President Donald Trump has revealed what would make him “take a pass” on peace talks with Russia and Ukraine, just hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the U.S. walk away in a matter of days.
When asked if he agreed with Rubio’s prediction, during a press event at the White House, Trump said he did not have a “specific number of days” in mind, but that he was prepared to turn his back if progress on the negotiations wasn’t made “quickly.”
“We want to get it done,” Trump told reporters. “People are dying. We’re gonna get it stopped ideally now. If for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult. We’re just gonna say you’re foolish, you’re fools, you’re horrible people and we’re just going to take a pass but hopefully we won’t have to do that.”
What to Know:
- When asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin had been stalling in the talks, Trump responded, “I hope not, you’ll know about that soon if he is.”
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Trump often claimed on the campaign trail he’d end the Ukraine-Russia conflict within just 24 hours of taking office. Now, months in, the White House concedes that Trump had been “continually frustrated” with negotiations.
- On Thursday, Rubio traveled to Paris to meet senior Ukrainian officials and members of the “coalition of the willing” countries led by the U.K. and France.
- “We need to determine very quickly now—and I’m talking about a matter of days—whether or not this is doable”, Rubio said. “If it’s not possible—if we’re so far apart that this is not going to happen—then I think the president’s probably at a point where he’s going to say, ‘Well, we’re done,'” he added.
Stay with Newsweek for the latest.
03:04 PM EDT
Trump administration fights contempt ruling over El Salvador deportations
The Trump administration has filed an emergency motion asking a federal appeals court to block a judge’s contempt order tied to deportation flights to El Salvador.
In the filing with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, the Department of Justice argued that U.S. District Judge James Boasberg’s order was vague and did not clearly direct them to turn back flights deporting individuals under the Alien Enemies Act. Boasberg had issued a temporary restraining order on March 15 halting such deportations.
Earlier this week, Boasberg found the administration in contempt for what he described as a “willful disregard” of his order. He said the government failed to offer a satisfactory explanation for continuing the deportations and warned officials could face prosecution if they don’t take steps to reverse the actions.
The administration pushed back, saying the judge’s ruling stems from a “nonexistent case of criminal contempt” and that holding officials accountable for a misreading of unclear language would be unconstitutional.
The DOJ urged the appeals court to intervene quickly to prevent what it called an escalating constitutional clash.
02:45 PM EDT
Court blocks Trump administration from ending Venezuelan protections
A federal appeals court on Friday upheld a lower court’s order preventing the Trump administration from ending temporary legal protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans living in the U.S.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the Department of Homeland Security’s emergency request, saying the government failed to show it would suffer irreparable harm without an immediate stay.
Earlier, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen ruled that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem unlawfully reversed protections granted under the Biden administration. The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program allows an estimated 350,000 Venezuelans to live and work in the U.S. and was set to expire earlier this month.
Chen criticized the administration’s actions as arbitrary and possibly driven by racial animus, citing derogatory comments made by Noem and Trump. The DOJ argues the secretary has broad authority over TPS decisions, but the court said the move put livelihoods and communities at risk.
02:29 PM EDT
Trump calls Sen. Van Hollen ‘fake’ over deportation meeting
Trump criticized Sen. Chris Van Hollen on Friday, calling him “fake” after the Maryland Democrat traveled to El Salvador to meet Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a man mistakenly deported by U.S. officials.
“They’re all fake, and they have no interest in that prisoner,” Trump said, claiming Abrego Garcia has a “bad” record. The administration alleges he is tied to the MS-13 gang, though his legal team denies the link, and a federal judge has questioned the evidence.
Van Hollen’s visit and photo with Abrego Garcia drew backlash from conservatives. Trump earlier labeled the senator a “GRANDSTANDER!!!” on Truth Social and highlighted a contrasting Oval Office photo with Patty Morin, whose daughter was killed by an undocumented immigrant.
02:27 PM EDT
RFK Jr.’s ideas are catching on across the U.S.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at his confirmation hearing on January 29, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at his confirmation hearing on January 29, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Many of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s ideas have faced criticism from public health experts, but some are catching on across the United States.
Kennedy’s position as President Donald Trump‘s HHS secretary gives him the authority to reshape public health policy in the U.S. Some of his ideas—such as improving Americans’ diets and support for unprocessed foods—have received bipartisan support and are not particularly controversial.
But some of his views around vaccinations, raw milk and whether fluoride should be in the water, however, have faced staunch opposition from public health experts who believe those ideas, if implemented as formal policy, could pose risks to Americans’ health.
States and communities across the country are implementing some of these policies, particularly those ideas aimed at promoting healthier diets and removing fluoride from drinking water.
02:14 PM EDT
Judge declines immediate action in AP-White House access dispute
A federal judge declined Friday to immediately enforce his own order requiring the Trump administration to stop blocking Associated Press reporters from presidential events, citing the need for more time to evaluate compliance.
The case centers on the White House excluding AP staff over the outlet’s refusal to adopt the administration’s preferred name for the Gulf of Mexico. Judge Trevor McFadden previously ruled the ban violated First Amendment protections but said Friday it’s too early to determine whether the White House is defying his order.
While an AP photographer was recently allowed back into the Oval Office, reporters remain largely excluded. The White House said an AP reporter will be added to Saturday’s coverage rotation. AP’s attorney argued the new access policy is designed to diminish the outlet’s influence.
McFadden acknowledged concerns about possible “malicious compliance” but said he would not micromanage the situation or assume bad faith.
01:49 PM EDT
What happened Trump’s White House press conference today? What we know
President Donald Trump was speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday when the press conference was brought to an abrupt stop.
It emerges that a young girl had fainted during the event, according to reporting by the Associated Press and confirmed to Newsweek by the White House.
The girl was a guest of Dr. Mehmet Oz who was being sworn in as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Oz quickly rushed to her side and the girl was able to get on her feet before she was helped out of the room.
“We are happy to say she is okay,” a White House spokesperson responded to Newsweek via email.
01:34 PM EDT
Donald Trump’s news conference ends suddenly
US President Donald Trump speaks after the swearing in of Mehmet Oz (R) as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (L)…
US President Donald Trump speaks after the swearing in of Mehmet Oz (R) as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (L) looks on in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 18, 2025.
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AFP/Getty Images
President Donald Trump was speaking to reporters after the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Mehmet Oz as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services but suddenly stopped taking questions.
Trump was responding to questions about Iran’s nuclear program when the press briefing abruptly ended after a young girl fainted, according to reporting by the Associated Press and confirmed to Newsweek by the White House.
The girl was a guest of Oz, who quickly rushed to her side. Though she was able to stand, she was assisted out of the room.
“We are happy to say she is okay,” a White House spokesperson responded to Newsweek via email.
01:25 PM EDT
Trump once again calls on Fed chair Jerome Powell to cut rates
President Trump once again called on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates.
“Prices are coming down, not going up,” Trump said on Friday, “The only thing that’s even are interest rates. If we had a Fed chairman who understood what he was doing then interest rates would be going down. He should bring them down.”
Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell for not cutting the rates and suggested he could remove him from the position — a move that would trigger a major legal battle over the political independence of the central bank.
“If I want him out, he’ll be out of there real fast, believe me,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday. “I’m not happy with him.”
Trump’s frustration also stems from his belief that inflation is no longer a problem, saying, “we have essentially no inflation,” despite the Fed’s continued caution amid rising economic uncertainty driven in part by Trump’s own tariff policies.
01:19 PM EDT
Trump makes prediction on gas prices
President Trump has made a prediction on gas prices as he touted the United States’ fairly strong economy despite the market turmoil and recession warnings triggered by his trade war.
“Gasoline yesterday in three states hit $1.98 a gallon,” Trump told the gathered press at the White House on Friday.
“I think we’re going to be averaging $2.25 very soon.”
He added egg prices, something he regularly promised to reduce on the campaign trail, were down 87 percent.
“You can have all the eggs you want. We have too many eggs,” Trump said.
Egg prices have been dropping after a recent spike under the Biden administration due to outbreaks of bird flu which led to the culling of 100 million egg-laying chickens.
01:09 PM EDT
Trump vows no cuts to Medicare or Medicaid during Oz ceremony
During Mehmet Oz’s swearing-in ceremony, Trump pledged to protect Medicare and Medicaid funding, saying, “We’re not going to have any cuts, only help.”
Trump said Oz would prioritize rooting out fraud and pledged to prevent “criminals, fraudsters, and illegal aliens” from taking advantage of senior citizens. “They’re trying, but they won’t get away with it,” he said.
Trump has made similar promises in recent appearances, aiming to reassure older voters amid concerns over entitlement programs.
01:00 PM EDT
Trump reveals what will make him ‘take a pass’ on Russia-Ukraine peace talks
President Donald Trump has revealed what would make him “take a pass” on peace talks with Russia and Ukraine, just hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the U.S. walk away in a matter of days.
When asked if he agreed with Rubio’s prediction, during a press event at the White House, Trump said he did not have a “specific number of days” in mind, but that he was prepared to turn his back if progress on the negotiations wasn’t made “quickly.”
“We want to get it done,” Trump told reporters. “People are dying. We’re goina get it stopped ideally now.
“If for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult. We’re just goina say you’re fools, you’re fools, you’re horrible people and we’re just going to take a pass but hopefully we won’t have to do that.”
It was not clear whether Trump was referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin or Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who he has had a fractious relationship with.
“Everyday a lot of people are getting killed… as they play games. So we’re not giona take that.”
When asked if Putin had been stalling in the talks, Trump responded, “I hope not, you’ll know about that soon if he is.”
12:57 PM EDT
About 10,000 RFK assassination records released under Trump order
Roughly 10,000 pages of records tied to the 1968 assassination of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy were released Friday by the National Archives, following an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump. The files include handwritten notes from the gunman, Sirhan Sirhan, who is serving a life sentence for killing Kennedy after his victory speech in California’s Democratic primary.
One image shows a chilling message written on an envelope: “RFK must be disposed of like his brother was,” with a return address linked to the IRS in Los Angeles. While many RFK-related documents had already been made public, hundreds remained undigitized for decades until now.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called the release “a long-overdue light on the truth,” and credited Trump’s push for transparency. The disclosure follows the recent release of files related to President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving as health and human services secretary, praised both Trump and Gabbard for their efforts. “Lifting the veil on the RFK papers is a necessary step toward restoring trust in American government,” he said.
