USA under Donald Trump Trump defends his brutal migration policy +++ Tariff ruling is a "regrettable decision"

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.

• Liveticker

  New posts
• Liveticker closed
5.27 am

Trump sets record with longest State of the Union address

US President Donald Trump has broken the record for the longest State of the Union address. He spoke for 108 minutes, surpassing his speech last year. At 100 minutes, this was already longer than any previously recorded State of the Union address. Prior to 2025, President Bill Clinton held the record with speeches of 89 minutes in 2000 and 85 minutes in 1995.

Measured by the American Presidency Project at the University of California Santa Barbara, Trump is the most talkative US president since Lyndon B. Johnson. Trump's joint addresses to Congress and his State of the Union speeches during his first term lasted an average of 80 minutes and 20 seconds.

5:18 p.m.

Trump wins Nato's five percent target for himself

US President Donald Trump has taken credit for the planned increase in defense spending within NATO. The NATO countries, "our friends and allies", had agreed to his urgent request to spend five percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on military defense, Trump said in his State of the Union address to both chambers of the US Parliament in the Capitol in Washington.

At the NATO summit at the end of June last year, under the impact of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and pressure from Trump, it was agreed to invest at least 3.5 percent of national GDP in defense in the future. A further 1.5 percent is then to be added for defense-related expenditure - for example for infrastructure. Overall, the aim is to achieve an annual quota of five percent by 2035 at the latest. Previously, the target was two percent.

Trump had long urged NATO partners to drastically increase their defense spending. He threatened to reduce the US defense budget if the allies did not spend five percent of their gross domestic product on it.

5:15 a.m.

Democrats demand release of the Epstein files

During US President Donald Trump's State of the Union address to Congress, several Democrats protested against the government's handling of the Epstein scandal. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, Representative Rashida Tlaib and others wore badges with the inscription "Release the files". The phrase stands for the Democrats' demand for a complete clarification of the scandal, including a largely unredacted release of the files.

Trump's administration is being criticized for its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein sex offender scandal. The multimillionaire, who died in prison in 2019, had run an abuse ring for years that victimized dozens of young women and minors.

During the election campaign, Trump had promised to fully release the files on the case - after taking office, he resisted this for a long time. It was only under great pressure from the public and parliament that he finally signed a law ordering the publication of the investigation files. However, they were still not published in full.

Trump, who was once friends with Epstein, also appears in the files himself. However, this alone is not an indication of criminal misconduct. Trump emphasizes that he broke off contact with Epstein after the allegations against him became known.

5.08 am

Trump insults Somali immigrants

In his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening (local time), US President Donald Trump repeatedly referred to the immigrants who had allegedly brought so much harm to America. He cited the Somalis in the Democratic state of Minnesota as an example of this. He said they came from a culture where "chaos is the norm". He referred to the Somalis in Minnesota in general terms as "pirates who have invaded our country". He announced, "We will take care of this problem - and we will not play games in the process."

4:56 p.m.

Trump: Will not allow an Iranian nuclear bomb

US President Donald Trump wants to prevent an Iranian nuclear bomb at all costs. "I will never allow the world's greatest sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon. I cannot allow that," he said in his State of the Union address to both chambers of the US Congress. "We are in negotiations with them. They want to make a deal."

However, he had not yet received a commitment from the Iranian government to give up nuclear weapons, Trump said. Iran has claimed for years that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. However, the country does not want to give up the enrichment of uranium, which is why Western countries are skeptical. Highly enriched uranium is needed to build nuclear bombs.

The USA and Iran are currently negotiating the controversial Iranian nuclear program - but there does not seem to be any tangible progress so far. There is also the possibility that Trump will launch a military attack on the leadership in Tehran and its power apparatus. The USA has recently massively expanded its military presence in the region.

The Gulf state of Oman is mediating between the two parties, with the most recent talks taking place in Geneva. According to US government sources, Trump's negotiators want to meet Iranian envoys there again on Thursday.

4.53 am

Trump: Must reject political violence of any kind

US President Donald Trump has called on his country to reject political violence of any kind. In memory of the slain far-right activist Charlie Kirk, everyone must come together to reaffirm that "America is one nation under God", Trump said in his State of the Union address to both chambers of the US Congress in the Capitol in Washington. Widow Erika Kirk was present as a guest. When Trump pointed out Kirk in the audience and turned the attention to her, shouts of "Charlie" were heard in Congress.

Charlie Kirk had been shot dead at an event in September. He was considered an influential representative of Trump's MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. As the founder of the youth organization Turning Point USA, he also mobilized a young audience for Trump. Critics accused him of having racist, homophobic, trans-hostile and sexist views.

4.49 pm

Trump defends his brutal migration policy

US President Donald Trump has defended his migration policy in his State of the Union address amid loud protests from Democrats. The 79-year-old told both chambers of the US Congress: "The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens" - and not foreigners who are in the US illegally. He berated the Democrats for not standing up from their seats and applauding like his Republicans: "They should be ashamed of themselves". This in turn led to heckling from the Democratic camp.

When it comes to migration policy, Trump relies on sometimes brutal raids by federal forces. During the election campaign, he promised to campaign for mass deportations.

The President also called on the Democrats to approve a bill introduced by the Republicans to reform voting rights. Among other things, the bill stipulates that citizens must prove their US citizenship when registering to vote. Unlike in Switzerland, there are no nationwide rules in the USA on how voters are identified when casting their vote. Voting rights are primarily a matter for the states.

4.41 am

Trump: tech companies should generate their own power for AI

US President Donald Trump wants to oblige large technology companies to cover their growing electricity needs themselves in future. The companies could build power plants for their data centers directly at the respective locations, Trump said in his State of the Union address. This would prevent electricity prices from rising for consumers - in some regions they could even fall, Trump speculated.

The power requirements of data centers - especially for artificial intelligence applications - are enormous. The more AI finds its way into the economy and everyday life, the greater the computing capacities required and therefore the greater the energy consumption.

According to the International Energy Agency, a medium-sized data center consumes as much electricity as around 100,000 households. It is estimated that a single ChatGPT query requires six to ten times as much energy as a traditional search engine query.

4.28 am

Trump speaks again of alleged election fraud

US President Donald Trump has renewed his refuted claim of alleged voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. His second term was supposed to be his third, "but strange things are happening", Trump said in his State of the Union address to both chambers of the US Congress.

Even years after Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election, Trump has not conceded defeat. Instead, the 79-year-old continues to claim that he was cheated out of his election victory. This has long been refuted many times over.

4.25 am

Trump calls for funding for Department of Homeland Security

US President Donald Trump has called for an end to the budget blockade for the Department of Homeland Security. In his State of the Union address to both chambers of the US Congress in the Capitol in Washington, he blamed the Democrats for this. He called for the "complete and immediate" restoration of funding for border security and US domestic security, Trump said. "We have no money because of the Democrats".

The Department of Homeland Security has not received any fresh money for eleven days. Democrats and Republicans have so far been unable to agree on the budget for the department. The background to this is the controversial operations of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which falls under the Department. Democrats only want to agree to further funding if there are stricter rules for raids against migrants.

By contrast, funding for the other US ministries and federal agencies has now been secured. Previously, major parts of US government business had already come to a standstill twice during Trump's second term in office. The country slipped into shutdown mode because both parties were unable to agree on a budget.

