Donald Trump reveals he's had more recent calls with Vladimir Putin

In an interview with the Washington Examiner, ​President Donald Trump disclosed that his Tuesday call with Russian President Vladimir Putin was not their first recent conversation.

Trump told the conservative publication that the two leaders have engaged in multiple discussions over the past weeks, focusing on strategies to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine.

"It was a very good call," Trump told the Washington Examiner. "I think it's the beginning of something good. The beginning really took place three or four weeks ago. You know, I've spoken to Putin over — this isn't just a call that began it. We've had other calls."

"That's not been made public before," reporter Byron York interjected.

Zelensky has a key question after Trump's call with Putin

Following the call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the need for full transparency in all peace discussions.

"We need to understand what the conversation is about," Zelenskyy said. "What are the details? And hopefully, we will be fully informed, and our partners will discuss everything with us."

He added: "There are two sides in this war — Russia and Ukraine. Trying to negotiate without Ukraine, in my view, will not be productive."

Mahmoud Khalil: 'I am a political prisoner'

Mahmoud Khalil has broken his silence since being detained by ICE for protesting the war in Gaza.

The Columbia graduate, and green card holder, has been held at a Louisiana immigration facility since he was arrested at his New York home on March 8, in front of his eight-months-pregnant wife.

"I am a political prisoner," he told the Guardian in a letter from the detention facility.

"I am writing to you from a detention facility in Louisiana where I wake to cold mornings and spend long days bearing witness to the quiet injustices underway against a great many people precluded from the protections of the law."

Khalil said that his arrest was a "direct consequence of exercising my right to free speech as I advocated for a free Palestine and an end to the genocide in Gaza, which resumed in full force Monday night."

Trump fires two Democratic FTC members

President Trump has fired two Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission, which may allow him to replace them with Trump-loyal officials more sympathetic to his administration.

Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya posted on X, "The president just illegally fired me. This is corruption plain and simple."

Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter said that she'd been fired in violation of Supreme Court precedent, which has previously ruled that the FTC is independent and commissioners can only be removed for a justifiable reason.

WATCH: Will egg prices rise ahead of Easter? Video explains all

White House joins Truth Social

The White House has joined Donald Trump's social media platform Truth Social.

The account, @WhiteHouse, began posting on Tuesday, sharing a video of Trump along with images of a flying bald eagle and the caption, "The Golden Age of America has arrived on Truth Social! The White House is proud to be here—direct, unfiltered, and for The People."

Trump founded Truth Social after being banned from X, then known as Twitter, following the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.

Republicans move to impeach judge after John Roberts' rebuke of Trump

Texas Republican Representative Brandon Gill filed articles of impeachment Tuesday against a federal judge who blocked deportation flights to El Salvador over the weekend.

Gill, a newly-elected Congressman, said Judge James Boasberg was a "radical activist" in a post sharing the filing on X, formerly Twitter.

Earlier Tuesday, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social demanding the U.S. District Judge be impeached, prompting Supreme Court Justice John Roberts to rebuke the president for making such a demand when appellate review processes exist.

Judge Boasberg caused outrage from the Trump administration over the weekend, when he temporarily blocked the Trump Administration from using an 18th-century wartime law—the Alien Enemies Act—to accelerate the deportation of Venezuelan gang members without the usual court process.

Read in full from Dan Gooding on Newsweek.

Trump and Putin discussed a US-Russia hockey series

President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed staging a series of hockey games between the U.S. and Russia during their call on Tuesday, the Kremlin said.

Moscow said Trump supported Putin's idea to organize games between players from the NHL and the KHL, the Russian hockey league.

The White House's readout of the call did not mention the hockey games.

The NHL told the Associated Press that they had not been aware of the discussions.

"Obviously, we were not a party to those discussions, and it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time," a spokesperson said.

Why Donald Trump's claims about Joe Biden's signature could struggle

Joe Biden's preemptive pardons for Trump enemies are legal and binding, several attorneys have told Newsweek.

President Donald Trump wrote on Monday that Biden's pardons for the January 6 committee are invalid because they were signed with an autopen.

