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A US judge has said he could hold the Trump administration in contempt of court for "willful disregard" of an order to halt the departure of deportation flights carrying more than 200 people to El Salvador last month. The administration had invoked a 227-year-old law meant to protect the US during wartime to carry out the mass deportation, BBC reports. "The Court does not reach such conclusion lightly or hastily; indeed, it has given Defendants ample opportunity to rectify or explain their actions. None of their responses has been satisfactory," federal judge James Boasberg wrote. The decision to begin contempt proceedings escalates a clash between the White House and the judiciary over the president's powers. Harvard rejects Trump’s demands, faces multi-billion-dollar funding freeze The administration could avoid a contempt finding, or "purge" itself of contempt, if they provide an explanation of their actions and come into compliance with the original order issued last month, Boasberg said on Wednesday. That filing is due by 23 April, he said. Thursday's decision comes despite the Supreme Court's later finding that Donald Trump could in fact use the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to conduct the deportations to El Salvador. The Supreme Court's ruling against Boasberg's temporary restraining order "does not excuse the Government's violation", he said. If the administration does not provide the requested information by the 23 April deadline, Boasberg will then seek to identify the individual people who ignored the order to stop the deportations. He could then recommend prosecutions for those involved.

The Trump administration announced late Friday that it will exempt certain electronics, including smartphones and laptops, from reciprocal tariffs. The move is expected to ease pressure on consumers and offer a boost to major tech firms like Apple, Samsung, and chipmakers such as Nvidia, AP reports. US Customs and Border Protection said that items like smartphones, laptops, hard drives, flat-panel monitors, and some chips will be excluded from the current 145% tariffs on Chinese goods and 10% tariffs applied to other countries. Semiconductor manufacturing equipment will also be exempt. Late on Saturday, while travelling to Miami, Trump said he would give more details of the exemptions at the start of next week. Apple unlikely to make iPhones in US despite Trump’s China tariffs "We'll be very specific," he told reporters on Air Force One. "But we're taking in a lot of money. As a country we're taking in a lot of money." The move came after concerns from US tech companies that the price of gadgets could skyrocket, as many of them are made in China. Exemptions - backdated to April 5 - also include other electronic devices and components, including semiconductors, solar cells and memory cards, reports BBC. Trump had previously suggested the trade war could encourage Apple to manufacture iPhones in the US, but industry experts have long doubted that prospect given Apple’s complex supply chain in China. Relocating iPhone production would require years of planning and billions in investment, potentially tripling the cost of the product and slashing its sales. The new exemption echoes relief measures granted during Trump’s first term, when similar tariffs were imposed. Trump entered his second term with a more aggressive approach to tariffs, which sparked a market slide. The "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks—Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Tesla, Google parent Alphabet, and Facebook parent Meta—saw a $2.1 trillion drop in combined market value, or 14%, since April 2, when sweeping tariffs were unveiled. That loss narrowed to $644 billion after Trump paused tariffs outside of China last Wednesday.

The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the Trump administration must assist in bringing Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. after he was wrongly deported to El Salvador. The Court rejected an emergency appeal from the administration. Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident and Salvadoran national, had a court order protecting him from deportation due to concerns he could be targeted by gangs in his home country. While the administration alleged that Abrego Garcia was affiliated with the MS-13 gang, his lawyers argued there is no evidence supporting that claim, and he has never been charged or convicted of any crime. EU pauses tariff retaliation for 90 days to align with Trump’s delay Despite admitting the deportation was a mistake, the administration contended it was no longer in a position to reverse the action, even though Abrego Garcia is currently imprisoned in a well-known El Salvador prison.   

