White House Reveals Why it Fired Librarian of Congress

Scientists must agree to Trump’s agenda if they want NIH grants

Scientists who get federal grants from the National Institutes of Health have been warned that the funds could be frozen if they fail to support President Trump’s anti-trans and anti-DEI agenda, new conditions for NIH grants reveal.

The conditions state that the recipients cannot “operate any programs that advance or promote DEI, DEIA, or discriminatory equity ideology in violation of Federal anti-discrimination laws.”

They must also “not engage in, and will not during the term of this award engage in, a discriminatory prohibited boycott…. Discriminatory prohibited boycott means refusing to deal, cutting commercial relations, or otherwise limiting commercial relations specifically with Israeli companies or with companies doing business in or with Israel or authorized by, licensed by, or organized under the laws of Israel to do business.”

The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that a researcher at a teaching hospital in the Boston area found in the fine print of her grant renewal, that she was expected to comply with Trump’s order “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth”.

Pentagon issues new sweeping order amid Trump admin crackdown on DEI

The Pentagon has issued its most sweeping directive yet in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth‘s ongoing campaign to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) content from the U.S. military.

In a memo distributed Friday and obtained by the Associated Press, military leaders and commands were ordered to review and pull all library books related to diversity, anti-racism, and gender issues by May 21. The directive characterizes such materials as “promoting divisive concepts and gender ideology,” which it says are incompatible with the Department of Defense’s core mission.

The memo, signed by Timothy Dill, the acting undersecretary for personnel, follows recent book removals from military academies and significantly broadens the effort. It directs all commands to promptly identify and sequester materials that fall under a sweeping list of flagged topics, including affirmative action, critical race theory, gender identity, and white privilege. A temporary Academic Libraries Committee will oversee the process and has already provided a list of search terms to guide the initial identification. While the memo states that further guidance will follow by May 21, it does not clarify the final disposition of the removed books, leaving unanswered whether they will be stored or destroyed.

Read in full from Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.

Mexico suing Google over decision to label Gulf of Mexico as Gulf of America, says Sheinbaum

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that her government is suing Google over its decision to label Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

Google made the change after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to alter the name, with users in the United States seeing the area called by its new name, and the rest of the world continuing to see its traditional name.

But Sheinbaum said she disagreed with Trump’s move, telling reporters on Friday, “What we are saying is: ‘Google, abide by what the U.S. government has approved.” Sheinbaum is referring to Trump’s order which only renamed United States-controlled parts of the area and not the entire gulf.

“We would have no business in telling them to rename a state, a mountain, or a lake,” she added.

OPINION: First American pope bridges cultural, political divides

I stood packed among tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square on a warm May afternoon, waiting for a sign from above. The late spring sun cast long shadows across the colonnades as rumors and prayers floated through the multi-lingual buzz of the crowd. We were strangers from every continent—old Italian nonne fingering rosaries, excited students draped in flags, weary pilgrims who had camped overnight—yet we shared a quiet, collective anticipation.

In the air was that particular mix of anxiety and faith that only a centuries-old ritual can inspire. Would today be the day?

The Catholic Church has been hurting in our lifetimes. We all knew it, even as we stood there hoping. In Europe and North America especially, the faith of our ancestors has been in a decades-long retreat—pews emptying, vocations dwindling, parish doors shuttering.

Read in full from Christopher Hale, who led national Catholic outreach for President Obama’s reelection campaign and served as the cofounder of Catholics for Harris, on Newsweek.

Trump administration warns Congress with possible debt limit deadline

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned congressional leaders Friday that the federal government could run out of money to meet its financial obligations as early as August if lawmakers fail to act.

He urged Congress to raise or suspend the debt ceiling by mid-July to avoid a potential default on the country’s more than $36 trillion debt.

Trump says all countries will have minimum 10 percent tariff regardless of deal

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that all countries will face a minimum 10 percent tariff on exports, regardless of any trade deal they make with the United States.

“We always have a baseline of 10 percent,” Trump told reporters at the Oval Office.

He added that 10 percent would be the “minimum,” but some might face up to 50 or 60 percent.

Democrat lawmaker calls for emergency bail hearing for Newark mayor

Rep. Watson Coleman, of New Jersey, is calling for an emergency bail hearing for Newark Mayor Ras Baraka who was arrested at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in his city on Friday.

Democrat Coleman warned that authorities are trying to keep the mayor in detention overnight.

Baraka was arrested at the ICE detention center in Newark after he “committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings,” Trump’s former defense attorney, interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba said on social media.

Baraka, a Democrat, and other lawmakers were seen outside Delaney Hall, an ICE detention center, on Friday urging federal officials to allow them inside to observe conditions.

On social media, Baraka posted about the center throughout the week showing up and demanding entry.

Trump says not doing business with China means US won’t ‘lose $1 trillion’

President Donald Trump has claimed that there could be an upside to not securing a deal with China.

“We’re not doing business with China right now. We lost $1 trillion with China last year, so if you’re not gonna do business with them, you’re not gonna lose $1 trillion,” he said, when asked about this weekend’s upcoming trade negotiations between Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury, and Chinese officials.

Trump added that the U.S. had already made “a great deal,” referring to the trade deal with the U.K.

Deported US citizen, 11, recovering from cancer says she’s determined to come back to America

An 11-year-old U.S. citizen, recovering from a rare brain tumor, has said she is determined to come home to America after she was deported by the Trump administration.

The girl was one of four American citizens who was deported from Texas to Mexico three months ago, after ICE deported their parents.

