Open Source Report for Tuesday, April 22, 2025

THE TOP HEADLINES

Report for Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Trump stands behind Hegseth after attack plans shared in second Signal chat

Trump sees 'very good' chance for Ukraine ceasefire as U.S. proposes major concessions

Trump Shuns Europe, and Its Defense Industry Tries to Capitalize

Israeli Minister Says Freeing Hostages Not ‘Most Important’ Aim of the War

China Warns Countries Not to Team Up with U.S. Against It on Trade

CIPHER BRIEF EXCLUSIVES

20 Years Later, Assessing the Value of the ODNI.  The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) was created 20 years ago today as the top oversight entity within the U.S. intelligence community (IC). Formed in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks and the flawed intelligence which led to the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, the ODNI was given the mandate to correct “single-threaded intelligence reporting and analysis” and better integrate intelligence collection in the IC. It also prepares the Presidential Daily Brief, is a convening authority and determines the budget for the IC and is a public voice for the IC. It is facing calls for “overhaul.” Those who back the ODNI say it serves a critical role in knitting the IC together, while critics say it is bloated and adds an unneeded layer of bureaucracy to the IC. The Cipher Brief spoke with two former ODNI directors, two former senior ODNI officials and a former CIA chief of counterterrorism for their thoughts on the ODNI as it marks its 20th anniversary.  The Cipher Brief

Opinion: Trump’s Dangerous Game with El Salvador. Walter Pincus criticizes the Trump administration’s prison outsourcing deal with El Salvador as dangerously reckless and legally dubious. He highlights how President Trump embraced Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele's authoritarian approach to crime—marked by mass arrests, suspension of due process, and suppression of press freedom—as a model for handling U.S. detainees, including illegal immigrants and alleged gang members. Pincus warns that the agreement, which sends convicted criminals to El Salvador’s notoriously harsh CECOT prison for a fee, bypasses constitutional safeguards and due process. He underscores the moral and legal issues surrounding indefinite detention in a foreign authoritarian state and illustrates this through the mistaken deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man who had legal protection in the U.S. but was wrongly sent to El Salvador. Pincus concludes with alarm over the Trump administration's willingness to trade prisoners internationally, raising questions about legality, ethics, and accountability. The Cipher Brief

THE AMERICAS

Trump stands behind Hegseth after attack plans shared in second Signal chat. President Trump expressed full support Monday for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after revelations that Hegseth shared sensitive details of a U.S. strike on Yemen's Houthis in a Signal chat with his wife, brother, and lawyer. “Pete’s doing a great job. Everybody’s happy with him,” Trump said, adding, “Ask the Houthis how he’s doing.” Despite the controversy and a Pentagon Inspector General investigation, Trump affirmed: “Oh totally,” when asked if he still had confidence in Hegseth. While nine Senate Democrats have called for Hegseth’s resignation, Republican lawmakers have remained silent. Hegseth, a close Trump ally, dismissed media criticism and vowed to continue their shared agenda. Reuters Washington Post New York Times Associated Press NBC News BBC 

White House denies NPR report on search for Hegseth replacement. The White House denied an NPR report Monday that a search was underway for someone to replace Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after new reporting about his use of the Signal app and criticism from former Pentagon officials.  “This @NPR story is total FAKE NEWS based on one anonymous source who clearly has no idea what they are talking about. As the President said this morning, he stands strongly behind @SecDef,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote on social platform X.  The Hill 

Analysis: Why Hegseth looks safe – for now – despite new group chat crisis. Despite new revelations that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared sensitive military plans in private group chats—including one with his wife—he remains in office due to unwavering loyalty to President Trump, who values allegiance over experience. Hegseth’s unconventional style, echoing Trump’s combative political approach, has drawn criticism from former aides and security experts. Yet Trump continues defending him, blaming the media and political enemies. While concern grows over Pentagon dysfunction, Hegseth’s position seems safe—for now—unless further breaches emerge, or Trump deems the loyalty-cost balance no longer in his favor. CNN

A Different Kind of FBI Chief: Jet-Setting Patel Loves the Limelight. FBI Director Kash Patel has embraced a highly public persona, appearing at Ultimate Fighting Championship events and National Hockey League games, often alongside President Donald Trump. Unlike his low-profile predecessors—Robert Mueller, James Comey, and Christopher Wray—Patel actively promotes his leadership via social media. Since his February confirmation, he has restructured the bureau, ousted senior officials, and reversed policies from previous administrations. Patel frequently travels on FBI jets, including trips to Nashville, where he’s dating country singer Alexis Wilkins. His flamboyant style has drawn criticism as performative, but supporters, including deputy Dan Bongino, defend his reforms as bold and overdue. New York Times

Kristi Noem’s Bag, With Security Badge and $3,000, Is Stolen. Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, had her handbag stolen at a Washington, D.C. restaurant on Easter. The bag contained her DHS security badge, passport, $3,000 in cash, driver's license, medication, apartment keys, and blank checks. The department confirmed the theft, noting she was using the cash for family Easter activities. Noem, formerly South Dakota’s governor, is known for controversial social media content, including a prison visit video. The Secret Service and Homeland Security are handling the incident. As DHS head, Noem oversees agencies including FEMA, the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service, which are responsible for national security functions. New York Times CNN BBC Economic Times 

Analysis: With Latest Missteps, Veneer of Discipline in 2nd Trump Term Falls Away. President Donald Trump’s second term began with rapid policy implementation and apparent discipline, but recent missteps have exposed cracks in the administration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared sensitive military info in private chats, the Internal Revenue Service saw three leaders in a week, and a man was deported due to a bureaucratic error. A premature, unauthorized letter to Harvard sparked unnecessary conflict, and tensions have emerged between Elon Musk and senior officials over chaotic tariff decisions. Trump’s reliance on loyalists over experienced bureaucrats has led to erratic governance, with internal competence sometimes sacrificed for ideological alignment. Critics warn the administration’s structure favors loyalty over capability, increasing the risk of mismanagement. While the White House insists effectiveness remains high, experts suggest that executing a bold campaign is not the same as stable governing. Despite these issues, Trump remains confident in his team, dismissing controversies as media-driven or caused by “disgruntled employees.” New York Times 

Trump approval rating dips; many wary of his wielding of power, poll finds. President Donald Trump’s approval rating dropped to 42%, its lowest since his return to office, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. Many Americans disapprove of his efforts to expand presidential power, including the use of punitive measures against universities and the control of cultural institutions. Three-quarters oppose a third term, including a majority of Republican respondents. Reuters

GOP lawmakers running out of options to pay for Trump’s costly agenda. Republican leaders are struggling to fund President Trump’s costly agenda, which could add trillions to the national debt. Proposals to cut Medicaid, raise taxes, or eliminate clean-energy credits face strong opposition from both GOP lawmakers and interest groups. Even Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has fallen far short of its $1 trillion savings goal. With Social Security, veterans’ programs, and defense off-limits, budget experts say it’s nearly impossible to offset tax cuts and new spending without touching major benefits—an approach few in Congress are willing to support. The Hill 

Government Watchdog Drops Inquiries into Mass Firings of Probationary Workers. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has dropped its investigation into over 2,000 complaints from federal probationary employees fired en masse by the Trump administration, stating the terminations were part of a broader effort to reduce government staff, not individualized dismissals. Legal experts criticized the move as confusing and lacking proper justification. The decision closes a critical path for affected workers to challenge their dismissals, despite many receiving positive performance reviews. President Trump replaced the office’s head with a loyalist, Doug Collins, who authorized the closures. Ongoing legal challenges continue in federal courts and the Merit Systems Protection Board—currently leaderless. New York Times Washington Post Axios 

U.S. Army greenlights next-generation air defense radar for low-rate production. The U.S. Army has approved the new Lower-Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) for low-rate production, marking a major step in replacing the decades-old Patriot radar system. Developed by Raytheon, LTAMDS offers 360-degree coverage and roughly doubles the capability of the legacy system. After extended testing, including eight major flight tests and integration with key systems like the Integrated Battle Command System and multiple missile types, the radar is now ready for deployment. The Army plans to build 94 units, with Poland ordering 12 as the first international customer. Full-rate production is targeted for 2028, with initial operational testing set for late 2026. Though it takes 40 months to build, the Army is cooperating with Raytheon to speed up production time to 36 months. Defense News 

Boeing takes advantage of existing production lines for Golden Dome pitch. Boeing is positioning two of its space technologies—the X-37B spaceplane and missile-tracking satellites from its Foo Fighter program—as key assets for the Pentagon’s developing Golden Dome homeland missile defense system. Golden Dome aims to integrate advanced sensors and potentially space-based interceptors to defend against missile threats. Boeing's reusable X-37B has completed seven missions and could support testing of interceptor technology. Meanwhile, its subsidiary Millennium Space Systems is building eight Foo Fighter satellites to track hypersonic threats, with deliveries expected by 2026. Boeing is ready to expand production if the Pentagon increases demand, leveraging automation and expanded manufacturing capacity. Defense News 

Conservative Poilievre seemed poised to be Canada’s next leader. Then Trump declared economic war.  Once seen as a sure bet to become Canada’s next prime minister, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is now struggling amid a surge in nationalism triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and trade war against Canada. Poilievre’s Trump-style populism—rallies, media attacks, and “Canada First” slogans—once energized his base but now risks alienating voters wary of Trump. Recent polling shows the Liberals, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, gaining ground. Trump has publicly criticized Poilievre, calling him “no friend of mine,” even as Poilievre pushes for renegotiating trade and tougher domestic policies. Associated Press 

News Is Blocked on Meta’s Feeds in Canada. Here’s What Fills the Void. Ahead of Canada’s April 28 federal election, the country faces a surge of hyper partisan and misleading political content on Facebook and Instagram due to Meta’s 2023 ban on news, prompted by a law requiring it to pay publishers. With trusted sources blocked, pages like Canada Proud have filled the gap, spreading misinformation—often targeting Prime Minister Mark Carney. The right-wing page, linked to conservative political interests, has outperformed official party accounts in engagement, contributing to a growing disinformation ecosystem. Experts warn this shift leaves Canadians more vulnerable to AI-generated fake news and polarizing narratives. New York Times 

Justice Department grants DOGE access to sensitive immigration case data. Senior government officials have reportedly granted representatives from the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to a sensitive Justice Department system, ECAS, which holds detailed immigration records on millions of people, including names, addresses, legal history, and confidential court testimony. The move has raised serious privacy concerns, especially as DOGE — a non-Cabinet agency — is known for aggressively pushing data access across federal systems to support the Trump administration’s deportation efforts. The team, which includes individuals with ties to tech billionaire Elon Musk and controversial backgrounds, is also seeking access to other databases like Medicare and IRS records. Legal experts and federal employees have warned that using ECAS and other private data for enforcement could endanger immigrants, even those following legal processes. The DOJ declined to comment, and it remains unclear whether DOGE’s access is linked to its cost-cutting initiative JUST-DOGE or a separate plan. Washington Post 

Who are the people Bukele wants to exchange for Venezuelan detainees in El Salvador? El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele proposed exchanging 252 jailed Venezuelans—deported by the U.S.—for political prisoners held in Venezuela. Among those Bukele seeks to free are opposition figures like journalist Roland Carreno and activist Rocio San Miguel. Venezuela rejected the proposal, denying it detains people for political reasons despite widespread criticism. Reuters Bloomberg 

Trump blasts Supreme Court while arguing trials for migrants ‘not possible.’ President Trump lashed out at the Supreme Court for halting deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act, calling trials for all migrants "not possible" due to the volume. He defended controversial deportations, including that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, despite a court order that instructed the U.S. Government to ‘facilitate’ his return. Critics argue the administration is violating due process. Trump praised Justice Samuel Alito, who dissented from the Court’s pause, claiming it was rushed and unsupported. Deportations based on vague gang-related evidence, like tattoos, are fueling backlash. The Hill 

Venezuelan migrants were set for deportation without judicial review, lawyers tell US Supreme Court. The Trump administration attempted to deport Venezuelan migrants under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act without judicial review, prompting urgent legal intervention. The American Civil Liberties Union told the U.S. Supreme Court that detainees were given inadequate notice—some only in English—and denied legal access. The Court temporarily halted deportations to El Salvador, where detainees faced potential torture. The administration claims the migrants are linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, but the legality of such mass removals remains under review. Reuters

Certain GOP states enacting legislation targeting driver’s licenses issued to immigrants illegally in the U.S. Several Republican-led states, including Florida, Wyoming, and Tennessee, are moving to ban the use of certain out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. Florida's 2023 law criminalizes driving with licenses specifically marked for undocumented immigrants, and this currently affects only those from Connecticut and Delaware, as those two states place markings on licenses issued to immigrants living in the country illegally. More states, like Alabama and Montana, are considering similar measures. These actions contrast with policies in 19 states and Washington, D.C., which allow undocumented immigrants to obtain licenses. While federal law now enforces stricter ID standards through the REAL ID Act, states still have flexibility in issuing other types of licenses. Critics say these new bans are symbolic and create fear among immigrants, even if not widely enforced. Associated Press 

Mexico’s president requests removal of ‘discriminatory’ U.S. anti-immigration ad. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned a U.S. government anti-migration ad aired in Mexico, calling it “discriminatory” and harmful to human dignity. The ad, featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warning migrants they would be “hunted down,” sparked public outcry. Sheinbaum vowed to ban such foreign-sponsored ads and introduced legislation to block similar future broadcasts. Amid tense U.S.-Mexico relations under President Donald Trump, Sheinbaum has sought to balance border cooperation while opposing hostile rhetoric, as asylum applications in Mexico continue to rise. Los Angeles Times South China Morning Post Deutsche Welle 

‘I’m Not a Criminal’: The Mexican Politician Suspected of Being in Bed with Cartels. Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha faces growing scrutiny over alleged cartel ties amid a violent turf war. A cartel co-founder claimed he was kidnapped during a political dispute involving Rocha that ended in a rival’s suspicious death. Rocha denies links to drug lords, but U.S. officials and locals remain doubtful. Mexico’s federal government has taken control of state security, and pressure from President Trump has intensified. Evidence tampering and a stalled investigation further fuel concerns of state-cartel collusion in Sinaloa. Wall Street Journal 

Haiti could face ‘total chaos’ without more international support, UN envoy warns. The United Nations’ top envoy in Haiti, María Isabel Salvador, warned the Security Council that Haiti faces “total chaos” without urgent international support. Gangs now control 85% of Port-au-Prince and have expanded into surrounding areas, triggering mass displacement and deadly violence. The Kenya-led multinational force remains understaffed and underfunded. Salvador urged increased funding and immediate action, while Kenya’s national security adviser, Monica Juma, called for halting arms flows and enforcing sanctions. Over 1,000 Haitians were killed in February and March alone. Associated Press France 24 The Guardian  

