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February 2026

3227 articles

Authoritarians, strongmen and dictators: who is on Trump's Board of Peace? - The Guardian

Authoritarians, strongmen and dictators: who is on Trump's Board of Peace? - The Guardian

A group of authoritative and often repressive regimes from around the world are participating in the inaugural meeting of Donald Trump's newly established Board of Peace in Washington, which aims to influence Gaza's future and expand its scope globally. Many attending countries, such as Egypt, Turkey, and Kazakhstan, are considered authoritarian or partly free according to Freedom House rankings, raising concerns among critics that the body could bypass democratic institutions like the United Nations. Some governments are sending observers, while the composition of the over 20-member board includes leaders from countries with limited political freedoms.

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'A huge heist from the American taxpayers': Trump's 'Board of Peace' seen as new vehicle for grift

'A huge heist from the American taxpayers': Trump's 'Board of Peace' seen as new vehicle for grift

The article discusses criticism of Donald Trump's "Board of Peace," which critics describe as a questionable initiative resembling a vehicle for financial gain at the expense of taxpayers. Susan Rice comments on the effort, framing it as a form of misappropriation or "grift" akin to a "huge heist." The piece highlights concerns about the legitimacy and motivations behind the initiative.

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Trump Reveals He’s Taking $10 Billion From Taxpayers for His New Board

Trump Reveals He’s Taking $10 Billion From Taxpayers for His New Board

Donald Trump announced plans to create a "Board of Peace" with a proposed $10 billion from U.S. taxpayers, a move critics warn resembles a slush fund under his control, despite lacking congressional approval. Trump characterized the funds as small compared to the costs of war, but recent military actions and foreign policy maneuvers have bypassed congressional approval. Given ongoing political gridlock and budget disputes, it is unlikely that Congress would approve such funding, and Trump has previously sold board seats for $1 billion each without clarifying their destination.

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Democrats Raise Foreign Influence Concerns Over Trump's World Liberty and UAE Deal

Democrats Raise Foreign Influence Concerns Over Trump's World Liberty and UAE Deal

Democratic lawmakers on the House Financial Services Committee have raised concerns regarding World Liberty Financial's application for a national trust bank charter, citing foreign ownership involving a senior UAE royal who acquired nearly half the company and connections to Trump-affiliated entities. They questioned the impact of foreign influence, governance, and the potential for political leverage over the US financial system, especially amid broader debates over crypto regulation and White House oversight of financial regulators. The letter requests clarity on how independence and conflicts of interest are managed in the charter approval process, amid ongoing scrutiny of crypto-linked institutions and their regulation.

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Texan shot dead by ICE agent months before killings in Minneapolis, records show
ICE

Texan shot dead by ICE agent months before killings in Minneapolis, records show

Records reveal that federal immigration agents shot and fatally injured Ruben Ray Martinez, a U.S. citizen, during a traffic incident on South Padre Island in March, a fact not initially disclosed. The DHS confirmed the shooting, stating Martinez allegedly struck an agent with his car before being shot when he accelerated and struck an officer, resulting in his death at a hospital. The incident is part of broader scrutiny over ICE use of force and immigration enforcement practices under the Trump administration, prompting calls for investigations and greater transparency.

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BBC Audio | Americast | Trump's Tariffs... Trump attacks the Supreme Court over tariff ban

BBC Audio | Americast | Trump's Tariffs... Trump attacks the Supreme Court over tariff ban

Donald Trump criticized the U.S. Supreme Court after it blocked many of his global tariffs, calling the decision "deeply disappointing," and announced a new 10 percent tariff on global imports. The episode of Americast features hosts Justin Webb, Sarah Smith, and Anthony Zurcher analyzing the court's ruling and Trump's response. The Supreme Court's decision struck down the legal basis for much of Trump's tariffs, representing a significant setback to his economic policies.

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