Laura Fernández Sworn In as Costa Rica President, Keeping Outgoing Leader in Key Roles Laura Fernández was officially sworn in as president of Costa Rica on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape. Her inauguration took place alongside her predecessor, outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, who will retain two high-profile ministerial roles within the new administration. Chaves, a longtime ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, will serve as both minister of the presidency and minister of finance, a decision that has drawn significant attention due to its implications for governance and legal accountability. Fernández, a political scientist and the second woman to hold the office of Costa Rica’s president, emphasized her commitment to continuing the political movement established by Chaves. Her administration’s structure, which grants Chaves extended legal immunity, has sparked debate over the balance of power and the rule of law. Under Costa Rican law, the minister of the presidency holds a critical role in mediating between the executive branch and the Legislative Assembly, a position that amplifies Chaves’ influence over legislative processes. The decision to retain Chaves in these roles is unprecedented in Costa Rican political history. It not only ensures his continued involvement in shaping policy but also extends his legal protection from ongoing investigations into alleged corruption. These probes, led by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, have targeted Chaves for various misconduct allegations, including accusations of pressuring officials to favor a former adviser. His immunity, which now spans an additional four years, has raised concerns about the integrity of democratic institutions and the potential for political interference.#donald_trump #kristi_noem #costa_rica #laura_fernandez #rodrigo_chaves
Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Ending Deportation Protections for 2,800 Yemenis A federal judge in New York has halted the Trump administration’s plan to terminate deportation protections for over 2,800 Yemeni nationals granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the United States. U.S. District Judge Dale Ho ruled that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) likely violated federal law by bypassing the procedural requirements mandated by Congress when it sought to end the program earlier this year. The decision preserves the TPS protections for Yemeni immigrants while their legal challenge proceeds. Ho, a Biden appointee, found that former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem acted unlawfully by failing to follow the statutory process for reviewing a country’s conditions before terminating TPS for Yemen. The judge criticized the agency for “short-circuiting” the required review process, which is designed to ensure public accountability and transparency. The ruling emphasized that TPS holders from Yemen are ordinary individuals who have been granted temporary residency due to the ongoing conflict in their home country, which the government has repeatedly deemed unsafe for return. Yemen was first designated for TPS in 2015 under the Obama administration, based on the presence of an ongoing armed conflict that posed significant risks to Yemeni nationals. The designation was renewed multiple times, including during the first Trump administration, and most recently in 2024, which cited continued civil war and humanitarian crises as justification. Despite a State Department travel advisory warning Americans against visiting Yemen due to terrorism, unrest, and health risks, the DHS announced in February 2025 that TPS for Yemen would end.#department_of_homeland_security #kristi_noem #temporary_protected_status #judge_dale_ho #yemeni_nationals
Trump Expected to Nominate Cameron Hamilton to Lead FEMA President Donald Trump is set to nominate Cameron Hamilton, a former U.S. Navy SEAL who was previously fired as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s acting leader, to serve as its permanent administrator. The move comes after Hamilton was dismissed from his role in May 2024, just days after he testified before a Capitol Hill committee about his disagreements with proposals to dismantle FEMA. The agency, which coordinates the federal government’s response to disasters, has been without a permanent leader since Trump’s second term began, relying on three temporary appointees. Hamilton’s tenure as FEMA’s acting administrator lasted from January to May 2024. During his time in the role, he criticized plans to reduce the agency’s size, which Trump had repeatedly advocated. In a testimony to the House Appropriations subcommittee, Hamilton stated, “I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency.” His dismissal followed a heated exchange with officials over the agency’s structure, as Trump sought to reshape FEMA’s role in disaster response. The potential nomination of Hamilton marks a pivotal moment for FEMA, which faces uncertainty amid ongoing debates about its structure and effectiveness. Trump has emphasized shifting disaster management responsibilities to states and has established a FEMA Review Council to propose sweeping reforms. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has publicly supported FEMA while advocating for changes, contrasting with his predecessor, Kristi Noem, who had pledged to “eliminate FEMA as it exists today.” Noem’s tenure was marked by conflicts with the review council, which Trump created to oversee potential reforms.#trump #kristi_noem #fema #markwayne_mullin #cameron_hamilton
