Administration

The Trump administration is considering a significant shift in the way we define "harm" to endangered species. This proposed rule change seeks to exclude threats to habitat from the definition, essentially paving the way for increased human activity in ecologically sensitive areas. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the current definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) should not include "actions that impair the habitat of protected…

Reevaluating U.N. Peacekeeping Funding: A Proposal from the White House Budget Office The recent proposal from the White House budget office to cut funding for United Nations peacekeeping missions has sparked significant concern. The reasoning behind this decision primarily hinges on what officials describe as operational failures in regions such as Mali, Lebanon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These areas have faced numerous challenges, making the efficacy of peacekeeping missions a point of contention. Can…

The decisions surrounding the U.S. presence in Somalia are as complex as the country itself. With the recent escalation of conflict in Somalia, some officials from the U.S. State Department are advocating for the closure of the embassy in Mogadishu. This suggestion stems from the growing strength of Al Shabab militants, but it's a move not without its risks. Reflecting on the turbulent successes and failures in foreign policy, one must ponder—what does withdrawing mean for Somalia’s stability? Echoing the traumatizing…

The Reinstatement of International Aid: Balancing Acts and Humanitarian Needs In a world where the need for international aid is as pressing as ever, the decisions made by governments can ripple far and wide. Such decisions were recently brought to light regarding the reinstatement of four awards to the International Organization for Migration in the Pacific region. This change in course sheds light on a narrative filled with challenges, missteps, and eventual corrective action. Two sources with insider…

Trump Administration Increases Airstrikes in Somalia Amid Rising Terror Threats MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a world marked by constant change and evolving challenges, the fight against terrorism remains relentless, particularly in the Horn of Africa. Recently, the United States military confirmed a significant airstrike in Somalia's northern state of Northeastern State, reflecting its continuous commitment to aiding communities yearning for peace.…

Protesters gathered in solidarity outside USAID's headquarters in Washington, DC, as workers retrieved their personal belongings on February 27. In an era of significant political shifts, the Trump administration has formally notified Congress of its intentions to revamp the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This decision arises amidst various constitutional challenges, as President Donald Trump grapples with criticism over his previous efforts to deconstruct the agency. USAID, a creation of…

According to a French Member of the European Parliament, France should reclaim the Statue of Liberty, asserting that the United States has drifted away from the very values that inspired France to gift the statue in the first place. 'Give us back the Statue of Liberty,' proclaimed Raphael Glucksmann, a centre-left politician, during a recent convention for his Place Publique movement. He passionately addressed a supportive audience, stating, 'We're going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to…

According to sources familiar with the matter and an internal memo obtained by Reuters, the Trump administration is contemplating extensive travel restrictions for citizens from various countries as part of a new ban. The memo outlines a total of 41 countries, categorized into three distinct groups. The first group comprises 10 nations—including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea—where a complete visa suspension would be imposed. The second group includes five countries: Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and…

Columbia University Faces Federal Funding Cuts Amidst Controversy In a surprising twist last Friday, the Trump administration announced its decision to cut approximately $400 million worth of federal contracts and grants to Columbia University. This substantial figure accounts for nearly 8% of the university’s current $5 billion portfolio in federal grant commitments. A bold move, isn’t it? Yet, it wasn't entirely unexpected given the atmosphere of heightened scrutiny towards educational…

In an unexpected turn of events, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on Friday evening the removal of key military figures, including Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the chief of naval operations, and Gen. James Slife, the Air Force's vice chief of staff. This decisive move also impacted senior military legal advisors from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Turmoil at the Pentagon What do these removals signal for the Department of Defense? The Pentagon finds itself at the heart of tumultuous changes, not least due to impending…