Before the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump vowed over 100 times that he would prosecute and jail his political enemies. Should Trump declare Biden's pardons invalid, he could seek the prosecution of the January 6 committee, which wrote a report criticizing the president for his supporters' riot at the Capitol building.

Before he left office, President Joe Biden preemptively pardoned the January 6 committee.

Read in full from Sean O'Driscoll on Newsweek.

Zelensky reacts to Putin's condition for peace

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that he welcomes Putin and Trump's agreement for a 30-day ceasefire on energy infrastructure, he did not agree with Putin's condition for peace.

Putin said, during his call with Trump today, that his "key condition" for peace negotiations, was "the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv".

Zelensky said Putin's condition was an attempt to "weaken" Ukraine by trying to cut off the flow of weapons and intelligence, and pointed to it as evidence Russia was not "ready" to end the war.

He added that he believed Ukraine's allies would continue providing military aid.

Trump says Putin call was 'good and productive'

Donald Trump has hailed his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin as "a very good and productive one."

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that Putin had agreed to "an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine."

The president added that peace negotiations were in "full force and effect."

"We will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!"

Federal judge blocks cuts to USAID, cites constitutional violations

A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) likely violated the Constitution, blocking further cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk. U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland ordered the Trump administration to restore email and computer access to all USAID employees, including those placed on administrative leave during the cuts.

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by USAID employees and contractors, who argued that the agency's restructuring and the removal of staff infringed on their rights. Musk, named as a defendant in the preliminary injunction, is overseeing the department's efforts to streamline government functions. The judge's decision requires the administration to halt further actions that could harm USAID's operations.

EPA plans to eliminate scientific research office, cutting staff

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to eliminate its Office of Research and Development (ORD), the agency's primary scientific research arm. The office, which supports the scientific foundation for rules designed to protect human health and the environment, currently employs 1,540 staff members. According to a memo reviewed by Democratic staff on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, 50% to 75% of the staff will not be retained, and remaining employees will be reassigned to other areas within the agency.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and environmental groups, who argue that it represents a significant dismantling of the EPA's long-standing mission to safeguard public health and the environment.

White House confirms Starlink providing Wi-Fi around campus

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed reports today that Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service is providing Wi-Fi around the White House campus. Leavitt explained that the move was made to enhance internet connectivity within the complex.

"Just like the Biden Administration did on numerous occasions, the White House is working to improve Wi-Fi connectivity on the complex," Leavitt said in a statement.

The use of Starlink at the White House is part of a broader trend of the federal government increasing its reliance on the SpaceX-operated service. Musk, who also serves as an unpaid adviser to former President Trump, continues to manage his private companies, including Starlink, which holds federal government contracts. This has drawn criticism, as Musk oversees both his business interests and his involvement in government efforts to downsize the federal bureaucracy.

Defense Department to cut 50,000 to 60,000 civilian jobs

The Defense Department plans to cut between 50,000 and 60,000 civilian positions, with fewer than 21,000 workers opting for voluntary resignation, according to a senior defense official.

To achieve a 5% to 8% reduction in its civilian workforce of over 900,000, the department will reduce approximately 6,000 positions per month by not replacing workers who leave. While concerns have arisen that service members could be asked to fill these civilian roles, the official emphasized that Defense Secretary

Pete Hegseth is focused on ensuring the cuts do not impact military readiness. The job reductions are part of a broader initiative led by the Department of Government Efficiency Service, which includes billionaire Elon Musk, aimed at downsizing federal agencies.

US military praises missile deployment against China

A United States missile system that is currently deployed in an allied country near China has proved its deterrence, U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll claimed last week.

Newsweek has reached out to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for comment by email. The Chinese Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The U.S. Army stationed a Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system, also known as Typhon, in the Philippines in April last year. The ground-based system can launch two types of missiles, hitting targets in the air and on the surface as far as 1,000 miles away.

The Typhon was deployed for drills at first, but the U.S. and the Philippines later decided to keep it there indefinitely, which China has denounced as a "highly dangerous move." It can threaten China's east and south coasts from the Philippines, a Newsweek map shows.

Read the full story by Ryan Chan on Newsweek.

