Ambassador Vũ Lê Thái Hoàng, Việt Nam’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organisations in Vienna, Austria, has expressed his desire to strengthen ties with Interpol to enhance Việt Nam’s role as a member state and combat transnational crimes more effectively.

During a working session on Thursday with Floriane Bacconnier, Head of Interpol’s Permanent Observer Office to the UN, Hoàng reaffirmed Việt Nam’s commitment to international security. As the Chair of the Asia-Pacific Group at international organisations in Vienna, he emphasized Việt Nam’s willingness to act as a bridge to foster closer collaboration between Interpol and regional nations. He stressed that such efforts would contribute to maintaining peace, stability, security, and sustainable development.

Since joining Interpol in 1991, Việt Nam has leveraged the organisation’s global network to combat foreign-related and transnational crimes. Hoàng praised Interpol for facilitating the sharing of anti-crime intelligence, joint investigations, and the successful apprehension of international fugitives. Through this cooperation, Vietnamese authorities have worked closely with their global counterparts to address complex criminal cases.

Beyond enforcement efforts, Việt Nam has been proactive in collaborating with Interpol and other nations on training and capacity-building initiatives. These programmes aim to strengthen law enforcement capabilities and equip personnel with the necessary expertise to tackle transnational crimes more efficiently.

The ambassador also congratulated Interpol on its notable contributions to the fight against transnational organised crime, including terrorism and cybercrime. He acknowledged the organisation’s active role in drafting the UN Convention against Cybercrime, which is set to be opened for signing in Hà Nội later this year.

Bacconnier emphasized the essential role of permanent missions in fostering practical cooperation between Interpol and national law enforcement agencies. She expressed her hope for closer engagement with Việt Nam’s Permanent Mission to launch new initiatives aimed at enhancing partnerships between Interpol and Asia-Pacific countries, including Việt Nam.

She further noted that Interpol looks forward to Việt Nam successfully hosting the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime and anticipates its early implementation. The convention, she explained, recognises Interpol’s crucial role in promoting international cooperation by enabling the rapid and secure exchange of information on cybercrime and related offenses.

Vietnamese authorities have issued a cautionary notice for citizens studying and working in the United States, urging them to be vigilant about visa regulations, green card status, and entry-related procedures. This warning follows a series of deportation cases involving nationals from multiple countries.

Ambassador Hoàng Anh Tuấn, Consul General of Việt Nam’s Consulate General in San Francisco, shared the advisory on Facebook on Saturday. His message was directed at Vietnamese students, workers, residents, and individuals seeking to apply for US visas.

The advisory outlines several key precautions to help avoid complications with US immigration authorities.

Green card holders are reminded to ensure their residency documents remain valid, as an expired green card can result in re-entry denial. Even for those with a valid green card, unnecessary international travel is discouraged to minimize potential entry issues.

Social media activity is also highlighted as a potential risk. Individuals are advised to refrain from posting or sharing politically sensitive, discriminatory, or extremist content, including within private groups, as such material could be scrutinized.

Visa compliance is another major concern. Overstaying even by a single day could result in a five-year entry ban, and violating local laws—no matter how minor—may impact future visa renewals or re-entry into the US.

Authorities also caution against deleting sensitive information from electronic devices before entering the US, as border officers may interpret this as an attempt to hide evidence.

Another critical warning pertains to public demonstrations. Non-citizens are advised to avoid participating in protests or rallies, as such actions could be deemed an overreach of their visa privileges.

The Vietnamese Consulate General has recently recorded multiple cases of students, researchers, and residents—including green card holders—being denied entry, having their visas revoked, or facing deportation due to minor immigration infractions or perceived security concerns.

A notable case involved a French scientist who was barred from entering the US earlier this month while en route to a conference. Officials reviewed private messages on his phone that were critical of the Trump administration’s research policies, leading to his deportation. Although the case was later dropped, the expulsion severely impacted his career.

Similarly, an assistant professor and physician at Brown University was deported from Boston to Lebanon after border officials discovered photos of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on her phone. Despite her explanation that her connection was religious rather than political, authorities considered the images as evidence of Hezbollah support. Despite her strong credentials and professional backing, she was denied entry and sent back.

Vietnamese citizens planning to travel to the US are strongly advised to remain cautious and comply with all immigration regulations. In case of legal difficulties, individuals should contact Vietnamese diplomatic missions in the US for assistance and support.

Vietnam’s gold prices continued to decline on Saturday morning after reaching several record highs earlier in the week. Saigon Jewelry Company (SJC) gold bars dropped by 0.31%, falling to VND97.4 million ($3,803.95) per tael. This marks a nearly 3% decrease from the historic peak of VND100.4 million recorded on Thursday.

Gold ring prices have also experienced a notable drop, falling 2.4% in the same period to VND98.3 million per tael.

On the global market, gold fell by 1% on Friday as a stronger U.S. dollar and profit-taking triggered a pullback. Despite this decline, the precious metal remained on track for a third consecutive weekly gain due to ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties, as well as expectations of potential U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

Spot gold was down 1%, trading at $3,015.43 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures settled 0.7% lower at $3,021.40. However, bullion has still gained 1% over the course of the week.

Gold has long been considered a safe-haven investment during periods of geopolitical tension and economic instability. The metal typically performs well in low-interest-rate environments and has already hit 16 record highs this year, reaching an all-time peak of $3,057.21 per ounce on Thursday.

“The market is taking a bit of a breather. There’s some profit-taking at these levels, and the dollar is stronger today,” said Marex analyst Edward Meir.

Peter Grant, vice president and senior metals strategist at Zaner Metals, noted that “ongoing safe-haven demand, both based on trade concerns and geopolitical risks, continues to be the primary driving force” behind gold’s rally.

A woman from Kenner, Louisiana, has been arrested and charged with aggravated animal abuse after allegedly drowning her dog in an airport bathroom at Orlando International Airport. The incident took place in December when she was prevented from bringing the dog on an international flight due to missing paperwork.

A janitor discovered the white miniature schnauzer named Tywinn inside a trash bag in a bathroom stall. Earlier, the same janitor had seen the woman in the stall cleaning up water and dog food from the floor. The janitor left briefly for another cleaning emergency and returned about 20 minutes later, only to find the dog discarded in the trash. Also found in the stall were a companion vest, a collar with a rabies tag, a dog travel bag, and a bone-shaped dog tag with the woman’s name and phone number.

