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A Democratic lawmaker became overwhelmed with emotion as she opened her town hall in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, on Thursday night.
"You got me crying already," Rep. Madeleine Dean told the crowded hall of more than 500 constituents as she wiped away tears after taking the stage. "Pay no attention to the tears, my sister knows I'm a crier."
Dean, of Pennsylvania's 4th Congressional District, told voters she was moved by the incredible turnout as she blasted President Donald Trump's first 88 days in office, calling it "a test of our Democracy."
"These are not normal times," Dean said. "You know it, that's why you are here. That's why it brought tears to my eyes to see you all in line."
What to Know:
- Dean said that since Trump's inauguration in January, her office had fielded more than 10,000 calls from "worried" and "scared" constituents.
- The Democrat House member delivered a fiery speech Thursday criticizing the Trump administration on its changing tariffs, SignalGate, for "indiscriminate" firing of federal workers and more.
- Democrats and Republicans alike have faced a number of confrontational town hall events in recent months as voters voice their growing frustrations over Trump's policies, Elon Musk's sweeping federal cuts, as well as Democrat leadership's lack of pushback.
- Republican leaders have even encouraged GOP lawmakers to avoid town halls or hold virtual sessions after many lawmakers were booed and heckled.
- However, the crowd appeared to be on Dean's side at Thursday's event, offering loud applause to many key moments of her speech.
Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Rep. Dean brands Trump administration 'Orwellian'
Rep. Madeleine Dean branded the Trump administration "Orwellian" over its "lies" and alleged mistruths.
"It's simply the truth versus lies," Dean said. "It's Orwellian to me," she added, referring to George Orwell's novel 1984. "We are back living these Orwellian themes."
The Democrat House member said that President Trump and his officials were "trying to convince us that the sky is green and the grass is blue" over the deportation of Maryland father Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and the ensuing legal battle.
She pointed to the Supreme Court decision on Abrego Garcia - which supported the lower court ruling and ordered the administration to facilitate his return - and which United States Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller had held up in an Oval Office meeting and falsely claimed had ruled in the government's favor.
"Lies told in the Oval Office are beyond the pale," she added.
'These are not normal times,' Dean tells voters as she lays into Trump's first 88 days in office
Rep. Madeleine Dean told the crowded hall of constituents that "what we're living through is literally a test of our Democracy."
Dean, of Pennsylvania's 4th Congressional District, was discussing President Donald Trump's first 88 days in office, which she said had caused more than 10,000 calls to her office since January 20 from worried and scared constituents.
"These are not normal times," Dean said. "You know it, that's why you are here. That's why it brought tears to my eyes to see you all in line.
"You see a glimpse of the incompetence the lawlessness, the uncertainty of this administration. In just 11 weeks, President Trump has managed to lose this country 11 trillion dollars in wealth.
"In 88 days he has issued more than 200 executive orders.. firing federal workers indiscriminately then having to rehire them because they didn't know what they were doing... targeting judges, journalists, law firms, media outlets. Attacking social security an effort led by Elon Musk who called social security the biggest Ponzi scheme of all," she continued.
"This is not normal, but from our point of view, it's also not popular."
More than 500 people turn out to Rep. Dean's town hall
More than 500 people attended Rep. Madeleine Dean's Thursday town hall.
Town hall events across the country have been gathering bigger crowds than normal, as well as attracting a number of protesters, as voters voice their growing frustrations over Trump's policies, Elon Musk's sweeping federal cuts, as well as Democrat leadership's lack of pushback.
Rep. Dean say there is 'no room for violence in this country' after Shapiro attack
Rep. Madeleine Dean told her Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, town hall that "there is no room violence in this country" after the arson attack on the home of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
"This is a difficult week for so many reasons," she said. "I know all of you are very mindful of the attack on the governor, on the governor's resident, on his family. "This could have killed the governor and his family.
"I'm also mindful of another school shooting," she added, referring to the mass shooting at FSU on Thursday.
Addressing the crowd of more than 500, she told her constituents that, "it's citizens like you who let me know we're going to turn all this around."
Democrat lawmaker opens town hall in tears
Democratic lawmaker became overwhelmed with emotion as she opened her town hall in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, on Thursday night.
"You got me crying already," Rep. Madeleine Dean told the crowded hall of constituents as she wiped away tears after taking the stage.
"Pay not attention to the tears, my sister knows I'm a crier."
Trump will delay TikTok deal amid new tariffs talks with China
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that China has broken the stalemate and reached out to talk amid the escalating trade war between the U.S. and Beijing.
Trump told reporters on Thursday that the new talks will delay a deal he had in the works for TikTok which must divest from its Chinese parent company ByteDance by June 19, or face a national ban.
"We have a deal for TikTok but it'll be subject to China, so we'll just delay the dal until this thing works out one way or the other," Trump said. He added that the U.S. and China would need to spend just "five minutes" discussing the app during the tariff negotiations.
Trump has repeatedly said he was ready to make a deal with China but said that Beijing would have to make the first move. Now officials have reached out, according to the president, who said U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods might not go higher and may even go lower.
Trump has previously said he has "a lot of potential buyers" lined up for TikTok, reportedly including Amazon. However, it is still not clear whether ByteDance will sell.
Luigi Mangione hit with federal charges, putting death penalty on the table
Luigi Mangione was indicted Thursday on a federal murder charge in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a key step that allows prosecutors to pursue the death penalty. The indictment, returned by a grand jury in Manhattan federal court, also includes two counts of stalking and a firearms charge.
Newsweek has reached out to Mangione's lawyer on Thursday evening for comment.
It remains unclear when the 26-year-old Mangione will be arraigned. A spokesperson for his legal team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mangione, an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family, also faces separate state murder charges. He is accused of shooting Thompson, 50, in the back outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4 as the executive arrived for UnitedHealthcare's annual investor conference.
AP and Trump administration face off in court over presidential access
Associated Press and the Trump administration returned to court Thursday in a legal battle over presidential press access.
