Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured NATO of U.S. commitment but emphasized President Trump’s demand for Europe to increase its defense spending to 5% of GDP. Rubio highlighted Trump’s stance that NATO must enhance its capabilities, urging European nations to prepare for a potential U.S. military drawdown. European officials hope to keep the U.S. engaged while they boost their defense capabilities. The meeting reflects concerns over diverging priorities and the impact of U.S. policies on NATO’s future, especially regarding the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia. Penelope Kingsley 03/04/2025 11:00 pm
President Trump announced tariffs on several countries, including Europe, India, Japan, and China, with China facing a 54% tariff on exports to the U.S. However, heavily sanctioned countries like Russia, Belarus, Cuba, and North Korea were not targeted. Trump justified the tariffs as a response to economic challenges, claiming they would benefit American workers. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained that Russia and Belarus were not included due to existing sanctions and minimal trade with the U.S. Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 11:00 pm
President Trump’s new senior advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, began his first official trip to the continent in the Great Lakes region, meeting with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa. They discussed a potential minerals-for-security deal, aiming to boost American investment in the DRC’s mining sector. Boulos emphasized fostering a deeper relationship between the U.S. and DRC and supporting peace efforts amid ongoing conflict with M23 rebels. Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman and Trump’s son-in-law, will also visit Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda to promote U.S. private sector investment. Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 11:00 pm
NATO chief Mark Rutte and the new U.S. ambassador reassured European allies of U.S. commitment to NATO despite President Trump’s critical remarks. As NATO foreign ministers met in Brussels, Europeans hoped Secretary of State Marco Rubio would clarify the U.S. stance amid tensions over Trump’s trade tariffs. Concerns have risen due to Trump’s approach to Russia and pressure on Kyiv. The U.S. has urged Europe to increase defense spending but has no immediate plans to withdraw its military presence, Rutte stated. Penelope Kingsley 03/04/2025 7:30 pm
Hungary announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit. Netanyahu, sought under an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, was invited by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who dismissed the warrant’s impact. Hungary, a founding ICC member, will be the first EU nation to exit. The ICC prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Hungary must notify the UN Secretary General to formalize its exit, effective one year later. Some European ICC members pledged to arrest Netanyahu, while others, like Germany, would not. Penelope Kingsley 03/04/2025 7:30 pm
Indian lawmakers are debating the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes changes to the governance of properties donated by Indian Muslims. The government claims it will enhance transparency, but opposition parties and Muslim groups argue it undermines Muslim rights. Initially tabled in August, the bill was revised with 25 changes after a joint parliamentary committee review. Despite opposition, Modi’s BJP coalition is expected to pass it in the Lok Sabha. If approved by both houses, it will require the President’s assent to become law. Penelope Kingsley 03/04/2025 7:30 pm
Syria condemned Israeli airstrikes on military sites, calling it an “unjustified escalation.” The attacks nearly destroyed Hama airbase, injuring dozens, with four defense personnel killed. Israel targeted Hama and T4 airbases and military infrastructure in Damascus, also conducting a ground operation in Deraa. Amid tensions, Turkey reportedly plans to station jets in Syria. Israel warned Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa against allowing hostile forces. Israel has conducted numerous strikes in Syria since Bashar al-Assad’s regime fell, targeting military assets and demanding demilitarization in southern provinces. Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 4:00 pm
Overnight Israeli strikes killed at least 55 people in Gaza, including children and women, amid escalating conflict with Hamas. Israel plans to seize large areas of Gaza and create a security corridor, cutting off Rafah. A month-long halt on imports has caused severe shortages. An independent investigation will probe a March incident involving Israeli forces firing on ambulances. Residents in several areas were ordered to evacuate as Israel intensifies military operations. Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the establishment of the Morag corridor to pressure Hamas. Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 4:00 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced a shift in military strategy in Gaza, aiming to divide and seize more territory, potentially indicating long-term control. Israel plans to escalate its campaign against Hamas until revised ceasefire terms are met. Recent bombings have killed at least 100 people in 24 hours, totaling 1,163 deaths since March 18. Netanyahu mentioned seizing the Morag Corridor, a strategic area, to increase pressure on Hamas. Israel’s expanded control already covers 17% of Gaza’s perimeter, raising concerns about permanent annexation. Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 4:00 pm
A procession in Vilnius, Lithuania, will honor four American soldiers who died during a training exercise. Government and religious leaders will pay respects before the bodies are returned to the U.S. The soldiers, from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, went missing during a tactical exercise. Their vehicle was found in a peat bog near Pabradė. The U.S. Army identified them as Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins and Staff Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr. Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 4:00 pm