This week, members of the congressional Hispanic caucus traveled to meet her family in Mexico to discuss finding a way for her to resume her critical medical treatment, and urge “legislators to advocate for their return under humanitarian parole”.

Trump administration looking at spending habeas corpus, Stephen Miller says

White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller said on Friday that the Trump administration is “actively looking at’ suspending habeas corpus.

Miller was responding to a question from a White House reporter who asked about Trump mulling the idea of suspending the writ of habeas corpus to allow for his mass deportations.

“The Constitution is clear, and that, of course, is the supreme law of the land, that the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus can be suspended in time of invasion,” Miller said, according to CNBC. “So, that’s an option we’re actively looking at,” he said.

The Trump administration has claimed that the U.S. is being “invaded” by migrants.

New Jersey mayor is arrested at ICE detention center in Newark

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has been arrested at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in his city, Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba said on social media.

The mayor “committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings,” Trump’s former defense attorney, Habba, claimed.

Baraka, a Democrat, and other lawmakers were seen outside Delaney Hall, an ICE detention center, on Friday urging federal officials to allow them inside to observe conditions.

On social media, Baraka posted about the center throughout the week showing up and demanding entry.

In a Monday news conference, Baraka said the city is suing the operator of Delaney Hall, Geo Group, for alleged inspection violations. The mayor said the ongoing court battle follows a pattern of Trump himself as he accused the operating group of doing the same by obscuring the laws.

White House confirms FEMA administrator fired after speaking out

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has confirmed that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) acting administrator, Cameron Hamilton, was fired after he testified against scrapping FEMA.

“This individual testified saying something that was contrary to what the president believes and the goals of this administration in regards to FEMA policy,” Leavitt said. “So, of course we want to make sure that people in every position are advancing the administration’s goals,” she added.

But she added that decisions about personnel was left up to cabinet secretaries.

Hamilton, was abruptly ousted and replaced by another senior official from the Department of Homeland Security, after he testified before Congress in defense of the agency’s continued role in national disaster preparedness and recovery.

“I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” Hamilton told lawmakers on Wednesday, rejecting recent proposals to dismantle or severely curtail FEMA’s responsibilities.

President Donald Trump has voiced skepticism about FEMA’s purpose, arguing that states should take the lead in responding to hurricanes, tornadoes, and other emergencies.

Trump to welcome white South African refugees in rare exception to resettlement freeze

The Trump administration will begin resettling more than two dozen white South Africans in the U.S. next week, despite a broader freeze on refugee admissions, officials confirmed Friday.

The first group of Afrikaner refugees is expected to arrive Monday at Dulles International Airport, where they will be met by a U.S. delegation led by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. The arrivals are part of what White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller described as a “much larger-scale relocation effort” for victims of racial persecution.

The move comes under a February executive order from President Trump that prioritized resettlement of white South Africans citing racial discrimination. While refugee programs for much of the world remain paused, the administration has accelerated processing for Afrikaner families, claiming they meet the definition of victims of race-based persecution.

South Africa’s government strongly disputed that claim. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said there is no evidence of widespread persecution and called the refugee designation “completely false.” South Africa’s foreign ministry added that the effort appears politically motivated and questioned the legal status of the individuals being relocated.

The Biden administration had previously rolled back similar refugee exceptions. This latest development marks a new flashpoint in U.S.-South Africa relations, which have grown tense over differences on foreign policy and human rights rhetoric.

White House deflects question about Pope Leo XIV’s past criticism of Trump

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt deflected a question on Friday about newly elected Pope Leo XIV’s previous criticism of the Trump administration.

On Thursday, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—a missionary turned Vatican official who spent much of his career ministering in Peru—was elected pope, becoming the first American to hold the role in the church’s 2,000-year history. The Illinois native, who is 69 and a member of the Augustinian religious order, chose the papal name Leo XIV.

Leo XIV’s public life and background suggest he may continue Pope Francis‘ emphasis on social justice, particularly regarding migration and the rights of the poor.

Prevost’s social media activity prior to his election as Leo XIV shows criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

Read the full story by Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.

Mexico sues Google over Trump-led renaming of Gulf of Mexico

Mexico has filed a lawsuit against Google over its labeling of the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said Friday. The change was prompted by an executive order from Trump.

Sheinbaum did not share specifics about the legal filing but confirmed the case during her daily press briefing. Mexico’s Foreign Relations ministry had previously asked Google to stop using the new name for waters it considers part of its national territory.

While Trump’s order applies only within U.S. borders, Mexico argues that the “Gulf of America” label should not be extended to areas beyond the U.S. continental shelf.

Google has yet to respond publicly to the lawsuit. A February letter from the company’s policy chief, Cris Turner, indicated Google would maintain its current labeling: “Gulf of America” in U.S. areas, “Gulf of Mexico” in Mexican territory, and both names elsewhere.

Fed official warns tariffs are slowing business, but holds off on rate cut call

A top Federal Reserve official warned Friday that Trump’s tariffs are creating deep uncertainty for businesses, leading to hiring freezes and reduced spending. Tom Barkin, head of the Fed’s Richmond branch, said the tariffs are prompting caution in the economy, though not yet signaling a recession.

“It’s really hard to drive when it’s foggy,” Barkin told a Virginia business group, describing how companies are reacting. While firms are pulling back on discretionary costs, he said there are not yet signs of mass layoffs.

Barkin and other Fed officials emphasized the challenge ahead: tariffs could either fuel inflation, requiring higher rates, or slow the economy, which would typically lead the Fed to cut them. Barkin said it’s still too early to say which risk is greater.

