USA under Donald Trump Riots at demonstration against ICE in Milan +++ Clintons want to testify in front of cameras

Donald Trump has been President of the United States again since January 20, 2025. All developments in his second presidency can be found here in the ticker.

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07.08 am

Denmark hopes for agreement in Greenland dispute

In the dispute between Denmark and the USA over the future of Greenland, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen is confident: he expects an agreement that preserves both the territorial integrity and self-determination of the Arctic island.

After US President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened to annex the island, Washington, Copenhagen and Nuuk began diplomatic talks a few weeks ago. "It was clear from the start that any solution must respect our red lines," emphasized Rasmussen at a press conference in the Greenlandic capital.

Sunday, February 9, 07.03 a.m.

Trump's "Peace Council" meets on Gaza on February 19

US President Donald Trump's so-called Peace Council to resolve global conflicts will meet for the first time on February 19 in Washington. The White House is planning to bring together top politicians from the affected states in order to push forward the second phase of the peace process in the Gaza Strip, reports the US portal "Axios", citing an official and diplomat. The meeting is also intended to raise money for the reconstruction of the war-torn coastal strip.

23.55 hrs

Riots at demonstration against ICE in Milan

Riots broke out in Milan during a demonstration on the fringes of the Winter Olympics. Some participants threw smoke bombs and Molotov cocktails at security forces after a protest march of more than 3,000 people.

The police used batons, water cannons and tear gas. Six people were arrested. Among other things, the protest was directed against the presence of officials from the US immigration police ICE at the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The police spoke of around 3000 participants. According to other estimates, there were around 5000.

Posters such as "ICE out" or "ICE=SS" could be seen at the demonstration - as at previous marches. The US immigration police have been criticized for their sometimes brutal actions against migrants in the United States, in which two people were killed. In the US delegation, ICE officers are said to be in charge of protecting officials such as US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

4:37 p.m.

Clintons want to make their congressional hearing public

The Republican-dominated Congress has called Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify on their role in the Epstein scandal. However, both only want to speak publicly.

Epstein scandalClintons demand their public hearing in congressional committee

3.47 pm

New US entry rules undermine privacy

Anyone wishing to visit the USA may also have to disclose their online activities. The regulation could come into force from Monday. This is provided for in an order issued by the US Department of Homeland Security in December. According to this, tourists are obliged to "submit their social media for the past five years". This apparently refers to user accounts on platforms such as X, Facebook or Instagram, as they are already requested for visa applications.

Vacation with data priceUSA will probably demand deep insights into private life on entry

2.13 pm

Racist post - Trump sees no fault in himself

US President Donald Trump will not apologize for the post on his social media account that contained a racist depiction of former President Barack Obama and his wife as monkeys. When asked about this, he told journalists: "No, I didn't make a mistake."

"No, I did not make a mistake"Trump portrays the Obamas as monkeys in AI video - but he won't apologize

1.45 pm

Oil from Russia: Trump cancels punitive tariffs against India

US President Donald Trump is scrapping the punitive tariffs against India, with which he wanted to indirectly weaken Russia's multi-billion dollar oil trade. The punitive tariffs of 25 percent introduced in August will no longer be imposed from Saturday (US time).

This is the result of a decree issued by the Republican. The punitive tariff on goods imported into the United States from India was introduced in August. Trump justified the move away from punitive tariffs by stating that the world's most populous country had taken steps to stop importing Russian oil.

India has also agreed to purchase energy products from the USA. The Indian government has not yet officially confirmed such an import ban.

07.49 am

US judge orders the return of three deported families

A judge in California has ordered the return of three families deported from the USA. They should have been allowed to remain in the country, stated District Judge Dana Sabraw, based in San Diego.

He referred to a legal ruling on the practice of separating around 6,000 children from their parents at the southern border with Mexico during President Donald Trump's first term in office. The three deported families were affected by the authorities' actions at the time.

Sabraw explained that each mother of the families had been granted humanitarian residence status on the basis of the regulation, which would allow them to remain in the USA until 2027. The case concerned a woman and her three children, including one aged six with a US passport.

They were deported to Honduras in July 2025. The woman reported that they had previously been asked to report to the ICE immigration authorities at least eleven times over a period of two months. This had led to her losing her job.

"They held us for three days"

Sabraw rejected the argument of government lawyers that the family had left the USA voluntarily. The woman explained that ICE officials had visited her at home and asked her to sign a document stating that she had agreed to leave the country. However, she refused to do so.

"It made no difference to these officers. They took me and my children to a motel and removed my electronic ankle bracelet. They held us for three days and then deported us to Honduras." The two other families reported that they had experienced a similar situation. The judge also ordered the government to bear the costs of repatriating the families.

Saturday, February 07, 2026 - 07.32 am

Trump: Talks with Iran to resume early next week

US President Donald Trump has announced further talks between representatives of his administration and Iran for the beginning of next week. The negotiations with the delegation from Tehran on Friday went "very well", he said in the evening (local time) on board the government plane Air Force One on the way to the US state of Florida.

Iran appeared to be very interested in a deal. In the event that this did not happen, Trump again threatened consequences. He reiterated his well-known position that Iran must not have nuclear weapons.

With the mediation of the Gulf state of Oman, the USA began a new round of negotiations with Iran on Friday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told domestic state television afterwards: "It was a good start." In his answer to the presenter's question as to whether and when the talks would continue, he did not commit himself.

The USA had not made any official statements on the course of the meeting until Trump's comments. However, the US President then issued a decree threatening to impose punitive tariffs on Iran's trading partners, which his government reserves the right to do.

According to the order, tariffs could be imposed on imports into the USA from countries that purchase goods or services from the Islamic Republic. Trump did not name specific countries, but gave 25 percent as an example of the level of tariffs.

5.47 pm

Iran announces continuation of nuclear talks with USA

Following the conclusion of the first nuclear talks in months with the USA in Oman, Iran has announced a continuation of the negotiations. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the atmosphere at the talks in Oman's capital Muscat on Friday as "very positive". At the meetings, the delegations of the hostile states did not confer directly with each other, but via mediators from Oman. Meanwhile, the US government announced new sanctions against Iranian oil exports.

According to Araghchi, the talks focused exclusively on the nuclear issue. "We are not discussing any other issues with the Americans," he told the Iranian news agency Irna. The US had previously insisted that Tehran's support for militant groups in the Middle East region and its ballistic missile program should also be put on the agenda.

"In a very pleasant atmosphere, we exchanged arguments and shared perspectives with each other," said Araghchi on Iranian state television. Both sides had agreed to continue the talks. However, the conditions and timing of further talks would not be decided until later. The Iranian Foreign Minister said that further action would depend on the results of the consultations between the negotiating delegations and their respective governments.

The indirect talks between the representatives of the two countries were held against the backdrop of an impending escalation between Iran and the USA.

16:51

Attack on US consulate: FBI arrests "key figure"

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested one of the "key figures" in an attack on a US consulate. More than ten years ago, four Americans were killed in the attack in Benghazi, Libya, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens and diplomat Sean Smith.

The suspect landed near the capital Washington early this morning and was taken into custody, said US Attorney General Pam Bondi at a press conference. According to prosecutor Jeanine Pirro, Subair al-Bakush has now been indicted on eight counts and faces charges including murder, terrorism and arson.

Hey Hillary- Never Forget Benghazi pic.twitter.com/REGALEusQK

— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) February 6, 2026

The attack on September 11, 2012 happened during the term of then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. It played a major role in the 2016 election campaign, when Clinton was the presidential candidate. She was blamed for security failings. Back in 2017, an attacker was convicted of terrorism in a US trial. The US government considered the Libyan Ahmed Abu Khattala to be the mastermind.

4 p.m.

Epstein organized a tour of the White House for Woody Allen

It has been known for years that sex offender Jeffrey Epstein had a friendship with actor and director Woody Allen.

Correspondence contained in the latest publication by the US Department of Justice on the investigation against Epstein now shows that the financier used his relationship with an advisor to then President Barack Obama to organize a tour of the White House for his friend and his wife Soon-Yi Previn.

"Could you show soon yi the White House," Epstein, whose correspondence was often riddled with spelling mistakes, wrote to then-government advisor Kathy Ruemmler in May 2015. "I assume woody would be too politically sensitive?" Ruemmler replied, "I'm sure I can show them both the White House."

