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Musk Claims 'Basically No One has Got Fired' in DOGE's Sweeping Federal Cuts

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Musk Claims 'Basically No One has Got Fired' in DOGE's Sweeping Federal Cuts

Elon Musk has claimed that "basically no one has gotten fired" during the Trump administration's sweeping federal cuts and mass layoffs.

Musk sat down with Fox News' Bret Baier, alongside several members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on Thursday.

During a discussion about DOGE official Anthony Armstrong said that most of the thousands of laid off government employees had left voluntarily, while "less than 0.15" were sacked.

"Basically no one has gotten fired," Musk interjected.

What to know

  • At least 24,000 probationary workers have been terminated since Trump took office, according to a lawsuit filed by nearly 20 states alleging the mass firings are illegal.
  • There have also been announcements of major job cuts at government agencies, including18,000 employees at the IRS, while Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told Congress that 10,000 workers at the United States Postal Service would be cut within a month.
  • Earlier this month, two federal judges ordered 19 federal agencies to reinstate probationary workers who were fired.
  • Thursday's sit down interview on Fox offers the public a rare glimpse of DOGE's members. DOGE discussed its plans for Social Security, which has been a hot button issue for voters. Musk insisted that recipients will receive "more money, not less money" due to the work of the money saving agency.
  • Musk also said he believes that DOGE will have "accomplished most of the work required" to complete his trillion dollar saving mission before his maximum term of 130 days as a special government employee expires.

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Donald Trump's own appointees reject his Washington Post complaint

The Federal Election Commission (FEC), which has two commissioners previously nominated by President Donald Trump, dismissed a complaint by Trump's 2024 presidential campaign alleging that The Washington Post made "illegal corporate in-kind contributions" to then-Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign.

The ruling was decided in late-February, with the filing made public on Thursday.

Two of the commissioners who rejected the Trump presidential campaign's claim were nominated to the post by Trump during his first term.

The bipartisan ruling comes as Trump has implemented media changes affecting the press pool and access. He has frequently used the phrase "fake news" to dismiss unfavorable coverage and has been outspoken in his support for and criticism of specific outlets.

Read in full from Mandy Taheri on Newsweek.

Trump slashing funding for Smithsonian museums with 'improper ideology'

President Trump has issued an executive order aimed at overhauling the Smithsonian Institution, to "remove improper ideology" from its museums, education and research centers and the National Zoo.

Trump claims in the order there has been a "concerted and widespread" to rewrite American history by replacing "objective facts" with a "distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth."

The order appoints Vice President Vance to run the effort to "remove improper ideology" from the Smithsonian and slash funding for programs with "divisive narratives."

Trump executive order establishes task force to keep DC 'safe and beautiful'

The "D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force" will be chaired by Trump's homeland security adviser and will look at restoring federal monuments and statues that have been "inappropriately removed or changed in recent years."

One high profile removal from D.C. in the past few years was that of Confederate general Albert Pike. The Albert Pike Memorial was the only statue of a Confederate general in DC until it was torn down by protesters in June 2020.

The task force will also coordinate with local officials on enforcing federal immigration law, including deporting people living illegally in the city, according to the White House.

It will also boost law enforcement presence, and increase the speed and lower the cost of processing applications to carry concealed weapons.

Musk doubles down on 'traitor' comments about Sen. Mark Kelly

Mark Kelly
U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) talks to the media outside the Senate Chambers before voting at the U.S. Capitol on March 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Senate confirmed Linda McMahon to be Education... Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

Fox News' Bret Baier asked Elon Musk about a recent post on X, where he branded Sen. Mark Kelly a "traitor" for visiting Ukraine and advocating for the Eastern European country amid its ongoing war with Russia.

Musk faced backlash for his comments about Kelly, 61, a U.S. Navy pilot and NASA astronaut before entering politics, including from Republican Rep. Don Bacon.

But on Thursday, Musk doubled down, saying, "Somebody should care about the interests of the United States above the interests of another country. And if they don't, they're a traitor."

When Baier pointed out that Kelly is a veteran, former astronaut and current senator, Musk shrugged it off.

"That doesn't mean that it's OK for him to put the interests of another country before America," Musk said.

'We're going after them': Musk says those 'pushing propaganda' are real villains behind Tesla protests

Elon Musk has condemned the spate of vandalism and arson attacks on Tesla dealerships around the globe.

The Tesla CEO said he'd even received "death threats" from some protesters.

But Musk said it wasn't the demonstrators he blamed, but the "far left" who were "pushing propaganda."

"The real problem is not that crazy guy that fire bombs a Tesla dealership," he told Bret Baier on Fox News.

"It's the people pushing the propaganda that caused that guy to do it. Those are the real villains here.

"And we're going to go after them," he said, referring to President Trump and himself.

"The ones pushing the lies, and propaganda, we're going after them."

Elon Musk, DOGE team give update on Social Security in Fox News interview

In an interview with Fox News' Bret Baeir on Thursday night, Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team provided an update on their work with the Social Security Administration.

Responding to Democratic criticism surrounding potential cuts to benefits, Aram Moghaddassi, a software engineer, said DOGE is looking to improve Social Security in two ways: "Helping people legitimately get benefits and protecting them from fraud that they experience on a routine basis."

Moghaddassi also said on Baeir's "Special Report" that the DOGE team wants to make overall the Social Security experience "better."

Musk calls DOGE 'a revolution'

Trump ally and billionaire Musk has described DOGE as the biggest revolution in government since the American Revolutionary War.

"This is a revolution. It might be the biggest revolution in government since the original revolution," he said on Fox News.

But amid the "revolution" comes mistakes, Musk admitted.

"I do agree that we actually want to be careful in the cuts, that we want to measure twice, if not thrice, and cut once," he said. "Which is not to say that we don't make mistakes."

"When we do make mistakes, we correct them quickly and we move on," Musk said.

DOGE promises 'an Apple store-like experience' for government

DOGE staffer Joe Gebbia, a co-founder of Airbnb, said he was surprised to find so many of the government systems were old and antiquated, including the retirement filing system located in a Pennsylvania mine.

He said DOGE aims to improve the process, telling Bret Baier on Fox News, "We really believe the government can have an Apple store-like experience."

