JQJO — Politics news · Page 858

ABC News correspondent Terry Moran's interview with Donald Trump is being praised for its journalistic integrity. Ana Navarro, a political analyst and colleague of Moran's, lauded Moran's skillful fact-checking of Trump's claims, highlighting his refusal to be intimidated. During the interview, Trump, unaware of Moran's experience, underestimated him. Navarro encourages viewers to watch the interview to witness Moran's effective pushback against Trump's inaccuracies and lies.

The House of Representatives voted to curb California's authority to set stricter vehicle emission standards than the federal government. Republicans, with some Democratic support, passed measures to prevent California from mandating increasing zero-emission vehicle sales and reducing smog. Further votes are planned, including one targeting California's 2035 gasoline car sales ban, which eleven other states have adopted. This action could significantly impact the US auto industry's shift towards electric vehicles.

Florida's Attorney General, James Uthmeier, is appealing a federal judge's injunction blocking a new state law that criminalizes illegal entry into Florida. The law allows state authorities to enforce federal immigration laws, a move the judge deemed likely unconstitutional. Uthmeier argues the state has the right to protect its citizens and that the plaintiffs lack standing. The judge is considering holding Uthmeier in contempt for contradicting her order. A hearing is set for May to address this.

President Trump claims he could return Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador, but insists the Salvadoran, deported after an alleged MS-13 gang affiliation, shouldn't be in the US. The administration initially claimed the deportation was an error but later argued it lacks jurisdiction. A US judge ordered Garcia's repatriation, prompting White House defiance. The government's assertions that it cannot act, even after confirmation of Garcia's imprisonment, have been criticized by a federal appeals court as "shocking."

The Supreme Court heard arguments on whether taxpayer funds can support a religious charter school in Oklahoma. The state Supreme Court blocked funding, citing constitutional bans on government-sponsored religion. The justices debated the application of the First Amendment's religion clauses, with conservative justices suggesting charter schools are contractors, not government arms, while liberals viewed them as public institutions. A ruling against the school could impact similar contracts nationwide. The outcome hinges on Chief Justice Roberts' vote, with Justice Barrett's recusal creating a potential 4-4 tie.

The Trump administration contacted Salvadoran President Bukele regarding the detention of Kilmar Ábrego García, wrongly deported to El Salvador. Despite a Supreme Court order to facilitate Ábrego García's return for immigration proceedings, Bukele rejected the outreach. The administration's actions, seemingly to deflect legal responsibility and test presidential power limits, face scrutiny from Judge Paula Xinis. Secretary Rubio refused to confirm contact with Bukele, while President Trump claimed lawyers advised against intervention. The Justice Department now faces questioning regarding their compliance with the Supreme Court ruling, with Judge Xinis ordering expedited depositions of several administration officials.

Vice President JD Vance cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate, killing a bipartisan resolution to rebuke President Trump's trade policies. The resolution, which aimed to block Trump's global tariffs, failed 49-49 due to the absence of two senators. Senate Majority Leader John Thune prevented a future vote on the issue. Democrats criticized Republicans for supporting the tariffs, arguing they harm the economy. Even if passed by the Senate, the resolution lacked House support.

House Republicans face internal divisions while crafting President Trump's domestic policy bill. Initial efforts to find savings through measures like a new vehicle fee and a "gold card" visa have been met with resistance from within the party. Disagreements over Medicaid cuts and the SALT deduction are looming, threatening the bill's progress. The tight 220-213 majority makes every Republican vote crucial, leading to difficult negotiations and potential compromises.

Singer Sheryl Crow, a Nashville resident, is outspoken about her progressive political views in Tennessee, despite facing challenges. She daily contacts her representatives, Andy Ogles and Marsha Blackburn, advocating for change and fair elections. Crow's activism includes past criticism of Walmart's gun sales and recent concerns about environmental protection. Following the sale of her Tesla, she faced increased threats, highlighting the risks of her outspokenness. She's being honored at Variety's Power of Women Nashville event and supports the Natural Resources Defense Council.

President Trump's March deportation of over 200 Venezuelan alleged gang members to El Salvador is facing legal challenges. Lawyers argue the operation violated due process, potentially including non-gang members. The Supreme Court will review the administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act, typically invoked during wartime, to justify these expulsions. The New York Times investigation details how the US negotiated with El Salvador and employed this act to accelerate deportations.