Climate activist Greta Thunberg has been sent back to Sweden after Israeli forces intercepted a vessel attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The 22-year-old environmentalist was among several activists aboard what Israeli officials mockingly called a "selfie yacht."
According to the New York Post, Israel's Foreign Ministry released a photo showing Thunberg buckled into an airplane seat as she was deported Tuesday, just a day after the Gaza-bound ship she was traveling on was seized by the Israeli military.
The Swedish activist had been part of a 12-person crew aboard the Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition when Israeli naval forces intercepted the vessel approximately 125 miles off Gaza's coast. The boat was then escorted to the Israeli port of Ashdod on Monday evening, according to official statements.
Critics were quick to point out the irony of the climate activist, who has long campaigned against air travel's environmental impact, being forced to return home via airplane. Social media users seized on this apparent contradiction.
"She looks happy for polluting the climate," one user commented on the Foreign Ministry's post showing Thunberg on the plane. Another remarked, "Polluting the climate all the way back home," highlighting what many perceived as hypocrisy.
Some critics dismissed the entire mission as a publicity stunt, echoing Israel's Foreign Ministry's characterization of the voyage as a "'selfie yacht' of the 'celebrities'" that was safely escorted to Israeli shores.
Legal rights group Adalah, which represents Thunberg and other activists detained during the incident, confirmed that four individuals—Thunberg, two fellow activists, and a journalist—had agreed to deportation terms.
Other members of the Gaza-bound mission who refused deportation orders remained in Israeli detention facilities. Their cases were scheduled to be heard by Israeli authorities, though the timeline for these proceedings remained unclear.
Before her deportation, Thunberg had claimed that she and her crew were "kidnapped" by Israel Defense Forces troops who captured and boarded their vessel. The assertion prompted additional mockery online, with one social media user commenting: "Looks like her kidnappers didn't want her either."
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition had organized the mission as a protest against Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory, now in its second year of intense conflict.
Israeli authorities have maintained that such vessels violate their naval blockade of Gaza, which they consider a necessary security measure. The military has routinely intercepted similar attempts to breach the blockade in the past.
Some online commentators praised Israel's handling of the situation, suggesting the interception prevented a potentially dangerous escalation. "Well done Israel. Stopped the activists from entering a blockade, a conflict zone. Prevented the activists from being kidnapped by Islamic terrorists," wrote one supporter.
The attempted aid delivery comes amid ongoing concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where Palestinians face severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies following more than a year of conflict.
Thunberg's involvement in the mission marked a continuation of her activism beyond climate issues. After being deported from Israel, she was photographed at Charles de Gaulle airport in France, presumably en route back to Sweden.
The incident has highlighted the tensions surrounding humanitarian access to Gaza, with Israel maintaining strict control over what enters the territory, citing security concerns about materials potentially being diverted to Hamas and other militant groups.
ABC News suspended national correspondent Terry Moran after he posted a late-night rant against White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller on social media. The network took action hours after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly called for accountability.
According to The Daily Caller, Moran attacked Miller in a now-deleted post on X early Sunday morning, referring to him as "a world-class hater." The suspension came swiftly after the White House drew attention to the incident.
The controversial post sparked immediate backlash from Trump administration officials, with Press Secretary Leavitt describing Moran's comments as "unhinged and unacceptable" in her own social media response that included screenshots of the deleted message.
Leavitt escalated the matter during an appearance on "Sunday Morning Futures" with host Maria Bartiromo, directly challenging ABC News to address their correspondent's behavior.
"ABC is going to have to answer for what their, again, so-called journalist put out on Twitter in the wee hours of the night, calling Stephen Miller vile," Leavitt said during the interview. "They said that President Trump is a world class hater – Stephen Miller. And this is, again, coming from someone who is supposed to be an unbiased and professional journalist."
The White House declined to provide additional comments to The Daily Caller News Foundation beyond Leavitt's public statements, indicating the administration considered the matter appropriately addressed by ABC's suspension decision.
