Progressive leaders from multiple continents gathered in Barcelona on Saturday to mount a coordinated defense of multilateral governance and democracy against what they characterized as an assault on international institutions. The summit brought together Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, and U.S. Democrats Chris Murphy and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to the dual-event IV Meeting in Defense of Democracy and an inaugural Global Progressive Mobilization. The gathering drew approximately 6,000 elected officials, policy analysts, and activists—underscoring an ideological schism widening at the global level. The events occurred as President Trump, through explicit rejection of NATO and United Nations authority and through social media attacks on Sánchez, continues to signal a departure from decades of U.S. multilateral commitments.

Washington tightens scrutiny of prediction markets over geopolitical betting

2026-04-17

Congress and the White House are moving to regulate prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket over concerns that the platforms enable insider trading and war profiteering. The push comes after reports of highly profitable bets placed on military and geopolitical events, including bets on when a U.S. airman downed in Iran would be rescued and on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's ouster.

US pushes 'trade over aid' plan at UN as humanitarian groups warn against privatization

2026-04-16

The Trump administration is pressing foreign governments to back a "Trade Over Aid Initiative" at the United Nations, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordering all U.S. diplomats to recruit high-level support ahead of a formal UN introduction scheduled for the end of April, according to a diplomatic cable obtained by The Associated Press. The United Nations warned Wednesday that trade and investment must not be used to replace principled humanitarian assistance.

Brazil's ex-intelligence chief freed by ICE after two-day Florida detention

2026-04-16

Alexandre Ramagem, Brazil's former intelligence agency chief who was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his role in a 2023 coup attempt, was released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Florida on Wednesday after a two-day detention, according to the Associated Press. Ramagem thanked President Donald Trump in posts on his social media channels for the release, though he provided no evidence that Trump had any connection to the move. ICE did not respond to the AP's request for comment.

Trump budget director defends plan to lift defense spending to nearly $1.5 trillion

2026-04-15

Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, told a House budget committee Wednesday that expanding the U.S. defense industrial base will require a large upfront investment, defending the White House's proposal to increase defense spending to nearly $1.5 trillion in the next fiscal year — up more than 40 percent from the nearly $1 trillion allocated this year.

Orbán election defeat sparks scrutiny of Trump allies and policy

2026-04-14

Hungary’s ruling party election loss for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán reverberated in the United States, where President Donald Trump and many conservatives had backed the Hungarian leader’s long rule. Republicans and Democrats alike used the result to argue about how democratic systems respond when incumbents tilt institutions.

Orbán deja el poder en Hungría tras 16 años en una derrota electoral

2026-04-13

Los húngaros votaron el domingo para sacar del poder al primer ministro Viktor Orbán después de 16 años, en una elección que dio la victoria a Péter Magyar, antiguo aliado de Orbán, con repercusiones potenciales para Europa. Magyar prometió reconstruir las relaciones de Hungría con la Unión Europea y la OTAN, mientras Orbán reconoció la derrota y dijo que la oposición servirá a la nación húngara.

Orbán ousted after 16 years as Hungary elects pro-European Magyar

2026-04-13

Hungarian voters ousted Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power in a bombshell election, according to AP reporting. Péter Magyar, a former Orbán loyalist turned challenger, pledged to rebuild ties with the European Union and NATO. Orbán conceded defeat and said he would serve in opposition, while European leaders quickly congratulated Magyar.

Trump’s endorsements and trips test his influence ahead of Hungary vote

2026-04-12

President Donald Trump and top U.S. officials have used social media posts and an election-eve visit to Budapest to back Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of Hungary’s April 12 election, an effort meant to bolster a far-right ally seeking a fifth term. Vice President JD Vance told reporters that Orbán “is going to win,” as Hungarian voters prepare to choose Orbán and his next parliament. A former U.S. ambassador to Hungary said Trump’s approach has “cheapen[ed] a relationship” by infusing Hungarian policy with what he called a political U.S. rubric.

Trump unveils plans for 250-foot winged arch in Washington

2026-04-11

President Donald Trump unveiled plans for a new triumphal arch in Washington that would rise 250 feet and feature a winged figure holding a torch, along with golden eagles and four lions. The design, released by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, would place the arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, with the Latin mottos “One Nation Under God” and “Liberty and Justice for All” inscribed in gold.

Ex-NYC Mayor Eric Adams becomes an honorary Albanian citizen

2026-04-11

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams said he has become an honorary citizen of Albania, announced Friday by Albanian officials and confirmed by a spokesperson for Adams. The Albanian president, Bajram Begaj, issued a decree granting the honorary status “at his request,” the Associated Press reported. Adams, who previously spoke of his desire to move abroad after leaving politics, described the development as part of a long relationship with the Albanian-American community.

NATO’s Mark Rutte dodges question on Trump leaving over Iran war

2026-04-10

BRUSSELS — NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Thursday declined to say whether President Donald Trump has repeated a threat to quit the military alliance, after discussions in Brussels amid Trump criticism over U.S. support for the war on Iran. Rutte said Trump was disappointed some allies moved too slowly to help with the conflict, and he pointed to the importance of keeping U.S. engagement in NATO.

Trump renews NATO criticism after meeting with Mark Rutte

2026-04-09

President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of NATO after a closed-door meeting with the alliance’s secretary-general, Mark Rutte, in Washington. Trump said NATO “WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM” and linked his complaint to the Iran war and efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Vance in Hungary to back Orbán ahead of tough poll

2026-04-08

U.S. Vice President JD Vance urged Hungarians on Tuesday to back Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the country’s upcoming election, speaking at a campaign rally in Budapest that drew Orbán supporters. Vance said Trump’s administration wants Orbán to win and praised the Hungarian leader’s approach to issues including immigration and his stance toward the European Union.

CIA ends public access to World Factbook, prompting educator and fan backlash

2026-04-08

The Central Intelligence Agency has shut down public access to its World Factbook, a free, long-running reference database that includes maps and country-by-country information, according to the CIA and a report by Laurie Kellman. The change, announced during the Trump administration, has sparked grief and concern among educators and others who used the resource in classrooms and research.

Trump Jr. criticizes EU during Bosnia trip amid Serb separatist boost

2026-04-08

Donald Trump Jr. criticized the European Union during a visit to Bosnia on Tuesday, saying its liberal policies discourage investment and predicting a “major fracture” between the bloc’s eastern and western member states. Speaking in the northwestern Bosnian city of Banja Luka, he urged Europe to “get out of” its own way. The U.S. Embassy press office in Sarajevo said the visit was in a “private capacity,” but local leaders and officials tied it to support for Bosnia’s Serb separatist political leadership.

Trump orders UFO files released, reigniting debate on whether aliens exist

2026-04-07

The Associated Press reports that President Donald Trump has directed the release of government UFO and UAP files, reviving public debate about whether extraterrestrial life exists and what it might mean. The conversation has also gained momentum as the United States heads back toward the moon with NASA’s Artemis II mission, which launches Wednesday with four astronauts for a fly-around of the lunar orbiter.

Hungary election spotlights Orbán’s friction with European Union

2026-04-07

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary will vote on April 12, a contest that could determine whether Viktor Orban, the European Union’s longest-serving leader, faces defeat after a long record of blocking decisions in the bloc, lawmakers and analysts said. The election is being watched across Europe as the EU tries to respond to wars, Russian sabotage efforts and other strains, with Orban’s vetoes limiting options and fueling calls for treaty and policy changes.

CIA ends World Factbook access; educators and researchers mourn loss

2026-04-07

The CIA stopped making the CIA World Factbook available to the public on Feb. 4, ending a decades-long reference resource used by students, educators and researchers. In a report published April 5, Associated Press said the agency framed the shutdown as part of a change in its mission and urged users to “remain curious.”

Hollywood crafts narrative on visitors from space

2026-04-07

Hollywood’s long-running depictions of extraterrestrials and UFOs are poised to blend again with government disclosure, as President Donald Trump has called for agencies to release secret files related to extraterrestrials and UFOs. A Duke University professor says decades of science-fiction storytelling have helped shape how Americans imagine contact—whether as rescue and warning or as invasion.