The Danish foreign minister rebuked the Trump administration on Saturday for its critical stance toward Denmark and Greenland, particularly regarding the tone of its remarks. He emphasised that Denmark is already enhancing its investment in Arctic security and remains open to further collaboration with the United States. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen conveyed these sentiments in a video shared on social media following U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Greenland, a strategically significant island. “A great number of accusations and allegations have been made. We are, of course, open to criticism,” Rasmussen said in English. “However, to be completely frank, we do not appreciate the manner in which it is being delivered. This is not the way to address close allies. And I continue to regard Denmark and the United States as close allies.” On Friday, Vance accused Denmark of “underinvesting” in Greenland’s security and urged the country to revise its approach, aligning with President Donald Trump’s push to assert control over the Danish territory. During his visit to Pituffik Space Base—an American military installation in mineral-rich Greenland—Vance was accompanied by his wife and other senior U.S. officials. However, the trip was ultimately scaled back following backlash from Greenlanders and Danes, who had not been consulted on the initial itinerary. “Our message to Denmark is straightforward: You have not served the people of Greenland well,” Vance stated on Friday. “You have underinvested in them, as well as in the security infrastructure of this extraordinary and beautiful land, home to remarkable people. This must change.” On the same day, Trump posted a video on his social media platform, Truth Social, titled “America Stands With Greenland,” featuring archival footage of U.S. troops stationed there during World War II. While in Greenland, Vance asserted that the U.S. has “no choice” but to play a major role in securing the island. He also encouraged a movement toward Greenlandic independence from Denmark. “I believe that in the end, they will choose to align with the United States,” Vance remarked. “We could enhance their security significantly, provide greater protection, and, economically, they would likely benefit far more.” However, the response from Greenland’s parliament members and citizens suggests that such an outcome is improbable. Outrage has erupted over the Trump administration’s efforts to annex the vast Arctic island. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed Vance’s claim that Denmark is neglecting Arctic defense, asserting that her country remains “a strong and reliable ally.” Greenlandic lawmakers also took action on Thursday, agreeing to form a new government in a united effort to counter Trump’s ambitions. Four out of the five parties elected to Greenland’s parliament earlier this month have joined forces to create a coalition commanding 23 of the legislature’s 31 seats. The next day, Danish King Frederik X expressed his sentiments in a Facebook post, stating, “We are living in a changed reality. There should be no doubt about my love for Greenland and my deep connection with its people.” Meanwhile, in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy on Saturday, with some holding placards reading, “Back off, USA,” according to Danish broadcaster TV2. Even Greenland’s national dogsled race, Avannaata Qimussersu, which began on Saturday with 37 mushers and 444 dogs, was affected by the diplomatic tensions. Usha Vance, the vice president’s wife, had originally planned to attend the event. However, after her husband decided to accompany the delegation to the military base instead, she opted out, reducing the likelihood of direct interaction with Greenlanders. In his video message, Løkke Rasmussen reminded viewers of the 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the United States. He noted that since 1945, the American military presence in Greenland has shrunk from thousands of soldiers across 17 bases and installations to roughly 200 personnel stationed at the remote Pituffik Space Base in the northwest. The 1951 agreement “provides ample opportunities for the United States to establish a much stronger military presence in Greenland,” the foreign minister stated. “If that is your desire, let us discuss it.” Løkke Rasmussen further highlighted that Denmark has been increasing its own investment in Arctic defense. In January, the Danish government pledged 14.6 billion Danish kroner (US$2.1 billion) for Arctic security initiatives, which include three new naval vessels, long-range drones, and satellites.

President Donald Trump's top intelligence officials will brief House lawmakers Wednesday on global threats facing the US — though they'll likely be questioned again over their use of a group text to discuss plans for military strikes in Yemen. CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and FBI Director Kash Patel are among those who were asked to testify before the House Intelligence Committee as part of its annual review of threats facing the US. At a similar hearing on Tuesday before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard briefed lawmakers on her office's threat assessment, noting that China, Russia, Iran and North Korea continue to pose security challenges to the US, as do drug cartels and transnational criminal organisations. Usha Vance to visit Greenland amid Trump's US takeover talks The presentations from top Trump appointees reflect Trump's foreign policy priorities, including a focus on combating the flow of fentanyl, illegal immigration and human trafficking, and are taking place as Trump attempts to work out a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine three years after Russia's invasion. Tuesday's hearing was dominated by questions about Ratcliffe and Gabbard's participation in a group chat on Signal in which they discussed plans to strike Houthi rebels in Yemen. The group included a journalist, The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg. Gabbard and Ratcliffe have said no classified information was included in the messages, but Democrats have decried the use of the messaging app, saying that any release of information about timetables, weapons or military activities could have put US servicemembers at risk. At Tuesday's hearing they asked Patel, who was not a participant in the text chain, if he would investigate. It's likely House Democrats will press Patel on the same question Wednesday. The National Security Council has said it will investigate the matter, which Trump on Tuesday downplayed as a “glitch.” Goldberg said he received the Signal invitation from Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, who was also in the group chat.

