#trump

U.S. Immigration Policy Shifts Under Trump: Legal Admissions Plummet Amid Border Control Focus A new analysis by the Cato Institute reveals that the Trump administration has significantly reduced legal immigration to the United States, with monthly admissions dropping by 132,000 compared to pre-pandemic levels. This decline far outpaces the reported 50,000 monthly decrease in illegal border crossings, according to the study. The findings challenge the administration’s narrative of prioritizing border security, highlighting a broader reshaping of immigration policy. The study, led by Cato Institute’s David Bier, attributes the sharp decline in legal immigration to a series of restrictive policies. Key measures include the suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, effectively halting family reunification for U.S. citizens. These countries, which account for about half of all legal immigrants, now face a de facto ban on legal entry. Additionally, the administration has suspended entries from 40 other nations, further narrowing legal pathways. Refugee admissions have also been drastically curtailed, with only white South Africans allowed entry at a rate just 10% of pre-Trump levels. High-skilled workers, international students, and asylum seekers have faced stringent restrictions, including barriers to H-1B visas and limited access to legal asylum processes. These policies have created a system where most asylum seekers are now forced to cross borders illegally, as legal ports of entry for asylum applications have been eliminated. The administration’s focus on border control has led to a dramatic reduction in illegal crossings, with arrests dropping from around 47,000 at the end of the Biden term to approximately 8,600 in recent months.#united_states #trump #immigration_policy #cato_institute #david_bier

Trump suffers rare defeat with House Republicans on FISA The House GOP revolt on FISA Friday marked a rare setback for President Trump with his own party, exposing the limits of his influence over House Republicans. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) faced a significant challenge as the White House and GOP leadership struggled to secure support for a clean extension of Section 702, a controversial national security tool. This failure highlighted the growing fractures within the Republican conference and the challenges of aligning diverse factions on contentious issues. The White House had pushed for a clean extension of the FISA program, which grants intelligence agencies broad surveillance powers. However, some of Trump’s closest allies resisted, citing longstanding concerns about privacy and oversight. Over two dozen Republicans voted against two procedural votes early Friday, a move that was previously uncommon for majority members but has become increasingly frequent in recent months. This resistance forced GOP leaders to fall back on a last-resort 10-day extension of the spy powers program. Efforts to secure support included an intense pressure campaign by the White House and GOP leadership. CIA Director John Ratcliffe addressed Republicans at their weekly meeting, and the administration held multiple briefings at the White House specifically for holdout lawmakers. A makeshift "SCIF" (Secure Compartmented Information Facility) was even set up off the House floor to streamline access to classified information during legislative strategy sessions. Despite these measures, the White House’s push failed to sway enough Republicans to support the clean extension.#trump #house_republicans #mike_johnson #john_ratcliffe #fisa

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

Iran War Live: Ceasefire Begins in Lebanon as Trump Claims Tehran Deal Near A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect on April 17, 2026, following a significant escalation in violence that had left 2,196 Lebanese casualties by Thursday, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The agreement, announced by Lebanese officials, aims to create a temporary pause in hostilities to facilitate negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese representatives over a long-term security and peace accord. The United States State Department confirmed its support for the ceasefire, emphasizing its role in brokering talks between the two nations. The ceasefire comes amid widespread devastation in Lebanon, where displaced residents began returning to their homes in Sidon, a city heavily impacted by Israeli airstrikes. Despite the temporary pause, tensions remain high, with many Lebanese citizens expressing caution about the agreement’s permanence. The National News Agency warned that the ceasefire’s success hinges on the ability of Israeli and Lebanese officials to address deep-seated grievances, including the status of Hezbollah, which has been a central figure in the conflict. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his stance that a deal to end the war on Iran is “very close,” signaling potential renewed diplomatic efforts. Trump hinted at resuming negotiations with Tehran in Islamabad, Pakistan, as early as the weekend of April 17-18, 2026. This claim follows a recent U.S. House vote that rejected a measure aimed at limiting Trump’s authority to unilaterally escalate military actions against Iran. The vote, which passed by a narrow margin, underscores the political challenges facing any attempt to de-escalate the crisis.#israel #trump #hezbollah #lebanon #lebanon_national_news_agency