Lawyers for AP have requested that the U.S. Court of Appeals rule in support of last week's lower court order that the administration stop excluding AP from events in places like the Oval Office and Air Force One. It's not clear when a ruling may come.
Trump kicked AP reporters and photographers off the White House press pool after he objected to the outlet's decision not to rename the Gulf of Mexico.
U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden had agreed with AP that they should not be excluded just because the president disagrees with them, and ruled they should be reinstated.
However, the Trump administration then announced it was axing the news agency seat, in favor of another print media seat that would include them on rotation.
AP says the White House is continuing to bar its journalists but Trump's legal team claims that AP simply have not come up on the new rotation yet.
Republican judge issues warning to Trump in judicial rebuke—'Lawlessness'
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected on Thursday an effort by President Donald Trump's administration to halt next steps in an ongoing legal saga involving the erroneous deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador.
In the 7-page ruling, Judge Harvie Wilkinson, a Republican appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, warned that the administration's actions appear lawless. The ruling was unanimous from a three-judge panel.
"The Executive will lose much from a public perception of its lawlessness and all of its attendant contagions," Wilkinson wrote. "The Executive may succeed for a time in weakening the courts, but over time history will script the tragic gap between what was and all that might have been, and law in time will sign its epitaph."
Wilkinson's ruling centers on the government's deportation of Abrego Garcia, whom the Trump administration insists on labeling as a member of the MS-13 gang. Despite that accusation, Wilkinson noted, "he is still entitled to due process."
Trump adviser suggests critics of deportations are committing a crime
White House Senior Director for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka implied in an interview that people who support bringing Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the United States from El Salvador may be "aiding and abetting" criminals.
Abrego Garcia, 29, a Salvadoran man from Maryland, was picked up by U.S. authorities on March 12 in Baltimore and deported. He has no criminal record and is not affiliated with gangs like MS-13, according to his family and attorneys.
On Tuesday, Gorka said on Newsmax's Rob Schmitt Tonight that Abrego Garcia's deportation was necessary under a "three strikes" system because he's an "illegal" foreign national and gang member.
"I came up with this over a year ago when I had my show on Newsmax, and I realized that the taxonomy of politics in America is dead," Gorka said. "It's not left and right. It's not Republican or Democrat. There's a line that divides us. Do you love America, or do you hate America?
"We have people who love America, like the president, like his cabinet, like the directors of his agencies who want to protect Americans. And then there is the other side that is on the side of the cartel members, the side of the illegal aliens, on the side of the terrorists."
Gorka added: "You have to ask yourself, are they technically aiding and abetting them? Because aiding and abetting criminals and terrorists is a crime in federal statute."
Trump says China has reached out to discuss the trade war
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that China has broken the stalemate and reached out to talk amid the escalating trade war between the U.S. and Beijing.
Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping's tit-for-tat tariff conflict has seen the U.S. impose 245 percent tariffs on certain Chinese imports, while China introduced duties of up to 125 percent on American goods.
China has also responded with other retaliatory measures including restricting exports of rare-earth minerals and opening antitrust probes into American companies.
Trump has repeatedly said he was ready to make a deal with China but said that Beijing would have to make the first move.
Now officials have reached out, according to the president, he said he would delay a deal on TikTok until the trade issue with China is worked out. He told reporters U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods might not go higher and may even go lower.
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Judge denies restraining order to protect 7 international students whose lawful status was revoked
A U.S. District Court judge has denied a request for a temporary restraining order to protect seven international students whose lawful status was revoked without warning, according to lawsuit from ACLU Indiana.
House oversight committee launch probe into Harvard University
Chair of the House Oversight Committee, James Comer, and Elise Stefanik, Chair of the House Republican leadership, have launched an investigation into Harvard University.
In a letter to Harvard University President Alan Garber, the lawmakers accused the Ivy League school of a "lack of compliance with civil rights laws".
It directs them to provide documents regarding the school's hiring, admissions and diversity, equity and inclusion.
The investigation follows Harvard's refusal to comply with the Trump administrations demands, that would include stopping all DEI practices and giving government oversight over the private university's hiring processes.
Trump officials have already blocked federal funding to the school and are looking at halting its tax exemption status unless Harvard capitulates.
Garber said, in a letter to the Harvard community, that the school would not "surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights."
OPINION: Trump's attack on our courts threatens every American
Our country faces a constitutional crisis that should alarm every American.
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has launched an unprecedented assault on our judicial system—ignoring his oath to protect the Constitution, trampling on our system of checks and balances, and attacking our fundamental freedoms.
If a president can ignore or intimidate judges who rule against him, the rights of everyday Americans are no longer guaranteed.
The warning signs are flashing red. Vice President JD Vance boldly declared that "judges aren't allowed to control the executive's legitimate power." Elon Musk exposed a judge's daughter's personal information after an unfavorable ruling. When Judge James Boasberg ruled against the administration's mass deportation plan, he faced impeachment threats and what he described as "possible defiance" of a lawful court order.
Donald Trump makes 'one-of-a-find' agreement with his new neighbors
A home near President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate has sold for $14 million—complete with a rare privilege: guest access to the former president's private club.
The six-bedroom property is part of the only street on Palm Beach with a unique agreement that allows homeowners to apply for access to The Mar-a-Lago Club without paying the typical initiation fee, which can reach up to $1 million.
"This is the only street on the island that holds this declaration-of-use agreement with Trump, making it truly one of a kind," read the listing from Douglas Elliman Real Estate, as reported by the Palm Beach Daily News.
The buyer, linked to Boca Raton-based Beverly LLC, secured the deal in a market that has become emblematic of Florida's pandemic-era boom.
From 2020 to 2022, Palm Beach's home values surged, doubling and even tripling in some cases, with total sales hitting a record $5 billion in 2021 alone, according to Palm Beach Daily News.
Kamala Harris' hold on 2028 nomination is slipping: Poll
Former Vice President Kamala Harris' hold on the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination is slipping, according to a new poll.