Surveillance footage captured the woman speaking to a Latam Airlines agent for 15 minutes, attempting to take the dog aboard. She was informed that she could not bring the animal because she lacked the required veterinary-issued health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate, both of which are necessary for traveling from the U.S. to Colombia.

After the airline refused her request, she walked into a nearby bathroom with the dog and exited alone less than 20 minutes later. She then briefly left the terminal, returned shortly after, passed through security, and boarded a flight to Bogotá, Colombia. Authorities later confirmed that she continued her journey to Ecuador.

The dog was identified via an implanted microchip, and a necropsy later confirmed that Tywinn had drowned. Orlando police described the act as intentional, stating that it resulted in a cruel and unnecessary death.

On Wednesday, the woman was arrested in Lake County, Florida, and charged with aggravated animal abuse, a third-degree felony. She was later released on a $5,000 bail.

Online court records currently show no attorney listed for her. If convicted, she could face significant legal consequences, as Florida has strict laws against animal cruelty.

Legal immigrants and green card holders in the U.S. can face deportation, particularly under the Trump administration's strict immigration policies, if they have a criminal record or are considered a threat to foreign policy.
The U.S. government is seeking to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student arrested earlier this month by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after participating in pro-Palestinian protests. Khalil, 30, a legal U.S. resident without a criminal record, was detained overnight in New Jersey before being transferred to an immigration facility in Jena, Louisiana.

Initially, ICE planned to revoke Khalil's student visa based on instructions from the U.S. State Department but discovered he was also a lawful permanent resident. Consequently, ICE pursued revoking his green card instead, and he currently awaits a deportation hearing in Louisiana, according to the AP.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Khalil's detention was related to President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at combating antisemitism on college campuses. Khalil's arrest has drawn criticism, with opponents arguing he is unfairly targeted, raising questions about protections for international students and green card holders.

Jaclyn Kelley-Widmer, an immigration law professor at Cornell Law School, told AP that lawful permanent residents generally have robust protections and "should be the most protected short of a U.S. citizen." However, Kelley-Widmer emphasized that protection is not absolute; green card holders can be deported for crimes, failure to update addresses with immigration authorities, or fraudulent marriages.

In Khalil's case, the U.S. government claims authority to revoke his residency, obtained through marriage to a U.S. citizen. His deportation is pursued under Section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing removal if the Secretary of State determines a non-citizen's presence or activities could have "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences" for the U.S., as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

While officials have not explicitly detailed how Khalil threatens U.S. foreign policy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other Trump administration officials support deportation, accusing him of creating a hostile environment for Jewish students at Columbia University. Combatting antisemitism has been a prominent foreign policy objective for Trump's administration.

Khalil is not alone in facing deportation due to stricter immigration enforcement. Recently, multiple green card and visa holders have faced detention at U.S. entry points and prolonged stays in ICE facilities.

Rasha Alawieh, 34, a kidney transplant specialist at Brown University's medical school, was detained last week at Boston Logan International Airport after returning from Lebanon.

Her H-1B work visa issued by the U.S. consulate in Lebanon was revoked, and she was deported.

The Department of Homeland Security claimed on X on March 17 that Alawieh had "traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, to attend the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah," the leader of Hezbollah. Alawieh maintained that she only joined crowds outside the stadium where the funeral occurred and did not attend the ceremony inside, AFP reported, citing an unnamed family member.

In another incident, Fabian Schmidt, a 34-year-old German electrical engineer and green card holder residing in New Hampshire, was detained on March 7 at Boston Logan Airport upon returning from Europe. His mother alleged that CBP officers "violently interrogated" Schmidt and pressured him into signing away his green card, according to Boston public radio WGBH. Schmidt was transferred to an ICE detention center in Rhode Island.

Immigration officials cited Schmidt's prior marijuana possession charge from 2015 in California, before the state legalized recreational cannabis, as justification for deportation. Schmidt, who moved from Germany to the U.S. in 2008 and received his green card in 2009, missed a related court hearing in California because the summons was sent to his former address after he moved to New Hampshire in 2022. Schmidt believed the charge had been dismissed following cannabis decriminalization.

His family emphasized that Schmidt had turned his life around, building a stable engineering career and raising an 8-year-old daughter with his American partner, both U.S. citizens, according to WGBH. However, CBP officials argued that his prior drug-related offense warranted deportation.

Hilton Beckham, Assistant Commissioner of Public Affairs at CBP, refuted Schmidt's family’s allegations, telling Newsweek: "These claims [regarding Schmidt] are blatantly false with respect to CBP. When an individual is found with drug-related charges and tries to reenter the country, officers will take proper action."

Strict immigration enforcement under Trump has intensified scrutiny of green card and visa holders, sparking concerns about due process. Legal experts warn that expansive interpretations of immigration laws could result in deportations for minor infractions or subjective policy reasons.

Civil rights organizations and immigration attorneys continue to challenge the administration's actions, arguing many legal immigrants face unfair targeting.

Kripa Upadhyay, a Seattle-based immigration attorney, cautioned earlier this week in the Times of India that foreign nationals, especially those renewing H-1B or F-1 visas, should "really need to think twice" about international travel.

Ashwin Sharma, a Florida immigration lawyer, described incidents reported to the newspaper, where elderly Indian green card holders were allegedly pressured by CBP agents into signing Form I-407, voluntarily relinquishing their residency. Sharma noted some CBP officers intimidate travelers with threats of detention or deportation, despite only an immigration judge legally having authority to revoke a green card.

Immigration attorneys also report increased extensive questioning and detention for green card holders, advising them to pursue U.S. citizenship promptly. Those awaiting citizenship approval are advised against international travel until obtaining their American passports.

Lucas Sielaff, 25, from eastern Germany, shared his trouble after taking a short trip out of the U.S.

Sielaff told Der Spiegel magazine earlier this month, as reported by DW, that was detained for two weeks and deported back to Germany after visiting his American fiancée in Nevada. The couple had briefly traveled to Mexico to obtain veterinary care for her dog.

Upon returning, Sielaff faced intense interrogation. He believed the border officer assumed he was illegally residing in the U.S. and attempting to circumvent the 90-day visitation limit by briefly exiting the country.

A Russian national has been sentenced to 18 years in prison by the Binh Thuan People's Court in Vietnam after being found guilty of murdering a fellow countryman following a dispute over housing arrangements.

