October 19th, 2026: Europe Erupts in Riots & Trump Delays Russia Sanctions

It's Monday, the 19th of October. Welcome to the President's Daily Brief. I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears on the world stage. All right, let's get briefed. First up, a weekend of widespread chaos and protests erupts into some of the worst violence that France has seen in years, with nearly 1,800 arrests, hundreds of injured police officers, and an historic town hall set on fire. I'll have the details. Later in the show, President Trump puts a hold on sweeping new bipartisan sanctions against Russia, waiving most of the penalties just before they were set to take effect. Plus, the latest from the war between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis, where Egypt is signaling it may be prepared to take up the fight on behalf of the Saudis. And in today's back of the brief, a Russian satellite has been spotted maneuvering unusually close to a U.S. satellite that provides support to Ukraine's military, raising concerns about Moscow's intentions in space. But first, today's PDB Spotlight. We've been tracking the growing unrest in France, but this weekend, the situation took a dramatic turn when demonstrations erupted into some of the worst street violence that the country has seen in years. Rioters torched an historic town hall, looted businesses, and battled police in cities across the country because nothing says peaceful protests and legitimate grievance like looting luxury stores and burning down town halls. Nearly 1,800 people were arrested, and hundreds of police and emergency personnel were injured. And France wasn't alone. Violent clashes also broke out in Brussels and Milan, while Albania, faced another wave of anti-government unrest. But let's start in France, where the scale of violence has reached new levels. According to French authorities, roughly 550,000 people participated in demonstrations nationwide. Labor organizers put the figure closer to 800,000. Now, the majority marched peacefully, but as you might expect, masked groups with their own agenda took advantage of the situation, breaking away from the crowds, attacking police, smashing storefronts, and setting fires in cities across the country. In Paris alone, police arrested 855 people. Shops were looted, barricades burned, and the streets around the famous Place de la République were left covered in broken glass and debris. In Bordeaux, businesses were ransacked. In Lyon, rioters set fire to the city's tourism office. And in Marseille, black-clad demonstrators forced their way into City Hall, vandalizing the building before police drove them out. But some of the most disturbing scenes came from Limoges, a city in central France, where rioters set fire to the historic 19th-century City Hall. Flames consumed much of the building, causing its roof to collapse. Officials say the fire was deliberately set, and the building was nearly destroyed. Some employees and members of the public were reportedly inside when the attack began. By Sunday morning, authorities reported more than 500 injured police officers, security forces, and firefighters. Business groups estimated that roughly 1,500 commercial properties had been damaged, with losses potentially reaching hundreds of millions of euros. As we've reported, the unrest began last month with demonstrations involving high school students, protesting deteriorating classroom conditions, teacher shortages, and inadequate education funding. But those demonstrations quickly attracted a much broader coalition, including labor unions, public sector workers, and activists associated with France's Yellow Vest movement. Not to mention, of course, anarchists, and others looking to hijack legitimate demonstrations for their own purposes. Demonstrators complained about rising living costs, stagnant wages, and government plans to reduce public spending. France is struggling with serious budget problems, and President Emmanuel Macron's government has been attempting to rein in spending while facing growing resistance from voters, who believe public services are already stretched too thin. Well, that's what happens when folks get used to free stuff. They don't like it, but they don't like it. When it's taken away. For many French citizens, the demonstrations are an expression of legitimate economic frustration. But Saturday also demonstrated how easily large protests can be overtaken by groups interested less in political reform than confrontation and destruction. Prime Minister Sébastien Le Corneau has blamed radical far-left groups and opportunistic criminals for much of the violence. Macron condemned those responsible and promised they would face prosecution while also defending the right of peaceful demonstrators to make their voices heard. Well, perhaps it would help if the French authorities would publicize the identities of those that have been arrested for arson and for looting and assault. That might do the trick, perhaps. The timing is especially difficult for Macron. France faces a presidential election next spring, and his government is already under pressure from political opponents on both the left and right. The violence is now fueling another bitter argument over public order, economic policy, and whether the country's political leadership can restore confidence. And while France experienced the worst of the weekend's destruction, similar scenes unfolded elsewhere in Europe. In neighboring Belgium, several hundred demonstrators, many of them young people, clashed with police in Brussels. The protests were partly inspired by events in France, with Belgian students raising their own complaints about education costs and proposed reforms. Masked protesters threw objects at officers and overturned vehicles, prompting police to deploy tear gas. In Italy, violent demonstrations erupted in the heart of Milan. What began as a protest against rising living costs and ongoing wars descended into clashes with police, looting, and fires near the city's famous Piazza del Duomo. Prime Minister Giorgio Maloney condemned the destruction, well, that's good, accusing violent groups of exploiting legitimate demonstrations to create chaos. And in Albania, student-led protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Eddie Rama entered their fifth day. Demonstrators angry over corruption, unemployment, and poor educational conditions have attacked government buildings and banks. Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets, while the Prime Minister insisted he would not resign. Now, these demonstrations aren't all part of one coordinated movement. The grievances vary, the political circumstances are different, and the overwhelming majority of those protesting have not participated in violence. But there are some common threads. Rising living costs, frustration with public services, distrust of political leaders and governments struggling to balance economic pressures against public expectations and desires for social welfare. And an element within each society, of course, looking to hijack otherwise peaceful protests to sow chaos and destruction. Europe is also confronting the economic consequences of two major wars, one in Ukraine and another involving Iran, of course. Adding to existing concerns about energy prices and economic stability. The immediate challenge for these governments is restoring order. But after a weekend that saw historic buildings burning, thousands arrested, and violent confrontations across several countries, European leaders are facing an increasingly difficult question. Are these isolated temporary explosions of public anger, or are they confronting a much deeper crisis of public confidence that could become harder to contain? All right, coming up next, President Trump puts sweeping new sanctions against Russia on hold. And Egypt signals it may join Saudi Arabia in its battle against the Iran-backed Houthis. I'll be right back. Hey, Mike Baker here. Now, here's a statement of the obvious. Getting older hits hard, I know. And we're all getting older, sorry to tell you the truth. And as we age, stiff joints and slow recovery, well, that becomes a new normal. Part of the problem is that collagen production starts dropping in our mid-twenties, meaning as you age, you start losing the glue that supports our skin and muscles. Well, that's why I use Bubz Naturals Collagen Peptides. That's Bubz, B-U-B-S, just like it sounds. It restores youthful collagen levels so you can perform your best. 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The penalties were supposed to take effect this weekend, but Trump issued a last-minute waiver, and now Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the administration could spend another two months deciding whether to enforce them, which is Washington, D.C. speak for, well, let's see how the midterm elections go. The decision to take it easy on Vladimir Putin and his grinding invasion of Ukraine is drawing criticism from lawmakers in both parties, while raising new questions about Washington's strategy towards Moscow. 18th, Trump signed the Lindsey Graham Russia sanctions bill, legislation designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow by targeting its ability to sell oil and gas overseas. The measure passed the Senate by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 86 to 11. And when was the last time you saw any bipartisan activity in Washington, D.C.? The legislation authorized tariffs of up to 500 percent on Russian imports, along with additional penalties targeting Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy companies. It also threatened tariffs of 100 percent on goods from major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, potentially including China and India. The objective was to make it considerably more expensive for Russia to finance its war, while discouraging other countries from doing business with Moscow. But late Friday, just before those penalties were scheduled to take effect, President Trump issued an executive order waiving most of them. The president invoked a statement in the legislation, allowing him to suspend the measures if he determines doing so is in America's national interest, or in the interest of trying not to lose the midterms, whichever. Now, Trump's move doesn't eliminate the sanctions altogether. The law remains in place, and existing restrictions against Russia are largely unaffected. But the new, harsher penalties will not be enforced unless the president decides to activate them. And on Saturday, Marco Rubio offered some insight into why the administration was so concerned about the sanctions against Russia. Speaking with reporters before departing for Uzbekistan, Rubio said the president wants up to 60 days to evaluate the economic consequences of imposing the sanctions. He pointed out that the legislation doesn't just punish Russia, it also threatens major American trading partners that continue purchasing Russian energy, including India. Ah, so the idea is maybe we should be more magnanimous. The concern is that sweeping tariffs could create additional economic problems, at a time when global energy markets are already under considerable strain from the Middle East conflict. Now, Rubio described a 60-day review, but Trump's executive order doesn't actually establish an expiration date for the waiver. The penalties can remain suspended until the administration decides otherwise. And all of this