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Crowds gathered near a Vermont ski resort on Saturday to protest Vice President JD Vance, just one day after a fiery Oval Office exchange with President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over U.S. support for Ukraine.
Hundreds of protesters lined Route 100 in Waitsfield, Vermont, holding signs in support of Ukraine. Others, focused on broader political issues, waved Palestinian flags or held placards supporting immigrant rights. Some protesters sarcastically suggested Vance should vacation in Russia instead.
“Ski Russia because JD Vance has no friends in Vermont, but he’s got lots of friends in Russia,” said protester Tekla Van Hoven of Waterbury, speaking to WCAX-TV.
Though the demonstrations were planned in advance, they gained momentum after Vance reportedly berated Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Friday for disputing Trump’s claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin could be trusted.
Vance and his family arrived in Vermont ahead of the weekend for a ski trip at Sugarbush Resort in Warren. A few protesters gathered outside the resort, but their presence remained peaceful and non-disruptive.
“There were a handful of protesters at the resort throughout the day, but all were peaceful and none were disruptive,” said Sugarbush Resort spokesperson John Bleh.
Meanwhile, a smaller group of counter-protesters rallied in support of Vance and Trump, holding a “welcome rally.”
Ahead of the protests, Republican Governor Phil Scott released a statement urging Vermonters to respect Vance’s family visit, despite political disagreements.
“I hope Vermonters remember the vice president is here on a family trip with his young children and, while we may not always agree, we should be respectful,” Scott said.
The protests highlight increasing divisions in U.S. foreign policy debates. The controversy follows recent criticism of Zelenskyy by Elon Musk, who called him a “fraud machine” for his handling of U.S. military aid. Read more about Musk’s comments on Zelenskyy here.
With tensions over Ukraine continuing to escalate in Washington, protests like these could signal broader public frustration over the administration’s stance on international conflicts.
In a landmark announcement, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed the names of five digital assets that will be included in a new U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve. The news sent cryptocurrency markets surging, with Bitcoin (BTC) surpassing $92,000 and Ether (ETH) jumping to $2,456.
On Sunday, Trump took to Truth Social to confirm that his January executive order on digital assets would establish a government stockpile of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, and Cardano. The announcement marked a major shift in U.S. policy, signaling a stark contrast to the stricter regulatory stance under his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden.
More than an hour later, Trump doubled down on his commitment, stating:
“And, obviously, BTC and ETH, as other valuable Cryptocurrencies, will be at the heart of the Reserve.”
The market responded swiftly, with Bitcoin and Ether leading a price surge. XRP, Solana, and Cardano also saw double-digit gains, reflecting renewed investor confidence.
The move was met with both excitement and skepticism. Federico Brokate, head of U.S. business at 21Shares, called it a turning point for crypto:
“This signals a shift toward active participation in the crypto economy by the U.S. government. It could accelerate institutional adoption, provide greater regulatory clarity, and strengthen the U.S.’s leadership in digital asset innovation.”
However, James Butterfill, head of research at CoinShares, questioned why assets beyond Bitcoin were included:
“Unlike Bitcoin, these assets are more akin to tech investments. This suggests a more patriotic stance toward the broader crypto space, rather than a decision based on fundamental value.”
The announcement aligns with Trump’s broader efforts to embrace the crypto industry, a sector that largely backed his 2024 election campaign. Under his leadership:
✅ The SEC dropped investigations into major crypto firms.
✅ A lawsuit against Coinbase was withdrawn.
✅ The first-ever White House Crypto Summit is scheduled for Friday.
This is a sharp reversal from Biden’s administration, which ramped up enforcement to combat fraud and money laundering in the sector.
While this strategic reserve could position the U.S. as a leader in digital assets, there are lingering questions:
One thing is clear: Trump’s pro-crypto stance is reshaping the industry, and his administration’s next moves could define the future of digital assets in the U.S.
In a move that appears to defy President Donald Trump's executive orders, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively participating in a key World Health Organization (WHO) conference on flu vaccines this week.
This participation comes despite Trump's earlier executive orders which banned U.S. agencies, including the CDC, from engaging with the WHO as the U.S. began its formal withdrawal from the global health organization.
