Global tensions rise as France considers taxing the rich for military funding, U.S. faces backlash over Ukraine aid withdrawal, and economic concerns mount amid recession warning.

Good Morning,

France is considering imposing a tax on the wealthy to support its military expansion, while tensions rise internationally over military aid to Ukraine. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticizes the U.S. for withdrawing military support for Ukraine, suggesting it appeases Russian President Vladimir Putin. This decision has sparked defiance and anger from Ukraine. Meanwhile, in the U.S., economic concerns are highlighted by a warning from the Atlanta Federal Reserve about a potential recession, dubbed a 'Trumpcession.'

Top Stories

• France floats taxing the rich to fund military buildup (www.politico.eu)

• Trudeau accuses Trump of ‘appeasing’ Putin (globalnews.ca)

• Ukraine reacts to Trump withdrawal of military aid (www.theguardian.com)

• Atlanta Fed shock sounds recession warning (www.reuters.com)

• China will work to 'firmly advance' reunification with Taiwan - premier (www.reuters.com)

United States

• Some Democrats are plotting to disrupt Trump's speech to Congress (www.axios.com)

• Trump says federal funding will stop for colleges, schools allowing 'illegal' protests (www.reuters.com)

• Atlanta Fed shock sounds recession warning (www.reuters.com)

• US stock markets fall amid trade war fears (bbc.com)

• Florida AG launches criminal investigation into Tate brothers (www.axios.com)

• US Recession Odds Are Becoming Unsettlingly High (www.bloomberg.com)

• Jon Stewart says he's game to have Elon Musk on 'The Daily Show' — fully unedited, for as long as Musk wants to go (www.businessinsider.com)

Africa

• More than 200 children were raped in Sudan since the beginning of 2024, UN children’s agency says (apnews.com)

• Macron throws cold water on French government’s fiery rhetoric on Algeria (politico.eu)

• Germany suspends new financial aid to Rwanda over alleged support for M23 rebels in Congo (apnews.com)

Middle East

• Putin Agrees to Help Trump Broker Nuclear Talks With Iran (bloomberg.com)

• Trump administration again labels the Houthis a 'foreign terrorist organization' (npr.com)

• Lebanon and Saudi Arabia work to improve relations, call for Israeli withdrawal (apnews.com)

Indo-Pacific

• What to Expect When China's Legislature Meets this Week (apnews.com)

• Beijing's Deflation Dilemma: Falling Prices Signal Bigger Troubles Ahead for China's Economy (apnews.com)

• China Sets GDP Target at About 5% Despite Trump Tariffs (www.bloomberg.com)

• China vows to ‘fight till the end’ as Trump escalates trade war (edition.cnn.com)

• Thailand condemned for ‘shameful’ mass deportation of Uyghur refugees to China (www.theguardian.com)

• Why China could capitalise on Trump-Zelensky showdown as rift emerges in West (www.scmp.com)

Europe

• Germany agreed on major financial package, 500€ billion for Infrastructure, and more for defence (www.dw.com)

• Austria has a new government, made up of three parties, shutting out the far-right FPÖ (www.reuters.com)

• Europe is beefing up its military power. The EU called it 'an era of rearmament.' (www.businessinsider.com)

• Germany reviews US ties after Zelenskyy-Trump clash (www.dw.com)

• UK MPs condemn JD Vance comments (www.theguardian.com)

• Europe's security is unimaginable without Türkiye: President Erdogan (www.aa.com.tr)

Latin America

• In Face of Trump Tariffs, Mexico Embraces Nationalism (www.nytimes.com)

• BlackRock strikes $23 billion deal to place Panama Canal ports under American control (cbsnews.com)

• Mexico’s $10 Billion Case Against U.S. Gun Manufacturers Goes To Supreme Court Today—What To Know (forbes.com)

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