In a stark shift from previous policies, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's Department of Justice prepares to implement measures allowing the arrest of journalists who publish leaked government information.
According to Alternet, the controversial move follows President Trump's Truth Social post demanding investigations into major news outlets like the New York Times, ABC News, and the Washington Post for alleged election fraud, prompted by his dissatisfaction with recent poll numbers.
The policy change represents a complete reversal of media protections established during the Biden administration. ABC News first revealed the DOJ's internal memo that eliminates restrictions on prosecutors seeking reporters' records in criminal investigations, marking a significant departure from previous safeguards for press freedom.
The timing of this policy shift coincides with mounting tensions between the administration and news media. Trump's Monday morning post specifically targeted major news organizations, accusing them of election fraud amid declining approval ratings.
Amherst College professor Austin Sarat, an expert in jurisprudence and political science, warns of the serious implications this policy change carries for press freedom. He emphasizes that while no American journalists are currently imprisoned for their work, the new policy creates a concerning framework for potential prosecution.
The DOJ's approach under Bondi stands in sharp contrast to former Attorney General Merrick Garland's stance on press freedom. Where Garland implemented protections for journalists, Bondi's policy actively seeks to restrict their ability to report on government activities.
Bondi's internal memo outlines an aggressive approach toward journalists who publish leaked information. The attorney general has positioned herself as the key decision-maker in approving journalist arrests and questioning.
According to Sarat's analysis, Bondi specifically criticizes media outlets for publishing material that she claims undermines Trump's policies and harms government agencies. The new policy gives the administration unprecedented power to target journalists who report on leaked information.
Professor Sarat reveals that the attorney general's memo specifically targets news media that publishes information deemed harmful to Trump's agenda:
While no journalists are presently in jail in this country for doing their jobs, prosecuting and punishing them is a regular part of the arsenal of repressive regimes around the world. And the atmosphere for the American press is by no means friendly. April alone saw a dramatic escalation of threats.
The policy change signals a fundamental shift in how the federal government approaches press freedom. Legal experts warn this could create a chilling effect on investigative journalism and whistleblower protection.
The DOJ's new stance effectively criminalizes standard journalistic practices of reporting on leaked government information. This represents an unprecedented expansion of executive power over the press.
Bondi's memo gives her direct authority over journalist arrests, as evidenced by this statement from Sarat:
Calling such activity Illegal and immoral, the attorney general said she would be personally responsible for approving 'efforts to question or arrest members of the news media.' There you have it. Journalists are put on notice that if they publish leaked material that 'undermine(s) President Trump's policies,' they may be arrested.
The Trump administration's Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi has rescinded Biden-era protections for journalists, creating a framework to potentially arrest reporters who publish leaked government information. This policy shift follows President Trump's social media post calling for investigations into major news outlets over their coverage and polling data, marking a significant escalation in the administration's approach to press relations. The new policy gives Bondi direct authority to approve journalist arrests, particularly targeting those who publish information deemed harmful to Trump's agenda.
Upheaval strikes the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division as more than 100 attorneys resign following the announcement of new priorities under President Trump's administration.
According to ABC News, newly confirmed DOJ Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon revealed the substantial exodus of attorneys occurred after the division communicated its shifting focus away from voting rights and police reform toward culture war priorities championed by President Trump.
The dramatic transformation of the historic division, established during the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s, reflects the administration's commitment to redirect resources toward investigating anti-Christian bias, challenging transgender athlete participation in women's sports, and withdrawing from previous voting rights litigation.
Dhillon's appointment as Assistant Attorney General marks a significant departure from Biden-era policies. The division's new leadership, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, has outlined plans to pursue legal action against states permitting transgender athletes in women's sports.
The administration has already begun implementing these changes by withdrawing from a Biden-era lawsuit challenging Georgia's voting laws. Additionally, a new task force has been established to investigate claims of anti-Christian discrimination.
Dhillon, speaking to conservative host Glenn Beck, expressed her perspective on the mass departures, stating:
What we have made very clear last week in memos to each of the 11 sections in the Civil Rights Division is that our priorities under President Trump are going to be somewhat different than they were under President Biden. And then we tell them, these are the President's priorities, this is what we will be focusing on — you know, govern yourself accordingly. And en masse, dozens and now over 100 attorneys decided that they'd rather not do what their job requires them to do.
Democratic lawmakers have responded to the division's transformation with concern. A group of top Democrats sent a letter to DOJ leadership and Inspector General Michael Horowitz expressing alarm over what they view as politicization of the civil rights division.
