Donald Trump News Live: Harvard sued past Trump administration over foreign student visa policy

Harvard University initiated legal proceedings against the Trump administration, during Donald Trump's first term as U.S. President (2017-2021), in response to a directive that aimed to block international students from residing in the U.S. if their academic programs shifted entirely online due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as per a report in BBC. This lawsuit reportedly followed a statement from the administration, issued a day prior, indicating it had revoked Harvard's access to student visa programs, a measure directly impacting Harvard's decision to conduct most of its Fall 2020 semester remotely.

President Donald Trump on Friday threatened a 50% tax on all imports from the European Union and a 25% tariff on Apple products unless iPhones are manufactured in America, according to a report in AP. These threats, delivered via social media, reportedly reflect Trump's ability to disrupt the global economy and the ongoing challenge of his tariffs in producing the desired trade deals or the return of domestic manufacturing he has advocated.

The Trump administration, through a Health and Human Services Department finding announced late Thursday, has accused Columbia University of violating the civil rights of Jewish students by acting with 'deliberate indifference' towards what the department described as rampant antisemitism on its New York campus, as per a report in AP. This determination marks the latest significant challenge for the Ivy League institution, which has reportedly already been contending with pressures related to campus climate and the regulation of student speech.

US futures and global markets have experienced a significant downturn following recent threats by President Donald Trump to impose a 50% tariff on the European Union and a 25% tariff on Apple, AP said in a report. This development, occurring within the past week (as of May 23, 2025), has triggered immediate market instability. While the tariffs are not yet implemented, the mere threat aligns with what some analysts describe as a continuation of protectionist trade policies. The potential repercussions include retaliatory actions from the EU, increased costs for US businesses like Apple, and higher prices for American consumers, sparking debate among economic and political experts regarding the strategy's overall impact.

Following President Donald Trump's recent announcement of his intention to significantly alter U.S. policy towards Syria, potentially ending decades of sanctions, a debate has developed within his administration concerning how quickly and thoroughly this change should be implemented, AP says in a report. This internal discussion occurs amidst concerns for the future of a Syrian transitional government, reportedly formed late last year, and the ongoing efforts to stabilize the war-torn nation, which has faced extensive casualties and displacement with thousands of foreign fighters still present.

The Trump administration has blocked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, an action that escalates existing tensions with the prominent Ivy League institution, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This development is anticipated to create significant uncertainty for both current and prospective international students and could negatively affect the United States' standing as a prime destination for global academic talent. Furthermore, the decision may lead to reduced student body diversity within U.S. universities, potentially impacting research output and financial resources, and possibly provoking legal challenges from affected institutions. While supporters might perceive the move as a step to safeguard American interests, critics are likely to view it as detrimental to U.S. soft power and the higher education sector.

Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba held telephone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday, where they agreed to pursue "productive" discussions in the upcoming third round of bilateral tariff negotiations, AP said in a report. Ishiba conveyed Japan's consistent stance, advocating for "Investment, not tariffs," and affirmed his commitment to pushing for Washington to eliminate recent U.S. tariff measures, likely targeting steel and aluminum. In return, he proposed an increase in Japanese investment aimed at fostering more job creation within the United States.

A Trump administration decision announced on Thursday (2025-05-22) could virtually wipe out some of Harvard University’s sports teams, which fields the nation's largest athletic program, AP said in a report. The new visa policy raises particular concerns for teams such as the men’s heavyweight crew, where seven of eight rowers from the recent Eastern Sprints championship team are international students. Other key international athletes, like leading scorer Mick Thompson and team captain Jack Bar, are also potentially affected.

A judge has extended a ruling that temporarily blocks President Donald Trump's plans for mass layoffs within the federal government, a decision which also prohibits the shutting down of programs or offices across 22 specified agencies, as per a report in The New York Times. This order effectively puts a hold on the president's initiatives to significantly reshape parts of the government while the legal proceedings on the matter unfold.

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba communicated to U.S. President Donald Trump during telephone talks on Friday that Japan seeks 'investment, not tariffs,' and will continue to urge Washington to abandon recent tariff measures, AP said in a report. Ishiba, who anticipates 'productive' discussions at the forthcoming third round of tariff talks, stated that Japan plans to promote its investment in the U.S. to foster job creation as an alternative to the tariffs. The conversation between the two leaders occurred shortly before these scheduled negotiations.

President Donald Trump recently hosted an exclusive dinner at his Trump National Golf Course for leading investors in his memecoin, an event where attendees were met by protesters chanting 'shame', as per a report in The New York Times. This gathering, featuring individuals who have significantly invested in President Trump's cryptocurrency venture, underscores his increased engagement with the digital currency space. The dinner has drawn attention to the ethical considerations of a prominent political figure promoting highly speculative assets like memecoins and has fueled discussions about the intersection of cryptocurrency, political fundraising, and potential financial influence.

Media Matters, a liberal advocacy organization, has condemned alleged "threats" from President Trump's administration amid news that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reportedly launched an investigation into the group, The Hill said in a report. The FTC probe, which multiple outlets reported on Thursday, May 22, 2025, purportedly commenced on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, to examine whether Media Matters improperly coordinated with advertisers.

Detained Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident, was allowed to hold his 1-month-old son for the first time on Thursday in a Louisiana jail, as per a report in AP. This occurred after a federal judge intervened, blocking efforts by the Trump administration to keep the father and infant separated by a plexiglass barrier. The visit came before a scheduled immigration hearing for Khalil, a Columbia University graduate who has been detained since March 8 and was reportedly the first person arrested under a new policy enacted by President Donald Trump.

The Trump administration has confirmed plans to cease production of the U.S. penny, with the U.S. Mint having made its final order for blanks and intending to stop minting the coin once these supplies are depleted, as per a report in AP. A Treasury Department official confirmed this development on Thursday, citing a significant increase in penny production costs, reportedly upward of 20% in 2024. The move is anticipated to yield immediate annual savings of $56 million for the Treasury by reducing material expenses.

The Trump administration has determined that Columbia University violated the civil rights of its Jewish students, as per a report in The New York Times. This finding by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) adds to the challenges faced by the university, which has previously been the target of over $400 million in federal funding cuts. The determination is part of a wider pattern of increased scrutiny by the current administration concerning alleged antisemitism on college campuses. Columbia University could face further consequences, including reputational damage and additional reductions in federal funding, and will be under pressure to address the alleged violations. This action allows the administration of President Donald Trump to highlight its efforts in combating antisemitism.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a group run by Elon Musk and his aides tasked with cutting federal spending in the second Trump administration, has targeted several U.S. Census Bureau surveys, labeling them 'wasteful,' as per a report in AP. This week, DOGE announced the 'termination' of five such surveys, which cost $16.5 million and are conducted by the statistical agency for other federal agencies, although the specific surveys were not identified. This development has caused apprehension among users of federal data about the well-being of the nation's statistical infrastructure.

The Senate voted on Thursday to block California's first-in-the-nation rule that would ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035, a move aimed at halting the state's significant push towards electric vehicles, AP said in a report. This measure now heads to the White House, where President Donald Trump is anticipated to sign it, aligning with his administration's policy of doubling down on fossil fuels. The legislative action also encompasses two other resolutions intended to block California regulations that curb tailpipe emissions in certain vehicles, thereby challenging California's long-standing ability (historically granted under the Clean Air Act) to set its own, often stricter, emissions standards.

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, with the Department of Homeland Security announcing the action Thursday, as per a report in AP. This decision, which requires thousands of current international students to transfer or leave the country, was attributed to Harvard allegedly creating an unsafe campus by allowing “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” to assault Jewish students and accusations of the university coordinating with China.

Judge Jeffrey White of the Northern District of California has provided temporary relief to certain international students by halting a policy from Donald Trump's first presidential administration (2017-2021) that could have resulted in their arrest or visa revocation, particularly for those whose studies transitioned to online-only formats, The New York Times said in a report. This recent ruling, issued within the last seven days, allows these students to continue their studies in the U.S. without immediate threat while the overarching legal dispute over the past administration's directive proceeds.

A domestic policy bill, linked to President Donald Trump's administration and introduced by House Republicans, proposes to restrict the contempt powers available to judges, according to a report in The New York Times. This legislative measure has drawn criticism from Democrats, who contend that it would significantly weaken the judiciary by removing meaningful consequences for officials who disregard court rulings, effectively robbing courts of their enforcement capabilities.

The administration of President Donald Trump has barred Harvard University from enrolling foreign students, compelling thousands of current international students to either transfer to other institutions or depart the United States, as per a report in AP. The Department of Homeland Security justified this action by alleging Harvard permitted "anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators" to assault Jewish students and further claimed, without providing evidence, that the university is coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party. The report also mentions that in a separate legal matter, District Judge Jeffrey S. White in Oakland blocked an unspecified Trump administration action.

President Donald Trump held a lavish dinner on Thursday night at his luxury golf club in Northern Virginia for approximately 220 leading investors in his $TRUMP cryptocurrency project, AP said in a report. The event, featuring filet mignon and halibut, underscored the growing influence of the cryptocurrency industry while also highlighting concerns among some observers about the president potentially using his public office for personal financial gain.

The House of Representatives passed President Donald Trump's significant spending legislation, which he referred to as the 'one big, beautiful bill,' on Thursday morning, May 22, 2025, Fox News said in a report. However, the bill's passage was met with dissent from within the Republican party, as two GOP lawmakers took to social media to criticize the plan, specifically raising alarms about its implications for the nation's $36 trillion debt crisis.

President Donald Trump's Agriculture Secretary has signaled an intention to sign multiple additional waivers allowing states to ban the purchase of soda and junk food with food stamps, after approving a few such waivers this week, Fox News said in a report. The Secretary reportedly described this initiative, which could see "half a dozen" more states implement these restrictions, as a historic effort.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday defended a video aired by President Donald Trump that purportedly showed burial sites of White South African farmers, and characterized a reporter's challenge to it as "ridiculous," as per a report in Fox News. This defense occurred during a White House press briefing where Leavitt addressed inquiries about the video shared by President Trump regarding the situation of farmers in South Africa.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Donald Trump has not issued any directive to declassify documents pertaining to Joe Biden's health or his purported use of an autopen, Fox News said in a report. This clarification addresses ongoing speculation regarding the former U.S. leader's health and administrative practices during his time in office.