Trump proposes 2027 budget boosts Pentagon spending to $1.5T

2026-04-04

President Donald Trump has proposed $1.5 trillion for defense in his 2027 budget, released Friday, setting up a potential clash with Congress as he pairs the increase with cuts to domestic programs. The White House says the request would raise Pentagon funding by about 44% and reduce non-defense spending by 10%.

Nearly a century of UFO wonder: U.S. sightings, investigations, and movies

2026-04-04

A widely syndicated Associated Press look at the American UFO saga traces how the subject has shifted from early reported sightings and Cold War investigations to military videos later labeled unidentified aerial phenomena and new government efforts to study them. It also charts how UFOs became a recurring theme in Hollywood films and TV, including “Star Trek,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” and “E.T. the Extraterrestrial.” The timeline comes as new U.S. political and Pentagon actions renew public debate about what, if anything, unidentified sightings represent.

Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar calls election a referendum on world place

2026-04-04

Péter Magyar, the Hungarian opposition leader and founder of the Tisza party, said the election next week against Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will be a “referendum” on whether Hungary can return to democratic Europe or continues drifting toward Eastern autocracies. In an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday in Kiskunhalas, Magyar also accused Orbán of steering the country toward Russia and driving widespread corruption.

Trump floats NATO exit amid Iran war tensions with Europe over Strait

2026-04-02

U.S. President Donald Trump signaled openness to leaving NATO as he criticized European allies over the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz, a trade route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes, the Associated Press reported. Trump also warned that countries reliant on the strait “must grab it and cherish it” because the United States would not, while members of Congress and European leaders worked to manage alliance fallout.

King Charles III to deliver address to U.S. Congress in late April

2026-04-02

King Charles III will deliver an address to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress during a Washington visit in late April, becoming the first British monarch to speak to lawmakers in more than three decades, congressional leaders said. The joint address will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States’ declaring independence from Britain and comes as friction persists over U.S. policy toward European allies and the war in Iran.

Trump attends opening night of “Chicago” at Kennedy Center in DC

2026-03-31

Trump attended opening night of the musical “Chicago” at the Kennedy Center on Tuesday, with some audience members booing as he arrived. The visit came shortly after he signed an executive order tied to creating a nationwide list of “verified eligible voters” and restricting mail-in voting, which Democrats said prompted legal challenges.

Disney opens World of Frozen at renamed Paris park

2026-03-30

Disney opened World of Frozen on Sunday at Disneyland Paris, debuting an Arendelle-themed land anchored by a 118-foot mountain of ice. The expansion is part of a 2 billion euro transformation that also renames one of the resort’s two parks and includes new attractions and dining.

Europe tightens migration powers, including “return hubs” like Trump-style deals

2026-03-30

The European Union is expanding its ability to track migrants, conduct raids and deport people to “return hubs” in third countries in Africa and elsewhere, a plan that critics say mirrors tactics used by the Trump administration. The EU’s “Pact on Migration and Asylum” is set to go into effect June 12, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

UFC to stage White House cage-match event for Trump’s 80th birthday

2026-03-29

Cage-match fighting is coming to the White House, where UFC is planning a June 14 mixed martial arts show on the president’s lawn to mark President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, according to Associated Press reporting. The event includes plans to erect a 6-foot wire-mesh octagon on the lawn and to televise the show on Paramount+.

U.S. eases Belarus sanctions as Trump links move to help for farmers

2026-03-26

The Trump administration on Thursday announced it is easing sanctions on a group of Belarus-linked financial and fertilizer companies, citing improved conditions and closer ties with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. Treasury said it and the State Department determined that circumstances no longer warrant the prohibitions, while warning the action does not free frozen assets.

Trump envoy John Coale used vulgarity, vodka shots in Belarus talks

2026-03-26

President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Belarus, John Coale, said he used vulgar language and drank vodka during his first meeting with President Alexander Lukashenko while trying to build rapport ahead of efforts to secure the release of political prisoners. Coale, speaking at an event hosted by the McCain Institute, defended what he called “very direct” diplomacy and linked it to hundreds of releases since Trump returned to the White House.

Melania Trump hosts world counterparts on education, tech for children

2026-03-25

Melania Trump urged countries on Tuesday to work together to improve access to education and technology for children worldwide, delivering her remarks as she opened a two-day summit in Washington with counterparts from more than 40 countries. Speaking in a State Department auditorium, she called for regional meetings, research studies, new partnerships and collaboration to “cultivate the skills young people need to be successful.”

Melania Trump opens summit on education, technology for children

2026-03-24

In Washington, Melania Trump on Tuesday called for a global alliance to improve children’s access to education and technology, opening an inaugural two-day summit bringing together counterparts from more than 40 countries and technology executives. Speaking in a State Department auditorium, she urged participants to accelerate a “new global alliance” aimed at helping young people build skills for a rapidly changing world.

Trump administration places Columbus statue replica near White House

2026-03-24

A statue of Christopher Columbus has been placed on the grounds of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building adjacent to the White House, the Associated Press reported on March 23, as President Donald Trump’s administration renews its effort to recognize the explorer. The administration and its allies have promoted Columbus as a hero, while critics point to his role in European conquest of the Americas and exploitation of Native peoples.

Orbán opponent demands investigation into Hungary’s alleged Moscow backchannel

2026-03-24

Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar, the front-runner ahead of an April parliamentary election, called for an investigation into an alleged backchannel between Budapest and Moscow that he described as “treason.” The accusations follow a Washington Post report alleging that Hungary’s government has shared detailed information from European Council meetings with Russia for years.

European far right rallies behind Orbán ahead of Hungary election

2026-03-24

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is drawing fresh support from leading European far-right figures as voters prepare to choose a new government on April 12, with his allies pitching the contest as a referendum on the direction of Europe and the movement’s future. The leaders gathered Monday in Budapest for an assembly of Patriots for Europe, a parliamentary group set up in 2024 by Orbán and other far-right partners.

Poland responds after Hungary accused of sharing EU details with Russia

2026-03-23

Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, said Sunday that Poland “had our suspicions” about Hungary sharing detailed information from EU Council meetings with Russia, after a Washington Post report cited current and former European security officials alleging the practice has continued for years. Tusk’s remarks came a day after Poland’s government responded publicly to Hungary’s denials and criticism of its position amid tense relations over EU support for Ukraine.

Judge orders Voice of America restored as Trump administration prepares appeal

2026-03-22

A federal judge ordered the Voice of America to resume operations after the Trump administration last year largely shut it down, directing hundreds of VOA employees placed on paid leave to return to work. The government filed notice Thursday to appeal the March 7 order by U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth, who ruled that Kari Lake lacked authority to reduce VOA to a “skeleton.”

Lula condemns “colonial” interference at CELAC summit in Colombia

2026-03-22

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized what he called a “colonial approach” toward developing nations during a summit in Colombia on Saturday, without naming U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking at the Brazil-CELAC forum, Lula linked the criticism to actions including the handling of Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro, a U.S. fuel blockade on Cuba, and the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. Colombian President Gustavo Petro also denounced what he said was the United Nations’ inability to stop conflicts, citing the Security Council’s veto structure.

US to set up 12 regional disaster response hubs under new State Dept office

2026-03-21

The U.S. State Department said it is creating a new Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response based in Washington that will coordinate disaster and emergency humanitarian aid through 12 regional hubs. The hubs will be located in Miami; Bogota, Colombia; Guatemala City; Santo Domingo; Kyiv; Amman; Addis Ababa; Nairobi; Dakar; Bangkok; Dhaka; and Manila, the department said.

Vance visit to Hungary comes days before Orbán faces election challenge

2026-03-21

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Hungary days before Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government faces a pivotal election challenge, Hungary’s foreign minister said. The foreign ministry said the trip grows out of the “very intensive Hungarian–American intergovernmental relationship,” but Vance’s office has not confirmed when he would arrive.