Newsweek reached out to Harris's team for comment via her online press contact form.
Despite her loss in the 2024 presidential race, Harris is viewed as a top contender for the 2028 election, which will likely see a crowded field of Democrats vying for the party's nomination. Harris hasn't said for sure she plans to run, and she is also speculated to be considering a run for California's governorship in 2026.
Proponents of a Harris 2028 run say she ran a good campaign despite difficult headwinds in 2024. They argue she significantly narrowed the gap compared to former President Joe Biden, who faced a flurry of bad polls after his debate against Trump that eventually led to his withdrawal from the race, in only a few months.
Others, however, argue that it's time for the party to embrace new leaders, and that her support for moderate Republicans, such as former Representative Liz Cheney, has cost the party among key voter groups.
Iran defends uranium enrichment as U.S. envoy sends mixed signals
Iran on Wednesday reaffirmed its right to enrich uranium and criticized the U.S. for inconsistent messaging ahead of renewed nuclear talks, following contradictory statements by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters that Iran's enrichment program is "non-negotiable," though the country is open to building trust around international concerns. He made the comments as state media reported Witkoff appeared to shift positions—first suggesting Iran could maintain low-level enrichment for civilian use, then calling for a complete end to the program.
"We have heard contradictory and conflicting positions," Araghchi said. "The real positions will be clarified at the negotiation table."
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei also criticized the U.S. on X, comparing the shift to "a professional foul" and warning it could derail diplomatic progress.
The second round of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran is set for Saturday.
Appeals court allows judge to probe Trump-era detention in El Salvador
A federal appeals court on Thursday rejected the Justice Department's attempt to block a judge from investigating whether the Trump administration violated court orders in the detention of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man held in a Salvadoran prison.
The three-judge panel denied the government's request, calling it "both extraordinary and premature." Judge Paula Xinis had sought to examine if U.S. officials ignored mandates to help secure Abrego Garcia's release.
Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III wrote that the government appeared to argue it could remove residents to foreign prisons without due process, a stance he called "shocking." He added that such actions defy core constitutional protections and threaten fundamental liberties.
The ruling allows Xinis to continue her inquiry into possible misconduct and the government's role in Garcia's continued detention abroad.
Trump threatens to fire Fed Chair Powell over interest rates
Trump said Thursday he could remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell if he wanted, renewing pressure on the central bank to cut interest rates and reigniting concerns about its political independence.
"If I want him out, he'll be out of there real fast, believe me," Trump said during an Oval Office appearance with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. He later posted online that "Powell's termination cannot come fast enough!"
The comments came a day after Powell said the Fed would keep its key interest rate steady as it monitors broader economic impacts, including those from Trump's tariffs. Powell emphasized that the Fed remains independent and would not be swayed by politics.
Trump's remarks follow rising tensions over interest rates and inflation, and come as the Supreme Court weighs a case that could make it easier for presidents to fire the heads of independent agencies. Powell, who was first appointed by Trump in 2017 and reappointed by President Biden, has insisted he cannot be removed without cause.
Trump's latest criticism coincides with concerns over his tariff policies, which the Fed says may increase inflation and slow the economy. Wall Street banks have raised recession risks, while consumer sentiment continues to dip.
France hosts high-level talks on Ukraine with U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials
Top officials from the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe gathered in Paris on Thursday for talks aimed at advancing peace efforts in Ukraine, marking the first such joint discussions since Trump returned to office.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff joined French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian officials, and European representatives for a series of meetings at the Élysée Palace. Macron brought the groups together for a final roundtable at the end of the day.
The talks come amid growing concern about Trump's approach to Russia and stalled U.S. efforts to negotiate a ceasefire. Rubio posted on X that the American side sought "practical solutions to end the Russia-Ukraine war," while State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said they were focused on stopping the bloodshed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed his team to push for ceasefire terms and security guarantees without compromising Ukraine's territorial integrity. Ukrainian officials said discussions also covered plans for a multinational peacekeeping presence and a long-term security framework.
The Paris meeting marks a shift from Trump's previous approach of negotiating separately with Ukraine and Russia. Experts say the joint format signals a recognition that European involvement is necessary to move talks forward.
The meeting came just hours after a deadly drone attack on Dnipro, adding urgency to the discussions. While Russia and Ukraine had agreed last month to pause strikes on energy infrastructure, both sides accuse each other of violations.
France also used the occasion to raise broader concerns with U.S. officials, including Trump's tariff policies and Middle East tensions.
Trump says U.S. and Ukraine could finalize minerals deal next week
Trump said Thursday that the United States and Ukraine are close to finalizing a minerals agreement, which could be signed as early as next week.
"We have a minerals deal which I guess is going to be signed on Thursday," Trump said in the Oval Office, later clarifying, "next Thursday, soon."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a "memorandum of intent" may be signed remotely today, but a full agreement is still in progress.
Treasury officials have been negotiating with a Ukrainian delegation visiting Washington this week. Sources familiar with the talks said the deal's details have shifted multiple times in recent weeks.
Supreme Court to hear arguments in May for Trump's birthright citizenship restrictions
The Supreme Court is set to hear the Trump administration's arguments for ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented migrants next month.
Trump's order was halted by three separate three district courts around the country.
The Trump administration is seeking to narrow those orders to allow for the policy to take effect in most parts of the country as the legal challenges play out in court.
The last time the Supreme Court ruled on the issue, 127 years ago, they ruled in favor of keeping birthright citizenship for anyone born in the U.S. regardless of their parents' immigration status.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case on May 15, with a decision expected by June or early July.
Trump official says US focused on negotiating trade with 15 countries: List
The United States is focusing on tariff negotiations with 15 key trading partners, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced during a press conference Wednesday with President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
"We're prioritizing negotiations with the 'big 15' economies," Bessent said. "We had a fantastic meeting with Japan yesterday, I believe there have been calls with the EU already, and then we have South Korea coming in next week. I believe India is also talking—that's moving very quickly."
