LiveNewsWatch

Category: White House

  • Trump Signed an Order that Threatens Tariffs on Countries that Trade with Iran

    Trump Signed an Order that Threatens Tariffs on Countries that Trade with Iran

    US President Donald Trump might impose new tariffs on countries that trade with Iran. He signed an executive order on Friday.

    The order does not state the exact tariff rate but uses 25% as an example. It will apply to goods imported into the US from any country that buys, imports, or acquires goods or services from Iran.

    Trump has not commented directly on the order, but he emphasized again that there should be “no nuclear weapons” for Iran during a speech on Air Force One on Friday night. This order comes as US and Iranian officials hold talks in Oman after several weeks of threats from both sides.

    Earlier this year, Trump threatened a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran in a post on Truth Social. On January 12, he stated, “Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America.” No further details were given on how the tariffs would work.

    The White House said this executive order reaffirms the “ongoing national emergency with respect to Iran” and noted that the president may change it if conditions change. The statement said, “The President is holding Iran accountable for its pursuit of nuclear capabilities, support for terrorism, ballistic missile development, and regional destabilization that endanger American security, allies, and interests.”

    There has been no immediate response from Iran.

    Iran Wants to Make a Deal Badly – Trump

    The U.S.-Iran talks in Oman began on Friday. This is the first meeting since last June when the U.S. bombed Iran’s main nuclear facilities.

    Iran’s team was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The U.S. was represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who is President Trump’s son-in-law.

    President Trump told reporters on Air Force One that the talks went “very well.” He added that Iran “really wants to make a deal.” Trump warned that if Iran does not agree to a deal, there could be serious consequences. He mentioned there will be another meeting early next week.

    Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who helped to mediate the talks, said they were useful for clarifying both sides’ views and identifying areas for progress.

    In a statement on X, Araghchi called the talks “a good start” and noted that there was a “positive atmosphere.” He said the negotiators have returned to their capitals for more discussions.

    Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have raised fears of conflict. Recently, Trump said that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be “very worried.” He indicated that he might take military action if Iran does not reach a deal on its nuclear program.

    Iran insists that its nuclear program is peaceful and denies claims from the U.S. and its allies that it wants to develop nuclear weapons.

    In response to Iran’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests, the U.S. has increased its military presence in the region. Trump described this as a “massive armada.”

    Human rights groups report that thousands were killed during the crackdown, but the full number is unclear because the Iranian government imposed internet restrictions after January 8th.

  • Trump Took Down Racist Clip Portraying Obamas as Apes

    Trump Took Down Racist Clip Portraying Obamas as Apes

    US President Donald Trump has removed a social media video that included a racist clip depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. The clip, set to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” appeared at the end of a 62-second video he shared, which included claims about voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

    Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump stated, “I didn’t make a mistake.” He added that he had only seen the beginning of the video before it was posted by a staff member and was unaware that it contained the depiction of the Obamas.

    Backlash from Republican Senators

    Republican Senator Tim Scott, who is Black, called for the president to remove the post, describing it as “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House.” Initially, the White House defended the clip as an “internet meme video” and urged critics to “stop the fake outrage.”

    After strong criticism, including from some Republican senators, Trump’s post was taken down from his Truth Social account. A White House official said a staff member mistakenly made the post.

    The clip resembles racist images that compare Black people to monkeys. It seems to have come from a post by conservative meme creator Xerias on X in October.

    The video shows several prominent Democrats as animals, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Zohran Mamdani, and Hillary Clinton. Joe Biden is also shown as an ape eating a banana.

    The Obamas have not commented on the video.

    This video was one of many uploaded to Trump’s Truth Social account overnight.

    While on Air Force One, the president said, “I look at a lot of thousands of things.” He mentioned that after watching only part of the video, he let his team review it. He liked the video’s message about voter fraud, but he acknowledged that if his staff had seen the entire video, “probably they would have had the sense to take it down.” He added, “We took it down as soon as we found out about it.”

    Criticism Across the Board

    Some members of Trump’s own party criticized a recent social media post. Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina and an ally of Trump, said he hoped the post was fake because it was “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House.” He added, “The President should remove it.”

