Trump denies FEMA aid extension in state he won three times

Democratic Gov. Josh Stein announced Friday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has denied North Carolina's request to extend the full reimbursement period for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

Stein posted on X, formerly Twitter, "Today, I learned that FEMA refused our request to extend its 100% reimbursement period for another 180 days. I got this news while I was in Newland with families who lost their homes in the storm. The need in western North Carolina remains immense — people need debris removed, homes rebuilt, and roads restored. I am extremely disappointed and urge the President to reconsider FEMA's bad decision, even for 90 days. Six months later, the people of western North Carolina are working hard to get back on their feet; they need FEMA to help them get the job done."

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, President Donald Trump voiced sharp criticism of FEMA's response in North Carolina, accusing the agency of being too slow to release recovery funds and failing to coordinate effectively with state officials. Trump repeatedly claimed that federal bureaucracy was delaying critical aid, saying in one press briefing, "The people of North Carolina deserve faster, better action. FEMA needs to cut the red tape and get the job done." He also suggested that political bias might be influencing the pace of assistance, given Trump's staunch support in hard-hit areas of western North Carolina, though FEMA denied the allegations.

Trump has consistently secured North Carolina's electoral votes in the past three presidential elections. In 2016, he defeated Hillary Clinton with 49.83 percent of the vote to her 46.17 percent, a margin of 3.66 percentage points. The 2020 election saw a tighter race, with Trump narrowly surpassing Joe Biden by 1.34 percentage points. In the 2024 election, Trump expanded his lead, securing 50.86 percent of the vote against Kamala Harris's 47.65 percent, marking his third consecutive win in the state.

Elon Musk's favorability sinks to new low, polling average shows

Once seen as a bold innovator and cultural icon, Elon Musk is now facing a reality familiar to many political figures: widespread public disapproval.

According to the latest data from newsletter Silver Bulletin—a polling analysis project by 538 founder Nate Silver—53.5 percent of Americans now view Musk, the world's richest man, unfavorably, while only 39.6 percent have a favorable opinion. That marks a sharp decline from early January, when his net favorability was nearly even.

Musk's slide in public opinion has been both steady and significant, particularly following his appointment by President Donald Trump as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new federal task force designed to, according the White House, slash government spending.

Since DOGE's launch, Musk has faced mounting criticism over several controversies: the firing of federal employees, accusations of DOGE workers accessing sensitive payment information of Americans and concerns that Musk may eliminate vital public programs. His involvement in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election also appears to have backfired.

Silver Bulletin aggregates national polling data and updates its average several times a week. Its methodology, developed by Silver during his time at 538, adjusts for polling house effects and sample types, making it among the most authoritative sources of U.S. political data.

Read in full from Jesus Mesa on Newsweek.

White House replaces Obama's official portrait with another painting of Trump

The White House has replaced the official portrait of former President Barack Obama to a painting of Donald Trump with his fist raised after the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The spot is traditionally reserved for the most recent official presidential portrait. Obama's is currently the most recent as former President Joe Biden, who has only been out of office since January, does not have an official portrait yet.

Obama's portrait has now been shifted to a new location in the East Room, while the official portrait of former President George W. Bush was also bumped to a new spot.

Marjorie Taylor Greene wants lawmakers to get physical exams like Trump

Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia suggested that Congress and Senate lawmakers should get annual physicals like the president so voters can be made aware of their medications and alcohol use.

The president typically gets a physical every year at Walter Reed Medical Center and the results are usually made public.

Trump's last annual physical while in office indicated that the president was 6-foot-3, 244 pounds and had a blood pressure reading of 121/79. He is scheduled to have his yearly exam on Friday.

His state of health has been somewhat of a mystery the last five years as his exams have not been made public. Trump often touts his health, even previously challenging former President Joe Biden to a mental acuity test.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Greene floated her idea, saying, "President Trump is reporting to Walter Reed for his annual physical. I am sure he will have a great report because I know he is in fantastic shape and is sharp as a tack! However, House Representatives and Senators should have to have physicals as well and the results should be public.

US stocks close up after a volatile week, but the dollar remains down

The S&P 500 closed up 1.8% on Friday after a volatile day of ups and down, and a chaotic week on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained closed with a gain of 619 points, after making up its 340 loss this morning, while the Nasdaq composite 2.1%.

However, the sinking value of the U.S. dollar betrays concerns about the escalating trade war between the United States and China, as well as any future tariffs President Donald Trump may announce.

Judge rules Mahmoud Khalil can be deported

A Louisiana immigration judge has ruled that Columbia University graduate and green card holder Mahmoud Khalil can be deported.

Khalil was arrested at his New York City home last month after Secretary of State Marco Rubio found that his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests on campus last year were antisemitic.