WATCH: EU firmly replies to Trump's tariffs: 'Prepared to safeguard our economic interests'

Republican Wants to Take Tariff Power Away From Donald Trump

Don Bacon
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) gives a thumbs up as he arrives for a House Republican Conference meeting at the U.S. Capitol on September 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

A conservative congressman said Thursday that Congress made a "mistake" in giving President Donald Trump and his administration broad authority to enact tariffs.

Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska made the comments to CNN's Wolf Blitzer when asked about the newest automobile tariffs announced by Trump on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Trump announced new 25 percent tariffs on foreign-made vehicles that will go into effect April 2, described by the second-term president as "Liberation Day."

While the administration claims it will bolster domestic manufacturing, the near-term concerns expressed by some allude to shortfalls in the supply chain industry—as well as higher costs overall for consumers looking to purchase vehicles.

Read in full from Nick Mordowanec on Newsweek.

Musk says Social Security recipients will get 'more money' thanks to DOGE

Elon Musk has pledged that Social Security recipients will receive "more money, not less money" due to the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

"What we're doing will help their benefits," said Musk, when asked about the impacts that the sweeping federal cuts and promises to slash a trillion dollars, will have on Social Security, on Fox News on Thursday.

"As a result of the work of DOGE, legitimate recipients of Social Security will receive more money, not less money," he said, "And let the record show that I said this and it will be proven out to be true.

DOGE staffer Aram Moghaddassi added that the department was helping people that "legitimately get benefits," by "protecting them from fraud."
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Musk sets timeline for cuts and his time in government

Elon Musk told Fox News he plans to leave government when his 130 day term as a special employee expires.

The billionaire said that he believes he will have "accomplished most of the work required" to complete his trillion dollar saving mission, through sweeping federal cuts, before the maximum term as a special government employee expires.

Elon Musk claims to have found government being charged a billion dollars for online survey

Elon Musk has claimed that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has found that the government was charged almost a billion dollars for an online survey.

Appearing on Fox News, with several DOGE members, Musk claimed that the department "routinely encounters waste of a billion dollars or more."

He told Fox's Bret Baier that a "simple online survey" about the national parks had charged the U.S. government "nearly a billion dollars."

Musk did not provide further details or evidence about the survey or its cost.

House Democratic leader says Republicans are 'panicking' in upcoming elections

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said that Republicans are "panicking" ahead of upcoming elections amid growing constituent anger over DOGE and the Trump administration's sweeping cuts to government.

"Voters are angry all across the country for good reason," Jeffries said at a press conference on Thursday.

Jeffries made his comments after Trump withdrew his nominee for ambassador to the United Nations, Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, to avoid having to hold a special election in that state as the House GOP protects its narrow majority.

WATCH: US official cars seen leaving Greenland capital after Vance scales back visit

Watchdog group celebrates order to preserve Signal messages sent by Trump officials

A government watchdog group has celebrated Judge Boasberg's order to preserve the Signal group chat messages sent by top Trump officials.

American Oversight had filed the lawsuit, in the U.S. Court for the District of Columbia, accusing the senior administration officials of violating the Federal Records Act and the Administrative Procedure Act by conducting government business on a platform designed to erase communications.

The Atlantic's editor-in-chief revealed that he had been inadvertently added to a group chat on Signal by U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, in which top Trump officials discussed forthcoming strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Today, Boasberg ordered the agencies who participated in the Signal chat that accidentally included a journalist to preserve all messages between March 11-15 and to provide an update to the court about efforts to do so.

"This order marks an important step toward accountability," American Oversight Interim Executive Director Chioma Chukwu, told Newsweek. "We are grateful for the judge's bench ruling to halt any further destruction of these critical records. The public has a right to know how decisions about war and national security are made — and accountability doesn't disappear just because a message was set to auto-delete.

"American Oversight remains committed to bringing full transparency to this case and revealing to the public the dangerous security vulnerabilities this administration has created."

Israeli officials are upset over Signal war plans leak: Report

Israeli officials are reportedly upset over the public disclosure of a highly sensitive conversation between Trump administration officials about military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.

The conversation, which took place in a Signal group chat, became public after The Atlantic's editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, reported that he was inadvertently invited to the chat by a user identified as Michael Waltz, President Donald Trump's national security adviser.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel is frustrated over the leak because Israeli officials supplied sensitive intelligence about a Houthi target who was discussed in the Signal conversation. The intelligence came from a source in Yemen, where the strikes were carried out.

Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, confirmed that the messages Goldberg reported on and which The Atlantic published screenshots of "appear to be authentic."

When asked about The Wall Street Journal's reporting, Hughes reiterated statements from the White House and Secretary of Defense P

Read in full from Sonam Sheth on Newsweek.

Canada's Mark Carney and Trump set to speak within days amid rising tensions

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Trump are set to have call within days.

The call comes amid rapidly rising tensions between the two world leaders over Trump's tariffs.

Carney was sworn in as Canada's new prime minister on March 14 but as of yet, he has not spoken with Trump.

The PM said on Thursday that the White House had reached out to him on Wednesday to schedule the call which will happen in "the next day or two.

Boasberg tells courtroom he did not seek the Signal case, amid MAGA backlash

Judge James Boasberg told Thursday's hearing on the Signal group chat leak that he did not in any way seek the case.

Boasberg is already facing backlash from President Trump and Republicans over his order blocking deportations under an 18th century wartime act. Several, including the president, have called for him to be impeached over the ruling.

Now Boasberg is set to clash with the Trump administration again after he was assigned to preside over a new lawsuit, from nonpartisan watchdog group American Oversight, involving high-ranking Cabinet officials' messaging of military activity via the Signal app.

The lawsuit accuses Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others of defying the Administrative Procedure Act and the Federal Records Act.

Reports of Boasberg's new assignment sparked MAGA reaction across social media, including from Trump ally Mike Davis on X, who wrote: "Dear House Judiciary Chairman @Jim_Jordan: Order Chief DC Obama Judge Jeb Boasberg to come explain his court's 'random' assignment of cases."

On Thursday, Boasberg address the issue with a detailed explanation of the random case assignment process, and made clear he did not ask for, or assign himself the case.