4.18 am

Trump on customs ruling: "Regrettable decision"

In his State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump rebuked the Supreme Court for its ruling against his tariffs. In the presence of several Supreme Court judges and both chambers of the US Congress, he spoke of an "unfortunate decision" in the Capitol in Washington.

On Friday, the Supreme Court had prohibited him from imposing tariffs on the import of goods from many countries, citing an emergency law. Trump had bypassed Congress to put these into force. The aggressive tariff policy is a core element of his second term in office. Following the ruling, he announced that he would now use other means to continue enforcing his tariffs. He has already announced new tariffs on a new legal basis.

Trump was confident that no action by the US Congress would be necessary for his alternative paths. Trump's Republicans only have a narrow majority in both chambers. Many Republicans are also likely to want to avoid possible votes on tariffs ahead of the midterm elections in November.

4.15 am

Trump blames Democrats for high prices in the USA

US President Donald Trump has accused the opposition Democrats of being responsible for the high cost of living in the USA. "Their policies have caused the high prices," said Trump in his State of the Union address to both chambers of the US Congress in the Capitol in Washington. His policies, on the other hand, would quickly change that, he claimed.

On the subject of affordability - once ridiculed by Trump as a "Democrat scam" - the US President is now trying to set his own priorities. Among other things, his government policy should enable citizens to afford a home again and pay less interest on outstanding credit card balances. In reality, however, many citizens are still struggling due to the high cost of living - partly as a result of Trump's aggressive tariff policy.

4.09 am

Trump honors ice hockey team - medal for Olympic goalkeeper

President Donald Trump put the US Olympic men's ice hockey team in the spotlight during his State of the Union address. In front of both chambers of the US Congress, he praised the players for their Olympic success and described the victory against Canada as proof that "our country is winning again". Those present in the Capitol in Washington chanted "USA" and applauded the athletes, who stood up in the stands and held up their gold medals.

Trump announced that goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck would receive the USA's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He had never seen a goalkeeper play better, said the Republican.

The US women's ice hockey team, which also won gold, had previously turned down an invitation from Trump. They justified this with existing professional and academic commitments. In his speech, Trump now announced that he would also be receiving the women's team at the White House soon.

3.57 p.m.

Protest at Trump speech: "Black people are not monkeys"

Democratic US Congressman Al Green held up a sign reading "Black people are not monkeys" in protest against Donald Trump during the US President's traditional annual address. Green was then led out of the hall. Trump did not comment on the incident in his speech.

At the beginning of February, the Republican shared a video on his online platform Truth Social in which former Democratic President Barack and his wife Michelle Obama were depicted as monkeys - a classic racist means of insulting and belittling black people. The White House initially tried to justify the heavily criticized post. After a wave of outrage, the post was finally deleted from Trump's account. The blame was placed on an employee.

In the State of the Union address, presidents give an annual outlook on the course they want the United States to take.

3:47 p.m.

Trump calls Venezuela a "new friend and partner"

Almost two months after the arrest of the authoritarian Venezuelan head of state Nicolás Maduro by the US military, President Donald Trump has described the South American country as an ally. "We have just received more than 80 million barrels of oil from our new friend and partner, Venezuela," he said in his State of the Union address to Congress in Washington.

Until recently, relations between the USA and Venezuela were extremely tense. At the beginning of January, the US military captured Maduro and his wife in the capital Caracas and took them out of the country. Both are now in New York, where they are to be tried for alleged involvement in the international drug trade.

Trump now wants to use Venezuela's huge oil reserves for the benefit of the USA. This currently includes control over the sale of crude oil. Critics accuse the US government of treating the country, now led by acting president Delcy Rodríguez, like a colony.

3.38 am

Trump: Borders more secure than ever before

According to President Donald Trump, the USA has by far the safest borders in American history thanks to his policies. His migration policy is aimed at people who want to enter the USA illegally, Trump said in his State of the Union address to both chambers of the US Congress in the Capitol in Washington. At the same time, the USA would always maintain opportunities for legal immigration, he said. This is about people who love the USA and work hard to serve the country.

Trump did not initially address the controversial immigration agency ICE. The agency is responsible for enforcing immigration law in the USA. It has been significantly strengthened under Trump. Its sometimes martial forces play a central role in raids against migrants and deportations.

Critics accuse the agency of brutal action and systematic violations of human and civil rights, such as the prolonged detention of foreigners and the sometimes violent suppression of protests. Trump has recently faced a great deal of criticism for the agency's controversial actions - in some cases even from within the ranks of his fellow Republicans.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 3:21 a.m.

Trump: Our nation is bigger, better, richer

US President Donald Trump praised himself at the beginning of his State of the Union address. "Our nation is back - bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before," he told both chambers of Congress in the Capitol in Washington. "This is the golden age of America," he said, referring to the achievements of his administration.

Trump's second term as the 47th President of the United States began just over a year ago. Recently, the 79-year-old has come under increasing domestic political pressure - both because of his aggressive customs policy and his deportation policy with brutal raids.

The important mid-term elections for Congress are also coming up in November. Trump's Republicans could lose their wafer-thin majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

4.32 am

British ex-ambassador Mandelson released on bail

The former British ambassador to the USA, Peter Mandelson, who was arrested in connection with the Epstein scandal, has been released on bail. House searches had been carried out at two addresses and investigations were continuing, the police in London said early this morning. Investigators had arrested the former Business Secretary on Monday.

As usual, Mandelson was not named in the new police press release, but only described as a 72-year-old former minister accused of misconduct in a public office. No further information on the case will be released until further notice, it added.

Mandelson had become the focus of the investigation because of his close relationship with the now deceased US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The case triggered a government crisis in London, during the course of which Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office seemed to hang by a thread at times.

The background to this was the latest publications from the Epstein files of the US Department of Justice. These seem to show that Mandelson was not only more closely linked to the multimillionaire Epstein than previously known, but may also have leaked sensitive government information to him during the global financial and economic crisis. Mandelson was Business Secretary under the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown during the crisis from 2008 to 2010. According to the files, Mandelson is said to have passed on the decision for a 500 billion euro rescue package in the euro crisis to Epstein one day before it was announced.

4.15 am

US ambassador loses access to French government

The US ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, will no longer have direct access to members of the French government because he did not appear at the Foreign Ministry in Paris despite being summoned. According to diplomatic circles, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for the measure "in view of this obvious lack of understanding of the basic expectations of an ambassador". Kushner was due to visit the ministry on Monday evening due to comments made by the US government regarding the alleged murder of a right-wing activist from France.

"He has not appeared," was the statement from diplomatic circles. Kushner can therefore still come to the Foreign Ministry for talks "to clear up the irritations that can inevitably arise in a 250-year-old friendship". According to a diplomatic source, the US ambassador was represented at the meeting on Monday evening by an embassy representative due to personal commitments.

Prior to this, the US embassy in France had distributed a message from the US State Department's counter-terrorism office on X, in which a homicide in Lyon was seen as evidence of a worrying threat from left-wing extremist violence. In mid-February, a 23-year-old activist was attacked and fatally injured on the fringes of a right-wing rally. The French authorities are currently investigating whether and to what extent left-wing extremist groups were involved.

