Hong Kong’s postal service will cease handling US-bound and US-origin packages, a direct response to the US eliminating the $800 de minimis exemption for goods shipped from Hong Kong. This action, effective immediately for sea freight and April 27th for air freight, forces Hong Kong residents and businesses to utilize private couriers like FedEx and DHL, significantly increasing shipping costs. The Hong Kong government cited President Trump’s decision as unreasonable and abusive, highlighting the escalating trade tensions between the US and China. The move impacts packages only; documents remain unaffected.
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Following a Supreme Court ruling ordering the Trump administration to “facilitate” the return of wrongfully deported Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia from an El Salvadoran prison, a judge has ordered expedited depositions of government officials. This action comes after the administration’s failure to take meaningful steps to secure Garcia’s release, despite admitting the deportation was an “administrative error.” The depositions, scheduled for completion by April 28th, will determine whether the administration acted in good faith. The judge warned against gamesmanship and emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the high stakes involved and the wife’s public plea for her husband’s return.
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Driven by the Trump administration’s policies, Canadian universities are experiencing a surge in applications from US students. UBC Vancouver reported a 27% increase in graduate applications from US citizens, prompting a fast-tracked admissions process for September. The University of Toronto and University of Waterloo also noted increased applications and interest from the US, attributed to visa revocations, funding cuts to US universities, and increased scrutiny of student social media. However, Canada’s cap on international student intake may limit the number of US students ultimately accepted.
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Federal Judge Paula Xinis sharply criticized the Trump administration for its inaction in returning Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran national wrongly deported to El Salvador, giving officials two weeks to provide evidence of their efforts. The judge threatened contempt of court charges if the administration fails to demonstrate good faith, demanding sworn testimony from four Homeland Security officials. While the Supreme Court ordered the administration to facilitate Mr. Ábrego García’s return, the government’s actions, including conflicting statements about his potential re-entry, raise concerns about compliance. The case highlights a broader conflict between the judicial and executive branches regarding deportation policy and the Trump administration’s handling of the situation.
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Judge Paula Xinis is considering holding the Trump administration in contempt of court for failing to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. Despite a Supreme Court ruling deeming the deportation illegal and ordering the administration’s cooperation, the government has provided insufficient evidence of its efforts to comply. The judge ordered depositions from relevant officials and the submission of further documentation, threatening additional sanctions for non-compliance. The administration claims it would facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return if he presented himself at a port of entry, a position disputed by the judge given the Salvadoran president’s public refusal to return him.
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A small business owner’s TikTok plea for help, citing bankruptcy due to Trump-era tariffs on Chinese alloy wheels, was met with harsh criticism. Many commenters reveled in his misfortune, highlighting the consequences of his vote for Trump. The owner’s subsequent video expressed outrage at this schadenfreude, arguing that judging individuals solely on their vote is inhumane. However, critics countered with accusations of hypocrisy and economic naiveté, pointing to Trump’s policies and the owner’s own political choices.
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Between January 1 and April 9, 2025, over 85,000 visas were issued by the Chinese Embassy in India, significantly boosting people-to-people ties. This increase follows several visa relaxations, including eliminating online appointment requirements, biometric exemptions for short-term visitors, reduced fees, and faster processing times. The move is seen as a soft power initiative to foster goodwill, particularly amidst ongoing border tensions. Simultaneously, China emphasized the importance of strong India-China economic and trade relations, advocating for multilateralism against protectionist trade practices.
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Following a meeting between EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the EU expressed frustration over the lack of concrete US proposals for removing reciprocal tariffs. The EU reiterated its offer to eliminate all industrial goods tariffs, emphasizing the need for a reciprocal commitment from the US. While the US previously cited various trade grievances, it has yet to clearly define its desired outcome in these negotiations. The EU maintains its position on food safety standards and will continue pursuing a resolution within the 90-day timeframe.
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A coalition of U.S. universities, including Brown, Princeton, MIT, and Caltech, filed a lawsuit against the Department of Energy (DOE) to challenge new funding restrictions. The DOE’s policy, which caps indirect research costs at 15 percent, threatens to cut $405 million in annual spending and jeopardize numerous vital research projects. This action follows a similar NIH policy change, already blocked by a federal judge, and represents growing university pushback against perceived federal overreach. The lawsuit argues the 15 percent cap will severely damage scientific research and the nation’s global leadership in innovation.
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In response to a question regarding the legality of the president’s plan to deport incarcerated criminals, Bondi offered an unsupported assertion that the initiative would decrease crime and that these individuals would face maximum sentencing. However, this plan is likely illegal, violating federal law and potentially several constitutional amendments. The core issue lies in the illegality of deporting U.S. citizens, regardless of their criminal history. Such a plan would require significant legal reform, and is unlikely to be implemented.
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John Q. Hosedrinker