Judge Boasberg hands Trump admin new directive about Signal texts

On Thursday, Judge James Boasberg ordered the agencies who participated in the Signal chat that accidentally included a journalist to preserve all messages between March 11-15 and to provide an update to the court about efforts to do so.

The order comes amid a lawsuit was brought by the nonprofit watchdog American Oversight and filed in the U.S. Court for the District of Columbia.

The suit accuses several senior administration officials involved in the Signal chat of violating the Federal Records Act and the Administrative Procedure Act by conducting government business on a platform designed to erase communications.

Those named in the suit are Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.

Canada PM Mark Carney says his country's old relationship with US is over

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned on Thursday that the close relationship between his country and the United States "is over."

Speaking at an event in Ottawa, Carney said that President Donald Trump's tariffs and his rhetoric about making Canada America's 51st state had irrevocably damaged relations between their nations.

"The old relationship we had with the United States based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperation is over," Carney said.

He added that even if he and Trump are able to agree on trade deals in the future, there is "no turning back."

Carney said that the White House had reached out to schedule a call between him and Trump within the next few days.

What are current state rules for voting? Trump's Executive Order in context

President Donald Trump's signing of an executive order requiring proof of United States citizenship to vote may profoundly impact the future of U.S. elections.

The executive order "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections" was issued on Tuesday, although it will likely face legal challenges to prevent its implementation.

Trump and his allies have been demanding changes to voter rules and requirements for years, motivated at least in part by the outcome of the 2020 election and some of the false claims that Trump won that contest.

The new rules would require voters to provide proof of citizenship, such as a U.S. passport or a birth certificate. States would also be required to turn over voter lists and records of voter list maintenance to be reviewed by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to identify people on the rolls who are not U.S. citizens.

Read in full from Tom Norton on Newsweek.

CBO warns of slower economic growth, rising debt over next 30 years

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a long-term budget and economic outlook report on Thursday, predicting slower economic growth over the next 30 years due to weak population gains and increased government spending. The report projects publicly held debt will reach 156% of GDP by 2055, a slight decrease from earlier predictions but still a concerning figure.

The CBO's outlook for the period from 2025 to 2055 highlights a combination of slower population growth, driven by lower birthrates, and a growing reliance on immigrants to sustain the economy. Without immigration, the U.S. population would begin shrinking by 2033, according to the report.

Despite these warnings, the White House and some Republican lawmakers have indicated that they intend to renew and possibly expand tax cuts from 2017, while seeking reductions in government spending and increased revenue from taxes on imports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who criticized the CBO's projections, has argued for a "3-3-3" plan to address deficits and boost growth.

The CBO's forecast, which also includes concerns about a decreasing population, highlights potential negative impacts on the economy, including stagnating living standards, difficulties in paying down national debt, and funding programs like Social Security.

Additionally, the U.S. is on track to hit its statutory debt ceiling by August without an agreement between Congress and the White House, further complicating the nation's financial situation.

Sen. Susan Collins calls out DNI Tulsi Gabbard over Signal chat leak

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, expressed frustration and confusion over Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's response to a leak involving military plans shared on the messaging app Signal. Gabbard's minimization of the incident, where U.S. military strike plans in Yemen were inadvertently sent to The Atlantic's editor-in-chief, left Collins "puzzled."

In an interview with NBC News, Collins said Gabbard should have taken responsibility for the mistake, saying, "this never should have happened, we made a major error." She criticized the refusal by Gabbard and other top officials to acknowledge the error. Collins also voiced concerns about the involvement of special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who was in Russia at the time of the leak. She emphasized that Russia is known for attempting to hack U.S. communication devices, which made Witkoff's situation even more troubling.

The issue stems from a Pentagon inspector general investigation into the Signal chat, which was intended to be secure but included sensitive military information. While the White House defended Witkoff's use of the phone, Collins and other Republican senators, like Kevin Cramer and Eric Schmitt, have downplayed the need for further investigation, with Cramer saying it's time to "move on." However, Collins remains concerned about the broader security implications.

State Department revoking visas daily, Rubio says, including one for Turkish student

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department is revoking visas on a daily basis, with over 300 people potentially affected. Rubio made the comments after revealing that a Turkish graduate student and Fulbright scholar at Tufts University had her visa revoked due to her support for Palestinian rights.

While Rubio did not provide further details on the other cases, he confirmed the ongoing revocation process as part of the department's actions.

Trump to join telephone town halls for Florida GOP candidates amid fundraising challenges

Two Republican congressional candidates in Florida's special elections announced Thursday that former President Trump will join their telephone town halls to aid their campaigns. Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, running in the 1st District, and state Sen. Randy Fine, in the 6th District, will rely on Trump's support as they face significant fundraising disadvantages.

Patronis and Fine are seeking to replace Matt Gaetz and Michael Waltz, both of whom took roles in the Trump administration. Although both candidates are heavily favored in their districts, Fine has faced scrutiny over his fundraising, while the Democratic challengers, Gay Valimont and Josh Weil, have raised millions more.

What does Project 2025 say about using Signal? What to know

Signal Project 2025
A photo illustration shows a mobile device with the Signal company logo and a laptop screen with the app's webpage in Copenhagen, Denmark on March 25, 2025. Leon Neal/Getty Images

The controversial conservative government blueprint Project 2025 included a training video addressing whether Republican administration officials should use Signal and similar messaging apps for discussions.

Newsweek has reached out to the Heritage Foundation, which crafted Project 2025 ahead of a possible second White House term for President Donald Trump, for comment via email.

The Trump administration is under intense scrutiny following the revelation that it had used Signal to discuss sensitive military plans, accidentally including The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg in a group chat where officials discussed a strike against Houthis in Yemen.

Critics from both the left and the right say the breach could have compromised the operation and posed a broader risk to U.S. national security.

Read the full story by Andrew Stanton on Newsweek.

U.S. and Colombia sign deal to enhance biometric cooperation for migration and security

The United States and Colombia have signed an agreement to deploy biometric capabilities aimed at managing migration and disrupting criminal activity. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the partnership in Bogota on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of the nations' enduring relationship.

The memorandum of understanding, signed by Noem and Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia, will strengthen cooperation by sharing migratory information and biometric data. Noem highlighted that the initiative would help improve regional security and combat illegal activities, including migrant trafficking.

