FBI Raids Ohio Progressive Group’s Office Amid Voter Fraud Investigation Federal agents conducted a search of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative’s office on Thursday as part of a Justice Department investigation into its voter registration activities, according to three individuals with knowledge of the matter. The search, confirmed by an FBI spokesperson, followed President Donald Trump’s repeated, unsubstantiated claims about widespread voter fraud and his refusal to concede the 2020 presidential election. The FBI’s actions have drawn criticism from civil rights advocates and lawmakers, who argue the investigation targets progressive groups and undermines democratic processes. The Ohio Organizing Collaborative, a progressive organization founded in 2007, focuses on racial, social, and economic justice initiatives. Its mission includes mobilizing everyday Ohioans to advocate for systemic change. However, the group has faced scrutiny over past legal issues. In 2017, a paid canvasser for the organization pleaded guilty to participating in a fraudulent voter registration scheme. The current investigation centers on allegations of improper voter registration practices, though no evidence of widespread fraud has been presented. Prentiss Haney, a board member and former director of the organization, accused the Trump administration of using federal law enforcement to intimidate progressive activists. “This administration is fishing to drum up stories around fraud,” Haney told NBC News. “They’re weaponizing the government and using taxpayer dollars to conduct illegitimate investigations.” Haney alleged that agents visited the homes of affiliated individuals, describing the tactics as an attempt to suppress voter registration efforts. Rep.#president_donald_trump #fbi #ohio_organizing_collaborative #shontel_brown #frank_larose
President Trump's Visit to Rockland County Sparks Protests and Political Debate President Donald Trump is set to visit Rockland County on Friday, May 22, as part of a planned event at Rockland Community College in Suffern. The visit, which includes a speech at Eugene Levy Fieldhouse, has generated significant attention and mixed reactions across the Hudson Valley. While Republican officials and local supporters have expressed enthusiasm, civil rights groups and Democratic activists have organized protests to voice their opposition. The event is expected to focus on affordability and federal tax cuts, with specific emphasis on provisions from last year’s tax and spending package. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., is accompanying Trump, and his advocacy for increasing the SALT deduction has positioned the visit as a key moment for suburban New York taxpayers. The visit has also drawn criticism from political figures like U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who accused Trump of exacerbating financial struggles for New Yorkers. In a statement, Gillibrand argued that the state’s residents need relief rather than rallies, citing rising costs, weakened healthcare access, and a focus on personal interests over public welfare. “It doesn’t matter what Trump says tomorrow,” she said. “New Yorkers are suffering because of what he’s done to them and their families.” Meanwhile, Democratic congressional candidate Cait Conley condemned the visit, suggesting Lawler’s role in securing Trump’s appearance was driven by fear rather than political strategy. Protesters have planned demonstrations throughout the day, with a notable rally at Nanuet’s Four Corners, Route 59 and Middletown Road, where organizers have been gathering weekly.#president_donald_trump #rockland_county #eugene_levy_fieldhouse #rep_mike_lawler #kirsten_gillibrand
Vice President JD Vance Responds to Trump’s Remarks on 2028 Presidential Successor Vice President JD Vance addressed remarks by President Donald Trump suggesting a televised competition to select his successor for the 2028 presidential ticket, joking that the idea “doesn’t sound like the president of the United States.” The comments came days after Trump had publicly polled a Rose Garden audience to gauge support for Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio as his potential running mate. While the audience appeared to favor Vance, Trump refrained from casting a vote, instead referring to the pair as a “dream team” and “perfect ticket.” Vance, who has not publicly discussed his political ambitions, emphasized his focus on current responsibilities during a press conference at the White House. He highlighted efforts to combat fraud in federal healthcare programs, including initiatives targeting California, where Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom—a 2028 presidential hopeful—has been a frequent critic of the administration. Vance defended the administration’s anti-fraud task force, which Trump assigned to him earlier this year, and noted that some governors, regardless of party, recognize the urgency of the issue. The vice president’s focus on fraud enforcement coincided with his absence from the White House during Trump’s recent trip to China. Vance explained that Secret Service protocols require him to stay in the U.S. when the president is abroad, a situation he humorously compared to Macaulay Culkin’s role in Home Alone. “I walk into the White House and it’s very quiet and no one’s there,” he said, reflecting on the unusual circumstances.#president_donald_trump #governor_gavin_newsom #vice_president_jd_vance #secretary_of_state_marco_rubio #governor_janet_mills