Chair Jerome Powell echoed a similar wait-and-see stance earlier this week, as the central bank held its key rate steady for the third straight time. Trump, meanwhile, has pushed for rate cuts, arguing inflation is no longer a threat.

Some economists, including EY’s Gregory Daco, believe rate cuts are needed soon to prevent a downturn. But Barkin said the Fed must weigh inflation and unemployment risks carefully before acting.

Other officials, like Fed governor Michael Barr, warned tariffs could drive longer-term inflation. Barkin pushed back slightly, noting that businesses may struggle to pass on costs to consumers already feeling squeezed.

New FEMA chief warns staff against resistance to policy overhaul

David Richardson, the new acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, warned staff Friday not to stand in the way of upcoming policy changes, telling employees on a call that “I will run right over you.” Richardson, a former Marine officer with no clear experience in disaster response, replaces Cameron Hamilton, who was abruptly fired the day before.

During the agency-wide meeting, Richardson said he intends to carry out Trump’s agenda and emphasized shifting more disaster responsibilities and costs to states. He also announced a forthcoming “mission analysis” aimed at streamlining FEMA’s operations and cutting perceived inefficiencies.

Richardson said he understands some staff may be uneasy but warned that any attempts to delay or undermine changes would be met with forceful pushback. He declined to take questions during the call but said he would hold a town hall next week.

The leadership change comes as FEMA prepares for hurricane season and amid ongoing discussions in Washington about whether the agency should be downsized or eliminated altogether.

Pentagon orders review of library books on race and gender issues

The Pentagon has directed all military commands to review and remove library books related to diversity, anti-racism, and gender identity by May 21, as part of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s push to eliminate diversity and equity programs from the armed forces.

In a memo obtained by the Associated Press, Pentagon official Timothy Dill called for the removal of materials deemed “incompatible with the Department’s core mission.” Commands have been told to identify and sequester books based on search terms like “affirmative action,” “critical race theory,” “gender identity,” and “white privilege.”

The move follows earlier removals at military academies, including the U.S. Naval Academy, which recently pulled nearly 400 titles. Among them were works on civil rights, feminism, the Holocaust, and Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

A temporary Academic Libraries Committee is guiding the review process. Final decisions about the fate of the books—whether they will be stored, reassigned, or discarded—remain pending.

White House says NYC Mayor Eric Adams requested meeting with Trump

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in Friday that New York City Mayor Eric Adams had requested today’s meeting with President Donald Trump.

Adams and Trump are set to meet at 3 p.m. to “discuss New York City priorities.”

The meeting is being held mere hour before the expected release of documents related to Adams’ abandoned federal corruption case, which the Trump administration dropped earlier this year.

Trump’s trade war strategy faces resistance from China

Trump has intensified his trade war with China, arguing that the U.S. holds the upper hand due to its larger trade deficit. But so far, Beijing is showing no signs of backing down.

Last month, Trump imposed tariffs totaling 145% on Chinese imports, believing the pressure would force China to yield. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed that confidence, claiming China was “playing with a pair of twos.” Instead, China has responded with its own steep tariffs and a public message that it won’t cave to bullying.

Despite the economic fallout, both sides are digging in. Trump and Bessent are heading to Geneva this weekend for initial trade talks, though experts say expectations for a breakthrough are low. Trump suggested on social media that tariffs could come down, but only if China plays ball.

U.S. businesses are sounding alarms about supply shortages and rising costs, while American consumers grow wary. Economists warn that Trump’s aggressive tariff approach risks backfiring, especially as U.S. manufacturers depend heavily on Chinese components.

China, for its part, has been preparing for this rematch. It’s reduced reliance on the U.S. market and signaled it’s willing to weather economic pain if it means standing its ground.

The Ohio Republican Party endorses Vivek Ramaswamy for governor

The Ohio Republican Party officially endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy for governor on Thursday, aligning with former President Donald Trump and rejecting calls from Gov. Mike DeWine and his allies to delay the move.

The endorsement, delivered by a vote of the party’s central committee, comes a year ahead of the 2026 primary and positions Ramaswamy as the early frontrunner. Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, a former Ohio State football coach and longtime DeWine ally, had just announced his potential candidacy the day before.

“We support President Trump and we support Vivek Ramaswamy for governor,” said party chairman Alex Triantafilou as the endorsement was announced.

Ramaswamy, speaking after the vote, thanked the committee and emphasized a campaign strategy focused on expanding the GOP base. “This is not about left vs. right — it is about up vs. down,” he said.

Ramaswamy won the endorsement after a supermajority agreed to hold the vote, defeating Attorney General Dave Yost, who is also running. Yost’s campaign said he will take time to reassess, criticizing what it called a “premature coronation.”

Party insiders viewed the endorsement as a setback for DeWine’s attempt to slow the process, which some believed was a move to give Tressel time to launch a campaign.

White House denies UK trade deal announced before details were final, despite Trump’s own comments

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has denied that the Trump administration announced its trade deal with the U.K., “before all details were finalized,” despite Trump telling reporters during the announcement on Thursday that the final details were still “being written up.”

Leavitt was asked by a reporter, during Friday’s press briefing, “Why did the White House announce a deal with U.K. before all details were finalized?”

“That’s not true,” she responded. “This is how trade deals work… you set the framework, you set the detail.”

Meanwhile, Trump said yesterday of the deal, “The final details are being written up. In the coming weeks, we’ll have it all very conclusive.”

Ted Cruz mocks Bernie Sanders’ defense of using private jets

Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, posted a sarcastic jab on social media aimed at progressive Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, and his use of private jets during his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, flipping the script on Sanders’ message.

