Smotrich to Huckabee: "Israel has no better friend than you'
Finance Minister Smotrich and US Ambassador discuss advancing economic partnerships and joint initiatives; thanks the Trump administration for support.
Tags
Trump administration
News and updates about Trump administration
Trump's $1.2T economic deal with Qatar
Record-setting aerospace and defense agreements mark deepening economic ties with Gulf state linked to Hamas.
Trump Admin supports Jewish professor’s lawsuit against CUNY
Trump Admin files statement of interest in federal court supporting a lawsuit brought by Jewish Studies Center at Hunter College chair Leah Garrett over antisemitic incidents on campus following the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
The Trojan Airplane?
Mr. President, don't forget your greatest ally: Israel!
To put it briefly, Israelis need to know that they’re not being left behind. American Christians who love Israel need to hear that their president still walks with them in solidarity. Conservatives need to know that “America First” never meant “Israel Last.” Opinion.
Alexander Family:
Witkoff was calling US officials at 3 AM to share the good news
Released hostage's father thanks US President Trump, urges continued negotiations to free remaining hostages.
Schumer:
No DOJ confirmations until Trump explains Qatari 'gift' plane
Senate Democrat demands testimony over Qatari jet gift, citing national security risks and possible ethics violations.
Backchannel via Bahbah:
How covert talks freed Edan Alexander
Pro-Trump Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah reportedly served as key intermediary in covert talks with Hamas.
Witkoff to families:
Trump will not tolerate anything less than full hostage return
US envoys Witkoff and Boehler meet with hostage families in Tel Aviv, affirm full US commitment to securing the return of all 58 hostages.
Edan Alexander speaks with President Trump
Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler meet Alexander at Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Medical Center, Witkoff praises his resilience and reaffirms US commitment to bring all hostages home.
Watch:
US Hostage Envoy on plane with Edan Alexander's mother
While flying to Israel for the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, Adam Boehler insisted that 'the President cares very much about all of you. So I am here, and I am getting the hostages back.'
Report:
US and Hamas holding direct talks on ceasefire
Both Al Jazeera and Reuters are reporting that Hamas and the US are directly discussing a ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Netanyahu responds to reports:
'There are no gaps between us and the Americans'
Prime Minister Netanyahu denied reports of a growing rift between his government and the Trump administration, and claimed that all reports are a campaign led by one specific channel.
'Hamas must be defeated':
Israel backs US-led Gaza aid overhaul
Foreign Minister highlights Hamas' responsibility for the war, calls Iran 'most dangerous state,' and reaffirms strategic alliance with Germany.
Report: Trump to meet Mahmoud Abbas in Saudi Arabia
Arabic media reports that at the request of MBS, Trump will meet the PA chairman and Syrian president this week. MBS reportedly seeks US approval for a Palestinian state.
Report:
US Defense Secretary Hegseth cancels visit to Israel
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly cancelled his trip to Israel so he could accompany President Trump on his trip to the region.
Huckabee:
Trump orders humanitarian aid to be brought into Gaza
Ambassador Huckabee says any crisis in Gaza is entirely the fault of Hamas in announcement Trump has ordered humanitarian aid into the enclave.
Understanding Trump
it seems that Trump’s grievance with Netanyahu is the PM's insistence on safeguarding Israel’s vital interests in the case of Trump's characteristic desire to 'strike a deal' - this time, with Saudi Arabia. Opinion.
Lindsey Graham:
'No support for security deal with Saudi without normalization'
Republican Senator stated that he would not support the Trump administration's move if it waives the demand for normalization as a condition for a security agreement with Saudi Arabia.
Huckabee:
US doesn't need "permission" from Israel to talk with Houthis
US Ambassador to Israel defends Trump Administration's decision to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Houthis without involving Israel or an agreement by the Houthis to stop attacking Israel.
Trump admin. officially revokes $2.2 billion in funds for Harvard
In an official letter to Harvard University, the Trump Administration revoked billions in federal funding for Harvard over the university's failure to use those funds for their intended purpose of benefiting the American public.
