President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)
"Clown Show": Obama calls out MAGA over racist ape video of him and Michelle - Salon.com
salon.com/2026/02/15/clown-show-obama-calls-out-maga-over-racist-ape-video-of-him-and-michelle/
Key FactsObama Condemns Racist Video and Federal ICE Actions
3 hours ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: news.sky.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: news.sky.com
- Barack Obama spoke out against a racist video depicting him and his wife as apes, without naming the person responsible.
- He expressed concern over the decline of decorum and respect for public office in US politics, calling such acts distractions.
- Obama condemned the deployment of 3,000 ICE agents in Minneapolis as dangerous and lacking clear guidelines.
- He praised the community's resilient response in Minnesota, which contributed to the termination of the operation that led to thousands of arrests.
The rogue behaviour of agents of the federal government is deeply concerning.— Barack Obama discussing the actions of ICE agents in Minneapolis.
Obama addresses racist video shared by Trump depicting him as an ape: The former US president didn't name Trump, but lamented the lack of "shame" and "decorum" ...
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c74754j7qwgo
Key FactsObama Condemns Racist Video Amid Political Decorum Decline
5 hours ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.co.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.co.uk
- A racist video depicting Obama as an ape was posted at the end of a Trump Truth Social clip, sparking widespread backlash.
- Senator Tim Scott, the only Black Republican senator, called it the most racist act seen from the White House.
- Obama highlighted a decline in decorum and respect among public officials and described political discourse as unusually cruel.
- Despite the turmoil, Obama noted many Americans still uphold decency, kindness, and courtesy.
It's important to recognise that the majority of the American people find this behaviour deeply troubling.— Obama discusses the troubling nature of racist behavior and its perception among the American public.
Pam Bondi is leaving her Democratic successor a mess: The Justice Department was reformed in the wake of Watergate. A similar process will be needed after ...
salon.com/2026/02/15/pam-bondi-is-leaving-her-democratic-successor-a-mess/
Key FactsJustice Department Faces Urgent Post-Bondi Overhaul
58 min ago · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: salon.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: salon.com
- Pam Bondi’s testimony revealed a flagrant disregard for legal norms, damaging the Justice Department’s credibility.
- Post-Watergate reforms serve as a blueprint to shield the Justice Department from political interference and restore its autonomy.
- A significant loss of experienced prosecutors and their replacement by loyalists have severely undermined the department’s effectiveness.
- Future reforms must limit presidential powers and enhance protections for inspectors general, whistleblowers, and the press.
EWN 10h
Obama deplores lack of shame after Trump racist monkey clip: In a wide-ranging podcast interview with left-wing political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen released ...
ewn.co.za/2026/02/15/obama-deplores-lack-of-shame-after-trump-racist-monkey-clip
Rubio delivers MAGA's foreign policy doctrine in Munich: His message dovetailed with Vice President Vance's address at the same conference last year — but was ...
axios.com/2026/02/15/marco-rubio-maga-foreign-policy-munich
Key FactsRubio’s Ultimatum: Europe Must Reform or Be Abandoned
4 hours ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnn.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnn.com
- At the Munich Security Conference, Marco Rubio stated the US expects Europe to undergo a profound transformation beyond defense spending.
- He emphasized returning to shared values such as Christianity and cultural heritage while abandoning climate policies and open borders.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky highlighted his country's severe challenges and urged Europe to develop its own defense strategy.
- European leaders face internal turmoil and budget constraints, complicating transatlantic cooperation amid ongoing political conflicts.
The US needs to see a reformed Europe, not just details of defense budgets, but a sea change in the continent’s value system.— Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, at the Munich Security Conference.
Trump says he will issue executive order to get voter-ID requirements before midterms
cnbc.com/2026/02/13/trump-congress-voter-id-midterms.html
Key FactsTrump to Enforce Nationwide Voter ID by Executive Order
1 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnbc.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnbc.com
- An executive order mandating national voter identification is expected from Trump soon.
- The SAVE America Act, requiring proof of citizenship and photo ID, passed narrowly in the House.
- The bill faces strong opposition in the Senate, lacking sufficient votes to overcome a filibuster.
- Trump cautions that Democratic control could lead to court expansion and changes to Senate rules.
Our Country will never be the same if they allow these demented and evil people to knowingly, and happily, destroy it.— Donald Trump spoke about the potential consequences of Democratic power in the upcoming elections.