Trump’s own actions against Powell and the Fed are working against him President Donald Trump’s repeated attempts to pressure the Federal Reserve and its chair, Jerome Powell, have inadvertently stalled his efforts to secure rate cuts and remove Powell from his position. Despite years of public criticism and threats, Trump’s policies and legal maneuvers have instead emboldened Fed officials to delay any easing of interest rates, citing ongoing economic uncertainties. The central bank’s cautious stance is tied to a combination of Trump’s trade wars, the escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran, and the legal battles surrounding Trump’s efforts to oust key Fed officials. Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, introduced during his second term, have contributed to persistent inflation. The administration’s decision to impose broad tariffs on imports, coupled with its refusal to abandon the policy despite a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated some of the measures, has created a patchwork of trade restrictions. These tariffs have raised costs for consumers and businesses, prompting the Fed to adopt a wait-and-see approach. Fed officials initially held off on rate cuts in late 2025, citing the need to monitor inflation trends, and now face renewed uncertainty due to the Iran conflict. The war between the US, Israel, and Iran, which began in late February 2026, has had a dramatic impact on global markets. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, disrupted supply chains and drove up energy prices. The conflict led to a threefold spike in US inflation in March 2026, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report. Fed Chair Powell had previously suggested the war’s effects would be temporary, but as of April 2026, the strait remains partially blocked, and the Fed has delayed any rate cuts.#trump #strait_of_hormuz #federal_reserve #iran_conflict #jerome_powell

Trump Threatens to Fire Powell If Fed Chair Doesn't Leave Office on His Own President Donald Trump reiterated his threat to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell from office if the central bank chair does not resign before his term ends, escalating tensions over Powell’s continued role as a Fed governor. During an interview on Fox Business, Trump stated that he would have Powell fired if the chair remained in his position after his successor, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, is confirmed. The president emphasized that he had delayed the action to avoid controversy but warned that Powell’s tenure would end if he did not step down voluntarily. Powell’s term as chair expires on May 15, 2026, but he holds a dual role as a Fed governor, which allows him to stay in the position for an additional two years. While most past Fed chairs have resigned after being replaced, Powell has remained in his role as chair despite repeated questions about his plans post-confirmation. His continued presence has been complicated by an ongoing investigation into the renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who led the probe, attempted to issue a subpoena to Powell for information but faced a judicial rejection. Pirro has vowed to appeal the decision, signaling the probe’s persistence. Trump has also demanded that the investigation into the renovation project continue, accusing the Fed of both corruption and incompetence. “What they’ve done to that so it is probably corrupt, but what it really is is incompetent, and we have to show the incompetence of that,” Trump said during the interview. The renovation project has drawn scrutiny for its cost overruns and delays, with critics arguing it reflects mismanagement within the central bank.#trump #jeanine_pirro #jerome_powell #kevin_warsh #fed

Trump Threatens to Fire Powell Over Fed Renovation Probe Amid Legal and Political Standoff President Donald Trump has vowed to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell from his position if he does not resign by May 15, the date when Powell’s term at the helm of the central bank is set to expire. During an interview with Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo, Trump reiterated his stance, stating, “Then I’ll have to fire him,” in response to questions about Powell’s continued tenure. The threat comes amid a high-profile criminal investigation into Powell by the Department of Justice (DOJ), which accuses him of lying to Congress about the $2.5 billion renovation of the Fed’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. The DOJ’s probe, led by prosecutors including Jeanine Pirro, has become a focal point of Trump’s repeated criticism of Powell’s leadership. The investigation centers on Powell’s testimony last year, where he defended the renovation project’s cost overruns, which have ballooned to nearly 80% above the original budget. Trump has publicly questioned the project’s management, calling it “incompetent” and demanding accountability for the alleged waste. “I want to know who the contractor is, because that contractor is making billions of dollars, perhaps,” Trump said, suggesting potential corruption. Despite Trump’s nomination of former Fed governor Kevin Warsh to replace Powell in January, the confirmation process has stalled. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, a key member of the Senate Banking Committee, has refused to vote for Warsh’s nomination until the DOJ investigation concludes. Tillis’s opposition has delayed the confirmation, leaving Powell in a precarious position. Under Fed regulations, if Warsh is not confirmed by May 15, Powell would remain as chair “pro tempore” until a successor is appointed.#department_of_justice #trump #jerome_powell #fed #maria_bartiromo