The Crime & Investigation
Roman Nikiforov, 41, was convicted on Friday for the killing of Vasilii Echushin, 45, a case that shocked the coastal tourism hotspot Ham Tien-Mui Ne, Binh Thuan Province, when Echushin’s body was discovered in a field in 2024.

Court records reveal that on January 30, 2024, the two men got into an argument after Echushin asked Nikiforov for help in finding a new rental apartment. Their current residence in Phan Thiet City was set to be sold, and Echushin hoped they would move together. However, Nikiforov stated that he planned to rent a new place for himself alone, which infuriated Echushin, leading him to accuse Nikiforov of deception and attempt to assault him.

Believing Echushin was reaching for a weapon, Nikiforov retaliated by striking him multiple times on the head with a hammer, resulting in Echushin’s death.

Cover-Up & Arrest
After the killing, Nikiforov wrapped the body in a bed sheet and discarded it in a field before meticulously cleaning the crime scene and disposing of the victim’s belongings.

However, his efforts to hide the crime were futile. Locals discovered the corpse two days later, prompting a police investigation that quickly identified Nikiforov as the prime suspect.

Trial & Verdict
During the trial, Nikiforov admitted to the crime and pleaded for leniency, but the court handed down a severe 18-year prison sentence due to the brutal nature of the killing.

The case highlights the dangers of violent disputes and serves as a stark reminder of how personal conflicts can escalate into deadly confrontations.

Vietnam made history by clinching its first-ever World Cup sepak takraw title in the women's quadrant category after a thrilling victory over Thailand, the dominant force in the sport.

The highly anticipated final saw two of the world’s strongest teams face off in an intense showdown. Thailand, the birthplace of sepak takraw, has long reigned as the sport’s powerhouse, while Vietnam entered the tournament with momentum, having won the 2023 world championship.

With a formidable lineup featuring Tran Thi Ngoc Yen, Nguyen Thi My, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Huyen, and Nguyen Thi Yen, the Vietnamese squad set the tone early, storming to a 5-0 lead and extending it to 8-1 in the first set. Although Thailand mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 12-14, Vietnam held firm to claim the opening set 15-12.

Thailand responded strongly in the second set, adjusting their strategy to seize an early 5-1 lead. The defending champions struggled to regain control, and Thailand ultimately secured the set 15-12, setting the stage for a decisive third set.

The final set was a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to gain a decisive edge. As the tension in the arena grew, Vietnam edged ahead at 14-13 and sealed the championship point with a dramatic finish, clinching a historic 15-13 victory. The momentous win ended Thailand’s long-standing dominance and marked a new era for Vietnam in sepak takraw.

Road to the Championship
Vietnam’s journey to the title was marked by stellar performances throughout the tournament. The team defeated:
✅ Republic of Korea (2-0)
✅ Myanmar (2-1)
✅ France (2-0)

Meanwhile, in the men’s division, Vietnam delivered an impressive campaign but fell short in the final against Thailand, suffering a 1-15, 9-15 defeat. The team, however, secured a silver medal, a commendable achievement on the world stage.

ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025
The ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 is being held from March 20-25 at the Patliputra Indoor Stadium in Bihar, India, featuring over 300 athletes and trainers from 20 countries.

Athletes will compete in various categories, including:
🏆 Men’s & women’s regu (teams of three)
🏆 Doubles
🏆 Mixed team events

The Sport of Sepak Takraw
Often called "kick volleyball," sepak takraw is a high-energy sport where players use their feet, knees, chest, and head to hit a woven rattan or plastic ball over a net. With its spectacular aerial kicks and acrobatic moves, the sport demands exceptional skill, agility, and coordination.

Vietnam’s groundbreaking victory in the women’s quadrant event not only solidifies its place among the world’s elite teams but also signals a bright future for the nation in sepak takraw.

Pistachios are more than just a delicious and convenient snack—they are packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health and well-being. Incorporating pistachios into a balanced diet can provide numerous benefits, including better heart health, improved weight management, enhanced eye protection, and stabilized blood sugar levels.

A standard serving of pistachios, which is approximately one ounce (28 grams), contains 165 calories, 6 grams of protein, 13 grams of total fat (with only 2 grams of it being saturated fat), 8 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of dietary fiber. Additionally, pistachios are an excellent source of important minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and folate, while also being free of cholesterol and extremely low in sodium.

One of the most notable health advantages of pistachios is their role in supporting healthy blood pressure levels. These nuts are naturally rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium—minerals that help regulate vascular function and promote better circulation. Studies suggest that individuals who consume pistachios regularly may experience a reduction in systolic blood pressure, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.

Beyond heart health, pistachios are also beneficial for eye protection, thanks to their high content of lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids, which are naturally found in the retina, play a crucial role in shielding the eyes from harmful light exposure. By regularly consuming pistachios, individuals may lower their risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, two common vision-related conditions that occur as people age.

Contrary to the misconception that nuts contribute to weight gain due to their fat content, pistachios can actually be an excellent aid in weight management. Their high protein and fiber content promotes satiety, helping individuals feel full for longer periods and reducing the likelihood of overeating. Additionally, research indicates that people who include pistachios in their diet tend to make healthier food choices overall, consuming fewer processed sugars while increasing their fiber intake—both of which contribute to maintaining a healthy weight.

For individuals concerned about blood sugar levels, pistachios can be an ideal snack choice. Their balanced composition of protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps stabilize blood glucose levels, preventing sudden spikes or crashes. This makes pistachios particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.

Another emerging benefit of pistachios is their ability to promote gut health. These nuts support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which play a key role in digestion and overall health. Research suggests that pistachios help increase the production of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that supports colon health and reduces inflammation in the digestive system. While more studies are needed to fully understand this connection, the current findings suggest that pistachios contribute to a balanced gut microbiome.

Additionally, pistachios may help reduce the risk of cancer due to their high levels of antioxidants, including gamma-tocopherols, polyphenols, and phytochemicals. Antioxidants are crucial in preventing cellular damage caused by oxidative stress, which is a known factor in the development of chronic diseases, including cancer. By consuming antioxidant-rich foods like pistachios, individuals may be able to lower their risk of developing certain types of cancer over time.

To fully enjoy the health benefits of pistachios, experts recommend consuming them in moderation. Ideally, one should eat around one ounce (28 grams) of unsalted, in-shell pistachios per day, as this allows for better portion control and ensures the maximum intake of their nutrients without excess sodium or added flavors.