THE UKRAINE UPDATE

Trump sees 'very good' chance for Ukraine ceasefire as U.S. proposes major concessions. During an Easter event at the White House on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters there was a “very good” chance of a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. “I will be giving you full details over the next three days, but we had very good meetings on Ukraine, Russia,” Trump said. He added on Truth Social, “Hopefully Russia and Ukraine will make a deal this week… and make a fortune” with the U.S. The comments follow a U.S. peace proposal discussed in Paris on April 17 that includes recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea and denying Ukraine NATO membership. Kyiv Independent

US, Ukraine, Europe Allies to Meet Wednesday on Peace Plan. The U.S. will meet with Ukraine and European allies in London on April 23 to discuss a proposed peace plan to end Russia’s war. The Trump administration’s offer includes easing sanctions and recognizing Russia’s control of Crimea, in exchange for a ceasefire and freezing current front lines. Ukraine insists it won’t cede territory. Trump warned the U.S. may withdraw from negotiations if no progress is made soon. Bloomberg

Europeans outlined non-negotiable issues to US for Ukraine-Russia peace deal, French minister says. European powers have outlined non-negotiable conditions for any Ukraine-Russia peace deal in talks with the U.S., according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. The discussions, involving Ukraine, the U.S., France, the U.K., and Germany, marked the first joint meeting since Trump’s return to power. Barrot emphasized defending European interests as the U.S. mediates. He expressed skepticism about a peace deal this week, suggesting Putin’s Easter truce was a ploy to placate Trump, though some de-escalation in attacks was noted. Reuters

As tensions mount in US embassy in Kyiv, former official breaks silence. U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink resigned on April 10 amid rising tension at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, as President Donald Trump shifted policy toward rapprochement with Russia. Brink, who had closely aligned with former President Joe Biden’s pro-Ukraine stance, altered her rhetoric after the disastrous February 28 Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. She retweeted posts critical of Zelensky and praising Trump, sparking backlash. Her failure to name Russia as the aggressor after an April 4 missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, which killed 20 people including nine children, drew public criticism from Zelensky. Though Brink gave no official reason for her departure, Western diplomats told the Kyiv Independent that it stemmed from “policy disagreements” with Washington. Earlier, Foreign Service Officer Kraig Cook also resigned, accusing the Trump administration of echoing Kremlin narratives and forcing “predatory” critical minerals deal on Ukraine. No additional embassy resignations have been confirmed.  Kyiv Independent  

Russia Welcomes U.S. Proposal to Deny NATO Membership to Ukraine. Russia welcomed a Trump administration proposal to bar Ukraine from joining NATO as part of a potential peace deal to end the war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said this aligns with Russia’s longstanding position but declined to discuss a timeline for any agreement. The U.S. presented the proposal to Ukrainian and European officials last week, including ideas such as U.S. recognition of Crimea as Russian and placing the Zaporizhzhia nuclear zone under neutral control. Kyiv's response is expected during talks in London. Despite multiple peace attempts, Russia continues slow-walking negotiations, hoping for leverage from battlefield gains. Wall Street Journal Reuters 

Putin says he is open to direct peace talks with Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that he is open to direct bilateral peace talks with Ukraine and further ceasefires, following a short Easter truce. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, dismissive of the ceasefire as a stunt, confirmed a delegation would attend peace talks in London with the U.S. and European allies. Both sides accused each other of violating the truce, with Ukraine reporting heavy Russian attacks. While Putin insists Moscow is open to peace, Russia maintains demands for annexed Ukrainian territory and neutrality. The U.S. has urged quick progress or may withdraw from mediation efforts. Reuters Kyiv Independent 

Ukraine is allocating a third of its defense budget for high-tech weapons production. Ukraine has allocated one-third of its 2025 defense budget—around $1.3 billion—to the domestic production of high-tech weapons such as drones, electronic warfare systems, and missiles. This marks a strategic push to boost self-reliance, support innovation, and stimulate the local tech sector. Officials aim to standardize drone production, enhance procurement transparency, and shift toward comprehensive defense solutions. Currently, over 40% of frontline weapons are domestically produced. Ukraine also plans to raise over $1 billion via direct purchases from local arms manufacturers. Kyiv Independent

Russian forces stage mass drone attack on Ukraine's Odesa, governor says. Russian forces launched a mass overnight drone attack on residential areas in Odesa, Ukraine, damaging apartments, civilian infrastructure, and an educational institution. Fires broke out, and emergency crews were dispatched. Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov called it a strike on a “densely populated district.” Odesa’s strategic Black Sea location makes it a frequent target. Reuters Kyiv Independent 

SBU says it detained '5 pro-Russian agitators' for promoting Kremlin narratives, justifying war crimes. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) detained five individuals for spreading pro-Russian propaganda and justifying Russian war crimes. Among them is a former member of the banned Nashi party linked to Yevhen Murayev, a pro-Russian figure charged with treason. Suspects used social media and workplace conversations to glorify Russian forces and undermine Ukraine. Kyiv Independent 

Russia recaptures monastery in Kursk from Ukraine, TASS says. Russian forces have recaptured the St. Nicholas Belogorsky monastery in the Kursk region from Ukrainian troops, according to state media. Ukrainian forces had reportedly used the site for artillery and drones. After 10 days of heavy fighting, Russia claims near-total control of the area, aided by reinforcements, including North Korean troops. Reuters 

Ukraine's Catholics express hurt over late Pope's war stance. Many Ukrainian Catholics mourned Pope Francis' death but expressed disappointment over his stance on the war with Russia. In particular, his 2024 remark suggesting Ukraine should raise a "white flag" and sue for peace caused hurt, as many expected him to condemn Russian aggression more directly. While acknowledging his broader humanitarian legacy, worshippers in Lviv and elsewhere voiced hope that the next pope will offer stronger moral support for Ukraine. Critics also took issue with his praise of historic Russian figures seen as oppressors by Ukrainians. Reuters

Russian airstrike on Zaporizhzhia kills 1, injures 13, including 2 children. On Tuesday, Russia struck Zaporizhzhia with two KAB bombs, killing a 69-year-old woman and injuring at least 13, including two children. One bomb hit infrastructure: the other, a residential building. The city, home to 710,000 prewar residents and Europe's largest nuclear plant, remains a frequent target in the ongoing conflict. Kyiv Independent

ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment for Monday, April 21. President Vladimir Putin rejected President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire on long-range strikes. Instead, he ended his own brief Easter truce while attempting to justify Russia’s ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure as targeting areas with Ukrainian military presence. Putin dismissed Ukraine’s and the U.S.'s broader ceasefire proposal, reiterating his opposition to any unconditional 30-day truce and accusing Ukraine of trying to exploit the situation. President Donald Trump expressed hope for a ceasefire deal, but the Kremlin quickly responded that it is not ready to set any timeline for ending the war, highlighting ongoing Russian resistance to peace negotiations. Russian occupation official Vladimir Saldo called for Russia to control more territory along the Dnipro River, including parts of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast not currently claimed by Russia, under the pretext of securing infrastructure and preventing Ukrainian artillery strikes. Saldo’s demands align with Kremlin rhetoric about "Novorossiya" and expanding buffer zones, further indicating Russia's intention to make maximal territorial claims without offering any reciprocal concessions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated pre-war demands that Ukraine must abandon NATO ambitions, framing it again as a core condition for peace and a justification for continued aggression.