Paris Foreign Minister Barrot rejected the US government's comments and replied that no instruction was needed. Following the summoning of the ambassador, the restriction of his access to the government is a further clear diplomatic signal of dissatisfaction. However, it is not a formal sanction under international law; Kushner remains an official ambassador.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 4 a.m.

Fedex sues for reimbursement of US customs duties

The US logistics company Fedex has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration for a refund of customs duties already paid. The case concerns import duties that the Supreme Court recently ruled to be unlawful. The lawsuit filed with the Court of International Trade in New York demands the "full repayment" of all duties paid, which were based on the emergency law known as IEEPA. It is directed against the Customs and Border Protection agency CBP, which reports to the US Department of Homeland Security.

Fedex filed the lawsuit in response to last Friday's decision by the US Supreme Court. The logistics company argues that it has suffered damages because it paid customs duties on imported goods, the legal basis of which has now been found to be unlawful.

Since the beginning of his second term in office, Trump had bypassed Congress and imposed tariffs on dozens of trading partners by invoking the 1977 Emergency Powers Act. The Supreme Court declared these tariffs unlawful. The law does not allow the US president to impose tariffs on his own, the judges ruled. They did not decide whether the government had to repay customs revenue to importers. This must now be clarified by other courts.

6.35 pm

Epstein scandal: British ex-ambassador arrested

In connection with the Epstein scandal, the former British US ambassador Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in office. This was reported by the British news agency PA, citing Scotland Yard. Mandelson had become the focus of investigations due to his close relationship with the now deceased US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

3.51pm

Victorinox demands millions back from Trump

Several companies are demanding refunds from the US government for import duties that were deemed illegal. According to estimates by the University of Pennsylvania, this involves around 175 billion dollars.

Swiss companies are also examining claims. The sack knife manufacturer Victorinox estimates its potential clawback volume at around 3.8 million dollars. CEO Carl Elsener told AWP that the company is currently examining the specific procedure - but above all demands long-term planning security.

3.49 pm

Trump tariffs partially null and void - is the wave of refunds coming?

The US Supreme Court has declared large parts of the import tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump null and void. For Swiss SMEs, this opens up the opportunity for refunds - but the path to this is anything but clear.

Expert explainsTrump tariffs partially null and void - is a wave of refunds coming?

12.09 pm

These Swiss companies are now suing the Trump administration

The first Swiss companies want to reclaim overpaid US tariffs. For example, the Swatch watch group. However, many questions are still unanswered.

After the tariff slapdownThese Swiss companies are now suing the Trump administration

12.02 p.m.

EU suspends trade agreement with the USA

According to a media report, the European Union wants to suspend the ratification of its trade agreement with the USA. Brussels first demands clarity on the new tariff program from Washington.

Dispute escalatesEU suspends trade agreement with the USA

Monday, February 23, 2026 - 4.30 am

Punitive tariffs: Swiss companies demand money back

According to CH Media, Swiss ski manufacturer Stöckli has sued the US government over the punitive tariffs. Stöckli filed the lawsuit last Wednesday, before the Supreme Court declared many tariffs unlawful on Friday, the media outlet wrote. The ski manufacturer is therefore in the running for the approximately 175 billion dollars in customs revenue that the US government must refund.

According to CH Media, lawsuits from Swiss companies Logitech, Jungbunzlauer, Sowind Group and CL International can also be found in the database of the US federal court specializing in trade issues. However, the list is incomplete. It is also still unclear how the proceedings will proceed. The amounts involved are not clear from the complaints, CH Media wrote

7.12 p.m.

Video call from Trump: US ice hockey cracks Olympic champions

After the emotional remembrance of the deceased teammate Johnny Gaudreau of the US ice hockey team, President Donald Trump called the cabin of the Olympic champions. "I don't know if it was via Facetime or what, but the players spoke to him and he expressed his respect and congratulations," reported US coach Mike Sullivan after the third Olympic ice hockey victory after 1960 and 1980 - exactly 46 years to the day after the "Miracle on Ice". "We're all proud Americans, it was a great moment," said US captain Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs on the Trump call.

Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW! President DONALD J. TRUMP

(TS: 22 Feb 11:16 ET)​​​‍​​‌‍​​‌‍​​​​​​​‌‍​​‌‍​​‌‍​​​​​​‌‍​​‌‍​​​​​​​​‌‍​​​​​​‌‍​​​‌‍​‌‍​​​​‌‍​​​​‌‍​​​​​​​​‌‍​​​​​​​​​‌‍​​​​​​‌‍​​​​​‌‍

— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) February 22, 2026

3:16 p.m.

Armed assailant killed at Trump's Florida residence

An armed man has entered a secure area around US President Donald Trump's private residence in Florida and been shot dead. The Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting the president, announced on Sunday that Trump was not at Mar-a-Lago at the time of the incident, but at the White House in Washington with First Lady Melania Trump.

Armed with a shotgunWhat is known about the intruder at Trump's private residence

The name of the man killed was not disclosed. The Secret Service said he was observed at the north gate of the Palm Beach estate with a suspected shotgun and a can of gasoline. Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy shot and killed him. The incident reportedly occurred at 1.30 a.m. on Sunday night (local time).

The suspect, a man in his early 20s from the state of North Carolina, was reported missing by his family a few days ago. Investigators believed he had driven south and picked up a rifle along the way, Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said. The man drove through the north gate of Mar-a-Lago just as another vehicle was pulling out, according to the spokesman.

Sheriff Rick Bradshaw said at a brief news conference that the man was confronted by two Secret Service agents and a sheriff's deputy. He was told to drop the rifle and canister, he said. "He then put the gas can down and brought the rifle into firing position," Bradshaw said. The two agents and the sheriff's deputy fired shots to neutralize the threat, he said.

WATCH LIVE: Authorities provide update after armed man shot and killed at Mar-a-Lago https://t.co/MDwKLeLvfj

— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 22, 2026

3:07 p.m.

Greenlandic politician criticizes Trump announcement

Greenlandic politician Aaja Chemnitz has reacted with dismay to US President Donald Trump's announcement to send a hospital ship to Greenland. The member of the Danish parliament wrote on the Facebook platform that Trump wanted to send a poorly maintained hospital ship to Greenland. "This seems rather desperate and does not contribute to the much-needed permanent and sustainable strengthening of our health system." Followed by a smiling smiley face, she added: "Another piece of absurd news."

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also defended her country's healthcare system. "I am happy to live in a country where everyone has free and equal access to healthcare," she wrote on Facebook on Sunday. "Where insurance and wealth don't decide whether you get proper treatment." The same approach is being taken in Greenland, she added, wishing everyone a happy Sunday - accompanied by an emoji of a blushing smile.

Trump had announced plans to send a hospital ship to Greenland on Saturday evening. He claimed that many people there were ill and not receiving medical care. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told the public broadcaster DR that the Danish authorities had not been informed that the US ship was on its way.

Sunday, February 22 2:35 p.m.

States and companies demand money back from Trump's tariffs

Following the Supreme Court's decision, several companies and states are certain that they are entitled to compensation for the consequences of Trump's tariffs.

In the case of the companies, these are direct costs that they have incurred as a result of the tariffs. This is because importers are actually paying Trump's tariffs on the goods they import into the USA. In some cases, they pass these on to their customers, making them more expensive and therefore less attractive.