While fruits are not typically associated with high protein content, some varieties offer a surprising amount of this essential nutrient. Guava, avocado, jackfruit, kiwi, and blackberries stand out as excellent choices for those looking to boost their protein intake through fruit.

Guava leads the list with 4.2 grams of protein per cup (165 grams). Beyond its protein content, guava is packed with vitamin C and fiber, which contribute to heart health, improved digestion, weight management, and a stronger immune system.

Avocado, known primarily for its healthy fats, also ranks high in protein, offering 3 to 4.6 grams per cup, depending on its preparation. This nutrient-dense fruit is rich in fiber and potassium, supporting digestion, detoxification, mood regulation, and bone health.

Jackfruit, often used as a meat substitute in vegan dishes, provides 2.8 grams of protein per cup. In addition to its protein content, it contains fiber and vital vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese. Jackfruit is beneficial for blood sugar management, immune health, skin care, and heart health.

Kiwi offers 2 grams of protein per cup and is loaded with vitamins C, E, and K, as well as folate, copper, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients help maintain heart and digestive health while strengthening the immune system.

Blackberries also provide 2 grams of protein per cup and are rich in vitamins C and K, manganese, and fiber. Their health benefits include improved brain function, cancer prevention, and heart disease protection, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.

Donald Trump has transformed the Oval Office into a dazzling showcase, fulfilling his promise of a "Golden Age" with a decor reflecting his signature flair. Gilded trophies, gold-plated Trump-branded coasters, and an abundance of presidential portraits now dominate the space, making it feel as much like a high-end TV set as the heart of American power.

The makeover is a stark contrast to his first term, with Trump now treating the Oval Office as part studio, part luxury real estate project. This week, he added a copy of the Declaration of Independence, a symbolic nod to America's break from the British monarchy 250 years ago. According to Peter Loge, director of George Washington University's School of Media, the spectacle is the point. "Trump is very good at playing the role of Donald Trump," he said.

Trump’s choice of decor carries a clear political message. The Oval Office serves as a powerful backdrop for his frequent press conferences and meetings with world leaders—most notably his tense encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Among the many portraits now hanging is that of 19th-century president James Polk, who oversaw America's largest territorial expansion. The selection is no coincidence, given Trump’s recent remarks about annexing Greenland, reclaiming the Panama Canal, and taking control of Gaza.

Each president personalizes the Oval Office, but Trump’s redesign is a deliberate departure from his predecessor, Joe Biden. While Biden opted for a relatively modest setup with five portraits, Trump has filled nearly every available space, including a prominent placement for Ronald Reagan. Biden had a historic Swedish ivy plant linked to John F. Kennedy; Trump replaced it with seven ornate gilded vessels. He also reinstated a bust of Winston Churchill, which he had displayed during his first term.

Trump's branding is unmistakable throughout the space. A large map renaming the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" remains on display, and reports suggest he plans to pave over the Rose Garden to make it resemble the patio of Mar-a-Lago. Perhaps the most unconventional addition, however, is the gold-framed mugshot of Trump himself, taken in Georgia in 2023 after he was booked for allegedly attempting to interfere in the 2020 election.

True to his style, Trump has turned the Oval Office into a statement—not just of power, but of the spectacle that defines his political persona.

A 19-year-old British man who shot and killed his mother and two younger siblings, with aspirations of carrying out a high-profile school shooting, has been sentenced to a minimum of 49 years in prison before being eligible for parole.

At Luton Crown Court on Wednesday, Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb stated that she had considered a full life sentence for Nicholas Prosper but opted against it due to his age—he was 18 at the time of the murders—and his guilty plea.

Last month, Prosper admitted to murdering his mother, Juliana Falcon, 48, his 13-year-old sister, Giselle Prosper, and his 16-year-old brother, Kyle Prosper, at their shared apartment in Luton, Bedfordshire, on September 13. He had also stabbed his brother more than 100 times.

The judge told Prosper that his ultimate goal was "notoriety," as he wanted to be known posthumously as "the world's most famous school shooter of the 21st century." She noted that his case displayed recurring themes seen in school shootings worldwide, including a sexual interest in children, an online-induced detachment from reality, a lack of empathy, and the deliberate selection of a "uniform" for the attack.

The court heard that Prosper, who had struggled to stay in education or maintain a job, had been planning the attack on his family and his former elementary school for Friday the 13th, believing the infamous date would add to his notoriety.

He had forged a gun license, allowing him to purchase a shotgun and 100 cartridges from a legitimate firearms dealer the day before the murders. His initial plan was to kill his family while they slept, but his mother woke up and, realizing something was "terribly wrong," fought back.

After shooting his mother, Prosper placed a copy of the novel How to Kill Your Family on her legs. He then shot his sister as she hid under a table and proceeded to stab and shoot his brother.

"The lives of your own mother and younger brother and sister were to be collateral damage on the way to fulfilling your ambition," the judge said.

Prosper appeared "cheerful" when police arrested him in a nearby street, with blood on his hands, clothes, and glasses, according to the prosecution.

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall of Bedfordshire Police read a statement on behalf of Prosper's father, Raymond Prosper, who said the deaths of his ex-partner and children were a devastating loss. He also credited the police's quick response for preventing further tragedy.

"Their deaths and the fast response of Bedfordshire Police stopped any other family in the community going through the pain we have suffered," he said.

A Southwest Airlines flight at Orlando International Airport aborted takeoff on Thursday after mistakenly beginning its departure on a taxiway instead of the designated runway. This incident is the latest in a series of aviation safety concerns in the U.S.

At around 9:30 a.m. ET, an air traffic controller canceled the takeoff clearance for Southwest Flight 3278 after noticing the aircraft had started its takeoff roll on a taxiway running parallel to the runway, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Taxiways are used for aircraft movement between terminals and runways, not for takeoff.

Southwest Airlines reported that the Boeing 737-800 stopped safely, returned to the gate, and that no injuries occurred. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA have both launched investigations into the incident. Southwest also stated it is working with the FAA to understand what led to the error and has since rebooked passengers on another flight.

This event follows a December FAA safety review of Southwest Airlines, prompted by previous incidents, including a flight in July that flew at dangerously low altitude over Tampa Bay and another in April that came within 400 feet (122 meters) of the ocean near Hawaii.

