Donald Trump speaks with Canada’s Mark Carney amid trade tensions
US president says he and the Canadian PM ‘agree on many things’ and will meet after Canada’s elections next month. President Donald Trump says he has had an “extremely productive call” with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney amid a spike in tensions and an escalating trade war between the United States and its northern neighbour. In a social media post describing the call on Friday, the US president sounded conciliatory towards Canada. Notably, Trump referred to the Canadian leader by his correct title as prime minister after months of calling Carney’s predecessor Justin Trudeau “governor”. “I just finished speaking with Prime Minister Mark Carney, of Canada,” Trump wrote. “It was an extremely productive call, we agree on many things, and will be meeting immediately after Canada’s upcoming Election to work on elements of Politics, Business, and all other factors, that will end up being great for both the United States of America and Canada.” While the statement lacked specifics, it marked a change in tone from Trump’s threats and hostile rhetoric towards Canada, which included repeated calls for the US to annex the country and make it its 51st state. Advertisement Friday’s talks were the first between the two leaders since Carney succeeded Trudeau two weeks ago. The call came less than 24 hours after Carney forcefully rebuked Trump for increasing tariffs on Canadian goods. The US president had announced 25-percent levies on foreign cars, starting on Wednesday. “I reject any attempts to weaken Canada, to wear us down, to break us, so that America can own us. That will never happen,” Carney said on Thursday. He also suggested that US-Canada ties have undergone a dramatic transformation because of Trump. “The old relationship we had with the United States – based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperation – is over,” the Canadian prime minister told reporters. Still, Carney said he was looking forward to speaking to Trump to resolve the issues between the two countries. The Canadian prime minister has visited the United Kingdom and France after taking office. He has not yet gone to the US – traditionally Ottawa’s closest ally and trade partner. On Thursday, he stressed the need for Canada to “pivot” its trade relationships away from the US. Earlier this week, Trump warned Ottawa and the European Union against teaming up against Washington, threatening “far larger” tariffs against both. Canada is to hold a general election on April 28. Carney’s Liberal Party has surged in the polls over the past few weeks in part because of the change in its leadership after Trudeau’s resignation as well as the standoff with the US. Advertisement Adblock test (Why?)
Is South Sudan heading to another civil war?
South Sudan is on the brink of another civil war, the United Nations has warned, after weeks of escalating violence and rising tensions between Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir. After Machar was placed under house arrest this week, his party said the 2018 peace deal that ended years of fighting had collapsed. Can the rival parties overcome political mistrust? Presenter: Cyril Vanier Guests: Patrick Oyet – journalist in South Sudan Daniel Akech – senior analyst for South Sudan at the International Crisis Group Abdullahi Halakhe – Horn of Africa security analyst and a senior advocate at Refugees International Adblock test (Why?)
Brazil fire coach Dorival after Argentina hammering in World Cup qualifier
Dorival was only appointed 14 months ago, but a 4-1 defeat against rivals Argentina proved to be his last game. Brazil coach Dorival Junior has been fired after 14 months in charge amid poor results and disappointing performances from the national team. Hiss sacking by Brazilian Football Confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues came three days after a 4-1 defeat to bitter rival Argentina in Buenos Aires, Brazil’s heaviest defeat in a World Cup qualifier. Junior’s replacement has yet to be picked. Brazil are fifth in South America qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The top six qualify automatically. Brazil’s Matheus Cunha looks dejected after the match in Argentina, which was Dorival’s last in charge [Rodrigo Valle/Reuters] Under the 62-year-old, Brazil won seven matches, drew another seven, and lost two. The team scored 25 goals and conceded 17. In the Copa America last year, Brazil was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Uruguay on penalties. Rodrigues was just re-elected on Monday to head the confederation to 2030. In 2023, he bet on Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti to take over one year later. Advertisement While waiting for Ancelotti, Brazil retained Fernando Diniz as its coach. Diniz was fired in January 2024 after six matches on the job after Ancelotti extended his contract in Spain. Adblock test (Why?)
