Latest Politics News
Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's IEEPA Tariffs
In a 6-3 decision on February 20, 2026, the US Supreme Court ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority by imposing tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), invalidating duties on fentanyl and global trade deficits. The ruling reserves tariff powers for Congress.
IEEPA tariffs cease collection from February 24, 2026.
Trump Imposes 15% Global Tariffs Under Section 122 Starting February 24
Following the Supreme Court ruling, Trump signed an executive order for a 10% global tariff on all imports under Section 122 of the Trade Act, raised to 15% the next day, effective February 24, 2026, for 150 days. Certain products are exempt, with potential expansion of Sections 301 and 232.
This responds to invalidated IEEPA measures amid trade deficit concerns.
Trump's 2026 State of the Union Addresses Foreign Policy Shifts Today
President Trump's February 24 State of the Union is expected to outline new foreign policy priorities, including trade, Iran regime change threats, and China tech competition. Topics include Nvidia's H200 chip sales to China, Taiwan's silicon shield, and Greenland acquisition for security.
Analysts note tests for the National Security Strategy.
Trump Threatens Iran Strikes and Launches 'Board of Peace' for UN Oversight
Trump is threatening military action against Iran and boasting about his 'board of peace' to oversee the United Nations, raising concerns over global governance. Discussions highlight potential US strikes' consequences and similarities to Australian politics.
This ties into broader Trump doctrine on international security.
US-China Competition Reshapes Global Politics and Technology Race
US competition with China drives geopolitics, straining Europe via trade pressures and dividing allies with China's economic influence. Future democracy and security depend on US politics, Iran tensions, and US-China AI/tech race, including Nvidia chip sales.
Pentagon added then withdrew Chinese firms from military list ahead of Trump-Xi summit.
Bipartisan Push for Quad Summit Before Trump's China Trip
US lawmakers urge a Quad summit with Indo-Pacific partners before Trump's high-stakes Xi Jinping meeting to build leverage and coordination. This addresses concerns over US-China relations amid fragile trade truce.
China confirms talks on Trump visit with potential one-year tariff rollback.
Trump's Tariff Move Impacts Latin American Economies
The new 15% global tariff, effective February 24, creates uncertainty for Latin America despite some positioning advantages post-IEEPA invalidation. Rapid rate shifts from 10% to 15% force companies to recalibrate risks.
Follows US capture of Venezuela's Maduro, affecting oil and regional policy.
Europe Scrambles Between US and China Amid Tariff Pressures
French and German ministers revive talks with Beijing to counter US-China divide-and-rule tactics and bolster European unity. US trade actions strain Europe, with China's pull potentially dividing allies.
Trump's Greenland push could impact NATO.
Trump Floats Iran Regime Change, Tests National Security Strategy
Trump has suggested forcing regime change in Iran via military action, challenging his administration's National Security Strategy. CFR experts warn of implications amid ongoing US-Iran tensions.
This aligns with broader foreign policy shifts in today's State of the Union.
US Treasury Warns of China's Digital Asset Dominance Push
Treasury chief Scott Bessent urges passing the Clarity Act to counter Hong Kong's 'sandbox' and China's digital asset advances for US financial leadership. This heightens US-China economic rivalry ahead of potential summits.
Ties into broader tech and trade competition.
Japan's Takaichi Victory Complicates China's Taiwan Policy
Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi's LDP secured a supermajority, potentially hardening stance on Taiwan and complicating Beijing's policy. Taiwan opposition warns against becoming a pawn in US-China rivalry.
Adds to Indo-Pacific tensions.
Trump's Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal Crosses Red Lines
Trump's November 2025 Ukraine peace attempt crossed Ukrainian and European red lines but offers negotiation areas. Experts argue ending the war needs continued US aid and Russia resistance.
Remains a key foreign policy issue.