The mass resignations have created significant staffing challenges for the division. Dhillon acknowledged the need to recruit new attorneys to pursue the administration's priorities, particularly regarding actions targeting Harvard University.
Dhillon addressed the staffing situation in stark terms:
We don't want people in the federal government who feel like it's their pet project to go persecute, you know, police departments based on statistical evidence or persecute people praying outside abortion facilities instead of doing violence. That's not the job here. The job here is to enforce the federal civil rights laws, not woke ideology.
The Civil Rights Division faces a critical transition period as it works to rebuild its staff. Dhillon has emphasized the need for additional lawyers and investigators to implement the administration's new agenda effectively.
The division's transformation reflects broader changes in federal civil rights enforcement under President Trump's leadership. The focus has shifted from traditional civil rights concerns to addressing conservative cultural priorities.
The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division experienced an unprecedented departure of over 100 attorneys following Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon's announcement of new priorities aligned with President Trump's agenda.
The division's dramatic shift away from voting rights and police reform enforcement toward investigating anti-Christian bias and challenging transgender athlete participation marks a significant transformation in federal civil rights policy. As the administration works to rebuild the division's staff, the impact of these changes on civil rights enforcement remains a subject of intense debate between Republican leadership and Democratic lawmakers.
A high-stakes incident in the Red Sea puts military readiness to the test as a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier faces multiple challenges during its deployment.
According to Daily Caller, the USS Harry S. Truman lost an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet worth over $60 million overboard while reportedly taking evasive action against the Houthi fire in the Red Sea, resulting in one sailor being injured.
The incident occurred when seamen were towing the aircraft in the hangar bay and lost control, causing both the jet and a tow tractor to fall into the sea. U.S. officials confirmed that the carrier had to perform a hard turn to evade a Houthi drone and missile barrage, which contributed to the accident.
The USS Harry S. Truman's recent mishap adds to a series of operational setbacks in the region. In February, the carrier collided with a merchant vessel near Port Said, Egypt, though no injuries were reported. More concerning was a December incident where the USS Gettysburg, part of the carrier strike group, accidentally shot down another F/A-18 during Red Sea operations.
The U.S. Navy has launched an investigation into the latest incident. Despite the loss of the aircraft, military officials emphasize that the carrier strike group maintains full operational capability.
The strike group consists of the flagship Harry S. Truman, nine squadrons from Carrier Air Wing 1, three guided-missile destroyers, and the cruiser USS Gettysburg. This robust formation continues to project American military presence in the strategically vital Red Sea region.
President Donald Trump's recent executive order on January 22 re-designated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist group, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy toward the Yemen-based organization. This decision came shortly after Trump's return to office.
The U.S. military maintains an active campaign of strikes against Houthi positions in response to their continued threats to maritime navigation. These operations aim to protect international shipping lanes and maintain regional stability.
The Houthis have shown increasing boldness in their attacks on military and civilian vessels. Their claimed missile and drone attack on the USS Truman represents a significant escalation in their confrontational stance.
The loss of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, while primarily a financial setback, raises questions about operational procedures during combat maneuvers. The Navy's dual challenge of maintaining safety protocols while responding to hostile threats highlights the complex nature of modern naval operations.
The incident demonstrates the real-world risks faced by carrier strike groups operating in contested waters. It also underscores the importance of maintaining readiness while dealing with both conventional operational hazards and asymmetric threats.
The ongoing presence of U.S. naval forces in the Red Sea remains crucial for regional security despite these operational challenges. The Navy's commitment to freedom of navigation operations continues unabated.
The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group faces mounting challenges in the Red Sea as Houthi forces continue their aggressive actions. The loss of a $60 million F/A-18 Super Hornet and a tow tractor during evasive maneuvers represents significant material damage, though fortunately, resulted in only one minor injury. The incident, occurring during routine aircraft handling operations, was complicated by the carrier's need to execute emergency maneuvers to avoid incoming Houthi missiles and drones.
The high-profile case of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, takes another turn in the legal system.
According to Newsweek, the Supreme Court declined on Monday to review an appeal seeking the dismissal of two charges against Read, whose retrial is currently taking place in Massachusetts following last year's mistrial.
The appeal centered on Read's legal team's argument that murder and leaving the scene charges should be dismissed based on jurors' alleged unanimous agreement to acquit her of these charges during deliberations in the first trial, though this decision was never officially announced in court before the mistrial declaration.