President Trump Must Prioritize American Hostages in High-Stakes Beijing Summit President Donald Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14 and 15, a summit that has been framed as a defining moment in the U.S.-China rivalry. The meeting comes amid mounting pressure on Trump to address the plight of American citizens, lawful permanent residents, and their relatives detained or trapped in China. Families of two Americans, Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt, have publicly appealed for their release, highlighting the broader issue of Chinese authorities using detention, imprisonment, and exit bans to coerce U.S. citizens into silence. The author of the article, whose parents were detained in China, recounts how Trump’s 2017 visit to Beijing included a direct appeal to Xi Jinping to free individuals targeted by the Chinese government. The author’s parents, who had spoken out against the Chinese Communist Party’s actions in Xinjiang, were placed on a list handed to Xi by Trump. While this gesture initially signaled U.S. concern, the author notes that sustained pressure was necessary for their release. The mother was eventually freed in 2024 after President Biden personally raised her case with Xi, while the father died in 2022 after years of enforced isolation. The author argues that inaction by previous administrations allowed Beijing to leverage their family’s situation as a tool for coercion. The article emphasizes that China’s detention practices are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to silence critics of the regime. The Chinese government has used exit bans, imprisonment, and forced isolation to pressure U.S. citizens, including the case of Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai, who received a 20-year sentence.#marco_rubio #president_donald_trump #president_xi_jinping #nelson_wells_jr #dawn_michelle_hunt
US-Iran Memo Proposes 14 Points to End Middle East War The United States and Iran have reportedly reached a critical juncture in their ongoing conflict, with Washington proposing a one-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) containing 14 key points aimed at ending the Middle East war. The document, which has been leaked to media outlets like Axios and Reuters, outlines a framework for a potential ceasefire and sets the stage for more detailed nuclear negotiations. The memo includes provisions such as a nuclear moratorium, sanctions relief, and the lifting of restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran has yet to formally respond, with its chief negotiator warning that the United States is attempting to force the Islamic Republic into a "surrender." The proposed agreement, which remains in draft form, would declare an end to the war in the region and initiate a 30-day period of negotiations on a comprehensive deal. During this time, both sides would engage in discussions to resolve key disputes, including the duration of Iran’s nuclear moratorium and the conditions for lifting sanctions. The memo also includes a clause requiring Iran to commit to never seeking a nuclear weapon or conducting weaponization-related activities, as well as a provision mandating the removal of highly enriched uranium from the country. This latter point is a major US priority, as Tehran has historically rejected such demands. The US proposal, reportedly spearheaded by President Donald Trump, outlines a moratorium on uranium enrichment that is under discussion, with the US demanding a 20-year period and Iran initially proposing a 5-year moratorium. The exact duration remains unresolved, though sources suggest it could fall within a range of 12 to 15 years.#us #iran #strait_of_hormuz #president_donald_trump #foreign_minister_abbas_araghchi
Trump’s Abrupt U-Turn on Hormuz Operation Sparks Regional Tensions President Donald Trump’s sudden reversal on his plan to facilitate the transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, announced as “Project Freedom,” followed backlash from key Gulf allies, according to U.S. officials. The operation, launched on Sunday afternoon via social media, was paused after Saudi Arabia and other regional partners raised concerns about its execution. Saudi Arabia, a critical U.S. ally, suspended the U.S. military’s ability to use its bases and airspace to support the effort, prompting Trump to halt the initiative to restore access to critical infrastructure. The decision to suspend Project Freedom came after Saudi Arabia reportedly expressed objections during a call with Trump, according to two U.S. officials. Saudi Arabia’s refusal to allow U.S. aircraft to operate from Prince Sultan Airbase southeast of Riyadh or to permit flights through its airspace left the U.S. military without the necessary logistical support to sustain the operation. The pause followed a rapid sequence of events, with Trump announcing the plan without prior coordination with regional allies, catching some Gulf leaders off guard. The U.S. military had been preparing to deploy additional ships in the Gulf to transit the strait under Project Freedom, which aimed to counter Iran’s blockade of the critical waterway. Pentagon officials confirmed that two U.S.-flagged vessels had successfully navigated the strait as part of the operation. However, the initiative was halted roughly 36 hours after its launch, with Trump stating the pause was temporary to assess the possibility of finalizing a peace agreement with Iran. Regional tensions escalated as Gulf allies reacted to the U.S. plan.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #saudi_arabia #president_donald_trump #project_freedom