    New York Representative Mike Lawler, another Republican, called the post “wrong and incredibly offensive, whether intentional or a mistake” and said it “should be deleted immediately with an apology.”

    The criticism did not stop even after the post was taken down. Senator John Curtis from Utah tweeted that the video was “blatantly racist and inexcusable.” He stated, “It should never have been posted or left published for so long.”

    According to CBS, the BBC’s US partner, Florida Representative Byron Donalds, a Trump supporter who is running for governor, called the White House after the video was posted. He learned that a staffer was responsible and had “let the president down.”

    The BBC has asked the White House how many people have access to the president’s account and what the approval process is for posts.

    Earlier that day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the clip as “an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from The Lion King.” She urged critics to “please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.”

    Trump is a Malignant Bottom Feeder – Jeffries

    House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Trump of racism after Trump shared an AI-generated image of him with a mustache and sombrero. Jeffries called Trump a “vile, unhinged, and malignant bottom feeder.” He urged all Republicans to condemn Trump’s bigotry.

    The video in question includes false claims about a voting conspiracy in Michigan from the 2020 presidential election. These claims were proven wrong during Dominion Voting Systems’ successful lawsuits against some media companies.

    Trump has a long history of attacking Obama. Before his first term as president, Trump made false claims that Obama was born in Kenya and was therefore ineligible to be president. He later admitted that Obama was born in the U.S.

  • Trump has Suspended Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries

    Trump has Suspended Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries

    The U.S. government will stop processing immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries starting January 21. This change affects people wanting to move to the U.S. permanently. It does not impact visitors or those with short-term visas.

    This decision comes five months before the U.S. hosts the FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico. It also follows a series of crackdowns on immigrants, refugees, foreign students, and visa applicants, raising concerns about how the U.S. views visitors.

    What announcement has been made by the U.S. administration?

    The State Department has told U.S. consulates to stop processing immigrant visa applications from certain countries. This decision comes after an order to increase checks on potential immigrants who might financially burden the U.S.

    “The Trump administration is ending the misuse of America’s immigration system by those who take advantage of American resources,” the department said.

    Processing of immigrant visas from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reviews its procedures to prevent foreign nationals from relying on welfare and public benefits.

    How does it work?

    According to the State Department, people from the affected countries can still apply for immigrant visas. However, no visas will be approved or issued while the pause is in place. The U.S. government has not said when this suspension might end.

    Dual nationals can apply using a valid passport from a country not included in the suspension. This pause does not affect non-immigrant visas, such as temporary, tourist, or business visas.

    Other Immigration Restrictions Under the Trump Administration

    Recently, the Trump administration has tightened immigration rules for people from countries with weak vetting processes. The State Department has set new limits on migration from these nations.

    In January 2025, the White House stated that the U.S. could not accept large numbers of migrants, especially refugees. They said this could strain public resources, create security issues, and make it harder for newcomers to adjust.

    In June, the administration imposed a full travel ban on people from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Chad, the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

    By October, the White House announced the lowest refugee admissions limit in U.S. history: just 7,500 refugees for the 2026 fiscal year. Most of this cap is for white Afrikaners from South Africa. Trump has spread false claims about a genocide against white South Africans, despite data showing that violence affects people of all races in that country.

    At the same time, the Trump administration has cut foreign aid programs that help refugees living abroad.

    The administration has also worked to limit skilled immigration. They claim this protects jobs for U.S. citizens. In September, they raised the application fee for H-1B visas, which companies use to hire foreign workers, to $100,000.

    After an Afghan national linked to the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., the government added more travel restrictions. They expanded the ban to include six more countries: Palestine, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria.

    Immigration officials have also paused asylum cases and stopped processing citizenship and green card applications for people from the countries affected by the bans.

    Is the Trump administration deporting people at record rates?

    By early December, Trump’s Department of Homeland Security said it had deported over 605,000 people, while about 1.9 million people had left the country on their own.

