The Trump administration has issued a directive placing federal employees in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program roles on paid leave. This action is part of a series of executive orders signed by former President Donald Trump, creating ripples throughout various government sectors. The orders have sparked reactions both domestically and internationally, with implications for U.S. relations with multiple countries, including China, Russia, and India.
In a separate move, top homeland security and national intelligence officials received instructions to submit a report within 60 days. This report aims to identify countries with deficient vetting and screening processes, potentially leading to partial or full bans on nationals from these nations. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee has expressed concerns, suggesting the executive order may pave the way for a recurrence of Trump's controversial 2017 Muslim ban.
Amidst these developments, Indian and U.S. diplomats are working towards arranging a meeting in February between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump in Washington. This meeting could further shape the diplomatic landscape between the two nations.
In an economic twist, Trump has threatened to initiate a trade war with China, proposing a 10% tariff on goods imported from the country. This threat arises from concerns over fentanyl trafficking through Mexico and Canada.
"We’re talking about a tariff of 10 percent on China based on the fact that they’re sending fentanyl to Mexico and Canada." – Donald Trump
Meanwhile, Russia's deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov observed a slim opportunity for agreements with the new administration.
"We cannot say anything today about the degree of the incoming administration’s capacity to negotiate, but still, compared to the hopelessness in every aspect of the previous White House chief there is a window of opportunity today, albeit a small one." – Sergei Ryabkov
Federal employees affected by these executive orders are experiencing uncertainty and confusion. The Wall Street Journal reports that workers at the Food and Drug Administration’s White Oak campus in Maryland are unclear on how to adhere to directives for all staff to return to face-to-face operations.
Furthermore, Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terror was reinstated less than a week after its removal. Trump's decision was foreshadowed by remarks from Marco Rubio, the Cuban-American secretary of state, during recent confirmation hearings. Families of Cuban protesters jailed during anti-government demonstrations remain anxious over whether planned prisoner releases will proceed after Trump reversed a deal made by Joe Biden last week.
Internationally, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has asserted Spain's reliability as a NATO ally in response to criticism from Trump earlier this week.
"We are a reliable partner and I think you have to look more broadly to see if a country is committed or not with the security of Nato’s allies." – Pedro Sánchez
In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in an extensive phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Diplomatic sources indicate that discussions involved topics such as Ukraine and each country's relationship with Trump and the new U.S. administration.
Domestically, tensions have escalated following Trump's comments about religious leaders who criticized him at the National Prayer Service.
"She brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way." – Donald Trump
"She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart." – Donald Trump
"the so-called Bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a Radical Left hard line Trump hater … she and her church owe the public an apology!" – Donald Trump
In response, Mariann Edgar Budde urged mercy for those afraid amidst current political climates.
"There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives. You have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now." – Mariann Edgar Budde
As these events unfold, international responses vary. Sergei Ryabkov highlighted the importance of strategic planning in dealing with Washington.
"It is therefore important to understand with what and whom we will have to deal, how best to build relations with Washington, how best to maximise opportunities and minimise risks." – Sergei Ryabkov