White House Blasts Democrat Senator Over El Salvador Trip

08:01 PM EDT

Trump admin spending sver $1 million to recruit ‘diverse’ talent

In March, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) updated its website to list nearly two dozen payments for “diverse” recruitment to Howard University, a historically Black college, awarded on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.

DOGE, run by the unelected billionaire Elon Musk, has drawn both praise and consternation for cutting federal budgets and monies since President Donald Trump took office again in January.

As of Wednesday, April 16, DOGE estimates it has saved approximately $155 billion for the nation, combining different components including asset sales, contract/lease cancellations and renegotiations, fraud and improper payment deletion, grant cancellations, interest savings, programmatic changes, regulatory savings, and workforce reductions. American individual federal taxpayers, of which DOGE estimates there are about 161 million, are purportedly saving $962.73.

DOGE records reviewed by Newsweek show 21 modifications on the site’s “payments” section made on March 7.

Read in full from Nick Mordowanec on Newsweek.

07:58 PM EDT

Trump touts transgender ban, anti-Christian bias task force at Easter dinner

Donald Trump thanked evangelical Christians for their “unprecedented” support for him as president during Wednesday’s White House Easter dinner and prayer.

Trump touted some of his more conservative actions since returning to office, to the audience of faith leaders.

“I banned men from women’s sports,” he told the crowd, to loud applause. “And I signed an executive order making it official and the official policy of the United States that god created two genders male and female.”

He also spoke about “stopping the radical indoctrination in our schools” and his creation of the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias.

“There’s so much to celebrate this Easter,” he said, adding that he aimed to “restore the spirit of faith in the United States for generations to come.”

07:35 PM EDT

Hillary Clinton’s Warning to Americans About Abrego Garcia’s Deportation

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned that the Trump Administration could deport more Americans without trial as Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s deportation to El Salvador has gripped the nation and sparked deep division.

Abrego Garcia’s accidental deportation by the Trump Administration has caused a rift among Republicans and Democrats this week as the administration was ordered by the Supreme Court to facilitate his return after an “administrative error.”

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday, Clinton posted, “Before the election, I warned that there is no safe haven under authoritarianism. If they can ship Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a foreign prison—accused of no crime, with no trial—they can do it to anyone.”

Clinton concluded, “Americans of conscience must stand against this now.”

Read in full from Anna Commander on Newsweek.

07:28 PM EDT

Ex-Trump official targeted by executive order quits job to focus on fighting back

Former Trump official Chris Krebs, who was targeted by an executive order last week, is resigning from cybersecurity business SentinelOne to focus on fighting back against against the White House “pulling its levers to punish dissent.”

Last week, President Donald Trump signed two memorandums directing the Justice Department to investigate Krebs, Trump’s former top cybersecurity adviser, as well as former Department of Homeland Security official Miles Taylor, and strip them both of any security clearances they may still hold.

Krebs, whom Trump appointed in his first term to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, was fired after declaring the 2020 election to be secure and rejecting Trump’s claims of widespread voter fraud.

On Wednesday, Krebs announced he would resign as chief intelligence and public policy officer at SentinelOne to join a growing movement of universities and law firms pushing back against the Trump administration’s efforts to punish critics.

“It’s about the government pulling its levers to punish dissent, to go after corporate interests and corporate relationships,” Krebs told the Wall Street Journal.

“It’s the same thing we’ve seen with the law firms, they’ve gone after clearances, they’ve gone after contracts. It’s a novel and expansive strategy they are taking on and it should concern everyone.”

07:09 PM EDT

Trump announces ‘big process’ after meeting with Japan’s trade delegation.

President Donald Trump stepped directly into trade negotiations with visiting Japanese officials on Wednesday after his sweeping tariffs stirred market volatility and economic concerns.

“A Great Honor to have just met with the Japanese Delegation on Trade. Big Progress!” Trump wrote on Truth Social later on Wednesday.

Trump had previously announced on his social media platform that he would join the talks alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. “Hopefully something can be worked out which is good (GREAT!) for Japan and the USA!” he wrote.

The Trump administration is pressing Japan to help shrink the $68.5 billion trade deficit and expand U.S. market access. Talks also include U.S. troop costs in Japan. Meanwhile, China is using the uncertainty to pitch itself as a more stable trade partner during a tour of Southeast Asia by President Xi Jinping.

In Tokyo, Japan’s chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said he would defend his country’s interests and seek a “win-win” deal. But concerns remain, both in Japan and the U.S., as critics warn the tariffs could backfire. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday the import taxes would likely lead to higher inflation and slower growth.

07:05 PM EDT

Trump is hosting an Easter prayer and dinner at White House

President Donald Trump is hosting an Easter prayer and dinner at White House this evening.

In presidential message issued by the White House on Sunday, Trump said, “This Holy Week, Melania and I join in prayer with Christians celebrating…

“This Holy Week, my Administration renews its promise to defend the Christian faith in our schools, military, workplaces, hospitals, and halls of government. We will never waver in safeguarding the right to religious liberty, upholding the dignity of life, and protecting God in our public square,” he continued.

06:51 PM EDT

US agency to stop collecting data on some injuries because of CDC cuts

The United States’ chief consumer product safety agency will reportedly stop collecting information about some injuries later this week due to the Trump administration’s steep cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Trump administration and billionaire Elon Musk’s wrecking-ball approach to shrinking government bureaucracy has significantly strained the CDC and other federal agencies responsible for consumer safety, public health and disease prevention.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in particular, has faced cuts including thousands of layoffs and the loss of some $11 billion in funds that states initially used to combat COVID-19. These were later put toward a broader range of public health needs, including vaccinations, testing for other viral infections, and preparing for future health emergencies.

Read in full from Sonam Sheth on Newsweek.

06:45 PM EDT

IRS making plans to rescind Harvard’s tax-exempt status: Report

The Internal Revenue Service is making plans to rescind Harvard University’s tax-exempt status of Harvard University, CNN reports.