The agreement follows tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro over the treatment of Colombians on U.S. deportation flights. While deportations have resumed following a deal, Petro has encouraged migrants to return home.

Noem praised Colombia's efforts in facilitating migrant repatriations and stressed that the new collaboration would ensure migrants' rights and dignity are respected while enhancing security efforts.

Over 150 anti-abortion groups call to defund Planned Parenthood

Over 150 anti-abortion groups signed a letter Thursday urging the defunding of Planned Parenthood and other centers that provide abortions, calling for these organizations to be targeted by "cost-saving measures" backed by Elon Musk. The letter urged Congress to cut funding for abortion services in the upcoming reconciliation bill.

Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life, rallied with supporters on Capitol Hill, saying, "Today is a historic moment where the pro-life movement stands united behind one message: Defund Planned Parenthood." The group argued that taxpayer money continues to fund the organization, which they consider a "giant" in the abortion industry.

Tina Whittington, executive vice president of Students for Life, added that Planned Parenthood is a prime target for the Department of Government Efficiency's work, focused on waste, fraud, and abuse. President Trump has previously stated that abortion is a state issue, but this latest push reflects the growing movement to challenge federal funding for abortion services.

Trump withdraws Rep. Elise Stefanik's nomination

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he asked Representative Elise Stefanik, a New York Republican, to withdraw her nomination to serve as President Donald Trump's ambassador to the United Nations.

Stefanik, a loyal Trump supporter, was tapped for the Senate-confirmed position in Trump's new administration just days after he won the 2024 presidential election. She is currently the highest-ranking Republican woman in the House.

Her appointment, if she was confirmed, would have created a vacancy in the House, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. Stefanik was facing pressure to consider withdrawing from the nomination to help preserve the GOP's slim edge in the chamber.

Republicans have a 218-213 seat majority in the House. Four vacant seats are up for special elections this year.

Health secretary proposes merging SAMHSA into new administration

RFK Jr
US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (C) speaks as US President Donald Trump hosts (L) hosts a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House on March 24,... Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Thursday that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will be absorbed into a newly created Administration for a Healthy America.

Experts, however, expressed concerns that this change could hinder efforts to combat overdose deaths. SAMHSA plays a crucial role in distributing naloxone, overseeing methadone clinics, and supporting prevention programs across the country.

Dr. Ruth Potee, who runs methadone clinics in Massachusetts, called the move "jaw-dropping," per The Associated Press.

Brendan Saloner, an addiction researcher at Johns Hopkins, also warned that millions of Americans rely on SAMHSA's services, even if they are unaware of the agency's name.

The proposal raises significant concerns about the potential impact on public health efforts.

FTC members fired by Trump sue administration over illegal removal

Two former Federal Trade Commission members, Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming their March 18 dismissal was illegal. The lawsuit argues that the firing violates a 90-year-old Supreme Court decision protecting the independence of agency members, like those at the FTC. The case could set a precedent affecting other independent agencies, such as the Federal Reserve.

In their statement, Slaughter emphasized the importance of the FTC's autonomy in promoting competition and protecting consumer rights. If upheld, the ruling could allow future presidents to remove members of independent agencies without cause, potentially undermining their independence. However, Trump's economic officials have stated that there are no plans to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, despite the president's criticism of the Fed's interest rate decisions.

Putin addresses Trump's 'serious' Greenland plans ahead of Vance visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he views U.S. ambitions to annex Greenland as "serious," amid President Donald Trump's push to assert control over the Danish island.

"We are talking about serious plans on the American side with regard to Greenland. These plans have long-standing historical roots," Putin said Thursday at an Arctic forum in Murmansk, a city in northern Russia.

"This may surprise some, but only at first glance," added Putin.

On Tuesday, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the United States will "go as far as we have to go" to gain control of Greenland, ahead of an upcoming visit to the Arctic island by Vice President JD Vance — a trip that has drawn criticism from both Greenlandic and Danish officials.

AG Pam Bondi suggests Clinton emails were worse than Signal leak

Attorney General Pam Bondi dismissed the Signal group chat leak on Thursday, calling the information accidentally shared with a journalist was "sensitive info, not classified."

The group chat, between key members of Trump's national security team including defense secretary Pete Hegseth and national security adviser Mike Waltz, discussed in detail the U.S.' plans for air strikes in Yemen. It included the aircraft and weapons to be used, the times of the attacks and discussion about the target. All of which were accidentally shared with the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic.

However, Hegseth and several other Cabinet members have insisted that the military plans were not classified.

Hegseth, as defense secretary, has the ability to declassify material. CNN reports that the material appears to have been deemed classified when it was shared.

Bondi said that the DOJ would not be involved in the leak, telling reporters, "It was sensitive info, not classified. What we should be talking about is it was a very successful mission ... if you want to talk about classified information, talk about what was at Hillary Clinton's home."

Clinton has been investigated - and cleared - by the FBI multiple times over the use of a private server to send emails. The investigations found that none were clearly marked classified but they did find that around 100 emails contained information that should have been classified. No journalists were included on her email chains.

Justice Department could combine DEA and ATF as agency cuts loom

The U.S. Justice Department is weighing a significant restructuring that would merge the primary agencies responsible for enforcing drug and firearms laws, in line with President Donald Trump's directive to dramatically streamline the federal government.

According to a March 25 memo obtained by Reuters, the proposal includes combining the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Additionally, department officials are considering closing certain field offices that handle antitrust and environmental enforcement.

In the memo, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche directed department officials to submit their feedback on the proposed restructuring by April 2.

Donald Trump halts US funding to World Trade Organization: what to know

Trump in Oval
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press before signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House on March 26, 2025, in Washington, DC. AFP/Getty Images

The United States has suspended its contributions to the World Trade Organization, according to three trade sources cited by Reuters, as President Donald Trump's administration intensifies efforts to reduce government spending.

The move is part of a broader shift away from international institutions that the administration views as conflicting with its "America First" economic agenda. In line with this strategy, the U.S. plans to withdraw from some organizations, such as the World Health Organization, and has already reduced funding to others as part of a comprehensive federal spending review.

