On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed executive orders intended to revitalize the coal industry, a long-standing but declining source of energy due to its environmental impact. The actions leverage his emergency powers to permit older coal-fired power plants, nearing decommission, to continue generating electricity, crucial for the rising energy demands arising from sectors like data centers, AI technology, and electric vehicles. Trump has previously committed to supporting what he describes as “beautiful” coal for energy production and other utilities.
On the same day, a federal judge reinstated The Associated Press’ full access to presidential events, emphasizing that the government cannot penalize the news outlet for exercising free speech. Concurrently, the Senate confirmed Elbridge Colby as the leading policy adviser at the Pentagon, despite controversies over his stance on Russia. Wall Street, meanwhile, saw further declines amid confusion surrounding Trump’s tariff policies.
A Pentagon official clarified that special operations forces do not hold the authority to launch drone attacks on drug cartels in Mexico, despite the designation of these groups as foreign terrorist organizations. Colby Jenkins, assistant defense secretary for special operations, highlighted that this designation primarily allows for broad strategic engagement rather than direct military action.
In an economic countermeasure, Canada announced a 25% tariff on U.S. auto imports that contradict the USMCA, a trade agreement established during Trump’s first term. This response follows Trump’s tariff impositions, aiming to enhance domestic auto production and investments in Canada.
The Senate’s decision to confirm Elbridge Colby as the Pentagon’s chief policy adviser was marked by dissent, with concerns about his views on Russia being central. Despite this, Colby received support for his balanced approach, drawing bipartisan agreement on several points.
AP’s reinstatement to White House events was a judicial affirmation of press freedom as U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden ruled against the administration’s restrictions based on editorial decisions. This court decision marks a significant victory for media rights under the First Amendment.
In a move to support the coal industry, President Trump issued orders facilitating the extension of operations for aging coal plants and halted previous coal policies instituted under President Joe Biden. He also instructed a Justice Department review of state policies, potentially challenging those deemed discriminatory against coal.
The Army is set to reintroduce the tradition of horse-drawn caissons at Arlington National Cemetery, following substantial improvements in horse care and facilities. This tradition had been paused due to concerns over the welfare of the horses involved.
The State Department announced the reversal of funding cuts to U.N. World Food Program’s emergency projects in 14 nations, acknowledging administrative errors in the initial decision to terminate these contracts, thus preserving critical food aid commitments.
A political resolution regarding proxy voting in Congress was accomplished with the reintroduction of “vote pairing,” a compromise allowing representation for absent members, particularly addressing new parents’ voting needs.
The equity markets reacted negatively as the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq experienced significant drops owing to unease over Trump’s trade policies, including a 104% tariff on Chinese imports foreseen to activate soon.
Within the FBI, senior officials are being prompted to retire or transition roles as part of an overall workforce realignment involving significant relocations. This move relates to broader organizational changes aimed at realigning workforce distribution.
Homeland Security employees received offers for buyouts and early retirements as the administration attempts to streamline the federal workforce, offering options like voluntary separation payments and early resignations to accomplish this.
Arizona’s Democratic lawmakers protested a speech by Trump’s border chief by exiting the chamber, expressing disapproval of the administration’s strict immigration policies, which they associated with unjust detentions.
President Trump partook in planting a new tree at the White House grounds, replacing a historically significant magnolia tree removed due to safety concerns. The event was highlighted on social media, emphasizing Trump’s involvement.
A Homeland Security waiver allows immediate border wall construction in Southern California by bypassing environmental regulations, a decision driven by the pressing need for reinforced border security.
The upcoming U.S.-Iran talks were subject to differing descriptions, with Iranian officials characterizing them as indirect, contrary to Trump’s characterization of direct negotiations aimed at addressing nuclear ambitions.
A public clash between Tesla’s Elon Musk and trade adviser Peter Navarro over tariff policies illustrated internal divisions on economic strategies, with the White House deflecting the spat as part of normal discourse.
The Trump administration reiterated that tariffs are negotiating tools to secure better trade deals, underscoring their commitment to tailored trade partnerships reflecting individual country’s complexities and needs.
In ongoing international dialogues, leaders from El Salvador and Italy are scheduled to visit the White House, with a focus on addressing mutual interests in trade and immigration policies.
The IRS’s agreement to share data with ICE marks a significant step in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy, sparking concerns over privacy rights and the implications of such data exchanges.
Reflecting on geopolitical concerns, U.S. officials asserted their commitment to ensuring security in the Panama Canal region amid perceived threats from China’s influence, emphasizing a defensive stance in partnership with Panama.
Several prominent figures, including Joe Rogan and Dave Portnoy, have voiced their concerns over Trump’s tariffs, questioning the strategic impact of these measures on the broader economy and their personal investments.
In Montana, members of the Blackfeet tribe have filed a lawsuit claiming that U.S tariffs on Canada infringe upon their treaty rights, as these tariffs impede traditional cross-border commerce essential to their livelihoods.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed apprehension over the global consequences of the U.S. trade war, highlighting the disproportionate effects on vulnerable developing countries and warning against a potential economic recession.
The Supreme Court blocked a lower court’s order mandating the reinstitution of thousands of federal workers dismissed amid the administration’s efforts to downsize the government, maintaining a stay on employment reinstatements pending ongoing legal proceedings.
The National Park Service reinstated the original web content on Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad after public backlash against changes that diminished historical references, reflecting tensions over federal diversity policies.
In South Africa, industry leaders predict damaging effects from reciprocal tariffs affecting the citrus sector, citing increased costs and competitive challenges in accessing the American market, exacerbating trade tensions.