The United States Supreme Court has sided with the Trump administration regarding the suspension of payments by the US Agency for International Development (USAid). This decision comes amid significant cuts by the administration, which are set to eliminate over 90% of USAid contracts and reduce $60 billion in overall US assistance worldwide. Thousands of USAid employees have been laid off or placed on leave as part of this strategic dismantling.
In a move that many describe as a "catastrophic blow," the Trump administration is delaying $1.5 billion in payments to USAid. Workers at the agency warn that these cuts could permanently shutter life-saving and critical programs. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in Washington for his inaugural meeting with President Trump since his inauguration. Starmer aims to maintain a positive relationship with Trump while safeguarding the UK from potential tariff warfare, as Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on the European Union.
French finance minister Eric Lombard has stated that the European Union would reciprocate if the US persists with the 25% tariffs announced by Trump. The escalating tension reflects deeper global economic uncertainties.
"It is clear that if the Americans maintain the tariff hikes, as President Trump announced, the EU will do the same. Even if it is not in the general interest, we too must protect our interests and the interests of the countries of the Union." – Eric Lombard
Eric Swalwell, a Democratic representative from California, commented on the atmosphere within his party, revealing that Republican colleagues feel intimidated by Trump’s influence.
"It’s more more personal. It’s their personal safety that they’re afraid of, and they have spouses and family members saying, ‘Do not do this, it’s not worth it, it will change our lives forever. We will have to hire around-the-clock security.’ Life can be very uncomfortable for your children." – Eric Swalwell
In diplomatic developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed readiness to establish cooperation with the United States, although he acknowledged potential resistance from Western elites. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed President Trump's openness to dialogue.
"What we are seeing is that President Trump himself speaks and is ready to listen to others. No one expects solutions to come easily and quickly. The problem at hand is too complex and neglected. But with the two countries’ political will, with a willingness to hear and listen to each other, I think we will be able to get through this working process." – Dmitry Peskov
During his first full cabinet meeting of his second term, President Trump emphasized a priority of his administration: drastically reducing the size of the federal government. He also signed an executive order expanding the powers of Elon Musk's Doge "agency," further signaling his commitment to significant administrative changes.
The Associated Press reports that USAid has placed 4,080 staff members on leave globally. These employees received instructions to vacate their workspaces by the end of the week, highlighting the immediate impact of the administration's actions on personnel worldwide.
In a statement reflecting on EU-US relations, Donald Tusk reiterated the principles behind the European Union’s formation.
"The EU wasn’t formed to screw anyone. Quite the opposite. It was formed to maintain peace, to build respect among our nations, to create free and fair trade, and to strengthen our transatlantic friendship. As simple as that." – Donald Tusk
Maria Zakharova from Russia expressed optimism about future US-Russia consultations aimed at resolving ongoing disagreements.
"We expect that today’s meeting will be the first in a series of such expert consultations that will bring us closer to overcoming the disagreements that have arisen with the American side, strengthening confidence-building measures." – Maria Zakharova