The ongoing meeting, which started Monday in London, focuses on critical flu vaccine recommendations for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere season.
The WHO’s twice-annual consultations bring together experts who analyze global flu data and offer vital recommendations for the development of vaccines used by health agencies and pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
Given the crucial role of the CDC and the FDA in vaccine development and regulation, their participation is seen as integral to ensuring effective flu vaccines are created for the U.S. market.
Despite the Trump administration’s clear directive to halt communications with WHO, a spokesperson for the CDC confirmed the agency's involvement, noting that members of the organization would be "actively participating virtually" in the conference.
Health experts have raised concerns that the U.S. might fall behind in developing accurate vaccine formulations if its agencies were excluded from these consultations, especially as global flu strains continue to evolve.
The Trump administration issued an executive order last month to initiate the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, citing dissatisfaction with the organization's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its close ties with China.
The order effectively banned U.S. agencies, including the CDC, from direct communication with the WHO. However, the CDC’s participation in this week's vaccine consultation suggests a calculated move, possibly seeking an exemption or interpreting the rule differently.
For the CDC, not attending this essential WHO meeting could have led to delays or inaccuracies in flu vaccine development, creating potentially dire consequences for public health.
Health experts feared that the absence of key U.S. health agencies at the meeting would result in less effective flu vaccines for the U.S. market, putting vulnerable populations at risk.
Susan Coller Monarez is an American health scientist serving as the Principal Deputy Director at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The WHO meeting also includes discussions on emerging flu strains such as H5N1 bird flu, which is spreading across the U.S., and other viruses that present pandemic risks.
These discussions are pivotal in formulating responses to future outbreaks. Given that the U.S. is one of the largest manufacturers and stockpilers of flu vaccines, its participation in these global discussions is essential for both domestic and international health security.
In the absence of U.S. participation, there were growing concerns about how the FDA and CDC would guide pharmaceutical companies in targeting the right flu strains for the next season's vaccines. With millions of lives at stake, these decisions could have far-reaching effects on public health worldwide.
The CDC’s participation in the WHO meeting is just one aspect of the Trump administration's broader impact on global health programs.
Along with the vaccine communication ban, Trump also froze funding for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a critical initiative credited with saving millions of lives globally.
This freeze has caused alarm among international health organizations, as the cessation of funding could halt HIV treatment for more than 20 million people, leading to a resurgence of the disease in some regions.
As the U.S. continues its withdrawal from the WHO, the role of U.S. health agencies in global health discussions remains uncertain.
While the CDC’s participation in this key meeting signals an ongoing commitment to global health, the future of U.S.-WHO collaborations remains in question.
The Trump administration’s executive orders have created significant challenges, not just in vaccine development but also in other critical health programs like PEPFAR, potentially undermining decades of progress in global health.
As the situation unfolds, many are questioning the long-term impact of these policies on global public health and the ability of U.S. agencies to continue working effectively with international health organizations.
As the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, sources indicate that Moscow is preparing to announce a victory in the ongoing war, possibly as soon as this week.
According to Kyiv's military intelligence agency, the GUR, Russian officials are expected to frame the victory not only as a triumph over Ukraine but also as a broader win against NATO. This announcement comes at a time when tensions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump have reached a boiling point.
The Countdown to ‘Victory’:
February 24, 2025, marks the third year since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, although the roots of the conflict stretch back to 2014, when Vladimir Putin annexed Crimea and backed separatist movements in Donetsk and Luhansk. According to the GUR, Russia may declare a "victory" to coincide with the anniversary, even though the situation remains far from resolved on the ground.
In fact, Moscow’s propaganda machine has long depicted the war as a direct confrontation with NATO, further suggesting that the Kremlin intends to frame this declaration of "victory" as a win over the entire West.
A Divisive Political Moment in the U.S.:
The timing of this potential announcement comes amid a growing political feud between Donald Trump and Zelensky. Trump has taken a harsh stance against Ukraine’s leadership, accusing Zelensky of exacerbating the conflict, despite Russia being the aggressor. In response, Zelensky has claimed that Trump is being manipulated by Russian disinformation.
