Live
Just 24 hours after announcing that Democrats would reject the Republican government funding bill, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has now announced he is in fact planning to back the stopgap bill.
Schumer said on the Senate floor that the choice between the bill and a shutdown is "no choice at all," but that the shutdown would be "a far worse option." "A shutdown would give Donald Trump and Elon Musk carte blanche to destroy vital government services at a significantly faster rate than they can right now," he said.
It's unclear if Republicans, who hold a 53-47 seat majority and need 60 votes to move forward, have enough support. They will likely need eight Democrats to cross the aisle to support it, and several have already made clear they won't vote for the bill.
What to know:
- Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego both said they will oppose both the bill. "I cannot vote for the Republican plan to give unchecked power to Donald Trump and Elon Musk," Kelly said in a statement.
- The House on Tuesday narrowly approved the resolution to keep the government funded through September.
- If the Senate cannot approve the bill by midnight Friday, the government will go into shutdown.
Newsweek's live blog is closed.
USPS agrees to work with DOGE
U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has signed an agreement to allow the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the General Services Administration to work with the US Postal Service.
DOGE will specifically be looking at making changes to USPS retirement assets and the Workers' Compensation Program, DeJoy sent a letter to Congress. It will also look at regulatory and legislative requirements at the agency.
"The DOGE team was gracious enough to ask for the big problems they can help us with," wrote DeJoy, a Republican businessman who was appointed to head the USPS in 2020.
"It has long been known that the Postal Service has a broken business model that was not financially sustainable without critically necessary and fundamental core change."
The Postal Service has already slashed 30,000 employees since 2021, and is aiming to cut another 10,000 jobs in the next month.
Donald Trump tax plan could give Americans an extra $24,000 per year
President Donald Trump's tax plan could give some Americans an extra $24,000 per year.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Trump is looking to eliminate income tax for Americans earning less than $150,000, and at the higher end of that bracket, some would save up to the $24,000. Experts, however, are concerned with this massive endeavor and its potential long-term ramifications on the U.S. economy.
During his campaign, Trump suggested that he could eliminate the federal income tax by implementing an all-tariff policy.
This has garnered criticism from some who say adding tariffs instead of an income tax would hurt low- and middle-income Americans while rewarding only the top earners.
Lutnick shared Trump's plans in an interview this week. "How about no tax on tips? How about no tax on overtime? How about no Social Security? How about all those things—these are the kind of thoughts that will change America. I know what his (Donald Trump) goal is ... no tax, for anybody who makes less than $150,000 a year. That's his goal. That's what I'm working for," Lutnick told CBS.
Schumer will vote yes on GOP spending bill to avoid government shutdown
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer announced on Thursday that he is planning to vote for the GOP stopgap spending bill tomorrow.
Schumer said on the Senate floor that the choice between the bill and a shutdown is "no choice at all," but that the shutdown would be "a far worse option."
He added that he feared a shutdown would only empower President Donald Trump and his Elon Musk.
"A shutdown would give Donald Trump and Elon Musk carte blanche to destroy vital government services at a significantly faster rate than they can right now," he said.
Republicans hold a 53-47 seat majority and need 60 votes to move forward, meaning they likely need eight Democrats to cross the aisle to support it.
Some Democrats have already made clear they won't vote for the bill.
Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego both said they will oppose both the bill itself and a procedural motion to advance the measure.
"I cannot vote for the Republican plan to give unchecked power to Donald Trump and Elon Musk," Kelly said in a statement. "I told Arizonans I'd stand up when it was right for our state and our country, and this is one of those moments."
However, Schumer said he fears the shutdown could further damage the government and worsen the cuts.
"I believe it is my job to make the best choice to minimize the harms" to the American people," Schumer said.
200 staff fired from CISA sparking security concerns: Report
Around 200 contractors and employee with Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) were fired last month, according to Bloomberg.
Those let go reportedly included a specialist group that carried out simulated attacks on U.S. government networks to find and fix weaknesses.
CISA was founded in 2018 as a reaction to Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Since then it has strong bipartisan support.
"Our enemies are not slowing their continuous assaults on our systems," Suzanne Spaulding, who led CISA's predecessor during the Obama administration, told Wired.
"We need all hands on deck and focused, not traumatized and distracted."
Johns Hopkins University slashes over 2,000 jobs after USAID funding is cut
Johns Hopkins University has cut more than 2,000 jobs after more than $800 million in U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding was axed.
More than 240 of those jobs were within the U.S., including Jhpiego, a non-profit organization in Baltimore, Maryland, the Bloomberg School of Public Health, including its Center for Communication Programs, and the School of Medicine.
"This is a difficult day for our entire community," the university said in a statement. "The termination of more than $800 million in USAID funding is now forcing us to wind down critical work here in Baltimore and internationally."
Schumer tells Democrats he'll vote to advance GOP funding bill: Report
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer informed Democrats during a private lunch meeting that he will vote in favor of tomorrow's procedural vote to advance the Republican-backed government funding bill, two Democrats familiar with the discussions told CNN on Thursday.
Schumer's reported support suggests that enough Senate Democrats will join Republicans to move the House-passed bill forward, helping to avert a government shutdown at midnight.
On Wednesday, the New York Democrat said that Republicans lacked the votes to advance the measure.
"Our caucus is unified on a clean April 11 CR," Schumer said Wednesday on the Senate floor. "Republicans do not have the votes," he added.
Thursday on CNN, fellow New York Democrat, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said it would be a "tremendous mistake" for Schumer to vote "yes" on cloture to end debate on the bill, overcoming a filibuster, and moving to a final vote.
Columbia University revokes degrees of Pro-Palestinian student protesters
Columbia University announced on Thursday that it expelled or suspended some of the students who occupied a campus building last year in protest of Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The Ivy League school in New York City also said it had temporarily revoked the diplomas of some students involved in the protests who have since graduated but did not provide additional information.
Columbia announced its decision in a campuswide email sent on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
The school's email came amid outrage by some over the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a university graduate and pro-Palestinian activist who was apprehended over the weekend and is being detained in Louisiana.
