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President Donald Trump announced a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom on Thursday, calling it the start of a wave of upcoming deals. Speaking from outside the West Wing on Thursday, Trump said at least three more agreements are currently in progress and that foreign leaders are eager to sign them at the White House.
What to know:
- Trump unveiled the UK trade agreement from the Oval Office.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined the announcement via speakerphone.
- Trump told reporters that "three" more trade deals are in the works.
- He said leaders want signing ceremonies held in the Oval Office.
- The UK deal is described by Trump as "the first of many."
Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Trump announces three new roles for Ed Martin after pulling nomination for US attorney
President Trump has announced three new roles for Ed Martin after he pulled his nomination for U.S. attorney for Washington D.C. amid fears he would not be confirmed.
Martin sparked backlash during his brief tenure as interim U.S. attorney after accusing scientific journals of bias in their studies in a series of "threatening" letters.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Martin would now be the director of his newly formed weaponization working group, as well as an associate deputy attorney general, and "the pardon attorney."
"In these highly important roles, Ed will make sure we finally investigate the Weaponization of our Government under the Biden Regime, and provide much needed Justice for its victims," Trump wrote.
Trump names Fox News host Jeanine Pirro interim US attorney in DC
President Donald Trump has named Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as his interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C.
Trump was forced to abandoned his first choice, Ed Martin, after it became clear he would not be confirmed by the Senate.
This is not the first time that Trump has appointed a Fox host to his administration.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was also a Fox anchor before his current post.
Trump and Merz discuss trade, Ukraine during Thursday
Germany's new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, and Donald Trump discussed the need to find a solution on trade and an end to the Ukraine war, during their Thursday call, a German government spokesperson said.
"Chancellor Merz assured the American President that, 80 years after the end of the second world war, the United States remains an indispensable friend and partner of Germany," the spokesperson said.
Merz also "shared the President's call for a swift end to the killing in Ukraine," adding that "Russia must now agree to a ceasefire to create space for negotiations".
The new chancellor had previously warned the U.S. to "stay out" of his country's politics.
Iran dissidents pressure US talks with secret nuclear site claims
A group of Iranian dissidents has unveiled what it alleges to be a secret nuclear site dedicated to developing a weapon of mass destruction in Iran ahead of a new set of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran.
The goal, according to Alireza Jafarzadeh, spokesperson for the People's Mojahedin of Iran, also known as Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MeK), is to persuade President Donald Trump to demand the total dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program in order to create an existential threat to the Islamic Republic.
"The nuclear program of the regime is a tool for their survival, if they accept to abandon their nuclear weapons program, that would clearly be a huge weakness of the regime," Jafarzadeh told Newsweek.
Zelensky says he spoke with Trump today after renewed calls for ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he spoke with Donald Trump on Thursday, by phone, after the U.S. president reiterated calls for a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire.
"President Trump inquired about the situation on the battlefield, and I provided a brief overview. I also informed him that Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire, starting even today," Zelenskyy said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
"We are waiting for Russia to support this proposal. I also reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to engage in talks in any format. But for that, Russia must demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions to end the war, starting with a full unconditional ceasefire."
Earlier today Trump, who has become increasingly frustrated with the slow movement on ending the war in Ukraine, posted on Truth Social that the ceasefire "must ultimately build toward a Peace Agreement."
Gov. Newsom calls Trump's plan to reopen Alcatraz 'nonsense'
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California blasted President Trump's plan to reopen Alcatraz as an active prison, as "nonsense."
Newsome added that he thinks Trump is using the announcement to try and distract from the economic roiling over his tariffs.
"Donald Trump is under deep pressure on that issue," Newsom said. "So I would expect him to continue to try to relieve some of that pressure and that focus by bringing more of this nonsense to bear and getting us all to chase these stories."
Hundreds of openly identifying transgender troops to be kicked out of military
Up to 1,000 openly identifying transgender troops are set to be moved out of the military immediately under a new Pentagon order.
Ex-Biden fundraiser says she has 'agony' over not speaking up on decline
Lindy Li, a former fundraiser for former President Joe Biden, said she feels "agony" over not speaking up about his alleged decline.
