Gas Bandit's Political Thread V: The Vampire Likes Bats

GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
1/ A federal judge ruled that Elon Musk’s attempt to unilaterally dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development likely violated the Constitution in “multiple ways,” but left room for the Trump administration to achieve the same goal through official channels. Judge Theodore Chuang wrote that Musk “exercised significant authority” over the agency despite lacking a formal government appointment. The ruling blocks Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency from taking further action, but doesn’t prevent USAID’s leadership from proceeding with the closure. Chuang called the administration’s claim that Musk had no decision-making authority “highly suspicious,” pointing to Trump’s own statements about putting Musk “in charge.” Musk dismissed the ruling as partisan, responding “indeed” to a Twitter post suggesting it was a partisan ruling by a Democrat-appointed judge. (Associated Press / Washington Post / ABC News / NBC News / Politico / Bloomberg)
  • The Trump administration is reinstating over 24,000 fired federal workers after two judges ruled the mass terminations were illegal. U.S. District Judge James Bredar ordered 18 agencies to reinstate fired workers, while Judge William Alsup issued a similar ruling for six agencies, rejecting claims that the Office of Personnel Management had authority to order the firings. (NBC News / NPR / Washington Post)
2/ The Trump administration defied a federal judge’s order halting deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, refusing to disclose whether flights carrying suspected Venezuelan gang members departed after the ruling. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ordered the Justice Department to submit sealed flight details after government lawyers insisted they hadn’t violated his order. Meanwhile, the Trump administration petitioned an appeals court to remove Boasberg from the case, accusing him of “judicial micromanagement” and claiming he overstepped his authority and engaged in “flagrantly improper” judicial conduct that posed “grave risks” to national security and foreign relations. (New York Times / NBC News / Axios / NPR / Washington Post / Bloomberg)

3/ Trump called for the impeachment of Judge James Boasberg after he temporarily blocked the deportation of Venezuelan migrants. “This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!” Trump wrote on his personal social media platform. In response, House Republicans introduced impeachment articles, claiming Boasberg “overstepped his authority, compromised the impartiality of the judiciary, and created a constitutional crisis.” Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare public rebuke, saying: “Impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.” The Constitution grants lifetime appointments to federal judges, and impeachment is typically reserved for misconduct – not legal rulings. Despite Trump’s push, Congress is unlikely to act, as judicial removal requires a two-thirds Senate vote. (Politico / Associated Press / Politico / NBC News / New York Times / Washington Post / Axios / Bloomberg / Axios / ABC News / Reuters / CNN / Wall Street Journal)

4/ Putin agreed to limited ceasefire that would stop strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, but only if Ukraine does the same. Putin, however, refused to accept the broader 30-day ceasefire Ukraine had already agreed to, instead insisting that “real peace depends on ending foreign military support to Ukraine.” Trump called the conversation “a very good and productive one,” but Putin’s demand for halting military aid directly contradicts Kyiv’s position and threatens to derail further talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was not included in the call, cautiously supported stopping energy strikes, but warned that “we need details” and reiterated that Putin has broken past agreements. (New York Times / Axios / Politico / Washington Post / NBC News / CNN / CNBC / Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal)

5/ The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed as Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed over 400 people in the deadliest attack since the war began. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that “This is just the beginning,” adding that “negotiations will only take place under fire.” The strikes followed failed talks over a second phase of the ceasefire, with Israel accusing Hamas of refusing to release hostages and Hamas blaming Israel for “overturning the ceasefire agreement.” The White House, which confirmed Israel had consulted the Trump administration beforehand, said that “Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that “If Hamas does not release all the hostages, the gates of hell will open in Gaza.” (New York Times / USA Today / Reuters / Axios / Politico / NPR / Washington Post / NBC News / Associated Press / ABC News / CNN / Wall Street Journal)

The midterm elections are in 595 days.