    As a result, the United States saw more people leaving than entering in 2025. This was the first time in 50 years that net negative immigration happened, according to the Brookings Institution. Their researchers estimated that the net loss of immigrants that year was between 10,000 and 295,000 people.

  • Trump Cancels Iran Meetings, Urges Protesters to Seize Institutions

    Trump Cancels Iran Meetings, Urges Protesters to Seize Institutions

    US President Donald Trump has canceled all meetings with Iranian officials. He urged protesters in Iran to “take over your institutions” after a government crackdown.

    On Tuesday, Trump posted on social media that “help is on the way” but did not elaborate. He has been considering military action against Iran recently.

    “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING-TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

    “I have canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! [MAGA].”

    Trump has threatened military strikes against Iran to pressure the country to meet US demands. He suggested that a harsh response from Iranian authorities to the protests could lead to US military action. On Monday, he announced a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran.

    Analysts have warned that US strikes could break international law and lead to unexpected problems, especially with the large protests happening in Iran.

    Human rights groups outside Iran say hundreds of protesters have died, while state media report that over 100 security personnel have also died.

    Trump Announced to Invade Iran

    Trump has suggested that the US may intervene in Iran. His national security team will meet today to discuss options.

    Thousands of people are feared dead after a strong crackdown on weeks of protests against the government in Iran. Many Iranians are reporting high levels of death and destruction when they manage to call family abroad.

    An Iranian security official told Reuters that the death toll could be around 2,000 people, which includes security personnel.

    One protester, Erfan Soltani, is set to be executed tomorrow. A human rights group mentioned that they have never seen a case move so quickly.

    Although some people in Iran can now make calls outside the country, an ongoing internet blackout makes it hard to confirm information from inside.

    Top Iranian Official Attributes Iranian Deaths to Trump

    Iran’s security forces have increased their crackdown in recent days. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, based in the US, reports that at least 1,847 protesters have been killed since the demonstrations began on December 28. They warn that the actual death toll could be much higher.

    In response to former President Trump’s comments on X (formerly Twitter), Ali Larijani, Secretary of the National Security Council and adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said, “We announce the names of the main murderers of the Iranian people: 1- Trump 2- Netanyahu.”

    This is not the first time Larijani has responded to Trump on social media.

    Earlier, on January 2, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue.”

    Larijani replied, “Trump should know that US interference in this internal matter would mean destabilizing the entire region and harming America’s interests.”

  • US Classified Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan as ‘Terrorists’

    US Classified Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan as ‘Terrorists’

    The United States has labeled Muslim Brotherhood organizations in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as “terrorist” groups. This announcement comes from President Donald Trump’s administration as it increases efforts to target groups that oppose Israel globally.

    This decision was made on Tuesday, following an executive order from Trump issued weeks earlier to start the process of blacklisting these groups.

    The US Department of the Treasury identified the organizations in Jordan and Egypt as “specially designated global terrorists.” Meanwhile, the State Department classified the Lebanese group as a “foreign terrorist organization” (FTO).

    The Trump administration mentioned that these groups allegedly support Hamas and act against Israeli interests in the Middle East as reasons for the designations.

    The US Treasury stated, “Chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood claim to be legitimate civic organizations, but they openly support terrorist groups like Hamas behind the scenes.”

    On Tuesday, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the US decision to label the Egyptian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood as global “terrorists.” They called it a significant step. The ministry explained that the decision shows the risks this group poses and its extremist ideology, which threatens regional and international security.

    They also said this move matches Egypt’s long-standing view of the group, which it considers a “terrorist” organization due to its violence and incitement.

    These US designations make it illegal to provide support to these groups and impose economic sanctions to disrupt their funding. The FTO label also bans members of these groups from entering the US.

    The Muslim Brotherhood

    The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in 1928 by Egyptian scholar Hassan al-Banna. It has branches across the Middle East, including political parties and social groups.

    The group claims it is committed to peaceful political participation. In Lebanon, the Muslim Brotherhood chapter is called al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, and it has representatives in the Lebanese Parliament.

