The Trump administration has deported hundreds of people from the U.S. after invoking a wartime law to speed up the deportations of individuals connected to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, in defiance of a court order.
A federal judge temporarily blocked the administration’s ability to use the law, the Alien Enemies Act 1798, and ordered any planes flying migrants out of the country to turn around.
Border czar Tom Homan told Fox News: “We’re not stopping. I don’t care what the judges think. I don’t care what the left thinks. We’re coming.”
A further court hearing is set for 5 p.m.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump declared that presidential pardons issued by his predecessor, Joe Biden, are “void, vacant, and of no further force or effect” because the Democrat allegedly signed off on them using an autopen rather than his real signature.
The president claimed without evidence that Biden was not even aware of the pardons. Trump further threatened members of the House select committee that probed the events of January 6, 2021, warning they can expect to be investigated.
Senator Adam Schiff responded on X: “The members of the Jan 6 Committee are all proud of our work. Your threats will not intimidate us. Or silence us.”
Read More
Key Points
- Border czar Tom Homan says 'I don't care what the judges think' about deportations
- Trump deports hundreds linked to Venezuelan gang despite judge’s block
- Donald Trump declares Joe Biden’s pardons ‘void’ and threatens Jan 6 committee
- U.S. strikes on Yemen kill 31 after Houthis vow to renew Red Sea attacks
- Trump and Vladimir Putin to discuss ‘splitting Kyiv’s assets’ in Tuesday call
- President drafts new three-tier U.S. travel ban targeting 43 countries
As Trump prepares for Putin call, White House says peace deal close
17:50
,
AP
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wouldn’t get into details about Tuesday’s scheduled call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. But she sounded optimistic that the talks can help push Russia closer to a deal to end its three-year war in Ukraine.
“I won’t get ahead of those negotiations, but I can say we are on the 10th-yard line of peace,” Leavitt told reporters Monday. “And we’ve never been closer to a peace deal than we are in this moment. And the president, as you know, is determined to get one done.”
Deported Ivy League doctor Rasha Alawieh will remain in Lebanon
17:50
,
Oliver O'Connell
Brown Medicine’s Dr. Rasha Alawieh will remain in Lebanon, for now, while a federal judge hears arguments to determine whether Donald Trump’s administration intentionally defied a court order to halt her deportation.
District Judge Leo Sorokin ordered officials with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to court in Boston Monday to explain why the Ivy League doctor was deported last week, apparently in defiance of his court order.
Rhian Lubin and Alex Woodward report.
Watch: White House insists compliance with deportation order after Homan comments
17:43
,
Oliver O'Connell
Leavitt: "I'll quote Tom. He said, 'I don't care what the judges think.' But I can assure you that the administration is complying with the court order." pic.twitter.com/TsfblC8ZeD
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 17, 2025
White House insists deported Venezuelans are designated foreign terrorists
17:42
,
Oliver O'Connell
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted at the White House press briefing today that the Venezuelans deported to El Salvador were designated as foreign terrorists.
“These are designated foreign terrorists. President Trump signed a proclamation on February 20, 2025, designating TDA as a foreign terrorist organization... The President has a right to do that, and I think nobody would argue that Tren de Aragua should be designated a foreign terrorist organization.”
.@PressSec: "These are designated foreign terrorists. @POTUS signed a proclamation on February 20, 2025 designating TDA as a foreign terrorist organization... The President has a right to do that and I think nobody would argue that Tren de Aragua should be designated a foreign… pic.twitter.com/bIgVHX5c5U
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 17, 2025
Leavitt also told reporters that the Trump administration paid El Salvador $6 million to accept and detain the roughly 200 people flown there this weekend.
Asked what criteria were being used to determine whether those deported were members of the group, Leavitt said: “Intelligence.”
REPORTER: What criteria other than tattoos or being in the wrong place at the wrong time are they using to determine that someone is a gang member?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 17, 2025
LEAVITT: Intelligence pic.twitter.com/7j4nGMPZUl
A French politician called for the return of the Statue of Liberty, the White House says: 'Absolutely not'
17:35
,
Oliver O'Connell
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt gave a firm no to a demand from a French politician that the U.S. should return the State of Liberty, which was gifted by France in the late 19th Century.
As a member of the European Parliament and co-president of a small left-wing party in France, Raphaël Glucksmann cannot claim to speak for all of his compatriots.