Trump holds second dignified transfer as KC-135 crash deaths return to families

2026-03-19

President Donald Trump attended a “dignified transfer” ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday for the remains of six U.S. service members killed in a KC-135 refueling aircraft crash in western Iraq. It marked the second time in three weeks the Republican president attended the military ritual since the start of the war with Iran on Feb. 28.

Poland’s economy tops $1T and edges past Switzerland in growth story

2026-03-17

Poland has become the world’s 20th-largest economy and is set to highlight that rise at a Group of 20 summit later this year, the Associated Press reported. The story contrasts post-communist shortages in the 1980s and early 1990s with Poland’s steady expansion after joining the European Union in 2004, reaching more than $1 trillion in annual output.

Susie Wiles says she has early-stage breast cancer but will keep working

2026-03-15

White House chief of staff Susie Wiles said on Monday that she has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer but plans to continue working through treatment, remaining a top aide to President Donald Trump during a politically turbulent period. Trump also said her prognosis is “excellent” and that she will begin treatment right away.

3 more members of Iran women soccer team leave Australia

2026-03-15

Three more members of Iran’s women’s soccer team who accepted refugee visas to stay in Australia have decided to return to Iran, an Australian minister said Sunday. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the departures leave three of an initial seven squad members in Australia.

Richard Grenell to step down as Kennedy Center president

2026-03-15

Richard Grenell, an ally of President Donald Trump who oversaw sweeping changes at the Kennedy Center, will step down as the performing arts center’s president. Trump announced the move Friday, saying Matt Floca will succeed Grenell and that the change is expected to be finalized at a board meeting Monday at the White House.

Rwanda threatens to withdraw troops from Mozambique unless funding stays “sustainable”

2026-03-15

Rwanda’s foreign minister said Saturday that Rwanda will withdraw its counterinsurgency troops from Mozambique if the mission’s foreign backers do not provide “sustainable funding.” The warning came after the U.S. State Department imposed visa restrictions on several senior Rwandan officials over allegations tied to insecurity in eastern Congo.

3 more Iran soccer players leave Australia after visa reversal

2026-03-15

MELBOURNE, Australia — Three additional members of Iran's women's soccer team who had accepted Australian refugee visas have decided to return to Iran, an Australian government minister said Sunday. The departure leaves three of the initial seven squad members who stayed in Australia now planning to return home.

Kazakhstan votes in referendum on Tokayev-backed constitution overhaul

2026-03-14

Kazakhstanis voted Sunday in a referendum on a new constitution that would strengthen President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s grip on power, according to the referendum plan reported by The Associated Press. The proposed changes would merge the country’s parliament into a single chamber and expand presidential influence over key officials. Analysts also said the vote could help Tokayev reshape presidential term limits after his current term ends in 2029.

US to permanently close consulate in Peshawar, shifting services to Islamabad

2026-03-12

The U.S. State Department will permanently close the U.S. consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, and move consular services to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, according to a notification Congress received. The department said the closure is intended to save $7.5 million per year and that it will not adversely affect core U.S. national interests in Pakistan.

South Africa summons US ambassador after criticism of affirmative action

2026-03-12

South Africa’s foreign minister said Wednesday the country summoned the new U.S. ambassador to explain his criticism of South Africa’s policies, as a diplomatic rift deepens. The ambassador, Leo Brent Bozell III, has taken aim at South Africa’s ties with Iran, parts of its affirmative action laws, and a land law allowing expropriation without compensation in some circumstances.

Czech lawmakers approve defense budget that falls short of NATO target

2026-03-12

Czech lawmakers on Wednesday approved a 2026 defense budget that falls short of NATO’s 2% of GDP spending target, despite pressure from the United States and President Petr Pavel. The vote in Parliament’s lower house allocated nearly 155 billion koruna ($7.4 billion) to the Defense Ministry, putting the figure at just over 1.7% of gross domestic product.

Canadian PM Mark Carney to visit Norway to observe NATO Cold Response

2026-03-10

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to visit Norway on Friday to observe a NATO exercise, his office said Monday. Carney is expected to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo and later travel to the United Kingdom for talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Ig Nobels shifts ceremony to Zurich due to US visa concerns

2026-03-10

The organizers of the annual Ig Nobels, a satirical prize for scientific work, said Monday the 36th ceremony will be held in Zurich, Switzerland, instead of the United States due to concerns that attendees may not be able to obtain U.S. visas. The move comes as the Trump administration focuses on deporting migrants in the country illegally and also on holders of student and visitor exchange visas, organizers said.

US designates Afghanistan as sponsor of wrongful detention

2026-03-10

The U.S. State Department designated Afghanistan as a sponsor of wrongful detention, accusing the Taliban of using “hostage diplomacy” in a bid to extract policy concessions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, raised the issue at a U.N. Security Council meeting.

Polish President Nawrocki rejects EU €44 billion defense-loan bill

2026-03-09

Polish President Karol Nawrocki refused to sign a law that would allow Poland to tap almost €44 billion in preferential EU defense loans, warning that the move would increase dependence on Brussels. The president proposed an alternative bill that would rely on national resources instead. Nawrocki’s office said he has until March 20 to decide whether to veto the government’s law.

US imposes visa restrictions on Rwandan officials over M23 rebel support

2026-03-06

The U.S. State Department imposed visa restrictions Friday on several senior Rwandan officials for what it described as "fueling instability" in eastern Congo, intensifying pressure on Rwanda days after Washington sanctioned the Rwandan military and four of its top officers for backing the M23 rebel group. The unnamed officials are targeted for continued support of M23, which the U.S. says has persisted despite the Washington Accords — a peace agreement signed in December between Rwanda and Congo with U.S. mediation.

Kosovo president urges quick snap vote after dissolving parliament

2026-03-05

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani dissolved Parliament on Friday after lawmakers failed to elect her successor by a midnight Thursday deadline due to a lack of a quorum. In an interview with The Associated Press, Osmani urged a snap election held as soon as possible to avoid another prolonged political crisis.

EU suspends visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials

2026-03-05

The European Union suspended visa-free travel for diplomats and officials from Georgia for at least a year, the bloc said Friday, citing democratic backsliding and a crackdown on anti-government protesters. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s executive branch said the suspension will run until March 6, 2027, with a possible two-year extension. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said there are “consequences” when a government attacks its own people, silences journalists and curtails freedom.

Lukashenko pardons 18 prisoners as Belarus seeks ties with the U.S.

2026-03-05

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 18 prisoners in a decree announced Thursday, including 15 people convicted on extremism charges. The releases are the latest in a series that has accompanied steps by the Trump administration, including lifting sanctions on Belarus’ potash and airline sectors, according to officials.

Hegseth moves to end “wokeness” in military education, severing Ivy ties

2026-03-05

Pentagon plans to cut a prestigious military fellowship’s access to selected colleges, while officials say changes to other education benefits remain broader. The shake-up arrives as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushes a campaign aimed at removing “wokeness” from the military and reshaping how U.S. service members pursue advanced study.

Trump to attend White House correspondents’ dinner for first time as president

2026-03-02

President Donald Trump said he will attend this year’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on April 25, marking the first time he has done so as commander in chief. In a post on Monday evening, Trump said the association asked him to be the Honoree and that it will be his “Honor to accept their invitation.”

Trump awards Medal of Honor to three U.S. Army soldiers at White House

2026-03-02

President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to three U.S. Army soldiers at the White House on Monday, recognizing combat service from wars spanning Vietnam, Afghanistan and World War II. The ceremony included the families of the honorees and remarks from Trump and Polish officials, and it began with Trump saying the event “There’s no ceremony that can be more important than this.”

Historic U.S. documents begin nationwide tour on Freedom Plane

2026-03-02

Major historical documents from the National Archives will begin a nationwide journey this week as part of the U.S. 250th anniversary, officials said. The first stop is Kansas City, Missouri, where the records—including the 1783 Treaty of Paris—will be displayed beginning Friday at the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Melania Trump to preside over UN Security Council meeting for March

2026-02-28

Melania Trump will preside over a U.N. Security Council meeting next Monday during the United States’ rotating presidency for March, a first for a first lady, the United Nations said. Stephane Dujarric, a U.N. spokesman, said the meeting will be the first time a first lady—or a first gentleman—has presided over the council.

