Wednesday | May 21, 2025
U.S. Immigration Authorities Allegedly Deport Migrants to South Sudan Despite Court Ban
Immigration authorities have reportedly begun deporting migrants from Myanmar and Vietnam to South Sudan, in apparent defiance of a court order barring removals to third countries, attorneys representing the migrants said Tuesday.
According to immigration rights lawyers, up to a dozen individuals from various countries may have been deported to Africa. The Department of Homeland Security and the White House have not responded to requests for comment.
Trump Unveils ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defense Concept
Also on Tuesday, President Donald Trump introduced a new missile defense initiative dubbed the “Golden Dome,” inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome. The system is projected to cost $175 billion over three years.
In a closed-door meeting with House Republicans, Trump pushed for unity around his sweeping “big, beautiful bill”—a multitrillion-dollar legislative package at risk of collapsing ahead of key votes this week.
U.S. Veteran Freed from Venezuela
Venezuela has released Joseph St. Clair, a U.S. Air Force veteran previously deemed wrongfully detained. According to his family and a post by Trump’s envoy Richard Grenell on X, St. Clair was handed over to U.S. officials on Tuesday.
St. Clair, a language specialist and four-time Afghanistan tour veteran, had traveled to South America in November seeking PTSD treatment, his parents said. “This news came suddenly, and we are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,” they added.
Grenell stated he met Venezuelan officials in a “neutral country” to negotiate what he described as an “America First strategy.”
Trump Nominates Lobbyist as Ambassador to Romania
Trump announced via Truth Social his intention to nominate lobbyist and former Senate staffer Darryl Nirenberg as U.S. ambassador to Romania. Nirenberg, once counsel to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, previously ran for city council in Alexandria, Virginia, in 2021.
Trump, Vance Meet Brother of Pope Leo XIV
President Trump and Vice President Vance met Tuesday with Louis Prevost, brother of Pope Leo XIV, at the White House. A photo posted on social media by an aide showed the pair with Prevost and his wife, Deborah, in the Oval Office.
Prevost, who identifies as a “MAGA-type,” accompanied the Vance-led U.S. delegation on its recent Vatican visit, which included attending the pope’s inaugural mass.
Justice Department Probes Chicago Hiring Practices
The Justice Department has launched a civil rights investigation into the City of Chicago’s hiring practices. The move comes after Mayor Brandon Johnson gave a church speech praising the number of Black individuals in senior city roles—a comment that sparked criticism and calls for a federal probe.
The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division issued a formal notice Monday, citing concerns over a potential violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits race-based employment discrimination.
“This investigation will determine whether the City of Chicago is engaged in a pattern or practice of unlawful discrimination,” wrote Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon.
The probe reflects the Trump administration’s broader overhaul of federal civil rights enforcement, part of an ongoing reshaping of the DOJ’s priorities.
Trump Revives Program Delegating Immigration Enforcement to Local Police
In a related move, the Trump administration has revived a controversial program allowing local law enforcement to take on expanded roles in federal immigration enforcement—part of a larger effort to decentralize and intensify immigration crackdowns.
U.S. Immigration Officials Accused of Violating Court Order with Deportations to South Sudan
Attorneys for migrants say U.S. immigration authorities have begun deporting individuals from Myanmar and Vietnam to South Sudan, in violation of a court order prohibiting such transfers without judicial review.
According to court filings, a man from Myanmar was flown from Texas to South Sudan on Tuesday, and a woman reported that her husband—along with up to 10 others—was also deported to Africa. The attorneys, from the National Immigration Litigation Alliance, requested an emergency order from Judge Brian E. Murphy to halt further removals.
Murphy had previously ruled that deportations to third countries, such as Libya, must allow individuals the chance to challenge them in court. The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to requests for comment.
Trump Expands Local Role in Immigration Enforcement
As part of a broader effort to carry out mass deportations, the Trump administration has ramped up the use of a decades-old program empowering state and local law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents.
Under the revived 287(g) program led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), local officers can question and detain undocumented immigrants in their custody.
Since January, ICE has rapidly increased the number of agreements with law enforcement agencies nationwide. With only 6,000 deportation officers, these partnerships greatly expand ICE’s enforcement capacity as the administration seeks to remove as many of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. as possible.
Trump Shifts Blame on Border Crisis to Biden’s Inner Circle
President Trump, who has frequently blamed President Biden for the migrant surge at the U.S.-Mexico border, claimed in a Truth Social post that Biden himself did not support “Open Borders.” Instead, Trump accused Biden’s former aides of exploiting his alleged cognitive decline to implement lenient immigration policies.
Referring to revelations from the new book Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, Trump said Biden’s team had concealed the president’s condition and called their actions “TREASON at the Highest Level,” adding that “something very severe should happen” to those responsible.
Senate to Target California’s Gas Vehicle Ban
Senate Republicans are advancing efforts to block California’s strict vehicle emissions standards, which include a ban on the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035.
Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced Tuesday that the Senate will begin reviewing three House-passed resolutions to overturn the state’s policies.