Stephen Miller, the target of Moran's midnight message, responded to the incident with his own statement on social media platform X later Sunday morning. "The most important fact about Terry's full public meltdown is what it shows about the corporate press in America. For decades, the privileged anchors and reporters narrating and gatekeeping our society have been radicals adopting a journalist's pose. Terry pulled off his mask."
Miller's response framed the incident as revealing deeper issues within mainstream media, suggesting Moran's comments represented the true political leanings of journalists who typically maintain a veneer of objectivity.
The confrontation adds to existing tensions between the Trump administration and ABC News, with officials frequently criticizing what they perceive as bias in the network's coverage of the president and his policies.
This incident follows several controversies that have challenged ABC News' claims of journalistic neutrality in recent months.
ABC faced criticism during the 2024 presidential campaign when debate moderators Linsey Davis and David Muir were accused of disproportionately fact-checking then-candidate Trump while allowing then-Vice President Kamala Harris to make unchallenged misstatements about abortion and Project 2025.
Earlier this year, the network settled a defamation lawsuit filed by President Trump after "This Week" host George Stephanopoulos called Trump a "rapist" during an interview with Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, further straining relations between the administration and the network.
ABC News had previously come under fire when Moran demanded Trump call El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele regarding the case of alleged MS-13 member Kilmar Abrego Garcia during an Oval Office interview.
Terry Moran's late-night social media attack on Stephen Miller has reinforced Trump administration complaints about media bias against the president and his staff. The incident occurred when Moran posted comments calling Miller "a world-class hater" in the early hours of Sunday morning before deleting the message.
ABC News responded by suspending the national correspondent after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly called for action against what she described as unprofessional behavior from someone "supposed to be an unbiased and professional journalist."
Democratic State Rep. Kaohly Vang Her of Minnesota sparked controversy during a floor debate when she declared herself and her parents "illegal" in the United States, only to later clarify that she is actually a U.S. citizen. Her comments came during a heated discussion over legislation that would declare undocumented immigrants ineligible for MinnesotaCare, the state's Medicaid program.
According to The Daily Caller, Her made the startling claim on the floor of the Minnesota House of Representatives on Monday as Democrats nearly unanimously voted against the bill. "I am illegal in this country. My parents are illegal here in this country," She stated during the debate.
The legislation passed despite Democratic opposition and will prevent undocumented immigrants from accessing MinnesotaCare benefits. The statement from Her, who represents a district in Minnesota, immediately raised questions about her immigration status and eligibility to hold elected office.
Following her floor speech, Her quickly sought to clarify her comments in an interview with the Minnesota Reformer, explaining that both she and her parents are American citizens. The legislator appeared to walk back her previous statement that explicitly claimed illegal status.
In the interview, Her provided context about her family's immigration journey, revealing that her father had claimed a false family relationship to expedite their entry into the United States. "Technically, you would say my father broke the law, right? But we would have come anyway," Her told the Minnesota Reformer.
Her explained that her father claimed to be related to a family friend who worked for the United States Agency for International Development. This claim was made to hasten the family's entry into the United States in order to avoid potential reprisals from communist forces, presumably in Laos, though the specific country of origin was not explicitly mentioned in the article.
Her defended her comments as an attempt to humanize the immigration debate and encourage empathy from her Republican colleagues. She suggested that sharing her personal story might help lawmakers see beyond political divisions on immigration policy.
"The truth is until people see a face with somebody and a situation, it is really easy for us to other each other, and, as somebody who's been marginalized because of who I am my whole life, I never want to do that to somebody else," Her explained to the Minnesota Reformer when discussing her intentions.
The representative's comments come at a time when immigration remains a deeply divisive issue in American politics. Her statement on the House floor appeared designed to create an emotional connection to the real-world impacts of legislation targeting undocumented immigrants' access to healthcare services.
The Minnesota debate mirrors similar discussions happening at the federal level, where Medicaid eligibility for undocumented immigrants has become a contentious issue. The Daily Caller noted that a reconciliation bill currently moving through Congress includes reforms to Medicaid.