On Wednesday, the FAA announced plans to install enhanced safety technology at 74 U.S. airports by 2026 to help detect runway incursions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also revealed upcoming plans to modernize the country’s air traffic control system, replacing outdated technology.

Concerns over U.S. aviation safety have grown following the January 29 fatal collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet near Reagan Washington National Airport, which resulted in 67 deaths.

The FAA has been conducting an audit of runway incursion risks at the 45 busiest U.S. airports since October. Over the past two years, a series of near-miss incidents has highlighted ongoing issues, particularly the strain on understaffed air traffic control operations. A shortage of controllers has caused delays and forced many to work mandatory overtime and six-day weeks to cover shifts, exacerbating safety concerns.

A panel of experts convened by Japan’s Cabinet Office has issued new guidelines for over 44 million residents in the region surrounding Mount Fuji, emphasizing the need for preparedness in case of a major volcanic eruption.

The panel advised municipalities and households to maintain emergency supplies, such as food and water, as part of their disaster readiness plans. Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters, last erupted in 1707, but experts warn that a future eruption could have catastrophic consequences.

In the worst-case scenario, an eruption could blanket Tokyo, located about 100 kilometers northeast of the volcano, with up to 30 centimeters (nearly 12 inches) of ash. The report warned that such an accumulation could lead to the collapse of wooden houses, especially if combined with rain, and urged residents in affected areas to evacuate if necessary.

Even in less severe ashfall scenarios, large structures such as school gymnasiums—often used as evacuation centers—could suffer significant damage. The panel recommended that residents remain inside the affected area whenever possible and only evacuate in cases where their homes face severe structural damage.

Ashfall could also disrupt the delivery of essential supplies, making stockpiling crucial. The report noted that power outages, communication breakdowns, and deteriorating water quality are likely, particularly if rain mixes with volcanic ash. Transportation would also be severely affected, as roads covered in ash could become impassable for vehicles.

While the report outlined potential risks and preparedness measures, the experts clarified that it did not predict the timing or scale of Mount Fuji’s next eruption.

Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), has filed a lawsuit against the Indian government, accusing it of misusing legal provisions to impose unlawful censorship. The case highlights ongoing tensions between tech giants and India's strict content regulations as Musk’s other ventures, Starlink and Tesla, prepare to enter the Indian market.

India, the world’s largest democracy, is consistently among the top five countries requesting content removals from social media platforms. X argues that the Indian government has been exploiting legal loopholes to silence dissent without proper safeguards. "According to X, this provision... is being misused to create an unlawful parallel mechanism for blocking information," reported Indian legal website Bar and Bench.

The case will be heard in Karnataka’s High Court on March 27 after an initial hearing failed to reach a resolution. This isn’t the first time X has clashed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

In 2023, an Indian court fined X $61,000 after rejecting its challenge against government orders to remove tweets critical of Modi. In 2024, X reaffirmed that its appeal against government-ordered bans on specific accounts and posts is still pending. "Due to legal restrictions, we are unable to publish the executive orders, but we believe that making them public is essential for transparency," X said in a statement.

The lawsuit comes at a critical time for Musk, as Tesla and Starlink prepare to expand into the Indian market. With India being the world’s fifth-largest economy, Musk is eyeing a massive business opportunity, but regulatory tensions over free speech could complicate those plans.

Critics argue that India's opaque censorship policies enable political control over online discourse, while the government insists these measures are necessary for national security and public order.

As the Karnataka High Court prepares to hear X’s case, the outcome could set a major precedent for online freedom in India—and influence the future relationship between Big Tech and Modi’s administration.

Legal immigrants and green card holders in the U.S. can face deportation, particularly under the Trump administration's strict immigration policies, if they have a criminal record or are considered a threat to foreign policy.

The U.S. government is seeking to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student arrested earlier this month by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after participating in pro-Palestinian protests. Khalil, 30, a legal U.S. resident without a criminal record, was detained overnight in New Jersey before being transferred to an immigration facility in Jena, Louisiana.

Initially, ICE planned to revoke Khalil's student visa based on instructions from the U.S. State Department but discovered he was also a lawful permanent resident. Consequently, ICE pursued revoking his green card instead, and he currently awaits a deportation hearing in Louisiana, according to the AP.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Khalil's detention was related to President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at combating antisemitism on college campuses. Khalil's arrest has drawn criticism, with opponents arguing he is unfairly targeted, raising questions about protections for international students and green card holders.

Jaclyn Kelley-Widmer, an immigration law professor at Cornell Law School, told AP that lawful permanent residents generally have robust protections and "should be the most protected short of a U.S. citizen." However, Kelley-Widmer emphasized that protection is not absolute; green card holders can be deported for crimes, failure to update addresses with immigration authorities, or fraudulent marriages.

In Khalil's case, the U.S. government claims authority to revoke his residency, obtained through marriage to a U.S. citizen. His deportation is pursued under Section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing removal if the Secretary of State determines a non-citizen's presence or activities could have "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences" for the U.S., as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

While officials have not explicitly detailed how Khalil threatens U.S. foreign policy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other Trump administration officials support deportation, accusing him of creating a hostile environment for Jewish students at Columbia University. Combatting antisemitism has been a prominent foreign policy objective for Trump's administration.

Brazilians deported from the U.S. at Eduardo Gomes International Airport in Manaus, Amazona, on Jan. 25, 2025. Photo by AFP

Khalil is not alone in facing deportation due to stricter immigration enforcement. Recently, multiple green card and visa holders have faced detention at U.S. entry points and prolonged stays in ICE facilities.

Rasha Alawieh, 34, a kidney transplant specialist at Brown University's medical school, was detained last week at Boston Logan International Airport after returning from Lebanon.

Her H-1B work visa issued by the U.S. consulate in Lebanon was revoked, and she was deported.

The Department of Homeland Security claimed on X on March 17 that Alawieh had "traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, to attend the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah," the leader of Hezbollah. Alawieh maintained that she only joined crowds outside the stadium where the funeral occurred and did not attend the ceremony inside, AFP reported, citing an unnamed family member.

In another incident, Fabian Schmidt, a 34-year-old German electrical engineer and green card holder residing in New Hampshire, was detained on March 7 at Boston Logan Airport upon returning from Europe. His mother alleged that CBP officers "violently interrogated" Schmidt and pressured him into signing away his green card, according to Boston public radio WGBH. Schmidt was transferred to an ICE detention center in Rhode Island.

