Federal Judges Push Back on Trump’s Executive Orders

President Donald Trump’s executive orders have encountered significant resistance in the federal courts, with at least nine judges issuing temporary injunctions against key policy initiatives. These rulings have stalled efforts such as changes to birthright citizenship, federal spending freezes, and attempts to overhaul the federal workforce. A major recent setback came when Trump-appointed Judge Carl Nichols blocked a move to place 2,200 USAID employees on leave, while another ruling prevented Elon Musk and the team at DOGE from accessing sensitive Treasury records. Trump, Musk, and GOP lawmakers have criticized these decisions, with some labeling them as judicial overreach. The Supreme Court, with its six-justice conservative majority, could play a decisive role in upholding or overturning these lower court rulings.

Source: Politico

Trump States He Has Spoken with Putin as He Seeks Swift End to Ukraine War

In an interview with the New York Post Trump stated that he has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin, though he declined to specify how many times. The Kremlin did not confirm or deny the conversation, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggesting that discussions may be occurring through various channels. Trump expressed urgency in ending the war in Ukraine, stating he wants a resolution “fast” and instructing his national security adviser, Mike Waltz, to push for negotiations. He also hinted at potential upcoming meetings with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin. Meanwhile, Trump has proposed a deal where continued U.S. aid to Ukraine would be contingent on securing access to the country’s rare earth minerals. While the Kremlin has denied formal planning for a Trump-Putin summit, Russian state media reports suggest preparations are underway for a meeting that could take place as soon as this month.

Notes: Saudi Arabia and the UAE are potential venues for the summit.

Sources: CNN, Reuters

Baltic States Cut Energy Ties with Russia, Join EU Power Grid

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have officially disconnected from Russia’s Brell power grid and joined the European Union’s electricity network, marking a major step toward energy independence. The move, planned since 2007, was expedited following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 due to security concerns. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it a historic moment, emphasizing that it ends Russia’s ability to use energy as a tool of political coercion. NATO has also increased patrols in the area amid concerns over recent sabotage incidents involving Baltic Sea infrastructure.

Notes: While energy ties are severed, Russia still holds leverage in areas like trade and migration, meaning broader geopolitical tensions remain.

Source: BBC

Trump Announces 25% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum

President Trump announced plans to impose new 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, escalating his trade policy overhaul. Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to the Super Bowl, Trump also revealed plans for reciprocal tariffs that would match the rates imposed by other countries on U.S. goods. The move is expected to impact major steel and aluminum suppliers, including Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. Canadian officials have pushed back, highlighting their key role in U.S. industries, while Quebec’s premier called for an accelerated renegotiation of the U.S.-Canada free trade agreement. Additionally, Trump has warned that unless Canada and Mexico strengthen border security, a separate 25% tariff on all their exports to the U.S. could take effect on March 1.

Source: Reuters

Notable Headlines

• Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl

• Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show (YouTube)

• France announces €109bn investment into AI

• Starlink and T-Mobile open satellite texting to all

• Trump orders US Treasury to stop making new pennies due to cost

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