Republicans Split on Funding Trump's White House Ballroom WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s allies are pushing for Congress to fund a costly White House ballroom after the president was evacuated from a dinner Saturday in a sprawling hotel ballroom where a gunman breached a security checkpoint. The incident has sparked debates over whether to use taxpayer money for the project, with Republicans divided and Democrats firmly opposed. On Monday, three Republican senators — Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Katie Britt of Alabama, and Eric Schmitt of Missouri — introduced legislation to provide $400 million to build a new ballroom on the White House grounds. Graham argued the project is a national security measure, emphasizing the need for a secure facility to host presidential events. “This is not about Trump. It’s about the presidency of the United States,” he said, adding that the White House should not be vulnerable to threats. He proposed that the funding could be partially offset with “custom fees” and that private donations should cover non-essential expenses like furnishings. Other Republicans, however, opposed using public funds. Senator Rick Scott of Florida, a Trump ally and fiscal conservative, criticized the plan, noting the U.S. already has $39 trillion in debt. “Maybe we ought to stop spending money,” he said, suggesting the project should be privately funded. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri raised legal questions about whether Congress must approve major renovations to the White House. While he supported private funding over public money, he acknowledged the need for congressional authorization. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky said Trump has already raised private funds and opposed allocating public funds for the full cost.#president_donald_trump #senator_lindsey_graham #senator_katie_britt #senator_eric_schmitt #senator_rick_scott
Karoline Leavitt Nears Maternity Leave as She Prepares for Baby’s Arrival Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, is preparing to step down from her role as she approaches maternity leave. She announced her pregnancy in December, revealing she is expecting a baby girl to arrive in May. During a press gaggle on April 24, she humorously indicated her imminent departure, stating, “I’m about ready to have a baby any minute,” and assured reporters she would return “very soon.” Her comments came as she bid farewell to the press, signaling the end of her current tenure at the White House. Leavitt, 28, confirmed her pregnancy in an Instagram post in December, expressing gratitude to President Donald Trump and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for fostering a “pro-family environment” in the White House. She also mentioned her plans to attend the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on April 25. During her final press briefing, she joked about the informal sharing of President Trump’s phone number among journalists, a practice noted by The Atlantic and Semafor as a “worst-kept secret in Washington.” The White House has not named a single replacement for Leavitt, who will be absent for an unspecified period. Instead, various administration officials, including Cabinet members, Vice President JD Vance, or even President Trump himself, may step in to brief the press during her absence. Politico reported that this approach reflects the White House’s strategy to maintain continuity in communications while accommodating Leavitt’s personal circumstances. Leavitt’s announcement in December marked the beginning of her transition to maternity leave.#white_house #president_donald_trump #karoline_leavitt #susie_wiles #white_house_correspondents_association_dinner
President Donald Trump Approval Rating Today: Polls and Political Reactions The latest polls released on April 14 reveal a significant shift in President Donald Trump’s approval ratings, with his disapproval rate reaching its highest level in his presidency. According to aggregated data from major media outlets, Trump’s approval rating stands at 40%, while his disapproval rate hits 57%, marking the highest disapproval figure of his term. This follows a series of contentious statements and events, including Trump’s recent comments about the pope and the war in Iran. The New York Times reported that the average approval rating for Trump as of April 14 is 40% approve, 57% disapprove. This disapproval rate is the highest recorded during his presidency, though it was previously matched on February 26. The most recent polls included in this average were