But his assertion in a speech this weekend that some Americans “have chosen to switch to the side of the tyrants” reflects the broad shockwaves President Trump’s seismic shifts in foreign and domestic policy are triggering in France and elsewhere in Europe.
Asked if President Donald Trump will agree with the request for the return of the iconic landmark, Leavitt replies: “Absolutely not. My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician is that it's only because of America that the French are not speaking German right now.”
Leavitt: "It's only because of the United States of America that the French aren't speaking German right now." pic.twitter.com/xWI60MobrE
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 17, 2025
With reporting from the AP
White House maintains it acted within law on deportations
17:32
,
Oliver O'Connell
The Trump administration claims that it acted within the confines of the law in using the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan gang members.
Speaking at the White House briefing on Monday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “This Administration acted within the confines of the law ... and under the authority granted to him under the Alien Enemies Act. We are quite confident in that — and we are wholly confident that we are going to win this case in court.”
Watch that moment below:
.@PressSec: "This Administration acted within the confines of the law ... and under the authority granted to him under the Alien Enemies Act. We are quite confident in that — and we are wholly confident that we are going to win this case in court." pic.twitter.com/tDt0XMwZPE
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 17, 2025
UNLV professor killed in 2023 mass shooting is named as part of Trump’s DEI crackdown at colleges
17:30
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Oliver O'Connell
A Las Vegas university professor who was killed in a mass shooting at the campus more than a year ago has been named by the Trump administration in a new investigation into Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in higher education.
Patricia Navarro-Velez, 39, was one of three people gunned down in a December 2023 mass killing on the school’s campus. A spokesperson for UNLV confirmed that she had been named as part of a federal investigation by the Department of Education.
Mike Bedigan explains.
Canadian PM Carney meets with King Charles of Canada
17:22
,
Oliver O'Connell
Watch LIVE: White House holds briefing after Trump declared Biden's pardons 'void'
17:13
,
Oliver O'Connell
Explained: The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 that Trump invoked to speed up deportations
17:10
,
Oliver O'Connell
The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 gives the president broad authority to remove undocumented immigrants, but it’s only ever been invoked during actual wartime, and legal experts have said that President Trump will likely face pushback.
Gustaf Kilander explains.
Coming up: Trump officials ordered explain if deportations violated judge's order
17:03
,
Oliver O'Connell
A judge has ordered Trump administration officials to explain whether they violated his order by deporting hundreds of Venezuelan gang members over the weekend, a move that could spark a constitutional clash between the president and the federal judiciary.
The White House claims that federal courts “have no jurisdiction” over President Donald Trump’s authority to expel foreign enemies under an 18th-century law historically used only in wartime.
Judge James Boasberg in Washington scheduled a hearing for 5 p.m. ET on Monday and directed the government to provide details on the timing of the flights that transported the Venezuelans to El Salvador, including whether they took off after his order was issued.
The hearing was scheduled in response to an overnight filing by the American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights groups seeking clarity on the flights.
The rapid developments could signal an escalation in Trump's challenge to the Constitution's system of checks and balances and the independence of the judicial branch of government.
Reuters
A former Proud Boys leader was freed from a 17-year prison sentence by Trump. Then his problems began
16:50
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Oliver O'Connell
Richard Hall writes:
On the day Joe Biggs found out he was being released from a lengthy jail sentence by the newly inaugurated Donald Trump, a prison officer was on hand to dampen his mood.
“You're still gonna get screwed,” Biggs recalls the guard warning him. “You're not getting pardoned. You're only getting your sentence commuted, so you're still a terrorist.”
It would turn out to be a prescient parting shot.
Read on...
State Dept says South African ambassador must leave U.S. by Friday
16:38
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Oliver O'Connell
The State Department says South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S. has until Friday to leave the country.
After Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was no longer welcome in the U.S. and posted his decision Friday on social media, South African embassy staff were summoned to the State Department and given a formal diplomatic note explaining the move, the department said.
“We made the embassy aware that Ambassador Rasool has been found unacceptable by the United States to be a representative of his country,” the department said.
It said Rasool’s diplomatic privileges and immunities expired Monday and he would be required to leave the United States by March 21. It isn’t clear if he’s in the U.S. now.