✏ Notables.
  1. The Trump administration is considering eliminating the EPA’s Office of Research and Development, a move that could result in firing up to 1,155 scientists. The office provides the scientific basis for environmental regulations, and has long been a target of industry groups that oppose stricter pollution controls. (New York Times / Associated Press / Washington Post / The Hill)
  2. A leaked Social Security Administration memo proposes ending phone-based services to force many people to verify their identity in-person instead. The memo, signed by acting deputy commissioner Doris Diaz on March 13, contradicts previous SSA claims that only minor phone service changes were planned. If implemented, the policy would require tens of thousands of beneficiaries – many elderly or disabled – to visit field offices already facing staff cuts, long wait times, and closures. (Popular Information / Washington Post / Axios / New Republic / Washington Post)
  3. Trump claimed that Biden’s pardons – including those for Jan. 6 committee members – “VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT” because they were signed with an autopen. Yet, he offered no legal justification, and experts were quick to dismiss the claim. Trump later suggested that “It’s not my decision – that’ll be up to a court,” but suggested that those pardoned should “fully understand that they are subject to investigation at the highest level.” (New York Times / Axios / Wall Street Journal / NBC News / Bloomberg / ABC News / Washington Post)
  4. China and Cambodia praised Trump for shutting down the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which funded Voice of America and Radio Free Asia. Cambodia’s Hun Sen called it a win against “fake news,” while China’s Global Times celebrated the end of a “lie factory.” Russian officials, meanwhile, dismissed the outlets as irrelevant, but acknowledged they had undermined Moscow’s influence. The White House justified the shutdown as cutting “radical propaganda,” but offered no evidence to support the claim. (Bloomberg / CNN / Politico / Washington Post / New York Times)
  5. The White House dismissed a French politician’s demand to return the Statue of Liberty. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. would “absolutely not” give back the statue, adding that France “should be very grateful” for America’s role in World War II. Raphaël Glucksmann, a European Parliament member, claimed the Trump administration had abandoned the statue’s values, saying “We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently, you despise it.” The statue, however, is U.S. property, and France has no means to reclaim it. (Politico / USA Today / Axios / Washington Post)
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
  1. Trump pledged during his campaign to end the Ukraine war within 24 hours, now admits achieving a ceasefire is “tough,” after Putin agrees only to halt energy attacks.
  2. No new revelations yet in JFK files Trump calls ‘fully declassified’.
  3. Second judge blocks Trump’s transgender military ban, final order expected Friday.
  4. Judge rules Musk’s USAID purge violated Constitution, restores computer access but agency remains gutted.
  5. Chief Justice Roberts rebukes calls for judge’s impeachment; Trump claims statement wasn’t directed at him.
  6. Social Security tightens ID rules, forcing millions into offices as closures worsen rural access.
  7. Judge blocks Trump’s EPA from seizing $14B in climate grants—Citibank holds the funds in limbo.
  8. White House torches France over single MEP’s Statue of Liberty comment, botches history in the process: “It’s only because of the U.S. that the French aren’t speaking German.”
  9. Trump fires FTC’s only two Democrats, violating Supreme Court precedent, ex-commissioners say.
  10. Minnesota senator behind ‘Trump derangement syndrome’ bill arrested for child solicitation.
  11. Trump’s EPA moves to eliminate science research office, cut 1,000+ experts, critics call it illegal.
  12. Trump administration shuts down war crimes database, blocks transfer of records on kidnapped Ukrainian children.
  13. AG Bondi calls Tesla vandalism ‘domestic terrorism,’ vows severe penalties as left-wing protesters target showrooms.
  14. Trump administration threatens NYC commuter funding over subway crime, despite 40% drop since 2020.
  15. Trump administration considers drastic cuts to HIV prevention funding, CDC reorganization looms.
  16. Trump purge guts DHS unit credited with disrupting 1,000+ domestic terror plots.
  17. Trump’s FTC erases four years of consumer protection blogs, scrubbing AI and privacy guidance for Amazon, Microsoft, and Big Tech.
  18. Trump administration considers giving up permanent U.S. command of NATO forces, seen as step toward exit from alliance.
FIGHTING BACK: Nebraska voters jeer GOP congressman over Musk, Ukraine, Trump tariffs, and Medicare at fiery town hall. DETAILS
 
PatrThom

PatrThom

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"To aid cancer research, every US citizen will be required to smoke 1-2 packs of cigarettes/day. And to aid obesity research, every US citizen will be required to watch 4hrs of TV daily and consume a minimum of 3000 calories. Additionally, illegal immigrants will be required to double these numbers. Also hey, Germany, do you have any extra eggs we can borrow?"