Newsweek reached out to Cruz’s and Sanders’ press teams for comment via email on Friday.

Sanders has long criticized the ultra-wealthy, advocating for higher taxes on top earners and frequently describing the influence of money in politics as an “oligarchy.” He has also been vocal in advocacy for climate action.

The progressive lawmaker is currently on a high-profile “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, often joined by Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, holding rallies across red and blue districts to oppose President Donald Trump and his policies. The rallies have drawn thousands, with his Los Angeles event in March marking the largest in his career, with around 36,000 people.

Some critics view Sanders’ use of private jets and his personal wealth as hypocritical to his overall message. He has previously faced criticism on the matters, including during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Read the full story by Mandy Taheri on Newsweek.

White House reveals US actions to deescalate India-Pakistan

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Donald Trump wanted to see rapidly escalating conflict between India and Pakistan halt.

The dispute has been escalating faster than any other point since both nations acquired nuclear weapons since an attack by gunmen killed at least 26 people, most of them tourists, in Indian-administered Kashmir last month.

“The president has expressed he wants to see this deescalate a soon as possible,” Leavitt said. “The president understands these are two countries that have been at odds with another for decades long before President Trump was in office, however he has good relationships with the leaders of both countries.”

She added that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been “in constant communication with the leaders of both countries trying to bring this conflict to an end.”

White House responds to Pope Leo’s previous criticism of Trump, JD Vance

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked during Friday’s press briefing about Pope Leo’s former social media posts that had been critical of President Trump and his administration.

“The president made his reaction to Pope Leo’s announcement yesterday very clear,” Leavitt responded, referencing Trump’s social media post congratulating Chicago-born Leo.

“He’s very proud to have an American pope. It’s a great thing for the United States of America and the world, and we are praying for him,” she added.

White House grilled on Trump’s investor dinner, meme coin

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked during Friday’s press briefing why President Trump was attending a dinner with the top investors in his $Trump meme coin after critics accused the move of being an explicit example of pay-to-play.

Leavitt declined to address the question head-on, instead responding that, “the president is abiding by all conflict of interest laws. The president has been incredibly transparent with is own personal financial obligations through the years.

“The president is a successful business man and I think frankly it’s one of the many reasons that people re-elected him back to office,” she added.

The reporter highlighted reports this week that a logistics company said it would buy $20 million in the crypto coin in order to advocate for free trade between the U.S. and Mexico.

“If buyers are buying for that reason, are they wasting their money?” the reporter asked Leavitt, who once again ducked a direct answer, responding, “I can assure you the president acts with only the interest of the American public in mind, putting our country first and doing what’s best for our coutnry full stop.”

Trump will visit US air base in Qatar during Middle East trip

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has spoken about President Donald Trump’s trip to the Middle East next week.

Leavitt said that trip “ultimately highlights how we stand on the brink of the golden age for both American and the Middle East” and will focus on both their “shared vision of stability, opportunity and mutual respect.”

She added that he would also take the time to visit American military members on a Qatar U.S. air base.

White House press briefing underway

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has taken to the podium for the daily press briefing.

Most Americans disapprove of Trump crackdown on colleges, new poll shows

The majority of Americans do not approve of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on colleges and universities, a new poll has shown.

Since taking office in January, Trump has announced he is freezing grants to several colleges, including Columbia University and Cornell University, that he has accused of using DEI practices and antisemitism after their students protested against the war in Gaza.

In his most recent high profile clash, he has threatened to strip the Harvard’s tax-exempt status unless it agreed to change its hiring and teaching practices.

The new poll, from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, found more than half of Americans, 56 precent, disapprove of the approach on higher education. Around 40 approve.

Freddy Ortega, 66, a Democrat and a retired military veteran in Columbus, Georgia, told AP that he didn’t believe the president, or any one man, should have so much power over an American university.

“Let’s talk about Harvard for a minute. The way he took away all that money in funding, impacting things that Harvard has been working on for the betterment of the world,” Ortega said. “One man should not have that much power.”

Trump fires three Democrats from Consumer Safety Commission

President Donald Trump has dismissed three Democratic members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a White House official confirmed Friday, per The New York Times.

The CPSC is a federal agency responsible for overseeing the safety of consumer goods sold in the U.S., including both imported and domestically manufactured products. Its work includes investigating product recalls, enforcing safety standards, and protecting the public from hazardous items.

Trump attacks MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle, defends tariffs and UK trade deal

Trump lashed out at MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle in a post on social media Thursday, calling her “exhausted” and “highly neurotic” while defending his tariff policy and a recent trade deal with the United Kingdom.

Special envoy Witkoff travelling to Oman for Iran talks: Report

Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is travelling to Oman on Sunday for talks on Iran’s nuclear program, Reuters reports.

His trip comes ahead of the president’s trip to the Middle East next week, where he is expected to make stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Ted Cruz vows ‘crackdown’ on Medicaid

Texas Senator Ted Cruz has said Republicans will crackdown on “massive fraud” in the Medicaid program.

“I think we are going to see significant Medicaid reforms as Congress takes on budget reconciliation and extends the tax cuts,” he told CNBC, adding that there are two critical elements: rooting out fraud and implementing work requirements.

Newsweek has contacted Cruz’s office for comment via email.

Medicaid gives health coverage to some individuals and families—including children, parents, people who are pregnant, elderly people with certain incomes and people with disabilities. Coverage varies widely by state, both in terms of benefits and eligibility criteria. As of October, more than 72 million people across the country had Medicaid coverage.