In one of the most controversial moments, Trump labeled Zelensky a "dictator without elections," despite the fact that Zelensky won over 73% of the vote in Ukraine's 2019 elections. Trump’s remarks escalated tensions, and in a stunning show of support for the former president, Elon Musk criticized Zelensky, claiming that he was running a “fraud machine feeding off the dead bodies of soldiers” and suggesting that Ukraine’s president was avoiding elections because he knew he would lose. Musk’s comments further fueled the growing rift between the U.S. and Ukraine.
Russia’s Strategic Moves:
Ukrainian intelligence officials have also revealed that Russia’s disinformation campaigns are ramping up, as they attempt to destabilize Ukraine internally and undermine the support it receives from Western allies.
These efforts include spreading false narratives about Ukraine’s leadership and accusing its military of being incompetent at the frontlines. Additionally, Russia is attempting to present itself as a reasonable actor willing to engage in peace negotiations while painting Ukraine and its allies as the true aggressors.
The GUR also reported that Russian operatives are working to exploit growing diplomatic efforts from the U.S. to bring about an end to the war. Moscow hopes to strengthen its position by portraying itself as a peaceful nation looking for compromise, while sidelining any discussion about the brutal annexations and war crimes committed during the conflict.
Putin’s forces are also targeting Ukraine’s internal stability by sowing confusion about the legitimacy of Zelensky’s government, which, despite facing immense pressure, remains in power with widespread support.
U.S.-Russia Talks and the Growing Threat of Disinformation:
In recent days, U.S. and Russian representatives met in Saudi Arabia to discuss the possibility of ending the war, excluding Ukrainian officials from the dialogue.
This meeting has raised concerns among European and Ukrainian leaders, who fear that a peace deal brokered by Washington may unduly favor Russia and reward Putin’s military aggression. Trump’s apparent disdain for NATO and his calls for Ukraine to hold elections—despite the war situation—further complicate diplomatic efforts.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have voiced their concerns about Trump’s handling of the conflict. Macron plans to meet with the U.S. President at the White House soon, urging him not to appear weak in the face of Putin’s demands.
A Bleak Future for Ukraine’s Democracy:
While some Ukrainian officials, such as Lt-Gen Kyrylo Budanov, have suggested that a ceasefire could happen this year, the prospect of long-lasting peace remains uncertain. "I think a ceasefire regime will happen, but how effective it will be, that is another question," Budanov said. The destruction caused by the war, along with the occupation of vast swaths of Ukrainian territory, makes the future uncertain.
In the middle of all this, Russia continues its push for Ukraine to hold elections, even though much of the country remains in ruins and large portions are controlled by Russian forces. Zelensky has made it clear that holding elections under these circumstances would be impractical, and his government’s legitimacy remains intact, with recent polls showing his approval rating at 57%.
Wider Context and the Future of the Conflict:
The history of the Russia-Ukraine war goes back to long-standing geopolitical tensions between Moscow and the West. The Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 marked the beginning of a series of escalations, and the 2022 invasion further highlighted the growing conflict between Russia and NATO-backed Ukraine. Moscow’s efforts to weaken Ukrainian sovereignty and expand its territorial control have sparked widespread condemnation from Western nations.
The future of this war depends not only on military actions but also on the diplomatic strategies that can be employed by Ukraine and its Western allies.
Despite ongoing peace talks, the disinformation campaigns and shifting allegiances continue to make progress difficult. There is a growing fear that if Russia’s "victory" is recognized on the global stage, it would embolden the Kremlin to pursue further territorial ambitions in Eastern Europe.
Conversely, the resolve shown by Ukrainian forces and international partners may lead to a broader alliance for peace, making this one of the most pivotal geopolitical moments in recent history.
While Russia's ambitions remain aggressive, Ukraine’s future depends on its ability to counter Russian narratives, reclaim lost territories, and continue to secure Western support. The international community’s commitment to a free and democratic Ukraine will be tested in the coming months as both sides prepare for what could be a turning point in this long-standing conflict.
Hold on to your hats, folks — there's a new, totally out-there idea bubbling up in Washington, and it’s got everyone talking.
If you thought 2020’s stimulus checks were a surprise, wait until you hear about the latest proposal: returning money to taxpayers with checks, all thanks to Elon Musk’s government efficiency plan! Yep, you read that right.
The idea first popped up on social media (where all the good ideas seem to come from these days) and quickly made its way to the White House.
