Trump Temporarily Suspends Tariffs on Most Imports from Mexico: Live Updates

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz invites laid-off federal workers to explore jobs in his state

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is urging federal employees who have been laid off due to cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to explore job opportunities in his state.

Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee for 2024, emphasized that Minnesota values the skills and experiences of federal workers, in contrast to Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and DOGE.

“Government employees deliver services essential to our communities—from park rangers to emergency personnel who attend to our veterans. If you find the Trump administration no longer welcomes you, Minnesota stands ready to embrace you,” Walz stated.

He also encouraged dismissed federal workers to check Minnesota’s career website for available resources.

DOGE seeks access to sensitive government records, raising alarms

The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), endorsed by Elon Musk’s team, has requested access to a sensitive database held by the Department of Health and Human Services. This database, part of the Federal Parent Locator Service, monitors child support payments and contains income data for nearly all American employees. The initiative has raised red flags among career civil servants concerned about DOGE’s authority to attain such protected data.

The interest in the National Directory of New Hires, which holds employment and wage records, has sparked heated debates. Opponents warn that potential misuse of this data could lead to significant privacy breaches, as it is safeguarded by laws similar to those guarding IRS tax records. The database primarily assists in enforcing child support obligations and is accessible exclusively by certain authorized agencies.

Vicki Turetsky, former head of the child support office, voiced concerns over the request, highlighting federal laws that confine access to the information for specific reasons. DOGE has also targeted data from other federal offices, raising even further questions regarding its broader intentions to access sensitive government databases.

Elon Musk and DOGE’s influence on the government proves popular—poll reveals

Recent surveys indicate that a slim majority of Americans endorse billionaire Elon Musk’s influence within government sectors, as well as President Donald Trump’s initiatives to diminish the overall federal workforce.

Musk, recognized as the world’s richest individual, has been leading the agenda of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to trim government employment and optimize federal spending. These actions have faced backlash from both Democrats and some Republicans as they threaten thousands of jobs.

Critics of Trump and Musk have raised alarms regarding budget cuts potentially detrimental to citizens, citing concerns that essential programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid could face reductions. Although Trump and GOP leaders have assured that such programs will not be slashed, they have hinted at rooting out alleged fraud within them.

Despite substantial public criticism, polling conducted by CBS News/YouGov from February 26 to 28 indicates that a slender majority support Musk’s involvement and the decrease in federal staffing.

Read the complete article by Jason Lemon on Newsweek.

Trump officials scheduled to meet with Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia

Special envoy Steve Witkoff from the Trump administration announced today that senior officials are set to engage with senior Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia next week.

The discussions will take place in either Riyadh or Jeddah.

On Thursday, Zelenskyy informed European leaders in Brussels that dialogue between the U.S. and Ukraine has resumed following a heated exchange with Trump during an Oval Office meeting last week.

He expressed hope for a “meaningful meeting” next week.

Ontario to impose a 25% tariff on electricity exports to three U.S. states next week

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced a 25% retaliatory tariff on electricity destined for Minnesota, Michigan, and New York.

“Effective Monday, we are implementing a 25% tariff on electricity exports to support 1.5 million households and businesses in those states,” Ford stated during an interview with CNN on Thursday. “It truly frustrates me that we have to resort to this,” he added.

Ford threatened to halt all energy exports to the U.S. “with a smile on my face” if Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada remain in place.

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), one of the largest alcohol purchasers globally, also banned all U.S. products from its shelves on Tuesday.

Concerns arise over the risk of an America-led espionage network collapsing due to Trump-Russia tensions

After World War II, the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand collaborated to share intelligence, forming the Five Eyes alliance to pool their resources against common threats.

However, recent actions by U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration are jeopardizing this long-standing alliance. Trump’s foreign policy shifts, imposition of tariffs, and disdainful remarks towards allies have caused apprehension about the U.S.’s reliability as an ally in the intelligence sharing discipline.

Securing intelligence partnerships is critical, especially regarding nations like Russia and China. Calder Walton, a national security historian at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, described this framework as “the most critical intelligence sharing agreement in history.”

Read the complete article by Ellie Cook on Newsweek.

Trump poised to sign multiple executive orders soon

President Donald Trump is preparing to sign several executive orders at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, as announced by the White House.

While reports suggested that an order concerning the Department of Education was on the agenda, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took to X on Thursday to dispel those claims.

Mexican president announces that ‘virtually all’ exports will be tariff-exempt until April 2

In a press conference on Thursday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum noted that almost all of Mexico’s trade with the U.S. falls under the USMCA and will be exempt from tariffs until March 2.