However, she questioned whether Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution, could also gain access to the president's official residence. "You're too politically charged, I think," she added.

White House records show that Allen, Previn and Ruemmler visited the White House on a Sunday, December 27, 2015. Obama was in Hawaii at the time.

TIL that Jeffrey Epstein bought Woody Allen 31 pairs of luxury boxer shorts www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/s...

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— Elizabeth Spiers (@espiers.bsky.social) 5. Februar 2026 um 16:34

A request for comment sent to a person who works for Allen and Previn went unanswered. Allen has not been accused of any involvement in the systematic abuse of women and girls by Epstein.

14:55

Hundreds demonstrate in Milan against ICE

Several hundred students have marched through Milan in protest against the presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at the Winter Olympics.

Placards such as "ICE out" could be seen during the demonstration through the city center. On one wall, several men in black sprayed the slogan "F*** ICE". The protests were peaceful until the early afternoon.

The US immigration police have been criticized for their sometimes brutal actions against migrants in the United States, in which two people were also killed.

In the US Olympic delegation, ICE officers are said to be responsible for protecting officials such as US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Italy's right-wing government repeatedly emphasized that ICE officers would not be deployed on the streets.

Meanwhile, Vance met with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Milan. He praised the organizers of the Games for their "excellent work".

JD Vance speaks at a bilateral meeting with Italian PM Meloni: “In the spirit of the Olympics, friendship, competition, and coming together around shared values, we’re very thrilled to be here.” Video shared by Vance’s spox Taylor Van Kirk

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— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress.onestnetwork.com) 6. Februar 2026 um 14:33

Around 50 heads of state and government will be present at the grand opening ceremony in the San Siro Stadium in the evening. Italy's President Sergio Mattarella will officially declare the competitions open.

2 p.m.

Rubio: New arms treaty only with China's involvement

Following the end of the last major nuclear disarmament treaty between Russia and the United States, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has rejected the idea of a new treaty. "New Start no longer serves its purpose", he wrote on X.

Instead, he insists on an agreement that also includes China: In a lengthy post, he referred to the need for a "new approach" in a "new era". A new treaty would have to involve not only Russia, but also China as the second opposing nuclear superpower. President Trump had also spoken out in favor of this.

The Kremlin had recently expressed regret over the expiry of the treaty. Moscow showed understanding for Beijing's position of not participating in possible future negotiations. The Chinese nuclear arsenal does not come close to the Russian or US potential, it said.

The previous New Start treaty was concluded between the USA and Russia in 2010 and officially expired yesterday. The agreement limited the number of strategic nuclear warheads to 1,550 for each side and the number of operational launchers to 700.

China has rapidly and opaquely expanded its arsenal since New Start came into force, Rubio argued. "Since 2020, China has increased its stockpile of nuclear weapons from just over 200 to over 600 and is expected to have over 1,000 warheads by 2030," he claimed.

Rubio warned that an arms treaty that excluded China would "undoubtedly make the United States less secure". He also dampened expectations that a new agreement would be concluded soon. Previous agreements had been preceded by years of negotiations - even though only two major powers were involved.

12.40 p.m.

Canada and France open consulates on Greenland

Against the backdrop of threats from the USA, Canada and France plan to open consulates in Greenland today, Friday, to underline their support for the island, which belongs to Denmark.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is to inaugurate the Canadian consulate in the capital Nuuk. She will be joined by indigenous government representative Mary Simon. According to the authorities, the new consulate could contribute to cooperation on issues such as climate change and indigenous rights.

Canada stands in solidarity with Greenland & Denmark. 🇨🇦🇬🇱🇩🇰 PM @MarkJCarney quote: "The future of Greenland is a decision exclusively for the people of Greenland and Denmark..." Carney also announced the establishing of a new consulate in Nuuk, Greenland. Retweets appreciated. pic.twitter.com/rMqZQPMine

— Joël.Arts.Paints This is our Canada 🇨🇦 (@JoelVinette) January 15, 2026

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Jean-Noël Poirier will become Consul General in Greenland. This makes France the first EU country to establish a consulate general there. Poirier's "mission is to work towards deepening existing cooperation projects with Greenland in the cultural, scientific and economic fields, while strengthening political ties with the local authorities".

Canada had already announced its intention to establish a consulate in Greenland in 2024. At the time, Trump had not yet intensified his threats to invade the semi-autonomous island.

Groenland : Jean-Noël Poirier nommé consul général de France à Nuuk, « pour marquer notre volonté d’approfondir notre présence »

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— Le Monde (@lemonde.fr) 4. Februar 2026 um 12:22

In January, Trump announced that he would impose new tariffs on Denmark and seven other European countries that stood in the way of a US takeover of Greenland. After, according to him, an agreement had been reached on a framework for an agreement on access to Greenland, he dropped the tariff threats. Hardly any details of the agreement have emerged.

The official opening of the Canadian consulate was postponed from November to today due to bad weather. France announced that the decision to open the French consulate general was made during a visit by President Emmanuel Macron to Greenland in June.

12.19 pm

"Outrageous insults": Polish minister criticizes Trump - now the US ostracizes him

The USA has broken off relations with Poland's parliamentary speaker Wlodzimierz Czarzasty over an alleged insult to US head of state Donald Trump.

The US ambassador to Poland, Tom Rose, spoke yesterday of "outrageous and unprovoked insults", but did not provide any further details on how exactly Trump had been insulted. His government would have "no further dealings, contacts or exchanges" with Czarzasty.

Effective immediately, we will have no further dealings, contacts, or communications with Marshal of the Sejm Czarzasty, whose outrageous and unprovoked insults directed against President Trump @POTUS has made himself a serious impediment to our excellent relations with Prime…

— Ambasador Tom Rose (@USAmbPoland) February 5, 2026

Czarzasty is President of the Polish lower house of parliament. He announced on February 2 that he would not support any initiative by his colleagues in Israel and the USA to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump "does not deserve the Nobel Peace Prize", explained Czarzasty.

The US president stands for "power politics and pursues a transactional policy through the use of force". This often includes "violating international law".

Czarzasty also accused Trump of not recognizing the role of Polish soldiers in US military operations enough. He also criticized what he called an "instrumental approach to other territories" such as Greenland.

Polish Politician Włodzimierz Czarzasty, "President Trump is destabilizing the situation in these organizations by representing the politics of force and using force to pursue a transactional policy" "This is a violation of policy, principles, values and often a violation of international law"

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— Farrukh (@implausibleblog.bsky.social) 6. Februar 2026 um 10:40

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk responded to Rose's announcement with a message on Platform X: "Mr. Ambassador Rose, allies should respect each other, not lecture each other".

Rose replied that Tusk himself was "a model ally and a great friend of the United States". However, the comments made by the speaker of parliament were "so potentially damaging to your government", he wrote to Tusk. Trump was "the greatest friend Poland has ever had in the White House".

Dear Mr. Prime Minister —
I’m assuming your thoughtful and well-articulated message was sent to me by mistake, because surely you intended it for the Speaker of the Sejm, Włodzimierz Czarzasty, who’s despicable, disrespectful and insulting comments about President Trump @POTUS… https://t.co/wkcepBNJnS

— Ambasador Tom Rose (@USAmbPoland) February 5, 2026

Czarzasty announced last night that even though he respected the USA as an important ally of Poland, he would not change his position. The US State Department did not initially respond to a request for comment.

Czas do domu. Fajny dzień. Trochę emocji. Jutro Sosnowiec, Dąbrowa Górnicza i Będzin. A i jeszcze jedno. Najważniejsze.Bardzo Wszystkim dziękuję za wsparcie I dobre słowa❤️ pic.twitter.com/4Jsjqwt39U

— Włodzimierz Czarzasty 📚📖 (@wlodekczarzasty) February 5, 2026

10.32 a.m.

Epstein case: Investigations against Norway's former prime minister

In Norway, ex-Prime Minister and former Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, is under investigation following the latest publications in the Epstein case.

The Norwegian is suspected of serious corruption, as reported by the NTB news agency. "We believe that there are sufficient grounds for an investigation," said Pål K. Lønseth, head of the Norwegian Economic Crime Authority.

Thorbjørn Jagland mistenkt for grov korrupsjon.