conducted before Trump’s controversial post about the pope. Similarly, the Silver Bulletin noted an approval rate of 39.6% and a disapproval rate of 56.8%, with the latest data also predating Trump’s remarks. RealClearPolitics Poll Average placed Trump’s approval at 41.3% and disapproval at 56.8%. The controversy surrounding Trump’s approval ratings intensified after he criticized Pope Leo XIII for his stance on the war in Iran. The pope first publicly opposed the conflict on April 7, issuing a statement on the Vatican’s website. In Italian, he condemned the threat against the Iranian people, calling it “unacceptable” and emphasizing the moral implications of the war. The pope urged dialogue and peaceful solutions, stating, “Come back to the table. Let’s talk. Let’s look for solutions in a peaceful way.#president_donald_trump #new_york_times #pope_leo_xiii #silver_bulletin #realclearpolitics
President Donald Trump to Read Bible Verse from Oval Office Amid Religious Controversies President Donald Trump will publicly read a Bible verse from the Oval Office this week, marking a significant moment in the administration’s efforts to integrate Christianity into official government affairs. The event, part of a weeklong initiative titled “America Reads the Bible,” has drawn attention due to Trump’s recent clashes with Pope Leo and a controversial AI-generated image of him as Jesus. The chosen verse, 2 Chronicles 7:14, has historical and religious significance, particularly among Evangelical Christians, and its selection for Trump’s reading has sparked discussions about the role of faith in public policy. The verse, which states, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land,” has been interpreted by some as a call for divine intervention in national matters. Trump’s involvement in the reading is notable given his recent public disputes with Pope Leo, who has criticized the U.S. administration’s stance on the Iran conflict. Trump accused the pope of opposing the use of nuclear weapons, calling him “not a fan,” while the pope dismissed the criticism, stating he “has no fear of the Trump administration.” The Bible reading also follows a contentious incident in which Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus on social media, a move that drew backlash from both supporters and critics. Trump later deleted the image, explaining it was meant to depict him as a doctor aiding others, but the controversy highlighted tensions within his base and raised questions about the administration’s approach to religious symbolism.#marco_rubio #president_donald_trump #pope_leo #christians_engaged #bunni_pounds
Trump Nominates Erica Schwartz as CDC Director President Donald Trump on Thursday nominated Erica Schwartz to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, marking the culmination of a months-long effort to appoint a permanent leader to the agency amid ongoing leadership instability. The nomination follows a period of significant turmoil at the CDC, which has experienced multiple leadership changes and internal challenges under the oversight of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Schwartz’s nomination requires Senate confirmation, a process that will determine her ability to assume the role. The CDC has been operating under an acting director since Dr. Jay Bhattacharya’s tenure ended last month, as federal law—the Vacancies Act—prohibits acting officials from serving beyond 210 days without Senate approval. This legal constraint became critical in late August when the 210-day limit expired, prompting the need for a new nominee. The agency’s leadership upheaval has been compounded by the abrupt dismissal of its previous director, Dr. Susan Monarez, who was fired in August 2025. Monarez, the only confirmed CDC director during Trump’s second term, held the position for less than a month before being removed. In congressional testimony earlier that year, she stated she was terminated after refusing to endorse vaccine recommendations she deemed scientifically unsound. Her firing occurred amid heightened tensions between the agency and Kennedy Jr., who has been a vocal critic of public health policies, including vaccine mandates. The CDC’s instability has also been exacerbated by a series of events that have shaken its workforce and public confidence.#president_donald_trump #robert_f_kennedy_jr #centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention #kaiser_family_foundation #erica_schwartz
Oil Prices Surge Past $100 as US Threatens to Blockade Iranian Ports Following Failed Peace Talks Oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel on Monday as global energy markets reopened in Asia, driven by renewed tensions between the United States and Iran after failed peace talks and President Donald Trump’s announcement of a potential blockade of Iranian ports. The surge came amid growing concerns that the ongoing conflict in the region could deepen the global energy crisis. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 8.5% to $102.37, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 9% to $105.34. The price rebound followed a weekend of stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran, which had previously agreed to a conditional ceasefire deal. The failed talks marked a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape, with Trump’s threat to blockade Iranian ports intensifying fears of further disruption to oil supplies. The decision to escalate tensions came after weeks of uncertainty over the viability of the earlier ceasefire agreement, which had included the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global energy trade. The strait, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil shipments pass, has become a focal point of the conflict. Iranian officials had previously warned that any attempt to use the waterway would be met with retaliation, a stance that has now been reinforced by the US military’s explicit threat to enforce a blockade. The current crisis has its roots in the broader Iran war, which began on February 28 when Iran retaliated against US-Israeli strikes by threatening to attack vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Since then, the strait has been a flashpoint for conflict, with shipping activity largely halted.#us #iran #strait_of_hormuz #president_donald_trump #central_command
Automatic Military Draft Registration Begins in December 2026 The U.S. government will implement automatic military draft registration for eligible men starting in December 2026, as part of a provision included in the annual defense policy bill signed into law late in 2025. The measure, which applies to all male citizens and non-citizens aged 18 to 26, aims to streamline the registration process and ensure compliance with the Military Selective Service Act. This system would replace the current manual registration requirement, which mandates individuals to register within 30 days of turning 18, with penalties for noncompliance including felony charges, loss of federal benefits, and potential imprisonment. Under the new policy, automatic registration will be enforced nationwide, with no exceptions for nonimmigrant visa holders. The Selective Service System (SSS) reported that 46 states and territories already have automatic registration in place, primarily through state motor vehicle departments. These agencies collect registration data when individuals apply for driver’s licenses or other forms of identification. In states like Arizona, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., eligible men are registered automatically during these processes. New York, however, includes a separate section on driver’s license applications for selective service registration. The SSS noted that over 60% of registrations come from state motor vehicle departments, highlighting the efficiency of this method. The law, signed by President Donald Trump in December 2025, was crafted to ensure all eligible men are registered without requiring active participation.#iran #president_donald_trump #selective_service_system #u_s_government #chrissy_houlahan
Still Time to Save on Taxes Before April 15 Deadline: Key Strategies to Maximize Savings The April 15 tax deadline is less than two weeks away, and while many Americans may believe it’s too late to take advantage of additional savings, tax experts emphasize that there are still opportunities to reduce taxable income and optimize financial planning. President Donald Trump’s tax and spending plan, passed last summer, introduced retroactive tax benefits for 2025 that could significantly impact filers. These changes, including the permanent extension of the 2017 tax cuts and key provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), are designed to free up capital for millions of taxpayers and unlock new avenues for savings, reinvestment, and small business growth. One of the most effective strategies for reducing taxable income is maximizing contributions to retirement accounts. Taxpayers can still contribute to traditional retirement funds such as 401(k)s or individual retirement accounts (IRAs) up until April 15, allowing them to take the 2025 tax deduction. For 2025, the 401(k) employee contribution limit is $23,500 (combined pre-tax and Roth contributions), up from $23,000 in 2024. Only pre-tax contributions qualify for an upfront tax deduction, while Roth contributions, made with after-tax dollars, offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Workers aged 50-59 or 64+ can make an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution, while those 60-63 can contribute up to $11,250. IRA contribution limits for 2025 are $7,000 for individuals under 50 and $8,000 for those 50 or older. If you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you can also make tax-deductible contributions to a health savings account (HSA) by April 15.#president_donald_trump #one_big_beautiful_bill #irs #tax_experts #richard_pon