Trump to Nominate Cameron Hamilton as FEMA Chief After Less Than a Year of Previous Tenure President Donald Trump is set to nominate Cameron Hamilton to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) less than a year after he was abruptly dismissed from the role. Three individuals familiar with the decision confirmed to CNN that Hamilton, a former acting administrator of FEMA, will be nominated despite his recent termination. The move marks a significant shift in the administration’s approach to the agency, which had previously faced intense scrutiny and restructuring under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Hamilton’s initial appointment to FEMA occurred at the start of Trump’s second term, during a period when the administration was actively considering dismantling the agency and transferring disaster response responsibilities to state governments. However, his tenure quickly became contentious. Hamilton clashed with Noem and her key ally, Corey Lewandowski, over the agency’s future. Lewandowski reportedly criticized Hamilton for not acting swiftly or decisively enough to implement the administration’s plans. Meanwhile, Hamilton himself grew increasingly vocal about preserving FEMA, arguing that while the agency required reforms, its dissolution would be detrimental to public safety. The conflict reached a critical point in May 2025, when Hamilton was informed of his impending firing just hours before he was scheduled to testify before a congressional committee. Despite the looming threat, he proceeded with his testimony, publicly opposing the administration’s stance on FEMA’s elimination. “I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” he stated during the hearing.#donald_trump #kristi_noem #fema #corey_lewandowski #cameron_hamilton
Tribunal federal ordena suspender investigación contra funcionarios de Trump por desacato en caso de deportación a El Salvador Un tribunal federal de apelaciones de Washington dictaminó el martes que el juez James Boasberg, quien había intentado investigar a funcionarios de la administración de Donald Trump por desacato en un caso de inmigración, debe detener sus esfuerzos. La decisión, tomada en una opinión dividida, se produce un año después de que Boasberg hubiera declarado que el gobierno de Trump había incumplido una orden judicial al permitir la deportación de migrantes bajo una autoridad de tiempos de guerra. El caso se centra en un intento del juez Boasberg de determinar si la administración Trump había violado una orden de detener temporalmente la deportación de migrantes hacia El Salvador. En 2023, Boasberg había emitido un fallo en el que afirmó que existía "causa probable" para acusar al gobierno de desacato penal por desafiar sus instrucciones. Sin embargo, la administración Trump apeló repetidamente ante el Tribunal de Apelaciones del Circuito Washington, lo que paralizó la investigación al no permitir que los procedimientos de desacato se iniciaran plenamente. Dos jueces del tribunal de apelaciones designados por Trump, Neomi Rao y Justin Walker, concluyeron que la investigación del juez Boasberg constituía un "abuso claro de poder". Argumentaron que la administración ya había identificado previamente a la entonces secretaria del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS), Kristi Noem, como la responsable de autorizar las deportaciones. En su opinión, la investigación del juez "intrusiva" buscaba indagar en deliberaciones del Poder Ejecutivo sobre asuntos de seguridad nacional y diplomacia, lo cual, según ellos, era un "abuso de discrecionalidad".#kristi_noem #tribunal_federal #juez_james_boasberg #administracion_trump #departamento_seguridad_nacional
Saturday Night Live Cold Open Tackles Pam Bondi Firing, Kristi Noem's Husband, and Artemis II Mission Saturday Night Live’s April 4 episode opened with a sketch that directly addressed the firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi by President Donald Trump, marking a departure from the show’s usual cold open format. The sketch, which featured an NCAA Final Four post-game show, centered on Kenan Thompson’s portrayal of Charles Barkley, who delivered unscripted commentary on a range of political and cultural topics. Unlike previous cold opens that often included James Austin Johnson’s Trump impression, this episode opted for a different approach, focusing instead on Barkley’s off-the-cuff remarks. The sketch began with Barkley, played by Thompson, criticizing Bondi’s removal from her position. “As attorney general, Pam Bondi was, and I don’t say this often, terrible,” Barkley declared. “It is a shame when somebody gets fired, but we should all be glad that that freckle-chested dragon lady is gone.” The line, which mocked Bondi’s appearance and political stance, sparked immediate controversy. Bondi’s character, portrayed by Ashley Padilla, then entered to deliver a rebuttal. “The truth is, I was amazing at my job, and I am proud to say I made history as the first woman ever to be fired as attorney general,” Padilla’s Bondi said, adding, “I shattered that glass exit door!” The sketch quickly shifted to a dramatic breakdown, with Padilla’s Bondi weeping and declaring, “They threw my headshot in the trash like it was the Epstein files!” This reference to the controversial Jeffrey Epstein case highlighted the sketch’s satirical take on the political fallout surrounding Bondi’s firing.