Welcome to our live blog tracking the latest developments from US President Donald Trump's second term in office. Get real-time updates on Trump's policy decisions, legislative actions, headline-grabbing statements and various other developments impacting the US and the world.
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May 26, 2025· 18:00 IST
Trump endorses Rep. Garbarino despite missed vote on 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act'
President Donald Trump has endorsed Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) for re-election, even though the congressman did not cast a vote on the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' Fox News says in a report. This endorsement, occurring within the last seven days, highlights Trump's ongoing influence within the Republican Party, suggesting that factors such as loyalty may, at times, supersede specific legislative voting records in securing his support. The 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' is described as having an unusual name, likely a colloquial or descriptive term rather than its official legislative title, and the reasons for Rep. Garbarino's missed vote were not specified in the article's context.
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May 26, 2025· 16:30 IST
Nato aims for cordial summit but braces for potential disruption by Trump or Zelensky
NATO leaders are striving for a harmonious upcoming summit focused on achieving new defense spending targets, but concerns persist about potential disruptions, as per a report in The New York Times. These concerns stem from the possibility of United States President Donald Trump raising contentious issues about member contributions and the alliance's value, a recurring theme from his past statements and his first term in office (a past event). Additionally, Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Zelensky might press assertively for increased military aid and a clearer path to NATO membership for his country, potentially creating friction if expectations are not met. The alliance hopes to showcase unity and increased European defense spending, but these objectives could be overshadowed by disagreements, particularly concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine and the future of transatlantic security commitments.
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May 26, 2025· 16:30 IST
President Trump's tariff and tax policies threaten U.S. battery sector reliant on Chinese parts and federal aid
Current tariff and tax measures under President Donald Trump are poised to undermine the domestic U.S. battery industry, which is crucial for meeting rising energy demands but heavily relies on components imported from China and federal financial support, as per a report in The New York Times. This situation creates a conflict for factories that were established based on these subsidies, as new fiscal policies and trade restrictions could increase costs and disrupt supply chains, thereby jeopardizing the growth of an industry considered vital for America's energy future. The report highlights the tension between efforts to onshore manufacturing and the practical dependencies on international suppliers, particularly from China, for essential battery components.
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May 26, 2025· 15:30 IST
Trump's immigration crackdown sparks unease among Cuban exiles after recent detention
Immigration enforcement actions under President Donald Trump, highlighted by the March detention of 71-year-old Tomás Hernández in Miami for allegedly concealing decades-old ties to Cuba's foreign intelligence agency and Communist Party when obtaining permanent residency, are unnerving Cuban-Americans in South Florida, as per a report in AP. This community, long accustomed to a degree of protection from deportation, now faces anxiety as these measures signal a stricter approach, even for long-term residents, challenging their historical sense of security and prompting concerns about the impact of current immigration policies.
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May 26, 2025· 15:00 IST
Arkansas town damaged by tornado becomes a test case for President Trump's FEMA
Cave City, Arkansas, following damage from a tornado in March, has become a focal point for evaluating the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) response capabilities and policies under the current administration of President Donald Trump, The New York Times said in a report. The plight of the town highlights the critical financial vulnerabilities of small communities when faced with major disasters, with Cave City's mayor noting that such municipalities often lack substantial budget reserves for recovery efforts, thereby testing the efficacy of FEMA's support systems.
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May 26, 2025· 13:30 IST
Donald Trump proclaims May 2025 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
President Donald Trump proclaimed May 2025 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month on May 24, 2025, Trump Official Website said in a report. This designation, a recurring presidential action since past event: its origins in 1963 under President Kennedy, is largely symbolic. While supporters view it as promoting traditional values like health and personal responsibility, critics may see it as performative, lacking concrete policy to address public health. Public health experts note such proclamations can raise awareness but stress that real impact on national fitness requires policy changes and funding for programs.
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May 26, 2025· 13:30 IST
President Trump issues executive order to reform Department of Energy nuclear reactor testing
President Donald Trump took executive action on May 23, 2025, to reform nuclear reactor testing within the Department of Energy (DOE), the Trump Official Website said in a report. This initiative is designed to streamline and expedite testing, particularly for advanced reactor concepts and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), aiming to bolster innovation and shorten development cycles. The nuclear industry is expected to welcome the reforms, foreseeing quicker research and development, whereas environmental and safety groups are likely to voice apprehension over potentially diminished safety protocols and oversight. These changes primarily affect the DOE's research and development testing functions, which are separate from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) responsibility for safety licensing, although effects on DOE-NRC coordination and the data provided to the NRC are anticipated.
