OPINION

Trump is testing the waters on Ukraine to see how far he can go elsewhere

— Donald Trump’s second presidency prioritises alliances with autocracies, ending wars on his terms, and economic nationalism. A ‘win’ in Ukraine may well lead the US president to act in Gaza and resume talks of acquiring Canada or Greenland.

Trump-Zelensky Clash

The only ‘winner’ here is Putin: Ukraine unites in response to Trump-Zelensky spat and resigns itself to new reality

— The heated Oval Office clash between Zelensky and Trump has unified Ukrainians, exposing shifting U.S. policy under Trump. With U.S. support wavering, Ukraine increasingly turns to Europe for backing.

OPINION

IF you wanted to be a dictator, you could...

— A step-by-step guide to dismantling American democracy: seize control of institutions, silence dissent, manipulate justice, embrace dictators, deceive voters, and undermine alliances — all within 100 days. Autocracy, achieved.

European Union

Is a united European voice possible in the age of Trump, Putin and far-right politics? Germany’s new leader intends to find out

— Europe’s identity crisis deepens amid rising populism, shifting alliances, and leadership voids post-Angela Merkel. As Donald Trump’s influence grows, uncertainty looms: Who speaks for Europe — and does Washington still listen?

Donald Trump

Michael Wolff’s new book “All or Nothing” exposes Trump’s 2024 campaign drama

— Michael Wolff’s new political book delivers a blistering insider account of Donald Trump’s chaotic 2024 campaign, exposing internal strife, erratic behaviour, and political fractures — fueling fresh controversy over his leadership and mental fitness.

European Security

Europe left scrambling in face of wavering US security guarantees

— European leaders face a seismic shift as US support wanes. Trump’s unilateralism, Ukraine war talks excluding Europe, and efforts to divide the EU demand urgent European unity to safeguard security and sovereignty.

OPINION

Most bizarre performance in an Oval Office in history — envelope, please

— Elon Musk’s bizarre Oval Office appearance last week saw him boast about cutting $1 trillion in government spending, axing agencies, and rehiring a racist employee — without evidence or oversight, all while Trump cheered him on.

OPINION

Starmer’s moral cowardice on Gaza

— Trump’s Gaza plan, a blatant violation of international law, proposes mass Palestinian displacement for profit. While global leaders react, Keir Starmer’s muted response highlights a troubling lack of moral courage, Wee Ginger Dug writes.

OPINION

Performance art worthy of no awards

— Trump’s second term is a whirlwind of theatrics — executive orders, tariffs, and controversial policies driven by spectacle rather than strategy. From Musk’s unchecked influence to dubious foreign deals, governance feels like performance art, B. Jay Cooper writes.

US Tariffs

The UK would be lucky to avoid US tariffs – but a global trade war would hurt everyone

— Donald Trump’s tariff policies spark uncertainty, with fluctuating trade taxes targeting Canada, Mexico, China, and the EU. The UK may escape, but global supply chains and economic stability remain at risk.

Trump 2.0

Musk’s inauguration salute is not the only apparent fascist signal from Trump’s administration

— Donald Trump’s administration faces renewed allegations of fascist signaling, fueled by Elon Musk’s controversial salute. Past far-right associations, pardons, and coded messages spark debate over Trump’s ties to extremism.

Dictatorship

How Vladimir Putin was able to change Russia’s constitution and become ‘president for life’

— Donald Trump may face “lame duck syndrome” by 2026, echoing Vladimir Putin’s past constitutional manoeuvres. If Trump allies push to amend term limits, it could signal his bid for extended power.

Latin America

Trump’s method for repatriating migrants risks undermining US interests in Latin America

— Donald Trump’s deportation dispute with Latin American countries risks alienating the region, driving nations towards regional alliances, BRICS, and China — eventually undermining US influence.