Greenland Election
Greenlanders made their way to the polls on Tuesday in a national election that would have typically involved little fanfare outside the borders of the giant and frigid island nation. This week’s elections, however, drew a great deal more attention in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s sustained interest in Greenland joining the U.S.
Liberation or Trade War?
U.S. President Donald Trump is announcing another round of tariffs Wednesday. The new tariffs follow previous levies on steel and aluminum, as well as imports from China, Canada, and Mexico, and are now expected to include a 25% tariff on all imported cars…
Dueling Budgets
German Elections
Germany has a new presumptive Chancellor and the prospect of a new coalition government after German voters went to the polls and awarded the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party more than 28% of the seats in parliament.
Facilitating Closure
U.S. President Donald Trump this week issued an executive order directing Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to begin facilitating the closure of the U.S. Department of Education.
Ukraine Aid Paused
The United States has paused military aid to Ukraine in an effort to speed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The move comes days after a tense Oval Office meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Tariffs Take Effect
U.S. tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico are now in effect, and the previous U.S. tariffs on China have been doubled. Canada and China responded with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, and Mexico announced it will do the same this weekend.
To Respond or Not to Respond
Federal employees are in a bit of a bind as a result of mixed messages from their chain of command. Over the weekend, employees of agencies across the federal government were instructed by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to report by email what they had accomplished last week, or else be terminated.
Mayor Under Fire
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is under fire but may soon be exonerated from federal prosecution. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has asked for the corruption charges pending against him to be dropped.
A Penny Saved
You might want to hold on to that jar of pennies on your shelf, because they may soon be a relic of the past, as U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed the Secretary of the Treasury to halt production of new pennies.
Tariffs
It was a wild news week on the tariffs front. First, U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on goods imported from China, Canada, and Mexico. Goods from Mexico were to be subject to a 25% tariff when entering the U.S., while goods from China were to be subject to a 10% rate, and goods from Canada were to face either a 10% (energy goods) or 25% markup (non-energy goods).
Confirmed
U.S. President Donald Trump’s new cabinet is rapidly being confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Those who have already been confirmed include:
A Full Workweek
As has become customary in American governance, it was a very full first week for the new Trump administration. The number and scope of executive orders and actions was likely even higher and broader than normal due to the fact that Republicans are also in control of both chambers of Congress.
12:01 p.m.
Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic return to office and the beginning of a wave of executive orders. As political power shifts, believers are reminded that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20) and true freedom is found in Christ (Gal. 5:1).
Pardons, Pardons, and More Pardons
In a historic use of presidential pardon power, outgoing President Biden issued pardons for political and personal allies, while incoming President Trump granted sweeping clemency to January 6 defendants. As believers, we are reminded that while human leaders act with personal and political bias, God alone grants true justice and mercy (Psalm 103:6-8).
A Legacy of Humanity
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100 (making him the longest living president in U.S. history). Carter served as the Governor of Georgia on his way to winning the White House in 1976.
Impeached and Suspended
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached following a controversial invocation of martial law, shifting power to the Prime Minister while the Constitutional Court deliberates his fate. This turbulent moment serves as a reminder that earthly governments are temporary, but God’s eternal Kingdom endures forever (Ps. 9:7).
Conviction, Discharge, Resignation, and Inauguration: Donald Trump's Path Forward
A flurry of legal developments, including the discharge of President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction and the resignation of Special Counsel Jack Smith, sets the stage for Trump’s second inauguration. This moment invites believers to approach world events with discernment, humility, and a commitment to fostering healing and truth in a divided world.
A Single Vote
With a razor-thin GOP majority in the U.S. House, expect significant political drama and challenges in passing legislation. As followers of Jesus, we are called to navigate this divisive climate with wisdom and grace, remaining focused on what is true and eternal (Matt. 10:16).
A Son's Pardon
The full pardon of Hunter Biden by President Joe Biden has sparked heated debate, reflecting broader tensions over the use of presidential pardon power in modern politics. While this act raises questions about justice and accountability, it also reminds us as believers of a far greater pardon—our redemption through Christ. As Colossians 1:13-14 declares, we’ve been rescued and forgiven, not by human power, but through God’s overwhelming grace.