The Department of Homeland Security, under the Trump administration, has revoked Harvard University's student visa program, a decision attributed to protests and the institution's refusal to hand over unspecified records, according to a report in Fox News. This action will compel international students currently enrolled at Harvard to either transfer to other academic institutions or risk losing their legal status to remain in the United States.

The Trump administration has initiated an investigation into a Northern Virginia school district due to complaints alleging that its admissions policy unfairly discriminates against Asian American applicants, Fox News said in a report. This scrutiny comes as many elite schools have recently altered their admissions criteria, often by removing standardized testing requirements or implementing other measures aimed at increasing diversity, which has, in turn, prompted these complaints and the subsequent federal inquiry. The investigation is set against the backdrop of a wider national discussion concerning affirmative action and the definition of discrimination in educational admissions.

A domestic policy bill introduced by House Republicans aims to curtail the power of judges to issue contempt of court charges, a development that has drawn criticism from Democrats who argue the measure would strip courts of their essential enforcement capabilities and allow officials to ignore judicial rulings without consequence, The New York Times said in a report. The bill is reportedly seen by some as a potential shield for President Donald Trump and his allies from repercussions in ongoing or future investigations. Proponents, however, align this with a broader Republican critique of 'activist judges,' suggesting it's a move to restore balance, while legal experts express concerns over the potential undermining of judicial independence and the rule of law.

President Donald Trump presented what he described as video evidence of "burial sites" for "over a thousand of white farmers" in South Africa to support his case against the nation; however, this evidence was not real, MSNBC said in a report. Factual clarifications indicate that while violence against farmers in South Africa is a recognized issue, it is not solely targeted at white farmers, and the claim of thousands of white farmers being killed in this manner is demonstrably false and lacks credible evidence.

Detained Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident, held his one-month-old son for the first time on Thursday in New York after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to keep them separated by a plexiglass barrier, as per a report in AP. The visit occurred before a scheduled immigration hearing for Khalil, a Columbia University graduate who has been detained in a Louisiana jail since March 8 and was reportedly the first person arrested under an unspecified policy enacted by President Donald Trump.

A federal judge determined on Wednesday that the previous administration of Donald Trump, who is the current 47th U.S. President, "unquestionably" violated a court order during his 45th presidential term (2017-2021) by deporting a group of migrants to war-torn South Sudan without giving them a proper chance to challenge their removal, as per a report in MSNBC. This ruling emphasized the failure to provide due process before the deportation.

Senator Jean Shaheen (D-N.H.) recently sent a letter to the Trump administration urging action to ensure that special government employees (SGEs), particularly individuals like Elon Musk who might serve in advisory roles such as at the hypothetical Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), do not exploit governmental data for personal financial benefit, as per a report in MSNBC. The letter specifically calls for these SGEs to sign a certification agreeing to this condition, highlighting concerns over potential conflicts of interest and the protection of Americans' sensitive information, amidst broader scrutiny of tech executives' influence and data privacy.

Richard Grenell, who served in diplomatic and intelligence roles during Donald Trump's first presidential term (a past event) and remains a prominent ally of President Donald Trump, has recently been appointed to the board of directors of Live Nation, said MSNBC in a report. This appointment is notable as Live Nation is currently confronting two Justice Department probes, including a lawsuit concerning alleged monopolistic practices, which are actively being pursued by the DOJ under the current Trump administration. Grenell's new position with the company, while it is under federal investigation by an administration with which he is closely associated, has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the implications for these probes.

The Trump administration has reportedly moved to block Harvard University from enrolling foreign students, an action Al Jazeera identifies as the latest in an ongoing, months-long pressure campaign against the institution. This development occurs within the context of President Donald Trump's established pattern of criticizing elite universities for what he perceives as liberal bias. The current standoff also intersects with broader national debates concerning foreign student visas and conservative concerns about the ideological leanings of higher education institutions.

The Supreme Court issued an emergency order on Thursday, May 22, 2025, clearing the path for President Donald Trump to fire two Democratic-appointed independent agency leaders, as per a report in The Hill. This decision lifts a lower court ruling that had reinstated the officials and marks a victory for the President in his efforts to expand executive control over the federal bureaucracy. The order was made over the dissents of the court’s three liberal justices.

The Supreme Court's conservative majority on Thursday indicated that President Donald Trump likely possesses the authority to dismiss members of independent agency boards, thereby endorsing a strong view of presidential power, as per a report in AP. This decision effectively extended an earlier order by Chief Justice John Roberts from April that had resulted in the removal of two board members previously fired by Trump. However, the court also signaled it might intervene to prevent a potential attempt by Trump to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, about whom Trump has previously complained regarding interest rate policies.