“Practically all of our trade with the U.S. conforms to the Mexico-United States-Canada Agreement,” Sheinbaum stated.

She highlighted that while certain segments are affected by the rules of origin, the majority falls within the agreement’s provisions.

Earlier on Thursday, Trump announced an exemption from tariffs for products covered by the USMCA until next month, asserting the accommodation was made “out of respect for President Sheinbaum.”

Trump also reiterated their positive relationship and collaborative efforts on border control and combating fentanyl trafficking.

Debate surrounding the potential deportation of Ukrainian refugees by Trump administration

The Trump administration is reportedly considering revoking the temporary legal status of around 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the conflict with Russia, as reported by Reuters.

Such a move would signify a stark departure from the welcoming stance those Ukrainians received under former President Joe Biden’s administration.

The White House directed Newsweek towards a post made by the press secretary on X, which denied the reports: “This is just more fake news from Reuters based on anonymous sources who lack accurate information. Fact: no decision has been arrived at yet.”

Newsweek has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for clarification.

Reportedly, the administration was moving toward revoking protections for Ukrainians prior to Trump’s confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Concerns over Trump’s potential removal of Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians

The Trump administration is making preparations to revoke temporary legal status for roughly 240,000 Ukrainians who escaped the ongoing conflict with Russia, as reported by Reuters.

This shift would represent a significant turnaround compared to the reception Ukrainians experienced under former President Joe Biden’s leadership.

The White House directed Newsweek to a post by press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who rejected the claims: “This is more fake news from Reuters based on anonymous sources who have no reliable information. The reality is: no decision has been reached as of yet.”

Newsweek has contacted the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for further commentary.

In his initial week as president, Donald Trump swiftly initiated stringent immigration policies. He signed ten executive orders focused on enhancing border security and expediting mass deportations, with some of these measures taking immediate effect while others faced substantial legal challenges.

On January 20, Trump issued an executive order instructing the DHS to “terminate all categorical parole programs,” marking a notable change in U.S. immigration policy.

Read the entire piece by Billal Rahman on Newsweek.

White House offered Ukraine ‘fair warning’ prior to halting military assistance

The White House provided advance notice to Ukraine regarding a halt in U.S. military assistance and intelligence sharing, following a heated meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as reported by The Associated Press.

This suspension was announced subsequent to a fiery exchange during an Oval Office meeting, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for not expressing adequate gratitude for the substantial aid dispatched to Ukraine since the onset of the Russian conflict.

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, remarked on the repercussions of the pause, asserting that “The Ukrainians brought it on themselves.” He compared the effects to “hitting a mule with a two-by-four across the nose,” implying it was aimed at getting their attentions.

Kellogg unaware of U.S. discussions with Ukrainian opposition

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, serving as the U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, stated via tweet that he has not been informed of any dialogues between the current administration and opposition leaders from Ukraine.

“I came across a report at Politico… I haven’t heard anything. It would be quite challenging to believe at this moment,” Kellogg remarked during an interview with VOA Ukrainian.

AOC criticizes Republicans for advocating free speech while censuring Rep. Al Green

Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called out Republicans for their contradictory stance on free speech, particularly regarding the censure of Rep. Al Green after his protest during Trump’s address to Congress.

“For a party that preaches free speech protection, they are quick to impose sanctions on anyone expressing dissent,” Ocasio-Cortez noted during an interview with CNN on Thursday.

She further claimed that GOP members are “thin-skinned and easily offended,” indicating their sensitivities.

Judge appointed by Obama sides with Trump

A judge appointed by former President Barack Obama has ruled to allow President Donald Trump to dismiss a special counsel while the appeal court evaluates the case.

Trump discharged special counsel Hampton Dellinger, who subsequently challenged the decision in federal court. The legal contention surrounding Dellinger strikes at the heart of Trump’s agenda to cleanse what he perceives as excess personnel within the federal establishment.

Newsweek attempted to contact Attorney General Pam Bondi, Judge Patricia Millett, and Dellinger’s legal counsel for commentary via email.

Dellinger was appointed by former President Joe Biden to oversee whistleblower cases within the federal sector, establishing a channel for federal workers to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.

Upon Trump’s return to the White House in January, he dismissed Dellinger through a concise email. Dellinger has since been battling this situation in federal courts.

U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who was likewise nominated during the Obama era, had provisionally reinstated Dellinger while he pursued his case.

On March 5, the three-judge panel of the Washington, D.C. Court of Appeals unanimously overruled Berman Jackson’s order, allowing Trump to terminate Dellinger while the appeal process is ongoing.