On Friday, Judge Jamee Comans told the hearing at a Louisiana detention center where Khalil is being held that she had no authority to question Rubio's decision to revoke the graduate's green card and deport him.

Kahlil told the judge, after the ruling, "I would like to quote what you said last time that there's nothing that's more important to this court than due process rights and fundamental fairness. Clearly what we witnessed today, neither of these principles were present today or in this whole process."

Khalil's attorney Marc Van Der Hout warned after the hearing that Khalil can be targeted, "simply for speaking out for Palestinians and exercising his constitutionally protected right to free speech, this can happen to anyone over any issue the Trump administration dislikes."

Comans gave Khalil until April 23 to request a stay of his deportation. His attorneys will also likely appeal. If they are not successful, he will be deported to his country of birth, Syria, or Algeria, where he is a citizen.

Maine refuses to back down in fight with Trump over transgender athletes

Maine escalated its legal battle with the Trump administration on Friday when it refused to sign an agreement to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports.

In response, the U.S. Department of Education referred Maine to the Department of Justice.

The DOE's Office of Civil Rights first asked Maine to sign the Title IX agreement to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls' sports in a March 31 letter.

"We will not sign the Resolution Agreement, and we do not have revisions to counter purpose," Maine's attorney general's office said in its Friday response. "We agree that we are at an impasse."

The letter went on to say that "[n]othing in Title IX or its implementing regulations prohibits schools from allowing transgender girls and women to participate on girls' and women's sports teams. Your letters to date do not cite a single case that so holds. To the contrary, various federal courts have held that Title IX and/or the Equal Protection Clause require schools to allow such participation."

Steve Witkoff puts hand on heart right before meeting Putin

Video posted to social media shows Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's special envoy, placing his hand over his heart right before meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

Witkoff's repeated trips to Russia and his meeting with Kremlin-linked figures signal the Trump administration's willingness to engage directly—even informally—with Moscow as the war in Ukraine continues. While both sides publicly emphasize peace, behind-the-scenes negotiations appear tangled in competing goals. The U.S. seeks a ceasefire, while Russia pushes for sanctions relief and greater economic cooperation.

Earlier this year, Trump sparred with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a tense Oval Office meeting, temporarily suspending aid to Kyiv.

The presence of Trump's envoy in Putin's orbit also raises questions about the administration's diplomatic strategy, especially as battlefield conditions shift and 2024 campaign politics loom large. With Ukraine still under siege and no clear end to the fighting, the outcome of these talks could shape not just the war's next phase, but the future of U.S.-Russia relations.

How Trump's heated Greenland talk could cool major minerals deals

In his first term as president, Donald Trump raised some eyebrows when he announced his intention for the U.S. to purchase Greenland, the Arctic island best known for ancient Viking settlements and melting icecaps.

In his second term, Trump seems even more determined to make the semiautonomous Danish territory part of the U.S.

"We'll get Greenland, yeah, 100 percent," Trump told NBC News in a March 29 interview. At the time, Trump had just dispatched Vice President JD Vance to visit the Pituffik Space Base, a U.S. military base on the island's northwest coast. Trump said in the same interview that he would not rule out the use of military force to seize control of Greenland.

At first glance, it's hard to see why the president would make a priority of a place with only about 57,000 inhabitants, little industry and land that's largely covered by sheets of ice.

Geological surveys of what lies beneath Greenland's ice and earth help explain Trump's motivation. Maps produced by Greenland's Mineral Resources Authority show large deposits of minerals, including dozens of the critical minerals and rare earth elements needed to make many modern electronics.

"Greenland possesses tremendous potential that doesn't exist in really any other part of the world," Jay Truesdale, CEO of TDI told Newsweek. TDI is a Washington, D.C.-based advisory firm with expertise in critical minerals. "I think it's one of the main reasons why the Trump administration is interested in Greenland."

Read the full story by Jeff Young on Newsweek.

Obama portrait moved as Trump painting takes its place in White House

The White House has replaced the official portrait of former President Barack Obama in the Grand Foyer with a striking new painting of Trump, capturing the moment after last summer's assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, CNN reported.

The Trump image, which shows the former president with blood on his face and his right fist raised, was confirmed by two officials to CNN as authentic. It now hangs in one of the most visible areas of the East Wing.

Obama's portrait wasn't removed entirely but shifted across the foyer to take the spot previously occupied by George W. Bush. Bush's painting was moved to a location near a staircase alongside his father's.

Trump officials propose eliminating key NOAA science division

Trump administration officials are recommending the elimination of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's scientific research division, according to internal documents reviewed by The New York Times. The proposal would dissolve NOAA's Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) office and slash its budget from roughly $485 million in 2024 to just over $170 million in 2026.

The plan, developed by the Office of Management and Budget, would impact research on extreme weather, Arctic climate trends, and science education. Programs that remain funded—such as tornado and ocean acidification studies—would be moved to other NOAA branches like the National Weather Service.

