Month: February 2025

European Leaders Scramble as Trump Moves Forward with Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks

European leaders are in disarray following former President Trump’s initial efforts to negotiate an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Shocked by their exclusion from early discussions, they are now racing to formulate a response while facing the looming prospect of a U.S. military withdrawal from Europe. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with his Russian counterpart in Saudi Arabia, but European officials are struggling to keep up with the fast-moving developments. Trump’s administration has sent conflicting signals about Europe’s role, with Vice President J.D. Vance delivering a stern warning at the Munich Security Conference, criticizing European leaders for their lack of action. On Monday, leaders from eight major European countries convened in an emergency meeting to craft a response after realizing they were caught off guard by Trump’s diplomatic maneuvering. Even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted he was unaware of the talks until they were publicly announced .“The realization is setting in that Europe must act decisively and independently,” said Sudha David-Wilp, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund. European leaders had anticipated pressure from Trump on defense spending but did not expect to be sidelined in negotiations altogether. Some governments are now considering adjusting budgetary rules to increase military expenditures, while others plan to issue statements signaling their commitment to security.

French President Emmanuel Macron led Monday’s emergency meeting, bringing together leaders from Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the European Union. In response to Trump’s insistence that Europe take greater responsibility, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggested deploying U.K. troops to Ukraine as postwar peacekeepers. Meanwhile, Zelensky urged Europe not to be treated “like a pushover” and demanded that the European Union appoint an official representative for future negotiations. “There must be a European voice at the table,” he said, emphasizing that “talks about Ukraine without Ukraine are meaningless. ”The Trump administration’s stance has intensified European concerns. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at a NATO gathering in Brussels, told European allies to prepare for a future without U.S. troops in the region. His comments alarmed officials, particularly after he appeared to rule out Ukraine’s NATO membership before later stating that all options were still open. Adding to the uncertainty, Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a ceasefire, followed by a separate conversation with Zelensky. These moves have left European leaders scrambling to assert their influence.

Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, reinforced the perception that Europe is being sidelined. Speaking in Munich, he stated that the U.S. was prioritizing direct negotiations with Russia and Ukraine rather than engaging in a broad multilateral process. The first round of peace talks is scheduled to begin Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, with Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff representing the U.S. The State Department confirmed that Russian officials will also be present. Rubio emphasized that the talks would gauge Russia’s seriousness about negotiations and that future discussions would include Ukraine and European representatives. However, many European leaders remain skeptical. “Trump views Putin as a direct counterpart, while European leaders lack the geopolitical influence to assert themselves,” said Jennifer Kavanagh, a senior fellow at Defense Priorities. “That’s partly their own fault. ”Lithuania’s former foreign minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, expressed deep concern about Europe’s position. Writing on X, he described leaving the Munich conference in a “low mood” over fears that the U.S. would abandon its security commitments to Europe.

NATO relies heavily on American leadership, particularly in supplying military aid to Ukraine. Landsbergis argued that Europe must step up its commitment, warning that failing to do so could leave the continent vulnerable. “If Europe wants a seat at the table, it must prove its relevance,” he wrote. “We need to commit real resources—money, troops, and a European-led strategy for Ukraine. Otherwise, we will be left behind. ”He acknowledged that strengthening Europe’s security framework would require “blood, toil, tears, and sweat,” but argued that failing to act would lead to an even greater crisis in the future. Meanwhile, Franak Viačorka, an adviser to Belarus’s exiled leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, described the shifting geopolitical landscape as a period of “revision. ”“Alliances, strategies, and values are being reassessed,” he wrote. “This moment could shape a future of freedom or allow authoritarian regimes to prevail. ”Viačorka noted that while European leaders are beginning to recognize the urgency of the situation, their response remains fragmented. The European Union, with its 27 member states, struggles to achieve unity on key security decisions.

