JQJO — Politics news · Page 921

A federal judge sharply criticized the Trump administration for failing to comply with a Supreme Court order to facilitate the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, wrongly deported to El Salvador. The judge rejected the administration's claim that it was powerless to act, deeming their actions insufficient. She ordered the administration to provide details under oath within two weeks about their attempts to return Ábrego García, threatening depositions of key officials. While Ábrego García's lawyer celebrated a win, she stressed that the fight to bring him home continues.

The Trump administration, instead of reinstating The Associated Press's (AP) access to the White House press pool as ordered by a federal judge, has eliminated the wire service position entirely. This follows a dispute over the AP's use of "Gulf of Mexico" instead of the administration's preferred "Gulf of America." The decision impacts local news outlets relying on AP for coverage, limiting their access to presidential events. While the administration claims the change ensures equal access, critics argue it disadvantages AP and undermines press freedom, hindering the public's access to impartial news.

Harvard University, represented by Robert Hur and William Burck – both prominent attorneys with ties to past administrations – is locked in a major dispute with the Trump administration. The administration is threatening to withhold over $2 billion in funding unless Harvard implements significant campus reforms. Hur and Burck, arguing Harvard has already implemented sufficient changes, assert the university will not compromise its independence. This clash highlights Trump's ongoing attempts to influence elite universities' policies.

A Moscow court sentenced four journalists to 5.5 years in prison for extremism, for their work with Alexei Navalny's anti-corruption group. Antonina Favorskaya, Kostantin Gabov, Sergey Karelin, and Artyom Kriger, all maintained their innocence, claiming they were prosecuted for journalistic work. The trial, held behind closed doors, reflects Russia's intensified crackdown on dissent following the Ukraine invasion. The journalists' lawyers plan to appeal the verdict, which is considered politically motivated by human rights groups who have labeled the journalists as political prisoners.

China's economic resilience in the face of US trade tensions is highlighted. Despite tariffs impacting exports, China's government has fostered self-reliance in technology and diversified trade partnerships, mitigating the blow. This economic strength allows China to leverage its dominance in areas like rare-earth minerals to exert pressure on rivals. While not immune to US actions, China demonstrates considerable capacity to absorb and retaliate.

Arkansas submitted a waiver to the federal government to ban the purchase of candy and soda with SNAP benefits. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders argues this will encourage healthier choices among low-income residents, while also proposing adding rotisserie chicken to eligible SNAP items. The USDA Secretary supports the initiative, aiming to fund healthy eating. The move has drawn criticism from the candy and beverage industry, citing similar spending habits between SNAP and non-SNAP users. Arkansas plans to use the GS1 categorization model for easier implementation.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced the emergency transfer of 109,651 acres of federal land along the US-Mexico border to the Department of the Army for three years. This action aims to bolster border security efforts against illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and terrorism, while protecting sensitive natural and cultural resources. The transfer allows for increased patrols, infrastructure construction, and addresses environmental concerns caused by illegal crossings. The BLM will work with the Army to ensure continued support for local grazing and mining.

Sarah Palin's defamation lawsuit against the New York Times is underway in a retrial. Palin sued the Times in 2017 over an editorial falsely linking her to a mass shooting. A previous trial ruled against Palin, but she successfully appealed. This retrial, before Judge Jed S. Rakoff, focuses on whether the Times knowingly published a false statement. The legal hurdle requires Palin to prove 'actual malice'. The case is significant given the changing media landscape and recent high-profile defamation cases.

Pentagon advisor Dan Caldwell was placed on administrative leave following a Department of Defense investigation into unauthorized disclosures of national security information. The investigation, prompted by a March memo from Secretary Hegseth's chief of staff, is ongoing and may involve criminal prosecution. Caldwell, a veteran and former employee of Concerned Veterans for America, was reportedly escorted from the Pentagon. The nature of the leaked information and its recipient remain undisclosed.

The House-passed SAVE Act mandates in-person proof of citizenship for voter registration, potentially affecting 21.3 million Americans lacking readily available documents like birth certificates or passports. Experts warn this will create significant barriers, especially for those in rural areas or with name changes, unlike typical voter ID laws. While supporters claim it boosts election integrity, opponents argue it undermines voter access and public trust.