Biden's age remains a divisive issue among Democrats, many of whom believe his decision to run again, despite concerns that he was too old to serve another four years in office, may have cost them the election against President Donald Trump last year.
Others, however, say age concerns have been blown out of proportion and that Democrats who called for him to step aside are to blame for leaving the party in a weaker position.
Li addressed Biden's alleged decline in an interview with journalist Tara Palmeri, who published on YouTube on Wednesday. Li said she began to believe Biden was not "as quick as he was before" in 2022 and noticed that he would need notecards "for simple things" at events, she said.
FBI director flip-flops on demands for more funding for agency
Just one day after FBI Director Kash Patel told a House subcommittee that his agency "can't do the mission" on the funding levels proposed in Trump's "big, beautiful bill," he appears to have reversed his views.
On Thursday, Patel told a Senate committee hearing he can make the FBI's mission "work on whatever budget we're given."
The 2026 budget proposal calls for a $545 million cut to the FBI to "reform and streamline" the bureau.
Patel said on Thursday, "My view is that we agree with this budget as it stands and (will) make it work for the operational necessity of the FBI, and as the head of the FBI, I was simply asking for more funds because I can do more with more money."
Trump weighing Fox News' Jeanine Pirro for interim DC US attorney: Report
President Donald Trump is considering appointing longtime Fox News host and former prosecutor Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, sources familiar with the discussions told ABC News.
Trump's possible elevation of Pirro, a staunch ally, to D.C.'s top prosecutorial role would come after the president told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday that Ed Martin—currently serving as D.C.'s interim U.S. attorney—will not be considered for the permanent role.
The president's decision to pull Martin's nomination came after Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said this week that he would not support Martin, effectively tanking his nomination because it meant he likely wouldn't secure enough votes to advance before the full Senate.
FEMA acting chief fired after speaking out against Trump plan
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was thrown into upheaval on Thursday, just weeks ahead of the official start of hurricane season, as its acting administrator, Cameron Hamilton, was abruptly ousted and replaced by another senior official from the Department of Homeland Security.
The leadership shakeup came just one day after Hamilton—a former Navy SEAL who had been serving as FEMA's acting chief for the past several months—testified before Congress in defense of the agency's continued role in national disaster preparedness and recovery.
"I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency," Hamilton told lawmakers on Wednesday, rejecting recent proposals to dismantle or severely curtail FEMA's responsibilities.
President Donald Trump has voiced skepticism about FEMA's role, arguing that states should take the lead in responding to hurricanes, tornadoes, and other emergencies. He has also repeatedly criticized the agency's performance—particularly in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene—claiming it failed to meet expectations during the recovery effort.
Trump threatens to impose 100 percent on Mattel
President Trump has threatened to impose a 100 percent tariff on goods made by American company Mattel after the toymaker said that they may have to raise prices due to tariffs.
"We'll put 100 percent tariff on his toys," Trump said on Thursday at the White House, "and he won't sell one toy in the United States, and that's their biggest market."
Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz had told CNBC that while Mattel, the maker of Barbie and Hot Wheels, was "committed to the uninterrupted supply of quality products at a wide range of affordable price points," he said that the tariffs meant that, "here necessary, we will be taking pricing action in the U.S."
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Donald Trump
Trump weighing Fox News' Jeanine Pirro for interim DC US Attorney: Report
President Donald Trump is considering appointing longtime Fox News host and former prosecutor Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, sources familiar with the discussions told ABC News.
Trump's possible elevation of Pirro, a staunch ally, to D.C.'s top prosecutorial role would come after the president told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday that Ed Martin—currently serving as D.C.'s interim U.S. attorney—will not be considered for the permanent role.
The president's decision to pull Martin's nomination came after Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said this week that he would not support Martin, effectively tanking his nomination because it meant he likely wouldn't secure enough votes to advance before the full Senate.
Read the full story by Sonam Sheth and Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.
Trump administration replaces FEMA acting chief amid uncertainty over agency's future
The Trump administration has replaced the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the agency confirmed Thursday, deepening questions about the future of FEMA under Trump.