OPINION: As a poor-performing probationary employee, Elon Musk must go

Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have been on the job for less than two months, but the early results are nothing short of disastrous. These include a series of airplane safety incidents, cancelled appointments at the VA, long lines outside national parks, and abandoned medical research. Through it all, there is an overriding sense that the world's richest man is using his power over President Donald Trump to steal from the public coffers and enrich himself.

Musk has sought to justify his cuts to these public services by villainizing the rank-and-file public servants who keep our country afloat. Trump and Musk deride them as "lazy bureaucrats" and "the deep state," but the American people know them as food inspectors, TSA officers, Social Security workers, corrections officers, VA nurses, scientists, first responders, law enforcement officers, border patrol agents, and the men and women who support our armed forces. More than 80 percent of federal employees live outside the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region. More than 30 percent are military veterans. And they all share a dedication to serving their fellow Americans. That's why they work longer hours, for significantly lower pay, than their private sector counterparts. In his hunt for "efficiency," Musk has conveniently chosen to ignore the fact that federal employees are among the most efficient workers on the planet.

Read in full from Everett Kelley, President of the American Federation of Government Employees, on Newsweek.

Treasury Department elevates IRS agents linked to Hunter Biden case

The U.S. Treasury Department has promoted two Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents, Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, who previously accused the Justice Department of soft-peddling the investigation into Hunter Biden's taxes. The move comes amid a high-profile political battle, with the agents having testified before House Republicans about their concerns over the case.

Shapley and Ziegler, both veteran IRS agents, claimed they faced retaliation after raising issues about the handling of the Hunter Biden investigation, which included being removed from the case. In a statement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained that the agents would help drive cultural reform within the IRS, focusing on modernization, collections, and customer service.

This promotion follows Hunter Biden's guilty plea to federal tax charges last year, which led to a presidential pardon.

Vance named new RNC finance chair, first vice president to hold role

JD Vance will take on the role of Republican National Committee (RNC) finance chair, marking a historic first as a sitting vice president holds the position, the RNC announced today.

In a statement, Vance emphasized the importance of maintaining and expanding Republican majorities in 2026 to "fully enact the MAGA agenda" and President Trump's vision.

Trump expressed confidence in Vance's abilities, praising him for his strategic skills, stating he would "do a fantastic job" and highlighting his expertise in winning "tough races."

Putin says 'key condition' for peace is 'complete cessation' of all military aid to Ukraine

While Putin has agreed to a ceasefire on energy infrastructure, he has laid out one caveat for peace that will likely be a sticking point in negotiations.

According to the Kremlin, Putin said "the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working towards its resolution through political and diplomatic means should be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv".

The United States and much of Europe are among the 57 nations that have provided military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion just over three years ago.

While Trump has threatened to pull American aid, and did pause military aid and intelligence to Ukraine after his spat with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, many other countries have doubled down in their support.

Jeffries reaffirms support for Schumer after tense week

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries confirmed his support for Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer following a tense public disagreement over a Republican spending bill last week. The two lawmakers met on Sunday after Jeffries had declined to comment on Schumer's leadership earlier in the week. On Tuesday, Jeffries stated they had a "good conversation about the path forward" and affirmed his support for Schumer's leadership.

The conflict began when Schumer announced his intention to vote in favor of advancing the Republican spending bill, which House Democrats strongly opposed. Jeffries had previously refused to comment on whether he supported Schumer's decision, instead offering a terse "next question." Schumer argued that avoiding a government shutdown was more important than opposing the bill, despite its Republican backing.

US and Russia begin negotiations maritime ceasefire in Black Sea

Vladimir Putin has agreed to "begin negotiations" on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea to assure safe passage for ships, following today's call with Trump, the Kremlin said.

Putin orders military to pause attacks on energy infrastructure: Kremlin

Putin supported Trump's idea of a mutual 30-day day ceasefire on energy infrastructure, the Kremlin said after the two world leaders' call today.

The Kremlin said the Russian leader "responded positively" to the proposal and "immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding order".

United States and Russia share same view on Iran

Trump and Putin also discussed the Middle East during their length phone call on Tuesday.

According to a readout of their call, they discussed the region as somewhere the United States and Russia may potentially cooperate to prevent future conflicts.