The cuts come as part of a broader shift to refocus the Commerce Department's efforts on trade enforcement and weather data collection. NOAA's overall budget would be reduced by $1.6 billion, and the National Marine Fisheries Service would lose a third of its funding and be transferred to the Interior Department.

"This administration's hostility toward research and rejection of climate science will have the consequence of eviscerating the weather forecasting capabilities that this plan claims to preserve," said Representative Zoe Lofgren, the top Democrat on the House Sciences Committee.

GM to pause electric van production in Canada due to market demand

General Motors will temporarily halt production at its electric commercial van plant in Ontario, Canada, starting on Monday. The shutdown is expected to last until October, The New York Times reported.

Unifor, the union representing workers at the facility, said the move will impact roughly 1,200 of its members.

According to GM Canada spokeswoman Jennifer J. Wright, the decision was based on "market demand and re-balancing inventory," and not related to tariffs or trade issues.

Trump immigration agenda advances through courts, registry, and deportation cases

Trump's immigration push escalated on multiple fronts this week, as federal judges weighed key cases and the administration launched a controversial registry for undocumented immigrants.

On Friday, a U.S. judge ordered daily updates on the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man ICE wrongly deported to El Salvador despite court protections. The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the administration must help return him, but his current location remains unclear.

Also Friday, a judge rejected a request to block immigration enforcement at churches, ruling that religious groups hadn't shown enough legal harm despite reporting attendance drops.

In a separate case, Palestinian Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil appeared in immigration court after being detained over alleged links to Hamas. The government has yet to provide evidence, instead citing a memo allowing deportation based on perceived foreign policy threats.

Meanwhile, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ending humanitarian parole for over 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The migrants faced deportation as soon as April 24.

Friday also marked the launch of a new registry requiring undocumented immigrants to register with the federal government and carry documents. Critics argue it bypasses public input and fuels mass deportation plans.

Separately, officials confirmed that over 6,000 living immigrants were classified as dead to cut off their Social Security and push them to leave the country.

Judge orders daily updates on deported man's return efforts

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to submit daily updates on efforts to locate and return Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man the U.S. mistakenly deported last month.

During a tense Friday hearing, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis directed the Justice Department to provide sworn statements from someone with direct knowledge of the situation. The official must answer the judge's specific questions, including Abrego Garcia's current location, his custody status, and what actions are being taken to bring him back to the U.S.

Judge Xinis warned DOJ attorney Drew Ensign that even a lack of new information must be reported daily. "It's important to go on record in a case of this nature," she said.

The order follows a Supreme Court ruling on Thursday requiring the administration to "facilitate" Abrego Garcia's return but stopping short of mandating his reentry.

Judge declines to block ICE raids at churches, sensitive locations

U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich has denied a preliminary injunction to prevent immigration enforcement officers from carrying out raids at sensitive locations such as churches and houses of worship.

Previously, Immigration and Customs Enforcement could only carry out enforcement activities at such locations under exceptional circumstances, such as a threat to public safety. But that changed when the Trump administration announced a new policy in January.

Dozens of religious groups sued over the new policy which they argued had a chilling effect on services as people were scared of being arrested and deported.

On Friday, despite some isolated examples, Friedrich said there isn't evidence "that places of worship are being singled out as special targets," and ruled against the lawsuit.

Judge backs Trump policy allowing ICE at houses of worship

A federal judge on Friday ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing immigration agents to carry out enforcement operations at houses of worship despite legal challenges from more than two dozen Christian and Jewish groups.

U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich denied a request for a preliminary injunction, finding that plaintiffs failed to prove that churches or synagogues were being specifically targeted. Friedrich, a Trump appointee, wrote that any drop in attendance at religious services was likely due to broader immigration enforcement rather than the specific policy.

The case centers on a new Homeland Security directive issued on Trump's first day back in office, rescinding prior restrictions on making arrests in so-called "sensitive locations." The new policy gives agents discretion to act in churches without supervisor approval.

While religious groups argued the change infringed on their right to worship freely, Friedrich said reversing the policy wouldn't necessarily bring congregants back. Similar lawsuits are playing out across the country, with mixed rulings from different courts.

'Trust us' says White House on tariffs plan

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt urged Americans to trust the process when it comes to Trump's tariffs despite the volatile stock market and plunging index of consumer sentiment.

"As he said, this is going to be a period of transition," Leavitt said at Friday's news briefing.

"[Trump] wants consumers to trust in him, and they should trust in him."

White House responds after reporter asks why Trump doesn't call China's Xi

A reporter grilled White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Friday about the U.S.'s escalating tariff war with China and why President Donald Trump doesn't call Chinese President Xi Jinping to strike a trade deal.

The questions came after China slapped a 125 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. imports in response to the U.S. raising tariffs on China to 145 percent.

During Friday's White House press briefing, a reporter referenced Trump's past comments about his relationship with Xi and his statements indicating China is open to renegotiating a deal with the U.S. on tariffs.

"President Trump has said he has a great relationship with Chinese Xi, he's willing to speak with him directly," the reporter said. "Why doesn't the president just pick up the phone and get this ball going?"

Read in full from Sonam Sheth on Newsweek.

Trump admin reacts to consumer confidence plunging to historic low

U.S. consumer sentiment, which dropped for the fourth-straight month in April.

The University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index, released Friday, dropped 11 percent from the previous month to 50.8—its lowest level since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past year, the index has plunged 34 percent, reflecting growing concerns among consumers.

The new figures come amid President Donald Trump's trade wars that have roiled global markets and fueled anxiety over possible job losses and inflation.

Leavitt was asked by a reporter Friday during a press briefing, "Why is American consumer confidence so low?"

She responded, "I think there is a great optimism in the economy and great reason for optimism for the American people. The president is trying to renegotiate the global trade agenda that has ripped off the American people for far too long.

Leavitt continued, "He [Trump] wants consumers to trust in him and they should trust in him. Look at what he did in his first term."

Trump envoy's Russia trips: What we know

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has landed in Russia for the third time this year as the Trump administration makes a push to advance peace talks over the Ukraine war.

Newsweek has contacted the White House and State Department for comment via email.

Witkoff's repeated trips to Russia and his meeting with Kremlin-linked figures signal the Trump administration's willingness to engage directly—even informally—with Moscow as the war in Ukraine grinds on. While both sides publicly emphasize peace, behind-the-scenes negotiations appear tangled in competing goals: the U.S. seeks a cease-fire, while Russia pushes for sanctions relief and greater economic cooperation.

The presence of Trump's envoy in Putin's orbit also raises questions about the administration's diplomatic strategy, especially as battlefield conditions shift and 2024 campaign politics loom large. With Ukraine still under siege and no clear end to the fighting, the outcome of these shadow talks could shape not just the war's next phase, but the future of U.S.-Russia relations.

Read the full story by Martha McHardy on Newsweek.

Four top law firms agree to provide free legal work for Trump causes

Trump has secured agreements with four additional major law firms, requiring them to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in pro bono legal services to causes favored by his administration.

The firms—Kirkland & Ellis, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, and Latham & Watkins—join Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, which struck a deal earlier today.

The arrangements are the latest example of Trump's strategy of using executive orders to pressure legal institutions into compliance. Over the past two months, the White House has increasingly targeted top firms through executive actions aimed at reshaping civil society and neutralizing perceived opposition.

Sheinbaum responds to Trump tariff threat over water treaty

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Friday that Mexico has offered a new plan to address its water debt to the U.S. after Trump suggested the shortfall could trigger tariffs or sanctions.

Speaking to reporters, Sheinbaum said the proposal—sent earlier this week—includes an immediate water delivery to Texas farmers, with larger transfers to follow during the rainy season.

"I do not see that this will be a matter of conflict," she said. "It's a very reasonable proposal."

Mexico has fallen behind on its obligations under a 1944 treaty due to ongoing drought conditions.

China rebukes Trump's trade approach in sharp tweet

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on social media on Friday, criticizing the U.S. approach to trade talks under Trump.

"Any dialogue must be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit," the ministry wrote, accusing the U.S. of "capricious and destructive behavior." The message warned that China "will never bow to maximum pressure," adding, "Give the bully an inch, he will take a mile."

Trump to travel to Mar-a-Lago after afternoon press briefing

Trump is scheduled to depart for Mar-a-Lago at 4 p.m. today, flying out of Joint Base Andrews for a weekend stay, according to the White House.

Earlier in the day, at 1 p.m., White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will hold a press briefing. No additional public events have been announced.

Customs glitch delays tariff processing amid Trump trade policy changes

Customs and Border Protection admitted Friday that a technical issue is preventing importers from applying lower tariff rates on certain goods impacted by President Trump's trade policies. The glitch affects products that were already in transit to the U.S. before the latest round of tariffs took effect.

To ease the disruption, CBP is allowing shipments to be released while importers delay payment of customs duties. The incident highlights ongoing struggles by federal systems to keep pace with rapidly shifting tariff regulations.

U.S. markets open after China hits back with 125% tariffs

Markets opened to renewed volatility after China announced 125% tariffs on U.S. imports, deepening the ongoing trade war.

The move follows nearly a week of sharp market swings driven by fears of escalating economic conflict between the world's two largest economies.

WATCH: Beijing justifies retaliatory tariffs: 'To protect our legitimate rights'

Florida's DOGE demands universities hand over research

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' office has sent emails to universities requesting information on grants and research dating back six years, as part of the state's Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) cost-cutting measures.

The University of North Florida and Santa Fe College are among the institutions that have received the letter in recent days.

A spokesperson for DeSantis office told Newsweek the existence of the letters are "accurate."

The Florida DOGE initiative, announced by DeSantis in February, aims to cut costs in a manner similar to the department formed by President Donald Trump and headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk at the federal level.

Read in full from Ewan Palmer on Newsweek.

China issues new tariffs on American-made semiconductors

China has issued new tariffs on American-made semiconductors as part of the rapidly escalating trade war between the nation and the U.S.

The move could put pressure on big companies such as Intel and Global Foundries, which have U.S. chip factories, to move manufacturing out of the United States to be able to continue access to the Chinese market where most components and electrical goods are made.

Supreme Court justices address Donald Trump's idea of deporting US citizens

Three U.S. Supreme Court Justices have cautioned the Trump administration against attempting to deport people, including U.S. citizens, without the courts weighing in.

The message was contained in the Supreme Court's ruling on Thursday that the government must facilitate the return to the United States of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly taken to El Salvador.

Government lawyers had argued U.S. courts could not take action once a deportee crossed an international border.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday also said President Donald Trump had floated the idea of deporting U.S. citizens with criminal records "if there is a legal pathway."

However three liberal justices pushed back in a statement accompanying Thursday's ruling on Abrego Garcia.

"The Government's argument, moreover, implies that it could deport and incarcerate any person, including U. S. citizens, without legal consequence, so long as it does so before a court can intervene," wrote Justices Sonia Sotomayorr, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson in a statement released with the Abrego Garcia ruling. "That view refutes itself."

Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment.

Read the full story by Billal Rahman on Newsweek.

China says resisting Trump's tariffs is about protecting global order

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday that China's opposition to U.S. tariffs under Trump is not just about national interest but about defending global norms.

Speaking in Beijing during a meeting with International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Mariano Grossi, Wang warned against a return to "a jungle world where might makes right." He said China's stance aims to protect the common interests of the international community.

Wang also pledged that China would collaborate with other nations to "jointly resist all retrogressive actions in the world."

Consumers' economic outlook drops to lows not seen since the pandemic

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index fell 11% to 50.8, a low not seen since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The decline was "pervasive and unanimous across age, income, education, geographic region and political affiliation," Joanne Hsu, director of the survey, told AP.

The number of people bracing for a rise in unemployment increased for the fifth consecutive month - the highest since 2009 in the Great Recession.

Respondents also expect long-term inflation to reach 4.4%, which has risen since 4.1% last month.

This figure in particular will be of particular interest to the Fed as people expecting prices to rise, can often take steps to accidentally push up those prices, such as accelerating big purchases.

Marjorie Taylor Greene buys stocks hit by tariff selloff

As markets plunged last week over fears tied to President Trump's tariff policy, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene made a bold financial move by purchasing stocks that had been hardest hit.

The Georgia Republican, a vocal supporter of Trump's trade agenda, bought shares in companies like Lululemon, Dell, Amazon, and Restoration Hardware's parent company, according to a recently filed financial disclosure.

The stocks were down roughly 40% on average when Greene made the purchases. The filing did not reveal exact amounts, listing only price ranges and dates.

China raises tariffs on U.S.-made semiconductors, pressuring chipmakers

China announced new regulations Friday that will increase tariffs on semiconductors manufactured by U.S. firms, a move that could impact major companies like Intel and Global Foundries, The New York Times reported.

The tariffs apply to chips produced within the United States, potentially prompting manufacturers to relocate production abroad to maintain access to the Chinese market, which remains central to the global electronics supply chain.

The decision escalates trade tensions as Beijing responds to U.S. restrictions on Chinese tech firms and advanced chip exports.

World War III may have already started: Trump's former adviser

One of President Donald Trump's former foreign policy advisers, Fiona Hill, said on Thursday that World War III may have already begun since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine had already drawn in enough global actors.

Hill joined the first Trump administration's National Security Council in 2017, working with John Bolton to coordinate the government's foreign policy approach to Russia, which had not escalated the war in Ukraine at that point. She departed the administration in 2019, just days before the phone call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that initiated Trump's first impeachment trial, in which she testified. Trump was later acquitted.

According to Newsweek reporting, European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have already started laying the groundwork for defenses, should Russian troops set foot on alliance soil.

However, Russia is not the sole possible instigator of a potential global conflict. Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery and former acting Secretary of Defense for Policy James Anderson previously told Newsweek that any major war will almost certainly result from the tensions between five major players: Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and the United States.

Hill, who developed a reputation as a hawk on Russian policy, has been a vocal critic of Trump since she left the administration, saying that he was overly friendly with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his first term.

