Key Events (10)
King Charles III addressed a joint session of Congress during a state visit to the United States, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. In his measured speech, he praised NATO and urged defense of Ukraine while making subtle implicit rebukes to Trump's policies on Britain and checks and balances.
Cole Tomas Allen was charged with three federal crimes, including attempted assassination of President Trump, following a shooting at the White House correspondents' dinner. The incident has sparked discussions about political violence and media scrutiny of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel's recent jokes.
The Justice Department indicted former FBI Director James Comey over an Instagram post featuring seashells that prosecutors allege was a threat to President Trump, while Comey maintains his innocence. The case has drawn significant scrutiny as part of ongoing tensions between Trump and his former intelligence official.
The FCC ordered a review of ABC's broadcast licenses following Trump administration complaints over Jimmy Kimmel's joke about Melania Trump made days before the press dinner shooting. The Trumps called for Kimmel to be fired, prompting national debate over media freedom and presidential interference.
The United Arab Emirates announced it would withdraw from OPEC effective May 1, marking a significant shift in the oil cartel's structure after Trump's repeated criticism of the organization for inflating oil prices. Meanwhile, U.S. gas prices surged to their highest level in four years, averaging $4.18 per gallon amid disruptions in Middle East oil supplies.
The Trump administration announced the issuance of limited-edition 'America250' passports featuring the president's portrait inside the cover alongside Declaration of Independence text and flag motifs, to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary in July.
The Trump administration blocked U.S. wind energy projects as part of a shift toward oil and gas development, continuing efforts opposed by some Democratic lawmakers. However, experts report that U.S. renewable energy generation—including solar and wind—exceeded natural gas for the first time last month despite administration policies.
David Brat, a former Republican congressman and Ayn Rand expert, was named as U.S. ambassador to Australia, filling a position that had been vacant for 17 months. Brat previously represented Virginia in the House of Representatives for two terms.
Thousands of Americans are renouncing their U.S. citizenship, citing concerns over authoritarian governance and political violence. The process of renouncing citizenship takes over a year and costs thousands of dollars, but individuals report feeling they have no other choice.
Vice President JD Vance faces a complex challenge as he assumes a potential leading role in negotiations to end the U.S. war in Iran—a conflict he previously opposed. The shift highlights internal tensions within the administration over foreign policy direction.