The world's 15 largest economies, often referred to as the "Big 15," include the United States, China, Japan, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Brazil, Canada, Russia, South Korea, Australia, Spain and Mexico. These countries represent the most significant players in the global economy, accounting for the majority of international trade, investment, and GDP output.
Trump says Powell will face political pressure to cut rates
Trump said Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will be under political pressure to lower interest rates, suggesting that the central bank is not immune to outside influence.
"Powell is going to have a lot of political pressure," Trump said. "You know, they are political also and I think there's a lot of political pressure for him to lower interest rates."
Trump: Powell is going to have a lot of political pressure. You know, they are political also and I think there's a lot of political pressure for him to lower interest rates. pic.twitter.com/8pFU3GfzXE
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 17, 2025
Meloni says she wants to 'Make the West great again'
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni found plenty of common ground with President Trump during their meeting on Thursday.
Meloni told Trump that she wanted "to make the West great again."
"I know when I speak about West mainly, I don't speak about geographical space. I speak about a civilization, and I want to make that civilization stronger," she added.
She also criticized DEI and "woke ideology," two frequent targets of Trump and his administration, and said she agreed with his "war against illegal migration".
Jeffries says Supreme Court could hold Cabinet in contempt over deportation case
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said today that the Supreme Court may need to hold Trump administration Cabinet officials in contempt if they fail to comply with an order to help return a Maryland man wrongly deported to El Salvador.
According to CNN, Jeffries emphasized that the responsibility lies with officials tasked with carrying out the court's instructions. "It is going to involve Cabinet secretaries and other administration officials who are responsible for the actual execution of these orders or the non-compliance," he said.
The Supreme Court ruled last week that the administration must "facilitate" the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, but did not require his return to the U.S. outright. A federal judge in Maryland said she has seen no signs of compliance from the administration.
Jeffries declined to say whether the situation constitutes a constitutional crisis but warned, "The White House is seeking a confrontation with the courts," and added, "the courts need to lean into that."
White House expecting to hear from Putin 'shortly'
President Trump was asked how much longer he was willing to give Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to the ceasefire proposal, before the United States would impose sanctions or higher tariffs on Russia.
"We'll see what that will be well be hearing from them this week, very shortly actually," Trump responded.
Trump on Powell: 'If I want him out, he'll be out real fast'
President Trump again voiced his dissatisfaction with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, telling reporters, "I'm not happy with him."
When asked if he was trying to fire the Fed chief, Trump responded, "If I ask him to, he'll be out of there."
Powell, who was initially nominated by Trump in his first term, has previously indicated he won't step down if Trump asked him to. He told reporters back in November, that removal or demotion of Fed officials was "not permitted under the law."
However, Trump told reporters he had told Powell he wasn't happy with him as Fed chair but said that, "if I want him out, he'll be out of there real fast."
Meloni tells Trump, 'I'm sure we can make a deal'
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni appeared confident that she negotiate with Donald Trump on tariffs during their meeting at the White House on Thursday.
"I'm sure we can make a deal," she told Trump, in front of reporters at the White House. "I'm here to help with that."
Meloni said that while she was not authorized to make a trade deal on behalf of the European Union, she hoped to invite Trump to make an official visit to Italy to meet with other E.U. members for a meeting where they can "speak frankly" to find a middle ground.
"I believe in Western unity," she said. "And I believe we simply have to talk.
"I am here to find the best way to make us both stronger."
'I like her very much': Trump gushes over Italian PM
President Trump lavished praise on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as she became the first European leader to meet with him to discuss trade after he imposed his tariffs.
"I do like her very much," he told reporters in the White House of Meloni, who was sat across the table from him.
"I think she's a great prime minister and I think she's done a fantastic job in Italy.
"I knew she had great talent, she's one of the real leaders of the world.
"We have a good relationship, together and as countries," he added.
Trump says he's in 'no rush' to announce trade deals
President Donald Trump said he was in "no rush" to announce any deals he had made with other nations on trade.
Trump was asked by reporters, during his White House press conference with Italy's Giorgia Meloni, when he is expected to announce the first trade deals.
"At a certain point, we're not in any rush," he responded. "We're taking in a a lot of money. Which we've never done before.
"We're going to end up with a baseline of a substantial number which we never got anything the us never got anything until I came a long and put very substantial tariffs on China."
When asked who was at the top of his priority list to make a deal with, the president shrugged.
"Everybody," he said.
International students stunned as legal status revoked without warning
Hundreds of international students across the U.S. have suddenly lost their legal status, sparking panic on college campuses and a growing number of lawsuits. What began in early April as a few daily calls to immigration attorneys has surged into a wave of distress signals from students who say they were never told why their visas were terminated.
"It's coming fast and furious," said Boston-based immigration attorney Matthew Maiona, who's fielding several calls a day.
At least 1,024 students at 160 institutions have had their status revoked since late March, according to The Associated Press. The impacted students are largely from India and China, though no region appears to have been spared. Many have no criminal records, and some were reportedly targeted over minor infractions like traffic tickets.
Universities often learned of the terminations only after checking Homeland Security databases. In a break from past practice, the government appears to be revoking student visas directly, without warning or due process, attorneys say. In multiple cases, judges have temporarily restored students' legal status while lawsuits proceed.
The Department of Homeland Security and State Department have not commented. Advocacy groups estimate as many as 1,300 students could be affected.
Trump '100%' confident US will make a deal with EU before deadline
President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House, during his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Meloni, that he was "100 percent" certain that he'd make a deal with the European Union before the end of his 90-day pause on tariffs.
"Oh there will be a trade deal. 100 percent. Of course, there'll be a trade deal," Trump said on Thursday.
"They want to make one very much. And we're going to make a trade deal, I full expect it. But it will be a fair deal."
Trump says US will make 'very good deal' with China
President Donald Trump said that he believes the United States will make "a very good deal" with China, as he was asked why he doesn't simply pick up the phone and call Chinese president Xi Jinping.