12:49 PM EDT
Inmates whose sentences Biden commuted due over ‘retaliatory’ transfers to supermax prisons
More than 20 people whose death sentences were commuted by former President Joe Biden are suing over what they say was a retaliatory executive order by Donald Trump to punish them by transferring them to prisons with “conditions consistent with the monstrosity of their crimes.”
The 21 inmates say they were reassigned from high-security prisons or federal medical centers to the maximum security prison in Florence, Colorado, which is generally reserved for the nation’s most violent offenders.
The lawsuit states that the prison is the most restrictive in the country ans poses a risk to their mental and physical health.
An attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, claimed the men’s housing assignments haven’t yet been finalized.
The preliminary injunction hearing is expected in May.
12:44 PM EDT
White House slams Van Hollen, says Abrego Garcia is ‘not coming back’
The White House pushed back Friday against Senator Chris Van Hollen and a judge’s order involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man deported under accusations of gang ties. Officials insisted Abrego Garcia is “NOT coming back,” despite a court ruling to facilitate his return.
In a post on X, the White House shared a New York Times headline altered in red to read: “Senator Meets With Deported MS-13 Illegal Alien in El Salvador Who’s Never Coming Back,” with the caption, “Fixed it for you, @NYTimes.”
12:26 PM EDT
Federal judge halts mass firings at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
A federal judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration from moving forward with plans to fire hundreds of employees at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The decision comes amid an ongoing legal battle over the bureau’s future.
U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said she is “deeply concerned” that the administration is not following her earlier ruling, which temporarily preserves the bureau until the court can fully consider a lawsuit aimed at keeping it intact. She ordered that no mass layoffs or system access cuts take place until further notice.
“I’m willing to resolve it quickly, but I’m not going to let this RIF go forward until I have,” Jackson said during a hearing, referring to the proposed reduction in force. She scheduled another hearing for April 28 to hear from officials involved in the process.
The administration’s plan would eliminate about 1,500 positions, leaving just 200 staffers at the bureau. The Trump White House has argued that the federal government is bloated with inefficiency and targeted the CFPB for downsizing, with adviser Elon Musk helping lead the effort through the Department of Government Efficiency.
12:18 PM EDT
Trump floats US-Europe meeting in Italy after Meloni meeting
US President Donald Trump meets with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 17, 2025. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni meets with Donald Trump…
US President Donald Trump meets with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 17, 2025. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni meets with Donald Trump Thursday in Washington, hoping a personal charm offensive can help convince the US president to cut a more favourable deal on EU tariffs.
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Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images
President Trump is planning an official trip to Italy “in the very near future” which may also include a meeting between U.S. and Europe,” the White House said.
The suggestion for both the visit, and for Trump to meet with European leaders amid his international trade war, were made by Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni during her meeting at the White House on Thursday.
Both Meloni and Trump appeared to gel, agreeing on several conservative talking points such as cracking down on illegal immigration and “woke ideology.”
Trump lavished praise on her on Friday, in a Truth Social post, saying, “Prime Minister Georgia Meloni of Italy was great yesterday in her visit to the White House. She loves her country, and the impression she left on everyone was FANTASTIC!!! DJT.”
On Friday, Vice President JD Vance met again with Meloni, this time on her home turf in Italy during his trip to Rome and the Vatican.
“I’ve been missing you,” Meloni jokingly told Vance as he entered the courtyard of Chigi Palace, the premier’s office, just one day after their Oval Office meeting.
The White House and Meloni’s office on Friday issued a joint statement that said Trump would visit Italy “in the very near future.” “There is also consideration to hold, on such occasion, a meeting between U.S. and Europe,” the statement said.
12:13 PM EDT
How much should environment’s impact on autism be studied? Expert weighs in
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference at the Department of Health and Human Services on April 16, 2025 in Washington, DC.
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference at the Department of Health and Human Services on April 16, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
A leading national autism researcher refutes statements made by U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding environmental factors being primarily to blame for a drastic increase in known national cases.
On Wednesday, Kennedy highlighted what he described as an “epidemic running rampant” of autism cases nationwide, following a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study released this week showing that autism prevalence has increased from 1 in 36 children to 1 in 31—4.8 times higher than in the first ADDM survey released 22 years ago, when prevalence was 1 in 150 children.
During his press conference, Kennedy partially blamed “epidemic denial” on the mainstream media and claimed that more research and awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not indicative of the rise in rates.
“We know it’s environmental exposure,” Kennedy said on Wednesday. “It has to be. Genes do not cause epidemics. They can provide a vulnerability, but you need an environmental toxin.”
12:06 PM EDT
Vance not set to meet pop during Vatican trip after Francis’ rebuke of Trump administration
JD Vance, a Catholic convert, is on a trip to Vatican City with his wife and three children this week.
The vice president, who attended Good Friday services in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday afternoon, is scheduled to meet with the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin this weekend.
However, it does not appear that a meeting with Pope Francis is on the cards for the trip.
Francis, 88, has cut back on his work schedule after a serious bout of double pneumonia left him hospitalized for several weeks. The Good Friday service was presided over by a Vatican cardinal and it’s unclear whether Francis will take part in this weekend’s Easter services.
There may also be another reason why the pope has not scheduled time for a meeting with Vance. The pair disagreed over Trump’s mass deportation policy and Francis publicly criticized the administration’s deportation plans in February warning they would deprive migrants of their inherent dignity.