Ontario Premier praises 'productive' meeting with Howard Lutnick, but tariffs remain
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has praised his "extremely productive" with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, even as the tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum remain.
Ford said that both Canada and the United States want the temperature lowered in the trade war which has seen escalating retaliatory tariffs on both sides.
"I can honestly say, this was the best meeting I've ever had, coming down here," he said. "There will always be bumps in the road. But it was very productive."
Ford added that he was feeling very positive going ahead with negotiating on tariffs but he said that, at least for now, the tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum aren't being removed.
Trump will push NY governor to approve pipeline project abandoned over clean water fears
President Trump will push Gov. Kathy Hochul to build a natural gas pipeline through upstate New York during their meeting on Friday - a project that had previously been abandoned in 2016 over concerns it would impact clean water supplies.
"We're working on one project. It should be very easy. It's a pipeline going through a small section of New York," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Thursday.
He later posted on Truth Social that New York "has held up this project for many years, but we won't let that happen any longer. We will use federal approval!"
Trump said the Constitution pipeline will be the focus of discussion when Hochul comes down to the White House.
Meanwhile, Hochul is keen to discuss congestion pricing, a program which the Trump administration have moved to kill.
Columbia University revokes diplomas, expels students who took part in pro-Palestinian protests
Columbia University says it has expelled or suspended multiple students who occupied a campus building last year during a protest against the war in Gaza.
The university has also temporarily revoked the diplomas of some students who have since graduated.
Today's decision comes after Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil was detained by ICE agents on Saturday as the Trump administration targets students taking part in anti-Israel protests.
President Donald Trump said Khalil, who is facing deportation, will be the "first of many" such arrests.
In a campus-wide email sent Thursday, Columbia University said the decision was a result of a months-long investigation and the judicial board imposed the sanctions based on its "evaluation of the severity of behaviors," AP reports.
It is not yet clear how many students were expelled, suspended or had their degree revoked.
Democratic Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva dead at 77
Democratic U.S. Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, of Arizona, who spent 12 terms in Congress, has died aged 77.
Grijalva, who spent much of his career championing environmental protections, passed away from complications from cancer treatments, his office said.
"From permanently protecting the Grand Canyon for future generations to strengthening the Affordable Care Act, his proudest moments in Congress have always been guided by community voices," Grijalva's office said in a statement.
Grijalva was the chair of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee but he'd been absent from Congress recently as he received cancer treatment.
Read more
Donald Trump
Trump administration demands humanitarian agencies disclose any 'anti-American' ties
The Trump administration has sent a questionnaire to U.N. humanitarian agencies that receive U.S. funding asking them to confirm it's "not a climate or 'environmental justice' project."
The organization must also agree that it encourages free speech and "does not work with entities associated with communist, socialist, or totalitarian parties, or any party that espouses anti-American beliefs."
They must also explain if they provide abortion-related care, or services related to DEI or "gender ideology" issues.
UNICEF and the U.N. Refugee Agency were among the agencies that received the questionnaire, as well as several offices at the recently dismantled U.S. Agency for International Development.
Trump's tariffs could backfire on Elon Musk and Tesla: Report
Elon Musk's electric vehicle company, Tesla, has reportedly warned that President Donald Trump's trade war could lead to retaliatory tariffs against U.S. goods, driving up the cost of manufacturing vehicles in America.
According to reporting by the Financial Times, in an unsigned letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Tesla said that while it "supports fair trade," exporters are at risk of "disproportionate impacts" when other countries retaliate against U.S. trade policies.
"For example, past trade actions by the United States have resulted in immediate reactions by the targeted countries, including increased tariffs on EVs imported into those countries," Tesla wrote in the March 11 letter, according to the Financial Times.
Michigan governor Whitmer meets Trump to discuss tariffs and 'defense investments'
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited the White House Thursday to meet with President Donald Trump.
Whitmer described the meeting as "productive" and said they covered a number of topics, including, "bringing good paying jobs to Michigan... tariffs, the importance of keeping our great lakes clean and safe, and additional defense investments in the state."
The governor added she was "grateful" for Trump taking the time to meet her, as she said, "I'll always work as hard as I can with anyone for the the state of Michigan and its people."
Wall Street closes 10% down compared to last month as Trump escalates trade war
The S&P 500 fell 1.4% on Thursday to finish 10% down compared to last month.
The significant drop, which is referred to by investors as a "correction," is the biggest in two years.
Meanwhile, the Dow Jones dropped 537 points, 1.3%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 2% today.
The market has been volatile since President Trump imposed his tariffs on America's trading partners, who have announced their own retaliatory tariffs in return.
Stocks enter 'correction' territory amid Trump's tariff turmoil
Wall Street's sell-off deepened Thursday, as President Donald Trump's escalating trade war pushed the S&P 500 more than 10 precent below its record high from last month.
A 10 percent decline qualifies as a "correction", a term used by professional investors, and Thursday's 1.4 percent drop marked the S&P 500's first correction since 2023. The losses followed Trump's threat to impose hefty tariffs on European wines and alcohol, further escalating trade tensions. Not even strong economic data could reverse the downturn.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 537 points, or 1.3 percent, while the Nasdaq composite slid 2 percent.
Markets have been experiencing wild volatility, with the Dow swinging between slight gains and a 689-point drop over the course of Thursday's session.
European Central Bank president warns trade war will hurt global economy
President of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde, warned on Thursday that "any trade war is going to hurt the global economy".
"Some countries will be hurt more than others. Some countries will see inflation move more than others. But everybody is to lose as a result," she told BBC News.
She added that the European Union had "no choice" but to impose retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. but insisted that President Trump's suggestion the E.U. was formed to "crew" America was an "an abuse of history".
Hoekstra affirms Canada's sovereignty amid tensions over Trump's remarks
Pete Hoekstra, appearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for his nomination, confirmed that Canada is a sovereign state after being questioned by Sen. Chris Coons.
Hoekstra, a former congressman and U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands under Trump, responded, "Canada is a sovereign state, yes," when asked if he agreed it should not be referred to as the "51st state."
How many executive orders has Donald Trump signed compared to Joe Biden?
President Donald Trump has used executive orders to push through his policy agenda, issuing nearly 90 in just two months. While supporters view his approach as decisive leadership in the face of legislative gridlock, his heavy reliance on executive action has drawn criticism from opponents who argue he is bypassing Congress and overstepping presidential authority.
President Trump's aggressive use of executive orders in his second term underscores his reliance on unilateral action to implement policies. His administration has swiftly reshaped federal policies on immigration, trade and healthcare. While these actions allow for rapid policy shifts, they also have provoked significant legal battles and could strain relations with Congress and lead to reversals by future administrations.
As of March 14, Trump has signed 89 executive orders in his second term, according to the Federal Register. This significantly surpasses the 17 executive orders he had issued by the same point in his first term.
These executive orders have addressed a broad range of policy areas, including imposing tariffs that has escalated trade tensions and provoked retaliatory measures from foreign governments. His executive orders have also tightened immigration policies through increased border enforcement measures and rolled back healthcare regulations enacted under the previous administration.
In contrast, former President Joe Biden, issued 37 executive orders during the same period of his term and 162 total while he was in office. Many of Biden's orders focused on reversing policies from the previous Trump administration, addressing climate change and managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elon Musk visits NSA, meets with agency chief amid calls for overhaul
Elon Musk visited the National Security Agency (NSA) headquarters at Fort Meade, Maryland, today, meeting with NSA Director Gen. Timothy Haugh, a spokesperson confirmed. The visit comes days after Musk called for an "overhaul" of the country's top cyberespionage agency.
Musk, a key figure in Trump's efforts to shrink the federal government, recently posted on X that "the NSA needs an overhaul." During his visit, he toured the NSA's Remote Operations Center, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The NSA, which plays a critical role in intelligence gathering and cybersecurity, is reportedly considering early retirement and buyout options to comply with administration orders to reduce its workforce. Other intelligence agencies, including the CIA, are also implementing staff reductions.
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to narrow rulings blocking citizenship order
The Trump administration has filed emergency applications with the Supreme Court seeking to limit lower court rulings that have blocked a recent executive order on citizenship. District judges in Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington had halted the order nationwide, prompting the administration to appeal.
Three federal appeals courts have already rejected the administration's arguments. The order, signed by Trump shortly after his second inauguration, denies citizenship to children born after Feb. 19 if their parents are in the U.S. illegally. It also prohibits federal agencies from issuing or recognizing documents affirming citizenship for these individuals.
USPS signs reform deal with Musk's DOGE team, plans job cuts
U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told Congress he signed an agreement with Elon Musk's DOGE reform team to help USPS address financial challenges, Reuters reported. The agency plans to cut 10,000 jobs through early retirements.
DeJoy, who announced plans to step down, has overseen major USPS restructuring. He blamed regulatory burdens for losses and criticized the Postal Regulatory Commission. Meanwhile, Musk has pushed for USPS privatization, and President Trump has considered merging it with the Commerce Department.
Hochul to discuss energy pipeline and congestion pricing with Trump
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she plans to discuss several issues with Trump, including a proposed underground pipeline in New York that could lower energy costs.
Hochul also wants to revisit their previous conversation on infrastructure and Penn Station while addressing concerns about energy tariffs.
Additionally, she intends to bring up congestion pricing, which the Trump administration has put on hold in New York City.
US in talks with NATO ally to reverse Russian oil import ban: Report
The U.S. is in talks with the German government and Russian officials to resume refinement of Russian oil from a major pipeline snaking through the NATO country, according to German and independent Russian media reports.
Newsweek has reached out to the White House, the German chancellor's office and Berlin's finance ministry for comment via email.
Moscow is a major oil exporter, but countries backing Ukraine after Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than three years ago have attempted to cut off the vital source of income to Moscow's war effort. Germany is linked to the Druzhba pipeline, stretching thousands of kilometers, via Poland and Belarus.
The PCK refinery, close to the northeastern German town of Schwedt, is now served by Kazakh oil exports and is responsible for supplying the bulk of Germany's fuel, according to Reuters. Russian oil deliveries through Schwedt ceased in January 2023. President Donald Trump's apparent rapprochement with Moscow could change that.
Arizona's Democratic senators oppose House GOP funding bill
Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego announced they will oppose the House GOP's funding bill to prevent a government shutdown. Both were seen as possible Democratic votes in favor of the measure, which needs support from eight Democrats to pass.
Kelly cited concerns over the bill's impact, saying, "I cannot vote for the Republican plan to give unchecked power to Donald Trump and Elon Musk." He also warned of potential consequences, including tariffs and job losses for veterans.
Without Democratic support, the bill faces significant hurdles ahead of the Saturday shutdown deadline.
Trump says he has 'great' relationship with Kim Jong-un
President Donald Trump claimed Thursday to have a "great" relationship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.
Trump called the country a "nuclear power" as he suggested he could reengage with the leader.
"I have a great relationship with Kim Jong-un, and we'll see what happens, but certainly he's a nuclear power," he told reporters.
During his first term, Trump became the first sitting president to travel to North Korea, where he met with Jong-un.
Trump, who praised Jong-un as a "smart guy" did not convince him to give up his nuclear weapons and North Korea has ramped up its nuclear program since then.
Trump blames Democrats for potential government shuts down
Trump took aim at the Democrats ahead of the looming government shutdown on Friday.
"If there's a shutdown, it's only because of the Democrats," Trump said.
The Republican-controlled House passed the funding bill on Tuesday, to keep the government funded through September.
It must now pass the Senate before midnight Friday to keep the government operating.
Republicans need eight Democrats to support the bill for it to pass, but Minority Senate Leader Chuck Schumer has already suggested that it doesn't have the votes.
Trump says he thinks U.S. will annex Greenland
Trump said during a meeting with NATO's secretary-general that he believes the U.S. will succeed in annexing Greenland.
