JQJO — Politics news · Page 882

Florida State Senator Jason Pizzo, a potential gubernatorial candidate, left the Democratic Party, citing its internal strife and decline. He declared the party 'dead' and likened its state to the fall of Rome. Pizzo's decision was met with criticism from State Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried, who called him ineffective. The party quickly elected Senator Lori Berman as his replacement. Pizzo's departure follows other Democrats leaving the party recently, highlighting the ongoing political shifts in Florida.

Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that Ukraine is complying with international partners' proposals while upholding its constitution. He confirmed the removal of unconstitutional clauses from a mineral agreement. Zelensky described sitting at a negotiating table with Russia as a major compromise, given Russia's aggression. He reported a large-scale Russian attack resulting in casualties, including a brother and sister in Kyiv. Zelensky cut short his South African visit due to the attack but emphasized Ukraine's desire for peace and its efforts to secure the return of forcibly deported Ukrainian children. He also rejected concessions on Crimea and called for stronger US pressure on Russia to achieve a ceasefire.

A federal judge in Washington D.C. blocked parts of President Trump's executive order on election integrity. The order prevented requirements for documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. Judge Kollar-Kotelly cited Congress's authority over election regulation. Other provisions regarding mail-in ballots and data collection were deemed premature to challenge. Separately, two other judges blocked Trump's orders to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in schools.

The Supreme Court mandated reasonable notice and legal challenge opportunities for Venezuelan migrants facing deportation to El Salvador. A recently unsealed document reveals the Trump administration's response: detainees received a one-page form, allowing a phone call and a 12-hour window to express intent to challenge detention, followed by 24 hours to file a habeas corpus petition. This followed a Supreme Court order blocking deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. The form, though in English, was explained in the detainees' native languages.

EU President von der Leyen is pushing for several major trade agreements, including a long-awaited deal with the Mercosur bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). However, the Mercosur deal faces significant opposition from European farmers concerned about competition from South American imports and deforestation issues in Brazil. While some countries have shifted towards supporting the deal due to Trump's trade war, significant hurdles remain, particularly concerning French opposition and concerns about the environmental impact.

Donald Trump criticized Fox News's latest poll showing his disapproval rating at 55%, alleging bias and calling for Rupert Murdoch to replace its pollster. He also attacked the Wall Street Journal for its critical editorials. Despite past disagreements, Trump revealed an upcoming interview with The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg, describing it as a test of the publication's fairness towards him.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from withholding federal funds from cities with sanctuary policies. Judge William Orrick ruled portions of President Trump's executive orders unconstitutional, citing irreparable harm to municipalities due to budgetary uncertainty and undermined community trust. The injunction prevents the government from taking action to withhold, freeze, or condition federal funds, a decision echoing a similar ruling during Trump's first term. The ruling follows the transportation department's threat to withhold funds from states not complying with immigration enforcement.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is proposing a rule requiring neutrality in all primaries, targeting DNC Vice Chair David Hogg's plan to spend millions on primarying incumbents. Hogg, who leads the group Leaders We Deserve, defends his actions, arguing they don't conflict with his DNC role. The DNC chair, Ken Martin, says the proposal aims to restore trust after the 2016 election controversies and prevent the perception of bias. The Rules & Bylaws committee will vote next month, with a full DNC vote in August. Hogg suggests his removal from the DNC may follow if the proposal passes.

The head of the US National Science Foundation (NSF), Sethuraman Panchanathan, resigned amid administration-led changes. The Trump administration, through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is slashing government spending, including canceling over $230 million in NSF grants focused on DEI and misinformation research. This move follows executive orders prohibiting federal agencies from promoting DEI. The cancellations sparked backlash from research organizations, who argue the changes hinder scientific progress and create a politically charged environment for researchers. The NSF also faces potential workforce reductions.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that US President Donald Trump brought up the idea of Canada becoming the 51st US state during a March phone call. This revelation comes ahead of Monday's Canadian elections, where Trump's trade policies and annexation comments are major campaign issues. Carney firmly rejected the idea, stating it would "never happen." Trump, despite claiming neutrality, has repeatedly discussed making Canada a US state, impacting the Canadian election significantly. The issue has fueled patriotic sentiment and is a key discussion point for leading candidates.