The Department of Education launched investigations into over 50 universities for alleged racial discrimination, spurred by President Trump’s efforts to eliminate diversity initiatives deemed discriminatory against white and Asian American students. These probes focus primarily on partnerships with the PhD Project, which assists underrepresented minority students, and on race-based scholarships. Secretary McMahon stated that merit, not race, should determine student assessment. The investigations follow a February memo expanding a Supreme Court ruling against race-based admissions to encompass all aspects of higher education.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s surrender to a House stopgap spending bill severely damaged his credibility. His justification, that a government shutdown would benefit Trump and Musk, is countered by the argument that he ceded leverage and now shares responsibility for the ongoing governmental chaos. This decision also ignores recent federal court rulings against the administration’s actions, thereby foregoing a powerful political opportunity. House Democrats largely opposed Schumer’s strategy, suggesting a significant internal party rift. Ultimately, Schumer’s actions are viewed as a missed chance to leverage judicial victories against the administration.
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Senate Democrats’ recent strategic decision to allow a House-passed spending bill to proceed, as explained by Chuck Schumer, has resulted in criticism. The author argues this surrender, after initially escalating tensions, demonstrates fecklessness and emboldens the Trump administration. This perceived weakness, coming after Democrats lacked leverage and failed to prevent a potential government shutdown, leaves them vulnerable to future attacks and necessitates a rebuilding of public trust. Ultimately, the party faces an uphill battle in the upcoming midterm elections, needing to prove their effectiveness as an opposition force.
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President Trump’s tariffs and combative rhetoric have sparked a significant international “Boycott USA” movement. Across Europe and Canada, Facebook groups dedicated to avoiding American goods boast tens of thousands of members, fueled by economic retaliation and anti-Trump sentiment. This consumer backlash is impacting various sectors, including liquor, tourism, and automobiles, with some businesses actively promoting local alternatives and governments removing US products from contracts. The boycott extends beyond economics, encompassing cultural figures and businesses distancing themselves from the US, demonstrating a broad-based rejection of current US policies.
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A new Quinnipiac poll reveals President Trump’s approval rating underwater across the board, with 53% disapproving of his performance. This widespread disapproval encompasses his handling of the economy, foreign policy (including relations with China, Canada, and Ukraine/Russia), and the federal workforce. Contributing factors include the recent stock market downturn, federal worker layoffs, and negative public reaction to proposed policy changes, particularly cuts to the federal workforce and veterans’ affairs. Multiple polls confirm this negative trend, highlighting the president’s struggling approval ratings.
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Facing record-high egg prices due to a bird flu outbreak, the US Department of Agriculture contacted Denmark and other European nations to inquire about potential egg exports. These inquiries, part of a broader $1 billion effort to combat the crisis, follow existing US tariffs and threats of further economic sanctions against some European countries. While the Danish Egg Association confirmed receiving the request, it noted a global egg shortage, making significant exports unlikely. Turkey has already begun supplying eggs to the US.
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Germany’s incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, secured a coalition agreement to provide an additional €3 billion in military aid to Ukraine, boosting total aid to €7 billion. This decision is coupled with a plan to significantly increase Germany’s defense spending, requiring a reform of the “debt brake” rules. The necessary two-thirds parliamentary support has been obtained to approve the budget by March 18th. The aid package includes various weaponry such as air defense systems, howitzers, and drones.
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President Trump’s approval rating has fallen below 50 percent for the first time in his second term, reaching 47 percent approval versus 49 percent disapproval, according to a Newsweek average of recent polls. This marks a decline from a recent high of 49 percent and represents a significant shift in public opinion. The drop is attributed in part to dissatisfaction with his economic policies, particularly his handling of tariffs and rising inflation. Concerns over the economic impact of these policies are reflected in numerous polls showing a majority disapproval of his economic performance.
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The upcoming four years represent a pivotal moment in American history. To ensure continued access to unbiased, crucial journalism during this transformative period, HuffPost is introducing an ad-free experience for contributing supporters. This initiative directly supports the newsroom’s commitment to fearless reporting. Contributions enable the continued provision of free, impartial journalism for all.
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Fabian Schmidt, a New Hampshire resident with a recently renewed green card, was detained at Logan Airport and transferred to an ICE facility in Rhode Island. His family reports he was subjected to harsh interrogation, including a strip search and denial of food, water, and medication, resulting in hospitalization for influenza. While the reason for his detention remains unclear, past minor offenses, including a dismissed marijuana charge and a resolved DUI, are being investigated as potential grounds for deportation. Legal counsel has been secured, and efforts are underway to secure his release on bail.
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John Q. Hosedrinker