In a break from tradition, Trump invites world leaders, right-wing allies, and rivals to his swearing-in ceremony.

Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration is shaping up to be one of the most unconventional in US history. Breaking with longstanding tradition, the event will feature an international guest list of sitting and former world leaders, many of whom are closely aligned with Trump’s political ideology. The high-profile ceremony marks Trump’s return to the White House as the 47th president, alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance, in what the administration has framed as a coronation-style celebration of their global influence.

An Unprecedented Guest List

Inaugurations in the US have traditionally been domestic affairs, with foreign representation limited to ambassadors and diplomats. This year, however, Trump has invited a mix of far-right allies and geopolitical rivals. Confirmed attendees include Argentine President Javier Milei, a vocal admirer of Trump, and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who hailed Trump’s victory as a win for Latin America. Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and French far-right politician Éric Zemmour are also expected to attend.

Notably absent from the guest list are traditional US allies such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Instead, Trump has extended invitations to right-wing European leaders like Alice Weidel of Germany’s AfD party and Santiago Abascal of Spain’s Vox party. These choices highlight Trump’s continued pivot toward populist and nationalist movements, both domestically and abroad.

Strategic Invitations Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Among the more surprising invitees is Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, attending on behalf of President Xi Jinping. This marks a rare instance of direct interaction amid ongoing trade tensions and strategic competition between the US and China. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will also represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring the close ties between the two nations.

Trump’s decision to include adversaries like Xi and rivals within NATO signals a complex and calculated diplomatic strategy. By inviting both friends and critics, Trump appears to be positioning himself as a leader willing to engage across ideological divides, even as his guest list alienates key Western allies.

Controversial Exclusions and Reactions

Traditional European allies have reacted coolly to their exclusion. The European Union’s Ursula von der Leyen and NATO officials were notably absent from the list, reflecting Trump’s continued skepticism of multilateral institutions. Macron’s omission is particularly striking given his public attempts to cultivate a working relationship with Trump during his first presidency.

While the event’s guest list reflects Trump’s populist vision, it also raises questions about the future of US foreign relations. By prioritizing ideological alignment over longstanding alliances, the inauguration sets the tone for an administration likely to double down on nationalist policies and transactional diplomacy.

As Trump’s second term begins, the world will be watching closely to see how his relationships with both allies and adversaries evolve—and whether his guest list signals a broader shift in the US’s global strategy.

President-elect Trump vows to extend TikTok’s lifeline, raising questions over national security and US-China tech tensions.

TikTok’s US operations have narrowly avoided a complete shutdown after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order delaying the federal ban imposed on the app. The ban, a result of bipartisan national security concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership, led to its removal from Apple and Google app stores over the weekend. However, Trump’s move provided enough assurance for the app to partially restore service to its 170 million American users.

The controversy over TikTok stems from allegations that its parent company, ByteDance, could share vast amounts of user data with the Chinese government or manipulate its algorithm for political influence. While no concrete evidence has been presented, the outgoing Biden administration defended the ban as a safeguard against potential foreign interference. ByteDance has repeatedly denied these accusations, even as it resisted calls to divest its US operations.

Trump’s proposed extension aims to grant ByteDance additional time to negotiate a sale, possibly involving partial US ownership. His statement hinted at a scenario where the US government or a domestic partner could take a stake in a joint venture, preserving the app’s value while addressing security concerns. However, such a move is likely to face legal and political scrutiny, as the law enforcing TikTok’s ban was designed to limit presidential discretion.

The controversy underscores broader tensions between the US and China over technological dominance and data privacy. Competitors like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts stand poised to capitalize on TikTok’s uncertain future, while emerging Chinese apps such as Xiaohongshu gain ground in the American market.

While Trump’s executive order may buy TikTok time, the platform remains in a precarious position. With ByteDance rejecting divestment and concerns over enforcement mechanisms for the ban, TikTok’s path forward hinges on negotiations that could redefine its ownership structure and address persistent national security concerns.

Swedish forces bolster NATO’s eastern flank, marking a historic shift in the nation’s defense policy.