Several companies have already announced that they are reclaiming the wrongly paid tariffs, including supermarket chain Costco, hair care manufacturer Revlon, canned food producer Bumble Bee Foods and, last but not least, the company that first sued Trump's tariffs: Learning Resources, manufacturer of educational toys for schools. According to a list compiled by Reuters, BYD, Goodyear, Yokohama Tire, camera manufacturer GoPro and the fruit company Dole are among the more than 1,000 companies that have gone to court over the issue.

Two states have also announced that they are demanding money from the federal government, as reported by US public radio station NPR. JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois, is demanding a repayment of 1700 dollars for each of the 5.1 million households in his state. That's how much they would have paid for the consequences of Trump's tariffs 1700 dollars.

Nevada's treasurer has already sent a bill for 2.1 billion dollars to the federal government, according to NPR.

Saturday, February 21, 2026, 6:19 p.m.

Trump wants to increase global tariffs to 15 percent

US President Donald Trump wants to increase the global 10 percent tariff on imports into the USA to 15 percent. The Republican announced this late Saturday afternoon Swiss time on the Truth Social platform. The announcement comes just one day after Trump's devastating defeat before the US Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court had prohibited him from imposing tariffs on the import of goods from many countries, citing an emergency law. Trump then announced that he would use other means to continue enforcing his tariffs.

According to the White House, Trump is relying on a trade law dating back to 1974 for the additional global tariff, which allows tariffs to be imposed on imports for up to 150 days. For a longer period, however, Trump would need the approval of the US Congress. Experts also doubt whether the conditions for using this legal basis for temporary tariffs are even met.

23.56

US government could refund up to 175 billion dollars, according to estimates

According to the Penn Wharton Budget Model from the University of Pennsylvania, the US government could now owe importers up to 175 billion US dollars (almost 136 billion Swiss francs) in refunds. "Unless an alternative source of revenue is found, future tariff revenues will fall by half," it said.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had already said on NBC News at the beginning of September that the government would comply with a Supreme Court order and reimburse importers for customs revenue.

When asked at his media conference what should now happen to the money wrongly collected, Trump replied that the ruling did not say whether the government would have to refund the duties or not. "I guess that will be fought out in court for the next two years."

23:43

"Countries are dancing in the streets"

Donald Trump has once again harshly criticized the Supreme Court's ruling, insulting in particular the majority of judges who overturned his tariffs. "I am ashamed of the judges who did not have the courage to do the right thing for our country," the US President wrote in a long post on his online network Truth Social.

"Foreign countries that have taken advantage of us for years are thrilled and dancing in the streets - but they won't be dancing for long," Trump continued. He also repeated his unsubstantiated claim that "foreign interests" had influenced the court.

10:40 p.m.

Republican Senate Majority Leader calls on Trump to cooperate

John Thune, Republican Senate Majority Leader and thus a party colleague of Trump's, called on the White House to cooperate after the Supreme Court ruling. "Tariffs can be an important and effective tool to combat unfair trade practices and level the playing field with foreign competitors," the senator from South Dakota wrote on social media. "Senate Republicans will continue to work with the Administration and our colleagues in the House of Representatives to achieve our shared goal of strengthening rural America, including South Dakota's farms and ranches, and the entire U.S. economy."

Tariffs can be an important and effective tool to address unfair trade practices and help level the playing field with foreign competitors. Senate Republicans will continue working with the administration and our colleagues in the House to advance our shared goal to strengthen…

— Leader John Thune (@LeaderJohnThune) February 20, 2026

Following the Supreme Court's tariff ruling, US President Donald Trump had previously shown little enthusiasm for the idea of involving Congress in future measures. "I don't have to," he replied when asked why he was not working with Congress on customs policy. "I have the right to impose tariffs, and I've always had that right."

10:17 p.m.

Treasury Secretary expects tariff revenues to remain "unchanged" despite ruling

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent does not expect any significant impact on customs revenue despite a Supreme Court ruling against tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. These would remain virtually unchanged in 2026, he said. The Supreme Court had not ruled against Trump's tariffs, but rather six judges had taken the view that powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) should not be used "to generate even one dollar of revenue".

Trump had used this law to justify a large number of tariffs against a number of the USA's trading partners, but had decided on other tariffs on a different basis. In a prepared speech at the Economic Club of Dallas, Bessent reiterated that Trump's administration would "use alternative legal bases" to "replace the IEEPA tariffs".

10 p.m.

Vance: "Ruling is lawlessness of the court"

After US President Donald Trump launched fierce attacks on the Supreme Court judges at the media conference, his Vice President JD Vance follows up. The Supreme Court's ruling is "lawlessness of the court", claimed the US Vice President in a post on X.

"Today, the Supreme Court ruled that even though Congress gave the President the power to 'regulate imports', it didn't really mean it," Vance wrote. This is "lawlessness by the court," Vance wrote. This would make it harder for the president to protect American businesses and supply chains.

Today, the Supreme Court decided that Congress, despite giving the president the ability to "regulate imports", didn't actually mean it. This is lawlessness from the Court, plain and simple. And its only effect will be to make it harder for the president to protect American…

— JD Vance (@JDVance) February 20, 2026

9:34 p.m.

US industry associations: Steel tariffs remain unaffected by customs ruling

According to industry associations, the Supreme Court's ruling on US President Donald Trump's tariff policy has no consequences for tariffs on steel imports from abroad. These tariffs were imposed under a law that gives the President far-reaching powers to counter threats to US national security, said Kevin Dempsey, President and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

The president of the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA), Philip Bell, said the Supreme Court's decision does not overturn the steel tariffs that "have revitalized the American steel industry, strengthened our national security and fostered the creation of quality American jobs".

21.27

USA has paid part of its debt to the UN

The USA has paid part of its outstanding contributions to the United Nations. The UN has received 160 million US dollars, according to the spokesman for Secretary-General António Guterres, Stéphane Dujarric. This is intended to make up for arrears from 2025. However, the USA will have to pay billions in arrears.

The USA is the largest contributor to the regular UN budget. However, under President Trump, the country has withdrawn from numerous UN organizations and has also withdrawn from agreements under the auspices of the United Nations.

Cuts and late payments by the USA, among others, have plunged the world organization into a deep crisis - Guterres even warned in January of an "immediate financial collapse". If no solution is found, the money for the regular budget could run out in July, according to a letter from the UN chief to the 193 member states.

It is unclear whether the US payment indicates a change of course by Trump. If further payments are received, the spokesperson said that he would be informed. Critics fear that Trump is aiming to set up the Peace Council, which he created, as a rival organization to the UN. At the first meeting of the body on Thursday, the US President implied that the Peace Council should watch over the United Nations. He did not give any precise details. Apart from the USA, none of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council have so far officially endorsed Trump's new organization.

8.18 pm

Small businesses hope for refunds after customs ruling

Following the Supreme Court's ruling against the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, small businesses in the US are hoping to be quickly compensated for their expenses. The "We Pay the Tariffs" alliance, which has been joined by more than 800 small businesses who feel that the increase in their import costs is damaging their business, has declared that a process for reimbursing the tariffs paid is necessary.

