Donald Trump has sparked international debate with a recent expression of interest in acquiring Greenland. The autonomous territory, part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has firmly responded through its Prime Minister, Mute Egede, who stated that Greenland belongs to its people and should decide its own future. This sentiment reflects a broader resistance to external influences on Greenland's self-determination.
"We need to draw a line in the sand and put more effort into (cultivating relations with) the countries that show us respect for the future we want to build," – Egede.
Meanwhile, the United States faces internal and external scrutiny following its addition to the Civicus Monitor Watchlist. This tool tracks civic freedoms across 198 countries, and the inclusion of the US highlights a rapid decline in these freedoms. Joining the company of nations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Italy, Pakistan, and Serbia, the US's position on this list raises questions about its commitment to civil rights and democracy.
The Trump administration's domestic policies have also sparked controversy. A significant $65 million funding gap now plagues Alzheimer's disease research centers due to a delay imposed by the administration. This funding crisis has left at least one research center struggling to retain highly trained staff.
“The applicants know what their scores are, they know if their scores are really good they’re very, very likely to be funded, but now they can’t be funded because the advisory councils haven’t met,” – Jeremy Berg.
Additionally, the Trump administration has paused enforcement actions under the 1977 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for six months. This suspension has drawn criticism from former US prosecutors, transparency experts, and top Democrats, who argue it undermines efforts to combat corruption.
Furthermore, a sweeping review led to the cancellation of 83% of programs at USAID. Senator Marco Rubio announced the decision, highlighting fiscal responsibility but drawing ire from lawmakers and experts concerned about the impact on global aid and development.
“We are officially cancelling 83% of the programs at USAID. The 5200 contracts that are now cancelled spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve, (and in some cases even harmed), the core national interests of the United States.” – Marco Rubio.
Domestically, a ban on gender-affirming care for minors remains in place after being enacted last year. Legislative developments this year saw five out of seven bills related to trans athletes clearing hurdles, reflecting a new conservative vision for government roles and revealing divisions within the Republican Party on these issues.
Amidst these policy shifts, economic concerns persist. A major paper mill in northern Maine relies on pulp imported from Canada. Senator Susan Collins has voiced concerns over potential tariffs, which could severely impact the region's economy.
“That mill alone, which is by far the biggest employer in the region, employs 510 people directly. I’ve talked to the owner of that mill, the imposition of a 25% tariff could be devastating,” – Senator Susan Collins.
This sentiment resonates with broader economic anxieties expressed by other lawmakers like Senator Rand Paul. He highlights industries in Kentucky still suffering from past retaliatory tariffs.
“I have every major industry in Kentucky lobbying me against them; the cargo shippers, the farmers, the bourbon manufacturers, the home-builders, the home sellers – you name it – fence manufacturers,” – Senator Rand Paul.