These federal reforms reportedly include efforts to end the use of Medicaid by undocumented immigrants. Medicaid provides health coverage for low-income people throughout the United States, and determining eligibility requirements has become a partisan flashpoint.
The timing of Her's comments and subsequent clarification comes as states and the federal government continue to wrestle with questions about public benefits for undocumented residents. The debate in Minnesota reflects broader national tensions over immigration policy and social services.
Democratic State Rep. Kaohly Vang Her's statement on the Minnesota House floor that she and her parents are "illegal" in the country, followed by her quick clarification that they are actually U.S. citizens, has created significant confusion about her family's immigration story.
Her later explanation revealed that while her family may have entered the country through means that included misrepresentation of family relationships, they are now legal U.S. citizens. The controversy centers on Her's initial characterization of herself as "illegal" during an official legislative debate on Monday.
The incident occurred as Minnesota lawmakers voted on legislation that would restrict undocumented immigrants' access to the state's Medicaid program, a measure that ultimately passed despite opposition from Her and nearly all of her Democratic colleagues in the state legislature.
The Supreme Court is preparing for a busy June as justices race to deliver opinions on several high-profile cases before their summer recess. With decisions expected on cases ranging from transgender healthcare to religious freedoms in schools, the coming weeks promise significant legal developments that could reshape American policies.
According to CBS Colorado, the high court has already ruled on several notable cases this term, including a 7-2 decision upholding Biden-era regulations on ghost guns and a split 4-4 ruling that blocked the nation's first religious charter school in Oklahoma. But more than two dozen cases remain undecided as the justices prepare for their summer break.
The flurry of upcoming decisions comes amid a steady stream of emergency appeals from the Trump administration seeking relief from lower court rulings that have impeded the implementation of the president's second-term agenda. The court's attention to these matters suggests their summer recess is unlikely to be a quiet one.
The Supreme Court's upcoming ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti represents the first time the justices have waded into the contentious debate over healthcare for transgender youth. The case challenges Tennessee's law prohibiting medical treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender adolescents under 18.
Tennessee is among 25 states that have enacted similar restrictions on gender-affirming care for young people diagnosed with gender dysphoria. During December arguments, the court's conservative majority appeared sympathetic to Tennessee's position, suggesting the ban might be upheld.
The Biden administration, three families, and a physician have argued that Tennessee's ban violates the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law. The decision could have far-reaching implications for similar laws across the country and establish a precedent for how states can regulate medical care for transgender youth.
President Trump's executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship faces serious legal scrutiny at the Supreme Court. In a rare May argument session, justices considered whether to allow partial enforcement of the policy while challenges proceed through lower courts.
The Justice Department has asked the court to permit implementation against states and individuals not directly involved in the three pending lawsuits. If granted, the administration would still be prevented from enforcing the policy against 22 states, seven individuals, and two immigrants' rights organizations that are parties to the litigation.
The case also raises important questions about nationwide injunctions, which have blocked several Trump administration policies. During arguments, justices appeared divided on whether district court judges should have the authority to issue such broad orders, with several conservative members expressing skepticism about their use.
The Supreme Court appears sympathetic to parents challenging a Maryland school district's policy requiring students to participate in lessons featuring LGBTQ-inclusive content regardless of religious objections. The case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, examines whether Montgomery County unconstitutionally burdened parents' First Amendment religious freedom rights.
The dispute began when the school board introduced LGBTQ-inclusive storybooks into its elementary curriculum in 2022. Initially allowing parents to opt their children out, the board reversed course in March 2023, eliminating the exemption option for families with religious objections.
During March arguments, justices seemed inclined to require public schools to provide religious opt-outs for such instruction. The ruling could significantly impact how public schools nationwide balance inclusive education with religious accommodation requirements.
Other major cases awaiting decisions include a Louisiana congressional redistricting dispute that could affect voting rights nationwide, South Carolina's attempt to defund Planned Parenthood's Medicaid participation, and Texas's age-verification requirements for pornographic websites.
The court will also rule on challenges to the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Fund and the structure of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which recommends which preventive care services must be covered by insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act.
