The president signed executive orders placing tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China that were set to take effect on Tuesday, a move that could lead to a new era of global tensions.
President Trump’s order to halt most foreign aid has intensified humanitarian crises and raised questions about the United States’ reliability as a global leader.
Beneath Trump’s Chaotic Spending Freeze: An Idea That Crosses Party Lines
There is a long, bipartisan history of attempts to rein in spending and address concerns about government inefficiencies, though the parties have grown increasingly divided about what to cut.
MONOCLE RADIO (February 1, 2025): Emma Nelson and Alex von Tunzelmann explore the week’s top global stories and cultural highlights. Plus: Georgina Godwin brings us the latest from Jaipur.
Clues emerging from the moments before an Army helicopter collided with a passenger jet suggest breakdowns in the system meant to help aircraft land safely at the busy Reagan National Airport.
Schools, churches and shops are feeling the chilling effect of the fear of deportation. One minister said fewer congregants were showing up for services.
Trump Officials Fire Jan. 6 Prosecutors and Plan Possible F.B.I. Purge
The prosecutor firings and a move to scrutinize thousands of F.B.I. agents were a powerful indication that the president has few qualms deploying federal law enforcement to punish perceived enemies.
MONOCLE RADIO (January 31, 2025): Ahmed al-Sharaa has been tapped to be Syria’s transitional president. What does his consolidation of power mean for the country? Plus: Myanmar’s junta prepares for elections and we head to Utah for the Sundance Film Festival. Then: Andrew Mueller tells us what he learned this week.
Clues emerging from the moments before an Army helicopter collided with a passenger jet suggest breakdowns in the system meant to help aircraft land safely at the busy Reagan National Airport.
The administration is showing it doesn’t view the House and Senate as equal partners. So far, Republicans, who hold both majorities, are accepting their new status.
Testifying in a confirmation hearing, Kash Patel, who is nominated to lead the F.B.I., also sought to allay fears about his fitness to serve.
Israel Frees Palestinian Prisoners After Chaotic Hostage Handover
Hamas freed three Israelis and five Thai nationals in exchange for more than 100 Palestinians. But the militant group struggled to control crowds, prompting a delay.
MONOCLE RADIO (January 29, 2025); We assess president Donald Trump’s attempted halt of federal funding, pop into the Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø and assess Thailand’s image crisis as large numbers of tourists from mainland China cancel trips for this week’s Chinese New Year. Then: Pew’s latest survey on religion and politics across 36 countries. Plus: Monocle’s chairman, Tyler Brûlé, joins the show.
Federal health researchers, nonprofits and programs for early childhood education reported that their access to federal funds had gone down, raising alarms about access to jobs, health care services, reduced-price meals and more.
Ten children talked about losing their homes, their schools and their neighborhoods in the Los Angeles fires. They discussed what they’re worried about and what’s cheering them up.
MONOCLE RADIO (January 28, 2025): As the world marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, Sudha David-Wilp and Stuart Dowell join Emma Nelson to discuss the Polish and German perspectives. Plus, Israel moves to shut down Unrwa, Ukraine’s drone-only military ops and highlights from the Jeddah Islamic Art Biennale.
The president made good on promises to seek revenge against enemies during his first week back in power, signaling in the process that anyone who crosses him in the future could also suffer.
There were no Situation Room meetings and no quiet calls to de-escalate a dispute with an ally. Just threats, counterthreats, surrender and an indication of the president’s approach to Greenland and Panama.
World leaders and a dwindling group of survivors joined in a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camp by the Red Army.
As Trump and Putin Circle Each Other, an Agenda Beyond Ukraine Emerges
President Trump jabs at the Russian leader with threats; Vladimir Putin responds with flattery. But there are notable signals in their jousting, including a revived discussion about nuclear arms control.
MONOCLE RADIO (January 27, 2025): As the election in Belarus is labelled a “sham”, Hanna Liubakova joins Emma Nelson to discuss what lies ahead for Alexander Lukashenko and the country. Plus: more captives are released in Gaza and Israel; and the iconic French dance soon to be enshrined on the country’s cultural-heritage list.
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