NYTimes News (CN) Articles | Generated by AI
China’s New Type Barge Exposed, Xi Jinping’s Threat to Taiwan Becoming More Credible?
China has been conducting unusual maneuvers off its southern coast involving three special barges, which have linked up to form a long bridge extending from deeper waters onto the beach. This display is seen as a warning to Taiwan, suggesting that China’s People’s Liberation Army may be closer to landing tens of thousands of troops and their weapons on Taiwan’s shores. This capability has been a priority for China’s leader, Xi Jinping, who seeks to absorb Taiwan through negotiations or war.
China has been conducting military exercises around Taiwan for years, but many experts have doubted the military’s ability to cross the Taiwan Strait with the speed and numbers needed for a successful invasion due to strong winds and currents. The new barges, if deployed, could expand China’s options for landing on Taiwan, making Xi’s threat of a possible invasion more plausible.
The barges have retractable, heavy-duty legs that stabilize the vessels against waves and extendable bridges that form a causeway linking the vessels and connecting to the shore. They have been practicing with civilian Chinese cargo ships and ferries that could carry vehicles and people to be offloaded onto the causeway. China has featured the barges in a program about military rivalry with Taiwan, warning of their potential role in an attack.
Some American commanders and officials believe Xi has ordered the People’s Liberation Army to be ready to take Taiwan by 2027. However, there is debate about Beijing’s intentions, urgency, and capabilities. Crossing the Taiwan Strait remains perilous, and the United States could intervene, raising the risk of war between two nuclear powers.
The barges work in sets of three, with the longest barge being 607 feet long and the shortest 361 feet. Each barge has a tower at the front that can telescope out a bridge, connecting it to the next barge or to the shore. The barges form a pier onto which ships can disgorge vehicles, which can then drive directly along the pier to the shore.
J. Michael Dahm, a retired U.S. Navy intelligence officer, noted that the barges indicate China’s rapid development of ways to overcome logistical hurdles of a possible invasion. The barges first came to public attention early this year, and satellite imagery and marine traffic data showed that several commercial ferries and cargo ships took part in the exercises.
Taiwan’s western coastline has relatively few beaches or ports where landing is easy, and those areas are well guarded. The barges could enable China to pick other areas on Taiwan’s coast that might be more difficult to land on but are less defended. Jason Wang, the chief operating officer of ingeniSPACE, estimated that in one day the barges could offload hundreds of armored vehicles.
Chinese military planners have studied previous wars involving amphibious landings, including Britain’s war to retake the Falkland Islands in 1982 and the D-Day landings at Normandy in 1944. China may still be some way from having a surefire solution to landing on Taiwan, but the People’s Liberation Army seems likely to further test the new barges in larger military drills.
Navy and Fighter Jets Approach Taiwan, China Conducts Military Drills to Warn Lai Ching-te
China conducted military exercises around Taiwan, deploying warships and fighter jets in response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s description of China as a “foreign hostile force.” The exercises involved land, navy, air, and missile forces practicing control and strike operations. China’s actions were seen as a warning to Taiwan and a response to Lai’s speech outlining measures to counter Chinese subversion and espionage. Taiwan’s defense ministry reported 71 sorties by military aircraft and 21 navy ships, including the Shandong aircraft carrier, near Taiwan. Experts suggest the exercises aim to intimidate Taiwan without escalating into broader conflict. China’s moves are also seen as a message to the Trump administration, which has been strengthening ties with Taiwan and Japan. The U.S. has committed to deterring Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan. Despite the tensions, China may avoid prolonged military exercises to prevent further straining relations with the U.S. amid ongoing trade disputes.
Xiaomi SU7 Involved in Fatal Crash, Driver Assistance Features Questioned
A Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle crashed into a concrete guardrail on an expressway in eastern China, resulting in the deaths of three college students. The driver was using the car’s Navigate On Autopilot feature at the time of the accident. Xiaomi is cooperating with the police investigation and has expressed condolences to the families of the victims. The incident has raised questions about the safety and reliability of assisted driving technology, which China has been aggressively promoting. Xiaomi’s stock has fallen nearly 9% on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange following the crash. The company had recently raised funds to expand its electric vehicle business. The crash occurred one year after the launch of the SU7, which has been a significant success in China’s electric vehicle market. The standard model of the SU7 involved in the crash does not have lidar sensors, which could have helped detect stationary or slow-moving objects. Xiaomi has pledged not to avoid responsibility for the incident.
