International

More than 2,000 protests in the US will condemn Donald Trump’s “authoritarianism” this Saturday

More than 2,000 events have been called this Saturday in the 50 US states to coincide with a controversial military parade that President Donald Trump wanted to hold in Washington and protest against what the organizers describe as “authoritarianism” by his Government.

The parade, which coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday, has been criticized by the conveners and other figures who consider that the president seeks to feed his ego with an event that is actually celebrated to honor the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US Army.

The day of protests that was baptized as ‘Day Without Kings’, because the groups behind them consider that the president is acting as one since his return to the White House, and they also highlight that Trump is using the Army, which was founded to face precisely the British monarchy, to cover himself with glory.

“On June 14, Flag Day, President Trump wants tanks in the streets and a television display of domination for his birthday. A show that aims to simulate strength. But true power is not displayed in Washington. It rises everywhere,” reads the call for the ‘Day without kings’.

“From the blocks of cities to small towns, from the steps of the courts to community parks, we take measures to reject authoritarianism and show the world what democracy really is like,” adds the message published on the internet.

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No act has been called in Washington on purpose to try to prevent what happens in the capital from being “the center of gravity” and it is expected that the protest in Philadelphia, a city 200 kilometers northeast of the capital and considered the cradle of the independence movement and American democracy, will be one of the largest that will be held tomorrow.

“On June 14, we will present ourselves where he is not: to say no to the thrones, no to the crowns, not to the kings,” concludes the organizers’ message.

Both the military parade and the ‘Day without kings’ also come after a tumultuous week in which protests against the aggressive raids against migrants of the Trump Administration have caused protests and riots in Los Angeles since last June 6, and that have found support in other cities with hundreds of arrests throughout the country.

Trump has said that in Washington it will be held “in style” and has warned that “if there is any protest, when they come out they will face a very powerful force.”

The president also decided to mobilize thousands of National Guard troops to suppress the Los Angeles protests, a decision questioned by local authorities, who consider that the riots were under control and that Trump’s order only sought to increase tension.

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A federal judge ruled yesterday that the president’s decision is illegal, although a court of appeals suspended the order hours later.

For his part, the governor of the state of Texas, Greg Abbott, has followed in Trump’s footsteps and on Thursday announced that he has ordered the deployment of more than 5,000 National Guard troops, along with more than 2,000 state police officers, to respond to the ongoing demonstrations and in preparation for those called for the ‘Day without kings’.

International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.