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— Mediablikk direkte (@mediablikk.bsky.social) 5. Februar 2026 um 21:08

The investigations are intended to clarify whether Jagland accepted gifts, trips and loans during his term of office as Secretary General. According to NTB, this is implied by information from the files surrounding the case of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The documents are said to show that Jagland had contact with the US businessman on several occasions between 2016 and 2018. During this period, the Norwegian was both Secretary General of the Council of Europe and a member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. He was its chairman from 2009 to 2015.

🚨 Ukrainians warned for years that Europe’s human rights chief was a Kremlin conduit. The Epstein files just proved them right. Thorbjørn Jagland offered to connect Jeffrey Epstein to Lavrov. KGB defectors had named him “Yuri” decades earlier euromaidanpress.com/2026/02/04/u...

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— DCminx 🕊🌍🔥🌱 (@dcminx.bsky.social) 4. Februar 2026 um 18:05

According to Norwegian media, Epstein and Jagland are said to have discussed real estate purchases. Jagland had also planned a vacation with his family on Epstein's island, but this never materialized. As former Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Jagland enjoys immunity.

In connection with the investigation against him, the Economic Crime Authority has asked the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take the initiative to lift this immunity. "It is important that this case is cleared up," said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, according to NTB. "Jagland's immunity must not stand in the way of this. That is why I have decided that Norway will submit a proposal to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to lift Jagland's immunity."

"You tickle my brain"Mette-Marit was closer to Epstein than she thought - and she's not the only one

In addition to Jagland, the latest Epstein revelations have put several other Norwegians in trouble. The Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, for example, has been under great pressure ever since: she is said to have exchanged private emails with the convicted sex offender for years.

10.15 a.m.

CIA discontinues World Factbook

After more than 60 years, the CIA has discontinued its popular World Factbook. The reference work, which was last available online, is no longer available on the Internet. The US foreign intelligence service did not provide an explanation for this.

The site simply states, "Although the World Fact Book no longer exists, we hope that in the spirit of its global reach and legacy, you will remain curious about the world and find ways to explore it... In person or virtually."

US media speculate that the discontinuation has to do with the cost-cutting measures announced by CIA Director John Ratcliffe. First published in 1962, the work - at the time intended only for government officials, intelligence officers and military personnel - was regarded as a reliable source of information on countries, history, geography and statistical data.

In 1971, a version accessible to everyone was published, and in 1997 the Factbook went online and has since been used by millions of people on the Internet. It was also an important reference work for pupils, students and lecturers.

Journalists also used the Factbook. Lizzie Jury, head of the research team at US broadcaster CNN, said the work was "the gold standard for country statistics". "It makes something that was easy and quick to access more difficult for everyone."

9 a.m.

"Politiken": Epstein exposes the morality of the US elite

The liberal Copenhagen daily "Politiken " comments today on the appearance of numerous prominent people in the recently published files on sex offender Jeffrey Epstein:

"A black hole into which new suspects are constantly being sucked, a spider's web without borders, a snowball that has become an avalanche. New metaphors continue to emerge following the publication of the Epstein files, but perhaps 'The Emperor's New Clothes' describes the situation best.

Why are they getting away with it?These names appear in the new Epstein files - harsh accusations, especially against Trump

For the elite of billionaires, aristocrats, politicians, researchers, etc., who were part of Jeffrey Epstein's entourage, are now morally completely exposed. Epstein's reputation and everything that was known about him were no obstacle, quite the opposite. Emails and photos show how highly the power elite valued contact with the convicted sex offender."

Scandal spreads5 Epstein snacks that will upset your stomach

8.15 a.m.

Energy crisis in Cuba: USA announces millions in aid

The US government has pledged additional aid amounting to six million US dollars for Cuba. The aid is primarily aimed at residents in eastern Cuba, who were badly hit by Hurricane Melissa at the end of last year.

The relief supplies include rice, beans, pasta, canned tuna and solar lamps to be distributed by the Catholic Church and Caritas, according to senior US foreign policy official Jeremy Lewin yesterday. Lewin said US embassy staff on the ground would "ensure that the aid is not confiscated, diverted or politicized by the regime."

Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel:

What right does any nation have to prevent fuel from reaching another country? This is not only an action against Cuba and the Cuban people.

How many countries are being prevented from maintaining normal trade relations with Cuba because of… pic.twitter.com/PoyiAAhTZV

— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 5, 2026

Lewin denied that a halt in oil shipments from Venezuela - following the US attack on the South American country and the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro - was responsible for the humanitarian situation in Cuba.

Lewin said that for years Cuba had been hoarding resources for what he described as "the few senile old men" who "run the country", as well as their henchmen and the security apparatus. He accused Cuba of interfering abroad, including in Venezuela. "That's where they spend their time and attention," said Lewin, whose mother was born in Havana.

⚡️Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel:

Cuba is willing to engage in a dialogue with the United States.

Under what conditions? Without pressure; dialogue is impossible under pressure. pic.twitter.com/842fBvrtGJ

— War Intel (@warintel4u) February 5, 2026

Lewin made his comments a few hours after a rare press conference by Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel. Díaz-Canel spoke of a "psychological war" against Cuba. He described US President Donald Trump's recent threat to impose tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba as an energy blockade.

He emphasized that Cuba had not received any more oil deliveries since the start of the US "maritime blockade" against Venezuela in December. "That's why we have fuel supply problems, to ensure not only electricity generation but also basic activities," he explained.

Cuba's President Díaz-Canel gets emotional:

Cuba is not a terrorist country, nor is it a threat to the security of the United States.

Cuba has never carried out, nor proposed, nor organized any aggressive action that puts at risk the territorial integrity, the security, or the… pic.twitter.com/b4zjkjBJDy

— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 5, 2026

Lewin said if Cuba allows more U.S. assistance, more aid announcements could follow. "They should focus on taking care of their people instead of making grandiose statements," Lewin said.

In his speech, Díaz-Canel emphasized that his government would be willing to engage in dialogue with the US under certain conditions - including respect for Cuba's sovereignty. "Cubans do not hate the American people," Díaz-Canel said. "We are not a threat to the United States."

7:30 a.m.

Threats against politicians: Pardoned capitol striker confesses

A man from the US state of New York has admitted to making death threats against the Democratic leader of the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries. The 35-year-old pleaded guilty to harassment at a court hearing in Clinton, New York, yesterday.

Christopher M. also agreed to serve a three-year suspended sentence. The sentencing was scheduled for April 2. President Donald Trump had pardoned the 35-year-old a year earlier for his involvement in the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Pardoned January 6 rioter pleads guilty to threatening US Democratic leader Jeffries reut.rs/3OoZ0Hs

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— Reuters (@reuters.com) 6. Februar 2026 um 05:40

In October of last year, M. is said to have sent a text message to another person about an appearance by Jeffries in New York. "I cannot allow this terrorist to live on," M. wrote, according to a police report. Jeffries "must be eliminated". He then wrote by text message that he would kill Jeffries.

M. was originally charged with threatening to commit an act of terrorism. However, he later pleaded guilty to a lesser offense. "Threats against elected officials are not an expression of political opinion, but criminal acts that strike at the heart of public safety and our democratic system," explained prosecutor Anthony Parisi.

M. had previously been sentenced to nearly two years in prison for joining the mob that attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021. In January 2025, he was among hundreds of convicted Capitol rioters who were pardoned on the first day of Trump's second term.

4.20 am

Two dead in US attack on suspected drug boat

The US military has killed two people in a new attack on a boat suspected of carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific. The boat had been operated by organizations classified as terrorists and was travelling on a known route used by drug smugglers, the US military's regional command (Southcom) announced on Platform X. The details of Thursday's incident could not initially be independently verified.

On Feb. 5, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking… pic.twitter.com/B3ctyN1lke

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) February 6, 2026

Since the beginning of September, US forces have repeatedly attacked speedboats allegedly loaded with narcotics, citing alleged intelligence. According to official figures, more than 100 people have been killed in the process - the US government always refers to them as drug smugglers and "terrorists". Experts criticize the attacks as a violation of international law.

It is not yet clear that the USA will abandon this policy. In the recently published national defense strategy of US President Donald Trump's administration, military action against suspected drug smugglers is identified as a priority.

Friday, January 6, 2026, 2:57 a.m.

Trump's online pharmacy goes live

US President Donald Trump has announced the launch of an internet portal named after him, which will enable Americans to obtain medicines more cheaply. The government website called "TrumpRx" does not sell the drugs itself. Instead, you can search for prescription drugs there. If they are listed on the website, you are shown how much you could supposedly save when buying them. To get this price, you can download a coupon and submit it to cooperating pharmacies. Alternatively, the portal refers to a direct purchase from the manufacturers.