Battlefield update: Russian forces advanced near Lyman and Toretsk. Institute for the Study of War

EUROPE

Pope’s funeral to be held Saturday morning. Following Pope Francis’ death on Monday at age 88 from a stroke, the Vatican has set his funeral for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, with public viewing beginning Wednesday. Cardinals have begun preparations for the conclave to elect a new pope. Francis, the first Latin American pope, will be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica. Tributes poured in globally, lauding his humility and advocacy for the poor. Francis rejected papal opulence, opting for a simple lifestyle and coffin, in keeping with his Gospel-centered papacy. In life, Pope Francis shunned the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City in favor of a modest apartment. In death, too, he disdained ornateness, directing the church to inter him in a single coffin instead of the traditional nested trio. Associated Press New York Times CNN

Trump to attend Pope Francis' funeral in Rome. President Donald Trump announced he will attend the funeral of Pope Francis, marking his first foreign trip of his second term. The Vatican has not yet set a date. Trump and the late pontiff had a strained relationship, particularly during the 2016 campaign, but later met in 2017. Trump also ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff in honor of the pope. Pope Francis met Vice President JD Vance shortly before his death on Sunday. Politico Reuters New York Post 

How the Kremlin Plans to Bait Trump into a Grand Bargain. The Kremlin is preparing for possible talks with President Donald Trump by crafting a broad "grand bargain" that would secure U.S. recognition of Russian influence over former Soviet states, including Ukraine. According to The Moscow Times, officials are identifying incentives to appeal personally to Trump—such as rare earth deals, symbolic gestures like a Trump Tower in Moscow, and energy coordination with the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Russia aims to use the promise of a Ukraine ceasefire as leverage but offers few concrete economic or geopolitical benefits. Despite formal ceasefire talk, officials admit Moscow’s true goal is a long-term recalibration of U.S.-Russia relations, built on Trump’s transactional instincts and showmanship, not traditional diplomacy. Moscow Times

Trump Shuns Europe, and Its Defense Industry Tries to Capitalize. As Europe rethinks its post-Cold War focus on social spending, its defense industry is experiencing a revival, accelerated by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and growing unease with President Trump’s isolationist policies. European firms, such as Italy’s Leonardo, are capitalizing on this shift, expanding their production and exports of advanced weaponry, including the Eurofighter jet. European demand for arms has surged, and global interest is growing as countries like Poland and Turkey consider deals that bypass U.S. suppliers. Trump’s trade tariffs and security ambivalence have spurred European governments to boost military budgets—up to $840 billion in planned European Union defense investments—and pushed traditionally cautious institutional investors, including pension funds, to reconsider bans on weapons firms. Yet inefficiencies remain due to fragmented production across nations. Meanwhile, Leonardo is also collaborating on a next-generation fighter jet, the GCAP, aimed at rivaling the U.S. F-35 but with increased operational autonomy for its buyers. Europe, once pacifist, is now preparing for sustained militarization. New York Times 

Commentary: Why a defense boss could boost Europe’s revival. Pierre Briançon argues that Europe urgently needs a "defense czar" to coordinate rising military spending and avoid wasteful duplication as nations pledge to increase their defense budgets to 3% of GDP. Briançon warns that Europe’s defense sector is fragmented, underfunded in R&D, and overly reliant on U.S. imports, making it ill-equipped to face threats like Russia. He proposes a new, non-European Union forum of willing nations—including the UK and Norway—and identifies potential leaders like Ben Wallace or Mette Frederiksen to drive strategic coherence and industry harmonization. Reuters 

Sweden Has the Tanks. Finland Has the Troops. Welcome to the Pan-Nordic Army. The Nordic countries—Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark—are forging a unified military bloc in response to growing Russian aggression and waning trust in U.S. security guarantees under Trump. Once synonymous with peace, the Nordics now lead European defense efforts, with Finland’s large standing army, Sweden’s advanced defense industry, Norway’s Arctic capabilities, and Denmark’s elite forces and growing military budget. They've combined air forces, boosted Ukraine aid, and revived conscription. Fearing NATO’s unreliability, they’re building a regional security alternative. This new Pan-Nordic model could serve as Europe’s “Plan B” if the transatlantic alliance falters. Wall Street Journal

Russia ramping up hybrid attacks against Europe, Dutch intelligence warns. Russia is stepping up hybrid attacks targeting the Netherlands and its European allies, according to Dutch military intelligence agency MIVD. These include cyberattacks, espionage, and efforts to destabilize society. MIVD revealed on Tuesday that Russian hackers targeted a Dutch public service’s digital systems for the first time last year and were involved in a cyber operation possibly preparing to sabotage critical infrastructure. The agency warned of increasing risks even after the Ukraine war, noting that Russia is actively mapping North Sea infrastructure for potential sabotage. "The conflict in the grey zone between war and peace has become a reality. More and more, state actors try to undermine our society with hybrid attacks,” said MIVD director Peter Reesink. Moscow denies all allegations, calling them unsubstantiated. Reuters 

Kremlin hawk Patrushev says trust between Russia and U.S. should be restored. Kremlin Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, a key ally of President Vladimir Putin and former KGB officer, called for restoring trust between Russia and the U.S., emphasizing both nations' shared responsibility for global stability. He expressed readiness to resume Arctic cooperation and noted that past crises have been overcome through dialogue. This comes as President Trump pivots toward Russia to end the Ukraine war, worrying European allies who fear U.S. disengagement from Europe in favor of countering China. Reuters

Trump’s tariff war empowers Europe’s free traders. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs have unexpectedly boosted the European Union’s role as a champion of free trade. As the U.S. erects trade barriers, countries are turning to Brussels for stability and partnership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted rising global interest in the EU as a reliable trading ally. Even protectionist EU states like France are softening their stance. The EU has accelerated trade talks with Mercosur, India, and others, positioning itself as a liberal alternative to Trump’s isolationist agenda. Still, fears persist about redirected Chinese exports and the dim prospects of reviving a U.S.-EU trade pact. Politico EU

Von der Leyen: World is ‘lining up’ to work with Europe amid Trump’s trade war.  Amid President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told POLITICO that countries are “lining up to work with us” as Europe emerges as a “strong, reliable partner” in a volatile world. Without naming the U.S., she highlighted that the global order is “shifting more deeply than at any time since the Cold War ended.” Von der Leyen emphasized Europe’s appeal, citing a Eurobarometer showing 74% support for EU membership: “In the middle of the chaos, Europe stands firm, grounded in values, ready to shape what comes next.” She plans to deepen EU outreach, including with China. Politico EU

Can France and Germany’s new lovefest survive their lingering differences? France and Germany are enjoying a renewed political honeymoon as incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron align on key defense and security issues. With U.S. President Donald Trump imposing tariffs and casting doubt on NATO and Ukraine support, the urgency for European defense autonomy has surged. Merz’s decision to lift Germany’s debt brake and boost defense spending was met with enthusiasm in Paris, fulfilling Macron’s longstanding push for stronger EU military capacity. Both leaders now advocate deeper defense industry integration, potentially smoothing past disagreements over joint weapons systems like the SCAF fighter jet. Merz has also echoed Macron’s call for European independence from the U.S., marking a strategic pivot. Yet challenges remain: France opposes Germany’s past reliance on U.S. and Israeli missile defense systems, and Macron’s push for EU joint borrowing to fund defense still meets resistance in Berlin. Nonetheless, the Franco-German engine is newly energized—crucial for EU security amid rising global instability. Politico EU