--Patrick
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
  1. Trump pushes Ukraine to hand over nuclear plant in ceasefire talks.
  2. White House fact sheet confirms Trump’s plan to eliminate Education Dept.
  3. Pentagon calls removal of Navajo Code Talker content a mistake, vows restoration.
  4. Fed Chair Powell says Trump’s tariffs driving price increases as rates hold steady.
  5. Judge orders transfer of two transgender women back to women’s prisons after Trump’s order moved them to men’s facilities where they faced abuse.
  6. Trump administration drops lawsuit against Texas law letting police arrest migrants, following similar moves in Iowa and Oklahoma.
  7. Musk ally who helped slash programs at USAID and CFPB to lead USAID role.
  8. Texas Senate advances bills mandating Ten Commandments in classrooms and allowing school prayer.
  9. AP publishes list of 26 Social Security offices to close this year, with closure dates.
  10. For-profit prison company GEO Group fights to keep paying ICE detainees only $1 a day as profits soar under Trump.
  11. Judge denies emergency request to stop Musk’s DOGE Service from dismantling U.S. Institute of Peace after law enforcement-assisted raid.
  12. Trump’s JFK files dump exposes Social Security numbers of over 200 people, including his former attorney and a CIA agent’s file.
  13. Trump administration considers using active-duty military to detain migrants in buffer zone at southern border.
  14. DHS arrests Indian-born Georgetown fellow Monday night, moves him to ICE facility in Louisiana over alleged views on U.S.-Israel policy.
  15. Trump administration freezes $175M in federal funding to UPenn over transgender athlete policy, despite school following NCAA rules.
  16. Judge warns of “consequences” as Trump administration resists disclosing deportation flight details, while AG Bondi attacks court’s authority.
  17. Trump vows to ‘annihilate’ Iran-backed Houthis as U.S. escalates airstrikes in Yemen.
  18. Musk donates legal max to GOP lawmakers backing Trump’s push to impeach judges blocking his agenda.
  19. ICC president warns Trump’s sanctions are crippling court: staff quitting, payments blocked, and war crimes cases at risk.
  20. French scientist denied U.S. entry after CBP flagged private messages criticizing Trump’s science cuts.
FIGHTING BACK: ‘Tesla Takedown’ protesters plan largest action yet as Musk and Trump escalate attacks on demonstrators.
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
1/ A federal judge blocked Trump’s executive order banning transgender people from serving in the military. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ruled that the ban – which would have disqualified transgender troops and removed those diagnosed with gender dysphoria from military service – violates the Constitution’s equal protection clause, calling it “soaked in animus” and based on “derogatory language” rather than legitimate military concerns. Reyes, however, delayed her injunction until March 21 to allow the administration time to appeal. The Justice Department criticized the ruling, calling it an example of “judicial overreach,” while LGBTQ advocates praised it as a necessary protection for transgender service members. (NBC News / Politico / Associated Press / New York Times / CNN / Washington Post)

2/ The Trump administration froze $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania over its policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. The move follows a Trump executive order directing the government to withhold funding from schools that allow transgender women in female sports, stating it “deprives women and girls of fair athletic opportunities.” The White House added, “Promises made, promises kept.” Penn officials, however, said they hadn’t received formal notification and noted that the university follows NCAA and Ivy League regulations. (New York Times / NBC News / Washington Post / Bloomberg)

3/ Israel resumed ground operations in Gaza after breaking a two-month ceasefire with heavy airstrikes. The ceasefire collapsed after Hamas rejected a Trump administration-backed proposal to extend talks instead of moving to a permanent truce, which would have included releasing all remaining hostages. In response, Israel blocked aid to Gaza and launched airstrikes, arguing Hamas was rearming, while Hamas insisted it remained committed to the original ceasefire terms. The Israel Defense Forces, meanwhile, said troops retook parts of the Netzarim corridor, which splits northern and southern Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that civilian evacuations would resume, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said negotiations with Hamas would continue “under fire” until hostages were freed. Palestinian officials reported at least 436 deaths, including women and children, since the renewed offensive began. (ABC News / NBC News / Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal)