Key FactsHistoric Surge in Immigrant Detention Lawsuits 2026
13 hours ago · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: propublica.org
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: propublica.org
- More than 18,000 habeas petitions contesting immigration detention were filed in 2026, surpassing totals from the previous three administrations combined.
- California and Texas account for roughly 40% of these filings, reflecting concentrated detention efforts in those states.
- Most federal judges have ruled in favor of immigrants, ordering release or bond hearings despite some appellate courts limiting such rights.
- The unprecedented caseload strains legal advocates and government attorneys, prompting public criticism of enforcement practices.
EWN Feb 14
Trump says change of power in Iran would be 'best thing': Trump's comments were his most overt call yet for the toppling of Iran's clerical establishment ...
ewn.co.za/2026/02/14/trump-says-change-of-power-in-iran-would-be-best-thing
Key FactsUS Boosts Military Presence Amid Iran Tensions
1 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailysabah.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailysabah.com
- President Trump views regime change in Iran as potentially beneficial for Middle Eastern stability.
- Diplomatic talks with Iranian, Russian, and Ukrainian officials are scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva.
- Two US aircraft carriers, including the Gerald R. Ford, are being deployed to the region to counter possible threats.
- The Ford carrier supports over 75 aircraft and advanced radar systems for air traffic and navigation control.
It seems like that would be the best thing that could happen.— Donald Trump on the potential regime change in Iran.
‘What the F*CK?’ Trump Flipped Out On Bill Maher Over This One 63-Second Bit: Trump flipped out on Bill Maher over a bit from his show that lasted 63 seconds but ...
mediaite.com/media/entertainment/what-the-fck-trump-flipped-out-on-bill-maher-over-this-one-63-second-bit/
Trump, 79, Sends ‘Love Letter’ to Sex Attack Victim: A Valentine’s Day fundraising plea was sent to a woman the president has been ordered to pay millions to.
thedailybeast.com/trump-79-sends-love-letter-to-sex-attack-victim/
WV elections chief at odds with Trump DOJ over providing sensitive voter information
wvgazettemail.com/elections/wv-elections-chief-at-odds-with-trump-doj-over-providing-sensitive-voter-information/article_8af606ba-56de-40e3-9e52-7bb2cc44b736.html
New poll says Bad Bunny represents America better than Donald Trump - after president’s Super Bowl rage
independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/bad-bunny-trump-super-bowl-poll-b2920531.html
Key FactsBad Bunny and Trump: Divided Views on American Identity
19 hours ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: merkur.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: merkur.de
- A Yahoo and YouGov poll found 42% of respondents view Bad Bunny as a stronger representation of America compared to 39% for Donald Trump.
- Reactions to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance reveal sharp political divisions, with Democrats largely positive and Republicans mostly negative.
- The halftime show attracted an average audience of 128.2 million at Levi’s Stadium and conveyed a message emphasizing love over hate.
- Donald Trump harshly condemned the performance as an insult to America, while conservative politicians called for deportations.
The Only Thing More Powerful Than Hate Is Love.— Bad Bunny, during his halftime show at the Super Bowl, regarding the message he conveyed.
Trump gets help ignoring public opinion — voters should worry: Gallup's decision to stop tracking approval ratings could make it easier for Trump to shrug ...
salon.com/2026/02/14/trump-gets-help-ignoring-public-opinion-voters-should-worry/
Epstein files rock UK — but the real rot runs much deeper - Salon.com: The contrast with Trump's America is both obvious and shocking — but it’s not the ...
salon.com/2026/02/15/epstein-files-rock-uk-but-the-real-rot-runs-much-deeper/
A group of British warships will patrol the Arctic, Sir Keir Starmer has said, following Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland after he cited concerns ... Show more
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland sounded the alarm over President Donald Trump's repeated interest in acquiring Greenland during a panel at ... Show more
How US fuel blockade is suffocating the Cuban people - Salon.com: Plenty of Cubans dislike their own government — but still see Trump and Marco Rubio as ...
salon.com/2026/02/15/how-us-fuel-blockade-is-suffocating-the-cuban-people/
Iran ready to consider compromises to reach nuclear deal, minister tells BBC in Tehran
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyz4y3zwz5o
OpinionTrump's tariff tantrums show he's losing his grip on the GOP | Opinion: Trump can't admit that his tariff policy has been a disaster. And he can't accept that ...
usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2026/02/15/republicans-trump-tariffs-canada-house-midterms/88646045007/
Now Trump's infamous raids are catching up with him.: The resistance to the raids against migrants is having consequences for the US government: The ...
focus.de/politik/ausland/jetzt-holen-trump-seine-beruechtigten-razzien-ein_61056fda-f51c-45b9-a26c-bb6b74a69030.html
Trump Is Using Mexico’s Oil to Put the Squeeze on Cuba: Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, wants to send Cuba some desperately needed oil ...
jacobin.com/2026/02/sheinbaum-trump-oil-cuba-blockade
It’s good that the federal occupation of Minnesota is ending. But the Trump administration shouldn’t be allowed to pretend it never happened ... Show more
DHS Set to Shut Down With No End In Sight Amid Impasse Over Immigration: The partial government shutdown starting this weekend is the second funding lapse in ...
time.com/7378601/government-shutdown-congress-ice-dhs-democrats-polls/
MAGA-land demands Epstein answers after Bondi's hearing: Influential right-wing figures say the Justice Department mishandled the case.
axios.com/2026/02/13/epstein-files-fracture-trump-coalition-bondi
Key FactsBondi Faces Scrutiny Over Epstein Files Handling
3 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cbsnews.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cbsnews.com
- Bondi stated the Justice Department released over 3 million pages related to Epstein while ongoing investigations continue.
- Lawmakers criticized the DOJ for failing to fully protect victims' identities and for not questioning senior officials linked to Epstein.
- She defended the department's actions targeting political opponents, including an unsuccessful attempt to indict six Democrats over a military video.
- Contentious exchanges arose over victim treatment, document redactions, and the influence of President Trump on the Justice Department.
Epstein should rot in hell. So should the men who patronized this operation.— Rep. Ted Lieu during a hearing regarding the Epstein files.
Epstein’s Secrecy Orders to Trump’s Wealthy Henchman Exposed: Tom Barrack, the president’s longtime friend, appeared to have regular correspondence with Jeffrey ...
thedailybeast.com/epsteins-secrecy-orders-to-trumps-wealthy-henchman-exposed/
Trump Beaten by MAGA’s Most Hated Musician in Humiliating New Poll: The people have spoken.
thedailybeast.com/trump-beaten-by-magas-most-hated-musician-in-humiliating-new-poll/
Reza Pahlavi at the Security Conference: 200,000 people protest in Munich against the regime in Tehran.
spiegel.de/panorama/muenchen-grossdemonstration-gegen-irans-fuehrung-waehrend-sicherheitskonferenz-a-b1c833f4-bef1-4745-9321-18861272e4e2
Trump’s Valentine’s Post Overrun With Brutal Epstein Taunts : The White House received endless Epstein Valentine’s Day notes.
thedailybeast.com/trumps-valentines-post-overrun-with-brutal-epstein-taunts/
Trump tells soldiers “you have to vote for us”
washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/02/13/trump-rally-gop-fort-bragg/
Gavin Newsom attacks Donald Trump at Munich Security Conference: California Governor Newsom accuses Trump of taking over the Republican Party at the Munich ...
n-tv.de/politik/Gavin-Newsom-attackiert-Donald-Trump-bei-Muenchner-Sicherheitskonferenz-id30363863.html
Trump and Netanyahu agree to increase pressure on Iranian oil: This could change Iran's calculus and push it to make more concessions regarding its nuclear ...
axios.com/2026/02/14/trump-netanyahu-china-iran-oil
In the podcast “Tagesanbruch – die Diskussion” (Daybreak – the discussion), SPD leader Lars Klingbeil explains at the Munich Security Conference why Europe ... Show more
Security conference in crisis mode: Klingbeil demands tough measures
Security conference in crisis mode: Klingbeil demands tough measures
Zelenskiy says US too often asks Ukraine, not Russia, for concessions: Ukrainian, Russian and American delegations are due to meet in Geneva on Tuesday.
reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/zelenskiy-says-us-too-often-asks-ukraine-not-russia-concessions-2026-02-14/
Jimmy Kimmel reacts to Pam Bondi tracking lawmakers' Epstein files search history
mashable.com/video/jimmy-kimmel-pam-bondi-epstein-files-search-history
Trump scares off tourists: "Vacationers pause their USA travel plans": Tilo Krause-Dünow specializes in North American travel with Canusa Touristik ...
n-tv.de/wirtschaft/Urlauber-pausieren-ihre-USA-Reiseplaene-id30354763.html
Key FactsUS Travel Declines While Canada Sees Huge Growth
23 hours ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
- Interest in US trips dropped by about ten percent in 2025, though many bookings had been made well in advance.
