Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to meet with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei amid growing debate over the military's use of AI, particularly given Anthropic's stance on ethical concerns and its limited participation in classified military networks compared to other AI firms. The meeting highlights ongoing tensions about AI's role in national security, with some wishing to ensure responsible use while others emphasize operational readiness and lawful applications. Anthropic has publicly advocated for stricter AI safeguards, contrasting with broader industry compliance, and its involvement in Pentagon contracts underscores the complex balance between AI innovation and security risks.
US President Donald Trump criticized media reports suggesting that General Dan Caine warned him of the risks of attacking Iran, calling such reports "100 percent incorrect." Reports indicated that Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed concerns about the potential for prolonged conflict and US casualties, but Caine's office stated he was providing military options to civilian leaders. Trump emphasized that Caine's role is to win if ordered and dismissed the idea that military leaders oppose actions against Iran.
The Supreme Court struck down key elements of President Trump's tariff policies, reducing the likelihood of issuing "tariff dividend" checks to Americans, as such payments would require congressional legislation. Although Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that tariff revenue would remain stable under existing authority, experts suggest the possibility of broad-based rebates is now effectively impossible due to legal and political obstacles. The idea of distributing additional revenue from tariffs, initially proposed by Trump and supported by some GOP legislators, faces significant legal, legislative, and logistical challenges.
Court documents revealed that ICE in San Diego is monitoring activists involved in documenting immigration enforcement activities through Operation Road Flare. The operation targeted individuals like Jeane Wong and Arturo Gonzalez, raising concerns about impacts on First Amendment rights and surveillance of human rights defenders. ICE has not responded to requests for comment, and experts question whether similar nationwide monitoring is occurring.
A federal judge permanently blocked the release of a report by special counsel Jack Smith regarding President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, cited the risk of "manifest injustice" to Trump and his co-defendants, noting that the report was produced during a criminal investigation that ultimately resulted in charges withdrawn after Trump's election victory. Cannon also highlighted that traditional practice for releasing such reports occurs only after cases are resolved, and emphasized the presumption of innocence for the defendants.
FedEx filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government seeking a full refund of tariffs it paid under duties imposed last year by the Trump administration, which the Supreme Court recently ruled to be illegal under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The lawsuit also names U.S. Customs and Border Protection and its commissioner as defendants and is the first major company to take legal action for a refund following the Supreme Court's decision. While FedEx has not specified the amount paid in tariffs, it previously estimated a potential $1 billion impact on its earnings.
Neal Katyal, representing plaintiffs in a Supreme Court case against Trump's tariffs, stated that his clients seek a refund from the federal government for money collected illegally. The Court recently struck down Trump's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs, ruling it unconstitutional, and emphasizing that tariff authority resides with Congress rather than the President.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Trump lacked the authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, leading to the suspension of some tariffs and creating widespread uncertainty in international trade. Despite the ruling, Trump has began using other trade statutes to impose new tariffs, which, along with ongoing industry-specific tariffs, continue to impact businesses and supply chains. The ruling also opens the possibility for businesses to seek refunds for tariffs paid, though the process remains unclear, and smaller businesses may face challenges in reimbursement. The decision is expected to influence global supply chain strategies and market prices over the coming months.
President Donald Trump faces strong opposition in Congress and among some Republicans in extending his global tariffs, which were struck down by the Supreme Court. Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, have vowed to block any efforts to extend the tariffs, and efforts to seek a new 15 percent tariff are unlikely to succeed given congressional opposition. The tariffs, which could cost U.S. households an estimated $700 this year, rely on legal provisions scheduled to expire after 150 days, and public opinion largely supports the Supreme Court's ruling against the tariffs.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized CNN for not covering a Trump-hosted event honoring victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, accusing the network of neglecting the issue to maintain a preferred narrative. She claimed CNN's refusal to cover the event demonstrated its disregard for victims and contributed to its declining viewership. CNN responded by stating that, at the time, it was focused on covering a major blizzard impacting millions.
Mexican authorities announced the successful capture and death of cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, aided by surveillance of his romantic partner and U.S. intelligence. The operation involved a coordinated military and police effort in Jalisco, resulting in a violent confrontation that left multiple casualties, including Oseguera Cervantes and his bodyguards, who died en route to the hospital. The operation also led to the death of “El Tuli,” a suspected cartel mastermind, and significant seizures of weapons and funds amidst ongoing cartel-related violence.
A federal class action lawsuit has been filed alleging that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its agencies are unconstitutionally retaliating against observers of immigration enforcement by collecting their personal information and branding them as domestic terrorists, including threats made to individuals in Maine and Minnesota. The lawsuit contends these actions violate First Amendment rights and involve surveillance practices such as facial recognition and license plate scanning. DHS has denied maintaining a database of domestic terrorists, but the lawsuit suggests otherwise, citing instances where observers were threatened and intimidated. The lawsuit seeks to prevent DHS from further collecting records and retaliating against lawful observers.
