Trump claims Mexico is 'stealing' water from the U.S.

President Donald Trump has accused Mexico of stealing water from the United States.

In a post in Truth Social, Trump blasted Mexico for "violating" the 1944 Water Treaty, which requires the country to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet per year to the U.S. from the Rio Grande over a five year cycle.

In exchange, the U.S. delivers 1.5 million acre-feet of water per year to Mexico from the Colorado River. It also deliver water from the Rio Grande above Fort Quitman, Texas.

Mexico is due to delivery a total of 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. by October 2025 at the end of its five year cycle. However, it is significantly behind in its water delivery obligations. By the end of 2024, Mexico had delivered only approximately 495,499 acre-feet, leaving a deficit of about 1.25 million acre-feet.

"This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas Farmers very badly," Trump said. "Last year, the only Sugar Mill in Texas CLOSED, because Mexico has been stealing the water from Texas Farmers. Ted Cruz has been leading the fight to get South Texas the water it is owed, but Sleepy Joe refused to lift a finger to help the Farmers.

"THAT ENDS NOW!"

Trump said he has halted water shipments to Tijuana until Mexico complies with the treaty, and that he will consider "escalating consequences, including TARIFFS and, maybe even SANCTIONS, until Mexico honors the Treaty, and GIVES TEXAS THE WATER THEY ARE OWED!"

WATCH: Schumer slams House Republicans for 'Trump tax scam on steroids'

Trump administration can mandate all undocumented migrants must register with government

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration can move forward with its mandate that every undocumented migrant must register with the federal government.

The administration had argued that the mandate was enforcing an existing requirement for everyone who is not an American citizen to register with the government.

On Thursday, Judge Trevor Neil McFadden agreed with the administration, and said the mandate can go into effect on Friday.

Bessent meets with Vietnam leaders to start trade talks

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent met today with Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc of Vietnam to start negotiations over tariffs.

President Trump had imposed a 46 percent duty on Vietnam, before he announced a 90-day pause on Wednesday.

In a post on X, Bessent shared a photo of himself meeting Phoc, which he said was "to confirm the start of formal discussions on reciprocal trade."

"I emphasized the need for continued engagement and quick, demonstrable progress to resolve outstanding issues," he added.

Supreme Court orders Trump admin to bring back man after deportation

The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Trump administration must facilitate the return of a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador.

Progressive case for tariffs amid fallout from Trump's policies

President Donald Trump's tariff policy has sparked fierce criticism from Democrats, but progressives have argued for the strategic use of tariffs in the past.

China faces 145 percent tariffs from the U.S. amid an escalating trade war with the Trump administration, which economists say could lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers. Last week, Trump announced so called "reciprocal tariffs" against dozens of countries but has since placed them on a 90-day pause following market backlash.

The divide over tariffs hasn't been just Democrat versus Republican, as there have been some intraparty splits about whether they are the right economic policy for the U.S. Some progressives have previously supported some tariffs, though many still disagree with Trump's implementation.

Democrats now face a question about how they plan to respond to the tariffs in a way to win over swing voters in industrial areas of battlegrounds like Pennsylvania while not alienating their base.

Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats, is among those progressives who have previously voiced support for tariffs but said in a statement he disagrees with Trump's policies.

Read in full from Andrew Stanton on Newsweek.

Trump administration takes aim at pronouns in email signatures

The use of pronouns in email signatures has sparked controversy, especially within the Trump administration. While many people include pronouns such as "she," "he," or "they" in their digital signatures as a way to acknowledge gender identities, Trump and his officials have rejected this practice, The Associated Press reported. Trump's administration has issued directives, including an executive order mandating the recognition of only two biological sexes, male and female, and instructed federal employees to remove any references to pronouns in their email signatures.

This policy appears to have extended to interactions with the press as well. Journalists, including those from The New York Times, have reported instances where administration officials refused to respond to emails from reporters who included pronouns in their signatures. In one case, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt replied that, as a matter of policy, officials would not engage with reporters who list pronouns in their email bios. Leavitt further stated that such reporters do not respect "biological reality" and, therefore, cannot be trusted.

The refusal to engage with reporters over email signatures raises concerns about transparency and engagement with the media. The New York Times criticized this approach, suggesting that it undermines open communication and press access.