The D.C. appellate judges comprised Karen Henderson from former President George H.W. Bush’s appointee list, Patricia Millett, and Justin Walker, nominated by Trump during his first administration.

Millett boasts a wealth of experience as a constitutional lawyer, having argued 32 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court prior to her federal court nomination by Obama.

Read the entire report by Sean O’Driscoll on Newsweek.

Trump takes another jab at Trudeau while praising Mexican President Sheinbaum

Although Donald Trump appears to be cultivating a stronger affinity with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, tensions continue to simmer between him and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Just prior to revealing that tariffs on Mexican goods under the USMCA Agreement would be postponed until April 2 “out of respect for President Sheinbaum,” Trump targeted Trudeau in a Truth Social post.

He remarked, “Believe it or not, despite the poor job he has done for Canada, I suspect that Justin Trudeau is leveraging the Tariff situation, largely of his own making, as a strategy to run for Prime Minister once again. It’s amusing to watch!”

Faulkender assures IRS layoffs won’t disrupt tax season

Michael Faulkender, the nominee for Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, stated that he does not foresee any significant impact on tax collections due to mass layoffs at the IRS this year.

“I am not expecting a decline in the IRS’s ability to manage collections during this tax season,” Faulkender remarked during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.

The IRS has already laid off over 7,000 probationary employees, with plans for further reductions also in discussion.

CDC requests 180 dismissed outbreak response employees to return

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has asked approximately 180 dismissed employees to come back to work, as reported by CNN.

Most of those laid off worked in the disease response sector, coinciding with current CDC involvement in tackling an outbreak of measles in Texas and the spread of H5N1 bird flu, which has caused egg prices to rise.

This year’s seasonal flu cases have also hit a 15-year high.

Over 700 CDC employees were dismissed amidst mass layoffs across federal agencies during the Trump administration. Some of those invited back have declined due to concerns about the agency’s “unstable” environment.

Kellogg states Ukraine meeting’s focus shifted during tense discussions

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, the Trump special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, indicated that last week’s meeting in the Oval Office with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was meant to focus on a critical minerals deal but shifted when Zelenskyy sought security assurances.

Trump, trying to act as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia, refrained from committing to supporting Kyiv, resulting in what Zelenskyy described as a “regrettable” exchange. While Zelenskyy hinted at his readiness to endorse the deal, Kellogg stated that he could not assure a renewal of U.S. weapons aid, clarifying, “That depends on the President.”

Sheinbaum asserts she and Trump had a ‘respectful’ communication

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed gratitude to Trump after what she characterized as an “excellent and respectful” phone call, highlighting their collaborative efforts in trade, migration, and security.

Greenlanders uphold their independence amid Trump’s remarks

Greenlanders are firmly grounded in their traditions and fiercely protective of their homeland in light of Trump’s previous comments about acquiring the island.

“The people here maintain faith regardless of circumstances,” shared Rev. John Johansen, as reported by The Associated Press, following a church service attended by American visitors wearing pins stating, “I didn’t vote for him.”

Johansen highlighted that many locals are apprehensive about losing their autonomy, expressing, “They don’t aspire to be American or Danes; their only desire is for independence.”

Greenland, predominantly Lutheran since the arrival of Danish missionaries 300 years ago, continues to uphold its unique cultural and national identity.

U.S. exits global climate finance initiative, putting $45bn plan at risk

The U.S. has withdrawn from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a $45 billion climate finance initiative aimed at assisting developing nations in shifting away from coal, according to Financial Times. This decision follows an executive directive from Trump prioritizing national interests in international accords.

This exit affects JETP agreements involving Indonesia, Vietnam, and South Africa, where the U.S. had initially committed financial support and investments. The move has drawn criticism from international climate officials, with Germany and the U.K. striving to uphold the initiative.

USMCA goods receive a month-long reprieve from tariffs following Trump-Sheinbaum dialogue

President Donald Trump has confirmed that goods included under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will remain tariff-free until April 2.

This announcement was made after Trump’s conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: “Following my discussion with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not incur Tariffs on any goods falling under the USMCA Agreement.”

He reiterated that this decision was made “out of respect for President Sheinbaum.”

Trump expressed satisfaction with their relationship, emphasizing collaboration on border security issues and combating fentanyl trafficking.

Ten Democrats join Republicans to censure Representative Al Green

Ten House Democrats collaborated with Republicans on Thursday to censure Rep. Al Green for his protest during Trump’s address to Congress.

House Democratic leaders had reportedly urged members to exercise restraint during the speech and avoid prominent protests.

