Trump’s National Security Council Drastically Reduced in Major Restructuring WASHINGTON — A substantial number of staff members at the White House National Security Council (NSC) were dismissed on May 23 as part of a sweeping reorganization by the Trump administration. According to reports from The Washington Post , Reuters , and other media outlets, the staff shake-up occurred three weeks after President Donald Trump removed former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the interim head of the NSC. The restructuring affected personnel involved in a broad range of geopolitical issues, with many receiving termination notices. The overhaul is expected to shift greater authority to the State Department and the Department of Defense.
Posts
New Jersey Transit Engineers Go on Strike, Disrupting Commutes for 350,000 Riders. A strike by New Jersey Transit engineers has brought major disruptions to train services across the state, affecting the daily routines of approximately 350,000 commuters. The walkout, which began earlier today, has halted nearly all train operations and created widespread delays and cancellations. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), which represents the engineers, cited stalled contract negotiations and unresolved disputes over wages and working conditions as the primary reasons for the strike. Talks between union representatives and NJ Transit officials reportedly broke down earlier this week, prompting the job action. “We’ve been negotiating in good faith for years,” said a BLET spokesperson. “Our members deserve a fair contract that reflects the essential service they provide.” NJ Transit officials expressed disappointment over the strike, stating they had hoped to avoid...
Rooting Out 'Woke': How Red States Are Aligning With Trump's Anti-DEI Agenda. When West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey took office in January, one of his first actions was to issue an executive order aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within state government. Just last week, he took that effort a step further by signing legislation that formally enshrines the order into state law. “At the beginning of my administration, I promised to eliminate DEI programs,” Morrisey said during a ceremonial signing event. “Today, I’m proud to say we’ve kept that promise. DEI is officially over in the Mountain State.” Morrisey's move reflects a broader trend gaining momentum among Republican-led states. With former President Donald Trump framing DEI as part of what he calls a “woke” agenda, several conservative leaders have begun to target such programs in state agencies and public institutions. They argue that DEI policies promote division and id...
5 Key Highlights from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Congressional Testimony Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his controversial views and now running as an independent presidential candidate, appeared before Congress this week. His testimony drew significant attention, not just for its content, but for the reactions it sparked among lawmakers and activists alike. Here are the five main takeaways from the hearing: 1. Protests Erupt Outside the Capitol Demonstrators gathered in large numbers outside the Capitol during Kennedy’s appearance, voicing strong opposition to his stance on vaccines and public health. Many held signs criticizing his history of spreading vaccine misinformation, while others supported his right to speak. The divided reaction underscored the polarizing effect of his public profile. 2. Vaccine Views Under Fire Kennedy’s controversial positions on vaccines took center stage. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle grilled him about his past statements linking vacci...
Tariffs Push Chinese Imports to Post-Pandemic Lows, The imposition of tariffs on a range of Chinese goods has led to a sharp decline in imports from China, bringing them down to levels not seen since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The trade restrictions, primarily driven by political and economic tensions, are reshaping global supply chains and impacting international trade flows. According to recent trade data, Chinese imports into several major economies, including the United States, have dropped significantly as companies and consumers face higher prices and seek alternative sources. This trend mirrors the early pandemic era when supply chain disruptions and lockdowns caused import activity to shrink. Experts say the decline is not solely due to tariffs but also reflects a broader shift in global trade dynamics. Businesses are diversifying their suppliers and moving production to countries like Vietnam, Mexico, and India in a strategy often referred to as “China plus ...
"Federal Judge Rules Trump Can Invoke Alien Enemies Act for Deportation Measures" On May 13, a federal judge in Pennsylvania ruled that the U.S. government can invoke the Alien Enemies Act to expedite the deportation of alleged members of a Venezuelan gang, marking the first known court decision supporting the Trump administration’s interpretation of the 18th-century law. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines, serving in the Western District of Pennsylvania, concluded that President Donald Trump holds the authority to designate the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization and to deport its members under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. However, she expressed concern over how quickly deportations have occurred, noting that some removals have taken place “within a matter of hours.” Although the judge upheld the administration’s overall legal authority, she mandated procedural safeguards to ensure fairness. Specifically, she ruled that individu...
Trump’s Middle East Tour: A Look at His First Major Foreign Trip of Term Two" President Donald Trump has embarked on his first major overseas visit of his second term, traveling to the Middle East from May 13 to 16. The trip begins in Saudi Arabia, where the president is participating in a series of high-level summits with leaders from across the Persian Gulf region. This marks a critical diplomatic effort aimed at strengthening U.S. alliances and addressing key regional issues including security cooperation, trade, and energy policy. Following his meetings in Saudi Arabia, President Trump will continue his tour with visits to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Each stop is expected to include bilateral talks, regional security discussions, and renewed pledges of economic partnership. The president’s itinerary reflects a strategic push to reinforce America’s role in a region facing both enduring challenges and evolving dynamics. Photos released by the Saudi Royal Court show Pr...