Trump’s State of the Union draws 32.6 million viewers, down from 2025

2026-02-27

President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address was seen by an estimated 32.6 million people this week, down about 4 million from his 2025 speech to Congress, according to Nielsen ratings cited by the Associated Press. The broadcast reached viewers across 15 television networks and drew an older-skewing audience, with 23.6 million viewers age 55 and up.

Trump uses State of the Union to defend foreign policy, Iran plans

2026-02-26

En su discurso del Estado de la Unión, el presidente Donald Trump se enfocó principalmente en asuntos internos, pero también delineó ante el público estadounidense por qué respalda sus esfuerzos de política exterior, en un momento en que crece el escepticismo sobre su prioridad “Estados Unidos primero”. Trump dijo que hará la paz cuando pueda, pero que no dudará en enfrentar amenazas contra Estados Unidos “donde sea necesario”. Además, destacó mediaciones para un alto el fuego en Gaza, el regreso de rehenes y la captura del líder venezolano Nicolás Maduro.

Louvre Museum director resigns after crown jewels theft, ticket fraud probe

2026-02-25

Laurence des Cars resigned Tuesday as director of the Louvre Museum, the Associated Press reported, citing months of pressure after October’s theft of the French crown jewels and a suspected ticket fraud scheme linked to the museum. French President Emmanuel Macron accepted her resignation, calling it “an act of responsibility” as the museum faces scrutiny over security and day-to-day operations.

U.S. embassy to offer consular passport services in West Bank settlement

2026-02-25

The U.S. embassy in Jerusalem plans to offer consular services for the first time at an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, starting with routine passport assistance in Efrat on Friday. The embassy said the outreach will expand to the Israeli settlement of Beitar Illit in coming months as part of efforts to reach Americans.

Hong Kong protests after Panama takes control of key canal ports

2026-02-25

Hong Kong protested Panama’s takeover of two strategic ports at the Panama Canal, which had been operated for decades by a Hong Kong-linked company, the city’s government said Tuesday. Panama said its Supreme Court decision left the concession without legal basis and that it was ensuring continuity of operations as the operator pursues arbitration.

Trump makes the case for his foreign policy at State of the Union

2026-02-25

President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday tilted mainly toward domestic policy, while also laying out his foreign-policy priorities—ranging from a fragile Gaza ceasefire and hostage returns to a harder posture toward Iran and renewed pressure on NATO allies. Trump warned of confronting threats “wherever we must” as polls show Americans remain uneasy about his handling of foreign affairs.

Cabinet officer kept from State of the Union as designated survivor fail-safe

2026-02-24

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins appeared to be President Donald Trump's pick as designated survivor for the State of the Union address Tuesday night, kept away from the Capitol to ensure government continuity if a catastrophic event killed federal leadership gathered for the event. The White House did not immediately confirm Collins's selection.

US ambassador to France defuses diplomatic spat with Paris

2026-02-24

The U.S. ambassador to France worked Tuesday to resolve a diplomatic row with Paris, telephoning Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot after missing a scheduled government meeting. Ambassador Charles Kushner and Barrot agreed to meet in coming days, according to Kushner's office.

Trump delivers State of the Union to Congress increasingly sidelined by his power

2026-02-24

President Donald Trump will deliver the 2026 State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday, addressing a nation transformed by his expansive executive agenda. The moment comes as constitutional scholars warn that Trump's accumulation of power through hundreds of executive actions and administrative orders has effectively sidelined Congress, which has largely accommodated his priorities rather than asserting its legislative authority.

Rubio to visit St. Kitts to reassert U.S. focus on Western Hemisphere

2026-02-23

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to St. Kitts and Nevis this week for a one-day trip aimed at keeping the Western Hemisphere at the center of U.S. policy, the State Department said. The visit comes about a month after a U.S. military operation removed then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power, as U.S. attention also sharpens on Iran.

Audit finds flaws in FAA oversight of United Airlines maintenance

2026-02-21

The U.S. Transportation Department’s inspector general said the Federal Aviation Administration lacks sufficient staffing and workforce planning to oversee United Airlines maintenance, according to an audit released Friday. The review also faulted how the FAA conducted some inspections “virtually” when it lacked resources to review United aircraft on site. The FAA said it agreed with most recommendations and was taking steps to address them by the end of the year.

Saudi uranium enrichment possible in proposed US nuclear deal

2026-02-20

A proposed nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia could allow the kingdom to develop uranium enrichment capabilities, congressional documents and arms control experts warn, raising proliferation concerns as tensions between the United States and Iran escalate over Tehran's nuclear program. The proposed agreement, potentially worth billions of dollars, would establish safeguard agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency. But within those safeguards lies a potential path to uranium enrichment technology for Saudi Arabia.

Trump orders Pentagon to identify and release UFO and alien files

2026-02-20

President Donald Trump said Thursday he is directing the Pentagon and other U.S. agencies to identify and release files related to extraterrestrials and UFOs, citing “tremendous interest.” Trump said on Air Force One that he does not know whether aliens are real, and added that he may “get [former President Barack Obama] out of trouble” by declassifying related material.

US pays about $160M toward UN dues; Trump pledges more funding

2026-02-20

The United States has paid about $160 million of the nearly $4 billion it owes to the United Nations, the U.N. said Thursday. U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the Trump administration’s payment last week is earmarked for the U.N.’s regular operating budget.

Trump orders agencies to release UFO and extraterrestrials files

2026-02-19

President Donald Trump said he is directing the Pentagon and other U.S. agencies to identify and release files related to extraterrestrials and unidentified aerial phenomena, citing “tremendous interest.” He said he does not know whether aliens are real and told reporters that he may “get” former President Barack Obama “out of trouble” by declassifying information.

Air Force One will be painted red, white and blue

2026-02-19

U.S. military officials said the next Air Force One aircraft will be repainted with a red, white and blue color scheme, a look associated with President Donald Trump. The Air Force said the change will apply to updated Boeing 747 jets expected to serve as Air Force One and to other smaller jets used by top U.S. officials.

Takaichi reelected as Japan prime minister; courts Trump ahead of Washington trip

2026-02-18

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she hopes to deepen ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and strengthen cooperation on rare earths and other economic-security efforts during a visit to Washington next month. Takaichi, reelected earlier Wednesday and forming her second Cabinet, also outlined plans to raise Japan’s military capability and boost defense spending as tensions with China have increased.

How the Siege of Boston shaped George Washington’s legacy on 250th anniversary

2026-02-17

George Washington’s first major command came during the Siege of Boston, as militias pinned down British forces in 1775 and the Continental Congress tapped Washington to lead the newly formed Continental Army. The siege, which intensified into an almost yearlong standoff, helped drive the British to evacuate the city in March 1776 and strengthened Washington’s role in the Revolution, historians said. The 250th anniversary is being marked during Presidents Day events, including ceremonies at Washington’s tomb at Mount Vernon.

Obama clarifies alien remarks, says no evidence of contact or Area 51 link

2026-02-17

Former U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday clarified remarks he made during a “speed round” on a podcast suggesting aliens are real, saying he has seen no evidence that extraterrestrials “have made contact with us.” Obama’s comments circulated online after he answered a question about whether aliens are real during a lightning-round interview with podcast host Brian Tyler Cohen.

Rubio endorses Orbán’s bid for a 5th term in Hungary ahead of April vote

2026-02-17

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Budapest on Monday to endorse Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s bid to serve a fifth straight term, calling the relationship between Orbán and President Donald Trump “very, very close.” Rubio also signed an agreement covering U.S.-Hungarian civilian nuclear cooperation, including possible purchase of compact nuclear reactors, known as small modular reactors, along with U.S. nuclear fuel and spent fuel storage technology.

