A possible direct conversation is likely to trigger sharp criticism in Beijing. Trump would thereby deviate from a decades-old practice.
Police officers sue Trump
Two police officers have sued the Trump administration. They want to prevent a fund worth almost $1.8 billion from being set up. According to their account, the money will flow to rioters on January 6, 2021 and right-wing militias. The lawsuit was filed by former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and Washington Police officer Daniel Hodges. Both had defended the Capitol against a pro-Trump mob. They name President Donald Trump, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as defendants.
The lawsuit says the government created a “shadow fund to finance insurgents and paramilitary groups that commit violence.” The plaintiffs accuse the government of exceeding its legal authority. According to her account, there is no congressional approval.
The Trump administration has portrayed the fund as compensation for people it says were wrongfully prosecuted by President Joe Biden’s Justice Department and Democrats. However, the project has sparked widespread criticism. Some Republicans also speak out against it.
US envoy wants more American military in Greenland
The US special envoy to Greenland has spoken out in favor of a stronger US military presence on the Arctic island. “Greenland needs the USA,” US envoy Jeff Landry told the AFP news agency on Wednesday at the end of his first visit to the autonomous region, which is part of Denmark. “I think it’s time for the US to have more of a presence in Greenland again.”
Landry referred to US President Donald Trump’s efforts to “reoccupy certain bases in Greenland.” The US reportedly wants to open three new bases in southern Greenland.
Republicans withdraw funding for Trump’s ballroom
Donald Trump’s ballroom at the White House will probably not be made safe with taxpayer money. As American media report, Republican senators have withdrawn a draft that earmarked Secret Service funding for the project. Trump initially spoke of private financing of the ballroom. Then there were plans to finance the security measures with taxpayer money.
However, there was resistance to this among the Republicans. “We were told that the money for the ballroom was eliminated,” Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) told reporters after a Republican meeting.