Anyone schooled in Christianity “cannot fail to make a critical judgment and express its disagreement with any measure that tacitly or explicitly identifies the illegal status of some migrants with criminality,” Francis said.
He also specifically rebuked Vance’s attempt to defend the administration’s America-first crackdown by citing a medieval Catholic theology known in Latin as “ordo amoris” which he said delineates a hierarchy of care — to family first, followed by neighbor, community, fellow citizens and lastly those elsewhere.
In his letter, Francis appeared to correct Vance’s understanding of the concept.
“Christian love is not a concentric expansion of interests that little by little extend to other persons and groups,” he wrote. “The true ordo amoris that must be promoted is that which we discover by meditating constantly on the parable of the ‘Good Samaritan,’ that is, by meditating on the love that builds a fraternity open to all, without exception.”
11:56 AM EDT
Regulatory relief for certain stationary sources to promote American energy, Trump says
President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation delaying compliance with a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule aimed at limiting hazardous air pollutants from coal- and oil-fired power plants. The move exempts 47 facilities from the updated Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule for two additional years, pushing their compliance deadline to July 2029.
Trump’s order argues that the EPA’s 2024 rule imposes unrealistic standards by requiring technology that is not yet commercially viable. The administration claims that forcing compliance by 2027 would jeopardize grid reliability, eliminate jobs, and threaten national energy security.
The exemption covers dozens of power plants across the country, including facilities operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, Southern Company, and NRG Energy. Until 2029, these plants will remain subject to the original MATS standards rather than the stricter requirements introduced last year.
The White House justified the move under the Clean Air Act, citing national security concerns and a lack of available technology to meet the new emissions standards.
11:41 AM EDT
Hassett reconsiders Trump’s authority to remove Fed Chair Powell
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said Friday that the Trump administration is reviewing new legal guidance on whether President Donald Trump can remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell—marking a notable shift from Hassett’s earlier stance.
Hassett, who now leads the National Economic Council, had previously defended the Fed’s independence. In his 2021 book, he warned that Trump’s earlier threats to fire Powell could have severely harmed the central bank’s credibility and triggered market instability.
On Friday, however, Hassett told reporters that the situation and legal interpretations may have changed. “I think that at that time, the market was at a completely different place,” he said. “If there’s new legal analysis that says something different, then it would be a different market response, as well.”
Trump claimed Thursday that he had the power to remove Powell, saying, “If I want him out, he’ll be out of there real fast.” When asked whether that was a real option, Hassett responded that the president’s team is still studying the issue.
11:39 AM EDT
New York Republican HQ vandalized with swastikas
The New York GOP headquarters in Albany has been defaced with swastikas.
The New York GOP headquarters in Albany has been defaced with swastikas.
New York Republican State Committee
Police are investigating after the New York Republican Party headquarters in Albany was defaced with swastikas.
Pictures show that one Nazi symbol had been taped on the building’s door, along with a sign reading, “If this is not what you stand for, prove it.”
Nextsar reported a chalk message was also written on the sidewalk in front of the building that read, “Return Kilmar Now!” an apparent reference to Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
President Donald Trump‘s administration has faced significant criticism for not seeking the return of Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national who was flown to the Central American country and detained in a notorious prison because of an “administrative error.” Officials alleged he was a member of the MS-13 gang, which the Trump administration designated as a terrorist organization.
11:32 AM EDT
White House compares Trump and Sen. Van Hollen: ‘We are not the same’
The White House has shared side by side photos of President Trump and Sen. Chris Van Hollen in an attempt to criticize the Maryland senator.
Trump was pictured in the White House with the mother of Rachel Morin, who was killed by an undocumented migrant, while Van Hollen was pictured meeting with mistakenly deported Maryland father Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador.
“We are not the same,” the White House captioned the picture.
11:28 AM EDT
FSU student recounts terrifying campus shooting, calls for gun safety reform
Florida State University student Dakota Bages spoke with CNN’s Sara Sidner on News Central Friday, sharing her firsthand account of Thursday’s fatal campus shooting and her recent advocacy for gun control.
Just two days before the incident, Bages and classmates spoke out against Senate Provision Bill 7034, which proposes a major tax break on gun purchases. “We actually went to the Capitol… to speak out in opposition,” Bages said, calling the timing of the shooting “such a crazy turn of events.”
During the interview, Bages described the fear and chaos inside the campus library. As students sought cover, “some are crying, some are trying to keep their cool, others are screaming,” she recalled. Makeshift barricades were formed with heavy desks as students waited in fear, unsure of what was happening outside.
The interview highlighted growing student frustration over Florida’s gun policies in the wake of yet another campus tragedy.
11:17 AM EDT
White House gives update after Trump urges ‘termination’ of Fed’s Powell
President Donald Trump‘s economic adviser Kevin Hassett provided an update Friday after the president renewed his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Asked by a reporter if firing Powell, is an option, Hassett said that “the president and team will continue to study that matter.”
On Thursday, President Trump blasted Powell for not cutting interest rates and once again suggested he could remove him from the position — a move that would trigger a major legal battle over the political independence of the central bank.
“If I want him out, he’ll be out of there real fast, believe me,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. “I’m not happy with him.”