With the summer recess approaching, the Supreme Court faces mounting pressure to resolve these consequential cases. The justices' decisions will likely reshape policies affecting healthcare access, religious freedoms, and executive authority in ways that could impact Americans for generations.
President Donald Trump has ordered approximately 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles as tensions escalate over immigration enforcement operations. The deployment comes as anti-ICE protests featuring foreign flag-waving demonstrators continue to spread across the city, leading to clashes with law enforcement.
According to Breitbart, the Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Division will "seamlessly integrate with the Title 10 forces under Task Force 51 who are protecting federal personnel and federal property" in Los Angeles.
The Marine deployment follows Trump's decision to federalize 2,000 California National Guard members over the weekend, a move that has sparked fierce criticism from Democratic leaders. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the deployment was in response to "increased threats to federal law enforcement officers and federal buildings."
Social media has captured numerous incidents of protesters throwing rocks at law enforcement officers and attacking Border Patrol vehicles. Some demonstrators have been documented looting businesses, burning vehicles and American flags, and shooting fireworks at mounted police officers.
The Marines deployed to Los Angeles are coming from Camp Pendleton and the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. Multiple sources confirmed to CNN that while Trump federalized 2,000 National Guard members, only about 300 have actually been deployed to Los Angeles streets so far.
Officials emphasized that the Marines "won't engage" with rioters directly. Their primary mission appears focused on protecting federal personnel and property as immigration enforcement operations continue throughout the region.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticized Trump's decision to federalize the National Guard, calling the move "purposefully inflammatory." The governor has also filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming it "illegally acted to federalize the National Guard."
Former Vice President Kamala Harris joined in the criticism, issuing a statement Sunday that characterized the National Guard deployment as a "dangerous escalation." Democratic leaders have questioned whether the federal response is proportionate to the situation on the ground.
The partisan divide over the response highlights the deeply polarized views on immigration enforcement. While Republicans have largely supported Trump's decisive action, Democrats have expressed concern about potential civil rights violations and escalation of tensions.
The initial 300 National Guard members who reached Los Angeles streets were already participating in routine drill exercises when mobilized, explaining their rapid deployment. Military officials note it typically takes up to 72 hours for additional Guard personnel to be fully activated and deployed.
U.S. Northern Command confirmed that the Marines would be working alongside National Guard forces under the Title 10 authorization. This legal framework allows federal troops to conduct certain law enforcement activities that would normally be prohibited under the Posse Comitatus Act.
One source familiar with the deployment told CNN the Marines "will be augmenting the Guard presence on the ground" in Los Angeles. The deployment is described as temporary, though no specific timeline has been provided for how long the Marines might remain in the city.
The deployment represents the latest escalation in an increasingly contentious relationship between the Trump administration and California state officials. Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense to "liberate" Los Angeles, stating that "illegals will be expelled."
Governor Newsom's lawsuit challenging the federalization of the National Guard signals a significant legal battle ahead. The dispute centers on the president's authority to deploy federal forces in states without gubernatorial consent during civil disturbances.
As the Marines arrive in Los Angeles, the city faces an uncertain path forward with federal forces, state officials, and protesters locked in a tense standoff that shows few signs of quick resolution. The deployment underscores the complex and often fraught relationship between federal immigration enforcement and local communities affected by these policies.
Barron Trump, the 19-year-old son of President Donald Trump, is reportedly dating, according to rumors circulating on his college campus. These whispers have sparked questions about how the first son navigates romance while under constant Secret Service protection.
According to People, an anonymous "friend" at New York University told NewsNation that "Barron has a really nice girlfriend and hangs out with her a lot," though no further details were provided. The president's youngest child recently completed his freshman year at the Manhattan-based university.
While dating with Secret Service agents constantly present might seem challenging for any teenager, sources indicate that the protection detail is not as restrictive as many might assume. One political insider told People that agents are "well-versed" in handling romantic relationships for their protectees.
Former first children have successfully navigated romantic relationships despite constant security presence, providing a roadmap for Barron's dating life.
Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former President George W. Bush, has been particularly vocal about her dating experiences while under Secret Service protection. She's shared multiple stories about her now-husband Henry Chase Hager's awkward encounters with agents, including being caught by security when trying to "sneak out" of the White House after staying overnight.
In another incident Jenna has described as her "worst date," Henry's car ran out of gas on a hill and rolled backward into the Secret Service vehicle following them. Even Henry's marriage proposal on a mountaintop included an agent standing nearby, with Jenna noting that the agent was "the first person to find out about the proposal."
Despite his privileged upbringing and high-profile family, sources describe Barron as surprisingly down-to-earth and socially active during his first year of college.
"He met a lot of new people at NYU and made some friends," one source told People. "He is no slouch and attracts the attention of girls. And not just at college. He had female friends in high school in Florida. He gets along well with his female friends."
Another source whose daughter knew Barron in high school described him as "a regular guy who was well-liked" and who "didn't hold court and act like he was better than the others." This contrasts with his father's more bombastic public persona, with one Trump source noting, "It's hard to believe he is Donald Trump's son as he is more laid back, but he does have some of his moxie in a low-key way."
The political source interviewed by People dismissed concerns that Secret Service protection would prevent Barron from dating or having normal relationships.
"He can have a girlfriend as the Secret Service guys are well-versed on how to handle this," the source explained. "Anyone who says being under Secret Service protection would keep him from dating is way off." The same source added that agents protecting first families have seen it all when it comes to romantic entanglements, quipping that "their stories could fill an X-rated novel!"
While the Secret Service's primary mission is protection, they've developed protocols that allow protectees to maintain some semblance of normal life, including dating. As Jenna Bush Hager once noted, their job is keeping people from "coming in" to secure areas—not preventing first children from "hooking up."
Despite the dating rumors, sources close to Barron suggest that romance might not be his primary focus at this stage of his life.
One Trump source believes that Barron isn't currently seeking a serious relationship. "He definitely wants to go out in the world and make money," the source said. "That is more important to him now than anything long-term in the romance department. But he is still young with more school ahead."
Barron follows in the footsteps of other modern first children who navigated their young adult years in the public eye, including Susan Ford, Chelsea Clinton, the Bush twins, and the Obama sisters. Each found ways to develop friendships and relationships despite the security challenges.
Elon Musk has voiced his opposition to the escalating pro-migration riots in Los Angeles, California, describing the situation as "not ok" as protesters wave foreign flags and clash with law enforcement. The billionaire entrepreneur's comments come amid growing tensions following immigration raids conducted by federal officials.
According to Breitbart, Musk shared screenshots of social media posts from President Donald Trump, who called on California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to apologize for their handling of the violent demonstrations. Trump accused the Democratic officials of doing an "absolutely horrible job" in quelling the unrest.
The tech mogul also reposted content from Vice President JD Vance, which referenced Trump's announcement directing the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and Attorney General Pam Bondi to "take all such action necessary to liberate Los Angeles" as the situation deteriorates.
Musk's apparent support for the Trump administration's response to the riots marks a notable shift in his public positioning. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO had previously engaged in a highly publicized feud with President Trump, stemming from disagreements over legislation.
Their conflict centered around Musk's strong opposition to what he termed a "pork-filled" and "disgusting abomination" piece of legislation known as the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill." During the height of their dispute, Musk went as far as threatening to decommission SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft.
The billionaire's criticism of Trump had escalated to serious allegations, including claims that Trump was "in the Epstein files" and even calls for the president's impeachment. This context makes Musk's current alignment with the administration's approach to the Los Angeles riots particularly noteworthy.
Trump signed a presidential memorandum on Saturday deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to address the violence in Los Angeles. The decision represents a significant escalation in the federal response to the civil unrest.
Social media has been flooded with images and videos documenting protesters setting fire to California Highway Patrol vehicles, throwing rocks at Border Patrol units, and defacing federal buildings. The demonstrations have grown increasingly destructive as they continue to spread throughout parts of the city.
The riots erupted following immigration enforcement actions, with more than 40 people arrested on Friday as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted raids and served search warrants. Federal authorities have indicated that many of those detained include individuals with serious criminal backgrounds.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino issued a stern warning to potential rioters, stating that federal law enforcement would be actively investigating any assaults on federal officers amid the ongoing unrest.
"If you choose violence," Bongino warned, the FBI would be "investigating and pursuing all available leads for assault on a federal officer, in addition to the many arrests already made." The statement signals a tough stance from federal authorities as they attempt to restore order.
Meanwhile, Democratic officials in California have taken a different approach. Governor Newsom has reportedly challenged Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Tom Homan to arrest him for opposing the raids, while Mayor Bass suggested that "if immigration raids had not happened here, we would not have the disorder."
The violent demonstrations in Los Angeles represent the latest flashpoint in America's contentious immigration debate, with federal enforcement actions triggering significant backlash from pro-migration activists and some local officials.
President Trump's decision to federalize National Guard troops and threat to deploy Marines indicates the administration's determination to assert federal authority in response to the riots. The president characterized his actions as necessary to "liberate" Los Angeles, language that has intensified the political divisions surrounding the crisis.
These events unfold as Musk appears to be repositioning himself after his previous criticism of Trump. The billionaire's father reportedly characterized his son's earlier "betrayal" of Trump as a "mistake," suggesting family pressure may be influencing Musk's current stance.
Violent clashes between anti-ICE protesters and law enforcement have erupted across California, prompting President Trump to demand immediate action against masked demonstrators. The unrest began over the weekend in Los Angeles and has since spread to San Francisco.
According to the New York Post, Trump took to Truth Social with forceful demands: "ARREST THE PEOPLE IN FACE MASKS, NOW!" and "Looking really bad in L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!" The president's statements came after signing a presidential memorandum to deploy 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles.
The confrontations began Saturday near a Home Depot in the predominantly Latino city of Paramount when protesters started hurling rocks and cement at Border Patrol vehicles following ICE enforcement operations. Federal agents responded with tear gas, flash bang explosives, and pepper balls in attempts to control the situation.
By Sunday, the protests had intensified, with approximately 2,000 demonstrators taking over a major highway in downtown Los Angeles. Rioters set self-driving cars ablaze and launched fireworks at police officers in chaotic scenes that overwhelmed local law enforcement.
The LAPD chief admitted his officers were "overwhelmed" by the violence and vandalism after three consecutive days of demonstrations. Trump referenced this in another social media post, writing that Chief Jim McDonnell had stated protesters were becoming "very much more aggressive" and that he would "have to reassess the situation" regarding military deployment.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has threatened further military intervention, warning that "if violence continues, active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized — they are on high alert." The Department of Defense indicated it had 500 Marines ready to deploy if the unrest persists.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has pushed back against the president's actions, calling the decision to deploy National Guard troops "purposefully inflammatory" and vowing legal action against the administration.
Newsom later urged protesters to remain peaceful, suggesting the federal government wanted to provoke a spectacle. This stance has intensified the already contentious relationship between California's state leadership and the Trump administration regarding immigration enforcement policies.
Trump responded by criticizing both Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, threatening that "if Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass couldn't do their jobs then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!"
The demonstrations have now reached San Francisco, where protesters have damaged buildings and violently clashed with riot police. San Francisco Police reported that two officers were injured during confrontations in the city's financial district.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie addressed the situation on social media, emphasizing his commitment to public safety while acknowledging the right to peaceful protest. "Everyone in this country has a right to make their voice heard peacefully, and local law enforcement will always protect that right and the rights of everyone in our city to be safe," he stated.
Lurie confirmed approximately 60 arrests had been made in San Francisco and condemned the violence, saying, "We will never tolerate violent and destructive behavior, and as crowds dwindled, a group that remained caused injuries to police officers, vandalized Muni vehicles and broke windows of local businesses."