"A legal victory is worthless without real relief for the businesses that have paid these tariffs," the group's executive director, Dan Anthony, said on Friday. "The only responsible course of action for the government now would be to put in place a fast, efficient and automatic refund process that refunds duty money to the companies that paid it."

18:53

US politicians express relief after Trump's tariff defeat

Following US President Donald Trump's tariff defeat before the US Supreme Court, several politicians in the country have reacted with relief to the decision. The minority leader of the Democrats in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, described Trump's defeat as a "victory for the wallets of every American consumer". He called for an end to the trade war.

Mike Pence, who was Vice President during Trump's first term, called the decision a "victory for the American people and a victory for the separation of powers enshrined in the United States Constitution." Families and businesses can now breathe a sigh of relief, the Republican wrote on X.

Today’s 6-3 ruling by the Supreme Court is a Victory for the American People and a Win for the Separation of Powers enshrined in the Constitution of the United States.

In Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, our Supreme Court has reaffirmed that the Constitution grants Congress -…

— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) February 20, 2026

Democrat Ro Khanna emphasized that no president is above the Constitution. "These tariffs were not about safety - they were a tax on families and small businesses to fund a reckless trade war," the congressman accused Trump.

18:14

EU sees the ball in the US government's court

Following the court ruling against the aggressive US tariff policy, the European Commission wants to continue to push for low tariffs. It is in close contact with the US government to find out how it now wants to react, a Commission spokesperson said. "Businesses on both sides of the Atlantic depend on stability and predictability in trade relations. We therefore continue to advocate for low tariffs and work towards their reduction."

With the Supreme Court's ruling, Trump's far-reaching tariffs lack a legal basis. However, Trump's team had already announced that, in the event of a defeat before the court, it would attempt to fall back on other legal bases in order to continue to enforce the US president's tariff policy.

The European Union and the USA agreed on a customs agreement in the summer. The European Parliament is currently working on the implementation of the agreement. "Since a large part of the so-called reciprocal tariffs are based on the legal basis that has now been objected to, neither the US government nor the European Union can simply go back to business as usual," said Bernd Lange, Chairman of the Parliament's Trade Committee. He called a special meeting of the EU Parliament's negotiating team and legal service for Monday.

The agreement provides for the duty-free import of US industrial goods. In return, the USA had committed to limiting tariffs on most EU imports to a maximum of 15 percent. As a result, tariffs on cars, for example, were reduced.

16:55

This is how the Supreme Court justifies the ruling against Trump

The Supreme Court has overturned one of US President Donald Trump's key economic measures. In a landmark ruling, the judges explain why far-reaching tariffs based on an emergency law are not legally permissible.

Arguments analyzedThis is how the Supreme Court justifies the tariff ruling against Trump

4.33 pm

What the historic tariff defeat means for Trump

The Supreme Court has put a stop to one of US President Donald Trump's key economic measures: far-reaching tariffs based on emergency legislation are illegal. What this means.

What you need to know nowWhat the historic tariff defeat means for Trump

4.06 pm

Trump tariffs are illegal

The US Supreme Court has overturned key tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The ruling hits one of his most important economic policy measures - and puts the limits of emergency legislation up for debate again.

Setback for the US presidentTrump tariffs are illegal

8.50 am

Mexico delivers aid to Cuba

Families in Cuba have received relief supplies made in Mexico. Two Mexican warships loaded with around 800 tons of humanitarian aid docked on the Caribbean island last week. A further 1500 tons of milk powder and beans are to be loaded in the coming days. Guillermo Beltrán received two heavy bags on Thursday, each containing a basic foodstuff such as rice, beans, amaranth or crackers. There was also a bottle of oil, large cans of sardines and canned peaches. Each label was marked "Made in Mexico".

The Cuban government stated that the aid was intended to support families who have underweight children or elderly family members in Havana and the provinces of Mayabeque and Artemisa. Earlier this week, state television showed footage of the deliveries to "bodegas" - state-run stores that distribute basic supplies to citizens through a national rationing system.

The economic crisis that has gripped Cuba since 2020 has been exacerbated by US sanctions aimed at forcing a political change of course in the country. Most recently, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries that sell oil to the island. Venezuela, one of Cuba's most important oil suppliers, suspended crude oil deliveries to the island in January after the US arrested then President Nicolás Maduro during a military operation.

Mexico also stopped its oil deliveries to Cuba in January.

4 o'clock

White House lashes out at Bruce Springsteen

After Bruce Springsteen's harsh criticism of US President Donald Trump's administration, the rock legend now receives a counterattack from the White House. "He is suffering from a severe form of Trump delusion that has rotted his brain," commented Trump's communications director Steven Cheung in the musician's direction.

Springsteen had recently written a protest song in response to the fatal shooting of two US citizens as part of the controversial deportation raids in Minneapolis and also sang it at his performance in the city at the end of January. He recently referred to Trump and his administration as the "would-be king and his rogue government".

The operations and raids are part of the rigorous deportation policy of the US immigration authorities at the behest of Trump's administration. The deaths of the two US citizens Alex Pretti and Renée Good triggered a huge wave of outrage across the country. For weeks, people in Minneapolis protested against the raids on migrants and the brutal crackdown on demonstrations.

The attack from the White House follows a tour announcement by Springsteen, which is due to kick off in Minneapolis. The spokesman also alludes to song titles by the musician. For example, Springsteen's "Glory Days" are over - alluding to the musician's song from the 80s.

Against the "rogue government in Washington"Bruce Springsteen announces US tour - with a broadside against Trump

Friday, February 20, 2026, 3:32 a.m.

Trump wants to release files on extraterrestrials and UFOs

Extraterrestrials, UFOs and other unknown phenomena: US President Donald Trump wants to release government files on these and other "highly complex but extremely interesting and important topics". Due to the "tremendous interest", he has instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other ministries and authorities to identify and later release the relevant material, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Initially, the scope of the planned publication and when the information would actually be made available to the public were unclear. Most recently, there had been pressure on Trump to publish all files on the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Critics accuse the government of redacting too many passages and withholding some information.

In a podcast a few days ago, former President Barack Obama jokingly responded to a corresponding question by saying that extraterrestrials are "real". However, the Democrat said that he had not yet seen any himself. The Republican Trump then accused him on Thursday of "leaking" secret information and thus making a "big mistake". Trump did not say what kind of allegedly secret information was involved.

A few days after his apparently joking statement, Obama clarified in an Instagram post: "Statistically speaking, the universe is so vast that it's likely that there's extraterrestrial life out there." However, given the distances between different solar systems, it is unlikely that Earth has been visited by aliens. During his presidency, he himself had "no evidence whatsoever that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really!"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Barack Obama (@barackobama)

11.40 pm

Trump: As president, he has the right to impose tariffs

"Tariffs" are one of Trump's favorite words. Shortly before a possible decision by the US Supreme Court on the legality of far-reaching tariffs, US President Donald Trump has once again justified them. "The wording is clear: as president, I have the right to impose tariffs on national security grounds against countries that have exploited us for years," he said at an event in Rome, Georgia.

Trump used the podium to point out alleged trade imbalances and warn of dangers to the domestic economy if he is not allowed to impose tariffs. Since the start of his second term in office, Trump has imposed tariffs on numerous countries. Meanwhile, experts assume that prices will rise for consumers, as companies will pass on at least some of the tariffs to consumers.

