Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana called on President Donald Trump to put more pressure on Russia as he works to negotiate an end to the war between Moscow and Ukraine.
Kennedy expressed frustration at Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he has “disrespected our president.” In order to get Putin to make concessions, Kennedy said the Russian leader needs to understand that the US is “willing to slap him to Pluto,” pointing specifically to applying economic pressure, CNN reported.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is set to make her first major public address since losing the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump. She will deliver the keynote speech at the 20th anniversary gala of Emerge America, a Democratic women’s candidate training group, on Wednesday evening at San Francisco’s Palace Hotel. The event will also be streamed online.
According to Politico, Harris plans to deliver a sharp critique of Trump’s administration, focusing on its economic policies and what she will characterize as “ongoing threats to American institutions and global leadership.”
Harris is also weighing a 2026 run for California governor to succeed Gavin Newsom, with a decision expected by the end of the summer. A gubernatorial bid would likely preclude her from running for president in 2028, an option she is also considering.
International condemnation of Gaza proposal:
China’s retaliation in trade war:
European and Asian markets crash:
Diplomatic outrage over Greenland remarks:
European allies alarmed by Vance’s criticism:
President Donald Trump will sign an executive order Tuesday to relax some of his 25 per cent tariffs on autos and auto parts, the White House said, a significant reversal as the import taxes threatened to hurt domestic manufacturers, AP reported.
Automakers and independent analyses have indicated that the tariffs could raise prices, reduce sales and make US production less competitive worldwide. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a Tuesday briefing that Trump would sign the order later in the day but declined to provide details on the order.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who joined Leavitt at the White House briefing, said the goal was to enable automakers to create more domestic manufacturing jobs.
The Trump administration took strong action against Amazon today after the company announced that it would begin displaying the additional costs associated with President Donald Trump’s tariffs on products. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described this move as a “hostile and political act.”
Punchbowl News reported earlier on Tuesday that Amazon will soon show how much of a product’s price is influenced by tariffs, right next to the total listed price. This change could help American consumers understand how Trump’s tariffs are affecting the cost of goods.
However, this move may undermine any goodwill that the company and its founder, Jeff Bezos, have established with the Trump administration.
“This is a hostile and political act by Amazon,” Leavitt said at a White House press briefing, noting that she had spoken about the matter with Trump earlier that morning.
One of the most memorable moments from the first 100 days of the Trump 2.0 government was the Yemen war plan leak from a Signal group chat. From political commentaries to memes, That development had sparked off all kinds of reactions. Here’s a recap of what happened:
A secretive messaging group set up by senior Trump administration officials to coordinate a US military strike on Houthi targets in Yemen drew bipartisan criticism after a major security breach exposed sensitive discussions.
Known as the “Houthi PC Small Group,” the chat was created on the encrypted messaging app Signal in March 2025. It included key officials such as National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and others. Staff liaisons from federal departments also participated.
The controversy erupted when Michael Waltz accidentally added Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to the chat. Goldberg remained in the group for several days, during which he had access to detailed discussions about the timing, targets and strategy of the planned military operation against the Houthis.
The use of Signal — a non-governmental, encrypted app — raised concerns about potential violations of operational security protocols and federal records laws. While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and others defended the group, saying no classified material was disclosed, watchdog groups and lawmakers pointed to serious breaches in procedure.
Congressional committees have since opened inquiries into the incident, and lawsuits have been filed citing possible violations of the Federal Records Act. Critics argue the discussions, even if not formally classified, could have compromised national security and exposed sensitive military planning to public view.
1. Executive orders blitz: On his first day, Trump signed 26 decrees, including withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization and pardoning January 6 Capitol rioters, setting an aggressive tone for his second term.
2. Gaza relocation proposal: Trump proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza and redeveloping it into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” drawing strong international condemnation.
3. Musk’s Oval Office appearance: Elon Musk, alongside his young son X, appeared with Trump at a White House press conference to defend the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) against criticism.
4. Re-engagement with Russia: Trump restored diplomatic ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin after years of isolation, holding a major phone call and later facilitating prisoner exchanges, excluding European powers from negotiations.
5. JD Vance criticises Europe: Vice President JD Vance openly rebuked European leaders at the Munich Security Conference over defense spending, free speech, and immigration, signaling a shift in trans-Atlantic relations.
6. Tension with Ukraine: In a public meeting at the White House, Trump and Vance chastised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for what they called a lack of gratitude for US support, sparking criticism from Democratic leaders.
7. University funding cuts: The Trump administration cut $400 million in grants to Columbia University and froze $2.2 billion for Harvard over accusations of tolerating anti-Semitism amid anti-Israel protests.
8. Expulsion of suspected gang members: Using a wartime law, the administration expelled more than 200 suspected gang members to El Salvador, ignoring court orders and facing contempt of court allegations.
9. Greenland controversy: Trump reaffirmed US interest in acquiring Greenland for “international safety and security,” leading to diplomatic tensions with Denmark.
10. Tariffs and trade turmoil: Trump unleashed massive global tariffs on April 2, briefly rattling financial markets. After market panic, he adjusted most tariffs to a flat 10 per cent for 90 days, while maintaining 145 per cent tariffs on China.
READ MORE: Trump@100: From signing executive orders to tariffs, 10 key moments from US president’s time in office
“He knows what he’s doing,” Karen Miner, a 57-year-old wine store owner in Reno, Nevada, told AFP.
“So far, I’m very satisfied with the job he’s doing,” said Frank Tuoti, a 72-year-old retired machinist from New Hampshire. But he concedes that the tariff instability has made him “a little concerned about the economy.”
“No one does it better than President Trump. There is no equal, it’s not even close,” Tom Homan, who oversees the mass deportation program, told reporters at the White House.
President Donald Trump’s first 100 days of his second term have been dominated by an aggressive, unilateral reshaping of US domestic and foreign policy. His administration touts this as a necessary renewal of American strength, while critics warn of constitutional overreach and looming economic risks.
Trump issued around 140 executive orders — nearly matching Joe Biden’s total over four years — at a speed unseen since Franklin D. Roosevelt. These orders imposed hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs and enabled mass layoffs in the federal workforce without congressional approval.
Tariffs up to 25 per cent were levied against Mexico and Canada to target fentanyl trafficking, and widespread tariffs hit dozens of countries, demolishing long-standing ties. Trump imposed a massive 145 per cent tariff on Chinese goods, leading to Chinese retaliation. Market panic forced Trump to moderate some tariff plans but inflation risks and recession fears are rising.
Led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, about 60,000 federal workers have been fired and another 75,000 have accepted buyouts. The administration is planning at least 145,000 additional job cuts, affecting not just direct employees but also contractors and universities.
The global system of law and human rights is facing many attacks that have worsened since US President Donald Trump returned to power, Amnesty International said in its annual report on Tuesday (April 29).
“Unprecedented forces are hunting down the ideals of human rights for all, seeking to destroy an international system forged in the blood and grief of World War Two and its Holocaust,” said the rights group’s Secretary General Agnes Callamard.
READ MORE: As Trump completes 100 days in Oval Office, Amnesty says his return accelerated global human rights abuses
Elon Musk’s tenure in the Trump administration, marked by his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), experienced a swift ascent followed by a rapid decline within the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term.
In January 2025, President Trump appointed Musk as a special government employee to lead DOGE, an initiative aimed at streamlining federal operations and reducing government spending. Musk, known for his ambitious goals, claimed DOGE could cut up to $2 trillion from the federal budget. Under his direction, DOGE implemented aggressive measures, including the termination of over 260,000 federal employees and the elimination of numerous government credit cards.
Despite initial support from some quarters, Musk’s approach drew significant criticism. The mass layoffs led to operational disruptions in key agencies like the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, resulting in service delays and technical issues. DOGE’s actions faced legal challenges, with lawsuits filed by labour unions and local governments arguing that the workforce reductions were unconstitutional due to the lack of congressional approval.
Public opinion also shifted, with a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll indicating that only 35 per cent of Americans approved of Musk’s performance, while 57 per cent disapproved.
Facing mounting criticism and challenges within his own companies, particularly a significant drop in Tesla’s profits, Musk announced plans to reduce his involvement with DOGE starting in May 2025. He cited the need to focus on stabilising Tesla and addressing its financial issues.
In the name of America First, Trump has unleashed a tariff war on the world; practically withdrawn from alliances that had been the bulwark of the US foreign policy since the end of the Second World War.
He has threatened allies with invasions; called for annexations of sovereign lands across continents; and defied the rule of law at home.
READ MORE: In 100 days, Trump jolts settled ties and treaties to sow new global order
1. In February 2025, a meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy turned confrontational. Trump, alongside Vice President JD Vance, accused Zelenskyy of lacking gratitude and pressured him to negotiate with Russia, threatening to withdraw U.S. support. The meeting ended abruptly, with Trump canceling a planned press conference and stating that Zelenskyy had “disrespected the United States” .
2. President Trump reignited controversy by suggesting that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. He claimed that many Canadians favored this idea for economic benefits. Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, firmly rejected the notion, emphasizing Canada’s sovereignty .