Green’s protest was particularly pronounced as he interjected during Trump’s speech, ultimately leading to Speaker Mike Johnson removing him from the chamber.

Additional Democrats displayed subtle signs of resistance; some wearing Ukraine’s colors and others holding up signs labeled “false” during Trump’s remarks. Many also chose not to applaud for Trump.

Today’s censure serves as a significant rebuke of Green, but it carries no real punishment. Green indicated he would accept any consequences for his protest, asserting he would take similar actions again.

“He deliberately violated House rules, and passing a censure vote expeditiously is an appropriate response. Any Democrat concerned about regaining the public’s trust should align with House Republicans on this matter,” Johnson declared on X.

Press Secretary Leavitt refutes claims of Trump signing education executive order today

Press Secretary for Trump, Karoline Leavitt, addressed circulating reports regarding the President’s signing of an executive order related to the Department of Education by labeling them “fake news” and clarifying that there are no such actions planned for today.

OPINION: Supreme Court’s dismissal of Trump end-run is encouraging

The Supreme Court’s ruling permitting the normal legal process to continue in the foreign aid case involving the Trump administration reaffirms the existence of three equal branches of government in America.

President Donald Trump has habitually challenged that principle. One attempt was the declaration that he, not Congress, holds the final say on government expenditures. The Supreme Court was deliberating on foreign aid, which Trump mandated in an executive order: “It is the policy of the United States that no further foreign assistance shall be dispensed in a manner that does not fully align with the President’s foreign policy.”

However, the President does not dictate foreign policy in isolation. The Constitution prohibits him from declaring treaties without Senate approval, appointing ambassadors without Senate confirmation, or engaging in warfare without Congress’s consent. Most importantly, Congress retains control over budgetary allocations.

Read the full article by Thomas G. Moukawsher, a former judge and author, on Newsweek.

UN official raises alarm over U.S. aid cuts jeopardizing lifesaving operations

The U.N.’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has cautioned the U.N. Security Council about the drastic impact of U.S. foreign aid cuts on essential humanitarian initiatives. Fletcher characterized the funding reduction as a “body blow” to the organization’s capability to save lives, underlining that the rapid pace of aid withdrawal is worsening the existing crisis, according to The Associated Press.

Fletcher indicated that the cuts necessitate requests to U.N. partners to inventory areas where lifesaving assistance must be suspended. These reductions worsen the already dire conditions experienced by millions requiring aid.

Trump mulls changes to U.S. NATO relations, sources suggest

Trump is reportedly contemplating substantial modifications to U.S. involvement in NATO, according to multiple senior officials, as detailed in a report from NBC News. A notable potential adjustment might focus on U.S. defense support for NATO member nations that allocate a specified percentage of GDP towards defense, possibly excluding those that do not meet this criterion. Such a shift could diverge from NATO’s Article 5, which categorizes any attack on a member as an attack on all.

In addition, Trump is reconsidering U.S. military exercises to emphasize those nations that meet defense spending benchmarks. Troop repositioning in Europe may also occur to correspond with nations achieving the defense spending threshold. NATO agreements suggest a 2% GDP expenditure on defense, yet Trump has proposed an increase to 5%.

This reevaluation comes concurrently with Trump’s persistent criticism of NATO allies regarding defense spending and his advocacy for greater European involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Commerce Secretary hints at one-month tariff delay announcement by Trump

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated on Thursday that Trump is anticipated to declare a one-month delay concerning tariffs on items encompassed by the USMCA trade agreement.

During a CNBC interview, Lutnick stated that tariffs are likely to take effect on April 2 unless substantial progress is made by Mexico and Canada in combatting fentanyl trafficking into the U.S.

‘No decision’ on the statuses of 240,000 Ukrainians amidst U.S. deportations

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tweeted that “no decision has been arrived upon” regarding the legal standing of 240,000 Ukrainians amid the U.S. deportations.

Trudeau anticipates ongoing trade disputes with the U.S. post-call with Trump

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau conveyed on Thursday that he expects a protracted trade conflict with the U.S. following his recent communication with Trump.

Both leaders discussed tariffs, with Trudeau asserting that interactions are underway to minimize detrimental impacts on specific sectors and workers. Nevertheless, Trudeau reiterated that Canada will maintain its retaliatory tariffs until the U.S. rescinds its “unjustified” tariffs on Canadian products.

A judge blocks Trump’s funding freeze affecting trillions in grants

U.S. District Court Judge John McConnell has granted a preliminary injunction against President Donald Trump’s enforcement of a freeze on federal grants and loans. This ruling follows a temporary restraining order issued in the case and was prompted by requests from nearly two dozen Democratic states.