brings us back to something we've been reporting on extensively, President Trump's agreement with Putin to help Russia export diesel fuel into American and global markets. As we've discussed, the administration negotiated that agreement in an effort to bring down energy prices, which have surged as the war with Iran continues disrupting supplies, although Trump has blamed Ukrainian President Zelensky rather than the Iran conflict for rising fuel prices. Trump said Russia would initially provide more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to the U.S. with additional shipments to follow. Rubio defended that arrangement over the weekend, arguing that Russian diesel would be sold somewhere regardless, and the administration wanted to make sure American consumers could benefit from those supplies, although to be fair, if the sanctions had not been postponed, well, the point was to restrict Russia from selling diesel somewhere else. Regardless, consider the competing priorities here. On one hand, Washington has spent years trying to reduce Russia's energy revenues, depriving Putin of the money needed to sustain his war. On the other, the Trump administration is now turning to Russia to help stabilize prices at home, while delaying new sanctions that could complicate those purchases. The White House argues that immediate enforcement could damage the economy and interfere with efforts to negotiate an end to the fighting. Critics see the decision differently, arguing that Washington is surrendering economic leverage without securing meaningful concessions, well, any concessions, from Moscow. And those critics include some prominent Republicans. Senator Tom Tillis called the waiver irresponsible, questioning why the administration would set aside legislation that received such overwhelming support in Congress. Senator Darlene Graham, who succeeded her late brother Lindsey Graham, said she would personally prefer to maintain pressure on Russia, adding that she doesn't trust Putin. Well, that's probably good instinct. Democrats have been equally critical, while Ukrainian President Zelensky warned that easing economic pressure could encourage Moscow to continue its attacks. The timing is also attracting attention. Rubio's proposed review would extend beyond the November midterm elections, when high fuel prices have become a major political concern. And with Congress in recess until after election day, lawmakers have limited opportunities to challenge the president's decision immediately. For now, President Trump insists he has not made a final decision on the sanctions. All right, I want to shift to Saudi Arabia, where continuing Houthi attacks have prompted a pledge of support from Cairo. Egyptian President el-Sisi is seeking parliamentary approval to help defend the kingdom if the Saudis request that assistance. On Sunday, President el-Sisi brought together Egypt's National Defense Council, including the parliamentary speaker, prime minister, and army chief, to discuss the crisis. A parliamentary vote is expected today, and they would join a coalition that now includes Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, with Syria also possibly joining the effort. But the message after those discussions was clear. The Egyptian presidency pledged, quote, all necessary and possible forms of support to defend Saudi Arabia's security and stability, its resources, territorial integrity, and Islamic holy sites. So, how much help could Egypt bring to the table? Well, I'm glad you asked. Egypt has one of the largest and most powerful militaries in the Middle East, but Cairo hasn't yet said which forces or capabilities it would offer. Egypt has been involved before. It joined the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen back in 2015 to support the internationally recognized government, though its direct combat role remained limited. On Saturday, President el-Sisi said Cairo would act in accordance with guidance from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two countries are close strategic and economic partners, and the Crown Prince visited President el-Sisi in Cairo on 15th of September after fighting in Yemen reignited. As I discussed in recent days, the Houthis have struck Riyadh's international airport and facilities belonging to the state oil giant Saudi Aramco. The airport attack was the deadliest assault on the kingdom in more than a decade, and that airport remains closed. Those attacks also threatened Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's efforts to move the Saudi economy beyond oil and attract businesses and tourists. Authorities have already canceled or postponed many high-profile sporting tournaments and conferences that have been scheduled for recent weeks. The attacks on Aramco put another Saudi economic pillar under threat. With the kingdom still the world's largest oil company, the Saudi economy is still the world's largest oil exporter. The strikes on that infrastructure have consequences that extend well beyond Saudi Arabia. The kingdom and its Yemeni partners are now trying to stop missiles and drones from reaching Saudi cities while pushing back against Iranian-backed Houthi advances inside Yemen. Saudi-backed government forces clashed with Houthi militants. A Saudi-led coalition spokesman said government forces had destroyed two ballistic missile launch pads in Sa'ada province. That's a Houthi stronghold in northern Yemen. Coalition air defenses also intercepted ballistic missiles and drones, fired toward Riyadh and Yanbu, the Saudi port city on the Red Sea. Now, the Houthis also struck Aden. That's the seat of Yemen's internationally recognized government. According to Yemen's information minister, two missiles landed