Immigration officials cited Schmidt's prior marijuana possession charge from 2015 in California, before the state legalized recreational cannabis, as justification for deportation. Schmidt, who moved from Germany to the U.S. in 2008 and received his green card in 2009, missed a related court hearing in California because the summons was sent to his former address after he moved to New Hampshire in 2022. Schmidt believed the charge had been dismissed following cannabis decriminalization.

His family emphasized that Schmidt had turned his life around, building a stable engineering career and raising an 8-year-old daughter with his American partner, both U.S. citizens, according to WGBH. However, CBP officials argued that his prior drug-related offense warranted deportation.

Hilton Beckham, Assistant Commissioner of Public Affairs at CBP, refuted Schmidt's family’s allegations, telling Newsweek: "These claims [regarding Schmidt] are blatantly false with respect to CBP. When an individual is found with drug-related charges and tries to reenter the country, officers will take proper action."

Strict immigration enforcement under Trump has intensified scrutiny of green card and visa holders, sparking concerns about due process. Legal experts warn that expansive interpretations of immigration laws could result in deportations for minor infractions or subjective policy reasons.

Civil rights organizations and immigration attorneys continue to challenge the administration's actions, arguing many legal immigrants face unfair targeting.

Kripa Upadhyay, a Seattle-based immigration attorney, cautioned earlier this week in the Times of India that foreign nationals, especially those renewing H-1B or F-1 visas, should "really need to think twice" about international travel.

Ashwin Sharma, a Florida immigration lawyer, described incidents reported to the newspaper, where elderly Indian green card holders were allegedly pressured by CBP agents into signing Form I-407, voluntarily relinquishing their residency. Sharma noted some CBP officers intimidate travelers with threats of detention or deportation, despite only an immigration judge legally having authority to revoke a green card.

Immigration attorneys also report increased extensive questioning and detention for green card holders, advising them to pursue U.S. citizenship promptly. Those awaiting citizenship approval are advised against international travel until obtaining their American passports.

Lucas Sielaff, 25, from eastern Germany, shared his trouble after taking a short trip out of the U.S.

Sielaff told Der Spiegel magazine earlier this month, as reported by DW, that was detained for two weeks and deported back to Germany after visiting his American fiancée in Nevada. The couple had briefly traveled to Mexico to obtain veterinary care for her dog.

Upon returning, Sielaff faced intense interrogation. He believed the border officer assumed he was illegally residing in the U.S. and attempting to circumvent the 90-day visitation limit by briefly exiting the country.
VietBF@ Sưu tập

Mai Trieu Nguyen, a prominent figure in Vietnam’s technology sector, has passed away following severe injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Melbourne, Australia on March 5 (local time).


CEO Mai Trieu Nguyen. Photo: Facebook character

Nguyen was a well-known entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the Vietnamese mobile phone market.

He founded the once-popular Mai Nguyen Mobile retail chain in Ho Chi Minh City.

In recent years, following the COVID-19 pandemic, Nguyen shifted his focus to vlogging, producing travel videos featuring his journeys around the world on high-displacement motorcycles.

His final social media post, shared on the morning of March 5, featured scenes of Melbourne’s Docklands and a casual ride to test a new motorcycle.

He wrote cheerfully: “Morning everyone!” and teased his next adventure video, unaware it would be his last.

Nguyen, born in 1976, was involved in a motorcycle accident on the West Gate Freeway in Melbourne on March 5.

The incident left two motorcyclists badly injured, especially Nguyen, and caused significant traffic disruptions throughout Melbourne.

His passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from Vietnam’s tech and biking communities, who remember him not only as a successful businessman but also as a passionate explorer.

The passing of Mr. Mai Trieu Nguyen is a great loss for the technology-loving community and large-displacement motorbikes, who are passionate about traveling in Vietnam.

VietBF@ Sưu tập

Finland has once again topped the rankings as the world's happiest country for the eighth year in a row. The nation's consistent lead is driven by high life satisfaction, low corruption, universal healthcare and a strong culture of social support.

The Nordic nation is not alone at the top. Its neighbors Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and Norway have also regularly featured near the summit of global happiness rankings.

According to Ilana Ron-Levey, managing director of Gallup, the shared traits among these nations include economic stability, strong political institutions and comprehensive welfare systems, CNBC reports.

However, Ron-Levey identifies Finland as uniquely intriguing, emphasizing factors such as widespread trust in society, optimism about the future and exceptional social support networks as key contributors to the nation's happiness. The 2025 World Happiness Report compiles rankings based on citizens' self-evaluations of life satisfaction from 2022 to 2024, alongside their responses to Gallup’s Cantril ladder question, which asks respondents to rate their life quality on a scale of zero to ten.

The report also considers other critical measures such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, individual freedoms, generosity and perceptions of corruption.


People walk past a street musician in the center of Helsinki, Finland, March 15, 2025. Photo by AP

Finland scores particularly high in healthcare, where the government ensures universal access to quality medical services at minimal or no cost. This accessible healthcare system notably includes extensive mental health support, reflecting Finland's commitment to reducing mental health stigma and fostering well-being.

Finnish residents benefit significantly from healthy lifestyles encouraged by a pristine natural environment and supportive welfare policies, including generous parental leave and effective work-life balance initiatives. High trust in government institutions further enhances a sense of security and community among citizens.

Cultural openness in expressing emotions also sets Finland apart.

Mari Larivaara from MIELI Mental Health Finland highlights that Finns are comfortable sharing life's challenges openly, an approach research consistently links to improved mental health and stronger social bonds, the Huffington Post reported.

Finnish culture prioritizes leisure, relaxation and meaningful activities, offering universal access to natural resources like forests, lakes and coastlines, where people can freely engage in outdoor recreation like hiking, swimming and camping.

The country also actively promotes self-development through widespread availability of low-cost educational and hobby-related activities, helping to foster personal growth and community connections.

According to Juho Saari from Tampere University, Finnish happiness is less about intense moments of joy and more about consistent, overall satisfaction with life. Professor Mirka Hintsanen from the University of Oulu notes that while personal attitudes matter, external circumstances, social environments and societal policies significantly shape individual happiness levels.
VietBF@ Sưu tập

Hong Kong man jailed after drunk driving crash kills lover in Hoi An


Chong Fu Kit at the Quang Nam People's Court, March 20, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Dac Thanh

A 32-year-old Hong Kong man has been sentenced to 12 months in jail for driving a motorbike under the influence of alcohol, resulting in the death of his partner during the couple's trip to the popular tourist city of Hoi An.