4/ A federal judge rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to dismiss Mahmoud Khalil’s deportation challenge, ruling that his case must be heard in New Jersey, where he was initially detained. Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia graduate, called himself a “political prisoner” and accused the administration of targeting him “as part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent.” The Trump administration claims he “led activities aligned to Hamas,” and is seeking to deport Khalil under a rarely used provision of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, arguing that his presence in the U.S. could have “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” Khalil’s lawyers, however, argue the government is retaliating against him for his pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia University. Judge Jesse Furman wrote that Khalil’s allegations “warrant careful review,” keeping his order in place to block deportation. Meanwhile, Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, who is eight months pregnant, said, “My husband should be home, not locked away, awaiting the birth of our first child.” (The Guardian / USA Today / Reuters / Axios / NPR / NBC News / Associated Press / Politico / Wall Street Journal)

5/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. The agreement, which Trump brokered after speaking with Putin and Zelensky, aims to prevent attacks on power plants and civilian infrastructure, though Russian strikes continued after Putin’s supposed order. Trump also proposed that the U.S. take control of Ukraine’s electrical and nuclear power facilities, an idea Ukrainian officials dismissed as unfeasible. Meanwhile, U.S. military aid to Ukraine, which had been paused, will resume, and Washington will help Kyiv acquire additional air defense systems. Ukrainian officials expressed skepticism about Putin’s commitment, noting continued Russian drone and missile attacks overnight. (New York Times / Washington Post / ABC News / Politico / Wall Street Journal)

6/ Trump fired the only two Democratic commissioners on the Federal Trade Commission, consolidating Republican control over the agency that enforces antitrust and consumer protection laws. “The president just illegally fired me,” Alvaro Bedoya said, calling the move “corruption plain and simple.” Rebecca Slaughter warned the decision violated Supreme Court precedent and accused Trump of fearing what she might “tell the American people.” The White House claimed the firings were within Trump’s constitutional authority, despite a 1935 Supreme Court ruling that protects independent regulators from removal without cause. (Bloomberg / Politico / Washington Post / The Guardian / Wall Street Journal / New York Times / The Verge / Axios / Reuters)

7/ The Social Security Administration will eliminate phone-based verification and instead require millions of Americans to verify their identity online or in person before claiming benefits. The agency claims the change, effective March 31, is necessary to combat fraud, but it comes as the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency have closed 47 Social Security offices and cut 7,000 jobs. The new rule are expected to delay benefits for seniors and disabled Americans who lack internet access or mobility, effectively making it harder to access Social Security. Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek defended the policy as a “common sense measure,” but acknowledged the disruptions and noted that in-person identity verification would increase the number of visitors to field offices by between 75,000 and 85,000 people per week. (CNN / New York Times / Associated Press / Bloomberg / Washington Post)

8/ The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at 4.25%-4.5% – sticking to its plan for two cuts later this year despite rising inflation and slowing growth. Officials raised their 2025 inflation forecast to 2.7% from 2.5%, and lowered their GDP growth estimate to 1.7% from 2.1%. Fed Chair Jerome Powell cited uncertainty from Trump’s economic policies, including tariffs, deregulation, and federal job cuts. Powell also warned that while Trump’s tariffs are already pushing prices higher, their inflationary impact may be temporary. (Wall Street Journal / CNBC / CNN / Bloomberg / New York Times / Washington Post)

poll/ 56% of federal workers believe the Trump administration will hurt government operations, while 32% are optimistic. 67% disapprove of Musk’s approach to the federal government, and 33% approve. 81% say they are unlikely to leave their jobs voluntarily in the next year, and 80% aren’t actively job hunting. 63% don’t expect to be affected by further cuts, while 35% do. 63% also doubt the government will honor deferred resignation payments, while 36% trust it will. (Politico)

poll/ 49% of voters approve of Trump’s job performance, while 48% disapprove. 49% say the U.S. is on the wrong track, Trump’s economic approval is negative at 47%-49%, and 41% say their personal financial situation is worsening. Cost of living (41%) and jobs/the economy (29%) are voters’ top concerns. (Echelon Insights)

The midterm elections are in 594 days.

