President Donald Trump has delayed enforcement of new tariffs on auto imports from Mexico and Canada for a month, striving to protect U.S. automakers amid concerns that the trade war could negatively impact local manufacturing.
In Congress, mayors from major cities testified as Republicans targeted “sanctuary cities,” claiming these jurisdictions hinder federal immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, a federal judge has halted the Trump administration’s significant reduction in medical research funding, citing potential risks to patient care and employment.
Elon Musk has visited Capitol Hill for discussions with Republican lawmakers about transforming budget cuts into law. Musk’s efforts involve designating savings from federal budget reductions into a legally binding rescissions package. This step marks a new phase of Musk’s government efficiency strategy while the administration navigates legal and public challenges regarding widespread budget cuts.
Trump’s recent address to Congress reached 36.6 million viewers, surpassing Joe Biden’s last State of the Union audience but falling short of Trump’s previous records. Fox News led the viewership numbers, with other networks also drawing significant audiences.
New Zealand’s envoy to the UK, Phil Goff, has been dismissed following comments about President Trump’s grasp of history. The nation’s foreign minister described the remarks as untenable, triggering a leadership transition at New Zealand’s London mission.
The Broadway sensation “Hamilton” canceled its Kennedy Center performance, citing the Trump administration’s leadership changes at the center. Producer Jeffrey Seller criticized the new cultural direction as misaligned with the show’s values.
An appeals court approved the removal of Hampton Dellinger as head of a federal watchdog agency amid ongoing legal disputes over Trump’s dismissal authority, though Dellinger plans to appeal the decision.
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s chief aide was arrested on a DUI charge post-Trump’s Congress address, further complicating matters around recent high-profile events.
Retailers have started moderating their 2025 forecasts in response to declining consumer confidence, influenced by Trump’s tariffs, which could elevate inflationary pressures.
Trump recently hosted former Gaza hostages at the White House, issuing a sharp ultimatum to Hamas to release remaining captives or face severe consequences.
Amidst criticism within Congress, Rep. Al Green remains defiant after disrupting Trump’s speech due to disagreements over Medicaid policy, emphasizing his intent to protect vulnerable constituents.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, experienced in classroom challenges, faced Republican scrutiny over sanctuary city policies without taking the attacks personally. He reaffirmed his legal team’s readiness to defend city policies if necessary.
The National Parks Service has begun removing transgender references from its websites following a Trump executive order, raising concerns about erasing significant community history.
Trump recently welcomed a young cancer survivor to the Oval Office, highlighting personal stories amidst broader political discourses.
Vice President JD Vance confirmed no plans for U.S. ground invasion of Mexico while at the border, although border policy remains a contentious topic.
Following pro-Palestinian protests and an alleged antisemitic environment at the University of California, the Justice Department has initiated a civil rights investigation, underscoring tensions in U.S. higher education post-Hamas’s recent attack on Israel.
A congressional hearing on sanctuary cities ended after lengthy debates, marking ongoing tensions between federal and local government dynamics.
Mayor Eric Adams was questioned in Congress about alleged deals with Trump to drop corruption charges in exchange for immigration cooperation. Adams denied any wrongdoing or quid pro quo arrangement.
Leaked communications hint at Trump’s plans for drastic cuts to the Veterans Affairs workforce, intensifying debates around government restructuring and military veteran support services.
The Treasury Department sanctioned Houthi militants for weapon smuggling in Yemen as part of ongoing U.S. efforts to counter global threats.
Governor Tony Evers called out Republican lawmakers to oppose cuts to federal programs triggered by Trump’s budget policies, reflecting deep divisions in states’ responses to federal administration strategies.
Amid U.S.-China trade tensions, China declared readiness to escalate trade wars in response to U.S. tariffs; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth countered with firm rhetoric on national security preparedness.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refused to ease retaliatory tariffs unless Trump removes U.S. duties on Canada, further straining North American trade relations.
In a nod to community autonomy, mayors of major cities reaffirmed sanctuary policies’ importance in public safety, challenging federal-overreach accusations. Meanwhile, Trump signalled ongoing negotiations with Hamas regarding hostages, amid unstable ceasefire conditions.
Trump’s temporary tariff exemption aims to soothe automotive tensions as businesses adjust to trade policy shifts despite economic concerns over increased consumer costs.