America Can No Longer Be Trusted: How Trump’s Policies Alienated Allies
President Trump’s policies have significantly eroded trust among U.S. allies, leading to a widespread belief that America can no longer be relied upon. Trump’s announcement of the F-47 fighter jet, which would be deliberately downgraded for allies, exemplified this distrust. Allies are now negotiating to minimize the impact of U.S. tariffs and other economic threats, while also seeking alternative partnerships and reducing dependence on the U.S.
Examples of this shift include Canada’s $4.2 billion deal with Australia for radar technology and talks with the EU on military cooperation. Portugal and other NATO nations are reconsidering F-35 purchases due to concerns over U.S. control. The EU and India have accelerated free trade talks, and Brazil is increasing trade with China using the yuan. Discussions about nuclear weapons have become common in countries like Poland, South Korea, and Australia.
Historically, distrust has had a profound impact on geopolitics, as seen in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Cold War. Trump’s zero-sum approach to international relations has exacerbated this distrust, leading to a spiral where allies reciprocate with their own mistrust and reduced cooperation. This trend is evident in Canada, where the traditional relationship with the U.S. is seen as over, and in Europe, where military spending is being ramped up in response to U.S. threats and tariffs.
Japan and other Asian nations are also diversifying their economic and defense partnerships, reducing reliance on the U.S. The EU is collaborating more closely with non-members like Britain and Norway on defense priorities. Some countries, like Poland and South Korea, are even considering nuclear weapons as a means of self-defense.
Experts warn that rebuilding trust will take years and significant effort, as distrust is easy to lose but difficult to regain. The long-term impact of Trump’s policies may result in a more diversified and less U.S.-dominated world order.
China’s Two Major State-Owned Automakers Dongfeng and Chang’an Discuss Merger
Two of China’s largest state-owned automakers, Dongfeng Motor and Changan Automobile, are in advanced discussions to merge. This potential merger would create a significant manufacturer of cars and military vehicles but could pose challenges for their American and Japanese partners. Both companies produce more cars than global automakers like Mercedes-Benz or BMW and together make about five million cars a year, comparable to Ford Motor and nearly as many as General Motors or Stellantis.
The merger aims to consolidate China’s auto market, the world’s largest, and accelerate the country’s shift towards electric vehicles. Both companies have excess capacity for producing gasoline-powered cars. Beijing hopes the combined entity will close excess factories and succeed in the electric vehicle sector.
China’s national government owns controlling stakes in both companies. Dongfeng is a major supplier of military vehicles to the People’s Liberation Army, and Changan is a subsidiary of a Chinese military contractor. This could attract unwanted attention from the Trump administration, given the potential for a larger military supplier and its joint venture partners.
Changan has been Ford’s principal partner in China for over 20 years, while Dongfeng is a longstanding partner for Nissan and Honda. The merger could affect these international partnerships, particularly if the focus shifts towards electric vehicles for their own brands.
Both companies have low factory utilization rates, running at 48% and 47% respectively, indicating significant overcapacity. China faces enormous overcapacity in car production, with state-controlled banks offering low-interest loans for electric car factories, leading to a construction boom.
The combined company could become a major military contractor, given Dongfeng’s production of trucks, personnel carriers, and specialized military vehicles. Dongfeng has been a key player in Beijing’s efforts to ensure all military materiel is produced within China.
The merger discussions come as China’s electric vehicle market grows rapidly, with battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids making up over half of car sales since last summer. China has enough factories to produce more than twice the number of cars sold domestically and is increasing exports, despite tariffs from the United States and European Union.
Trump Tariffs Cast Shadow as U.S. Stocks Post Biggest Monthly Drop in Over Two Years
The S&P 500 experienced its steepest monthly decline in over two years in March, driven by uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s tariffs. Investors fear these tariffs could accelerate inflation, slow consumer spending, and stall the U.S. economy. The index ended March down 5.8%, marking its worst month since December 2022. This decline follows a series of sharp interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve to combat inflation. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite index also ended the month down 8.2%, already in a correction.
