dn2026-0514-es

This episode of Democracy Now! covers a series of high-stakes international developments, including President Donald Trump's high-profile visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid escalating tensions over Taiwan's status. The discussion highlights the U.S. Congress's push to deliver $11 billion in arms to Taiwan and additional investments in missile defense, while China warns that any move toward Taiwan's independence could trigger conflict. The episode also examines Israel's intensified military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, including deadly strikes and the killing of a 16-year-old Palestinian teen, as well as the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where drone attacks have caused over 80% of civilian deaths. Domestically, the U.S. faces political turmoil over the Senate's repeated failure to pass war powers resolutions on Iran, while the federal judiciary blocks Trump's sanctions against UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese. Additionally, the episode details controversial policy moves, including the appointment of a private prison executive to lead ICE, the suspension of Medicaid funding to California over alleged fraud, and the police brutality case of Ronald Greene in Louisiana, where video evidence revealed a prolonged, unassisted electrocution. The episode concludes with global outrage over Israel's participation in Eurovision amid widespread calls for a boycott due to its actions in Gaza.