Real Madrid vs Leganes – LaLiga: Team news, kickoff, how to follow, stream
A turbulent week off the field sees Real Madrid return to LaLiga action against Leganes after the international break. Who: Real Madrid vs LeganesWhat: Spanish LaLigaWhere: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, SpainWhen: Saturday at 9pm (20:00 GMT) Follow Al Jazeera Sport‘s live text and photo commentary stream. Holders champions Real Madrid have endured a mixed season in the defence of their LaLiga and Champions League double. Barcelona moved three points clear at the top of the Spanish league following their 3-0 win against Osasuna on Thursday. Earlier this season, Real failed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League automatically and were forced to qualify through the playoffs. Al Jazeera takes a look at their latest league fixture on the back of a turbulent week off the field for the Spanish giants. What charges were levelled against Real players this week? European football’s governing body opened an investigation on Thursday into a possible breach of disciplinary regulations by several Real players following the recent Champions League win over Atletico Madrid. The inquiry is focused on allegations of improper conduct involving Antonio Ruediger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos and Vinicius Jr. A potential decision could impact Real’s Champions League quarterfinal legs against Arsenal on April 8 and 16, with Spanish media reports saying bans could be handed out. Advertisement UEFA did not detail the incidents under review, but Spanish media said Atletico filed a complaint over Real’s players taunting their fans with gestures and dances after the match, leading to objects being thrown at them. What was Real Madrid’s response to the charges? Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence on Friday that UEFA’s investigation into alleged player misconduct will be resolved positively as members of his team face the prospect of missing upcoming key games. “We believe everything was correct and we hope UEFA makes a decision, but we trust that everything will end well,” Ancelotti told reporters. “We are confident in UEFA’s verdict as the players had just celebrated, that’s it, we wait for the verdict, but our players didn’t do anything wrong,” Ancelotti added. The Italian said his side would give everything to retain their LaLiga title, despite trailing leaders Barcelona in the standings by three points. Both sides are still in the Champions League and Copa del Rey. “Barcelona has an advantage, but we are going to fight until the end. I hope we have 17 matches [in all competitions] left until the end,” Ancelotti said. 🎯 Sharpshooters. pic.twitter.com/FgxDGSLPXd — LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) March 28, 2025 How is the LaLiga title race shaping up? Barcelona’s win on Thursday was also their game in hand on their title rivals, and the three-point lead they have now gained is also bolstered by a goal difference that is 19 efforts superior to Real’s. Advertisement Atletico Madrid are also in action on Saturday as they travel to Espanyol earlier in the day. Real’s cross-city rivals start the day four points off second spot and seven off leaders Barcelona. Where are Leganes in LaLiga? Leganes start the latest round of matches in 18th place – the third relegation spot in Spain’s top flight. They have only recorded six wins in their 28 matches so far this season – losing 13. What are the charges relating to Ancelotti? Ancelotti is to stand trial on tax evasion charges in Spain on Wednesday. Spanish state prosecutors have accused the highly successful Italian coach of defrauding the state of $1m in 2014 and 2015. A Madrid-based court set the trial date on Friday. State prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of up to four years and nine months on two counts of tax fraud. They accused Ancelotti in March 2024 of having used shell companies to hide his true earnings. Ancelotti has denied any wrongdoing. Real Madrid team news Real will be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for Saturday’s league match at home against Leganes due to a muscle strain. Ancelotti was hopeful of other players returning in time for the Arsenal clash. “Courtois has a small issue, and we are trying to recover Ceballos and [Ferland] Mendy for the first leg against Arsenal,” Ancelotti said. Leganes team news Yvan Noupa faces a late fitness test after being withdrawn due to injury in Leganes’ final LaLiga game before the international break – a 3-2 defeat by Real Betis Advertisement Striker Daniel Raba was also taken off in that game but is expected to be fit. Former Real youth-team player Javi Hernandez is set to start at left-back in the absence of both Enric Franquesa and Borna Barisic Adblock test (Why?)