Sweden has taken a historic step in its NATO engagement, deploying 550 troops to Latvia in what is its largest operation since joining the alliance. The mechanized infantry battalion, escorted by Swedish air and naval forces, arrived in Riga on Saturday to join a Canadian-led multinational brigade stationed along NATO’s eastern flank. This deployment underscores Sweden’s growing commitment to collective defense amid heightened tensions in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Latvia, a NATO member bordering Russia and its ally Belarus, has become a critical point of focus for the alliance’s deterrence and defense efforts. The presence of Swedish forces bolsters NATO’s eight multinational brigades along the eastern flank, reflecting the alliance’s resolve to counter potential threats and ensure regional stability. Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdahl, commander of the Swedish 71st Battalion, highlighted the significance of the mission, calling it both a historic moment and the “new normal” for Sweden as part of NATO.

This deployment is particularly symbolic given Sweden’s long history of neutrality, which it abandoned after joining NATO in March 2024 alongside Finland, another nation with a legacy of military nonalignment. Both countries shifted their policies in response to Russia’s 2022 aggression against Ukraine, recognizing the need for stronger collective defense measures in an increasingly volatile security landscape.

The Swedish mission in Latvia not only enhances NATO’s readiness but also signifies a deeper integration of Nordic countries into the alliance’s framework. For Sweden, this is not just a logistical milestone but a statement of its newfound role in the global security order, where neutrality has given way to active participation in defense cooperation. As NATO continues to fortify its eastern borders, Sweden’s deployment sends a clear message of unity and resolve to deter aggression in Central Europe.

Taiwan faces shrinking military numbers, with recruitment challenges compounded by China’s aggression and demographic pressures.

Taiwan’s military is facing a critical juncture as declining troop numbers threaten to undermine its defense capabilities against an increasingly assertive China. With the number of volunteer soldiers dropping by 12,000 over the past three years, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has introduced a slew of measures aimed at bolstering recruitment and retention, including pay raises, improved training infrastructure, and reinstating a one-year conscription requirement.

While these steps indicate Taiwan’s proactive stance, analysts remain concerned that these reforms may not suffice to address the deep-rooted challenges.

According to data from Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, the military’s active personnel has decreased from 164,884 soldiers in 2021 to 152,885 in 2024. Early discharges have surged, with over 1,500 troops leaving in 2024 compared to fewer than 400 in 2020. The island’s demographics exacerbate the problem: eligible male recruits fell below 100,000 for the first time in 2024 and are projected to drop below 75,000 by 2031.

This shrinking pool of recruits has led to overburdened soldiers who often work extended hours to cover gaps, fueling further discontent and increasing early retirements.

One of the most pressing issues Taiwan faces is the exodus of experienced personnel, particularly in critical areas like the air force. Skilled pilots, trained to operate advanced weapons systems, are leaving the military for higher-paying jobs in the commercial aviation sector. Without experienced operators, the military’s sophisticated weaponry risks being underutilized, undermining its deterrent capabilities.

“The defense force is upgrading its equipment, but quality manpower is needed to operate these systems effectively,” explained Yu-Ping Chou, a former director at Taiwan’s Air Defense Missile Command.

China’s escalating military aggression has further strained Taiwan’s military resources. Increased patrols, surveillance missions, and emergency preparedness drills have amplified the workload for already overstretched personnel. Additionally, public fears about the “danger of war” have discouraged families from supporting military service, further shrinking the pool of willing recruits.

Despite these challenges, some military personnel, like 32-year-old volunteer officer A-Wei, remain steadfast. Wei argues that streamlined training procedures and upgraded equipment have compensated for the drop in manpower. “The capacity of Taiwan’s military has not faltered,” Wei said, dismissing claims that fear of a Chinese invasion is driving soldiers to leave the ranks.

Taiwan’s recruitment challenges are not unique; other advanced democracies face similar issues due to aging populations. However, the stakes are higher for Taiwan, given its precarious geopolitical position.

To address this, Taiwan has reinstated a one-year conscription program, which is expected to add 6,900 conscripts annually. This move aims to alleviate the burden on volunteer soldiers and reduce discharge rates.

Additionally, the Defense Ministry is exploring innovative solutions, such as liberalizing entry restrictions to allow foreign recruits and adopting more flexible management practices to enhance troop morale.

While Taiwan’s military remains resolute, these challenges highlight the need for sustained reforms to ensure long-term defense readiness. Taiwan’s survival depends not only on maintaining a robust military force but also on leveraging international alliances to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region.

