Breaking news and analysis on the Trump administration, executive orders, cabinet appointments, policy decisions, and political developments.
The Trump administration issued a policy change on Friday allowing the killing, trapping, and harassment of newly declared threatened species, such as pygmy rabbits and Florida manatees. Critics warn the changes will make it harder to save imperiled species like monarch butterflies and alligator snapping turtles, and give corporations influence to allow development in critical habitats.
President Trump declassified intelligence documents revealing vulnerabilities in US election systems, though many issues have been known for years. He accused the intelligence community of a 'shadow government' covering up Chinese influence. A declassified report found China obtained public voter data but did not interfere in the election process.
A federal judge in Boston granted summary judgment barring the Trump administration from using a termination clause in federal grants to cut billions in funding. The ruling, in a lawsuit by 23 states, blocks cuts to crime prevention, food security, and scientific research.
CNN's Harry Enten reports that just 15% of Americans strongly approve of President Trump's job performance, per a Washington Post-Ipsos poll. Meanwhile, 66% now find groceries unaffordable, up from 46% in February, with 82% of working-class households affected. A separate Napolitan News Service poll shows Trump's disapproval at 53%, his lowest in three months.
The Trump administration is weighing plans to create an independent regulator to vet AI model safety, modeled after the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (Finra). Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent helped develop the proposal, which would report to the SEC. The plan is under review by White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff ruled the Trump administration violated the law by firing FEMA CFO Mary Comans without following civil-service protections, rejecting the unitary executive theory. The ruling comes after the Supreme Court's Trump v. Slaughter decision expanded presidential removal power.
President Donald Trump blamed Canada for wildfire smoke spreading across the U.S. and said he would add the cost of dealing with the pollution to existing tariffs on Canadian goods. Michigan and Ohio lawmakers also criticized Canada, with some threatening sanctions or annexation. Heavy smoke from hundreds of Canadian fires has enveloped a swath of the U.S. from the Midwest to the Northeast.
The Trump administration announced new restrictions on US funding for NGOs, foreign governments, and UN agencies that promote abortion, gender-affirming care, and diversity initiatives overseas. Vice President JD Vance stated the US will block any international NGO that performs or promotes abortion abroad from receiving US money. Experts say at least $30 billion in US aid could be affected.
President Trump's primetime address alleging Chinese election interference drew pushback from some Republicans and election experts. Former GOP lawyer Ben Ginsberg called the claims an 'own goal,' noting no evidence of irregularities. Trump alleged 220 million voter files compromised and 278,000 noncitizens on rolls, while pushing the SAVE Act for voter ID.
CNN's Jonathan Swan reported that none of President Donald Trump's top advisers have a clear idea on how to end the war with Iran, highlighting a lack of strategic direction.