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Trump Sanctions International Criminal Court, Accuses It of ‘Abusing Its Power’

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Former President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday, accusing the tribunal of overstepping its authority by targeting the United States and Israel. 

The executive order enacts financial and travel restrictions on ICC officials and their family members who participate in investigations involving U.S. citizens or American allies. The move comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington amid the ICC’s war crimes case against him and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over the Gaza conflict. 

The order claims the ICC’s actions “further abused its power” by issuing warrants against Israeli officials. The administration has not yet disclosed the names of those affected by the sanctions. 

During Trump’s first term, his administration sanctioned then-ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and a senior aide over their investigation into alleged war crimes by U.S. troops in Afghanistan. 

Alongside the ICC sanctions, Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating what he called “anti-Christian bias” within the federal government. The order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead a task force to investigate and prevent religious discrimination across agencies, including the Department of Justice, the IRS, and the FBI. 

“The mission of this task force will be to immediately halt all forms of anti-Christian targeting and discrimination,” Trump said in a statement. 

Meanwhile, a U.S. district judge temporarily halted a Trump-backed federal employee buyout program just hours before its application deadline. The “Fork in the Road” deferred resignation plan—spearheaded by Trump ally Elon Musk—offers employees continued salary payments until September 30 if they voluntarily resign. 

Judge George O’Toole Jr. of Boston ordered the program’s deadline extended and scheduled a hearing for Monday. He could further delay or permanently block the plan, which labor unions have challenged in court. 

Trump officials said more than 40,000 federal workers had accepted the buyout, though NBC News cited a higher figure of 60,000. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt welcomed the extension, saying it would give more workers “a generous, once-in-a-lifetime offer.” 

The administration warned that those who refuse the buyout may still face termination. Critics, including labor unions and Democratic lawmakers, argue the plan is unreliable and could leave thousands without guaranteed salaries past March 14, when current spending laws expire. 

The court ruling marks another legal hurdle for Trump’s executive actions. A separate federal judge blocked his attempt to revoke birthright citizenship, marking the second such ruling in two days. 

U.S. Seizes Venezuelan President Maduro’s Plane in Dominican Republic During Rubio Visit

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The Trump administration on Thursday seized a second aircraft linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in the Dominican Republic on a Latin America tour. 

Rubio watched as American officials affixed the seizure warrant to the Dassault Falcon 200 jet, which had been used by Maduro and top aides, including his vice president and defense minister, for international travel. The U.S. claims these trips, including visits to Greece, Turkey, Russia, and Cuba, violated American sanctions. 

The seizure required Rubio to approve a waiver to a Trump-imposed foreign aid freeze to cover more than $230,000 in storage and maintenance fees, according to a State Department document obtained by The Associated Press.

The U.S. Justice Department also approved the action, citing the plane’s ties to a sanctioned Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural gas company. An investigation found the aircraft was purchased in the U.S. in 2017, later sent to Venezuela, and serviced multiple times with American parts. 

The move follows the September 2024 seizure of another Maduro-linked jet from the Dominican Republic. That aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 900EX valued at $13 million, was allegedly purchased using a Caribbean-based shell company to conceal Venezuelan involvement, according to the U.S. Justice Department. 

The latest seizure comes a week after U.S. special envoy Richard Grenell met with Maduro in Caracas to discuss the repatriation of Venezuelan nationals who illegally entered the United States. Grenell returned with six detained Americans. 

Separately, Rubio addressed ongoing U.S.-Panama negotiations over transit fees for warships passing through the Panama Canal. He dismissed confusion over an agreement to waive the fees, acknowledging Panama must follow legal procedures. 

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino denied claims that his government had agreed to eliminate the fees, contradicting a U.S. State Department statement. The issue has been a point of contention for President Donald Trump, who has threatened to reclaim control of the canal if Panama does not curb Chinese influence in the region. 

AP

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Impeached Over Marcos Assassination Remark, Corruption Allegations

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Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte was impeached Wednesday on charges including plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., large-scale corruption, and failing to condemn China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea. 

The House of Representatives, dominated by Marcos allies, voted overwhelmingly to send the impeachment case to the Senate, escalating tensions between the nation’s top leaders. The move deepens a growing political rift in one of Asia’s most vibrant democracies. 

Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has not publicly responded to the impeachment. However, her brother, Rep. Paolo Duterte, called it “a clear act of political persecution.” 

At least 215 lawmakers signed the impeachment complaint, surpassing the required number for fast-tracking the case to the Senate, where Duterte will face trial. Among the signatories were the president’s son, Rep. Sandro Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. 

The charges stem from a death threat Duterte allegedly made against Marcos and his family, irregularities involving $10.5 million in intelligence funds, and her failure to take a strong stance against Chinese territorial incursions. She previously stated she had contracted an assassin to kill Marcos and other officials if she were assassinated, later claiming it was not a direct threat. 

Duterte has also been accused of unexplained wealth and failing to declare her assets as required by law. House investigations into her use of intelligence funds have fueled corruption allegations. 

The impeachment complaint also cited her criticism of Marcos’ handling of the South China Sea dispute, calling it a “fiasco,” and accused her of undermining government policies. 

The Senate will now determine whether Duterte should be removed from office and barred from holding public office in the future. 

U.S. Judge Extends Government Buyout Deadline to Monday

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A U.S. judge on Thursday extended the deadline for federal workers to consider a buyout offer from the Trump administration, delaying the original midnight cutoff until at least Monday as labor unions urged employees to remain in their positions. 

U.S. District Judge George O’Toole’s ruling in Boston marks a temporary victory for labor unions that have sued to block the buyout program entirely. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for Monday, where the deadline could be extended further. 

The Trump administration has pushed for workers to accept the offer, which would provide payments through October, as part of an effort to significantly reduce the U.S. civil service. 

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that more than 40,000 federal employees—about 2% of the government’s 2.3 million civilian workforce—have accepted the buyout so far. In a typical year, about 6% of federal employees retire or resign, according to the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service. 

The administration warned earlier Thursday that employees who decline the buyout could still face job cuts. 

Putin, Trump May Hold Talks in February or March, Russian Lawmaker Says 

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Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump could meet in February or March, a senior Russian lawmaker said Thursday. 

Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the State Duma’s International Affairs Committee, said preparations for the meeting were at an “advanced stage.” 

“Whether it’s February or March, let’s not speculate — let the leaders competently and comprehensively prepare for it,” Slutsky said, adding that more details would be released soon. 

The Kremlin confirmed Wednesday that Russian officials had recently increased contacts with members of Trump’s administration. Trump said Sunday that White House officials were in discussions with Russia about ending the war in Ukraine but did not confirm whether he had spoken directly with Putin. 

Putin said last month that he was open to meeting with Trump to discuss Ukraine and other issues of mutual interest. 

Slutsky suggested the talks could cover key global issues, including Ukraine, the Middle East, and international relations. His comments followed a closed-door briefing by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the State Duma, according to Kremlin-aligned Telegram channels. 

themoscowtimes.com

US Service Member, Three Contractors Killed in Aircraft Crash in Philippines

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A U.S. military service member and three defense contractors were killed on Thursday when their aircraft crashed in the Philippines, according to a statement from the U.S. military. 

The aircraft, which was contracted by the U.S. military, had been conducting an intelligence and surveillance support mission at the time of the crash. 

Officials have not yet disclosed the cause of the incident or the type of aircraft involved. An investigation into the crash is ongoing. 

The tragedy underscores the risks associated with U.S. military operations in the region, as Washington continues to strengthen security ties with Manila amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

reuters

Australia Enacts Mandatory Jail Sentences for Nazi Salutes and Hate Symbols 

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Australia has introduced mandatory jail terms ranging from one to six years for hate symbols and terrorism-related offenses, following a series of high-profile antisemitic attacks that have sparked nationwide debate. 

The amendments, passed in parliament on Thursday, have been described by the government as the “toughest laws Australia has ever had against hate crimes.” 

Under the new laws, individuals caught performing a Nazi salute or displaying hate symbols now face a minimum of one year in prison. Other penalties include a mandatory three-year sentence for financing terrorism and six years for committing or planning terrorist acts. 

The changes come amid a rise in antisemitic attacks across the country. Last week, authorities in Sydney discovered a caravan filled with explosives and an antisemitic note. This followed an arson attack on a childcare center near a Jewish school and synagogue, where antisemitic graffiti was found on the walls. 

In December, a synagogue in Melbourne was set ablaze with worshippers inside. While no one was seriously injured, the incident sent shockwaves throughout Australia. 

