Fallout between Trump and Musk, US travel ban, and Russia-Ukraine escalation—here’s a quick roundup of the key international developments that dominated headlines this past week. Stay Hooked for more.
Friends Turn Foes
Once an inseparable political force, US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are now turning into bitter foes. Musk has been rallying against Trump's so-called ‘big, beautiful’ tax and spending bill that was passed by the House last month. After exiting the Trump administration, the tech billionaire publicly criticised the proposed legislation, calling it a 'disgusting abomination'. A war of words soon broke out wit the President threatening to end government contracts with Musk's businesses, and the Tesla CEO calling for Trump’s impeachment. It remains to be seen if Musk's campaign against Trump's signature bill will block it in the Senate.
Trump's Not-So-Muslim Ban
Earlier this week, Trump imposed a new travel ban, barring citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States. He also partially restricted access to people from seven other countries, citing security threats. The announcement came after a terror attack by an Egyptian man in Colorado left 12 people injured, though Egypt is not on the President's list of visa bans. Meanwhile, Trump’s stand-off with Harvard university came to a boiling point after he suspended visas for students seeking to study at the Ivy League university.
Russia-Ukraine escalation
There has been no let-up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict despite Trump’s attempts at brokering a peace deal between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The week started off with Ukraine carrying out massive drone attacks on Russian military bases that destroyed 41 strategic bombers. The attack came ahead of Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul. Moscow then responded in kind by launching a barrage of missiles and drones at Ukraine. Though world leaders are calling for de-escalation, Putin appears to be in no mood to end the conflict.
Netherland govt falls
Netherlands’ conservative government collapsed after far-right leader Geert Wilders withdrew his party’ support to the coalition. The 11-month rule ended following a row over migration. The government refused to approve 10 additional restrictions proposed by Wilders in the asylum policy, including a freeze on new applications, halting the construction of reception centres and limiting family reunification. Prime Minister Dick Schoof confirmed he was stepping down and offered the resignation of the cabinet to King Willem-Alexander.
South Korea gets a new Prez
South Korea elected a new president this week. Lee Jae-myung became the 21st president of South Korea following the snap elections held on Tuesday. The polls were held after former President Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached over his failed attempt to impose martial law. Lee's landslide victory hands the liberal leader a resounding mandate and puts his Democratic Party firmly in control of parliament.
And with that, it’s a wrap on geopolitics this week. Log onto Hook Online for all the latest updates.