Trump was visibly annoyed that he has had to wait "many, many months" for a decision from the Supreme Court. Tomorrow, Friday, the court could make a final ruling on whether or not the president can invoke emergency legislation to impose tariffs on dozens of trading partners.

The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) from 1977 states that a president can issue decrees in the event of a crisis without having to appeal to Congress. Trump argued that a permanent imbalance in international trade would jeopardize "national security" and therefore considered the state of emergency in the country to be fulfilled. Several US companies and states took this practice to court. Lower courts ruled in their favor, but Trump appealed, so the tariffs initially remained in place and the case ultimately ended up before the Supreme Court.

20:01

Trump wants to renovate UN headquarters: "I like to see beautiful buildings"

US President Donald Trump has expressed his dissatisfaction with the appearance of the United Nations headquarters in New York. His administration wants to "fix up" the building, he said towards the end of the first meeting of the Peace Council he set up in Washington on Thursday. "I like to see beautiful buildings. I like to see buildings that are structurally sound and don't look like they're in disrepair," said the 79-year-old. "We don't like that."

At the same time, he hinted at wanting to influence the United Nations beyond beautification work - and at the same time sent a signal of appeasement to heads of state and government as well as diplomats who fear that he wants to compete with the League of Nations with his Peace Council. Trump explained that his country wanted to work with the UN and "make it healthy".

The USA is the largest donor to the United Nations.

7.16 p.m.

US trade deficit only slightly lower in 2025 despite Trump tariffs

US President Donald Trump's tariff policy only had a moderate impact on the trade deficit of the world's largest economy last year. Despite the double-digit tariffs Trump imposed on most trading partners, the difference between the value of goods and services the US exported abroad and those it imported only narrowed from 904 billion dollars to around 901 billion dollars, the Department of Commerce announced on Thursday. Exports increased by six percent and imports by almost five percent.

There was an increase in the trade deficit between January and March 2025, when US companies tried to bring forward imports to pre-empt the tariffs imposed by Trump. The gap then narrowed again in most of the remaining months of the year.

Trump's tariffs are to be understood as a tax that US importers pay on products from abroad and then often pass on to their end customers in the form of higher prices. However, they do not have as strong an impact on inflation as economists had initially assumed. Trump claims that the tariffs protect US industries, bring production back into the country and increase the revenue of the Treasury Department.

5.07 pm

Commission approves Trump's White House ballroom

A commission appointed by Donald Trump has approved the US President's plans to build a ballroom in the White House. The committee, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, voted unanimously in favor of the project on Thursday.

Trump had the East Wing of the White House demolished in October without any prior independent reviews of his building plans, congressional approval or public hearings, which are common for even relatively minor changes to historic buildings in Washington.

A historic preservation organization has filed a lawsuit in federal court to stop construction of the ballroom. A court decision in the case is still pending.

Thursday, February 19, 2026, 4 a.m.

No more "baby blue": Air Force One to get a new coat of paint

US President Donald Trump's presidential plane is to be repainted. The Air Force announced on Thursday that a "red, white, gold and dark blue color scheme" will be used for the updated aircraft that will serve as Air Force One in the future, as well as for other, smaller jets that routinely carry other high-ranking government officials. The military released a visualization of the new look. It corresponds to a model aircraft that has already been seen in the Oval Office during meetings with foreign heads of state.

Back in 2018, Trump had already decreed that the new jets would abandon the iconic blue and white design from the Kennedy era and instead adopt a white and dark blue color scheme. The upper half of the aircraft would be white, while the lower half, including the belly, would be dark blue. A dark red stripe would have run from the cockpit to the tail. The livery would have been almost identical to the exterior color of Trump's private jet.

A review by the Air Force had revealed that the darker colors would increase costs and delay delivery of the new jumbo jets. President Joe Biden overturned the decision in March 2023, with Trump saying in January: "We want power blue, not baby blue," in reference to the aircraft's current light blue color. "Everything has its time and place. We're going to change the colors," Trump said.

11:41 p.m.

Epstein affair: Democrats doubt statements by billionaire Leslie Wexner

Democrats in the US Congress have expressed doubts about statements made by billionaire Leslie Wexner that he had no relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. "I don't believe Mr. Wexner when he says he had no personal or friendly relationship with Jeffrey Epstein," said Robert Garcia, the leading representative of the oversight committee.

Instead, he said, we should listen to the victims who reported a direct connection between Epstein and Wexner. Garcia spoke of more than one billion dollars that the entrepreneur is said to have either transferred or given to Epstein. According to Garcia, however, Wexner claims to have known nothing about a large part of the money.

A group of Democrats had traveled to New Albany in the US state of Ohio to speak with the former businessman under oath. Garcia expressed surprise that Wexner would not have been friends with Epstein, even though he would have admitted to being on both of the sex offender's islands at the same time.

9.30 p.m.

Trump: Diego Garcia island important for defense

In view of a possible escalation between the United States and Iran, US President Donald Trump is insisting that Great Britain does not return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as planned. In the event that the current negotiations over the Iranian nuclear program, among other things, fail, the USA could be dependent on the island of Diego Garcia to fend off a possible attack from Tehran, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform.

Diego Garcia is one of the Chagos Islands. It is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, far away from Sri Lanka and Mauritius. According to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the military base is one of the country's most important contributions to the security partnership with the USA. Both Diego Garcia and Fairford are already used by US forces.

12.04 pm

Trump sees himself exonerated in the Epstein case - a new FBI document tells a different story

The Attorney General says Donald Trump is innocent with regard to the Epstein scandal. The President himself considers himself "totally exonerated" by the files. But FBI documents speak a different language: two minors accuse the New Yorker of abuse.

"Pressed head on penis"Trump sees himself exonerated in the Epstein case - a new FBI document tells a different story

4.30 a.m.

How Trump shoots Canada in the bow - and how Captain Carney counters him

Donald Trump continues to put pressure on Canada. Sometimes he wants to slow down the construction of a bridge - for base reasons, as it turns out later - and sometimes he consults with separatists in a Canadian province. Prime Minister Mark Carney remains level-headed and forges new alliances.

Bridges, separatists, alliancesHow Trump is shooting Canada in the foot - and how Captain Carney is countering him

5.45 a.m.

Bruce Springsteen announces US tour - with a broadside against Trump

Rock star Bruce Springsteen will soon be delivering his trenchant social criticism of the USA under President Donald Trump from an elevated position again. On Tuesday, the 76-year-old announced the start of the US tour "Land of Hope and Dreams" with his E Street Band on March 31 - with a broadside against Trump.

Against the "rogue government in Washington"Bruce Springsteen announces US tour - with a broadside against Trump

3.52 pm

Vance avoids questions about possible presidential candidacy

US Vice President JD Vance has once again avoided questions about a possible future presidential candidacy. In an interview on Tuesday, Vance was asked several times about the 2028 presidential election, including whether he wanted to run for president himself and whether he expected Trump's support. Vance ignored the questions and laughed out loud several times. "Why shouldn't I focus on my job as best I can now? We'll worry about the next job sometime in the future," Vance said.

He explained that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is considered Vance's biggest potential Republican rival for 2028, is his "closest friend in government" and praised the work he is doing. "The media wants to create this conflict when there is no conflict," said Vance.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 3:27 a.m.

