标签： North America

The legal team representing Luigi Mangione, the individual accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has asserted that former President Donald Trump compromised Mangione’s right to a fair trial. In a recent court filing, Mangione’s attorneys highlighted comments made by Trump during a Fox News interview, as well as social media posts by Department of Justice (DoJ) employees, which they argue implied Mangione’s guilt. US District Judge Margaret Garnett responded by instructing DoJ officials to refrain from sharing remarks that could influence the trial’s fairness, cautioning that further violations could lead to sanctions. Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to the charges of murdering Thompson. During the Fox News interview, Trump described Mangione as a ‘pure assassin,’ stating, ‘He shot someone in the back as clear as you’re looking at me or I’m looking at you.’ Mangione’s lawyers also contested a White House statement that linked him to ‘left-wing extremist groups,’ citing an interview with Stephen Miller, the White House’s deputy chief of staff for policy, who referred to Mangione as a ‘self-described so-called anti-fascist.’ They argued that these statements are part of a broader political narrative that has no place in a criminal case. Thompson was fatally shot in December 2024 while entering a Manhattan hotel where his company was hosting an investors’ meeting. Five days later, Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania and charged with murder. He faces federal charges of stalking, firearms offenses, and murder through the use of a firearm, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. Mangione’s lawyers have requested the removal of the death penalty, claiming that Trump’s statements violate his Fifth and Eighth Amendment rights. His next hearing is scheduled for December 5. The BBC has reached out to the White House and DoJ for comment.

In a significant development that could reshape the global talent landscape, US President Donald Trump’s decision to increase the fee for the H-1B skilled worker visa to $100,000 has sparked a wave of concern among tech companies and foreign professionals. The move, which took effect on Sunday, is expected to deter highly educated foreigners, including recent US university graduates, from pursuing long-term employment in the United States. This policy shift has presented Canada with a unique opportunity to attract and retain skilled workers who may now seek alternatives outside the US. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking at the Council of Foreign Relations in New York on Monday, acknowledged the potential for Canada to benefit from these changes. ‘I understand you’re changing your visa policy,’ Carney remarked. ‘Maybe we can hang on to one or two of them.’ Carney emphasized Canada’s strengths in research and artificial intelligence but lamented that much of this talent has traditionally migrated to the US. The H-1B visa programme has long been a cornerstone for US tech companies to employ foreign workers legally. However, the recent fee hike has left many professionals reconsidering their options. Canada, with its world-class research institutions, proximity to the US, and high quality of life, is emerging as a natural alternative. Immigration lawyer Evan Green described the situation as ‘a wonderful opportunity for the Canadian government to take advantage of.’ Similarly, Build Canada, a non-profit organization, released a memo urging swift action to capitalize on the influx of skilled workers seeking new opportunities. However, challenges remain. While Canada has introduced initiatives like the Global Skills Strategy and Express Entry programmes, experts caution that the country’s immigration system still faces hurdles. Economist Mikal Skuterud noted that Canada’s scaled-back immigration policies and lower wage structures compared to the US could limit its appeal. ‘Canada does not look much more predictable than the US,’ Skuterud warned. Despite these challenges, the potential for Canada to attract top talent is undeniable. The IRCC spokesperson, Matthew Krupovich, highlighted ongoing efforts to identify new solutions to attract the world’s brightest minds. As the US grapples with the implications of its visa policy changes, Canada stands poised to position itself as a global hub for innovation and skilled labor.

In a fiery address to the United Nations General Assembly, former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a blistering critique of the international body, European policies, and global multilateralism. Trump, known for his unorthodox approach to diplomacy, used the platform to reaffirm his nationalist ideology, which he termed ‘Trumpism unplugged’ by supporters and ‘Trumpism unhinged’ by critics. His nearly hour-long speech began with self-praise, claiming credit for a ‘golden age’ in the U.S. and asserting that he had ended seven wars, a claim he believes warrants a Nobel Peace Prize. However, the bulk of his speech targeted the UN, which he accused of failing to fulfill its potential and resorting to ’empty words’ rather than tangible action. Trump also criticized the organization for its support of asylum seekers, accusing it of facilitating ‘invasions’ rather than preventing them. He even took aim at the UN’s infrastructure, citing a broken escalator and teleprompter as symbols of its inefficiency. Trump’s broader critique extended to Europe, which he accused of being ‘devastated’ by immigration and renewable energy policies. He labeled climate change a ‘con job’ and warned European nations against adopting ‘suicidal’ green energy initiatives. His remarks echoed his earlier comments during a state visit to the U.K., where he emphasized the need to protect the ‘English-speaking world’ and Judeo-Christian heritage. On Ukraine, Trump issued a rare warning to Russia, calling its actions in the conflict detrimental to its global image. He also hinted at potential tariffs but shifted blame to European nations for continuing to buy Russian energy. While his speech was met with silence, Trump’s subsequent social media post suggested optimism about Ukraine’s ability to reclaim its territory, though he notably omitted any mention of U.S. military support. The address underscored Trump’s disdain for multilateralism and his belief in the supremacy of nation-states, leaving little room for compromise or collective solutions.