    In Jordan, the group won 31 seats in the House of Representatives in the 2024 elections through its political arm, the Islamic Action Front. However, last year, the Jordanian government banned the group, accusing it of being involved in a sabotage plot.

    In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood won the only democratically held presidential election in 2012. But after President Mohamed Morsi was overthrown in a military coup in 2013, he died in prison in 2019. Since then, Egypt has banned the Muslim Brotherhood and cracked down on its leaders and members, forcing the group underground and into exile.

    Muslim Brotherhood organizations have criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them genocide. Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya showed support for Hezbollah as part of a solidarity effort for Gaza, which led to a war in September 2024.

    After a decree by Trump in November, Lebanese Parliament member Imad al-Hout stated that al-Jamaa al-Islamiya is a licensed political organization in Lebanon and has no foreign ties. He said that the assessment of any Lebanese political group should be based on Lebanese laws, not external viewpoints tied to American interests that support Israel and do not reflect the situation in Lebanon.

    The Group Rejected Trump’s Order

    The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood rejected Trump’s order to blacklist them, noting that previous US administrations did not take this step.

    “The facts have not changed. What has changed is the foreign pressure on the United States, especially from the UAE and Israel, to adopt policies that serve outside interests instead of the American people,” the group stated in November.

    “These outside interests contradict the ‘America First’ principle that President Trump often mentions and show the negative influence of foreign lobbying groups on U.S. national security decisions.”

    Effects in the US

    In the US and other Western countries, right-wing activists have tried to harm the reputation of Muslim immigrant communities and critics of Israel by linking them to the Muslim Brotherhood.

    Some of Trump’s supporters in Congress have pushed for blacklisting the group for years.

    After Trump’s order labeled the Muslim Brotherhood’s branches in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan as “terrorist” groups, the Republican governors of Texas and Florida acted against the leading Muslim civil rights group in the US.

    Both states classified the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as “terrorist” groups.

    CAIR, which denies any connection to the Muslim Brotherhood, has filed a lawsuit in response.

  • Trump Considers Possible Military Action Against Iran

    Trump Considers Possible Military Action Against Iran

    President Donald Trump is looking at different military options in response to the protests in Iran that have turned deadly. Some U.S. officials told CNN that he is thinking about responding to recent threats to attack the Iranian government if it harms civilians.

    Trump has been briefed recently on various plans for intervention as the violence in Iran has led to many deaths and arrests. Some options focus on targeting the security forces in Tehran that are suppressing the protests.

    On Sunday, Trump stated that Iran contacted him to negotiate. He said, “The leaders of Iran want to negotiate. I think they’re tired of being beaten up by the United States.”

    Trump is mainly concerned about the violence against protesters. He noted, “Some people seem to be killed who shouldn’t be. These leaders are violent, if you want to call them that. We are taking this very seriously.” He added, “The military is looking at it, and we are considering strong options. We will make a decision.”

    However, some officials are worried that military strikes could have negative consequences and hurt the protests. They believe that strikes could rally the Iranian people behind their government or lead Iran to retaliate with military action.

    Options to Target the Iranian Regime

    Trump is looking at several ways to help protesters in Iran without using military force.

    The U.S. is considering cyber operations to target the Iranian military and government. This could disrupt their ability to manage protests. Trump is also thinking about new sanctions on important officials and key parts of Iran’s economy, like energy and banking.

    In addition, the administration may provide technology, such as Starlink, to help improve internet access in Iran. This would help protesters get around information blackouts. Trump mentioned he might call Elon Musk, the owner of Starlink, after returning to Washington from Florida. President Joe Biden had previously offered similar internet support during protests in 2022.

    Different government agencies are working on these options for the president. Formal briefings are planned soon, including one on Tuesday when Trump will meet with senior national security officials to discuss what to do next.

    Tehran has warned that if the U.S. takes military action against Iran, it will target U.S. military and commercial bases. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the parliamentary speaker, said, “If the U.S. attacks Iran or the occupied territories, we will consider U.S. military and shipping centers legitimate targets. We will not just wait and react after an attack.”

    When asked how the U.S. would respond if Iran attacked American military bases, Trump said, “We will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.”