A U.S. budget bill, endorsed by Donald Trump and approved by the House of Representatives on Thursday, could significantly alter the social safety net by mandating work requirements for low-income adults to access Medicaid health insurance and by increasing such requirements for food assistance, as per a report in AP. The legislation also seeks to reduce funding for services such as birth control provided by Planned Parenthood. Proponents of the bill argue these measures are designed to save money, eliminate waste, and promote personal responsibility.

President Donald Trump is set to host a private dinner on Thursday night with leading investors in his meme coin, for which attendees reportedly spent millions of dollars to secure a spot at the exclusive event, The Hill said in a report. This planned engagement has fueled accusations of corruption against Trump from Democrats.

A Trump administration decision announced on Thursday could virtually wipe out some of Harvard University’s sports teams, significantly impacting the Ivy League school which possesses the nation's largest athletic program, as per a report in AP. This development places teams like the men’s heavyweight crew, recent Eastern Sprints champions, in jeopardy as seven of its eight rowers are international students. The policy also affects other key athletes, including Mick Thompson, the leading scorer last season, and Jack Bar.

President Donald Trump's administration intensified its ongoing battle with Harvard University on Thursday, revoking the university's ability to enroll foreign students and demanding that current international students transfer to other institutions for the next academic year or face the loss of their visas, The Hill said in a report. The decision was formally communicated in a letter from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to Harvard's Director.

The Trump administration is investigating diversity programs at a Virginia high school, an action described as the latest attempt to apply the Supreme Court’s June 2023 decision banning race-based affirmative action in college admissions to the K-12 educational system, The New York Times said in a report. This inquiry is presented as an extension of the legal principles from the Supreme Court's ruling to primary and secondary education and occurs amidst a wider conservative movement scrutinizing and opposing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in various institutions.

Winners of a memecoin contest are reportedly beginning to gather for a dinner with President Donald Trump, an event that has sparked criticism over the sale of access to him through investments in a digital coin, as per a report in The New York Times. Democrats and some Republicans have assailed this arrangement as unethical, raising concerns about 'pay-to-play' politics. This development occurs as Trump has shown increased engagement with cryptocurrency. The digital tokens involved are associated with Trump through branding, rather than official campaign endorsement, and their value is noted to be highly volatile.

Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) on Thursday voiced criticism of the House GOP's recently passed package designed to implement President Donald Trump's tax priorities and enact spending cuts, The Hill said in a report. Johnson argued that his House colleagues set "the bar way too low" with their goal of $1.5 trillion in savings, a figure he deems inadequate. He further asserted his independence, stating that Trump "can’t pressure" him in the same manner as House hard-liners, highlighting ongoing internal GOP divisions on fiscal policy. The House bill, which Johnson scrutinizes, aims in part to make permanent certain elements of the 2017 tax cuts, a past legislative effort.

The House of Representatives recently approved Donald Trump's 'one big, beautiful bill,' a substantial spending measure that passed on a Thursday morning, as per a report in Fox News. Despite its passage, the bill drew immediate criticism from at least two defecting Republican lawmakers who took to social media to voice their alarm over the plan's potential to exacerbate the nation's $36 trillion debt crisis. This dissent highlights ongoing internal divisions within the Republican Party concerning fiscal conservatism and government expenditure levels, particularly against a backdrop of current economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures.

The Trump administration is seeking to dismantle the Flores Settlement Agreement, an immigration policy cornerstone since the 1990s that offers protections to child migrants in federal custody, AP said in a report. This move, announced in a court filing on Thursday, aims to remove safeguards that largely limit the detention of child migrants by U.S. Border Patrol to 72 hours and ensure their proper care. Immigrant advocates are anticipated to legally contest this effort by the administration of President Donald Trump.

The Trump administration has announced the withdrawal of a federal oversight plan for the Minneapolis Police Department, a decision that has sparked criticism due to its timing, occurring just days before the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s killing, as per a report in The New York Times. This move is seen as a reversal of the Biden administration's efforts to strengthen federal oversight of local police departments and aligns with the Trump administration's broader history of reducing such federal involvement. The withdrawal is expected to have significant political implications, potentially eroding trust within the Minneapolis community regarding federal commitment to police reform and setting back national efforts. Civil rights advocates are likely to view this as undermining accountability, while some conservative law enforcement experts might see it as a rightful return to local control. The timing is widely considered insensitive and politically charged, highlighting ongoing debates about police accountability and federal intervention.

President Donald Trump claimed his recent "most favored nation" executive order could cause U.S. drug prices to "drop like a rock" in a matter of weeks, with savings being "incalculable," as per a report in The Hill. He made these remarks during a briefing to discuss the newly released Make America Healthy Again Commission's report on children's health, where he ended the event with this prediction about drug costs.

President Donald Trump asserted on Thursday that autism 'has to be artificially induced,' citing figures that the article indicates inflate the rise in autism diagnoses, and suggested the administration's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission could provide answers, The Hill said in a report. Trump reportedly highlighted a purported shift from '1 in 10,000' to '1 in 31' for autism, terming it 'a terrible thing.' This recent statement is consistent with his past questioning of vaccine safety and their alleged links to autism, a position contrary to scientific consensus, and raises questions about the MAHA Commission's potential approach to the issue.

