JQJO — Politics news · Page 939

Former President Trump signed a joint congressional resolution nullifying a Biden-era rule that would have mandated decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms to report transactions to the IRS. The rule, slated for 2027, aimed to expand existing reporting requirements to include DeFi platforms' gross proceeds from crypto sales. Critics argued it hindered innovation and privacy, while supporters feared it would benefit tax evaders. The resolution passed Congress swiftly and garnered industry praise, with the Blockchain Association celebrating its repeal as a victory for US crypto innovation.

Seventeen states, led by New York, sued the Trump administration to reinstate over $1 billion in blocked federal pandemic relief funds for schools. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan, argues the funding cuts, impacting states like California and Maryland significantly, will severely harm students. The states contend the administration's reversal of previously allocated funds is both illegal and harmful, causing widespread disruption to school systems.

Two American Airlines planes, one carrying six US Representatives, collided on a taxiway at Ronald Reagan National Airport. The incident, involving a stationary Embraer E175 and a regional jet, resulted in minor winglet damage to both aircraft. American Airlines confirmed no injuries and that both planes are out of service for inspection. The Representatives were unharmed and awaiting a replacement flight.

The House passed the "Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act" (SAVE Act), requiring proof of citizenship for federal voter registration. The bill passed 220-208, with four Democrats joining Republicans. It now faces an uncertain future in the Senate, needing 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. Voting rights groups strongly oppose the bill, arguing it could disenfranchise eligible voters, while supporters claim it strengthens election integrity. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer declared it "dead on arrival". The bill's future is uncertain, dependent on securing bipartisan Senate support.

President Trump is escalating his use of presidential power to target perceived enemies. He recently signed memos directing investigations into two former officials who opposed him, marking a formalization of his previous informal efforts. A third memo targets the law firm Susman Godfrey, which has successfully sued media outlets for spreading Trump's election lies. This represents a significant escalation in Trump's use of government resources for political retribution.

President Trump signed his first crypto-related bill into law, repealing a Biden-era IRS rule requiring decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms to report taxpayer information. The rule, deemed overly burdensome and privacy-invasive by industry leaders and lawmakers, was considered a hindrance to American innovation. The bipartisan support for its repeal highlights a rebuke of Biden's policies. Crypto leaders celebrate this as a major milestone for the industry's future in the U.S.

The European Union (EU) has temporarily suspended planned retaliatory tariffs on $22 billion worth of US goods. This follows President Trump's reduction of tariffs on EU goods from 20% to 10%. EU President von der Leyen stated the suspension aims to facilitate negotiations, but warned that countermeasures remain an option if negotiations prove unsatisfactory. The EU's measured response reflects the need for internal consensus and political cover before implementing retaliatory actions.

China's President Xi Jinping has purged General He Weidong, a vice-chair of the Central Military Commission, marking the most significant military anti-corruption action in six decades. He's removal, reportedly due to corruption allegations, follows a pattern of Xi's purges within the People's Liberation Army (PLA). His absence from recent high-profile events fueled speculation before his dismissal was confirmed by multiple sources, including current and former US officials. Experts highlight this as a demonstration of Xi's determination to eliminate corruption and solidify his control over the military, a crucial pillar of the party's power.

Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler announced his resignation, effective June, after six years marked by both significant wins and narrow losses. His tenure saw Democratic victories in gubernatorial and Supreme Court races, flipping the court's control to Democrats for the first time in 15 years. Despite these successes, he also oversaw close defeats in the 2022 Senate race and the 2020 presidential election. Wikler is praised for fundraising and infrastructure building, securing 12 out of 15 statewide wins. He hasn't disclosed future plans, but a candidacy for office is speculated.

The Trump administration, facing a deadline to justify the deportation of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, cited his pro-Palestinian activism as a national security threat. Secretary of State Rubio's memo argued Khalil's views could create a hostile environment for Jewish students, a claim Khalil's lawyers refute as a violation of free speech. A judge will decide Khalil's fate on Friday. This incident is part of a broader crackdown on foreign students, with the DHS forming a task force to monitor social media for antisemitism and revoking numerous student visas.