‘Denmark hasn’t done a good job’ says US VP during Greenland trip
[unable to retrieve full-text content] US Vice President JD Vance addressed US troops after he landed in Greenland, accusing Denmark for not doing a ‘good job’
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy cautious on new US minerals deal proposal
Kyiv to assess US proposal on minerals deal, noting major differences from earlier framework shared in bilateral talks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that a new proposal that would give the United States access to Ukraine’s critical minerals differs significantly from the previous draft proposed by Washington, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported. Addressing a press briefing on Friday, Zelenskyy emphasised that the proposal, which was formally submitted to his office, will be compared with earlier plans shared with Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko in bilateral talks with US officials. “The framework has been changed. Let us study this framework, and then we can talk,” he told a news conference in Kyiv. The Ukrainian president also said Kyiv would not recognise previously approved US military aid to his country as loans that need repaying. “We are grateful for the support, but this is not a credit, and we will not allow it to be treated as such,” he said, without mentioning whether such a demand featured in the latest version of the US proposal. Navigating an acceptable path forward on the issue is a major challenge for Zelenskyy after a rift with Trump last month saw Washington cut off flows of previously agreed military assistance and stop intelligence sharing. Advertisement It is also a highly sensitive diplomatic juncture with Trump trying to rapidly end the fighting with Russia, while reorienting Washington’s policy towards endorsing Moscow’s narrative about its three-year-old war in Ukraine. Regarding possible negotiations with Moscow, Zelenskyy said Ukraine could consider dialogue with Russian representatives who offer a real plan to end the war – but ruled out any talks with President Vladimir Putin. The comments come after the Russian president proposed to temporarily put Ukraine under external governance as part of efforts to reach a peaceful settlement. He also reaffirmed his claim that Zelenskyy, whose term expired last year, lacks the legitimacy to sign a peace deal. Under Ukraine’s constitution, it is illegal for the country to hold national elections while it’s under martial law. Putin claimed that any agreement that is signed with the current Ukrainian government could be challenged by its successors and said new elections could be held under external governance. “Under the auspices of the United Nations, with the United States, even with European countries, and, of course, with our partners and friends, we could discuss the possibility of the introduction of temporary governance in Ukraine,” Putin said. He added that it would allow the country to “hold democratic elections, to bring to power a viable government that enjoys the trust of the people, and then begin negotiations with them on a peace treaty.” He said such external governance is just “one of the options,” without elaborating. Advertisement UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres dismissed such a proposal: “Ukraine has a legitimate government, and so obviously that must be respected.” Adblock test (Why?)
Trump administration seeks Congress approval for USAID reorganisation
The administration of President Donald Trump has made a formal request to Congress to reorganise the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), as the Republican leader faces constitutional challenges over his dismantling of the agency so far. USAID was set up under an act of Congress. But on Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a notification signalling that the Trump administration would fold the agency’s independent functions into the Department of State under executive control. “We are reorienting our foreign assistance programs to align directly with what is best for the United States and our citizens,” Rubio said in a statement on social media. “We are continuing essential lifesaving programs and making strategic investments that strengthen our partners and our own country.” But critics have accused the Trump administration of exceeding its executive authority — and seeking to undermine independent agencies that do not align with its priorities. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce addressed the matter at a news briefing later in the day. Advertisement She said department officials “have notified Congress on their intent to undertake a reorganisation that would involve realigning certain USAID functions to the department by July 1, 2025, and discontinuing the remaining USAID functions that do not align with administrative priorities”. Bruce also denied that the dismantling of USAID would affect the country’s ability to respond to international disasters like Friday’s earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand. “ We are ready to move now. So there has been no impact on our ability to perform those duties, those requests for aid if and when they come in,” she said. USAID was established under Congress’s authority through the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. But it does operate under the secretary of state. Until the start of Trump’s second term as president, the agency was one of the largest distributors of foreign aid in the world — but that activity largely stopped when the president implemented a freeze on foreign assistance. In 2023 alone, the US distributed approximately $72bn in foreign aid. USAID was responsible for distributing about half of that sum. But Rubio has since announced on social media that 83 percent of USAID’s contracts have been cancelled. Further employee cuts at USAID The agency has also suffered massive layoffs, a trend that continued on Friday. US media obtained an internal memorandum to USAID employees warning that all positions — save those required by law — would be eliminated. Bruce, the State Department spokesperson, asked about the scope of those changes during her briefing. Advertisement “With any major change, there’s going to be disruption,” she said, adding that the layoffs were not unexpected. “We’ve been waiting for this conclusion. It has arrived. I can’t speak to the number of people who will not be a foreign service officer at this point. I can’t say if it’s going to be every single one.” “ It’s a restructuring essentially,” she continued. “Like any restructuring, there will inevitably be disruptions from Secretary Rubio down. We are committed to ensuring that USAID personnel remain safe and that the agency’s ongoing lifesaving aid programmes remain both intact and operational.” Bruce tied the layoffs to the Trump administration’s campaign to eliminate alleged “waste and fraud and abuse”, a project led by adviser and billionaire businessman Elon Musk. Already, in February, USAID saw large-scale cuts to its workforce. About 1,600 people were laid off, and all but a handful of the remaining staff were placed on leave, including those stationed abroad. Its headquarters in Washington, DC, was also shuttered, and workers were given 15-minute time slots to enter the building and quickly collect their belongings. Earlier this month, a federal judge issued a ruling that Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) “likely violated the United States Constitution in multiple ways” by dismantling USAID. Judge Theodore Chuang wrote that Musk and DOGE “deprived the public’s elected representatives in Congress of their constitutional authority to decide whether, when and how to close down an agency created by Congress”. Advertisement Through a temporary injunction, Chuang ordered DOGE and Musk to stop their efforts to cut USAID’s staff and contracts. But it is not clear whether that order applies to actions taken by the secretary of state. Musk has previously boasted that he was involved in “feeding USAID into the wood chipper”. Adblock test (Why?)
Osasuna file appeal over Barcelona fielding Inigo Martinez in LaLiga match
Martinez was absent from Spain’s internationals, leading Osasuna to insist he should have sat out LaLiga encounter. Osasuna have filed an appeal with the Spanish football federation (RFEF) stating Barcelona should not have fielded defender Inigo Martinez in their LaLiga game over a technicality, as he sat out Spain’s matches with an injury. Martinez, who withdrew from the Spain squad for their Nations League games due to a swollen right knee, played the full 90 minutes in Barcelona’s 3-0 win on Thursday, which moved the league leaders three points clear in LaLiga. “The club understands that the participation of Inigo Martinez in yesterday’s match violated article 5 of Annex I of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players,” Osasuna said in a statement on Friday. “[It] specifies that a player who does not join or leaves his national team for medical reasons may not play matches for his club during the five calendar days following the end of the international period. “Osasuna believes that Inigo Martinez, whose absence from the Spanish national team was due to a medical leave, was not eligible to play in yesterday’s match in accordance with FIFA regulations.” Inigo Martinez of Barcelona passes the ball whilst under pressure from Raul Garcia of Osasuna during the LaLiga match on Thursday [Clive Brunskill/Getty Images] The result left Osasuna 14th in the standings, six points clear of the safety zone. Advertisement Barcelona were originally meant to play Osasuna on March 8, but the death of the Barca club doctor forced the game to be rescheduled to March 27, just four days after Spain’s match, because there was no other date available. Both clubs had appeals for the fixture to be postponed rejected, with Barca unable to field some of their players, including one of their top scorers, Raphinha, who had just returned from international duty. Adblock test (Why?)