The Trump administration released its Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission report on Thursday, which criticizes the food, drug, and technology industries, as per a report in The Hill. The commission, headed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was appointed by President Donald Trump, presented findings that diverge from mainstream scientific consensus on topics including farming practices, vaccinations, and psychiatric medications.

The administration of President Donald Trump has revoked Harvard University's authorization to enroll foreign students, mandating that thousands of current international students must either transfer to other institutions or leave the United States, as per a report in AP. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) justified this decision by alleging Harvard permitted "anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators" to assault Jewish students on campus. The DHS also claimed, without providing evidence, that the university is coordinating with the Chinese communist party. The article also notes that in a separate court case, District Judge Jeffrey S. White in Oakland blocked an unspecified action by the Trump administration.

California officials announced plans on Thursday for their 23rd lawsuit targeting actions taken during the 2017-2021 presidential term of Donald Trump, over what they describe as a 'shortsighted' and 'illegal' attempt to upend the state's stricter-than-federal vehicle emissions standards, as per a report in The Hill. Donald Trump is the current U.S. President. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated at a press conference, "We want to make sure our future generations have clean air to breathe, and a livable planet," explaining the motivation behind the legal challenge.

The White House stated that Democrats have 'never been more radical and out of touch with the needs of the American people' after they voted against a legislative proposal from Donald Trump, which the administration described as a 'big, beautiful bill', Fox News said in a report. This statement is seen as part of ongoing legislative battles and an effort to influence public opinion, highlighting increasing partisan polarization where the bill likely reflects Republican priorities fundamentally opposed by Democrats. The White House's criticism aims to reinforce a narrative of Democrats as extreme, potentially impacting upcoming elections and further straining the legislative process.

A federal judge in California on Thursday blocked the current Trump administration from terminating the legal status of international students nationwide, an action connected to a legal challenge against a policy implemented during Donald Trump's first presidential term in July 2020, AP said in a report. The preliminary injunction by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White in Oakland prohibits the government from arresting, incarcerating, or deporting students based solely on their legal status while the lawsuit over the 2020 guidance is pending. The order does not prevent arrests for other violations or changes to legal status for unrelated reasons. This ruling provides temporary protection to international students as the court continues to examine the legality of the past administration's policy regarding online coursework during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Trump administration is seeking to terminate the Flores Settlement, a cornerstone immigration policy since the 1990s that offers protections to child migrants in U.S. federal custody, as per a report in AP. This move, detailed in a court filing Thursday, aims to dismantle regulations that largely limit the detention time of child migrants—whether unaccompanied or with family—by U.S. Border Patrol to 72 hours and ensure specific care standards are met. Advocates are expected to challenge this effort to end the established protections.

The Trump administration has announced plans to discontinue the U.S. penny, with the U.S. Mint having placed its final order for coin blanks, as per a report in AP. A Treasury Department official confirmed on Thursday that production will cease once current supplies are exhausted, stating that making the coin "doesn't make sense anymore." This decision follows a significant rise in penny production costs, which increased by upwards of 20% in the past year of 2024, and the Treasury anticipates immediate annual savings of $56 million from reduced material expenses.

President Donald Trump has not instructed his administration to declassify documents related to former President Joe Biden's health or his use of an autopen, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced, Fox News said in a report. This statement addresses speculation and comes amid continued scrutiny by some political figures regarding Biden's health during his past term. The decision not to declassify these specific documents at this time is noteworthy, particularly considering the context of past declassification actions and ongoing political discussions.

A federal judge has intervened to halt measures by President Donald Trump's administration that were aimed at terminating the legal status of international students, as per a report in Fox News. This ruling directly impacts the students' visa records and their ability to maintain legal standing in the U.S., and it occurs against a backdrop of ongoing campus protests.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended a video President Donald Trump aired on Wednesday, which allegedly depicted burial sites of White South African farmers, dismissing a reporter's challenge to the video's content as 'ridiculous,' as per a report in Fox News. Leavitt's comments were made during a press briefing in response to questions about the video and its promotion by Trump.

The Trump administration has initiated an investigation into a school district in Northern Virginia amid allegations that its admissions policy unfairly discriminates against Asian American students, Fox News said in a report. This scrutiny is occurring within a broader national context of debates surrounding affirmative action, the role of race in education, and the increasing political significance of the Asian American community. The investigation is expected to examine whether the school's policy, likely a 'holistic review' process, complies with federal anti-discrimination laws like Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

President Donald Trump has not directed his administration to declassify documents concerning Joe Biden's health or the use of an autopen, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced, as per a report in Fox News. This statement addresses speculation amid ongoing scrutiny from some quarters regarding Biden's health and past autopen usage. Trump's approach to declassification, notably selective during his first term (2017-2021), forms part of the context for this development.

President Donald Trump is set to host a gala tonight at his private golf club near Washington D.C. for the top holders of his '$Trump' cryptocurrency, but an analysis reveals that nearly half of these guests lost money on their investment, The Guardian said in a report. These attendees won tickets to the event through a competition last month, where the 220 crypto wallets with the largest holdings of the $Trump token between April 23 and May 12 were selected, with the top 25 also receiving an invitation to a private VIP reception with Trump; the announcement of this competition had previously caused the meme coin's value to surge by over 50%.

The Department of Homeland Security, under the Trump administration, has revoked Harvard University's student visa program due to protests and the institution's alleged refusal to hand over unspecified records, as per a report in Fox News. This action forces current international students at Harvard to either find another educational institution or face losing their legal residency status in the United States. The move is reportedly linked to the administration's broader stance on universities and immigration policies.

Donald Trump has amassed $600 million in political donations and is aiming to reach a $1 billion war chest for the midterm elections, AP said in a report. This substantial fundraising, reportedly fueled significantly by small-dollar contributions, underscores his enduring sway over the Republican base and is seen as a factor in the increasing polarization of American politics. The collected funds offer flexibility for various campaign activities, including candidate support and political advertising, while also prompting discussions about current campaign finance regulations and the potential for significant financial power to influence electoral outcomes.

Detained Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil held his one-month-old son for the first time on Thursday after a federal judge blocked efforts by the Trump administration to maintain a plexiglass barrier between them, AP said in a report. Khalil, a legal permanent resident and Columbia University graduate, has been detained in a Louisiana jail since March 8 and was reportedly the first person arrested under a policy of President Donald Trump. The visit occurred ahead of Khalil's scheduled immigration hearing.

A federal judge on Thursday issued a preliminary injunction preventing President Donald Trump's administration from proceeding with plans announced in March 2025 to dismantle the Department of Education and dismiss its staff; the administration has stated it will appeal this ruling, which U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston described as a setback to one of Trump's past campaign promises, AP said in a report. The order also requires the agency to reinstate employees who had been fired.

A U.S. budget bill, supported by President Donald Trump and passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday, proposes significant changes to the social safety net, AP said in a report. If enacted, the legislation would mandate work requirements for many low-income adults to receive Medicaid health coverage and food assistance. Additionally, the bill would require hospitals to verify the citizenship status of patients and would reduce funding for services such as birth control provided by the nation's largest abortion provider. Supporters of the measure assert these changes are aimed at saving money.

The Trump administration is seeking to end the Flores Settlement, a foundational immigration policy active since the 1990s that offers protections to children in federal custody who are migrants, AP said in a report. This initiative, revealed in a court filing on Thursday, aims to lift safeguards such as the general 72-hour limit on the detention of child migrants by the U.S. Border Patrol and the requirement for their placement in suitable conditions. Advocates are expected to legally contest this policy change.

The Trump administration has announced plans to discontinue the U.S. penny, as making the coin no longer makes economic sense, according to a report in AP. A Treasury Department official confirmed on Thursday that the U.S. Mint has made its final order for penny blanks and will cease production once these supplies are exhausted. This decision follows a significant increase in the cost of making pennies, which rose by over 20% in 2024, and the Treasury anticipates an immediate annual saving of $56 million from reduced material costs.

The Senate passed a measure on Thursday to overturn California's pioneering rule that would ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, AP said in a report. This legislative action, which now heads to the White House, is expected to be signed by President Donald Trump, reflecting his administration's ongoing support for fossil fuels and efforts to counteract regulations aimed at transitioning towards electric vehicles. The move also seeks to block other California rules designed to curb tailpipe emissions from certain vehicles.

A U.S. District Judge in Oakland, California, Jeffrey S. White, issued an order on Thursday preventing the Trump administration from terminating the legal status of international students across the country, AP said in a report. This injunction remains in effect while a court case challenging previous terminations of student status is pending and specifically bars the government from arresting, incarcerating, or transferring the plaintiffs and similarly affected students outside their residential jurisdiction, or imposing any adverse legal effect on them.

The Trump administration, under President Donald Trump, has prohibited Harvard University from enrolling new foreign students and mandated that thousands of its current international students transfer to other institutions, as per a report in AP. This recent directive, impacting students primarily on F-1 and M-1 visas, is presented as consistent with the administration's broader immigration restriction policies and prioritization of 'American workers,' a stance maintained since 2017. While the administration has previously cited public health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic (since March 2020) for similar actions, critics view this as a pretext. The policy is expected to cause significant financial and reputational damage to universities, disrupt the education of affected international students, and potentially harm long-term U.S. competitiveness in science and technology by diverting global talent.

A federal judge in Boston has issued an order preventing the Trump administration from proceeding with plans to dismantle the Department of Education, The New York Times said in a report. The ruling also mandates that administration officials reinstate thousands of employees who had been fired as part of these efforts.

A government watchdog has concluded that President Donald Trump's administration improperly withheld infrastructure funds, The New York Times said in a report. This preliminary finding suggests a possible violation of the Congressional Budget Impoundment Control Act of 1974, a past law which restricts the executive's ability to unilaterally halt congressionally approved spending. The action is seen as intensifying concerns over President Trump's claims of expansive power over national finances, potentially leading to a constitutional showdown regarding the separation of powers and congressional control of the U.S. budget. This development occurs amid ongoing debates about infrastructure funding allocation and oversight.

