Top U.S. News This Week: Political Shake-Ups, Trade Tensions & Key Court Decisions (Feb 24 – Mar 1, 2025)

The past week has been eventful in the United States, with significant political, economic, and social developments shaping the national landscape. From major policy changes and Supreme Court rulings to corporate investments and rising global tensions, these stories have captured national attention. This article provides an in-depth look at the most impactful news events from the week of February 24–March 1, 2025.

Contentious Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting at the White House

• On February 28, 2025, a highly anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House ended abruptly without resolution. The discussion, intended to finalize a minerals deal as a step toward a ceasefire with Russia, escalated into a heated exchange. President Trump accused Zelenskyy of "gambling with World War Three," leading to the cancellation of the agreement and a joint press conference. This unprecedented public confrontation drew swift support for Zelenskyy from European leaders, while Russian officials expressed satisfaction with the discord.

Pro-Ukraine Rallies Erupt Across U.S. Following White House Dispute

• In response to the tumultuous meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy, pro-Ukraine demonstrations emerged in several U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Boston. Protesters expressed solidarity with Ukraine and criticized the Trump administration's handling of the diplomatic encounter. Within the White House, officials voiced frustration over Zelenskyy's firm stance, while civil rights attorneys filed lawsuits against the administration's policies concerning immigrant transfers to Guantánamo Bay.

Classified Documents Seized in Mar-a-Lago Raid Returned to Trump

• The White House confirmed that classified documents seized by the FBI from former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in 2022 were returned to him. The documents were transported to Florida aboard Air Force One, a move that has garnered considerable attention and controversy regarding the handling of sensitive materials.

U.S. Stock Market Experiences February Volatility Amid Trump's Return

• U.S. stocks faced significant volatility in February 2025 following President Trump's return to office. The Nasdaq Composite recorded a nearly 4% decline, its largest monthly drop since April 2024, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average fell approximately 1.5% each. Concerns over economic growth, tariff policies, and geopolitical risks contributed to investor unease. Despite the downturn, analysts note that February is historically a weak month post-presidential elections, and upcoming months may see stabilization.

Andrew Cuomo Announces Candidacy for New York City Mayor

• Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared his intention to run for New York City mayor, seeking a political comeback after resigning in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal. Cuomo aims to challenge incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently facing corruption charges, by focusing on issues such as crime reduction and infrastructure improvements.

Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Suspension of Refugee Admissions

• A federal judge in Seattle issued a temporary block against President Trump's executive order to suspend the Refugee Admissions Program. The judge ruled that the president cannot nullify laws passed by Congress, following a lawsuit filed by the International Refugee Assistance Project. This decision maintains the program's operation amidst ongoing legal challenges.

Apple Commits to $500 Billion U.S. Investment Amid Tariff Threats

• Tech giant Apple announced a $500 billion investment plan in the United States over the next five years, aiming to create 20,000 new jobs and enhance manufacturing capabilities for AI servers. This announcement comes amid President Trump's threats to impose tariffs on European imports, reflecting ongoing trade tensions.

Starbucks to Cut 1,100 Jobs and Simplify Menu

• Starbucks revealed plans to eliminate 1,100 positions across its U.S. stores as part of cost-reduction measures. The company also intends to streamline its menu by reducing items by 33%, aiming to improve operational efficiency and address shifting consumer preferences.

Jo-Ann Stores Files for Bankruptcy, Plans to Close All Locations

• Craft retailer Jo-Ann Stores filed for bankruptcy for the second time and announced plans to close all 800 of its locations across 49 states. Liquidation sales are set to begin immediately, marking a significant shift in the retail landscape for hobbyists and crafters.

Measles Outbreak in Texas Prompts Health Alerts

• Health authorities in Texas issued alerts following a measles outbreak affecting 99 individuals across Texas and New Mexico. This represents the third-largest outbreak since measles was declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, prompting increased vaccination and public health efforts.

NASA Declares Asteroid 2024 YR4 No Longer a Significant Threat

• NASA announced that asteroid 2024 YR4 poses "no significant threat" to Earth in 2032 and beyond, with impact chances reduced to 0.0017%. This update negates the need for a previously considered planetary defense mission, alleviating concerns about potential future impacts.

United Nations Condemns Russia's Actions; U.S. Votes Against Resolution

• The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine with a vote of 93–18 and 65 abstentions. Notably, the United States was among the countries that voted against the resolution, highlighting complex geopolitical dynamics and alliances.

President Trump Dismisses Top Military Officials

• On February 21, 2025, President Donald Trump dismissed General Charles Q. Brown Jr., the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with five other senior Pentagon officials. This unprecedented move has raised concerns about the politicization of the traditionally nonpartisan military. Republican senators have largely supported the president's authority in these decisions, while Democrats have expressed significant apprehension regarding potential political influences on military leadership.

Supreme Court to Rule on Gun Manufacturers' Liability

• The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear "Smith & Wesson Brands v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos," a case determining whether American gun manufacturers can be held liable for arming Mexican drug cartels. Mexico alleges that US gun companies knowingly supplied firearms to cartels, contributing to widespread violence. The case faces challenges due to the 2005 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which grants significant immunity to gun makers. The Court's conservative majority may influence the outcome, potentially favoring gun manufacturers.

American Airlines Flight Diverted Due to Security Threat

• An American Airlines flight en route from New York to New Delhi made an emergency landing in Rome on February 23, 2025, following a security threat. All passengers and crew were safely accommodated, and investigations into the nature of the threat are ongoing.

President Trump Proposes 25% Tariffs on European Union Imports

• President Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on imports from the European Union, asserting that the bloc was "formed to screw the U.S." This proposal has escalated trade tensions and prompted discussions about potential retaliatory measures from the EU.

Eli Lilly Announces $27 Billion Investment in U.S. Drug Manufacturing

• Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly revealed plans to invest $27 billion in U.S. drug manufacturing. This initiative aims to enhance domestic production capabilities amid global supply chain concerns and ensure a steady supply of essential medications.

Termination of U.S.-Venezuela Oil Agreement

• The Trump administration ordered the termination of an oil agreement with Venezuela, citing concerns over the legitimacy of the Venezuelan government and human rights violations. This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Venezuela.

White House Excludes Major Media Outlets from Cabinet Meeting

• On February 26, 2025, the White House barred several major media outlets, including the Associated Press and Reuters, from covering a cabinet meeting. This action has sparked debates over press freedom and the administration's commitment to transparency.

Shooting at Old Dominion University Leaves Two Dead

• A shooting on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, resulted in two fatalities on February 27, 2025. Authorities are investigating the incident, and the campus community is in mourning.

OpenAI Introduces GPT-4.5 Language Model

• OpenAI announced the release of GPT-4.5, the latest iteration of its advanced language model. The new model promises improved natural language understanding and generation capabilities, marking a significant advancement in artificial intelligence research.

President Trump Accuses President Zelenskyy of 'Gambling with World War Three.'

• In a heated meeting at the White House, President Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of "gambling with World War Three," leading to a breakdown in discussions and heightened international tensions.

This past week has seen crucial developments in U.S. politics, global relations, business investments, and legal battles. With the Supreme Court reviewing major cases, trade tensions rising, and national security under scrutiny, the country is navigating a complex and rapidly evolving landscape. As these stories unfold, their implications will shape the future of the U.S. on both domestic and international fronts. Stay tuned for further updates as these situations progress.

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