Trump Fires 17 Independent Watchdogs from Multiple US Government Agencies in Bold Friday Night Purge 

On Friday, January 24, the Trump administration fired over a dozen federal watchdogs (also known as inspectors general) from a multitude of US Government agencies. As many as 17 inspectors general at agencies including the Department of State, Defence and Transportation were terminated immediately through email from the White House contrary to federal law which requires 30 days’ notice to Congress to remove a watchdog. Individuals at the Department of Homeland Security and Justice were not part of this mass removal as the Washington Post, which was first to report on the dismissals said most people affected were appointees from Trump’s 2017-2021 term. In light of this sudden move by the Trump Administration which has only been in office for a week, this article will explore the role of independent inspectors and what these drastic changes will entail.

Trudeau Announces Plan for Resignation Amid “Internal Battles” in Governing Party 

Through a shocking political move, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his plan to resign from his role as Prime Minister and the leadership of the Liberal Party on January 6, 2025. Trudeau motivated this decision as being a product of internal disagreements, stating that “this country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that, if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”

Two Weeks of Political Chaos: Romania’s Cancelled Presidential Elections 

On Friday, November 6, the Romanian Constitutional Court officially annulled the results of the first round of voting in the presidential elections. The decision came as a shock to many as just days prior, the Court had validated the results of the first round and voting for the second round had already started for people domiciled outside of Romania. In the press release, it was said that the annulment was based on Article 146 (f) of the Constitution, for the protection of democracy, “to guard the observance of the procedure for the election of the President of Romania and to confirm the ballot returns.”.

ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant and Deif

May 20th 2024, the ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A Khan filed an application before the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court, requesting the granting of arrest warrants for three senior Hamas officials and two senior Israeli officials. Among those named were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant. The request was equally made for the arrest of Muhammad Deif, Hamas’s military chief. Applications for the two other Hamas leaders were withdrawn earlier this year after their deaths were confirmed. 

Germany Faces Snap Elections as Governing Coalition Collapses 

On Wednesday, November 6th, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired his finance minister Christian Lindner, plunging Europe’s largest economy and the country’s future into considerable...

Vanessa Chioaru

Hi! I’m Vanessa and I am from Romania. I am a dedicated second year law student who thorughly enjoys creative writing and debating. Being able to report on core issues concerning today’s society while offering a critical perspective is a passion I am excited to enrich through my work at the Stork.
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