Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Trump commuted the sentence of Larry Hoover, 74, the former chief of Chicago's Gangster Disciples who had been serving multiple life sentences for over 50 years. This follows Trump's pattern of using his clemency powers to grant relief to individuals, particularly those aligned with him politically.

Trump pardoned reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley, who were convicted in 2022 of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million and tax evasion. The pardons are part of an expanding use of presidential clemency powers.

The Trump administration ordered U.S. embassies to pause student visa interviews and announced plans to introduce social media screening for international students. Federal agencies also cancelled $100 million in contracts with Harvard University, intensifying the administration's conflict with the institution over its policies.

A federal judicial panel ruled that Trump's 'reciprocal' tariffs and levies on Canada and Mexico were illegal, finding the president had overstepped his authority. This represents a significant legal challenge to the administration's trade policy.

The Trump administration closed the State Department's Office of Analytic Outreach, which previously connected government leaders with academic experts, think tanks, and research institutions. The closure reflects broader efforts to reduce institutional connections to external expertise.

Reports indicate turmoil in U.S. national parks as the Trump administration slashes jobs and hobbles research, with current and former workers describing the mood as bleak amid resignations and what some characterize as 'psychological warfare.'

The White House asked the Supreme Court to block challenges to deportations to South Sudan after a federal judge found the Trump administration had violated a court order by sending people from other countries to the African nation.

Trump stated that he warned Israel against attacking Iran and claimed a nuclear deal with Tehran could be reached within weeks, signaling his push for diplomatic resolution. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to press for military action, creating tension over U.S. policy objectives.

Health Secretary RFK Jr. threatened to ban federal scientists from publishing in top medical journals such as The Lancet, calling them 'corrupt,' and pushed for creating state-run alternatives. He also removed COVID-19 booster shots from the recommended immunization schedule, prompting doctors to warn of 'devastating consequences' for pregnant people.

Trump announced his intention to nominate Emil Bove, his former defense lawyer, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which covers Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. This judicial appointment continues the administration's efforts to reshape the federal bench.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes publicly expressed "disappointment" after Trump pardoned International Union of Operating Engineers president James Callahan on the eve of his federal sentencing. Callahan had pleaded guilty to accepting at least $315,000 in tickets to sporting events, concerts, and other amenities from an advertising firm retained by the union, and failing to properly report them. His attorneys notified the court of the pardon the day before his scheduled sentencing, prompting the judge to vacate the hearing.