07.04.2025 – WEEKLY BRIEFING

Reymonta
5–7 minutes
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  • Europe warns Trump: We have ‘a strong plan’ for retaliation against tariffs – 01.04.2025

Ahead of President Trump’s announcement on April 2 regarding new tariffs, Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, warned that Europe has a strong plan for retaliation if necessary, though it prefers negotiations. Trump has promoted the tariffs as part of his economic agenda, including hikes on steel, aluminum, and cars. The EU previously responded to U.S. tariffs by imposing countermeasures on up to €26 billion worth of U.S. goods. The trade dispute is significant for both Europe and the U.S., as both regions are major trading partners, with the EU being the largest buyer of U.S. exports. Other countries, including Canada, China, Japan, and South Korea, are preparing retaliatory measures as well. Trump’s approach includes imposing reciprocal tariffs, and countries like China have already responded by targeting U.S. agricultural products. Canada also signaled plans to retaliate, though the details of these measures are not yet clear.

  • As Iran tensions build, US military moves warplanes to reinforce Middle East – 02.04.2025

The United States has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East by deploying B-2 stealth bombers to a U.S.-British base on Diego Garcia, as part of a broader strategy to address rising tensions with Iran and ongoing military actions in Yemen. The B-2s, capable of carrying heavy bombs like the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, which could potentially target Iran’s nuclear facilities, enhance U.S. deterrence in the region. This deployment comes amid President Trump’s threats to bomb Iran and impose secondary tariffs if Tehran does not agree to a new deal on its nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran has vowed strong action, with its officials warning of consequences if the U.S. follows through on its threats. This escalation follows the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, and Iran’s subsequent expansion of uranium enrichment, raising concerns over its potential nuclear weapons development.

  • Federal prosecutors to seek death penalty for Luigi Mangione in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing – 03.04.2025

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. This marks the first time since President Trump took office that the Justice Department is pursuing the death penalty for a federal case, following his pledge to resume federal executions. Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, allegedly shot Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel, with surveillance footage showing the attack. The killing sparked public debate, especially regarding the health insurance industry. Mangione faces both state and federal charges, with federal charges including murder via firearm, which could lead to the death penalty. Bondi’s decision follows the lifting of a federal execution moratorium and continues Trump’s push for capital punishment. Despite Biden’s campaign to abolish federal executions, his administration has maintained many death row sentences.

  • Car bomb – Dam Square, Amsterdam – 03.04.2025

A car explosion in Amsterdam’s Dam Square has led to the arrest of a 50-year-old Dutch man from Noord-Holland on charges of arson and a possible suicide attempt. The incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. when the car slowly veered toward the National Monument, where hundreds of people, including tourists and tour groups, were gathered. A sudden explosion inside the vehicle caused panic, though witnesses said the chaos remained relatively contained. The driver, engulfed in flames, emerged from the car and rolled on the ground before being subdued with a fire extinguisher. Police, who had already been trailing the vehicle, quickly evacuated the area. The suspect was hospitalized with injuries and taken into custody.

  • South Korea’s president removed from office over ill-fated declaration of martial law – 03.04.2025

Four months after briefly declaring martial law, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been removed from office following a unanimous ruling by the Constitutional Court, which upheld his impeachment for violating democratic principles and disrupting constitutional order. This marks the second impeachment of a South Korean president after Park Geun-hye in 2017. The court found Yoon’s use of military force to resolve political deadlock and his actions against the National Assembly and judiciary unconstitutional. His removal has sparked both relief and sorrow among a deeply divided public. A snap presidential election will be held within 60 days, with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung emerging as a likely candidate. Yoon now faces potential criminal trials and loses presidential privileges, including legal immunity and pension.

  • Trump urges US to ‘hang tough’ as 10% tariffs come into effect – 05.04.2025

The U.S. began enforcing a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, prompting global market turmoil and widespread protests across American cities. President Trump urged citizens to “hang tough,” calling the situation an “economic revolution.” The move has triggered sharp declines in stock markets worldwide, with the S&P 500 falling nearly 6% and the UK’s FTSE 100 dropping almost 5%. China responded with matching 34% tariffs and a complaint to the WTO. European nations, including the UK and France, warned that “nothing is off the table” in response. Elon Musk suggested the tariffs could ultimately lead to a US-Europe free-trade zone. The White House plans to increase some tariffs to 50% starting April 9, while the EU faces a 20% levy. The trade escalation has disrupted supply chains, with Jaguar Land Rover halting U.S. shipments.

  • Angry protesters from New York to Alaska assail Trump and Musk in ‘Hands Off!’ rallies – 06.04.2025

In over 1,200 locations across all 50 U.S. states, thousands of people participated in “Hands Off!” protests to voice opposition to President Donald Trump’s early actions since returning to office. Organized by more than 150 groups—including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, and immigration activists—the demonstrations addressed concerns over government downsizing, cuts to social security and health programs, immigration policies, and perceived rollbacks of human rights protections. Protesters also criticized billionaire Elon Musk, head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, for his role in the administration’s aggressive cost-cutting measures. While the White House stated that Trump is committed to protecting programs like Social Security and Medicare, demonstrators argued that the administration is endangering core values such as equality, dignity, and inclusion. The nationwide rallies remained peaceful and reflected growing unrest across a wide political spectrum.

  • US cancels visas for South Sudanese over deportation dispute – 06.04.2025

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. is immediately revoking visas for all South Sudanese passport holders and will block their entry at U.S. ports, citing South Sudan’s refusal to accept deported citizens. This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policy focused on mass deportations. Rubio criticized South Sudan’s transitional government for failing to cooperate and accused it of exploiting U.S. leniency. The decision comes amid renewed conflict in South Sudan and fears of another civil war. The U.S. had already ordered non-emergency staff to leave the country and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudanese nationals in the U.S. is set to expire by May 3. South Sudan, independent since 2011, has struggled with ongoing instability despite a 2018 peace deal.

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