Donald Trump has reportedly ordered that English be designated as the official language of the United States, a move that would mark a significant shift in policy. The United States has never adopted an official language at the federal level, making this a potentially controversial decision.
This comes as Europe grapples with its own challenges, particularly regarding security in Ukraine. Can Europe deter Russia without the US military? That's the question many are asking as Trump signals a reluctance to offer security guarantees.
UK Balancing Act
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the United Kingdom is navigating its own complex geopolitical landscape. Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, recently faced what some are calling the "Trump test." According to Stella Creasy, writing about the UK's position, "Keir Starmer seems to have secured a diplomatic coup, however let’s be clear – the president’s view of us remains hostile."
Creasy highlights a recurring theme in British foreign policy: balancing its relationship with the United States and its ties with Europe. "For the third time since the Second World War – after Suez in 1956 and Iraq in 2003 – the United Kingdom is being forced to work out where it stands between the US and Europe."
The UK's commitment to international development is also under scrutiny. Anneliese Dodds resigned as the Secretary of State for International Development following announced budget cuts aimed at increasing defense spending. Dodds lamented that development aid, which will drop from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income by 2027, 'absorbs the entirety of the burden'.
Other Global Developments
In other news, the British Prime Minister has "insisted on the release" of Egyptian opposition figure Alaa Abdel Fattah, highlighting ongoing political tensions in Egypt.
These events underscore a period of significant political shifts and challenges on both sides of the Atlantic. The world watches as nations realign their priorities and navigate an increasingly complex global stage.