US-Iran War: Has The War Given Pakistan A Diplomatic 'Lifeline' In The Middle East? Pakistan has emerged as a pivotal mediator in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, leveraging its strategic position to broker a 14-day ceasefire between the two warring nations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's announcement of the truce, coupled with his invitation for US and Iranian delegations to Islamabad for further negotiations, marks a significant diplomatic milestone for the country. This move has been hailed as a redemption for Pakistan, which had faced a major fallout with its Gulf patrons a decade ago during the 2015 Yemen conflict. The ceasefire, announced on Wednesday, comes amid heightened tensions following President Trump's warning that "an entire civilization will die tonight" if the conflict escalated. Pakistan's role in facilitating this truce has drawn praise from both Tehran and Washington. Trump credited Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts, while Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, expressed gratitude for Pakistan's tireless mediation. The gesture has also earned endorsements from China, Turkey, and Egypt, underscoring Pakistan's growing influence in regional diplomacy. The 2015 Yemen conflict serves as a critical backdrop to Pakistan's current diplomatic resurgence. At the time, Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, intervened militarily to support the internationally recognized government against Iran-backed Houthis. Pakistan, which had previously provided military and policing services to Gulf monarchies in exchange for financial aid, hesitated to commit. Domestic opposition and fears of sectarian divisions within Pakistan constrained the then-government of Nawaz Sharif, who had strong ties to Saudi Arabia through marriage and political asylum.#pakistan #trump #abbas_araghchi #shehbaz_sharif #asim_munir

Iran-Israel Conflict Escalates as Revolutionary Guard Chief Killed, Ceasefire Talks Intensify On April 6, 2026, the Iran-Israel conflict took a violent turn as U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Major General Majid Khademi, the intelligence chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The Guards condemned the attack as a “criminal terrorist act” by the “American-Zionist enemy,” marking a significant escalation in the ongoing hostilities. The strike occurred in Tehran, where Israeli forces reportedly targeted “regime targets,” killing at least 25 people. This attack followed President Donald Trump’s public threats to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil trade. Iran’s central military command warned of “much more devastating” retaliation if its adversaries targeted civilian infrastructure, emphasizing the potential for catastrophic consequences. The Iranian government has consistently rejected demands to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a “temporary ceasefire,” with a senior official stating that Tehran views Washington as unprepared for a permanent truce. The official confirmed that Iran had received Pakistan’s proposal for an immediate ceasefire but stressed that the country would not accept external pressure to meet deadlines. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Iran reportedly engaged in secret negotiations to establish a 45-day ceasefire, with Pakistan acting as an intermediary. A source close to the talks revealed that a framework for ending hostilities had been drafted overnight, outlining a two-tier approach: an immediate ceasefire followed by a comprehensive agreement. However, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, dismissed the idea of negotiations as incompatible with “ultimatums and threats to commit war crimes.” He reiterated that earlier U.S.#pakistan #iran #israel #trump #revolutionary_guards

10-year Treasury yield remains stable amid extended Iran deal pause The yield on the 10-year Treasury note showed minimal movement on Friday, staying largely unchanged as investors closely followed developments related to the Iran situation and evaluated recent economic indicators. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield rose by more than 1 basis point to 4.432%, while the 2-year Treasury yield dipped by 8 basis points to 3.904%. The 30-year Treasury yield increased by over 3 basis points, closing at 4.973%. One basis point equals 0.01%, and Treasury yields typically move inversely to their prices. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday via his Truth Social platform that he would extend the temporary halt on attacks targeting energy facilities by an additional 10 days. This extension pushes the expiration date of the pause to April 6, with Trump stating that "talks are ongoing and … they are going very well." The decision comes as tensions persist in the region, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining largely closed and Iran denying participation in peace negotiations. Oil prices surged on Friday, with Brent crude futures climbing 4.22% to $112.57 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate futures rising 5.46% to $99.64 per barrel. However, Deutsche Bank’s Jim Reid noted that the initial market reaction to Trump’s announcement was short-lived, with Brent crude now trading close to its levels before the post. Reid emphasized that while the delay may reduce immediate escalation risks, it does not provide clarity on the path to a resolution, given Iran’s denials about ongoing talks. Consumer sentiment data from the University of Michigan revealed a reading of 53.3 for the March survey, slightly below the 54.0 estimate provided by economists surveyed by Dow Jones.#iran #trump #strait_of_hormuz #university_of_michigan #deutsche_bank