Germany and France, traditionally the bloc’s key decision-makers, remain constrained by domestic politics. Germany’s upcoming elections on February 23 have further stalled efforts to develop a coordinated security response. “There is a leadership vacuum right now,” said David-Wilp. “Ukraine is the immediate crisis, but the bigger issue is how Europe will define its security strategy moving forward  .”As the U.S. signals a shift in its global focus toward China, European nations must confront the reality that they can no longer rely on American military support. Kavanagh argued that Europe has been slow to adapt to this new paradigm, clinging to the assumption that the U.S. would continue to lead NATO’s defense strategy.

“Trump pushed Europe to spend more on defense in his first term, but many leaders assumed they could still rely on American leadership,” she said. “That’s no longer the case. They need to prepare for a future where the U.S. is not there to back them up.”The uncertainty surrounding Trump’s approach to European security is forcing leaders to act swiftly. As negotiations with Russia begin, Europe faces a critical decision: wait for the U.S. to dictate terms or take the initiative in shaping its own security future.

Judge Blocks Trump’s Firing of Whistleblower Office Chief, Reinstates Him Temporarilyf

A federal judge has temporarily reinstated Hampton Dellinger as the head of the Office of the Special Counsel (OSC) after President Donald Trump attempted to remove him from his position. The decision, issued late Wednesday by Judge Amy Berman Jackson, blocks the White House from dismissing Dellinger without cause, ensuring that the office responsible for protecting whistleblowers remains intact for now. Jackson, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, ruled that the firing violated statutory protections designed to safeguard the independence of the Special Counsel. “The effort by the White House to terminate the Special Counsel without identifying any cause plainly contravenes the statute, which states, ‘[t]he Special Counsel may be removed by the President only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office,’” Jackson wrote in her decision. “This language expresses Congress’s clear intent to ensure the independence of the Special Counsel and insulate his work from being buffeted by the winds of political change,” she added. The ruling keeps Dellinger in office while further court proceedings determine whether he will be allowed to remain in the role permanently. His lawsuit against the Trump administration, filed on Monday, argues that he was fired abruptly through a one-sentence email that did not provide any justification for ending his five-year term early.

This is not the first time Jackson has ruled in favor of temporarily protecting Dellinger’s position. Earlier in the week, she had already issued an emergency order allowing him to remain in his post until Thursday night. With this latest ruling, Dellinger is now back in office indefinitely while legal challenges continue. Dellinger’s position as Special Counsel differs from the similarly titled role within the Justice Department. The OSC functions as an independent watchdog, providing whistleblowers with a formal channel to report government misconduct while also protecting them from retaliation. The office also oversees potential violations of the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity while on duty. Since returning to his post on Tuesday, one of the first actions taken by Dellinger’s team was to investigate a potential Hatch Act violation involving a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employee. The individual allegedly instructed staff not to visit homes displaying Trump campaign signs, a directive that could be considered unlawful political discrimination. The OSC’s inquiry into the matter underscores the office’s role in maintaining ethical standards in federal employment.

Dellinger, a nominee of former President Joe Biden, had been leading the OSC since 2023. His removal by Trump last Friday raised alarms among government transparency advocates, who saw it as an attempt to weaken protections for federal whistleblowers. Critics argue that Dellinger’s firing was politically motivated, potentially tied to ongoing investigations into the Trump administration’s actions. The Trump administration, however, maintains that the firing was within the president’s authority. White House officials have yet to provide an official explanation for Dellinger’s removal but insist that presidential appointees serve at the discretion of the president. The case is now expected to continue in court, where legal experts anticipate further debate over the scope of the president’s authority to remove officials from independent agencies. The outcome could have significant implications for the autonomy of the OSC and similar oversight bodies designed to operate free from political interference. Dellinger’s reinstatement marks a temporary victory for those advocating for government accountability, but the battle over his position is far from over. As court proceedings unfold, the case will test the limits of executive power in determining who can oversee and investigate potential government wrongdoing.

