Overview

• President Donald Trump has ordered significant budget cuts to federally funded media outlets, including Voice of America, resulting in the beheading of over 1,300 employees and halting operations for the first time in its 83-year history.
• The administration is pursuing controversial immigration policies, including invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite deportations of Venezuelan gang members and proposing visa restrictions for citizens of 41 nations.
• Trump has escalated rhetoric against critical media outlets, labeling their reporting as 'illegal' and accusing them of political bias, while also targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in government and businesses.
• The U.S. Senate narrowly avoided a government shutdown by passing a temporary budget, with Democratic leader Chuck Schumer facing criticism from his party for cooperating with Republicans.
• Military options to increase U.S. control over the Panama Canal are under review, raising tensions with Panama, which has vowed to defend its sovereignty against any potential American intervention.