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US Supreme Court strikes down President Trump’s trade tariffs

US Supreme Court

WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court has struck down President Donald Trump’s global trade tariffs, ruling that he exceeded his authority when imposing them, severely impacting international trade.

According to reports, the court stated that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the President the power to impose such tariffs.

The decision is being seen as a major judicial setback for Trump’s economic agenda, as tariffs were considered a key tool of his trade policy.

Experts warn that the ruling could also affect trade agreements made earlier this year, establishing new limits on what policies the President can implement without Congressional approval.

It is noteworthy that Trump had imposed tariffs on multiple countries, including Pakistan. Last month, he had warned that a court ruling against these measures could put the US at a disadvantage.

US deploys largest aircraft carrier near Iran amid rising tensions

US deploys

The United States’ largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has entered the Mediterranean amid rising tensions with Iran and ongoing nuclear negotiations between the two nations.

Naval Deployment Amid Rising Tensions

According to international news agencies, the second round of US-Iran nuclear talks has begun, but tensions remain high. Monitoring websites reported that the USS Gerald R. Ford, part of a Carrier Strike Group, is currently transiting the Strait of Gibraltar, signaling rapid movement toward the Middle East.

The deployment follows orders from US President Donald Trump, who last week instructed the carrier strike group to move toward the region as military options against Iran were being considered.

US defense officials expect the carrier to reach the Middle East within a few days, becoming operationally ready for potential missions against Iran.

Operational Readiness

Images released by the US Department of Defense show F/A-18F Super Hornet jets taking off from the deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Mediterranean, highlighting the carrier’s operational preparedness.

With tensions escalating in the region, this deployment is considered a critical strategic move by the United States as the nuclear negotiations continue.

Trump posts offensive AI video targeting Barack and Michelle Obama

Trump posts offensive

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama in a highly offensive manner, but later deleted it following widespread criticism on social media.

The video, which portrayed the Obamas in a derogatory way, was reportedly posted in error by a White House staff member, according to official statements, and was promptly removed.

Former Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris criticized the White House’s attempt to downplay the incident, saying, “No one is convinced by this explanation. We all know who Trump is and what his views are.”

Meanwhile, Democratic leader Bernie Sanders condemned the video, asking, “Will Republican colleagues continue to kneel before this racist individual?”

Responding to the controversy, Trump stated that he had not fully watched the post before it went up. “As soon as I realized, we took it down. It wasn’t a mistake. I look at thousands of things,” he added.

This incident adds to ongoing tensions between Trump and his political rivals, highlighting the increasingly controversial use of AI-generated media in political discourse.

Melania Trump documentary faces box office flop ahead of release

Melania Trump

The upcoming documentary on First Lady Melania Trump has faced a major setback even before its release at the US and UK box offices.

Produced at a cost of $75 million, the film is scheduled to release on January 30, 2026, but ticket sales in major cinemas in New York and London have been extremely low. Reports suggest that many showings had zero bookings, with only a few seats reserved in some theaters.

The documentary reportedly covers the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, and claims that Melania Trump was paid $28 million for her role.

Amazon reportedly spent $40 million to acquire rights for the film, along with $35 million on marketing, promotion, and distribution.

The film highlights Melania Trump’s life, business ventures, philanthropy, and family responsibilities, and how she helped establish the East Wing of the White House.

 However, some hosts and critics have mocked the film, noting changes made to the historic East Wing during renovations.

Despite promotion on President Trump’s social media accounts urging audiences to watch, ticket sales remain dismal. In New York’s Times Square theaters, evening shows priced at $25 per ticket reportedly sold none.

Social media users have shared images of empty theaters, turning what was intended as a showcase of Melania and Donald Trump’s prominence into a source of public ridicule.

Industry insiders have also criticized the documentary, with some staff members reportedly removing their names from credits over concerns about the film’s propaganda-like tone and impending backlash.

Critics have further targeted Melania for promoting the documentary during significant national events, such as the Minnesota shooting that killed Alex Paretti. Many observers view the film’s poor reception as an ill omen for Donald Trump ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Early projections estimate the film could earn only $1–2 million in its first week, marking a disappointing start for what was intended to be a major cultural and political release.