President Donald Trump and Kennedy are actively portraying U.S. children as the ‘sickest generation,’ drawing on findings from a new White House report that details a crisis of chronic illness, The New York Times said in a report. This highly anticipated government document blames the situation on factors including ultraprocessed foods, chemical exposures, lifestyle issues, and the overuse of prescription medications such as antidepressants. This portrayal by political figures, based on the report's stark conclusions, is poised to intensify national discussions on child welfare, public health interventions, and regulatory actions concerning food and pharmaceuticals.

The administration of President Donald Trump has filed a legal motion seeking to end court-monitored protections for child migrants held in U.S. custody, AP said in a report. This action, noted from McALLEN, Texas, aims to terminate judicial oversight related to the Flores Agreement, which sets standards for the detention of migrant children, particularly unaccompanied minors. The move is consistent with the administration's efforts to lessen judicial review of immigration enforcement practices.

A federal judge on Thursday issued a preliminary injunction blocking President Donald Trump's administration from proceeding with plans aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, and also ordered the reinstatement of employees who were fired, as per a report in AP. U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston granted the injunction, halting actions that stemmed from plans announced in March intended to work towards Trump's past campaign goal of shutting down the department. The administration has indicated it will challenge this ruling.

Individuals who invested in President Donald Trump's memecoin are set to gather for an exclusive dinner with him tonight, an arrangement that has been assailed by Democrats and even some Republicans as unethical due to the sale of access to the president, as per a report in The New York Times. This event, involving 'exclusive invitations' for memecoin investors, has intensified concerns regarding 'pay-to-play' politics and the ethical implications of intertwining financial ventures with presidential access.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller stated in a Thursday interview that the steep cost of a major policy bill from President Donald Trump surprised bond traders, leading to a spike in U.S. interest rates, as per a report in The Hill. Waller elaborated that the market's surprise stemmed from a perceived lack of 'fiscal restraint' in the recently passed House GOP bill.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a spending bill on Thursday following an all-night marathon session, a move that prompted Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) to label the legislation a 'debt bomb ticking', The Hill said in a report. The bill, approved along party lines, includes provisions to increase the debt limit by $4 trillion and extend tax cuts originally enacted under Donald Trump in 2017. It also incorporates other tax measures and unspecified spending slashes.

A South African individual has clarified that white crosses, previously highlighted by Donald Trump as alleged evidence of graves from attacks on white farmers in South Africa, were not, in fact, grave markers, as per a report in BBC. Trump had used the imagery of these crosses to suggest targeted violence against white farmers. However, the person responsible for erecting the crosses stated they were intended to commemorate victims of crime in general within the country, not specifically white farmers or as burial sites.

A prominent 2024 campaign promise from President Donald Trump to eliminate taxes on tips is moving closer to becoming law, as per a report in AP. The proposal has been incorporated into the House Republicans' budget bill, and significantly, the Senate unanimously approved the concept this week. This initiative reportedly enjoys broad support from the public, lawmakers across both parties, and employers who anticipate it will offer relief to working-class individuals, though critics caution about the substantial potential cost to the federal government.

A federal judge on a recent Thursday enabled detained Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident, to hold his one-month-old son for the first time, overriding objections from the previous administration of President Donald Trump that sought to keep them separated by a plexiglass barrier, AP said in a report. Khalil, a Columbia University graduate, has been detained in a Louisiana jail since March 8 (contextually during Donald Trump's first presidential term, 2017-2021) and was reportedly the first person arrested under a policy enacted during that past presidency. This visit occurred ahead of his scheduled immigration hearing.

A federal judge has intervened to block a recent executive order from President Donald Trump intended to dismantle the Department of Education, according to a report in AP. This judicial action halts the President's move, which is consistent with past efforts, described as historical, to reduce the federal government's size. The now-blocked order to shut down the Education Department, established in 1979, had reignited debates concerning the federal government's role in education policy versus state control, an issue with long-standing contention.

A district judge on Thursday blocked an executive order from President Donald Trump that called for the closure of the Department of Education and a reduction in force affecting half of the agency's workers, The Hill said in a report. This ruling is a setback to Trump's ongoing efforts to eliminate the department and counters the quick actions previously taken to implement the directive.

A government report titled “Make America Healthy Again,” released on Thursday and led by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. along with other top officials in President Donald Trump's administration, outlines contentious views and calls for increased scrutiny of the childhood vaccine schedule, a review of pesticides sprayed on American foods, and concerns regarding prescription drugs, AP said in a report. The much-anticipated document covers wide swaths of American health and wellness, reflecting some of Secretary Kennedy's established positions and indicating a comprehensive critique of current U.S. health regulations.

A federal judge on Thursday blocked an order from President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling the Department of Education and mandated the reinstatement of employees fired under the initiative, AP said in a report. U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston granted a preliminary injunction, halting two plans announced by the Trump administration in March 2025. These plans were intended to advance a goal from Donald Trump's past campaigns to shut down the department. The ruling, which arose from two consolidated lawsuits, represents a setback to this agenda of the current administration.