The plans come one day after President Donald Trump threatened to revoke the Ivy League school’s status, “if it keeps pushing political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting ‘Sickness?'”

The Trump administration has already has blocked more than $2 billion in federal funding to Harvard as the school pushes back against the government’s demands for it change its hiring processes and student selection processes, and to share all that data with the government, “audits” of academic programs and departments, and more.

“The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,” Harvard President Alan Garber wrote in a message to the the university community, in response to the government’s demands.

:”No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.”

A final decision on the school’s tax status is expected soon, CNN reports.

06:39 PM EDT

Are Shein and Temu prices going up amid Trump’s tariffs? What to know

Chinese-founded e-commerce giants Temu and Shein announced plans to raise prices for U.S. customers beginning next week, citing rising operating costs linked to sweeping new trade policies enacted by President Donald Trump.

The price hikes, set to take effect on April 25, follow the administration’s decision to impose a 145 percent tariff on goods shipped from China, as well as the elimination of a customs exemption that allowed goods valued under $800 to enter the country duty-free.

Temu, owned by China’s PDD Holdings, and Shein, now headquartered in Singapore, issued nearly identical statements on their websites, pointing to “recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs” as the reason for the increases. While neither company specified how steep the price hikes will be, they both acknowledged that the rising costs are pressuring their business models.

Read in full from Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.

06:26 PM EDT

WATCH: Rachel Morin’s mother slams Maryland senator’s effort to return Abrego Garcia

06:23 PM EDT

Trump complains giving 530,000 migrants due process would take ‘approximately 100 years’

President Donald Trump has criticized a judge who blocked the Trump administration’s plan to revoke the legal status and work permits of 530,000 migrants.

The Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan nationals were flown into the U.S. under a Biden-era humanitarian parole program aimed at creating a legal pathway for individuals to enter the country to reduce illegal crossings at the southern border.

On Monday, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ordered that the Trump administration could not revoke their legal status “without case-by-case review.”

On Wednesday, Trump took to Truth Social to criticize the ruling, writing that a case-by-case review, “would take approximately 100 years.”

“What is going on with our Courts? They are totally OUT OF CONTROL. They seem to hate “TRUMP” so much, that anything goes!” the president wrote.

“We are trying to bring our Country back from the destruction caused by the Democrats and Crooked Joe Biden. I won on a Policy of Common Sense, and what Common Sense do we have when we have to have 530,000 trials? This Radicalized Judge is saying that Sleepy Joe Biden can fly more than half a million Illegals into America, IN ONE DAY, but we have to hold many years of long and tedious trials to fly each and every one of them back home. Where is the JUSTICE here???”

06:00 PM EDT

Trump administration to appeal judge’s order for testimony about wrongly deported man

The Trump administration plans to appeal a judge’s ruling ordering the testimonies of officials involved with the deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia and the other 200-plus immigrants deported to El Salvador last month, a court filing shows.

U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg said in his Wednesday court ruling, that the Trump administration’s “willful disobedience of judicial orders” threatens to make “a solemn mockery” of the Constitution, if they did not face consequences.

Boasberg warned that unless the administration can “purge” itself of the contempt finding, by “asserting custody of the individuals who were removed,” or proposing other methods of coming into compliance that he approved, he will begin hearings and may refer the case for prosecution.

He added that he will “proceed to identify the individual(s) responsible for the contumacious conduct by determining whose ‘specific act or omission’ caused the noncompliance”.

The judge said he will demand declarations from the government officials, and may proceed to hearings with live witness testimony under oath or to depositions conducted by Plaintiffs.

If the government “declines” to follow this order, or if he needs to as part of the judicial process, the court will appoint another attorney to prosecute the contempt.

05:42 PM EDT

WATCH: Fed Chair Powell warns of tariff impact: ‘Higher inflation, slower growth’

05:36 PM EDT

Stocks drop again on Wednesday after Nvidia, Fed warnings

Stocks tumbled again on Wednesday after Nvidia warned it would take a $5.5 billion financial hit from the government new restrictions on exports, while the Federal Reserve warned about the economic impact of Trump’s tariffs.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 699.57 points, or 1.73%, while the S&P 500 dropped 2.24% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 3.07% to close at 16,307.16.

Nvidia helped pull down tech stops with the chip manufacturer dropping 6.9% on Wednesday. The drop follows its announcement that the company will post a $5.5 billion quarterly charge following the government restrictions over it exporting H20 graphics processing units to China.

Meanwhile, Powell said the Fed was taking a wait-and-see approach to Trump’s tariffs but admitted that the duties were “significantly larger than anticipated” and so the impact on the economy is expected to be bigger, with “higher inflation and slower growth.

05:00 PM EDT

White House launches furious attack at Sen. Van Hollen over trip to El Salvador

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt launched a blistering attack on Sen. Chris Van Hollen after he flew to El Salvador to press for the release of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was mistakenly deported and is now being held in a high-security prison.

“It’s appalling and sad that Senator Van Hollen and the Democrats applauding his trip to El Salvador today are incapable of having any shred of common sense of empathy for their own constituents and our citizens,” Leavitt said.

04:47 PM EDT

EXCLUSIVE: Abrego Garcia’s wife responds after restraining order revealed

Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s wife, Jennifer Stefania Vasquez Sura, responded after the Department of Homeland Security posted a 2021 restraining order that she sought against the deported Maryland man currently imprisoned in El Salvador.

In its post, DHS officials wrote, “Kilmar Abrego Garcia had a history of violence and was not the upstanding ‘Maryland Man’ the media has portrayed him as.”

In an emailed statement to Newsweek, Vasquez Sura said in response, “After surviving domestic violence in a previous relationship, I acted out of caution after a disagreement with Kilmar by seeking a civil protective order in case things escalated. Things did not escalate, and I decided not to follow through with the civil court process.”