Rubio announced his decision in a post on X, accusing Rasool of being a “race-baiting politician” who hates President Donald Trump.
COMMENT: What to expect as Trump and Putin thrash out a ceasefire in Ukraine
16:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Mark Almond writes:
The Kremlin has now confirmed that Vladimir Putin will speak on the phone to Donald Trump tomorrow. The White House says Ukraine’s President Zelensky will come to Washington on Friday. Peace – or at least a ceasefire – seems very likely soon.
But never forget, the devil is in the details – and a hastily cobbled-together deal could be very fragile. There will be hardliners on either side who don’t want to give peace a chance.
Let’s consider what might be in a deal agreeable to Trump and Putin – and swallowable by Zelensky.
Read on...
Irish Taioseach says Conor McGregor comments 'wrong'
16:20
,
Oliver O'Connell
St. Patrick’s Day around the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship and fellowship.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 17, 2025
Conor McGregor’s remarks are wrong, and do not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.
Trump threatens Iran, saying leadership will be accountable to actions of Houthis
16:18
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Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump has said that Iran and its leadership will be held responsible for the actions of the Houthis in Yemen after the U.S. launched strikes against the group over the weekend.
Trump wrote on Truth Social:
Let nobody be fooled! The hundreds of attacks being made by Houthi, the sinister mobsters and thugs based in Yemen, who are hated by the Yemeni people, all emanate from, and are created by, IRAN. Any further attack or retaliation by the “Houthis” will be met with great force, and there is no guarantee that that force will stop there. Iran has played “the innocent victim” of rogue terrorists from which they’ve lost control, but they haven’t lost control. They’re dictating every move, giving them the weapons, supplying them with money and highly sophisticated Military equipment, and even, so-called, “Intelligence.” Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!
DONALD J. TRUMP,
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Trump boder czar defends deportation flight
16:13
,
Oliver O'Connell
Speaking to reporters outside the White House this morning, Border Czar Tom Homan defended the administration’s decision to continue with a deportation flight in defiance of a court order from a judge.
He said: "The plane was already over international waters with a plane full of terrorists and significant public safety threats and turn the plane around over international waters and refuel over international waters, come back with terrorists back to the United States.”
“The president did exactly the right thing,” he added. “We removed terrorists. That should be a celebration in this country. “
Voice of America journalists sound off on ‘betrayal’ by Trump
16:10
,
Oliver O'Connell
In what is being described as “Bloody Saturday,” over 1,300 employees at Voice of America were placed on indefinite suspension this weekend after President Donald Trump issued a Friday night edict ordering the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the network’s parent agency, to eliminate its workforce and activities not required by law.
With the state-funded broadcaster — which has been seen as a vital part of America’s soft diplomacy — going largely silent after more than 80 years on the air, VOA journalists and executives are sounding off over what they see as a “betrayal of the ideals” that drove the organization, adding that it will only be “celebrated” by America’s adversaries.
Justin Baragona reports.
Watch: Border czar says 'I don't care what the judges think' about deportations
16:04
,
Oliver O'Connell
Homan: "We're not stopping. I don't care what the judges think. I don't care what the left thinks. We're coming." pic.twitter.com/VSXZXQgUZb
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 17, 2025
PREMIUM: Trump’s 200% tariff on EU wine could pop the champagne bubble
15:50
,
Oliver O'Connell
Rosamund Hall writes:
The news cycle regarding tariffs is giving me flashbacks to my teenage history lessons, stirring memories about the repeal of the Corn Law and WE Gladstone’s subsequent budgets that removed nearly all protectionist regulations – Mr Bromfield, if you’re reading this, I hope you’re impressed.
Whilst economics is not my strength, I am aware that most economists assert that free trade is generally regarded as a good thing: more choice for consumers, competitive pricing and greater economic growth. Donald Trump obviously hasn’t got that memo.
You might be wondering what a wine writer is doing wading into this murky water of tariffs – well, so am I, but it’s because of one thing: the threat of tariffs on booze from the EU. Normally, I’m writing about my despair at our own country's approach to alcohol taxation, but Trump is rather stealing the headline on pretty much everything, so it might as well include this too.
Continue reading...
Schiff says Jan 6 committee will not be intimidated by Trump
15:44
,
Oliver O'Connell
The members of the Jan 6 Committee are all proud of our work.
— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) March 17, 2025
Your threats will not intimidate us.