3. President Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, stating, “We’re going to get Greenland.” This renewed proposal was met with firm rejections from Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Denmark’s leadership, who emphasized that Greenland is not for sale .
4. Trump advanced the “Project 2025” agenda, aiming to overhaul the federal government. This included efforts to dismantle agencies like the Department of Education and reclassify federal employees to facilitate easier dismissal. The initiative faced criticism for its potential impact on government operations .
5. Trump issued pardons to numerous individuals, including those convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot and anti-abortion activists. These decisions sparked debates over the use of presidential pardon powers .
Trump is scheduled to travel to Michigan, a battleground state key to his victory, to commemorate 100 days in office since winning the presidency for the second time.
Trump is expected to fly to Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where he will speak to the Michigan National Guard. He will then head to Warren, where he will hold a rally to mark the occasion, according to CNN.
In his first 100 days of his second term, President Donald Trump has taken significant steps to fulfill several key campaign promises, though many initiatives remain in progress or face legal challenges:
President Trump aimed to swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine war, proposing a 30-day ceasefire in March 2025. While Ukraine agreed, Russia’s acceptance was conditional, demanding Ukrainian troop withdrawals from contested areas. Although a decisive ceasefire has not come, “mini-ceasefires” have been announced.
Shortly before his inauguration, then President-elect Trump helped broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, resulting in a temporary halt to hostilities and a hostage-prisoner exchange. However, the truce collapsed in March 2025 amid disputes over hostage releases and aid access. Subsequent Israeli airstrikes, backed by the Trump administration, led to significant casualties and renewed tensions.
Reversing his earlier stance, President Trump re-engaged in direct talks with Iran to limit its nuclear program. These negotiations mark a departure from his 2018 withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. While details remain confidential, the administration views this as a strategic move to prevent nuclear proliferation and stabilise the region.
National Emergency declaration: On January 20, 2025, Trump declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, deploying troops and labeling certain drug cartels as foreign terrorist organisations.
Birthright citizenship: An order aimed to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, facing immediate legal challenges.
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): Established to streamline federal operations, DOGE, led by Elon Musk, initiated significant workforce reductions and agency overhauls.
Energy policies: An executive order encouraged energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters, revoking several previous environmental regulations.
Cuba and Israel policies: Executive orders reinstated Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism and reversed sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
International agreements: Trump initiated the process to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization, signaling a shift towards unilateral decision-making in international affairs.
A CNN poll conducted by SSRS has found that Donald Trump’s approval rating has tanked to 41 per cent. This is the lowest for any newly elected president at 100 days dating back at least seven decades to Dwight Eisenhower. Trumps approval ratings weren’t this bad even during his first term.
According to a recent Pew Research Centre survey, 59 per cent of Americans disapprove of the administration’s tariff increases, while 55 per cent disapprove of the cuts the administration is making to federal departments and agencies.
President Donald Trump has completed his first 100 days in office since returning to the White House on January 20, 2025. This period has been marked by sweeping executive actions, aggressive immigration policies, economic turbulence and declining public approval.
Trump signed more than 140 executive orders, setting a record pace for unilateral actions. Among the most controversial moves were attempts to end birthright citizenship and dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government. These measures, along with a large-scale restructuring of federal agencies overseen by Elon Musk and the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, triggered widespread legal challenges and protests.
Immigration remained a central focus of Trump’s agenda. His administration reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, accelerated mass deportations, and designated several drug cartels as terrorist organisations. Civil rights groups and international observers criticised the policies, warning of humanitarian fallout.
On the economic front, Trump’s decisions have roiled markets. New tariffs on imports, including goods from traditional US allies, sparked volatility and raised fears of inflation. Consumer confidence dropped sharply, and small business optimism fell to its lowest levels in three years, fueling concerns of a potential recession.
Internationally, Trump’s actions strained relations with longstanding allies. He continued to criticise North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) members over defence spending, imposed tariffs on European and Asian trading partners, and struggled to secure lasting ceasefires in conflicts such as Ukraine and Gaza.
Polls show Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 41 per cent, the lowest for a sitting president at the 100-day mark since the figure began being tracked in the 1950s. His agenda has faced mounting legal scrutiny, with several key initiatives tied up in the courts.
As Trump looks ahead to the remainder of his term, analysts say his second presidency could be defined by a deepening divide at home and increased uncertainty abroad.
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100 days of Trump 2.0 LIVE: GOP Senator wants Trump to show Putin US can 'slap him to Pluto' – Firstpost