She continued, “We were able to work through this situation privately as a family, including by going to counseling. Our marriage only grew stronger in the years that followed. No one is perfect, and no marriage is perfect. That is not a justification for ICE’s action of abducting him and deporting him to a country where he was supposed to be protected from deportation. Kilmar has always been a loving partner and father, and I will continue to stand by him and demand justice for him.”

Read in full from Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.

04:35 PM EDT

WATCH: Justice Department sues Maine over trans athletes

04:26 PM EDT

White House holding press briefing with ‘special guest’ shortly

The White House is holding a press briefing at 4:30pm ET featuring a special “special guest”.

Stay with Newsweek’s live blog for all the latest lines on the event.

04:19 PM EDT

Lawsuit challenging DOGE access to student loan data is dropped

The University of California Student Association has dropped its lawsuit against the Education Department which claimed it violated the Privacy Act of 1974 by allowing allowed Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to access financial aid databases.

The databases contain sensitive data about students’ student loans and financial information, including Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and dates of birth.

On Wednesday, the association, which represents students across nine UC campuses, voluntarily dropped the suit after the Education Department filed a motion to dismiss it.

03:57 PM EDT

Fox News host criticizes Trump over Kilmar Abrego Garcia case

Fox News host Trey Gowdy criticized the Trump administration this week for its handling of the federal case involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father who was mistakenly deported to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador.

Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment via email.

Abrego Garcia’s deportation sparked public outcry after the Trump administration acknowledged in court that he had been sent to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) because of an “administrative error.”

A Salvadoran national, Abrego Garcia came to the U.S. illegally around 2011, but an immigration judge ruled in 2019 that he could not be removed to El Salvador because of the threat he faced from a local gang there.

Despite that order, Abrego Garcia, who has no criminal record, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in March and deported to El Salvador along with more than 200 Venezuelan migrants, many of whom have also not been charged with crimes.

A federal judge and the Supreme Court have since ordered the Trump administration to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S. But both Trump and El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele have insisted neither has the authority to do so.

Read the full story Sonam Sheth on Newsweek.

03:45 PM EDT

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says autism rates among US children are rising at a dangerous pace

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday voiced concern over a sharp rise in autism diagnoses among U.S. children, calling it a crisis that demands urgent investigation.

Kennedy’s remarks followed a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that estimates 1 in 31 children now have autism—a notable increase from previous years. “Autism destroys families,” he said. “More importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children.”

Vowing to launch comprehensive studies, Kennedy said he aims to uncover environmental contributors to the condition, which he controversially described as a “preventable disease.” Medical experts, however, widely view autism as a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with both genetic and environmental influences, not a disease.

Symptoms of autism vary, and many individuals lead full lives, though the condition can affect communication, behavior, and learning in significant ways. Kennedy’s pledge signals a new focus within the administration, though critics have urged caution over framing and scientific accuracy.

03:30 PM EDT

The Democratic civil war is escalating

The civil war in the Democratic Party ratcheted up another notch as a group founded by Democratic National Committee (DNC) Vice Chair David Hogg said it plans to spend millions to unseat Democratic incumbents it believes aren’t pushing back hard enough on President Donald Trump.

Democrats have been bitterly divided in the wake of then-Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris’ decisive loss to Trump in the 2024 election.

While some Democrats said the party had moved too far to the left and alienated moderate voters, many in the progressive wing argued the party had become too pro-corporation and abandoned the working class.

The divide isn’t just ideological but generational as well.

There have been growing calls for new leadership in recent years, with critics arguing that the party’s current standard bearers, many of whom are in their 70s and 80s, need to pass the torch to the next generation for the Democratic Party to remain competitive.

That divide has been exacerbated by what younger and more progressive Democrats view as a feeble response to the Trump administration and has led to speculation that the party could be due for its own version of a “Tea Party” revolt from its base.

Read the full article by Andrew Stanton on Newsweek.

03:17 PM EDT

Trump joins Japan trade talks as tariffs rattle markets

Trump stepped directly into trade negotiations with Japanese officials on Wednesday, signaling the importance of reaching quick deals after his sweeping tariffs stirred market volatility and economic concerns.

Trump announced on his social media platform that he would join the talks alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. “Hopefully something can be worked out which is good (GREAT!) for Japan and the USA!” he wrote.

His involvement highlights the urgency to secure agreements before the end of a 90-day pause on broad import taxes. The tariffs, announced April 2, spooked financial markets and led to fears of a recession. Japan is currently exempt from the harshest penalties but still faces steep levies on cars, steel, and aluminum.

The Trump administration is pressing Japan to help shrink the $68.5 billion trade deficit and expand U.S. market access. Talks also include U.S. troop costs in Japan. Meanwhile, China is using the uncertainty to pitch itself as a more stable trade partner during a tour of Southeast Asia by President Xi Jinping.

In Tokyo, Japan’s chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said he would defend his country’s interests and seek a “win-win” deal. But concerns remain, both in Japan and the U.S., as critics warn the tariffs could backfire. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday the import taxes would likely lead to higher inflation and slower growth.

03:06 PM EDT

Van Hollen presses El Salvador VP over Maryland man wrongly deported

Sen. Chris Van Hollen met with El Salvador Vice President Félix Ulloa on Tuesday to raise concerns about Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was mistakenly deported and is now being held in a high-security prison.

Speaking from El Salvador, Van Hollen said the meeting began with shared goals of combating gangs like MS-13. But he emphasized that Abrego Garcia’s case is unrelated. “The Trump administration has not presented U.S. courts with any evidence linking him to MS-13,” Van Hollen said, calling the claims “a lie to cover up what they did.”

The senator questioned why El Salvador continues to detain Abrego Garcia, who held protected legal status in the U.S. and has not been found by American courts to have gang affiliations. According to Van Hollen, Ulloa responded that the Trump administration is financially compensating El Salvador to keep him imprisoned at the notorious CECOT facility.

