In a significant development affecting global trade and energy policy, United States President Donald Trump announced a bilateral trade agreement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a direct telephone conversation on Monday. According to an official post shared by the US Ambassador to India on social media, the leaders discussed a range of strategic and economic issues, culminating in an accord that reduces key economic barriers between the two countries. In his publi

Uncertainty continues to surround Washington’s approach toward Tehran as President Donald Trump sends conflicting signals on whether the United States is moving closer to military action or renewed diplomacy with Iran. Speaking ahead of his first Cabinet meeting of 2026, the president indicated he was open to communication with Iranian leaders, even as the US expanded its military presence in West Asia and senior defense officials stressed readiness to act on presidential orders.

United States President Donald Trump and his two sons have filed a $10 billion civil lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service and the US Treasury Department, alleging systemic failures that allowed the unlawful disclosure of their confidential tax information. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Miami and accuses federal authorities of negligence in preventing internal misconduct that resulted in the release of sensitive financial records. According to the court filing, Tr

US President Donald Trump has intensified trade tensions with Canada by threatening to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian-made aircraft, opening a new chapter in an already strained bilateral relationship. In a statement issued on Thursday, Trump said the United States could levy tariffs of up to 50 per cent on aircraft sold from Canada into the US market, citing what he described as Canada’s refusal to certify American-made business jets. The president also announced plans to decertify all aircraft manufactured in Canada for use in the United States, a move he said would remain in effect until Canadian regulators approve a series of jets produced by Gulfstream Aerospace. The warning was delivered through a post on Truth Social, where Trump accused Canadian authorities of erecting regulatory barriers that unfairly block American products. In his remarks, Trump singled out the Bombardier Global Express business jet, which is manufactured in Quebec, arguing that Ottawa has benefited from access to the US market while allegedly denying similar treatment to American manufacturers. He claimed Canada had “wrongfully and illegally” refused to certify the Gulfstream 500, 600, 700, and 800 models, which he described as among the most advanced aircraft in the world. According to Trump, the lack of certification effectively prevents Gulfstream from selling its jets in Canada. Trump warned that unless the situation is resolved immediately, the United States would move forward with punitive tariffs on all aircraft imported from Canada. He framed the threat as a matter of fairness and reciprocity, asserting that American companies should not face obstacles abroad while foreign competitors enjoy broad access to the US market. The aircraft dispute is the latest flashpoint in a broader deterioration of relations between the United States and Canada since Trump returned to office last year. Political and economic friction between the two long-time allies has grown steadily, with trade policy emerging as a central source of conflict. Earlier the same day as Trump’s comments, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly urged Washington to respect Canadian sovereignty, following reports of contacts between US officials and Alberta separatist groups. Trade tensions have also been fueled by Canada’s recent diplomatic engagement with China. Trump has repeatedly warned Ottawa against deepening economic ties with Beijing, arguing that such moves could undermine US interests. He has threatened to impose tariffs as high as 100 per cent on Canadian goods if Canada proceeds with a trade agreement with China, a warning he reiterated over the weekend. In a series of earlier social media posts, Trump mocked Carney by referring to him as “Governor” and cautioned that Canada should not act as a conduit for Chinese goods entering the US market. He claimed that closer ties with Beijing would leave Canada economically vulnerable and pledged swift retaliation if such an agreement were finalized. The remarks came shortly after Carney visited Beijing, marking the first visit by a Canadian leader to China in nearly a decade. The escalating rhetoric underscores the growing uncertainty surrounding North American trade and the aerospace sector in particular. With aircraft manufacturing representing a significant industry for both countries, analysts say prolonged disputes over certification and tariffs could have far-reaching economic consequences. For now, the standoff highlights how regulatory disagreements and geopolitical concerns are increasingly shaping trade relations between Washington and Ottawa.