inside its international airport late Friday as a passenger jet prepared to take off. Farther north, Houthi fighters have established positions in the mountains around government-controlled Taiz, allowing them to maintain their positions. Yemen's third largest city, Taiz, sits at a strategic crossroads between government-held territory and the Red Sea coast. Capturing it would let the Houthis increase pressure on government forces farther south. On the humanitarian side, the World Health Organization, the WHO, warns that the city is being cut off, with hospitals running short of essential medicines and fuel. Across Yemen, the casualty figures reflect the escalating fighting. The WHO said last week that at least 2,007 people were killed or wounded between the 3rd and 11th of October, roughly double the recent average daily casualty toll. The UN Security Council condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and called for enforcement of a 2015 resolution demanding the militants surrender captured territory and weapons. Yeah, that'll happen. Saudi officials welcomed the statement, though, and reaffirmed the kingdom's right to self-defense under international law. Alright, coming up in the back of the brief, a Russian satellite is caught stalking an American spacecraft, raising concerns about a potential new threat in space. More on that when we come back. Let me take just a moment to talk about good health and taking care of yourself. Look, when it comes to taking care of your health, the liver and cholesterol levels are key concerns, but many people hesitate when they're told they may need to take traditional therapies long-term. If you're like me, you want to take care of yourself, you want to take care feel like you still have some say in how you manage your health. Well, that's why people are turning to simple alternatives with ingredients that they recognize, like CoQ10, ginger, pomegranate, and amla. One great option that I want to tell you about is Dose for Cholesterol. That's Dose, D-O-S-E. Dose for Cholesterol is a clinically backed cholesterol support supplement designed to support triglycerides, HDL, and total cholesterol levels. 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Again, Pendulum Life dot com slash PDB and get almost half off today. In today's back of the brief, here on the PDB, we've often talked about Russian warships edging closer to Alaska and Russian drones repeatedly violating NATO airspace. Now, the encroachment is in the final frontier. According to new reports, a Russian spacecraft is pulled within just a few miles of a U.S. orbiting satellite, and that approach appears to have been deliberate. What makes this concerning is just how quickly the Russian spacecraft closed the gap and which satellite it appears to have singled out. According to the space intelligence company, Leo Labs, the two spacecraft were more than 200 miles apart on Thursday. By Friday afternoon, the separation had shrunk to roughly three miles. Now, the Russian satellite is called the Cosmos-2. The spacecraft it approached, Ice-I-X36, is an American-owned imaging satellite belonging to a network that supplies intelligence to Ukraine. Ah, the plot thickens. I'm sure it's just a coincidence. Aerospace analysts say Cosmos-2 appears to have changed its altitude, orbital plane, and speed to approach the U.S. satellite. Okay, fine, maybe it's not a coincidence. Those adjustments burn fuel, meaning Russia appears to have spent some of its satellite's finite energy on the U.S. satellite. The U.S. satellite, which is the U.S. satellite, is relatively uncommon in low-Earth orbit. An analyst with Integrity ISR was more direct, saying, quote, this points to a purposeful engagement between Russia and a Western-run satellite that's supporting Ukraine. Now, three miles might sound like plenty of room, but a senior space fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies described that distance as essentially, quote, bumper to bumper. A space law professor, oh, I had no idea we had space law professors, at the University of Mississippi, Ole Miss, hotty-totty, says that while there's no strict legal separation requirement, countries generally avoid bringing satellites within six miles of each other. At closer distances, the likelihood of a collision increases significantly if both spacecraft maneuver at the same time. Ice-I, which was founded in Finland, operates radar imaging satellites that can see the Earth's surface at night. The U.S. satellite, is a night and through cloud cover. For Ukraine, that means monitoring Russian troops and equipment without waiting for daylight or clear skies. In January, Ice-I announced an agreement with a customer within Ukraine's defense ministry to, quote, expand their cooperation in space-based intelligence. Whether this particular satellite currently supports Ukrainian operations remains somewhat unclear. But Russia has approached it before. Back in May, tracking data showed several Russian satellites maneuvering near, Ice-I X-36. The U.S. Space Force described them as operating close to a, quote, Western Commercial Radar Satellite used by Ukraine for imagery intelligence. A Ukrainian official told Axios that Kiev had been informed about similar movements during the spring and summer, but was apparently unaware of this latest approach. What remains unclear is Moscow's objective. Cosmos 2612 could be gathering intelligence, testing its maneuvering capabilities, or demonstrating an ability to maneuver in space. The U.S. Space Force described them as operating with the ability to interfere with another spacecraft. I'm Mike Baker, and I'll be back later today with the PDB Afternoon Bulletin. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.