#charles_barkley #pam_bondi #kristi_noem #artemis_ii #kenan_thompson
Senate Holds Rare Weekend Session on SAVE Act and Markwayne Mullin Nomination The Senate convened for a rare weekend session on Sunday, with Republican lawmakers pushing to advance the SAVE America Act. The session also saw progress on President Donald Trump’s nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma for the position of Department of Homeland Security director. The Senate voted 54-37 to limit debate on Mullin’s confirmation, setting the stage for a potential vote on Monday. Mullin would replace Secretary Kristi Noem, whom Trump removed from the role. The SAVE Act, a contentious piece of legislation, dominated Senate floor discussions throughout the weekend. The bill, already passed by the House in February 2026, requires voters to present physical proof of citizenship—such as a passport or birth certificate—when registering to vote and mandates government-issued ID for casting ballots in federal elections. However, Trump has insisted on adding further provisions, including stricter voter ID requirements, the elimination of mail-in voting (with exceptions for military, travel, or illness), bans on men participating in women’s sports, and restrictions on gender transition surgeries for children. The bill’s amendment process has intensified debates, with Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) introducing a provision to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. This amendment has drawn significant criticism, particularly from Democrats, who argue it targets marginalized communities. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, condemned the bill as a form of voter suppression, stating, “This is not common-sense voter ID. This is suppression.” The Brennan Center for Justice highlights the potential impact of the SAVE Act on vulnerable populations.#kristi_noem #chuck_schumer #tommy_tuberville #save_act #markwayne_mullin
Kristi Noem’s Alleged Lover Corey Lewandowski Fired in Middle of Exotic Getaway Corey Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign adviser and close associate of former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, was abruptly removed from his position as a special government employee after being photographed on a tropical trip with Noem in Guyana. The incident, which occurred during a five-country tour, reportedly led to his ousting from the Trump administration. White House officials and three sources close to the administration confirmed the decision to the New York Post, which is favored by Donald Trump. The pair was spotted in Guyana, where temperatures ranged from 75°F to 83°F, during a stop that marked the fourth leg of Noem’s travel itinerary. Noem, now serving as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas—a role created by Trump after she was replaced at DHS—was reportedly using a leased luxury Boeing 737 with private accommodations. The trip, which included meetings with Guyanese government officials, was not officially sanctioned by the State Department, according to officials briefed by CBS News. U.S. Embassy officials in Guyana had announced the meeting, but State Department officials suggested Noem had orchestrated the trip independently. Lewandowski, who served as Noem’s de facto chief of staff, was seated alongside her during the meeting with Guyanese leaders. The event appeared to be the first public appearance for Noem in her new role, though it raised questions about her ability to operate under the radar of her new superiors. U.S. and State officials confirmed that Lewandowski is no longer employed by the State Department and will not be in the future. The circumstances of his departure remain unclear.#kristi_noem #state_department #corey_lewandowski #new_york_post #daniel_noboa
