Trump boat strike controversy, EU digital fines, US tariffs, immigration courts...

The legality of a deadly US military operation in the Caribbean continues to draw sharp scrutiny. The Guardian reports mounting pressure from congressional Democrats for the Pentagon to release video footage of a controversial second strike that killed two survivors clinging to wreckage, following the initial attack that left 11 dead. Senator Tammy Duckworth called the follow-up strike "essentially murder," and a Washington Post investigation revealed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly gave a "kill them all" order, though Navy Admiral Frank Bradley disputes this. The Hill highlights bipartisan calls—including from Sen. Tom Cotton and Rep. Adam Schiff—for transparency, while Defense Secretary Hegseth refuses to commit to releasing the video, citing operational concerns. The episode has sparked accusations of potential war crimes and led to congressional hearings, with lawmakers privately expressing concerns about Hegseth's conduct. The NY Times features expert opinion that the strikes were illegal and not comparable to other targeted killings. The Hill The Guardian Wall Street Journal (politics) The Hill The NY Times The Hill The Hill The Hill The Hill

A political rift has emerged after President Trump pardoned Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) from bribery charges; Cuellar subsequently filed for reelection as a Democrat. The Wall Street Journal and The Guardian note Trump's public criticism of Cuellar's "lack of loyalty," while The Hill covers Cuellar's defense, emphasizing his conservative credentials and commitment to working with the president. The dispute raises questions about expectations of political allegiance following presidential clemency and underscores tensions within both parties. Wall Street Journal (politics) The Hill The Hill The Guardian

The Trump administration's new National Security Strategy has signaled a major shift, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—according to Politico Europe—declaring the end of US "utopian idealism" in favor of hard-nosed realism and a focus on Western Hemisphere priorities. The strategy urges European allies to take more responsibility for their own defense and adopts a more conciliatory tone toward China, while criticizing European integration and supporting far-right nationalist movements. The Guardian reports that the Kremlin has praised the document for aligning with Russian interests, as the US distances itself from "democracy building" and regime change. Washington Post underscores the deep ideological divide this creates between Washington and Brussels. Washington Post (World) Politico Europe The Guardian

A sweeping purge of nearly 100 immigration judges under President Trump has left the federal immigration court system in disarray, reports Politico Europe. Judges known for granting asylum or with dual citizenship were disproportionately ousted, replaced by military lawyers and "deportation" judges. The mass dismissals—many of whom are challenging their firings—have renewed calls for an independent immigration judiciary, but such reforms seem unlikely under current Congressional dynamics. The backlog of cases has soared, and critics argue the firings undermine due process and enable politicized decision-making. Politico Europe

Following a deadly shooting by an Afghan asylum recipient, Politico Europe and The Hill report that the Trump administration is under pressure from immigration hardliners to tighten entry restrictions. The resulting crackdown has alarmed Afghans in the US and abroad, who fear broad punitive measures and "guilt by association" policies. The administration's actions have fueled criticism that collective punishment is being favored over individualized justice, exacerbating community anxieties and raising human rights concerns. Politico Europe The Hill The Hill

A €120 million fine imposed by the European Commission on Elon Musk's X for breaching transparency rules under the Digital Services Act has triggered a transatlantic spat. Politico Europe details how Musk retaliated by cutting the EU's ad account access, while US officials—backed by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio—blast the move as anti-American censorship. Politico Europe also reports European Greens urge the Commission to maintain strict enforcement despite US pressure. The dispute has inflamed trade tensions, with the White House threatening to maintain tariffs on EU steel unless digital rules are relaxed, and the affair has been seized upon by Europe's far-right populists seeking to align with Washington's anti-Brussels rhetoric. Politico Europe Politico Europe Politico Europe

In an in-depth interview, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer tells Politico Europe that President Trump’s sweeping tariffs are part of a deliberate strategy, not chaos. The administration has prioritized protectionism and leveraged tariffs for geopolitical and economic aims, particularly targeting China and, to a lesser extent, US allies. Despite concerns from both Congress and global partners about rising prices and trade friction, Greer insists the data support their approach and claims tariffs have not driven up inflation. The administration is also pressuring the EU to revisit its digital rules in exchange for tariff relief, and is considering changes to the USMCA with Canada and Mexico. Politico Europe

French President Emmanuel Macron has sounded the alarm over Europe's "life or death" moment for industry, squeezed between a protectionist US and an ultra-competitive China, Politico Europe reports. Macron urges Beijing to increase investment in Europe to redress the trade and investment imbalance, but warns against "predatory" tactics. Financial Times highlights that existential fears about deindustrialization dominate the agenda as France prepares to assume the G7 presidency, with Macron considering inviting Xi Jinping to the 2026 summit. Politico Europe Financial Times

Financial Times analyzes how US tariffs have not only failed to curb China's global economic reach but have redirected Chinese exports to Southeast Asia, strengthening Beijing's ties with the region. This shift complicates Washington's protectionist aims and reveals the adaptability of global supply chains in the face of trade barriers. Financial Times

The NY Times reports that a Nebraska prison known for its rehabilitative approach has been converted into an ICE detention facility, reflecting the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement push. The move has sparked local controversy and concerns about the loss of successful reentry programs for inmates, highlighting the social costs of shifting federal priorities. The NY Times

A proposed EU ban on using meat-related terms like "burger" and "sausage" for plant-based products has drawn criticism from public figures such as Paul McCartney and British MPs, Politico Europe reports. Critics argue the move could confuse consumers and undermine sustainability efforts, while supporters claim it protects cultural heritage and clarifies food labeling. The debate reveals broader tensions in European agricultural and regulatory policy. Politico Europe