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Elon Musk's tenure as a special government employee in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is nearing its legal limit, with reports suggesting he may step back soon. Lawmakers have raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest and the impact of his cost-cutting measures on federal services. His departure could reshape the administration's approach to government efficiency.
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The US has announced a significant increase in tariffs on imports priced up to $800, raising the rate to 120% effective May 2. This change follows accusations against Chinese online marketplaces exploiting duty-free loopholes. The move escalates trade tensions between the US and China, with potential repercussions for Hong Kong's economy.
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A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deportee sent to El Salvador due to an alleged clerical error. The judge criticized the administration's lack of evidence linking him to gang activity and highlighted the risks he faces in his home country. The case raises significant concerns about immigration policies.
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On April 11, 2025, China raised tariffs on U.S. goods from 84% to 125% in response to the U.S. imposing a total of 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. This escalation in the trade war has significant implications for both economies, affecting various sectors and consumer prices.
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The Trump administration has reportedly adopted a policy of ignoring emails from reporters who include preferred pronouns in their signatures. This move aligns with the administration's broader stance against recognizing non-binary and transgender identities, as articulated by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he found President Donald Trump open to discussion and is convinced that Washington remains committed to the NATO alliance.
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Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has been appointed as the interim head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), replacing Kash Patel, who was acting director since February. The change comes amid ongoing discussions about merging the ATF with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
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On April 8, 2025, President Trump announced executive orders to revive coal production, allowing older coal plants to continue operating despite environmental concerns. This move contrasts sharply with the global shift towards renewable energy, as countries like Spain and France reduce reliance on nuclear and fossil fuels in favor of solar and wind power.
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The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) faces a leadership crisis as Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll is appointed interim head. This follows a period of instability under acting director Kash Patel, who has been largely absent from the agency. The ATF's role in gun regulation is under scrutiny amid proposed policy rollbacks.
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Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) claims to have saved $150 billion, significantly lower than initial projections of $1 trillion. Despite budget cuts and staff reductions, the Trump administration's spending has increased, raising concerns about the actual impact of DOGE's efforts on federal debt.
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As President Trump pauses his new tariffs for negotiations, economic experts and political figures express concerns over the implications for trade and the economy. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett defends the tariffs, while critics argue they could harm the U.S. economy and global trade relations.
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President Trump, 78, recently underwent a physical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, revealing he is in 'excellent cognitive and physical health.' The report noted minor skin damage and a gunshot wound scar but indicated no serious health issues. Trump has faced scrutiny over his health transparency amid ongoing comparisons with President Biden.
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During a White House ceremony on April 14, 2025, Vice President JD Vance accidentally broke the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy while honoring the Ohio State football team. The incident drew laughter and social media reactions, with Vance humorously downplaying the mishap. The event highlighted the administration's engagement with sports teams during Trump's second term.
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Bill Maher's recent dinner with Donald Trump has ignited backlash from political commentators. Maher described Trump as 'gracious' and 'measured,' prompting criticism from figures like James Carville, who accused Maher of legitimizing Trump's behavior. The dinner, arranged by Kid Rock, has raised questions about the implications of such interactions.
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A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore access to the Associated Press (AP) after it was barred from covering presidential events. The ruling emphasizes First Amendment rights, as the administration's actions were deemed retaliatory for the AP's refusal to rename the Gulf of Mexico. A hearing is scheduled for April 17, 2025.
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UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is in Washington for the IMF spring meetings, advocating for a trade deal with the US amid ongoing tensions from Donald Trump's tariffs. She aims to negotiate reductions on tariffs affecting UK exports, particularly in the automotive and steel sectors, while emphasizing the importance of British national interests.
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Harvard University is embroiled in a conflict with the Trump administration over a controversial letter from the White House's antisemitism task force. The letter, which included sweeping demands, has led to a significant backlash from the university, which refuses to comply with what it deems overreach.
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During the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, President Trump announced the death of Pope Francis, surprising attendees. His remarks, made alongside the Easter Bunny, drew criticism for their tone. The event, which included corporate sponsorships, celebrated America's upcoming 250th anniversary with various activities for children.
