标签： North America

Former Harvard University President and ex-US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has announced his decision to withdraw from public engagements following the release of his emails with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement obtained by CBS News, Summers expressed deep remorse, stating, “I am profoundly ashamed of my actions and acknowledge the pain they have caused. I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to maintain communication with Mr. Epstein.” The emails, disclosed by Congress last week, reveal that Summers corresponded with Epstein until the day before Epstein’s 2019 arrest for sex trafficking minors. The scandal has intensified political tensions, with the US Justice Department launching an investigation into Epstein’s ties to former President Bill Clinton and other prominent Democrats. This decision followed pressure from former President Donald Trump, who also called for investigations into Summers, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, and banks JP Morgan and Chase. Trump emphasized on social media, “Epstein was a Democrat, and he is the Democrat’s problem, not the Republican’s problem!” Clinton has vehemently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. Summers, who served under both Clinton and former President Barack Obama, is currently a professor at Harvard. In his statement, Summers expressed his intention to “rebuild trust and repair relationships with those closest to me” while continuing his teaching duties. The Center for American Progress, where Summers was a senior fellow, has severed ties with him. The released emails also highlight Epstein’s attempts to connect Summers with influential global figures, including a proposed meeting with the UN president. Summers’ representative previously stated that he deeply regrets maintaining contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction for soliciting an underage prostitute. The emails, which mention Trump over 1,600 times, have further implicated numerous high-profile individuals in the ongoing scandal.

In a razor-thin vote, Canada’s Parliament has approved Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first federal budget, narrowly averting an early election for his minority Liberal government. The fiscal plan, which projects a record deficit of C$78 billion ($55.3 billion), passed with 170 votes in favor and 168 against, relying heavily on support from opposition MPs, including Green Party leader Elizabeth May. Despite widespread criticism from opposition lawmakers, Carney defended the budget as a “generational investment” aimed at bolstering Canada’s economy. The vote was pivotal for the Liberal government, which holds two seats short of a majority, necessitating support from at least two opposition MPs or abstentions from four. Two NDP MPs and House Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia abstained, while Conservative MPs Shannon Stubbs and Matt Jeneroux also refrained from voting. May’s support was secured after Carney committed to advancing Canada’s climate targets. The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, and the Bloc Québécois opposed the budget, accusing the government of neglecting affordability concerns. Poilievre criticized the plan as a “credit card budget” that fails to address the cost-of-living crisis. Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith expressed concerns about the budget’s shortcomings in tackling housing and climate issues. The budget proposes C$140 billion in new spending over five years to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and resilience, including investments in trade infrastructure and support for businesses affected by US tariffs. However, Carney’s plan to reduce the federal workforce by 10% has sparked backlash from public sector employees. The budget’s passage follows weeks of political drama, including the defection of Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont to the Liberals and the resignation of Matt Jeneroux, raising questions about Poilievre’s leadership.

In a significant move to streamline visa processes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, President Donald Trump has unveiled the FIFA Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System (PASS). This initiative, announced at the White House on Monday, aims to expedite visa interviews for foreign nationals holding tickets to the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that while ticket-holders will not automatically receive visas, they will be prioritized for interviews within six to eight weeks of application. However, Rubio clarified that possessing a ticket does not guarantee entry into the U.S., as all applicants will undergo standard vetting procedures. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, present at the announcement, projected that up to 10 million visitors could attend the event, underscoring the importance of efficient visa processing. The announcement comes amid lengthy visa wait times in countries like Colombia (11 months), Mexico City (9.5 months), and Toronto (14 months), which could otherwise hinder fans from attending the tournament. The U.S. Travel Association praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to enhance security while reducing wait times. However, questions remain about the eligibility of ticket-holders from countries affected by Trump’s June executive order, which restricts travel from 12 nations, including Iran, whose team has qualified for the World Cup. While the order exempts athletes and coaching staff, fans from these countries may still face travel bans. The BBC has reached out to the U.S. State Department for further clarification. Notably, citizens of countries under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, including much of Europe, Japan, and Australia, can travel visa-free for up to 90 days. This contrasts with recent World Cups in Russia and Qatar, where tickets served as fan IDs, functioning like visas for entry.