"The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel," the readout read.

Trump and Putin discuss 'enormous' economic deals between U.S, Russia

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed improving relations between the United States and Russia during their call today.

They said a better relationship between their two countries could have huge upsides including "enormous" economic deals, according to a readout of the call.

Both the Russian and U.S. presidents agreed that greater geopolitical stability could be achieved through improved bilateral relations.

Putin and Trump agree next step to peace is energy and infrastructure ceasefire

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have agreed that the next steps to achieving peace in Ukraine is an energy and infrastructure ceasefire deal, according to a read out of their hour-and-a-half phone call.

The Russian and American leaders agreed that steps will then include a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, and eventually a full ceasefire and permanent peace.

Negotiations on the ceasefires will begin immediately in the Middle East.

Trump-Putin call has made the world a 'safer place today': Russian envoy

The world is a "safer place" under U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin's leadership, a Russian envoy said Tuesday after Trump and Putin concluded a high-stakes phone call about reaching a ceasefire agreement in Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.

"Under the leadership of President Putin and President Trump, the world has become a much safer place today!" Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, after the call. "Historic! Epic!"

DOJ refuses to comply with judge's request for answers by noon

Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General, in a notice in response to a court order, said that the Department of Justice would not be providing the additional information Judge James Boasberg had requested by Tuesday's noon deadline.

Bondi argued that there was "no justification" in the judge's order to provide more details about the flights, to determine if they violated his order.

She also dismissed Boasberg's oral order, calling it "not independently enforceable."

"There is no justification... and that doing so would be inappropriate, because even accepting plaintiff's account of the facts, there was no violation of the court's written order (since the relevant flights left U.S. airspace and so their occupants were "removed" before order issued) and the court's earlier oral statement were not independently enforceable as injunctions," she wrote in the DOJ response.

"Moreover, given that the government's motion for a stay remains pending before for D.C. Circuit, the government should not ben required to disclose sensitive information bearing on national security and foreign relations until that motion is resolved especially given that this information is neither material nor time sensitive."

ICE confirms one of three deportation flights took off after Boasberg's ruling

In a notice in response to Judge James Boasberg's demand to provide answers by noon today, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that three planes took off on Saturday carrying deportees to El Salvador - with one taking off after the judge's order to halt all deportations.

Robert L. Cerna II, a senior official at ICE, argued in the response that the third flight was carrying undocumented immigrants who were not being removed under the Alien Enemies Act, but due to other immigration proceedings.

Lawyers review JFK assassination documents before release

Lawyers from the Justice Department's national security division worked overnight to review hundreds of pages of classified documents related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which are scheduled for release today.

Trump signed an executive order in January calling for the full and complete release of these records. The documents have been a point of focus for some of Trump's supporters, including individuals like Tucker Carlson, who have raised questions about the CIA's potential involvement.

How many U.S. judges have been impeached?

Only 15 judges have been impeached in U.S. history, with just eight removed, according to the federal courts governing body.

The most recent judicial impeachment occurred in 2010, when G. Thomas Porteous Jr. of New Orleans was impeached for accepting bribes and lying about it. The Senate convicted and removed him from office in December 2010.

China, Cambodia praise Trump's move to cut Voice of America funding

China's ruling Communist Party and Cambodia's former Prime Minister Hun Sen have welcomed President Donald Trump's decision to slash funding for Voice of America (VOA) and other U.S.-run media outlets.

While Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning declined to comment directly on Trump's move, she criticized the outlets, saying, "Their bad records in reporting on China are not a secret."

Trump's administration placed nearly the entire VOA staff on leave and cut grants to Radio Free Asia, which frequently reports on human rights issues in China. The Chinese government has long denied allegations of abuse.

Hun Sen praised the decision, calling it "a major contribution to eliminating fake news" and accusing VOA of spreading disinformation and chaos.

Trump-Putin call ends after over an hour and a half, White House says

A White House official confirmed that the call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has ended. The conversation lasted more than an hour and a half.

The details of their discussion have not yet been released, but the length of the call suggests they covered a wide range of topics.