"We're gonna make a deal. We'll have a deal," Trump said. "I think that you will see we'll make a very good deal with China."
Trump has often touted his good relationship with Xi. But the White House has made clear that they want China to make the first move when it comes to negotiating a deal on tariffs.
When asked if he was concerned that allies and trade partners could turn towards China due to tariffs, Trump brushed off the question.
"Nobody can compete with us," Trump said at the White House Thursday. "Nobody."
Trump says he's not worried about allies turning to China
Trump said Wednesday he isn't concerned about U.S. allies shifting toward China in response to his tariffs, telling reporters at the White House, "Nobody can compete with us. Nobody."
His remarks came as Chinese President Xi Jinping tours Southeast Asia, visiting Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia. While in Vietnam, Xi urged leaders to push back against "unilateral bullying," a comment widely seen as a swipe at U.S. policy.
Asked why he hasn't spoken directly with Xi, Trump said, "We're gonna make a deal. We'll have a deal." He added, "I think that you will see we'll make a very good deal with China."
Meloni says she's in Washington to support 'West unity'
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she is visiting Washington to support the unity of the West, during remarks alongside former President Donald Trump. When asked about her visit, Meloni replied, "I believe in West unity."
Trump added that Meloni also "believes in the president," to which she nodded in agreement and said, "We need to grow together, that's why I'm here."
The two leaders highlighted the strength of U.S.-Italy ties, with Trump announcing that a new trade deal between the countries is certain. "There will be a trade deal, 100%," he said. "But it will be a fair deal."
Google holds illegal monopolies in ad tech, rules judge
Google has illegally monopolized two markets for online advertising technology, a judge ruled on Thursday.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema found Google liable for "willfully acquiring and maintaining monopoly power" in both the publisher ad servers and ad exchanges markets, Reuters reports.
Publisher ad servers are platforms that store and manage ad inventory for websites, while ad exchanges markets sit between buyers and sellers.
The ruling opens the door to U.S. antitrust prosecutors seeking to breakup Google's advertising products.
Van Hollen blocked from visiting Salvadoran prison inmate
Senator Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, was stopped at a military checkpoint about a mile from El Salvador's CECOT prison on Thursday while trying to visit Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a man deported from the U.S. under disputed circumstances, The New York Times reported.
Van Hollen, who traveled to the country to meet with Abrego Garcia and raise concerns about his detention, was turned away by security forces after speaking with officials at the checkpoint. Attorneys representing Abrego Garcia were also present during the attempt to access the facility.
The senator's effort comes amid mounting legal and political pressure over the deportation. A federal court and the U.S. Supreme Court have ordered that Abrego Garcia be returned to the U.S. for proper proceedings. Despite this, El Salvador's vice president rejected Van Hollen's request to visit or speak with the detainee a day earlier.
Abrego Garcia is currently being held in CECOT, a maximum-security prison widely criticized for its conditions. His deportation has become a flashpoint in debates over due process and immigration policy.
Trump shakes hands with Italy's Meloni ahead of meeting
President Donald Trump is meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for a highly anticipated discussion on trade.
The world leaders were seen shaking hands as Meloni arrived at the White House at around noon on Thursday, ahead of their joint press conference set for 1 p.m. ET.
Meloni is the first European leader to meet face-to-face with Trump since he announced the 20 percent tariffs on all European Union exports on April 2. He has since announced a 90-day pause to allow countries time to negotiate.
Iran-US nuclear talks reach 'crucial' phase as Saudi defense minister visits Tehran
Talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear program have entered a "very crucial" stage, said International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi during a visit to Iran on Thursday. His remarks come ahead of a new round of negotiations set for Saturday in Rome, following initial meetings in Oman last weekend.
Grossi emphasized the IAEA's potential role in verifying any future deal and called for focus on achieving a diplomatic resolution. "There is a possibility of a good outcome," he told Iranian media. "We know we don't have much time. So this is why I'm here."
The visit coincided with that of Saudi Arabia's defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, who became the highest-ranking Saudi official to visit Tehran in decades. His arrival marks a new step in diplomatic relations following a 2023 China-brokered détente. The prince met with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss regional cooperation.
The dual visits highlight the growing stakes in the Middle East as tensions rise over Iran's nuclear capabilities and regional conflicts. Grossi acknowledged Iran has amassed enough enriched uranium for multiple bombs, though he noted the country is not yet at the point of assembling them.
Treasury Secretary cautions White House against trying to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell: Report
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has privately warned White House officials against trying to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Politico reports, citing sources close to the White House.
The sources reportedly cautioned that Powell being fired could further upset the global markets.
President Trump lashed has repeatedly criticized Powell, who was appointed during his first term, as the Fed chair has refused to cut interest rates amid the economic fallout to his tariffs.
"Powell's termination cannot come fast enough!" Trump said on Thursday.
Democrat blasts deportation case as 'watershed moment' on CNN as HHS cuts, gang deportations also draw scrutiny
On CNN News Central Thursday, Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) said her planned trip to El Salvador to visit deportee Kilmar Abrego Garcia is part of a broader push to spotlight what she called "a watershed moment in the road to fascism in this country."
Speaking with anchor John Berman, Ansari said her delegation aims to conduct a wellness check on Garcia and raise public pressure. "There is nothing that this administration wants more than to be able to brush this under the rug," she said.
Later in the program, anchor Kate Bolduan interviewed former Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius about proposed Trump administration cuts to the department's budget. Sebelius warned the plan could have "calamitous results" for public health, saying, "CDC is the backbone of public health. Slashing that budget by 40% will decimate health care in every community in America."
ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt also joined Bolduan to address legal concerns around the deportation of alleged gang members. He said the federal government has yet to release the full list of deportees, and warned that many of them may not have received due process.
Trump set to meet Italy's Meloni, seen as key partner on EU, immigration, Ukraine
Ahead of Trump's meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, senior administration officials said they view her as a key partner in working with the European Union on trade, immigration, and ending the war in Ukraine.