"Dozens of the most commonly used prescription drugs will be available to all consumers at drastic discounts through a new website," Trump said at the launch of the portal. According to the White House, 40 products were listed there at the time - including weight loss injections. However, it is unclear whether and to what extent Americans will actually save money in their everyday lives as a result.

The USA is one of the most expensive markets in the world for many medicines. Countries in Europe or Asia usually negotiate centralized maximum prices and regulate the pharmaceutical industry more strictly. In the USA, there has long been a debate about the rising cost of living, with high drug prices being one of many aspects. Trump is facing criticism that he is focusing too much on foreign policy issues and neglecting the real concerns of the people in the country.

The Republican has long wanted to lower drug prices in the USA and is also relying on agreements with pharmaceutical companies to achieve this. A number of them have already announced that they will offer drugs at a discount via the platform. It is unclear how many patients will actually save money by using the portal. One expert told the "New York Times" that some patients may mistakenly think a price is cheap, but could end up worse off financially.

9.33 pm

US President Trump recommends the election of Viktor Orban

US President Donald Trump has issued an election recommendation for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on social media. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Orban fights tirelessly for his great country and people and loves them. He does the same for the United States of America.

The Hungarian head of government faces arguably the biggest challenge of his political career in the parliamentary elections on April 12. His right-wing nationalist party Fidesz is trailing significantly in most polls. The Prime Minister has repeatedly claimed that Hungarians would be forcibly recruited to fight and die on the front line in Ukraine if his party lost the election. There is no evidence for this statement.

9.14 pm

Trump calls for new nuclear weapons treaty

Following the expiry of the last remaining nuclear weapons treaty between the USA and Russia, US President Donald Trump has reiterated his call for a new agreement. Instead of extending the New Start treaty, American nuclear experts should work on a new, more modern treaty that would last in the long term, Trump wrote in a post on social media on Thursday.

7.59 pm

US government circles: Negotiations with Iran on Friday

The USA wants to start new negotiations with Iran this Friday in the Gulf state of Oman. This was confirmed by a high-ranking US government official to the German Press Agency. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and the son-in-law of President Donald Trump, Jared Kushner, are to take part in the talks on behalf of the United States.

Official confirmation of US participation in the negotiations announced by Iran had been pending until recently. The agenda remains unclear. According to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Iran wants to limit itself to the Iranian nuclear program and a possible easing of sanctions. The USA, on the other hand, is insisting that Iran's missile program and support for Iran's allies such as Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon and the Houthi in Yemen should also be on the agenda.

19:56

New website to bring cheaper drugs to US patients

The US government plans to launch the TrumpRx website on Thursday, which aims to help patients buy prescription drugs directly from the manufacturer. However, the website is not intended to be a direct sales platform, but to redirect patients to the manufacturers' websites. The aim is for patients to get their medicines at a lower price.

TONIGHT AT 7PM: President Trump, Dr. Oz, and National Design Studio Director Joe Gebbia will be officially unveiling TrumpRx — a state of the art website for Americans consumers to purchase low cost prescription drugs. This historic announcement will save millions of Americans…

— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) February 5, 2026

The launch of the website, which was planned for Thursday evening (local time), was announced by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. In a post on the X platform, she described TrumpRx as a state-of-the-art website for American consumers to purchase low-cost prescription drugs.

6:25 p.m.

Trump looks out for "missiles and enemies" on Air Force One

US President Donald Trump doesn't like to sleep on long flights - for surprising reasons. At a religious event in Washington on Thursday, Trump spoke about a previous trip to Iraq during his first term and told those in attendance, "I don't sleep on airplanes. I don't like to sleep on airplanes." "You know," the president added, "I prefer to look out the window and watch for missiles and enemies."

It is well known that the US President talks to his advisors during long flights abroad and publishes posts on his social media platform. He also regularly goes into the press cabin and answers questions from reporters.

14:53

USA and Russia want to resume military dialog

The USA and Russia have agreed to resume their high-level military dialog, which has been interrupted since 2021. This was announced by the command of the US Armed Forces in Europe following negotiations in Abu Dhabi.

1.47 pm

It is now known how much Trump earned from the Swiss customs hammer

New customs data show: The US took in around 2 billion dollars from imports from Switzerland in 2025, especially in tech and watches. Studies suggest that the costs largely end up with US buyers.

Previous year's figure multipliedIt is now known how much Trump earned from the Swiss customs hammer

10.42 a.m.

Cutbacks at the "Washington Post"

According to media reports, a large part of the workforce at the Washington Post will have to go. However, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos wants to retain ownership of the renowned US newspaper, according to editor-in-chief Matt Murray. "He wants the Post to become a bigger, more relevant and thriving institution," he told CNN.

Yesterday it became known that the almost 150-year-old traditional newspaper is introducing cost-cutting measures due to severe economic losses. According to media reports, around a third of the workforce will be made redundant, including around 300 journalists.

According to an internal memo cited by the media, the sports desk is to be almost completely dissolved, the literature department closed, foreign reporting greatly reduced and the daily podcast "Post Reports" discontinued. No official announcement was initially available.

Bezos & Billionaires Murder The Free Press Bezos can spend $50 million on his wedding, but can't find money to support journalists at the Washington Post. The broligarchy continues its assault on democracy. With @briankarem.bsky.social @kimkelly.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/thelefth...

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— Wajahat Ali (@wajali.bsky.social) 5. Februar 2026 um 04:10

"From my perspective, I can say that Jeff (Bezos) fully supports us in getting the house in order and positioning it for growth," said Murray. The newspaper's employee representatives, on the other hand, wondered in a statement whether the 62-year-old was still willing to invest in the task that has characterized the paper as an independent medium for generations.

Meanwhile, the workforce is organizing under the hashtag #SaveThePost. The newspaper has been owned by billionaire Bezos since 2013. There has been repeated criticism of his role at the newspaper recently, with respected journalists leaving the paper. For example, Bezos made headlines when he decided against publishing an already written election recommendation for Donald Trump's opponent Kamala Harris ahead of the US election in November 2024.

Some context… Bezos is killing the Post by choice, not by necessity…

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— The Tennessee Holler (@thetnholler.bsky.social) 4. Februar 2026 um 20:41

Election endorsements like this are common among US media. According to media reports, the move cost the newspaper tens of thousands of subscribers. "Bezos is not trying to save the Washington Post. He's trying to survive Donald Trump," wrote former Post fact-checker Glenn Kessler in a recent column.

The Washington Post has made history more than once. Its finest hour came in the early 1970s, when reporters Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward uncovered the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of US President Richard Nixon.

10 a.m.

Last arms control treaty New Start expired

The last remaining nuclear weapons treaty between the USA and Russia is history for the time being. The New Start disarmament treaty expired today without any prior agreement on maintaining the upper limits for the two largest nuclear arsenals in the world.

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced yesterday evening that "under the current circumstances", Moscow assumes that the parties are no longer bound by the provisions of the disarmament treaty and are in principle free to decide how to proceed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, explained that the Kremlin leader had discussed the expiry of the treaty with China's head of state, Xi Jinping, yesterday. He pointed out that the US government had not responded to Putin's offer last year to abide by the terms of the treaty for another year if Washington did so.

Russia would "act in a balanced and responsible manner based on a thorough analysis of the security situation", Ushakov said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had warned the day before yesterday that the world would be more dangerous without upper limits on nuclear weapons stocks.

Experts have warned that the expiry of the US-Russia New START treaty could spark a fresh nuclear arms race.

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— Al Jazeera English (@aljazeera.com) 5. Februar 2026 um 02:00

Arms control advocates have long expressed concern about the expiry of New Start. They fear that there could be a new nuclear arms race if the USA and Russia do not agree on an extension after all. They warn of global instability and the danger of a nuclear conflict.

White House sources said on February 2 that US President Donald Trump had repeatedly signaled that he wanted to maintain the restrictions on nuclear weapons and include China in the arms control talks. However, Trump will make his decision on nuclear arms control "according to his own timetable". Beijing has so far rejected restrictions on its smaller but growing nuclear arsenal.

9 a.m.

AI costs jobs? Trump sees it differently

US President Donald Trump has rejected the idea that the increased use of artificial intelligence will lead to job losses in the US economy.