The protests have heightened tensions between federal and state authorities as immigration enforcement remains a divisive political issue during Trump's presidency. The violent demonstrations represent one of the most significant challenges to his administration's immigration policies.
The confrontations in Los Angeles have resulted in property damage, including burned vehicles, vandalized businesses, and disrupted transportation. Images from the scene show protesters waving Mexican flags amid smoke and flames from burning cars, including autonomous Waymo vehicles that were targeted and set ablaze.
As the situation develops, Trump continues to pressure local officials to accept federal intervention. The president's demands for arrests of masked protesters and deployment of military forces underscores his administration's hardline approach to immigration enforcement and civil unrest.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has issued a stern warning to California Governor Gavin Newsom after the Democrat threatened to withhold federal tax payments amid an escalating dispute over transgender athletes in school sports. The confrontation began when President Donald Trump vowed to impose "large scale fines" on California for allowing a biological male to compete in girls' sports competitions.
According to Fox Business, Bessent condemned Newsom's suggestion as "extremely reckless" and warned that such actions would constitute criminal tax evasion, potentially leaving California residents and businesses liable for unpaid federal taxes.
The dispute centers on transgender athlete AB Hernandez, who recently won first place in the girls' high jump and triple jump events at the California state competition while taking second in the long jump. California's Interscholastic Federation had amended its rules to accommodate transgender athletes by allowing four finalist spots instead of three in events where Hernandez earned medals.
Trump triggered the confrontation with a post on Truth Social, declaring, "A Biological Male competed in California Girls State Finals, WINNING BIG, despite the fact that they were warned by me not to do so." The president added that Governor "Gavin Newscum fully understands, large scale fines will be imposed!"
Newsom responded by threatening to withhold California's substantial contribution to federal coffers. "Californians pay the bills for the federal government," Newsom wrote on X. "We pay over $80 BILLION more in taxes than we get back. Maybe it's time to cut that off, @realDonaldTrump."
Bessent quickly moved to counter Newsom's threat, posting on X that such actions would constitute tax evasion and defraud American taxpayers. The Treasury Secretary wrote that he was "certain most California businesses know that failing to pay taxes owed to the Treasury constitutes tax evasion and have no intention of following the dangerous path Governor @GavinNewsom is threatening."
Bessent's warning to California officials was particularly pointed, suggesting they could face personal consequences for following through on Newsom's threat. His message targeted state officials specifically, including payroll managers who might be involved in implementing such a policy.
"I would warn state officials, including payroll managers, that federal law attaches personal liability to an attempt to evade or defeat tax," Bessent stated in his social media post, elevating the stakes for any California official who might consider implementing Newsom's suggestion.
Instead of pursuing what he called "criminal tax evasion," Bessent suggested California adopt tax policies more aligned with Trump's approach. "Governor Newsom should consider a tax plan for California that follows the Trump Tax Cuts model and reduces the onerous state tax burden to allow families to keep more of their hard-earned money," he advised.
The California Interscholastic Federation's accommodation for transgender athletes has already drawn federal scrutiny. The Department of Justice has launched a probe into potential Title IX violations regarding California's policy on transgender athletes in girls' sports.
This federal investigation comes in addition to an ongoing Department of Education inquiry that began in February. The multiple federal investigations highlight the growing tension between state and federal authorities over the issue of transgender athletes participation in school sports.
The recent state competition showcased the Federation's compromise approach. Hernandez had to share podium spots with female athletes who finished one position behind after the finals on Saturday, a temporary change that granted female athletes qualification and podium finishes they would have earned had a biological male not competed.
The unprecedented threat to withhold federal tax payments marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and California. Newsom's suggestion that the state might leverage its substantial federal tax contributions represents a novel approach to state resistance.
California's economic power gives particular weight to Newsom's threat. The state recently overtook Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, underscoring its financial significance both nationally and globally. This economic clout has emboldened California's leadership in challenging federal policies.
Bessent's characterization of Newsom's proposal as "extremely reckless" highlights the Biden administration's view that such actions would cross a fundamental line in federal-state relations, potentially triggering a constitutional crisis over tax authority and collection.