27 m. ago Two dolls instead of 30? Toys become the latest symbol of Trump's trade war

Toy dolls have become the latest rhetorical poster child for President Donald Trump's tariffs crusade

Politics

75 m. ago The art of dealing with Donald Trump? Don’t fight him alone | Jonathan Freedland

This week’s trade deal is a boost for Keir Starmer. But a lasting win will only come by joining forces with other nations to resist the US president’s entire destructive agendaDonald Trump wanted Thursday, like every day, to be all about him. He thought the news cycle would be dominated by his sealing of the first US trade deal since he blew a hole in the world economy with the dynamite of tariffs. He gathered his vice-president and several cabinet members in the Oval Office to announce the new agreement – with the UK, as it happens – only for the gaze of the world to be diverted. All eyes were on Rome, where Trump was upstaged by one of the few global players who can outdo him when it comes to putting on a show.Don’t think Trump is not simultaneously wondering how he can use that whole white-smoke thing – perhaps to signal his winning of a constitutionally prohibited third term in 2028 – and worrying that Leo XIV is a serious rival for the commodity he craves more than any other: a...

Politics

76 m. ago New Pope Leo XIV is 'exact opposite of Donald Trump' and will 'challenge' US president

US President Donald Trump is set to be be "challenged" by fellow American Pope Leo XIV who was elected into the role by cardinals on Thursday as successor to Pope Francis

Politics

82 m. ago The Guardian view on Pope Leo XIV: a different kind of American leader | Editorial

The first pontiff from the United States can be a powerful countervailing voice in the Trump era, and help protect Francis’s legacyTwelve years ago, in the words of the late Pope Francis, the Catholic church went “to the ends of the Earth” in its search for a new pontiff. On Thursday, after surprisingly brisk discussions, the most geographically diverse conclave in history went to the heart of a superpower to find his successor.The election of the first American pope is a remarkable moment. In part the cardinals’ choice of the Chicago-born Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, can be seen as a robust progressive response to the signs of the times. While senior Catholic figures around Donald Trump prosecute an insular Maga agenda, the new pope is as at home in Latin America, having spent two decades working in one of the poorest regions of Peru. Previous posts on a social media account under his name suggest he shared Francis’s withering views on the Trump administration’s...

Politics

82 m. ago The Guardian view on the impact of Trump’s film tariffs: a disaster movie waiting to happen | Editorial

The US president’s proposed levies will badly hit the UK industry just as it is recovering from a series of blowsBarbieland, the Emerald City and a galaxy far, far away were all built – at least in part – at film studios just outside London. Now the UK film industry has come crashing down to earth with Donald Trump’s threat to impose 100% tariffs on all movies “produced in foreign lands”. “Hollywood is being destroyed,” Mr Trump announced, like an action hero on a mission. “Other nations have stolen our movie industry.” In the UK the news was met with warnings that the British film sector would be “wiped out” by such a “knock-out blow”. Brian Cox, the Succession star, called the proposed tariffs “an absolute disaster”. Roll the opening credits.Mr Trump has a point. New instalments of Marvel’s Avengers and Spider-Man are filming around London this summer. No wonder the president wants “MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!” The UK’s generous tax incentives, skills base and state-of-the-art ...

Politics

98 m. ago Trump gets the Fox News band back together for his second administration

In just his first few months in office, Trump has already hired 23 Fox Newsers to work in his administration, Justin Baragona reports — including one of the network’s most loyal MAGA sycophants to serve as DC’s top prosecutor

Politics

99 m. ago Cometh the hour, cometh the Mandelson: UK ambassador rides crest of a trade deal | Patrick Wintour

The Labour veteran looked an awkward choice for the court of Trump, but now the president is holding his hand and complimenting his beautiful accentPeter Mandelson, with his elegant suits, smooth patter and high-end lifestyle, has always had a dark secret: an interest in the minutiae of trade deals, left over from his period as EU trade commissioner, a period when he could bore for Europe on the virtues of the Mercosur trade deal. Alongside his networking skills, and political antennae, it was his knowledge of trade that possibly persuaded Keir Starmer to take the political risk of appointing him ambassador to Washington.A pro-European social democrat with a full record of insulting remarks about Donald Trump’s racism, Lord Mandelson might not have been the obvious man to open previously closed doors in the US administration. Continue reading...

Politics

2 h. ago Davey urges Lib Dem councils to ‘speak with one voice’ on social care

The party leader addressed councillors following last week’s local elections.