The World Trade Organization has already been significantly weakened by a 2019 move during President Trump's first term, when the U.S. blocked the appointment of new judges to its top appeals court. This action left the WTO's core dispute resolution mechanism only partially operational, as Washington accused the Appellate Body of exceeding its authority in trade rulings.

In 2024, the Geneva-based trade body operated with an annual budget of 205 million Swiss francs (approximately $232 million). Based on a contribution system tied to each member's share of global trade, the United States was expected to provide around 11 percent of that total, according to WTO public records.

Read the full story by Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.

Sen. Gary Peters questions agency compliance with privacy laws amid DOGE access concerns

Sen. Gary Peters, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, is demanding answers from 24 federal agencies about whether individuals affiliated with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are complying with privacy and cybersecurity laws while accessing sensitive systems and databases.

In letters dated March 24, Peters asked agency heads — including the departments of Justice, Homeland Security, State, and Defense — to identify DOGE-affiliated personnel and list all agency systems they can access. He requested the information by April 11, warning that "failure to appropriately control access to this data creates significant privacy and security risks and may violate federal law."

Concerns about DOGE's access heightened after CNN reported that Elon Musk's initiative sought highly sensitive taxpayer data housed at the Internal Revenue Service. Earlier this month, a federal judge blocked the Social Security Administration from giving DOGE access to data containing the personal information of millions of Americans.

Kristi Noem visits Colombia to discuss immigration and crime amid strained ties

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrived in Colombia on Thursday as part of a three-nation tour focused on immigration, crime, and deportation. Her visit comes amid rising tensions between the Trump administration and Colombia over accepting deportation flights from the United States.

Noem met with Colombia's foreign minister and is expected to sit down with President Gustavo Petro to discuss efforts to combat organized crime. Petro and Trump hold opposing views on key issues, creating uncertainty about the outcome of these discussions.

Noem's visit follows a heavily publicized stop in El Salvador, where she met with President Nayib Bukele and toured the country's massive prison complex holding alleged gang members and Venezuelans deported by the U.S. under questionable circumstances. These deportations are being challenged in court.

On Friday, Noem will travel to Mexico to meet with President Claudia Sheinbaum, whose government has been negotiating with the Trump administration to avoid tariffs. Despite her efforts, Trump announced a 25% tariff on auto imports this week.

Turkish student detained by ICE over pro-Palestinian views moved to Louisiana

Rumeysa Ozturk
Rumeysa Ozturk, pictured left in 2021, and as she was led away by federal agents in Somerville, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Jennifer Hoyden/Rumeysa Ozturk/AP Photo

A Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, Rumeysa Ozturk, was detained by federal authorities on Tuesday and moved to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Basile, Louisiana, despite a judge's order to keep her in Massachusetts.

Ozturk, 30, was ambushed by federal agents near her home in Somerville while walking to meet friends for iftar during Ramadan. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleged that Ozturk supported Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, but did not provide evidence.

Ozturk's lawyer, Mahsa Khanbabai, said no charges have been filed and has petitioned for her release. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ordered the government to explain her detention and instructed that Ozturk not be moved without 48 hours' notice, but ICE had already transferred her.

Ozturk's arrest is part of the Trump administration's crackdown on immigrants who criticize Israel and engage in pro-Palestinian activism. Friends and colleagues insist Ozturk was not involved in protests and only co-wrote an op-ed urging Tufts to address student concerns about ties with Israel.

A large crowd gathered in Somerville to protest her detention, with activists warning that the U.S. government is targeting immigrant communities to stifle dissent.

Man arrested after setting Teslas on fire with Molotov cocktails

Tesla factory
Cars are seen on the assembly line during a tour of the Tesla Giga Texas manufacturing facility ahead of the "Cyber Rodeo" grand opening party on April 7, 2022 in Austin, Texas Getty Images

Paul Hyon Kim, 36, was arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Center on Wednesday after allegedly setting multiple Tesla vehicles on fire using Molotov cocktails, according to court and jail records. Kim faces 15 counts, including arson, property destruction, possession of a fire device, and discharging a firearm.

Surveillance footage showed a person dressed in black damaging at least five Teslas around 2:45 a.m. on Feb. 18 at a Tesla service center in Las Vegas. Authorities found one unexploded device inside a car, and "resist" was graffitied on the front doors.

Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren said the attack had "some of the hallmarks" of terrorism and was a targeted assault on Tesla. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Clark County Fire Department joined the investigation. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the incident "nothing short of domestic terrorism."

Trump expected to sign new executive order targeting sanctuary cities

President Donald Trump is expected to sign a new order targeting sanctuary cities on Thursday.

Trump told reporters earlier this week that he planned to "end sanctuary cities for some of these jurisdictions that aren't cooperating with law enforcement.

"They're guarding criminals," he added. "We may just end the entire thing altogether."

Sanctuary cities limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal authorities to protect undocumented immigrants.

Many major cities, including New York and L.A. have sanctuary city policies.

Musk awards $1M to Wisconsin voter ahead of key court election

Elon Musk announced Wednesday that a Wisconsin voter received $1 million just days before a high-stakes state Supreme Court election that could flip the court's control. The payment, made through Musk's political action committee America First, is similar to a lottery he used in battleground states before last year's presidential election.

The race, which pits Republican-backed Brad Schimel against Democratic-supported Susan Crawford, will decide whether the court remains under 4-3 liberal control or shifts to a conservative majority. Crawford's campaign condemned the payment, calling it an attempt to "illegally buy influence" in a state where Musk's Tesla has a pending lawsuit that could go before the court.

No legal action has been filed against the payments, but Common Cause Wisconsin Director Jay Heck called it a "last-minute attempt to influence the election." Musk's PAC has spent over $17 million supporting Schimel, contributing to the record-breaking $81 million spent on the race so far.

Elise Stefanik's UN ambassador bid in jeopardy: Report

Elise Stefanik's nomination for UN ambassador is in jeopardy, according to a CBS News reporter.

Discussions are reportedly being held within the Republican party on Thursday morning about whether she should pull her nomination as early as today.

Trump hosts tele-town hall to boost Patronis in Florida race

Donald Trump is holding a "tele-town hall" this evening with Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, the Republican candidate in Tuesday's special election for Florida's 1st Congressional District. Patronis is running to replace former Rep. Matt Gaetz in the deeply Republican district, which both Gaetz and Trump carried easily in November.