A Columbia University student filed a lawsuit on Monday, alleging that the Trump administration is targeting her for deportation due to her pro-Palestinian views. The lawsuit claims that immigration officials are using tactics similar to those used against Mahmoud Khalil and other college activists. US agents arrest Palestinian activist who led Columbia University protests Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old lawful permanent resident who moved to the U.S. from South Korea at the age of 7, was arrested on March 5 during a protest against disciplinary actions taken against student demonstrators at Columbia University. She was one of several people detained after a sit-in at Barnard College's library. Shortly after her arrest, ICE officials issued an arrest warrant and visited her parents' home to detain her. Chung’s lawsuit asserts that on March 10, she was informed that her lawful permanent resident status was being revoked. Just three days later, federal agents executed search warrants at Columbia-owned residences, including her dormitory, in search of immigration documents and travel records. Seeking a court order to block her deportation, Chung's lawsuit argues that the administration's actions are part of a broader attempt to suppress free speech and protest activities. Chung claims that immigration enforcement is being used as a tool to silence constitutionally protected speech, including her own. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson noted that Chung’s participation in a pro-Hamas protest at Barnard College was of concern, and that she would have the opportunity to present her case in immigration court. Chung’s case is part of a larger pattern in which other students have been targeted for their involvement in pro-Palestinian protests. These include Mahmoud Khalil and Momodou Taal, a Cornell University Ph.D. student, who is also facing deportation following his lawsuit against the administration's actions. Prosecutors drop most charges against student protesters who occupied Columbia University building The lawsuit highlights the administration’s crackdown on international students and scholars who have expressed support for Palestinians, with some facing visa revocations under a rarely used legal statute designed to protect U.S. foreign-policy interests.

The National Weather Service (NWS), facing significant job reductions, is scaling back or eliminating weather balloon launches at eight northern locations. Meteorologists and former agency leaders have expressed concern that this will diminish forecast accuracy, particularly as severe weather season approaches. USPS partners with DOGE for reforms, plans 10,000 job cuts Weather balloons, which are launched twice daily at around 100 locations, provide crucial data for forecasters and computer models, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and barometric pressure. Cutting back on these launches is a poor decision, according to eight scientists, meteorologists, and former NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) officials. The balloons, which ascend to 100,000 feet with sensors measuring various atmospheric conditions, offer unique insights that can't be obtained in any other way, said D. James Baker, a former NOAA chief. Despite previous budget cuts, he maintained the importance of weather balloon observations. University of Oklahoma’s Renee McPherson called the decision "dangerous," while Ryan Maue, a former NOAA chief scientist, described it as “bad” and noted it would worsen weather forecasting in the US. Locations such as Omaha, Nebraska, and Rapid City, South Dakota, will stop balloon launches due to staffing shortages, while other cities like Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Grand Junction, Colorado, will reduce launches from twice daily to once. The Trump administration’s significant staffing cuts have contributed to this reduction, with hundreds of NOAA workers let go earlier this year. Additionally, earlier cuts were announced for Albany, New York, Gray, Maine, and Kotzebue, Alaska, bringing the total number of affected sites to 11. An Associated Press analysis revealed that, from 2021 to 2024, NOAA experienced only one balloon launch outage per day on average. Now, 17% of U.S. balloon sites are either reducing or halting launches, including those impacted by helium shortages and coastal erosion. Meteorologist Kristen Corbosiero expressed concern about the consequences of fewer balloon launches, particularly in light of the upcoming severe weather season. Weather balloons are critical in forecasting severe storms, especially during peak tornado season in the spring. Former NOAA Director Elbert "Joe" Friday emphasized the importance of weather balloons in capturing detailed atmospheric data, crucial for understanding storm development. While satellites offer broad views of weather patterns and ground measurements provide on-the-ground data, weather balloons give essential information from the middle layers of the atmosphere. The reduction in launches is particularly concerning in the northern U.S., where the jet stream, a key driver of weather systems, is located. Trump admin may exclude govt spending, obscuring DOGE cuts' impact Weather balloons have been an integral part of forecasting since the 1930s, with historical significance during World War II, where they aided in better weather predictions for air combat. Despite the work involved in preparing and launching a balloon, the data they provide is invaluable, with each launch involving around four to five hours of work for one person.

