The State Department has initiated an investigation into Harvard University’s compliance with the J-1 visa program, which allows international students to participate in exchange programs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the department would scrutinize Harvard’s sponsorship eligibility, ensuring compliance with regulations to uphold national security interests. This investigation is the latest action by the Trump administration, which has previously attempted to restrict foreign student enrollment at Harvard. Harvard has responded, asserting its commitment to complying with regulations while criticizing the investigation as retaliatory and a violation of its First Amendment rights.
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The Trump administration is planning to destroy $9.7 million worth of contraceptives, primarily IUDs and implants, rather than distribute them to women in need, despite the cost of $167,000 to taxpayers. This decision stems from US laws that prohibit aid to organizations providing abortion services, impacting potential buyers and leading to the destruction of supplies intended for Africa. This action is part of a broader effort to dismantle the Agency for International Development (USAID) and cut foreign aid, potentially leading to millions of additional deaths. Organizations like MSI Reproductive Choices, which attempted to purchase the contraceptives, were turned down and are now facing critical shortages in several countries, including many in Africa. This destruction of aid and the cuts in funding represents a significant decline in support for women’s health programs globally, with potentially devastating consequences.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly called for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, diverging from the handling by the Trump administration. DeSantis advocates for transparency and the pursuit of justice, believing that others were involved in Epstein’s sex trafficking crimes. He previously signed a bill to release grand jury documents related to Epstein’s 2006 case. This stance comes amid growing scrutiny of Trump’s administration’s handling of the files, with both Democrats and some Republicans also demanding their release.
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Columbia University has disciplined over 70 students for their involvement in pro-Palestinian protests, including those at Butler Library and during alumni weekend. Sanctions include probation, suspensions (ranging from one to three years), degree revocations, and expulsions. The university stated these actions were necessary to address disruptions to academic activities, and the crackdown follows the implementation of new policies agreed upon with the Trump administration, including adjusted disciplinary processes and a ban on masks at protests in most cases. These recent actions echo similar disciplinary measures from last year’s protests, reflecting the university’s efforts to manage the impact of student activism on campus.
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The Trump administration significantly reduced the staff of the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, with approximately half of the remaining workers being fired or demoted on July 18. This move came despite bipartisan support for anti-trafficking efforts and prior focus on the issue during the administration’s first term. The cuts have also been met with disappointment within the office, especially since the former president has backtracked on releasing evidence related to Jeffrey Epstein’s case. The reductions were a surprise, particularly given the previous interest from the administration and its earlier focus on combating human trafficking.
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The Trump administration, under the direction of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, released over 230,000 pages of documents concerning the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., fulfilling a promise to declassify files related to assassinations. This move, coordinated with various government agencies and touted by officials as a commitment to transparency, comes in the wake of continued public interest in the Jeffrey Epstein case. The release of the MLK files has not satisfied public demand for information on the Epstein investigation, which remains a major point of focus. Critics have expressed frustration, with many online expressing a desire for the release of the Epstein files instead of the MLK documents.
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A recent CBS News poll reveals a shift in public opinion regarding the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The majority of Americans believe the administration is deporting more people than expected, including those who are not dangerous criminals, a view supported by data showing the majority of ICE detainees lack criminal convictions. Support for the administration’s deportation plans has waned overall, while a majority disapprove of the use of detention facilities. Additionally, the public is increasingly frustrated with the administration’s economic policies, particularly its focus on tariffs and handling of inflation, and a large majority want the Justice Department to release all information regarding the Epstein case.
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A court order has mandated the Trump administration to reinstate $6.2 million in grant funding to nine LGBTQ+ and HIV-related nonprofits. The ruling follows a federal lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal challenging three of Trump’s executive orders that targeted equity-related grants and redefined gender. U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar determined that these orders, which aimed to restrict funding based on protected characteristics and censor constitutionally protected speech, were likely unconstitutional. The judge’s decision emphasized that the executive branch cannot use congressionally appropriated funds to discriminate against protected communities or suppress ideas.
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Senator Ron Wyden, a senior Democrat, reported viewing confidential Epstein files from the Trump administration. These files reveal approximately $1.5 billion in wire transfers to and from Epstein’s accounts, involving thousands of transactions with undisclosed associates. The Senator, who has been investigating Epstein’s finances for three years, raised concerns about the Justice Department’s handling of the case, particularly in light of its recent decision to close the investigation. Wyden’s statements were made as Republicans resisted releasing the findings of a related investigation into the late sex offender.
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According to a recent agreement between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE officials will gain access to the personal data of approximately 79 million Medicaid enrollees. This information includes home addresses, ethnicities, and other identifying details, which will be used to locate and track down immigrants potentially residing in the United States unlawfully. The agreement will allow ICE to access the CMS data for identity and location information on aliens, despite previous objections from lawmakers and CMS officials regarding the legality of sharing such sensitive health data. This move is part of an ongoing effort by the Trump administration to enforce immigration policies, raising concerns about the potential impact on individuals seeking medical assistance and healthcare access.
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John Q. Hosedrinker