This has also been claimed about the internet, Trump said in an interview with NBC News. "Robots will destroy jobs," he explained. "Everything will kill jobs, and the smart ones will end up doing well."

He himself does not use AI tools such as ChatGPT very often, the 79-year-old admitted, but underlined earlier statements that the US was working to make faster progress in the field than China.

8.15 a.m.

Trump on possible candidacy of Vance and Rubio

US President Donald Trump has commented on the possible candidacy of Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the Republican presidential nomination.

Both men are "fantastic" and are doing a great job, he said in an interview with NBC News. Both would make excellent presidential candidates, the Republican said. But they would have different styles. "I would say one is a little more diplomatic than the other," Trump explained, without naming names. "I think both are of very high intelligence." However, he did not want to go into details. The question would not arise for another three years.

5:40 a.m.

Court: No arrests by ICE officers in Oregon without a warrant

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are not allowed to arrest people without a warrant - unless there is a risk they could flee - according to a temporary restraining order issued by a judge in the state of Oregon. This was decided by Judge Mustafa Kasubhai on Wednesday (local time). He was responding to a class action lawsuit against the practice of federal officials arresting migrants in the state without specific cause - a practice that critics describe as "arrest first, justify later".

Kasubhai stated that the actions of the officers in Oregon were "violent and brutal". He also expressed concern that the government was denying those affected the right to a fair trial. "The rule of law requires great restraint from those who wield great power," said Kasubhai. "That is the foundation of a democratic republic based on this great constitution. I think we are losing that."

In a memorandum last week, Todd Lyons, the acting head of ICE, had emphasized that officers should not make arrests without a warrant issued by a supervisor - unless they had probable cause to believe the person involved might flee the scene.

However, Kasubhai had evidence that officers in Oregon had arrested people without having warrants or establishing a risk of flight. This included the testimony of a 56-year-old plaintiff who has been in the USA since 1999. He testified in court that he had been arrested and held in detention pending deportation for three weeks - even though he had a valid work permit and a visa application pending.

5.10 am

Trump: I will stay out of the review of the Warner deal

US President Donald Trump wants to stay out of the review of the rival bids for the Hollywood group Warner Brothers. He has decided that he should not be involved, Trump said in an interview on TV channel NBC. "The Justice Department will take care of it," Trump said. It remains to be seen whether he will get involved after all.

Netflix wants to take over Warner Brothers' studio and streaming business for almost 83 billion dollars. The TV channels such as CNN are to be spun off into an independent company.

Meanwhile, rival Paramount is offering 108.4 billion dollars for the entire current Warner Bros. Discovery group, including the television channels. Warner management decided in favor of the Netflix bid. Paramount then turned directly to its shareholders. The outcome of the bidding war is still open.

In recent weeks, Trump has made several public statements about the bidding battle. He was particularly interested in the fate of the news channel CNN, which is often critical of his policies. In December, Trump said that it must be ensured that CNN would definitely change hands in the event of a deal. The channel, which often highlights untruths said by Trump and features politicians with different views, spreads "poison" and "lies", he claimed.

4:39 p.m.

Trump: Haven't used ChatGPT yet

US President Donald Trump says he has not yet used AI software such as ChatGPT. "But I know all about it," Trump, who also does not use a computer, claimed in an interview on TV channel NBC. "AI is a big thing." AI will become a more important innovation than the internet, he predicted. At the same time, Trump denied that AI would lead to job losses. On the contrary: "It will be the biggest job producer," said the President.

Trump brushed off concerns of AI-fueled job losses + said he takes responsibility for AI's economic impact

“They said the internet’s going to — robots are going to kill jobs, everything is going to kill jobs. And you end up, if you’re smart, doing great"https://t.co/oUELL2HTgd

— Allan Smith (@akarl_smith) February 5, 2026

There are currently fears that AI software could replace entry-level jobs in many industries. US companies such as Amazon have already pointed to AI effects when cutting thousands of jobs.

Since taking office, Trump has issued directives aimed at accelerating the development of artificial intelligence in the US. In doing so, he also reversed precautions taken under his predecessor Joe Biden that were intended to contain AI risks.

Thursday, February 5, 2026, 1 a.m.

Gates: It was stupid of me to spend time with Epstein

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has described his meetings with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as a "mistake" following the latest release of files surrounding the case. "It was stupid of me to spend time with him," he said in an interview with 9News. "I'm one of many who regret ever getting to know him."

Files recently released by the US Department of Justice include a draft email from 2013 that was stored in Epstein's account and apparently addressed to Bill Gates. The draft discusses tensions between Gates and his then wife as well as failed business relationships. It also contains unsubstantiated allegations of a personal nature - including the suggestion that Gates had asked Epstein to delete emails relating to a possible sexually transmitted disease and intimate details. There is no evidence of this. Merely being named or pictured in the Epstein files is not evidence of misconduct.

"It was stupid of me"Now Bill Gates talks about his connection to Epstein

10:58 p.m.

Trump on protests: "Maybe take a softer approach"

Following the deaths of two US citizens in Minneapolis, US President Donald Trump has hinted at a course correction. In a long interview with NBC News, Trump said that he had learned after talks with local leaders that a different tone may be needed in the tense situation: "I've learned that maybe we can go a little softer," Trump said. The decision to withdraw 700 Border Patrol agents from Minneapolis was based on his request.

The withdrawal of the officers had previously been announced by Trump's Border Patrol Commissioner Tom Homan. It is seen as a reaction to fierce protests following fatal shootings during operations by federal officials in Minneapolis. Two US citizens were killed in the incident.

Trump emphasized that we must remain tough. They are still dealing with serious criminals and are now waiting for the city to hand them over to the federal authorities. The withdrawal of 700 officers was part of an adjustment in approach following talks with the state governor, Tim Walz, and the city's mayor, Jacob Frey. He had had "great conversations" with the two Democrats. At the same time, however, Trump complained that the two were publicly "literally ranting and raving as if there had been no phone call".

10:41 p.m.

Argentina requests extradition of Nicolás Maduro from the USA

An Argentine judge has requested the extradition of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from the USA. In the request, Maduro is accused of having committed crimes against humanity with his actions against demonstrators and political opponents. Argentine judges have already strongly supported the prosecution of human rights violations beyond the country's borders in the past

Maduro was ousted from power by the US military in Caracas last month and brought to the USA. He is in custody in New York and is due to stand trial for drug trafficking, terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine.

Argentine federal judge Sebastián Ramos, who signed the request, advocated for his extradition. The lawsuit, which was filed by human rights organizations in Buenos Aires in 2023, is based on the principle of universal jurisdiction, a legal concept that allows for the prosecution of genocide, torture or crimes against humanity regardless of where the crime was committed. The plaintiffs include Venezuelans who are alleged to have suffered torture and arbitrary detention by Venezuelan security forces and secret service agents, among other things.

The Argentinian Foreign Ministry must now submit the application to the US government, which is unlikely to comply because Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are awaiting trial in a prison in Brooklyn. They are accused of collaborating with drug cartels over a period of 25 years to facilitate the transportation of thousands of tons of cocaine to the US.

9.38 pm

Trump: Iran's supreme leader "should be very concerned"

Shortly before planned negotiations between the USA and Iran, US President Donald Trump addresses words of warning to the country's supreme leader. When asked whether Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should currently be concerned, Trump replied to NBC News: "I would say he should be very concerned." Trump did not directly give a specific reason for this. However, he referred to his country's negotiations with Iran.

He had heard that Iran was trying to rebuild its nuclear program, Trump said in response to a corresponding question. In such a case, the US President threatened to do "bad things" to Iran.

According to Iran, it wants to start new negotiations with the USA in Oman this Friday. The nuclear talks are planned for 10.00 a.m. (local time) in the Omani capital Muscat, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on Platform X. "I am grateful to our Omani brothers for making all the necessary arrangements," the minister added.

There was initially no official confirmation from Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio merely said that the United States was ready for a dialog with Iran and that US special envoy Steve Witkoff was ready for a meeting on Friday.

9:17 p.m.

Trump: Nominated Fed chief because of hopes for interest rate cut

US President Donald Trump has said that he nominated Kevin Warsh for the post of head of the US Federal Reserve because of the prospect of interest rate cuts. He would not have nominated the former governor of the Federal Reserve for the post if he had announced interest rate hikes, Trump said in an interview on US broadcaster NBC News. He thought that Warsh would have understood that Trump wanted a looser monetary policy.

The President had proposed Warsh as the successor to current US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell - but the US Senate has yet to confirm his nominee as the future head of the Federal Reserve (Fed). Powell's term of office as the world's most important central banker regularly ends in May. Critics fear that the independence of the central bank will be shaken with Warsh at the helm. Trump wants lower interest rates; the current interest rate level of 3.5 to 3.75 percent is too high for him, despite slow reductions.

Contrary to what Trump regularly abbreviates, the Fed Chairman does not decide on the key interest rate alone. Instead, the 12-member Federal Reserve Board meets at regular intervals and then votes on the future course of monetary policy. In addition to the seven so-called governors of the central bank, the committee also includes five regional bank presidents. Among the five representatives of the regional central banks, the Fed President of New York is a permanent member - the other four rotate annually.

9:02 p.m.

Supreme Court allows California new electoral districts

The Supreme Court has allowed the US state of California to reform its electoral districts, which could give the ruling Democrats an advantage in the congressional elections in November. The Supreme Court rejected an appeal by the Republicans in the state. The Democrats in the west coast state can now hope to gain up to five additional seats in the House of Representatives in Washington with the new redistricting.

The Democrats had previously won a clear victory in the state in a special vote. The majority of Californian voters were in favor of constituency reform in November. The Republican state of Texas is also having its electoral districts redrawn in order to give US President Donald Trump's party the chance to win five more seats.

The Republicans currently only have a narrow majority in the chamber of Congress. The Democrats are hoping to win a majority in the House of Representatives in the election in November this year. The 435 seats there are up for election every two years. A third of the senators are also up for re-election.

20:49

Trump talks to Xi Jinping about Iran and Taiwan

US President Donald Trump has said that he spoke at length with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the situation in Iran. Trump said that other topics of the phone call included trade relations between the USA and China, Taiwan and his plans for a visit to Beijing in April.

"Relations with China and my personal relationship with President Xi are extremely good, and we both know how important it is to maintain that," Trump wrote in a social media post about the phone call. The US government is currently urging Beijing and other states to isolate Tehran internationally.

The Chinese government said the presidents had discussed important summits that both countries will host, providing an opportunity for a possible meeting. However, the Chinese statement did not mention Trump's expected visit to Beijing in April.

China also made clear that it remains committed to its long-term plans for reunification with Taiwan, a democratically governed island that Beijing claims as its own territory. "China will never allow Taiwan to be divided," the statement said.

7.02 pm

Court sentences Trump assassin to life imprisonment

The defendant in the trial for the attempted assassination of then US presidential candidate Donald Trump has been sentenced to life imprisonment. US District Judge Aileen Cannon in Florida followed the prosecution's request. The prosecution had argued that the defendant Ryan Routh had shown no remorse and had not apologized to the people he had put in danger. The jury found him guilty on all charges in September.

Routh's defense attorney Martin Roth asked for 20 years in prison in addition to a seven-year prison sentence, which is mandatory for a conviction for violating gun laws. He explained that an appropriate sentence should allow the 59-year-old defendant to be released before his death.

The public prosecutor, on the other hand, referred to the defendant's previous convictions. "His life testifies to an almost total disregard for the law," they explained. The state prosecution had accused Routh of planning Trump's assassination for weeks and ambushing him with a gun in a bush outside his golf course in West Palm Beach on September 15, 2024. A Secret Service officer spotted Routh before Trump came within range and opened fire. Routh fled without having fired a shot himself. In court, he therefore argued that the prosecution had not proven an assassination attempt, as anyone had the right to be on the public paths outside the fence with a weapon.

After the jury's guilty verdict in September, Routh had tried to ram a pen into his neck. Court officials overpowered him. The defendant was unharmed because the pen is designed so that you can't hurt yourself or others with it.

6:19 p.m.

Vance proposes trading block for rare earths

The US government, together with allies, wants to break China's dominant market position in the field of so-called rare earths. At a meeting with dozens of representatives from various countries in Africa, Europe and Asia under the auspices of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance explained that last year's trade conflict had shown how dependent most countries are on the critical minerals that China has a firm grip on.

He said at the State Department in Washington that a trade bloc of allies and partners could counteract the People's Republic's tactic of flooding the market and thus outdoing potential competitors by securing minimum prices with the help of tariffs. He envisioned a trade bloc "that guarantees American access to American industrial strength while expanding production throughout the zone".

"What lies ahead is an opportunity for self-reliance so that we never have to rely on anyone but each other for the critical minerals necessary to sustain our industries and sustain growth," Vance said.

Rare earths is a collective term for a range of raw materials that are used in a number of high-tech products - such as jet engines, electric vehicles, laptops and smartphones. The market is dominated by China. On Monday, US President Donald Trump announced the "Project Vault" initiative. This is based on a plan for a strategic reserve of rare earths in the USA, which is to be financed with a loan of 10 billion dollars from the US Export-Import Bank and almost 1.67 billion dollars in private capital.

3:40 p.m.

Trump withdraws 700 migration officers from Minneapolis

Donald Trump's Border Czar Tom Homan announced the immediate withdrawal of 700 immigration officers after weeks of high tensions in the northern US city.

Citing better cooperation with local authorities and a reduced need for police forces on the ground, Homan announced at a press conference that federal authorities would withdraw 700 immigration officers from the area of operation "effective immediately", without specifying whether it was a withdrawal from the city of Minneapolis only or from the state of Minnesota in general.

In January, two protesters were shot and killed by federal agents.

11:56 a.m.

Trump insults CNN reporter after Epstein question

US President Donald Trump has clashed with a CNN journalist in the White House. It was triggered by a question about the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Trump responded with personal attacks.

"Worst journalist"Trump insults CNN reporter after Epstein question

7.37 a.m.

Bill Gates' ex-wife now speaks out about the Epstein Files

Following the publication of new documents from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, Melinda French Gates has spoken out publicly for the first time. The ex-wife of Bill Gates speaks of painful memories and demands that unanswered questions be answered by those affected.

"Glad to be away from the mess"Bill Gates' ex-wife now speaks out about the Epstein Files

5.30 a.m.

Epstein was apparently interested in villas in Zug and Lucerne

According to the "Luzerner Zeitung", Jeffrey Epstein was interested in luxury villas in the cantons of Zug and Lucerne. The recently published Epstein files reveal that former US basketball official David Stern drew Epstein's attention to the "Villa Rose" in Meggen by email in 2010. Stern had written that the purchase of the property owned by Zug-based commodities trader Marc Rich could be carried out discreetly and without an agency. Epstein asked whether anything had come of it, but no reply was documented. The files also show other points of contact between Epstein and Rich as well as indications of Epstein's interest in a property in the canton of Zug.

"With plenty of privacy"Epstein is said to have been interested in luxury villas in Switzerland

5:20 a.m.

Federal officials in Minneapolis change tactics

Federal agents have recently changed their approach to operations in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Instead of setting up in parking lots, Immigration and Border Patrol agents have been conducting targeted arrests in residential neighborhoods. On Tuesday, activists were arrested following officers' vehicles through south Minneapolis. They stopped the vehicles and ordered the activists to get out of the cars with guns drawn. Journalists on the scene were instructed to keep their distance, otherwise they were threatened with pepper spray. Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said the activists were arrested for obstructing the arrest of a man who was in the country illegally.

A federal judge in January had set limits on how officers can treat motorists who follow them. "The safe following of officers at a reasonable distance alone does not establish probable cause for a vehicle stop," the judge stated. However, an appeals court stayed the order.

"There's less smoke on the ground," said Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, referring to the recent tensions, but the situation in the Twin Cities seems "scarier than last week because the measures are now shifting to schools and children." Together with education experts, Walz told a press conference about the fear and anxiety in schools caused by the raids.

Brenda Lewis, Fridley Public Schools superintendent, said she had been followed twice by ICE agents since a public appearance. "Students are afraid to come to school, parents are afraid to drop them off," she said.L ewis explained that Fridley, a suburb of Minneapolis, is home to many Somali and Ecuadorian families. Security measures have now been stepped up there and psychological support has been expanded. Columbia Heights School District social worker Tracy Xiong is coordinating food deliveries for families and organizing volunteers to drive children to school.

5:13 a.m.

