A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Social Security Administration (SSA) data containing personally identifiable information (PII). Judge Hollander’s ruling condemned DOGE’s actions as a “fishing expedition” lacking justification for accessing such sensitive data. The order prohibits the SSA from granting DOGE access to PII, which includes a wide range of personal information, and mandates the deletion of any already obtained non-anonymized PII. The judge highlighted the hypocrisy of DOGE concealing its affiliates’ identities while disregarding the privacy of millions whose SSA records were accessed.
Read More
Trump asserted that the U.S. will become the world’s strongest economy due to increased revenue, partially shifting business away from Europe. He proudly declared himself a nationalist prioritizing American interests while aiming to aid other nations. Crediting himself with ongoing peace negotiations in Ukraine, Trump framed his approach as preventing American casualties and reducing financial burdens. He ultimately shifted blame for war-related costs to President Biden.
Read More
The European Commission’s recent decisions finding Apple and other tech companies non-compliant with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) were announced without the usual press conference, reflecting an attempt to minimize transatlantic friction. The Commission emphasized these rulings were purely legal implementations. This approach contrasts with prior DMA enforcement, and follows recent efforts to de-escalate tensions with the U.S. over digital regulation. Despite this, concerns remain that the U.S., particularly given past statements indicating a protectionist stance, will oppose the Commission’s actions.
Read More
In contradiction to claims by Presidents Trump and Putin, U.S. and European intelligence, including the CIA, reports that while Ukrainian forces near Kursk Oblast face intense Russian pressure, they are not encircled. Trump’s assertions followed a Russian counteroffensive, partially aided by North Korean troops, which reversed earlier Ukrainian gains. This intelligence directly counters Trump’s statements, made before a call with Putin aimed at negotiating a ceasefire, further highlighting the divergence between intelligence assessments and political narratives. Despite the intelligence, Trump’s continued claims appear to prioritize his personal relationship with Putin over geopolitical strategy.
Read More
Recent claims by President Trump and Vladimir Putin that Ukrainian forces are encircled in Russia’s Kursk Oblast are contradicted by US and European intelligence assessments. While Ukrainian troops in the region face intense Russian pressure, intelligence indicates they are not completely surrounded. This assessment, shared among US agencies including the CIA, differs significantly from public statements made by Trump. The Institute for the Study of War also found no evidence supporting the claims of encirclement.
Read More
This section encourages reader participation. The Daily Beast welcomes reader submissions, specifically tips and information. Readers are invited to share their insights. The provided link offers a method for securely sending tips to the news organization. This initiative aims to foster a collaborative relationship between the publication and its audience.
Read More
A decree signed by Vladimir Putin mandates that Ukrainian citizens in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories must leave by September 10, 2025, or legalize their status. This action is part of Russia’s broader effort to Russify annexed territories by encouraging Russian citizens to relocate while pressuring Ukrainians to accept Russian passports or depart. The decree also requires medical screenings for all foreign nationals in occupied regions by June 10. This forceful population displacement is occurring amidst ongoing reports of abuse and repression in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine.
Read More
Facing political pressures and funding cuts in the United States, the Netherlands is establishing a fund to attract leading international scientists, aiming to become a refuge for researchers seeking academic freedom. This initiative, driven by concerns over increasing censorship and political interference in American science, follows similar efforts by France. While the exact funding amount is still pending, Dutch universities and research organizations are actively exploring ways to recruit these scientists, viewing it as a means to bolster Dutch innovation and support threatened American academics. However, potential conflicts with existing Dutch government policies on higher education budgets and immigration remain.
Read More
Israel launched a limited ground operation in Gaza, re-occupying the Netzarim corridor and escalating the conflict following a January ceasefire. This action coincided with a deadly UN guesthouse strike that killed a Bulgarian worker and injured several others, including a British citizen; Israel denies responsibility. The ongoing offensive has resulted in over 436 Palestinian deaths, a figure disputed by Israel. International condemnation of the renewed Israeli assault is mounting, with concerns raised about the lack of a clear strategy and potential for further escalation.
Read More
Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown University postdoctoral fellow and Indian national, was detained by federal immigration agents. The Department of Homeland Security alleges Suri’s social media activity constitutes Hamas propaganda and antisemitism, leading to a March 15th Secretary of State determination deeming him deportable. Suri’s lawyer contends his client is innocent and that the detention is politically motivated due to his pro-Palestinian views, filing a lawsuit for his release. Georgetown University asserts its unawareness of any illegal activity by Suri and supports his right to free inquiry.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker