3 h. ago Marco Rubio announces sweeping reorganisation of US state department

Secretary of state says overhaul of department will close a number of overseas missions and reduce staffThe secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has announced a proposed reorganisation of the US state department as part of what he called an effort to reform it amid criticism from the Trump White House over the execution of US diplomacy.The reorganisation will close a number of overseas missions, reduce staff and minimise offices dedicated to promoting liberal values in a stated goal to subsume them to regional bureaus. Continue reading...

Politics

8 h. ago US colleges criticise Trump ‘political interference’ after Harvard lawsuit

Harvard University has announced it is suing the Trump administration over a funding freeze

Politics

29 h. ago Trump pays tribute to Pope Francis despite pontiff’s criticism of policies

Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the sudden news of the 88-year-old’s death on Easter Monday

Politics

4 d. ago ‘Hybrid’ hotel hub aimed at tourists and digital nomads has Edinburgh in sights

“Every time I walk through the doors, I feel energised by the sense of connection we’ve created and by seeing Merchant City become a hotspot in the city centre” – Charlie MacGregor

Society

5 d. ago Global economic growth will slow amid Trump tariffs, IMF warns – as it happened

Live, rolling coverage of business, economics and financial markets as ECB reduces main interest rate from 2.5% to 2.25%, the seventh cut in a yearTrump attacks Fed chair Jerome Powell for not lowering interest ratesECB cuts rates for third time this year as Europe braces for Trump tariffsDonald Trump is awake. And he has strongly criticised monetary policy by the Federal Reserve, saying the end of Jerome Powell’s tenure as chair “cannot come fast enough”.In a post on Truth Social, the social network he owns, Trump said that Powell had been too slow to cut interest rates – contrasting its hesistance because of perceived inflationary pressures with the European Central Bank (ECB).The ECB is expected to cut interest rates for the 7th time, and yet, “Too Late” Jerome Powell of the Fed, who is always TOO LATE AND WRONG, yesterday issued a report which was another, and typical, complete “mess!” Oil prices are down, groceries (even eggs!) are down, and the USA is getting RICH ON TARIFFS. ...

Events

5 d. ago Global economic growth will slow amid Trump tariffs, IMF warns – business live

Live, rolling coverage of business, economics and financial markets as ECB reduces main interest rate from 2.5% to 2.25%, the seventh cut in a yearTrump attacks Fed chair Jerome Powell for not lowering interest ratesECB cuts rates for third time this year as Europe braces for Trump tariffsDonald Trump is awake. And he has strongly criticised monetary policy by the Federal Reserve, saying the end of Jerome Powell’s tenure as chair “cannot come fast enough”.In a post on Truth Social, the social network he owns, Trump said that Powell had been too slow to cut interest rates – contrasting its hesistance because of perceived inflationary pressures with the European Central Bank (ECB).The ECB is expected to cut interest rates for the 7th time, and yet, “Too Late” Jerome Powell of the Fed, who is always TOO LATE AND WRONG, yesterday issued a report which was another, and typical, complete “mess!” Oil prices are down, groceries (even eggs!) are down, and the USA is getting RICH ON TARIFFS. ...

Economics

5 d. ago Donald Trump criticises Federal Reserve chair as European Central Bank cuts interest rates – business live

Live, rolling coverage of business, economics and financial markets as ECB reduces main interest rate from 2.5% to 2.25%, the seventh cut in a yearDonald Trump is awake. And he has strongly criticised monetary policy by the Federal Reserve, saying the end of Jerome Powell’s tenure as chair “cannot come fast enough”.In a post on Truth Social, the social network he owns, Trump said that Powell had been too slow to cut interest rates – contrasting its hesistance because of perceived inflationary pressures with the European Central Bank (ECB).The ECB is expected to cut interest rates for the 7th time, and yet, “Too Late” Jerome Powell of the Fed, who is always TOO LATE AND WRONG, yesterday issued a report which was another, and typical, complete “mess!” Oil prices are down, groceries (even eggs!) are down, and the USA is getting RICH ON TARIFFS. Too Late should have lowered Interest Rates, like the ECB, long ago, but he should certainly lower them now. Powell’s termination cannot come f...

Politics

6 d. ago Seth Rogen attack on Trump edited out of science awards show coverage

Presenting an award at the Breakthrough prize ceremony, the actor and writer allegedly accused the president of destroying American scienceA pointed criticism of President Trump’s policies on science by Seth Rogen was edited out of the filmed coverage of an annual science awards show, it has emerged.According to the Hollywood Reporter, which was one of the sponsors of the event, Rogen was one of the presenters at this month’s Breakthrough prize ceremony, a high profile and lavishly funded awards programme recognising “outstanding scientific achievements” co-founded by, among others, Google co-founder Sergey Brin and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and which describes itself as “the Oscars of science”. Continue reading...

Events

6 d. ago Ukraine war briefing: Nato chief visits Odesa, declares ‘unwavering’ support for Kyiv

Nato’s Mark Rutte makes his pledge after Donald Trump blames Volodymyr Zelenskyy for starting the war. What we know on day 1,148See all our Ukraine-Russia war coverageNato secretary general Mark Rutte has visited the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and declared “unwavering” support for Ukraine in the aftermath of a Russian attack on the northern city of Sumy that killed 35 people. Rutte said the military alliance was still strongly behind Kyiv, even as it also supported the ceasefire push by US president Donald Trump, who has issued fresh criticism of Zelenskyy, accusing him of starting the war. “Nato stands with Ukraine,” Rutte said at a press conference with Zelenskyy on Tuesday. “You and I know that this has been true all along. I also know that some have called Nato’s support into question in the last couple of months. But let there be no doubt: our support is unwavering.” Rutte also said: “Russia is the aggressor, Russia started this war. The...