Justice Department backs Jewish students in UCLA discrimination case

The Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism announced that the Justice Department has filed a statement of interest in the Central District of California to ensure federal laws protecting students from discrimination are correctly applied. The move is part of a nationwide effort to combat antisemitism.

In *Frankel et al. v. Regents of the University of California et al.*, Jewish students and a professor at UCLA alleged that, in spring 2024, UCLA administrators allowed protest encampments to physically block access to parts of the campus. According to the lawsuit, Jewish individuals or those who refused to denounce Israel were prevented from accessing certain areas, violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause.

The Justice Department's statement supports the plaintiffs' claims and addresses whether UCLA officials violated these federal protections. The Department has also launched an investigation into the University of California system to determine if a pattern of discrimination based on religion, race, or national origin exists.

Additionally, the Task Force announced that $400 million in federal contracts and grants would be canceled for Columbia University due to its failure to address persistent harassment of Jewish students. The Task Force is visiting 10 university campuses where antisemitic incidents have occurred.

"Every student must be free to attend school without discrimination," said Leo Terrell, Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally added, "Our office will enforce anti-discrimination laws to address antisemitism affecting our community."

Chief justice says Trump's calls to impeach judge is improper

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Roberts, has criticized Donald Trump over his calls to impeach a federal judge for ruling against the administration's deportations of Venezuelans.

Roberts, a conservative judge, said that impeachment isn't the "appropriate response" to disagreeing with a judge's ruling.

On Tuesday, Trump had called for the impeachment of Judge James Boasberg after he ordered the administration to halt deportations to El Salvador.

In a furious Truth Social post, Trump said, "This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges' I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!"

Trump administration targets U.S. Institute of Peace with staff shakeup

In a move targeting agencies tied to foreign assistance work, the Trump administration fired most of the board of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) and sent its new leader to the organization's Washington headquarters on Monday. USIP, an independent nonprofit created by Congress over 40 years ago, focuses on conflict resolution and promoting good governance.

On Friday, three board members—Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Defense University President Peter Garvin—fired President and CEO George Moose. The move follows an executive order signed by President Trump in February that seeks to reduce federal government agencies, including USIP.

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) attempted to enter USIP's headquarters despite the organization's legal status as an independent nonprofit, which is not part of the executive branch. USIP staff called the police after DOGE workers gained access to the building, sparking tensions.

Moose condemned the actions, stating it was an illegal takeover by the executive branch. He criticized the administration's broader efforts to dismantle foreign assistance programs, arguing that USIP's mission aligned with Trump's goals of avoiding foreign wars and resolving conflicts.

USIP is one of several organizations targeted in Trump's executive order, which also includes the U.S. African Development Foundation and the Inter-American Foundation. These agencies face staff reductions and reorganization as part of a broader strategy to downsize the federal government.

The 1600 newsletter: Trump's hardcorerealpolitik

I feel like I have failed you guys by focusing lately on Trump's (dumb and bad) economic policies and domestic agenda of snatching U.S. residents off the street, and we haven't had a chance to discuss everything else going on. Let's do a whip around the world, because things are moving fast and seemingly all at once.

The president is scheduled to speak with Putin today—a significant milestone in what is hopefully the beginning of the end in the Ukraine war. Trump, impolitic as ever, said discussions are now focused on "dividing up certain assets"... which means the parts of Ukraine occupied by Russian troops. Yesterday there were reports that the White House is considering formally recognizing Crimea as part of Russia in a bid to end the war. I would not be surprised if this ends up being part of the deal. Putin took Crimea exactly 11 years ago this week, while Obama looked on and did nothing.

I believe strongly that Trump's relationship to Obama is far more important to understanding how he thinks than most people realize, and can often explain better than anything how and why Trump does what he does. Remember, Trump kicked off his political career by claiming Obama wasn't born here, and reportedly decided to run for president only after Obama humiliated him to his face at the White House Correspondents Dinner in 2011. Now that Trump will be an era-defining, two-term POTUS like Obama, what is the one thing Obama has that Trump doesn't? A Nobel Peace Prize. If Trump can acquire one of those by putting an end to the war in Ukraine, while giving Putin what Obama let him take, that's a pretty potent narrative if you're one Donald J. Trump.

Read in full from Carlo Versano on Newsweek.