This ideological clash over language reflects broader political divisions. Sociolinguistics professor Lauren Hall-Lew explains that language has become a form of "social signaling," with pronoun use in email signatures acting as a political statement about one's stance on transgender issues. This shift highlights how language, once a neutral tool for communication, has increasingly become a battleground for ideological expression.

House passes bill requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would require individuals to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. The measure, part of a broader Republican-led effort to tighten voting laws, follows President Trump's debunked claims of widespread election fraud and seeks to address concerns over noncitizen voting.

While voting by noncitizens is rare and already illegal in federal elections, the bill aims to mandate that individuals provide documents such as a passport or birth certificate when registering. It also requires states to remove noncitizens from voter rolls. The legislation, known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, passed by a vote of 220 to 208, with some centrist Democrats joining Republicans in support.

Despite its passage in the House, the bill faces a tough road in the Senate, where it would need bipartisan support to proceed. Critics argue that the bill is unnecessary, citing the rarity of noncitizen voting and the potential for disenfranchisement, particularly among married women who have changed their names. Some warn that it could create unnecessary barriers for voters and lead to bureaucratic complications.

The bill echoes an executive order signed by Trump last month in response to his false claims about the 2020 election. However, experts maintain that voter fraud remains extremely rare, with studies showing minimal evidence of noncitizen voting.

OPINION: Attacking law firms attacks what makes America great

"The one place where a man ought to get a square deal is in a courtroom," said the great fictional lawyer Atticus Finch, hero of the beloved classic To Kill a Mockingbird.

Finch maintained that: "Our courts have their faults as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal."

Our courts are where people can freely exercise their rights by challenging what they believe is government overreach. What makes it work is our adversarial system in which lawyers zealously represent their clients—even if the case may be unpopular or controversial.

This was recognized by our Founding Fathers even before our country was founded when future President John Adams defended the eight British soldiers who perpetrated the Boston Massacre in 1770.

Read the full op-ed by attorney Bryan Sullivan on Newsweek.

Trump leaves open the possibility of extending tariff pause

Trump has declined to rule out the possibility of extending the 90-day pause on his "reciprocal" tariffs, which he announced yesterday. During a Cabinet meeting, Trump told reporters that if he is unable to reach favorable deals with U.S. trading partners, the tariffs will revert to higher rates once the pause expires.

He stated, "That's what would happen. It's just got to be good for both parties." However, when pressed about the likelihood of extending the pause, Trump replied, "We'll have to see what happens," leaving the future of the tariff suspension uncertain.

Chicago Fed president warns 10% tariff could increase inflation and impact output

Austan Goolsbee, president of the Chicago Federal Reserve, expressed concerns on Thursday about the potential economic effects of a 10% tariff on the rest of the world without exemptions. Speaking to reporters, Goolsbee warned that such a tariff would "materially increase inflation in the near-term" and could have a significant negative impact on economic output, The New York Times reported.

When questioned about the ongoing sell-off in financial markets, Goolsbee attributed the market volatility to the uncertainty surrounding the tariff's enactment, which he described as potentially the largest in 100 years. He also noted the growing global debt levels, which, according to him, heighten the scrutiny on bonds and contribute to the financial pressure.

U.S. commander warns China, North Korea's military aid to Russia threatens Pacific security

The top U.S. commander in the Pacific, Adm. Samuel Paparo, has raised concerns that military support from China and North Korea to Russia could undermine security in the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, Paparo outlined how both countries are aiding Russia in its war on Ukraine, while Moscow offers reciprocal military support.

Paparo revealed that China has provided 70% of the machine tools and 90% of the legacy chips necessary for Russia to rebuild its military capabilities. In exchange, China may receive technological assistance, including improvements to its submarines' stealth capabilities.

North Korea, meanwhile, has sent significant quantities of artillery shells and short-range missiles to Russia. Paparo noted that Pyongyang is likely to receive air defense and surface-to-air missile support in return for its assistance. This growing military cooperation between Russia, China, and North Korea presents a concerning development for U.S. security in the Pacific.

U.S. ambassador to Ukraine stepping down after nearly three years

Bridget Brink, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, will soon step down after nearly three years in Kyiv, according to the State Department. The timing of her departure remains uncertain, but her resignation comes amid ongoing uncertainty over the Trump administration's efforts to broker a peace deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Brink, who assumed the position under President Joe Biden's administration, has been a strong advocate for U.S. military aid to Ukraine. Her resignation had been anticipated, especially given the Trump administration's focus on improving relations with Russia and seeking an end to the war.