With the OSC’s role in whistleblower protection and government oversight at stake, the case carries broader implications beyond Dellinger’s individual position. The decision to remove or retain him could influence future administrations’ ability to dismiss independent officials and shape the landscape of federal accountability mechanisms. For now, Dellinger remains in his role, continuing to lead an office tasked with ensuring transparency and ethical governance. The final decision on his fate will likely rest with the courts, setting an important precedent for how independent oversight agencies function under shifting political administrations.

Mexico Weighs Legal Action Against Google Over ‘Gulf of America’ Renaming

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her government is considering a lawsuit against Google after the company changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” on Google Maps. The decision, prompted by an executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, has sparked diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Sheinbaum emphasized that her administration is evaluating potential legal actions. “We are going to wait. We are already seeing, observing what this would mean from the perspective of legal advice, but we hope that they will make a revision,” she said, as reported by Reuters. The controversy began in January when Trump publicly declared that the Gulf of Mexico would be renamed, calling it a more “appropriate” designation. A few weeks later, he signed an executive order making the change official. Google Maps then updated its labels to reflect the new name. In the U.S., the body of water now appears as the “Gulf of America,” while users outside the U.S. and Mexico see both names displayed. Trump defended the renaming, calling it a patriotic move. “We’re going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which has a beautiful ring. That covers a lot of territory,” Trump stated on Tuesday. “The Gulf of America. What a beautiful name. And it’s appropriate.

”However, Sheinbaum has strongly criticized the move, arguing that the Gulf of Mexico has been internationally recognized for centuries. She urged Google to reassess its decision based on the specifics of Trump’s decree. “All we are asking of Google is to look at the decree that the White House released and that President Donald Trump signed,” Sheinbaum said. “You’ll see in that decree that it does not refer to the whole gulf. ”She warned that legal action may follow if the name is not restored. “If necessary, we will file a civil suit,” she added. “Our legal area is already looking into what that would mean, but we hope that (Google) reconsiders. ”Fox News Digital reached out to Google for comment, but the company has not yet issued a statement on the matter. In addition to Google Maps, other U.S. agencies are also implementing the name change. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently sent a charting notice confirming that updates are underway. The FAA’s notice also referenced a separate renaming effort for a landmark in Alaska. “Please be advised that the FAA is in the process of updating our data and charts to show a name change from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and a name change from Denali to Mount McKinley. This will be targeted for the next publication cycle,” the notice read.

The Gulf of Mexico, which borders Mexico, the United States, and Cuba, has been known by that name since at least the early colonial period. It is a crucial body of water for trade, fisheries, and energy resources .Mexico sees the name change as an infringement on international agreements and historical precedent. Experts say that Mexico’s legal challenge would be unprecedented but not necessarily impossible. International geographic naming disputes are typically handled through diplomatic channels or international organizations like the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN).However, since Google is a private company, a lawsuit would likely focus on corporate responsibility rather than international law. “It’s rare to see a country take legal action against a tech company over naming rights, but we have seen similar disputes in the past over territories and disputed regions,” said international law expert Ana Rodríguez. “Mexico’s argument would likely center on misrepresentation and the potential for economic or diplomatic harm. ”The controversy also raises questions about how major corporations handle political and geographical disputes. Google has faced criticism before for its labeling of contested regions such as Crimea, Taiwan, and the West Bank, where different users see different names depending on their location. In Mexico, the name change has sparked public backlash. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages criticizing the decision, with many calling it an unnecessary provocation. Mexican lawmakers from multiple political parties have urged the government to take action. “This is not just about a name on a map. It’s about our sovereignty, our history, and our identity,” said Senator Ricardo Monreal.  “We cannot allow a foreign power to unilaterally change the name of a body of water that belongs to multiple nations. ”As legal experts continue to review potential actions, Sheinbaum has signaled that diplomatic efforts will also be pursued. Mexican officials have reportedly reached out to the U.S. State Department for clarification on the scope of Trump’s executive order.