The Quang Nam People People's Court on Thursday sentenced Chong Fu Kit for violating traffic regulations leading to a fatal accident.

According to court documents, Chong arrived in Quang Nam with three friends for a vacation on May 7 last year, renting a motorbike from local resident Nguyen Dong Quan, 52, despite not having a valid driving license.

On May 8, Chong consumed alcohol at lunchtime before riding to Hoi An with his lover, Crus Wing Sze, 28, as a passenger. Neither Chong nor Crus wore helmets at the time of the incident.

While traveling through Cam An Ward, Chong crashed into a median strip, causing Crus to suffer fatal injuries. She died instantly at the scene, while Chong sustained injuries and was later found to have a blood alcohol content of 220 mg/dl.

Hoi An, located in Vietnam's central Quang Nam Province, attracts millions of tourists annually, known for its well-preserved ancient town, UNESCO world heritage sites, and vibrant cultural atmosphere. The city hosted approximately 4.4 million visitors in 2024 alone, with weekend visitor numbers often approaching 10,000.
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VietBF@ Sưu tập

Attachment 2503575


Several legal experts said the Constitution doesn’t require that pardons be signed directly by the president; the use of a mechanical device for signatures is not prohibited.

Memos by the Office of the Solicitor General in 1929 and the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel in 2005 also say a president’s hand signature is not required.

There is no constitutional mechanism for overturning pardons, and an 1869 judicial ruling found that once delivered, a pardon is final.


President Donald Trump claimed some of former President Joe Biden’s pardons are invalid because Biden used an autopen.

"The ‘Pardons’ that Sleepy Joe Biden gave to the Unselect Committee of Political Thugs, and many others, are hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, because of the fact that they were done by Autopen," Trump wrote March 17 on Truth Social. He referred to Biden’s pardons of congressional members who served on the committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack.

It’s uncertain to us whether Biden used an "autopen" — a mechanical device that uses a robotic arm with a pen attached — to sign the pardons. Yet, Trump also claimed that Biden "did not sign" the pardons and "did not know anything about them!"

Trump’s post followed his statements days earlier criticizing Biden’s use of the autopen.

"Everything was signed by autopen — almost everything," Trump said March 13. "Nobody has ever heard of such a thing."

Biden is not the first U.S. president to use an autopen. Presidents Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy and Thomas Jefferson used autopens or mechanized signing devices.

We found universal agreement among legal scholars that the Constitution doesn’t require a pardon’s direct human signing, and subsequent judicial decisions and legal memoranda support an autopen’s use for similar purposes. Legal scholars also agreed that there is no constitutional mechanism to overturn pardons once granted.

A White House press office spokesperson referred PolitiFact to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s March 17 comments, that were in response to a reporter asking whether White House attorneys had told Trump he has the legal authority to reverse Biden’s pardons because of the autopen.

Leavitt did not directly answer that question but said, "The president was raising the point that, did the president even know about these pardons? Was his legal signature used without his consent or knowledge?"

When we asked the White House whether Trump ever used an autopen, a spokesperson pointed to Trump’s comments to reporters the previous night on Air Force One. "I never use it. I mean, we may use it, as an example, to send some young person a letter, because it's nice. … But to sign pardons and all of the things that he signed with an autopen is disgraceful."

Constitution does not address pardon document methodology

The pardon portion of the Constitution’s Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 says the president has the power to grant pardons, but makes no mention of "sign" or "signature." More than a half-dozen constitutional law experts told PolitiFact they see no restriction in the Constitution on the use of an autopen.

"The president possesses the power to pardon, but there is no specification (unlike for signing of bills) that this pardon be in writing," said Bernadette Meyler, a Stanford University scholar of British and American constitutional law. "Hence it is not clear that a signature would even be required, as the decision to pardon could be oral rather than written."

By comparison, Article I, Section 7 says that bills that pass the House and Senate shall be "presented to the President of the United States; If he approves he shall sign it."

Frank O. Bowman III, a University of Missouri law professor, pointed to images of pardons from Abraham Lincoln's presidency, which sometimes do not match each other, nor Lincoln’s documented signature elsewhere.

That’s because "in the 1800s, the secretary of state, or one of his functionaries, often prepared and signed pardon warrants in the name of the president," Bowman said.

Attachment 2503576

Signatures on pardons issued by President Abraham Lincoln that were recorded by his secretary of state or a designee, not Lincoln himself. (National Archives)

Attachment 2503577

A verified Abraham Lincoln signature. (Library of Congress)

In 2005, during George W. Bush’s presidency, the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel wrote a memo to the president’s counsel about the legality of using an autopen to sign bills. The department concluded:

"The President need not personally perform the physical act of affixing his signature to a bill he approves and decides to sign in order for the bill to become law. Rather, the President may sign a bill within the meaning of Article I, Section 7 by directing a subordinate to affix the President’s signature to such a bill, for example by autopen."

The Justice Department memo also said there are practical reasons for a president to use an autopen, such as when he is away from Washington, D.C., or wants a law to take effect immediately, for example to avert a government shutdown.

"The DOJ opinion does give Biden cover here," Michigan State University law professor Brian Kalt said.

A 1929 Office of the Solicitor General memo, within the Justice Department, said a pardoned man should be given a "token" to show he was pardoned, however, "that need not have the president’s autograph. If it shall bear the facsimile signature and be certified by an official having charge of the records as having been issued by the President, or by his direction, that shall be sufficient."

More recently, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit said in a 2024 ruling that "nothing in the Constitution restricts the President’s exercise of the clemency power to commutations that have been rendered through a documented writing."

Trump can’t reverse Biden’s pardons

Legal experts agreed that nothing in the Constitution or the law permits pardons to be reversed.

"Pardons are final and irrevocable," Kalt said.

In an 1869 ruling, a federal court wrote: "The law undoubtedly is, that when a pardon is complete, there is no power to revoke it, any more than there is power to revoke any other completed act."

Making the argument that pardons can be reversed is a risk for Trump himself.

"Even under Trump’s conception of unlimited presidential power, a future president could undo anything he did — and I assume he would not be happy with that," said Michael Gerhardt, a University of North Carolina law professor.