Congressional committees are going over a wide-ranging spending bill put forward by the Republican Party. The budget reconciliation bill, which the House of Representatives passed in April, does not directly mention cuts to Medicaid. However, it instructs the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over the program, to slash the Department of Health and Human Services’ budget by $880 billion over 10 years.

Read the full story by Aliss Higham on Newsweek.

Fed officials signal no rush to cut interest rates despite Trump’s inflation claim

Federal Reserve officials on Friday maintained that they see no need to lower interest rates anytime soon, brushing off Trump’s assertion that inflation is no longer a concern, The Times reported.

John Williams, president of the New York Fed, said policy is “in a good place,” citing a strong economy that allows for patience as the central bank assesses the impact of Trump’s tariffs and other policy changes. Fed Governor Adriana Kugler echoed the sentiment, pointing to a healthy labor market and anchored inflation expectations.

While inflation cooled unexpectedly last month, Fed officials remain wary that new tariffs could drive prices higher in the coming months. Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that economic uncertainty means the central bank should not move preemptively, signaling rates are likely to stay put until at least September.

Trump criticized the Fed’s stance, writing on social media that “costs down, NO INFLATION,” and accusing the central bank and media of misrepresenting the economy.

White House expected to seek $9 billion in funding cuts through rescissions package

The White House is preparing to send Congress a formal rescissions package in the coming days, aiming to cancel about $9 billion in previously approved but unspent funding. The move is part of a broader push to reduce federal spending, with targets expected to include foreign aid and public broadcasting.

The rescission process allows the president to request that Congress revoke discretionary funds, which can then be redirected or returned to the Treasury. Congress has 45 days to act on the request, and unlike most legislation, rescissions require only a simple majority to pass.

Republican leaders have signaled strong support for the effort. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Sen. Jim Banks have both voiced eagerness to make recent administrative cuts permanent, framing the push as a necessary step toward larger budget reductions.

The package is expected to reflect cuts previously initiated by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, including at USAID, NPR and PBS. However, passing the proposal may be difficult given narrow Republican majorities and potential resistance in the Senate.

FAA reacts after another outage Friday morning at Newark Airport

The Federal Aviation Association (FAA) released a statement after the Newark Liberty International Airport experienced another outage early on Friday morning.

The FAA said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, “There was a telecommunications outage that impacted communications and radar display at Philadelphia TRACON Area C, which guides aircraft in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport airspace. The outage occurred around 3:55 a.m. on Friday, May 9, and lasted approximately 90 seconds.”

Newark has experienced disruptions since April 28, when air traffic controllers at Philadelphia’s TRACON reportedly lost contact and couldn’t properly guide planes for upwards of 30 seconds, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

Since then, hundreds of delays and cancellations have occurred, which local and federal officials have attributed to technology, staffing issues, and inclement weather. United Airlines, which calls Newark its East Coast hub, subsequently removed 35 daily roundtrip flights.

US Postal Service names new postmaster general

The US Postal Service has named David Steiner as the next postmaster general.

The previous postmaster general, Louis DeJoy, resigned in March, amid pressure from the Trump administration following reports of a clash with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.

News of the appointment sparked concerns among postal unions who compared it to a “hostile takeover.”

“His selection isn’t just a conflict of interest—it’s an aggressive step toward handing America’s mail system over to corporate interests,” National Association of Letter Carriers Brian L. Renfroe said in a statement, adding that Steiner had a record of union busting, firing workers and replacing them with machines.

Amber McReynolds, chair of the USPS Board of Governors, announced Steiner in his new position on Friday during a board meeting. He starts in July, she said.

Pope Leo ‘not happy’ with Trump’s immigration policies—brother

Pope Leo XIV is “not happy with what’s going on with immigration,” his brother John Prevost has said.

Prevost made the comments to The New York Times while explaining that he did not expect his sibling to stay quiet about something he believed in.

On Thursday, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—a missionary turned Vatican official who spent much of his career ministering in Peru—was elected pope, becoming the first American to hold the role in the church’s 2,000-year history. The Illinois native, who is 69 and a member of the Augustinian religious order, chose the papal name Leo XIV.

Leo XIV’s public life and background suggest he may continue Pope Francis‘ emphasis on social justice, particularly regarding migration and the rights of the poor.

Describing his brother, Prevost told the Times, “The best way I could describe him right now is that he will be following in Francis’ footsteps. They were very good friends. They knew each other before he was pope, before my brother even was bishop.”

Earlier this year, Francis criticized President Donald Trump‘s administration over its hard-line immigration agenda, which includes mass deportations.

Read the full story by Jordan King on Newsweek.

FDA approves new natural color additives for food products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for three new natural color additives, expanding the range of safe color options available to food manufacturers. This decision supports the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ initiative to phase out petroleum-based dyes in favor of healthier alternatives, aligning with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vision to make the nation’s food supply safer.

The newly approved additives include Galdieria extract blue, derived from red algae, which can be used in various beverages, dairy products, and candies. Butterfly pea flower extract, known for producing shades from blue to purple, has been expanded for use in cereals, snacks, and other food items. Lastly, calcium phosphate, a white color, has been approved for use in chicken products and candies. These approvals represent a significant step toward removing synthetic dyes and providing consumers with safer, natural food colorants.

White House reviving National Space Council: Report

The White House is reviving the National Space Council to take on Trump’s ambitious agenda for space, Politico reports.

The council had been dormant for more than two decades before Trump first revived it during his his first term.

Chaired by the vice president, it serves as a body for the executive branch to keep oversight of space agencies and policy, including Space Force.

