In response to recent U.S. tariff increases, the EU reiterated its offer of a “zero-for-zero” tariff deal encompassing industrial goods like cars and chemicals. This offer, while excluding agricultural products and safety standards, aims to de-escalate the escalating trade war sparked by President Trump. The current situation has severely impacted global financial markets, causing significant losses. While the EU’s average tariffs on U.S. non-agricultural goods are low, the 10% tariff on American cars remains a point of contention.
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A 60 Minutes investigation revealed that 75% of 238 Venezuelans deported by the Trump administration to El Salvador’s Cecot prison lacked criminal records, contradicting government claims. The remaining deportees had mostly minor non-violent offenses, with a small percentage facing serious charges. This deportation practice has drawn criticism, with a federal judge citing “bad faith” and the ACLU suggesting alternative legal methods. Despite the controversy, Trump expressed approval of the arrangement with El Salvador, even suggesting willingness to deport U.S. citizens.
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Two hundred and thirty-eight Venezuelan migrants were deported from Texas to El Salvador’s maximum-security CECOT prison, based on the Trump administration’s claim that they are terrorists and gang members. However, internal government documents reveal that the vast majority lack criminal records, with many being artists, athletes, or delivery drivers. The deportations, justified using the Alien Enemies Act, have been challenged legally, with the government citing tattoos and social media posts as evidence, despite expert testimony deeming these unreliable indicators of gang affiliation. The lack of transparency and due process raises serious concerns about the legality and human rights implications of these actions.
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Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University doctoral student, was abducted by unidentified individuals and imprisoned by ICE in Louisiana for allegedly supporting Hamas. Her “crime” was co-authoring an op-ed advocating for Tufts University to divest from companies linked to Israel, an action that brought her to the attention of Canary Mission, an organization that blacklists critics of Israeli policies. This incident, along with similar cases targeting Palestinian rights activists, highlights a pattern of state-sponsored repression and the criminalization of dissent under the Trump administration. The use of extrajudicial tactics, reminiscent of historical authoritarian regimes, underscores a broader assault on free speech and democratic norms.
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A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a protected Maryland resident mistakenly deported to a dangerous El Salvadoran prison, to the United States. The Department of Justice appealed, arguing a lack of authority to compel El Salvador’s cooperation, but the judge rejected this claim, stating the U.S. cannot outsource its prison system and then claim inability to act. The judge deemed the deportation an illegal act resulting from the administration’s use of an 18th-century law for mass deportations without due process. Garcia’s deportation was described as an “administrative error,” yet the government’s refusal to disclose his current status and the dangers he faces fueled the judge’s decision.
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The National Parks Service webpage on the Underground Railroad has undergone significant revisions, notably removing a prominent quote and image of Harriet Tubman, along with references to enslaved people and the Fugitive Slave Act. These changes, following a pattern of alterations to government websites under the Trump administration, have sparked criticism for minimizing the historical narrative and downplaying the role of enslaved people in their own liberation. The revised page now emphasizes “American ideals of liberty and freedom,” a shift historians deem a distortion of historical fact. The removal of Tubman’s contributions is considered particularly offensive given her crucial role in the Underground Railroad.
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Judge Paula Xinis has ordered the Trump administration to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S. after he was erroneously deported to El Salvador’s dangerous CECOT prison. The deportation stemmed from an admitted administrative error, despite Abrego Garcia having previously been granted protection from deportation due to gang threats in El Salvador. The judge rejected the administration’s claims that Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang member, citing a lack of evidence and highlighting the government’s own ability to transport detainees from CECOT. Xinis emphasized the illegality of Abrego Garcia’s arrest, detention, and deportation, deeming his situation “wholly lawless.”
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The Trump administration’s plan to overturn hundreds of state-level bans on toxic chemicals, including PFAS, would significantly increase public exposure to substances linked to various health problems. This is achieved by altering the EPA’s chemical risk evaluation process, effectively preempting state laws and potentially negating federal prohibitions like the upcoming asbestos ban. The revised evaluation method focuses on individual chemical uses rather than the overall risk, allowing manufacturers to claim minimal risk due to low concentrations in individual products, despite significant cumulative exposure. Opponents argue this undermines state efforts to protect public health and could severely hamper the progress made in reducing exposure to these dangerous chemicals.
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Across the United States, a wave of protests erupted under the banner of “Hands Off,” a nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration’s agenda. The sheer scale of the protests was striking, with reports ranging from modest gatherings in smaller towns to massive demonstrations in major cities like Washington D.C.
In smaller rural communities, the turnout was surprisingly significant. Towns with populations barely exceeding a few thousand saw hundreds of protestors gather, a testament to the widespread dissatisfaction with the current political climate. These smaller demonstrations often involved two to three hours of peaceful assembly, frequently met with supportive honking from passing motorists, signifying widespread public sentiment beyond those actively participating.… Continue reading
Scott Bessent, a former hedge fund manager and current administration member, is reportedly isolated within Trump’s inner circle and facing dwindling credibility due to the administration’s tariff policy. This policy, which Bessent unsuccessfully attempted to prevent, constitutes a significant setback for him. His recent warnings against retaliatory measures highlight his increasingly precarious position. Leaving the administration now would likely further damage his reputation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood