MicroWave

Summary

The EU warns that Trump-aligned tech leaders, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, pose an "existential threat" by pressuring Brussels to weaken its digital regulations.

Trump has threatened tariffs on countries enforcing strict rules on U.S. tech firms, with Musk openly mocking EU governance.

Brussels insists on its right to regulate disinformation and antitrust issues but faces growing U.S. retaliation.

The dispute could escalate into a trade war, with both sides preparing countermeasures.

Summary

A survey of 100,000 Germans found that 94% refuse to buy a Tesla, signaling a major crisis for the company.

Tesla’s German sales dropped 70% in early 2025 after a 41% decline in 2024, despite overall EV sales rising.

Analysts attribute the slump to CEO Elon Musk’s far-right political endorsements, including promoting the AfD party and making Nazi-related gestures. Musk is under European investigation for political meddling.

With Tesla’s reputation plummeting, industry experts predict further losses in Germany’s competitive EV market.

Summary

Federal workers who voted for Trump in 2024 are facing unexpected job losses as the administration implements massive workforce cuts.

Michael Graugnard, an attorney advisor at USDA, was laid off three months into his role despite managerial assurances. While he supports "government efficiency," he didn't anticipate this implementation but doesn't regret his vote.

Similarly, IRS veteran James Diaz criticizes the administration's "chainsaw" approach to cuts. However, others like Ryleigh Cooper, who voted for Trump's IVF promises, now regret their decision after losing her Forest Service job.

The layoffs are part of Trump and Musk's plan that has terminated thousands of federal workers and convinced 77,000 others to resign.

Summary

Elon Musk clashed with Trump’s cabinet in a heated White House meeting over Doge’s aggressive cost-cutting.

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy was enraged by Musk’s attempts to cut air traffic controllers despite a national shortage, accusing him of unjustified layoffs. Duffy presented a spreadsheet showing Musk was not telling the truth, prompting Trump to order MIT graduates be hired instead.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins criticized hospital cuts, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also confronted Musk.

Trump backed his cabinet, emphasizing a "scalpel rather than hatchet" approach to staffing reductions.

Summary

The Trump administration plans to revoke temporary legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians who fled Russia’s war, fast-tracking them for deportation.

The move is part of a broader effort to strip protections from 1.8 million migrants admitted under Biden’s humanitarian parole programs.

Trump’s policies also target 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Legal challenges are mounting, as affected individuals face uncertain futures. Advocates warn that even U.S. allies, such as Afghans who assisted the military, are now at risk of detention and deportation.

Summary

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for an "immediate" summit between the US, EU, and Western allies to discuss Ukraine following a heated White House meeting between Trump and President Zelenskyy.

The February 28 meeting ended without agreement on a minerals deal after escalating into a confrontation over US aid and peace deal conditions.

Meloni warned that Western division "makes us all weaker" as European leaders reaffirmed support for Ukraine.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas commented that "the free world needs a new leader," while European allies worry about being excluded from US-Russia negotiations to end the war.

Summary

Austria’s conservative ÖVP, center-left SPÖ, and liberal Neos have formed a coalition after five months of deadlock, blocking the far-right FPÖ from power despite its election victory.

Christian Stocker (ÖVP) will be chancellor, with Andreas Babler (SPÖ) as vice chancellor. The deal includes a seven-year budget plan, targeted tax relief, and social spending.

Migration policy balances security with integration, abandoning FPÖ’s hard-line stance.

The government reaffirms EU commitments, support for Ukraine, and neutrality on NATO while backing EU enlargement in the Western Balkans.

Summary

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is organizing grassroots events to oppose Trump’s policies, arguing that “Trumpism does not believe in democracy.”

In an op-ed, Sanders criticized Trump’s ties to Elon Musk, federal budget cuts, and media influence, warning of authoritarianism.

He cited Trump’s recent post likening himself to Napoleon and accused him of disregarding the rule of law.

The White House dismissed Sanders’ concerns, accusing Democrats of authoritarian tactics.

Summary

Ukraine is hesitating to sign a U.S.-backed deal that would grant American companies access to 50% of its rare earth minerals in exchange for continued military support.

President Zelenskyy cited legal concerns and the lack of security guarantees.

The deal, pushed by Trump allies, aims to showcase Ukraine’s value to U.S. interests while reducing reliance on Chinese minerals.

However, Kyiv’s 2021 strategic partnership with the EU complicates negotiations, as European leaders resist surrendering shared resources to Washington. Talks remain ongoing.

Summary

Denmark’s Defense Intelligence Service warns that Russia could launch a large-scale war in Europe within five years if NATO appears weak or divided, especially if the U.S. does not intervene.

The report outlines a timeline where Russia could attack a neighboring country within six months, escalate to a regional Baltic conflict in two years, and potentially engage NATO-wide by 2029.

The assessment comes as Trump pressures NATO members to increase defense spending and has suggested the U.S. might not defend allies who fail to meet financial commitments.

Summary

Donald Trump stated that U.S. aid to Ukraine should be compensated with $500 billion worth of its mineral resources, including rare earth elements.

He claimed Ukraine had "essentially agreed" to this arrangement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hinted at allowing U.S. access to these resources to maintain support.

The idea aligns with Ukraine’s "victory plan" for post-war recovery.

Trump's comments drew criticism, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemning his approach as "very egotistic, very self-centered."

Summary

European Union officials propose holding retailers such as Temu, Shein, and Amazon Marketplace accountable for dangerous and illegal products sold to consumers.

A draft proposal requires platforms to provide customs data before goods enter the EU, enabling authorities to inspect shipments and enforce safety standards.

New reforms shift import responsibilities from individual buyers to online platforms, mandating collection of duties, VAT, and compliance with comprehensive strict EU regulations.

Officials warn that these changes could improve consumer safety and reduce harmful imports, while prompting legal debates and challenges for e-commerce firms.