EU tariffs

in dispute

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said on Friday that he will increase the tariffs charged on cars and trucks from the European Union next week to 25%, a move that could jolt the world economy at a fragile moment.

Trump said in a social media post that the EU “is not complying with our fully agreed to Trade Deal,” though he did not flesh out his objections in the post.

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament trade committee, posted on social media that Trump’s tariff hike on autos was “unacceptable” and that the Trump administration “keeps breaking its commitments,” including on import taxes for steel and aluminum products.

Fewer troops

in Germany

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says the United States will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany in the next 6-12 months.

President Donald Trump had threatened to withdraw some troops from its NATO ally earlier this week as he continues to feud with Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the U.S-Israel war against Iran. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement Friday that the “decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground.”

The number of troops leaving Germany would be 14% of the 36,000 American service members stationed there.

Rivera

convicted

MIAMI (AP) — A former Miami congressman and close friend of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been convicted in connection with a secret $50 million lobbying campaign on behalf of Venezuela’s socialist government during the first Trump administration.

Jurors found Republican David Rivera and an associate guilty on all counts Friday, including failing to register as a foreign agent with the Justice Department and conspiracy to commit money laundering as part of its work for former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

The seven-week trial offered a rare glimpse into Miami’s role as a crossroads for foreign influence campaigns aimed at shaping U.S. policy toward Latin America.

Spirit Airlines

deal reviewed

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says his administration is still weighing a taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump emphasized that a deal to rescue the financially strapped airline remained under review. The president didn’t provide details but said an announcement could come soon.

Lawmakers from both parties and members of the Trump administration have criticized the idea of using taxpayer funds to keep the ultra-low cost airline afloat. Speculation around the likelihood of a deal emerging has mounted with every day that passes without a resolution as Spirit’s operating expenses and debts mount. An airline spokesperson declined to comment and said “Spirit is operating as usual.”