Mexico only wants to be an observer in Trump's "peace council"

Mexico only wants to participate as an observer and at ambassador level in the "Peace Council" set up by US President Donald Trump. As President Claudia Sheinbaum said, her participation is excluded. The Mexican UN ambassador is to represent the Latin American country. The committee is due to meet for the first time this Thursday in Washington.

According to Trump's plan, the "Peace Council" is to set up an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to ensure order in the Gaza Strip. Trump also wants to present a billion-euro package of humanitarian and reconstruction aid for the Gaza Strip.

Mexico recognizes the pursuit of peace in every area, said Sheinbaum. However, when it comes to peace in the Middle East, it is important that the Palestinians are just as involved as Israel: "And that is not what the meeting is about".

Many states see the "Peace Council" as a competitor to the United Nations. Switzerland and Germany are not taking part. Countries such as Italy and Romania would also like to participate with observer status, as would Mexico - although Romania's President Nicusor Dan will be present in person.

23.55 hrs

US Vice President Vance: Europe is "sabotaging" itself

In the debate on the estrangement between the United States and Europe, US Vice President JD Vance has emphasized that, in his view, the countries on the other side of the Atlantic are doing themselves a great deal of harm. "It's not that we don't respect our allies. It is rather that they are sabotaging themselves in many ways," he said in an interview on the US channel "Fox News". Vance emphasized that the US government would like to see a successful Europe with a strong economic performance.

With regard to problems between the two sides of the Atlantic, Vance said that it was not because the USA did not "like" Europe. However, it had taken pressure from Donald Trump's administration for the NATO allies to increase their defense spending and invest in border protection to stem the influx of migrants. "So we have made great progress, but frankly we would like to see much more from our European allies," Vance continued.

10:04 p.m.

Man runs toward Capitol with gun - police arrest him

Police have arrested a man who ran towards the US Congress with a firearm. The 18-year-old parked a car near Congress on Tuesday and then ran several hundred meters towards the building, said the head of the Capitol Police Service, Michael Sullivan.

Police officers then intervened and ordered the man to put down his gun, he said. The man, who was not from the area, obeyed and was taken into custody. The man from the US state of Georgia was arrested for carrying a gun without a license and possession of an unregistered firearm and unregistered ammunition, it was later reported.

The weapon was reportedly loaded - the man's motive was initially unclear. The two chambers of the US Congress - the Senate and the House of Representatives - are currently not in session.

8.04 pm

Judge prohibits detention for US immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia

The US immigration authority ICE is not allowed to detain the Salvadoran Kilmar Ábrego García again. The 90-day detention period has expired and the government has no viable plan for his deportation, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday. The case of the Salvadoran citizen has become a flashpoint in the immigration debate since he was illegally deported to his home country last year.

Since his return, he has been resisting another deportation. The US Department of Justice had suggested a number of African countries as possible deportation destinations. There is no realistic prospect of success for such a deportation, wrote US District Judge Paula Xinis in her order on Tuesday. At the same time, the government is deliberately and for no apparent reason ignoring the only country that has offered to accept Ábrego García and to which he wants to go - Costa Rica.

18:43

USA attacks three alleged drug boats - eleven dead

The US military has attacked three boats carrying suspected drug smugglers in the Eastern Pacific and the Caribbean within a short period of time. Eleven people were killed, according to the responsible regional command (Southcom) on Platform X.

Late on Feb. 16, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted three lethal kinetic strikes on three vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known… pic.twitter.com/mib9XtptSB

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) February 17, 2026

The boats were traveling on known drug smuggling routes. Such an accumulation of attacks in a short space of time is unusual. Until now, there has usually been some time between attacks.

6.22 p.m.

Reports: Trump considers short Olympic visit to Milan

According to media reports, US President Donald Trump is considering a short visit to Italy for the Winter Olympics. As reported by the Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera", among others, the authorities are already preparing for a possible visit by Trump to Milan.

The men's ice hockey final will take place there on Sunday, which Trump reportedly wants to watch on site if the US team makes it to the final.

There is no official confirmation that the US President may be traveling to the Winter Olympics in northern Italy. When asked about the media reports, International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesperson Mark Adams said that the IOC does not comment on trips by heads of state. He referred this question to the White House.

The "Corriere della Sera" also reported that Trump could also attend the closing ceremony in Verona on Sunday evening after the ice hockey final in the afternoon (2.10 pm). Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the big opening show at the beginning of February on the US side. Vance's visit to some of the Games' competitions had already caused a large police presence and much chaos in the surrounding areas.

6:20 a.m.

LA mayor calls for resignation of Olympic boss Wasserman

The mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, called on Monday for Casey Wasserman to resign as chairman of the 2028 Olympic Games in the southern Californian city. Wasserman's name recently surfaced in the Epstein files. "I can't fire him," the mayor told CNN, pointing out that only the board of directors overseeing the Los Angeles Olympics can replace him. "I have an opinion on that. In my opinion, he should resign," Bass said.

Bass's criticism is at odds with the stance of the Olympic organizers, who last week expressed their confidence in Wasserman to remain as chairman.

The mayor's comments came three days after the 51-year-old announced he was selling his influential Los Angeles talent agency because his "limited contacts" with Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein two decades ago had become a "distraction".

In recent days, several artists and athletes have parted ways with Wasserman - singers Chappell Roan and Orville Peck, former soccer player Abby Wambach, among others. Wasserman then wrote in an e-mail to his approximately 4,000 employees that he would be selling his agency. He said he deeply regretted his "past personal mistakes", but reiterated that his email correspondence with Maxwell dated back "over two decades", "well before her terrible deeds came to light".

Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 4:40 a.m.

"Disaster area": Trump upset about sewage leak

A huge sewage problem in the region around the US capital Washington, in which dirty water leaked unhindered into the Potomac River, has incurred the displeasure of the US President. Republican Donald Trump took a swipe at the Democrats in power in the region. He wrote on the Truth Social platform that he could not allow their incompetence to "turn the river in the heart of Washington into a disaster zone".

According to his own statements, Trump instructed federal authorities to intervene. He left open what exactly is planned. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is to play an important role. According to the city of Washington, there is already cooperation between local, regional and national authorities.

The Potomac River flows through the middle of the US capital. According to the local water supplier, there was a break in the sewage pipe in the Washington area in the state of Maryland on January 19. This allowed sewage to flow unhindered into the river. A bypass line was then put into operation on January 24.

Drinking water is not affected by the incident. At the same time, the population was called upon to avoid contact with the river water due to possible viruses and bacteria. Anglers were also warned. Owners should also keep their pets away from the water.

6.44 p.m.

Minnesota: FBI blocks evidence on shooting of US citizen

Following the fatal shooting of US citizen Alex Pretti, investigators in Minnesota are accusing the federal police of failing to cooperate. The state's law enforcement agency (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension) announced that the FBI did not share any evidence or information gathered. The approach is worrying and unprecedented. A request to the US Department of Justice initially remained unanswered.

Federal officers shot and killed Pretti in Minneapolis in January. Along with thousands of other federal officers, they had been sent by US President Donald Trump's administration to the city and the state of Minnesota in the north of the USA to carry out raids against migrants. At the beginning of January, a federal officer in Minneapolis shot and killed US citizen Renée Good.