Cameron Hamilton is out, and David Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer and current DHS official, will serve as the new acting administrator. The change comes one day after Hamilton defended FEMA's continued existence during a congressional hearing.
"I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency," Hamilton told lawmakers Wednesday.
Trump has publicly floated the idea of dismantling FEMA, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has expressed support for that possibility. Last month, Trump launched a review council to overhaul federal disaster response systems.
FEMA employees were notified of the leadership change Thursday in a brief internal email.
Trump says he's spoken with new pope
Trump revealed this afternoon that he has already received a call from the newly elected pope.
When asked about a potential meeting, Trump confirmed that the pope's team had already reached out, adding, "They have already called. They have already spoken to us and we'll see what happens."
About the US-UK trade deal
Trump unveiled a new trade deal with the United Kingdom on Thursday, which promises to open the British market to U.S. agricultural products and provides greater access for British cars and steel to U.S. consumers.
The deal includes reduced tariffs on U.K. cars, duty-free steel imports, and increased access for U.S. beef and ethanol. While hailed as "historic" by the White House, economists were skeptical about its economic impact, noting the U.K. is not a major enough trade partner to significantly affect the U.S. economy.
The deal does not include changes to the U.K.'s digital services tax or provide U.S. companies with additional access to the U.K.'s national health service, though negotiations are expected to continue in those areas.
Further details are set to be worked out in the coming weeks. Despite the limited scope, Trump positioned the agreement as a victory for his tariffs strategy and U.S. businesses.
Trump admin launches 'brand new' air traffic control system: What to know
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy and President Donald Trump, who spoke via speakerphone, introduced a new air traffic control system that the administration believes will present a major update amid heightened scrutiny around aviation safety.
"Decades of neglect have left us with an outdated system that is showing its age," Duffy said in prepared remarks. "Building this new system is an economic and national security necessity, and the time to fix it is now."
The administration will look to add fiber, wireless and satellite systems to over 4,600 locations across the country. However, the administration has also set an ambitious deadline of 2028 to finish the overhaul, which the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee estimated could cost $12.5 billion to complete.
"If there are foreseeable issues in the airspace you would expect someone to take actions to save lives," Duffy said. "This is bold. This is going to be challenging, but we absolutely can do it."
Biden pushes back on claims of cognitive decline
Former President Joe Biden denied suggestions that he experienced cognitive decline during his time in office, calling the claims unfounded during an appearance Thursday on ABC's The View.
"They are wrong," Biden said when asked about recent books alleging a significant drop in his mental sharpness during his final year in the White House. "There's nothing to sustain that."
Wisconsin Democrats ask state Supreme Court to toss congressional maps
Democratic voters are asking the liberal-majority Wisconsin Supreme Court to throw out the state's congressional district maps, claiming they unfairly favor Republicans and should be redrawn ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The request, filed Wednesday by the Elias Law Group and made public Thursday, comes after the court approved new state legislative maps last year. Democrats argue that ruling creates precedent for revisiting the U.S. House maps, which currently give Republicans control of six out of eight districts.
The petition bypasses lower courts and asks the state's highest court to take the case directly. Wisconsin Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan praised the effort, saying the state's residents "deserve fair maps."
Republicans have not commented, but the issue could influence future control of two key congressional seats in western and southeastern Wisconsin.
Trump hails American pope as 'an honor for our country'
Trump made a surprise stop outside the West Wing on Thursday to speak with reporters about the newly elected pope.
"It's such an honor for our country" that the new pope is American, Trump said. "What greater honor can there be?"
He added, "We're a little bit surprised and we're happy," reacting to the historic moment announced earlier by the Vatican.
Trump mocks Buttigieg while answering question on air traffic woes
took a swipe at former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Thursday while fielding a question about the country's strained air traffic control system during an Oval Office news conference.
After addressing the issue, Trump pivoted to Buttigieg, referencing his bike commute and his marriage. "You know, he drives to work on his bicycle, with his, which in all fairness, with his husband on the back, which is a nice, loving relationship. But, he didn't have a clue," Trump said. "And he's actually a contender for president?"
