Thursday, 12 June 2025

Trump signed a measure blocking California's ban on new sales of gas-powered cars and its rules for greener vehicles, citing federal authority over automotive standards. California officials said they intend to challenge the move in court and find alternative ways to advance electric vehicle adoption.

U.S. immigration officials conducted sweeping raids across California farms and other workplaces as part of Trump's immigration crackdown. Reports indicate detained families and small children were held in unprepared facilities with inadequate food and water, while protesters mobilized across Los Angeles and other cities in opposition.

Governor Gavin Newsom called Trump a 'stone cold liar' and condemned the deployment of federal troops in Los Angeles as 'theater' in response to the immigration enforcement operations. Newsom publicly confronted Trump on his administration's actions and rhetoric regarding the state.

Senator Alex Padilla was handcuffed and forcibly removed from a press conference led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles as he attempted to question her about the immigration raids. Video footage captured the incident during the official government event.

The Trump administration proposed weakening EPA restrictions on pollution, which critics argue will benefit a small group of plant owners while forcing Americans to breathe dirtier air and harming public health. The rollback is part of a broader pattern of environmental deregulation.

The U.S. dollar slid to a three-year low while the UK's FTSE 100 hit a record high as investors turned away from the weakening U.S. economy in response to Trump's repeated tariff threats and erratic policy signals. Simultaneously, the UK economy shrank by 0.3% in April, its worst performance since October 2023, partly due to Trump's trade war impacts.

Trump warned of a 'massive conflict' if Iran nuclear talks break down, after the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency issued its strongest rebuke of Iran in 20 years for failing to comply with nuclear obligations. A third Iranian nuclear enrichment site is reportedly ready to operate.

A UK minister indicated that the U.S. is expected to slash tariffs on British cars 'very soon' following talks between trade officials. The statement suggests potential relief from Trump's trade war for at least one sector of the British economy.

Trump attended the opening night of 'Les Misérables' at the Kennedy Center, but the event featured mixed reactions including boos from some audience members amid ongoing LA protests. Trump promised a 'golden era' for the U.S. while facing visible dissent.

The U.S. Pentagon is reviewing the AUKUS defense pact involving Australia, the UK, and the U.S. Australian officials acknowledged the review but downplayed its significance, stating support for the trilateral agreement remains strong in Washington.