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Harvard University is in a standoff with the Trump administration over demands to alter its governance and diversity policies. The administration has frozen $2.2 billion in funding and threatened further financial repercussions after Harvard refused to comply with controversial requests. This conflict raises significant questions about academic freedom and federal oversight.
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Elon Musk announced he will significantly reduce his involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to focus more on Tesla, following a 71% drop in the company's profits. This decision comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding DOGE's aggressive government cuts and legal challenges regarding transparency.
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Donald Trump has not ruled out a third presidential term, despite the constitutional ban. His online store is promoting 'Trump 2028' merchandise, including hats and shirts, as he approaches 100 days into his second term. Experts deem the constitutional amendment unlikely, but speculation continues among his supporters.
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President Trump criticized Amazon's reported plan to display tariff charges on products, calling it a 'hostile act.' Following a personal call with Jeff Bezos, Amazon denied the proposal. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and major corporations amid significant tariff impacts on consumer prices.
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As President Trump concludes his first 100 days in office, the stock market has seen significant volatility, with the S&P 500 down about 8%. Investors express uncertainty over trade policies and economic growth, while Trump's approval ratings remain low amid criticism of his tariff strategies. Recent market rebounds raise questions about future stability.
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A Senate report reveals Elon Musk and his companies face at least $2.37 billion in potential liabilities due to federal investigations and regulatory actions. The report highlights concerns over Musk's conflicts of interest as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), suggesting he may evade oversight and legal accountability.
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As of May 2, 2025, the ongoing US-China trade war continues to impact American agriculture, with significant cancellations of pork orders from China and a sharp decline in soybean purchases. Farmers face a crisis, prompting discussions on potential government aid and market diversification efforts.
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Harvard University has released two reports detailing experiences of antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias on campus amid ongoing tensions related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The findings reveal a climate of fear and hostility among students, prompting legal battles with the Trump administration over funding and campus activism. Harvard's president has pledged to address these issues.
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A federal lawsuit has been filed against the Trump administration over significant cuts to AmeriCorps, which jeopardize funding for community service programs. The lawsuit claims these cuts violate congressional mandates and threaten essential services across the country. The agency has canceled nearly $400 million in grants, affecting thousands of workers and programs.
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A federal judge has permanently blocked President Trump's executive order targeting Perkins Coie LLP, ruling it unconstitutional. The order aimed to punish the firm for its past representation of clients, including Hillary Clinton, and violated multiple constitutional amendments. This ruling could influence similar cases against other law firms.
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Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on Truth Social, following a joke about wanting to be the next pontiff. The post, shared by the White House, has drawn significant backlash from religious leaders and social media users, particularly as the Catholic community mourns Pope Francis's recent death.
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In a recent interview, President Trump stated he is not pursuing a third term, despite previous speculation. He praised potential successors and emphasized his focus on completing his current term effectively. Trump's comments come amid ongoing discussions about the implications of the 22nd Amendment.
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President Trump faced backlash after sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope. Critics, including Catholic leaders, found the image offensive, especially following the recent death of Pope Francis. Trump dismissed the criticism, claiming it was a joke and asserting that his wife found the image 'cute.'
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King Charles III is set to deliver the speech from the throne in Canada on May 27, 2025, marking a rare royal visit amid U.S. President Trump's repeated suggestions of annexation. Prime Minister Mark Carney invited the king to reinforce Canada's sovereignty, highlighting the nation's independence and distinct identity from the U.S.
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Dr. Nesheiwat has withdrawn her nomination for U.S. Surgeon General just before her Senate confirmation hearing. The decision follows scrutiny over her medical credentials and public statements, particularly regarding her support for COVID-19 vaccines. This withdrawal highlights ongoing tensions within the Republican Party regarding public health leadership.
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The FBI is confronting proposed budget cuts exceeding $500 million as part of President Trump's 2026 budget plan. FBI Director Patel emphasized the need for adequate funding to maintain operational effectiveness, while also defending the bureau's relocation strategy for agents to combat violent crime more effectively.