Trump’s remarks came shortly after a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he urged Powell to lower the Fed’s short-term interest rate and declared, “Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough!”
Powell’s current term as Fed chair runs through May 2026.
11:12 AM EDT
White House backs lab leak theory as COVID-19 origin
The White House on Friday launched a new webpage asserting that a lab leak in China was the true origin of the COVID-19 pandemic. The page accuses public health officials of misleading the public and promoting a narrow view of the virus’s source.
“Public health officials often mislead the American people through conflicting messaging, knee-jerk reactions, and a lack of transparency,” the page states. It criticizes the government for sidelining alternative theories, including the lab leak theory, in what it calls “a shameful effort to coerce and control the American people’s health decisions.”
The Trump administration specifically targeted Dr. Anthony Fauci, accusing him of backing “the preferred narrative that COVID-19 originated naturally” and downplaying other possibilities.
The post reflects the administration’s ongoing push to revisit pandemic policies and reshape the public narrative ahead of the 2024 election.
10:59 AM EDT
All AmeriCorps volunteers sent home from service amid DOGE cuts
AmeriCorps has ordered all National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) volunteers to return home, citing changes under a new Trump administration directive. In an internal email obtained by NBC News, the program blamed the decision on an executive order tied to DOGE’s “Cost Efficiency Initiative.”
The message informed volunteers that AmeriCorps is “working within new operational parameters” that prevent the program from continuing operations. As a result, all NCCC members are being sent to their homes of record and placed on administrative hold with pay through April 30. After that date, they will be formally exited from the program.
AmeriCorps NCCC, established in 1993, engages young adults in service projects ranging from disaster response to environmental work.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on X that the state plans to sue over the decision. “DOGE’s actions to dismantle AmeriCorps threaten vulnerable Californians, disaster response and recovery, and economic opportunities,” he wrote.
10:47 AM EDT
Sen. Van Hollen shares a photo of him meeting Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland says he finally met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia during his trip to El Salvador on Thursday.
Abrego Garcia’s deportation by the Trump administration has triggered an uproar between Republicans and Democrats this week as the White House was previously ordered by the Supreme Court to facilitate his return after an “administrative error.”
Van Hollen announced his trip to the Central American country on Tuesday, saying in part, “I’m flying to El Salvador tomorrow morning to check on his condition and discuss his return.”
In a post to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday, Van Hollen wrote: “I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar. Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return.”
I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar. Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return. pic.twitter.com/U9y2gZpxCb
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) April 18, 2025
10:44 AM EDT
Abrego Garcia case exposes clash over rights, immigration, and executive power
The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man mistakenly deported and imprisoned abroad, has become a flashpoint between Democrats and the Trump administration, pitting fundamental legal protections against immigration crackdowns.
Democrats are rallying around Abrego Garcia, arguing his case highlights a growing disregard for due process and court orders by the executive branch. Despite a Supreme Court ruling that he must be returned to the U.S., the Trump administration has refused, claiming he’s a gang member based on informant testimony — though he was never criminally charged in the U.S.
“Without due process for all, we are all in danger,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen recently visited El Salvador and met with Abrego Garcia. Meanwhile, the White House has turned the situation into a broader narrative about dangerous immigrants, accusing Democrats of defending criminals.
Immigration remains a political strength for Trump. Polls show public support for deporting violent offenders, but less agreement on removing nonviolent undocumented immigrants. Still, Trump’s defiance of court rulings could test that support.
A federal appeals court recently criticized the administration for acting as though it could imprison people abroad without basic legal protections. Rep. Glenn Ivey, who represents Abrego Garcia’s former district, said the case is about more than immigration. “It’s rapidly growing into a separation of powers conflict that could actually end up taking on historic proportions.”
10:32 AM EDT
WATCH: Border czar Tom Homan defends Abrego Garcia deportation: ‘We did the right thing’
10:29 AM EDT
Mack Trucks to lay off hundreds at Pennsylvania plant, citing Trump tariffs
An aerial image shows cargo shipping containers and cranes as semi-trucks carry cargo containers at the Port of Long Beach in Long Beach, California on April 10, 2025.
An aerial image shows cargo shipping containers and cranes as semi-trucks carry cargo containers at the Port of Long Beach in Long Beach, California on April 10, 2025.
Patrick T. Fallon/Getty Images
Mack Trucks will lay off between 250 and 350 workers at its Lehigh Valley plant in Pennsylvania, with the company pointing to tariffs imposed under Trump as a contributing factor.
Company spokesperson Kimberly Pupillo said demand for heavy-duty trucks has dropped due to “market uncertainty about freight rates and demand, possible regulatory changes, and the impact of tariffs,” according to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
The layoffs come as the trucking industry struggles with declining freight volumes and excess capacity. Earlier this week, logistics company JB Hunt reported an 8% drop in operating income compared to last year, a sign of broader weakness in the sector.
United Auto Workers Local 677 confirmed the layoffs in a letter to members, noting a planned reduction in production rates and lines. The facility employs over 3,000 people.
“This is the first time I have an official word from the company that there will be a layoff,” wrote UAW shop chair Tim Hertzog.