Trump has announced several plans to expand American space exploration under his second term, including a new moon landing before 2030 and landing astronauts on Mars. He also said he plans to build a space-based missile shield called Golden Dome, as well as working with private space companies to support commercial space ventures.

Judge Boasberg makes two orders in El Salvador deportations case

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has this week made two orders in a case determining whether people deported to El Salvador should be returned, and whether the U.S. even has the power to return them.

On March 15, 137 Venezuelan migrants were sent to the jail known as CECOT, accused of being members of gangs. Many of the detainees dispute this allegation.

The Trump administration used the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century wartime law used to intern Japanese, German and Italian nationals during World War II.

Boasberg previously ordered a halt to such deportations while he considered the case but the men were deported that same day. On April 16, Boasberg ruled that the federal government may be held in criminal contempt for ignoring this pause.

Now, he is considering whether the men should be returned and how this process might take place with the American Civil Liberties Union urging Boasberg to seek their return.

Read in full from Kate Plummer on Newsweek.

Trump to visit Gulf states for high-stakes talks on oil, trade, and regional security

Trump will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE on May 13 for a critical trip aimed at addressing pressing geopolitical issues. The agenda includes discussions on the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, oil production, trade agreements, and potential nuclear collaborations. Trump is expected to explore opportunities for U.S. semiconductor exports and investments, as well as discuss his administration’s support for Gulf nations’ nuclear ambitions, especially Saudi Arabia’s civilian program.

The visit comes as Gulf nations have invested heavily in AI and technology, with key figures from Wall Street and Silicon Valley attending a Saudi-U.S. investment forum. Additionally, Trump’s relationship with the region, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, could influence future trade deals. Talks will also touch on lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria and potential adjustments to oil production in response to market shifts. With the region’s focus on economic development, Trump’s trip could yield major announcements, including investment agreements and policy shifts.

Sonia Sotomayor urges lawyers to ‘stand up’ in face of Trump administration attacks

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor called on lawyers to “stand up” and “be heard” during a meeting hosted by the American Bar Association on Thursday night. Speaking at the event in Washington, she emphasized the importance of solidarity among legal professionals as the Trump administration continues to target the legal field.

Sotomayor described the current moment as an opportunity for the legal community to defend its role in society. “This is our time to stand up and be heard,” she said, urging lawyers to persist in the face of adversity. Her remarks were seen as a rallying cry to the assembled attorneys in the Tort, Trial, and Insurance Practice Section, encouraging them to stay committed to their work, especially for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

This speech adds to a growing list of public statements from Sotomayor, including her earlier remarks on the need for judicial independence. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson have also recently defended the judiciary’s role amid increasing criticism from the Trump administration.

DOGE could speed up layoffs: Report

A sweeping automation initiative backed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) may soon accelerate the pace of job cuts across U.S. federal agencies, according to Reuters on Thursday.

The rollout of a revamped software tool to identify redundant positions is moving ahead amid Elon Musk‘s apparent step back from his day-to-day role in DOGE, citing a need to refocus on Tesla and his private ventures.

DOGE, created in January by executive order from President Donald Trump, is not a formal Cabinet-level department but an advisory body. It was launched with a broad mandate to cut federal spending, shutter agencies, and streamline the government workforce by July 2026.

Musk, appointed as an unpaid special government employee, initially played a hands-on role directing strategy and technology priorities. In April, he said his weekly commitment to DOGE would drop to one or two days from May.

One of DOGE’s more prominent current efforts is the development and deployment of AutoRIF, an automation tool that replaces manual review processes in government layoffs.

Read in full from Dan Cody on Newsweek.

Trump’s much-teased big announcement is his Medicare drug pricing plan: Report

The “earth-shattering” announcement that Donald Trump teased during a White House event earlier this week is his plan to cut Medicare drug prices, CBS News reports.

Trump hopes to revive an order, from his first term, that would have required Medicare to pay the same low prices for drugs that they do in most other countries.

Court orders from the drug industry blocked the proposal in Trump’s first term and the Biden administration later revoked it, amid pressure from hospitals and drug companies, blaming the court orders.

White House economic adviser expresses optimism ahead of China trade talks

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett shared a cautiously optimistic outlook on upcoming trade negotiations with China, following a meeting in Switzerland. Speaking to CNBC on Friday, Hassett highlighted the respect and collegiality shown by both sides, calling the developments promising.

While he remained tight-lipped on specific outcomes, he indicated that the ongoing talks reflect positive progress toward resolving trade issues.

When asked about President Trump’s recent social media post suggesting an 80% tariff rate on China, Hassett declined to provide further details, stating that the full picture would become clear after upcoming discussions.

He confirmed that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer would approach the talks with an open mind, but added that no announcements would be made until after the negotiations are concluded.

Trump to announce plan to lower prescription drug costs through international pricing model

Trump is set to announce a plan to reduce U.S. prescription drug prices by linking the amount the government pays for certain medications to prices paid in other countries, NBC News reported. This strategy, which Trump pursued during his first term but was blocked by a court ruling, will be introduced through an executive order next week.

The order will direct federal health officials to adopt a “most favored nation” pricing model for some drugs covered by Medicare, meaning the U.S. would pay no more than the lowest prices paid by other wealthy countries. The plan, which focuses on Medicare Part B drugs, such as chemotherapy medications, was initially proposed in 2020 but was halted after a lawsuit from the pharmaceutical industry. The Trump administration estimated the policy could save taxpayers more than $85 billion over seven years.