Trump warns of severe consequences if Iran attempts to kill him

Trump warns

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would face devastating consequences if any attempt were made on his life.

Speaking in an interview with American media, Trump was asked about alleged threats from Iran. He said he did not believe the Iranian government would take such a step, but added that he had already prepared a formal notification regarding the matter.

“If Iran kills me, the United States will completely destroy Iran,” Trump stated.

In a recent statement, Iran’s Supreme Leader had blamed President Trump for deaths and damages that occurred during recent protests in Iran.

Meanwhile, a few days earlier, former US ambassador Dan Shapiro claimed that Trump might attempt to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the coming weeks — a claim that further heightened tensions between the two sides.

The remarks have once again fueled concerns over escalating hostility between Washington and Tehran.

On the other hand, US President Donald Trump’s plane was forced to return to Joint Base Andrews shortly after departing for Switzerland night due to a minor electrical malfunction, the White House confirmed. The decision was taken purely as a precautionary measure.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt stated that Air Force One landed back at Andrews Base around 0400 GMT following a brief flight. Journalists traveling with Trump reported that cabin lights went off for a few moments shortly after takeoff.

Despite the technical issue, Trump did not cancel his trip. Instead, he switched to a backup plane and departed again on Wednesday morning to attend the Davos Forum. The new aircraft left Andrews Base approximately two and a half hours after the initial flight.

Air Force One, widely regarded as one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world, has been in service since 1990 as a Boeing 747-200B.

Trump has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the current planes, and delays in the delivery of new Air Force One aircraft had prompted his administration to explore alternative options. Reports also indicated that some of these options raised constitutional, ethical, and security concerns.

The incident caused only minor disruption, and Trump continued his schedule as planned, highlighting the precautionary protocols followed during presidential travel.

Trump widens diplomatic outreach for Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

Trump widens

US President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a Board of Peace to manage interim governance and oversight of state affairs in Gaza.

According to international news agencies, the board will be directly supervised by President Trump, with a majority of its members expected to be Americans.

However, President Trump has also formally invited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to join the Gaza Board of Peace.

 The Turkish Presidency confirmed that President Erdogan has received an official letter offering him the role of a founding member of the board.

In his letter, President Trump emphasized Turkey’s potential role in maintaining the Gaza ceasefire, ensuring peace, overseeing interim governance, and contributing to reconstruction efforts.

President Erdogan has not yet responded to the proposal and is currently consulting with his close aides. Although Erdogan maintains cordial ties with President Trump, he is known as one of Israel’s strongest critics and has repeatedly described Israel’s actions in Gaza as crimes against humanity.

Due to this stance, Israel has previously opposed any active Turkish role in Gaza-related affairs.

In addition to Turkey, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has also received an invitation to join the Board of Peace. Egypt’s foreign minister stated during a press conference in Cairo that the proposal is under review and a decision will be made after considering all aspects.

The White House said the Board of Peace is being established following the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The board’s mandate includes overseeing temporary governance in Gaza, restoring security and law and order, ensuring fair distribution of humanitarian aid, supervising reconstruction, supporting economic recovery, and preparing a framework for Gaza’s future political administration.

Trump names members of Gaza Peace Board amid Middle East plan

Trump names

WASHINGTON / GAZA: Under US President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan, the governance of Gaza will be managed by a newly formed Gaza Peace Board, replacing Hamas’s administrative role.

 The board will include international leaders and experts to oversee transitional governance and implement the peace plan.

According to global news agencies, President Trump announced the members of the Gaza Peace Board, marking the second phase of the Gaza peace initiative. Trump has appointed himself as chairman of the board, taking responsibility for guiding transitional governance and advancing the peace plan.

Notable International Members

Sir Tony Blair, former UK Prime Minister (1997–2007), will serve as an international board member.

US Senator Marco Rubio, a close Trump ally, has been appointed as a member to play a key role in administrative oversight.

Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and special envoy, is included as a board member.

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy for Middle East peace, will also participate in the board.

Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, will provide guidance on international financial support and investment strategies.

Mark Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management, will handle economic development, investment, and financial assistance matters.

Robert Gabirel, US Deputy National Security Advisor, will serve as security adviser for strategic and security affairs in Gaza.

Nikole Miladinov, former Bulgarian diplomat and UN Special Representative for the Middle East, will act as a liaison between the board and international committees.

Palestinian Leadership

Dr. Ali Shath, a prominent Palestinian technocrat, has been appointed head of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, tasked with daily administration, restoring essential services, and rebuilding institutions.

Executive Board and International Cooperation

An additional Gaza Executive Board has been formed, including international Muslim and Israeli figures:

Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister

Ali Al-Thawadi, Qatari diplomat

Gen. Hassan Rashid, Egypt’s intelligence chief

Reem Al-Hashimi, UAE Minister

Yakir Gabe, Israeli businessman

Segerdo Kaag, former Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands

This executive board will assist the Peace Board in governance, service delivery, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

Trump urges Iranians to continue protests as help is on the way

Trump urges Iranians

Washington: US President Donald Trump has issued a strong statement regarding the ongoing protests in Iran, urging what he described as “patriotic Iranians” to continue their demonstrations, saying that assistance is on the way.

In a message posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called on Iranian protesters to sustain their movement and “take control of their institutions.”

He further warned those involved in violence and repression, saying their names should be remembered and that they would “pay a very heavy price” for their actions.

Trump also stated that he has cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until what he termed the “killing of protesters” comes to an end.

Concluding his message, the US president reiterated that “help is coming,” without providing further details.

Trump’s remarks on unilateral military authority spark global concern

Trump’s remarks

A statement by US President Donald Trump, marked by aggressive overtones, has triggered widespread concern across the international community.

According to international news agencies, President Trump said in a recent interview that he has the authority to order US military action against any country in the world. He asserted that, as Commander-in-Chief, he holds full powers to issue such orders and that “no one can stop” him.

Trump further stated that decisions to launch military strikes are based solely on his personal judgment and moral principles, adding that he does not consider the opinions or objections of others.

The remarks came at a sensitive time, as the US Senate approved a resolution for debate requiring President Trump to seek congressional authorization for any further military action in Venezuela. The motion passed with 52 votes in favor and 47 against.

Following the vote, President Trump sharply criticized members of his own Republican Party who supported the resolution, warning that they would not be re-elected to the Senate in the future.

However, Trump later canceled a planned second phase of military operations against Venezuela.

It is worth noting that on January 3, US forces carried out a military operation targeting Venezuela’s presidential palace, during which President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were arrested. The couple were reportedly detained in their residence, transferred by helicopter to a naval vessel, and subsequently taken to the United States.

President Maduro and his wife were later presented before a New York court on charges including drug trafficking and other serious crimes.

Both rejected the allegations, describing their detention as an abduction rather than a lawful arrest, and emphasizing Maduro’s status as Venezuela’s sitting president.

According to reports, the US operation resulted in the deaths of around 100 people, including 55 Venezuelan and Cuban military personnel.

The incident has since ignited an intense legal and political debate over under what authority the United States carried out the attack on Venezuela and detained its president and first lady.

Trump announces US withdrawal from 66 international and UN organizations

Trump announces

Washington:  US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will withdraw from 66 international organizations, including multiple United Nations agencies, and will end its financial support for them.

Trump stated that the decision affects several UN bodies and international institutions, including a major environmental agreement and the UN entity dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment, citing that these organizations work against U.S. national interests.

Among the agencies affected, the U.S. will withdraw from UN Women, which focuses on gender equality, and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which supports family planning and maternal and child health in over 150 countries. The U.S. had already cut funding to UNFPA last year.

The White House released a list highlighting 35 organizations outside the UN system, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the National Democratic Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Additionally, the US will step back from 31 UN agencies, including the central UN climate framework (UNFCCC), the UN Democracy Fund, and UNFPA, the key agency working on maternal and child health. Last year, the U.S. also skipped its first UN annual climate conference in three decades.

According to the British news agency, Trump’s move reflects his long-standing skepticism toward multilateral institutions, particularly the UN. He has frequently questioned their utility, cost, and accountability, arguing that many fail to serve American interests.

A formal response from the United Nations is expected following this announcement. Since the start of his second term last January, Trump has already pulled the U.S. out of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Paris Climate Agreement, and the UN Human Rights Council.