"I think it'll happen," Trump said in the Oval Office, adding that NATO could play a role in the process. He cited Greenland's recent election as a positive sign for U.S. interests and emphasized the territory's strategic importance.
Trump also announced plans to order 48 icebreakers, noting that Russia currently has 40. "That whole area is becoming very important," he said, referencing resources and trade routes.
Denmark, which controls Greenland, has repeatedly rejected Trump's comments on U.S. annexation, while Greenland's newly elected leadership has also criticized the idea.
'Canada only works as a state,' says Trump
President Donald Trump said that "Canada only works as a state" rather than a country, during his meeting with the head of NATO on Thursday.
Trump claimed that the U.S. doesn't "need anything they have."
"We don't need their cars, we don't need their energy, we don't need their lumber," he said. "The U.S. can't subsidize a country."
"To be honest with you, Canada only works as a state."
Trump, who has repeatedly called for Canada to become America's 51st state, added that Canada "will be one of our greatest states" and that he'd even allow them to keep their national anthem.
Trump suggests U.S. will increase military presence in Greenland
President Trump has suggested that the U.S. will increase its military presence in Greenland after repeating his claims that America needs it for "international security."
He also tried to cast doubt on Denmark's ownership of Greenland, saying it was "very far away."
"A boat landed there 200 years ago or something. They say they have rights to it," Trump said in the Oval Office. "I don't know if that's true. I don't think it is, actually."
Trump said the U.S. already has a military presence in Greenland, but suggested that could increase.
"Maybe you'll see more and more soldiers going there," he added.
Justice Department forms team to find cost-cutting measures
The Justice Department has created a team to work with the White House and the Department of Government Efficiency to identify budget savings, according to an internal email sent to employees this week.
The group, known as the JUST-DOGE team, will be led by officials including Assistant Attorney General for Administration Jolene Ann Lauria. The email stated that the team will conduct reviews to find cost-cutting measures and efficiencies within the DOJ's budget.
"We have much work to do in this area and we sincerely appreciate your cooperation," the message read.
Trump says Ukraine's 'land, power plant' discussed in ceasefire talks
Speaking to reporters on Thursday in the Oval Office with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President Donald Trump said ceasefire talks with Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia have involved discussions of "land" and a "power plant."
Trump said, "We've been discussing with Ukraine land. Pieces of land that would be kept and lost... There is a power plant involved. A very big power plant involved. Who is going to get the power plant."
Trump: We’ve been discussing with Ukraine land. Pieces of land that would be kept and lost… There is a power plant involved. A very big power plant involved. Who is going to get the power plant.
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 13, 2025
pic.twitter.com/QdTTNQragH
Sen. Markwayne Mullin wears cowboy hat on Senate floor to challenge dress code
Sen. Markwayne Mullin presided over the Senate floor wearing a bright white cowboy hat, a move he said was meant to "make a point" about the chamber's dress code. His decision followed Sen. Jim Banks being barred from voting earlier in the week for wearing sneakers.
"Nothing in the rules says I can't wear my hat to preside on the floor," Mullin posted on X. The Senate's 2023 dress code requires business attire, including a coat, tie, and slacks, but does not mention hats or shoes.
Despite his protest, Mullin said he has no plans to push for formal changes to the dress code.
Nothing in the rules says I can’t wear my hat to preside on the floor. 🤷 pic.twitter.com/Cqkm0kzFfm
— Markwayne Mullin (@SenMullin) March 13, 2025
NATO members falling behind China and Russia on weapons production, says alliance secretary
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned today that members of the military alliance, including America, had to produce more weaponry as they were falling behind Russia and China.
"We need to produce more weaponry. We are not doing enough. Not in the U.S, not in Europe," Rutte told reporters at the White House, while sitting beside President Donald Trump.
"We are lagging behind when you compare to the Russians and the Chinese."
Rutte praised Trump for pushing European NATO members to increase their military spending and said that the U.S. has a "strong" defense industry, but weapons production must be ramped up.
Trump said he's seen 'promising' signs from Russia on Ukraine
President Trump said today that things are "going ok in Russia" as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff meets with Russian officials and Vladimir Putin today.
"We're getting word that things are going ok in Russia," Trump said on Thursday, during his meeting with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte. "But it doesn't mean anything until we know what the final outcome is
"Hopefully they all want to end this nightmare."
Putin said at his Thursday news conference he has "reservations" about the potential 30-day ceasefire, agreed by the U.S. and Ukraine, to stop fighting in the country. He added that the proposal is "great and correct" and Russia supports it in theory, but there were still things that need to be discussed.
"He put out a very promising statement but it wasn't complete," Trump said.
"Now we're going to see whether or not Russia's there. And if they're not, it'll be a very disappointing moment for the world."
Trump says he's 'not going to bend' on tariffs
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he's "not going to bend" on his 25% tariff on steel and aluminum.
Speaking to reporters from the White House, after his meeting with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte, Trump doubled down on the tariffs as he repeated the claim that the U.S. had been "ripped off' by other countries.
In response, the E.U. announced it's own tariffs on the U.S. worth 26 billion euros ($28 billion), and in the escalating trade war, Trump then threatened to place a "200% tariff" on alcoholic beverages coming into America.
The uncertainty has sent the Dow and NASDAQ plummeting, but Trump insisted on Thursday that the economic "disruption" would be shortlived.
"Now, there'll be a little disruption, but it won't be very long," he said.
Federal government layoffs tracker 2025: Latest DOGE cuts so far
The federal government is undergoing a wave of job cuts across multiple agencies in 2025. Spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), these reductions have impacted many public sector employees, from environmental regulators to defense contractors.
This week, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced it was closing offices and employees in those departments would be laid off, and approximately 1,300 Department of Education employees have been laid off.
On Thursday, March 13, a federal judge ordered multiple government agencies to rehire thousands of fired probationary workers. This impacts workers in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of the Treasury, Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, Department of Energy and Department of the Interior. The order from Judge William Alsup is effective immediately.
