All articles tagged with #potus
The U.S. says it is prepared to restart strikes on Iran if a nuclear deal isn’t reached, with the Pentagon expanding munition production and President Trump seeking a strong agreement to prevent Iran’s nuclear capability as negotiators work to bridge gaps and a 60‑day truce extension is discussed.
A U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema temporarily barred the Trump administration from creating or running the nearly $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, delaying payouts to victims of what Trump and allies call government “weaponization” as a lawsuit challenges the fund’s legality. The order, issued in Virginia, keeps funds from being disbursed while further arguments are heard and will stay in effect at least until June 12. The fund, overseen by a five‑member commission, drew backlash even from some Republicans who said it could reward Capitol rioters; the DOJ contends there are no partisan prerequisites for eligibility.
Taiwan's Kuomintang chair Cheng Li-wun will visit China in early April after an invitation from Xi Jinping, traveling to Beijing, Shanghai and Jiangsu from April 7–12; the trip, coming about a month before Donald Trump’s Beijing visit, signals a closer stance toward Beijing as Taiwan's parliament debates a sizable defence package.
President Trump signed an executive order directing federal contractors and subcontractors to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices, requiring DEI-free clauses in certain contracts and giving agencies power to cancel, suspend or debar noncompliant contractors. The White House said the Office of Management and Budget will issue compliance guidance and identify sectors where DEI is used, while the attorney general will review related violations for prompt action. Civil rights advocates argue DEI addresses historic inequities, while Trump frames DEI as anti-merit; this follows a broader push to dismantle DEI policies at federal agencies and in the private sector.
A divided DC Circuit panel refused to pause the Trump administration’s move to end Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status, leaving protections and work authorization in place for about 350,000 Haitians while lawsuits proceed, with judges warning that returning Haitians could expose them to violence and limited access to medical care.
Reuters reports that President Trump spoke to some FBI agents a day after they searched the Fulton County Election Hub outside Atlanta, with DNI Tulsi Gabbard reportedly calling Trump during the meeting; Trump addressed the agents on speakerphone, praising their work, while critics say the Georgia investigation is politically motivated and note that courts and state officials have rejected widespread 2020 election-fraud claims.
Trump said India will buy Venezuelan oil rather than Iranian crude, claiming a deal has been made; Reuters noted the U.S. could resume Venezuelan oil imports to replace Russian supply, while India has avoided Iranian crude due to sanctions and shifted toward Russia; Trump referenced tariffs on Indian purchases of Venezuelan oil and suggested relief could come as Russian oil imports decline, and he invited China to participate in a Venezuelan oil deal.
President Donald Trump announced government-backed investment accounts for newborns, starting with a $1,000 seed per child born 2025–2028 and tax-deferred growth in low-cost index funds. The accounts go live July 4, with about 25 million families eligible and more than 500,000 already signed up. The White House urges additional private contributions (notably from Michael Dell) and corporate participation, arguing the program will improve long-term family affordability, housing, diplomas and entrepreneurship—though withdrawals will be taxed and analysts note projected returns vary.
President Donald Trump said Alex Pretti should not have been carrying a gun or loaded magazines when he was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis, a stance that clashes with gun-rights groups who say Pretti was legally armed and with some Republicans. Trump spoke in Iowa, remarking on Pretti’s weapon amid a broader debate over gun policy ahead of elections. Pretti was a licensed concealed-weapons holder and video contradicting initial claims that he threatened law enforcement has circulated, contributing to political tension after the shooting and a White House leadership shakeup.
Reuters/Ipsos finds Trump's immigration policy at a record low: 39% approve and 53% disapprove, while his overall approval falls to 38% (tied for a term low); 58% say the ICE crackdown has gone too far, and Republicans still edge Democrats on immigration in a nationwide online poll of 1,139 adults.
President Donald Trump said he will not attend the Super Bowl in Levi's Stadium, California, because the trip is “just too far,” telling the NY Post he’d go if the journey were shorter. He noted he was the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl in 2025 and has shown up at other events since, while criticizing the halftime act Bad Bunny and the pregame performance by Green Day; NFL did not immediately respond to comment.
A draft charter for a U.S.-backed 'Board of Peace' would let member states extend their membership beyond three years only if they contribute $1 billion in cash in the charter's first year; otherwise memberships are limited to three years and renewals are at the Chairman's discretion. The document was circulated to about 60 countries, according to Reuters (citing Bloomberg).
The White House unveiled part of a so-called Board of Peace to supervise Gaza’s temporary governance under Trump’s plan, naming Marco Rubio, Tony Blair and Jared Kushner (with Trump as chair) and saying more members will be announced. The board will oversee a Palestinian technocratic body during a transitional period, but no Palestinians are on the founding board. Critics call the setup reminiscent of colonial oversight as Gaza remains under a fragile ceasefire.
President Trump urged Iranians to keep protesting and said 'help is on its way' on Truth Social, offering no specifics on what action that might entail. He also said he canceled meetings with Iranian officials until the protests’ killings stop. The protests in Iran have been deadly, with Iranian officials saying about 2,000 people killed, and Trump has previously floated military action while also imposing tariffs related to Iran; Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran is in contact with the U.S. envoy and considering Washington's proposals.
Former Attorney General William Barr, a longtime ally of Donald Trump, criticized the former president's ability to execute his policies and achieve them, saying that Trump lacks discipline, strategic thinking, and the ability to get things done in the system. Barr warned that Trump would deliver chaos and set his policies much further back than they would otherwise be. Barr has recently soured on Trump, calling him a "weak candidate" who cannot win the 2024 election, but said he would still vote for him if he wins the GOP nomination.