Patronis promoted the event on X, urging supporters to join and hear why the race is "important to not only families in the Panhandle BUT the entire nation." Despite the district's conservative lean, Patronis faces a well-funded challenge from Democrat Gay Valimont, a gun control activist who has outspent him by millions.

Outside groups, including Elon Musk's super PAC, have stepped in to support Patronis in the final days of the race. Meanwhile, another special election is taking place Tuesday in Florida's 6th District to replace former GOP Rep. Mike Waltz. It is unclear whether Trump plans a similar event for that race's Republican candidate, State Sen. Randy Fine, who has struggled with fundraising.

Ukrainian lawmaker details 'horror' show minerals deal with Trump

A Ukrainian lawmaker has said he has obtained a copy of a revised draft of the U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement, calling it a "horror" that offers no security guarantees from Washington.

Kyiv and Washington are reported to be closing in on signing a deal to allow the U.S. access to Ukraine's mineral deposits—trillions-of-dollars worth of rare earth elements, which are critical for the modern high-tech economy.

Such a deal was first proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's five-point "Victory Plan" unveiled in October 2024 in a bid to secure U.S. support. Trump has suggested American contractors' presence in Ukraine would act as a security guarantee, but Zelensky has sought firmer security guarantees.

A planned minerals agreement between Ukraine and the U.S., originally set for signing on February 28, was put on hold following a very public clash between Trump and Zelensky during a meeting at the Oval Office.

Read in full from Isabel van Brugen on Newsweek.

Macron pledges retaliation if tariffs are imposed

French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to retaliate if Trump goes ahead with his global tariffs on April 2.

Speaking after a summit about Ukraine in Paris, Macron said that the tariffs will not only hurt European economies, but the economy of North America too, at a time when Trump is asking other nations to bolster their defense spending.

"This is not the time to be imposing tariffs on us," he said. "It's not coherent. Imposing tariffs means breaking value chains, creating inflation in the short term and destroying jobs. It's not good for the American economy, nor for the European, Canadian or Mexican economies."

Macron said Europeans would retaliate with their own tariffs to protect themselves, aimed at trying "to dismantle all these tariffs."

Bondi dismisses criminal investigation into military operation leak

Pam Bondi
Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort Hotel And Convention Center on February 20, 2025 in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Dominic Gwinn/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated on Thursday that there is unlikely to be a criminal investigation into the leak of military operation details in an unsecured Signal group chat, The New York Times reported this morning. The details, including specific timings of fighter jet departures and bomb drops during a military strike on rebels in Yemen, were shared by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and accidentally included a magazine editor. Bondi stated that the information was sensitive but not classified, emphasizing that it was inadvertently released.

She praised the success of the operation while redirecting the conversation to accusations of mishandling classified information by previous administrations, specifically mentioning Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. Bondi's comments come as the Justice Department has opened investigations into Clinton and Biden's handling of classified documents, though neither faced charges.

Bondi's remarks seem to close the door on any potential criminal investigation regarding Hegseth's actions, even though experts argue that leaking military plans contradicts long-standing national security practices.

Zeldin terminates $2 billion EPA grant to Stacey Abrams-linked NGO

Rep. Lee Zeldin announced on X that he has terminated a $2 billion grant awarded by the Biden administration to an NGO linked to Stacey Abrams. Zeldin stated that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI are investigating the organization, and the funds have been frozen.

Trump strengthens ties to Middle East ally with $2B drone sale

Qatar Afghanistan
Qatari Air Force airmen board a Qatari transport plane evacuating people, at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, August, 18, 2021. Qatar played an out-sized role in U.S. efforts to evacuate tens of thousands... Qatar Government Communications/AP

The U.S. State Department approved the sale of advanced MQ-9B drones to Qatar for nearly $2 billion, marking a significant step in the growing defense relationship between the two countries.

This sale supports U.S. national security and foreign policy goals by enhancing Qatar's defense capabilities, particularly as it is home to Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East.

Also important to President Donald Trump's relationship with Qatar is the role that it helped in brokering the ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas which allowed for exchanging some Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners before its recent collapse.

The State Department approved the sale of eight MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft at Qatar's request, according to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency in a statement released Wednesday.

Read in full from Amira El-Fekki‎ on Newsweek.

Senators request investigation into leaked signal chat about military strikes

Roger Wicker
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol on March 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. Republicans are meeting as the Trump administration faces blowback after defense plans that were posted in... Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and ranking member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) have sent a letter to the acting inspector general of the Defense Department, requesting an investigation into the leaked Signal chat about U.S. military strikes in Yemen.

The letter expresses concerns about whether senior Trump administration officials followed proper classification and declassification protocols. It highlights that the chat allegedly contained classified information regarding sensitive military operations and questions the use of unclassified networks to discuss such topics. The senators have also indicated plans to schedule a briefing with acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins after the investigation is complete.

Donald Trump suffers legal blow over mass federal worker cuts

President Donald Trump has suffered a legal blow after a U.S. appeals court refused to pause an earlier ruling requiring his administration to reinstate fired probationary federal workers.

The new Department of Government Efficiency has overseen a wave of job cuts in the federal government, with DOGE recommending firing more than 200,000 federal workers.

The cuts are intended to improve government efficiency and reduce spending, but opponents have criticized them, raising concerns about their legality and whether they will disrupt government functionality.

On March 13, U.S. District Judge William Alsup issued a preliminary injunction requiring federal agencies to rehire probationary employees terminated under the Trump administration.

Read the full story by Kate Plummer on Newsweek.

Trump announces capture of alleged MS-13 leader

Federal law enforcement officials arrested a suspected major leader of MS-13 on Thursday morning, Trump confirmed via social media. The 24-year-old gang member, whose identity has not been released, is said to be a key figure in the organization.

During a news conference, Attorney General Pam Bondi, alongside FBI Director Kash Patel, stated that the individual was one of the top three leaders of MS-13 in the U.S. and had been living just outside Washington, D.C. in Virginia. Bondi also confirmed that the suspect was an illegal immigrant from El Salvador and would soon be deported.