Why this picture of Kristi Noem is causing a stir Kristi Noem, the South Dakota governor and newly appointed special envoy for "The Shield of Americas," has drawn significant attention after a recent photo surfaced showing her closely interacting with her adviser, Corey Lewandowski, during an official trip to South America. The image, which has sparked widespread discussion, has reignited allegations that the two are engaged in a taxpayer-funded affair, despite both being married and having previously denied such claims. The controversy centers on Noem’s recent diplomatic mission, which included stops in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Guyana. The trip was part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening security efforts against drug cartels in the region. However, the use of a Homeland Security Department plane for the journey has raised questions about the appropriateness of the funding, as Lewandowski is not a State Department employee. Critics argue that taxpayer money should not be used to support personal relationships, especially when the individuals involved are already in positions of public trust. The photo in question, which appears to show Noem and Lewandowski in close proximity during the trip, has been widely circulated online. While the exact context of their interaction remains unclear, the image has been interpreted by some as evidence of a romantic relationship. This has led to renewed scrutiny of both individuals, particularly given the timing of the trip and the public nature of their roles. Noem, who has previously faced criticism for her handling of state funds, is now under additional pressure as the allegations resurface.#dominican_republic #kristi_noem #south_dakota #corey_lewandowski #homeland_security_department
Abby Huntsman Admits She Doesn’t Think Pete Hegseth Is “Qualified For The Job” Abby Huntsman, a guest co-host on The View, openly expressed her concerns about Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during a recent episode of the show. Huntsman described Hegseth as someone who “does not like to take accountability for anything,” highlighting her skepticism about his suitability for the role. She contrasted his approach with that of former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, suggesting that Hegseth views criticism of oil prices as praise rather than a sign of potential political trouble. Huntsman emphasized that the Department of Defense’s public statements, including memes and cartoons, are inappropriate given the gravity of military service. She recounted her own military family background, stating that such actions are “not a game” and that the sacrifices of service members should not be trivialized. When asked directly if Hegseth is qualified for his position, Huntsman admitted, “I don’t think Pete’s qualified for the job,” though she clarified that her concern stems from a desire to protect the country rather than a personal attack on Hegseth. Other The View co-hosts weighed in on the discussion. Sunny Hostin pressed Huntsman on Hegseth’s qualifications, while Joy Behar quipped about the political dynamics at play. Sara Haines joined the conversation, stating that Hegseth is “not qualified to run the Department of Defense.” Huntsman reiterated her stance, stressing her commitment to the military families she knows and her hope that the administration makes the right decisions. The episode underscored the broader debate over Trump’s choice of advisors, with Huntsman noting that the president often selects individuals who align with his views rather than those with expertise in their roles.#pete_hegseth #the_view #kristi_noem #abby_huntsman #department_of_defense
Markwayne Mullin Confirmed as DHS Secretary Amid Agency Turmoil The Senate confirmed Sen. Markwayne Mullin as the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on Monday night, elevating the Oklahoma Republican to lead an agency at the center of a prolonged government shutdown and contentious immigration enforcement debates. Mullin’s nomination, approved by a 54-45 vote, marks his ascension to the role just weeks after President Donald Trump named him to replace Secretary Kristi Noem, who was ousted earlier this month amid criticism over her handling of the fallout from fatal shootings of two individuals in Minnesota. Mullin’s confirmation comes as the Department of Homeland Security faces a funding crisis, with its budget lapse persisting since February 14. Lawmakers and the administration have engaged in negotiations to resolve the shutdown, but a deal remains elusive. Democrats have pushed for reforms to immigration enforcement procedures, citing concerns over the use of force following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minnesota. Mullin’s confirmation vote reflected deep partisan divisions, with GOP Sen. Rand Paul voting against the nomination and Democratic Sens. John Fetterman and Martin Heinrich supporting it. Mullin, a staunch Trump ally, has long advocated for a hardline approach to immigration, but his confirmation hearing revealed a more nuanced stance. During the process, he emphasized his commitment to being accessible to Congress, vowing not to change his cellphone number and acknowledging the frustrations of lawmakers who feel the administration is unresponsive.#department_of_homeland_security #kristi_noem #markwayne_mullin #alex_pretti #renee_good