The wave of federal government layoffs in 2025 impacts tens of thousands of public sector workers. The cuts, part of President Donald Trump's broader effort to reduce government spending, have sparked concerns about economic instability, the strain on unemployment systems, and the disruption of essential government services.
Head of NATO agrees with Trump on need for security around Greenland area
President Trump repeated his claim that the U.S. would acquire Greenland, during his meeting with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte at the White House today.
"I think it will happen," he told reporters, adding "We need that for international security."
Trump suggested that Rutte and NATO could help the United States take over Greenland
"I'm sitting with a man that could be very instrumental," he added. "You know Mark, we need that for international security... We have a lot of our favorite players cruising around the place and we have to be careful."
Rutte was a little more diplomatic in his response and declined to comment on Greenland joining the U.S., saying "I will leave that outside of this discussion because I don't want to drag NATO into that."
However, he said Trump was "totally right" when it comes to security in the high north, around the Arctic.
"The Chinese are now using these routes, we know that the Russians are rearming, we know we have a lack of icebreakers," he said.
"So the fact that the seven.... Arctic countries working together on this under U.S. leadership is very important to make sure that region and that part of the world stays safe," he added.
Judge also bars OPM from issuing further guidance on if employees can be fired
Judge William Alsup, who ruled today that agencies must immediately reinstate fired probationary workers, has also prohibited the Office of Personnel Management from issuing any guidance about whether employees can be terminated.
Could a government shutdown help push the US into recession?
America's economic woes could soon worsen if Congress fails to pass emergency funding legislation to prevent a government shutdown.
Republicans narrowly pushed a continuing resolution (CR) through the House on Tuesday, which extends government funding to the end of September.
The party holds a slim 53-seat majority in the Senate, shy of the 60-vote "supermajority" needed to advance the bill through the upper chamber, meaning it is now up to the Democrats to pass the stopgap measure. However, the party has given mixed signals on whether its members will offer their support. Democratic leadership has even suggested separate legislation for a one-month extension to allow budget negotiations to continue.
As well as decreased and delayed government services and the furloughing of federal employees, a shutdown could add to mounting concerns about America's near-term economic future. Fears over a recession have heightened in recent weeks due to tariff-related volatility in the stock market, gloomy economic indicators, and other warning signals from leading financial institutions.
Although the disruptions to government services would be significant, a shutdown would unlikely directly cause a recession. However, experts told Newsweek that if the shutdown is prolonged, it could exacerbate the challenges facing the American economy and existing fears about this scenario.
Trump refuses to compromise on Canada metals and April 2 tariffs
Trump said he will not back down on tariffs set to take effect April 2.
"We don't need Canada's cars, energy, or lumber," Trump added, according to a reporter on X.
Trump Tower lobby taken over by Jewish protestors supporting Mahmoud Khalil
Jewish activists filled the lobby of Trump Tower on Thursday to protest the immigration arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist who helped lead student demonstrations against Israel's war in Gaza.
Members of Jewish Voice for Peace, dressed in red shirts that read "Jews say stop arming Israel", carried banners declaring "Opposing fascism is a Jewish tradition" and "Fight Nazis, not students" while chanting, "Bring Mahmoud home now!"
Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident married to an American citizen, was arrested outside his New York City apartment on Saturday despite not being charged with any crimes. President Donald Trump called Khalil's arrest the first of many, vowing on social media to deport students engaged in what he called "pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity."
Senators call for ethics probe into Trump's ties to Musk
A group of Democratic lawmakers has urged the Office of Government Ethics to investigate President Donald Trump for a possible violation of federal ethics laws, citing concerns over his ties to Elon Musk.
In a letter to the agency's acting director, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Richard Blumenthal, and Adam Schiff argued that government resources should serve the public, not "help the world's richest man get richer."
The call for an inquiry comes as Tesla's stock struggles amid Musk's support for Trump's push to slash federal spending. Trump, who had five Teslas parked at the White House, recently bought one to signal his backing.
How Trump's 200 percent tariff threat would hit a billionaire ally
President Donald Trump's proposed 200 percent tariff on all European Union (EU) alcohol products could deliver a significant financial blow to the French luxury conglomerate LVMH, led by billionaire Bernard Arnault, who attended Trump's presidential inauguration earlier this year and has been vocal in opposing French tax hikes.
The U.S. is one of the largest importers of French wine and spirits, and several LVMH-owned alcohol brands, especially those producing Champagnes, are widely popular in the states. Arnault and Trump have maintained a longstanding cordial relationship, but if enacted, the proposed tariffs could deal a significant financial blow to LVMH.
Trump has continued to impose tariffs on various goods worldwide, even in the face of longstanding personal, diplomatic and trade relations, best exemplified by the notably strained U.S.-Canada relationship following a series of tariffs.
LVMH, the luxury goods conglomerate formed through the merger of Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy, is led by Arnault, one of the richest people in the world. Moët Hennessy is the wines and spirits division of the company, which is well-known for its prestigious Champagne labels, including Dom Perignon, along with cognac and fine wines.
Judge blocks Trump's firing of probationary federal workers
A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction halting the Trump administration's removal of federal employees still in their probationary periods.
Judge William Alsup ruled that agencies, including the VA, USDA, DOD, DOE, DOI, and Treasury, must immediately reinstate all affected workers.
BREAKING: Judge Alsup in federal district court issues preliminary injunction on Trump's firing of federal workers in probationary periods.
— Eric Katz (@EricM_Katz) March 13, 2025
VA, USDA, DOD, DOE, DOI, Treasury must reinstate ALL fired probationary employees EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
Trump removes NEH chair Shelley C. Lowe
Shelley C. Lowe, the first Native American to lead the National Endowment for the Humanities, has been removed from her position by President Donald Trump, marking his latest effort to reshape cultural institutions.
An NEH spokesperson confirmed Lowe's departure "at the direction of President Trump" and announced that Michael McDonald, the agency's general counsel, will serve as acting chair.
The National Endowment for the Arts is also under interim leadership after former chair Maria Rosario Jackson resigned ahead of Trump's inauguration in January.