US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday following the central bank’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged, accusing him of delaying necessary rate cuts and undermining the nation’s economic strength, national security and global competitiveness. The comments came shortly after the Federal Open Market Committee announced it would maintain its benchmark interest rate, a move that aligned with market expectations but drew strong poli

US President Donald Trump has publicly defended Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as his administration faces growing pressure over the fatal shooting of a US citizen by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota. Speaking to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House, Trump dismissed questions about Noem’s future in the cabinet and offered strong praise for her leadership amid mounting criticism. When asked directly whether Noem was being removed from her p

US President Donald Trump has pledged what he described as an “honourable and honest” investigation into the killing of Alex Pretti, as pressure mounts on his administration over the actions of federal agents involved in the incident. Speaking in a televised interview, Trump said he intends to personally monitor the probe, stressing that he wants to review the findings himself and ensure that the process meets the highest standards of integrity. He also expressed sympathy for Pretti’s family, calling the episode a deeply sad situation. The case has become a flashpoint after conflicting accounts emerged about how Pretti was killed during an encounter with Border Patrol agents in Minnesota. Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital and a licensed gun owner, was fatally shot on Nicollet Avenue during a federal operation. Video footage circulating publicly appears to show him holding a cell phone while attempting to assist a woman who had been pushed to the ground by agents moments before shots were fired. According to witnesses and subsequent reports, Pretti was struck multiple times. The administration has faced criticism not only over the shooting itself but also over sharply different statements issued by senior officials in its aftermath. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller drew widespread backlash after publicly referring to Pretti as a “would-be assassin.” Trump later distanced himself from that characterization, indicating that such language did not reflect his own view of the situation while reiterating the need for a formal investigation to establish the facts. Initial official explanations further fueled controversy. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino claimed that Pretti had approached agents with a handgun and posed an imminent threat, describing him as a domestic terrorist intent on harming officers. A preliminary statement from the Department of Homeland Security asserted that a single agent fired defensive shots in response. Those accounts were later challenged by a government report sent to Congress, which revealed that two US Customs and Border Protection agents had discharged their weapons, contradicting earlier claims. The discrepancies intensified public outrage and sparked protests aimed at the Trump administration, with demonstrators demanding accountability and transparency. Critics argued that shifting narratives undermined public trust and raised serious questions about the use of force by federal agents. The administration has since acknowledged the inconsistencies and said they will be addressed as part of the ongoing inquiry. Amid the growing backlash, Trump announced several administrative steps. He reassigned operational control in Minnesota to border enforcement coordinator Tom Homan and said some federal agents would be withdrawn from the state. While the president publicly defended Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and ruled out her resignation, he confirmed that action had been taken against senior Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. Despite softening his rhetoric, Trump has continued to emphasize the issue of gun possession during the incident. He repeated claims that Pretti was carrying a firearm and suggested that doing so contributed to the fatal outcome, arguing that weapons should not be present in such encounters. Earlier statements from the president similarly focused on Pretti’s decision to carry a gun, even as he pledged to review the circumstances of the shooting. As investigations proceed, the case remains under intense scrutiny from lawmakers, civil rights groups, and the public. With multiple agencies now involved and the president promising direct oversight, the outcome of the probe is expected to have broader implications for federal law enforcement practices and the administration’s handling of high-profile use-of-force cases.

The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying warships to the Middle East, a move aimed at reinforcing American military capabilities in a region marked by escalating political and security tensions. The announcement was made on Monday, January 26, by US Central Command, which said the carrier strike group’s presence is intended to support regional security and stability while enhancing both offensive and defensive readiness. Accordin

Former special counsel Jack Smith appeared publicly before the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, offering a stark assessment of the state of American democracy and sharply criticizing actions taken by President Donald Trump following his return to office. Smith, who previously led two federal prosecutions involving Trump, warned lawmakers that the failure to impose accountability for attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election could have lasting and potentially catastrophic consequences. In his testimony, Smith said ongoing threats to US democracy remain unresolved because efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 election were never fully adjudicated in court. He described the conduct he investigated as criminal in nature and argued that the absence of accountability risks normalizing behavior that undermines constitutional processes. Smith’s remarks framed his past investigations as necessary safeguards rather than political actions, emphasizing that the justice system has a responsibility to confront efforts to subvert lawful elections. Republican lawmakers on the committee rejected that characterization. Chairman Jim Jordan accused Smith and other officials of pursuing Trump through prosecutions, impeachments, and investigations driven by partisan motives. Jordan argued that the cases reflected an effort to “get” Trump rather than a neutral application of the law, a claim Smith disputed during the hearing by reiterating that prosecutorial decisions were based on evidence and legal standards. Smith also delivered pointed criticism of Trump’s decision to issue mass pardons to individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. On his first day back in office, Trump granted clemency to all defendants in the case, including hundreds who were accused or convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers. Smith said he could not understand why anyone would pardon individuals who attacked police officers, noting that at least 140 officers were injured during the violence, with some requiring hospitalization. He described the officers who defended the Capitol as heroes and said pardoning their attackers sends troubling signals about respect for law enforcement. The hearing also revisited unresolved issues surrounding Smith’s investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents. Democratic members highlighted limits on Smith’s ability to discuss the findings of that probe due to a court order issued by Aileen Cannon, who presided over the case. Smith explained that the order restricts the Justice Department from releasing or discussing details from his final report while related matters were pending. Under questioning from Vermont Representative Becca Balint, Smith confirmed that the order was imposed when charges against two Trump employees were still active. Those cases were later dismissed by the Justice Department under the Trump administration. Although advocacy groups and media organizations have sought the release of the classified documents report, Cannon ruled in late December that it would remain sealed for now, with a provision allowing limited disclosure beginning in February. Trump has since requested that the restriction be made permanent. Smith’s testimony underscored deep divisions in Washington over accountability, the rule of law, and the legacy of January 6. While Republicans framed the investigations as political overreach, Smith maintained that confronting efforts to overturn an election is essential to preserving democratic institutions. His appearance before Congress marked a rare public defense of the prosecutions he led and a renewed warning that unresolved challenges to democratic norms continue to pose serious risks to the nation.

