President Trump announced his intention to eliminate the Department of Education, naming Linda McMahon as his nominee for education secretary with the goal of putting herself out of a job. Trump emphasized that education decisions should be made by individual states rather than at the federal level.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported significant casualties in the conflict with Russia, with 45,100 soldiers killed and 390,000 injured. He expressed willingness for diplomatic talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, involving the US and Europe, to achieve peace, while maintaining that Western support has been insufficient.
The Trump administration places nearly all USAID direct-hire staff worldwide on leave, except essential personnel, affecting over 10,000 workers. The decision, driven by President Trump’s foreign assistance freeze and backed by Musk’s budget cuts, leads to a hasty recall of staff and potential legal challenges.
The USPS has temporarily halted the acceptance of international parcels from China and Hong Kong, following President Trump’s new trade measures. This includes a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports and the removal of the de minimis exemption, impacting e-commerce giants and potentially causing delays due to increased parcel inspections.
Daniel Penny, a former Marine, has joined Andreessen Horowitz as a deal partner after being acquitted in a controversial subway incident involving Jordan Neely. Penny’s role will focus on government and defense technology investments, and his hiring has sparked both praise and criticism.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed agreements including a USD 1.2 billion deferred payment for oil imports and a USD 41 million water supply project. This deal aims to bolster Pakistan’s economy by ensuring a steady petroleum supply while easing immediate fiscal pressures. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi dignitaries witnessed the signing.
China imposed tariffs on US coal, LNG, oil, and vehicles in response to Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods, escalating the trade war. Tensions with Canada and Mexico initially eased, but a political crisis erupted in Canada, forcing Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation and early elections. Trump’s tariff strategy remains aggressive, with potential economic impacts.
Darren Beattie, former Trump speechwriter, now leads the US state department’s public diplomacy efforts despite being previously fired for attending a White nationalist conference. Known for controversial views, Beattie co-founded Revolver News, which has promoted false January 6 claims. His new role involves overseeing global communication handled by US embassies and consulates.
A teacher at Drakensburg Secondary School in South Africa is under investigation for allegedly cutting off a Hindu student’s religious thread. The South African Hindu Maha Sabha has condemned the act, citing concerns about religious discrimination, while authorities stress the need for schools to align their policies with constitutional protections.
Nato is allegedly considering removing Ukrainian President Zelenskyy amid claims of blocking peace talks and financial misconduct. The SVR suggests Western leaders view Zelenskyy as an obstacle and are exploring ways to discredit him before potential elections next fall. Neither Nato nor Ukrainian officials have commented on the claims.