Trump’s unpredictable trade policy has fueled market volatility. His next round of tariffs, set to be unveiled, could bring additional market swings. Investors are hoping for clarity on Trump’s trade actions to make informed decisions. The market had rallied post-Trump’s election due to hopes for deregulation and tax cuts, but these hopes have waned as tariffs took center stage.
Trump has acknowledged but dismissed the potential financial hit to consumers and businesses from sweeping tariffs, eroding hopes that market volatility would cause him to reconsider his actions. Investor optimism about the U.S. markets has been questioned due to high levels of uncertainty, not just on tariffs but also related to Trump’s immigration policies.
Analysts at Goldman Sachs have cut their forecast for the S&P 500, citing higher tariffs, weaker economic growth, and greater inflation. They expect the index to fall another 5% in the next three months. The downturn could be deeper if the U.S. economy slips into recession, which analysts give a roughly one-in-three probability.
Investor anxiety has been reflected in other markets, with gold prices hitting a record high and traders parking money in relatively safe U.S. government bonds. Expectations for interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have nudged higher, with investors now betting on three cuts this year. The Fed has opted to pause until it gets more clarity about Trump’s actions and their impact.
Global markets also felt the impact, with significant declines in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Technology companies were particularly hard hit. Losses in China were more muted, with some support from reports indicating continued expansion in China’s export-led industrial sector despite Trump’s tariffs. European markets also slumped, with German automakers, particularly exposed to U.S. tariffs, extending recent losses.
Trump has imposed tariffs to make imports more expensive in industries like automobiles, arguing that trade barriers will spur investment and innovation in the U.S. He has also used tariffs to extract geopolitical concessions from countries. His recent threats of secondary sanctions on Russia and potential tariffs on countries buying Venezuelan oil have further unnerved investors.
The scheduled release of the monthly report on the U.S. jobs market on Friday adds to investors’ anxiety. The report could provide another reading of how Trump’s policies are affecting the economy. Laurence D. Fink, CEO of BlackRock, noted that nearly every client and leader he talks to is more anxious about the economy than any time in recent memory.
“Helpless”: Chinese Factory Owners Caught in Trump’s Tariff Crossfire
Maria Liao, owner of Dongguan Yarunli Toys in southern China, faces significant challenges due to Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods. Orders have decreased by nearly 30% this year, and Liao’s customers, many of whom are based in the United States, are hesitant to place new orders due to the tariffs. Liao’s factory, which produces plush toys and other items, is quieter than usual, reflecting the broader impact of the tariffs on small businesses in both the U.S. and China.
The tariffs, which include a 20% base rate on all goods, are challenging the long-held belief that the U.S. is the primary market for products made by small Chinese businesses like Liao’s. Liao’s profit margin is 30%, but a recent request from a customer for a 20% price cut would wipe out most of her profit, making it difficult to continue operations. Liao’s struggles highlight the broader impact of Trump’s tariffs on Chinese manufacturers, who rely heavily on U.S. demand.
Liao’s factory is one of many in China that produce goods for American consumers. The tariffs are forcing Chinese businesses to reconsider their reliance on the U.S. market and explore alternative strategies. Liao’s experience also underscores the cultural and personal connections that have developed between Chinese manufacturers and their American clients, highlighting the human cost of trade tensions. Despite the challenges, Liao remains optimistic about the future, valuing the cultural benefits and personal growth she has gained from working with American businesses.
The Only Path to Peace and Freedom for Taiwan is Reconciliation with China
Taiwan faces a critical juncture in its relationship with China and the United States. The author highlights growing concerns among Taiwanese citizens about the reliability of U.S. support, especially after President Trump’s actions regarding Ukraine. This has led to a sense of insecurity and doubt about America’s commitment to defending Taiwan.
The article argues that Taiwan must initiate a serious national conversation about securing peace with China on terms acceptable to Taiwan, rather than relying on external powers. The author criticizes President Lai Ching-te for his confrontational approach, which includes labeling China as a “foreign hostile force” and reinstating military courts. This approach is seen as counterproductive and likely to escalate tensions.