For now, the Gulf of Mexico remains a focal point of political tension. Whether Google will revise its labeling or if the dispute will escalate into a formal legal battle remains to be seen.

Ocasio-Cortez Demands New York Mayor Eric Adams Step Down Amid Corruption Scandal

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has publicly called for New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) to resign, reinforcing previous demands for his removal following his federal indictment on corruption charges. Her statement, made Thursday on the social platform Bluesky, criticized Adams for remaining in office despite ongoing legal troubles and accused him of being politically compromised. “Adams must be removed. The city cannot sustain being governed for nearly a year by a mayor who is being coerced by the Trump administration in order to escape charges,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote. She argued that the situation was a direct threat to the stability and governance of the city. “This corruption poses a real threat to the people of the city. He should have resigned a while ago, but will not. So it’s time for him to go. ”Her remarks follow the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent decision to order federal prosecutors to dismiss corruption charges against Adams. The move has intensified scrutiny over the mayor’s conduct and the potential political influences at play. Ocasio-Cortez is not alone in her call for Adams to step aside. New York Lt. Gov. Anthony Delgado (D) also issued a statement demanding his resignation, echoing concerns about the city’s leadership and the need for accountability.

“New York City deserves a mayor accountable to the people, not beholden to the president. Mayor Adams should step down, ” Delgado wrote in a post on X. The growing pressure on Adams raises questions about his political future and the potential consequences if he refuses to resign. Under New York state law, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has the authority to remove Adams from office if formal charges are brought against him. If Adams steps down voluntarily or is forced out, the city would appoint an interim mayor, with a special election to be held within 80 days. The controversy surrounding Adams has cast a shadow over the upcoming New York primaries for governor, scheduled for June. Despite the ongoing scandal, Adams has declared himself a candidate for the gubernatorial race and has shown no indication of stepping away from his current position. His insistence on staying in office has drawn criticism from political analysts and lawmakers, many of whom argue that his legal troubles undermine his ability to lead effectively. Political strategist Andrew Feldman described Adams’ situation as a major liability for the Democratic Party in New York.

“A sitting mayor under this level of scrutiny and facing such serious allegations is a distraction that the city cannot afford. If Adams truly cared about New York, he would step aside and allow new leadership to restore trust in the office. ”Public sentiment has also shifted, with protests erupting in front of City Hall demanding Adams’ resignation. Activists and community leaders argue that his presence in office has become a destabilizing factor, creating uncertainty in the city’s governance. The scandal comes at a time when New York faces numerous challenges, including economic recovery efforts, rising crime rates, and housing crises. Many city officials worry that the mayor’s legal troubles are taking attention away from these pressing issues. Adams, however, has remained defiant. In a recent press conference, he dismissed calls for his resignation and insisted that he is committed to serving the city. “I have done nothing wrong, and I will not be bullied out of office. My focus remains on the people of New York, and I will continue to fight for them every day,” he said.

His supporters argue that the charges against him were politically motivated and that the DOJ’s decision to dismiss them reinforces his innocence. “This is nothing more than a witch hunt,” said City Councilman Kevin Riley, a longtime Adams ally. “The mayor has done incredible work for this city, and this is just an attempt to derail his progress. ”Despite these defenses, the political pressure on Adams is unlikely to subside. The coming weeks will determine whether he can withstand the mounting calls for his departure or if his tenure as mayor will be cut short. As the controversy unfolds, the city remains on edge, awaiting the next chapter in a political saga that has already shaken New York’s leadership. The implications of this scandal could extend beyond Adams himself, influencing upcoming elections and reshaping the city’s political landscape.

For now, Adams remains in office, but his hold on power appears increasingly tenuous. The question is not just whether he will resign, but whether New York’s political establishment will take further action to remove him.