    The president has not made a final decision about intervention yet, but he is seriously considering options as the death toll in Iran rises. However, the choices under consideration do not include sending ground troops to Iran, according to a senior official at the White House.

    Consequences of Anti-regime Protests

    Trump Considers Possible Military Action Against Iran

    Over the past 15 days, at least 10,675 people have been arrested in Iran during anti-government protests. This number includes 169 children, according to Skylar Thompson, the deputy director of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA).

    HRA also reports that at least 490 protesters have been killed during this time. CNN cannot verify these numbers independently.

    U.S. President Trump commented on the situation on social media, saying, “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”

    On Friday, Trump told reporters that if the Iranian government uses deadly violence against protesters, the U.S. will “get involved.” He emphasized that this would not necessarily mean sending troops, but that the U.S. would respond strongly.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Saturday about the protests. They also discussed the situations in Syria and Gaza.

    The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Sunday that they are watching the developments in Iran as the country enters its third week of protests.

  • Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado to Meet Trump on Thursday

    Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado to Meet Trump on Thursday

    Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, will meet President Donald Trump on Thursday. A senior White House official shared this news with CNN.

    Machado’s visit comes after Trump declined to support her following U.S. military strikes in Caracas and the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the country’s leader. Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has now taken over as acting president.

    After the operation on January 3, Trump said it would be difficult for Machado to lead Venezuela because she does not have the support or respect of the people.

    Despite this, Machado has something Trump desires – a Nobel Prize. She has said she would offer her prize to Trump, who expressed that it would be an “honor” to receive it. However, the Norwegian Nobel Institute stated that the prize cannot be transferred.

    When asked on Friday if accepting Machado’s prize would change his view of her role in Venezuela, Trump did not respond directly.

    “I need to talk to her. She might be involved in some way. I think it’s great that she wants to come in. That’s what I understand the reason is,” Trump told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins during a meeting with oil executives at the White House.

    “I can’t think of anyone in history who deserves the Nobel Prize more than me. I don’t want to brag, but nobody else has settled wars,” Trump stated.

    On Sunday, Trump said he is open to meeting with Rodriguez “at some point.” He mentioned, “We’re working really well with the leadership, and we’ll see how it all unfolds,” while speaking to reporters on Air Force One.

    Trump Canceled Second Wave of Attacks on Venezuela

    Last week, Trump posted on Truth Social that he was canceling a second wave of attacks on Venezuela. He made this decision because Venezuela cooperated with the U.S. in the release of political prisoners.

    In a meeting with oil executives on Friday, he called Venezuela an ally “right now” and said he does not think another attack is needed. Trump has claimed that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela, suggesting this could last for years. In a recent interview with The New York Times, he said, “Only time will tell.”

    However, his plan for a large new drilling campaign, part of his vision to rebuild the country and use its resources, has met with hesitation. After the lengthy White House meeting, Trump and his aides did not secure any major commitments from companies to invest billions. The CEO of ExxonMobil called Venezuela “uninvestible.”

  • Democratic Representative Steny Hoyer is Retiring from Congress

    Democratic Representative Steny Hoyer is Retiring from Congress

    Maryland Democratic Representative Steny Hoyer will announce his retirement on Thursday after serving in Congress for over 40 years.

    At 86 years old, Hoyer told The Washington Post that he decided to leave the House after talking with his family during the holidays.

    Hoyer is the third-longest-serving member of the House. He said, “I did not want to be one of those members who clearly stayed too long and lost the ability to do the job.”

    The former House majority leader will make his official retirement announcement in a speech on the House floor on Thursday.

    Unlike many other members who have left Congress feeling frustrated with the political situation, Hoyer said he still loves the institution.

    He noted that his constituents often ask when Congress will work better. He explained, “As long as Americans elect angry, confrontational people, don’t be surprised when Congress is angry and confrontational too.”

    Hoyer expressed concern about the decline of American politics over the years. He blamed much of it on U.S. President Donald Trump, especially regarding Trump’s pardons for people involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

    He said, “His greatest strength is that he has no shame, and his supporters seem indifferent to his actions, including pardoning 1,600 people who committed treason. It’s astounding that he gets away with it.”