Russian journalist and outspoken war critic escapes from house arrest. Russian journalist Ekaterina Barabash, 63, escaped house arrest and is now wanted by Russian authorities for criticizing the war in Ukraine. Initially detained in February for posting alleged “fake news,” she has long condemned Russia’s invasion, calling it “Evil on a planetary scale.” Barabash has deep Ukrainian ties and a history of outspoken dissent. Kyiv Independent The Guardian 

Russian court cuts jail term for American held on drug charges, lawyer says. A Russian court reduced U.S. citizen Robert Woodland’s drug trafficking sentence from 12.5 to 9.5 years. Arrested in 2024 with 50 grams of mephedrone, Woodland partially admitted guilt. Adopted from Russia as a child, he returned to meet his birth mother. He's one of at least 10 Americans jailed in Russia post-prisoner swap. Reuters

Britain and New Zealand to step up military ties as leaders meet. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon meet Tuesday to strengthen defense and security cooperation, including sustained support for Ukraine. They will observe joint military training of Ukrainian troops in southwest England and direct ministers to develop a new defense partnership. Starmer emphasized shared history and growing collaboration amid global instability, citing increased defense spending, naval cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and efforts to bolster Ukraine against Russian aggression. Reuters 

THE MIDDLE EAST

Israeli Minister Says Freeing Hostages Not ‘Most Important’ Aim of the War. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that eliminating Hamas and ensuring it no longer rules Gaza is a higher priority than rescuing hostages, drawing backlash in Israel where the safe return of captives is a deeply held value. Critics accused the government of abandoning the hostages, around two dozen of whom are believed to still be alive in Gaza. The war has killed over 50,000 people, according to Palestinian officials. Prime Minister Netanyahu insists on continuing the offensive until Hamas is defeated. Meanwhile, evangelical leader Mike Huckabee officially became U.S. ambassador to Israel, backing hardline Israeli settlement goals. New York Times Washington Post Times of Israel Haaretz   

Israeli Security Chief Accuses Netanyahu of Making Improper Requests. In an affidavit, Ronen Bar, chief of Israel’s Shin Bet domestic security agency, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pressuring him to spy on anti-government protesters and demanding personal loyalty over adherence to the Supreme Court in a constitutional crisis. Bar submitted the statement amid Netanyahu’s effort to fire him, which Bar claimed stemmed not from professional grounds but his refusal to comply with improper requests. The affidavit also references sensitive investigations, including alleged classified leaks and "Qatargate," involving suspected Qatari influence on Netanyahu’s media advisers. Netanyahu denies wrongdoing, while opposition leaders warn of threats to Israeli democracy. New York Times Bloomberg 

New Israel-Gaza ceasefire plan proposed, Hamas source tells BBC. Qatari and Egyptian mediators have proposed a new Israel-Gaza ceasefire plan, aiming for a 5–7-year truce, release of all hostages, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and formal war termination. Hamas has shown “unprecedented flexibility” and may cede Gaza governance to a national or regional Palestinian body. A Hamas delegation is heading to Cairo for talks. Israel hasn’t commented but previously demanded Hamas disarm. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists the war won’t end until Hamas is destroyed, and all hostages are returned. BBC 

Israel cancels visas for French lawmakers before visit to include Palestinian territories. Israel canceled visas for 27 French left-wing lawmakers set to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories, amid tensions over French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state. The group called it “collective punishment.” Similar bans were recently imposed on British MPs, escalating diplomatic strains with European governments. Times of Israel France 24 Jerusalem Post South China Morning Post 

Palestinian Red Crescent says Israeli probe into Gaza aid workers' killings not enough. The Palestinian Red Crescent has rejected Israel’s internal probe into the killing of 15 aid workers in Gaza, calling it inadequate and demanding an international investigation. Chairman Younis Al-Khatib criticized the disciplinary actions against two Israeli officers as administrative, not accountability for what he called a grave crime. Israel admitted "professional failures," citing poor visibility, but confirmed the vehicles targeted were clearly marked. The incident has intensified calls for transparency and justice amid growing global condemnation. Reuters Associated Press 

It Survived for 2,000 years, but Syria’s War Battered Palmyra. The ancient city of Palmyra, a 2,000-year-old cultural jewel in central Syria, bears deep scars from the country’s brutal 13-year civil war. Once a vibrant Silk Road hub and UNESCO World Heritage Site, it suffered severe destruction from multiple factions, including the Islamic State, which blew up temples and monuments, executed the city’s antiquities chief, and used the ruins for propaganda. Though Syrian and Russian forces reclaimed the site, much of it lies in rubble. Locals, few tourists, and former fighters’ remnants mark a ghostly landscape haunted by war yet still echoing civilization’s endurance. New York Times

70% of Jewish Holocaust survivors will be gone in the next 10 years, a report shows. A new report by the Claims Conference warns that 70% of Holocaust survivors will die within the next decade, and 90% within 15 years. With a median age of 87, the remaining 200,000 survivors are the final firsthand witnesses to one of history’s greatest atrocities. The report, titled Vanishing Witnesses, highlights urgency in preserving their testimonies. Survivors live across 90 countries, with declining populations in Israel, the U.S., and the former Soviet Union. Many survivors fear their stories will vanish once they’re gone. Associated Press

ASIA & OCEANIA

Trump tariffs torch chances of meeting with China's Xi. President Trump’s aggressive tariffs on Chinese imports—some as high as 245%—have severely damaged U.S.-China relations, likely eliminating prospects for a summit with President Xi Jinping anytime soon. Analysts say Trump’s hostile rhetoric, stalled diplomacy on fentanyl and climate issues, and Beijing’s retaliatory tariffs have pushed ties to the brink of “economic war.” China views the tariffs as illegal and existentially threatening. While a Trump-Xi meeting remains theoretically possible, analysts believe backchannel diplomacy is now crippled, with both sides unwilling to appear as conceding ground in the escalating standoff. Barron’s 

China Warns Countries Not to Team Up with U.S. Against It on Trade. China warned countries against reducing trade with it to appease the United States and gain relief from tariffs, calling such moves "selfish and shortsighted." The Ministry of Commerce vowed retaliation against nations that harm China's interests, as President Donald Trump signals willingness to pressure U.S. partners to choose sides. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has been strengthening ties with Southeast Asia and Europe to counter U.S. isolation efforts. Meanwhile, countries like Vietnam walk a tightrope, promising trade compliance without directly naming China. Experts caution that unpredictable U.S. policy makes anti-China trade alliances risky, even as pressure on U.S. allies increases. New York Times Associated Press CNN  

U.S. general says allied forces can repel Asia aggression as Philippines combat drills open. The U.S. and the Philippines launched their annual Balikatan combat drills involving 14,000 troops, simulating full-scale battle scenarios to bolster defense capabilities amid rising tensions with China. Exercises include island defense, naval drills near the South China Sea, and deployment of U.S. anti-ship missiles. U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. James Glynn affirmed allied readiness to repel aggression, emphasizing deterrence and a free Indo-Pacific. China opposes the drills, viewing them as threats to stability. Australia and Japan are also participating. The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to defend Philippine sovereignty if attacked. Associated Press Defense News Euronews  