"President Trump won't simply focus on how Italy's marketplace can be opened up, but also how they can help us with the rest of Europe," one official said during a call previewing the visit. Another emphasized Meloni's alignment with Trump on several issues, calling her "a key force in Europe."
Trump and Meloni have maintained a positive relationship, and she was the only European leader invited to Trump's second inauguration. But Meloni is expected to challenge the president on trade and tariffs during the visit.
Officials say Trump is "taking this very seriously" and is prepared to negotiate. The meeting will also cover defense, shipping, Italy's role in the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, and expanded cooperation in energy and space.
Abrego Garcia's attorneys demand Trump administration reveal what they've done to facilitate return
Kilmar Abrego Garcia's legal team ask the Trump administration to provide documentation proving the steps they had taken to facilitate his return to the U.S., as ordered by the Supreme Court.
The attorneys also requested records showing the agreement and discussions between the U.S. and El Salvador, for the Central American country to hold Abrego Garcia and the other 200 deported migrants at the maximum security prison.
The legal team's requests came to light in a filing provided by the government as part of the discovery process ordered by Judge Paula Xinis.
President Trump and several key officials have refused to take steps to return Abrego Garcia, claiming he is a member of MS-13.
Hegseth presses France to boost defense spending in Pentagon meeting
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu on Thursday at the Pentagon, urging France to raise its defense spending and take a leading role in European security.
According to a readout from Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell, Hegseth emphasized the need for NATO allies to shoulder more responsibility for Europe's conventional defense. The two also discussed shared priorities, including efforts to secure lasting peace in Ukraine.
European Central Bank cuts interest rates amid trade tensions
The European Central Bank has cut interest rates for the 7th time since June amid concerns over global trade tensions and the economic fallout.
ECB President Christine Lagarde warned that "the major escalation in global trade tensions and the associated uncertainty will likely lower euro area growth by dampening exports."
"And it may drag down investment and consumption," she said.
Around 20 countries use the euro. Today's move will ease potential inflation and a slowing economy by making it easier for individuals and business to borrow and buy.
Schumer urges DOJ to investigate arson at Pennsylvania governor's home as possible hate crime
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is urging the Justice Department to investigate whether the arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence qualifies as a federal hate crime.
In a letter sent Thursday to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Schumer pointed to police records indicating the suspect, Cody Balmer, admitted to harboring hatred toward Shapiro, who is Jewish. Authorities have also searched Balmer's writings for references to Shapiro, Israel, Gaza, or the ongoing conflict in the region.
Schumer called the incident "deeply disturbing" and said it "warrants immediate and serious federal scrutiny." He added, "I appreciate your strong condemnation of the attack and urge you to ensure that the federal government does everything in its power to pursue justice and uphold the fundamental values of religious freedom and public safety."
White House says it has tech that can 'manipulate time and space'
A comment by White House science adviser Michael Kratsios has gone viral after a speech in which he claimed U.S. technology can "manipulate time and space," prompting online speculation.
The viral interpretation of Kratsios's comment reflects the growing impact of social media in framing public understanding of government messaging.
While the White House has not issued a formal clarification, the speech's wording suggests the phrase was metaphorical—intended to refer to the transformative nature of modern innovation, not literal manipulation of space-time, or the invention of time travel.
Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, made the remark during a policy address at the Endless Frontiers Retreat in Austin, Texas on April 14.
Talks between Iran and US over Tehran's nuclear program are 'in a very crucial' stage
The head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog said Thursday that negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear program have reached a critical point.
Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency, speaking in Tehran, said his agency would likely play a key role in verifying compliance if a deal is reached. Iran and the U.S. are expected to resume discussions Saturday in Rome, following an initial round of talks last weekend in Oman.
The talks come amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with the ongoing Israel-Hamas war adding urgency. President Trump has warned of possible airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities if diplomacy fails. Meanwhile, Iranian officials continue to suggest they may pursue nuclear weapons as their stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium grows.
ECB lowers rates again amid growing global trade turmoil
The European Central Bank lowered interest rates for the seventh time on Thursday in response to growing fears about slowing economic growth, driven in part by President Trump's escalating trade tariffs.
The rate cut is aimed at boosting economic activity across the 20 eurozone countries by making borrowing cheaper for businesses and consumers.
ECB President Christine Lagarde warned that heightened global trade tensions are creating uncertainty that could hurt exports, investment, and consumer spending in the region. "The major escalation in global trade tensions and the associated uncertainty will likely lower euro area growth," she said.
Fed official warns tariffs could raise inflation, slow growth
A top Federal Reserve official said tariffs are likely to push inflation higher and slow economic growth, reinforcing the central bank's cautious stance on cutting interest rates.
John C. Williams, president of the New York Fed, told Fox Business that the economy is expected to grow more slowly this year and that unemployment may tick up. He said the Fed must balance concerns about inflation with the risks of rising joblessness.
Tufts student denied bond amid visa revocation over op-ed
A Tufts University doctoral student from Turkey has been denied bond after three weeks in U.S. immigration detention, which her lawyers claim is retaliation for an op-ed she co-wrote supporting Palestinian rights.
Rumeysa Ozturk, 30, was picked up by ICE agents on March 25 in Somerville, Massachusetts. She was later moved to a detention center in Louisiana. Her attorneys say she's suffered multiple asthma attacks in custody and has had limited access to medical care and legal counsel.
An immigration judge denied her bond request Wednesday, citing her as a flight risk and danger to the community. The ruling relied on a one-paragraph memo from the State Department, which said Ozturk's visa was revoked over concerns she supported groups hostile to U.S. policy.
Ozturk's legal team is now urging a federal judge in Vermont to take control of the case and order her return to the state, where they say she can access better care and legal support. They argue her detention violates her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process.
Trump tariff strategy blasted as 'corrupt scheme' by Democrats
Democratic lawmakers are accusing Trump of using tariffs as a tool to reward political allies and potentially enrich administration officials. In a letter shared with CNBC, 47 House and Senate Democrats warned that the Trump administration's tariff rollouts appear "rife with opportunities to unduly influence" the president and his inner circle.