Historically, Taiwan and China have had periods of both hostility and reconciliation. The author points to the presidency of Ma Ying-jeou as a time when relations were at their best, with significant exchanges in academia, culture, and commerce. However, recent events, including China’s crackdown on Hong Kong protests, have led to a resurgence of fear and mistrust.
The author warns that fear and confrontation are detrimental to Taiwan’s future. Instead, a path towards reconciliation with China is necessary to ensure long-term peace and democracy. The article concludes that relying solely on the United States while antagonizing China is no longer a viable strategy. Taiwan must find a way to secure peace with China to protect its cherished freedom and democratic values.
China
The article argues that President Trump’s proposed “reciprocal tariffs” are based on flawed reasoning and will have detrimental effects on the U.S. economy. The tariffs are expected to increase the nation’s already high tariffs, leading to lower economic growth, higher inflation, higher unemployment, and a tax increase on American families. The article contends that imports are beneficial, providing consumers with variety, lower prices, and higher quality goods. It also notes that trade deficits are not necessarily indicative of a problem and are often influenced by factors such as savings and investment rather than tariffs.
The article criticizes Trump’s rationale for tariffs, which includes claims that other countries are taking advantage of the U.S. by erecting trade barriers. The author argues that this reasoning is flawed and that tariffs do not create trade deficits. Instead, trade deficits are influenced by a country’s savings and investment patterns. The article also highlights that Trump’s approach to tariffs is selective and ignores cases where the U.S. has higher tariffs than its trading partners.
The potential consequences of these tariffs include reduced trade volume, higher costs for consumers and businesses, and a potential economic recession. The article suggests that the tariffs could also lead to a geopolitical realignment, with countries choosing economic relations with China over the U.S., further empowering China. The author concludes that the tariffs will harm the U.S. economy and create a geopolitical system centered around China.
Why China is Cautious About the “Xi-Trump Summit”
China is cautious about a potential summit between President Xi Jinping and President Trump due to Trump’s aggressive trade and foreign policy moves, such as rapid actions on tariffs, Greenland, and Ukraine. Chinese officials and experts are surprised by Trump’s swift decisions and his public treatment of foreign leaders, leading to a cautious approach towards scheduling a summit. The Chinese side wants to negotiate details and ensure a deal that lasts through Trump’s remaining term before committing to a meeting. However, the Trump administration has not specified what an acceptable deal would look like. Tensions between the two countries are expected to rise as new tariffs from Trump are set to take effect. Chinese officials are reluctant to schedule a summit until these issues are addressed. Senator Steve Daines visited Beijing to lay the groundwork for a potential summit, but progress has been slow. China has also taken retaliatory measures, such as halting beef imports from the U.S., adding pressure on the negotiations. The Chinese government has not renewed export licenses for American slaughterhouses, further complicating the situation.
Trump’s Third Term
Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested the idea of running for a third presidential term, despite the constitutional two-term limit. He has publicly and privately floated this idea, insisting there are “methods” to circumvent the 22nd Amendment. However, he has not specified these methods, and there are no clear signs he is actively preparing for a third term.
Trump’s musings serve a political purpose: they divert attention from other controversies, such as a leaked Signal message chain involving his advisers, and they prevent potential successors from stealing his spotlight. The idea of a third term helps Trump avoid being seen as a “lame duck” president, a status he dreads.
Republicans on Capitol Hill have dismissed the idea of changing the Constitution to allow a third term, suggesting Trump is joking. White House officials also indicated that Trump was only responding to reporters’ questions, not initiating the topic himself.
Trump’s strategy may be to keep people guessing and maintain his relevance. He has shown no interest in sharing the spotlight and has demonstrated an expansive view of executive power. Democrats worry that Trump’s comments about judges and a third term could lead to a constitutional crisis.
Currently, Trump maintains he is focused on his second term but has received many requests to run again. He has also expressed interest in a hypothetical matchup with former President Barack Obama.