EU foreign chief Kaja Kallas rejects “civilizational erasure” at Munich

2026-02-16

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Sunday rejected U.S. claims that Europe faces “civilizational erasure,” during remarks at the Munich Security Conference. Kallas pushed back against criticism of Europe’s immigration policies, declining birth rates and free-speech record cited in a U.S. national security strategy, while Marco Rubio sought to reassure European allies that an end to the trans-Atlantic era was not Washington’s goal.

Kaja Kallas rejects US talk of “civilizational wipe” in Munich

2026-02-16

Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top foreign policy official, rejected Sunday claims from the Trump administration that Europe faces a “civilizational wipe,” telling allies at the Munich Security Conference that a “progressive and decadent” Europe is not facing such an erasure. She spoke the day after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a more reassuring message than a sharper one the year before, while still signaling Washington’s intent to reshape the transatlantic relationship.

Thousands rally in Czech Republic to support President Petr Pavel

2026-02-16

Thousands of demonstrators across the Czech Republic rallied Sunday in support of President Petr Pavel as he disputes his refusal to appoint a foreign minister’s preferred nominee to a government post, an Associated Press report said. The rallies followed tens of thousands who marched in Prague two weeks earlier, according to organizers.

U.S. lawmakers head to Munich amid homegrown political turmoil

2026-02-14

In a sign of how U.S. political fights are spilling into world affairs, dozens of lawmakers attending the Munich Security Conference said they arrived while contending with crises at home. House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled an official delegation of about two dozen House members, while the Senate’s trips continued amid disputes over immigration enforcement and a failed Justice Department effort to indict six Democratic lawmakers.

Italy pledges deeper cooperation with Africa at summit in Ethiopia

2026-02-14

Giorgia Meloni said Italy will deepen cooperation with African countries at the second Italy-Africa Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as leaders reviewed projects launched under the Mattei Plan for Africa. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the partnerships give Africa a gateway to Europe. The summit ends Friday, followed by the annual African Union summit beginning Saturday.

Rubio reassures allies at Munich Security Conference while sticking to Trump line

2026-02-13

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told allies at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday the United States would remain “forever tied” to Europe, while signaling the Trump administration intends to reshape the trans-Atlantic alliance. Rubio’s speech sought a less aggressive tone than recent U.S. rhetoric toward traditional partners, but he also denounced “a climate cult” and what he called “an unprecedented wave of mass migration” that threatens social cohesion.

EU leaders agree on broad plan to restructure bloc economy amid Russia, China, Trump

2026-02-13

Leaders from all 27 European Union countries agreed in general terms Thursday on a plan to restructure the bloc’s economy to boost competitiveness as they face pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, China’s hard-line economic tactics and hybrid threats attributed to Russia, according to the European Commission. The agreement, reached at a Belgian castle, calls for a strict timetable for reforms that the Commission says will be formally presented in March.

Milan-Cortina volunteers return to help, from Turin to the 2026 Games

2026-02-13

MILAN — Three Italian women who volunteered at earlier Winter Olympics are back for the Milan Cortina Games as part of a volunteer workforce meant to keep events running around the clock. The Associated Press spoke with Cristina Romagnoli, Angela Frisina and Olivia Azzalin about returning to the Olympic family, their roles this year and what the experience has meant for them and their loved ones.

Newsom takes anti-Trump message to Munich Security Conference

2026-02-13

Gavin Newsom, California’s governor, told an international audience at the Munich Security Conference that Donald Trump will be “gone in three years,” using the event’s climate-focused discussions to criticize Trump’s approach to regulating carbon pollution. The trip comes weeks after Newsom appeared at the World Economic Forum in Davos and ahead of a return visit to South Carolina, where Democrats will hold an early presidential primary in 2028.

Orbán ramps up anti-EU campaign in Hungary ahead of April election

2026-02-13

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told supporters that the European Union, not Russia, poses Hungary’s real threat ahead of an April 12 vote, as he steps up an anti-EU campaign and targets the main opposition’s credibility. With only eight weeks until the election, Orbán and his Fidesz party are trying to blunt polling that shows Fidesz trailing the center-right Tisza party led by Péter Magyar.

Navy Adm. Daryl Caudle urges force built for crises, not carriers

2026-02-11

U.S. Navy Adm. Daryl Caudle, the service’s top uniformed officer, is urging commanders to rely more on smaller, newer ships and tailored task packages for missions instead of defaulting to aircraft carriers in crises. Speaking to The Associated Press, he said his “Fighting Instructions” aim to make naval deployments more flexible as threats develop. The approach comes as the Trump administration has repositioned aircraft carriers and other ships to address emerging concerns, including in the Caribbean and the Middle East.

Opposition in Congo questions US push for access to critical minerals

2026-02-11

Opposition in the Democratic Republic of Congo is growing over a U.S.-backed minerals partnership offered by President Felix Tshisekedi after he returned from a critical minerals summit in Washington last week. Critics say the deal, framed as a way to secure strategic minerals and infrastructure, could threaten Congo’s sovereignty and fail to deliver peace and stability in the mineral-rich east.

UN says it’s waiting on U.S. plan to pay nearly $4 billion in arrears

2026-02-11

The United Nations said Monday it is waiting to learn how much the United States plans to pay of nearly $4 billion in arrears and when the money will arrive. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned last week that the world body could face “imminent financial collapse” unless its financial rules are overhauled or member nations pay their dues.

Vance deletes “Armenian genocide” post after Armenia memorial visit

2026-02-11

U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s team posted and then deleted a message on social media referring to the “Armenian genocide” during the vice president’s visit to an official memorial in Armenia, the Associated Press reported Feb. 10. The post was replaced with another message that, AP said, highlighted Vance and Usha Vance laying flowers and what he wrote in the guest book.

Vance visits Armenia to advance U.S.-brokered push with Azerbaijan

2026-02-11

Vice President JD Vance landed in Armenia on Monday as the Trump administration seeks to advance a U.S.-brokered deal aimed at ending a decades-long conflict with Azerbaijan. Vance met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and they signed an agreement intended to move negotiations forward on a civil nuclear energy deal. The visit also comes after Armenia and Azerbaijan signed an August agreement at the White House reaffirming their commitment to a peace treaty.

White House says Trump can amend permit for Gordie Howe bridge

2026-02-11

President Donald Trump has the right to amend a permit for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the White House said Feb. 10, escalating a dispute with Canada even after Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was confident the matter would be resolved. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. president objects to the bridge’s ownership structure and wants more American-made materials.

Trump endorses Nexstar’s $6.2 billion bid for Tegna after earlier criticism

2026-02-08

President Donald Trump on Saturday endorsed Nexstar Media Group’s $6.2 billion purchase of broadcast rival Tegna, signaling a shift from his earlier criticism of the deal. In a social media post, Trump argued the transaction would increase competition and help counter “Fake News” networks.

Russia says it regrets New START expiration; Trump seeks new pact with China

2026-02-06

MOSCOW — Russia said it regretted the expiration of its last nuclear arms treaty with the United States on Thursday, while President Donald Trump said he does not want to keep the existing limits and wants a new deal. The end of the New START pact eliminated caps on the two largest nuclear arsenals for the first time in more than half a century, according to the report.

US cuts ties with Polish parliament speaker over insults to Trump

2026-02-06

The U.S. ambassador to Poland said Washington will have “no further dealings, contacts, or communications” with Włodzimierz Czarzasty, the speaker of Poland’s lower house, after what Ambassador Tom Rose called “outrageous and unprovoked insults directed against President Trump.” The dispute erupted after Czarzasty said on Monday that Trump “does not deserve the Nobel Peace Prize” and criticized him over how he pursues foreign policy.

Vance is in Milan for the Winter Olympics, then heads to Armenia, Azerbaijan

2026-02-06

U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Milan with his family on Thursday, telling U.S. athletes at the Milan Cortina Winter Games that the Olympics are “one of the few things” that unites Americans. Vance is leading President Donald Trump’s delegation to the Games and, after Italy, is scheduled to travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan as part of a push tied to a U.S.-brokered peace agreement.

Vance meets Meloni in Milan, linking Olympic talks to strained U.S.-Europe ties

2026-02-05

U.S. Vice President JD Vance met Friday with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a weeklong trip to Italy for the Olympic Games, a visit that paired sports with diplomacy amid strained relations between Washington and Europe under President Donald Trump. Vance spent the day watching the opening session of the three-day team figure skating competition and later attended the opening ceremony, where an image of him on screens drew boos.

Trump revives arch idea near Lincoln Memorial, citing history that doesn’t match

2026-02-05

President Donald Trump has said Washington has wanted a towering arch for nearly two centuries and that the city’s capital planning was repeatedly derailed. An Associated Press review found several of his historical references do not match the origins of similar landmarks in Washington, including an Arlington Memorial Bridge and a 1919 World War I “Victory Arch.”

Trump to move Columbus statue replica near the White House

2026-02-05

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — President Donald Trump is taking steps to install near the White House a replica of a Christopher Columbus statue that was toppled and thrown into Baltimore’s harbor during his first term protests, the Associated Press reported Thursday. The Italian American Organizations United said it owns the statue and signed a loan agreement with the federal government for placement “at or near” the White House.

CIA shutters World Factbook reference tool after more than 60 years

2026-02-05

The CIA said it is ending publication of the CIA World Factbook after more than 60 years, closing a popular reference guide used by journalists and others for decades. The agency did not give a reason for the decision, which comes after Director John Ratcliffe vowed to end programs he said do not advance core missions.

Document shows Vietnam military planning for possible U.S. war of aggression

2026-02-05

A year after Vietnam elevated relations with Washington to the highest diplomatic level, an internal Vietnamese military document prepared for “a possible American war of aggression,” according to a report released Tuesday. The document, completed in August 2024, also describes the United States as a “belligerent” power and warns U.S. actions could create a pretext for an invasion, even as it says the near-term risk of war is low.

Private donors help relaunch USAID innovation fund as nonprofit

2026-02-05

A division of the U.S. Agency for International Development that was eliminated after the Trump administration cut foreign aid was reborn Thursday as an independent nonprofit, with $48 million in philanthropic support. The new DIV Fund aims to keep funding for international development research and interventions moving in a different form after the government freeze. The nonprofit said it plans to grant out $25 million annually once fully established.

France ditches Zoom and Teams as Europe pushes digital sovereignty

2026-02-04

Europe’s governments and institutions are cutting ties with U.S. Big Tech services such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and others as they pursue “digital sovereignty,” according to Associated Press reporting. France says civil servants will stop using those video-conferencing tools by 2027 and switch to Visio, and other European authorities are also turning to domestic or open-source software.

Historians criticize Trump for “inaccurate” Mexican-American War commemoration

2026-02-04

President Donald Trump’s White House posted a commemoration of the Mexican-American War that critics said rewrites history, sparking backlash in Mexico and online. The statement, issued Monday, described the 1846-1848 conflict as a “legendary victory” and drew parallels to the Trump administration’s policies toward Latin America, including border and security efforts.

Trump says he won’t tear down Kennedy Center, will close for repairs

2026-02-03

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday that he is “not ripping down” the Kennedy Center, even as he insisted the performing arts venue needs to close for about two years for construction work. Trump also said the cost would be about $200 million and that the shutdown would keep patrons from coming and going during the renovations.

NATO is spending big but its credibility has taken a major hit

2026-02-02

NATO allies and Canada have pledged major increases in defense spending to strengthen deterrence against Russia, but internal rifts have damaged confidence in the alliance’s unity under U.S. leadership, Associated Press reported. The AP pointed to disputes including U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to seize Greenland and his remarks about allied troops in Afghanistan. Analysts say the credibility problems could make it harder to deter President Vladimir Putin from expanding the war beyond Ukraine.

Czechs rally behind President Pavel in dispute with foreign minister

2026-02-02

Tens of thousands of people in the Czech Republic rallied Sunday in Prague and elsewhere in support of President Petr Pavel amid a dispute over his refusal to appoint a government minister favored by the country’s foreign minister. The demonstrations centered on Pavel’s rejection of Filip Turek, whom Pavel said was ineligible after Facebook posts were found to be racist, homophobic and sexist.

Melania Trump documentary “Melania” opens with stilettos, safety questions

2026-02-01

Melania Trump’s documentary “Melania” opened in theaters Friday in the United States and around the world, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her life in the 20 days before she resumed the role of first lady last year. The film follows her preparations for inaugural events, including meetings with other leaders and discussions with Secret Service officials about safety on Inauguration Day.

Biden administration reports thousands in foreign gifts, including art and jewelry

2026-01-30

The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Protocol published an accounting of foreign gifts reported by former President Joe Biden, his wife and senior U.S. officials for calendar year 2024. The report, filed in the Federal Register this week, says foreign leaders and governments gave tens of thousands of dollars in gifts, including a $19,000 painting and other high-value items. The State Department said the accounting does not include gifts given to President Donald Trump or his administration in the first year of his second term.

Rwanda sues UK at Hague over migrant deal payments

2026-01-29

Rwanda says it has filed proceedings at the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration seeking payments from the United Kingdom tied to a failed migrant deal. The deal, which entered into force April 25, 2024, was scrapped after a 2023 UK Supreme Court ruling, and the UK later said it would not make further payments.

Michigan student from Myanmar blocked by Trump travel ban

2026-01-27

A University of Michigan student from Myanmar has been unable to return to the U.S. to complete his degree after President Trump imposed a travel ban on 12 countries, leaving him stranded abroad following a summer internship. Patrick Thaw had planned to resume his studies in Ann Arbor but found re-entry impossible once the ban took effect in January 2026.

Army posthumously promotes seven Japanese American WWII soldiers

2026-01-26

Seven Japanese American soldiers who were branded "enemy aliens" after Pearl Harbor were promoted to officer rank posthumously on Monday in Honolulu, more than 80 years after they died fighting for the United States in World War II. The men had been University of Hawaii ROTC cadets barred from military service following Japan's attack on December 7, 1941, before joining the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which became one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history.

Rutte: Europe incapable of defending itself without U.S. military aid

2026-01-26

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told European Union lawmakers on Monday that Europe cannot defend itself without U.S. military support and would need to more than double current defense spending—and develop its own nuclear arsenal—to achieve independence from American protection.

Trump's new defense strategy shifts focus to Western Hemisphere

2026-01-25

The Trump administration's Pentagon released a sweeping National Defense Strategy on Friday that fundamentally reorders U.S. military priorities, demanding that allies boost their own defense spending while shifting American focus from containing China to securing dominance in the Western Hemisphere, including access to Greenland and the Panama Canal.

Trump's Defense Strategy Shifts Away From NATO Focus to China Priority

2026-01-24

The Trump administration released a new National Defense Strategy on January 24 that marks a significant shift in U.S. military priorities, moving away from the alliance-first approach of the Biden administration. The strategy re-frames Russia as a 'manageable threat' that European allies are 'substantially more powerful' than, calling on NATO members to take primary responsibility for their own defense while the United States focuses on defending its homeland and competing with China. The strategy also signals reduced direct U.S. military involvement across the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and other regions, asking allies from South Korea to regional powers to assume leading roles in deterring threats.

Carney fires back at Trump after Davos remarks, and Trump revokes invite

2026-01-24

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s Davos remarks that “Canada lives because of the United States” by saying Canada “thrives because we are Canadian.” Carney made the comments after returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he criticized coercion by great powers on smaller countries without naming Trump.

Trump heaps praise on UK troops following NATO remarks furor

2026-01-24

U.S. President Donald Trump posted praise Saturday for British soldiers killed and injured in Afghanistan, calling them "among the greatest of all warriors." The message appeared to partially address controversy sparked by Trump's remarks earlier in the week questioning whether NATO allies would support the U.S., comments that drew criticism from British officials and families of fallen soldiers.

