Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Iran–U.S. Nuclear Talks in Oman Face Major Hurdles Amid Rising Regional Tensions 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Missouri Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Starbucks’ Diversity and Inclusion Policies 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Trump Allows Commercial Fishing in Protected New England Waters 
Trump Says “Very Good Talks” Underway on Russia-Ukraine War as Peace Efforts Continue 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Trump Signs “America First Arms Transfer Strategy” to Prioritize U.S. Weapons Sales 
Norway Opens Corruption Probe Into Former PM and Nobel Committee Chair Thorbjoern Jagland Over Epstein Links 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Ohio Man Indicted for Alleged Threat Against Vice President JD Vance, Faces Additional Federal Charges 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled on Friday that he is willing to speak directly with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to address escalating trade tensions. “He can talk to me anytime he wants,” Trump told reporters at the White House, adding that he admires the Brazilian people but believes “the people running Brazil did the wrong thing.”
The remarks come as Washington prepares to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods next week, with exemptions for certain products. The move is aimed at countering what Trump described as a “witch hunt” against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, currently on trial for allegedly plotting a coup after his 2022 election defeat.
In response, Brazil’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad welcomed Trump’s comments, calling them “great,” and expressed confidence that Lula would also be open to dialogue. Lula, in a post on X, reaffirmed Brazil’s willingness to maintain open communication but did not directly mention Trump or his statement.
Tensions escalated further after the U.S. sanctioned a Brazilian Supreme Court justice overseeing Bolsonaro’s trial. Lula denounced both the tariffs and the sanctions as “unjustifiable” and “unacceptable interference” in Brazil’s judicial process.
Haddad confirmed plans to hold a virtual meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent next week, a step he believes could lead to a future meeting between Lula and Trump. However, he noted that careful preparation would be required before such high-level discussions take place.
The diplomatic friction highlights growing challenges in U.S.-Brazil relations, as both nations navigate disputes over tariffs, sanctions, and judicial independence amid Bolsonaro’s ongoing legal troubles.
