A US appeals court refused the Trump administration’s request to immediately halt a lower court’s block on an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for some immigrant children. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will conduct a full review of the case in June. The administration argued the order was crucial to immigration reform, while opposing states contended it violated the 14th Amendment. The appeals court majority found the administration failed to demonstrate an urgent need for immediate action.
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Eight Latin American drug cartels, including Tren de Aragua and MS-13, have been officially designated as “foreign terrorist organizations” by the Trump administration, a move announced Wednesday and to be published Thursday. This designation, enabled by a January 2020 executive order, utilizes a label typically reserved for politically motivated groups, but the administration justifies it based on the cartels’ transnational operations, including drug and human trafficking, and violent territorial expansion. Critics express concern that this broad label could negatively impact U.S.-Latin American relations and trade due to the potential for unintended legal repercussions for businesses. Mexico has affirmed its commitment to combating cartels within its own borders while maintaining its sovereignty.
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Governor JB Pritzker presented a $55.2 billion budget proposal for Illinois, characterized by flat spending in most areas and increased funding for schools and pensions, while avoiding new taxes. Simultaneously, he issued a sharp critique of President Trump’s administration, drawing parallels to the rise of Nazism and urging resistance against what he perceived as an erosion of democratic principles. The budget also includes several policy proposals unrelated to spending, such as prescription drug cost reduction and cellphone restrictions in schools. Despite the governor’s efforts at fiscal responsibility, the budget faces opposition from some Democrats due to proposed cuts, particularly to a healthcare program for non-citizens.
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The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is revoking its approval of New York City’s congestion pricing program, citing its primary focus on MTA revenue generation rather than congestion reduction, exceeding the scope of its authorized pilot program. MTA Chair Janno Lieber plans to challenge this decision in federal court, emphasizing the program’s success in reducing congestion and improving commute times. Governor Hochul also intends to fight the USDOT’s decision, highlighting the positive impacts on traffic and businesses. The future of congestion pricing remains uncertain pending legal action.
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The Trump administration, influenced by Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency,” abruptly fired 300 probationary employees from the National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA), many involved in managing the U.S. nuclear arsenal and preventing nuclear proliferation. These firings, later rescinded due to public outcry, jeopardized national security by potentially destabilizing crucial programs and damaging the expertise within the agency. The chaotic firings, part of a broader effort to demoralize the federal workforce, highlight the risks of uninformed decisions impacting sensitive national security operations. The incident underscores concerns about the potential for further, similarly reckless actions impacting vital national security functions.
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The White House released a video depicting the deportation of immigrants from Seattle, using the provocative title “ASMR: Illegal Alien Deportation Flight.” The 41-second clip shows shackled individuals being processed and boarded onto a plane, their faces obscured. The video’s audio focuses on the sounds of the restraints, a deliberate choice contrasting the ASMR label with the harsh reality of deportation. This action highlights the Trump administration’s stance on immigration enforcement.
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The Trump administration and Elon Musk falsely claimed millions of deceased centenarians are receiving Social Security benefits, a figure significantly inflating the actual problem of improper payments. While improper payments, including some to deceased individuals, exist, the majority of erroneous payments were overpayments to the living, totaling less than 1% of total benefits. The inflated figures stem from outdated software and incomplete death records, not widespread fraud involving impossibly aged recipients. The administration’s focus on this issue distracts from more substantial areas of government financial waste.
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Following a European tour, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly reported that she alerted European allies to the Trump administration’s economic and political threats against Canada, including potential annexation and tariffs. Joly emphasized the need for coordinated responses to these threats, citing a lack of awareness among European counterparts due to their own challenges with Washington. Her trip included discussions on strengthening trade, bolstering security cooperation, and firmly rejecting the notion of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state. Furthermore, Canada’s participation in upcoming summits underscores its commitment to transatlantic alliances and opposition to Russia’s re-inclusion in the G7.
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Under the Trump administration, the use of CIA drones for surveillance of Mexican drug cartels is expanding significantly, extending “well into sovereign Mexico.” This escalation follows Trump’s designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, facilitating a more aggressive counter-narcotics strategy. The drones, equipped with advanced sensors and AI, are primarily used to gather intelligence on cartel operations, including fentanyl production, and this information is shared with Mexican authorities. While lethal action is currently prohibited, the increased surveillance aims to disrupt cartel activities and address the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
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John Q. Hosedrinker