02:44 PM EDT

Latino organizer slams Kilmar Abrego Garcia case as political ‘lawlessness’

Alex Berrios, co-founder of the nonprofit Mi Vecino, told Newsweek in an email interview that both the Trump administration and the Salvadoran government must be held accountable for the continued detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an asylum seeker deported despite a court order blocking his removal.

“The Supreme Court has ruled, and that ruling is being ignored,” Berrios told Newsweek. “Congress needs to do their jobs and act.” He urged lawmakers to launch investigations, hold hearings, and refer any federal agents who violated the court’s order for criminal prosecution.

Berrios also called on Latino communities to mobilize, pointing to the “Hands Off” protests as a model of grassroots power. “We need to show up, push local officials to speak out, and make this case impossible to ignore,” he said.

He described Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s refusal to return Abrego Garcia as “disgusting,” adding, “Now their president is holding him like an animal on exhibit.” Berrios said the situation has sparked anger and fear among Latino communities, especially those trying to navigate the immigration system legally.

“This lawlessness results from a political machine that rewards cruelty and sees accountability as optional,” Berrios said. “People feel like this country doesn’t want them here, no matter what they do.”

02:42 PM EDT

Trump weighs in as Elise Stefanik mulls run for NY governor

President Donald Trump has shared his thoughts on Rep. Elise Stefanik as she reportedly considers running for governor of New York.

In a Wednesday morning Truth Social post, Trump appeared to throw his support behind Stefanik, a long ally of the president.

“Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is GREAT!!!” he wrote in the succinct message.

Stefanik is a member of House Republican leadership and was previously nominated to represent the U.S. at the United Nations. However, her nomination was pulled over fears that leaving a Republican House seat open when the party has such a tight majority could stop them getting anything passed.

02:34 PM EDT

Maryland senator meets with El Salvador’s VP to push for release of wrongly deported constituent

Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen has met with El Salvador’s Vice President Félix Ulloa to discuss the release of mistakenly deported Maryland father Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia.

Hollen flew down to the Central American country today to push for Abrego Garcia’s release.

In a press conference on Wednesday, in El Salvador, he told reporters that he and Ulloa had agreed that their two countries should work together to “crack down” on criminal gangs such as MS-13.

But Hollen said that, despite the Trump administration’s claims, Abrego Garcia “does not have to do with MS-13.”

Instead, he called the claims a “lie to cover up what they did,” adding that Trump officials had not presented the courts with any evidence that Abrego Garcia was a member.

Hollen said he asked Ulloa why El Salvador was holding the Maryland man.

“His answer was that the Trump administration is paying El Salvador, the government of El Salvador, to keep him at [mega prison] CECOT,” he said.

02:29 PM EDT

Trump pulls Stefanik’s UN nomination to protect GOP House majority

Trump has withdrawn Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, citing the need to preserve the Republican Party’s narrow House majority ahead of upcoming special elections.

In a post on Truth Social Thursday, Trump said it was “essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress,” and praised Stefanik as a key ally. He did not name a replacement nominee.

The reversal follows mounting concern among House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, about the party’s slim 218-213 edge. Johnson called Stefanik’s decision to stay “selfless,” and said she would be welcomed back to a leadership role, though no vacancy currently exists.

Stefanik told Fox News the choice was influenced by the uncertainty of a special election to fill her seat and the risk of losing ground ahead of critical votes. “We are committed to delivering results on behalf of the American people,” she said.

Though her nomination cleared the committee months ago, it remained stalled due to fears it could trigger a risky election in her reliably red New York district. Democrats have also ramped up efforts in Florida, where two vacant Republican seats are in play next week.

Stefanik becomes the fourth Trump nominee to withdraw from consideration this term. The U.S. remains without a permanent ambassador to the UN as major international conflicts continue.

02:15 PM EDT

Fed taking patient strategy on tariffs before it changes rates

The Federal Reserve is taking a wait-and-see strategy on President Donald Trump’s tariffs and how they will impact the U.S. economy, before it will make any changes to interest rates, Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday.

“For the time being, we are well positioned to wait for greater clarity” on the effect the tariffs, as well as policy changes in immigration, taxation and regulation, Powell added In written remarks to be delivered to the Economic Club of Chicago.

Powell said that Trump’s tariffs are “significantly larger than anticipated” and so the impact on the economy is expected to be bigger, with “higher inflation and slower growth.

The Fed believes that the effects of the tariffs will likely be temporary, but it is bracing in case the inflation and slow growth are “more persistent.”

02:15 PM EDT

White House plans to appeal judge’s contempt ruling over deportation order

The White House plans to seek “immediate appellate relief” following a ruling by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg that found probable cause to hold Trump administration officials in criminal contempt. The decision stems from their violation of a March order halting deportations under the Alien Enemies Act.

Judge Boasberg had blocked the administration from using the 1798 law to deport alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Despite the order, deportees were flown to El Salvador, prompting the contempt finding.

White House communications director Steven Cheung defended the administration’s actions, writing on X that President Trump is “100% committed to ensuring that terrorists and criminal illegal migrants are no longer a threat to Americans.”

While the administration has not yet filed an appeal, officials say they intend to challenge the ruling.

01:44 PM EDT

Rubio shuts down State Department’s office tracking foreign disinformation

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has shut down the State Department’s office that tracked foreign disinformation.

Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Hub’s 40 employees have been placed on leave and the agency’s contracts have been terminated.

The office tracked disinformation from foreign adversaries and terrorist groups, but some Republicans accused it of suppressing right-wing views and colluding with social media platforms. Russian propaganda is often found spreading in far-right circles.

Rubio said on Wednesday that the office “spent millions of dollars to actively silence and censor the voices of Americans they were supposed to be serving.”

Critics, including former officials, warned the closure weakens U.S. efforts to counter global propaganda from adversaries like Russia and China.

