U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports. According to a Reuters report, the White House is set to make the official announcement on Monday. Trump stated that the U.S. would impose retaliatory tariffs on any country that levies tariffs on American goods, aiming to create trade balance. U.S. government data indicates that Canada is the country’s largest supplier of duty-free goods. The new tariffs are expected to hit Canada and Mexico the hardest.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk will assist in exposing corruption worth hundreds of billions of dollars within government agencies. In a televised interview on Sunday, Trump emphasized that American citizens demand an end to wasteful government spending, and Musk is playing a crucial role in this initiative. Trump revealed that in his second term, he has tasked Musk with leading a newly established 'Department of Government Efficiency' to identify and eliminate financial misconduct in public offices.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive orders have faced multiple legal challenges. On Saturday, a U.S. court blocked restrictions on the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. Additionally, a federal judge temporarily halted Trump’s order to withhold hundreds of billions of dollars in federal grants and loans. The court also blocked an order revoking birthright citizenship and a decision to send 2,200 USAID employees on unpaid leave. Trump, however, clarified that Prince Harry would not be deported as part of the immigration crackdown.

U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that the Ukraine war may soon end after a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is the first direct communication between the leaders in years. Trump also proposed that Ukraine share its mineral resources in exchange for U.S. support. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is open to negotiations, seeking U.S. security guarantees, and could meet with Trump soon. He stresses the importance of direct talks with Trump before any discussions with Putin.

US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to suspend American aid to South Africa. According to Reuters, this move criticizes the South African government’s law that allows for the expropriation of land from white farmers, a policy the Trump administration deems discriminatory. Trump accused the South African government of seizing land from minority white farmers through legislation passed in January. Johannesburg has denied these allegations. Trump also expressed frustration over South Africa’s stance on the genocide accusations against Israel and its alliance with Iran.

Billionaire entrepreneur and close associate of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, has stated that he has no interest in acquiring TikTok’s operations in the United States. His remarks, made via video link from Germany in January, surfaced a week later. Musk clarified that he has no plans for TikTok, as he doesn’t use the platform. According to AFP, TikTok is facing legal pressure in the U.S. that could force its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to either divest its ownership or shut down operations in the country.

Billionaire and Trump advisor Elon Musk has criticized the U.S. military’s inefficiency, warning that without urgent reforms, America will face a devastating defeat in the next war. He described the military as “incompetent” despite its massive $850 billion budget. Musk emphasized that outdated strategies and bureaucratic inefficiencies are weakening national security. Speaking at West Point, he highlighted drones and AI as the future of warfare, citing Ukraine as an example. He also echoed Trump’s past concerns about wasted military spending in West Asia.

The US State Department has officially notified Congress of a planned $7.4 billion arms sale to Israel. The deal will be delivered in two phases. The first shipment, worth $6.75 billion, includes precision-guided munitions, 166 small-diameter bombs, 2,800 500-pound bombs, fuses, and other military equipment, all set to be delivered this year. The second phase, scheduled to begin in 2028, involves 3,000 Hellfire missiles valued at $660 million.

Amid ongoing debate over Elon Musk’s influence in the Trump administration, TIME magazine has featured the billionaire on its cover, seated behind the Resolute Desk in the White House. The article highlights Musk’s unprecedented authority as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, a position that has led to mass layoffs as part of his policy implementation. While the White House has yet to comment, speculation is rife that Trump might be displeased. This follows a 2017 TIME cover featuring Steve Bannon as the “Great Manipulator,” after which Bannon was eventually ousted from Trump’s administration.

A regional aircraft that went missing in western Alaska has been found crashed 24 miles southeast of Nome. All 10 passengers on board were killed. Rescuers have recovered three bodies, while the remaining seven are believed to be inside the wreckage. The plane lost communication while flying 12 miles offshore and had been missing since last Thursday. Images show the aircraft wrecked in a snow-covered area. This marks the third plane crash in the region within two weeks, raising concerns about aviation safety in the U.S.

According to four sources confirmed by Reuters, the Trump administration is planning to lay off 9,700 employees from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The agency currently employs around 10,000 people, but only 294 staff members are expected to be retained. Reports indicate that the Africa Bureau will have just 12 employees, while the Asia Bureau will be left with only 8. A former USAID chief described this decision as "horrendous" and warned that it would put many people in jeopardy. The U.S. State Department has not yet commented on the matter. Previously, a close associate of Trump had labeled USAID as a "terrorist organization," accusing it of spending taxpayer money on biological research and propaganda. Shortly after, news of the layoffs emerged.

US President Donald Trump has imposed new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil network. The sanctions affect Iranian firms, ships, companies, and individuals linked to the sector, despite similar measures during Biden’s tenure. US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant stated that Iran continues using oil revenues to fund its nuclear program, ballistic missile development, and proxy terrorist groups. The US remains committed to countering these threats. Trump, who imposed numerous sanctions in his first term, has initiated further restrictions within a week of beginning his second term.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing it of targeting the United States and its close ally, Israel, with "illegal and baseless actions." According to the BBC, Trump’s executive order stipulates that any individuals cooperating with ICC investigations against the U.S. or its allies will face economic and visa-related sanctions, along with potential penalties for their family members. The executive order argues that the ICC’s actions pose a direct threat to American personnel, increasing the risk of harassment and unlawful detentions. Prior to issuing the order, Trump reportedly held discussions with the Israeli Prime Minister regarding the matter.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed plans for Israel to transfer control of Gaza to the United States after the war. He stated that, by then, Palestinians will be relocated to safer, more beautiful areas, with modern homes in secure locations. Trump mentioned that he had previously discussed evacuating Gaza and is now sharing the full plan. Despite global protests, he remains steadfast in his approach. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised the plan, supporting the removal of Palestinians from Gaza.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently visited Panama, where he urged Panamanian authorities to exempt U.S. government ships from canal tolls. Following his visit, the U.S. State Department announced that Panama has agreed to waive toll fees for U.S. government vessels, potentially saving millions of dollars. In November, former President Donald Trump had vowed to reclaim control over the Panama Canal. Rubio also raised concerns about Chinese investments in the canal, alleging that Panama had violated the 1997 agreement. As a result, Panama has withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. However, China has denied any interference in Panama’s sovereignty, reaffirming its commitment to recognizing the canal as a neutral international waterway.