According to the White House, the surcharges of ten to 12.5 percent will come into force on Friday night (6:01 a.m. CEST) and are aimed at around 60 international trading partners. At the same time, a previously applicable worldwide special tariff of ten percent on US imports will expire. Read more here.
US Justice Department withdraws subpoenas for journalists
The US Department of Justice is withdrawing subpoenas against journalists from the New York Times newspaper in the dispute over the disclosure of informants. A prosecutor said this at a court hearing on Thursday. The orders were issued on July 10 by federal prosecutor Jay Clayton.
The background is the newspaper’s reports about safety concerns on US President Donald Trump’s flights. The New York Times, citing insiders, reported that Trump left Turkey in the old presidential plane Air Force One because a new plane donated by Qatar did not have missile defense systems and other protective devices.
House of Representatives opposes Trump
US President Donald Trump is increasingly feeling headwind from parliament for his Iran course. The House of Representatives again passed a resolution on the conflict and called on the Republican to end the military operation. The decision has no immediate consequence, but shows that the political pressure on Trump is increasing – especially since the midterm elections for Congress are approaching in November. The resolution was passed in the parliamentary chamber with 214 votes in favor and 208 MPs voted against.
The House of Representatives had already spoken out against the war in June. The resolution stated that a formal declaration of war by Congress was required for combat operations. There had also already been a resolution in the Senate to oppose the Iran war and Trump’s conduct of the war.
- Bab al-Mandab blocked: Plan B becomes a trap
Recently the war escalated again with new attacks. The USA and Israel had their air raids on February 28th Iran started. In mid-June, the USA and Iran agreed on a framework agreement that was intended to pave the way to ending the war through in-depth negotiations. A ceasefire had also been in effect since April, but Trump recently declared it to be over after numerous violations. Tehran also no longer feels bound by the preliminary declaration of intent.
Maduro in court: After 20 minutes he left again
The third court date after his arrest will be a short one for Nicolás Maduro. However, the former Venezuelan ruler will have to prepare for a long process overall. David Schafbuch reports from New York.
