Thursday, 21 August 2025

A New York appeals court threw out a $500 million to $527 million civil fraud penalty against President Trump, ruling it was excessive, though the judges agreed to keep the case open for further appeals. The divided decision represents a major legal victory for Trump in the civil fraud case brought by New York's attorney general.

Russia has signaled reluctance to accept Western security guarantees for Ukraine, with Moscow backing away from accepting European troop deployments as part of peace agreements. Trump has stepped back from direct trilateral talks, indicating Russian and Ukrainian leaders should meet separately first.

The Trump administration initiated a review of seven Smithsonian museums, including institutions focused on Latino, African, and Asian art, citing concerns about portrayal of American history. A White House document flagged the museums as having overly negative depictions and excessive focus on slavery.

Federal officials cut funding to California's sex education programs after the state refused to remove gender identity, transgender, and nonbinary references from its curriculum. The action represents escalating conflict between the Trump administration and California over educational content.

Trump administration officials urged the Federal Reserve to remove Governor Lisa Cook, the latest figure targeted by the administration amid claims of mortgage fraud. This reflects Trump's broader effort to exert pressure on the central bank.

A federal judge ruled that former Trump lawyer Alina Habba has been unlawfully serving as U.S. Attorney in New Jersey, finding the administration used improper legal and personnel maneuvers to retain her in the position. Judge Matthew Brann determined the arrangement violated legal procedures.

The State Department announced that all 55 million U.S. visa holders would be subject to continuous vetting, including monitoring of their social media activity, marking an expansion of immigration and security screening protocols.

The United States agreed to maintain high tariffs on European cars while Brussels works to reduce tariffs on U.S. goods, with the framework deal pledging to cut a 27.5% tariff once the EU tables legislation. Both sides indicated they want swift action on the agreement.

The Pentagon asked civilian employees to join a volunteer force to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation operations as part of Trump's mass deportation campaign. Selected employees would offer support to ICE operations.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a redistricting proposal to reshape California's congressional map in favor of Democrats in a retaliatory move against Republican gerrymandering in Texas. The plan will be put before voters in a special election in November.