The Secret Role of the United States in the Ukraine War: Five Key Points from The Times Investigation
The article reveals a deep and secretive military partnership between the United States and Ukraine, which has been crucial in guiding Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Key points include:
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Intelligence and Targeting: The U.S. provided precise targeting information to Ukrainian soldiers, using a secret operation called Task Force Dragon based in Wiesbaden, Germany. This involved coordinating satellite imagery, radio emissions, and intercepted communications to identify Russian positions.
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Military Support: The U.S. supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to Ukraine, which significantly aided in turning the tide against Russian forces. The U.S. vetted and oversaw virtually every HIMARS strike, leading to high Russian casualty rates and successful Ukrainian counteroffensives.
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Red Lines and Escalation: The Biden administration initially set clear boundaries to avoid direct conflict with Russia but gradually moved these red lines. This included allowing U.S. military advisers on Ukrainian soil and sharing targeting information for drone strikes on Russian warships.
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Secret Operations: The U.S. Navy and CIA were authorized to support Ukrainian operations within Crimea and even within Russian territory. This included covert drone strikes on Russian military targets and the creation of an “ops box” within Russian territory to provide precise coordinates for Ukrainian strikes.
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Political Interference: Internal political disagreements in Ukraine, particularly between military leaders, contributed to the failure of the 2023 counteroffensive. This political divide hindered the execution of a coordinated strategy, leading to a setback for Ukrainian forces.
Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Exceeds 1,600, Here Are the Latest Updates
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing significant damage and loss of life. The death toll exceeded 1,600, with over 3,400 injured, and these numbers were expected to rise. The earthquake was felt across Southeast Asia and China, with a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok collapsing, killing at least nine people and leaving dozens missing.
Myanmar is currently in the midst of a civil war, which has left nearly 20 million people without proper food and shelter. The military government’s censorship has limited the spread of information from the disaster area. The epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and the earthquake struck at a relatively shallow depth, causing violent shaking. Myanmar lies on the eastern end of the Alpide Belt, one of the world’s most active seismic zones.
Strong tremors were also felt in neighboring Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, where the metropolitan area has around 11 million people. The city was declared an “area of emergency,” and residents were asked to evacuate from tall buildings. In China, damage to buildings was reported in the border city of Ruili, and the shaking was felt in Bangladesh, but there were no immediate reports of damage.
The full extent of the damage in Myanmar is hard to assess due to heavy censorship and isolation. The number of deaths was expected to rise as rescue workers dug through the rubble. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated that the number of deaths could surpass 10,000. Historic and religious sites in Myanmar were particularly damaged, with centuries-old monuments reduced to rubble.
International aid began arriving on Saturday, with China and India sending food, blankets, and rescue teams equipped with drones. The United States, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and other countries also offered or sent aid. However, areas controlled by rebel forces, which are farther from the epicenter, appear to be relatively unscathed, but information from these isolated areas may be slow to emerge.
Trump’s Car Tariffs Tear Apart Allies, Multiple Countries Brew Countermeasures
President Trump’s plan to impose a 25% tariff on imported cars and car parts has sparked global outrage and retaliation threats from allies. Countries like South Korea, Japan, Germany, Mexico, and Canada, already affected by Trump’s disregard for existing trade deals and security relationships, are considering countermeasures. Leaders from these nations have expressed strong opposition, with some calling for decisive action. The tariffs threaten to disrupt supply chains and could lead to a global trade war, potentially suppressing economic growth and increasing inflation. The Trump administration’s approach, seen as “all stick, no carrot,” has strained relationships, with allies feeling exploited and dominated. The European Union is preparing counter-tariffs targeting U.S. goods, while Japan and South Korea are assessing their responses, constrained by economic and military pressures. The situation highlights the broader impact of Trump’s policies on global trade and security alliances.
Bangkok’s Under-Construction Skyscrapers Collapse in Earthquake, Raising Safety Concerns: Are Skyscrapers Still Safe?
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar caused significant damage in neighboring Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, where a high-rise building under construction collapsed, resulting in at least 11 deaths and 75 people missing. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of high-rise buildings in the city. Residents and workers are now questioning the structural integrity of buildings, especially those under construction. The Thai government and engineers are inspecting damaged structures to ensure safety, but the event has left many feeling uneasy about living and working in high-rise buildings. The collapse of the building, which was being constructed by a Chinese state-owned company, has prompted calls for stricter building codes and enforcement. The disaster has also highlighted the need for better preparedness and emergency response measures in the region.
