Power corrupts …

Only America could re-elect an extremist like Trump.

There are planned protests across the US today against President Donald Trump and his adviser billionaire Elon Musk.

More than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations have been planned by more than 150 groups – including civil rights organisations, labour unions, veterans, fair-election activists and LGBT+ advocates.

This includes a planned protest at the National Mall in Washington as well as locations in all 50 states.

They are in opposition to Trump’s actions: slashing the federal government, his handling of the economy and other issues.

Musk has played a key role in Trump’s second administration, leading efforts to downsize the federal government as head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.

Organisers hope these demonstrations will be the largest since Trump came to office.

Speaking of Musk, let’s see how Trump’s second term has impacted America’s richest men …?

 Countries across the globe are planning their response, or lack thereof, to Donald Trump’s tariffs.

China responded to Trump’s 34% tariff with its own levy of the same percentage on US imports.

According to state news agency Xinhua, China has accused the US of using tariffs “as a weapon” to suppress Beijing’s economy.

The country’s foreign ministry added that the US should “stop undermining the legitimate development rights of the Chinese people”.

It also warned there were no winners from and no way out for protectionism.

China also claimed that the US tariffs violated World Trade Organization rules – rules it itself has broken a number of times.

Professor Wang Wen, trade expert at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, spoke from Beijing to Kamali Melbourne. He outlined why he believed the tariffs would eventually benefit China, and why Beijing would “never yield” to the US president.

“The basic strategy of China’s tariff policy against Trump is to count on reciprocal rules and defend China’s national interest and dignity. China will never yield to Trump on the issue of tariff war,” he said.

However, Xi Jinping is no democratic leader either, given to expansionism by hook or crook.

China’s booming economy has opened up many opportunities to achieve its sinister objectives – massive investments which weaker economies fall into and become easy prey.

Sri Lanka is no exception. Caught in the middle are the smaller nations who are confused and worried how best to stay alive.

Sunil Dharmabandhu
Wales, UK