10:26 AM EDT
Trump mocks Sen. Van Hollen for attempts to free Kilmar Abrego Garcia
President Donald Trump took aim at Democratic Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen in a Friday morning Truth Social post over his attempts to free mistakenly deported Maryland father Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
Earlier this week, Van Hollen flew down to El Salvador where Abrego Garcia is being held in a maximum security mega-prison, along with 200 other deportees from the U.S., to advocate for his release in a meeting with the Central American country’s vice president.
After much resistance, he was also able to speak to Abrego Garcia in the prison.
On Friday, Trump mocked Van Hollen, posting, that he “looked like a fool yesterday standing in El Salvador begging for attention from the Fake News Media, or anyone. GRANDSTANDER!!!”
10:15 AM EDT
Judges question whether Trump administration is ignoring court orders
Trump’s executive decisions face serious scrutiny today as multiple federal judges examine whether his administration is disobeying court rulings and violating constitutional rights.
In Washington, D.C., Judge Amy Berman Jackson is holding a hearing on the mass firing of over 1,000 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau employees, a move critics say defies court orders meant to protect the agency’s operations. Meanwhile, Judge Trevor McFadden is considering whether new White House restrictions on press access infringe on the First Amendment rights of the Associated Press.
These hearings come amid growing concern from the judiciary about the administration’s actions. On Friday morning, the administration asked a federal appeals court to halt criminal contempt proceedings brought by Judge James Boasberg. He had ordered a halt to deportation flights sending migrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador, but reports suggest the flights continued anyway.
The pressure intensified after respected conservative judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III issued a warning Thursday. In a seven-page opinion, Wilkinson criticized the administration’s handling of an immigration case, suggesting its actions threaten democratic principles.
“If today the Executive claims the right to deport without due process and in disregard of court orders,” he wrote, “what assurance will there be tomorrow that it will not deport American citizens and then disclaim responsibility to bring them home?”
10:03 AM EDT
Trump administration demands Harvard turn over foreign funding info
The Education Department is demanding that Harvard University hand over details on its foreign funding including gifts, grants, and contracts with foreign sources.
It’s part of the latest efforts from the Trump administration to force the Ivy League school to submit to its demands to change its hiring and student acceptance processes, stop most forms of student activism and more.
Nearly $2 billion in federal grants and loans to the university have been frozen by the administration, which is now threatening to revoke its tax exempt status and block it from enrolling international students as it ramps up the pressure on Harvard.
In the latest move to demand details on its foreign funding, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Harvard has “not been fully transparent or complete in its disclosures, which is both unacceptable and unlawful.”
10:02 AM EDT
FDA job cuts hit critical support roles despite assurances from RFK Jr.
When Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced sweeping layoffs at his department last month, he assured the public that safety inspectors at the Food and Drug Administration wouldn’t be affected. But while inspectors remain on the job, dozens of support staff have been let go, raising concerns about the agency’s ability to carry out its mission.
The dismissed employees included those who managed international travel for inspectors, scientists who tested food for contamination, and communication staff who issued safety alerts. The FDA is now scrambling to hire private contractors to replace some of these roles, particularly for foreign travel coordination.
Critics say the loss of support staff will make it harder for FDA inspectors to do their jobs effectively. “Even if you didn’t cut inspectors, you’re reducing their support,” said former FDA official Howard Sklamberg, per The Associated Press. “The natural result is going to be fewer inspections.”
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the layoffs only affected administrative staff, not scientists or inspectors. However, the union representing FDA employees called the cuts “reckless” and a threat to public safety. The agency has already struggled to rebuild its inspection capacity post-pandemic, and recent attrition has outpaced hiring.
Some of the eliminated jobs supported Kennedy’s own priorities, such as food safety and chemical regulation. Experts warn the impact could be long-lasting. “You’re just losing entire skillsets and areas of expertise,” said Susan Mayne, a former FDA official.
09:48 AM EDT
Trump admin releases previously classified Kennedy Files: What to know
President Donald Trump‘s administration on Friday released a tranche of previously classified documents related to the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in 1968.
“Nearly 60 years after the tragic assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, the American people will, for the first time, have the opportunity to review the federal government’s investigation thanks to the leadership of President Trump. My team is honored that the President entrusted us to lead the declassification efforts and to shine a long-overdue light on the truth. I extend my deepest thanks for Bobby Kennedy and his families’ support,” Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard said in a statement with the released.
The Trump administration uploaded the documents to the National Archives webpage: archives.gov/research/rfk
09:47 AM EDT
Autism advocate criticizes RFK Jr.’s remarks as ‘destructive’ and ‘heart-wrenching’
Author and autism advocate Eric Garcia sharply criticized recent comments by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during an interview on CNN This Morning. Garcia, who is on the autism spectrum, described Kennedy’s framing of autism as a “preventable disease” as deeply harmful to the autism community.
Speaking with anchor Audie Cornish, Garcia said Kennedy’s remarks were perceived as “corrosive” and “destructive,” particularly among autistic individuals who already face stigma. “To hear the idea that they’re responsible for the destruction of their families or be described in such dehumanizing language is heart-wrenching,” he said.
Garcia also challenged Kennedy’s interpretation of recent data on rising autism diagnoses, arguing the Secretary had misread a study that actually points to improved access to care for previously underserved groups. “This is a reason to celebrate,” Garcia said, noting the progress in diagnosing children of color and those from low-income backgrounds.
