Key Events (10)
Trump claimed NATO troops, including British and Australian forces, stayed "a little off the frontlines" during the Afghanistan campaign, prompting rebukes from UK Prime Minister Starmer and Australian veterans. The comments drew particular criticism for diminishing the sacrifices of allied soldiers who were killed in combat.
Federal agents shot and killed 37-year-old US citizen Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on January 24, prompting protests and condemnation from local officials. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Democratic representatives including Ilhan Omar condemned the shooting, while Trump administration officials blamed state authorities and characterized Pretti as a "domestic terrorist" before an investigation could be conducted.
The Trump administration has resumed detention of immigrant children, including a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old, marking a return to a policy discontinued five years earlier. This turbocharging of child detention has drawn criticism from advocates who describe the actions as cruel and traumatic, particularly affecting Minneapolis schoolchildren.
Trump announced that a US "armada" is heading to the Middle East as Iran's death toll is reported to exceed 5,000. The president stated that Washington is closely monitoring Iran and emphasized the deployment of military assets to the region.
The Pentagon issued a policy document indicating it will reduce its role in deterrence of North Korea, with the expectation that South Korea assume primary responsibility for the country's defense. The shift reflects the Pentagon's decision to prioritize defending the US homeland.
The Trump administration's Justice Department has slashed funding to programs combating child sex trafficking, limiting prosecutors' ability to pursue child predators. Federal prosecutors described the cuts to funding and training as "disheartening."
Trump threatened Canada with tariffs if it negotiates "a deal with China," despite the absence of evidence that the two countries are discussing a broad trade agreement. The threat emerges as post-Davos trade tensions continue to escalate.
US and European officials say they are unaware of any intelligence showing that China and Russia are threatening Greenland, contradicting Trump's justification for potential annexation. Greenland is protected under the NATO security umbrella.
A major winter storm affected 140 million Americans across 16 states plus Washington DC, causing power outages and dangerous conditions. Winter Storm Fern resulted in at least three deaths in New York City and widespread emergency declarations.
Ukraine's foreign minister accused Vladimir Putin of sabotaging peace talks as Russia launched massive attacks using 396 drones and missiles during the second day of negotiations in Abu Dhabi. The strikes killed at least one person and injured 15 others.