Read in full from Theo Burman on Newsweek.

Alina Habba launches probe into New Jersey leaders over immigration policy

Alina Habba, the new U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, said Thursday night she is opening an investigation into Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew Platkin for allegedly defying federal immigration enforcement.

In an interview on Fox News, Habba said New Jersey's policies instruct law enforcement to ignore federal rules regarding undocumented immigrants. She pointed to a directive on the state AG's website that limits local police cooperation with federal immigration raids and restricts officers from inquiring about immigration status except in rare cases.

Habba accused the Murphy administration of obstructing federal efforts to remove undocumented individuals with criminal records. She warned that her office will pursue charges against any officials who impede enforcement.

UAW president doesn't support 'reckless, random tariffs'

United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain said he supports President Trump addressing the "free trade disaster," but that doesn't mean he supports the "reckless, random" way he has imposed the tariffs.

Fain, who campaigned for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, addressed autoworkers on Thursday.

"We're not aligning everything we do with the Trump administration," Fain said. "We're negotiating with the Trump administration. Our approach to President Trump is no different than our approach was to President Biden."

But that "doesn't mean we support reckless, random tariffs," Fain added.

"We have to end this free trade disaster," Fain said. "And we don't care if it's a Democrat or Republican who ends it."

Senate confirms Caine as Joint Chiefs chair in late-night vote

The Senate confirmed retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan "Razin" Caine as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff early Friday, nearly two months after President Donald Trump ousted Gen. CQ Brown Jr. from the post. The 60-25 vote capped a tense political standoff and came just before the Senate began a two-week recess.

Caine, a decorated F-16 pilot with deep experience in special operations and intelligence, does not meet legal criteria for the job under a 1986 statute, but Trump waived the requirement citing national interest. His confirmation follows a series of high-profile military dismissals by the administration aimed at curbing what it calls politicization within the ranks.

While some Democrats opposed the move, citing Brown's firing and concerns over Trump's motives, 15 Democrats and independent Sen. Angus King supported the nomination. At his confirmation hearing, Caine pledged to stay apolitical and rejected Trump's claim that he wore a MAGA hat when they first met.

Trump and Caine first crossed paths during a 2018 Iraq visit. Caine now steps into a role once defined by public tensions between Trump and previous military leadership, including former Chairman Gen. Mark Milley.

Trump calls for Congress to end daylight savings

President Donald Trump has called on Congress to end daylight savings.

During his campaign, Trump vowed to get rid of daylight saving time, although he recently called it "50/50 issue."

Now, in a departure from his many executive orders, he is asking Congress to address the issue.

"The House and Senate should push hard for more Daylight at the end of a day," he wrote on Truth Social.

"Very popular and, most importantly, no more changing of the clocks, a big inconvenience and, for our government, A VERY COSTLY EVENT!!! DJT."

Space Force commander in Greenland fired after email contradicts Trump policy

The U.S. Space Force has removed Col. Susan Meyers from her post as commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland after she sent an email breaking with the official stance on President Donald Trump's push to annex the territory.

In a statement Thursday, the Space Force cited a "loss of confidence in her ability to lead," emphasizing the expectation for commanders to remain nonpartisan. Military.com first reported that Meyers had sent a base-wide message supporting Greenland and Denmark's relationship with the U.S. following Vice President JD Vance's visit.

A U.S. official confirmed the email's contents to the Associated Press. Tensions have risen since Vance's March trip, with Trump suggesting military force could be used in the annexation effort.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell posted Thursday that actions seen as undermining Trump's agenda "will not be tolerated." Meyers' removal follows other high-profile firings, many involving senior military women.

Wall Street opens lower amid Trump's trade war with China

Wall Street opened lower on Friday after a chaotic week for U.S. stocks.

The S&P 500 fell 0.7% in early trading Friday, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 306 points, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.4%.

Today's and yesterday's stock market slumps have erased the huge gains made on Wednesday after Trump announced he was pausing the tariffs on all countries outside of China.

But stocks have since dropped amid Trump's escalating trade war with China, which saw the president impose a 145% tariff on the nation, which has now responded with a 125 levy on U.S. goods.

Fed official warns falling dollar and bond sell-off may signal investor shift

Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari said Friday that the recent Treasury bond sell-off and weakening U.S. dollar could reflect declining investor confidence in U.S. assets. Speaking on CNBC, Kashkari noted that the dollar's drop in the wake of rising tariffs was unexpected.

"Normally, when you see big tariff increases, I would have expected the dollar to go up," he said. "The fact that the dollar is going down at the same time ... lends some more credibility to the story of investor preferences shifting."

Kashkari added that if global investors no longer see the U.S. as the best place to invest, bond yields could continue rising as capital flows shift elsewhere.

