Author: Rachel Maddow

Immediate Tariff Increase US President Donald Trump announced an immediate rise in global tariffs from 10% to 15%, following a Supreme Court ruling that his previous use of emergency powers to impose tariffs exceeded presidential authority. Trump argued the decision “merely overruled a particular use of IEEPA” and said other legal avenues remain available to maintain and enforce trade measures against foreign countries. Legal Limits and Alternative Tools The Supreme Court’s 6–3 ruling emphasized that the Constitution grants Congress—not the president—the power to levy taxes, including tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts noted that taxing authority was never placed in the…

High Court Limits Executive Authority The US Supreme Court dealt a major blow to Donald Trump on Friday by striking down his sweeping global tariffs, ruling that he exceeded his authority by invoking emergency powers. In a 6–3 decision, the court emphasized that the Constitution clearly gives Congress, not the president, the power to levy taxes and tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the Framers never intended to vest any portion of taxing authority in the executive branch. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, arguing that while the tariffs may be controversial policy-wise, they were legally…

Arrest and Property Searches Prince Andrew, also known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was taken into custody on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his former role as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy. Authorities confirmed that officers carried out searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. While the official statement did not name him directly, it referred to a man in his sixties who remains in custody. Andrew turned 66 on the day of his arrest. Investigators emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of their work and said updates would be provided when appropriate. Unmarked police vehicles…

Preparing for ETS2 and the Carbon Tax EU countries have agreed to strengthen the bloc’s mechanism to control sudden spikes in carbon prices, as the European Union prepares to roll out a new carbon tax covering road transport and buildings. The updated system, known as ETS2, is set to take effect in 2028 and will put a price on fuels used in homes, cars, and vans. Households and businesses that rely on fossil fuels are expected to face higher bills once the system is fully implemented, which has fueled debate among member states. Slovakia and the Czech Republic have pushed…

Brussels Ready to Act Without G7 Agreement The European Union has indicated it is prepared to impose a full ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers, even if G7 partners fail to reach a joint decision. Valdis Dombrovskis, speaking after a meeting of EU finance ministers, said coordination with the G7 is preferable but “not an absolute precondition.” The EU aims to approve its 20th package of sanctions by 24 February, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. If enacted, the ban would prevent all EU companies from servicing Russian tankers, effectively ending the G7’s $44.10…

Trump’s Message of Backing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Budapest to convey a clear message of support from former President Donald Trump to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as the April elections approach. Speaking at a press conference alongside Orbán, Rubio emphasized the personal connection between the two leaders, saying it has been crucial in strengthening U.S.–Hungary relations. Rubio highlighted that Hungary’s recent one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil imports was linked to this relationship. “It was because of that personal relationship…we want you to continue. We want this economy to prosper, we want this…

Competing Views on Europe’s Role The Munich Security Conference brought together top American, European, and Ukrainian leaders to debate the future of the West, exposing sharply different visions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Europe to join the United States in protecting the continent’s shared civilization, warning that the West faces decline if it ignores failing policies on climate and migration. Rubio described Washington as a “child of Europe,” stressing that its destiny remains intertwined with the continent. In contrast, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas rejected the idea that Europe needs rescuing, calling claims of a “woke, decadent Europe”…

Europe Must Have a Seat at the Table Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the limited role of European leaders in U.S.-led negotiations with Russia. He said leaving Europe mostly absent is a “big mistake” and stressed that any lasting peace must address the security needs of the entire continent, not just Ukraine and Washington. Zelenskyy highlighted upcoming trilateral talks with the U.S. and Russia, noting that progress toward a ceasefire has been slow. He expressed frustration that the parties often seem “to be talking about completely different things” and warned that focusing solely on…

The United Nations has established a 40-member international scientific panel to study the risks and impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), despite strong opposition from the United States. The announcement comes as former employees from AI companies raise alarms over the technology’s rapid development and potential dangers. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the move a “foundational step toward global scientific understanding of AI,” emphasizing that the panel will provide independent, rigorous insight to help all member states engage on an equal footing, regardless of technological capacity. Panel Mission and Structure The Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence will produce annual…

US and European defence ministers signaled a shared understanding this week: NATO must evolve, with Europe taking on a greater share of the responsibility for its own defence. While both sides agree on the need for change, their reasons are slightly different—Washington seeks to focus more on other global regions, while Europeans are cautious of the unpredictability of the current US administration. US Under Secretary of War Eldridge Colby described the vision as “NATO 3.0,” calling for allies to assume primary responsibility for the conventional defence of Europe. “Europe should field the preponderance of the forces required to deter and,…