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May 26, 2025· 13:30 IST
Donald Trump issues message on National Missing Children’s Day
President Donald Trump released a Presidential Message on May 25, 2025, commemorating National Missing Children’s Day, Trump Official Website said in a report. This annual observance on May 25th, first proclaimed in 1983 following the past disappearance of Etan Patz in 1979, aims to raise awareness for missing children. The issuance of such statements is a customary presidential action to highlight the ongoing importance of child safety and acknowledge efforts to protect children.
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May 26, 2025· 13:30 IST
Donald Trump orders reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
President Donald Trump issued an executive order on May 23, 2025, mandating a reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), as per a report in Trump Official Website. This action aligns with his administration's ongoing focus on domestic energy production and previous efforts (during his first term, 2017-2021) to reduce federal regulations. The order is anticipated to address industry calls for modernizing the NRC's licensing and regulatory processes, often described as complex and slow. Potential implications include streamlined operations for the nuclear industry, but also concerns from environmental and public safety groups about potentially weakened oversight, with the move expected to prompt significant internal changes within the NRC and trigger increased congressional scrutiny.
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May 26, 2025· 12:30 IST
Trump says he'll delay threatened 50% EU tariff until July for negotiations
President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States will postpone the implementation of a threatened 50% tariff on the European Union from its original date of June 1 to July 9, as per a report in AP. This extension is intended to provide additional time for negotiations with the bloc, a decision made after Trump's discussion with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, who reportedly expressed a desire for "serious negotiations."
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May 26, 2025· 12:30 IST
President Donald Trump's Memorial Day 'Prayer for Peace' proclamation prompts varied reactions and analysis
President Donald Trump issued a 'Prayer for Peace' proclamation for Memorial Day on May 24, 2025, according to a report in Trump Official Website; this presidential action is being examined within the context of ongoing global conflicts and significant domestic political polarization. The proclamation is anticipated to garner strong support from conservative and evangelical bases, while secular and liberal groups might offer a more critical reception, potentially viewing it as performative or divisive. Experts acknowledge the historical precedent for such proclamations invoking prayer on Memorial Day, noting they are generally considered constitutional if not overly sectarian, but emphasize that the specific language and the charged 2025 political and social atmosphere will heavily influence its overall interpretation and impact.
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May 26, 2025· 12:30 IST
President Donald Trump says Russian leader Vladimir Putin 'has gone absolutely CRAZY!'
President Donald Trump sharply criticized Russian leader Vladimir Putin, stating on social media Sunday night that Putin "has gone absolutely CRAZY!" and is "needlessly killing a lot of people," as per a report in AP. This denunciation occurred as Russian forces continued drone and missile attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for a third consecutive night, marking a notable shift from Trump's past acknowledgement of having a "very good relationship" with Putin, about whom he now suggests "something has happened."
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May 26, 2025· 12:30 IST
President Trump proclaims May 2025 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on May 24, 2025, designating May as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, an action detailed on the Trump Official Website. This annual presidential tradition aims to encourage physical activity and highlight its importance. While seen by some as positive messaging aligning with themes of personal responsibility and youth well-being, particularly amid ongoing concerns about childhood obesity and screen time, experts and critics often view such proclamations as primarily symbolic. They emphasize the need for concrete policy measures and funding for health and education programs to effect real change in national fitness levels, noting that the proclamation itself does not enact new laws or allocate resources. The timing aligns with FY 2026 budget discussions and an administration focus on education and youth development.
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May 26, 2025· 12:30 IST
President Donald Trump hints at imminent announcement on Iran nuclear talks
President Donald Trump indicated on Sunday, May 25, 2025, that progress has been made with Iran regarding its nuclear program and hinted an announcement could come in the "next two days," AP said in a report. Speaking to reporters in northern New Jersey, Trump described the discussions as "very, very good." His optimistic tone contrasted with a U.S. envoy's statement on Friday, May 23, 2025, which described the fifth round of U.S.-Iran negotiations in Rome as having made "some but not conclusive" progress.
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May 26, 2025· 12:30 IST
President Donald Trump issues message for National Missing Children’s Day
President Donald Trump released a presidential message on May 25, 2025, to commemorate National Missing Children’s Day, as per a report in Trump Official Website. This day, observed annually on May 25th since its establishment in 1983 (a past event), serves to remember missing children and promote efforts for child safety. The issuance of such a presidential message is a customary practice, often intended to highlight an administration's commitment to family values and public safety, and to express solidarity with affected families and advocacy groups.