Judge Boasberg calls Trump administration to court today over Signal chat leak

Judge James Boasberg will hold an emergency hearing today at 4 p.m. ET regarding a Cabinet-level Signal chat that unintentionally included a journalist discussing a potential attack in Yemen. The advocacy group suing the Trump administration claims the use of Signal's auto-delete feature by department secretaries and intelligence officials violates federal records laws.

While lawsuits of this nature can face significant legal challenges, concerns about Signal's use for government business may lead Boasberg, known for his expertise in records law and national security matters, to press the administration for answers. The judge has also been involved in a separate case regarding Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act, intensifying the spotlight on his ongoing legal battles with the Justice Department.

Rep. Jonathan Jackson slams Hegseth over 'Signalgate' on Early Start

Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) appeared on Early Start today to discuss his reactions to Secretary Hegseth's ongoing controversy and the recent "Signalgate" security breach.

Jackson sharply criticized Hegseth, stating that his actions, particularly his remarks on diversity, have undermined the military's core values. "He is an example of definitely didn't earn it," Jackson said, referring to Hegseth's comments on diversity being "the dumbest thing" he had heard in military history. Jackson emphasized that the U.S. military has long embraced diversity as a strength and accused Hegseth of being "in way over his head."

Jackson also compared the security breach to the dysfunction of a "banana republic" and reiterated his calls for Hegseth's resignation. "It was running fine before Mr. Hegseth got there," he argued, condemning the situation as a major lapse in the military's operations.

Trump administration announces 10,000 layoffs at Health and Human Services

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attends a St. Patrick's Day Reception in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 12, 2025. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

The Trump administration has revealed plans to lay off 10,000 employees at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), reducing its workforce to approximately 62,000. This move is part of a major restructuring effort aimed at streamlining operations and bringing communications and other functions directly under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy announced the creation of a new division, the Administration for a Healthy America (A.H.A.), as part of the overhaul. The department's 28 existing divisions will be consolidated into 15, in an effort to improve efficiency. Despite acknowledging the challenges, Kennedy emphasized that the department will "do more with less" while addressing inefficiencies in the agency's structure, which has long operated with multiple overlapping offices.

Russia flexes missile muscles at US ally

Russia flexed its military muscles against Japan, a United States ally in Northeast Asia, as one of its submarines fired long-range missiles under the waters between the two countries.

Newsweek reached out to the Japanese Defense Ministry via email for comment.

The Russian military frequently operates in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea in South Korea, which is located to the south of Russia's Far East and to the west of Japan. Last November, Russia conducted a joint patrol with China in the region with its bombers.

Japan plays a significant role in America's Indo-Pacific strategy. It forms part of a north-south blockade known as the first island chain with Taiwan and the Philippines in the Western Pacific Ocean, which seeks to constrain the military activities of Washington's adversaries.

Since the outbreak of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Japan has joined hands with the West in imposing sanctions on Russia. A leaked whistleblower's letter has also claimed that Russia was preparing to attack Japan in the summer of 2021.

Read the full story by Ryan Chan on Newsweek.

Trump announces 25% tariffs on auto imports to boost domestic manufacturing

Tariffs
New Toyota vehicles are stored at the Toyota Logistics Service, their most significant vehicle imports processing facility in North America, at the Port of Long Beach in Long Beach, Calif., Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Damian Dovarganes/AP Photo

Trump announced a 25% tariff on auto imports, aiming to spur U.S. manufacturing and reduce reliance on global supply chains. The tariffs, expected to raise $100 billion annually, will begin in April. While Trump argues the move will lead to more factories opening in the U.S., economists warn of higher vehicle prices, reduced consumer choice, and a potential squeeze on automakers.

Trump's tariff plan applies to both finished vehicles and parts, with exceptions for U.S.-made content under the USMCA trade agreement. Foreign leaders quickly criticized the move, raising concerns over a broader trade war that could hurt global growth. Meanwhile, Trump has signaled additional tax incentives for buyers of domestically produced vehicles.

Federal appeals court denies Trump's request to pause probationary employee reinstatement

A federal appeals court has rejected the Trump administration's request to delay a lower court's order requiring the reinstatement of thousands of probationary employees who were fired. In a two-to-one decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the government's emergency stay request while appeals are ongoing.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge William Alsup, which was issued earlier, mandates the reinstatement of the fired employees. The Trump administration has also sought to pause the order through the Supreme Court, though the high court has yet to issue a decision.

Marjorie Taylor Greene tells British reporter to 'go back to your country' during news conference

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., clashed with Sky News reporter Martha Kelner during a news conference yesterday, telling her to "go back to your country" after Kelner attempted to ask about the leaked Signal chat regarding U.S. military strikes on Yemen.

Before Kelner could finish her question, Greene responded, "Why don't you go back to your country where you have a major migrant problem?" She added, "We don't give a crap about your opinion and your reporting." The exchange drew attention amid heightened tensions over issues surrounding immigration and U.S. foreign policy.

Trump administration uses intelligence agencies for border surveillance in crackdown on immigration

The Trump administration has tasked two U.S. intelligence agencies, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), with assisting in border surveillance efforts aimed at curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking, Reuters reported. These agencies, which typically oversee military-grade spy satellites, will now focus their capabilities on the U.S.-Mexico border, marking an escalation in the militarization of border security.

The use of satellite surveillance, combined with artificial intelligence and drone technology, aims to enhance the tracking and identification of objects and individuals of interest along the border. This initiative is part of a broader push by the administration to increase border security, with a focus on preventing illegal crossings and drug cartel activity.

However, the deployment of military technologies raises concerns about privacy and the potential for surveillance of U.S. citizens, especially in areas near the border, as legal restrictions typically prevent intelligence agencies from monitoring domestic activities. The operation is supported by defense contractors like Palantir and Anduril, which are providing technology to create a "digital wall" that complements physical border barriers.

U.S. cities at risk from trade war with Canada could hurt Trump's political base

A new analysis from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce spotlights U.S. cities most vulnerable to a trade war with Canada, and many of them are in states that helped elect Trump, The Associated Press reports. The study shows that San Antonio and Detroit are the most dependent on Canadian exports, which could suffer from Trump's new tariffs on autos and parts, set to take effect in April.