    About Hoyer Career

    Steny Hoyer spent over a decade in the Maryland state Senate before moving to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to Congress in 1981 through a special election. During his time in Congress, he held key roles such as House Democratic Whip, Deputy Majority Whip, and Chair of the Democratic Caucus.

    Hoyer had a talent for passing important laws through divided groups, including the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

    In 2023, Hoyer stepped back from leadership roles, along with Nancy Pelosi and Jim Clyburn, who also left their positions as House Speaker and Majority Whip. This change marked a generational shift for the Democratic Party in the House.

    Hoyer told CNN’s Dana Bash, “I think all of us have been around for some time and have a good sense of the timing of decisions. We all felt this was the right time.”

    In an interview with the Washington Post, Hoyer praised Pelosi, who announced she would not run for reelection after nearly 40 years in Washington. He described her as “tough as nails” and said she was the best of the ten speakers he worked with during his time in Congress.

    “Sure, I would have loved to have been Speaker. Who wouldn’t want to be Speaker? But I don’t have deep regrets,” he told the paper.

  • US to Takeover Greenland Using Military – White House

    US to Takeover Greenland Using Military – White House

    U.S. President Donald Trump is considering different ways to acquire Greenland, including possible military action. The White House has stated that gaining control of Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous part of Denmark, is important for national security.

    This statement came after European leaders expressed their support for Denmark, which has been rejecting Trump’s plans for the Arctic Island.

    Trump said over the weekend that the U.S. “needed” Greenland for security. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any U.S. attack would threaten the future of NATO.

    On Tuesday, the White House said, “The president and his team are looking at various options to achieve this important foreign policy goal, and using the U.S. military is always an option for the commander-in-chief.”

    NATO is a military alliance where member countries support each other in case of attacks.

    Trump Has No Plans to Take Over Greenland – Rubio

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Monday that the Trump administration did not plan to invade Greenland. Instead, he talked about the idea of buying the island from Denmark, according to the Wall Street Journal and other U.S. media.

    On Tuesday, a State Department spokesperson said that the U.S. wants to create lasting business relationships that benefit Americans and the people of Greenland.

    The spokesperson added that the United States, Denmark, and NATO allies share concerns about increasing activity from common adversaries in the Arctic.

    Greenland and Denmark have asked to meet with Rubio soon to discuss U.S. claims about the island. Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, said talking with America’s top diplomat should help clear up “certain misunderstandings.”

    On the same day, six European allies showed support for Denmark. They stated that “Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations.”

    The European leaders emphasized that they also care about security in the Arctic. They believe this security must be achieved together with NATO allies, including the U.S. They also urged everyone to follow the principles of the UN Charter, including respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders.

    Respectful Dialogue

    Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, praised a recent statement and called for “respectful dialogue.”

    He said, “The dialogue must respect Greenland’s status, which is based on international law and the principle of territorial integrity.”

    Concerns about Greenland’s future arose after the U.S. military intervened in Venezuela. U.S. troops captured President Nicolás Maduro and took him to face drug and weapons charges in New York.

    A day later, Katie Miller, the wife of one of Trump’s senior aides, shared a map of Greenland in the colors of the U.S. flag on social media with the word “SOON.”

    On Monday, her husband, Stephen Miller, stated that it was the “formal position of the U.S. government that Greenland should be part of the U.S.”

    When asked during a CNN interview if the U.S. would rule out using force to take Greenland, Miller replied, “Nobody’s going to fight the U.S. over the future of Greenland.”

    Greenland has about 57,000 residents and has enjoyed self-government since 1979, although Denmark still controls its defense and foreign policy.

    Most Greenlanders want independence from Denmark, but many do not support becoming part of the U.S., where a military base already exists.

    Morgan Angaju, a 27-year-old Inuit from Ilulissat in western Greenland, expressed his fears, saying, “It was terrifying to hear the leader of the free world laughing at Denmark and Greenland and talking about us as if we are something to be claimed.”