US F-15 Fighter Jet Crashes in Iran; One Crew Member Rescued, Search for Second Continues A U.S. F-15E fighter jet crashed over Iran, leaving two crew members stranded, according to reports from major U.S. media outlets. The incident occurred during a military operation in the region, and U.S. special forces have successfully rescued one of the two crew members, while efforts to locate the second remain ongoing. The crash has drawn significant attention, with Iranian media releasing footage of the wreckage, which initially sparked confusion as some mistakenly identified the aircraft as an F-35. The F-15E, a twin-engine, multirole fighter jet, is typically crewed by a pilot and a weapons-systems officer stationed in the back seat. The crash site, located in Iran, has been the focus of a search-and-rescue operation led by specialized U.S. forces. According to Axios and CBS News, the rescue of one crew member was confirmed, though details about the condition of the individual or the circumstances of the crash were not disclosed. The second crew member’s whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities have not yet provided further updates on the situation. The incident has been reported by multiple U.S. news outlets, including The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, which cited unnamed sources for their accounts. These reports indicate that the crash occurred during a military engagement in the region, though the exact cause of the crash has not been officially confirmed. The U.S. military’s involvement in the area has been a point of contention, particularly following the escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump was reportedly briefed on the situation, though no official statements were issued by the White House or the Pentagon in response to media inquiries.#iran #president_donald_trump #us_air_force #f_15e #us_special_forces
U.S. Added 178,000 Jobs in March, Reflecting Resilient Labor Market Amid Iran War Escalation The U.S. economy added 178,000 jobs in March, surpassing expectations and signaling a robust labor market despite the escalating conflict with Iran. The surge in employment came as oil prices climbed sharply, driven by geopolitical tensions, and as the war’s economic repercussions began to ripple through the nation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the job gains, marking a significant rebound from the previous month’s revised figures and highlighting the resilience of the U.S. workforce amid global instability. The unemployment rate dropped to 4.3% in March, down from 4.4% in February, reflecting a tightening labor market. However, the report also revealed signs of underlying fragility. Wage growth slowed to 3.5% in March, compared to 3.8% in February, falling short of analysts’ forecasts. This moderation in pay increases suggests that while job creation remains strong, wage pressures are easing, which could temper inflationary concerns. The BLS revised its payroll data for January and February, adjusting the figures to reflect more accurate reporting. January’s job gains were revised upward by 34,000, from 126,000 to 160,000, while February’s numbers were revised downward by 41,000, from -92,000 to -133,000. These adjustments resulted in a net decline of 7,000 jobs over the two months, underscoring the volatility in the data and the challenges of interpreting short-term trends. The report also highlighted a growing segment of the population that has exited the labor force but remains eager to return. The number of individuals not in the workforce but seeking employment rose by 325,000, with 144,000 citing a belief that no jobs were available for them.#iran #president_donald_trump #bureau_of_labor_statistics #atlanta_federal_reserve #dallas_federal_reserve
Trump signs order to pay TSA employees after Congress fails to agree on DHS funding President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order to pay Transportation Security Administration employees, aiming to address the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. The move came after a failed attempt by Congress to reach a funding agreement for the agency, which has left thousands of federal workers without pay and caused widespread disruptions at U.S. airports. In a memo authorizing the payments, Trump described the situation as an “emergency” that threatens national security. He stated that the administration would use funds “with a reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations” to cover the employees’ salaries. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed that TSA workers could begin receiving paychecks as early as Monday. However, the action does not resolve the broader funding crisis for DHS, which has been in a shutdown since late October, extending to 44 days by Sunday—surpassing the previous record of 43 days set last fall. The shutdown has led to severe delays at major airports, with long security lines and warnings of potential closures. TSA workers, many of whom have missed paychecks, have been increasingly absent from duty. According to DHS data, over 11.8% of TSA employees missed work on Thursday, translating to more than 3,450 callouts. Nearly 500 of the agency’s 50,000 transportation security officers have quit during the shutdown, exacerbating staffing shortages. Congressional efforts to fund DHS have stalled, with the House and Senate passing vastly different bills.#president_donald_trump #transportation_security_administration #senate_majority_leader_john_thune #house_speaker_mike_johnson #homeland_security_secretary_markwayne_mullin