IRS official demoted amid concerns over tax data access
The IRS has demoted William Paul after he reportedly opposed the Department of Government Efficiency's efforts to share tax data across agencies, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Paul will be replaced by Andrew De Mello, an attorney seen as supportive of Elon Musk and DOGE. His removal follows a pattern of officials facing consequences for raising concerns about access to sensitive taxpayer information.
Chye-Ching Huang, executive director of NYU's Tax Law Center, said in a statement that IRS officials resisting improper data use "join a line of public servants" who have upheld the law despite political pressure.
Putin to hold private talks with Trump's envoy Witkoff on Ukraine truce
President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday night in Moscow, as the White House seeks to persuade the Kremlin to accept a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine.
"The meeting between Witkoff and President Vladimir Putin will take place in a closed format this evening," Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told the Russian state-owned news outlet Izvestia.
Trump admin pushes new ceasefire plan amid Israel-Hamas talks: Report
According to reporting by Axios' Barak Ravid, White House envoy Steve Witkoff gave a revised U.S. proposal to extend the Gaza ceasefire by several weeks in exchange for additional hostage releases by Hamas and the resumption of humanitarian aid.
Ravid reportedly spoke to four sources familiar with the discussions.
The Trump administration aims to buy time for negotiations and prevent a return to war during Ramadan and Passover, two sources told Axios. While fighting has not resumed since the March 1 ceasefire expiration, Israel has cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a new hostage deal.
Fifty-nine hostages remain in Gaza, with Israeli and U.S. officials believing 22 are still alive, including American Edan Alexander, Axios reports.
Senate Democrats push back as shutdown deadline nears
With a government shutdown looming, Senate Democrats are making a last-ditch effort to oppose a Republican-backed funding bill that passed the House but does not curb Trump and Elon Musk's overhaul of federal agencies.
Democrats are pushing a 30-day stopgap measure, but with Republicans controlling Congress and the White House, its chances are slim. Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged action, saying, "It's time to fish or cut bait."
If the Democratic proposal fails, the Senate is expected to vote on the broader House bill just before the deadline. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent blamed Democrats for the impasse, while Sen. Patty Murray criticized Trump and Musk as "two billionaires who don't know the first thing about what American families need."
Adding to tensions, the House package forces Washington, D.C., to revert to 2024 budget levels, sparking backlash from city leaders. With limited options, Sen. John Hickenlooper summed up the dilemma: "Both choices we are being offered are full of despair."
Trump and DOGE propose slashing IRS workforce by 20%: Report
The Trump administration and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planning to cut down the IRS workforce by almost 20%, CNN reports.
The proposal was laid out in an email from DOGE which will be reportedly discussed by IRS management today.
Deadline for the mass layoffs at the IRS is May 15 - just one month after the tax submission deadline in the U.S.
Commerce secretary warns not to make Trump 'unhappy'
Howard Lutnick, the commerce secretary, has warned countries not to make Donald Trump "unhappy" with retaliatory tariffs, or they will face the consequences.
"If you make him unhappy, he responds unhappy," Lutnick said of Trump.
Trump threatened to impose 200% tariffs on European wine and alcohol this morning after the European Union put its own retaliatory tariff on American whisky following the U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminum.
The escalating trade war has sent the stock market tumbling and sparked concerns of a recession.
But Lutnick said Trump had no plans to stand down, warning "the president's going to deal with them with strength and with power."
No taxes if you earn less than $150k. Donald Trump's plan explained
President Donald Trump's goal is to eliminate taxes for people earning less than $150,000 per year, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said.
"I know what his goal is — no tax for anybody making under $150,000 a year. That's what I'm working for," Lutnick told CBS News on Wednesday.
He said that major tax cuts could be implemented without causing spiraling national debt through tackling overseas tax fraud.
The proposal to remove taxes for people earning less than $150,000 per year would impact the vast majority of Americans.
In 2022, around 93 percent of Americans aged 15 and over earned less than $150,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The proposal would consequently massively reduce tax revenue generated for the federal government and threaten a huge increase in national debt.
Trump envoy Steve Witkoff arrives in Moscow as Kremlin casts doubt on ceasefire plan
President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff is in Moscow for talks with Russian officials about the ceasefire with Ukraine, CNN reports.
The visit comes after successful U.S.-Ukraine talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.
However, the Kremlin has cast doubts on the ceasefire plan.
Aide Yuri Ushakov, who is on Russia's negotiating team for the Ukraine war, said on state television that the ceasefire in Ukraine "is nothing more than a reprieve for the Ukrainian military" and that "Russia seeks a long-term peace settlement on Ukraine that addresses Moscow's interests and concerns.
"Steps that mimic peaceful actions are of no use to anyone."
Russia has said today that there will be no phone call between Trump and Vladimir Putin today.
Senate committee advances Trump's nominees for NIH and FDA
This morning, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee voted to advance Trump's nominees to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The committee approved Jay Bhattacharya for NIH director in a close 12-11 vote and Marty Makary for FDA commissioner with a 14-9 vote.
Both doctors have drawn criticism from some Democratic senators for their views on specific health policies. Bhattacharya, a vocal opponent of pandemic lockdowns, supported allowing COVID-19 to spread among younger individuals to achieve herd immunity.
Meanwhile, Makary expressed intentions to revisit a Biden administration policy that allowed patients to access mifepristone, a medication used in abortion, through telehealth.
21 states sue over planned Education Department cuts
A coalition of 21 Democratic state attorneys general filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts federal court today, challenging the Trump administration's planned cuts to the Department of Education. The suit argues that the reductions are "unlawful" and would incapacitate key functions of the agency, damaging educational systems across the country.
The lawsuit claims that the cuts, which include a significant reduction in the department's workforce, are a first step toward dismantling the agency. The plaintiffs argue that President Trump's directive to eliminate the Department of Education violates the separation of powers and fails to meet the Executive's obligation to enforce the law.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is spearheading the lawsuit, warned: "Firing half of the Department of Education's workforce will hurt students throughout New York and the nation, especially low-income students and those with disabilities who rely on federal funding. This outrageous effort to leave students behind and deprive them of a quality education is reckless and illegal."
