Foreign Entanglements

Russia ties, secret dealings with dictators, and putting foreign interests over American ones.

1764

Stories

King Trump will keep imposing tariffs, whatever voters think - The Times

King Trump will keep imposing tariffs, whatever voters think - The Times

The Supreme Court ruling limited President Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs, reinstating constitutional constraints on his economic policy. Despite the decision, Trump will continue to enforce tariffs over the next 150 days, with longstanding tariffs likely to average around 15 percent, similar to pre-Trump levels, though the economic impact is expected to remain minimal. Public opinion on tariffs remains divided, with some polls showing approval and others disapproval, amid ongoing debates over their political and economic efficacy. Trump’s broader protectionist and immigration policies are viewed by some as driven by ideological stubbornness or political convictions.

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Trump raises possibility of 'friendly takeover of Cuba' coming out of talks with Havana

Trump raises possibility of 'friendly takeover of Cuba' coming out of talks with Havana

President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. is engaging in talks with Havana and suggested the possibility of a "friendly takeover of Cuba," though he did not provide specifics. He described Cuba as a "failed nation" and indicated that its economy is so weak it may collapse on its own, especially after recent tensions such as the shooting of an American boat. The U.S. has maintained a strict trade embargo on Cuba since 1962, but Trump indicated ongoing discussions with Cuban officials, amidst broader concerns of a humanitarian crisis resulting from policies restricting oil shipments and other measures.

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How the White House Is Keeping Russia out of the South Caucasus - The National Interest

How the White House Is Keeping Russia out of the South Caucasus - The National Interest

The article discusses the Trump administration's efforts to expand US influence in the South Caucasus by strengthening relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan, while highlighting the lack of engagement with Georgia, which is drifting closer to Russia and China. It emphasizes the importance of supporting Georgia's democratic reforms and infrastructure projects like the Anaklia Deep Sea Port to prevent Chinese and Russian influence from increasing. The authors suggest that the US should use a combination of incentives and threats to encourage Georgia to reverse democratic backsliding and reduce reliance on adversaries, ensuring regional stability and the success of initiatives like the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement and the TRIPP trade route.

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Why No One Is Pushing Back on Trump's Iran Threats - Foreign Policy

Why No One Is Pushing Back on Trump's Iran Threats - Foreign Policy

The article analyzes the decline of international norms and diplomatic engagement in U.S. foreign policy over the past quarter century, contrasting the Bush administration's efforts to justify the Iraq War with Trump's unilaterally driven threats against Iran. It highlights how European nations and international institutions, such as the UN, are increasingly reluctant or unwilling to challenge U.S. military actions, reflecting a shift towards more unilateral U.S. interventions without broad international support or legal justification. The piece also notes that current U.S. administrations have produced less evidence to justify military action and are more prone to aggressive rhetoric, risking broader geopolitical consequences.

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President Trump launched strikes without Congress's approval. Lawmakers are responding

President Trump launched strikes without Congress's approval. Lawmakers are responding

President Trump launched military strikes on Iran without congressional approval, prompting reactions from lawmakers that are divided along partisan lines. While some Republicans praised the operation, most Democrats and a few Republicans criticized the lack of congressional consultation and called for war powers resolutions to limit presidential authority for future actions. Congressional leaders are now debating the need for a vote to assert legislative control over such military interventions.

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In Iran attack, Trump seeks what he foreswore -- regime change - RFI

In Iran attack, Trump seeks what he foreswore -- regime change - RFI

US President Donald Trump has launched a major attack alongside Israel against Iran, openly pursuing regime change—a goal he had previously opposed. Trump described the campaign, called "Epic Fury," as an effort to topple the Iranian government, likening it to previous interventionist rhetoric and actions. The move marks a shift from his earlier stance of limited military goals and reflects broader support from many Republicans, despite criticism from some who view it as a reckless escalation.

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Trump's old tweets come back to haunt him after launching attack on Iran - The Chronicle

Trump's old tweets come back to haunt him after launching attack on Iran - The Chronicle

President Donald Trump faced backlash after announcing a US-Israel attack on Iran, with critics highlighting his past tweets criticizing President Obama’s stance on Iran, which he now opposed. Some Republicans also expressed opposition to the military action, calling for a congressional vote and questioning the legality of the decision. Democrats criticized Trump for admitting that US troops could face casualties without congressional approval.

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Supreme Court Issues Ruling Invalidating Trump Administration Tariffs Under International ...

Supreme Court Issues Ruling Invalidating Trump Administration Tariffs Under International ...

The U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the Trump administration’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, ruling that the law does not authorize such broad tariffs. Companies are advised to gather and verify import data related to these tariffs and prepare for potential refund claims once the government issues guidance. The ruling does not specify refund procedures, and the government may pursue alternative measures to impose tariffs through other legal pathways.

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Lawmakers react to 'Operation Epic Fury' US - Israel military strikes across Iran - KTVU

Lawmakers react to 'Operation Epic Fury' US - Israel military strikes across Iran - KTVU

Lawmakers reacted to the launch of Operation "Roaring Lion," a joint US-Israeli strike targeting military sites inside Iran, with most Republican legislators expressing support and praising President Trump, citing themes of strength and deterrence. In contrast, Democrat lawmakers criticized the action, with some calling for Congressional approval and expressing concerns about escalation, legality, and the risks of unnecessary war. Overall, the responses highlighted a partisan divide over the military operation and its implications.

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U.S.-Iran strikes live updates: Explosions heard as retaliation targets U.S. military bases

U.S.-Iran strikes live updates: Explosions heard as retaliation targets U.S. military bases

The U.S. and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iranian military and nuclear targets, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," in response to Iran's missile attacks on U.S. military bases across the Middle East. President Trump stated the operations aimed to eliminate imminent threats from Iran, while Iran responded with missile strikes on bases in Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Bahrain, as well as explosions in regional cities. The escalation occurred without congressional approval for a formal war declaration.

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MAGA's Midnight War - Status

MAGA's Midnight War - Status

Donald Trump launched an unauthorized military attack on Iran, claiming it aimed to destroy Tehran's nuclear program, despite his previous stance against endless wars. The strike, supported by some MAGA media figures who cheered it as a patriotic success, raised concerns over regional escalation and false claims about Iran's nuclear activity. Not all right-wing voices supported the action, with critics like Tucker Carlson warning of potential risks and unintended consequences. The incident marked a shift from Trump's previous assertions of avoiding foreign interventions.

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