News from April 4, 2025 at 2 PM

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the United States, along with higher duties on some of the country's largest trading partners, escalating a trade war he initiated upon returning to the White House. Despite not imposing the new 10% global tariff rate on goods from top trading partners Canada and Mexico, Trump's previous order remains in effect, imposing up to 25% tariffs on many goods from the two countries over border control and fentanyl trafficking issues. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada will fight these tariffs with countermeasures and protect its workers. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese believes the American people will bear the biggest cost for these unjustified tariffs. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez vowed to protect Spanish companies and workers and commit to an open world. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his desire to avoid trade barriers and find a path of trade and cooperation with the U.S. Swiss President Karin Keller-sutter emphasized the importance of the country's long-term economic interests. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin expressed regret over the decision to impose 20% tariffs on imports from the European Union. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said they will work towards an agreement with the U.S. to avoid a trade war. Manfred Weber, President of the EPP, the largest party in the European Parliament, stated that today is not liberation day but resentment day, and Trump's tariffs do not defend fair trade. Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia mentioned the measures to protect national industry and exporters.

U.S. President Donald Trump imposed significant reciprocal tariffs on over 180 countries and territories, including several in the Asia-Pacific region. The White House data indicates that the new reciprocal rate on China will bring the total tariff to 54%, while India, South Korea, and Australia face tariffs of 26%, 25%, and 10%, respectively. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 fell 1.93% in early trading, Japan's Nikkei 225 futures pointed to a lower open, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index futures suggested a weak start. Gold prices hit a record high of $3,156.75 per ounce. U.S. futures plummeted as Trump's sweeping tariffs, starting at 10% and higher for some countries, raised the risk of a global trade war, potentially adversely affecting the already slowing U.S. economy.

On April 4, 2025, South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, officially removing him from office. Yoon had been suspended in December following his impeachment by parliament over his failed attempt to impose martial law. The ruling sparked mixed emotions among his supporters and critics in Seoul. A snap election to select his successor must be held by June 3. The political fallout from Yoon's brief military takeover continues, with many fearing the renewed threat of martial law. The Constitutional Court harshly criticized Yoon's power grab, stating it violated the principles of the rule of law and democracy. Calls are now emerging to amend the constitution to limit presidential powers and prevent similar incidents in the future.

South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously ruled on Friday to oust the country's embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol. This marks the third instance in less than a month where a G20 country has barred a prominent politician from high office, following Turkey and France. While the cases appear superficially similar, they differ morally. Turkey's presidential front-runner, Ekrem Imamoglu, was arrested on fabricated charges. Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far right, was lawfully convicted of financial offenses, though many believe the court that barred her from running was too harsh. In Mr. Yoon's case, the offense was against democracy itself, making his ousting seem entirely appropriate, despite disagreements from his supporters.

A major earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, with the death toll rising to 3,145, according to Xinhua News Agency. Another 4,589 people have been injured, and 221 are still missing. Emergency services in Myanmar are conducting search and rescue operations in collaboration with international rescuers, having saved 653 individuals and recovered 626 bodies from the rubble. The Thai Meteorological Department reported the earthquake's magnitude as 8.2, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock. The disaster affected Thailand, with tremors felt in China and Vietnam. The earthquake in Myanmar caused damage to residential houses and infrastructure, with the death toll in Bangkok reaching 22.

On April 3, 2025, the Hungarian government announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). This decision came shortly after Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Hungary for a state visit, following an ICC arrest warrant issued against him. Netanyahu is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had invited Netanyahu, stating that the ICC's ruling would have 'no effect' in his country. Hungary, a founding member of the ICC, will be the first European Union nation to withdraw from the court. Orban claimed that the ICC had become a 'political court,' while Netanyahu praised Hungary's 'bold and principled' decision to withdraw.

Amid the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hungary's government has decided to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. This decision is based on an accusation against Netanyahu for war crimes in the Gaza Strip and the court's request to detain former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Gergely Gulyas, the head of the Hungarian prime minister’s administration, stated that the government will initiate the procedure to end Hungary's participation in accordance with the Constitution and international legal frameworks on Thursday. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had previously announced his intention to invite Netanyahu to Hungary and ensure that the ICC's decision would not be enforced on Hungarian soil. Gulyas also clarified that Hungary has not ratified the ICC statute, allowing Netanyahu to visit the country without fear of arrest.

On March 26, 2025, U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) Director and Cyber Command head Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh and his deputy Wendy Noble were removed from their positions, with the specific reasons unclear. Haugh had served in the role since February 2024, boasting over 30 years of experience in Air Force intelligence and cyber roles. Noble had been with the NSA since 1987. Congressional Democrats strongly criticized the Trump administration for the firings, arguing it undermined national security. Former senior intelligence official Larry Pfeiffer called the dismissals 'unprecedented.' Previously, Trump advisor Elon Musk visited the NSA headquarters and met with Haugh.

U.S. President Donald Trump fired six officials from the National Security Council (NSC) on April 3, following an extraordinary meeting with far-right activist Laura Loomer, who named several individuals she believed were disloyal to the president. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz defended some of his staff during the meeting but appeared to have little power to protect their jobs. Among those fired were Intelligence Director Brian Walsh, International Organizations Director Maggie Dougherty, and Legislative Affairs Director Thomas Boodry. Waltz and Deputy National Security Adviser Alex Wong were not among those dismissed.

On March 21, 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was present in the Oval Office at the White House as President Donald Trump delivered remarks. The Pentagon's internal watchdog initiated an investigation into Hegseth's use of the Signal messaging app to discuss pending military strikes in Yemen in March. The probe aims to determine whether Hegseth and other Defense Department staff complied with rules regarding the use of commercial messaging applications for official business. Additionally, it will review compliance with classification and records retention requirements. The investigation was launched at the request of Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker and the committee's ranking Democrat, Sen. Jack Reed. Experts have raised concerns about potential legal violations in the Signal chats. Hegseth shared sensitive operational details, including attack timings and weapons, in a group chat that included Vice President JD Vance, national security advisor Michael Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The Trump administration claimed no classified information was discussed in the thread. The Defense Department declined to comment on the investigation, citing policy, while the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bressette announced that the Ukrainian delegation is expected to visit the United States this weekend or early next week. During the visit, both sides will sign an agreement similar to a memorandum of understanding, which is believed to be crucial for the American people, the Ukrainian people, and the peace process. Previously, on February 28, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House in the United States and had a heated argument with President Trump, failing to sign a mining agreement. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that negotiations on a new mining agreement have begun between the two countries, and efforts are being made to reach an agreement acceptable to both sides.