During her briefing on January 31, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed several major topics. Here are the six key points she highlighted:
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Washington Visit
Leavitt confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on Tuesday, February 4, for a working meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. “I can confirm that Prime Minister Netanyahu will be here on Tuesday of February 4th for a working meeting and visit with the president,” she stated, noting that media coverage of the visit is expected to be extensive.
Tariff and Trade Measures
When questioned about tariffs on the European Union, Leavitt explained that President Trump has not yet established a timeline for such measures nor decided whether any future tariffs will be uniformly applied or differentiated among EU members. However, she did confirm that new tariffs are set to be implemented soon:
25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico
10% tariffs on China
These measures reflect ongoing efforts to adjust U.S. trade policy with key global partners.
Transgender Policies and Gender Identity Directives
Leavitt detailed the administration’s recent actions on transgender issues, noting that President Trump has signed several executive orders. These orders:
Establish the federal government’s policy to recognize only two biological sexes—male and female—and direct all federal agencies to adhere to this definition.
Include measures affecting military policy by removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) directives from the armed forces, reinstating troops dismissed over COVID-19 vaccine refusals, and redefining military standards regarding gender identity.
Signal support for congressional efforts to end practices that the administration characterizes as harmful, such as “the mutilation” or “chemical castration” of young children.
Hostage Releases and Regional Security Initiatives
In a significant update on international security, Leavitt announced the release of eight hostages—three Israeli and five Thai nationals—from Hamas captivity. “The White House applauds the release of eight additional hostages from Hamas captivity,” she said, adding that President Trump remains committed to securing the return of all remaining hostages. She also underscored the importance of the upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu in reinforcing U.S. support for Israel and holding terror groups accountable.
Reaffirming the President’s Stance on COVID-19 Origins
Leavitt revisited a contentious topic from earlier briefings. Recalling that President Trump had suggested COVID-19 might have originated from a lab in Wuhan, China, she emphasized that early warnings—though initially dismissed as conspiracy theories—are now seen as validated by new evidence. “It took many years for it to come out, but the president was right in this instance again,” Leavitt remarked.
Ric Grenell’s Mission in Venezuela
In another international development, Leavitt confirmed that special U.S. envoy Ric Grenell is currently in Venezuela with two primary directives from the President:
Repatriation of Venezuelan Nationals: Grenell has been tasked with identifying a location to ensure that repatriation flights carrying members of the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua—alleged to have broken U.S. laws—land safely in Venezuela.
Return of U.S. Detainees: He is also charged with overseeing the return of all U.S. detainees held in Venezuela.
“Ric Grenell is in Venezuela to ensure that repatriation flights of Tren de Aragua members will land in Venezuela, and to ensure that all U.S. detainees in Venezuela are returned home,” Leavitt explained. She noted that a full readout would be provided following Grenell’s trip.
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Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has set recognition of Tehran’s inalienable rights, payment of war compensation, and international guarantees against any future invasion as conditions for ending the U.S.–Israel war with the Islamic Republic.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was warned about the "reputational risks" of appointing Peter Mandelson as U.S. Ambassador due to his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein, files released on Wednesday (11 March) show.
The prevailing security situation in the region has done little to deter entrepreneurs from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) who continue to view Dubai as a premier and safe location for business.
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The 32 countries belonging to the Internatioanl Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil on Wednesday (11 March), in efforts aimed at bringing down the price of crude oil, which has soared since fighting between Iran, Israel and the U.S. started at the end of February.
Explosive-laden Iranian boats reportedly attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters on Wednesday, killing one crew member, after four other vessels were hit in the Gulf. The attacks, targeting ships linked to the U.S. and Europe, raise the total struck in the region.
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern as tensions rise following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Tehran has threatened to block the strategic waterway, raising fears of disruption to global oil shipments and energy markets.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 12th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Oil prices continue to fluctuate as a result of the conflict in the Middle East with Iran and the insecurity of ships sailing through the key Strait of Hormuz route. Iran has said it will target any ship linked to the U.S., Israel or their allies.
Britain has deployed the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon to the eastern Mediterranean to strengthen protection for its military assets in the Middle East after a drone strike targeted a key UK air base in Cyprus earlier this month.
Member countries of the International Energy Agency have unanimously agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to stabilise global markets disrupted by the war involving Iran.
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