Over the weekend, the Trump administration deported over 200 immigrants to El Salvador despite a federal judge’s temporary order to halt the deportations. District Judge James E. Boasberg had mandated the administration to stop deportations under the historically rare Alien Enemies Act, a law from the 18th century revived due to alleged threats from the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. However, the deportation flights were already airborne when the ruling was issued.
In response, plaintiffs filed a lawsuit on Monday requesting a federal judge to compel officials to verify under oath if they disobeyed his directive. Some immigrants from the U.S. were already on flights, potentially violating the judge’s ruling. The Alien Enemies Act has only been enacted during wartime situations previously.
Simultaneously, the Trump administration implemented significant changes to the U.S. Institute of Peace. Most of its board members were dismissed, and its CEO, George Moose, was fired. New leadership, reportedly orchestrated by the Department of Government Efficiency, took control of the nonprofit organization. Moose described this intervention as a federal overreach into an independent entity’s affairs. This shift follows an executive order from Trump targeting certain organizations for downsizing or closure.
In a separate development, President Trump nominated Bryan Bedford, the CEO of Republic Airways, for the role of FAA Administrator. With 30 years in aviation, Bedford is expected to closely work with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to reform the agency. The nomination needs Senate approval.
Regarding U.S. foreign policy, Trump revised military engagement guidelines by authorizing U.S. Central Command greater autonomy to initiate offensives against Houthi rebels in Yemen. This shift grants quicker operational responses, purportedly to maintain pressure on the insurgents. While previously requiring White House consent, now only defensive actions need such an approval.
Social media firestorm ensued when the White House shared a video using Semisonic’s hit “Closing Time” to highlight deportations. The band criticized this unauthorized usage of their song, arguing the lyrical intent was misunderstood. Similarly, the deportation of a U.S.-visa holder, Dr. Rasha Alawieha, ignited controversy. Homeland Security claimed connections to Hezbollah justified the action despite her pending position at Brown University.
Also, disruptions marked federal agencies as Trump mandated a return to office. FDA staff reported logistical chaos, missing resources, and packed conditions. This aligns with the administration’s broader strategy to decrease the public sector workforce dramatically, facing legal challenges for its methods and effects.
Moreover, significant economic impacts are noted from ongoing tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs on materials have upscaled costs for residential construction, impacting the housing market. Similarly, Wall Street, shaken by existing trade policies and interest rate decisions, showed mixed but stabilizing trends. However, the longer-term impact of financial policies remains uncertain.
Lastly, international diplomatic relations saw tensions rise, including a diplomatic fallout with South Africa over its ambassador and potential peace dialogues between Trump and Russian President Putin amidst the Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, environmental policies shifted markedly with the nullification of a Biden-era methane fee, perceived as a regulatory rollback by critics.
Each of these developments underscores a broader administrative strategy to consolidate executive power, stimulate economic changes through tariffs, and re-define U.S. roles in global diplomacy, all while facing significant legal and public resistance.