Iranians Who Hoped War Would Bring Change Now Feel "Doomed" Before the U.S. and Israel launched their joint attacks on Iran 25 days ago, many Iranians expressed hope that foreign intervention could end the Islamic Republic’s rule. The regime, which has governed for 47 years, had recently suppressed massive anti-government protests, with President Trump claiming over 30,000 protesters were killed and vowing to support the demonstrators. However, as the war entered its third week, optimism among Iranians has shifted dramatically. Reza, a British-Iranian living abroad, told CBS News that the initial belief in foreign intervention as a solution has faded. “If the world had been more coordinated, with a long-term plan combining force, diplomacy, sanctions, and discussions, it could have worked,” he said. “But unilateral actions by a few countries without a strategy? That’s never going to work. People are realizing they’re doomed.” Reza, who has spoken with others in the Iranian diaspora, described a growing sense of disillusionment. He added that Iran is leveraging the conflict to its advantage, exploiting U.S. indecision. “They know Trump doesn’t have a strategy, so they’re using that to strengthen their position, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, which they see as a global weakness.” Inside Iran, Amir, an anonymous resident, echoed similar sentiments. “Many who supported the war believed it could liberate Iranians from the regime’s control. Now, they’re reconsidering, seeking any chance for a ceasefire, regardless of who leads.” Amir warned of “hellish weeks” ahead, with both the Iranian government and the Trump administration resorting to brinkmanship. He also criticized the Trump administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s calls for Iranians to rise up against the regime.#iran #trump #strait_of_hormuz #amir #reza

Trump Orders DHS to Pay TSA Agents Amid Funding Deadlock President Donald Trump announced Thursday he will sign an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, aiming to resolve a government funding impasse that has left thousands of workers unpaid and caused severe delays at airports. The move comes as Congress remains deadlocked over a budget deal to fund DHS, which has led to a partial government shutdown since February 14. Over 46,000 TSA employees are at risk of missing their second paycheck this weekend, with many having worked without pay for over a month. The order, which Trump described as a response to “Democrat Chaos” at airports, instructs Secretary Markwayne Mullin to prioritize TSA compensation. However, legal experts question the president’s authority to unilaterally fund the agency. Max Stier, CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, noted that Trump’s decision to act without congressional approval raises questions about the legality of the move. “This has been a problem for over a month now,” Stier said, adding that the president’s past actions have often pushed legal boundaries. The funding impasse has left TSA struggling to manage security operations, with long lines at major airports and staff shortages. Over 500 TSA officers have resigned during the shutdown, and thousands more have called out, exacerbating delays. Meanwhile, other DHS divisions, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), continue to receive payments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a law signed by Trump in July 2025. However, these funds are earmarked for specific purposes, and redirecting them without congressional approval is legally questionable.#trump #dhs #tsa #john_fetterman #markwayne_mullin

Trump Avoids 'War' Label in Iran Conflict Over Congressional Approval Concerns President Trump has continued to avoid using the term "war" to describe the military conflict with Iran, citing concerns over the need for congressional approval. During a speech for House Republicans' fundraising organization, he explained that the word "war" implies a formal declaration, which he said would require legislative backing. "I won't use the word 'war' because they say, if you use the word war, that's maybe not a good thing to do," Trump stated. He emphasized that the situation is better described as a "military operation," which he argued is more accurate given the lack of congressional authorization. This approach aligns with Trump's previous statements, where he has often downplayed the conflict's scale, calling it an "excursion" that would keep the U.S. out of a full-scale war. However, he has occasionally used the term "war" in the past, including during a recent speech where he claimed, "The war essentially ended a few days after we went in." The inconsistency highlights the political and legal debate surrounding the conflict's classification. The issue centers on the constitutional balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. While Congress holds the authority to declare war, the president serves as commander-in-chief and has the power to act unilaterally in certain circumstances. The 1970s-era War Powers Act limits military engagement to 60 days without congressional approval, though presidents have historically tested these boundaries. Trump has argued that the law is unconstitutional, asserting that the president's authority to respond to threats is absolute.#congress #iran #trump #mike_johnson #war_powers_act

Trump just voted by mail again — one day after calling it 'mail-in cheating.' Why is he still trying to ban mail ballots? President Trump cast his vote in Tuesday’s special election in Palm Beach County, Florida, by mail — just as he did in 2020 — despite publicly condemning the practice. His contradictory actions highlight a persistent effort to undermine mail-in voting while benefiting from it personally. The president has consistently labeled mail ballots as “cheating,” yet his own participation in the system underscores the inconsistency in his stance. The issue has become a focal point of his political strategy. During a recent appearance in Memphis, Trump reiterated his opposition to mail-in voting, claiming it leads to fraud. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court is considering a challenge to a Mississippi law that allows late-arriving ballots to be counted if postmarked by Election Day. The Trump administration supports this challenge, and the court’s conservative majority appears likely to reject the law. Trump’s broader campaign against mail-in voting is tied to his refusal to negotiate with Democrats to end the government shutdown. He has demanded that Republicans use the standoff to push for the SAVE Act, which would tighten voter identification rules and complicate mail voting. “I, as President, will not sign other Bills until this is passed,” he declared on social media. This contradiction raises questions about the rationale behind his opposition. Mail-in voting, which has been used for decades, is now a common method for many Americans. In the 2024 general election, 30% of ballots were cast by mail — 48 million votes — while the 2020 election saw nearly 66 million votes via mail. Since 2000, over 250 million votes have been cast through mailed ballots in all 50 states.#trump #florida #supreme_court #palm_beach_county #mississippi