A federal lawsuit claims that the Trump administration unlawfully closed down the Voice of America (VOA) and is asking a court to restore the outlet, which for decades has provided news about the U.S. to countries, including those without a free press. Filed in the U.S. District Court in New York, the lawsuit was brought by VOA reporters, Reporters Without Borders, and several unions against the U.S. Agency for Global Media and Kari Lake, the former Arizona candidate and President Trump's representative. The lawsuit states, "In many parts of the world, a crucial source of objective news is gone, and only censored state-sponsored media remains." Lake has criticized the agency, calling it a “giant rot” in need of dismantling and rebuilding. VOA, established during World War II, has been a key source of impartial news, often broadcast into authoritarian nations. Funded by Congress, it operates under a charter that ensures journalistic integrity. The lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of unlawfully shutting down the agency in the past week, alleging that Republicans claim VOA is biased with left-wing propaganda, a charge the agency denies. The lawsuit states that the second Trump administration has attempted to "shutter it completely." The U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA and other networks, did not immediately respond to a comment request. Trump plans to sign executive order for shutdown of US Education Department In a recent interview, Lake described VOA as “like having a rotten fish and trying to find a portion that you can eat,” and stated on X that the Agency for Global Media is "a giant rot and burden to the American taxpayer" and "a national security risk." Clayton Weimers, executive director of Reporters Without Borders in the U.S., said his group is acting to protect VOA and press freedom globally. There are also other media-related legal actions underway. At VOA's sister organization, Radio Free Asia (RFA), about 75% of its Washington office staff was furloughed on Friday, and the agency has canceled contracts with freelancers working abroad. RFA also plans to file a lawsuit to secure continued congressional funding. Trump to seek trade negotiations as Americans feel the impact of the trade war: Canadian PM Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) filed a lawsuit on Tuesday in Washington, asking the court to compel the U.S. Agency for Global Media to release its next funding payment. RFE/RL broadcasts in 23 countries and 27 languages, and the lawsuit argues that the lack of funding has forced severe cuts in operations, potentially threatening the organization's survival.