Despite the tough new measures, the governing Labor Party has faced criticism for allegedly backtracking on its long-standing opposition to mandatory sentencing. Former Labor senator Kim Carr called the amendments a “clear breach of the Labor Party national platform,” which opposes mandatory jail terms on the grounds that they do not effectively reduce crime and undermine judicial independence. 

However, opposition parties also criticized Labor, accusing the government of acting too slowly. “The parliament is not acting today because of the decisiveness of the Labor Party,” Liberal senator James Paterson said. “The prime minister has been dragged kicking and screaming to finally introduce tough legislation that will ensure there are real penalties for this behavior.” 

Performing Nazi salutes and displaying Nazi symbols, such as the swastika, have been illegal since January 2024, carrying up to one year in jail. The latest amendments make those sentences mandatory. 

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended the legislation, emphasizing that it was about public safety rather than politics. 

“This is about whether the Australian Parliament believes it’s acceptable to advocate, threaten, or commit violence against another person because of who they are, who they pray to, or who they love,” Burke said as he introduced the amendments. 

The new laws mark a significant shift in Australia’s approach to hate crimes, as the country grapples with rising concerns over extremism and community safety.

bbc

Mexico Deploys 10,000 National Guard Troops to U.S. Border Following Trump’s Tariff Threat 

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A convoy of Mexican National Guard and Army trucks patrolled the border between Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, marking the first wave of 10,000 troops deployed to Mexico’s northern frontier in response to U.S. tariff threats. 

Masked and armed National Guard members combed through brush along the border barrier, removing makeshift ladders and ropes hidden in trenches before loading them onto trucks. Similar patrols were spotted in other high-traffic areas near Tijuana. 

The deployment follows a week of tense negotiations after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would delay imposing tariffs on Mexican goods for at least a month. In exchange, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to send the National Guard to bolster border security and crack down on fentanyl smuggling. 

Trump has maintained that the U.S. border remains in a state of emergency, despite official data showing declines in migration and fentanyl-related overdoses over the past year. As part of the agreement, the U.S. also pledged to increase efforts to curb the flow of American firearms into Mexico, where cartel violence continues to escalate. 

On Tuesday, the first wave of National Guard troops arrived in border cities, disembarking from government aircraft. Troops confirmed their mission during Wednesday’s patrols. 

“There will be permanent surveillance on the border,” José Luis Santos Iza, a National Guard commander overseeing the deployment in Ciudad Juárez, told reporters. “This operation is primarily to prevent drug trafficking from Mexico to the United States, mainly fentanyl.” 

Government figures show Ciudad Juárez will receive at least 1,650 troops, making it one of the largest recipients of reinforcements, second only to Tijuana, which is set to receive 1,949 personnel. 

During U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent diplomatic tour of Latin America, where migration was a key topic, the Mexican government said Rubio expressed gratitude for Mexico’s efforts to tighten border security. 

The move by Sheinbaum, Mexico’s newly elected leader, has been interpreted as a strategic political maneuver. Analysts had questioned whether she could handle negotiations with the Trump administration as effectively as her predecessor and ally, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. 

By securing a delay in U.S. tariffs while avoiding direct confrontation, Sheinbaum’s approach signals a pragmatic stance toward U.S.-Mexico relations, a dynamic likely to remain crucial as Trump’s presidency progresses.

Bangladesh Protesters Torch Home of Sheikh Hasina’s Father Amid Political Turmoil 

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Thousands of protesters in Bangladesh set fire to the home of the country’s founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, as his daughter, ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, called on her supporters to resist the interim government. 

The South Asian nation, home to 170 million people, has faced ongoing political strife since Hasina fled to neighboring India in August following weeks of violent protests against her rule that left more than 1,000 dead. 

– Protesters attack historic residence amid Hasina’s scheduled online speech 

– Demolition of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house continues for a second day 

– Hasina calls on supporters to stand against the interim government 

Witnesses reported that thousands of demonstrators, some carrying sticks and hammers, gathered outside the historic residence and independence monument late Wednesday. Others arrived with a crane and an excavator to dismantle the building. 

By Thursday, much of the house’s front facade had been destroyed, with protesters breaking inside to remove steel, wooden fixtures, and books. The attack was part of a wider demonstration, dubbed the “Bulldozer Procession,” aimed at disrupting Hasina’s scheduled online address. 

