JQJO — Politics news · Page 887

Jordan's Interior Ministry banned the Muslim Brotherhood, a prominent Islamist opposition group, citing a foiled sabotage plot involving a group member's son. The ban, effective immediately, includes the closure of offices, asset seizure, and the suppression of group publications. While legally operating in Jordan for decades, the Brotherhood's ideology and alleged destabilizing activities prompted the government's action. The group's political arm, the Islamic Action Front, recently gained significant seats in parliamentary elections.

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is in Washington, aiming to secure a US trade deal without rushing it, focusing on tariff reductions for US car imports. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's comments dominate UK headlines, with Trump claiming Crimea is lost and blaming Volodymyr Zelensky for the lack of peace in Ukraine. Other news includes large-scale ticket scams targeting Oasis fans, Andrew Flintoff's recovery from a near-fatal crash, and political clashes in the UK parliament. Several papers feature Prince Louis's seventh birthday.

Dartmouth College, unlike other Ivy League institutions, declined to sign a letter condemning the Trump administration's threats to withhold federal funding. President Beilock believes lawsuits challenging funding cuts are a more effective approach than signing open letters. The administration's actions, including reducing indirect research costs and pausing funding, followed student protests and allegations of antisemitism on some campuses. Over 300 university presidents signed the letter protesting the administration's interference in higher education, while the White House dismissed it. Harvard sued after rejecting the administration's demands, while Columbia negotiated.

Twelve US states, led by New York, filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump's authority to impose tariffs without Congressional approval. The suit argues Trump misused the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to enact levies on goods from China, Mexico, Canada, and other countries, disrupting global trade. The White House countered, stating the administration is using its legal authority to address national emergencies. The lawsuit contends Trump's actions upended the constitutional order and caused economic chaos. This follows a similar California lawsuit and others challenging Trump's use of the IEEPA for tariffs.

Over 300 college presidents, including St. Louis University's Fred Pestello, publicly criticized the Trump administration's interference in higher education. The statement, organized by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, decries government overreach in admissions, research funding, and academics. Pestello's signature marks the first open criticism from a local university leader. Concerns include withheld federal funding, threats to research grants, and issues faced by international students. The statement advocates for academic freedom and opposes undue government intrusion.

The Trump administration is revoking the temporary legal status of individuals who entered the U.S. via the CBP One app, causing widespread confusion. Notices, some targeting U.S. citizens, order immediate departure. Over 900,000 people utilized CBP One since January 2023. The cancellations lack transparency, with the administration not disclosing the exact number of affected individuals. Critics argue this creates fear and uncertainty, impacting even those with pending asylum claims or other forms of temporary protection. Legal challenges are expected.

President Trump signed executive actions targeting higher education and K-12 schools. These actions aim to rein in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, overhaul the college accreditation system to promote competition and intellectual diversity, and require universities to fully disclose foreign funding. Additionally, new K-12 school discipline guidance will prioritize objective behavior over DEI considerations, reversing previous policies aimed at reducing racial disparities in school discipline. The actions aim to solidify Trump's conservative education agenda and increase transparency in college finances.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a US agency funding infrastructure in developing countries, is facing a near-complete shutdown due to Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency's cost-cutting measures. Employees received emails on Tuesday announcing significant staff and program reductions, with potential administrative leave starting May 5th. This follows similar actions against other foreign aid agencies. The MCC, established in 2004, provides grants to numerous countries, and its closure leaves critics concerned about the US ceding influence to China.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the state's Republican congressional delegation are urging President Trump to overturn FEMA's denial of federal disaster relief following severe March storms. The denial follows similar denials in Washington and North Carolina. The Arkansas request cited catastrophic damage, deaths, and injuries. This is the first instance of Republicans publicly challenging a FEMA denial, particularly noteworthy given Sanders' past White House role under Trump. FEMA has yet to comment on the denial.

Palestinian student Mohsen Mahdawi, a legal US resident, was arrested during his citizenship interview in Vermont. He's accused of posing a foreign policy risk and faces deportation. Mahdawi, who participated in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, claims his arrest was retaliatory. A judge ordered further briefing before ruling on his detention, which his lawyers argue is unconstitutional. A hearing is scheduled for April 30th to determine the court's jurisdiction and his potential release.