Saturday, 12 April 2025

The Trump administration announced exemptions for smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices from tariffs, including those imposed on China. The move provides temporary relief to tech companies like Apple that had faced significant tariff pressures.

Trump authorized the U.S. military to take direct control of land at the U.S.-Mexico border, allowing armed forces to assume a more active operational role in border security. Trump's memo characterized the southern border as being 'under attack.'

Harvard University faculty filed a lawsuit with a motion for a temporary restraining order to block the Trump administration's review of nearly $9 billion in federal funding, characterizing the threat as an existential 'gun to the head.'

A U.S. judge ruled that the Trump administration can deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist and lawful resident, based on his beliefs and associations, which the administration claims are counter to U.S. foreign policy interests. Legal experts and commentators condemned the ruling as 'unjust and alarming.'

The White House relocated former President Obama's portrait to make room for a new painting of Trump following an assassination attempt. While the move drew criticism, the White House noted that rotating artwork with changes in administration is common practice.

Trump administration lawyers confirmed that Kilmar Ábrego García, a Maryland man, was wrongly deported and is now imprisoned in El Salvador. The administration has not publicly demonstrated steps to facilitate his return to the United States.

An FBI analyst named Brian Auten, who was targeted in a book by Kash Patel, was placed on leave. The decision relates to Patel's criticism of the analyst's work during past investigations.

Iran and the United States agreed to continue nuclear talks after their first indirect round of negotiations held in Oman. Iran's foreign minister described the environment as 'calm and respectful,' though prospects for success remain uncertain.

U.S. Special Envoy General Keith Kellogg suggested that Ukraine could be partitioned into zones of control after a peace settlement, similar to post-World War II Berlin. Trump also warned Russian President Putin to 'get moving' ahead of planned U.S.-Russia talks.

Panama's opposition party accused the United States of conducting a 'camouflaged invasion' after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that U.S. troops have been moved to the country. The claim raised concerns about American military involvement amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.