James Fishback, an investor who’s close to Donald Trump, pitched this eyebrow-raising concept, and believe it or not, Trump is loving it. In fact, he called it “fantastic” during an impromptu chat on Air Force One.
So, what exactly is this big idea? Drum roll, please: If Musk’s team (that’s the Department of Government Efficiency, a.k.a. DOGE, in case you didn’t know) can save a whopping $2 trillion by 2026, they propose sending some of those savings back to YOU in the form of a $5,000 check.
Cue the confetti and fireworks, right? But before you get too excited about your next shopping spree, let’s break it down — because not everything is as simple as it sounds.
Here’s the gist: If Musk’s team can actually cut that $2 trillion from government spending (fingers crossed, right?), they’re planning to send one-fifth of those savings back to taxpayers.
But hold up. That means about 79 million households would get a check, while nearly 40% of Americans might not be eligible because they don’t pay income taxes. Sounds a little complicated, huh?
Fishback says if this plan works, $1,250 per check is more likely — sorry, no $5,000 windfalls. But hey, any check is better than no check, right?
Now, let’s just say it’s still a big if. Experts are raising their eyebrows, wondering if Musk can really deliver on these grand savings. After all, cutting $2 trillion sounds like something straight out of a Hollywood movie. Skeptics are worried the plan is more dreamy fantasy than reality.
It all started with James Fishback, who casually launched his investment firm Azoria Partners at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Then, on X (formerly known as Twitter), Fishback shared the proposal, and Elon Musk — yes, THE Elon Musk — chimed in, saying he’d run it by the president. Apparently, Musk’s team claims to have already saved $55 billion, but some are skeptical about the accuracy of those numbers.
So far, no one has really proven that these savings are legit, and the plan to cut government spending has faced its own share of doubts.
But hey, that didn’t stop Fishback from dreaming big. He argues that waste, fraud, and abuse in government are ripe for cutting, and with those savings, the people deserve a piece of the pie.
A $500 billion cut by 2026, which would make those checks closer to $1,250. It’s still a huge amount, but not quite the $5,000 that Trump and his team are touting.
While the proposal has caught attention for its boldness, economists are quick to point out that it’s not as easy as it sounds.
Douglas Elmendorf, a former director of the Congressional Budget Office, said it’s unlikely that Musk’s DOGE could achieve those kinds of savings, as most of the federal budget goes to areas that DOGE isn’t tackling, like federal benefits and taxes.
Then there’s the issue of inflation.
After the pandemic stimulus checks were sent out, inflation soared, and some are worried that another round of checks — even if they’re tied to government savings — could cause more economic trouble. Kevin Hassett, former head of the White House’s National Economic Council, insists it wouldn’t add to inflation, as the government was going to spend that money anyway.
But Ernie Tedeschi, a Yale economist, warns that the last thing the economy needs right now is more government checks.
The real question is: can Elon Musk and his team actually find $2 trillion in wasteful spending? Fishback believes that by focusing on eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, the savings will add up.
However, experts aren’t so sure that government spending can be trimmed by anything close to that amount. As John DiIulio Jr., a University of Pennsylvania political scientist, pointed out, cutting government workers would only impact a tiny portion of spending, leaving most of the national budget untouched.
Even if Musk’s team manages to save billions, Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, isn’t holding her breath. She called the proposal “ridiculous,” dismissing it as a pipe dream that won’t do anything significant for taxpayers. “There’s no money there,” she said.
Is this $5,000 check going to become a reality? Well, the jury’s still out. While Donald Trump and Elon Musk are throwing around some exciting promises, it’s looking like the odds are stacked against them.
Even if DOGE can trim some government fat, it’s unclear whether it will be enough to deliver on these massive checks for taxpayers.
But hey, it’s 2025— stranger things have happened. For now, we’ll just have to keep watching to see if Trump’s love for the plan is enough to make it happen. $5,000 checks?
Keep dreaming, but it’s likely we’ll see far less than that, and only time will tell if Musk’s budget cuts turn into anything close to reality.
Hold on to your snack bags! Trump’s team is reportedly pushing for a bold new policy that could ban junk food purchases for the 41 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
While some are all for it, others are calling it “condescending” and “impractical”—and the internet is buzzing with opinions.