Trump prepared to 'unleash hell' if Iran doesn't make deal, White House warns, amid questions on status of talks White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt provided limited details about ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, but emphasized that President Donald Trump remains prepared to take severe action if Tehran refuses to reach a deal. Leavitt warned that Trump would ensure Iran faces "more punishment than ever" if the country fails to accept the "reality of the current moment," including its military defeat. She described Trump’s stance as firm, stating, "President Trump does not bluff, and he is prepared to unleash hell." The administration has sent a 15-point peace plan to Iran through Pakistan, according to sources. Iran’s Press TV cited an official rejecting the U.S. proposal, while Tehran denied any negotiations had occurred. Leavitt insisted talks are "ongoing and productive" but avoided specifics on the discussions, the Iranian representatives involved, or plans for in-person meetings. When asked if the talks had reached an impasse, she dismissed the idea, asserting, "They have not." Trump recently delayed major attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure for five days, citing "productive" talks as a reason. Leavitt highlighted that the U.S. is offering Iran an opportunity to "permanently abandon nuclear ambitions" and stop threatening America and its allies. Both Pakistan and Egypt have proposed hosting talks, though nothing is finalized. Leavitt cautioned against treating unconfirmed reports as official, stating, "Nothing should be deemed official until it is announced formally by the White House." Key figures in the negotiations include Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.#iran #trump #white_house #jared_kushner #karoline_leavitt

Trump to hit Iran harder if Tehran does not accept defeat, White House says President Donald Trump warned that Iran would face even harsher consequences if the country refuses to acknowledge its military defeat, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Speaking during a press briefing on March 25, Leavitt emphasized that Trump does not engage in empty threats and is prepared to escalate actions against Iran if Tehran fails to recognize its position. "Iran should not miscalculate again," she stated, adding that the president would ensure the nation faces "the hardest hit it has ever been hit before" if it continues to resist the current reality. The U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, now in its fourth week, has drawn international attention as multiple countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, attempt to mediate the conflict. Despite these efforts, Iran remains engaged in discussions with Washington over a potential ceasefire. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that the country is still reviewing a U.S. proposal to end the war, though initial responses were negative. Leavitt confirmed that talks are ongoing, describing them as "productive" and aligned with Trump’s previous statements. Media reports cited unnamed sources claiming the U.S. had sent Tehran a 15-point plan to conclude the conflict. However, Leavitt disputed the accuracy of these reports, stating that while some elements of the plan may be true, the details were not fully confirmed. "The White House never confirmed that full plan," she said, warning against speculating on behalf of the president. She declined to provide specifics, emphasizing that the administration would not engage in negotiations during the briefing.#iran #united_states #trump #white_house #karoline_leavitt

Trump praises ICE airport work amid DHS funding lapse President Trump on Wednesday praised U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers for their work at airports this week as lengthy security wait times stack up amid the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding lapse. “I am so proud of our ICE Patriots! They were unfairly maligned by the Lunatic Democrats for years, and now, at the Airports, in addition to what they are supposed to be doing, they are helping people with bags, even picking up and cleaning areas,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “They are so proud to be there! The fact is, they shouldn’t have to do this, but they are rehabbing a fake image given to them by Radical Left Democrat politicians.” ICE officers began assisting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffers who are working without pay due to the partial government shutdown affecting DHS. Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday that ICE officers are helping with “queue management,” exit lane staffing, and giving passengers instructions on how to load up bins, among other tasks. “It takes a while to really get folks embedded into our operations and it’s gone extremely well, and our feedback from the passengers and our field leadership has been very positive,” she said in response to questioning from Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.). The DHS shutdown, which began on Feb. 14, stemmed from Democrats demanding reforms to immigration enforcement procedures after federal officers fatally shot U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis earlier this year. Those incidents sparked protests against the presence of ICE and Border Patrol personnel in cities around the country.#trump #ice #dhs #ha_nguyen_mcneil #tssa