01:34 PM EDT

Judge Boasberg says Trump administration threatens to make ‘solemn mockery’ of Constitution

U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg said in his Wednesday court ruling, that the Trump administration’s “willful disobedience of judicial orders” threaten to make “a solemn mockery” of the Constitution, if they did not face consequences.

Boasberg warned that unless the administration can “purge” itself of the contempt finding, by “asserting custody of the individuals who were removed,” or proposing other methods of coming into compliance that he approved, he will begin hearings and may refer the case for prosecution.

He added that he will “proceed to identify the individual(s) responsible for the contumacious conduct by determining whose ‘specific act or omission’ caused the noncompliance”.

The judge said he will demand declarations from the government officials, and may proceed to hearings with live witness testimony under oath or to depositions conducted by Plaintiffs.

If the government “declines” to follow this order, or if he needs to as part of the judicial process, the court will appoint another attorney to prosecute the contempt.

01:19 PM EDT

Rep. Elise Stefanik is considering a New York gubernatorial run: Report

Rep. Elise Stefanik is considering running for governor of New York, a source close to her told AP.

Stefanik, a close Trump ally, is a member of House Republican leadership and was previously nominated to represent the U.S. at the United Nations.

However, her nomination was pulled over fears that leaving a Republican House seat open when the party has such a tight majority could stop them getting anything passed.

New York is a solid blue state but has sometimes voted for red governors. The last Republican governor was George Pataki, who was voted in, in 1995.

New York’s current governor, Democrat Kathy Hochul, was elected in 2022.

12:59 PM EDT

Trump administration proposes overhaul of federal employee retirement benefits

The Trump administration is proposing major changes to federal employee retirement benefits, including cuts to pensions and a shift toward 401(k)-style plans, according to a new budget plan sent to Congress.

The proposal would reduce the government’s share of contributions to federal pensions, eliminate cost-of-living adjustments for some retirees, and require employees to contribute more to their own retirement. If approved, the changes would primarily affect newer and mid-career federal workers.

Officials say the plan is part of a broader effort to align federal benefits more closely with those in the private sector and reduce long-term government spending. Critics argue the cuts would make it harder to recruit and retain talent in the federal workforce.

Congress would need to approve the changes, and it’s unclear whether the proposal has enough support to move forward.

12:53 PM EDT

Xi Jinping says China will stand with Southeast Asian countries in face of tariffs

Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced China will stand with Southeast Asian countries in face of Trump’s tariffs.

Xi is currently on his Southeast Asia tour and most recently had dinner with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“In the face of shocks to global order and economic globalization, China and Malaysia will stand with countries in the region to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical … confrontation, as well as the counter-currents of unilateralism and protectionism,” Xi said.

Xi is also visiting Vietnam and Cambodia this week as Beijing looks to strengthen its relationships in the region.

12:49 PM EDT

Young disaster relief volunteers discharged amid Trump administration cuts

Hundreds of young volunteers in AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) are being discharged early due to changes brought on by the Trump administration’s push to reduce government programs and staffing.

In an email sent Tuesday and obtained by the Associated Press, NCCC informed members that their service would end prematurely “due to programmatic circumstances beyond your control.” The decision affects many of the 2,000+ volunteers, ages 18 to 26, who typically serve for nearly a year on disaster relief and community service projects.

The move comes after an executive order from President Trump established the Department of Government Efficiency, which has triggered widespread reviews and cuts across federal programs. A memo to NCCC members cited new operational restrictions impacting the agency’s ability to continue.

Volunteers will be paid through April and may receive a prorated education award depending on how much of their service term they’ve completed. The full award for a completed term was worth about $7,300 this year.

12:36 PM EDT

Judge finds probable cause to hold Trump administration in contempt over deportation flights

A federal judge said Wednesday there is probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt for defying a court order to halt deportation flights to El Salvador.

U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg warned that unless the administration can “purge” itself of the contempt finding, he will begin hearings and may refer the case for prosecution. “None of their responses has been satisfactory,” Boasberg wrote, adding the court did not take the decision lightly.

The case stems from Boasberg’s order last month blocking deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, which former President Donald Trump invoked to target members of a Venezuelan gang. The judge instructed the administration to return planes already en route to El Salvador. However, the deportees landed anyway, prompting El Salvador’s president to mock the ruling in a social media post.

The administration claims it did not violate the order, arguing the turnaround demand was not in writing and the flights had already departed. The Justice Department has accused Boasberg of overreach, while Trump has called for his impeachment.

12:35 PM EDT

Bernie Sanders says rally crowd tops 30K in District Trump won three times

Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, said over 30,000 people turned out to his rally with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, in Folsom, California, located within a Republican-leaning Congressional district on Tuesday.

Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are two progressive standard-bearers for the Democratic Party who have been touring the U.S. for the “Fight Oligarchy” tour, bringing events to swing states and deeply conservative corners of the country to drive progressive enthusiasm and resistance to President Donald Trump’s policy.

Although Sanders, who caucuses with Senate Democrats, is unlikely to run for president in 2028, many on the left view Ocasio-Cortez as a potential candidate and successor to eventually lead the progressive movement.

Folsom, a suburb of Sacramento, is viewed as a competitive area and is located within California’s 3rd Congressional District, represented by Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley. The current configuration of the map gave Trump single-digit wins in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 races.

Read from Andrew Stanton on Newsweek.

12:31 PM EDT

Army and Air Force libraries ordered to review DEI-related books

Army and Air Force libraries have been instructed to review their collections for books related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, according to internal memos obtained by the Associated Press. The move follows a recent directive that led the U.S. Naval Academy to pull nearly 400 titles deemed to promote DEI.

The orders are part of the Trump administration’s broader push to eliminate DEI content from federal institutions. Army and Air Force leaders have signaled that any book removals will follow a review process, possibly to avoid the backlash faced by the Navy over controversial titles that were pulled, including works on civil rights, feminism, and the Holocaust.