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May 26, 2025· 11:30 IST
Trump directs Department of Energy to streamline nuclear reactor testing
President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Energy (DoE) to streamline its nuclear reactor testing procedures, a move aimed at accelerating the research, development, and demonstration phases of advanced nuclear technologies, as per a report in The White House. This initiative focuses on the DoE's role in testing components and prototype reactors for new designs, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and is distinct from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) authority over commercial licensing and safety. While proponents argue the changes will modernize bureaucracy, foster innovation, and support the U.S. nuclear industry's competitiveness, the policy has prompted concerns from environmental groups and safety experts regarding potential impacts on rigorous oversight and environmental protection.
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May 26, 2025· 11:30 IST
Southeast Asian nations seek unified meeting with Donald Trump on tariffs, says Malaysian PM
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that Southeast Asian nations will forge a common front to address economic challenges, including U.S. tariffs, and have sought a meeting as a unified ASEAN bloc with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss these concerns, AP said in a report. Speaking on Monday at an Association of Southeast Asian Nations event, Ibrahim, whose country Malaysia is the current ASEAN chair, indicated that officials are working towards this meeting, which is anticipated later this year.
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May 26, 2025· 11:00 IST
California ESL enrollment reportedly increased amid stricter immigration policies during Donald Trump's first term
California's English as a Second Language (ESL) courses saw an addition of 30,000 students over a six-year period, largely concurrent with the first presidential administration (2017-2021) of Donald Trump, the current U.S. President, according to a report in CalMatters. This growth in ESL enrollment occurred in the context of his then-administration's actions, such as revoking student visas and escalating immigration raids. These federal policies, including increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and stricter measures for international students, are suggested to have fostered an environment that heightened the need for language skills among California's immigrant communities, even while the state maintained 'Sanctuary State' policies.
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May 26, 2025· 11:00 IST
Trump administration moves to streamline nuclear reactor testing at Department of Energy
The Trump administration is streamlining the testing processes for nuclear reactors at the Department of Energy, a move intended to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, as per a report in The White House. This initiative, distinct from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's oversight of commercial plants, focuses on the research and development stages at DOE facilities. While the nuclear industry views this as a positive step towards innovation and faster deployment, environmental groups have raised concerns about potential impacts on safety standards and oversight. The action aligns with broader administration goals of deregulation and promoting U.S. 'energy dominance'.
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May 26, 2025· 05:00 IST
Trump says he'll delay a threatened 50% tariff on the European Union until July
President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the U.S. will postpone a threatened 50% tariff on European Union goods, moving the implementation from June 1 until July 9 to create time for negotiations, AP said in a report. This decision came after a call with Ursula von der Leyen, who serves as head of the European Commission; Trump stated she expressed a desire to engage in "serious negotiations."
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May 26, 2025· 00:30 IST
Donald Trump announces intention to end Digital Equity Act, calls program racist
President Donald Trump recently announced via his Truth Social platform his plan to terminate the Digital Equity Act, a federal initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide by funding programs such as laptop distribution in rural Iowa, internet restoration efforts in North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene, and digital literacy training for older adults in Oregon and Alabama, as per a report in AP. Trump characterized the program, which supports individuals including those who have never used a computer, as "racist."
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May 26, 2025· 00:30 IST
Experts express skepticism over President Trump's three-year Golden Dome timeline
Experts are expressing skepticism about President Donald Trump's proposed ambitious three-year timeline for Golden Dome, a next-generation missile defense system he deems essential for future U.S. security, as per a report in The Hill. This system, intended to protect the continental United States, would involve a network of space-based missiles, representing a significant strategic move into space.
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May 26, 2025· 00:30 IST
Donald Trump reportedly relishes public confrontations with celebrity figures
President Donald Trump has a history of publicly clashing with celebrities and appears to enjoy these confrontations, as per a report in The Hill. This pattern predates his political career, exemplified by a past feud (dating back to 2006) with comedian Rosie O’Donnell, whom Trump called "a very unattractive person, both inside and out" and "basically a disaster" when he was a New York City real estate developer and TV personality, after O’Donnell had criticized him. The article suggests this tendency extends to other figures like Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift, highlighting a consistent characteristic of engaging critics in the entertainment world.
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May 25, 2025· 21:00 IST
Trump claims foreign nations pay 'nothing' for students at Harvard
President Donald Trump has criticized foreign countries, alleging they pay 'nothing' for their citizens' education at Harvard and other U.S. universities, Fox News said in a report. This statement, aligning with his past 'America First' foreign policy and critiques of elite institutions, has prompted clarifications from higher education experts who note that international students typically pay full tuition, contributing significantly to university revenue and the U.S. economy. The remarks could fuel debate on higher education funding and impact the perception of the U.S. as a destination for international students.