Trump ties foreign policy to personal whim as alarmed allies organize

2026-01-23

President Donald Trump has based significant diplomatic decisions on personal slights during the past week — revoking Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's invitation to his Board of Peace and threatening tariffs on Switzerland, Denmark, and Canada over his personal interactions with their leaders. The moves illustrate what Trump and his advisers describe as a "maximalist strategy" and what alarmed allied leaders increasingly call a destabilizing departure from the rules-based international order that has underpinned U.S. foreign policy since World War II.

Trump's NATO remarks spark UK fury over Afghan sacrifice

2026-01-23

President Donald Trump's assertion that non-U.S. NATO troops "stayed a little back" from the front lines in Afghanistan and may not support the United States if called upon has provoked sharp rebukes in the United Kingdom, where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the comments "insulting" and "frankly appalling." Trump made the remarks Thursday in Davos, Switzerland, during an interview with Fox Business Network.

Trump takes center stage at Davos amid Western alliance tensions

2026-01-23

President Donald Trump dominated geopolitical discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, overshadowing traditional business focus with policy announcements while deepening apparent fractures with Western allies. During his roughly 24-hour visit, Trump reversed his earlier threats of tariffs against European countries, agreed to an Arctic security framework with NATO Chief Mark Rutte, and launched a "Board of Peace" to address the Israel-Hamas conflict. Governor Gavin Newsom of California criticized Trump during the forum, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Chief Mark Rutte praised his efforts to support Ukraine and strengthen Western defense.

US completes withdrawal from World Health Organization

2026-01-22

The United States has finalized its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, ending America's 78-year commitment to the global health agency one year after President Donald Trump announced the decision, federal officials said Thursday. The U.S. owes about $280 million to the organization, and the administration acknowledged it has not yet worked out how the country will access critical data from other countries that could provide early warning of new pandemics.

One Year In, Trump Has Pursued Broad Policy Agenda With Mixed Results

2026-01-22

President Donald Trump has spent his first year of a second term implementing a wide-ranging policy agenda spanning government restructuring, immigration enforcement, and military interventions abroad, according to an assessment by Associated Press White House and Washington correspondents. The administration has achieved significant policy implementation of campaign priorities, though public approval remains mixed across most major policy areas.

Trump’s Board of Peace plan draws fresh questions about UN Security Council

2026-01-22

President Donald Trump is creating a “Board of Peace” meant to help broker ceasefires and other conflicts, an ambition that United Nations officials and U.N. Security Council members said Wednesday is unlikely to replace the world body’s decadeslong role. The Associated Press reported the effort as the latest U.S. challenge to the Security Council and to the relevance of the United Nations, including amid ongoing reforms and funding disputes.

Trump holds 100-minute conference on first year, tosses accomplishments

2026-01-21

President Donald Trump held a more-than-100-minute news conference at the White House on Tuesday to recap his first year in office. The president displayed photographs of immigrants he said his administration had arrested, showed a stack labeled "Accomplishments," and described both at length before tossing them on the floor. The conference occurred at a moment of international alarm and domestic tension: Trump's weekend threats of tariffs on Europe in pursuit of Greenland had shaken the NATO alliance, and his administration had ordered 1,500 active-duty soldiers to be ready for possible deployment to the streets of Minneapolis under the Insurrection Act.

Air Force One returns to Washington after electrical issue

2026-01-21

President Trump's Air Force One returned to Joint Base Andrews on Tuesday evening about an hour after departing for Switzerland, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The crew identified a minor electrical issue after takeoff and decided to turn around out of an abundance of caution. Trump subsequently boarded an Air Force C-32, a modified Boeing 757 normally used for domestic travel, and continued to Davos for the World Economic Forum shortly after midnight.

NATO chief Rutte shifts from “Teflon Mark” to “Trump whisperer”

2026-01-21

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has been credited with helping defuse tensions between the United States and Europe over Greenland after President Donald Trump said he had agreed with Rutte on a “framework of a future deal” at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The episode followed Trump’s demand that he get Greenland and a decision by Trump to drop threats of punitive tariffs on eight European nations. Rutte’s role has highlighted a diplomatic style that U.S. and European figures say helps keep Trump and the NATO alliance engaged.

Trump administration to expand foreign aid ban for abortion, DEI and gender identity

2026-01-21

The Trump administration plans to expand rules that restrict U.S. foreign aid for groups supporting abortion-related services to cover additional categories, including international and U.S.-based organizations that promote gender identity and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. An administration official said the State Department will issue the final rules, expanding the scope of the “Mexico City” policy, which was first established under President Ronald Reagan and later rescinded and reinstated. The changes were first reported by Fox News and are expected to be published in the Federal Register on Friday.

More than 20 countries join Trump's Board of Peace as allies decline

2026-01-21

More than 20 countries have said they will join U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, while Western European nations have declined their invitations. The board, initially designed to oversee the Gaza ceasefire, has expanded to include dozens of invited nations and could eventually exceed 50 members, Trump said.

Trump marks first year in second term, leaning into attention and disruption

2026-01-20

President Donald Trump spent about 1 hour and 45 minutes in the White House briefing room on Tuesday for the first anniversary of his second inauguration, touching topics from foreign leaders to his relationship with God. The Associated Press described a pattern in which Trump’s approach to the presidency relies heavily on dominating news cycles and social media.

MOL Group agrees to buy sanctioned Serbian oil stake, pending US approval

2026-01-19

Hungary's MOL Group has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire a 56.15% stake in Serbia's state-controlled oil company NIS, which is majority-owned by Russia's Gazprom Neft and subject to United States sanctions. The binding heads of agreement requires approval from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control before the deal can close, with the parties targeting a final sales and purchase agreement by March 31.

US Catholic cardinals urge Trump administration to rethink foreign policy

2026-01-18

Three U.S. Catholic cardinals urged the Trump administration to use a “moral compass” in foreign policy, warning that recent U.S. military action in Venezuela, threats to acquire Greenland and cuts to foreign aid could cause “vast suffering” instead of peace. In a joint statement on Monday, Cardinals Blase Cupich of Chicago, Robert McElroy of Washington and Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey, said the current debate over Washington’s foreign policy is “mired in ‘polarization, partisanship, and narrow economic and social interests.’”

Trump's Board of Peace takes shape with ambitions to rival the UN

2026-01-17

President Donald Trump sent invitation letters Friday to multiple world leaders asking them to become "founding members" of a Board of Peace that the Trump administration says could extend well beyond ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza to address other global conflicts — an ambition analysts say would challenge the United Nations' seven-decade role as the world's primary international forum.

Vance and Rubio to lead US delegation to 2026 Winter Olympics; Trump not attending

2026-01-17

Vice President JD Vance will lead the U.S. delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, Italy, the White House announced Saturday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, second lady Usha Vance, U.S. Ambassador Tilman Fertitta, and a group of Olympic gold medalists will accompany him. President Donald Trump is not on the delegation list.

Trump says he is ready to restart US mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia

2026-01-17

President Donald Trump said he is ready to restart U.S. mediation efforts between Egypt and Ethiopia over Nile River water-sharing issues. In remarks and a letter to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, Trump said his team understands the Nile’s importance to Egypt’s people.

Trump thanks Iran for canceling hangings of political prisoners

2026-01-17

President Donald Trump thanked Iran’s government on Friday for canceling what he said were executions of political prisoners, as he also suggested the prospect of U.S. military action against Iran was fading. Trump told reporters, “Iran canceled the hanging of over 800 people,” and added, “and I greatly respect the fact that they canceled,” before leaving the White House for his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

Hard-line cleric demands executions as Iran protests ebb and Trump thanks Tehran

2026-01-16

A senior hard-line cleric in Iran called Friday for the death penalty for detained protesters and threatened U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even as the wave of demonstrations that began Dec. 28 appeared to have receded. Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a member of Iran's Assembly of Experts and Guardian Council, made the demand in a sermon carried live on Iranian state radio that drew chants of 'Armed hypocrites should be put to death!' from gathered worshippers.