The Army memo, signed by acting assistant secretary Derrick Anderson, was sent to West Point, the Army War College, and other commands, requiring a list of flagged books by Wednesday. The Air Force Academy was similarly told to review its library and submit reports by April 30 and May 30.

Although Trump’s January executive order banning DEI programs didn’t initially apply to military colleges, the Pentagon has since expanded its review to include them. Critics have pushed back against the sweeping changes, prompting the Pentagon to reinstate some content removed from its online platforms.

12:11 PM EDT

RFK Jr. investigates ultrasounds as potential cause of autism

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced plans to conduct a number of studies into what he calls the “epidemic of autism.”

Speaking at press briefing on CDC figures, the Health Secretary discussed the rapid increase in diagnosed cases of autism, which he believes must have an environmental cause.

“Genes don’t cause epidemics,” he said. “We’re going to look at all the potential culprits, we’re going to look at mold, we’re going to look at food additives, we’re going to look at pesticides, we’re going to look at air and water and medicines.

“We’re going to look at ultrasounds,” he added.

Kennedy said that the autism “epidemic” began in 1989, so he would be investigating lifestyle changes, and new things that were introduced or became common place then, such as ultrasounds.

12:07 PM EDT

Top House Democrat urges GAO to probe alleged DOGE activity at NLRB

Rep. Bobby Scott, the top Democrat on the House Education and Workforce Committee, has formally asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate allegations of potential DOGE-related activity within the National Labor Relations Board. His request comes in response to a whistleblower complaint and was outlined in a letter dated Tuesday, first obtained by NBC News.

In the letter, Scott urged the GAO to include the NLRB in its ongoing review of federal IT system security, referencing concerns he raised in an earlier request sent in February. That request sought a broader investigation into digital vulnerabilities and alleged DOGE “interventions” in government networks.

Scott’s renewed call highlights growing concerns on Capitol Hill about digital security and potential cyber-related misconduct within federal agencies.

11:56 AM EDT

Pam Bondi ‘reviewing’ new allegations against Letitia James

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wednesday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is “reviewing” newly discovered documents scrutinizing the residence of New York Attorney General Letitia James.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has referred James to the DOJ, asserting that she misrepresented a Norfolk, Virginia property as her primary residence to secure favorable mortgage terms in 2023.

At the time, James was serving as New York’s Attorney General, a role that necessitates New York residency. James, who was born in Brooklyn and is unmarried, filed a civil fraud lawsuit against Trump and the Trump Organization in October 2023.

Additionally, discrepancies have been noted in her Brooklyn property filings, where she reportedly listed the building as a four-unit dwelling on mortgage applications, despite official records designating it as a five-unit property. ​

11:48 AM EDT

Republicans issue red line warning to Mike Johnson

A dozen House Republicans sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson as other top GOP leaders outwardly stated they “cannot and will not support” a final reconciliation bill that includes Medicaid cuts.

Newsweek has reached out to Speaker Johnson’s press team for comment via email on Wednesday.

The GOP holds a narrow 220-213 majority in the House, meaning Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, has little wiggle room to lose members on party line votes. Earlier in April, the House narrowly approved a budget framework that critics say could lead to significant cuts to Medicaid, though GOP leaders have said the program would face reforms, not cuts.

Johnson has repeatedly advanced legislation that supports President Donald Trump’s economic agenda despite narrow margins, including a budget plan committing to $1.5 trillion in cuts to federal programs and services, which narrowly passed 216-214 last week.

Nearly 80 million people rely on Medicaid for health insurance, according to Medicaid data from October 2024. Approximately 72 million are enrolled in Medicaid, while 7.2 million are covered through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Democrats have consistently raised concerns about potential cuts to the federal health program under the Trump administration.

Read the full story by Mandy Taheri on Newsweek.

11:48 AM EDT

Independent expert to review security measures at Gov. Shapiro’s official residence

An independent expert is set to review security measures at Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence after the arson attack on the property on Sunday.

Suspect Cody Balmer is accused of scaling the iron security fence and breaking into the governor’s mansion in Pennsylvania.

Balmer told police that he planned to beat Shapiro with a sledgehammer.

State police told Reuters on Wednesday, that the security review will be a risk and vulnerability assessment after the security breach.

11:31 AM EDT

Iran confirms second round of U.S. nuclear talks will take place in Rome

Iranian state television confirmed Wednesday that the second round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States will take place in Rome, ending confusion over whether negotiations would continue in Oman. The talks will again be mediated by Omani officials, who also hosted the first round last weekend in Muscat.

Earlier in the week, U.S. officials had identified Rome as the site for Saturday’s meeting, while Iran’s Foreign Ministry claimed the talks would return to Oman.

The update came as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian formally accepted the resignation of Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif, a central figure in the original 2015 nuclear agreement. Pezeshkian praised Zarif but said his administration could no longer rely on him. Zarif will be replaced by Mohsen Ismaili, a moderate legal expert.

Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, arrived in Iran on Wednesday to negotiate renewed access for inspectors amid growing concerns about Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Talks between Iran and the U.S. are seen as critical, with both sides signaling tough demands, and Trump threatening airstrikes if diplomacy fails.

11:25 AM EDT

Republicans issue red line warning to Mike Johnson

A dozen House Republicans sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson as other top GOP leaders outwardly stated they “cannot and will not support” a final reconciliation bill that includes Medicaid cuts.

The GOP holds a narrow 220-213 majority in the House, meaning Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, has little wiggle room to lose members on party line votes. Earlier in April, the House narrowly approved a budget framework that critics say could lead to significant cuts to Medicaid, though GOP leaders have said the program would face reforms, not cuts.

Johnson has repeatedly advanced legislation that supports President Donald Trump’s economic agenda despite narrow margins, including a budget plan committing to $1.5 trillion in cuts to federal programs and services, which narrowly passed 216-214 last week.

On Monday, a dozen House Republicans authored a letter to GOP leaders Johnson, Majority Leader Representative Steve Scalise of Louisiana, Majority Whip Representative Tom Emmer of Minnesota, and House Energy and Commerce Chair Representative Brett Guthrie of Kentucky, which was first obtained by Punchbowl News.