Or silence us. pic.twitter.com/2897gx0fM9
Click here to read the full report of the House Select Committee on January 6 (and all the supporting documents and evidence).
India's Modi says Trump has ‘clear roadmap’ in second term
15:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said President Donald Trump was “far more prepared” for his second term and has a clear roadmap.
Modi made the comments during a podcast interview, flagged by Trump on his social media platform Truth Social, which the Indian leader has just joined.
Breaking: PM Modi Joins Trump's social media platform "Truth Social". First picture from PM Modi, Prez Trump's howdy Modi Diaspora event. pic.twitter.com/3mG9y5ua9L
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 17, 2025
“This time, he seems far more prepared than before,” Modi told American computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman in a podcast released on Sunday, referring to Trump's second term.
“He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals,” he added.
During the discussion that lasted over three hours, Modi addressed topics ranging from diplomacy and artificial intelligence to his early life, in a conversation that Fridman called one of the most “powerful” of his life.
Modi commended Trump for what he referred to as his graciousness and humility, highlighting a strong bond between the two leaders.
“His reflection showed his ‘America First’ spirit, just as I believe in nation first. I stand for India first, and that's why we connect so well,” Modi said.
India is one of the trading partners that will face reciprocal tariffs imposed by the U.S. starting April 2, which threaten to disrupt exports across multiple industries, including automobiles and agriculture.
After Modi and Trump met at the White House last month, the two nations agreed to resolve tariff disputes and work on the first part of a trade deal by late 2025, aiming for two-way trade of $500 billion by 2030.
With reporting from Reuters
Democrat congressional leaders Schumer and Jeffries met in New York amid spending bill furore
15:20
,
Oliver O'Connell
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer met with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries in New York on Sunday, according to reporting by Punchbowl News.
The meeting took place two days after Jeffries publicly criticized Schumer regarding a vote to advance Republican spending legislation.
The two New Yorkers met in Brooklyn, according to a person familiar with the meeting.
Schumer announced Thursday that he would align with Republicans on a crucial procedural vote to advance the spending legislation toward final passage. He described the bill as “terrible,” but emphasized that a government shutdown would be far worse, stating that Democrats would lack an “off-ramp” to escape such a scenario.
Jeffries strongly disagreed and consistently refused to answer questions on Friday about whether he has confidence in Schumer.
“We do not want to shut down the government. But we are not afraid of a government funding showdown,” Jeffries remarked.
Trump once offered an ill Anna Luna his bed: 'Just don't tell Melania'
15:10
,
Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump once offered Rep. Anna Luna his bed while she was feeling unwell and joked, “don’t tell Melania,” according to a new book.
Comments reportedly made by the president in private have been revealed in a new book titled Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power by Axios reporter Alex Isenstadt.
The book features “never-before-reported” moments in Trump’s return to the White House. The book claims the president insulted fellow Republicans and allies, was disparaging about the women who have accused him in court and sarcastically claimed he wouldn’t seek revenge if reelected.
Steven Cheung, Trump’s White House communications director, said the book was “a work of fiction” when approached by The Independent for comment.
Rhian Lubin reports.
Schumer postpones book tour for 'security reasons' amid backlash over spending bill vote
15:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer postponed his book tour events for the week of March 17 “for security reasons,” according to an announcement posted on the website of the Baltimore library where he was due to speak on Monday.
Schumer has faced swift backlash from members of the Democratic Party since last week over his decision to support voting on a Republican stopgap spending bill that most Democratic lawmakers said gave President Donald Trump too much power.
Here’s Eric Garcia’s analysis of the backlash from fellow Democrats.
What is an autopen signature and why is Trump accusing Biden of using one?
14:50
,
Oliver O'Connell
While attending the G8 Summit in France in May 2011, a major piece of legislation reached Barack Obama’s desk in the Oval Office.
Invoking national security concerns, the former president authorized an aide in Washington to use an autopen to affix his signature to a bill extending three provisions of the Patriot Act.
It marked the first reported time a U.S. president had a mechanical device to sign a bill into law. The White House pointed to an existing 29-page opinion commissioned by the Department of Justice claiming its use was legal.
Almost 14 years later, the autopen is back making headlines.
James Liddell explains.