As Taiwan implements these reforms, the question remains: Can the island’s military adapt quickly enough to counter an existential threat, or will declining troop numbers erode its ability to defend itself in the years to come?

A pivotal agreement pauses fighting, facilitates hostage releases, and paves the way for increased humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Israel’s Cabinet approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas early Saturday, bringing an end to 15 months of relentless conflict in Gaza. The deal, which follows intensive negotiations and international pressure, includes a three-week pause in hostilities, the release of dozens of Israeli hostages, and the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

The decision, announced after an extensive six-hour Cabinet meeting, underscores its urgency, even interrupting the observance of the Jewish Sabbath—a rarity in Israeli politics. This agreement not only pauses military operations but also shifts the dynamics of a humanitarian crisis that has left Gaza in ruins.

Under the agreement, Israeli forces will pull back to the periphery of Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to what remains of their homes. Aid delivery, which has been a persistent challenge, is expected to scale up significantly, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating up to 600 trucks of supplies entering Gaza daily once the ceasefire takes effect.

In addition to aid, the deal facilitates medical evacuations for over 12,000 patients in desperate need of treatment. WHO officials are optimistic that this ceasefire will ease restrictions, especially for children who account for one-third of those requiring urgent medical care.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a devastating attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 people and abducting around 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have resulted in widespread destruction in Gaza. According to United Nations estimates, 1.9 million out of 2.3 million Gaza residents have been displaced, and 92% of housing units have been destroyed.

The human toll has been staggering. Hamas claims that nearly 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, primarily women and children. Israel, however, disputes these figures, asserting that the death toll includes thousands of militants eliminated during operations.

The ceasefire also reflects growing international scrutiny. Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of addressing Palestinian concerns to ensure Israel’s long-term security. With China and Russia increasing their geopolitical influence in the Middle East, Western allies are likely to view the agreement as an opportunity to stabilize the region.

While the ceasefire is a crucial step toward peace, it leaves many questions unanswered. Hostage negotiations remain precarious, and the structural damage in Gaza will require billions in reconstruction. More importantly, long-term political solutions are needed to address the root causes of this enduring conflict.

A closer look at Pete Hegseth’s controversial views on women in combat and the cultural struggle they represent.

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s pick for Defense secretary, has ignited fierce debate with his long-standing views on women’s roles in society, particularly in the military. While Hegseth has attempted to temper his rhetoric during confirmation hearings, his history reveals a deeply rooted belief in traditional gender roles. This outlook not only frames his opposition to women in combat but also reflects a broader cultural backlash against feminism and the gains women have achieved in recent decades.

Women as “Life-Givers” and the Rejection of Combat Roles

Hegseth’s 2024 book, The War on Warriors, and his comments on platforms like The Shawn Ryan Show reveal a worldview in which women are primarily defined as nurturers and caretakers. He explicitly argued that women do not belong in combat roles, claiming their presence “hasn’t made us more effective, hasn’t made us more lethal.”

At his confirmation hearing, Hegseth attempted to pivot, framing his opposition as a matter of maintaining “standards” in the military. However, this reframing rings hollow against the backdrop of years of public statements that undermine women’s capabilities outside traditional roles. Critics, including Democratic senators, have pointed out that Hegseth’s views remain fundamentally unchanged, rooted in a belief system that limits women’s potential.

Conservative Redemption Narratives

Hegseth’s rise to prominence within conservative circles reflects a particular narrative: the “redemption arc” of a flawed but repentant man. Republican senators at the hearing emphasized this theme, lauding Hegseth’s personal growth while downplaying his record of infidelity and allegations of misconduct.

Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma epitomized this narrative when he thanked Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer, for her “saintly” role in supporting him. This framing reinforces a conservative ideal of women as virtuous figures whose purpose is to redeem and support men, sidelining their agency and complexity.

The Role of Women in the Military and Society

Hegseth’s rhetoric aligns with a broader anti-feminist movement that seeks to relegate women to traditional roles. His opposition to women in combat is not just about military readiness but also about cultural perceptions of gender. By defining women as “life-givers” and arguing against their inclusion in combat units, Hegseth advances an ideology that restricts women’s participation in spaces traditionally dominated by men.

This ideology also intersects with religion. As a conservative Christian, Hegseth’s views are informed by a belief in distinct, divinely ordained roles for men and women. This perspective is central to his public persona and policy positions, making his nomination a flashpoint in the ongoing battle over gender equality.