Trump has ordered TSA workers be paid, regardless of what Congress does. Here’s what we know President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Friday directing the Department of Homeland Security to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration employees, even as Congress remains deadlocked over funding for the agency. The move comes amid a prolonged government shutdown that has left thousands of TSA workers without pay for over a month, causing severe disruptions at airports nationwide. The president’s directive, outlined in a statement, instructs the Secretary of Homeland Security to use funds “with a reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations” to compensate employees for the pay they would have received had the agency not been shut down. While the exact mechanism for funding remains unclear, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicated that TSA workers could begin receiving back pay as early as Monday, March 30. The shutdown, which began on February 14, has left approximately 61,000 TSA employees without their second full paycheck. The crisis has led to widespread staffing shortages, with thousands of officers calling in sick and over 500 resigning. This has resulted in massive delays at airports, particularly in cities like Atlanta and Houston, where travelers have faced hours-long waits at security checkpoints. The funding for TSA employees appears to be drawn from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act, a domestic policy package signed by Trump in 2025. The legislation allocated $10 billion to DHS for border security initiatives, though TSA itself is not explicitly mentioned in the law.#president_donald_trump #department_of_homeland_security #american_federation_of_government_employees #transportation_security_administration #house_speaker_mike_johnson
ICE agents take bigger role amid long TSA lines at airports Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been deployed at 14 major U.S. airports to assist Transportation Security Administration workers as Congress continues to debate a resolution to the partial government shutdown. The staffing shortages at TSA have led to record-long security wait times, with travelers facing delays as the weekend travel rush approaches. President Donald Trump announced plans to use funds from the One Big Beautiful Bill, a law he signed last year, to pay TSA agents who have been without paychecks. However, the timeline for distributing the payments depends on the internal review process to allocate the funds. The Senate approved funding for most of the Department of Homeland Security, including TSA, during an overnight session, signaling progress in resolving the crisis. The House still needs to approve the bill before TSA and other agencies can resume operations. Meanwhile, ICE agents have been managing security lines, distributing water to weary travelers, and assisting with crowd control. While their role includes verifying IDs and monitoring entrances, they are not trained for specialized security tasks like operating X-ray machines. TSA staffing shortages have worsened, with over 3,120 officers absent from work on Wednesday, according to agency data. Many TSA workers have quit or called in sick after six weeks without pay. Airports have responded by redirecting staff from other departments, urging travelers to arrive earlier, and bringing in external security personnel. At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, wait times reached four hours, prompting TSA to send 32 officers to help manage the situation.#president_donald_trump #transportation_security_administration #george_bush_intercontinental_airport #ice_agents #hartsfield_jackson_international_airport
Congress Under Fire for SAVE America Act The SAVE America Act, a controversial piece of legislation, has drawn sharp criticism from political analysts and lawmakers for its sweeping voter restrictions and reliance on false claims about election fraud. The bill, which has stalled in Congress, is backed by President Donald Trump, who has called it one of the most consequential laws in U.S. history. However, critics argue that the legislation is rooted in baseless allegations and would disproportionately harm Republican voters while failing to address any real issues. The act mandates in-person voter registration, requires proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, or Real ID card, and eliminates mail voting in all elections. These provisions are framed as measures to combat voter fraud, a claim that has been repeatedly debunked by independent investigations and court rulings. Despite this, the bill’s architects, including congressional Republicans, have embraced Trump’s narrative that Democrats rig elections and that vote-by-mail systems are vulnerable to fraud. Critics, including opinion writer Bill Press, argue that the legislation is a political tool designed to suppress voting among certain demographics. For example, requiring in-person registration would disadvantage older voters, rural residents, and disabled individuals, many of whom are Republican supporters. Similarly, the mandate for proof of citizenship could disproportionately affect women who took their husband’s last name at marriage, as well as those without access to official documents. The bill’s prohibition on universal mail voting is particularly contentious.#president_donald_trump #save_america_act #bill_press #congressional_republicans #real_id_card