Read in full from Mandy Taheri on Newsweek.

11:19 AM EDT

Trump meeting with Japan’s top trade official today on tariffs

Japan’s chief trade negotiator is in Washington D.C. this week to meet with President Donald Trump and his top aides to discuss tariffs.

Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa is expected to meet with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during his three-day trip.

Trump said he is planning to join the talks which will discuss the tariffs, trade and military support for Japan.

“Japan is coming in today to negotiate Tariffs, the cost of military support, and ‘TRADE FAIRNESS,'” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I will attend the meeting, along with Treasury & Commerce Secretaries. Hopefully something can be worked out which is good (GREAT!) for Japan and the USA!”

11:15 AM EDT

House Republicans from swing districts oppose Medicaid cuts in Trump agenda bill

A group of 12 House Republicans, many representing politically vulnerable districts, sent a letter to GOP leadership this week pledging to oppose “any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations” as their party weighs major cuts to fund legislation advancing former President Donald Trump’s agenda.

The lawmakers, including Reps. David Valadao (R-Calif.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), warned that slashing Medicaid would break promises made to constituents and hurt those most in need. “We cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage,” they wrote.

The group emphasized support for reforms targeting program waste and inefficiencies but drew a red line at coverage cuts. “Communities like ours won us the majority,” they said, “and we have a responsibility to deliver on the promises we made.”

With Republicans holding a narrow House majority, these members could derail any legislation that includes sweeping Medicaid cuts. Budget math suggests such cuts are likely unless GOP leaders revise spending goals set by conservative hardliners.

10:58 AM EDT

Rep. Murphy defends avoiding town halls, Quigley backs Biden’s return to public stage

Today on CNN News Central, anchor Kate Bolduan interviewed Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) on the growing protests at GOP town halls, while Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) spoke with anchor John Berman about former President Biden’s reemergence on the public stage.

Murphy defended his decision to avoid in-person town hall events during the congressional break, saying recent disruptions have made them unproductive. “They’re just not fruitful,” he said. “I’m happy to meet with people… but as far as just raucous screaming and yelling, I’m not interested.”

Meanwhile, Quigley welcomed Biden’s return, saying his voice remains relevant despite stepping back from politics. “We welcome his voice because he’s spot on about what’s taking place in our country,” Quigley said, adding that multiple Democratic voices are shaping the national conversation.

10:41 AM EDT

Trump to receive intelligence briefing, attend Easter prayer service

Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to receive an intelligence briefing this morning at 11:30 a.m., according to his official itinerary.

Later in the day, at 6:30 p.m., he is expected to attend an Easter prayer service followed by dinner.

10:28 AM EDT

CDC delayed key measles guidance as outbreak spread, officials say

As measles cases surged past 700 this winter, U.S. pediatricians waited weeks for expected guidance from the CDC — a delay public health officials now say hindered efforts to contain the outbreak.

The letter outlining prevention protocols didn’t arrive until last week, after two children in Texas had died. Experts say the Trump administration’s slow, inconsistent response has broken with longstanding public health practices. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly wasn’t regularly briefed by CDC officials, and the American Academy of Pediatrics was left out of coordination efforts.

Kennedy’s mixed messaging on vaccines has also complicated the government’s response, public health leaders say, creating confusion and weakening efforts to encourage immunization in vulnerable communities.

10:15 AM EDT

AFL-CIO to hold 400 events opposing federal cuts

The AFL-CIO is launching nearly 400 events nationwide over the next two weeks to protest the Trump administration’s changes to the federal government.

Organized under its “Department of People Who Work for a Living” campaign—a jab at Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency”—the events include rallies outside federal agencies and protests near lawmakers’ offices.

The highlight will be 19 field hearings where union workers will share stories and policy ideas. The AFL-CIO plans to compile the testimony into a report for Congress and the White House.

Consultant Eddie Vale said the goal is to reflect the real needs of working people amid federal cutbacks.

10:02 AM EDT

WTO projects 0.2% drop in global goods trade this year

The World Trade Organization said Wednesday that global trade in goods is expected to shrink by 0.2% this year, citing U.S. tariff policy changes under President Trump and ongoing trade tensions with China.

The WTO warned that if the administration follows through with its most aggressive “reciprocal” tariffs, the impact could be far worse. Even under current conditions, North America is set to experience a sharp decline, with exports projected to fall by 12.6% and imports by 9.6%.

Originally, WTO economists had predicted continued growth in global trade through 2025 and 2026, but the outlook was significantly revised due to the escalating trade war.

09:50 AM EDT

California crosswalks hacked to mock Elon Musk: ‘I’m so alone’

Pedestrians across several Bay Area cities have experienced crosswalk signals that played audio resembling Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.

The audio, created using deepfakes of the tech CEOs’ voices, were circulated by an anonymous hacker or group who gained access to the pedestrian crossing systems in cities including Alameda, Oakland, and San Francisco.

Newsweek contacted the Palo Alto police force for more information on this story via email.

The hack comes amid rising public backlash toward Elon Musk due to his role in the federal government. Musk has become one of the faces of Trump’s second administration, and his association with the cuts to spending made by the Department of Government Efficiency has led to protests against his companies.

The crosswalk buttons in question, once pressed, played monologues in AI-generated voices that mimic Musk and Zuckerberg.

One message, imitating Zuckerberg, said: “Hi, this is Mark Zuckerberg, but real ones call me the Zucc.

“It’s normal to feel uncomfortable or even violated as we forcefully insert AI into every facet of your conscious experience, and I just want to assure you that you don’t need to worry, because there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop it.”

Read the full story by Theo Burman on Newsweek.

09:37 AM EDT

Vance to visit Italy and India for talks and cultural stops

Vice President JD Vance and the Second Family will travel to Italy and India from April 18 to April 24, the White House said Wednesday. The trip will focus on advancing shared economic and geopolitical goals.