Political and Cultural Implications

Hegseth’s nomination has broader implications for the role of women in society and the military. His critics, including Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Elizabeth Warren, argue that his worldview undermines the progress women have made in achieving equality and recognition in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Supporters, on the other hand, frame Hegseth’s views as a defense of traditional values under attack in an era of social change. This divide underscores a larger cultural conflict, where the push for gender equality meets resistance from those who view feminism as a threat to established norms.

A Threat to Women’s Liberation?

Hegseth’s likely confirmation as Defense secretary represents a broader challenge to the feminist movement. His rhetoric and the support he has garnered reveal an entrenched cultural resistance to women’s full participation in public life. This resistance seeks to confine women to roles as mothers and caretakers, diminishing their potential to contribute in other spheres.

The struggle over Hegseth’s nomination is not just about his fitness for office but also about the ideological battle over gender roles in modern society. It highlights the persistence of anti-feminist attitudes and the ongoing need to challenge efforts to reduce women to simplistic archetypes.

In this context, Hegseth’s nomination serves as a reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over. While he may have softened his rhetoric to navigate the political landscape, his views remain a stark reflection of the cultural forces working to limit women’s opportunities and reinforce outdated stereotypes.

Minister Justin Muturi claims President William Ruto ordered his son’s release after National Intelligence Service detained him during last year’s Gen-Z demonstrations.

Kenya’s political landscape has been jolted by explosive claims from Minister of Public Service Justin Muturi, who has accused the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of abducting his son, Leslie Muturi, during last year’s anti-government protests. Muturi’s written statement to police not only implicates the intelligence agency but also reveals President William Ruto’s direct involvement in securing Leslie’s release.

Muturi’s statement marks the first instance where a senior government official has linked President Ruto to knowledge of state-led abductions during the 2024 protests. According to Muturi, his son was taken by “armed, hooded gangsters” on June 22, 2024. After discovering that Leslie was held by the NIS, Muturi sought intervention from Ruto, who reportedly contacted NIS Director-General Noordin Haji and ordered the young man’s release.

The incident occurred during Kenya’s Gen-Z protests, a youth-led movement against tax hikes and corruption. These demonstrations resulted in over 60 deaths and numerous allegations of abductions by state agents, as reported by human rights groups.

Muturi’s testimony contradicts earlier public statements by Ruto, who had expressed concern about allegations of abductions but denied knowledge of who was responsible.

Muturi detailed an account of his visit to Ruto’s official residence on June 23, during which the president allegedly joked about the involvement of senior politicians’ children in the protests. Muturi claims Ruto contacted Haji, who confirmed holding Leslie and promised his release within an hour.

This revelation raises questions about the president’s oversight of Kenya’s security agencies and his administration’s stance on the protests. Despite Ruto’s apparent intervention, his administration has consistently denied systemic involvement in extrajudicial actions during the demonstrations.

The allegations have sparked a political firestorm, with allies of Ruto, such as Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro Onyiego, dismissing Muturi’s claims as baseless. Onyiego has accused Muturi of undermining the government and demanded his resignation.

The controversy also revives scrutiny of the NIS and its role in the abductions. While the NIS has no official spokesperson, past reports have linked it to covert operations targeting anti-government activists.

Adding to the political intrigue, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had also blamed the NIS for Leslie’s abduction during a news conference in June. However, Gachagua was later impeached on unrelated charges, further muddying the waters.

Muturi’s allegations shine a spotlight on Kenya’s handling of dissent and the accountability of its security apparatus. The Gen-Z protests exposed deep-seated frustrations among Kenya’s youth over governance and economic mismanagement. Allegations of extrajudicial detentions and human rights violations during the protests have further strained trust in state institutions.

The controversy also underscores the fragility of Kenya’s political alliances. As a sitting minister and former attorney general, Muturi’s public critique of the government reveals divisions within Ruto’s administration.

The unfolding saga raises critical questions about the Kenyan government’s commitment to transparency and the rule of law. While Ruto’s intervention may have secured Leslie Muturi’s release, the broader implications of state-sanctioned abductions remain unresolved.

As the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and human rights organizations continue to probe these allegations, the case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Kenya’s democracy. Whether this controversy will prompt meaningful reforms or deepen political divisions remains to be seen.