The effort, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Reps. Judy Chu and Linda Sánchez, questions whether the administration is turning tariff policy into a "corrupt scheme" that invites political favoritism and insider trading. The letter cites the recent exemption of electronics like smartphones, which benefited Apple—whose CEO has reportedly maintained close ties with Trump.
As the minority party, Democrats cannot force a response, but they're demanding answers from top economic officials by April 29 on what safeguards are in place to prevent abuse. They warn that the shifting nature of Trump's trade policies could open the door to self-dealing.
Homeland Security Department threatens to revoke Harvard's ability to host international students
The Department of Homeland Security is threatening to strip Harvard University of its ability to enroll international students unless the school complies with a demand to turn over detailed records by April 30.
The agency is requesting information on what it calls "illegal and violent activities" involving foreign students at the university. Harvard has not publicly responded to the latest ultimatum.
International students make up more than 27% of Harvard's student body. In addition to the threat to its visa program, the government also canceled two federal grants totaling $2.7 million.
The move marks a sharp escalation in the Trump administration's ongoing clash with Harvard, rooted in disputes over funding, diversity policies, and campus protests.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia GoFundMe reaches major milestone
A GoFundMe to help the family of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongly deported to a notorious El Salvador prison last month, has raised more than $200,000.
Abrego Garcia, 29, came to the U.S. illegally about 14 years ago, fleeing gang violence, his lawyers said. He later married a U.S. citizen and worked in construction to support her, their son and her two children from a previous relationship.
An immigration judge shielded him from deportation to El Salvador in 2019, ruling that he would likely face persecution there by local gangs. But despite the order, Abrego Garcia—who has no criminal record—was arrested in Baltimore on March 12 and sent to the Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT, in El Salvador.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials admitted to "an administrative error" in deporting him, but Trump administration officials have argued against bringing him back, alleging he has ties to the MS-13 gang. His family and attorneys have denied any gang ties.
The Supreme Court ordered the administration to "facilitate" Abrego Garcia's return to the U.S., but the White House has said the decision does not force them to retrieve him.
Texas House approves school choice programin major education shift
The Texas House voted early Thursday to approve a sweeping plan that would allow parents to use public funds to help cover private school tuition, marking a major victory for Gov. Greg Abbott and a turning point in the state's education policy.
The vote—85 to 63—followed hours of tense debate, with nearly all Democrats and a few Republicans opposing the bill. If fully approved, it would create one of the largest education savings account programs in the country, offering up to $10,000 annually per child for private school students.
Supporters, including Abbott and Trump, praised the move as a win for parental rights and education freedom. Critics, including educators and public school advocates, warned it could drain money from already underfunded public schools.
The proposal prioritizes students with disabilities and low-income families, though most Texans would be eligible. Undocumented students would be excluded. Lawmakers also approved a separate $8 billion boost for public schools.
The bill still faces additional steps before it lands on Abbott's desk, where he has promised to sign it swiftly.
Can Donald Trump fire Jerome Powell? What we know
Trump lashed out at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday, suggesting he should be removed over the Fed's handling of interest rates and criticism of Trump's trade policies.
Trump's post on Truth Social declared, "Powell's termination cannot come fast enough!" The outburst followed Powell's comments at the Economic Club of Chicago, where he warned that tariffs could push inflation higher and slow economic growth.
Though the Fed chair was originally nominated by Trump in 2017 and reappointed by former President Biden in 2022, Trump has increasingly criticized Powell for not cutting rates fast enough. He accused Powell of being "too late and wrong," citing lower oil and grocery prices as evidence that the economy can handle rate cuts.
Removing a Fed chair, however, is legally murky. The 1913 Federal Reserve Act protects the central bank from political interference, and past court rulings, like Humphrey's Executor v. United States, set a high bar for firing heads of independent agencies.
Powell's term ends in May 2026 and has signaled he will not step down voluntarily. Legal experts say any attempt to remove him would likely require proving misconduct or negligence and could trigger a lengthy legal battle, Barron's reported in November 2024, potentially shaking investor confidence in U.S. institutions.
While some analysts believe Trump's rhetoric is aimed more at influencing policy than initiating a real removal, Powell has remained firm. "Fed independence is very widely understood and supported in Washington," he said last year during an interview at the Economic Club of Chicago last year, per Axios.
Trump to review Pentagon plans for 'Iron Dome for America' missile defense
Defense officials are preparing to brief Trump on options for his proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense system, modeled after Israel's Iron Dome, NBC News reported. The goal is to protect the U.S. and potentially its global assets from a range of modern threats, including drones, cruise missiles, and nuclear weapons.
The Pentagon is expected to present three plans ranging from $10 billion to several hundred billion dollars, depending on scope and timeline. Some short-term options could be implemented quickly using existing systems like Patriot batteries, THAAD systems, and Aegis-equipped destroyers. Longer-term plans may involve building new land- and space-based defenses.
Trump ordered an initial blueprint for the project earlier this year, with a requirement that some elements be operational by the end of 2026. Experts say full implementation could take up to seven years.
The Golden Dome initiative mirrors Ronald Reagan's Cold War-era Strategic Defense Initiative but is considered more feasible due to advances in technology.
Trump administration halts construction on major New York wind project
On Wednesday, the Trump administration ordered a stop to construction on the Empire Wind project, a major offshore wind farm meant to power more than 500,000 homes in New York. The decision marks the latest in a string of actions by the administration targeting the renewable energy sector.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum directed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to halt work on the fully-permitted project, citing the need for further review. Burgum claimed the project's approval under the Biden administration was rushed and lacked proper oversight.
Trump has long opposed offshore wind development. On his first day in office, he signed an executive order halting lease sales and permits for wind projects in federal waters. Just last month, his administration revoked the Clean Air Permit for Atlantic Shores, another offshore wind project off the coast of New Jersey.