Trump issued pardons for Jan. 6, 2021, defendants.

"Presidents historically have not personally signed grants of pardons for every individual they granted clemency to," notably when granted in large batches such as mass amnesties following wars, said Dan Kobil, a Capital Law School professor.

Claims started with Heritage Foundation entity

Trump’s autopen claims followed posts earlier in March by the conservative Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project.

"WHOEVER CONTROLLED THE AUTOPEN CONTROLLED THE PRESIDENCY," the Oversight Project wrote March 6 on X.

The Oversight Project wrote that it gathered documents with Biden's presidential signature and found "all used the same autopen signature" except for his announcement that he was dropping out of the 2024 race.

The Oversight Project posted about autopens about a dozen times in a week, dubbing it the "autopen scandal." One post displayed signatures for multiple pardons Biden issued Jan. 19, his final full day in office. That was the day he pardoned lawmakers who served on the congressional committee to investigate the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack.

The National Archives told the fact-checking website Snopes that official documents published in the Federal Register use a copy of the president's signature provided by the White House.

"At the beginning of each administration, the White House sends a sample of the President's signature to the Office of the Federal Register, which uses it to create the graphic image for all Presidential Documents published in the Federal Register," the National Archives wrote to Snopes. (PolitiFact contacted the National Archives and did not immediately hear back.)

Trump said Biden’s pardons of lawmakers on the committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack "are hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT," because "they were done by Autopen."

It’s unclear whether Biden signed the pardons with an autopen. But even if he did, a half dozen legal experts said the Constitution doesn’t require that pardons be signed by hand by the president.

Memos by the Office of the Solicitor General in 1929 and the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel in 2005 both say a president’s hand signature is not needed, and presidents, including Lincoln, routinely had subordinates sign pardons on their behalf.

There is no constitutional mechanism for overturning pardons, and an 1869 judicial ruling found that once delivered, a pardon is final. There is no legal precedent saying pardons are void if they are signed by a machine instead of the president.

The burden of proof is on the speaker, and Trump provided no evidence of a legal path to declaring Biden’s pardons void.

Based on current legal precedent, we rate the statement False.

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** The US president and his followers are entering new and dangerous territory..



Donald Trump is the MAGA movement’s greatest asset and its greatest liability.

The US president is a political genius. But he is also, in the memorable phrase, attributed to Rex Tillerson, his first secretary of state, “a fucking moron” when it comes to understanding policy.

That tension between Trump the genius and Trump the moron is dangerous for the “Make America Great Again” movement that he created and leads.

As a political actor, there is no denying that Trump has an intuitive genius that has enabled him to completely reshape American politics. Winning a second term in office by a decisive margin has given him absolute authority within his party. For now, Trump can do what he wants. The problem is that what he wants is likely to be very damaging to America.

The most obvious example of the self-destructive nature of Trump’s policies is his obsession with tariffs. The US president cannot or will not understand that tariffs are paid by importers and that much of the cost will be passed on to consumers. He also regards unpredictability as a virtue. So tariffs are imposed, lifted and then reimposed, seemingly on a whim. The result is that businesses cannot plan ahead and that consumers and investors are panicking.

In Trump’s first term, when his political authority was weaker and his advisers more conventional, the president’s aides were able to deflect some of his worst ideas. Officials sometimes ignored or reinterpreted his instructions, or even removed papers from his desk, in an effort to contain his instincts.

But in term two, the president has surrounded himself with sycophants who want to “let Trump be Trump”. Howard Lutnick, his commerce secretary, assures us that Trump is “the most important, the smartest, the most capable leader in the world”. So the president can press ahead with policies that are likely to damage the majority of Americans in direct and tangible ways.

Trump has done many outrageous things in the past, such as attempting to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election. But few of his previous actions affected the daily lives of ordinary Americans. Causing a recession, higher inflation or a stock market crash would be different. Some 60 per cent of Americans own shares, often in their retirement funds. Many will be dismayed by the recent slump in share prices. Consumer confidence is also falling, as inflation expectations rise.

The economy was rated the most important issue by voters in the last election. But Trump’s ratings for handling the economy have already turned negative. There may be more pain to come as cuts in the federal workforce ripple out beyond Washington. Possible cuts in social security or government-funded health benefits would also hit millions.

Picking fights with America’s neighbors and allies might seem to fall into the category of issues that the average voter can shrug off. But threatening to annex Canada (another moronic idea) has started a needless trade war with a peaceable neighbor. If the Canadians retaliate by forcing up the price of exports of oil or electricity to the US, ordinary Americans will suffer. Tariffs on Mexico could also raise supermarket prices. Some 50 per cent of America’s imported fruit comes from Mexico. The profits of the big three US car companies could be wiped out by a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico.

The economic effects of Trump’s policies are likely to determine the future of his presidency. But Trump is also putting Americans at risk in other ways. Sacking FBI agents and intelligence officers — and appointing conspiracy theorists as director of national intelligence and head of the FBI — is a recipe for an eventual high-profile disaster. Putting another conspiracy theorist, Robert F Kennedy Jr, in charge of the health department creates another set of obvious dangers.

Watching Trump unleash his inner moron on the American government reminds me of a prediction I heard from a prominent US businessman in January. “If Trump does half the things he’s promising to do, this whole thing will blow up. And it will discredit Maga for a generation.”

The obvious mechanism for a blow-up would be a huge defeat for the Republicans at the next elections. But the midterms are almost two years away. Trump and his minions can do a lot of damage to America’s institutions, including the electoral system, in that time. If the administration begins to obviously flounder, Trump is likely to respond with a hunt for scapegoats and increased authoritarianism.

But the experience in other damaged democracies is that even a partly rigged system can work well enough to inflict electoral defeats on far-right populists. Jair Bolsonaro lost the Brazilian presidential election in 2022 (and has been charged with attempting a coup afterwards). Poland’s Law and Justice party lost power in elections in 2023. Viktor Orbán of Hungary, who has been prime minister since 2010 and is much admired by the Maga movement, is trailing in the polls ahead of elections expected next year — as the Hungarian economy struggles. There were anti-Orbán demonstrations in Budapest at the weekend.

Rightwing populists can often win the culture wars. But mishandling the economy is much harder to explain away. If Maga makes Americans poorer, Trump and his movement are likely to pay the price.