Trump says Greenland takeover needed for ‘world peace’
US President Donald Trump says the United States needs to take over Greenland for “world peace,” as he doubled down on his ambitions to annex the strategically placed, resource-rich Danish territory. “We are not talking about peace for the United States. We are talking about world peace. We are talking about international security,” Trump told reporters at the White House. Vice President JD Vance, his wife and other senior US officials visited an American military base in Greenland on Friday in a trip that was scaled back after an uproar among Greenlanders and Danes who were irked that the original itinerary was planned without consulting them. Soon after arriving, Vance briefly addressed US troops stationed at the base as he and his wife sat down to lunch with them, saying that he’s “really interested in Arctic security” and that if the US did not take the lead in the region powers like China and Russia would. “Our argument is not with the people of Greenland, who I think are incredible and have an incredible opportunity here. Our argument really is with the leadership of Denmark, which has underinvested in Greenland and has underinvested in its security architecture,” said Vance, who was also scheduled to receive briefings from military officials. “That simply must change. It is the policy of the United States that that will change.” Advertisement The revised trip to the semi-autonomous Danish territory comes as relations between the US and the Nordic country have soured after Trump repeatedly suggested that the United States should, in some form, control the mineral-rich territory controlled by Denmark – a traditional US ally and NATO member. Friday’s one-day visit to the US Space Force outpost at Pituffik, on the northwest coast of Greenland, removed the risk of potentially violating diplomatic custom by sending a delegation to another country without an official invitation. It also reduced the likelihood of Vance and his wife crossing paths with residents angered by Trump’s announcements. His delegation included the national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, as well as second lady Usha Vance. Al Jazeera correspondent Rory Challands says that Vance’s message was meant to coax residents of the island away from Denmark by suggesting that a partnership with the US would have more to offer. “I think what Vance was trying to do was very clear. His strategy was obvious: he’s trying to drive a wedge between Greenland and Denmark,” Challands reported from Nuuk, Greenland. “He was very, very critical of the Danes, basically saying that they had neglected the security of Greenland.” ‘We must stick together’ Before Vance’s arrival, four of the five parties elected to Greenland’s parliament earlier this month signed an agreement to form a new, broad-based coalition government. The parties banded together in the face of Trump’s designs on the territory. Advertisement “It is a time when we as a population are under pressure,” the prime minister-designate, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said before the accord was signed to applause and cheers in the capital, Nuuk. He added that “we must stick together. Together we are strongest,” Greenland broadcaster KNR reported. In a post on Instagram, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen congratulated Nielsen and his incoming government, and said that “I look forward to close cooperation in an unnecessarily conflict-filled time.” Frederiksen said on Tuesday that the US visit, which was originally set for three days, created “unacceptable pressure”. She has said that Denmark wants to work with the US on defense and security, but Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders. Initially, Usha Vance had announced a solo trip to the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut. Her husband then subsequently said he would join her on that trip, only to change that itinerary again – after protests from Greenland and Denmark – to a one-day visit by the couple to the military post only. Nonetheless, in an interview on Wednesday, Trump repeated his desire for US control of Greenland. Asked if the people there were “eager” to become US citizens, Trump said he didn’t know “but I think we have to do it, and we have to convince them.” ‘A bit crazy’ Inhabitants of Nuuk, which is about 1,500km (930 miles) south of Pituffik, voiced concern about Vance’s visit and the US interest in their island. Cora Hoy, 22, said Vance was “welcome if he wants to see it, but of course, Greenland is not for sale.” She added that “it’s not normal around here” with all the attention Greenland is getting. “I feel now every day is about [Trump] and I just want to get away from it.” Advertisement “It’s all a bit crazy. Of course, the population here is a bit shook up,” said 30-year-old Inuk Kristensen. “My opinion is the same as everyone’s: Of course, you don’t do things this way. You don’t just come here and say that you want to buy the place.” As the nautical gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America, Greenland has broader strategic value as both China and Russia seek access to its waterways and natural resources. During his first term, Trump floated the idea of buying the world’s largest island, even as Denmark insisted it was not for sale. The people of Greenland also have firmly rejected Trump’s plans. Vance has several times criticised longstanding European allies for relying on military support from the United States, openly antagonising partners in ways that have generated concerns about the reliability of the US. Adblock test (Why?)
Judge in Mahmoud Khalil deportation case delays decision on release
NewsFeed A federal judge in the US state of New Jersey declined to decide whether pro-Palestinian student Mahmoud Khalil should be released on bail and instead will continue to consider whether the case should be transferred to Louisiana. Published On 28 Mar 202528 Mar 2025 Adblock test (Why?)