In a recent social media controversy, President Donald Trump faced backlash after a racist post featuring former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, portraying them as primates, was shared on his Truth Social account. Following significant criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, the post was deleted shortly after it was published. Despite the offense caused, Trump asserted that he would not apologize, claiming, "I didn’t make a mistake." The White House initially defended the post but later attributed it to a staffer's error and admitted to the misstep after public outcry.
This incident falls in line with Trump's history of utilizing incendiary rhetoric against the Obamas, including previous unfounded claims about Obama’s birthplace and derogatory comments regarding majority-Black nations. The post was part of a broader campaign where Trump continued to propagate false claims regarding the 2020 election, asserting it was stolen from him despite a lack of evidence from courts and his former attorney general.
In another significant development, the U.S. Justice Department announced the arrest of Zubayar Al-Bakoush, an alleged participant in the 2012 Benghazi attack that resulted in the deaths of four Americans. Al-Bakoush, identified as a member of an extremist militia, arrived in Virginia early Friday after a "transfer of custody." He faces serious charges, including murder and arson, and made a brief court appearance where he expressed confidence in the judicial process.
Meanwhile, an alarming account emerged from Minneapolis where Alberto Castañeda Mondragón, a Mexican immigrant, described being brutally beaten by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during his arrest. The incident occurred on January 8 and reportedly left him with eight skull fractures and five extensive brain hemorrhages. Mondragón recounted the violence he faced during and after his arrest, highlighting significant injuries sustained at the hands of federal agents.
In international affairs, indirect talks between Iran and the United States took place in Oman, focusing on Iran's nuclear program. Notably, U.S. Navy Admiral Brad Cooper attended, emphasizing a strong military presence in the region. President Trump remarked that negotiations were going "very well" and indicated that Iran seemed eager to make a deal. However, he reiterated that there would be "steep" consequences if no agreement was reached.
On the economic front, U.S. stock markets experienced a significant surge, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 1,206 points, surpassing the 50,000 mark for the first time. The S&P 500 saw a 2% increase, buoyed by a resurgence in technology stocks, particularly in companies like Nvidia and Broadcom. However, concerns linger regarding the sustainability of such gains amid expansive investments in artificial intelligence technologies by major corporations.
Across the Atlantic, British police executed searches at two properties linked to former Labour Party official Peter Mandelson in connection with an investigation into potential misconduct related to Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement, authorities indicated that these searches are part of an ongoing inquiry into serious offenses involving a 72-year-old individual.
The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics officially commenced with a unique four-site opening ceremony showcasing Italian cultural highlights, although logistical issues prevented many athletes from arriving at the main venue. In addition to festive performances, the ceremony notably faced criticism as some countries, including Israel, experienced protests related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In domestic social issues, a recent report revealed that U.S. births dropped slightly in 2025, dispelling hopes that a slight uptick in 2024 signaled a trend towards rising birth rates. Experts attributed the overall decline to factors such as later marriages and economic considerations impacting family planning.
Lastly, in legal news, a judge ordered the return of three families deported under the Trump administration's zero-tolerance policy on family separation, citing coercion and deception stemming from ICE practices. U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw mandated that the government cover their return travel costs and emphasized that the deportations did not adhere to legal obligations established during a settlement concerning family separations at the border.