2 p.m.

Hillary Clinton's warning to Europe

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warns of a "transatlantic alliance of autocracy" that could undermine democracy.

Putin as the driving forceHillary Clinton issues a clear warning to Europe

13:35

Are aliens real? His answer now blows up in Obama's face

Former US President Barack Obama has humorously countered speculation about the existence of extraterrestrials that he himself triggered. The 64-year-old was asked on Brian Tyler Cohen's podcast: "Are aliens real?"

Ex-president in podcastAre aliens real? His answer is now blowing up in Obama's face

10.44 am

Rubio visits Orban in Hungary: energy agreement planned

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Hungary today. During talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and representatives of his government, Rubio wanted to sign an agreement on cooperation in the field of civil nuclear power.

Before Hungary, Rubio had visited Slovakia yesterday. Both EU states are governed by populists who reject support for Ukraine in the Russian war of aggression and maintain good relations with President Donald Trump.

Trump supports Orban's candidacy in the elections on April 12, in which he has a serious challenger in opposition leader Peter Magyar. Orban is currently trailing in most polls. He hopes that a possible visit by Trump to Hungary in the run-up to the elections could increase his chances of re-election.

9.34 am

Government goes after ICE critics on social media

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is demanding that tech companies such as Google, Reddit, Discord and Meta, which includes Facebook and Instagram, hand over information about ICE critics, reports the New York Times.

The authority would submit administrative requests to the companies regarding these individuals, some of which would also be answered. Some of the companies would warn their users that their data would be sent to the DHS in 10 to 14 days, the report continues.

9.13 a.m.

Havana syndrome: US interest in Norwegian experiment

As the "Washington Post" reports, US authorities have investigated an experiment in Norway that is intended to explain Havana syndrome. On behalf of Oslo, a scientist would have tested a microwave device to produce neurological symptoms similar to those suffered by the affected US diplomats in Cuba and other places.

According to the sources, experts from the Pentagon and the White House had traveled to Norway at least twice on the matter. The tests did not prove that Americans had been attacked by a foreign power. They did, however, prove that pulsed energy devices can affect human biology.

8.46 a.m.

Noem wants to monitor elections so that "right people" vote for the "right leaders"

Kristi Noem hinted at a press conference on February 13 that her Department of Homeland Security apparently wants to get involved in the conduct of elections.

"When it comes to Election Day, we've been proactive in making sure the right people go to the polls and vote for the right leaders for this country," the 54-year-old in the US state of Arizona explained.

Kristi Noem: "When it gets to Election Day, we've been proactive to make sure we have the right people voting, electing the right leaders to lead this country."

[image or embed]

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 14. Februar 2026 um 15:51

Noem goes on to say that she has the authority to identify "vulnerabilities" in the electoral system and take "mitigation measures" to ensure that elections are conducted "correctly" at both state and national level.

Noem's words have been met with plenty of criticism on the internet, but fit in with the recent passage of the SAVE America Act, which requires voters to prove they are US citizens when casting their ballot. However, the Senate still has to approve the amendment.

When Kristi Noem claims she’ll make sure “the right people” vote and elect “the right leaders,” that’s not election security, it’s authoritarianism. Free societies collapse when leaders stop competing for voters and start curating them.

— Andrew Weinstein (@andrewjweinstein.com) 15. Februar 2026 um 19:57

Why does the Department of Homeland Security suddenly feel responsible for elections? Even Donald Trump's "border czar" has no answer to this question from CNN's Jake Tapper: "I don't know," says Tom Homan. "That would be a question for the Secretary of State. [...] I haven't talked to [her]. That's something she'll have to answer."

Tom Homan what Noem meant by saying DHS will "make sure we have the right people voting electing the right leaders": "I don't know. That'd be a question for the secretary ... I have not talked to her. That's something she'd have to answer."

[image or embed]

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 15. Februar 2026 um 15:23

7am

Guthrie abduction case: daughter's urgent appeal

Two weeks after the disappearance of her mother, US television presenter Savannah Guthrie has made an urgent appeal to the 84-year-old's suspected kidnapper(s).

"We still have hope," she said in a video message on the Instagram platform. Referring to her mother Nancy Guthrie, she continued: "Whoever has her or knows where she is: it's never too late." With a faltering voice, she added: "It's never too late to do the right thing. (...) We believe in the good in all people. And it's never too late."

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Savannah Guthrie (@savannahguthrie)

Guthrie's fate has caused a nationwide stir in the USA, with even President Donald Trump and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) getting involved in the case. The TV presenter's mother, who has a heart condition and is dependent on medication, was last seen on the evening of January 31. Since then, she has disappeared without a trace.

Investigators in the state of Arizona are assuming an abduction and are looking for a male suspect who was recorded by a video camera at the pensioner's house. The FBI has doubled the reward for clues to Guthrie's disappearance to up to 100,000 US dollars (around 77,000 Swiss francs).

Today, the FBI is increasing its reward up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.

New identifying details about the suspect in the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie have been… pic.twitter.com/GJcx4ra6wX

— FBI Phoenix (@FBIPhoenix) February 12, 2026

There have recently been several police operations in the area around the city of Tucson in Arizona in connection with the criminal case. During a joint operation on Friday evening, the sheriff's office stated that no further information would be released at the request of the FBI.

According to US media reports, investigators found gloves a few kilometers from Guthrie's house that resemble those worn by the suspect captured on a surveillance camera. There are traces of DNA in them, which are now being investigated, the FBI said.

Law enforcement activity is underway at a residence near E Orange Grove Rd & N First Ave related to the Guthrie case. Because this is a joint investigation, at the request of the FBI - no additional information is currently available.

— Pima County Sheriff's Department (@PimaSheriff) February 14, 2026

Nancy Guthrie's children had repeatedly addressed the unknown alleged kidnapper(s) in video messages, also hinting at a possible ransom payment. In the latest video, only Savannah Guthrie, who is known as the presenter of the successful "Today" program on US breakfast television, spoke.

Monday, February 16, 2026, 4 a.m.

Trump: "Peace Council" provides billions for Gaza aid

US President Donald Trump wants to present a billion-dollar package of humanitarian and reconstruction aid for the Gaza Strip next week through his initiated "Peace Council". Member states have pledged more than five billion dollars (4.2 billion euros), the Republican wrote on the Truth Social platform. In addition, thousands of troops will be deployed to support the local police and ensure stabilization in the region. The "Peace Council", which is perceived by critics as a rival to the United Nations, which Trump has criticized, will meet in Washington on Thursday (19 February).

The US President will chair the meeting. The Board of Peace was founded in January. Switzerland is not represented.

During his recent visit to Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed a document on his country's accession to the "Peace Council". However, according to media reports, he will not be present at the first meeting himself, but will be represented by Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Trump had set up the "Peace Council" to oversee the reconstruction and post-war order in the Gaza Strip. An executive committee implements the Council's strategic guidelines. In addition, a body called the "Gaza Executive Board" directly supports the Palestinian Interim Administration (NCAG). This administration consists of civilian experts without Hamas connections who are responsible for regulating daily life in the destroyed coastal strip. An International Stabilization Force (ISF) is responsible for security.

Show more