Buttigieg, who ran for the Democratic nomination in 2020, has been a vocal critic of Trump's policies and rhetoric during his return to the presidency.
Trump pulls nomination of Ed Martin Jr. as D.C. U.S. attorney
Trump said Thursday he would withdraw his nomination of Ed Martin Jr. to lead the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C., after bipartisan concerns about Martin's limited legal experience and political activism.
Martin, a conservative figure with ties to Trump's "Stop the Steal" movement, faced growing opposition over his support for Jan. 6 defendants and his brief but controversial tenure as acting U.S. attorney. His nomination collapsed just days after Republican Sen. Thom Tillis announced he wouldn't support Martin, citing his defense of Capitol rioters.
Trump, speaking in the Oval Office, said, "We have somebody else that will be great," adding that the decision was disappointing but necessary.
Martin has never prosecuted a case and drew criticism for firing subordinates, forcing resignations, and praising white supremacist-linked Jan. 6 defendants. More than 100 former prosecutors from the D.C. office opposed his nomination, calling it an "affront" to the institution's legacy.
His term is set to expire on May 20.
Students hold own graduation after University of Kentucky cancels DEI ceremonies
Minority students at the University of Kentucky held their own off-campus graduation celebration this week after the school canceled ceremonies honoring graduates from historically marginalized groups.
Dozens of students, dressed in caps and gowns, were celebrated at the Lyric Theatre in Lexington, a cultural hub for the Black community. The event, called the "Senior Salute," featured speeches, cheers from loved ones, and specialty regalia for the upcoming campus-wide commencement.
The university said it ended "identity-based" celebrations in response to recent federal and state efforts—led by President Donald Trump's administration and Kentucky's GOP-led legislature—to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs. A 2023 Supreme Court decision and a February letter from the Education Department have also intensified scrutiny on such events.
Members of the Black fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha stepped up to organize the alternative ceremony. "If you want something to happen, then you can just go make it happen yourself," said Kristopher Washington, a graduating student and lead organizer.
Though UK said student groups can still host independent events, the university's decision drew criticism from graduates and their families who felt the school caved to political pressure. "To take those moments away from them out of fear, it's just really disappointing," said Brandy Robinson, whose nephew graduated Wednesday.
Biden appears on 'The View' as Trump touts UK trade deal
While Trump was in the Oval Office on Thursday discussing a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom, former President Joe Biden made a rare appearance on The View, offering candid reflections on his presidency and the current political landscape.
Biden said Trump is doing "a very poor job" representing U.S. interests and explained that he waited until after Trump's first 100 days to speak publicly out of respect for presidential tradition. When asked whether he bears responsibility for Trump's return to office, Biden replied, "I was in charge, and he won. I take responsibility."
Jill Biden also joined the segment, noting she's resumed everyday tasks like grocery shopping, now accompanied by Secret Service agents.
On reports questioning his mental acuity during his final year in office, Biden said bluntly, "They are wrong."
He also confirmed that he left the 2024 race to avoid dividing the Democratic Party.
"The only reason I got out of the race is because I didn't want to have a divided Democratic Party," Biden said. "I did a pretty good job in those six months."
Trump pulls nomination of Ed Martin Jr. as D.C. federal prosecutor
Trump said Thursday he will withdraw the nomination of Ed Martin Jr. to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, following opposition from a key Republican senator over Martin's defense of January 6 rioters.
"We have somebody else that will be great," Trump said from the Oval Office, calling the setback disappointing but expected in politics.
Martin has been serving as acting U.S. Attorney since Trump's return to office in January, but his chances of keeping the job permanently dwindled amid controversy over his qualifications and public behavior. He drew criticism for social media posts about ongoing investigations, personnel shakeups, and past statements defending those involved in the 2021 Capitol riot.
Martin's temporary appointment is set to expire on May 20. A spokesperson for him did not respond to requests for comment.
Green card holder in US for decades was held by ICE for over 2 weeks
Cliona Ward, a 54-year-old green card holder who first came to the U.S. when she was 12 years old, was released Wednesday from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Washington after spending more than two weeks in custody.
