Tag: DonaldTrump

Categories
Beyond

Trump pulls US out of 66 international organisations

US President Donald Trump has ordered to withdraw from more than 60 international organisations, including several UN agencies and the India–France-led International Solar Alliance (ISA), calling the memberships “redundant” and contrary to American priorities.

On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order instructing US departments to immediately cease participation in and funding for 31 United Nations bodies and 35 non-UN organizations, according to a White House statement.

The affected entities cover areas including climate change, conservation, counterterrorism, and human rights, among others.

The Trump administration cited that these bodies operate in ways that conflict with US national interests, security, economic growth, or sovereignty. Participation in or funding for these entities will be halted to the extent allowed by law.

Among the bodies on the list is the International Solar Alliance, a global initiative led by India and France focused on climate action. Over 100 countries are signatories, with more than 90 having ratified full membership.

Speaking on X, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said the withdrawal ensures the United States will no longer “fund or participate in international organisations that do not serve, or actively work against, American interests.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that the 66 organisations were found to be “redundant, mismanaged, poorly run, or pursuing agendas that conflict with the US mission, sovereignty, and prosperity.”

The United Nations confirmed it has received the list of organisations affected and said it will issue an official response on Thursday.

Trump’s move represents one of the most significant rollbacks of US involvement in multilateral institutions in recent years, and it is expected to have far-reaching implications for international cooperation on issues ranging from climate change to security and development.

Categories
Beyond

Trump eyes F-35 jets sale to Saudi Arabia

US President Trump plans to sell Saudi Arabia advanced F-35 fighter jets, days before Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s White House visit.

Trump described Saudi Arabia as a “great ally” and said the sale is in line with strengthening US-Saudi ties. If completed, Saudi Arabia would become the first Arab country to acquire F-35 jets.

The deal raises concerns about maintaining Israel’s long-standing military edge in the Middle East. Israeli officials have warned that selling such advanced jets could trigger a regional arms race and weaken their aerial superiority.

The F-35, built by Lockheed Martin, is considered one of the most sophisticated fighter jets in the world, featuring stealth technology and advanced systems. Previous US administrations have ensured that arms sales to Arab nations do not compromise Israel’s qualitative military advantage.

The potential sale comes amid Trump’s broader Middle East strategy, which includes encouraging stronger relations between Arab nations and Israel under the Abraham Accords. Congress retains the power to block the sale, and the deal’s progress will be closely watched internationally.

Also Read: Trump’s tariff move boosts Indian tea, spices

Categories
Beyond

Trump drops tariffs to ease food prices

President Donald Trump has decided to remove tariffs on a range of imported goods, including beef, coffee, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, cocoa, tea, fruit juices and certain fertilisers. The goal is to help cut food prices for families who have been hit hard by rising grocery costs.

Many of these items are not produced widely in the United States, especially tropical fruits and coffee. Earlier, they carried tariffs of 10% to 50%, which increased their market prices. With the removal of these duties, officials expect imported foods to become cheaper.

Some tariffs will remain in place. For instance, tomatoes imported from Mexico will still face a 17% duty. But overall, the government believes the new policy will ease the financial burden on shoppers.

The move comes at a time when Americans have been voicing strong concerns about inflation and the high cost of daily essentials. Recent voting patterns also showed that economic worries remain a top priority for many households.

By cutting these tariffs, the administration hopes to reduce pressure on consumers, improve public confidence, and show that it is taking action to address rising living expenses.

Also Read: Trump adds 50,000 federal workers

Categories
Beyond

Trump adds 50,000 federal workers

The Trump administration has added 50,000 new federal employees, with the bulk of positions going to immigration and national security roles. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) received the largest share of these new hires.

Meanwhile, other federal agencies, including the IRS and the Department of Health and Human Services, are seeing hiring freezes and layoffs. Overall, the administration plans to cut about 300,000 civilian federal jobs, part of a broader effort to shift priorities toward enforcement and border security.

This hiring push reflects the administration’s focus on strengthening immigration enforcement while reducing workforce size in other domestic areas, signaling a significant realignment of federal staffing priorities.

Also Read: Prem Watsa announces next-gen leadership at Fairfax

Categories
Leaders

Trump signs bill to end 43-day US shutdown

The US government reopened on Wednesday after being shut down for 43 days, the longest closure in American history. President Donald Trump signed a funding bill approved by both the Senate and House of Representatives, ending weeks of political gridlock.

The House passed the bill 222–209, with a few Democrats supporting it and two Republicans opposing it. The shutdown had left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay and disrupted airport operations, public offices, and social services.

President Trump said the deal “sends a clear message that we will never give in to extortion” and added that it was “an honour to get our country working again.”

The budget deadlock began over a dispute about health insurance tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Democrats wanted to extend these credits, saying their expiry would raise insurance costs and affect millions of Americans.

Economists estimate the shutdown cost the US economy around $11 billion, some of which may never be recovered.

With the new bill in place, federal workers will soon receive back pay, and all government departments are returning to normal operations. However, debates over healthcare funding and budget priorities are expected to continue in Congress.

Also Read: India urges rich nations on climate finance at COP30