While construction had not yet begun on the New Jersey site, Empire Wind was already underway before Wednesday's halt.
Judge to hear challenges to Trump's voter citizenship order
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., is set to hear arguments Thursday in three lawsuits challenging Trump's executive order on elections, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. The lawsuits, brought by the Democratic National Committee, the League of Women Voters, the League of United Latin American Citizens, and others, argue the order is unconstitutional.
Trump's directive seeks to overhaul federal election processes by mandating that states verify voter citizenship, share voter rolls with federal agencies, and prosecute alleged election crimes. It also threatens to cut federal funding to noncompliant states and requires that all mail ballots be received—not just postmarked—by Election Day.
Critics say the order exceeds presidential authority, encroaches on states' rights, and undermines the independent role of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. They argue the Constitution grants Congress—and not the president—the power to regulate federal elections.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly will consider whether to block the order temporarily while the legal challenges proceed. She has asked both sides to address whether the plaintiffs have standing and if the Election Assistance Commission can legally follow Trump's directive.
Additional lawsuits have been filed against the order, including from 19 Democratic attorneys general and separate legal actions from Washington and Oregon, which conduct all-mail elections.
Five million could lose Medicaid coverage under Republican proposals
Up to 5 million Americans stand to lose their public health care coverage should federal work requirements proposed by Republicans be enacted nationwide.
A joint analysis from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Urban Institute published Monday found that a federal work-requirement policy could result in between 4.6 and 5.2 million of the projected 13.3 million Medicaid expansion enrollees in 2026 losing out on coverage.
Medicaid is the primary program providing health care to lower-income individuals in the U.S., with over 80 million currently enrolled. In the ongoing Congressional budget negotiations, Republicans have struggled to outline a plan that allows for spending reductions and tax breaks while avoiding cuts to one of the nation's most subscribed-to and popular programs—which President Donald Trump promised "wouldn't be touched."
Federal work requirements have been proposed by Republicans at the state and federal level as a way to condition coverage rather than cut it, while reducing government spending in the process. Democrats, however, have long opposed such measures as inconsistent with the program's aims, given the potential administrative burden and the likelihood that many deserving enrollees could lose out on coverage.
Paris hosts talks on Ukraine's security with top U.S., European officials
A series of talks on Ukraine's security is taking place in Paris on Thursday, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, French President Emmanuel Macron, and key Ukrainian and European officials in attendance. The discussions aim to advance U.S. efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.
Rubio and Witkoff are meeting with Macron and European counterparts, as concerns grow over U.S. President Donald Trump's shifting stance on Russia. The meetings come amid weeks of U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire, although there are frustrations over the Trump administration's recent moves, including tariffs and NATO rhetoric.
Ukrainian officials, including presidential adviser Andrii Yermak and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, are also in Paris for talks, alongside representatives from Britain, Germany, and France. Yermak described the meetings as part of ongoing efforts to form a security coalition that could guarantee any future peace agreement with Russia.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, a deadly drone attack on Dnipro killed three people, including a child, as Russian forces are reportedly preparing for a new offensive. Despite calls for a comprehensive ceasefire, Russia has rejected Ukraine's demands, while both sides have agreed to a temporary halt on energy facility strikes, though violations persist.
In addition to Ukraine, Macron is expected to discuss Trump's tariff policies and Middle Eastern conflicts at the talks.
International students sue Trump administration over visa cancellations
Several international students are suing the Trump administration, claiming the government violated their rights by revoking their visas without due process. At least 901 students at 128 U.S. colleges have had their legal status revoked or terminated since March, according to university statements reviewed by the Associated Press.
The lawsuits argue the Department of Homeland Security offered no clear justification for the actions, which have left students at risk of detention and deportation. Some say they were flagged for minor infractions like traffic violations, while others claim they were given no explanation at all.
In one case, a federal judge in New Hampshire blocked the deportation of a Dartmouth student from China. Similar legal challenges have been filed in Georgia and California. DHS has not commented on the lawsuits.
Colleges worry the crackdown could deter future international applicants. Advocates and university leaders say the policy shift represents a broader pattern of increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
Maryland senator presses El Salvador on jailed deportee
Sen. Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador on Wednesday to push for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man deported by the Trump administration despite a court order blocking his removal.
Van Hollen met with El Salvador's vice president but was not allowed to visit Abrego Garcia, who is being held in a high-security prison. The senator called the detention unjust, saying there is no evidence of wrongdoing.
The case has become a political flashpoint. Trump officials insist Abrego Garcia has gang ties, though he has not been charged with a crime. Democrats accuse the Trump administration of ignoring the courts and violating constitutional norms.
Van Hollen vowed to keep advocating for Abrego Garcia's release, calling his deportation an "illegal abduction." Other Democrats are planning trips to El Salvador to increase pressure on both governments.
Donald Trump bans Russian ships from US ports for another year
President Donald Trump has extended a ban on Russian ships docking in U.S. ports, citing national security concerns.
The move, announced in a U.S. Federal Register document published Thursday, continues a policy first enacted by his predecessor, Joe Biden, in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The ban prohibits vessels owned or linked to Russia from docking along U.S. shores.
Newsweek has contacted Russia's foreign ministry for comment by email.
The extension comes amid growing frustration from Trump, whose efforts to broker peace talks in the Ukraine war have repeatedly hit roadblocks.
It also follows legislation introduced by Senators Joni Ernst, a Republican, and Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, last week which aims to set up a fund to impose sanctions on Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" of oil tankers.
"The policies and actions of the Government of the Russian Federation continue to constitute a national emergency by reason of a disturbance or threatened disturbance of international relations of the United States," the document said.
Trump said he is "continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to the Russian Federation and the emergency authority relating to the regulation of the anchorage and movement of Russian-affiliated vessels to United States ports."
The president was referring to Moscow's so-called shadow fleet, which largely operates in the Baltic Sea and consists of old vessels that often operate under opaque ownership and lack adequate insurance, frequently changing their flag registrations.
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