President Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States (US) from the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time in a decade, signing a series of executive actions shortly after taking office on Monday.

This decision, which removes the world’s largest historic emitter from global efforts to combat climate change, will take effect one year after formal notification. The move comes just days after 2024 was declared the hottest year on record and the first in which the average global temperature surpassed the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels.

The consequences of climate change are being felt worldwide, marked by increasing disasters and extreme heat. In 2024, ocean surface temperatures and the upper 2,000 meters of ocean depth reached their highest recorded levels.

Experts have criticized Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, a multilateral initiative aimed at limiting global warming to below 2°C, with an aspirational target of 1.5°C. Harjeet Singh, climate activist and founding director of the Satat Sampada Climate Foundation, described the decision as a moral failure and a direct threat to global solidarity, multilateral cooperation, and climate justice. Singh argued that prioritizing oil and gas expansion accelerates the path toward climate catastrophe, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. He noted that this reckless move undermines financial support needed by developing nations like India, which have made significant strides in climate action despite limited resources.

Manjeev Singh Puri, a former climate negotiator and diplomat, highlighted the adverse implications of the US withdrawal for global climate efforts. “The US, as the largest and most capable economy, has a critical role to play,” Puri said, though he noted that the country remains a signatory to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). He added that US sub-national and corporate efforts to advance green technologies may continue under pro-innovation policies. However, he warned of weakened European capabilities to fill the void left by the US, unlike the situation in 2016.

Debbie Weyl, acting US director at the World Resources Institute, condemned Trump’s actions, stating they threaten America’s clean energy leadership and could harm its economy and public health. Weyl pointed out that rolling back climate policies that have created over 400,000 well-paying jobs will hurt workers and increase energy costs for American families. Despite these challenges, she emphasized that a coalition of governors, mayors, and other leaders remains committed to enacting low-carbon policies that drive job creation, reduce costs, and foster cleaner communities. “The clean energy revolution will continue, regardless of who occupies the White House,” Weyl affirmed.

Florida Representative Mike Waltz, President-elect Trump’s choice for national security adviser, revealed in a Wednesday interview that Trump is considering ways to “preserve” TikTok.

Waltz shared this insight after Fox News anchor Bret Baier questioned him about a Washington Post report suggesting Trump might issue an executive order to halt the enforcement of a federal law that could ban TikTok nationwide by Sunday.

The Supreme Court recently heard arguments challenging the law, brought by TikTok, its China-based parent company ByteDance, and app users. The Justices appeared inclined to uphold the law, which mandates that ByteDance either divest from TikTok over national security concerns or face a ban in the U.S.

Addressing the situation, Waltz stated, “If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the law, President Trump has been clear on two points: TikTok is a widely used platform that has greatly benefited his campaign, and he is committed to protecting users’ data.”

Highlighting Trump’s negotiation style, Waltz added, “He’s a deal maker. I can’t reveal details about upcoming executive orders, but we’re working to create space for a deal to happen.”

Meanwhile, Pam Bondi, Trump’s nominee for attorney general, avoided answering whether she would support a TikTok ban during a Senate hearing on Wednesday.

Trump’s stance on TikTok has shifted since his first term when he sought to ban the app over security concerns. However, during his 2024 presidential campaign, he joined TikTok to engage younger voters—particularly young men—by sharing bold, viral content. He even vowed to “save TikTok” during the campaign, crediting the platform for helping him attract more youth voters.

South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday following his failed attempt to impose martial law. The arrest occurred after hundreds of anti-corruption investigators and police stormed the Presidential compound, ending a weeks-long standoff.

Yoon, charged with insurrection for his brief effort to enforce martial law last month, has become the first sitting president in South Korean history to be arrested.

Before dawn on Wednesday, hundreds of officers from the Corruption Investigation Office advanced toward the presidential residence. Some scaled the compound’s walls and navigated back trails to access the main building.

This marked their second attempt to detain Yoon. The initial effort on January 3 was unsuccessful due to a tense standoff with the Presidential Security Service (PSS), who resisted investigators executing the arrest warrant.

Yoon’s lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon, announced Wednesday morning that the president agreed to cooperate with investigators and would leave the residence to prevent a “serious incident.”

“President Yoon has decided to personally appear at the Corruption Investigation Office today,” Seok stated on Facebook, mentioning that Yoon would also deliver a public address.

However, investigators confirmed shortly after that Yoon had been officially arrested.

“The Joint Investigation Headquarters executed an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol today (January 15) at 10:33 am (0130 GMT),” officials stated.

According to Reuters, Yoon’s arrest followed confrontations with his security guards, prompting investigators to use ladders to breach the residence in Seoul after being blocked at the main gate.

Investigators Arrest Presidential Security Chief Amid Yoon Suk Yeol Standoff

Kim Sung-hoon, the acting chief of the Presidential Security Service, was arrested for obstructing investigators during their initial attempt to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Yoon had resisted arrest following his failed December 3 power grab, which triggered South Korea’s most severe political crisis in decades. He had ordered soldiers to storm Parliament to prevent lawmakers from voting against his actions.

Once a prominent prosecutor, Yoon had already been suspended by lawmakers. If the court-approved arrest warrant were enforced, he would become the first sitting president in South Korean history to be detained, AFP reported.

“The execution of the presidential arrest warrant has begun,” acting President Choi Sang-mok confirmed in a statement, emphasizing the importance of upholding law and order during this critical time.

Chaotic Scenes in Seoul

In a tense morning in Seoul, unarmed investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and police officers attempted to enter Yoon’s residence but were blocked by unidentified guards at the entrance, AFP reported.

Clashes broke out between investigators and those defending the compound. Approximately 20 investigators were later seen scaling ladders to breach the residence, according to TV footage cited by AFP.

Groups labeled “Police” and “CIO” were observed advancing up the roads toward Yoon’s hillside compound, carrying ladders and entering through multiple access points.

Ongoing Negotiations and Escalating Tension

Yoon’s lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon, stated on Facebook that negotiations were in progress for the president to voluntarily surrender due to the “risk of a serious situation” between opposing forces.

At least one individual was injured during the standoff and was transported by emergency services.

Yoon’s legal team was seen outside the residence protesting the execution of the arrest warrant, while a white police van attempting to enter the premises was unsuccessful.

Security Tightens as Supporters Gather

Investigators also tried accessing the residence via a mountain hiking trail, Yonhap News TV reported. Amid the operation, police arrested Kim Seong-hun, the acting head of the presidential guard.

By early Wednesday, police had completely blocked the main road leading to Yoon’s residence with bus barricades as thousands of his staunch supporters gathered outside.