Newsweek has reached out to Ward's lawyer and sister, Orla Holladay, for comment via email on Thursday.
Ward's detention on April 21 came amid an immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, during which people with valid documentation—including green cards or visas—have been detained and face legal jeopardy.
President Donald Trump vowed to prevent illegal immigrants with criminal histories or backgrounds from entering and staying in the U.S. He has pledged to launch the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history and has detained and deported thousands of people in recent months.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) says that a green card holder has the right to live permanently in the U.S. provided they do not commit any actions that "would make you removable under immigration law." This includes breaking laws and not filing taxes.
Lone Republican votes against bill renaming Gulf of Mexico
Republicans voted overwhelmingly to pass a bill that officially renames the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, with only one Republican, Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska, voting against the measure.
He had previously told reporters he found the bill "juvenile."
"We're the United States of America. We're not Kaiser Wilhelm's Germany or Napoleon France," Bacon told CNN earlier this week. "We're better than this. It just sounds like a sophomore thing to do."
Bacon has spoken out several times during Trump's first 100 days back in office to criticize his policies, including the reciprocal tariffs.
Trump signed the "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness" executive order on January 20, which ordered Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgumto "take all appropriate actions to rename as the 'Gulf of America' the U.S. Continental Shelf area bounded on the northeast, north, and northwest by the State of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida and extending to the seaward boundary with Mexico and Cuba in the area formerly named as the Gulf of Mexico.
Goldman Sachs warns key inflation measure to could hit nearly 4% by Christmas
Goldman Sachs has warned that a key inflation measure is set to rise to almost 4 percent by Christmas due to President Donald Trump's tariffs.
Annual core inflation, which does not include food and energy, is set to increase from 2.6 percent to 3.8 percent by December, based on the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index. The rate was previously forecast to hit 2.8 percent in December.
The bank also expects annual core goods inflation to soar from 0.4 percent to 6.3percent by the end of the year, due to Trump's staggeringly high tariffs on China. Cars, medicines, household appliances, computers and more are all expected to rise in price by around 8 per cent.
House votes to rename Gulf of Mexico as Gulf of America in partisan move
The Republican-led House on Thursday passed a bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America," voting 211-206 in favor of the measure that would require federal agencies to adopt the new name in official documents and maps.
The vote comes months after Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office directing the change. While that order only affects U.S. usage, the House vote is intended to signal broader support among Republicans for rebranding the body of water.
The legislation was introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who called it a matter of national pride. "The Gulf of America is one of the most important things we can do this Congress," she said. Other Republicans argued the name change reflects America's current dominance in the region.
Democrats criticized the bill as a distraction from real policy issues. "No one is clamoring for a newly named body of water," said Rep. George Latimer, D-N.Y. "They want lower grocery bills."
Commerce Secretary previews $10 billion Boeing deal with UK airline
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday hinted at a major upcoming agreement between a UK-based airline and Boeing, calling it a potential $10 billion deal during remarks from the Oval Office.
Lutnick declined to name the airline but described the order as "massive." The announcement comes as Boeing continues to face pressure from U.S. tariffs that some foreign carriers have cited as a reason to reconsider purchases.
Last month, Irish carrier Ryanair warned it might cancel a large Boeing order if tariffs remained in place. The aircraft maker's shares rose 3% on Thursday following Lutnick's comments.
Former President Joe Biden appears on 'The View'
Joe and Jill Biden have joined the hosts of The View for their first joint interview since leaving office.
"I miss being here," the former president told the hosts on Thursday. He last appeared on the show in 2024, ahead of the election.
Joe Biden jumped straight into the current political climate, calling Trump's second term so far "the worst 100 days any president's ever had."
When asked what he was doing since leaving office, Biden said that he and his family were trying to determine "the most significant and consequential role" he could be play after leaving office.
Starmer says VE Day timing of US-UK trade deal adds historic weight
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it "fitting" that the United Kingdom and the United States finalized their new trade agreement on VE Day, the anniversary marking the end of World War II in Europe.
