Author: Rachel Maddow

Legal Uncertainty Halts Progress European Parliament negotiators have suspended the EU-US trade agreement after last week’s US Supreme Court decision questioned the legality of key tariffs imposed in 2025. In response, President Donald Trump announced fresh 15% duties on imports, complicating the path forward. German MEP Bernd Lange basis has totally changed” and emphasized the need for clear assurances from Washington before resuming the deal. Parliament Seeks Stability Before Voting The pact, brokered in July 2025 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump, was already controversial in Europe for favoring the US. While it locks in 15%…

Budapest Ties Sanctions to Pipeline Repairs Hungary has announced it will block the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia until Ukraine restores oil deliveries to the country. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that no EU war loans or financial aid to Ukraine would proceed while Hungary’s oil supply remains cut off. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó explained that the EU would continue to withhold sanctions until the Druzhba pipeline, damaged in a Russian strike, is repaired. He added that the package, scheduled for adoption at an EU foreign ministers’ meeting on Monday, would not be supported by Hungary under the current…

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…