Though California has long had authority to adopt tougher emissions rules than the federal government, critics argue the state’s decisions influence national standards. About a dozen other states follow California’s lead.
Democrats and even some Republicans have pushed back, and the Senate Parliamentarian has advised that California’s rules may not be subject to the override mechanism being used.
Defense Secretary Hegseth Orders New Review of Afghanistan Withdrawal
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated a new review of the U.S. military’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, including the Abbey Gate suicide bombing that killed 13 American troops and 170 Afghans.
Calling the exit “disastrous and embarrassing,” Hegseth said the review would analyze decision-making, examine available evidence, and interview witnesses to “get the truth.”
Multiple reviews have already been conducted by the Pentagon, U.S. Central Command, the State Department, and Congress. The scope and purpose of this new review remain unclear.
Rubio: U.S. Won’t Threaten Israel Over Gaza Aid Access
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers Tuesday that the U.S. will not follow European allies in sanctioning Israel over limited humanitarian aid reaching Gaza.
Rubio said the administration is encouraging aid access but is avoiding punitive measures, distinguishing the U.S. approach from that of European nations currently pressuring Israel over the humanitarian crisis.
US-Israel Relations & Gaza Aid
Rubio: US Pressing Israel to Resume Gaza Aid, Not Imposing Sanctions
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. is urging Israel to increase humanitarian aid flows to Gaza amid its military campaign against Hamas but will not impose sanctions like some European nations have.
“We’re not prepared to respond the way these countries have,” Rubio said, adding that discussions with Israeli officials have emphasized the urgent need for aid. “We anticipate that those flows will increase over the next few days and weeks.”
The U.S. is supporting a private foundation to eventually manage aid delivery but, for now, Rubio said existing U.N. agencies should continue to handle distribution.
Rubio: US Pursuing ‘Voluntary’ Resettlement of Gazans
Rubio also confirmed that the U.S. has approached foreign governments about potentially taking in civilians from Gaza on a temporary basis.
“There’s no deportation,” he insisted. “We’ve asked countries whether they will be open to accepting people… as a bridge to reconstruction.”
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) criticized the plan, calling it a “strategy of forced migration.”
Trump’s Missile Defense Plan & Space Strategy
Trump Announces $175B ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defense Concept
President Trump unveiled his ambitious “Golden Dome” missile defense program, modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome, but on a continental scale.
Expected to cost $175 billion and take three years to build, the Golden Dome would rely on space-based weapons capable of intercepting missiles mid-flight. A golden map of the U.S. was displayed during Trump’s announcement.
“It is a great day for America,” Trump said, adding the entire system would be made domestically. Gen. Michael Guetlein will lead the program.
Trump Says Commanders Support Golden Dome
Asked whether the military had requested the Golden Dome system, Trump said, “I suggested it, and they all said, ‘We love the idea, sir.’”
Trump to Talk With Putin ‘At the Right Time’ About Space Nukes
Trump also revealed he hasn’t yet spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about alleged plans to develop space-based nuclear weapons but intends to “at the right time.”
Foreign Aid & USAID Controversy
GOP Lawmakers Warn Against Deep Cuts to Foreign Aid
Some Republicans, including Sen. Mitch McConnell, voiced concerns over the Trump administration’s sweeping cuts to international aid programs.
“The basic functions that soft power provides are extremely important,” McConnell said. “You get a whole lot of friends for not much money.”
Rubio Admits He, Not Musk, Shut Down USAID
After a tweet from Elon Musk bragged about “feeding USAID into a wood chipper,” lawmakers pressed Rubio on who was responsible for the massive shutdowns of aid programs.
“I did,” Rubio confirmed during a Senate hearing. Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has played a role in ordering program terminations, often leaving staff confused about chain of command.
Middle East Investment Claims
Trump’s Middle East Investment Claims Keep Climbing
Trump’s estimates of foreign investment secured during his recent trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have grown daily—from $2 trillion to $7 trillion.
- Thursday (Air Force One): “We just took in $4 trillion.”
- Friday (White House statement): “Over $2 trillion in great deals.”
- Monday (Kennedy Center): “We brought back about $5.1 trillion.”
- Tuesday (Capitol Hill): “Probably it’s going to be $7 trillion by the time we stop.”
The White House declined to clarify the basis for the escalating figures.
Congressional Resistance to Trump’s Legislation
Trump’s ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ Faces Republican Resistance
Despite Speaker Mike Johnson’s praise for Trump’s comprehensive legislative proposal, Republican holdouts remain.
House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris said they’re “still a long ways away” from an agreement. Johnson has since briefed Senate Republicans on the next steps.
Air Force One Upgrade and Qatar Jet Gift
New Jet from Qatar Under Review as Possible Air Force One Replacement
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told senators that the Pentagon is evaluating a $400 million Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar as a potential future Air Force One.
The plane, currently in San Antonio, would need “significant modifications,” Meink said. Sen. Tammy Duckworth urged that the new jet not further delay two other Air Force One replacements already in progress.
Health Research Lawsuit
Researchers Sue Over Termination of LGBTQ+ Health Funding
A coalition of health researchers filed a lawsuit against the National Institutes of Health, alleging the Trump administration improperly terminated over $800 million in LGBTQ+-focused grants.