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The Trump administration's 2026 budget proposal suggests a $545 million cut to the FBI, aiming to streamline operations. FBI Director Patel expressed concerns about the impact of these cuts, stating the agency cannot operate effectively at 2011 funding levels. This has raised bipartisan concerns during congressional hearings.
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Tensions between the US and South Africa escalate as President Trump grants refugee status to white Afrikaners, claiming they face persecution. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa rejects these allegations, asserting that the Afrikaners are economically privileged. The situation highlights deep-rooted racial dynamics and political disagreements between the two nations.
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Recent reports reveal that 44 government contracts terminated by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have been revived by federal agencies. Despite this, DOGE continues to list many of these contracts as terminated, raising questions about the accuracy of its reported savings.
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In a historic move, the White House excluded Associated Press, Reuters, and Bloomberg from traveling with President Trump on his overseas trip. The White House Correspondents' Association criticized this decision as detrimental to public access to presidential coverage, especially during foreign visits.
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On May 8, 2025, the US and UK announced a significant trade agreement reducing tariffs on British cars and steel. The deal, hailed as a breakthrough, aims to bolster trade and protect jobs in key sectors. The agreement was confirmed during a call between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump.
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Washington, D.C., from May 19-22 to meet with President Donald Trump. The visit aims to revitalize U.S.-South Africa relations, which have soured since Trump's return to office. Discussions will focus on bilateral and global issues amid recent tensions over land reform policies.
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President Trump reignited his feud with Taylor Swift via a Truth Social post, questioning her popularity after his previous derogatory comments. This outburst follows a recent trip to the Middle East and coincides with his criticism of Bruce Springsteen, who had publicly criticized him during a concert in England.
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The UK bioethanol industry is at risk of collapse following a trade deal between the UK and US that reduces tariffs on American ethanol. Industry leaders warn that hundreds of jobs could be lost, prompting urgent discussions with the government for support. The deal has raised concerns about the future of domestic bioethanol production.
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During a recent Oval Office meeting, President Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with unsubstantiated claims of a 'white genocide' against farmers in South Africa. The meeting, intended to improve US-South Africa relations, devolved into a display of misinformation, with Trump presenting misleading videos and articles.
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Elon Musk has publicly criticized President Trump's tax and spending bill, calling it a 'disgusting abomination' that would increase the federal deficit. His comments come as he concludes his role in the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, where he aimed to cut federal spending. The bill, which extends tax cuts from Trump's first term, is projected to add $3.8 trillion to the national debt.
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Renowned Kenyan author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o died on May 28, 2025, at 87. Celebrated for his impactful works and critiques of colonialism, Ngũgĩ's legacy includes novels, plays, and essays that challenged societal norms and advocated for cultural identity. His influence extended globally, inspiring writers and activists alike.
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On June 4, 2025, President Trump proposed a $9.4 billion rescissions package targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting funding. The plan includes $8.3 billion in cuts to foreign aid and $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR and PBS. The proposal faces mixed reactions from Republican lawmakers.
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Negotiations for a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, with Hamas proposing amendments to a U.S.-backed plan. The proposal includes the release of hostages and humanitarian aid, but significant disagreements remain. The situation is critical as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with over 54,000 casualties reported since the conflict escalated in October 2023.
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On May 29, 2025, the US Court of Appeals temporarily stayed a ruling that invalidated most of President Trump's tariffs. This decision follows a lower court's finding that Trump's tariff authority exceeded legal limits, prompting the administration to seek emergency relief from the Supreme Court if necessary.
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In a recent meeting, President Trump urged Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to lower interest rates, arguing that current rates disadvantage the U.S. economy. Powell maintained that rate decisions will be based on economic data, emphasizing the Fed's independence amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
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Elon Musk's departure from the Trump administration has sparked a public feud between the two billionaires. Following Musk's criticism of Trump's policies, both have exchanged insults on social media, raising concerns about the implications for Musk's businesses and Trump's legislative agenda.