Tristan Breijer is the new London head of Checkmate Government Relations. The move into London gives the US lobby firm its first European base, bringing its global power-broking network, with close links to the Trump administration, to the “heart of European policymaking”.
As the two firms face a merger, the question over the longevity of the boutique firm is put under the spotlight.
As European policymakers push a ‘Buy European’ line, lobbyists and officials in Washington are keen to maintain dominance over the European arms market
Hanbury’s decision to erect offices in Washington and Sydney showcases the firms’ strong public image.
The US House passes a defence bill locking in troop levels and funding Ukraine, signalling continued congressional support for Europe’s security.
Washington imposes travel bans on Thierry Breton and others, deepening transatlantic tensions over online regulation, free speech and tech rules.
Moscow says a new US security strategy mirrors Russian views on stability and dialogue, prompting mixed reactions across Europe and allies.
Brussels pushes back against Washington as Ursula von der Leyen warns the Trump administration to stay out of Europe’s democratic choices.
Twenty US states challenge Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee, arguing it exceeds presidential authority and threatens labour markets.
Russia threatens legal and economic retaliation as the EU advances plans to leverage frozen Kremlin reserves for sustained Ukrainian financing
The FTSE 100 hit a record 9,787 points as investors cheered progress in Washington towards ending the US government shutdown. Strong gains in Diageo, miners and financial stocks lifted the index to its highest ever close, mirroring a global rally across European and Asian markets.
President Trump’s new oil sanctions on Russia mark a sharp turn in US policy toward the war in Ukraine.
Sir Keir Starmer’s meeting with President Trump showcased corporate diplomacy in action, delivering tone over treaties as questions linger about Britain’s real gains and what remains at stake.
The U.S. Army has asked leading private-equity firms to propose funding models for a roughly $150 billion infrastructure overhaul. By seeking land-swaps and equity-style arrangements instead of standard contracting, the Army aims to bridge a $135 billion funding shortfall via private capital and innovative asset-investment structures.
The U.S. has announced 100 percent tariffs on Chinese imports in response to Beijing’s rare earth export controls. China called the measures illegal, while both sides prepare for a possible Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea. Businesses warn of rising costs and inflation as global markets react to the escalating trade conflict.
The UK government is reportedly prepared to allow higher NHS medicine prices to defuse U.S. threats of 100 percent tariffs on branded drugs. The shift comes as pharmaceutical firms balk at rebate regimes and paused investment. Ministers are in talks with Washington and mulling reforms to cost‑effectiveness metrics.
Donald Trump’s UK state visit yielded £150 billion in US investment promises across tech, energy and manufacturing sectors. The Tech Prosperity Deal centred on AI and nuclear cooperation. The visit was largely scripted, with the government highlighting economic benefits amid protests and broader geopolitical concerns.
President Lee Jae Myung begins a visit to Washington on 23 August with fifteen senior executives from South Korea’s largest companies. The trip comes ahead of his 25 August summit with President Trump and will address trade, investment pledges, energy purchases and defence cost-sharing between the two countries.
President Trump ruled out deploying U.S. ground troops to Ukraine but left air support on the table. Discussions are ongoing between U.S. and European planners to structure security guarantees that rely on European boots on the ground and U.S. air defence systems, while remaining mindful of geopolitical sensitivities.
The IEA will reintroduce a “current policies scenario” in its upcoming energy outlook to reflect existing policy pathways. Facing criticism from Energy Secretary Chris Wright—who has threatened U.S. withdrawal—the move aims to rein in aspirational forecasting while maintaining relevance amid political and methodological scrutiny.
The US government is considering taking a stake in Intel using Chips Act funds, boosting the company’s share price. Talks follow recent tensions between the president and Intel’s chief executive. No deal has been confirmed, and the White House calls the reports speculative. The move could expand state involvement in technology.
Trump Expands 401(k) Options to Include Private Equity and Cryptocurrency.
South Korea secures $350bn US deal, cutting tariffs and pledging major investment and energy purchases.
Coinbase has appointed Democratic strategist David Plouffe to its advisory council, deepening its bipartisan political strategy amid expanding crypto lobbying efforts. The move follows record industry spending and aligns with a broader push to influence emerging legislation in Congress during a favourable shift under the Trump administration.
U.S. crude oil production is expected to fall in late 2025 and into 2026, marking the first annual drop since the pandemic. Lower rig counts, weaker prices, rising costs, and potential tax changes are contributing to the slowdown, casting doubt on the long-term viability of energy dominance ambitions.