Experts have expressed support for the approach, citing high drug prices in the U.S. compared to other nations. However, concerns remain about pushback from the pharmaceutical industry, which has previously challenged similar policies. Despite these hurdles, the proposal has gained traction among health policy experts and has public support, though it remains unclear whether it will be successful this time around.

Human rights groups suing to demand release of deportees from El Salvador prison

International human rights organizations on Friday filed a lawsuit asking for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to order El Salvador to release Venezuelans deported from the U.S.

More than 200 Venezuelans, that the Trump administration allege have ties to a criminal gang, were deported to the central American nation in March where they are being held in supermax prison CECOT.

“These individuals have been stripped from their families and subject to a state-sponsored enforced disappearance regime, effectively, completely against the law,” said Bella Mosselmans, director of the Global Strategic Litigation Council, which helped bring the suit, told AP. “We’re hoping that this case might help put pressure on El Salvador to put basic guardrails in place.”

A spokesperson for Bukele’s office declined to comment to AP Friday.

Woman spits on failed Trump nominee Ed Martin during TV interview

A woman was filmed spitting on Donald Trump‘s former pick for Prosecutor for the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., Ed Martin, while he was participating in a TV interview.

Newsweek contacted Martin via X and the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department by email to comment on this story.

On Thursday, Trump rescinded Martin’s nomination as Washington’s top prosecutor after Republican North Carolina senator Thom Tillis said he would not support him, meaning it became clear Martin would not get enough Senate votes to advance.

Read the full story by Kate Plummer on Newsweek.

Democrats say Trump failing to lead on Gaza crisis

A group of senior Senate Democrats is criticizing Trump for what they call a failure to provide “critically needed leadership” as violence escalates in Gaza following a collapsed ceasefire. The lawmakers expressed their concerns in a letter obtained by The Associated Press Thursday night.

In the letter, the Democrats rejected a new proposal involving U.S. security contractors as part of a future aid strategy, calling it “not viable.” They also warned that an Israeli plan for long-term control of Gaza would undermine Trump’s stated goals of securing a permanent resolution to the Israeli-Hamas conflict and strengthening Israeli security.

WATCH: Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin seen together on Russia’s Victory Day celebrations

NYC Mayor Eric Adams to meet with Trump after corruption case dropped

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said he plans to meet with Trump in Washington on Friday to discuss the city’s priorities, though he offered few specifics ahead of the meeting.

The visit comes just weeks after a federal judge granted a Justice Department request to dismiss a corruption case against Adams. He had faced charges stemming from accusations that he accepted unlawful campaign donations and travel perks from Turkish officials in exchange for political favors, including helping Turkey open a diplomatic site that hadn’t cleared fire inspections. Adams denied the allegations and had pleaded not guilty.

The Trump administration ultimately dropped the case, reportedly to allow Adams to work more closely with the president on immigration issues.

Pentagon to remove transgender troops under new directive following Supreme Court ruling

The Pentagon announced Thursday it will begin removing up to 1,000 openly transgender service members from the military and will give others 30 days to self-identify, following a recent Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump administration to enforce its ban.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued the directive hours after the court ruling, signaling a swift shift in policy. The Defense Department will also review medical records to identify individuals who have not openly disclosed their gender identity.

Hegseth made his position clear both in an internal memo and publicly. “No More Trans @ DoD,” he wrote on X, later telling a special operations conference in Tampa that the department is moving away from what he called “wokeness and weakness.”

The move has already drawn criticism from advocacy groups and lawmakers who argue it targets individuals solely based on identity, potentially affecting military readiness and morale.

Woman spits on failed Trump nominee Ed Martin during TV interview

A woman was filmed spitting on Donald Trump‘s former pick for Prosecutor for the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., Ed Martin, while he was participating in a TV interview.

On Thursday, Trump rescinded Martin’s nomination as Washington’s top prosecutor after Republican North Carolina senator Thom Tillis said he would not support him, meaning it became clear Martin would not get enough Senate votes to advance. Tillis was concerned that Martin previously provided legal representation to defendants charged with crimes related to the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Martin has also courted criticism more generally and in April apologized for praising a Jan. 6 rioter who posted photos of himself dressed as Adolf Hitler.

In the video, Martin was seen speaking to a reporter on Newsmax‘s The Chris Salcedo Show when an unknown woman walking a dog approached, shouting at him out of view of the camera.

Read in full from Kate Plummer on Newsweek.

Denmark PM says espionage against ally unacceptable after U.S. Greenland report

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen condemned recent reports suggesting U.S. intelligence efforts focused on Greenland, a Danish territory, calling it unacceptable to spy against an ally. Her comments followed a Wall Street Journal report that U.S. officials had directed intelligence agencies to investigate Greenland’s independence movement and public sentiment toward U.S. resource extraction.

The dispute between Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. intensified after President Donald Trump expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, a mineral-rich Arctic island, despite Denmark and Greenland’s insistence that it is not for sale. Tensions grew further when the U.S. allegedly ramped up intelligence activities on the island.

Frederiksen emphasized the importance of security cooperation in the Northern Hemisphere, asserting that “you cannot spy against an ally.” Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also condemned the alleged espionage, calling it disrespectful. Meanwhile, Finnish President Alexander Stubb voiced concerns about the pressure Denmark and Greenland are facing.

In response to the espionage allegations, U.S. officials, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, denied the reports and criticized the leak of classified information, with Gabbard calling it criminal. Despite the ongoing tensions, the sovereignty of Greenland, as part of the Kingdom of Denmark, remains central in the international discourse on the island’s future.

Former SCOTUS Justice David Souter has died

The Supreme Court has said that former Justice David Souter has died at 85.

