Monday, 24 August 2026

Trump announced new 50% tariffs on Canadian autos, trucks, and steel starting January 1, 2027, escalating the US-Canada trade war. Canadian PM Mark Carney vowed dollar-for-dollar retaliation and accused Trump of wanting to 'destroy' Canada's auto industry, suspending trade talks.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced sweeping economic sanctions on Iran dubbed 'economic D-Day,' threatening secondary sanctions against any country conducting business with Tehran. The effort aims to isolate Iran without renewed military strikes, though details remain limited.

The Supreme Court allowed Trump's mail-in voting restrictions executive order to proceed, clearing the way for implementation in 23 states ahead of November midterms. Lower courts had previously blocked the order, which gives the Postal Service authority over voter mail-ballot eligibility.

The Trump administration announced plans to revoke up to 200,000 business and tourism visas held by asylum seekers, marking the largest mass visa revocation in US history. Revocations of B1/B2 visas issued between 2016-2026 would target individuals who have applied for or are seeking asylum.

Federal immigration agents detaiined the father of a US Navy sailor deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln while his son was nine months into deployment in the Middle East during the Iran war. The detention raised concerns about ICE enforcement priorities amid military deployments.

Trump proposed a $103,265 fee for H-1B skilled worker visas through a new DHS rule, making permanent a temporary provision that has faced multiple court challenges. The move continues efforts to restrict high-skilled immigration.

The US military carried out a drone strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing two people alleged to be drug smugglers. The strike marks the latest in an ongoing campaign of boat strikes that has killed at least 223 people over nearly a year.

New Mexico announced it would continue funding gender-affirming care for minors after the Trump administration finalized a rule to end Medicaid support for such care, including hormones and speech therapy.

The Trump administration removed Syria and the militant group HTS from the US 'state sponsor of terrorism' list, rescinding both designations. The move marks a significant shift in Syria policy.

Trump dismissed poor polling numbers as 'demoralization operations' against Republicans, as his approval ratings remain at record lows ahead of midterms. Public support for the Iran war has also declined amid rising gas prices and Republican defections.

Trump attended the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar race in Washington DC on Sunday, waving the starting green flag and watching Kyle Kirkwood win the race. The event was part of the administration's broader 'Freedom 250' celebration of America's 250th anniversary.