Fourteen States Sue Musk and Trump, Calling Tech Billionaire’s Government Role Unconstitutional

A coalition of fourteen states filed a lawsuit on Thursday against Elon Musk, his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and President Donald Trump, arguing that Musk’s sweeping influence over federal government operations is unconstitutional. The lawsuit, led by New Mexico, challenges Musk’s authority to restructure government spending and workforce reductions without Senate confirmation, claiming that his unchecked power violates the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. According to the lawsuit, Musk’s ability to eliminate entire departments and cut government jobs with minimal oversight is a direct threat to the foundational principles of American democracy. “Mr. Musk’s seemingly limitless and unchecked power to strip the government of its workforce and eliminate entire departments with the stroke of a pen or click of a mouse would have been shocking to those who won this country’s independence,” the plaintiffs wrote. The legal challenge asserts that Musk’s role as head of DOGE grants him de facto executive powers beyond those of any unelected official. “There is no office of the United States, other than the President, with the full power of the Executive Branch, and the sweeping authority now vested in a single unelected and unconfirmed individual is antithetical to the nation’s entire constitutional structure,” the states argued in the filing.

The lawsuit was filed by attorneys general from Arizona, Michigan, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and New Mexico. The coalition is requesting that the court immediately block Musk and his team from making significant changes to government policies, including the disbursement of public funds, federal contracts, regulatory decisions, and employment matters. Additionally, they seek to bar Musk from accessing or modifying government databases, citing risks to national security and data integrity. The case represents a significant legal battle over the balance of power between elected officials and private individuals wielding government authority. The Trump administration, with Musk’s leadership at DOGE, has aggressively pursued a broad rollback of federal agencies and budgetary reductions. While the administration argues that these moves increase efficiency and reduce wasteful spending, critics contend that Musk’s unchecked role lacks legal legitimacy. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, speaking during a press call about the lawsuit, described Musk’s authority as a dangerous concentration of power. “Our constitutional order was founded in part to guard against the accumulation of state power in the hands of a single individual, and while that construction was first focused on the abuse of power of an 18th-century monarch, it is no less dangerous in the hands of a 21st-century tech tycoon,” Torrez said.

In a related legal challenge, multiple current and former employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also filed a lawsuit against Musk on Thursday. The plaintiffs in that case argue that Musk’s appointment should have required Senate confirmation, given his level of authority over the agency’s operations. The Trump administration, with Musk’s assistance, has sought to significantly scale back USAID’s functions, restricting the distribution of foreign aid and moving to reduce the agency’s workforce both domestically and abroad. USAID has historically played a critical role in delivering humanitarian assistance, economic development, and disaster relief worldwide. However, under Musk’s oversight, the agency has faced severe funding limitations and mass layoffs, part of a broader effort to reshape America’s role in global aid distribution. The lawsuit from USAID employees contends that these changes were enacted without legal justification and in direct contradiction to congressional mandates. The legal battle over Musk’s role within the Trump administration is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, as additional challenges to his authority emerge. Legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent regarding the extent to which private citizens can wield governmental powers without official confirmation.

Trump has consistently defended Musk’s involvement in government affairs, arguing that his background in business and technology makes him uniquely qualified to lead efficiency reforms. Supporters of Musk’s government role claim that traditional bureaucratic structures have long been inefficient and that DOGE’s restructuring efforts are necessary to modernize federal operations. However, critics argue that the unprecedented nature of Musk’s influence, combined with his lack of accountability to voters or legislative oversight, creates significant constitutional concerns. “The fact that an unelected billionaire can make sweeping decisions about government funding, staffing, and data access without any congressional oversight is deeply troubling,” said constitutional law professor Michael Stein. The lawsuit has reignited broader debates over the role of private industry in government and whether figures like Musk should have direct influence over federal policies. While business leaders have historically played advisory roles in government, Musk’s position at DOGE goes far beyond traditional advisory capacities, giving him direct control over critical functions.

The outcome of the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications, potentially limiting or redefining the extent to which private citizens can assume governmental authority. For now, Musk remains in control of DOGE, continuing efforts to reshape federal agencies despite mounting legal challenges. With both state attorneys general and federal employees challenging his authority, the case could mark a significant turning point in the structure of government oversight and constitutional governance.