The idea has even gotten the stamp of approval from newly confirmed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (yes, you read that right). “
The one place that I would say we need to really change policy is the SNAP program,” RFK Jr. told Fox News. “We shouldn’t be subsidizing people to eat poison.”
And while the intent to promote healthier eating sounds like something out of a wellness influencer’s playbook, others aren’t so sure.
SNAP benefits help 41 million Americans put food on the table, and the average recipient gets about $192 a month.
But here’s the twist—despite restrictions on things like alcohol and tobacco, a 2024 USDA report revealed that SNAP households actually spend a significant chunk of their budget on candy, sweets, and sugary drinks! Talk about a sugar high!
Now, there’s a growing debate over whether banning junk food for SNAP users is a smart move or an overreach. Could it help address health issues like obesity, especially in lower-income communities?
Or is it just another way for the government to dictate what people eat, even when they’re already struggling to get by?
People online are divided, with some calling for healthier options while others argue that it’s an unnecessary infringement on personal freedom.
Here’s the thing: this whole junk food ban is part of a bigger conversation about the SNAP program and public health.
On one hand, proponents argue that limiting unhealthy food purchases would combat the growing obesity crisis, particularly among low-income families who have limited access to nutritious foods.
But critics are firing back, calling it an unfair limitation that would just add to the struggle of those already living paycheck to paycheck.
It’s also not the first time that government food programs have been questioned. Historically, SNAP has been limited to things like alcohol, tobacco, and non-food items, but a full-on ban on junk food would be a game-changer.
Some are even wondering if this could pave the way for even more restrictions on the foods we can buy with government assistance. Will this be the new norm? Or just a passing political trend?
The recent proposal by the Trump administration to ban junk food purchases for SNAP recipients has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media. Many users are expressing strong opinions on the matter.
One Twitter user remarked, "Limiting SNAP benefits to exclude junk food is a step toward healthier communities. Let's support policies that promote well-being."
Conversely, another user tweeted, "Banning junk food for SNAP recipients is condescending and impractical. People should have the freedom to make their own choices."
A Reddit user added, "While promoting healthy eating is important, we must consider the accessibility of nutritious foods in low-income areas before implementing such restrictions."
The debate is far from over, and as we watch the drama unfold, it’s clear that SNAP’s future—and the future of the nation’s food policies—could look a whole lot different in the years to come. Stay tuned!
The Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos, has reportedly decided not to run a $115,000 front-page advertisement targeting Elon Musk, the head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This decision comes amidst growing attention surrounding Musk’s increasing association with President Donald Trump.
The newspaper had initially agreed to run a full-page "Fire Elon Musk" ad, which was to cover the front and back pages of select editions, including those delivered to the White House, the Pentagon, and Congress. The ad campaign, backed by the advocacy group Common Cause, was also set to feature a full-page inside the newspaper.
Common Cause revealed that the Post informed them on Friday that the ad would not be published. The ad, which was a central part of the organization’s larger campaign, sought to galvanize public support for Musk’s removal from his role at DOGE. The "Fire Elon Musk" campaign was designed to encourage readers to sign a petition for his removal, emphasizing the potential risks posed by Musk’s leadership.
The ad’s messaging was direct, stating: "Since day one, Elon has created chaos and confusion and put our livelihoods at risk. And he is accountable to no one but himself." The ad further noted that the Constitution permits only one president at a time, and urged readers to contact senators and demand that Trump fire Musk. A link to the petition website, FireMusk.org, was included at the bottom.
According to Common Cause President Virginia Kase Solomon, the ad was initially cleared by the paper’s advertising sales representative, who was confident there would be no issues with its publication.
However, after submitting the ad artwork the previous Tuesday, Common Cause was informed that the newspaper had decided not to proceed with running the wraparound. “They said, ‘You can have something inside the paper, but you can’t do the wrap,’” Solomon said. She expressed frustration, noting that Common Cause was given no clear reason for the decision.
The ad’s withdrawal comes at a time of heightened attention to the relationship between Bezos, the Post, and President Trump. Notably, Bezos had been prominently featured at the 47th presidential inauguration and had pledged $1 million to the inaugural fund. Additionally, Bezos and his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, were seen dining with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, leading some to speculate about the nature of his ties with the former president.
In response to the situation, Common Cause raised questions about the motivations behind the decision. "Is it because we’re critical of what’s happening with Elon Musk? Is it only okay to run things in The Post now that won’t anger the president or won’t have him calling Jeff Bezos asking why this was allowed?" Solomon remarked.
Despite inquiries, The Washington Post did not offer any public explanation for its decision. According to the Daily Mail, the newspaper adheres to a policy of not commenting on internal decisions related to specific ad campaigns.
The Post’s advertising guidelines state that advertisers are responsible for adhering to all legal and regulatory requirements for political advertisements, including the use of necessary disclaimers. However, the paper has remained silent on whether the ad was rejected due to its political content or other internal factors.
The episode highlights ongoing tensions in the intersection of media, politics, and advertising. As the influence of powerful tech figures like Elon Musk continues to grow, the lines between political affiliations, corporate interests, and media outlets have become increasingly blurred.
It remains to be seen how future advertising decisions at The Washington Post, and similar outlets, will unfold, particularly as Musk’s relationship with key political figures continues to evolve.
A humorous online petition has been making waves across the internet, gathering significant support from both Californians and Danes. The "Denmarkification" petition, which proposes that Denmark purchase the state of California, has quickly gained over 200,000 signatures as of Tuesday.
This playful initiative was sparked by President Trump's ongoing fascination with acquiring Greenland, a territory of Denmark. Earlier this year, the president even suggested military action to gain control of both Greenland and the Panama Canal. Greenland’s leader, Múte B. Egede, firmly rejected the idea, stating that the people of Greenland did not wish to become Americans.
With a tongue-in-cheek tone, the petition humorously suggests that President Trump might be willing to part with California, a state whose political leaders have had ongoing clashes with his administration. The petition humorously notes, "Let's be honest – Trump isn't exactly California's biggest fan. He's called it 'the most ruined state in the Union' and has feuded with its leaders for years. We're pretty sure he'd be willing to part with it for the right price."
The Denmarkification organizers have set an ambitious goal to raise $1 trillion through crowdfunding to purchase California. However, the primary focus of this campaign is currently centered around collecting signatures, not funds.
In a cheeky statement, the petition reads: “Have you ever looked at a map and thought, ‘You know what Denmark needs? More sunshine, palm trees, and roller skates.’ Well, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make that dream a reality.”
So, why California? The petition outlines several key reasons:
As the petition continues to gain attention, it draws a humorous parallel to Greenland’s recent discussions on self-determination. Greenland's prime minister, in his New Year’s address, expressed that the island should free itself from "the shackles of colonialism," although he did not specifically reference the United States. Meanwhile, as climate change continues to affect the Arctic, the strategic significance of Greenland’s location is also becoming increasingly apparent.
The "Denmarkification" petition proposing that Denmark buy California is a humorous and clever commentary on current geopolitical events, particularly the ongoing tension surrounding President Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland. While the petition is clearly satirical, it plays on the absurdity of territorial acquisition and the way countries sometimes engage in quirky political proposals.
The petition's playful tone highlights the contrast between California’s sunny weather, thriving tech industry, and Denmark’s more temperate climate. It also adds a lighthearted twist by poking fun at Trump’s long-standing tensions with California, which has often clashed with his administration. The idea of renaming Disneyland to "Hans Christian Andersenland" and having Mickey Mouse wear a Viking helmet is pure comedic gold, underscoring how humor can be an effective tool for commentary on serious political issues. Ultimately, the petition reminds us that sometimes laughter can shine a light on complex international relations in an entertaining way.
Plastic straws are back! US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order ending a US government initiative to replace plastic straws with paper alternatives.
The order, effective immediately, overturns a policy implemented by former President Joe Biden, who had described plastic pollution as a "crisis."
Just last week, Trump, who had sold branded plastic straws during his 2020 election campaign, criticized paper straws, stating that they "don't work" and "disgustingly" dissolve in the mouths of consumers.
In 2024, Biden had mandated a gradual reduction in US government purchases of plastic straws, as well as plastic cutlery and packaging.
Trump's new directive halts the purchase of paper straws by government agencies and calls for a national strategy to eliminate them. "We're going back to plastic straws," Trump declared to reporters at the White House on Monday.
"These things don't work, I've had them many times, and on occasion, they break, they explode. If something's hot, they don't last very long, like a matter of minutes, sometimes a matter of seconds. It's a ridiculous situation," Trump added.
The issue of plastic straws has become a symbolic point in broader debates about environmental policies.
Last year, as part of a wider initiative to combat plastic pollution, the Biden administration announced plans to phase out single-use plastics in food packaging, operations, and events by 2027, with all federal operations to be free of these plastics by 2035.
Trump has long criticized paper straws. During his 2020 re-election campaign, which he ultimately lost, the "Trump" branded plastic straws were sold at $15 for a pack of 10, positioned as a replacement for what he called "liberal" paper straws. The campaign reported nearly $500,000 in straw sales within the first few weeks.
Estimates suggest that Americans use 500 million disposable drinking straws per day, though this number is disputed, with some arguing the true figure may be about half of that.
Several US cities and states, including Seattle, Washington; California; Oregon; and New Jersey, have enacted policies limiting plastic straw usage or requiring businesses to provide them only upon request.
According to the UN Environment Program, 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced globally each year, contributing to ocean waste and microplastics that can harm human health.
Some research has raised concerns about the chemicals in paper straws, particularly "forever chemicals" like polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which persist in the environment for decades, contaminate water supplies, and pose potential health risks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, 47, has made a significant proposal to the United States, offering access to Ukraine’s rich reserves of rare-earth minerals in exchange for security guarantees amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. This offer could transform U.S.-Ukraine relations, emphasizing the strategic importance of these crucial minerals in the global economy.
Ukraine holds significant deposits of rare-earth minerals, including lithium, uranium, and titanium, all vital for the production of advanced technologies like electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and electronics. These minerals are currently in high demand globally, particularly by the United States, which is keen to reduce its dependency on other countries, especially China, for such essential resources.
In a statement about the deal, President Zelensky emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s role in the global supply chain, saying:
"Ukraine is ready to collaborate with the United States on its rare-earth resources to strengthen both our economies. This partnership is not only beneficial for Ukraine but for the global market, and especially the U.S."
Rare-earth materials are essential for manufacturing consumer electronics and electric engines. Zelensky has raised concerns that Russia might supply these resources to its allies, including North Korea and Iran, the latter of which the U.S. imposed additional sanctions on just last week. "We must stop Putin and protect what we have, especially the resource-rich Dnipro region in central Ukraine." Zelensky reportedly stated.
In exchange for access to these precious minerals, Zelensky has proposed a security agreement with the U.S. He believes that a mutual partnership with the U.S. could significantly bolster Ukraine’s defenses while securing vital resources. The arrangement would ensure continued American support for Ukraine’s military needs, even as the country faces ongoing conflicts on its borders.
Zelensky expressed his vision for this deal, stating:
"This is an opportunity for us to ensure our national security while contributing to a more secure global market. The United States has been a critical ally, and with this deal, we can strengthen our ties even further."
U.S. President Donald Trump, who has consistently supported Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty, responded positively to the proposal. He highlighted the mutual benefits of this deal, particularly in terms of securing rare-earth supplies for the U.S. military and technology sectors.
Trump noted:
"Ukraine has essentially agreed to give the United States access to its $500 billion worth of rare-earth minerals. This will not only help secure the U.S. in terms of defense capabilities but will also reduce our dependency on other nations for these crucial resources."
The deal, if finalized, will mark a historic collaboration between the two countries, highlighting the strategic importance of both military and economic alliances in today’s global environment.
This proposal underscores Ukraine’s growing role in the global economy and its strategic importance to U.S. national security. Access to Ukraine’s rare-earth reserves would help strengthen the U.S. position in the increasingly competitive global market for critical minerals. At the same time, Ukraine would benefit from security guarantees and continued U.S. support.
Zelensky added:
"I believe this partnership can serve as a model for future international cooperation. It’s not just about minerals; it’s about creating a safer and more stable world."
"I'd like to see that war end," Trump said last week. "We're looking to do a deal with Ukraine where they're going to secure what we're giving them with their rare earth and other things."
