Key Events (10)
The Trump administration froze $2.1 billion in federal funds for Chicago transit projects, with OMB director Russ Vought framing the move as action against diversity efforts in the Democratic-led city. The pause occurred amid broader budget cuts during the ongoing government shutdown.
The Trump administration claimed the United States is in 'armed conflict' with drug cartels to justify recent military strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats. Pentagon chief Hegseth reported that a recent strike killed four people on a boat allegedly carrying 'substantial amounts' of drugs.
Egypt's foreign minister urged Hamas to accept President Trump's Gaza peace plan and disarm, as Trump set a Sunday deadline for the militant group to respond. Hamas reportedly remained divided on how to respond to the proposal.
Apple removed IceBlock and similar immigration alert apps from its App Store following pressure from the Trump administration, citing 'safety risks.' These apps had allowed users to report ICE activity in their areas.
RFK Jr. fired a top NIH scientist weeks after she filed a whistleblower complaint reportedly involving the Trump administration's hostility toward vaccines. Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo's dismissal occurred shortly after her complaint was filed.
A government shutdown continues as Democratic and Republican funding proposals both failed to reach the 60-vote threshold in the Senate. The Trump administration continued using the shutdown to justify canceling billions of dollars in federal funding for projects tied to Democratic initiatives.
The Trump administration announced plans to mint a $1 commemorative coin bearing President Trump's face to honor the 250th birthday of the United States. The Treasury is moving forward with the commemorative coin design.
Journalist Mario Guevara, an Emmy-winning Salvadoran reporter, was deported to El Salvador after 100 days in ICE custody. Guevara was arrested while covering a 'No Kings Day' protest.
Economic experts warned that the United States is 'flying blind' at a critical moment for the economy, as no jobs data has been released during the government shutdown. Trump administration officials have so far declined to publish closely-watched jobs data that was collected before the shutdown began.
A Republican bill introduced in Congress proposes mandatory 10-year prison sentences for migrants who re-enter the United States illegally. Critics contend the measure is a 'mass incarceration bill' that imposes harsh penalties for a non-violent offense.