- Inquiries for 2026 are approximately ten to twelve percent below last year, yet conversion rates have improved amid global unrest.
- Around 10 to 15 percent of travelers are postponing US visits due to political uncertainty and stricter travel advisories.
- Canada is experiencing a strong, sustained boom with nearly 20 percent more bookings for 2026, driven by seasonal tourism.
Signal to the German population clearly: 'You are still warmly welcome!'.— Tilo Krause-Dünow, in an interview discussing the impact of the political situation on tourism to the USA.
Ending the Surge in Minnesota Isn’t Enough: It’s good that the federal occupation of Minnesota is ending. But the Trump administration shouldn’t be allowed to ...
jacobin.com/2026/02/ice-minnesota-trump-noem-justice
Trump vowed to boost Black business. Critics say he's failed so far: "When the economy weakens, Black households are usually the first to feel the effects ...
axios.com/2026/02/14/black-owned-businesses-trump-anti-dei
ICE Jailed People Illegally 4,400 Times, Hundreds of Judges Rule: Report: In a report published Saturday, Reuters found thousands of immigrants have been ...
newsweek.com/ice-jailed-people-illegally-4400-times-hundreds-of-judges-rule-report-11525251
OpinionTrump wants a submissive Europe, not a strong one: US Secretary of State Rubio reaffirmed his commitment to the transatlantic alliance at the Munich Security ...
diepresse.com/20584831/trump-will-ein-unterwuerfiges-kein-starkes-europa
New York City officials rehung the Pride flag after the National Park Service removed a Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument earlier in the week ... Show more
Key FactsPride Flag Removed from Historic Stonewall Monument
4 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- The National Park Service cited a longstanding policy to uniformly manage flagpoles at federal monuments when removing the Pride flag.
- The monument commemorates the 1969 Stonewall uprising, a pivotal event in the gay rights movement.
- Local officials condemned the removal as an attack on LGBTQ rights and announced plans to raise the flag again soon.
- The Trump administration enforces policies recognizing only two sexes and has altered references to LGBTQ on the monument’s website.
We think that the worst outcome would be arrest, but that's in the spirit of Stonewall itself.— Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan Borough President, regarding the potential raising of another rainbow flag at the Stonewall monument.
CNN’s Kaitlan Collins Rips Trump Attacks On Women Reporters — Tells Press To Stand Up To Him
mediaite.com/media/podcasts/cnns-kaitlan-collins-rips-trump-attacks-on-women-reporters/
Under oath and unredacted: The top political stories on Epstein this week: Attorney General Pam Bondi faced pointed questions on Capitol Hill ...
npr.org/2026/02/14/nx-s1-5714031/epstein-files-massie-bondi-doj
Trump's Washington has become unrecognizable: The nation's capital and America's democracy have become shells of their former selves
salon.com/2026/02/13/trumps-washington-has-become-unrecognizable/
Key FactsWashington Transformed: A Year of Trump’s Impact
2 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: salon.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: salon.com
- Trump’s return has led to a Washington marked by intense political discord and a breakdown in cooperation among lawmakers.
- Congressional hearings exposed embarrassing testimonies, including ties to Jeffrey Epstein and unprofessional conduct by senior officials.
- Heightened security presence and a decline in local business activity signal a city drained of vitality and under strain.
- Trump’s administration rolled back key environmental regulations amid widespread doubts about his credibility among staff and workers.
It has become painfully apparent that this is no longer the land of the free and home of the brave.— Brian Karem, reflecting on the state of Washington and America under Donald Trump.
