Author: France 24

Just hours after he doubled down on his claim that the US should “get Greenland”, Donald Trump made an abrupt U-turn on the tariffs he had threatened to slap on European nations that opposed his bid.  Announcing on his Truth Social platform, the US president said he and NATO chief Mark Rutte had reached a “framework of a future deal” on Greenland, and that in light of that, he would not be imposing the 10% import duties that were slated to go into effect on February 1st. 

Manon Kerjean tells us why Pierre Niney’s performance in “Gourou” recalls the punchy rhetoric of American coaches in Yann Gozlan’s latest film. But first, we discuss the big winners at this year’s Lumières awards, selected by the foreign press in Paris, as François Ozon’s adaptation of “L’Étranger” picks up the top prize. Manon also tells us why Erige Sehiri’s film “Promised Sky” provides an insight into the socio-political reality in Tunisia and raises powerful points about families, both biological and chosen. Plus we check out the film adaptation of the beloved French comic “Les Légendaires”.

Three journalists were killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza on Wednesday, the Palestinian territory’s civil defence agency said. Israel has been the biggest killer of journalists for three years running, Reporters Without Borders data shows, with the country’s forces killing 220 media professionals since the war in Gaza began.

The Senegalese team was welcomed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye before parading through the streets of Dakar.

As 79-year-old US President Donald Trump enters the second year of his second term, questions about his physical and cognitive health are a recurring topic amid viral images, defiant responses from the White House and a lack of medical disclosure. The debate echoes earlier controversies around the health of US leaders – and raises uncomfortable questions about transparency and power.

French president Emmanuel Macron spoke out against Donald Trump’s latest tariff threat, describing his approach to trade deals as bullying and an attempt to weaken and subordinate Europe. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the French leader called on the EU to be ready to activate its powerful anti-coercion mechanism, colloquially called the “trade bazooka”. 

One year after Donald Trump’s return to power, FRANCE 24’s Eve Jackson revisits the paradoxical and conflictual relationship between the US president and culture and the arts. From controversial appointments in Hollywood, to attacks on diversity policies, to the symbolic takeover of the Kennedy Center, the US president intends to regain control of the American cultural narrative. Faced with this pressure, artists and institutions are getting organised, taking a stand and mobilising for freedom of speech.

Syrian government forces on Tuesday made further gains in the northeastern region long held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), according to Syrian military sources. Kurdish fighters have vowed to defend their remaining enclaves in a bid to stem the biggest shift in territorial control in Syria since Bashar al-Assad fall in 2024.

Kylian Mbappé and Luis Enrique defended Brahim Diaz after his failed Panenka penalty in the AFCON final.

Eve Irvine is pleased to welcome Daisy Fancourt, Professor of Psychobiology & Epidemiology and Head of the Social Biobehavioural Research Group at UCL. Her new book “Art Cure” highlights the healing power of the arts. Drawing on thousands of scientific studies, Ms. Fancourt argues that the arts are an essential part of our well-being. From boosting dopamine and reducing cortisol, to enhancing brain plasticity and even altering gene expression, the book reveals the untapped potential of immersive, hands-on creativity for preventive health.