Producer price index remains steady in February despite trade war concerns
The Labor Department reported Thursday that its producer price index (PPI), which tracks inflation before it reaches consumers, remained unchanged from January to February.
Core wholesale prices, excluding food and energy costs, dropped by 0.1%, marking the first decline since July.
The report came amid President Donald Trump's escalating trade war, which many worry could push inflation higher. Gasoline prices fell by 4.7% over the month, but food prices rose 1.7%, driven largely by a 28% spike in egg prices.
U.S. spirits sector urges Trump to secure new EU trade agreement
The Distilled Spirits Council is calling on Trump to negotiate a new trade deal with the European Union to restore zero-for-zero tariffs on spirits, a policy that has been in place since 1997.
"The U.S. spirits sector supports more than $200 billion in economic activity, 1.7 million jobs across production, distribution, hospitality and retail, and the purchase of 2.8 billion pounds of grains from American farmers," a statement by Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the council, said.
The statement also spoke on the sector's role in purchasing 2.8 billion pounds of grains from American farmers. Advocating for a return to tariff-free trade, Swonger expressed hope that a new agreement could boost U.S. jobs, manufacturing, and exports, particularly for the hospitality industry.
Steve Witkoff arrives in Moscow for key meeting with Putin amid Gaza ceasefire efforts
Longtime Trump associate Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Thursday for an important diplomatic visit. Witkoff, who has become involved in efforts to end the ongoing war in Gaza, is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a U.S. official who confirmed his arrival. The official, who requested anonymity, emphasized the sensitive nature of the talks.
This visit follows Ukraine's agreement to a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, with Trump expressing hope that Russia will soon agree to a similar arrangement. Witkoff's role in these efforts highlights his growing influence in foreign policy matters.
Donald Trump's former spiritual advisor indicted for child sex crimes
A Dallas-area pastor known for his involvement in GOP politics and his close relationship with President Donald Trump has been indicted in Oklahoma on child sex charges that stretch back four decades.
Robert Morris was the lead pastor of the Gateway megachurch until last year when he resigned due to sexual abuse allegations.
The 63-year-old served on Trump's Evangelical Advisory Board in 2016, hosted the President's 2020 "Roundtable on Transition to Greatness" a fundraising dinner that cost $580,600 per couple, and worked to organize Evangelicals in 2021 ahead of Trump's 2024 Presidential bid.
He is now indicted in Oklahoma for allegedly committing repeated indecent acts to a child in Oklahoma in the 1980s.
StudentAid.gov outage exposes challenges of Education Department staffing cuts
An hours-long outage on Wednesday of StudentAid.gov, the federal site for student loans and financial aid, raised concerns about the effects of staffing cuts at the Department of Education. Hundreds of users reported issues on Downdetector, with many struggling to complete the FAFSA form, a crucial step for financial aid eligibility at colleges nationwide.
The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators also received numerous reports of technical difficulties.
The outage comes just days after significant layoffs within the Education Department, which included the developers and IT staff responsible for maintaining the FAFSA form. Since former President Trump took office, the department's staff has been reduced by about 50%, leaving just 2,000 employees to manage critical services like student financial aid.
Trump criticizes Wall Street Journal in Truth Social post
In a recent Truth Social post, Trump attacked the Wall Street Journal, calling it "owned by the polluted thinking of the European Union."
Pete Buttigieg announces he won't seek Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is set to announce that he will not run for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat, a decision that clears the path for his potential presidential run in 2028. Since stepping down from his role in the Biden administration in late January, Buttigieg has considered various options, including the Senate seat. However, after consulting with prominent allies, it became clear that seeking the Senate seat would complicate his future presidential ambitions.
Buttigieg's decision, expected to be confirmed later Thursday, leaves the race for Michigan's Senate seat wide open. This could impact the Democrats' ability to retain a crucial Senate seat in 2026, but it also strengthens the party's search for new leadership to challenge Trump in the coming years.
After a successful 2020 presidential run as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Buttigieg joined the Biden administration as transportation secretary. Known for his communication skills, social media presence, and broad appeal, he has spent recent months building connections in Michigan, a key swing state. His decision not to pursue the Senate seat leaves room for candidates like Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens to enter the race.
Unemployment filings drop slightly, reflecting strong U.S. labor market
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell by 2,000 to 220,000 for the week ending March 8, indicating that the U.S. labor market remains strong. The figure came in below analysts' expectations of 226,000 new claims, according to the Labor Department.
While layoffs related to efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency to downsize the federal workforce may show up in future reports, the labor market remains resilient. U.S. employers added 151,000 jobs last month, with significant gains in healthcare, finance, and transportation sectors. The unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 4.1%, still considered healthy by most analysts.
Despite some signs of weakness in the past year, layoffs remain low, with many major companies, such as Workday, Dow, and Meta, already announcing job cuts in 2025. Weekly jobless claims have stayed between 200,000 and 250,000 for the past several years, and the four-week average rose by 1,500 to 226,000.
The number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits for the week of March 1 also fell by 27,000 to 1.87 million.
Dave Weldon to appear before Senate health committee amid vaccine controversy
Dave Weldon, former Republican representative and Trump's pick to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will appear before the Senate health committee on Thursday. This marks the first time an agency director has been subjected to the confirmation process.
Weldon, 71, is less well-known compared to other major agency nominees but has significant ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed health secretary, with whom he shares concerns about vaccine safety. Both have long questioned certain vaccines' safety, and Weldon's criticism of the CDC is in line with Kennedy's views.
Weldon served in Congress for 14 years, with his most notable achievement being the Weldon Amendment, which prevents discrimination against hospitals or insurance plans that refuse to provide or pay for abortions. He also advocated for abstinence as the most effective method to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Given current measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, and the ongoing flu season, Weldon is expected to face tough questions about his views on the safety of the measles vaccine. His past calls to move the vaccine safety office away from the CDC due to perceived conflicts of interest will likely be a focal point during the hearing.
