President Donald Trump issued an executive order emphasizing the importance of glyphosate, an herbicide found in products like Roundup, for American economic and national security, despite health concerns and past opposition by figures like HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The order has been criticized by groups such as Moms Across America, which argue it favors Monsanto and shields the company from lawsuits. Although some regulatory agencies like the EPA and European authorities have found glyphosate safe when used as directed, studies have linked high exposure to increased cancer risk, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and potential effects on fetal development. Experts recommend reducing exposure by choosing organic foods, washing produce thoroughly, and supporting legislation to oppose the order.
The US has imposed visa restrictions on three Chilean officials, including Transport and Telecommunications Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz, over concerns related to a proposed undersea cable project by Chinese companies linking Chile and Hong Kong, which the US believes could threaten regional security. The restrictions revoke existing visas and bar entry into the US for the officials and their immediate families. US officials indicated the action was taken due to activities undermining critical infrastructure and regional stability, and they expressed a desire to work with Chile's new government on security concerns.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a virtual briefing with lawmakers just before Trump's State of the Union address, raising concerns among intel officials about possible U.S. military action against Iran. Some participants, including Rep. Jim Himes and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, expressed alarm over the lack of clear justification for such potential military strikes and criticized previous claims about Iran's nuclear program. The briefing has heightened apprehension over future U.S. involvement in Middle East conflicts.
The Trump administration is considering the issuance of an executive order or similar action that would mandate banks to collect citizenship information from individuals, in an effort to prevent illegal migrants from accessing certain services.
The U.S. Supreme Court invalidated President Trump's use of emergency tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), ruling that IEEPA does not authorize the imposition of tariffs. The 6-3 decision struck down major tariffs, including those on Canada, Mexico, and China, and raised the possibility of refunds for tariffs already collected. While the ruling limits presidential tariff authority under IEEPA, other statutes such as Sections 232, 201, 301, and 338 of various trade acts remain available for future tariff actions. Following the decision, the White House imposed a temporary 10% tariff on all foreign goods under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which is subject to congressional extension.
The US Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful, but trade policy uncertainty persists as the Trump administration swiftly responded with new tariffs and substitutes. While the ruling limits presidential authority to impose tariffs without congressional approval, alternative legal pathways and measures mean tariffs and trade disruptions will continue, affecting global supply chains, raising costs, and creating long-term economic and legal uncertainty. The overall impact includes sunk costs, rerouted trade flows, and limited structural change, with no clear winners among the US, partner countries, or exporters.
The U.S. Department of Defense's Pete Hegseth has threatened to blacklist Anthropic over its refusal to relax safety standards regarding AI use, particularly its stance against domestic surveillance and AI-controlled weapons. Hegseth indicated plans to cancel a $200 million military contract and potentially invoke the Defense Production Act to force the company to allow military use of its AI tools, amid ongoing tensions with the Trump administration's criticism of "woke AI" concerns. Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, emphasized the company's ethical boundaries, which contrast with the administration's demands for broader AI use in lawful purposes, including military applications.
The U.S. Department of Defense has threatened to potentially label AI company Anthropic a "supply chain risk" if it does not allow unrestricted U.S. military use of its technology, including in autonomous weapons and surveillance, which the company has publicly opposed. Anthropic has emphasized that it will uphold its principles and refrain from supporting these uses. The controversy arose after allegations that Anthropic’s AI may have been used in military actions, despite their commitments to AI safety and ethical standards.
Indonesian Islamic groups have largely supported President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to join Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, a move that has raised concerns about Indonesia's long-standing support for the Palestinian cause. Critics argue that the group's backing, coordinated after a meeting with Prabowo, reflects government co-optation and may undermine efforts to address the structural injustices in Gaza, with some leaders describing the initiative as serving broader geopolitical interests. This shift in support highlights increased government influence over Islamic organizations and raises questions about Indonesia’s commitment to Palestinian aspirations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed the bipartisan "Gang of Eight" congressional leaders on Iran, amid rising tensions over Iran's nuclear programme. The meeting occurred prior to President Trump's State of the Union address and involved discussions on potential military action, including the deployment of the USS Gerald Ford. Congressional members emphasized the need for the President to clearly state the US's goals and interests in the region.
The article reports that the State Department's traditional diplomatic processes have been significantly weakened under President Trump, with decision-making increasingly centralized among a small circle of advisers like Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, often bypassing established channels and diplomatic norms. This shift has led to reduced morale among career diplomats, diminished transparency, and strained international relations, as foreign governments struggle to engage with U.S. officials and rely more on back channels and lobbying firms. The approach prioritizes quick wins and informal negotiations over established diplomatic protocols, raising concerns about the long-term impact on U.S. influence and alliances abroad.
Congressman Brad Sherman warned about the potential risks of a U.S.–Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement, emphasizing the need for strict nonproliferation safeguards. He announced plans to reintroduce the "No Nuclear Weapons for Saudi Arabia Act," which would require congressional approval for any nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, and he stressed that such agreements should include the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol and a renouncement of uranium enrichment and reprocessing. Sherman also stated he would introduce a resolution of disapproval if the agreement lacks these safeguards.