The analysis, conducted before the latest tariff announcement, reveals that areas like San Antonio, Detroit, and several other cities in key swing states could face significant job losses and economic damage. The tariffs impact industries like aerospace, auto, and energy, with nearly half of San Antonio's exports going to Canada.

Trump's political base in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania could be especially impacted by the trade war, as these states were pivotal in his 2016 victory. Milwaukee and Pittsburgh also rank among the top cities at risk. Other cities such as Kansas City, Louisville, and Nashville, all of which backed Trump in 2020, are also heavily reliant on Canadian trade.

Canadian leaders have warned that these tariffs will hurt both nations, leading to higher prices and job losses. While Trump claims the tariffs are meant to address illegal immigration and the trade deficit, they could backfire by harming areas that helped put him in office.

US will 'ally' with Russia against Europe: Solovyov

Kremlin propagandist Vladimir Solovyov has said that the current Trump administration would side with Russia in the event of a global conflict.

Solovyov, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and one of the most prominent figures in Kremlin-backed media, made the comments in reaction to a meeting between officials from Moscow and Washington in Saudi Arabia this week.

President Donald Trump has reopened dialogue with Russia in an effort to end the war in Ukraine, following months of Moscow's isolation by the international community.

At the same time, NATO members are increasingly alarmed by signs that the U.S. may be pulling back from its long-standing security commitments in Europe, particularly as Trump intensifies his criticism of the alliance and offers praise for Putin.

These developments are fueling anxiety about a deepening divide between the U.S. and Europe amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Read the full story by Isabel van Brugen on Newsweek.

Patel faces scrutiny over Signal chain as FBI investigation looms

Kash Patel State Dept
FBI Director Kash Patel speaking during a ceremony to raise the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag at the State Department, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci/AP Photo

FBI Director Kash Patel was questioned this week by lawmakers about whether the agency would investigate the Signal chat where Trump administration officials discussed sensitive attack plans. Patel testified that he had not personally reviewed the messages, which were mistakenly shared with The Atlantic's editor-in-chief.

Despite Trump's insistence that "it's not really an FBI thing," the Justice Department has long been responsible for enforcing Espionage Act statutes regarding the mishandling of national defense information. It remains unclear whether Attorney General Pam Bondi will authorize an investigation.

Several high-profile figures have faced scrutiny for mishandling government secrets, though outcomes have varied. Hillary Clinton was investigated but not charged for her private email server use, while David Petraeus received probation for sharing classified materials. Jeffrey Sterling, however, was sentenced to prison for leaking sensitive information.

As questions about accountability persist, Patel avoided committing to any FBI investigation, leaving uncertainty about the Signal chat's fallout.

Trump administration defends Signal chain after security fallout

The Trump administration scrambled Wednesday to manage the fallout after reports revealed that top national security officials discussed sensitive attack plans on the Signal messaging app and mistakenly included a journalist in the chat.

The White House insisted no classified information was shared, despite concerns from Democrats who questioned details about weaponry and timing in the leaked messages. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whose messages described specific attack timelines, denied that any "war plans" were disclosed.

Sen. Mark Warner, a leading Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, dismissed the administration's position as "baloney," while other lawmakers called for Hegseth's resignation. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Democrats of using the incident to create chaos and defended Hegseth's actions.

Despite growing calls for accountability, Trump maintained his support for his national security team and downplayed concerns, calling the situation a "witch hunt."

Canada vows to retaliate to Trump's 'direct attack'

The Canadian government has vowed to retaliate after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on the country—a move that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described as a "direct attack."

Trump has made tariffs a key component of his economic offering in his second administration, positing that they will protect the domestic economy and enable the U.S. to haggle for better trade terms for the U.S.

As such, he has put tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, including a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports and a 10 percent tariff on Canadian energy imports.

However, concerns about a trade war are unsettling markets and creating fears of a recession in the U.S. Some Canadian customers are boycotting American products and Canada has barred Tesla vehicles from being eligible for the county's electric vehicle rebate because of the tariffs.

Read the full story by Kate Plummer on Newsweek.

Gold nears record high after Trump's auto tariff announcement

oval offic gold
A gold drink coaster box sits on U.S. President Donald Trump's coffee table as he hosts French President Emmanuel Macron for meetings in the Oval Office at the White House on February 24, 2025... Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Gold prices rose on Thursday, nearing last week's record high, after Trump announced new auto import tariffs set to begin next week. Spot gold climbed over 1% to $3,052.97 an ounce by 1030 GMT, just shy of the record $3,057.21 reached on March 20. U.S. gold futures rose 1.3% to $3,060.90.

Gold, often seen as a safe-haven asset, has gained more than 15% this year amid global economic uncertainty. Nitesh Shah, commodities strategist at WisdomTree, said U.S. policymaking is creating volatility that boosts gold prices.

Trump unveiled a 25% tariff on imported cars and light trucks, with additional tariffs expected on countries contributing to the U.S. trade deficit. Traders are now watching Friday's U.S. personal consumption expenditures data, a key inflation measure for the Federal Reserve, which could signal future rate cuts.

Goldman Sachs raised its end-2025 gold price forecast to $3,300 per ounce, citing strong ETF inflows and continued central bank demand. Spot silver rose 0.7% to $33.93 an ounce, platinum gained 0.5% to $979.55, and palladium increased 0.4% to $972.

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About the writer

Amanda M. Castro is a Newsweek Live Blog Editor based in New York. Her focus is reporting on U.S. politics, breaking news, consumer topics, and entertainment. She specializes in delivering in-depth news and live blog reporting and has experience covering U.S. presidential debates, awards shows, and more. Amanda joined Newsweek in 2024 from the The U.S. Sun and is a graduate of the University of New Haven.

You can get in touch with Amanda by emailing a.castro@newsweek.com.

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Hannah Parry is a Newsweek Live Blog Editor based in New York. Her focus is reporting on U.S. politics and society. She has covered politics, tech and crime extensively.
Hannah joined Newsweek in 2024 and previously worked as an assistant editor at The U.S. Sun and as a senior reporter and assistant news editor at The Daily Mail. She is a graduate of the University of Nottingham. You can get in touch with Hannah by emailing h.parry@newsweek.com. Languages: English.


Amanda M. Castro is a Newsweek Live Blog Editor based in New York. Her focus is reporting on U.S. politics, ... Read more