✏ Notables.
  1. The U.S. Institute of Peace sued to block the Department of Government Efficiency from taking over its headquarters, calling it an unlawful “takeover by force.” The lawsuit alleges that DOGE, assisted by the FBI and D.C. police, forcibly entered the building and removed USIP President George Moose after Trump replaced most of its board members. A federal judge scheduled an emergency hearing, questioning why law enforcement was used against a nonprofit created by Congress. (NBC News / Washington Post / NPR / Democracy Docket)
  2. The Trump administration is considering deep cuts to domestic HIV prevention funding, including potentially eliminating the CDC’s HIV Prevention Division. The move would contradict Trump’s 2019 pledge to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. by 2030. (Wall Street Journal / Politico / NBC News / New York Times)
  3. Trump released over 63,000 pages of previously classified documents related to the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy. The records, published by the National Archives, include CIA files detailing Cold War-era intelligence operations and surveillance of Lee Harvey Oswald before the assassination. Experts say the documents mostly contain previously redacted material and have not fundamentally changed the official conclusion that Oswald acted alone. Historians and researchers are still reviewing the files, but no “smoking gun” has been found. The release doesn’t include all promised documents, as thousands remain withheld due to national security and legal restrictions. (Washington Post / USA Today / Bloomberg / CNN / Associated Press / Reuters)
  4. Minnesota Republican state Sen. Justin Eichorn was arrested for allegedly soliciting a minor for prostitution, hours after introducing a bill to classify “Trump derangement syndrome” as a mental illness. Police say Eichorn believed he was communicating with a 17-year-old girl, but was actually speaking with an undercover detective. Despite being told the girl was underage, he allegedly requested explicit photos, discussed prices for sex acts, and arranged a meeting, where officers arrested him. The Minnesota Republican Party and Senate leadership have called for his immediate resignation. Eichorn, who is married with four children, has not yet publicly responded. “Trump Derangement Syndrome” is a term used by Trump supporters to describe what they see as irrational or extreme opposition to him. (Minnesota Public Radio / Fox 9 / The Guardian / USA Today / Minnesota Star Tribune)
  5. The past decade was Earth’s hottest on record, with 2024 surpassing the 1.5°C warming limit for the first time in a single year, according to a U.N. report. The World Meteorological Organization attributed rising temperatures to human activity and El Niño, noting record-high ocean heat, sea levels, and glacier retreat. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent action, warning, “Our planet is issuing more distress signals.” (Associated Press)
  6. A global democracy watchdog warned that the U.S. could lose its status as a democracy by next year. The Varieties of Democracy report compared Trump’s tactics to those of authoritarian leaders like Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey, Viktor Orbán in Hungary, and Narendra Modi in India. In the past week, for instance, Trump attempted to void Biden’s pardons, threatened universities, and used an 18th-century war law to deport Venezuelan migrants in possible defiance of a court order. Trump’s recent Justice Department speech called for media prosecutions while labeling his adversaries as “scum.” (CBC)
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
  1. Judge slams administration’s ‘woefully insufficient’ deportation response, orders state secrets claim explanation by Friday, decision by March 25.
  2. Judge bars deportation of Georgetown scholar with valid visa and American wife.
  3. Trump signs long-threatened order to dismantle Education Department as Sen. Cassidy, a physician, vows legislation to fully abolish it.
  4. Judge blocks Musk’s DOGE team from Social Security data, citing ‘so-called experts’ and disregard for Americans’ private information.
  5. Pentagon demotes senior spokesman John Ullyot after he defended erasing Jackie Robinson tribute and called diversity efforts ‘discriminatory equity ideology.’
  6. Trump administration extends deadline to end Manhattan congestion toll as Duffy posts that Hochul is ‘on notice’ and warns of federal funding cuts.
  7. DeSantis threatens to suspend local officials after Fort Myers rejects ICE training for police, citing powers he’s used before.
  8. Tesla recalls Cybertruck for the 8th time in 2 years as defect may send metal flying, forcing owners to service centers ASAP.
  9. White House scrambles after Trump’s JFK file dump exposes 400+ Social Security numbers—double yesterday’s count—including CIA staff, Senate investigators, and a former Trump attorney.
  10. Trump, once impeached for a quid pro quo, rescinds order sanctioning law firm after it drops DEI and pledges $40M in free work.
  11. Trump scrambles to deny Musk will hear China war plans at Pentagon after NYT and WSJ reports spark backlash.
  12. Commerce Secretary Lutnick tells Fox viewers ‘buy Tesla’—says it’ll ‘never be this cheap again’ as outrage builds over Musk’s federal cuts.
  13. Trump administration opens 82% of Alaska reserve to drilling, reinstates ANWR leases and clears path for LNG pipeline.
  14. Musk’s PAC again offers $100 to voters—this time in WI special election—to back petition attacking ‘activist judges’ and help get Trump-aligned court pick elected.
  15. Trump lawyers cite 1798 wartime law to justify entering homes without a warrant to search for undocumented immigrants.
  16. Trump taps 1950 emergency law to boost mining, open federal lands to coal, and give allies sweeping power over mineral policy.
  17. Trump moves to fold USAID into the State Department—and quietly slip in blockchain tech, though staff haven’t said whether it’s for accounting or actually moving money.
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
1/ Trump signed an executive order to “eliminate” the Department of Education, calling it “the first step” toward getting rid of the department “once and for all.” Existing law, however, prevents Trump from unilaterally closing a federal agency created by Congress. “We’re going to eliminate it, and everybody knows it’s right,” Trump said, surrounded by teachers, families, and kids seated at school desks behind him. “We have to get our children educated. We’re not doing well with the world of education in this country, and we haven’t for a long time.” The order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who has already cut nearly half of the department’s workforce, closed regional offices, and eliminated teams within the agency, to take “all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to the States.” McMahon, however, acknowledged that “the department clearly can’t be shut down” without congressional approval, but said its “final mission is to close itself.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted that “critical functions like Pell Grants and student loans will remain under the department,” yet the administration hasn’t explained how these programs would operate without the agency overseeing them. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy vowed to “introduce legislation to eliminate the department as soon as possible” even though Republicans lack the votes needed to overcome a Senate filibuster. (New York Times / Washington Post / USA Today / Politico / Axios / Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg / CNBC / CNN / NBC News / ABC News)
  • What’s at stake? The future of public education funding, civil rights protections, and student financial aid is uncertain. The Education Department distributes billions in federal funding, including Pell Grants for low-income students and special education support, while also enforcing civil rights laws in schools. Without federal oversight, disparities in education quality between states could grow, leaving millions of students with fewer resources. If you or your children rely on federal grants, loans, or protections, these changes could directly impact your financial and educational opportunities. Even if you don’t, a weaker federal role in education could lower national education standards, harming workforce competitiveness and economic mobility.
2/ A federal judge accused the Trump administration of failing to comply with his order to provide details on deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants, calling its response “woefully insufficient.” Judge James Boasberg had ordered the Justice Department to submit flight data, but that Trump officials “again evaded their obligations” by repeating previous information. The administration deported alleged gang members under the Alien Enemies Act, despite Boasberg’s temporary order halting removals. Lawyers for the deportees argued that many were wrongly labeled as gang members based on tattoos and social media posts with no clear gang affiliations. Trump, nevertheless, dismissed Boasberg as a “Radical Left Lunatic” and called for his impeachment. (New York Times / ABC News / Bloomberg / Slate / Reuters / CNN)
  • Trump administration lawyers claim an obscure 18th-century wartime law gives immigration agents the power to enter homes without warrants to detain suspected Venezuelan gang members. Legal experts, however, warn this interpretation ignores the Fourth Amendment’s protections against warrantless searches. The administration, nevertheless, has already deported over 100 Venezuelans under the law, sending them to a prison in El Salvador in a deal that costs U.S. taxpayers $20,000 per detainee annually. (New York Times)
3/ A federal judge temporarily blocked the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing Social Security Administration systems containing personal data. Judge Ellen Hollander also ordered DOGE to delete any personally identifiable information it had already obtained and to remove installed software. The Trump administration claimed DOGE was investigating government waste and fraud, but Hollander called the effort a “fishing expedition” without clear justification. (Associated Press / CNN / Politico / New York Times / Axios / CNN)