Garcia is the author of We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation and serves as Washington bureau chief at The Independent.
09:35 AM EDT
Dollar sell-off raises concerns over confidence in U.S. economy
Among the growing risks tied to tariffs, economists say the sharp sell-off of the U.S. dollar may be one of the most alarming. While currency fluctuations are common, the recent drop in the dollar’s value is being seen by some as a signal of waning global confidence in the U.S.
The dollar has long been central to international trade and investment, providing the U.S. with key advantages like lower borrowing costs and economic influence abroad. But as Trump pursues aggressive trade measures, some experts worry the shift may be undermining trust in the country’s economic stability.
A weakened dollar could erode those long-standing benefits, posing new challenges at home and reducing Washington’s financial leverage on the world stage.
09:22 AM EDT
Trump border czar on Kilmar Abrejo Garcia case: ‘What we did was right’
White House Border Czar Tom Homan talks with reporters on the driveway outside the West Wing on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.
White House Border Czar Tom Homan talks with reporters on the driveway outside the West Wing on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Tom Homan, President Donald Trump‘s border czar, has defended the deportation of Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia, even after the Department of Justice said it was a mistake.
Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, told CNN‘s Kaitlan Collins that he believes actions were done “right” in Garcia’s case and that future decisions will come down to the DOJ.
Newsweek has contacted the DOJ for comment via email.
The Trump administration has faced significant criticism for not seeking the return of Garcia, a Salvadoran national who was flown to the Central American country because of an “administrative error.” The White House risks a constitutional crisis if it continues to defy a U.S. Supreme Court ruling ordering the administration to “facilitate” Garcia’s return.
09:03 AM EDT
Judge calls emergency hearing over massive CFPB layoffs
U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson has ordered an emergency hearing for 11 a.m. ET today in Washington, D.C., to address sweeping layoffs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The move follows news that roughly 1,500 of the agency’s 1,700 employees are being cut, according to the National Treasury Employees Union.
Layoff notices began going out Thursday, triggering immediate legal and labor concerns. The judge is requiring that a government official with direct knowledge of the terminations attend the hearing and explain how the cuts are being carried out.
Judge Jackson has also demanded that the administration submit internal documents related to the layoffs by 10 a.m. ET, an hour before the hearing begins, CNN reported.
08:51 AM EDT
Kleintop warns IMF may be underestimating trade war impact
In an interview Friday on CNN’s Early Start, Charles Schwab Chief Global Investment Strategist Jeffrey Kleintop expressed skepticism about the International Monetary Fund’s outlook on the global economy amid the U.S. trade war. Responding to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva’s comments that the world could avoid a recession, Kleintop pointed to past underestimations by the agency.
“They underestimated the duration of past crises by as much as 2.7 percentage points of GDP,” Kleintop said, referencing events like the Gulf War and the pandemic.
Kleintop also raised concerns about the cost of ongoing trade tensions, highlighting how the complexity of global supply chains could drive up inflation and delay investment. He noted that the U.S. and Canada are likely to feel the sharpest economic effects.
He warned that uncertainty could pressure the U.S. administration into brokering new trade deals in the coming months.
08:38 AM EDT
Trump targets advocacy groups in latest push against civil institutions
After going after top law firms and elite universities, Trump is now setting his sights on U.S. advocacy groups. On Thursday, the president said his administration is examining the tax-exempt status of organizations like Harvard, environmental groups, and the government ethics watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).
The remarks signaled what many advocacy groups have feared: that they are the next target in Trump’s broader campaign to punish institutions seen as opposing him.
The move follows a pattern of threats aimed at institutions central to U.S. civil society, including legal and academic communities, often involving efforts to cut funding or undermine credibility. Trump’s critics say the latest focus on advocacy groups continues a trend of trying to weaken independent checks on power.
08:25 AM EDT
New US ambassador to Israel places Trump note in Western Wall
Mike Huckabee, the new U.S. ambassador to Israel, placed a handwritten note from former President Donald Trump into the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Friday, calling it his “first act” in the role. The message, scrawled on a small piece of paper, read: “For peace in Israel – DT.”
Huckabee, who was confirmed last week, told reporters that Trump gave him the note to deliver personally. Wearing a yarmulke and a yellow ribbon in support of hostages held in Gaza, Huckabee also offered a short prayer at the site, which is considered the holiest place where Jews can pray.
A longtime supporter of Israel, Huckabee said Trump is “praying for the peace of Jerusalem” but did not mention Palestinians or the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He expressed hope that all hostages would be returned soon, echoing Trump’s message of goodwill.
The note-drop came during Huckabee’s first public appearance in the role and underscored his alignment with Trump’s Middle East policies.
08:13 AM EDT
Louisiana becomes key hub in U.S. immigration detention expansion
Nearly 7,000 migrants are being held in immigration detention centers across rural Louisiana, a number that may soon grow as the Biden administration pushes to dramatically increase the capacity of the U.S. deportation system. The effort is part of President Donald Trump’s promise to scale up mass deportations and could boost profits for private prison companies.
ICE is planning to expand detention capacity from roughly 41,000 to 100,000 beds and has begun awarding multi-billion-dollar contracts despite the funding not yet being secured. A recent $3.85 billion contract was given to Deployed Resources LLC to run a Texas facility, while the Geo Group and CoreCivic received long-term contracts for facilities in Michigan, New Jersey, and Texas.