On Thursday, January 22, President Donald Trump officially signed the founding charter of the Board of Peace, a newly announced international body designed to promote conflict resolution and global stability. The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of a major international economic and political gathering, drawing participation from leaders and representatives of multiple nations. President Trump was joined on stage by delegates from 19 founding member countries, formally inaugurating t

The European Parliament has suspended its work on a proposed trade agreement between the European Union and the United States, citing escalating political pressure from US President

A satirical online petition calling on Danish citizens to crowdfund the purchase of California has re-emerged in public discourse, drawing renewed attention amid heightened diplomatic rhetoric surrounding Greenland. The petition, titled “Let’s Buy California from Trump – Denmark’s Next Big Adventure,” has gathered more than 280,000 signatures, underscoring how humor has become a vehicle for public commentary during periods of international tension. Though created nearly a year ago b

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to participate in a new international initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, known as the Board of Peace, according to a joint statement issued by regional foreign ministries. The decision reflects coordinated support among several Middle Eastern and Asian governments for the initiative, which Trump has presented as a mechanism to address the ongoing Gaza conflict and broader global disputes.

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed strong optimism about the future of India–US trade relations, indicating that discussions between the two countries were moving in a positive direction. Speaking about the ongoing trade negotiations, Trump highlighted his confidence that both sides would be able to arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement, underlining the importance of c

The Supreme Court on Wednesday is considering a case with wide-ranging consequences for both the US economy and the balance of power within the federal government, as it reviews President Donald Trump’s attempt to remove Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook. The dispute centers on whether a sitting president has the authority to dismiss a member of the central bank’s governing board and what legal standards must be met for such a decisi

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization while openly questioning whether the military alliance would offer the same level of support to the United States in a moment of crisis. Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Trump struck a blunt tone as he described what he views as an imbalance in the long-standing transatlantic partnership. Addressing global political and business leade

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday addressed global political and business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, marking the completion of his first year in office with a forceful assessment of his administration’s economic record. Speaking to the annual gathering, Trump said public sentiment toward his leadership remained overwhelmingly positive, while asserting that the country had undergone a dramatic reversal in economic conditions since he assumed office. During h

Air Force One, the aircraft carrying US President Donald Trump to the World Economic Forum in Davos, was forced to make an unexpected U-turn late Tuesday after a minor electrical issue was detected mid-flight. The aircraft, which had departed from Joint Base Andrews near Washington, reversed its course while flying over the Atlantic Ocean near Montauk, close to the eastern tip of Long Island. According to White House officials, the decision to return was taken purely as a precaution, with no

Global financial markets moved sharply lower Tuesday as renewed political tensions between the United States and Europe triggered a broad sell America trade, prompting investors to reduce exposure to U.S. assets. The shift came after President Donald Trump escalated rhetoric surrounding Greenland and proposed new tariffs targeting several European countries, reviving fears of a widening trade conflict and long-term economic fallout. U.S. bond prices fell steeply, pushing Treasury yi

WASHINGTON — A political art collective known as The Secret Handshake has installed a large-scale protest display near the U.S. Capitol, featuring a 10-foot-tall birthday card referencing an alleged message sent by President Donald Trump to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The installation appeared overnight along 3rd Street Northwest, across from the Capitol grounds between Madison Drive and Jefferson Drive, and is timed to coincide with Epstein’s birthday on Tuesday, Jan. 20.