A federal judge, Myong Joun, issued a ruling on Thursday that blocks the Trump administration's attempts to carry out mass firings within the Department of Education, Fox News said in a report. The judge's order mandates the immediate reinstatement of all affected employees, effectively halting a significant personnel change initiated by the current administration. This judicial intervention stops Donald Trump's move to reshape the department through these dismissals.

The individual who erected prominent white crosses in South Africa has publicly stated they do not symbolize graves, directly contradicting claims made by US President Donald Trump, who had previously asserted the crosses were evidence of attacks on white farmers in the country, according to a report in BBC. This clarification from the person responsible for the crosses challenges the narrative President Trump had promoted regarding their significance in the context of violence in South Africa.

President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday via a Truth Social post that he is giving "very serious consideration" to making the two major government-sponsored home lenders, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, public companies, as per a report in The Hill. Trump added that he would make a decision on this matter in the "near future." This marks a renewed focus on an objective Trump pursued unsuccessfully during his first presidency (a past event).

A recent fact-check examined claims made by President Donald Trump during an Oval Office confrontation with Ramaphosa concerning the killing of white farmers in South Africa, with some of Trump's assertions found to be demonstrably false, according to a report in BBC. The analysis indicates that while farm attacks occur, statistics do not substantiate claims of white farmers being uniquely targeted or killed at exceptionally high rates compared to other groups. The report also contextualizes the situation within South Africa's ongoing land reform efforts, which aim to redress historical injustices from the apartheid era, a past event.

Following an all-night session that concluded Thursday, House Republicans narrowly passed President Donald Trump's priority bill encompassing tax breaks and program cuts with a 215-214 vote, as per a report in AP. Trump's direct involvement and warnings reportedly helped unify Republican ranks, persuading holdouts to support the legislation, which is central to the GOP agenda. Democrats were united in their opposition to the measure, which now faces further negotiations in the Senate.

Officials from the Trump administration swiftly denounced the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers, Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, which occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington on Wednesday evening, according to a report in The Hill. The male suspect reportedly shouted “free Palestine” before opening fire. President Donald Trump also condemned the killings.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) criticized President Donald Trump, calling him a 'monster,' on Wednesday after the Trump administration indicated it would launch a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the city’s hiring practices, The Hill said in a report. The DOJ sent a letter to Mayor Johnson inquiring about potential racial bias in Chicago's hiring procedures, an action reportedly prompted by comments the mayor made at a local church on Sunday.

The House of Representatives passed the Republican tax and spending bill containing President Donald Trump's domestic priorities on Thursday morning, sending it to the Senate, as per a report in The Hill. The passage, achieved by a narrow margin, followed an all-night session for many House members. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expressed a triumphant tone when announcing the bill's passage on social media.

President Donald Trump and Kennedy are preparing to release a joint report that will declare chronic disease a national crisis, The New York Times said in a report; this initiative is already facing resistance from certain Republican factions and the agriculture industry. The main source of concern is reportedly the Health Secretary’s long-standing and well-known campaign against the use of agricultural chemicals, prompting fears within the agricultural sector about potential new regulations or adverse policies.

The Department of Justice, under President Donald Trump, has recently abandoned investigations into the police departments of Louisville and Minneapolis, a move that includes stopping negotiations for a consent decree aimed at reforming the Minneapolis police, as per a report in MSNBC. This decision, occurring just before the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's death—a past event that, along with the past killing of Breonna Taylor, spurred these federal probes which were originally initiated under the Obama administration (a past event)—signals a shift from prior federal oversight efforts. The now-halted Minneapolis negotiations were for a legally binding agreement intended to mandate specific reforms within the police department.

Following an all-night session that concluded Thursday, House Republicans narrowly passed President Donald Trump's priority bill encompassing tax breaks and program cuts with a 215-214 vote, as per a report in AP. The approval of the legislation, a key component of the GOP agenda, reportedly followed direct warnings from Trump to potential Republican dissenters, helping to unify his party. The bill, which faced staunch opposition from Democrats, now moves to the Senate for consideration.

During a meeting with South Africa’s president, President Donald Trump presented a video as evidence of racial persecution, alleging it depicted ‘burial sites’ of white farmers; however, an analysis by The New York Times revealed that Trump misrepresented the video's contents, as per a report in The New York Times. The incident is contextualized by ongoing debates about land reform in South Africa and Trump's history of rhetoric on race.

A highly anticipated White House report concerning in vitro fertilization (IVF) and infertility, which could propose extensive recommendations to improve the procedure's accessibility, is currently with President Donald Trump and its release is expected shortly, as per a report in The Hill. Representatives from IVF advocacy organizations, commercial clinics, and conservative policy groups have been in regular consultation with administration officials, particularly since the Alabama Supreme Court's February 2024 ruling (a past event) that classified frozen embryos as children, a decision that intensified pressure on Trump and the Republican party to define their position on IVF and likely expedited this federal response.