In Rome, Vance is set to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

In India, he will visit New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Second Family will also take part in cultural landmark events during the visit.

09:18 AM EDT

White House sues Maine over transgender athlete policy in schools

The Biden administration filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Maine’s education department, accusing it of defying federal rules that seek to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports.

The legal action intensifies a standoff between the administration and Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, who has resisted efforts to enforce the policy. Tensions peaked after Mills told President Biden during a recent White House meeting, “We’ll see you in court.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the lawsuit in Washington, joined by Riley Gaines, a former college swimmer and vocal critic of transgender inclusion in women’s sports.

09:04 AM EDT

Rubio and Trump envoy to hold Ukraine peace talks in Paris

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Paris this week for discussions with European allies on U.S. efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

The State Department said Wednesday that the talks, set for Thursday, aim to “advance President Trump’s goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stop the bloodshed.” Specifics of the meetings were not disclosed.

Rubio will also discuss regional cooperation and shared interests, according to spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

08:51 AM EDT

Judge to question Trump officials over defied order in mistaken deportation case

A federal judge said Tuesday she will require sworn testimony from Trump administration officials to determine whether they ignored court orders to bring back Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to a dangerous prison in El Salvador.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland said officials defied a “clear” Supreme Court ruling and dismissed recent remarks from the White House and El Salvador’s president as irrelevant to the case.

“The Supreme Court has spoken,” Xinis said. Her written order calls for testimony from four officials across ICE, DHS, and the State Department.

08:39 AM EDT

Trump proposes stipend and plane ticket for immigrants who choose to self-deport

Trump said he plans to offer money and airfare to immigrants in the U.S. illegally who choose to “self-deport,” marking a shift from his typically tough stance on immigration.

In a Fox Noticias interview that aired Tuesday, Trump said his priority remains deporting violent criminals. But for others, he said, “We’re going to give them a stipend. We’re going to give them some money and a plane ticket,” adding that those deemed “good” could be helped back into the country later.

He did not provide details on when or how the program would begin.

08:23 AM EDT

China names new trade negotiator amid escalating tariff fight with U.S.

China has appointed Li Chenggang as its new trade negotiator as tensions with the United States continue to rise over tariffs. Li replaces Wang Shouwen, who helped negotiate the 2020 trade deal with the U.S.

The leadership change comes as China faces 145% U.S. tariffs on its exports, while retaliating with 125% tariffs on American goods. President Donald Trump’s administration recently extended tariff waivers to dozens of other countries, but not China.

Li’s appointment signals Beijing’s intent to push back firmly, while promoting China as a stable global trade partner. A former ambassador to the World Trade Organization, Li is expected to bring experience and a free-trade stance to the table. Talks, however, remain stalled, with both sides nearing a tariff stalemate.

08:08 AM EDT

California to sue Trump over tariffs

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that the state will file a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s authority to impose sweeping tariffs. The lawsuit will argue that Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to enact tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China is unlawful. The state also claims that such tariffs require congressional approval.

The lawsuit, which will be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, follows Trump’s justification for the tariffs, including promoting U.S. manufacturing and combating illicit fentanyl trafficking. Newsom, however, argues that the tariffs have inflated costs and caused billions in damage to California, the nation’s largest state economy.

“President Trump’s unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy,” Newsom said, citing the negative impacts on jobs and prices. The state is requesting that the court immediately block the tariffs.

The announcement follows Newsom’s recent request for California exports to be exempted from retaliatory tariffs, though no agreements have been made. Newsom will discuss the lawsuit later today with California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

07:55 AM EDT

Biden accuses Trump and Musk of undermining Social Security

On Tuesday, Joe Biden criticized Donald Trump and Elon Musk for their aggressive efforts to dismantle parts of the federal government, particularly the Social Security Administration. In his first public remarks since leaving office, Biden condemned the new administration’s actions, calling Social Security a “sacred promise” that more than 70 million Americans depend on.

Addressing the National Conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago, Biden argued that the Trump administration had already caused significant damage in less than 100 days. He likened their approach to the Silicon Valley philosophy of “move fast and break things,” adding that they were “shooting first and aiming later” when it came to government functions.

07:41 AM EDT

CEO retracts endorsement of Donald Trump cabinet pick: ‘Was a mistake’

The CEO of an outdoor clothing and equipment retailer has retracted its previous support for Doug Burgum’s nomination as secretary of the interior.

Mary Beth Laughton, new president and CEO of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), said that her company now regrets signing a letter in support of Burgum, the former governor of North Dakota.

“Signing that letter was a mistake,” Laughton said in a video message posted to Instagram on April 9. “The actions that the administration has taken on public lands are completely at odds with the long-standing values of REI.”

Newsweek has contacted the Department of the Interior via email outside of regular business hours for comment.

The president enjoyed the direct and tacit endorsement of many of America’s most influential business leaders prior to his inauguration. However, recent policies—especially those related to economics and trade—have started to alienate some companies, the interests or operations of which now conflict with the administration’s agenda.

REI, alongside several American outdoor recreation companies signed a letter sent to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in January, expressing their “strong support” for Burgum’s nomination.

“Governor Burgum’s history of support for outdoor recreation, the outdoor recreation economy, and the protection of public lands and waters makes his leadership critical for the Administration and the Department,” the letter read.

“Governor Burgum has shown a commitment to supporting outdoor recreation as an economic driver and a meaningful way to connect communities,” it continued.

Read the full story by Hugh Cameron on Newsweek.

07:24 AM EDT

Trump to meet with Japan on tariffs, military costs, and trade

Trump announced that he will attend a meeting with Japanese officials to discuss tariffs, military support costs, and “trade fairness.”

Treasury and Commerce Secretaries will also be present. “Hopefully something can be worked out which is good (GREAT!) for Japan and the USA!” he wrote on Truth Social.