Trump again backs Putin: Various leaders of NATO countries have joined with the White House in criticizing Donald Trump for siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin and against the U.S. and NATO in a speech over the weekend. Trump said that Putin should invade Europe. He said when that happens the U.S. can refuse to defend fellow members of NATO even though the NATO treaty commits the U.S. and other NATO countries to defend each other in event of attack. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that what Trump said undermines the security of the U.S. and Europe and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk.
Trump demeans U.S. military: In another attack on U.S. servicemen, Donald Trump criticized the husband of his rival for the Republican presidential nomination Nikki Haley for not being with her on the campaign trail. Michael Haley, a member of the South Carolina National Guard is on active duty with a National Guard unit in Africa. It’s his second National Guard deployment after having served in combat with the Army in Afghanistan. In a speech in which she blasted Trump for never having served in the military and for his despicable comments about those who have served, Haley refrained from making an issue out of Trump’s spouse, Melania, having avoided campaigning with him for the past two years and failing to accompany him to court when he’s been in trial.
Bezos cashes in a bit: According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Jeff Bezos, founder and executive chairman of Amazon, sold approximately $2 billion worth of Amazon stock on Feb. 7 and 8. A separate filing with the SEC said that Bezos plans to sell an additional $8 billion worth of Amazon stock at some time after Feb. 8. As of last month, Bezos’ net worth was estimated at $180 billion, making him the world’s third richest person, with Elon Musk as number two at $200 billion and number one being French businessman Bernard Arnault at $210 billion.
Austin hospitalized again: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is back in Walter Reed military hospital today, in an intensive care unit. Austin, who previously had been hospitalized for treatment of complications following surgery for prostate cancer, has turned over the duties of his office to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. Doctors said that a problem developed that affects Austin’s bladder. Austin received sharp criticism for keeping his previous medical treatment secret from Pentagon officials as well as the White House.
Sunday Senate session: In an unusual Sunday session, the Senate met to debate a bill that includes $61 billion in new aid for Ukraine, $14 billion in new aid for Israel and $5 billion for other purposes such as supporting Taiwan. Senate Republicans last week blocked a bill that included the aid money along with a comprehensive package of measures to deal with the situation at the U.S. border. It was not immediately clear whether the new bill also would be blocked by Republicans on orders of Donald Trump or whether it would be passed in the Senate and sent to the House, where it also would be facing Republican opposition.
Super Bowl winner: Super Bowl LVIII was won by the Kansas City Chiefs who beat the San Francisco 49ers 25 to 22 in overtime. At the end of the four quarters of regulation play the game was tied at 19 to 19. Early in the overtime quarter, San Francisco scored a field goal to take a 22 to 19 lead. Then, Kanas City scored a six-point touchdown to win the game 25 to 22. It was the second consecutive Super Bowl win for Kansas City, which won Super Bowls in 1970 and 2020 as well as 2023 and this year. Music personality Taylor Swift expressed joy at the outcome and was photographed kissing her boyfriend Kansas City player Travis Kelce.