Bernie Sanders Launches Nationwide Tour to Counter Trump’s Influence, Starts in Nebraska

Sen. Bernie Sanders is set to visit Nebraska and Iowa as he kicks off a campaign aimed at reinvigorating the populist left and pushing back against President Donald Trump’s growing influence. The Vermont independent is focusing on working-class districts that played a pivotal role in the 2024 election, particularly where Republican House members were elected despite President Joe Biden’s previous success in 2020.The tour will begin on February 21 in Omaha, Nebraska, with an evening stop at a union hall,  followed by a visit to an Iowa City theater on February 22.Sanders’ press release emphasized that his campaign will focus on the growing threat posed by Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) partner, billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk. Sanders warned that the U.S. is closer than ever to authoritarianism, oligarchy, and kleptocracy, and he intends to highlight how Trump’s policies are endangering working-class Americans. His message is clear: Democrats and the broader left must shift their focus back to working-class issues if they hope to win back voters who have moved toward the right.. Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party and a longtime Sanders ally, has echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of economic policies in countering Trump’s appeal. Sanders believes that Trump’s success in 2024 came from his ability to realign the Republican coalition by merging blue-collar workers, religious conservatives, and traditional conservatives under a common political identity.

While Trump’s strategy relied heavily on social issues, Sanders argues that economic concerns remain the most pressing for most Americans. “Today, the oligarchs and the billionaires are getting richer and richer and have more and more power,” Sanders said in his statement announcing the tour. “Meanwhile, 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, and most of our people are struggling to pay for health care, child care, and housing. ”His goal is to host town hall meetings and ensure that more Americans hear a message of economic justice and collective action. Sanders, who has long been a champion of progressive policies, believes that working people can still “fight back” against policies that favor the wealthy at the expense of the majority. Sanders is no stranger to Nebraska and Iowa. As a former presidential candidate, he frequently visited these states, drawing large crowds of progressive supporters. His return signals an effort to reconnect with voters who may feel abandoned by the Democratic Party’s current messaging. One key focus of the tour is Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, a region with a unique political landscape. The district, which includes Omaha, has voted inconsistently in recent elections. In 2016, it backed Trump, then flipped to Biden in 2020, and later supported Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. However, it also reelected Republican Rep. Don Bacon five times, despite its recent Democratic lean in presidential elections.

Nebraska plays a unique role in national politics due to its split Electoral College system, which awards one electoral vote to the winner of each congressional district and two votes to the statewide winner. Unlike most states, where the winner takes all electoral votes, Nebraska and Maine divide their votes, allowing a candidate to claim a single district’s vote even if they lose the state overall. In 2024, Trump won Nebraska’s statewide vote, but the 2nd District remained a critical battleground. Republican Gov. Jim Pillen and several conservative lawmakers in Nebraska’s officially nonpartisan but Republican-controlled Unicameral Legislature have been pushing to change this system. Their goal is to shift Nebraska to a winner-take-all model, reducing the possibility of the state continuing to split off a vote for Democrats in future elections. If successful, this move could solidify Nebraska’s red-state status and remove a potential electoral advantage for Democrats. Sanders’ visit to Nebraska comes amid these discussions, as he attempts to rally support for a Democratic resurgence in the state. His efforts aim to counteract Republican moves that could further disadvantage progressive candidates in the region.

The broader message of Sanders’ tour is a call to action for working-class voters who may feel disillusioned with both major parties. By emphasizing economic justice and the dangers of concentrated wealth and power, he hopes to shift the political conversation away from culture wars and back toward policies that benefit everyday Americans. The coming months will reveal whether Sanders’ strategy resonates with voters and whether his pushback against Trump and Musk will inspire broader mobilization on the left.

With the 2024 elections still shaping the political landscape, his tour could play a role in influencing future Democratic strategies and rebuilding support among working-class Americans.