President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at combating antisemitism on college campuses, igniting a national discussion about its implications. The order directs universities to monitor and report international students and staff, potentially revoking visas. This move comes as the Department of Homeland Security repurposes an app for migrants to report self-deportation intentions, highlighting the administration’s focus on immigration control.
Vice President JD Vance faced interruptions while addressing immigration and housing prices at the Congressional City Conference. Concurrently, President Trump hinted at increasing tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico by April 2, further affecting economic relations. As the deadline for government funding looms, Trump urged Republicans to remain united in passing a stopgap proposal to prevent a shutdown.
Financial markets reacted negatively to Trump's economic policies, with US stocks plunging and Wall Street's fear gauge reaching a yearly high. The president's previous announcement of 25% tariffs on neighboring countries in February continues to influence market dynamics. Meanwhile, Ivy League schools received letters related to the executive order on antisemitism, emphasizing federal expectations for compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized peace as a shared goal before discussions in Saudi Arabia involving the US and a Ukrainian delegation. In judicial news, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration's attempt to deport Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, raising questions about immigration enforcement. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism that a funding bill will pass this week, despite Senate Democratic leaders' hesitance to support it.
The Senate confirmed Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor with a 67-32 vote, showcasing bipartisan cooperation in some areas. However, the stopgap funding plan includes contentious White House requests for new ICE deportation funds, further complicating legislative negotiations.
Trump's executive order on antisemitism has drawn attention to campus safety concerns and federal expectations. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon expressed disappointment over ongoing antisemitic incidents affecting Jewish students.
"The Department is deeply disappointed that Jewish students studying on elite U.S. campuses continue to fear for their safety amid the relentless antisemitic eruptions that have severely disrupted campus life for more than a year. University leaders must do better," – Secretary of Education Linda McMahon
The order underscores that federal support is conditional on adherence to anti-discrimination laws.
"That support is a privilege and it is contingent on scrupulous adherence to federal anti-discrimination laws," – Secretary of Education Linda McMahon
Vice President JD Vance called for open communication with his administration during his remarks at the Congressional City Conference.
“Please consider, consider our administration one with an open door,” – Vice President JD Vance
Despite facing interruptions from the audience, Vance underscored the relationship between immigration and housing prices.
“You go to the United Kingdom, you go across the world, and you see a very consistent relationship between a massive increase in immigration and a massive increase in housing prices, and we have to be honest about that,” – Vice President JD Vance
In response to disruptions, he urged attendees to engage in dialogue rather than outbursts.
“Maybe don’t shout it in front of 2,000 people. I can’t even hear what you’re saying, sir.” – Vice President JD Vance
The administration's focus on immigration enforcement intensified with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement regarding Hamas supporters.
“We will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported.” – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
On international trade, President Trump's potential tariff increase on April 2 adds uncertainty to US-Canada-Mexico relations. Mark Carney, yet to assume prime ministership, acknowledges this with diplomatic tact.
“With respect to President Trump, I am not yet prime minister. His interlocutor is Prime Minister Trudeau, and I look forward to the opportunity.” – Mark Carney
Amidst these developments, Senator Mark Kelly emphasized continued support for Ukraine following his recent visit.
“Just left Ukraine. What I saw proved to me we can’t give up on the Ukrainian people,” – Sen. Mark Kelly
