Trump administration briefing: defending Putin, Columbia cuts and Doge’s power over EPA spending

From Donald Trump's latest remarks to actions taken against crucial government agencies - key US politics stories from Friday at a glance

Donald Trump has said he finds it it easier" to work with Russia than Ukraine and that Vladimir Putin was doing what anybody would do" after Russia launched a massive missile and drone strike on Ukraine days after the US cut off vital intelligence and military aid to Kyiv.

I'm finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine. And they don't have the cards," Trump said in his latest attack on Kyiv. In terms of getting a final settlement, it may be easier dealing with Russia.