In a phone call with Trump, Starmer noted the historical significance of the moment. "It was about this time of day 80 years ago that Winston Churchill announced victory in Europe," he said.
Starmer described Thursday's deal as a "fantastic, historic day" that would deepen the transatlantic partnership. The agreement marks the first trade deal of Trump's second term and comes after weeks of renewed negotiations.
'Final details are being written up,' says Trump of UK deal
President Trump had said that the U.S. and the U.K. are still working out the details of their trade deal.
"The final details are being written up," he said in the Oval Office on Thursday. "In the coming weeks, we'll have it all very conclusive."
Trump has been under pressure to announce his first trade deals after he announced his reciprocal tariffs on April 2, before almost immediately pausing them for 90 days.
The deal will fast track American goods through the U.K.'s customs process, and will also increases access for U.S. beef and certain agricultural products.
Trump touts UK trade deal as 'historic,' promises more to come
Trump praised his new trade agreement with the United Kingdom in a Truth Social post Thursday that was shared during his phone call with UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer.
"This Deal shows that if you respect America, and bring serious proposals to the table, America is OPEN FOR BUSINESS. Many more to come — STAY TUNED," Trump wrote.
Trump says more work remains on U.K. trade deal despite major announcement
Trump on Thursday acknowledged that the new trade agreement with the United Kingdom is not yet finalized, despite promoting it as a major win for his administration.
"The final details are being written up," Trump said during remarks in the Oval Office. "In the coming weeks, we'll have it all very conclusive."
While the announcement marks a breakthrough in Trump's tariff-centered trade strategy, the president admitted the deal is still being shaped. Trade agreements often take months—or even years—to fully negotiate due to their complexity, and the scope of Thursday's announcement appeared limited to certain sectors.
Trump has made clear he's pushing to finalize multiple deals quickly after imposing steep tariffs on dozens of countries last month. He has said deals with Japan, India and South Korea may follow soon.
Starmer says deal will boost trade, jobs in both countries
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has praised the "really important" new deal between the U.K. and U.S.
Starmer said on Thursday that the deal is based on "fairness and reciprocal arrangements" and will "boost trade between and across our countries."
"It's going to not only protect jobs, but create jobs, opening market access, and as you say, Donald, the timing couldn't be more apt, because not only was it 80 years ago today, victory came for Europe after and at the end of the Second World War but of course, on that day, the UK and the US stood together as the closest of allies."
Starmer to speak on US-UK deal following Trump meeting
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to hold a press conference after 11 a.m. ET Thursday to address the new trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Starmer last met with Trump during a White House visit in February, where both sides emphasized strengthening economic ties.
Donald Trump's approval rating is underwater in Florida and Texas
President Donald Trump's approval rating is underwater in Florida and Texas, according to polling by Civiqs.
Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment via email.
Trump's approval rating is a key indicator of public opinion.
He easily carried Florida and Texas, which have a combined 70 Electoral College votes, in November's election. But a drop in his approval rating in the two states could have implications for the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and affect support from Republican lawmakers as he seeks to push through his second-term agenda.
Trump says Jimmy Lai's release will be part of China trade talks
President Donald Trump said he plans to include the release of jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai in future trade negotiations with China, calling it "a very good idea" during a podcast interview aired Wednesday, The Associated Press reported.
Speaking with conservative host Hugh Hewitt, Trump responded to a question about his earlier promise to help free Lai. "We'll put it down, and we'll put it down as part of the negotiation," he said.
Lai, 77, founded the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, which was forced to shut down in 2021. He is currently on trial under Hong Kong's national security law and faces a possible life sentence.
Stocks rise as Wall Street anticipates Trump's UK trade deal announcement
U.S. stocks opened higher Thursday as investors looked ahead to Trump's expected unveiling of a trade deal with the United Kingdom.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 250 points, or 0.6%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.73% and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.07%.
Optimism was fueled by Trump's earlier announcement of a 90-day pause on "reciprocal" tariffs for countries other than China. Markets are now watching for details of new trade agreements that could ease the broader impact of tariffs.
