USA

Us GDP grew at an annualised rate of 1.4 in Q4 2025 Growth in Q3 2025 was 4.4%. Full-year economic growth in 2025 was 2.2%. Consumer spending rose 2.4% in Q4 (down from 3.5% in Q3). Government spending fell by more than 16% in Q4. The federal government shutdown reduced GDP by an estimated 1 percentage point. President Donald Trump claimed the shutdown cost “at least two points” of GDP. Early 2025 saw a mild contraction due partly to a surge in imports ahead of tariffs. Impor

The Court determined that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorise the President to impose tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts delivered the majority opinion. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented. The ruling may require the US government to refund approximately $150 billion in collected tariffs. The decision overturns: “Reciprocal” country-by-country tariffs (e.g., 34% on China, 10% baseline globally). 25% tar

US Department of State stated it supports the UK’s agreement with Mauritius regarding the Chagos archipelago. Donald Trump said on Truth Social that Keir Starmer is making an “extraordinary mistake” by entering a 99-year lease. The agreement involves a 99-year lease of the military base on Diego Garcia. Donald Trump stated leases are not appropriate for countries. He questioned claims of entities asserting rights over Diego Garcia. He said the US may need to use Diego Garcia

this week (week of 16–22 February 2026)  — focusing on national-level developments and key political news (not local or entertainment events): 📅 Political Calendar & Key Events Annual National Governors Association (NGA) gathering  — 19–21 Feb :• Traditionally a bipartisan meeting of governors and the White House, but this year has become politically contentious due to disputes over invitations. • President Trump is hosting a meeting with governors on 20 Feb  at the White Ho

Donald Trump criticised a clean energy agreement between California and the UK. Trump warned British leaders against partnering with Gavin Newsom. Trump made comments about Newsom in an interview with Politico. Newsom signed a memorandum of understanding in London with Ed Miliband. The memorandum pledges cooperation on clean energy technologies, including offshore wind. The pact is not legally binding. Trump has previously criticised restrictions on drilling for North Sea oil

US President Donald Trump announced the reversal of the 2009 “endangerment finding,” an Obama-era scientific ruling. The endangerment finding concluded that six greenhouse gases, including carbon monoxide and methane, endanger public health and welfare. The ruling followed a 2007 US Supreme Court decision stating that greenhouse gases qualify as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act and must be regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The reversal removes much