The State Department acknowledged Brink's long tenure in a challenging environment, noting, "She's been the ambassador in Kyiv for three years — that's a long time in a war zone. And frankly, the war has gone on for far too long." The department emphasized that the key issue now is whether both Russia and Ukraine are prepared to take the necessary steps to end the conflict.

Treasury secretary assures that US will reach 'great certainty' over tariffs within 90 days

Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury, told reporters on Thursday, when asked about the volatile stock market amid the changing tariffs, that things would settle down soon.

"As we go through the queue and settle with these countries, who are going to bring us their best offers, and we will end up in a place of great certainty over the next 90 days on tariffs," he said.

Despite the market's dip today, amid the rapidly escalating trade war with China, Bessent said that he "didn't see anything unusual" in the drop.

RFK claims US will know cause of autism by September

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a bold claim on autism research during Thursday's Cabinet meeting.

Kennedy told President Donald Trump that his health department had launched a huge research effort into the cause of the developmental disorder.

"We've launched a massive testing and research effort that's going to involve hundreds of scientists around the world," he said.

"By September, we'll know what caused the autism epidemic. And we'll be able to eliminate those exposures."

RFK confirms 680 measles cases in US outbreak

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed in Thursday's Cabinet meeting that measles cases are up to 680 across 22 states.

Measles, a highly contagious virus that can be deadly, was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, meaning there was no continuous transmission of the virus within the country, and new cases were primarily linked to international travel.

But recent years have seen a resurgence in cases and outbreaks, mainly due to declining vaccination rates.

Trump says he hopes to keep DOGE staffers on 'for the long haul'

Elon Musk may be leaving the government at the end of his 130 days, but that doesn't mean his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffers will be leaving with him.

At Trump's Cabinet meeting on Thursday, the president said that he hopes to keep "as many [DOGE employees] as we can."

"Your people are fantastic," he told Musk at the meeting. "In fact, hopefully they'll stay around for the long haul.

"We'd like to keep as many as we can."

Trump looking at special allowances for undocumented migrants working on farms

President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that the U.S. will make special allowances for undocumented migrants working in a few specific industries.

During his Cabinet meeting, Trump said that farmers will be able to "come in with a letter concerning certain [undocumented] people" who work for them, to ask for exceptions to be made.

The president said that the administration would "slow down" the deportation process for those farm workers, and would work with them so they can leave the U.S. and come back through the legal process.

Trump added that other industries that rely heavily on migrant labor, such as hospitality, may also be able to do the same for some of their undocumented employees.

Attorney general hints at 'huge arrest' on Tesla vandalism

Attorney general Pam Bondi announced that the Department of Justice is planning to make a "huge arrest" connected to vandalism at a Tesla dealership.

Bondi said that the DOJ had already arrested four people for vandalizing the cars, or dealerships, each of whom were looking at 20 years in prison with "no negotiation."

"There will be another huge arrest on a Tesla dealership," she added, within the next 24 hours. They will face a similarly harsh penalty.

"It will stop it," President Trump responded.

Trump reflects on tariff decision, acknowledges transition challenges

Trump offered a more measured response Thursday regarding his decision to pause certain tariffs for 90 days, after celebrating a significant market rally the day before. Speaking with his Cabinet, Trump acknowledged potential "transition problems" as the effects of the move began to unfold.

"A big day yesterday. There will always be transition difficulty – but in history, it was the biggest day in history, the markets. So we're very, very happy with the way the country is running," Trump said, pointing to the challenges of shifting global trade dynamics. Despite some market instability, including a dip in the Dow, the president expressed confidence in the nation's trajectory, suggesting that while the transition may involve obstacles, it will ultimately lead to positive results.

Trump also praised his Cabinet, praising their efforts to handle the complex trade negotiations with China. He noted the strong relationships among his team and reiterated his commitment to securing fair treatment for the U.S. in global trade. The internal dynamics within the White House have reportedly been tense, with differing opinions among Trump's top economic advisers, but the president remained optimistic about the future.

Trump says he's 'very happy' with his tariffs strategy

President Donald Trump defended his strategy on tariffs, after he announced a 90-day pause on the duties amid a spiraling stock market.