JD Vance flies into a giant trade storm in India. U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited India to promote a trade realignment aimed at isolating China economically, offering tariff relief in exchange for cooperation. India is urgently seeking deals with the United States and the European Union (EU) before higher tariffs, which Trump paused, resume in July. Despite shared concerns over China’s regional aggression, India relies heavily on Chinese imports, especially in pharmaceuticals and electronics. While some Chinese firms are forming joint ventures in India, New Delhi is now restricting further Chinese investment to reassure Washington. However, any U.S.-India trade deal faces domestic hurdles—particularly opposition to opening India’s agricultural and e-commerce sectors. The leaders also discussed cooperation in defense, energy, and technology. Modi conveyed greetings to President Trump and anticipated his visit later this year. The United States remains India’s largest trading partner, with $129 billion in trade in 2024.  The Economist Reuters Bloomberg 

China arrests former senior anti-graft official for suspected bribes. China has arrested Li Gang, a former senior anti-corruption official, for allegedly accepting bribes, state media reported. Li previously led the Communist Party’s disciplinary team in its powerful organization department. The move is part of President Xi Jinping’s ongoing crackdown on corruption, which he calls a growing threat to the Party. Reuters

China and Indonesia agree to boost maritime security cooperation in South China Sea despite tensions. China and Indonesia have agreed to enhance maritime security cooperation in the South China Sea, despite ongoing tensions over Beijing’s expansive territorial claims. At a joint meeting in Beijing, officials pledged to deepen law enforcement, infrastructure, and joint development ties, including future counterterrorism exercises. While Indonesia doesn’t claim disputed South China Sea territory, parts of its exclusive economic zone overlap with China’s “nine-dash line.” Both countries aim to maintain regional stability and combat transnational threats, while continuing cooperation on major infrastructure projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Associated Press 

China deploys team to Myanmar for ceasefire monitoring. China has sent a team to Myanmar to monitor a ceasefire it helped broker between the ruling military and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), highlighting Beijing's increasing involvement in the country's civil conflict. Since Myanmar's military ousted the elected government in 2021, the country has descended into violent rebellion. The MNDAA, composed mostly of ethnic Chinese, captured a key military base in Lashio near the Chinese border in 2024. A ceasefire agreement was signed in January during talks in Kunming, China. Chinese officials say they will continue supporting peace efforts, while the MNDAA-junta deal remains separate from ASEAN's broader humanitarian ceasefire initiative. Reuters 

Beijing says Iranian FM to visit on Wednesday. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi will visit China on April 23 to discuss bilateral ties and major regional and international issues, according to China’s foreign ministry. The visit aims to strengthen political trust between the two countries and comes just before a new round of nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. in Oman. Araghchi recently visited Moscow, emphasizing Tehran’s ongoing consultations with Russia and China on nuclear matters. Reuters 

South Korea acting president sees US trade talks leading to beneficial solution. South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo expressed optimism that upcoming trade talks with the U.S. will lead to a mutually beneficial outcome. Scheduled for April 24 in Washington, the talks will cover alliance-strengthening issues. Seoul denied reports that curbing trade with China is on the agenda, amid rising U.S.-China tensions. Reuters Yonhap News Agency 

Seoul successfully launches 4th spy satellite into orbit. South Korea has successfully launched its fourth homegrown military spy satellite. The satellite, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, entered orbit 15 minutes after liftoff on Monday evening, and is now undergoing operational checks via ground communication. This satellite, equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR), is part of the country’s plan to deploy five spy satellites by the end of 2025 to enhance surveillance of North Korea and reduce reliance on U.S. intelligence. The final satellite, also SAR-equipped, is scheduled for launch later this year, enabling monitoring of North Korea approximately every two hours. Yonhap News Agency Korea Herald 

South Korean Army conducts live-fire artillery drills near inter-Korean border. South Korean artillery units conducted live-fire drills near the inter-Korean border for the first time in seven years, hitting targets within a U.S. firing range. The exercises, which took place Monday in Paju, northwest of Seoul, involved 18 self-propelled howitzers that fired about 60 shells. This marks the first use of the range since South Korea suspended a 2018 military agreement with North Korea, which had banned such drills near the border. The move follows a recent Washington-Seoul agreement allowing South Korean troops to return to the range. The Army says these drills will strengthen its readiness and long-range response to potential North Korean artillery attacks. Yonhap News Agency 

Ishiba Pens Letter to Xi as Japan Aims to Avoid Trade Crossfire. Japan is sending a delegation led by Tetsuo Saito to deliver a letter from Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, aiming to avoid being caught between rising US-China trade tensions. Japan seeks to balance ties with China—its largest trading partner—and the US, its main security ally. The visit will also address bilateral disputes like China’s seafood ban, amid Tokyo’s Fukushima wastewater release. Saito hopes for frank discussions outside formal diplomatic channels to build trust and reduce friction. Bloomberg

Thai leader says trade negotiations with U.S. postponed. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Tuesday announced that Thai-U.S. trade talks have been delayed from April 23. She said Washington requested that Thailand review some important issues, adding that a new date for the meeting is being planned. Paetongtarn said, "we're not too slow and we are reviewing issues, including our tariffs that may be adjusted appropriately.” Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira stated that negotiations were still ongoing on the working level, though he has no plans to head to the U.S. soon. Reuters Bloomberg 

Amid simmering tensions, Afghans fleeing Pakistan rebuild from nothing. Thousands of Afghans are being expelled from Pakistan, following Islamabad’s accusations that Afghans are linked to drugs and terrorism. Among them is 15-year-old Khan, who was born and raised in Pakistan and now faces an uncertain future in a country she’s never known. Her family, like many others, left Afghanistan decades ago and is returning with little more than basic belongings, no resources, and few prospects. The Taliban’s restrictions, especially on women and girls, further darken their hopes—education and employment opportunities are severely limited. Camps set up for returnees offer minimal support, and local Afghan communities, already struggling with extreme poverty, are unable to provide much help. Many returnees feel disoriented, with some like Khan’s brother even losing family as a result of the move. Despite promises from the Taliban to build towns for returnees, basic infrastructure is largely missing. France 24 

Early voting in Australia election begins, PM Albanese's party holds slender lead. Early voting has begun in Australia’s federal election, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party holding a narrow lead over the conservative opposition. Up to half of voters may cast ballots before the May 3 election. Opposition leader Peter Dutton faces declining popularity, partly due to President Donald Trump-aligned policy comparisons. Reuters

AFRICA

Islamic State claims responsibility for brutal attacks in Nigeria. The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for a string of devastating attacks in northeastern Nigeria earlier this month, targeting both security forces and Christian civilians, and has released footage as evidence. In Borno state, ISWAP said it attacked a Nigerian army barracks in Yamtage, killing three soldiers and burning the facility, and also claimed to have captured and killed four pro-government militia members. In Adamawa state, the group said it carried out two assaults on Banga village, killing Christian civilians, burning over 30 houses and a church, and injuring police officers. ISWAP also released media showing attacks on Lareh village. The Nigerian government has pledged to defeat such groups, boosting its defense budget by over 40% this year. Reuters

Sudan’s RSF kill over 30 in a fresh assault on a Darfur city, activists say. Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a deadly offensive on el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, on Sunday, killing over 30 people and wounding dozens more, according to local activists. The attack, which continued into Monday with shelling of homes and markets, is part of the RSF’s ongoing effort to seize control of the Darfur region. El-Fasher, which is currently held by the military, hosts over a million people, many of them displaced by relentless conflict. The RSF, originating from the Janjaweed militias notorious for past atrocities in Darfur, has intensified attacks following recent losses elsewhere in Sudan. Last week, the RSF and allied militias killed over 400 people and forced 400,000 to flee the country’s largest displaced persons camp, which is now cut off from humanitarian aid. Associated Press Al Jazeera 

