Trump Signs Executive Orders Targeting Higher Education and DEI Initiatives
President Trump signed executive orders intensifying oversight of U.S. colleges and targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in education. The actions seek stricter enforcement of laws requiring colleges to disclose foreign financial ties, especially in light of ongoing conflict with Harvard University. Schools failing to comply may lose federal funding. Trump also ordered a crackdown on accrediting bodies by removing DEI mandates and encouraging competition among accreditors. Additionally, his administration rejected equity-based disciplinary policies in K-12 schools, advocating instead for behavior-based discipline decisions and ending the use of disparate impact standards.
Trump Suggests Calling Fed Chair Powell to Press for Interest Rate Cuts
President Trump indicated that he might call Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to advocate for lower interest rates, expressing his belief that Powell is making a mistake by not cutting rates. This statement comes amid past concerns in financial markets regarding the Fed's independence, especially when Trump previously suggested he had no plans to dismiss Powell, which had reassured investors.
Army Suspends Fort McCoy's First Female Commander Over Trump Portrait Incident
Col. Sheyla Baez Ramirez, the first female garrison commander of Fort McCoy in Wisconsin, has been suspended after portraits of President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were discovered turned to face the wall at the base. The U.S. Army announced the suspension on Fort McCoy’s website, clarifying that it is not related to misconduct, though specifics were not provided as the matter remains under review.
Trump Claims Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal Close, Criticizes Zelenskyy
President Trump declared that a U.S.-led peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is near, but accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of hindering the process by refusing to concede Crimea to Russia. Zelenskyy firmly rejected the idea, stating Ukraine cannot recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea, which contradicts its constitution.
Trump Administration Undermines NOAA's Scientific Integrity
The Trump administration's actions have significantly undermined the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), pushing it onto a 'non-science trajectory,' according to current and former agency employees. The administration is attempting to dismantle NOAA’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Research division, leading to severe disruptions in pivotal scientific efforts, including climate data collection, disaster preparedness, sustainable fisheries, and environmental protection initiatives.