"We're very happy with the way the country's running. We're trying to get the world to treat us fairly," Trump said at his Cabinet meeting.

"We had a big day yesterday," he added of Wednesday's reversal of tariffs and the markets swings.

House passes bill requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill Thursday that would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for anyone registering to vote. The legislation, known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), is a priority for President Donald Trump and House Republicans, who argue that it is necessary to eliminate instances of noncitizen voting.

Although it's already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, the bill aims to strengthen voter registration processes. Supporters claim it will ensure only U.S. citizens are on voter rolls, while critics warn that it could disenfranchise millions of Americans who face barriers to obtaining the necessary documentation.

Under the bill, voters would need to provide specific documents such as a valid passport, REAL ID-compliant driver's license, or military ID to prove citizenship. However, concerns have been raised about the practical challenges this poses, especially for people without easy access to birth certificates or those who face issues like name changes due to marriage.

The bill is now heading to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future due to potential opposition from Democrats and concerns about its implementation. If passed, the law would affect all new voter registrations and could impact voters needing to update their registration details. Voting rights groups continue to push back, calling for more focus on ensuring noncitizens are accurately removed from voter rolls rather than placing additional burdens on U.S. citizens.

Elon Musk has a seat at the table at Cabinet meeting

Despite rumors of a rift between Elon Musk and the Trump administration, the Tesla CEO attended today's Cabinet meeting.

Not only was the billionaire present, but he has a seat at the table, alongside Senate-confirmed-level officials and department heads.

Previously, Musk was standing behind the Cabinet members.

Trump's nominee to lead Bureau of Land Management withdraws after January 6 remarks

Kathleen Sgamma, nominated to lead the Bureau of Land Management, withdrew her name on Thursday at the start of her Senate confirmation hearing. The decision followed revelations of comments she made in 2021, criticizing President Trump's role in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

David Bernhardt, former interior secretary under Trump, called Sgamma's withdrawal a "self-inflicted" move and linked to her 2021 remarks, where she condemned Trump for inciting the violence. Sgamma had expressed being "disgusted" by the events of January 6, citing misinformation spread by the president.

Sgamma, a longtime oil and gas industry representative, had been expected to lead efforts to ease restrictions on energy development, particularly in Western states where the Bureau of Land Management oversees vast federal lands used for energy extraction, mining, grazing, and recreation.

Trump says he's moved 'a lot of US troops to Panama'

President Donald Trump has said that he's moved "a lot" of U.S. troops to Panama as America signs a deal with the Central American country to ensure the United States has "first and free" use of the Panama Canal.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has just returned from a trip to the Panama Canal, told Trump's Cabinet meeting on Thursday that he's had a "very successful" visit in which he had signed "a couple of historic deals."

Hegseth said the first was the Panama Canal Authority framework which allows "U.S. vessels to be first and free through the canal," along with a "memorandum of understanding" that America will station more troops in Panama to "secure" the canal from Chinese influence.

Trump added that the region was now in "very good control."

"We've moved a lot of troops to Panama and filed up some areas that we used to have, and we didn't have any longer, but we have them now and I think it's in very good control," her said.

Trump admits there will be 'transition cost' with tariffs

President Donald Trump is holding a Cabinet meeting with his department heads and agency leaders.

Trump began the meeting by addressing the tariffs, which he admitted will have some "transition cost and transition problems."

U.S. and Russia hold talks in Istanbul as diplomatic ties remain strained

Officials from the U.S. and Russia met Thursday in Istanbul to address deteriorating diplomatic relations, despite no progress toward ending the war in Ukraine.

The State Department said the two countries exchanged notes to finalize an understanding that would stabilize diplomatic banking operations for each other's missions.

Both governments have imposed financial sanctions and reduced embassy staffing in recent years, complicating basic diplomatic functions.

While the banking agreement could be a step toward restoring staffing, the State Department noted that personnel levels remain a challenge.

Other unresolved issues include the future of shuttered consulates in both countries. Follow-up meetings are planned, but dates have not been announced.

Trump adviser says bond market influenced tariff pause, but wasn't cause for panic

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Thursday that recent movements in the bond market played a role in Trump's decision to pause some tariffs but dismissed the idea that it prompted a panic.