Trump open to higher tax rates on the rich to help workers

Trump has expressed openness to raising taxes on the wealthy to benefit lower and middle-income workers, as part of his push for a significant tax and spending bill.

On his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that while a small tax increase on the rich could be acceptable to help workers, he warned that such a move could face strong opposition from Democrats, referencing former President George H. W. Bush’s “no new taxes” promise, which ultimately hurt his political career.

Trump appoints Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C.

Trump announced Thursday that he has appointed Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. This follows the withdrawal of his previous pick, conservative activist Ed Martin Jr., after a key Republican senator expressed opposition due to Martin’s defense of the Capitol rioters on January 6, 2021.

Pirro, a former county prosecutor and elected judge in New York, has been a prominent figure at Fox News since 2006, cohosting the network’s show “The Five.” She previously served as Westchester County’s district attorney for three terms and was elected a judge in 1990.

While Trump did not confirm whether Pirro would be nominated for the position permanently, she will temporarily lead the largest U.S. Attorney’s office in the country.

Trump fires Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden

Trump fired Carla Hayden as Librarian of Congress on Thursday evening, marking the latest move in his administration’s ongoing purge of federal officials perceived to oppose his agenda.

Hayden, who was confirmed to the position in 2016, was the first woman and the first African American to serve in the role. Her firing came via an email from the White House’s Presidential Personnel Office, notifying her that her position was terminated effective immediately.

Zelenskyy discusses peace efforts with Trump on Victory Day

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a “good conversation” with Trump on Friday, during which they marked Victory Day and discussed the path toward peace in Ukraine.

Zelensky briefed Trump on the current situation on the battlefield and reiterated Ukraine’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which he said could start immediately. He urged Russia to support this initiative, emphasizing Ukraine’s readiness to engage in talks “in any format.” However, he made it clear that Russia must demonstrate its commitment by declaring a full, unconditional ceasefire.

Trump confirmed his support for ending the war and expressed a desire to assist in peace efforts, according to Zelensky. Both leaders agreed to maintain communication as they continue to explore ways to resolve the ongoing conflict.

Donald Trump calls Biden’s Digital Equity Act ‘racist’

President Donald Trump has attacked a law aimed at expanding high-speed internet access, calling it “racist” and “totally unconstitutional.”

Writing on Truth Social on Thursday, he said: “I have spoken with my wonderful Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, and we agree that the Biden/Harris so-called ‘Digital Equity Act’ is totally UNCONSTITUTIONAL. No more woke handouts based on race!

“The Digital Equity Program is a RACIST and ILLEGAL $2.5 BILLION DOLLAR giveaway. I am ending this IMMEDIATELY, and saving Taxpayers BILLIONS OF DOLLARS!”

Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment outside regular business hours.

Read the full story by Khaleda Rahman on Newsweek.

Trump floats cutting tariffs on China ahead of trade talks

On Friday, Trump floated the idea of cutting tariffs on China to 80% ahead of an important meeting between U.S. and Chinese officials.

This comes as the two nations prepare for high-level talks in Geneva over the weekend, marking the first major discussions since the escalation of the trade war.

Majority of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of higher education, poll finds

A new AP-NORC poll shows that 56% of U.S. adults disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of colleges and universities, even as his administration increases pressure on elite schools. Just 4 in 10 approve, aligning with his overall job ratings.

The Trump administration has frozen funding, challenged tax-exempt status, and demanded policy changes at universities like Harvard, Columbia, and Penn, citing issues like antisemitism and liberal bias. Critics say the moves threaten academic freedom and constitutional norms, while Trump allies support the crackdown.

The poll also finds broad bipartisan concern over rising tuition costs, while views on federal funding cuts and campus free speech remain deeply divided along political and educational lines.

Danish prime minister says allies should not spy on each other amid U.S.-Greenland tensions

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Friday that “you cannot spy against an ally,” following a report that U.S. intelligence officials are increasing efforts to gather information on Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, per The Associated Press.

Frederiksen’s comments come amid growing tensions over Trump’s interest in acquiring the Arctic island, which both Denmark and Greenland say is not for sale. The Wall Street Journal reported that senior U.S. intelligence leaders, under Director Tulsi Gabbard, instructed agencies to probe Greenland’s independence movement and local sentiment about American resource extraction.

Denmark summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen, Jennifer Hall Godfrey, for an explanation Thursday. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen called the reported espionage “unacceptable.”

Gabbard dismissed the report, accusing the Journal of aiding “deep state actors” and threatening legal action against those leaking classified information.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also weighed in Friday, saying Greenland is not “terra nullius” and remains firmly under Danish sovereignty.

RFK Jr trashes ‘absurd attacks on Casey Means amid MAGA backlash

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted a fiery statement in defense of Casey Means, who has been nominated for U.S. surgeon general, amid widespread backlash that has included at least two prominent MAGA figures.

“The absurd attacks on Casey Means reveal just how far off course our healthcare conversations have veered,” the health secretary began a lengthy statement on X, formerly Twitter.

Newsweek has contacted the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for comment via email.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means, a wellness advocate and social media influencer with close ties to Kennedy, for U.S. surgeon general after withdrawing his initial pick, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, from Senate consideration.

Trump wrote on Truth Social that Means had “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials,” referencing the Make America Healthy Again movement. He added, “Her academic achievements, together with her life’s work, are absolutely outstanding.”

Means holds a medical degree from Stanford, but her Oregon medical license has been inactive since 2019, which has sparked criticism of her nomination.

Read the full story by Jordan King on Newsweek.