Trump puts his name on federal buildings, roads and warships in first year of second term

2026-01-16

President Donald Trump attended a ceremony in Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday to mark the renaming of a 4-mile stretch of road leading to his Mar-a-Lago estate as "President Donald J. Trump Boulevard," drawing attention to a pattern that has seen his administration and Republican allies affix his name to federal institutions, a new class of Navy warships and a series of government programs over the first year of his second term.

Army memo extends D.C. National Guard deployment through end of 2026

2026-01-16

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll signed a memo Wednesday extending the National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C., through the end of 2026, according to a copy reviewed by the Associated Press. The memo cited "the conditions of the mission" as justification for pushing the deployment well past its prior end date of late February, framing the extension as continued support for President Donald Trump's "ongoing efforts to restore law and order." About 2,600 National Guard troops are currently stationed in the capital — approximately 700 from D.C. itself and the remainder drawn from 11 states, including Indiana, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.

Athletes, coaches exempt from Trump travel ban on 39 countries

2026-01-15

The Trump administration has identified a host of athletic competitions where athletes and coaches will be allowed to travel to the United States despite a broad visa ban affecting nearly 40 countries, the State Department said Wednesday.

Guterres opens final year at UN by condemning law violations, ultra-wealthy influence

2026-01-15

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the 193-member General Assembly on Thursday that the world faces "brazen violations of international law" and a "morally indefensible" concentration of wealth in the hands of the richest 1%, delivering a sweeping indictment of global power at the outset of his final year heading the organization. Guterres, whose second five-year term ends Dec. 31, said the organization's member nations are confronting "a world marked by self-defeating geopolitical divides, brazen violations of international law, and wholesale cuts in development and humanitarian aid."

CBO: Renaming Pentagon the 'Department of War' could cost up to $125 million

2026-01-14

A Congressional Budget Office analysis released Wednesday found that renaming the Department of Defense the "Department of War" could cost U.S. taxpayers as much as $125 million, depending on how broadly and how quickly the change is implemented. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in September authorizing "Department of War" as a secondary title for the Pentagon, saying the switch was intended to signal that the United States was a force to be reckoned with. Congress, which must formally approve any permanent name change, has shown no serious interest in doing so.

China urges Canada to back “strategic autonomy” during Carney trip

2026-01-14

Chinese state media is urging Canada to chart a foreign-policy course independent of the United States as Prime Minister Mark Carney visits Beijing this week, the Associated Press reported. The push comes as relations between Canada and China have been strained for years and as Donald Trump’s approach to allies and trade has added to Canadian unease. The Chinese outlets tied their call to what they said is Washington’s pressure on Ottawa.

Trump administration designates three Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations

2026-01-13

The Trump administration on Tuesday designated the Lebanese, Jordanian and Egyptian branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, imposing sanctions on each in a move Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the opening of a "sustained effort" to counter the group's activities across the Middle East. The Treasury and State departments announced the joint action against the three chapters, which U.S. officials said pose a risk to the United States and American interests. The Lebanese branch received the most severe label — a foreign terrorist organization designation — making it a federal criminal offense to provide the group with material support.

Trump administration sanctions Muslim Brotherhood branches in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt

2026-01-12

President Donald Trump’s administration on Tuesday labeled three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, imposing sanctions on the groups and their members. The Treasury and State departments announced the actions against the Lebanese, Jordanian and Egyptian chapters, saying they pose a risk to U.S. interests.

New Sept. 11 visitor education center to break ground near Pentagon

2026-01-10

An Arlington, Virginia, group expects to break ground this summer on a new Sept. 11 visitor education center near the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, according to Joseph Kornhoff, executive director of the Pentagon Memorial Fund. The planned $35 million facility would include permanent exhibit space and connect to the memorial by pedestrian improvements, with an expected completion by mid-2029.

New Sept. 11 visitor center planned near Pentagon for mid-2029

2026-01-09

A new Sept. 11 visitor education center near the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial is expected to reach a key milestone later this year, with groundbreaking planned for this summer, Joseph Kornhoff, the executive director of the Pentagon Memorial Fund, said Friday. The center would be located about 200 yards from the memorial and would include permanent exhibits, with an expected completion date in mid-2029, according to Kornhoff.

UN says US has legal obligation to pay dues after Trump pulls from 66 international bodies

2026-01-08

The United Nations asserted Thursday that the United States remains legally bound to pay its dues to U.N. agencies after President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending American support for 66 international groups, agencies and commissions, including 31 U.N.-related bodies. Secretary-General António Guterres said he regretted the decision. "Assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all Member States, including the United States," Stéphane Dujarric, a spokesperson for Guterres, said in a statement.

Trump administration to leave 66 international organizations, White House lists

2026-01-08

The Trump administration says it will depart 66 international organizations, nearly half of them affiliated with the United Nations, according to a White House list provided to The Associated Press. The list groups the departures into non-UN organizations and U.N. organizations covering a range of issues including climate, labor, migration and other topics the administration has criticized as “woke.” The Associated Press published the names of the 66 organizations.

Trump signs order withdrawing US from 66 international organizations

2026-01-07

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order suspending U.S. participation in 66 international organizations, agencies, and commissions — including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the U.N. Population Fund — following an administration-wide review of U.S. involvement in global bodies.

Trump signs order pulling US from 66 international bodies, including UN climate treaty

2026-01-07

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday suspending U.S. support for 66 international organizations, agencies, and commissions — including the United Nations population agency and the foundational UN climate treaty — according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a presidential decision that had not yet been publicly announced.

EEUU se retirará de decenas de organizaciones ONU y reduce cooperación global

2026-01-07

El presidente estadounidense Donald Trump firmó una orden ejecutiva que suspende el apoyo de Estados Unidos a 66 organizaciones, agencias y comisiones internacionales, dijo el miércoles el Departamento de Estado, en una medida que incluye la agencia de población de la ONU y el tratado de la ONU sobre negociaciones climáticas. La decisión marca un nuevo paso de Estados Unidos para alejarse de la cooperación global, en un contexto de tensiones militares y amenazas que han afectado a aliados y adversarios.

Trump administration plans to withdraw from 66 international organizations

2026-01-07

President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending U.S. support for 66 international organizations, agencies and commissions, according to a White House release. The move, announced Wednesday, includes departures from U.N.-related bodies such as the U.N. population agency and the U.N. treaty framework underpinning climate negotiations.

UN chief says U.S. has legal duty to keep paying into agency budgets

2026-01-07

The United Nations’ top official said Thursday that the United States has a “legal obligation” to keep paying its dues that fund UN agencies, days after the White House announced it is withdrawing support from more than 30 UN-related initiatives. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said the UN entities targeted by the U.S. decision will continue their work despite the announcement.

US nearly triples visa bond list to 38 countries; bonds reach up to $15,000

2026-01-06

The State Department on Tuesday added 25 countries to its visa bond requirement list, nearly tripling the total to 38 nations in less than a week, according to a notice published on travel.state.gov. The new requirement for the 25 additions takes effect January 21. Citizens of all 38 countries must now post bonds of $5,000 to $15,000 before applying for U.S. visas, a cost that U.S. officials acknowledged makes the process unaffordable for many.

State Dept. adds 7 nations to visa bond list; 11 of 13 targeted countries are in Africa

2026-01-06

The Trump administration has expanded its visa bond requirement to seven additional countries, bringing to 13 the number of nations whose passport holders must post bonds of up to $15,000 to apply for U.S. visas, the Associated Press reported Monday. The State Department quietly added Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Turkmenistan to the list; the designations took effect Jan. 1, according to a notice on the travel.state.gov website. Five of the seven newly added countries are in Africa — 11 of the 13 countries now on the list are African nations.

Tight space at the White House has long been an issue, usher says

2026-01-01

President Donald Trump has argued that the White House needs more space to entertain, and a longtime White House chief usher says that concern has surfaced with multiple presidents. Gary Walters, who served in the residence through seven administrations, said earlier presidents discussed the limits of the State Dining Room and East Room during state dinner setups.