ICE admit many of the deported Venezuelans did not have criminal records

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have admitted that many of the alleged Venezuelan gang members deported over the weekend, do not have criminal records and are not suspected of committing any crime in the U.S.

In a court filing submitted yesterday, Robert L Cerna, the acting field office director for ICE enforcement in Texas, said their lack of crimes or criminality did not mean they were not a risk.

He argued that the lack of recorded crimes and lack of basic information about the individuals "actually highlights the risk they pose."

"While it is true that many of the [Tren de Aragua] members removed under the [Alien Enemies Act] do not have criminal records in the United States, that is because they have only been in the United States for a short period of time," he wrote.

"The lack of a criminal record does not indicate they pose a limited threat. In fact, based upon their association with TdA, the lack of specific information about each individual actually highlights the risk they pose. It demonstrates that they are terrorists with regard to whom we lack a complete profile."

Many family members of the deported Venezuelans insist their relatives are not in a gang. Cerna claimed that ICE had relied on more than just social media posts and tattoos.

Senate committee to hold hearing on Frank Bisignano's nomination for SSA leadership

The Senate Finance Committee Chairman will hold a hearing on March 25 to consider Frank Bisignano's nomination to lead the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The hearing comes amid significant cuts at the agency, including layoffs of over 10% of its workforce and the closure of multiple offices across the country. These measures are part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to reduce the size of the federal workforce.

The changes have raised concerns about the potential impact on benefits for millions of recipients.

Fact check: Did Donald Trump use an autopen for Jan 6 pardons?

President Donald Trump signed pardons on January 20, 2025, granting clemency to over 1,500 individuals convicted or charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. These pardons were issued by Executive Order on the same day Trump signed a total of 26 Executive Orders.

Images circulating online (taken from the Federal Register, a branch of the National Archives) have led some social media users to speculate that the president used an autopen rather than signing them by hand.

This follows Trump declaring on Truth Social that President Joe Biden's preemptive pardons for the January 6 Committee are "void," because of his belief that Biden signed those pardons with an autopen.

Read in full from Sophie Clark on Newsweek.

Judge blocks cancellation of teacher training programs

A Maryland judge has issued a preliminary injunction halting the administration's cancellation of over 100 teacher preparation and training programs. The programs were previously cut in February after the administration determined they violated its policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

The cancellation of $600 million in grants prompted a lawsuit from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and the National Center for Teacher Residencies. Grantees argued that their programs were not connected to DEI efforts, instead focusing on teacher recruitment, scholarships, and retention amid staff shortages.

Trump-Putin call underway

The White House has confirmed that Trump's call with Putin is now underway and "going well."

Trump announces self-deportation program to avoid forced removal

In a video posted to the White House's account on the X social media platform, Trump outlined a new initiative for people in the U.S. illegally to voluntarily leave the country and avoid forced deportation. He explained that his administration is repurposing a Customs and Border Protection app, originally launched under the Biden administration, to facilitate self-deportation.

"They will be found, they will be deported, and they will never be admitted again to the United States ever, ever again," Trump said.

Trump calls for impeachment of federal judge over deportation ruling

On Tuesday, Trump called for the impeachment of a federal judge who had attempted to halt deportations to El Salvador. "This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges' I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. The president's post echoes similar calls made by allies like Elon Musk.

The demand comes after the judge's ruling regarding deportations, aligning Trump more closely with conservative figures advocating for judicial accountability. However, earlier on Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "I have not heard the president talk about impeaching judges," contradicting Trump's recent statement.

Trump administration acknowledges firing nearly 25,000 workers

The Trump administration has, for the first time, acknowledged the termination of nearly 25,000 recently hired federal workers in court filings, following a judge's ruling that their firings were likely illegal. In court filings made late Monday in Baltimore, officials from 18 agencies confirmed that the workers were being reinstated, with most placed on administrative leave temporarily.

The mass firings, part of a broader effort by Trump to restructure the federal workforce, have been widely criticized. Agencies, including the Treasury Department, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Health and Human Services, confirmed large-scale layoffs—7,600, 5,700, and 3,200 terminations, respectively.