Politics

2 h. ago France and Poland ‘open a new page’ in relations after signing new defence treaty – Europe live

France president and Poland’s leader have signed a defence and energy treatyLet’s bring you some more pictures from the Moscow parade earlier today, a not very subtle attempt as showing off the Russian military power.French president Emmanuel Macron posted a social media update on his last night’s phone call with US president Donald Trump.I spoke several times last night with @POTUS. I commend his strong call for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, as did our British and Nordic partners earlier this morning. Continue reading...

Politics

2 h. ago Martin Rowson on the election of the first US pope – cartoon

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Politics

2 h. ago MIKEY SMITH: 7 wild and bizarre things Donald Trump did in 24 hours as he threatens Barbie Tax

It's been nearly 24 hours since Donald Trump threatened to slap a 100% tariff on Mattel products - and nobody else has called it the 'Barbie Tax' yet. You're welcome, America

Politics

3 h. ago Trump to reportedly unveil Medicare drug pricing plan after teasing ‘earth

Trump’s upcoming announcement is to revive his plan to lower Medicare drug costs, CBS reports, a policy blocked during his first term and scrapped by Biden administrationThe major “earth-shattering” announcement Donald Trump teased earlier this week in the Oval Office is a “most favored nation” plan to cut Medicare drug prices, sources have told CBS News.In his first administration, Trump signed an executive order to implement a “most favored nation” clause that would have required Medicare to pay drug companies the lowest price paid in similar countries for some expensive, physician-administered drugs. The Biden administration rescinded the proposal under pressure from hospitals and drug companies.We’re going to have a very, very big announcement to make – like as big as it gets. It will be one of the most important announcements that have been made in many years about a certain subject. Continue reading...

Politics

3 h. ago Rights groups sue to free Venezuelans deported from the US and held in El Salvador

International human rights organizations have filed a lawsuit with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights asking that the commission order El Salvador’s government to release Venezuelans deported from the United States and held in a maximum-security prison

Politics

3 h. ago First white South Africans to arrive in America despite Trump’s refugee freeze

The assertion that minority white South Africans face discrimination from the Black majority has been echoed by Trump's white South African-born ally Elon Musk

Events

3 h. ago UK's deal with Donald Trump saved 150,000 jobs that were on the brink, minister says

Darren Jones said 150,000 jobs were protected in the trade agreement agreed with the US, with Keir Starmer adding that the impact would be 'measured in billions of pounds'

Politics

3 h. ago Pope Leo 'deliberately' downplayed being American to make sure he won Papacy

Chicago-born Pope Leo was slammed by MAGA conservatives in the US who lashed out at his shared social media posts attacking the Donald Trump administration, leading to accusations of him being "woke"

Politics

4 h. ago Labour MPs must realise welfare system ‘needs reform’, says Reeves – UK politics live

Chancellor responds to growing rebellion from more than 40 MPs who have written to the prime ministerMore than 40 Labour MPs have warned the prime minister that planned disability cuts are “impossible to support” and have called for a pause and change in direction.The letter from parliamentarians spanning the new intake and veterans, and from the left and right of the party, sets Keir Starmer up for the biggest rebellion of his premiership when the House of Commons votes on the measures next month.Andrew Bailey has today added his voice to what Liberal Democrats have been saying for years: that we urgently need to rebuild our trading relationship with our closest and most significant economic partners in Europe.This isn’t about revisiting the past, it’s about boosting our economy and deepening cooperation for the future. Despite the government’s US deal, Trump’s trade tariffs are still hitting key British industries and threatening the livelihoods of people across the UK. Continue r...

Politics

4 h. ago US grants asylum to 54 white Afrikaner South Africans, reports say

Donald Trump has directed officials to grant refugee status to Afrikaners who he claims suffer discriminationThe US has granted refugee status to 54 white Afrikaner South Africans, who could arrive as soon as Monday in Washington DC, where they will be welcomed by government officials, according to media reports.Donald Trump suspended the US refugee settlement programme in January on his first day in office, leaving more than 100,000 people approved for resettlement stranded, having fled war and persecution in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan. Continue reading...

Events

4 h. ago Russia stages Victory Day parade as EU ministers pledge further support for Ukraine – Europe live

EU representatives hold meeting in Lviv as Russia staged a lavish parade in Moscow to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the second world warLet’s bring you some more pictures from the Moscow parade earlier today, a not very subtle attempt as showing off the Russian military power.French president Emmanuel Macron posted a social media update on his last night’s phone call with US president Donald Trump.I spoke several times last night with @POTUS. I commend his strong call for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, as did our British and Nordic partners earlier this morning. Continue reading...

Politics

5 h. ago Meet Chinese Donald Trump as impersonator who nails president’s accent goes viral

Chen Rui is a marketing executive in China who has never been to America or studied abroad, but has absolutely nailed the voice and mannerisms of US President Donald Trump

Politics