Trump tells Russia to 'get moving' on ending war in Ukraine

President Donald Trump has urged Russia to "get moving" on ending the war in Ukraine.

In a post on Truth Social, the president wrote, "Russia has to get moving. Too many people ere DYING, thousands a week, in a terrible and senseless war - A war that should have never happened, and wouldn't have happened, if I were President!!!"

Trump commented as special envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia, to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

U.S. dollar hits decade-low against Swiss franc amid tariff fallout

The U.S. dollar dropped to its lowest level against the Swiss franc in ten years on Friday, as the economic fallout from new American tariffs continued to ripple through global markets. The franc stood at $1.22, raising questions about the dollar's role as a traditional safe haven during uncertain times.

The euro also gained ground, rising to $1.14 against the dollar—its strongest position in five years. Analysts point to growing investor concerns over U.S. trade policy and its potential to slow global growth.

California stops Homeland Security agents entering elementary schools

Federal immigration authorities were refused entry to two elementary schools in Los Angeles this week, school officials said.

According to officials, the agents arrived unannounced and attempted to contact five undocumented students.

The incident marks the first reported attempt by federal authorities to enter an L.A. public school amid President Donald Trump's hard-line crackdown.

Since the beginning of Trump's second term, thousands of migrants have been arrested. Under the administration, ICE has gained expanded powers in enforcement, including the right to conduct raids in schools and other sensitive locations. Critics say such raids sow fear in vulnerable communities.

Read in full from Billal Rahman on Newsweek.

Wholesale inflation slows ahead of Trump tariff impact

Inflation at the wholesale level declined in March, signaling a strong economy just before Trump's sweeping trade policies take effect. The Producer Price Index fell 0.4% from February and rose 2.7% year-over-year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today, per CNN.

Both figures came in below expectations. Economists had projected a 0.2% monthly increase and a 3.3% annual rise. The PPI is considered a key early indicator of future consumer price trends.

The report follows Thursday's data showing a slowdown in consumer inflation. However, Trump's aggressive tariffs, especially on Chinese goods, are expected to push some prices higher in the months ahead.

Trump says tariff policy is 'doing really well'

In a Truth Social post this morning, Trump said that the U.S. is "doing really well on our TARIFF POLICY."

U.S. wholesale prices fall, but Trump's tariffs raise inflation concerns

Wholesale prices in the U.S. dropped in March, offering another sign that inflation may be easing. The Labor Department reported Friday that the producer price index fell 0.4% from February—the first decline since October 2023. On a yearly basis, prices rose 2.7%, down from February's 3.2% increase and below economists' expectations.

Gasoline prices dropped 11.1% in March, while egg prices fell 21.3% following earlier spikes tied to bird flu. Core producer prices, which exclude food and energy, dipped 0.1% from February—the first monthly decline since July.

The data follows a positive consumer price report, which showed a 2.4% annual rise, the smallest gain since September 2023. Still, Trump's new tariffs, including a 145% levy on Chinese goods and a 10% baseline tariff on most other imports, could reverse some of that progress. Economists warn these trade measures may drive up prices as businesses pass higher costs to consumers.

EU and UAE agree to start free trade talks amid tariff uncertainty

The European Union and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement, aiming to expand trade in goods, services, and investment. The talks will also focus on key areas like renewable energy, green hydrogen, and critical raw materials, according to a statement from the European Commission.

The EU trade commissioner is set to visit the UAE to help move the discussions forward. This agreement comes amid recent tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, including a 10% baseline tariff on imports from the UAE and a 20% tariff on EU goods. While higher tariffs have been paused for 90 days, the baseline tariff remains in place.

What is the SAVE Act?

The Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act is a bill that would require voters to present in-person proof of citizenship—such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document—when registering to vote. The bill would eliminate online and mail voter registration, raising concerns about its impact on accessibility and voter turnout.

Supporters argue it will prevent noncitizen voting. Critics, including civil rights groups, say it targets marginalized communities and imposes unnecessary burdens on eligible voters. Married women whose names differ from their birth certificates, low-income voters, and people without passports could face significant challenges. The bill includes no funding for implementation but penalizes poll workers who fail to enforce its provisions.

If passed, the SAVE Act could face legal challenges and would likely reshape how millions of Americans register to vote.

Europe pledges billions more to Ukraine as U.S. envoy presses Russia on peace

European nations committed more than $24 billion in additional military aid to Ukraine on Friday, while a U.S. envoy visited Russia to push for a ceasefire in the war now entering its fourth year.

After a meeting of Ukraine's allies in Brussels, British Defense Secretary John Healey said the new pledges represent a record boost in support. Ukraine's defense minister called the session "productive," though past complaints have surfaced about countries recycling old promises or failing to deliver.