Judge bans use of tear gas during protests in Portland

A judge in the US state of Oregon has temporarily restricted the use of tear gas by federal agents during protests outside the ICE immigration building in Portland. Tuesday's ruling came just days after federal agents used tear gas against a crowd described by local authorities as peaceful, which included children. Judge Michael Simon ruled that federal agents cannot use chemical or projectile weapons against people who do not pose an imminent threat or are merely trespassing. Simon also prohibited shooting to the head, neck or torso "unless the officer is legally authorized to use deadly force."

The restraining order is initially in effect for 14 days. Simon wrote that the country is "at a crossroads". "In a well-functioning constitutional democracy, free speech, courageous journalistic work and non-violent protests are allowed, respected and even encouraged," Simon wrote. "An impartial and independent court, acting under the law, has a responsibility to uphold the country's constitutional course." The decision followed a lawsuit filed by the civil rights group ACLU on behalf of protesters and freelance journalists who were covering protests outside the ICE building.

The lawsuit describes instances in which plaintiffs - including a protester in a chicken suit, an elderly couple and two freelance journalists - were attacked with chemical munitions, such as tear gas grenades or pepper balls. The lawsuit is directed against the Department of Homeland Security and President Donald Trump. It argues that the use of chemical munitions and excessive force by federal agents is used in retaliation against protesters and restricts their First Amendment rights. The Department of Homeland Security said the officers "followed their training and used only the minimal force necessary to protect themselves, the public and federal buildings."

3:59 p.m.

Hudson River Tunnel funding freeze: New York and New Jersey sue

New York and New Jersey have sued the US government over frozen federal funding for a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River. The states are calling for a quick court decision, as the construction work, which has been ongoing since 2023, could be halted as early as Friday. "Stopping this project will put one of the country's busiest transportation corridors at risk," New York Attorney General Letitia James said on Tuesday night. "Our tunnels are already heavily congested, and the loss of this project could be catastrophic for commuters, workers and our regional economy."

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Manhattan by James and acting New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, asks that the suspension of funds be declared unlawful and that payments resume immediately. The White House and the US Department of Transportation did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday evening.

The government had frozen 16 billion dollars in September, citing the government shutdown. US Budget Director Russ Vought told X at the time that officials believed the spending was based on unconstitutional principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. The US Department of Transportation said it was investigating possible "unconstitutional practices".

The construction project involves building a new railroad tunnel under the river. In addition, an existing 116-year-old tunnel that was damaged by storm Sandy in 2012 is to be repaired. Construction began in 2023 and the project is funded by the Federal Infrastructure Act of 2021, which was signed into law by former US President Joe Biden.

3:38 p.m.

Fed governor resigns from White House leadership post

Stephen Miran, a member of the Fed's Board of Governors, has resigned from his top post on the White House Council of Economic Advisers, ending his controversial dual role. Miran's resignation as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) was confirmed by deputy government spokesman Kush Desai on Tuesday evening (local time).

US President Donald Trump had appointed Miran to a seat on the Fed's seven-member Board of Governors in September 2025 after her predecessor Adriana Kugler, appointed by former President Joe Biden, resigned unexpectedly. Miran completed her remaining term of office, which ended on January 31. However, he can remain on the Fed Board of Governors until the Senate confirms a successor.

It is considered unusual for a public official to retain his post in the White House while also serving as a politically independent Fed governor. While past presidents have appointed staffers to Fed posts, for decades they have given up their White House positions before taking office at the Fed. Miran took unpaid leave instead.

Miran had already announced upon his appointment in September that he would step down from his leadership role on the White House Council of Economic Advisers if he remained on the Fed board beyond January 31. Fed governors vote on interest rate policy and bank regulatory measures.

2 a.m.

Epstein case: Clintons to testify before US Congress later this month

Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, will testify before the US Congress at the end of the month as part of the investigation into the scandal surrounding the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Republican chairman of the responsible oversight committee of the House of Representatives, James Comer, announced that the two had agreed to be questioned, which will be transcribed and filmed. The ex-President will therefore testify under oath on February 27, the ex-Secretary of State one day earlier.

According to US media reports, the fact that the Clintons agreed to this led to the Republicans in the House of Representatives canceling a planned vote on contempt of Congress proceedings against the Clintons on Tuesday. This had recently been initiated by the Republican leadership. The background to this is that the two Democrats had previously refused for months to testify in the US Congress regarding the investigation into the Epstein case. For their part, they accused Comer of conducting politically motivated proceedings.

Republicans and Democrats on the oversight committee of the House of Representatives had made it clear that no one was above the law - "not even the Clintons", Comer now emphasized. For months, they had delayed and disregarded properly issued subpoenas, he criticized. Only when faced with the threat of proceedings for contempt of Congress did they give in.

Bill Clinton's name and pictures of him appeared in documents relating to the Epstein investigation. However, being named per se means nothing. The former president has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with his acquaintance with Epstein.

For years, the multimillionaire Epstein from New York ran an abuse ring that victimized dozens of young women and minors. Over several years, he also allegedly abused minors himself in New York and Florida. In 2019, Epstein died in prison at the age of 66 before a possible further conviction could have taken place.

2 o'clock

Musk cannot have lawsuit over Twitter takeover dismissed

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has failed in his attempt to get rid of a lawsuit filed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with his share purchases in the takeover of Twitter in 2022. Musk's lawyers had argued that the SEC had only selectively applied the law and that the lawsuit attacked his right to freedom of expression. However, the judge in charge saw no reason to dismiss the lawsuit. The SEC accuses Musk of failing to disclose in good time that his shareholding exceeded the five percent mark when buying Twitter shares. This enabled him to buy more shares more cheaply.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 1:53 a.m.

"Wonderful": Trump meets Colombia's President Petro at the White House

Following a series of mutual accusations, US President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro met for the first time at the White House. The talks focused on the fight against drug trafficking. At a subsequent press conference, Trump announced that the meeting had gone extremely well and that he thought Petro was "wonderful". His guest, on the other hand, was more reserved. Trump's tone was markedly different from the last time. Petro is a "sick man" who likes to produce cocaine and sell it to the USA, the Republican had said recently. Now he said that his dislike was due to the fact that he did not know Petro very well. However, they are now working on an agreement to reduce the smuggling of illegal drugs into the USA.

Petro was not as euphoric as the US President. There are different views on the problem of drug trafficking, he said at a press conference. Instead of a tough military approach against the criminal organizations, the ex-guerrillero wants to convince farmers in Colombia to grow legal agricultural products such as coffee or cocoa instead of cocaine on the one hand, and to take decisive action against the financiers of the international drug trade on the other. "He hasn't changed his way of thinking, and neither have I," Petro said of Trump. "But you don't make a pact between twin brothers, you make a pact between opponents who find a common path."

Colombia was the USA's most important partner in South America for a long time. Recently, however, the relationship has cooled. Last year, the US government classified Colombia as a country that was not fulfilling its international obligations in the fight against illegal drugs. The United States also imposed sanctions on President Petro on the grounds that he was not taking decisive enough action against drug trafficking. The Colombian head of state, on the other hand, repeatedly emphasized the enormous efforts of the Colombian security forces against drug trafficking. It was only on Tuesday that Colombia extradited an important drug trafficker to the USA.

Colombia is the largest cocaine producer in the world. According to the United Nations, the country has more than 250,000 hectares and around 65 percent of the world's coca cultivation area. Although the security situation has improved since the peace agreement with the rebel organization Farc ten years ago, parts of the country are still controlled by armed groups.

11 p.m.

"Shutdown" in the USA ends: Trump signs budget bill

After almost four days, the shutdown in the USA is over. President Donald Trump signed a budget bill on Tuesday, ending the budget freeze for part of the federal administration that had been in place since Saturday. Congress had previously approved the bill.

In the House of Representatives, 217 MPs voted in favor of the budget bill on Tuesday, while 214 voted against it. Twenty politicians from the opposition Democrats also voted "yes", while around the same number of Republicans voted against.

The budget compromise now extends funding for the majority of the federal administration until the end of September. A two-week transitional solution was agreed for the Department of Homeland Security. Meanwhile, the Trump administration wants to negotiate stricter rules for the emergency services with the Democrats.

BREAKING: President Trump signs bill to reopen the government, ending the partial government shutdown. pic.twitter.com/KQsOZJa8v4

— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 3, 2026

20:33

US parliament paves the way for the end of the shutdown

The US Congress has cleared the way for an end to the partial government shutdown in the budget dispute. The House of Representatives approved a funding package in a close vote after the Senate, the second chamber of parliament, had already given its consent. The resolution clears the parliamentary hurdles - but the shutdown can only be formally ended once US President Donald Trump has signed the law.

Trump had previously urged a quick end to the government shutdown. The country could not endure another long shutdown, he wrote on his Truth Social platform on Monday. He referred to the 43-day shutdown at the end of last year and announced that he would sign the funding package immediately after the vote.

5:25 p.m.

He accused him of drug smuggling - now Trump receives Colombia's head of state

US President Donald Trump receives his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro in Washington. The meeting holds potential for conflict: Trump threatened the South American country with military action a few weeks ago and accused Petro of being involved in smuggling cocaine into the USA. Ideologically, Trump and Petro are far apart. However, both have a penchant for verbal escalation and unpredictability. According to US government sources, the meeting will primarily focus on regional security cooperation and the fight against drug trafficking.

On Monday, Trump suggested that the capture and removal of Venezuelan head of state Nicolás Maduro during a US military operation had increased the willingness of left-wing Colombian head of state Petro to cooperate in the fight against the smuggling of illegal drugs from Colombia. Somehow he became "very nice" afterwards, Trump said. "He's changed his attitude quite a bit."

In fact, Petro had continued to criticize the US government's policies after Maduro's capture. In recent days, for example, he accused Trump of being an "accomplice to genocide" in the Gaza Strip. He described Maduro's capture as a kidnapping. Before leaving for Washington, he called on his fellow countrymen to demonstrate in the Colombian capital Bogotá during the meeting in Washington.

11.50 am

Don Lemon: "They want to spread fear"

US journalist Don Lemon has criticized his arrest on the orders of the Department of Justice in connection with a protest against the US immigration authorities ICE as intimidation.

"They want to expose you. They want to intimidate you. They want to spread fear," said the former CNN presenter yesterday on the late-night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live".

The 59-year-old was arrested by police in Los Angeles last week after reporting on a protest against ICE at a church in the state of Minnesota, according to his lawyer.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi spoke of a "coordinated attack" on the church. Lemon is accused of conspiracy to violate civil rights and obstruction of religious freedom, among other things.

At my direction, early this morning federal agents arrested Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.

More details soon.

— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) January 30, 2026

In the broadcast, Lemon again emphasized that he was there as a journalist, not as a demonstrator. He emphasized that there was a difference. Lemon also used the broadcast to criticize the US media. Media houses are "paralyzed" for fear of political pressure, for example out of concern about losing access to the government or being sued, he said.

It is not the time for false balance, Lemon said. "Some things are objectively wrong." Host Kimmel experienced political headwinds himself. The well-known critic of Trump had to take a one-week forced break from his show last September. The US president had publicly welcomed the temporary suspension.

10.57 am

Epstein left millions to confidants - they will never see any of the money

Shortly before his death, Jeffrey Epstein drew up a will for 630 million dollars with 43 beneficiaries, including close confidants and celebrities.

Millions for confidantsEpstein's will has now emerged

10.36 am

Now Trump is also suing Harvard for a billion dollars

US President Donald Trump is adding to his dispute with the elite Harvard University. His government is demanding one billion US dollars (780 million Swiss francs) in damages from the university and no longer wants to maintain any relations with it in future, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Trump accused Harvard of serious misconduct and anti-Semitism. In his view, the matter was a criminal and not a civil issue. He did not provide any concrete evidence of criminal acts. At the same time, he attacked the university president Alan Garber personally and held him responsible for the handling of the conflict.

The conflict is part of a larger dispute between the Trump administration and several top universities. The White House accuses parts of the university landscape of having a left-liberal orientation and insufficient measures against anti-Semitism, while at the same time attempting to exert political influence via funding.

Harvard has come under particular pressure. State research funding was temporarily withdrawn from the university, but a federal court declared this to be unlawful and ordered the funds to be released. Talks between the government and the university are still ongoing.

The new escalation was prompted by a report in the New York Times about the dispute between the government and the university, which Trump described as "totally false". According to the report, the government has dropped its original demand for a payment of 200 million US dollars (a good 155 million francs) in ongoing talks.

The aim of the negotiations is still to push through changes to university policy, according to people familiar with the talks. Trump, on the other hand, stated that the original aim had been to reach significantly higher sums and wrote of more than 500 million dollars.

At the same time, he announced that he would take legal action against the New York Times. "We will soon see how I fare in my lawsuit against these fraudsters," he wrote. Harvard did not initially comment on Trump's latest accusations. In April 2025, the university had denied such allegations via lawyers.

10 a.m.

Five-year-old in ICE detention: father makes serious allegations

The father of a five-year-old detained by ICE has made serious allegations against the authorities following his release. He also contradicted statements by the Department of Homeland Security yesterday that he left his son in his vehicle while he himself was being pursued by federal agents.

Serious allegations5-year-old arrested by ICE - now his father speaks out

9:45 a.m.

Trump pretends he doesn't do business

US President Donald Trump has played down his links to the crypto company World Liberty Financial. The project was co-founded by the Republican and his sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr.

Trump commented yesterday on reports in the Wall Street Journal that the ruling family of Abu Dhabi had invested hundreds of millions of dollars in World Liberty Financial. According to the report, two months after a meeting on the deal, the Trump administration committed to giving the Gulf monarchy access to around 500,000 of the most advanced AI chips per year.

There is so much corruption in this one story. Not even mentioned in the summary, the $500M investment in World Liberty Financial came before the UAE won access to U.S. AI chips

[image or embed]

— Jake Grumbach (@jakemgrumbach.bsky.social) 1. Februar 2026 um 17:34

Trump says he is a "big crypto fan" but has no stake in the company. The president emphasized that his sons were responsible for World Liberty Financial. Trump helped launch the project at an online event shortly before the 2024 presidential election.

The Trump family has a significant stake of 49% in the cryptocurrency project. Trump's financial report from last year shows that he earned more than 57 million dollars with World Liberty Financial in 2024. Yesterday, Trump once again promoted cryptocurrencies, referring to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and saying: "If we don't go crypto, China will."

3:42 p.m.

Trump lets USA build up reserves of important minerals

US President Donald Trump is having the USA build up a reserve of rare earths and other minerals worth twelve billion dollars. The background to this is that the refining of metals known as rare earths is largely controlled by China.

They are very important for the electronics industry and electric cars, among other things. The reserve should ensure that there are no bottlenecks for American companies, Trump said in the White House.

Ten billion dollars will come from the American Export-Import Bank and two billion dollars from private investors, Trump said. The idea behind the project is that US companies should be able to purchase minerals of critical importance from the reserve at a previously agreed price. This would protect them from shortages or price fluctuations on the global market. However, they should also replenish the stocks at a later date.

Rare earths are needed for the production of magnets, among other things. Lithium and cobalt are also considered to be raw materials of critical importance.

The USA has entered into agreements for minerals of critical importance with countries around the world, said Trump. A ministerial meeting on the topic was scheduled for Wednesday in Washington with participants from more than 50 countries, according to the US State Department.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 0:10 a.m.

US federal officials in Minneapolis to get body cameras

US federal officers are to wear body cameras during their controversial raids in Minneapolis in future. With immediate effect, every federal officer on duty in the northern US city will be equipped with so-called body cameras, announced Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on the X platform.

As soon as the funds are available, the body camera program will be rolled out across the country, she added. This applies to the law enforcement agencies of the Department of Homeland Security.

I just spoke with @RealTomHoman @ICEDirector @CBPCommissioner. Effective immediately we are deploying body cameras to every officer in the field in Minneapolis.

As funding is available, the body camera program will be expanded nationwide. We will rapidly acquire and deploy body…

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) February 2, 2026

The US government is thus meeting a demand from the Democrats in the opposition. Following the deaths of two US citizens by gunfire from federal officers in Minneapolis, they had blocked a budget package in parliament that included funding for the department. They called for body cameras to make operations more transparent.

The budget dispute led to a lack of follow-up funding for several ministries and authorities since Saturday. A so-called shutdown, a partial standstill of government business, occurred. US President Donald Trump wants to prevent the shutdown from lasting any longer. He called on Democrats and Republicans to work together - shortly before the Secretary of Homeland Security's announcement. A vote was not expected before Tuesday.

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