Senator Chris Van Hollen’s trip to El Salvador to secure the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, wrongfully deported due to administrative error, has sparked a fierce backlash from the Trump administration. The White House accuses Abrego Garcia of MS-13 ties, despite his lack of criminal record and a Supreme Court ruling against his deportation. This has led to a concerted campaign against Van Hollen, including a press email highlighting Maryland crime statistics and the creation of a mocking meme. The Trump administration’s actions are in direct contrast to a Supreme Court decision ordering Abrego Garcia’s return.
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This article tracks public opinion of Donald Trump’s second presidential term using weekly YouGov polling data. Trump’s initial net approval rating is mixed, mirroring his first term’s largely negative trajectory, recently declining further after controversial policy announcements. Demographic analysis reveals strong approval among white and male voters, contrasting with disapproval from younger voters and minorities; educational attainment is also a significant predictor of approval. While economic issues remain paramount, the impact of presidential actions on voter sentiment remains uncertain, as seen during Biden’s presidency.
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President Trump prevented Elon Musk from attending a classified Pentagon briefing on potential military action against China due to concerns about Musk’s extensive business ties in the country. Although a meeting between Musk and Defense Secretary Hegseth proceeded, the China-related issues were omitted. Trump publicly denounced the news reports as false, and Hegseth subsequently launched an inquiry into the leak, resulting in the suspension of two Pentagon officials. Trump’s decision, while demonstrating his continued regard for Musk, highlighted potential conflicts of interest.
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Smartmatic is seeking to hold Mike Lindell in civil contempt for failing to pay over $50,000 in sanctions stemming from a frivolous counterclaim in a defamation suit. Lindell, citing $70 million in debt and IRS garnishment, claims he is unable to pay, stating he currently lives on $1,000 a week due to ongoing legal battles. Judge Carl Nichols will review Lindell’s financial documents before ruling on the contempt motion. These legal issues are part of multiple defamation lawsuits against Lindell, alleging he falsely linked Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems to election fraud to boost MyPillow sales.
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Senator Chris Van Hollen alleges that El Salvador’s Vice President confirmed the Trump administration is paying the country to detain Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national mistakenly deported from the U.S. Despite lacking evidence of gang affiliation, Garcia remains imprisoned in CECOT, a maximum-security prison. Van Hollen’s request to see Garcia was denied, prompting him to seek U.S. Embassy intervention. The Department of Justice has indicated that even if returned, Garcia would face immediate re-detention and deportation.
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Senator Bernie Sanders’ Fighting Oligarchy Tour is drawing massive crowds, even in traditionally Republican states, directly challenging the influence of billionaires like President Trump and Elon Musk. Rallies have attracted tens of thousands of attendees, prompting denials from Trump regarding attendance figures and accusations from Musk of paid protesters. Sanders’ message focuses on the need to combat oligarchy and create a government that works for all, not just the wealthy elite, emphasizing a grassroots movement to counter the influence of the 1%. The tour continues across the country, highlighting growing public support for a more aggressive stance against the current administration.
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At the Breakthrough Prize ceremony, Seth Rogen’s unscripted criticism of President Trump’s detrimental impact on American science was omitted from the event’s official recording. Rogen’s remarks, which alluded to Elon Musk’s financial support of Trump and Robert Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as health secretary, highlighted the administration’s attacks on scientific institutions and funding. The Breakthrough Prize foundation cited time constraints as the reason for the edit, despite the considerable length of the unedited ceremony. This censorship occurred despite the presence of prominent tech leaders who had previously donated to Trump’s inauguration.
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The Trump administration plans to eliminate the IRS’s Direct File program, a free electronic tax filing system, despite its ease of use and cost savings for taxpayers. Republican lawmakers and tax preparation companies criticized the program’s cost and effectiveness, while supporters argued its termination prevents taxpayers from accessing a vital free service and benefits large tax preparation companies. The program’s future was solidified when IRS staff were instructed to halt development, following earlier concerns about the program’s cost and low completion rate. This decision has been met with considerable opposition from various stakeholders.
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Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a legally protected Maryland resident, remains unjustly imprisoned in El Salvador following wrongful deportation. Despite a Supreme Court order for his return, both U.S. and El Salvadoran governments have stalled repatriation efforts. Senator Van Hollen is currently in El Salvador investigating the situation firsthand, while a federal judge presses the Trump administration for action. The case highlights the ongoing struggle to secure Abrego Garcia’s release and return to his family.
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Judge James Boasberg held the Trump administration in contempt for deporting individuals to El Salvador despite a court order halting deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. The judge found the administration’s actions demonstrated willful disregard for the order, citing the deportations’ timing and a lack of satisfactory explanation. The administration can avoid further consequences by providing hearings for the deported individuals, allowing them to challenge their deportation. However, failure to comply will result in identifying and prosecuting the responsible individual(s). The Supreme Court’s subsequent reversal of the restraining order does not excuse the administration’s contempt.
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John Q. Hosedrinker