4/ Elon Musk donated the maximum legal amount to multiple Republican lawmakers supporting judicial impeachments. The donations went to seven House Republicans and Senator Chuck Grassley – all have either endorsed or suggested removing judges who ruled against the Trump administration. One target is Judge James Boasberg, who blocked a Trump-ordered deportation, prompting Musk to call for his impeachment: “For more than two centuries, there has never been such extreme abuse of the legal system by activists pretending to be judges.” Trump echoed the sentiment, saying: “This judge […] should be IMPEACHED!!!” Meanwhile, Tesla’s stock dropped after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urged Americans to “buy Tesla.” The decline comes amid protests against Musk’s political influence, with demonstrators gathering outside Tesla showrooms. Some incidents have escalated into vandalism, including Molotov cocktail attacks on dealerships. Attorney General Pam Bondi labeled the violence “domestic terrorism” and announced federal charges against three people, warning: “If you join this wave […] the Department of Justice will put you behind bars.” Musk, meanwhile, dismissed the protests, calling Tesla a “peaceful company” and, without evidence, claimed the attacks were part of a coordinated conspiracy against him. (New York Times / Axios / Salon / Business Insider / CNBC / Politico / USA Today / The Hill / The Verge)
  • Tesla is missing $1.4 billion. The company reported $6.3 billion in capital expenditures in the second half of 2024, but its balance sheet showed only $4.9 billion in asset growth. (Financial Times / Mashable / Electrek)
  • Tesla is recalling all 46,096 Cybertrucks because the stainless steel trim panel can detach while driving. This marks the Cybertruck’s eighth recall since 2023. (Carscoops / Axios / TechCrunch)
5/ After the Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady, Trump lashed out and insisted that Chair Jerome Powell “would be MUCH better off CUTTING RATES” to help Trump’s tariffs “ease” into the economy. Trump also called April 2 – when new tariffs are set to be announced – “Liberation Day in America!!!” Powell pushed back, warning that “tariffs are already playing a role in driving up inflation” and emphasizing that “uncertainty around the economic outlook has increased.” Despite Trump’s demands, markets expect the Fed to wait until June before cutting rates. (CNBC / ABC News / Washington Post / Bloomberg / CNN)

