This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news coverings foreign affairs and international relations. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in related areas? Don't miss this week's updates in Defense and Social Issues.

Dates: 2026-01-05 to 2026-01-16

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Oversight Hearing: America First U.S. Leadership & National Security in International Conservation: The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will convene an oversight hearing titled "America First: U.S. Leadership & National Security in International Conservation" on January 21, 2026.
• Advancing Peace in DRC and Rwanda through Washington Accords: The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa will hold a hearing on January 22, 2026, discussing peace efforts in the DRC and Rwanda, featuring Deputy Assistant Secretary Sarah Troutman of the U.S. Department of State.

Federal Government News

United States Withdraws from 66 International Organizations

President Trump signed a memorandum on January 7, 2026, initiating U.S. withdrawal from 35 non-UN and 31 UN international organizations deemed contrary to national interests. The action also covers the exit from bodies like the World Health Organization, UN Human Rights Council, and the Paris Climate Agreement, along with the suspension of funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency. The administration tied these steps to its "America First" agenda and directed the Secretary of State to oversee implementation. The announcement referenced ongoing investigations into foreign tax policies affecting U.S. companies and specified a focus on redirecting resources to domestic priorities.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Proclamation Adjusting Imports of Advanced Computing Chips

On January 14, 2026, President Trump invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to impose a 25% tariff on certain advanced computing chips and related semiconductor products, following findings of insufficient domestic supply and reliance on foreign supply chains. The Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative were instructed to negotiate agreements addressing these concerns, with further measures, including broader tariffs and incentives for domestic production, under consideration if talks do not achieve their objectives. Tariff exemptions were provided for imports supporting domestic supply chain development, data centers, repair, R&D, startups, consumer, and public sector applications. The administration cited the chips' critical role in defense systems, AI, and national infrastructure.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Proclamation Adjusting Imports of Processed Critical Minerals and Derivatives

President Trump issued a proclamation on January 14, 2026, directing the Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate agreements with trading partners concerning imports of processed critical minerals and derivative products. The Section 232 investigation determined that current levels of imports impair national security, citing declining domestic production and exposure to price volatility. If negotiations are unsuccessful after 180 days, further import restrictions—including potential tariffs and price floors—may be implemented. Previous actions referenced include agreements with Australia and Japan as well as enabling access to mineral deposits in Alaska.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Executive Order Protecting Venezuelan Oil Revenue Held in U.S. Accounts

On January 9, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency over Venezuelan oil revenue held in U.S. Treasury accounts, prohibiting judicial actions against these funds and categorizing them as sovereign assets not subject to private claims. The order empowers the Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury to manage these funds for public and diplomatic purposes, and asserts sovereign immunity in legal proceedings. The measures are tied to U.S. foreign policy objectives, including regional stability, combating illicit activity, and countering malign actors. The order also includes administrative provisions for implementation and Congressional notification.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Presidential Message on National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

President Trump released a message on January 6, 2026, marking National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The administration outlined actions such as the declaration of a national emergency at the southern border, the expansion of DHS and border security, designation of cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, sanctions against online scam operators, and support for trafficking survivors. New legislative efforts cited include the TAKE IT DOWN Act and Trafficking Survivors Relief Act.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Meloni Seeks to Boost Italy’s Foreign Policy Clout in the Arctic: Italy signals increased Arctic engagement in foreign policy.
• Opinion | Where’s Congress on Russia Sanctions?: Analysis of Congressional inaction on Russia sanctions bills.
• Inside Trump’s ‘crazy world’ of milk bottles, sled dogs and threats to bomb Iran: Review of foreign policy developments involving Greenland, NATO, and Iran.
• Opinion | Operation Total Nuuk Submission: Editorial discussion on U.S. strategic actions in Greenland.
• Q&A: Reza Pahlavi: Reza Pahlavi speaks on prospects for Iranian democracy.
• China’s Propaganda Playbook for Targeting Rivals - WSJ: WSJ reviews China’s media and diplomatic strategies.
• Trump’s Venezuela raid plunges Greenland and the Western military alliance into uncertainty: NATO and Western relations adapt to U.S. actions in Venezuela and Greenland.
• Fantasy "Loan" for Ukraine Gets Adjusted Again as EU Faces Priorities Reality Check: EU revisits Ukraine aid mechanisms amid shifting security commitments.
• President Trump Meets with Oil and Gas Executives on Venezuela: Trump engages U.S. energy sector leaders regarding developments in Venezuela.
• Monopoly Round-Up: A Gunboat Oligarchy Goes After Venezuelan Oil: An overview of U.S. efforts to assert control over Venezuelan oil exports.

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