The suit, filed in Maryland, is one of more than 30 challenging federal funding decisions—over a dozen of which relate to LGBTQ+ issues. Plaintiffs argue the terminations reflect systemic bias and undermine critical public health research.
Lighthearted Moment: Trump’s Favorite Candy
Trump Loves Pink Starbursts and Tootsie Rolls, Press Secretary Reveals
During a Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day event, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared that President Trump has a sweet tooth, particularly for pink Starbursts and Tootsie Rolls.
Asked how much candy he eats, she replied, “a good amount.”
Administration Selects Most Expensive Option for Major Project
The administration has opted for the highest-cost version of a new initiative, with initial expenses estimated between $30 billion and $100 billion, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the plans. The White House and Pentagon have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Melania Trump Joins Children for Flag Crafting at White House Event
First Lady Melania Trump participated in Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day by helping children of Executive Office staff decorate wooden American flags in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden. Using a glue stick, she added silver glitter stars to a red, white, and blue flag and complimented several children’s work as “beautiful.” President Trump is expected to host a separate event later in the day, and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will hold a mock press briefing for children of White House reporters.
Rubio Denies Knowledge of Trump Family’s Foreign Business Deals
Sen. Chris Murphy questioned Sen. Marco Rubio about a dinner involving former President Trump and foreign buyers of a Trump-themed cryptocurrency. Murphy raised concerns over potential national security risks. Rubio denied knowing about the event or any profits the Trump family may have received from foreign officials. “I don’t keep the president’s social schedule,” Rubio responded.
IRS Commissioner Nominee Questioned on Political Influence
Senator Elizabeth Warren pressed IRS Commissioner nominee Billy Long over Trump’s comments advocating for Harvard and other nonprofits to lose their tax-exempt status. When asked whether a president can legally direct the IRS to revoke such status, Long replied, “I’d have to go to the lawyers.” His inability to clarify the law prompted Warren to say he “shouldn’t be within a thousand miles” of leading the IRS.
Trump Prosecutor Drops Case Against Newark Mayor, Charges NJ Congresswoman
Federal prosecutors have dropped trespassing charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and instead charged Rep. LaMonica McIver with assaulting federal agents during a May 9 confrontation outside an immigration detention center. Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced the charges on social media. McIver called the charges “purely political.” Trump defended the move, saying, “She was shoving federal agents. She was out of control. The days of that crap are over.”
FDA Limits Annual COVID-19 Shot Access for Healthier People
The FDA announced a significant policy shift: annual COVID-19 shots will no longer be routinely available for healthy children and younger adults. Instead, they will focus on high-risk groups, such as adults over 65 and individuals with chronic health conditions. The New England Journal of Medicine published the framework, which urges extensive studies before approving updated vaccines for broader use. Critics worry this may reduce vaccine accessibility and insurance coverage.
Qatar Defends Offer of New Air Force One Jet to U.S.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani defended the offer of a Boeing 747 to the U.S. as a normal act of alliance. Speaking at a Bloomberg forum in Doha, he rejected claims that the jet is a bribe. Trump, frustrated with delays in Boeing’s replacement of the nearly 40-year-old Air Force One fleet, previously said, “Why wouldn’t I accept a gift? We’re giving to everyone else.”
U.S. Warns of Impending Collapse in Syria
Sen. Marco Rubio warned that Syria’s interim government, which replaced a longtime dictator last year, could collapse within weeks without U.S. support. Speaking in Riyadh alongside President Trump and Saudi and Syrian leaders, Rubio emphasized the need for continued engagement as Trump considers lifting sanctions on the transitional government, led by a former militant leader.
Congress Debates Trump’s Foreign Policy Overhaul
During a Senate Foreign Policy Committee hearing, Chairman Jim Risch praised Trump’s foreign policy changes and budget cuts, including new nuclear talks with Iran. However, Democrats challenged the administration’s actions, arguing they have undermined America’s global standing.
Elon Musk Says He’ll Cut Political Spending
Elon Musk announced plans to scale back his political donations, stating at a Bloomberg forum, “I think I’ve done enough.” Musk’s financial backing, estimated at $250 million for Trump’s campaign, has been a major support for Republican causes. His pullback may impact upcoming midterm races.
IRS Nominee Faces Tough Questions Amid Agency Turnover
Billy Long, a former lawmaker who once called for abolishing the IRS, faced tough questioning during his confirmation hearing. Senators raised concerns over his lack of experience in tax administration, support for controversial tax credits, and his stance on nonprofit tax exemptions. “The American people have the right to know whether the future IRS commissioner is a crook,” Sen. Ron Wyden said.
Authors Protest Firing of Librarian of Congress
Seven former National Ambassadors for Young People’s Literature, including acclaimed authors Jacqueline Woodson, Kate DiCamillo, and Jason Reynolds, condemned the Trump administration for firing Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. The authors described her dismissal as “deeply disturbing” and warned it threatens the impartiality and integrity of the nation’s literary leadership.