April 9, 2025

U.S. officials said Ronald Johnson’s actions during his time as ambassador to El Salvador seemed less aligned with U.S. interests and more focused on protecting the country’s president.

A Russian missile strike near a playground in central Ukraine killed 19 people, including nine children. The attack was a painful reminder that a cease-fire remains as distant as ever.

President Trump’s latest moves included a 104 percent tariff on Chinese goods. Stocks and bonds slumped as Beijing hit back with its own levies and European leaders prepared retaliation measures.

Neither side wants to look weak by backing down on tariffs. But if their trade relationship collapses, the global consequences could be profound.

The U.S. has sent more forces to Syria, tamping down on the immediate threat, but experts warn that the extremist group could break thousands of hardened fighters out of prison.

The European Union is poised to approve a plan to hit back at President Trump’s steel and aluminum levies. Further measures could come next.

The new levies come as nations on the continent continue to struggle with the fallout of the Trump administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

As its trade negotiators headed to Washington for talks, South Korea announced measures to support the country’s carmakers who were badly hit by the levies announced by President Trump.