Report:
Rubio to scrap State Department Office of Palestinian Affairs
US Secretary of State reportedly set to get rid of Biden-era office dedicated to elevating America's relations with the PA that was criticized for anti-Israel bias.
Campus antisemitism dispute:
Trump administration blocks new federal grants to Harvard
US Department of Education suspends new federal grants to Harvard University, citing alleged institutional failures.
Sharon Osbourne:
Band should lose US visas after anti-Israel Coachella performance
Jewish celebrities are condemning Irish band Kneecap after it projected anti-Israel messages on stage and led the crowd at the Coachella music festival in an anti-Israel chant.
RAA thanks Trump for 'decisive action against antisemitism'
The Rabbinical Alliance of America, representing over 950 Orthodox rabbis across North America, lauds administration's ' practical measures that have had a real-world impact' against antisemitism and protect the ideals of America.
White House rejects universities' criticism of interference
White House dismisses sharp criticism from over 100 US universities decrying alleged political interference in academia, following Harvard's legal challenge over federal funding threats.
Report:
White House looking to replace Hegseth as Defense Secretary
The White House reportedly begins exploring candidates to succeed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, following allegations he shared sensitive military details in private chats.
Harvard sues Trump administration over research funding freeze
Harvard University launches federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of unlawfully halting billions in research funding to pressure the school into sweeping policy changes.
Report:
Trump admin. furious with Harvard, to freeze another $1 billion
US government had planned to treat Harvard University more leniently than Columbia, but decided to come down harder on the school after Harvard published a letter the administration believed would be kept private, officials tell WSJ.
'Uniquely suited'
President Herzog lauds Rabbi Kaploun's appointment
Herzog noted that Kaploun's appointment 'reflects the deep commitment of President Donald Trump and his administration to the Jewish community in America, to the safety, freedom, dignity, and well‑being of Jews around the world.'
Bennett:
'The Netanyahu doctrine: Threaten and do nothing'
Former PM criticizes current PM following report Israel drafted plans to destroy Iran's nuclear program but shelved the attack plans due to pressure from the Trump Administration.'
IRS reportedly weighs move to strip Harvard of tax-exempt status
The IRS is considering revoking Harvard University’s tax-exempt status, sources say, as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to penalize the institution for resisting policy directives.
Trump admin freezes $2.3 billion in Harvard funding
US Department of Education freezes $2.3 billion in funding to Harvard University after the school pushed back on demands made by the government, including to clamp down on campus antisemitism.
Harvard refuses Trump Administration's demands
Ivy League institution claims demands made by the government, including demands to clamp down on campus antisemitism, are illegal, and it will not cooperate with them.
Report:
Trump Admin. officials met Hamas leaders 3 times in March
The New York Times revealed that Trump administration officials met with Hamas leaders in a secure compound in Qatar three times in March.
US to screen prospective immigrant social media for antisemitism
US Citizenship and Immigration Service announces that immigration benefits will be denied to people "social media content that indicates an alien endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity" is found on their accounts.
China raises retaliatory tariffs on US to 84%
Chinese Commerce Ministry vows to 'fight to the end' in escalating trade war with US after Trump Administration raises tariffs on China to 104%.
Trump administration freezes funding for Cornell and Northwestern
Trump administration freezes over $1.7 billion in federal funding for Cornell and Northwestern universities amid ongoing antisemitism investigations.
Campus antisemitism probe:
Harvard seeks $750M loan amid funding review
Harvard University plans to borrow $750 million from Wall Street as part of its financial strategy, following a review by the Trump administration of $9 billion in federal grants due to concerns over campus antisemitism.
Report:
US will allow Iran to keep civilian nuclear program
Israeli officials skeptical Iran will agree to give up its nuclear weapons program as the US is reportedly ready to allow Iran to maintain a civilian program.
US raises tariffs on China to 104%
After China fails to comply with Trump's ultimatum to remove its retaliatory tariffs, US raises its tariffs on China by another 50%.
Under Trump's budget cuts:
Food programs for Holocaust survivors at risk of losing funding
Federal spending cuts could affect aid for Holocaust survivors and kosher Meal on Wheels deliveries.
Iran threatens Middle Eastern countries over potential US strikes
Iranian official says regime has warned Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey and Bahrain that there will be "severe consequences" if their airspace is used for an American attack on Iran's nuclear program.
Amid Houthi attacks:
US transfers THAAD missile defense system to Israel
Saudi media reports that the US transferred two Patriot batteries and a THAAD missile interceptor battery to Israel during its military operation against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Campus antisemitism probe:
Trump sets conditions for Harvard to keep federal funding
Trump administration outlines conditions Harvard must meet to retain nearly $9 billion in federal funding amid an antisemitism investigation. The letter calls for structural reforms, restrictions on protests, and compliance with transparency laws.
The Jewish org. turning in Israel haters to the Trump admin.
Betar USA has been compiling dossiers and submitting them to the Trump administration, initiating deportation proceedings against several noncitizen students and academics associated with pro-Palestinian protests.
Princeton President:
'We are committed to fighting antisemitism'
Princeton University confirms that the Trump administration has halted dozens of federal research grants, citing concerns over antisemitism. President Christopher Eisgruber stresses Princeton’s commitment to combating discrimination.
Report:
US pausing $200 million for Princeton, reviewing Harvard aid
After Columbia lost $400 million in federal funding, fellow Ivy League schools Harvard and Princeton face the loss of their federal funds as schools face scrutiny over failure to protect Jewish students and deal with antisemitism on campus.
Billions at stake
Harvard faces federal scrutiny over antisemitism allegations
Trump administration launches a sweeping review of Harvard University’s federal contracts, potentially impacting billions in funding. The investigation follows similar actions against Columbia University and dozens of other institutions accused of antisemitism.
Iran officially rejects direct talks with US
Tehran responds to Trump’s outreach with firm rejection, citing lack of trust and unfulfilled promises.
Report:
Sensitive Israeli intelligence leaked in Trump admin. chat group
Israeli officials raise concerns over breach of trust after sensitive intelligence was exposed in a Signal chat to which a journalist was inadvertently added.
WH withdraws nomination of Elise Stefanik as UN Amb.
The nomination of Rep. Stefanik, known for her stands against campus antisemitism, was withdrawn to preserve the GOP House majority.
Full text of Trump Admin. Yemen war plan correspondence published
The Atlantic publishes the full correspondence of the leaked chat between senior officials discussing plans to attack the Houthis after officials claimed there was no classified information in the correspondence.
Trump Admin. pushes Columbia to double down on mask ban
Government demands Columbia Unviersity fulfill its agreement to take steps to protect Jewish students after the school's interim president assured faculty there is no mask ban.
Education Secretary:
'Restoration of Columbia funding not guaranteed, depends on acts'
US Education Secretary Linda McMahon says govt. will need to see Columbia U. actually implement the reforms it agreed to for its $400 in federal funds to be restored.
Report:
Trump considering Nat. Security Advisor's future following leak
After mistakenly adding a journalist to a sensitive group chat, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz faces growing pressure, as the White House debates his fate and President Trump considers his options.
US Education Secretary:
'Columbia on right track for funding restoration'
Education Secretary Linda McMahon says Columbia University is making progress toward regaining federal funding following the institution’s agreement to implement key policy changes demanded by the Trump administration.
Report:
Trump Admin. has set date for full ceasefire in Ukraine
US seeks to have ceasefire by Easter as Russia drags its feet in negotiations in response to administration's rhetorical move against Ukraine.
Report:
Israeli delegation heads to White House for Iran strategy talks
Senior Israeli and US officials to discuss Iran nuclear threat amid low expectations for a new deal.
Columbia faces federal civil rights probe over trapped janitors
2 university employees who were trapped and had to struggle to escape when anti-Israel protesters took over Hamilton Hall file complaint with federal workplace civil rights org. over their experiences.
Oscar-nominated actress says she has debt to pay for being Jewish
Debra Winger participates in protest in support for Columbia graduate facing deportation for allegedly supporting Hamas, says she regrets being raised to believe Israel is a homeland for Jews.