The Trump administration is reportedly considering imposing a new travel ban that could affect citizens from up to 43 countries, expanding beyond the restrictions from his first term, according to sources familiar with the matter. A draft list prepared by diplomatic and security officials outlines a “red” list of 11 countries whose citizens would be completely banned from entering the United States. These countries are Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, according to officials.  However, these sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, warned that this list was compiled weeks ago by the State Department and could change by the time it reaches the White House, reports The New York Times. Tensions between Iran and US rise as Trump sends letter to supreme leader Embassy officials, regional bureaus at the State Department, and security specialists from other agencies and intelligence services have been reviewing the draft. They are providing feedback on whether the descriptions of deficiencies in the listed countries are accurate or if there are any policy considerations that might justify reconsidering certain countries’ inclusion, it said. Additionally, the draft proposal includes an “orange” list of 10 countries where travel would be restricted but not fully prohibited. Affluent business travelers might still be allowed entry, but those on immigrant or tourist visas would face restrictions. Citizens from these countries would also need to attend mandatory in-person visa interviews. This list includes Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan. Upon taking office on January 20, Trump signed an executive order instructing the State Department to identify countries with insufficient vetting and screening information, potentially leading to partial or full suspension of their nationals’ entry into the United States. The State Department had 60 days to present a report, which is expected next week, with assistance from the Justice and Homeland Security Departments, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the report said. While several agencies declined to comment, the State Department has previously affirmed its commitment to protecting the nation and its citizens by upholding high standards of national security and public safety through the visa process, although it declined to discuss internal deliberations in detail. Trump clarifies his 24-hour Russia-Ukraine war promise as 'Sarcastic' Reports earlier this month indicated that Afghanistan, which fell to the Taliban after the U.S. withdrew in 2021, was likely to be added to the new travel ban list, although the inclusion of other countries remained unclear. It remains uncertain whether people with existing visas would be exempt from the ban, or if their visas would be revoked. There is also ambiguity about whether green card holders, who have already been approved for permanent residency, would be exempt, added the report. The Trump administration recently canceled the green card of Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born former Columbia University graduate student, due to his involvement in campus protests against Israel’s Gaza actions, citing antisemitic views and sparking a legal challenge. Some of the countries on the draft red and orange lists were included in Trump’s previous travel bans, but others are new. Many of them are Muslim-majority or predominantly nonwhite, poorer, and have governments considered corrupt or weak, the report also said. However, the reasons for some countries’ inclusion are unclear. For example, Bhutan, a small Buddhist and Hindu nation between China and India, is proposed for an outright ban, though neither China nor India are listed. The proposal to restrict visitors from Russia is also notable, as Trump had previously aimed to shift U.S. foreign policy towards a more Russia-friendly stance. Including Venezuela could complicate improving relations, which have aided Trump’s efforts to deport undocumented migrants. The draft also includes a “yellow” list of 22 countries, which would be given 60 days to address deficiencies, with the possibility of being moved to one of the other lists if they fail to comply. This list includes Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe. During Trump’s first term, courts blocked the enforcement of the initial versions of the travel ban, but the Supreme Court ultimately allowed a revised version, banning citizens from eight countries, six of which were predominantly Muslim. Upon becoming president in January 2021, Joe Biden revoked Trump’s travel bans, calling them a “stain on our national conscience” and inconsistent with the U.S.’s tradition of welcoming people of all faiths. Trump’s executive order from January indicated that the bans would be revived to protect American citizens “from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.”

The Trump administration may consider excluding government spending from GDP reports, potentially obscuring the effects of cuts to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reports AP> Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick mentioned on Sunday that government spending could be separated from GDP figures in response to concerns about whether cuts advocated by Elon Musk's DOGE might lead to an economic downturn. Trump declares English as official language of US "Governments have historically manipulated GDP," Lutnick stated on Fox News Channel's “Sunday Morning Futures.” "They include government spending as part of GDP. I plan to separate the two and make this clear." This move could complicate or distort a key economic measure. Government spending is usually part of GDP because changes in taxes, spending, deficits, and regulations can influence overall economic growth. Current GDP reports already provide detailed information on government spending, offering transparency for economists. Musk's push to reduce federal agency sizes could result in the layoff of tens of thousands of federal employees. Their loss of income could reduce spending, potentially affecting businesses and the broader economy. Trump set to sign order declaring English the official U.S. language Lutnick's comments align with Musk's earlier remarks on X, where he argued that government spending does not generate economic value. “A more accurate GDP measure would exclude government spending,” Musk posted on his social media platform. “Otherwise, GDP can be artificially inflated by spending on things that don’t improve people's lives.” This viewpoint, as expressed by Trump administration officials, downplays the economic benefits of certain types of government spending that can influence economic growth. “If the government buys a tank, that counts as GDP,” Lutnick said. “But paying 1,000 people to think about buying a tank is not GDP. That’s wasted inefficiency, wasted money. And cutting that, while it shows up in GDP, we’re going to eliminate it.” The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis released its latest GDP report on Thursday, showing a 2.3% annual growth rate in the final quarter of the previous year. The report highlights the economic forces at play, showing that the year-end gains were largely due to increased consumer spending and a revision to federal defense spending. However, the federal government's contribution to GDP growth in 2024 was 2.6%, slightly lower than the overall economy's growth of 2.8%. Government spending accounted for nearly one-fifth of personal income, totaling over $24.6 trillion last year. This includes Social Security, veterans' benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs, while also accounting for taxes paid to the government. Government spending doesn't always contribute to GDP growth and can sometimes detract from it, as seen in 2022 when pandemic-related aid ended. Lutnick said that the Trump administration would balance the federal budget through spending cuts, aiming to promote growth and reduce consumer interest rates. "When we balance the United States budget, interest rates will drop significantly," Lutnick said. “This will lead to the best economy anyone has ever seen, and betting against it would be foolish.”