Louisiana now ranks second only to Texas in immigration detention capacity. ICE was drawn to the state due to lower labor costs and a surplus of empty jails, many located in isolated rural areas. Advocates say these locations make it difficult for detainees to access legal help and stay connected to support systems.
Critics argue the isolation is intentional and designed to speed up deportations. Detainees face long drives to urban centers where most immigration lawyers work, and video court appearances have raised concerns about fairness and human connection in the legal process.
As contracts continue to be awarded and detention capacity rises, advocates warn that already poor conditions could worsen, and migrants’ ability to challenge deportations will become even more limited.
07:58 AM EDT
New U.S. ambassador to Japan optimistic on tariff deal
The new U.S. ambassador to Japan, George Glass, arrived in Tokyo on Friday with an optimistic outlook on the ongoing tariff negotiations between the two countries. Glass, a business veteran with a background in finance and technology, expressed confidence that the U.S. and Japan will reach a deal soon.
“I’m extremely optimistic… that a deal will get done,” Glass told reporters at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport. His arrival follows the first round of tariff talks between U.S. and Japanese negotiators in Washington, where both sides agreed to accelerate negotiations and hold another round of talks later this month.
The discussions come amid concerns over the impact of U.S. tariffs on the global economy. Trump’s administration has imposed several tariff measures, including a 10% baseline tariff and a 25% tax on imported cars, steel, and aluminum. A temporary 90-day pause spared Japan from some tariffs, but the future of the negotiations remains uncertain.
Glass, who takes office officially on Monday, emphasized the importance of U.S.-Japan military cooperation, highlighting the need for both nations to strengthen their defense capabilities in the face of regional threats from Russia, China, and North Korea. He also reiterated Trump’s calls for Japan to increase defense spending and share more responsibility for hosting U.S. troops.
Despite the challenges, Glass expressed confidence that the high-level officials involved in the negotiations, including Trump, are committed to finding a resolution that benefits both countries.
07:43 AM EDT
Trump may end Ukraine-Russia peace push in days, Rubio says
Trump will pull out of efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine within days unless clear progress is made, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday.
Speaking after a Paris summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, Rubio said the U.S. would not continue talks for weeks if there was no movement. “We’re not going to continue to fly all over the world and do meeting after meeting if no progress is being made,” he said.
The summit included delegations from the U.S., Ukraine, the UK, and Germany. It was an attempt to revive negotiations that have stalled since Trump pushed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reach a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin in February.
Ukraine has expressed openness to a temporary ceasefire, but Russia has yet to respond. Rubio said the U.S. wants to see results “in a matter of days, not weeks,” and hinted the administration could shift focus to other priorities if needed.
The talks come as Ukraine announced a preliminary deal with the U.S. over shared mineral and energy resources—a top issue for Trump, who views it as partial repayment for military aid.
Another round of talks is planned in London next week.
07:25 AM EDT
U.S. airstrikes on Houthi oil port kill 38
An American airstrike on a key oil facility in Houthi-controlled Yemen has killed 38 people and injured more than 100, according to the rebel group. The attack on the Ras Isa oil port is the most lethal strike reported so far in Trump’s monthlong campaign against the Iran-backed Houthis.
The U.S. Central Command confirmed the strike, calling it an effort to cut off a major source of revenue used to fund Houthi operations. It did not comment on civilian casualties. “This strike was not intended to harm the people of Yemen,” it said.
Footage shared by the Houthis showed widespread destruction and bodies at the site, which the group claimed included paramedics and civilian workers. The port has long been used for oil imports amid the ongoing war.
In a separate development, the Houthis launched a missile toward Israel on Friday, which was intercepted. The U.S. also accused a Chinese satellite firm of helping the rebels target ships in the Red Sea, escalating international tensions.
The Trump administration has signaled the strikes will continue, linking them to broader efforts to confront Iran as new nuclear talks approach.
07:12 AM EDT
Elon Musk’s DOGE hit with Social Security legal setback
People protesting against US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) outside of the US Department of Labor near the US Capitol in Washington, DC, February 5, 2025.
People protesting against US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) outside of the US Department of Labor near the US Capitol in Washington, DC, February 5, 2025.
DREW ANGERER/AFP/GETTY
On Thursday, District Judge Ellen Hollander imposed a preliminary injunction heavily restricting access to Americans’ government-held Social Security data from Elon Musk‘s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Newsweek contacted Musk for comment on Friday outside of regular office hours via emails sent to the Tesla and SpaceX press offices.
Following his inauguration on January 20, President Donald Trump launched DOGE, which, despite its name, isn’t a full government department, under Musk’s leadership to slash what they regard as wasteful federal spending.
DOGE has since battled to access sensitive data, including Treasury records which it argues is necessary for its work. However, critics have raised privacy concerns and filled a series of lawsuits seeking to keep certain data restricted.
Thursday’s ruling by Hollander was in response to a case brought against DOGE by a coalition of labor unions and retirees who argued giving the new body access to Social Security data breached privacy and was a security risk. Hollander had already imposed a temporary restraining order limiting DOGE access in March.
Under the terms of the preliminary injunction, DOGE employees can only access Social Security system data if its been redacted to remove anything personally identifiable, and if they have received training and passed background checks.