Friday, 16 May 2025

The Trump administration fired nearly 600 contractors at Voice of America, representing over a third of the media organization's staff. Some workers now face deportation as their visas are linked to their employment.

The Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration's attempt to resume mass deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, rejecting an emergency appeal to quickly deport Venezuelans with two justices dissenting.

Trump agreed to a major deal with the UAE to build the largest artificial intelligence campus outside the United States, though the agreement raised concerns about potential Chinese access to advanced AI chips.

Trump announced that the US will unilaterally set new tariff rates for numerous countries, with letters revealing the rates to be sent out within weeks, citing Washington's lack of capacity for individual trade negotiations.

Trump acknowledged that people in Gaza are starving and stated the US will 'take care of' the situation on the final day of his Gulf tour in Abu Dhabi, as Israeli airstrikes killed more than 100 people.

Former FBI Director James Comey deleted an Instagram post featuring seashells arranged in '8647' formation after Republicans claimed the arrangement was code for assassination and sparked an investigation.

House Republicans blocked Trump's spending bill centered on tax cuts and funding for deportations, with right-wing lawmakers arguing it did not make enough cuts to federal spending.

The Pentagon announced plans to remove military members who openly identify as transgender, with military commanders to be ordered to oust trans troops via medical checks.

The Trump administration is planning a military parade in Washington on June 14 (the Army's 250th anniversary and Trump's 79th birthday) that could cost up to $45 million and involve 6,600 soldiers, hundreds of vehicles, and tanks.

The Trump Justice Department is considering a non-prosecution agreement with Boeing that would allow the aircraft manufacturer to avoid criminal prosecution over defects in the 737 Max that led to deadly crashes.