Speaking to CNBC, Hassett said the administration had long been planning a series of trade moves, with some deals nearly finalized.

"The fact that the bond market was telling us, 'Hey, it's probably time to move,' certainly would have contributed ... but it wasn't the bond market that made a panic move," Hassett said.

He later echoed the sentiment on Fox and Friends, emphasizing that Trump had been laying the groundwork for negotiations "for weeks," and that "a couple of deals ... are close to being announced."

Student visa crackdown hits major milestone

More than 500 international students have had their visas revoked amid a wave of federal database removals as the Trump administration ramps up its crackdown on universities.

The Trump administration has announced plans to revoke visas for foreign students linked to pro-Hamas activities, including involvement in campus protests and distributing materials such as flyers. It is part of President Donald Trump's executive order targeting antisemitism. However, the move has sparked criticism from some who argue it infringes on First Amendment rights, particularly regarding free speech.

Nafsa, a network of universities and individuals involved in international education and exchanges, told the Financial Times that it had identified 500 visa revocations by gathering reports from higher education institutions throughout the U.S.

Read in full from Billal Rahman on Newsweek.

White House confirms 145 percent tariff floor on Chinese imports

The White House on Thursday clarified that all Chinese imports to the United States now face a minimum 145% tariff rate.

The announcement follows Trump's move a day earlier to raise tariffs on China to 125% in response to Beijing's retaliatory actions. The administration explained that the 125% increase is in addition to a previous 20 percent tariff related to China's role in fentanyl shipments.

The new rate marks a steep escalation for a country that supplies much of what Americans buy, including electronics, toys, and household goods. It also builds on earlier tariffs from Trump's first term, including 25% duties on steel, aluminum, and vehicles.

Importers have been left scrambling, with the jump from 125 to 145% adding thousands of dollars in costs per shipment. Goods already in transit are exempt, but importers will begin feeling the impact in the coming days for air cargo, and in weeks for sea freight.

Judge orders government provides more information about efforts to preserve Signal chat

A federal federal has ordered several government agencies to provide new declarations about their preservation efforts of the SignalGate group chat.

Judge James Boasberg has given the government until Monday to clarify the scope and timing of such efforts as part of the American Oversight lawsuit.

"Today's hearing underscored our concern that the Trump administration is attempting to hide its dangerous and reckless actions from the American people," Chioma Chukwu, interim Executive Director of American Oversight, who filed the suit on April 4, told Newsweek.

"The use of encrypted, disappearing messages on Signal for official government business is not only a blatant violation of the Federal Records Act — it's a deliberate strategy to evade accountability and conceal the truth. This conduct sets a deeply troubling precedent for transparency and oversight, and it must not be allowed to stand. We are grateful that the court recognized the deficiencies in the government's declarations and acted swiftly. We will continue pursuing every legal avenue to expose what the administration is trying to hide and fight back against its calculated secrecy."

Oil prices tumble again amid trade war fears

Oil prices are tumbling again today amid fears a trade war between China and the United States could shake the world economy and demand for energy.

U.S. crude fell 4.6% to $59.50 a barrel on Thursday, losing almost all of Wednesday's gains after Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for all countries aside from China.

Crude appears on track to settle below $59.58 a barrel today, which would be the lowest close since April 2021.

"We have given back all the gains. The fact that we're in a trade war with China at this moment portends slower oil demand growth. There's no doubt about it," said Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates.

Elon Musk's Wisconsin meddling backfired, poll suggests

Elon Musk's heavy involvement in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election pushed more voters away from the Republican candidate than it persuaded to support him, according to a poll.

A survey from the Democratic polling firm Blueprint, shared with The Washington Post,found that 30 percent of voters said Musk's multimillion-dollar intervention made them less likely to support Brad Schimel over liberal candidate Susan Crawford, compared to 5 percent who said it made them more likely.

The Blueprint poll surveyed 747 registered Wisconsin voters who participated in the state's Supreme Court election. It was conducted April 2-3 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.1 percentage points.

Newsweek has contacted Musk via the offices of X, formerly Twitter, which he owns, for comment via email.

Read the full story by Ewan Palmer on Newsweek.

Trump to overturn Biden-era IRS crypto rule targeting DeFi

Trump is expected to sign a bill today reversing the Biden administration's "Broker Rule," which would have required digital asset brokers to report certain decentralized finance (DeFi) transactions to the IRS.

The regulation, set to take effect in 2027, was aimed at increasing tax compliance in the crypto industry. This will be Trump's first action on cryptocurrency regulation since taking office in January.

Republican lawmakers have criticized the rule as overly broad and unworkable, pointing out that DeFi platforms operate autonomously on blockchains and often lack a central party to collect tax information. They also argue the rule would stifle innovation and drive crypto development overseas.

House narrowly approves Trump-backed budget framework after intense debate

The House of Representatives narrowly approved a Republican budget blueprint on Thursday, a crucial step for President Trump's domestic agenda. The approval came after a tense debate and hard-fought negotiations, with some conservative holdouts threatening to derail the plan over concerns it would increase the nation's debt. The final vote was 216 to 214, with two Republicans opposing the measure, while all Democrats voted against it.

The plan, which paves the way for significant tax cuts funded by deep reductions in government spending, now moves forward, despite divisions within the Republican Party. The approval is seen as a victory for Republican leaders and Trump, who has long championed the tax cuts and reduced government spending. Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune reassured skeptical members about future spending cuts, ultimately securing their support.

Critics, including Democrats, argue the plan will harm vital programs like Medicaid and primarily benefit the wealthiest Americans. However, Republicans are pushing ahead with their agenda, aiming to secure tax breaks for small businesses and working families while slashing government spending. The legislation faces further challenges in the Senate, where Republicans will need to negotiate deeper spending cuts to satisfy House conservatives.

JD Vance criticizes DC insiders' stance on China, praises Trump's approach

In a tweet, JD Vance, author and political figure, criticized a segment of Washington insiders who, according to him, advocate for a potential war with China while relying heavily on Chinese manufacturing for critical supplies. Vance called this stance "insane," pointing out the contradiction in supporting both confrontation and dependence on China.

JD Vance blasts 'insane' critics of Trump's tariffs plan

Vice President JD Vance has dubbed critics of President Donald Trump's tariffs strategy with China, "insane."

"There is a category of DC insider who wants to fight an actual war with China but also wants China to manufacture much of our critical supply," Vance wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

"This is insane. President Trump wants peace, but also wants fair trade and more self-reliance for the American economy.

Child Tax Credits could be cut in half for millions, White House warns

The White House has warned that Child Tax Credit could be slashed in half for tens of millions of American families if House lawmakers do not pass a budget resolution.

The federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a benefit for parents and caregivers with dependent children under 17. Families can get up to a maximum of $2,000 per child, up from a rate of $1,000 prior to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017 during President Donald Trump's first term in office.

However, if lawmakers don't pass an extension to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)—or pass alternative legislation—the credit is set to drop back to $1,000 in 2026.

On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson was forced to delay a vote on the Republican budget blueprint—which would mandate the CTC stay at $2,000—to unlock Trump's fiscal agenda after some Republicans said it would add too much to the national debt.

Read the full story by Aliss Higham on Newsweek.

Republicans warn Trump USPS plan would raise prices

Republicans are among a group of Senators who have warned President Donald Trump's potential plans for the United States Postal Service (USPS) could increase costs.

President Trump has previously signaled his support for privatizing the USPS, the world's largest mail carrier that is older than the United States itself. Commenting on possible privatization a few months ago, Trump said "it's an idea that a lot of people have liked for a long time."

Trump adviser Elon Musk has also said he would support bringing the postal service out of public control.

The president has also floated the idea of bringing the independent federal agency under the control of the Commerce Department.

A bill has been introduced in the Senate to "support the independence and critical public service mission" of the USPS, with its sponsors saying that current plans could "increase costs."

Read in full from Aliss Highman on Newsweek.

House Speaker Johnson expresses confidence in budget vote adoption

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism on Thursday that the House has the necessary votes to pass the delayed budget resolution.

Speaking this morning, Johnson said, "This morning I believe we have the votes to finally adopt the budget resolution so we can move forward on President Trump's very important agenda for the American people."

Lawmakers react to Trump's decision to pause tariffs

Today on CNN News Central, anchors Kate Bolduan and John Berman interviewed Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Carlos Gimenez about Trump's decision to pause most tariffs for 90 days and the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China.

