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Supreme court backs Trump administration on withholding USAid cash
The US Supreme Court has supported the Trump administration’s decision regarding the postponement of payments from the US Agency for International Development (USAid), with Chief Justice John Roberts issuing an “administrative stay” that allows the delay of $1.5 billion in funds.
This move comes after President Donald Trump mandated a halt to the payments. A federal judge had previously established a deadline for the disbursal of funds meant for completed projects. In response to an emergency appeal by the Trump administration, Roberts permitted the continuation of this financial freeze.
Employees at USAid have voiced strong concerns over Trump’s proposed budget cuts, labeling them a “catastrophic blow” that could permanently terminate crucial programs that provide life-saving aid.
According to reports from the Associated Press, USAid has placed 4,080 employees on leave as part of this initiative. Many have been given a limited timeframe on Thursday and Friday to vacate their offices, with only 15 minutes allocated to gather their belongings.
Virginia Democratic Representative Gerald Connolly characterized the actions against USAid personnel as “unwarranted and unprecedented” in their severity.
Russia and US diplomats meet in Istanbul
In a separate international development, Russia anticipates that a diplomatic meeting with US representatives in Istanbul will be the first in a series aimed at resolving ongoing tensions between the two nations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova expressed optimism about the talks, stating their intention to address and eliminate “irritants” currently affecting bilateral relations.
Zakharova remarked:
We expect that today’s meeting will mark the beginning of a series of expert consultations, enabling us to bridge the disagreements that have emerged with the United States and enhance confidence-building efforts.
Senate hearing for CFPB nominee
Donald Trump’s selection to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Jonathan McKernan, is scheduled for a challenging confirmation hearing before the US Senate on Thursday. This comes as the White House continues its push to scale back the agency’s influence.
During his testimony before the Senate Banking Committee, McKernan will face inquiries from Senator Elizabeth Warren, a prominent Democrat who played a key role in the establishment of the CFPB following the 2008 financial crisis.
This hearing represents a significant opportunity for Democrats, who have expressed frustration over the aggressive dismantling of an agency that they see as essential for consumer protection, to press a Republican nominee on the future of the CFPB.
Currently, under the interim leadership of Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, the CFPB has drastically reduced operations, with many staff members placed on administrative leave, and its public presence diminished due to signage removal and lease cancellations.
Concerns over threats to Republican lawmakers
Republicans in Congress are reportedly hesitant to criticize Donald Trump due to fears for their personal safety, according to Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell from California. He indicated that this fear extends beyond political repercussions to personal safety worries for themselves and their families.
During a recent webinar, Swalwell noted that many of his Republican colleagues are apprehensive about potential threats should they oppose Trump’s policies, and that their families are encouraging them to avoid any actions that could lead to conflict.
Swalwell elaborated:
I have many friends who are Republicans. They are terrified of being the tallest poppy in the field, and it’s not just about political survival; they fear for their personal safety, and their families are worried about the ramifications of taking a stand.
European response to Trump’s tariff threats
French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci emphasized the need for a resolute but measured response from Europe regarding Donald Trump’s recent threats of imposing 25% tariffs on the European Union. Ferracci described these threats as “alarming but not unexpected,” highlighting their potential impact.
Trump had announced his plans during a cabinet meeting, stating that details would be forthcoming shortly.
Tensions with Poland over Trump’s remarks
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has responded sharply to President Trump’s assertion that the European Union was created to undermine the United States. He articulated that the EU’s purpose is to foster peace, mutual respect, fair trade, and strengthen transatlantic relationships.
Kremlin on US-Russia dialogue prospects
The Kremlin has expressed that although productive dialogue with the United States requires political willingness, quick solutions are unlikely. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Trump has shown a readiness to listen, which he views as a positive step forward.
Peskov stated:
President Trump is prepared to engage in discussions, and no one anticipates immediate resolutions given the complexity of the issues at stake. However, with a mutual willingness to communicate, we can progress in this endeavor.
UK PM Starmer’s visit to discuss Ukraine
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is currently in Washington for his inaugural meeting with President Trump since the latter’s inauguration. With Trump adopting a more explicit alignment with Moscow, Starmer’s visit comes at a critical time as the UK seeks to navigate potential tariff implications and Russia’s military aggression.
Starmer, who has cultivated a cordial rapport with Trump despite significant opposition from his party’s base, aims to persuade Trump to pledge security guarantees that would ensure a durable peace settlement in Ukraine. He has also indicated Britain’s willingness to contribute troops to a potential European peace-keeping force that would require US logistical support.
Starmer acknowledged the broader implications of his discussions, particularly as he joins other European leaders in Washington, marking a significant moment in the evolving dynamics of the US-Europe alliance.
Source
www.theguardian.com