Analysts say the market's direction hinges on how these deals compare to Trump's earlier tariff-heavy approach. Thierry Wizman, a strategist at Macquarie, noted in a Thursday briefing that trade policy remains the primary force behind market sentiment.
Melania Trump to unveil Barbara Bush postage stamp at White House ceremony
First lady Melania Trump is set to host a White House ceremony Thursday afternoon honoring the late Barbara Bush with the unveiling of a new U.S. postage stamp.
Bush, who died in 2018, was the wife of former President George H. W. Bush and the mother of former President George W. Bush. Members of the Bush family are expected to attend the event.
A spokesperson for Melania Trump said the first lady and her team are looking forward to celebrating Barbara Bush's legacy through the tribute.
ICE agents told they've got wrong man, say 'going to take you anyway'
President Donald Trump's immigration enforcers apprehended a Massachusetts man with no criminal record despite realizing he was not the intended target.
Daniel Orellana, 25, from Guatemala, was traveling to work when he was snatched by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, according to Spanish news outlet Telemundo.
Daniel's girlfriend, Zulema Alfaro, told Telemundo: "He has communicated with me, letting me know about the situation and that it was a misunderstanding, and they told him, 'OK, but we're going to take you anyway.'"
Newsweek has contacted ICE for comment.
Trump taps Dr. Casey Means for surgeon general, drops previous nominee
Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he is nominating Dr. Casey Means, a former physician turned wellness influencer, to serve as surgeon general, replacing his previous pick just before a scheduled Senate hearing.
Means, who has close ties to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was praised by Trump for her "impeccable 'MAHA' credentials," referencing his "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. Trump said she would focus on reducing chronic disease and improving national health.
The decision means Janette Nesheiwat, a former Fox News medical contributor, is no longer under consideration for the role. She had been set to testify before the Senate Health Committee on Thursday.
Means and her brother, ex-lobbyist Calley Means, previously advised Kennedy's 2024 campaign and helped secure his endorsement of Trump.
Rollins says U.S.-U.K. trade deal still being finalized
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said Thursday that the trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom, which President Donald Trump has teased as "major," is still in the early stages and not yet finalized.
"It is an agreement in concept," Rollins told Fox Business. "There's a lot of details to be worked out." She added that the deal would benefit American farmers and ranchers and promised more information would be shared later in the day.
Rollins also revealed she will travel to the U.K. on Sunday to continue negotiations. "I'll be there all next week as we continue to push America First around the world," she said.
Wolfgang Ischinger urges lasting U.S. support for Ukraine in CNN interview
Former German Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger told CNN's This Morning on Thursday that Russia remains determined to eliminate Ukraine as a sovereign state and warned that a lasting peace will require long-term U.S. and European commitment.
Speaking with anchor Audie Cornish, Ischinger emphasized that a short-term ceasefire is not enough, and said the Biden administration appears to understand that. "If we want to have a ceasefire or a peace deal that lasts, it will require the permanent, long-term engagement of the United States," he said.
Ischinger also noted that Vice President J.D. Vance struck a more cooperative tone in a recent meeting than during his critical speech at February's Munich Security Conference. He praised the shift and said the dialogue was productive.
He shared advice from a Trump advisor who told him Europeans should take the U.S. president seriously but not always literally, adding, "The language he uses is sometimes not the language you guys are used to in Europe."
Trump allies reunite to back Albanian opposition in key election
Key figures from Trump's past campaigns have regrouped in Albania to support opposition leader Sali Berisha ahead of this weekend's election.
Chris LaCivita, co-manager of Trump's 2024 campaign, pollster Tony Fabrizio, and former campaign chair Paul Manafort are advising Berisha, the former Albanian president and prime minister. Berisha, who faces corruption charges, is aiming to unseat current Prime Minister Edi Rama and return the Democratic Party to power.
Trump to deliver trade announcement, honor military mothers
President Donald Trump is set to deliver a trade announcement at 10 a.m. Thursday, with expectations high that he will unveil a new bilateral agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom, according to the White House.
At noon, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will host a celebration at the White House honoring military mothers, part of the administration's efforts to spotlight military families ahead of Mother's Day.
