Trump administration

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.

Due to wasteful spending

Trump admin shuts down US-funded broadcasters

Trump administration places journalists from Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, Radio Free Europe, and affiliated networks on leave, instructs them to vacate their offices, surrender their press credentials, and return government-issued equipment.

Trump Admin. tells UN agencies to disclose anti-US ties

UN humanitarian organizations that receive US funding receive questionnaires calling on them to disclose any ties to anti-American organizations or ideologies such as communism.

Gabbard reconsiders appointment of critic of Israel’s war in Gaza

New York Times report: Tulsi Gabbard, US director of national intelligence, decided against appointing Daniel Davis, a critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, to key position after backlash from within Trump's coalition.

US Border Czar:

Columbia agitator will be 'first of many' to be deported

US Border Czar Tom Homan says arrest, deportation of Mahmoud Khalil part of effort to send message that 'when you come here to study, you got to obey the laws of this country.'

Marco Rubio:

Direct talks with Hamas were 'one-off situation'

US Secretary of State says the talks between hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Hamas have not "borne fruit," will not be repeated.

Israel and US agree:

Talks with Hamas to be fully coordinated between the countries

Prime Minister Netanyahu and his staff told the cabinet that they had spoken to the Trump administration about the direct talks between Envoy Boehler and Hamas and agreed that they would be fully coordinated.

Hamas official confirms terror group met with Trump envoy

A senior Hamas official abroad confirmed to Reuters that the terrorist organization held a meeting with Trump hostage envoy Adam Boehler.

Report:

US demands Hamas release all captive US citizens unconditionally

PA media reports Trump Admin. withdrew from understanding that 250 terrorists would be released in exchange for the 5 remaining American hostages, demanding they be released unconditionally.

Suprising meeting:

Samaria Gov. meets Trump's Lebanese-born Middle East adviser

Massad Boulos, President Trump's senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs and a Lebanese-born billionaire, meets Yossi Dagan and expresses his appreciation for the people of Samaria.

Report:

Israel confirms progress in US-Hamas talks on hostage deal

Trump's hostage envoy held talks with a senior Hamas official who was involved in planning the October 7 massacre. An Israeli delegation is expected to fly to Qatar tomorrow to continue the talks.

Trump's NSA and the frailty of Khamenei's chaos

Nat'l Security Advisor Waltz should not anticipate changes in Iran, such as a diminution of sovereignty, alleviation of pressure on the severely oppressed populace, or a decrease in internal suppression. Instead, they should adopt a more rigorous stance against the oppressive, undemocratic, and terrorism-supporting Iranian regime. Opinion.

After Trump's funding cut

Columbia University signals willingness to cooperate

Columbia University president says the institution is ready to cooperate with the Trump administration after a major funding cut over campus antisemitism.

US advancing:

Initiative to release hostages - without Israel's involvement

US holding negotiations with Hamas to extend ceasefire in exchange for release of some hostages. Israeli source: 'Negotiations are being held above our heads.'

Over antisemitism

Trump administration cuts $400 million to Columbia

Trump Administration revokes $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University, citing complaints from Jewish students over antisemitism on campus. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon: Universities must comply with all federal antidiscrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding.

Report:

Netanyahu was not aware of US-Hamas talks

Washington Post report claims Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not informed ahead of time that the US and Hamas were holding direct talks, and expressed surprise when informed of the matter.

Witkoff:

Trump said 'I've had enough' of Hamas's behavior

US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff speaks to reporters about the status of the hostage talks, states US citizen Edan Alexander's release is a top priority for the administration.

Report:

Israel weighing intelligence sharing amid US Russia policy shift

Sources told NBC News that several US allies, including Israel, fear exposure of classified sources as the Trump administration shifts its approach to Moscow.

Woman who posted neo-Nazi talking point now a Pentagon official

Pentagon official Kingsley Wilson posted neo-Nazi talking point about Jewish lynching victim Leo Frank last year. 'This is the way a pogromist talks, and she’s now deputy press secretary in Trump’s DoD.'

Hamas official confirms talks with Trump administration

Senior Hamas official states that even during the Biden administration, there were attempts to hold discussions with representatives of the administration to reach a partial deal for the release of hostages with US citizenship.

After 4-year boycott:

Minister Smotrich meets with American counterpart

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The Minister discussed strengthening the economic partnership between the nations and thanked the administration for its support.

Report:

Trump Admin. holding secret direct talks with Hamas over hostages

US hostage envoy Adam Boehler reportedly engaged in the first direct talks between the US and Hamas in decades over the remaining American hostages and chances for a deal to end the war.

US Supreme Court rejects Trump foreign aid freeze

Justices Roberts and Coney Barrett vote with liberal justices in upholding lower court order obliging government to unfreeze $2 billion in USAID funds.

Trump Admin. threatens to pull $50 million funding from Columbia

Administration officials stated that they are considering imposing “Stop Work Orders” on the federal funds received by Columbia. Robert F. Kennedy Jr: 'Antisemitism is a spiritual and moral malady that sickens societies like history’s most deadly plagues.'

Trump advisers:

'We will support Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria'

A delegation of evangelical leaders who advise the Trump Administration visited the Binyamin Regional Council to strengthen personal and national ties with Israel, and to express their support for the Jewish communities in Judea and in Samaria.

Smotrich leaves for Washington

Smotrich will meet with several senior administration officials including the Secretary of the Treasury. 'The goal of the visit is to strengthen the economic partnership between Israel and the US.'

Special Envoy Witkoff:

'No room for Hamas in Gaza or Judea and Samaria'

White House Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff told Fox News that President Trump is losing patience with Hamas: 'He's got a red line with regard to people who do heinous things like this.'

US imposes sanctions on Iran's petroleum trade

State Department announces the imposition of sanctions on eight entities engaged in Iranian petroleum and petrochemical trade as part of Trump's maximum pressure campaign on Iran.

'They need it'

What does new FBI deputy think about Israel's judicial reform?

In a recently resurfaced clip from April 2023, newly appointed FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino praises the Israeli government's judicial reform plan. 'This is a huge opportunity for us to learn from them.'

Witkoff working extend first phase of hostage deal

White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said he will arrive in the region on Wednesday to discuss an extension to phase one of the hostage and ceasefire deal.

Report:

Trump administration freezes funding for PA security forces

According to the report, the freeze is part of a larger freeze in foreign assistance ordered by the President.

Netanyahu:

'Trump and I know how and when the gates of hell will open'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went into depth on the close partnership between Israel and the Trump administration: 'There have not been opportunities like these.'

Samaria Governor: 'Paula is a true friend of Jews and Israel'

Samaria Governor Yossi Dagan praises Paula White, new head of the White House Faith Office. 'She is a true friend of the Jewish nation and the State of Israel.'

Elizabeth Tsurkov's sister:

'Biden admin kept showering corrupt Iraqi officials with cash'

Emma Tsurkov, whose sister, Elizabeth, has been held hostage by a Shia militia in Iraq since 2023 expressed hope that the Trump administration would bring her sister home: 'Thank God a tough leader with a backbone of steel is in the White House.'