Read's attorneys, Michael Pabian and Martin G. Weinberg, filed the petition on April 1, contending that retrying their client on these charges would violate the Fifth Amendment's protection against double jeopardy. They emphasized the unusual circumstance of multiple jurors directly contacting defense counsel about their intent to acquit.
First Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Lara Montecalvo previously rejected this argument in March, stating that no formal ruling or acquittal had taken place during the first trial.
The Supreme Court's decision to not hear the appeal came without comment, listing Read's case among several others declined for review.
The current proceedings have focused heavily on digital evidence, particularly regarding a controversial Google search made by Jennifer McCabe, a friend of O'Keefe.
Ian Whiffin, a digital forensics examiner at Cellebrite, provided testimony about the timing of McCabe's search for "how long to die in the cold." While the defense claims the search occurred at 2:27 a.m., Whiffin supported the prosecution's timeline, confirming the search was made at 6:23 a.m.
The timing of this search has become a crucial point of contention, as McCabe previously testified that she conducted the search at Read's request around 6:20 a.m.
Read faces three serious charges: second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death. The charges stem from allegations that she fatally struck O'Keefe with her car in 2022.
The prosecution has presented testimony from various witnesses, including paramedics, O'Keefe's friends and mother, a doctor, and a digital forensics expert from Massachusetts State Police.
A parallel civil case adds another layer to the legal proceedings, with O'Keefe's estate filing a wrongful death lawsuit against Read, though these proceedings have been temporarily suspended pending the outcome of the criminal case.
Karen Read's retrial continues in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts, where she faces potential life imprisonment if convicted of murder. The case stems from the January 2022 death of John O'Keefe, a 16-year veteran of the Boston Police Department. The trial is expected to last between six and eight weeks, with testimony from key witnesses ongoing and digital evidence playing a crucial role in establishing the timeline of events surrounding O'Keefe's death.
A CBS survey measuring public sentiment on President Donald Trump's immigration policies has sparked renewed discussions about the administration's approach to deportation.
According to Breitbart, a recent CBS poll involving 2,365 adults shows that 56 percent of Americans endorse Trump's program aimed at locating and deporting individuals residing illegally in the United States.
The poll, conducted between April 23-25, revealed stark partisan divisions, with 90 percent of Republicans backing the deportation initiative while only 22 percent of Democrats expressed support. Independent voters demonstrated moderate approval, with 54 percent favoring the policy.
The survey uncovered significant differences in support across gender lines, with men showing stronger backing at 63 percent compared to women's even split of 50 percent approval and disapproval. Political ideology played a crucial role in shaping responses, as 89 percent of conservatives endorsed the program while 80 percent of liberals opposed it.
These findings emerge just days before Trump's 100-day milestone since his January 20 inauguration. The timing of the poll's release adds weight to ongoing debates about the administration's immigration enforcement priorities.
Despite media emphasis on individual cases and challenges in implementation, the poll indicates that 53 percent of both the general population and self-identified moderates believe Trump's focus on deportation is either appropriate or insufficient.
The poll results arrive amid fluctuating approval ratings for Trump's immigration policies. A parallel Ipsos poll, conducted in partnership with the Washington Post, indicates a slight decline in support since early 2025.
According to the Ipsos data, current approval stands at 46 percent, marking a decrease from February's 50 percent. However, these numbers still represent an improvement from Trump's first term, when immigration approval ratings ranged between 35 and 40 percent.
The surveys also explored public reaction to specific cases, including that of deported Salvadoran migrant Kilar Obrego-Garcia. Despite extensive media coverage, only 42 percent of respondents supported his return to the United States.
The administration's deportation program has generated significant discussion about its impact on American communities and the economy. CBS's findings suggest that many Americans prioritize economic considerations when evaluating Trump's performance.
The poll results emerge against a backdrop of ongoing debate between immigration enforcement advocates and opposition from various stakeholders, including pro-migration lawyers, activists, and business groups.
Media coverage has often highlighted individual cases and implementation challenges, yet the survey indicates sustained public support for stricter immigration enforcement measures.
The CBS poll has revealed widespread support for President Trump's deportation program, with 56 percent of Americans backing the initiative to locate and remove individuals residing illegally in the United States. The survey exposed deep partisan divisions, with Republicans showing overwhelming support while Democrats largely opposed the measure. These findings come at a crucial moment as the administration approaches its first 100 days, with immigration enforcement remaining a central focus of Trump's policy agenda.