US Global Entry Program to Resume Amid DHS Shutdown The Trump administration announced on March 11, 2026, that the Global Entry program would be reinstated, restoring a fast-track system for international travelers that had been suspended during a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. The decision came as the funding dispute over the agency entered its fourth week, with officials stating the move aimed to reduce disruptions caused by the ongoing government standoff. A DHS spokesperson confirmed the reactivation of Global Entry, set for March 11 at 5:00 AM ET, emphasizing efforts to address the challenges faced by travelers. The program, which allows preapproved citizens and lawful permanent residents to bypass standard passport-control lines using automated kiosks, had been halted on February 22 after the department’s funding lapsed on February 14. At the time, lawmakers failed to agree on a spending bill, leading to the shutdown. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had previously directed personnel to prioritize security operations at airports and ports of entry, shifting resources away from the Global Entry program. This decision was quickly reversed for the TSA PreCheck program, but Global Entry remained suspended. The suspension drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers and industry groups, who argued it compromised both security and efficiency. The funding lapse stemmed from a broader political dispute over immigration enforcement. Democrats in Congress sought to impose new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including requiring judicial warrants for certain home arrests, mandating visible identification for agents, and limiting the use of face coverings during operations.#dhs #global_entry_program #kristi_noem #us_travel_association #tsa_precheck_program
Homeland Security Secretary's Testimony Sparks Debate on Executive Power and Due Process Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s recent congressional testimony has drawn significant scrutiny over her portrayal of executive authority, particularly her use of the term “domestic terrorist” to describe two Americans killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. The hearing highlighted tensions between the government’s power to label individuals as threats and the constitutional safeguards designed to prevent unilateral judgments. Noem faced repeated questioning about her refusal to retract the label, despite calls for restraint until evidence is fully reviewed. During the testimony, Noem maintained that her statements were based on preliminary reports from agents on the ground, emphasizing the chaotic nature of the situation. However, critics argue that such field reports do not replace the legal process required to determine guilt. The term “domestic terrorist” carries immense weight, implying that an individual is an enemy of the state, a classification that bypasses due process. Noem’s insistence on the label, even as she acknowledged the investigation was ongoing, raised concerns about the government’s ability to act without judicial oversight. The legal framework in the U.S. requires a structured process: accusations are the start, not the end, of determining guilt. Prosecutors file charges, judges assess probable cause, and juries decide outcomes. This separation of powers, enshrined in the Constitution, aims to prevent abuse by ensuring no single branch holds unchecked authority. Noem’s testimony, however, suggested a view of executive power that blurs these boundaries.#kristi_noem #minneapolis #homeland_security_secretary #hamdi_v_rumsfeld #sandra_day_oconnor
Kristi Noem's congressional testimony before the House Judiciary Committee highlighted intense scrutiny of her Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies, with Democratic lawmakers pressing her on immigration enforcement, leadership decisions, and controversial practices. The hearing, part of a series of oversight sessions, unfolded amid ongoing congressional debates over fully funding the agency. Democrats focused on Corey Lewandowski, Noem’s special adviser, questioning his qualifications and role in the department. Rep. Sydney Kalmager-Dove cited a Wall Street Journal report alleging Trump rejected Lewandowski’s request to become Noem’s chief of staff due to a reported romantic relationship. Both Noem and Lewandowski denied the affair. Kalmager-Dove challenged Noem directly, asking if she had sexual relations with Lewandowski. Noem dismissed the inquiry as "tabloid garbage," emphasizing Lewandowski’s status as a White House employee. Rep. Jamie Raskin criticized Noem for her defense of using luxury jets for DHS operations, including a story about a "blankie" left on a plane. Raskin mocked the incident, suggesting Lewandowski’s actions reflected arrogance and contempt, and questioned Noem’s judgment in allowing such practices. The exchange escalated tensions, with Noem’s husband present in the gallery. Rep. Eric Swalwell confronted Noem about the deportation of Miguel Lopez, a U.S. resident married to an American citizen. Swalwell described Lopez’s struggles after being deported, noting his lack of employment and communication challenges. Noem responded by highlighting the consequences of illegal immigration, citing tragedies like drug-related deaths and accidents involving undocumented drivers. The hearing reached a peak when Rep.#kristi_noem #house_judiciary_committee #corey_lewandowski #sydney_kalmager_dove #james_raskin
