Saturday, 17 January 2026

Trump announced 25% tariffs on NATO allies Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland, effective February 1, in response to their opposition to U.S. control of Greenland. European leaders from France, Sweden, and the UK condemned the threat, with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warning the EU will not be 'blackmailed' by the U.S.

Trump called for new leadership in Iran following nationwide protests, while Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said thousands were killed in the demonstrations and accused Trump of being a criminal for supporting them. The protests represent a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions.

Trump created a 'Board of Peace' to oversee Gaza's administration and reconstruction, with board members managing defined portfolios for Gaza's stabilization. Israel objected to some of the appointees, saying they were 'contrary to its policy.'

The Trump administration began a criminal inquiry into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey regarding their handling of ICE immigration operations, with the Justice Department subpoenaing them. Walz said the action represents 'weaponizing the justice system' as federal agents intensified immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.

A federal judge issued an injunction to curb federal agents' tactics against protesters in Minnesota, while a court blocked the Trump administration from freezing over $129 million in food stamp funding in the state. These rulings occurred amid escalating ICE raids and heightened tensions between federal and state authorities.

Organizers called for a 'Free America Walkout' on Trump's inauguration anniversary in response to escalating ICE raids and attacks on gender-affirming care. The protests reflect growing public opposition to the administration's immigration and social policies.

A year after promising to cut energy bills in half, Trump's administration has failed to deliver, with electricity bills up 6.7% and gas bills up 5.2% over the past year, according to Guardian analysis. Rising costs are pushing many American households to the brink.

A man accused of aiming a laser at Trump's helicopter was acquitted in 35 minutes, marking another high-profile defeat for Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for DC. The swift acquittal of Jacob Winkler suggests weakness in the prosecution's case.

Trump threatened to sue JPMorgan Chase, claiming the bank cut him off after the U.S. Capitol riot, while also denying he offered JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon the chair of the Federal Reserve. The legal threat reflects ongoing tensions between the president and major financial institutions.

Trump exercised his first veto of the second term to kill legislation that would have brought clean water to conservative parts of Colorado. Residents expressed bewilderment at the veto of a measure that would have benefited their communities.