South Sudanese military takes back critical town from White Army militia. South Sudan’s army has recaptured Nasir, a key town in Upper Nile state, from the White Army militia, a Nuer ethnic group linked to First Vice President Riek Machar, whose detention in March sparked a political crisis. The army retook the town without resistance, though 17 people were reportedly killed in nearby Thuluc during clashes. Machar, who was placed under house arrest for allegedly supporting the militia, denies involvement. His SPLM-IO party is showing signs of internal division, with one faction attempting to replace him. Meanwhile, Uganda has deployed troops to stabilize South Sudan and claims to have killed 1,500 White Army fighters. Fears continue to mount as tensions rise, with many worried that the strain could reignite another civil war; the last conflict claimed around 400,000 lives. Reuters 

Burkina Faso’s ruling junta claims it thwarted 'major plot' to sow 'total chaos.’ Burkina Faso's military junta on Monday announced it had thwarted a “major plot” intended to create chaos and overthrow the government. The junta claims the plot was orchestrated from neighboring Ivory Coast, specifically by two ex-army officers. "The manoeuvre was to culminate, according to the terrorist plotters' plan, on Wednesday April 16, 2025 in an assault on the presidency of (Burkina) Faso by a group of soldiers recruited by the nation's enemies," said one official. A dozen troops in Burkina Faso were arrested last week in connection with the plan. Since taking power in a 2022 coup, the junta, led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, has faced criticism for silencing dissent, while the country continues to suffer from jihadist violence linked to ISIS and Al-Qaeda. France 24 Barron's   

Ghana steps up efforts to mend ties with Sahel nations. Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama urges Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso to reconcile with the Economic Community of West African States and invites their leaders to attend next week's 50th anniversary celebration of the West African bloc. Also, Uganda's government is proposing a new law to allow military courts to try civilians for certain offences. France 24 

CYBER, TECH & MARKETS

Anthropic warns fully AI employees are a year away.  Anthropic’s top security leader predicts that AI-powered virtual employees—autonomous agents with their own accounts, roles, and "memories"—could begin operating within corporate networks as soon as next year, raising major cybersecurity challenges. Unlike current task-specific AI agents, these virtual employees would have significant autonomy, potentially exposing companies to new security risks if not properly managed. Key concerns include securing AI identities, defining access privileges, and determining accountability if an AI agent causes harm. Anthropic plans to address these risks by testing its Claude models for cyber resilience and monitoring misuse by bad actors. The rise of virtual employees could reshape workforce management and security strategies, with several cybersecurity firms, like Okta, already launching tools to handle "non-human" identities. However, integrating AI into corporate environments remains complex and controversial, as seen in recent corporate pushbacks against giving AI bots formal workplace roles.  Axios

Two senior CISA officials working on ‘Secure by Design’ initiative announce resignations. Two senior Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) officials have announced their resignations from the agency in posts on LinkedIn. Lauren Zabierek, a CISA senior advisor, wrote that “this was not an easy choice, as service to the nation has been the cornerstone of my career,” which included positions in the military and the intelligence community.  Bob Lord, a senior technical advisor since 2022, posted that he had “made the difficult decision” to leave CISA. Neither official disclosed plans for the future. CISA Executive Director Bridget Bean, the interim leader of the agency, said in a statement, “I thank Bob Lord and Lauren Zabierek for helping to lay the foundation on which future work in this space can be built,” referring to Secure by Design, a government-private sector initiative to ensure safe design of software products. Bean said that “while CISA’s approaches to Secure by Design evolve, our commitment to the principles remain steadfast.”  The Record  CyberScoop

Trump, Upping Pressure on Powell, Again Calls for Rate Cuts. On Monday, President Donald Trump again pressured Fed Chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates, warning that the U.S. economy could slow without immediate action. Trump claimed, “there is virtually No Inflation” and blamed Powell—whom he called “Mr. Too Late”—for delays. He hinted at firing Powell, saying, “if I want him out, he’ll be out... real fast.” Trump’s push coincides with global economic meetings in Washington, while economists caution his tariffs may fuel inflation and hinder growth. Markets tumbled amid concerns over Fed independence and Trump’s rhetoric. Bloomberg

Dow Headed for Worst April Since 1932 as Investors Send ‘No Confidence’ Signal. U.S. markets are reeling as the Dow Jones Industrial Average heads for its worst April since 1932, shedding nearly 1,000 points on Monday. The S&P 500’s performance since President Donald Trump’s inauguration is the worst on record at this stage. Investor confidence is plummeting amid fears of trade restrictions, tariffs, and potential dismissal of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. Typically safe havens like bonds and the U.S. dollar are also weakening, leaving gold as the lone strong asset. Wall Street sentiment has turned sharply bearish, with over 50% of individual investors expecting further declines for eight straight weeks—a record since 1987. Trump's trade war has raised import costs and global tensions, and economists warn of higher inflation and slower growth. The International Monetary Fund is expected to downgrade global economic forecasts amid this turmoil.  Wall Street Journal New York Times

Trump’s Trade Offensive Threatens America’s Financial Primacy. President Trump’s aggressive and unpredictable trade policies are rattling global financial markets, raising fears of a “capital war” and threatening U.S. financial dominance. Volatility in the Treasury market and a weakening dollar signal investor unease with American assets, prompting some to shift funds to Europe. Analysts warn that diminished foreign demand for Treasurys could increase U.S. borrowing costs and undermine the dollar’s reserve currency status. While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed the disruption as technical, former officials see deeper concerns. Major firms like Allianz and BlackRock are reducing U.S. exposure, a trend that could erode long-standing advantages for U.S. households and businesses. Wall Street Journal

Japanese investors sold $20 billion of foreign debt as Trump tariffs shook markets. Japanese investors sold over $20 billion in foreign bonds—likely including U.S. Treasuries—following Donald Trump’s April 2 tariff announcement, which triggered global market turmoil. According to Japan’s Finance Ministry, $17.5 billion was offloaded in the week to April 4, with an additional $3.6 billion the next week. The sell-off, one of the largest since 2005, reflects Japanese pension funds and institutions rebalancing portfolios after a steep U.S. stock market drop. Analysts say while significant, the sales alone don’t explain the sharp rise in Treasury yields seen during the same period. Japan holds $1.1 trillion in US Treasuries across the public and private sectors — the biggest international stockpile in the world — so its transactions are closely monitored and considered a proxy for buying or selling of US government debt. Financial Times

Roche to Invest $50 Billion in Pharma, Diagnostics in US. Roche Holding AG announced a $50 billion investment in its U.S. pharmaceutical and diagnostics operations over the next five years, aligning with President Trump’s push for domestic industry. The plan includes new manufacturing and R&D facilities in states like Kentucky, Indiana, California, and Massachusetts, including a gene therapy site in Pennsylvania and a glucose monitoring plant. Roche aims to reverse its current trade balance, exporting more U.S.-produced medicines than it imports, particularly in next-generation therapies and diagnostics. Bloomberg

Justice Department Urges Tough Action to Break Google’s Search Dominance. The Justice Department has urged a federal judge to break up Google’s dominance in online search by forcing it to sell its Chrome browser and end default search deals with phone makers. Judge Amit Mehta, who previously ruled Google maintained an illegal monopoly, is considering remedies in a three-week trial. Google argues the proposed actions would harm innovation and consumers. The case, backed by over 30 states, is one of the most significant antitrust efforts since the Microsoft case of the 1990s. Wall Street Journal 

