MicroWave

Summary

Donald Trump stated that U.S. aid to Ukraine should be compensated with $500 billion worth of its mineral resources, including rare earth elements.

He claimed Ukraine had "essentially agreed" to this arrangement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hinted at allowing U.S. access to these resources to maintain support.

The idea aligns with Ukraine’s "victory plan" for post-war recovery.

Trump's comments drew criticism, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemning his approach as "very egotistic, very self-centered."

Summary

Far-right leaders, including Viktor Orbán and Marine Le Pen, gathered in Madrid for the first summit of the "Patriots for Europe" bloc, praising Donald Trump’s return.

Hosted by Spain’s far-right Vox party, the event focused on anti-immigration rhetoric and opposition to left-wing policies.

Spain’s ruling party condemned the gathering, calling it a "coven of ultras."

Despite the bloc’s ambitions, major nationalist parties from Italy, Germany, and Poland have refused to join, highlighting divisions within Europe’s far-right movement.

Summary

Trump’s 90-day freeze on foreign aid, announced on January 20, has disrupted life-saving programs worldwide.

Despite waivers for “core life-saving” aid, confusion and lack of communication from U.S. officials have left malaria, HIV, and famine relief efforts stalled in countries like Ghana, Haiti, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

USAID, the primary aid agency, is in turmoil, with mass firings and restrictions on external communication.

Aid workers fear critical funding may not be restored, jeopardizing millions of lives dependent on humanitarian support.

Summary

A German court ruled that Elon Musk’s X must immediately provide researchers with data on politically related content ahead of Germany’s Feb. 23 election.

The lawsuit, filed by Democracy Reporting International and the Society for Civil Rights, accused X of blocking efforts to track election interference.

The ruling enforces the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), requiring major platforms to grant researcher access. It also orders X to pay legal costs and imposes a €6,000 procedural fine.

The decision sets a legal precedent, but it remains unclear if X will appeal.

Summary

A German government report reveals a surge in Russian disinformation on X ahead of Germany’s Feb. 23 election, driven by the Kremlin-backed Doppelgänger operation.

This network uses fake news sites, sleeper accounts, and AI-generated content to spread false narratives, mainly targeting Germany’s support for Ukraine.

Coordinated bot activity spiked dramatically in January, with thousands of posts daily. Berlin is intensifying countermeasures, collaborating with allies, and considering sanctions.

The campaign mirrors past Russian election interference across Europe, highlighting ongoing cybersecurity threats.

Summary

Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old member of Elon Musk’s DOGE team, was previously fired from Path Network for leaking proprietary information.

Online messages reveal he boasted of retaining access to Path’s systems and sought hacking tools. Investigators have tracked his activity in cybercrime forums, including links to denial-of-service attacks.

His DOGE role involves gathering government data, raising security concerns. Senator Ron Wyden criticized DOGE’s access to sensitive systems.

The Trump administration has not disclosed vetting procedures, despite growing scrutiny over DOGE hires and security clearances.

Summary

NATO allies informally discussed deploying troops to Greenland after Trump threatened military action to seize the Danish territory.

Germany and other European nations explored possible responses, including invoking NATO’s Article 5, though it was ruled out due to US veto power.

Denmark pledged $1.5 billion to bolster Arctic security, while NATO considered expanding its presence.

Trump cites strategic concerns over Russian and Chinese influence and US missile defense. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte acknowledged Arctic security needs but sought to defuse tensions.

Summary

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is pushing to restart stalled trade talks with the U.K. as Canada seeks to reduce reliance on the U.S. amid Trump's trade war.

While Trudeau secured a temporary delay on U.S. tariffs by agreeing to border security measures, uncertainty remains.

Talks with the U.K. broke down last year over agricultural disputes, but Canada sees renewed negotiations as beneficial for trade diversification.

Summary

Russia criticized Trump’s proposal to provide military aid to Ukraine in exchange for access to its rare earth minerals.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the idea as a commercial transaction rather than genuine support and reiterated Russia’s stance that halting aid would help end the war.

Trump argued that securing Ukraine’s resources, including titanium and lithium, was in U.S. interests.

While Ukraine has not responded, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denounced the plan as selfish, noting Ukraine's need to retain resources for postwar rebuilding.

Summary

Donald Trump is pushing for high tariffs, not just to cut trade deficits but also as a revenue source to reduce domestic income taxes.

His administration envisions a return to 19th-century tariff-funded governance, but critics warn this won’t generate enough revenue and risks harming the economy.

Economists argue free trade benefits the U.S. more than protectionism, and tariffs could backfire by raising consumer prices and reducing trade.

If enacted, Trump's plan may isolate the U.S. economically while empowering global rivals like China.

Summary

Trump’s overhaul of U.S. foreign aid has thrown USAID into turmoil, forcing contractors to fire staff and struggle with unpaid invoices.

His administration halted aid projects and tasked Elon Musk with downsizing USAID, leading to layoffs and funding freezes.

Contractors face millions in unpaid dues, with some considering legal action. The cuts have disrupted global health and humanitarian programs, sparking protests.

USAID funding, less than 1% of the U.S. budget, is key to diplomacy and countering China and Russia’s influence, raising concerns about long-term global impact.

Summary

Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on vehicles from Mexico and Canada could cause major price increases and financial strain on U.S. automakers.

The industry, already struggling with uncertainty, faces potential costs of $40 billion annually. Automakers like GM, Ford, and Stellantis rely heavily on North American supply chains, making tariff-related adjustments difficult.

Suppliers are preparing for cost hikes, which may be passed to consumers.

While Trump aims to curb illegal migration and trade deficits, experts warn of severe economic disruptions if tariffs are implemented.