Diego Mendoza

Breaking News Reporter

Diego Mendoza is a breaking news reporter at Semafor, where he covers the intersection between global energy policy and economics, diplomacy, and technology. He previously interned at CNN and ABC News and is now based in New York City.

Marine Le Pen’s guilty verdict is a ‘political earthquake’ but could boost far right

The guilty verdict has shaken up France’s far-right National Rally, which will now have to scramble to find a new presidential candidate for 2027.

Marine Le Pen on the day of the verdict of her trial.

Trump’s controversial intelligence picks face Senate scrutiny

Despite pushback from Democrats, the Republican-controlled Senate seemed poised to confirm Kash Patel as FBI director, while Tulsi Gabbard may be less assured.

Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard at Senate hearings, Jan. 30.

Meta, Microsoft, Tesla release latest quarter earnings

The results were a mixed bag, with Wall Street increasingly skeptical of capital expenditures on artificial intelligence.

US Fed keeps interest rates steady in first rate decision under Trump

The central bank said it would continue its pause on cutting borrowing costs, having made three cuts last year.

Israel’s Netanyahu to meet Trump in DC on Feb. 4 as Gaza talks resume urgency

The meeting comes as negotiators struggle to agree on the second phase of a fragile ceasefire in Gaza.

Boeing tries to stem the bleeding after disastrous year

The US aerospace giant reported a $11.8 billion annual loss for 2024 Tuesday — its worst since 2020.

Colombia capitulation underscores how Trump can wield US economic might

The US president’s willingness to pressure Colombia with tariffs underscored how other world governments are working to protect their own economic interests.

US Senate confirms Pete Hegseth as defense secretary

Vice President JD Vance cast the 51-50 tie-breaking vote to confirm Hegseth, whose nomination was surrounded by several controversies, including allegations of alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct.

Trump had ‘horrendous’ call with Danish PM over Greenland: Report

During last week’s tense call with the Danish premier, Trump insisted he was serious about taking over Greenland, the Financial Times reported, raising fears about the future of trans-Atlantic relations.

Trump CIA pick John Ratcliffe confirmed to head intelligence agency

The confirmation came just after the first Republican senator came out publicly against the new president’s nominee for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth.

Brazilian political film ‘I’m Still Here’ gets surprise top Oscar nod

The film was unsuccessfully boycotted by the country’s political right after its release.

5 years after first COVID lockdown, Trump’s health policies worry public health experts

Conservatives are pushing Trump to distance himself from global health authorities, which experts believe could undermine future pandemic responses.

Davos watches Trump call as US politics overshadows annual forum

US President Donald Trump’s isolationist agenda sits at-odds with the globalized ethos of the World Economic Forum.

First Trump immigration orders spark unanswered questions, legal fights

Some loval governments have already challenged the new president’s sweeping immigration orders, even as many of the details remain unclear.

Trump announces $500B AI investment alongside OpenAI, Softbank, and Oracle

The announcement came just a day after Donald Trump revoked a Biden–issued executive order aimed at addressing AI risks.

Mexican leader urges a ‘cool head’ as Trump presidency begins

Donald Trump’s plan to use the US military to secure the southern border and target drug cartels could have unintended consequences for Mexico.

US Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban-or-sale law

The ban will go into effect Sunday — though incoming US President Donald Trump is reportedly exploring ways to save the app.

China GDP growth hits government targets, beating analyst expectations

Stimulus packages and higher demand for exports bolstered China’s economy in the fourth quarter, though significant challenges lie ahead.