President Trump alleged that $29 million from USAID, intended to bolster Bangladesh’s political landscape, was given to an obscure entity with just two staff members. Speaking at a governors’ event on February 21, 2025, he criticized the lack of transparency. The program has been canceled under the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. Trump also mentioned a $21 million India project, sparking controversy. Both initiatives are among 17 aid programs axed to cut U.S. federal spending.

The Associated Press (AP) has sued three Trump administration officials, alleging that its journalists were barred from covering events at the White House, the Oval Office, and Air Force One. The ban was reportedly due to AP’s refusal to use the term “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.” AP argues that this violates the First and Fifth Amendments and has sought a court ruling against it. Trump defended the decision, accusing AP of spreading misinformation. The case is now in court.

U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed General Charles Q. Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a major military shake-up. Defense Secretary also announced the removal of Navy Chief Admiral Lisa Franchetti and Air Force Vice Chief General James Slife. Trump appointed retired Lt. Gen. John Dunn Kane as Brown’s replacement, an unprecedented move as Kane is not a four-star general. Trump hinted at further dismissals, continuing his planned overhaul of the U.S. military leadership.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned BRICS nations against introducing an alternative to the dollar, threatening a 150% tariff and a complete halt to trade with them. Speaking at a Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington, he accused BRICS of attempting to undermine the dollar and favoring the Chinese yuan. Trump also mocked Canada, calling it America’s “51st state”, and hinted at incorporating its national anthem. Additionally, he pledged to enhance the U.S. education system to match Nordic countries.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that World War III is imminent but vowed to prevent it. In a speech on Thursday, he stated that another year under Biden’s administration could have led to global conflict. He criticized the current administration, claiming the U.S. has spent $200 billion more on Ukraine than Europe. Trump emphasized that endless wars must be stopped and declared that no nation could rival American strength in a potential war.

US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to India, Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa over their BRICS alliance. He threatened to impose a 150% tariff if BRICS nations attempt to introduce a new currency to rival the US dollar. Accusing them of trying to "destroy the dollar," Trump emphasized that any country seeking to move away from the US currency must sever ties with America. No official response has been received from BRICS nations yet.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized India’s tariff policies and expressed discontent over Elon Musk’s plans to set up a Tesla factory and showroom in India, according to NDTV.

Trump believes that allowing Tesla to manufacture in India would be “unfair” to the U.S. economy. He has previously stated that the U.S. should impose tariffs on India at the same rate as India imposes on American goods. While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi objected to this approach, Trump has maintained a firm stance.

On the other hand, Musk remains focused on expanding Tesla’s presence in India, despite Trump’s opposition.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a dictator, criticizing his refusal to hold elections. Trump remarked that while the U.S. had previously provided financial and military aid to Ukraine, his administration has shifted its approach and initiated talks with Moscow. He noted that Zelenskyy’s presidential term had already expired and insisted that he should hold elections immediately; otherwise, Ukraine might cease to exist as a nation. Trump also expressed frustration over the U.S. spending $35,000 per soldier in the ongoing war.

A devastating whale stranding has occurred on a beach in Tasmania, Australia, where 157 whales have become trapped. Among them, 67 have already died, while rescue efforts are underway to save the remaining 90.

The stranded whales belong to the false killer whale species, known for their medium-sized black bodies. Australia’s Department of Environment has deployed marine specialists to the site to coordinate rescue operations.

Experts estimate that the whales have been stranded for 24 to 48 hours. Authorities are assessing whether the surviving whales can be safely returned to the ocean. Due to the risks involved, the public has been advised to avoid the area.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for complaining about Ukraine’s exclusion from Saudi-hosted peace talks. Trump argued that Ukraine could have avoided the war by making a deal. He expressed disappointment with Kyiv’s reaction and reiterated his past claim that Ukraine was responsible for the conflict. Meanwhile, after U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh, both sides agreed to appoint delegations for war-ending negotiations. Trump, reacting to these developments, stated he is now “much more confident” about ending the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to direct talks with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed. Despite questioning Zelensky’s legitimacy after his term ended, Russia is willing to negotiate if peace is the goal. Meanwhile, a summit in Riyadh aims to discuss the Ukraine war and U.S.-Russia relations. However, Ukraine has been excluded, prompting Zelensky to reject any peace deal made without Kyiv’s involvement. The summit may lead to a Putin-Trump meeting.

Internal conflicts among Republicans in the U.S. House and Senate are escalating over Trump’s two key legislative agendas, with lawmakers employing conflicting strategies to push them forward.

The House Budget Committee has advanced a massive spending bill incorporating various Trump-backed initiatives, following weeks of internal disputes. The bill is set for a vote next week, though opposition from moderates and conservatives could hinder its passage.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans have also cleared their own proposal through the Budget Committee, with a vote expected this week. Both chambers are now in a race to pass their respective bills, while House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is attempting to mediate a compromise.

Keith Kellogg, a special envoy for former U.S. President Donald Trump, stated that no peace deal would be imposed on Kyiv. Speaking at a press conference at NATO headquarters, he said discussions about Washington’s commitment to European peacekeeping efforts would take place later.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Saudi Arabia today to discuss the Ukraine war and bilateral relations. Kellogg also announced that he would visit Kyiv this week to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

European leaders are pushing for broader participation in Ukraine peace talks, but the U.S. envoy clarified that not all parties could be included.

On Saturday, a U.S. citizen in Florida shot and injured two Israeli tourists, mistakenly identifying them as Palestinians. The suspect, Mordechai Brafman, has been arrested, and a case was filed against him on Sunday.

According to police reports, Brafman admitted that while driving his truck in Miami Beach, he fired at the two men, believing them to be Palestinians and intending to kill them. However, they survived. Authorities later confirmed that the victims were Israeli tourists, not Palestinians.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent his foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, and top foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, to Saudi Arabia to meet with U.S. officials. The main topics of discussion will include the restoration of Russia-U.S. relations and the potential for peace talks regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are also expected to attend. The meeting is part of preparations for a potential summit between President Trump and President Putin.