The commitments come amid ongoing efforts by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to broker peace. Kremlin officials confirmed his presence in Russia but not any direct meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine continues to push for more air defense systems, especially Patriot missiles, after a deadly Russian attack last week. Meanwhile, NATO countries including Germany and the Netherlands announced new deliveries of defense systems and ammunition.

Despite the U.S. backing a ceasefire, Russia has so far resisted, raising doubts about its interest in ending the conflict. Some observers expect Moscow to launch a new offensive soon to gain leverage.

Former NTSB official weighs in on Hudson helicopter crash

Former National Transportation Safety Board Managing Director Peter Goelz spoke Friday with CNN's Audie Cornish about the deadly helicopter crash over the Hudson River.

Goelz said investigators will be analyzing video of the incident closely to determine what parts of the aircraft came off first. That detail is critical, he said, because it can reveal what triggered the fatal chain of events.

He confirmed the NTSB has already frozen maintenance and pilot records and will check whether safety directives from the FAA were followed. The crash, caught on video, shows the helicopter losing both its tail and main rotors mid-air.

Goelz said the agency will also explore the possibility of a mid-air collision and conduct difficult underwater searches to recover the wreckage.

Trump trade official calls China's tariff response unfortunate but not surprising

Jamieson Greer, Trump's top trade official, called China's latest retaliatory tariffs "not terribly surprising but certainly unfortunate" during an interview on Fox News.

Greer downplayed concerns that the back-and-forth with China would lead to major price hikes for American consumers. "While there may be an adjustment," he said, "I think we're going to be on a good path, and I don't think we're going to see that level of increase in household expenses."

His comments come as tensions between the world's two largest economies continue to escalate.

China urges Western support for cooperation as Xi meets Spain's Sánchez

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Western nations to back multilateralism and open cooperation during a meeting with Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Beijing. The visit comes as China seeks allies amid a growing trade rift with the U.S.

Without naming Trump or his tariffs, Xi warned of "multiple risks and challenges" facing the world that demand unity. Sánchez, in turn, backed balanced EU-China relations and said, "Trade wars are not good, nobody wins."

Spain is increasingly leaning toward China, abstaining from some EU tariffs and expanding clean energy and pork trade. Xi and Sánchez's meeting highlights shifting alliances as U.S.-China tensions rise.

China to show fewer U.S. movies in response to tariffs

China says it will reduce imports of American films in retaliation for new U.S. tariffs, escalating tensions between the two countries. The move targets a major U.S. export industry, though its financial impact may be limited.

The China Film Administration said Thursday the reduction is due to the "erroneous imposition of tariffs" by the U.S. and warned that American films are losing favor among Chinese audiences.

Hollywood's box office share in China has already declined. In 2024, American films made up just 5% of Hollywood's global revenue and accounted for about 15% of China's box office, with 39 U.S. movies shown. Analysts predict only 10 to 20 may make it this year.

Trump to undergo physical amid questions about health transparency

Trump is receiving his annual physical on Friday, marking the first public update on his health since an assassination attempt in July. At 78, Trump is the oldest person ever sworn in as U.S. president, a fact that has drawn scrutiny given his past attacks on Joe Biden's age and fitness.

"I have never felt better, but nevertheless, these things must be done!" Trump wrote on his social media site.

The exam is being conducted at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, but it's unclear how much information will be released. Trump has long resisted sharing detailed health records, instead offering glowing letters from supportive physicians without test results or metrics.

His last health-related statement came in November 2023, when a doctor said Trump was in "excellent" health but offered no specific data. After being treated for COVID-19 in 2020 and a brief, unscheduled visit to Walter Reed in 2019, Trump has repeatedly avoided traditional transparency on medical issues.

How China could outsmart Donald Trump on tariffs

President Donald Trump's ever-expanding tariffs on Chinese goods face a significant obstacle that could undermine their intended punitive or persuasive impact on the world's second-largest economy.

On Thursday, in response to the country's continued refusal to rescind its own retaliatory tariffs, Trump and the White House confirmed that the total rate of duties now applied to Chinese imports had reached 145 percent.

However, Chinese producers and the broader economy have for years been adjusting their trading practices in ways that may blunt the full impact of this move, while potentially weakening America's leverage in the escalating trade war.

The Financial Times on Thursday reported that a Temu seller based in the port city of Guangzhou had been building factories overseas, in countries such as Jordan, where the finishing touches were put on products before these were shipped to the U.S.

By altering the goods' "country of origin" in this way, the seller said that they would be able to avoid the duties on Chinese imports.

Experts told Newsweek that this strategy is neither new nor limited to independent exporters; rather, it is being implemented on a national scale with the collaboration of other countries.

"There is quite a bit of, shall we say, ingenuity in China's export practices," Nicholas Lardy, an expert in Chinese economic and trade policy, told Newsweek.

Read the full story by Hugh Cameron on Newsweek.