"There doesn’t seem to be any shame." Barack Obama said in an interview that a video President Trump posted that depicted Barack and Michelle Obama ... Show more
Trump Holds On to Melania for Dear Life While Descending AF1 Stairs: The president has said he is extra cautious on stairs to avoid tripping like his predecessor ...
thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-holds-on-to-melania-for-dear-life-while-descending-air-force-one-stairs/
Donald Trump Floats Move to North Carolina During Fort Bragg Visit: President Trump tells troops at Fort Bragg he may move to North Carolina ...
newsweek.com/donald-trump-fort-bragg-north-carolina-11522082
Trump considers change of power in Iran to be the “best” solution: Further talks are expected in the conflict between the US and Iran. US President Trump has ...
zdfheute.de/politik/ausland/usa-trump-iran-machtwechsel-konflikt-100.html
"Must get moving": Trump increases pressure on Selenskyj: With a view to the upcoming US mid-term elections, the US President is apparently hoping for a foreign ...
n-tv.de/politik/Trump-erhoeht-den-Druck-auf-Selenskyj-id30362648.html
WV lawmakers look to control power bills but stand by Trump's coal plant double-down
wvgazettemail.com/news/legislative_session/wv-lawmakers-look-to-control-power-bills-but-stand-by-trumps-coal-plant-double-down/article_f6761389-4186-4525-b6fe-b16a33bb6c12.html
Pelosi Warns of Trump ‘Surveillance’ Ahead of Midterms: ‘It’s Not Right’: Nancy Pelosi warned MS NOW about "surveillance by the intelligence operation" ahead of ...
mediaite.com/media/tv/pelosi-warns-of-trump-surveillance-ahead-of-midterms-its-not-right/
Afrikaner refugees in the US are struggling despite promises of housing and support. Many report living in unsafe, costly conditions with little left for ... Show more
The failing American dream: Reports of Afrikaner refugees ‘barely scraping by’
The failing American dream: Reports of Afrikaner refugees ‘barely scraping by’
Don Lemon pleads not guilty to charges stemming from church protest coverage: Lemon was charged after the protest drew outrage from conservative politicians and ...
axios.com/2026/02/13/don-lemon-plea-not-guilty-minnesota-church-protest
Trump Deportations Cost Taxpayers Whopping $40 Million-Plus Last Year Per Scathing New Report From Dems
mediaite.com/media/news/trump-deportations-cost-taxpayers-whopping-40-million-plus-last-year-per-scathing-new-report-from-dems/
OpinionPam Bondi must be impeached. Congressional hearing shows why | Letters: Atty. Gen. Bondi showed no respect for the Democratic congresspersons at hearing; she did ...
jsonline.com/story/opinion/readers/2026/02/14/attorney-general-pam-bondi-pretti-good-homeland-security-trump/88647480007/
Straight Arrow News Feb 14
Senate Democratic staff released a report that says the Trump administration spent at least 40 million dollars to send around 300 migrants to countries other ... Show more
Trump Administration Announces That We Don’t Know Where the Sun Goes at Night: After deciding carbon dioxide does no harm, it was the logical next move.
theatlantic.com/newsletters/2026/02/trump-administration-science-climate-change/686008/
Ex-Trump WH Lawyer Torpedoes Cabinet Members One By One on MS: ‘All of Those People Should be Impeac ...
mediaite.com/media/tv/ex-trump-wh-lawyer-torpedoes-cabinet-members-one-by-one-on-ms-all-of-those-people-should-be-impeached/
Inflation slows in January, Consumer Price Index shows: Despite warnings that businesses are passing tariff costs to consumers, inflation was weaker than ...
axios.com/2026/02/13/cpi-inflation-january-trump-tariffs
Key Facts2026 Inflation Slows More Than Anticipated in January
2 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnbc.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnbc.com
- The annual inflation rate decreased to 2.4% in January, below the forecasted 2.5%.
- Core inflation, excluding food and energy, dropped to 2.5%, the lowest since April 2021.
- Energy costs declined by 1.5%, and shelter prices rose modestly by 0.2%, representing over one-third of the CPI.
- These results boosted the odds of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts to 83% for June, according to CME Group data.
We've got to get away from this idea that growth automatically has to be tampered down, because growth, per se, is not inflationary.— Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary, discussing the need to foster growth while inflation returns to the Fed's target.
President Donald Trump went on a bonkers riff about battleships in which he waxed poetic about their butter-knife-like qualities and longed to recreate a key ... Show more
Third partial shutdown under Trump: ICE will not receive any new funding for now: The dispute between Democrats and Republicans over the sometimes brutal actions ...
n-tv.de/politik/ICE-bekommt-erst-mal-kein-frisches-Geld-mehr-id30362618.html
Straight Arrow News Feb 13
President Trump said he has not fired the staffer who posted a video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama on his social media account, which was later removed ... Show more
