There are concerns around what democracy could look like and the role of Islam in the new regime.
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Today's Political News Compilation - Thursday, April 17, 2025
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Trump officials’ defiance over Abrego Garcia’s deportation is ‘shocking,’ appeals court says
By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN, ERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHERUpdated 8:43 PM CDT, April 17, 2025
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration’s claim that it can’t do anything to free Kilmar Abrego Garcia from an El Salvador prison and return him to the U.S. “should be shocking,” a federal appeals court said Thursday in a blistering order that ratchets up the escalating conflict between the government’s executive and judicial branches.
A three-judge panel from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously refused to suspend a judge’s decision to order sworn testimony by Trump administration officials to determine if they complied with her instruction to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return.
Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III, who was nominated by Republican President Ronald Reagan, wrote that he and his two colleagues “cling to the hope that it is not naïve to believe our good brethren in the Executive Branch perceive the rule of law as vital to the American ethos.”
“This case presents their unique chance to vindicate that value and to summon the best that is within us while there is still time,” Wilkinson wrote.
The seven-page order amounts to an extraordinary condemnation of the administration’s position in Abrego Garcia’s case and also an ominous warning of the dangers of an escalating conflict between the judiciary and executive branches the court said threatens to “diminish both.” It says the judiciary will be hurt by the “constant intimations of its illegitimacy” while the executive branch “will lose much from a public perception of its lawlessness.” ...
READ THE FULL STORY - AP
Trump suggests he can remove Fed Chair Powell and says he's 'not happy' with him over interest rates
President Donald Trump has attacked Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for not cutting interest rates. And Trump says he could fire Powell if he wanted to.
apnews.com
Trump administration cutting nearly 90% of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
President Trump is downsizing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
www.cbsnews.com
Slamming Trump administration, appeals court denies request to appeal Abrego Garcia ruling
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit has denied the Trump administration’s effort to appeal an order requiring it to facilitate Kilmar Abrego Garcia's return.
abcnews.go.com
'Mass surveillance': Conservatives sound alarm over Trump admin's REAL ID rollout
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and other conservatives are speaking out about REAL ID as its implementation deadline nears.
www.foxnews.com
China says it will pay no attention to Trump’s ‘tariff numbers game’
Beijing’s comments come after White House says Chinese exports could face duties of up to 245 percent.
www.aljazeera.com
Democrats draw on renewed energy in the fight against Trump
A Democratic base frustrated by “elites” early after Trump’s inauguration has been growing more active — raising money, turning out for protests and eager for the midterms.
www.nbcnews.com
Maryland Sen Van Hollen meets Kilmar Ábrego García in El Salvador
But Salvadoran President Bukele says Kilmar Ábrego García - who is at the centre of a US court battle - will stay in custody.
www.bbc.com
Democrats’ vice chair ignites civil war, targeting 'asleep at the wheel' incumbents in primaries
Democratic Party vice chair David Hogg's financing primary challenges against establishment Democrats is exposing intra-party tensions rocking the party in its Trump-term wilderness.
www.foxnews.com
Supreme Court keeps hold on Trump’s restrictions on birthright citizenship but sets May arguments
The Supreme Court is keeping a hold on President Donald Trump’s restrictions on birthright citizenship but will hear arguments on the issue in May.
apnews.com
Analysis: How the battles Trump loves to wage explain his presidency | CNN Politics
To understand Donald Trump’s second term, just look at the fights he picks.
www.cnn.com
What is birthright citizenship and the 14th amendment? Explaining Trump's desired changes
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in May on Trump's bid to enforce his executive order to restrict automatic birthright citizenship.
www.usatoday.com
Ukraine says outline of minerals deal signed with US
The move would be a step towards a final deal derailed by a row at the White House in February.
www.bbc.com
Federal judge in Baltimore temporarily limits DOGE access to Social Security data
A federal judge has imposed new restrictions on the Department of Government Efficiency’s access to Social Security systems that hold personal data on millions of Americans.
apnews.com
FDA making plans to end its routine food safety inspections, sources say
Food safety inspections would be left to state and local authorities under the plan being developed by the FDA.
www.cbsnews.com
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"I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar," the senator's post read. "Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return."
Van Hollen earlier Thursday said he was denied entry into...
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