6/ House Democrats and progressive groups are pressuring Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to step down after he helped pass the Republican-backed spending bill. Rep. Glenn Ivey became the first Democrat to openly demand Schumer’s resignation, saying: “It may be time for Senate Democrats to pick new leadership.” Rep. Delia Ramirez also backed a leadership change, arguing that “Our constituents are asking us to be the kind of leaders that are going to truly hear them.”Despite growing pressure from Indivisible, the Sunrise Movement, and other progressive groups, Schumer has refused to step aside and insists his decision was necessary to prevent a government shutdown that would have empowered Trump. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, meanwhile, questioned Schumer’s strategy, saying: “I don’t give away anything for nothing.” (Axios / Politico / NPR / The Guardian / USA Today)

The midterm elections are in 593 days.

✏ Notables.
  1. A federal judge blocked the deportation of Georgetown University researcher Badar Khan Suri, who was detained by immigration authorities despite having lawful status in the U.S. The Trump administration revoked Suri’s visa, alleging he spread “Hamas propaganda” and had ties to a senior Hamas adviser – an apparent reference to his wife’s family. Suri’s attorneys argue that his detention violates his constitutional rights and is part of a broader crackdown on activists critical of U.S. foreign policy on Israel. The arrest follows similar cases, including Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, detained over his pro-Palestinian activism. (Washington Post / CBS News / ABC News / Associated Press / NBC News)
  2. A French scientist was denied U.S. entry after border agents searched his phone and found messages critical of Trump’s policies. France’s research minister condemned the move, calling it a threat to academic freedom. (The Guardian / New York Times)
  3. The Pentagon removed or flagged over 24,000 articles from its websites following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s directive to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion content. The purge included articles on Holocaust remembrance, sexual assault awareness, suicide prevention, and historical military contributions by women and minority groups. Some pages, such as those about Jackie Robinson, the Navajo Code Talkers, and the Tuskegee Airmen, were later restored after backlash. (CNN / NPR / Axios / Rolling Stone)
  4. The Trump administration may use active-duty military personnel to hold migrants in a 60-foot buffer zone along the U.S.-Mexico border, effectively turning the area into a temporary military installation that allows the Pentagon to use defense funds for border enforcement. Legal experts warn it could violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in law enforcement. (Washington Post)
  5. More than 200 Social Security numbers and other private information were exposed in Trump’s release of unredacted JFK assassination files. The documents included sensitive data of former congressional staffers who investigated intelligence abuses in the 1970s. Privacy experts said the disclosure likely violates the Privacy Act of 1974. (Washington Post / USA Today)
 
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