US Aid to Ukraine Amid Trump's Legal Woes
Time is of the essence. We can no longer delay providing assistance to Ukraine in its struggle against Russia.
This is the firm declaration made by US President Joe Biden during a press briefing, urging repeatedly for the voting on the bill regarding the provision of financial aid to Ukraine and Israel. While Republicans are stalling the vote on the document, their presidential favourite, Donald Trump, is increasingly entangled in legal troubles. A New York court has ordered him to pay a fine of $355 million, with a criminal trial set to commence in March. Against the backdrop of political disputes, Americans are grappling with rising inflation.
Rejected, voted, and again in waiting
The $95.3 billion military aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan was passed in the United States Senate. Senators debated the bill through the night, eventually reaching acceptance. However, the decisive vote lies with the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold the majority. Their leader has stated that they are not rushing to bring it to a vote yet, and the chances of it passing are diminished due to disagreements within the Republican Party regarding the United States' role abroad. During Friday's press briefing, where he accused Vladimir Putin of the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, President Joe Biden emphasised the importance of Washington supporting Ukraine in its struggle against the Moscow regime.
"We must provide this assistance so that Ukraine can defend itself. Defend itself against Putin's wrongdoing, against war crimes. History watches the actions of the House of Representatives. If we do not support Ukraine in these critical moments, it will not be forgotten. Time is running out. We must help now," stated Joe Biden.
Trump, ordered to pay $355 million fine for fraud
Donald Trump has been ordered to pay a $355 million fine for financial fraud. This sum is in addition to approximately $100 million in legal expenses. The former White House leader is accused of intentionally inflating the value of his properties to obtain a bank loan. Furthermore, the court has barred him from representing corporations in New York, effectively prohibiting him from conducting official business. Here's what New York Attorney General Letitia James had to say:
"We have demonstrated how Donald Trump and his family have benefited from these frauds. Today's court decision is in our favour, in favour of every hardworking American who plays by the rules. Now Donald Trump and the other suspects will be required to pay a $465 million fine and legal fees, and this amount will increase every day until it is paid," explained the New York Attorney General.
Donald Trump pleads not guilty and says he will appeal the decision.
"No fraud was committed. The banks got their money in full. The banks love Trump; they have testified that Trump is a good client, one of the best. And the judge knows this, but he is a corrupt individual, and the case has political implications. We will challenge the decision and win, I believe," specified Trump.
This is just one of the series of cases involving Donald Trump. In March, he will appear before magistrates in a criminal case where the former White House leader is accused of making a payment in 2016 to buy the silence of an adult film star.
Americans facing increasing inflation
While keeping an eye on political disputes, Americans are forced to contend with a slight rise in inflation. In January, there was a 3.1% increase in prices compared to last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The good news is that the unemployment rate remains low, at 3.7%. Currently, inflation is keeping bank interest rates at the same level. Those looking to purchase a home are affected because in January, the highest level of mortgage loans was recorded, at nearly 7%. For comparison, in February 2022, it stood at 3.69%, practically half.
Two minors detained following an armed attack at the Super Bowl Parade
Two minors have been detained in Kansas City following the tragedy that left one dead and 22 injured. According to the police, it all started with an argument among a group of minors. The tragedy occurred at the parade organised to celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs' victory in the Super Bowl. The event attracted tens of thousands of people. Gunshots were heard towards the end of the parade. A 44-year-old woman died as a result of the gunfire, and 22 other individuals, half of whom are minors, were injured. Police found several pistols at the scene. The issue of firearm possession is being intensely discussed at a high level in the USA. More and more people are calling for stricter gun ownership conditions. Currently, anyone who has reached the age of 21 and has no criminal record can purchase a handgun in just a few hours. Moreover, under federal law, Americans are not required to undergo a background check when purchasing a firearm from a private seller. The United States ranks among the countries with the most firearms per capita. According to the Small Arms Survey, cited by CNN, there are 120 pistols for every 100 people.
Presidents' Day in the USA
On Monday, February 19, Americans celebrate Presidents' Day. It is a national holiday, during which government employees have a day off. The day was initially established as a tribute to George Washington, the first President of the United States, and was celebrated on February 22, his birthday. And because several states celebrated Abraham Lincoln on February 12, it was decided to choose a single day, the third Monday of February, to honour all former American presidents.
Reported by Radio Moldova correspondent in the USA, Victoria Colesnic.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