U.S. District Judge James Bredar ruled on March 13 that these layoffs violated regulations, prompting the workers' reinstatement pending further legal proceedings. A lawsuit led by 19 Democrat-led states argued that the firings would lead to a rise in unemployment claims and strain state social services.

The Trump administration has appealed Bredar's decision, with hearings set to continue in the coming weeks.

Smoke reported in Trump International Hotel in Manhattan

A smoke incident was reported at the Trump International Hotel, located at 1 Central Park West in Manhattan.

The fire department has responded to the scene, issuing an "ALL HANDS" alert for the situation.

The building is 52 stories tall, with smoke visible in a 90x155-foot area. Emergency services are on-site working to address the situation.

No injuries have been reported at this time.

Elon Musk highlights 'maybe the biggest scam of all time'

Elon Musk has outlined what he described as potentially "the biggest scam of all time" during an interview with Texas Senator Ted Cruz.

Musk is the top adviser to President Donald Trump and Department of Government Efficiency [DOGE] chief and appeared on Cruz's Verdict podcast. He outlined how government spending provides a loophole for nonprofits to "live like kings and queens."

DOGE is responsible for slashing operation costs and has dissected multiple federal agencies to shrink the government's size. The department has come under criticism for making unintentional cuts to important policy areas, such as initiatives countering the spread of the Ebola virus.

Musk has admitted that the organization may get some things wrong. At a Cabinet meeting in February, he said: "We will make mistakes. We won't be perfect, but when we make mistakes, we'll fix it very quickly."

Sharing a clip of the interview on his social-media platform X, formerly Twitter, Musk described the use of nonprofit funding as "maybe the biggest scam of all time."

"One of the biggest scam portholes we've uncovered, which is really crazy, is that the government will give money to a so-called nonprofit, which has very few controls/ there's no auditing subsequently of that nonprofit," Musk told Cruz.

"So this is the $1.9 billion to Stacey Abrams. They then give themselves extremely lavish, insane salaries, expense everything to the nonprofit, buy jets and homes and all sorts of things."

Read the full story by Theo Burman on Newsweek.

Trump orders release of JFK assassination records

President Donald Trump directed his national intelligence director and attorney general to develop a plan for releasing records related to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy, a case that has generated numerous conspiracy theories.

On Monday, Trump announced that about 80,000 files would be made available, although it's unclear how many are new or part of the millions of JFK records already made public. He emphasized that his instructions to his staff were clear: "don't redact."

Schumer defends leadership amid calls for change

Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic minority leader from New York, responded to growing calls for new leadership within the Democratic Party during an appearance on CBS on Tuesday. Schumer, who postponed his book tour on Monday following criticism over his vote with Republicans to avoid a government shutdown, defended his position, stating, "I'm the best leader for the Senate."

He stressed that when a party doesn't control the White House, leadership is shared, and he prides himself on his ability to secure Senate seats. "I am the best at winning Senate seats," Schumer added.

Trump to sign executive orders and discuss ceasefire with Putin

The White House announced that former President Donald Trump plans to sign executive orders in the Oval Office at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Additionally, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to hold a call on Tuesday to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.

The call is expected to take place between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. ET.

Vance set to speak at American Dynamism Summit

Vice President JD Vance is set to speak at the American Dynamism Summit, where his address will focus on supporting American industry and workers. The event is being held at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, a venue that was previously a Trump hotel during Donald Trump's first presidency.

Vance's participation highlights the administration's continued emphasis on strengthening domestic industries and addressing workforce challenges.

Trump displays copy of Declaration of Independence in Oval Office

Trump has hung a framed copy of the Declaration of Independence in the Oval Office, according to images shared on social media. The photos, posted on the president's official X account, show the historic document displayed near the president's desk.

It is unclear when the copy was installed or where it came from. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the National Archives delivered the Declaration to the White House at Trump's request, noting that it would be carefully preserved.

While the original, faded version of the Declaration is housed at the National Archives, the copy in the Oval Office appears to feature clear and legible text. Both the White House and National Archives have not provided further details on the version displayed.

Kremlin sets out Trump-Putin call agenda

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a two-hour call from 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, the Kremlin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Peskov said the two presidents would discuss a settlement in Ukraine and "further normalization of our bilateral relations," the Russian state news agency RIA reported.

