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In the news today: How the Trump family business is doing foreign deals on a completely different level in Trump’s second term; the impact of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports; and Minnesota authorities investigate a possible ICE kidnapping case. Also, Thai New Year kicks off with a massive splash.
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Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump listen to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Feb. 24. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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Trump family deal spree could open door for future presidents to profit from office
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For decades, presidents avoided even the appearance of profiting from their office. President Donald Trump is taking a different approach. The Trump family real estate business is undergoing the fastest overseas expansion since its founding a century ago, each deal potentially shaping everything from tariffs to military aid. Read more.
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- In Trump’s first term, the Trump Organization did zero deals in foreign countries. In a little over a year into his second term it did eight, all ostensibly complying with the Trump Organization’s self-imposed rule not to do business directly with foreign governments. But governments in authoritarian and one-party states rarely take a hands-off approach — especially when the business belongs to a sitting president.
Forbes estimates Trump’s net worth is now $6.3 billion, soaring 60% from before he returned to office, a striking development given how much the Trump Organization struggled before. The problem of conflicts of interest goes back a decade to when Trump first ran for office, but some government ethics experts and historians argue it’s more pressing than ever as conflicts pile up in his second term that they consider unprecedented, blatant and dangerous to democracy.
- The White House and the Trump Organization deny there are any ethical problems. Asked about the issue at a recent crypto conference, Donald Jr. said, “Frankly, it’s gotten old.”
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How a US blockade of Iranian ports could work and the impact ahead for the global economy
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A blockade of Iranian ports that President Donald Trump said began Monday has spurred questions about international law and leaves doubts about whether the pressure tactic will force Tehran to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz. Read more.
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Blockades historically haven’t been enough on their own to force the other side's hand, but have been used to exert pressure on other countries and their economies during conflicts.
With fears of attacks, experts say most ships won’t want to take the risk. The waterway could effectively stay shut — and prices, particularly for oil and gasoline, could rise even more. Global supply chains also could see further disruption. The U.S. may have to consider whether to allow humanitarian aid to reach Iranian ports, a decision that could determine the blockade’s legality under international law.
- The blockade also risks an Iranian response that could reignite the conflict, said Farzin Nadimi, who specializes in Iran and the Persian Gulf at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Iran could deploy naval mines, small fast-attack boats and missiles against shipping in response, further disrupting the global economy.
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Minnesota investigates ICE arrest of a Hmong American man as a possible kidnapping
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Video of the arrest shows armed ICE officers pulling ChongLy “Scott” Thao from his St. Paul home — without a warrant as far as Ramsey county officials have been able to determine — then leading him outside in just his underwear and a blanket in freezing conditions. Read more.
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“There are many facts we don’t know yet, but there’s one that we do know. And that is that Mr. Thao is and has been an American citizen. There’s not a dispute over that,” Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher said. “There’s no dispute that he was taken out of his house, forcibly taken out of his home and driven around.” “ICE does not ‘kidnap’ people,” the agency said in a statement that called Ramsey County’s announcement “nothing but a political stunt to demonize ICE law enforcement.” The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, has refused so far to cooperate with Ramsey County, or with other state and local investigations into the killings by federal officers of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
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People participate in the Songkran water festival to celebrate the Thai New Year in Prachinburi province, Thailand, Monday. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)
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Getting soaked and loving it at Thai New Year Celebrations
The Songkran festival takes place in what is usually the hottest time of the year. Spraying water not only cools people down, but also signifies cleansing and good fortune. Locals and tourists all get drenched for fun. Our AP photographers managed to keep their cameras dry enough to bring you joyful images of the celebration.
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