Sen. Merkley criticized Trump's approach to China, calling the trade conflict a "testosterone battle" rather than a serious long-term strategy. He argued that Trump's erratic decision-making and lack of a comprehensive plan were hindering investment in U.S. manufacturing. "We need a serious strategy that encourages investment," Merkley said, stressing the importance of fair wages and environmental standards.

In contrast, Rep. Gimenez defended Trump's actions, saying the tariff pause was part of a larger strategy to renegotiate trade deals. "This was his strategy all along," Gimenez said, adding that the pause would allow for negotiations with countries wanting to renegotiate their deals with the U.S. He argued that Trump's focus on addressing unfair trade practices would ultimately benefit the U.S. economy.

Trump vows to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities

In a recent Truth Social post, Trump criticized sanctuary cities, claiming they protect criminals rather than victims. He called these cities "death traps" and said that they are being mocked globally.

Stephen Miran praises inflation report while defending Trump's tariff policies

Stephen Miran, chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, praised the latest inflation report on CNBC, calling it "really great" and attributing the positive outcome to Trump's policies. He argued that these policies have been effective in keeping inflation under control.

This comes just one day after Trump announced a suspension of a wide range of tariffs that had the potential to increase consumer prices. Despite this, Miran maintained that the cost of tariffs is ultimately borne by the countries being targeted while acknowledging there might be some "bumps" for both markets and consumers in the near term.

Rep. Becca Balint criticizes Trump's tariffs pause and Republican budget framework

Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT) appeared on CNN This Morning to discuss Trump's decision to pause most tariffs for 90 days and House Speaker Mike Johnson's move to delay a vote on the Republican budget. Balint criticized the Republican budget, calling it "mythical math" for claiming tax cuts without increasing the deficit or cutting Medicaid. She emphasized that such promises were unrealistic and deceptive.

Regarding the tariff pause, Balint expressed concern about the ongoing instability for businesses, arguing that the uncertainty in trade policy prevents them from making long-term plans. She also questioned the knowledge of U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, noting the secrecy surrounding the Trump administration's decisions and calling Trump a "master manipulator."

On the topic of trade policy, Balint agreed with Sen. Bernie Sanders, stating that while tariffs can protect American jobs, Trump's erratic approach to trade is harmful to businesses and workers alike. She also criticized the Republican budget for favoring wealthy corporations over working people, suggesting that the GOP's reluctance to advance the budget stemmed from its unrealistic math and the political pressure to avoid cuts to social programs.

Peter Navarro explains Trump tariff pause

Peter Navarro, one of President Donald Trump's most influential trade advisers, defended the administration's surprise 90-day pause on sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs, following a week of market chaos.

Navarro laid out the White House's strategy, framed the reversal as part of a calculated negotiating tactic, and insisted that the United States remains in a strong position heading into global trade talks, in an interview with ABC News.

The pause follows days of economic volatility and political friction since Trump's tariff plan was unveiled a week ago. The president's double-digit levies on dozens of countries triggered market turmoil and criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

Yet Navarro argued that the sudden shift was all part of the plan—and a demonstration of Trump's signature dealmaking style.

Read the full story by Dan Cody on Newsweek.

Attorney General Bondi announces $510 million drug seizure

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed that authorities seized approximately $510 million worth of cocaine and marijuana from vessels en route to the U.S. The operation, carried out by U.S. Coast Guard crews, is part of broader efforts to dismantle major drug trafficking networks.

Bondi, speaking from Florida, emphasized the Trump administration's commitment to tackling drug cartels and their role in fueling the nation's addiction crisis, highlighting ongoing law enforcement efforts.

Trump to hold Cabinet meeting after announcing tariff pause

Trump is expected to convene a Cabinet meeting at 11 a.m. ET today, following his announcement of a 90-day pause on his sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs, with the exception of China.

Trump celebrated the surge in U.S. markets post-announcement, writing in a Truth Social post: "What a day, but more great days coming!!!"

House to vote on budget Thursday morning after delayed plans

While it remains uncertain if House Speaker Mike Johnson can push the budget through the House floor after scrapping plans for a vote on Wednesday night, the House is scheduled to hold a vote around 10:20 a.m. ET today.

Conservatives and leadership spent late hours working on various options to address concerns that the Senate bill didn't cut enough spending. However, it is still unclear which option Johnson will pursue to move forward with the vote.