    He highlighted, “We are already claimed by the Greenlandic people,” explaining that “Kalaallit Nunaat” means “the land of the Greenlandic people.”

    Angaju is also worried about what might happen next. He wonders if Greenland’s Prime Minister could face a similar fate to Maduro or if the U.S. might “invade our country.”

  • Role of Congress Questioned as Democrats Pledge to Rein in Trump over Venezuela

    Role of Congress Questioned as Democrats Pledge to Rein in Trump over Venezuela

    It has become a common pattern: U.S. presidents take military action abroad without Congress’s approval, and Congress often does nothing in response.

    Recently, the U.S. military abducted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. This has led Senate Democrats to pledge to introduce a resolution to limit President Donald Trump’s military actions. Chuck Schumer, the Senate’s top Democrat, said they will push for a vote within the week, though it may not succeed.

    Since Trump began his second term in 2025, Congress has considered several bills to require him to get approval before launching military strikes. The recent attack on Venezuela shows a clear example of presidential overreach, which experts believe needs Congress to take action. David Janovsky, acting director of the Constitution Project at the Project on Government Oversight, emphasizes this point.

    Janovsky notes that under the U.S. Constitution, only Congress has the power to approve military action. He also points out that the attack on Venezuela goes against the UN Charter, which is considered law in the United States.

    He added, “Past justifications for unilateral military action by presidents simply do not apply here. This is particularly bold.”

    The Struggle Ahead

    Since August, the Trump administration has planned to increase its efforts against Venezuela.

    In August, Trump reportedly signed a secret memo asking the U.S. military to prepare for action against criminal networks abroad. Then, on September 2, the administration began launching strikes on boats suspected of drug smuggling off the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia.

    Many condemned this bombing campaign as a violation of international law and as undermining Congress’s power. It happened alongside an increase in U.S. military presence near Venezuela.

    Trump also suggested that the military campaign could soon target drug trafficking in Venezuela itself. “When they come by land, we’re going to stop them the same way we stopped the boats,” Trump said on September 16.

    These strikes led to two votes in the House of Representatives in December. One vote would require Congress to approve any land strikes on Venezuela, while the other would force Trump to seek approval for strikes on drug-smuggling boats.

    Both resolutions failed to pass, mostly along party lines. A similar resolution in the Senate, which aimed to require Congress’s approval for more attacks, also did not pass in November.

    After the recent U.S. operation on Saturday, Senator Tim Kaine spoke to reporters. He hoped that Trump’s bold actions in Venezuela would encourage lawmakers to take action.

    Kaine said Republicans can no longer treat Trump’s military buildup in the Caribbean and his threats as simple “bluffs” or “negotiating tactics.”

    “It’s time for Congress to get serious and do its job,” Kaine stated.

    In an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, US Senator Chris Murphy agreed that Congress has become weak on war matters. This issue has been seen in both Democratic and Republican administrations.

    Bash pointed out that former President Barack Obama’s 2011 military action in Libya occurred without Congress’s approval.

    Republicans Are Indifferent About Resolutions

    Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress has the sole power to declare war, which it has not done since World War II.

    Instead, lawmakers have often used Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) to approve sending troops to recent wars, such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan and for strikes against alleged al-Qaeda members in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

    So far, no AUMFs have been passed for military action in Venezuela.

    If lawmakers think the president is acting beyond their legal power, they can pass a war powers resolution. This resolution requires Congress to approve any further military actions.

    These resolutions are mostly symbolic, but they give a legal basis to challenge the president’s actions in court. However, they are hard to pass since two-thirds of both chambers of Congress must agree to override a presidential veto.

    With the current Congress, passing a war powers resolution would likely need support from both parties.

    Republicans have narrow majorities in the House and Senate, so some members of Trump’s party would need to support the resolution for it to pass.

    In November’s Senate vote, only two Republicans, Rand Paul from Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, voted in favor. The resolution failed with a vote of 51 to 49.

    In December, a similar vote in the House only received 211 votes in favor and 213 against. In that vote, three Republicans supported the resolution while one Democrat opposed it.