Key Events (10)
Trump filed a libel lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch over an article alleging he sent Jeffrey Epstein a 'bawdy' birthday note with a sketch of a naked woman. Trump denies writing the letter and calls it a 'fake,' demanding the publication retract the story.
Trump requested that Attorney General Pam Bondi seek release of Epstein grand jury transcripts from the sex-trafficking case. The move comes as Trump faces scrutiny over his long-standing friendship with Epstein and allegations about his involvement in the case.
Trump signed an executive order creating a new federal worker classification called 'Schedule G' that would allow the president to hire and fire federal employees at will as political appointees. This measure represents a significant expansion of presidential control over the civil service.
House Republicans passed Trump's proposed budget containing significant cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting programs. The measure heads to the president's desk after a party-line vote that was delayed by the Epstein controversy.
The Trump administration announced plans to destroy nearly $10 million worth of contraceptives intended for women overseas as part of shuttering USAID operations, at a cost of $167,000 to U.S. taxpayers.
Native American universities and colleges warned they face closure if Trump's proposed 2026 budget cuts pass, with Indigenous leaders expressing alarm over potential defunding that could devastate higher education institutions serving tribal communities.
PBS and public broadcasters condemned Trump's proposed budget cuts as 'devastating,' warning that smaller outlets could face total closure. The PBS chief stated the cuts 'go against the will of the American people.'
Trump criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell as 'a numbskull' who 'makes it difficult for people to buy a house,' accusing Powell of preventing the central bank from lowering interest rates.
Trump gave a New York attorney a new title after judges rejected his previous appointment, allowing him to retain the same powers with no time limit. The move circumvents judicial oversight of the original appointment.
CBS announced the cancellation of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' to end in 2026. The decision came days after Colbert criticized the network's parent company for settling a lawsuit with Trump, which he called a 'bribe.'
Executive Orders (1)
Executive order creating a new federal worker classification called 'Schedule G' that allows the president to hire and fire federal employees at will as political appointees, significantly expanding presidential control over the civil service.
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