Many protesters, including members of the “Students Against Discrimination” group, expressed anger over Hasina’s speech, viewing it as a direct challenge to the newly formed interim government. 

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has struggled to control the escalating unrest. Demonstrators have increasingly targeted symbols associated with Hasina’s administration, including the residence of her father, which was first set ablaze in August. 

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house holds deep historical significance, as it was from there that he declared Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971. Mujibur Rahman and most of his family were assassinated there in 1975, with Hasina among the few survivors. She later converted the house into a museum honoring her father’s legacy. 

“They can demolish a building, but not history. History takes its revenge,” Hasina said in her speech Wednesday, urging Bangladeshis to resist the interim government, which she accused of taking power unconstitutionally. 

Yunus’ press office distanced the administration from the attack on Mujibur Rahman’s residence, calling it “unintended and unwanted” but attributing it to anger over Hasina’s leadership. 

“Sheikh Hasina has insulted and humiliated those who sacrificed themselves in the July uprising,” Yunus’ office said in a statement. “Sheikh Hasina has threatened to create instability in the country.” 

Political analysts suggest that those who led last year’s movement against Hasina fear she could return to power, reviving her Awami League party. 

Despite promises of reform, Bangladesh’s interim government has yet to deliver significant economic or social changes, according to Shakil Ahmed, associate professor of government and politics at Jahangirnagar University. 

“The government is managing politics, not the economy and society,” Ahmed said, noting that the ongoing unrest stems from deeper economic and social grievances.

Google Ends Diversity Hiring Targets, Reviews DEI Initiatives 

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Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL.O), has announced it will eliminate its hiring goals for underrepresented groups and review diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, following similar moves by other major U.S. corporations. 

“In 2020, we set aspirational hiring goals and focused on growing our offices outside California and New York to improve representation,” Alphabet’s Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi wrote in an internal email reviewed by Reuters. “But in the future, we will no longer have aspirational goals.” 

Google had previously been a strong advocate for workplace diversity, particularly in response to 2020 protests over the police killings of George Floyd and other Black Americans. That year, CEO Sundar Pichai set a goal for 30% of Google’s leadership to come from underrepresented groups by 2025. At the time, 96% of Google’s U.S. leadership was white or Asian, and 73% of leaders worldwide were men. 

In 2021, Google began incorporating diversity and inclusion into executive performance evaluations, following the high-profile departure of an artificial intelligence researcher who alleged she was fired for criticizing the company’s diversity efforts. Google’s Chief Diversity Officer Melonie Parker stated in a 2024 interview with the BBC that the company had achieved 60% of its five-year diversity goals. 

On Wednesday, an Alphabet spokesperson confirmed that the company did not have updated figures regarding Pichai’s original diversity targets. 

Alphabet’s recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission omitted a prior statement affirming its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of its mission. That language had appeared in the company’s annual reports from 2021 to 2024. 

A company spokesperson said the wording change reflects Google’s ongoing review of DEI programs. 

The Alphabet Workers Union criticized the decision, with union president Parul Koul stating, “This is a real attack on gains that workers have made in the tech industry through movements fighting against racism, gender, and LGBTQ discrimination. This is part of a troubling right-wing, anti-worker trend developing within tech companies that AWU is committed to fighting against.” 

Google, a federal contractor providing cloud computing and other services to the U.S. government, also cited compliance with recent federal policy changes as a factor in its DEI review. 

“Because we are a federal contractor, our teams are also evaluating changes to our programs required to comply with recent court decisions and U.S. Executive Orders on this topic,” Cicconi stated. 

Despite these shifts, Google will maintain internal employee resource groups such as “Trans at Google,” “Black Googler Network,” and the “Disability Alliance,” which the company has said inform its product and policy decisions. 

The Wall Street Journal first reported the internal memo on Wednesday. 

Google joins other tech giants in scaling back DEI initiatives. In January, Meta Platforms (META.O) announced the discontinuation of DEI programs for hiring, training, and supplier selection. Amazon (AMZN.O) also confirmed in an internal memo that it was “winding down outdated programs and materials” related to representation and inclusion. 

The corporate pullback comes as conservative groups, emboldened by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision striking down affirmative action in college admissions, intensify legal challenges against DEI policies in the private sector.

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