Weldon, however, maintains that he supports vaccination despite his controversial stances, stating he believes in immunization while personally prescribing vaccines to thousands of patients.
Pete Hegseth orders 'rapid' review of military fitness: What we know
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a comprehensive review of "military fitness, body composition and grooming" across all branches of the U.S. armed forces.
The directive, announced on Wednesday, aims to assess recent changes in these standards and their impact on the effectiveness of the military.
Hegseth's decision to launch the review comes amid concerns that previous adjustments to grooming and physical requirements may have weakened the military's overall effectiveness.
In recent years, policies have been altered to allow greater flexibility in appearance standards and body fat percentages for recruits.
In the Department of Defense memo, Hegseth said: "We must remain vigilant in maintaining the standards that enable the men and women of our military to protect the American people and our homeland as the world's most lethal and effective fighting force."
"Our adversaries are not growing weaker, and our tasks are not growing less challenging," he added.
According to the Pentagon, the review will be conducted by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
It will focus on how physical fitness and grooming standards have changed over the past decade, going back to January 1, 2015, and determine whether those changes have affected the force's operational effectiveness.
Trump sends letter to Iran's Khamenei amid nuclear tensions
Trump has sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an attempt to revive talks over Tehran's nuclear program. The letter arrives amid heightened tensions, with Trump imposing new sanctions as part of his "maximum pressure" campaign. While Trump has expressed hope for negotiations, he has also suggested that military action remains a possibility if diplomacy fails.
The letter, dispatched on March 5, comes after Trump's recent statements that military intervention could be a "terrible thing" but remains an option. Despite previous diplomatic efforts, including Trump's letters to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Khamenei has rejected the idea of talks, calling the U.S. a "bullying government."
Iran's nuclear program remains a central issue, with Tehran increasing uranium enrichment to near weapons-grade levels, defying limits set by the 2015 nuclear deal. Despite insisting its program is peaceful, Iran's growing capabilities raise concern over its potential to develop nuclear weapons.
The U.S.-Iran relationship has been fraught with conflict since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and tensions have escalated since Trump's withdrawal from the nuclear deal. The letter's delivery signals a new chapter in the ongoing standoff, but it remains unclear if it will lead to meaningful negotiations.
Trump threatens 200% tariff on EU alcohol products
Trump took to Truth Social Thursday, criticizing the European Union for imposing a 50% tariff on whisky. Trump called the EU one of the "most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the world" and claimed it was formed to take advantage of the United States.
Russia rejects temporary ceasefire proposal from Trump administration
A senior Kremlin official has dismissed the U.S. proposal for a 30-day temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, stating that Russia is only interested in a long-term resolution to the conflict. Yuri Ushakov, an aide to President Vladimir Putin, emphasized that Russia seeks a peaceful settlement that respects its "legitimate interests" and concerns.
In an interview with Russia-1 TV, Ushakov stressed that temporary measures would not be effective, adding, "No one needs any steps that imitate peaceful actions." He also mentioned that Putin may soon provide more detailed comments on the ceasefire proposal.
The ceasefire plan was initially discussed between the U.S. and Ukraine during talks in Saudi Arabia, and the Trump administration is now presenting it to Russia. Trump has been vocal about the need for a quick resolution, criticizing the ongoing destruction and the financial burden of U.S. support for Ukraine's defense.
EU leaders meet South Africa's president to boost trade and diplomacy
Senior European Union officials met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties amid tensions with the U.S. The summit in Cape Town is the first since 2018 and follows the EU's announcement of retaliatory tariffs against Washington in response to President Donald Trump's new steel and aluminum duties.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa are seeking closer economic cooperation with South Africa, the EU's largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile, U.S.-South Africa relations have strained due to Trump's sanctions, including cutting U.S. funding over allegations of human rights violations and foreign policy concerns.
The EU is also reaffirming its support for South Africa's G20 presidency, a role the U.S. has downplayed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipped a recent G20 meeting in South Africa and will instead attend G7 talks in Canada.
Von der Leyen is expected to announce a new investment package to support green energy, transportation, and vaccine production in South Africa, reinforcing the EU's commitment to its Just Energy Transition Partnership after the U.S. withdrew funding earlier this month.
Trump ties fentanyl to tariffs, China pushes back
U.S. President Donald Trump has linked the fentanyl crisis to his tariff policy on Chinese imports, sparking backlash from Beijing. China responded by outlining its efforts to curb the illegal fentanyl trade and criticizing the U.S. for imposing tariffs despite its cooperation.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the move, stating that the U.S. should not "meet good with evil." Trump initially imposed a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports in February, doubling it to 20% this month, citing China's role in fentanyl production.
China has retaliated against U.S. businesses by counter-tariffs and measures but has sought to avoid further escalating the trade war. Officials emphasized ongoing cooperation with U.S. drug enforcement agencies while rejecting "unlawful sanctions."
Fentanyl cooperation had resumed under former President Joe Biden in early 2024 after previous tensions, but Trump's return to office has shifted the approach. China has signaled it will not back down, with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao warning, "We will fight to the end."
ICE wastes $16 million on Guantanamo Bay operation as migrants back in US
The Trump administration has spent $16 million on housing migrants in Guantanamo Bay's naval base in Cuba, according to multiple reports.
All of the migrants detained at Guantanamo Bay have been transferred to Louisiana over the past two days, according to reports by ABC News and the New York Times.
Newsweek contacted the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for comment via email outside of normal office hours.
In January, President Donald Trump announced plans to detain up to 30,000 immigrants suspected of being in the U.S. illegally at Guantanamo Bay ahead of deportation as part of his hard-line crackdown.
Trump said he was signing an executive order "to instruct the departments of Defense and Homeland Security to begin preparing the 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay."
Guantanamo Bay is widely recognized for its military prison, established after the September 11, 2001, attacks.
fairness meter
Click On Meter To Rate This Article
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
