JQJO — Politics news · Page 794

The US and EU have initiated trade talks to mitigate the impact of Trump-era tariffs. Initial document exchanges have occurred, focusing on tariffs, digital trade, and investment. While the EU aims for calm negotiations, some US tariffs, particularly on steel and cars, are expected to remain. The EU seeks to reduce the trade deficit by increasing US gas, weapons, and agricultural imports, but rejects US demands on VAT and digital regulations. The US-UK trade deal isn't a model for EU negotiations, with the EU threatening countermeasures if similar tariffs are imposed.

HuffPost, celebrating 20 years of fearless journalism, is appealing for reader support to sustain its commitment to fact-based reporting. The organization emphasizes its dedication to delivering unbiased news and highlights the crucial role reader contributions played in navigating past challenges. They are urging continued support to ensure the future of HuffPost's impactful journalism.

The Trump administration appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn a federal judge's order halting its federal workforce reduction plan. A San Francisco judge issued a temporary restraining order questioning the legality of the plan, citing examples of negative impacts, including delays in disaster aid and increased wait times for Social Security benefits. The administration argues the judge overstepped her authority. Tens of thousands of federal workers have already been affected by the downsizing efforts, encompassing various agencies. The case represents another emergency appeal to the Supreme Court by the Trump administration.

President Trump's firing of the Library of Congress' Librarian and attempt to install loyalists has sparked a major separation of powers conflict. The Library houses sensitive information, including data on Capitol Hill workplace violations and financial records for over 30,000 employees. Republicans are pushing back against Trump's actions, citing concerns about executive overreach. The dispute involves the appointment of interim leaders, with conflicting claims about who holds the acting Librarian position. Concerns exist about potential meddling with the Congressional Research Service and the Copyright Office, especially regarding the use of copyrighted material for AI development. The situation remains unresolved, with ongoing negotiations between the White House and Congress.

Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-Newark) faces potential federal charges following a scuffle with immigration agents at a Newark detention center last week. The incident occurred during an oversight visit with other New Jersey Democrats, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested. While accounts differ on who initiated the altercation, video footage is being reviewed. Charges could be announced today, and McIver may turn herself in. House Republicans are considering disciplinary action against the representatives involved.

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction halting the Trump administration's plan to cut $11 billion in federal funding for public health departments. The lawsuit, filed by 23 states and the District of Columbia, argued the cuts would devastate public health infrastructure. The judge ruled that the Department of Health and Human Services lacked the authority to unilaterally rescind the Congressionally allocated funds, crucial for COVID-19 response, mental health, and substance abuse programs. The injunction temporarily prevents the cuts, pending further legal action.

Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his aide Cade Cothren were found guilty on most counts of public corruption charges. A jury convicted Casada on 17 of 19 counts and Cothren on all charges. The charges stem from a bribery and kickback scheme involving state-funded mailing services, Phoenix Solutions. Prosecutors alleged a conspiracy involving fraud, bribery, theft, and money laundering to leverage elected office for personal profit. Former Rep. Robin Smith testified for the prosecution under a plea agreement.

Two former officials, Gwynne Wilcox and Cathy Harris, fired by President Trump, are challenging his authority to remove them from their positions at the National Labor Relations Board and Merit Systems Protection Board respectively. Lower courts initially reinstated them, citing a 1935 Supreme Court decision limiting presidential removal power. The Trump administration appealed, arguing the lower courts misinterpreted the precedent and exceeded their authority. The Supreme Court temporarily allowed their removal pending a full hearing. A D.C. Circuit Court panel, with differing political appointments among its judges, heard arguments Friday, debating the scope of presidential power over independent agencies and the potential implications for other agencies like the Federal Reserve.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed a budget bill provision barring illegal immigrants from Medicaid. This measure, part of the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill," aims to protect taxpayer funds and is projected to remove 1.4 million illegal immigrants from the program. Democrats face criticism for supporting the current system, while Republicans champion the bill as a way to safeguard Medicaid for American citizens.

New York University withheld a student's diploma after he delivered an unsanctioned commencement speech criticizing US involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict and what he termed the "atrocities in Palestine." The university condemned the speech, stating the student misused his platform for personal political views and violated agreements. The student, Logan Rozos, addressed the "genocide" he claimed was occurring, prompting both applause from some classmates and condemnation from the Anti-Defamation League. NYU is pursuing disciplinary action.