Trump told ICE agents to remove their masks in airports and exposed a GOP lie Trump’s recent social media post suggested that ICE agents do not need to wear masks in airports, challenging the idea that facial coverings are essential for their work. The statement implied that the requirement for masks was a political tactic rather than a practical necessity, aligning with criticisms from Democrats who have long argued that the practice of masking ICE officers is a way to obscure their identities and avoid accountability. The post came amid ongoing debates over the role of ICE in airport security. A TSA officer previously criticized ICE agents for lacking the training to perform aviation security tasks, noting that TSA officers undergo months of specialized instruction to detect threats. This raised questions about the necessity of ICE agents in airports and the rationale for their use of masks. Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., echoed these concerns, stating that if ICE agents do not need masks in airports, there is no justification for their use elsewhere. He emphasized that the public’s fear of masked officers stems from the association of masks with criminality, a perception that undermines trust in law enforcement. The discussion also highlighted the broader implications of masking for ICE officers. Critics argue that hiding their faces prevents the public from holding them accountable, while supporters claim it protects officers from retaliation. Trump’s comments appeared to acknowledge the public’s unease with masked agents but suggested that the practice should be limited to specific contexts, such as interactions with immigrant communities. Senator Scott Wiener added that the use of masks by law enforcement has historical roots in authoritarian policing, contrasting it with the U.S. tradition of transparency.#trump #ice #tsa #james_walkinshaw #scott_wiener

Iran may not ‘stop fighting’ even as Trump says U.S. could leave Iran soon: Fmr. CIA analyst President Trump has reportedly softened his stance on securing the Strait of Hormuz, withdrawing his earlier demand that NATO allies assist in protecting the critical waterway. In a statement, Trump claimed the United States does not require external support for this task, marking a departure from his previous insistence on collective responsibility. NBC News correspondents Monica Alba, Courtney Kube, and Raf Sanchez provided updates on the evolving conflict, highlighting the shifting dynamics of U.S. military involvement. Ken Pollack, vice president for policy at the Middle East Institute, offered analysis on the leadership structure within Iran, emphasizing the complexities of internal decision-making processes. The article notes that Trump’s recent remarks reflect a broader strategic recalibration, with the administration engaging in “preliminary conversations” with Iran to explore pathways for ending the war. However, a former CIA analyst has warned that Iran may not halt its military actions even if the U.S. withdraws, citing the country’s entrenched commitment to regional dominance and resistance to external pressure. This assessment aligns with concerns raised by Israeli officials, who echoed Trump’s position by stating Israel would be willing to end hostilities only if the U.S. does so first. Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s approach to funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has faced challenges, as the president “emphatically rejected” proposed solutions from Republican lawmakers. The ongoing DHS shutdown has been labeled a “national security issue” by a former secretary, underscoring the urgency of resolving the crisis. Additionally, approximately 5,000 U.S.#iran #trump #strait_of_hormuz #department_of_homeland_security #middle_east_institute

US Stocks Revert After Trump's Iran Talks Spark Volatility U.S. stock indexes experienced a decline on Tuesday, reversing some of the gains made the previous day, as uncertainty over the duration of the conflict with Iran continued to weigh on financial markets. The S&P 500 fell 0.4%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.2% and the Nasdaq composite lost 0.8%. Oil prices rebounded, with Brent crude rising 4.6% to $104.49 per barrel and U.S. crude climbing 4.8% to $92.35, recovering from earlier losses. The market’s reaction was triggered by President Donald Trump’s Monday announcement that the U.S. and Iran had engaged in productive talks aimed at resolving hostilities in the Middle East. The news initially sent global markets into a frenzy, with investors reassessing risks related to the war’s potential impact on energy supplies and inflation. However, the optimism was short-lived as new developments emerged, including ongoing attacks in the region and conflicting signals about diplomatic progress. Iran denied direct negotiations with the U.S., while Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed willingness to mediate peace talks. These mixed messages contributed to the market’s volatility, with investors balancing hopes for a resolution against fears of prolonged conflict. The bond market also reacted, as Treasury yields rose, increasing borrowing costs and putting pressure on financial markets. The 10-year Treasury yield climbed to 4.39%, while the two-year yield reached 3.92%, signaling shifting expectations about Federal Reserve policy. Analysts noted that the surge in oil prices and inflationary concerns have eroded confidence in the Fed’s plans to cut interest rates this year. Instead, some traders are now considering the possibility of rate hikes, a scenario that was previously unthinkable.#iran #trump #us_stocks #estee_lauder #smithfield_foods