Watch: Trump's Housing and Interior secretaries partner to build on federal lands
14:40
,
Oliver O'Connell
We need 7 million affordable homes in America and 20% of America’s landmass is owned by the Department of Interior.
— Scott Turner (@SecretaryTurner) March 17, 2025
Today, @SecretaryBurgum and I are announcing a partnership between @HUDgov & @Interior to identify and open under utilized federal lands for affordable housing. pic.twitter.com/p1EU04Ay7B
Tourists cancel their U.S. plans over Trump’s policies and tariffs
14:30
,
Joe Sommerlad
The president’s actions and rhetoric are already driving international tourists to cancel their trips to the United States this year.
International travel is expected to dip by 5 percent this year as Trump’s trade policies, proposed handling of Russia’s war in Ukraine and threats to absorb Canada and Greenland have stoked tensions abroad.
Combined with an anticipated slide in domestic travel spending, these factors could contribute to a predicted $64 billion in losses for the American travel industry in 2025, according to travel research firm Tourism Economics.
Kelly Rissman reports.
Watch: McGregor rails against Irish government in White House briefing room
14:19
,
Oliver O'Connell
Jasmine Crockett fires back at John Fetterman over senator’s criticism
14:10
,
Joe Sommerlad
The Texas Representative did not mince her words when asked about Senator John Fetterman’s ongoing criticism of his fellow Democratic lawmakers on Sunday.
Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, has been critical of the more left-leaning members of his party, condemning their push for a government shutdown.
He also joined in with the chorus of people who mocked the “Choose Your Fighter” TikTok video, in which some members of the House Democratic caucus participated in a social media campaign that highlighted their backgrounds.
Canadian PM Carney makes first foreign trip to ‘reliable allies’ in Europe, not Washington
14:02
,
Oliver O'Connell
Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with “reliable allies” in Europe during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, marking his first overseas visit amid tensions with the U.S.
Carney's decision to visit Paris instead of Washington, as is customary for Canadian leaders, follows President Donald Trump's escalation of trade tensions with both Canada and Europe, along with his threats of annexing Canada.
“[It] is more important than ever for Canada to strengthen its ties with reliable allies like France,” said Carney, ahead of a working lunch with Macron at the Elysee Palace, describing Canada as “the most European of non-European countries.”
Carney visits London later today.
In a veiled reference to Trump, Macron noted that Canada exemplifies a country that protects its national interests while also cooperating on the global stage.
“I think we both believe that fair trade that respects international rules is good for everyone's prosperity, and is certainly more effective than tariffs,” Macron said.
As the two men were leaving, a Canadian reporter in the room asked whether they wanted to tell Trump to “back off,” but neither Carney nor Macron took questions from the media.
With reporting from Reuters
Watch: NEC director says 'uncertainty' between now and implementation of reciprocal tariffs
13:57
,
Oliver O'Connell
HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY FROM CONOR MCGREGOR AT THE WHITE HOUSE! @TheNotoriousMMA pic.twitter.com/YQPQDttUXB
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 17, 2025
Fox News presses car salesman senator on Trump’s White House auto show
13:50
,
Joe Sommerlad
A Fox correspondent grilled Ohio’s newest Republican senator on Sunday over whether Trump’s White House Tesla photo opp was an appropriate use of the presidency.
Bernie Moreno, a car dealership mogul who defeated former Senator Sherrod Brown for the latter’s seat in the 2024 election, was asked by Fox senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich on Fox News Sunday over the ethics of the president turning the White House lawn into an auto showroom promoting Tesla, which is owned by his special adviser Elon Musk.
Moreno sidestepped the question of Musk’s obvious conflict of interest and told Heinrich he thought it was good for the president to be celebrating an American brand at a time when the Trump administration is threatening a full-scale trade war with a number of US allies, including Canada.
John Bowden reports.
Conor McGregor visits White House
13:43
,
Oliver O'Connell
Irish UFC fighter Conor McGregor is at the White House today and will meet with President Donald Trump, according to press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Speaking in the briefing room on St.Patrick’s Day, McGregor said that “Ireland is at the cusp of potentially losing its Irish-ness,” and he’s here today to highlight that.
HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY FROM CONOR MCGREGOR AT THE WHITE HOUSE! @TheNotoriousMMA pic.twitter.com/YQPQDttUXB
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 17, 2025
McGregor was also at Trump’s inauguration.