Harvard University rejected the Trump administration’s demands for sweeping changes to its operations in exchange for $9 billion in research funding. These demands, which included audits of academic programs and alterations to governance, were deemed unlawful infringements on the university’s independence and constitutional rights. The administration subsequently froze $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts. Harvard maintains its commitment to fighting antisemitism but insists these objectives will not be achieved through governmental overreach. The threatened funding cuts jeopardize vital research partnerships crucial to American innovation and global competitiveness.
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The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a safety advisory for journalists traveling to the U.S., citing concerns over potential travel restrictions and increased border scrutiny under the Trump administration. The advisory focuses on heightened risks for those covering politically sensitive topics, providing detailed safety recommendations to mitigate potential issues like device searches and denial of entry. Particular concern is raised regarding the broad authority of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to inspect electronic devices without warrants, and the increased vulnerability faced by dual citizens. The CPJ urges journalists to prepare for possible disruptions by employing preventative measures, such as using clean, encrypted devices and carefully considering passport choices.
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Widespread protests erupted across the US on Saturday, marking the second major wave of demonstrations this month against the Trump administration. Over 400 rallies, largely organized by the 50501 movement, took place nationwide and internationally, expressing opposition to perceived threats to democratic ideals and the second Trump presidency. Participants voiced concerns ranging from government overreach to the erosion of democratic principles, aiming to build a mass movement impacting future elections. The protests, drawing inspiration from historical events, aimed to pressure both politicians and the public into resisting Trump’s policies.
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In *A.A.R.P. v. Trump*, the Supreme Court issued a late-night order halting the Trump administration’s deportation of Venezuelan immigrants. The administration allegedly moved these immigrants to a Texas facility, provided inadequate notice of deportation in English to primarily Spanish-speaking individuals, and planned immediate removal under the Alien Enemies Act, potentially violating a prior Supreme Court ruling. This action seemingly circumvented the Court’s previous mandate for due process before deportation. Justices Thomas and Alito dissented, with a further statement expected from Justice Alito.
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The Supreme Court issued an emergency order halting the Trump administration’s attempt to deport Venezuelan migrants to an El Salvadoran prison before they could challenge their deportation. This late-night intervention, a highly unusual rebuke, stemmed from the administration’s alleged violation of a previous court order and its deceptive actions toward multiple courts. The Court’s swift action, bypassing lower courts and even a dissenting justice’s full opinion, suggests a lack of trust in the administration’s claims. The 7-2 vote, including Chief Justice Roberts and other typically more conservative justices, signals a potential shift in the Court’s approach towards the administration’s actions.
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A letter containing extreme demands regarding Harvard’s policies on hiring, admissions, and curriculum, was mistakenly sent by a senior Trump administration official. The letter, though authentic in content, was reportedly sent prematurely or intended for internal use. Despite the administration now claiming the letter was an error, the demands remain, and Harvard’s federal funding has been frozen, prompting the university to publicly reject the terms. The administration has not rescinded its demands or reversed the funding freeze.
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The Supreme Court issued an emergency order halting the Trump administration’s plan to deport Texas migrants to El Salvador under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. This action prevents the removal of detainees within the Northern District of Texas pending further court review, reversing lower court decisions that refused to halt the deportations. Justices Thomas and Alito dissented from the majority opinion. The ruling follows the ACLU’s appeal after a lower court judge found he lacked jurisdiction over the matter. The stay applies only to migrants detained in the specified district.
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Trump officials are attributing the recent confrontation with Harvard University to a simple mistake. This explanation, however, seems to be part of a larger pattern of shifting blame and contradictory statements. The administration simultaneously insists the letter to Harvard stands, that it was a regrettable error, that Harvard should have engaged in further negotiations, and that the university harbors antisemitism and warrants punitive action. This inconsistent messaging clearly reflects a lack of cohesive strategy or a deliberate attempt to manipulate the situation.
The claim that the letter itself was a mistake is further complicated by the administration’s refusal to retract it.… Continue reading
Senator Chris Van Hollen visited El Salvador to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man illegally imprisoned there by the Trump administration despite a Supreme Court order for his return. Van Hollen’s meeting revealed Abrego Garcia’s detention in harsh conditions at CECOT, a notorious prison, with the Salvadoran government admitting to holding him due to US payments. The Trump administration’s claims of Abrego Garcia’s gang affiliation are contradicted by a federal judge’s ruling and the appeals court’s condemnation of the administration’s actions as lawless. Van Hollen exposed attempts by Salvadoran President Bukele to stage a misleading image of Abrego Garcia’s well-being.
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A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order halting the Trump administration’s planned layoff of approximately 1,400 CFPB employees, pending further evidence on the termination process. The layoffs, impacting roughly 90% of the agency, were intended to significantly reduce the CFPB’s scope, a move opposed by employee unions and some who value the agency’s consumer protection work. The judge’s decision follows a previous ruling and ongoing litigation challenging the legality and justification of the cuts. A hearing is scheduled for April 28th to address the matter further.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood