Federal judge dismisses election subversion case against Donald Trump due to DOJ policy on sitting presidents. Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalates with airstrikes in Lebanon amid ongoing ceasefire talks.
Starting off with a significant political development, a federal judge has dismissed the election subversion case against
Donald Trump, following the Justice Department's policy against filing charges against a sitting president. While this dismissal doesn't stop the possibility of future proceedings, it aligns with the dropping of an appeal in a related documents case, even as other associates face legal actions.
Transitioning to international politics,
Angela Merkel defends her strategic engagement with Russia and her open-door migrant policy in her new memoir "Freedom." The former Chancellor maintains that Germany needed the Nord Stream projects for energy reasons and legal migration to address demographic challenges, while advising caution against far-right narratives.
Meanwhile, back in the States, President-elect
Donald Trump is preparing to impose hefty tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, aiming to press these countries to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Despite recent declines in such activities, Trump plans a 25% tariff on North American countries and an additional 10% on Chinese goods, highlighting his aggressive economic strategies.
Shifting to the Middle East, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have escalated even as ceasefire negotiations persist, led by a US envoy. The conflict with Hezbollah has intensified, with significant military actions in various Lebanese cities, though there remains cautious optimism for a resolution.
Still in the realm of global tensions and emergencies, Gaza's death toll reaches 44,235 amidst ongoing violence. In other international news, Saudi Arabia expresses condolences to Kuwait over a royal death, while the EU extends financial aid to Morocco for earthquake recovery, and the UN raises alarms over sexual violence in Sudan.
Finally, turning to South America, Chilean President Gabriel Boric faces a sexual harassment allegation from 2013, which he firmly denies. The incident aligns with other political scandals, yet Boric remains shielded from investigation due to his current office, unless impeachment proceedings begin.