Will a Federal Judge Break Up Google? A pivotal antitrust hearing began this week as U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta considers remedies for Google’s illegal monopoly on online search. The Justice Department seeks a major breakup—potentially forcing Google to divest its Chrome browser and share valuable data with rivals to restore competition. Google counters with modest restrictions, resisting dramatic changes. The case could reshape the $1.86 trillion tech giant, impact Silicon Valley’s AI race, and influence future antitrust actions against Apple, Meta, and Amazon. Judge Mehta’s decision is expected by summer and could redefine internet search itself. New York Times

LinkedIn’s unlikely role in the AI race. LinkedIn, now 22 years old and owned by Microsoft, is evolving from a professional networking site into a content platform and AI testbed. While still earning most of its $17 billion in annual revenue from recruitment, it’s growing its advertising and paid subscriptions. Engagement remains modest compared to TikTok, but new features, algorithm tweaks, and rising job turnover have boosted activity. Microsoft increasingly integrates LinkedIn’s data into its enterprise tools and AI development, leveraging the platform’s vast user base. However, growing content and AI usage raise concerns over user trust, data privacy, and the dilution of LinkedIn’s professional focus. The Economist

Major Advances in E.V. Batteries Are Announced by Chinese Company. Chinese battery giant CATL announced major breakthroughs that could significantly boost electric vehicle (E.V.) performance and affordability. The company revealed new auxiliary batteries that don’t use graphite, offering higher energy density and backup power for self-driving cars. It also introduced rapid-charging technology capable of delivering 320 miles of range in just five minutes. CATL will begin selling sodium-ion batteries that perform well in extreme cold, addressing range anxiety in northern regions. These innovations could make E.V.s more competitive with gasoline cars within a few years. New York Times

Huawei reportedly plans May shipments of new AI chip to counter ban on Nvidia H20.  Huawei Technologies plans to begin mass shipments of its advanced 910C AI chip to Chinese customers as early as next month, sources report. Some shipments reportedly already have taken place.  The development comes as Chinese AI companies have been scrambling for domestic alternatives to Nvidia's H20, the primary AI chip that has now been blocked from the Chinese market. The 910C GPU achieves performance comparable to Nvidia's H100 chip by combining two 910B processors into a single package through advanced integration techniques.  It has double the computing power and memory capacity of the 910B along with incremental improvements, including enhanced support for various AI workload data.  Huawei has declined to comment on 910C shipment plans and the GPU's capabilities.  According to Paul Triolo, a partner at consulting firm Albright Stonebridge Group, in the absence of the Nvidia H20 chip, " Huawei's Ascend 910C GPU will now become the hardware of choice for (Chinese) AI model developers and for deploying inference capacity."  At least some of Huawei's new GPU's use semiconductors produced by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (TSMC) for a China-based company, Sophgo.  The U.S. Commerce Department has been investigating TSMC’S work for Sophgo following the discovery of a TSMC-made chip in a Huaweil 910B processor.  Reuters

Chinese scientists report successful test on non-nuclear hydrogen bomb. Chinese researchers report they have detonated a hydrogen-based explosive device in a controlled field test without using nuclear materials.  Developed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s (CSSC) 705 Research Institute, the device uses a magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage material.  The 2kg bomb generated a fireball exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than two seconds, 15 times longer than equivalent TNT blasts.  When activated by conventional explosives, the magnesium hydride underwent rapid thermal decomposition, releasing hydrogen gas that ignited into a sustained inferno.  CSSC research scientist Wang Xuefeng explained that “hydrogen gas explosions ignite with minimal ignition energy, have a broad explosion range, and unleash flames that race outward rapidly while spreading widely.”  Wang went on to say, “this combination allows precise control over blast intensity, easily achieving uniform destruction of targets across vast areas.”  The CSSC research team also examined other potential military applications, such as using the weapon to apply intense heat to a large area and focusing its power on high-value targets.  South China Morning Post

Chinese internet firms promote alternative domestic markets for country’s exporters.  Chinese internet giants Alibaba and Pinduoduo are leading the way in launching multibillion-dollar initiatives to help traditional exporters switch to domestic sales.  As part of a national campaign to protect China’s economy during an intensifying trade war with the U.S., Alibaba has established a task force to source exporter goods in more than 10 provinces across China.  Alibaba's ecommerce marketplaces, Taobao and Tmall, have said they will offer higher commissions and better exposure to encourage at least 10,000 exporters. Alibaba's supermarket chain Freshippo has also created special "green channels" for export suppliers to sell their products on its shelves. Pinduoduo has committed to a $13.7 billion initiative to help its merchants prioritize stable development and profits for small and medium-sized manufacturers.  Pinduoduo co-CEO Zhao Jiazhen said “We are determined to shoulder the costs and risks. . . and to navigate the uncertainties in the external market environment.”  Other Chinese internet firms, including JD.com, Baidu, and DiDi, have announced similar programs to obtain products from local exporters over the next year.  Li Chengdong, founder of Haitun, a Beijing-based ecommerce consultancy, noted “a sense of anti-U.S. unity has prompted each Chinese company to do whatever it is capable of.”  He added, “consumers are also keeping a close eye on these [tech giants].  They must pay attention to public opinions and make shrewd commercial choices.”  Financial Times

Chinese firms race to adopt AI agent protocol with vast commercial applications. In a trend with the potential to expand commercial adoption of AI agents capable of interacting with online tools, data sources, and systems, major Chinese tech firms are swiftly launching services based on the open model content protocol (MCP).  The U.S. AI startup Anthropic, which last November introduced MCP, said the standard connects AI agents to data systems, “including content repositories, business tools and development environments."  The fintech affiliate of China's Alibaba tech giant, Alipay, unveiled its "MCP server for payment services" last week.  The MCP operation allows AI agents to connect seamlessly with Alipay's payment platform, which allows users to "make payments, check payment statuses and initiate refunds using simple natural language commands."  The move to MCP demonstrates that China’s leading tech firms see AI agents as a new path to innovation and broad commercial applications compared to chatbots and large language models.  In early April, Alibaba Cloud launched an MCP marketplace through ModelScope, an AI model hosting platform that offers services such as connections to o online mapping tools, office collaboration platforms like Slack, online storage services, and cloud computing, productivity and collaboration tools under Google Workspace.  Xiao Hong, CEO of the Butterfly Effect firm that introduced the Manus AI agent, said that agents act more like human beings than chatbots because they not only answer questions but interact with their environment and gather feedback and learn from it.  South China Morning Post

Japan says phishing attacks result in multimillion dollar losses from online brokerage accounts. Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has warned that hacked brokerage accounts on online trading services have resulted in a “sharp increase in the number of cases of unauthorized access and unauthorized trading.”  The losses amount to hundreds of millions of dollars as the result of hacking operations in which customer information was stolen through phishing websites masquerading as authentic sites of securities companies.  The FSA said the fraudulent transactions manipulate victims to sell stocks “and use the proceeds to buy Chinese stocks, etc.”  Officials added that there “may still be cases of unauthorized access or fraudulent transactions that have not yet been discovered.” Bloomberg reports that some of the victimized firms include Rakuten Securities Inc., Nomura Holdings Inc., SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. and SBI Holdings Inc.  The FSA told reporters that the impacted brokerages will cover their clients’ losses.  The Record  Bloomberg

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