标签： North America

Tennessee has become a focal point in American politics as a special election on December 2nd to fill an open congressional seat draws national attention. Despite the district’s historically conservative leanings, both Republicans and Democrats are treating the race as highly competitive, with significant resources being poured into the state. The Democratic Party, led by former Vice-President Kamala Harris, has been actively campaigning, emphasizing the South’s growing political power. Meanwhile, Republicans, including President Donald Trump, are grappling with internal challenges and a shifting political landscape. The election comes at a time when Trump’s grip on the Republican Party appears to be weakening, highlighted by the recent resignation of conservative firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene. The outcome of this election could signal broader changes within the GOP and the political climate in traditionally red states. Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn has centered her campaign on affordability and local quality of life issues, while her Republican opponent, Matt Van Epps, has focused on economic concerns, reflecting a departure from the cultural issues that have dominated recent Republican campaigns. The election’s results could have significant implications for the future of both parties, particularly as Republicans begin to consider a post-Trump era.

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser declared on Tuesday that she will not pursue a fourth term in office, marking the end of a significant chapter in the city’s political landscape. Bowser, who has served as mayor since 2015, expressed gratitude for her tenure and emphasized that her administration has established a foundation for future leaders to build upon. In a heartfelt video announcement, she stated, ‘It has been the honour of my life to be your mayor. But today, with a grateful heart, I am announcing that I will not seek a fourth term.’ Bowser highlighted key achievements during her decade-long leadership, including expanding housing, navigating the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, and securing substantial infrastructure investments for low-income neighborhoods. Her tenure was marked by notable clashes with former President Donald Trump, particularly over the deployment of National Guard troops and the city’s response to racial justice protests. Bowser’s decision is expected to trigger a competitive race among candidates vying to lead the Democratic stronghold. At least four contenders have already signaled their intent to run in the upcoming mayoral elections, with two city council members also anticipated to join the race.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has shown no urgency in resuming trade negotiations with the United States, despite mounting pressure and criticism. Over the weekend, Carney dismissed questions about his last conversation with US President Donald Trump, stating, ‘Who cares? It’s a detail. I’ll speak to him again when it matters.’ He emphasized that there is no pressing issue requiring immediate attention from his US counterpart. This stance has sparked debate over whether Canada is recalibrating its strategy in trade discussions with the US. Carney is reportedly considering a trip to Washington next week for the FIFA World Cup draw, an event Canada is co-hosting with Mexico and the US in 2026. While sources suggest a potential meeting with Trump, no official plans have been confirmed. Chris Sands, director of the Center for Canadian Studies at Johns Hopkins University, noted that both leaders are engaged in a ‘game of posturing,’ with neither wanting to appear overly eager. Trade talks stalled last month after Trump took offense at an anti-tariff ad featuring former US President Ronald Reagan, commissioned by Ontario and aired in the US. Despite the pause, Canadian officials continue to advocate for their country’s interests on Capitol Hill. Carney has been actively promoting foreign investment in Canada during recent global trips, including to the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, the Canadian government has pledged financial relief to sectors impacted by US tariffs, particularly aluminium producers. Jean Simard of the Aluminium Association of Canada remarked that ‘time is on our side,’ as US stockpiles dwindle. However, opposition parties have criticized Carney’s approach, accusing him of neglecting job losses and failing to secure a ‘win’ for Canada. With US midterm elections and a review of the USMCA trade agreement looming in 2026, some analysts remain hopeful for a resolution.

In a significant legal development, a federal judge dismissed charges against two prominent critics of former President Donald Trump on Monday, citing procedural irregularities in the appointment of the prosecuting attorney. Former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, who had been indicted on charges of false statements and obstruction of justice, respectively, celebrated the ruling but acknowledged the possibility of further legal battles. US District Judge Cameron Currie ruled that Lindsey Halligan, the prosecutor in the case, was invalidly appointed as US Attorney, rendering the indictments void. However, the judge left the door open for the government to pursue new charges. Comey expressed skepticism about the outcome, stating that he believes Trump ‘will probably come after me again,’ a sentiment echoed by White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, who declared, ‘This will not be the final word on this matter.’ Legal experts described the situation as ‘uncharted territory,’ with the Department of Justice likely to appeal the decision to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. US Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed to use all available legal avenues, including an ‘immediate appeal.’ The Trump administration has a history of aggressively appealing unfavorable rulings, often taking cases to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, attorneys for Comey and James pledged to continue challenging any further charges, which they described as politically motivated. The dismissal of the indictments raises questions about the statute of limitations, with Comey’s legal team arguing that the government is now out of time to bring new charges. Judge Currie’s ruling also casts doubt on the validity of other cases prosecuted by Halligan in the Eastern District of Virginia. Despite the ruling, the White House maintained that Halligan’s appointment was lawful, praising her work as ‘excellent.’ The case underscores the ongoing tensions between Trump and his critics, with legal experts predicting a protracted and complex legal battle ahead.

Democratic lawmakers who recently urged U.S. troops to disregard illegal orders are now facing an alleged federal investigation into their actions. Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan revealed that the FBI notified six lawmakers, including herself, about the inquiry on Monday. The lawmakers, all of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds, appeared in a video last week addressing the troops. The message, which criticized the Trump administration’s policies, has sparked significant controversy. President Trump accused the Democrats of ‘seditious behavior, punishable by death,’ and the Pentagon has initiated a review of ‘serious allegations of misconduct’ against Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, who also featured in the video. Slotkin and her colleagues remain defiant, stating that ‘no amount of intimidation or harassment’ will deter them from upholding the Constitution. The Department of Justice has declined to comment on the alleged investigation. The video, shared amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and the Venezuelan government, as well as opposition to the deployment of National Guard troops in Democrat-led cities, has drawn bipartisan condemnation. Trump’s inflammatory remarks on social media, suggesting the lawmakers be arrested and hanged, were later walked back in a TV interview. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has accused Senator Kelly of violating military law, potentially subjecting him to court-martial proceedings under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized Kelly for using his military rank to lend authority to his statements, claiming it ‘brings discredit upon the armed forces.’ Kelly, however, remains steadfast, asserting that he will not be silenced by those who prioritize power over the Constitution. The FBI and Department of Justice have reportedly contacted Capitol Police to schedule interviews with the lawmakers, though the FBI declined to comment when approached by the BBC.