JQJO — Politics news · Page 860

Former President Trump's administration dismissed several Biden appointees from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's board, including Doug Emhoff. The firings, announced on the 80th anniversary of Dachau's liberation, sparked criticism, with Emhoff stating that Holocaust remembrance shouldn't be politicized. The White House cited a desire for appointees who support Israel. Other dismissed members include Ron Klain and Susan Rice. The move has drawn concern from former board members and Jewish leaders who fear politicization of the museum.

President Trump defended his administration's rapid deportation of migrants, despite criticism from Joe Rogan and legal challenges. Trump, in an ABC News interview, asserted that he was elected to expedite the removal of illegal immigrants, whom he labeled as criminals. He acknowledged concerns about due process but argued that a different standard applies to those entering the country illegally. While acknowledging a Supreme Court ruling ordering the return of a deported migrant, Trump maintained his stance, claiming the individual was a violent gang member despite lack of proven court evidence.

The EU is developing a backup plan to maintain economic sanctions against Russia if the US abandons Ukraine peace talks and seeks closer ties with Moscow. Concerns exist that some EU countries might pressure Brussels to lift sanctions, mirroring potential US actions. Hungary's threatened veto on extending EU sanctions in July is a key factor driving the EU's 'Plan B', which might involve individual nations imposing sanctions. While the EU seeks continued US involvement, recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, a potential US concession, is unacceptable to the EU.

New York's FY 2026 budget expands the child tax credit, benefiting 2.75 million children. The credit increases to up to $1,000 per child under four and $500 for children aged four to sixteen. This doubles the average credit, reaching families previously ineligible due to income restrictions. The expansion will significantly reduce child poverty, and combined with other measures, will lower it by 17.7%. Additionally, the budget includes a middle-class tax cut benefiting 8.3 million New Yorkers with savings up to $323,000 for joint filers.

President Trump's new executive order aims to reshape school discipline, reversing Obama- and Biden-era policies focused on reducing racial disparities. The order claims these policies led to underreporting of incidents and racially biased decisions. It directs the education secretary to create new guidance emphasizing local control, while also investigating past federal investigations and funding for programs deemed problematic. This move, part of broader debates around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), is expected to face legal challenges and pushback.

Donald Trump's second term's first 100 days saw numerous outliers. Markets fell due to tariffs, egg prices soared, and a record number of pardons were granted to January 6th insurrection participants. Executive orders spiked, and greenhouse gas emission projections rose after a decline under Biden. ICE arrests reached a seven-year high, and government websites underwent significant content removal. Trump's approval rating also experienced a dramatic shift.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, initially slated for a UN ambassadorship, unexpectedly returned to her Capitol Hill office after her Senate confirmation vote was stalled. She had already packed her belongings and even sent her chief of staff to the State Department. Stefanik blames Speaker Mike Johnson for the failure of her confirmation, leaving her future uncertain.

A federal judge ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student detained after his naturalization interview. Judge Geoffrey Crawford cited the harm caused by Mahdawi's two-week detention without charges. Mahdawi, a green-card holder from a Palestinian refugee camp, faces allegations from the Trump administration that his presence undermines efforts to combat antisemitism. His lawyers contend the detention was retaliation for his pro-Palestinian activism. While released with conditions limiting his travel, Mahdawi remains defiant, vowing to continue his advocacy.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver a major speech on Wednesday, sharply criticizing President Trump. The speech, at Emerge America's 20th-anniversary gala, marks her most extensive public remarks since leaving office. Harris is expected to address Trump's handling of the economy, institutions, and foreign policy. Amid speculation about a potential gubernatorial or presidential run, Harris continues fundraising and emphasizes Democratic unity against Trump and his agenda. The speech will be livestreamed on AP's YouTube channel.

President Trump has issued another executive order targeting sanctuary cities, aiming to publish a list of jurisdictions obstructing federal immigration laws and potentially withhold federal funding. This action escalates a long-standing conflict between the White House and local governments protecting undocumented immigrants. While Trump argues sanctuary policies endanger citizens, studies show no correlation between these policies and increased crime. The order also seeks to prevent undocumented immigrants from receiving federal benefits and penalize universities offering in-state tuition to undocumented students. Several cities have sued the federal government, challenging the legality of these actions and defending their sanctuary policies.