Tesla shares fell 14.2 per cent after Elon Musk criticised Donald Trump’s fiscal policies, prompting threats to cut subsidies. The political fallout erased $150 billion in market value and triggered wider losses in the electric vehicle sector, raising fears of regulatory retaliation against Musk-linked companies.
Elon Musk has sharply criticised Donald Trump’s proposed tax bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination.” The legislation, which increases defence spending and cuts social programmes, faces opposition in the Senate. Musk’s remarks have deepened divisions within the Republican Party over the bill’s fiscal impact and policy direction.
A U.S. federal court has struck down President Trump’s global tariffs, ruling they exceed the limits of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The administration has appealed, insisting trade talks remain on track. The ruling affects Executive Order 14257 but leaves other trade measures intact, pending further judicial review.
Elon Musk has stepped down from his advisory role in the Trump administration after criticising a major tax and spending bill. His departure ends a 130-day tenure focused on federal cost-cutting and coincides with investor pressure to refocus on Tesla and SpaceX amid recent business challenges and political tensions.
President Donald Trump is weighing fresh sanctions on Russia following its largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began. The strikes killed 12 civilians and derailed peace talks. The Kremlin dismissed Trump’s criticism, while Washington considers targeting Russian banks and sanction-busting countries.
Spanish hatmaker Fernández y Roche faces a 10 per cent US import tariff, jeopardising its 40-year trade with Orthodox Jewish communities. With a 50 per cent duty possible by July, Spain has launched a €14.1 billion support plan while EU–US trade talks continue.
Donald Trump has threatened a 50% tariff on all EU imports and a 25% levy on non-US-manufactured iPhones, triggering sharp market losses and EU warnings of retaliation. Apple shares plunged, and European indices dipped as fears of renewed trade war disruptions rattled investors and strained transatlantic economic relations.
Trump’s sweeping tax-and-spending bill seeks to extend tax cuts, boost defense, and end taxes on tips—while slashing Medicaid and green subsidies. The $3T package faces GOP infighting, fiscal watchdog warnings, and a credit downgrade. With 2026 midterms looming, Trump’s legacy bill heads to a divided House and combative Senate.
Trump’s Catholic allies are exerting growing influence in Rome as a new conclave approaches. Backed by wealthy donors and political operatives, they are campaigning for a more traditional pope. Central figures include Brian Burch and Steve Cortes, who see Trump’s return as key to reshaping US–Vatican relations and global Catholic leadership.
Donald Trump’s $TRUMP meme coin has surged in value after he offered a gala dinner and VIP access to its top holders. Launched before his 2025 inauguration, the coin has raised ethical concerns over the president profiting from a private cryptocurrency while in office. Supporters hail it as innovative political engagement, while critics warn of conflicts of interest and regulatory risks amid growing international scrutiny.
Elon Musk is stepping back from his role in Trump’s administration to tackle mounting challenges at Tesla, which is facing falling profits, rising competition, and production woes. His political involvement, once praised for its innovation, drew criticism over ethical conflicts and blurred public-private lines. Now, as Tesla battles economic headwinds, Musk aims to restore investor confidence.
Ahead of Cop26, can Joe Biden’s bold climate change action plan help save the planet?
The last days of Trump have seen the US descend into chaos amid riots and the invasion of the Capitol building in Washington, but it’s not the last of the Donald, says Brooks Newmark
Marie Le Conte‘s take on the Capitol Riots
In 60 days, America should prosecute the outgoing president for the atrocities of his time in office, argues Anthony Scaramucci (Trump’s former head of communications), Alan Blotcky and Seth Norrholm
The polls are closed but the battle for the Presidency carries on. The Supreme Court will be the deciding factor, says Trey Barnes
Forgetting his opponent’s name is but a detail for Biden and his campaign, it’s all about Florida, says Trey Barnes
With the last Presidential debate tonight, Christopher Altieri longs for the debates of old
As a report reveals that Joe Biden will benefit from his son‘s deal with China’s largest energy company, Nicholas Wapshott explains why he still has the best chance of winning the Presidency
Catering for the top man in the White House? You can give René Redzepi the night off– Mr Trump’s tastes are as basic as his politics
In an exclusive from DC, William Cash finds Steve Bannon in combative form as he reveals what he’s learnt about strategy from Thucydides