He said that previous conversations between the leaders meant "there is a certain understanding".

Trump is trying to broker a 30-day ceasefire in Russia's war on Ukraine, which he sees as the gateway to a permanent peace deal.

Putin expressed some optimism but said Russia had unanswered questions.

Ukraine agreed to the ceasefire proposal at its meeting with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia but is skeptical about Russia's true intentions.

The call is the next step in ending Russia's war.

But there are a number of big gaps between the positions of Russia and Ukraine over issues such as territory, prisoners of war, and long-term security.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Read the full story by Shane Croucher and Isabel van Brugen on Newsweek.

Trump to meet Putin over ceasefire proposal amid Ukraine war

Trump will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to discuss a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the ongoing war with Ukraine. The White House remains hopeful that peace is within reach, despite skepticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who believes Putin is not seriously considering peace.

Trump has made ending the war a top priority, though his approach has raised concerns about potentially weakening Ukraine's negotiating position. The U.S. president recently mentioned discussions about dividing assets between Russia and Ukraine as part of the peace framework, including the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian control since 2022.

While Trump pushes for a deal, some experts question whether Putin is genuinely ready to end the war or is seeking further concessions. Zelenskyy, in a recent address, emphasized that Putin continues to prolong the conflict. As Trump works to establish a ceasefire, both U.S.-Russia relations and the future of the war hang in the balance.

Court battle continues over student's detention and deportation threat

The federal government and Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student threatened with deportation for his involvement in campus protests, are locked in a legal dispute. Khalil was transferred from a detention facility in New Jersey to an immigration center in Louisiana, with the government citing a bedbug infestation as the reason. Khalil, however, claims no such issue was mentioned during his detention, and he feared deportation.

In a court declaration, Khalil describes his time at the Elizabeth Detention Center as uncomfortable, with no beds or blankets, and alleges he was not informed of the bedbug issue. His legal team is requesting that a judge halt the government's actions on constitutional grounds, arguing the detention violates his First Amendment rights. The Justice Department has yet to respond to a New York judge's decision on the case.

House Democrats seek transparency on Trump's DOGE Service

House Democrats have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request questioning the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency Service (DOGE). Reps. Jamie Raskin and Gerald Connolly are asking for details about DOGE's authority, staff qualifications, and potential ties to Elon Musk.

The request seeks information on DOGE's use of artificial intelligence, access to sensitive data, and its role in firing federal employees. Raskin and Connolly expressed concern that the agency may be acting beyond its legal authority and are requesting a response within 20 days.

Gabbard says Trump committed to peace through realism and pragmatism

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said Tuesday that President Donald Trump is dedicated to promoting peace through "realism and pragmatism." Her remarks came ahead of Trump's scheduled call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue conference in New Delhi, Gabbard emphasized the need to engage with both allies and adversaries while fostering economic and cultural ties to prevent conflicts.

Gabbard, the first Hindu elected to Congress, highlighted the "huge opportunity" in strengthening U.S.-India relations. She met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, discussing defense and information-sharing to deepen ties.

India remains a key U.S. strategic partner, playing a central role in Washington's efforts to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific.

DOGE evicts agency officials in police standoff

Members of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) received a police escort into the headquarters of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) and evicted several of its officials on Monday.

Newsweek has contacted DOGE, USIP and the Metropolitan Police Department for comment via email.

The agency was targeted by President Donald Trump's federal cost-cutting measures in a February 19 executive order, resulting in its president and CEO George Moose being fired on Friday. Moose and the USIP are objecting to the moves, stating the institute is not part of the executive branch.

The USIP, founded by Congress in 1984, is an independent organization dedicated to "protecting U.S. interests by helping to prevent violent conflicts and broker peace deals abroad."

After Trump announced the USIP would be gutted to the "minimum" staff levels required by law, the White House informed the agency that all but three of its board members had been fired.

The remaining board members—Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Peter A. Garvin, the president of the National Defense University—then replaced Moose as acting president with State Department official Kenneth Jackson.

Read the full story by Ewan Palmer on Newsweek.