GOP senators cheer as Trump backs off most tariffs

Republican senators applauded during a closed-door luncheon after Sen. Roger Marshall announced that Trump would scale back most of his proposed tariffs.

The shift brought visible relief. "It really lightened up the lunch discussion," said Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota. "There were a lot of smiles." Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin also welcomed the move, saying, "We all would rather see the market rise than fall."

Republicans had increasingly voiced concern that broad tariffs could damage the economy. Many have urged the administration to pursue trade negotiations instead of expanding duties.

Trump administration asks Supreme Court to remove independent agency board members

On Wednesday, the Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court for an emergency order to remove board members from independent agencies, escalating a constitutional clash over presidential authority.

The request follows a D.C. appeals court decision that temporarily reinstated two ousted board members who handled labor-related matters, including federal workforce oversight. The broader legal fight centers on a 1935 ruling, Humphrey's Executor, which limits the president's power to fire members of independent boards without cause.

Conservatives have long criticized that precedent. The current Supreme Court, with its conservative majority, already trimmed its influence in a 2020 ruling.

Treasury secretary says markets 'didn't understand' Trump's tariff strategy

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended Trump's tariff hikes, saying financial markets misread the move. "The market didn't understand, those were maximum levels," Bessent told reporters at the White House.

He said the tariffs are meant to give the U.S. "maximum negotiating leverage," and suggested other countries could lower their own barriers in response. Bessent also criticized China's response, saying it revealed them "as the bad actors" on the global stage.

Goldman Sachs slashes China growth forecast amid tariff pressure

Goldman Sachs analysts have sharply lowered their expectations for China's economic growth in 2025 and 2026, citing the impact of the U.S. decision to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 125 percent. The firm said the new duties will "significantly weigh on the Chinese economy and labor market."

While analysts expect Beijing to roll out measures to cushion the blow, they warned that such efforts may have limited effect. In a separate development, a major Chinese state media outlet called on the central bank to consider cutting interest rates, suggesting policy support may be on the horizon.

Trump officials with more than one job after Kash Patel 'removed' from role

FBI Director Kash Patel has been removed from his role as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Patel was sworn in as acting director of the ATF on February 24, three days after he was taking the oath as FBI director.

A Department of Justice official told Reuters on Wednesday that Patel had been replaced by Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll. The official did not say why the FBI chief was removed but said it had nothing to do with his job performance.

It was unusual for Patel to be tapped to lead two major units of the Justice Department at the same time.

White House spokesman Harrison Fields told Reuters that Patel "was briefly designated ATF director while awaiting Senate confirmations," calling it "a standard, short-term move." Fields added that "dozens of similar re-desigations have occurred across the federal government."

Newsweek contacted the White House for comment via an email outside regular business hours.

As of early Thursday morning, Patel's photo and title of acting director were still listed on the ATF's website.

Read the full story by Khaleda Rahman on Newsweek.

EU pauses retaliatory tariffs as U.S. eases trade pressure

The European Union will delay its planned countermeasures on U.S. goods for 90 days after President Donald Trump scaled back tariffs on American allies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the pause, saying the EU wants to give diplomacy a chance.

EU members had approved retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. steel and aluminum duties, but von der Leyen said talks could still resolve the dispute. "If negotiations are not satisfactory, our countermeasures will kick in," she said.

The U.S. had imposed 20% tariffs on EU goods, now reduced to 10% for the next three months as Washington narrows its trade fight primarily to China.

China pushes for trade allies as Trump escalates tariff fight

China is seeking support from other nations amid escalating U.S. tariffs, hoping to isolate Washington in a deepening trade standoff. But while China has courted Europe and Southeast Asia, its efforts have seen only mixed results, with key nations like Australia and India keeping their distance.

Trump paused most new tariffs for 90 days this week, narrowing his trade war focus to China. He also raised the tariff rate on Chinese imports to 125%, prompting immediate retaliation from Beijing, which imposed 84% tariffs on U.S. goods.

China is emphasizing diplomacy, holding talks with the EU and ASEAN, and calling U.S. actions "economic bullying." Still, officials in Hong Kong made clear that Beijing won't negotiate under pressure.

Despite China's outreach, many countries are hesitant to fully align with it. Australia and India, in particular, signaled a desire for independence in trade matters. Meanwhile, global markets rebounded sharply following Trump's tariff pause, even as uncertainty around U.S.-China tensions persists.