Xi Jinping Meets with Dozens of Foreign Enterprise Executives, China Strives to Attract Foreign Investment
Xi Jinping met with executives from major global companies, including Saudi Aramco, BMW, Toyota, and FedEx, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. This meeting was part of China’s efforts to attract foreign investment amid worsening trade relations with the United States and sluggish economic growth. It was the third such meeting in 17 months, highlighting China’s push to maintain stability in global supply chains and showcase its investment potential.
Over 40 executives attended, including top leaders from Samsung, Mercedes-Benz, and Pfizer. Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of stable global supply chains and China’s investment potential. Despite a significant drop in foreign investment over recent years, the German automotive industry remains an exception, seeing China as a key market to compete with domestic automakers.
Recent investments include BMW’s increased stake in a Chinese joint venture and Volkswagen’s new electric car factory. However, tightening national security laws and deteriorating domestic market conditions pose challenges for foreign businesses. The meeting followed the China Development Forum, where global executives discussed economic and financial issues.
Closing Voice of America, Trump Brings “Strategic Victory” to China
The article discusses the potential impact of President Trump’s decision to dismantle Voice of America (VOA) and end grants to Radio Free Asia (RFA). The move is seen as a strategic victory for China, which has long opposed VOA’s coverage of issues like the persecution of Uyghurs and Tibetans, Hong Kong protests, and the country’s economic slowdown. Many Chinese people, including those interviewed, express sadness and disappointment over the closure, as VOA and RFA have been crucial sources of uncensored information and have shaped their worldviews and understanding of democratic values.
The article highlights the historical significance of VOA, particularly for individuals like Xu Chenggang, who relied on VOA programs during his re-education and persecution in China. VOA’s programs provided him with a window into the world and shaped his understanding of freedom and human dignity. The article also notes that VOA and RFA have been essential in countering state propaganda and providing reliable news to people in China and other countries with limited press freedom.
The decision to shut down these agencies is criticized for potentially allowing Beijing and other authoritarian regimes to dominate the information space with state propaganda. The article mentions that VOA and RFA have adapted to the digital age, launching online platforms like WHYNOT to reach younger audiences. The U.S. government’s move is seen as a retreat from telling its story to the world, while China is becoming more adept at shaping narratives and promoting its geopolitical goals. The article concludes by noting the personal impact of VOA and RFA on individuals, who have found these outlets to be transformative in their lives.
Trump’s Double Standard on Government Secrets
Trump’s administration has a selective approach to government secrecy, prioritizing it when convenient and disregarding it otherwise. In one instance, the administration invoked the state secrets privilege to withhold details about a military flight of immigrants, even after the event. Conversely, they downplayed the disclosure of a planned military strike against Houthi militants in an unsecured group chat on Signal, which included a journalist. This inconsistency highlights Trump’s tendency to manipulate political reality for his benefit, often disregarding facts and consistency.
The core issue in both cases revolves around time-sensitive information. In the immigration case, a federal judge sought details about the flight’s timeline to determine if the administration violated his order to turn the plane around. The administration claimed this information was too sensitive to disclose. In the Signal chat incident, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided precise timing for an upcoming military strike, which was deemed not sensitive by the White House.
National security experts criticized the administration’s handling of these incidents, noting the obvious manipulation of secrecy for political ends. Despite these lapses, Attorney General Pam Bondi did not indicate plans to pursue the Signal chat disclosure, while the Justice Department sought to protect politically and legally sensitive information in other contexts.
Trump’s approach to national security secrecy has been inconsistent, often targeting opponents like Hillary Clinton while disregarding his own actions, such as posting sensitive satellite imagery online and using unsecured mobile phones. His handling of classified documents after leaving office, including storing them at Mar-a-Lago, further exemplifies this double standard. When Biden was found to have classified documents at his home, Trump expressed outrage, despite Biden’s prompt cooperation with investigators.