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Recent reports indicate that former Governor Cuomo spoke with President Trump in recent weeks, prompting criticism from mayoral candidate Jumaane Williams. Williams contends that this interaction is unacceptable, given Trump’s policies and attacks against New Yorkers. He believes the city needs a mayor who will actively oppose Trump’s actions. The New York Times reported on the phone call, which has raised concerns about Trump’s potential involvement in the mayoral race and his aim to support a candidate aligned with Wall Street interests.
In a press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested a potential peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv could involve “swapping of territories,” ahead of a planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump’s comments suggest a possible agreement to cede certain Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia, including Crimea and parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts. This follows reports that the U.S. and Russia are seeking a territorial agreement to freeze the conflict, with Putin demanding Ukraine cede all of Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea. Zelensky stated that Ukraine is continuing its active negotiations with partners to reach a common position for a reliable peace for Ukraine, but Moscow has been ignoring a proposed ceasefire.
The Aryan Freedom Network (AFN), a neo-Nazi group, has reportedly experienced a surge in interest and recruitment, attributing it to President Trump’s rhetoric and policies. Trump’s attacks on diversity initiatives, stance on immigration, and invocation of “Western values” are seen as galvanizing far-right activists. White supremacist groups are committing a growing proportion of U.S. political violence, coinciding with a shift in the far right’s boundaries. While the group denies any association with violence, it openly advocates preparing for a “Racial Holy War”.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to reports that former US President Donald Trump had ordered military action against Latin American drug cartels, asserting that there would be “no invasion of Mexico.” Sheinbaum’s statement followed reports of a directive signed by Trump authorizing military force against cartels, some of which his administration had designated as terrorist organizations. The New York Times reported that this directive would allow for military operations on foreign soil. The Pentagon has yet to comment on the order.
The Trump administration is seeking a $1 billion settlement from UCLA after the Department of Justice accused the university of civil rights violations, including antisemitism. This action follows similar moves against other universities, such as Brown and Columbia, where the administration has paused or frozen federal funding over allegations of discrimination. UCLA is under scrutiny for its handling of protests related to the Israel-Hamas war and is the first public university to be targeted by the federal government. The university, which has already reached a $6 million settlement with Jewish students over the issue, is reviewing a document from the Department of Justice regarding the settlement request.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has updated its impeachment display to include President Donald Trump’s impeachments after initially removing a temporary placard. The updated display, unveiled following reports of White House pressure, now reflects all presidential impeachments. The revisions include minor alterations to the text, such as the addition of the word “alleged.” The museum has stated that the initial removal was for a more permanent update. Despite the changes, some visitors and public figures expressed concern over the potential for political interference in the museum’s exhibits.
The Trump administration is seeking a $1 billion settlement from UCLA after a DOJ investigation found the university violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The proposed agreement includes a resolution monitor, a senior administrator to ensure compliance, and revised protest policies, including a ban on overnight demonstrations. Furthermore, the settlement would require UCLA to end race- and ethnicity-based scholarships and halt gender-affirming care at its hospital and medical school. This follows the administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus protests and the freezing of approximately $584 million in funding and grants to the college.
President Trump’s recent executive order could allow 401(k) plans to include higher-risk investments such as private equity and cryptocurrency, potentially changing how millions of Americans save for retirement. This order directs federal agencies to rewrite regulations, allowing employers to offer a wider range of investments, including alternative assets like private equity, cryptocurrencies, and real estate. The move could provide private equity and crypto firms access to trillions in retirement funds, though implementation is expected to take months or longer, with employers likely slow to revise plans. While some investment companies support the measure, previous administrations have been hesitant about including riskier investments in 401(k)s.
ICE agents are using factors like speaking Spanish or working in construction to heighten the likelihood of someone being unlawfully present in the United States. This practice is implemented to ramp up enforcement of immigration laws within the district. Despite denials, critics argue that ICE’s actions reveal racial motivations and a priority of detaining Latinos indiscriminately. Tactics such as detaining individuals without verifying their immigration status are raising concerns.
John Q. Hosedrinker