Donald Trump hit by double legal blow in hours
President Donald Trump suffered two legal blows in a matter of hours on Wednesday.
A federal appeals court upheld a judge's order to bring Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, from a Louisiana immigration detention center back to New England. Then, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit ordered the release of funds to government-funded broadcasters overseen by the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM).
Dozens of lawsuits have been filed challenging Trump's executive orders and actions taken by his administration, including the dismantling of federal agencies and the crackdown on international students involved in pro-Palestinian campus protests.
Trump's executive actions have been partially or fully blocked by the courts at least 78 times, according to a tally compiled by The Associated Press.
Read the full story on Newsweek by Khaleda Rahman on Newsweek.
Bank of England cuts rates amid global trade uncertainty
The Bank of England lowered its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.25% on Thursday, citing easing inflation and growing global uncertainty driven by U.S. trade policies.
The decision marked the fourth cut since August, though the nine-member Monetary Policy Committee was divided—two members favored a steeper cut, while two wanted to hold rates. Governor Andrew Bailey said the central bank would continue a "gradual and careful" approach.
The move comes as markets await details of a new U.S.-U.K. trade deal, which could ease tariffs. Still, concerns remain about a broader U.S.-China trade conflict and its potential global impact.
Ukraine parliament ratifies key minerals deal with U.S.
Ukraine's parliament overwhelmingly approved a landmark minerals agreement with the United States on Thursday, clearing the way for a joint investment fund aimed at boosting cooperation in critical resources.
The ratification passed with 338 votes in favor, far surpassing the 226 needed. No lawmakers opposed or abstained, according to MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak.
The deal is expected to deepen U.S.-Ukraine economic ties and support the country's postwar recovery efforts through strategic resource development.
Trump blasts Fed Chair Powell in inflation post
Donald Trump took aim at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Truth Social Wednesday, calling him "Too Late" Jerome and a "fool" who "doesn't have a clue"—before adding, "Other than that, I like him very much!"
DOGE deactivates over 500,000 credit cards
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has suspended more than half a million federal credit cards in its ongoing effort to slash government spending.
The task force, led by billionaire Elon Musk and launched by President Donald Trump earlier this year, announced that credit cards from 32 federal agencies have been deactivated as part of the initiative.
Created through an executive order upon Trump's return to office in January, DOGE was tasked with reducing workforce size and eliminating inefficiencies. With $40 billion in annual federal spending previously flowing through these credit cards, DOGE's deactivation campaign aimed to reduce non-essential expenses that can quietly add up across various departments.
In a statement released on Wednesday in a post by on X, formerly Twitter, DOGE said that the number of cards suspended in the audit has now passed half a million, meaning over a tenth of all government credit cards have been deactivated by DOGE.
"The program to audit unused/unneeded credit cards has been expanded to 32 agencies. After 10 weeks, more than 500K cards have been deactivated," the statement said.
"As a reminder, at the start of the audit, there were ~4.6M active cards/accounts, so still more work to do."
DOGE first revealed in March that it had suspended 200,000 cards across 16 agencies. Since then, the effort has more than doubled, now spanning 32 agencies and over 500,000 deactivations.
U.S. and U.K. set to announce trade deal easing tariffs
The United States and the United Kingdom are expected to unveil a trade agreement Thursday that would ease tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump and mark a diplomatic win for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Trump announced the pending deal on Truth Social, calling it "full and comprehensive" and the first in a series of international agreements currently under negotiation. The announcement is expected at 10 a.m. EDT.
While the deal is not expected to be a full free trade agreement, it will likely deliver targeted tariff relief—especially for U.K. car and steel exports, key priorities for British negotiators. Trump has imposed steep tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum since returning to office.
Starmer confirmed during a defense conference that an update on U.S. trade talks would come later in the day. His government has taken a low-conflict approach to negotiations with Trump and avoided retaliatory tariffs.
The U.S. is the largest market for British auto exports and one of the U.K.'s most important trade partners overall. Still, any agreement is unlikely to address Trump's broader concerns over global trade deficits, including the U.S. surplus with Britain.
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