The freeze, potentially impacting trillions, was instituted by the White House last month to ensure adherence to Trump’s orders prohibiting diversity programs. Government lawyers contended that the court lacked constitutional jurisdiction to impede the funding pause, but the judge sided with the plaintiffs, halting the freeze.

Diplomat dismissed after remarks about Trump deemed ‘untenable’

Phil Goff, New Zealand’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom, was dismissed following comments he made regarding U.S. President Donald Trump during an event in London, confirmed Thursday by Foreign Minister Winston Peters.

Diplomatic representatives are expected to advocate for their government’s stance and maintain an impartial demeanor in international contexts. Goff’s remarks, questioning Trump’s historical understanding, were perceived as a breach of protocol, prompting swift action from the New Zealand government.

This incident underscores the fragile nature of diplomatic postings and raises questions about the limits of free speech for government representatives internationally.

During Tuesday’s event, Goff referenced a 1938 speech by British wartime leader Winston Churchill, which criticized Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s appeasement of Adolf Hitler, stating: “President Trump might have restored Churchill’s bust to the Oval Office. But do you think he genuinely grasps historical context?”

The query elicited laughter from the audience. Valtonen replied by noting Churchill’s remarks were “very timeless.”

Read the complete story by Shane Croucher on Newsweek.

Trump administration budget cuts force veterans out of federal service

The sweeping layoffs of federal employees instigated by the Trump administration have disproportionately impacted veterans, who constitute 30% of the federal workforce. While the precise number of veterans dismissed remains uncertain, House Democrats estimate it could amount to several thousand.

More cuts are forecasted, as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) prepares to reorganize, potentially resulting in the elimination of over 80,000 positions. Many veterans, who comprise more than 25% of the VA’s workforce, express feelings of betrayal upon being let go despite receiving favorable job evaluations.

Scrutiny surrounding Dr. Marty Makary’s potential FDA confirmation

Dr. Marty Makary, a physician, author, researcher, and contributor to Fox News, is recognized for his candid criticism of the health care system and his unconventional perspectives on American health challenges.

Similar to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Makary identifies food additives, excessive prescription practices, and the sway of pharmaceutical companies and insurers as major factors contributing to the nation’s health crises. While many Republicans support Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” advocacy, Senate Democrats are likely to challenge Makary about certain scientific concerns.

Should he be confirmed as the head of the Food and Drug Administration, Makary will inherit an agency currently navigating upheaval following rounds of mass staff firings and rehiring.

Market unease rises as Wall Street braces for potential losses

Wall Street is experiencing renewed anxiety as markets are expected to reverse much of the gains made on Wednesday, which were fueled by Trump’s one-month exemption from his 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports for U.S. automakers.

Futures for the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq all took a dip in premarket trading, indicating a shaky outlook. Retail giant stocks, such as Macy’s and Victoria’s Secret, faced significant declines as consumer confidence diminished.

Despite steady jobless claims reflecting a stable labor market in the U.S., Europe’s Central Bank has opted to lower interest rates in support of businesses and consumers, in anticipation of impacts stemming from impending new import taxes on European goods.

Economists caution as ‘Fear Index’ begins to signal instability

Preliminary indications of potential market fluctuations have unsettled some investors, triggering warnings from economists.

The CBOE Volatility Index, known as the VIX or Fear Index, is a widely recognized metric of market risk and sentiment, derived from the pricing of put options on the S&P 500 that grant purchasers the right to sell assets at a predetermined price over a specified timeframe.

The index has surged from approximately 15 points to nearly 24 over the past month, with 52 percent of that rise occurring in the last week as Trump amplified his rhetoric surrounding tariffs and trade.

Though still far below levels that indicate widespread panic on Wall Street, the notable increase in demand for hedging against stock price fluctuations signals heightened investor apprehension.

Read the comprehensive analysis by Hugh Cameron on Newsweek.

U.S. suspends intelligence sharing with Ukraine amidst peace negotiations

The U.S. has deemed it necessary to temporarily halt intelligence sharing with Ukraine, cutting access to critical information that has assisted the country in targeting Russian forces. This suspension is part of a broader review of U.S.-Ukraine relations, confirmed by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

The suspension follows Trump’s freeze on military assistance to Ukraine, signaling a notable shift in America’s relationships with its allies.

However, officials from the Trump administration suggested that the suspension may be brief, as positive talks between Washington and Kyiv continue, potentially leading to a peace deal with Russia. CIA Director John Ratcliffe described the pause as a necessary measure to ensure Ukraine’s dedication towards peace talks with Russia.

Stellantis expresses gratitude to Trump for