Events

9 d. ago New Charity Commission chief criticised by Tory MPs for 'partisanship' after praising hard

Mark Simms OBE was appointed the new acting head of the charity watchdog by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and is thought to be in the running to become its permanent chief.

Events

1 week ago Criticise Trump’s tariffs all you like, but western sanctions aren’t any better – just ask Syria | Simon Jenkins

This form of economic aggression is macho and myopic, yet countries including the UK refuse to give it upAmong the more improbable countries that Donald Trump punished most severely last week was Syria, with a 41% tariff in retaliation for its part in the “raping and plundering” of the US economy. That should teach it a lesson for toppling Bashar al-Assad last year.The Damascus regime that subsequently came to power is pleading for help in keeping order and restoring its economy. But the chief obstacle is not Trump’s absurd tariff – now reduced to 10%. It is the sanctions regime imposed on it for the past 14 years by the west, including Britain. The US prohibits nearly all trade and financial transactions, extending this to foreign companies engaged with the Syrian government. EU sanctions targeted crude oil, investments, banking, telecoms and more. No tariff could be as severe as this.Simon Jenkins is a Guardian columnist Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Pentagon fires Greenland military chief over her criticism of JD Vance's visit to the territory which Trump has vowed to take over

Colonel Susannah Meyers was removed from her duties at Pituffik Space Base, a Pentagon spokesperson said Thursday night.

Events

1 week ago US markets close with steep losses as Trump tariffs branded ‘worst self

Wall Street stocks tumbled again as investors remain jittery while former US treasury chief criticises Trump’s economic policyChina and the European Union have exchanged views on strengthening their economic and trade cooperation in response to US tariffs, the Chinese commerce ministry said on Thursday, according to Reuters news agency.In a video call on Tuesday, China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao discussed with European trade and economic security commissioner Maros Sefcovic the restart of talks on trade relief and to immediately carry out negotiations on electric vehicle price commitments, the Chinese ministry statement said. Continue reading...

Economics

1 week ago US tariffs on China now 145%, as Trump’s policy branded ‘worst self

Total combines Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ tariffs of 125% and the 20% fentanyl levy, while former US treasury chief criticises Trump’s economic policyChina and the European Union have exchanged views on strengthening their economic and trade cooperation in response to US tariffs, the Chinese commerce ministry said on Thursday, according to Reuters news agency.In a video call on Tuesday, China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao discussed with European trade and economic security commissioner Maros Sefcovic the restart of talks on trade relief and to immediately carry out negotiations on electric vehicle price commitments, the Chinese ministry statement said. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Trump trade chief says US 'running up the score' on Australia as senator slams tariff – video

During a US Senate finance committee hearing, senator from Virginia Mark Warner slams Donald Trump's 10% tariff on Australian imports, referencing the free trade agreement between the two countries and the US trade surplus with Australia. Warner labels the new tariff policy 'insulting' and 'ridiculous', calling Australia 'one of our strongest allies'. Trump's trade chief Jamieson Greer replies that 'we should be running up the score against Australia'► Subscribe to Guardian Australia on YouTubeDonald Trump flags ‘major tariff on pharmaceuticals’ as US senator criticises ‘whack’ on AustraliaAustralian stock market bounces back despite tariff threats after worst session in five yearsDonald Trump hits Australian exporters with 10% tariffs in ‘liberation day’ speech Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago JD Vance applauded Trump’s tariff announcement from the Rose Garden

Vance has a history of backpedaling past criticisms of ‘fraud’ Trump and his ideas

Politics

2 w. ago Trump denies market turmoil is a problem, claiming ‘stock is going to boom’, as McConnell says tariffs ‘bad policy’

US president insists country is going to flourish as former Republican leader joins widespread criticism of Trump tariffsUS stock markets tumble as investors shaken by Trump tariffsIn the aftermath of the disastrous debate against Donald Trump that ultimately ended his political career, Joe Biden skipped a White House meeting with the congressional Progressive caucus in favor of a Camp David photoshoot with the fashion photographer Annie Leibovitz, a new book says.“You need to cancel that,” Ron Klain, Biden’s former chief of staff and debate prep leader, told the president, as he advocated securing the endorsement of the group of powerful progressive politicians perhaps key to his remaining the Democratic nominee. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Who is Cory Booker as he breaks record for longest Senate speech with fiery Trump condemnation?

US Senator Cory Booker delivers a record-breaking 25-hour speech in the Senate, criticising Donald Trump's agenda and highlighting Democratic efforts to challenge the president

Politics

2 w. ago Neil Young says he may be barred from returning to US over Donald Trump criticism

The US-Canadian dual citizen speculates he may be ‘barred or put in jail to sleep on a cement floor’ after his European tour, after years of speaking against TrumpNeil Young has shared his concerns of being barred from the US after his European tour later this year, thanks to his outspoken critiques of Donald Trump.On Tuesday, on his website Neil Young Archives, the 79-year-old musician – who has dual Canadian-American citizenship – wrote of his fears after the recent spate of people being detained and deported upon entering the US. These incidents have been credited to vague or unspecified visa issues, but have frequently affected individuals who have criticised the Trump administration either publicly or in messages on their phone read by immigration officers. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago ‘Labour’s pledge to scrap the gangs lies in tatters,’ Tories allege

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said crossings are up by 31% and SNP MP Pete Wishart told Tory MPs to ‘shut up’ in a heated exchange on migration.

Events