A former Pentagon official shares his insights about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's management style after being fired amid ongoing investigations of unauthorized information sharing.
According to The Hill, Colin Carroll, the former chief of staff to Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve A. Feinberg, discussed his observations of Hegseth's leadership during an appearance on "The Megyn Kelly Show," describing contrasting behaviors in different settings.
Carroll's termination came in the wake of a broader investigation into recent unauthorized disclosures of national security information at the Defense Department. The incident led to the suspension and removal of two of Hegseth's advisers from the Pentagon premises.
Carroll painted a picture of two distinctly different sides to Hegseth's leadership approach. During a meeting with House Freedom Caucus members, Carroll witnessed an impressive performance from the secretary regarding budget discussions.
Carroll shared his perspective on Megyn Kelly's show:
The secretary crushed that meeting. I have never seen a meeting like that. There's not a secretary in living memory that could have done as good a job with those guys. At the same time, I've seen the secretary in more internal meetings where he is super focused on, like, very, in my opinion, weird details and very agitated and kind of yelling and just, nothing's good.
The revelations about Hegseth's behavior come at a critical time for the Defense Department, as questions surface about his ability to effectively lead the organization under mounting pressure.
The Defense Secretary faces increased scrutiny following the discovery of two separate Signal group chats. The first chat involved discussions about potential military actions against Houthi rebels in Yemen, while the second included communications with family members and his personal lawyer.
Hegseth has defended his actions, maintaining that no war plans were shared in these communications. He characterized the messages in the second chat as "informal" and "unclassified."
The Trump administration continues to support Hegseth despite growing concerns from political insiders about his leadership capabilities and speculation about his future in the role.
The Defense Department has taken a strong stance in defending Hegseth's performance. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell issued a statement addressing the controversy.
Parnell emphasized Hegseth's accomplishments during the administration's first 100 days, suggesting that his achievements surpass those of most previous secretaries over their entire four-year terms. The spokesperson criticized media coverage of the situation, suggesting that news outlets were focusing on gossip while ignoring substantial departmental progress.
Colin Carroll, a former Pentagon official, was terminated last week following an investigation into unauthorized information leaks at the Defense Department. His dismissal occurred amid growing concerns about Secretary Pete Hegseth's leadership style and the controversial use of Signal group chats for sensitive communications.
The Defense Department's ongoing investigation into unauthorized disclosures of national security information has resulted in multiple staff removals and suspensions. While the Trump administration maintains support for Hegseth, questions persist about his ability to effectively lead the department through this challenging period, with speculation growing about potential leadership changes in the future.
President Donald Trump's latest executive action targets language requirements in the commercial trucking industry amid growing safety concerns.
According to Newsweek, Trump signed an executive order on Monday that mandates commercial truck drivers demonstrate English proficiency, effectively reversing a 2016 Obama-era memorandum that had relaxed enforcement of language requirements.
The order directs the Department of Transportation to strengthen inspection procedures for verifying drivers' English language skills and reviewing commercial driver's license authentication. Under the new policy, drivers who fail to meet English proficiency standards will be immediately placed out of service, marking a significant shift from the previous administration's more lenient approach.
Republican Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming played a crucial role in pushing for this policy reversal. In an April 10 letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, she cited data showing a consistent increase in fatal truck crashes since the 2016 memorandum's implementation.
The Trump administration emphasizes that English proficiency is essential for road safety, particularly for drivers navigating through challenging weather conditions and terrain. Officials argue that the ability to read road signs and communicate effectively with law enforcement and checkpoint personnel is non-negotiable.
State legislatures have also begun addressing this issue independently. Oklahoma's House of Representatives is currently considering legislation that would require all commercial motor vehicle operators within state borders to demonstrate adequate English language skills.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), representing 150,000 truckers, has expressed strong support for Trump's decision. Todd Peters of OOIDA offered this statement:
OOIDA and the 150,000 truckers we proudly represent strongly support President Trump's decision to resume enforcement of English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers. Basic English skills are essential for reading critical road signs, understanding emergency instructions, and interacting with law enforcement. Road signs save lives—but only when they're understood. That's why OOIDA petitioned the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance earlier this year to reinstate English proficiency as an out-of-service violation.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced plans to make a joint appearance with Trump to outline additional measures aimed at enhancing road safety and supporting American truckers. The administration's executive order, as shared by Breitbart News and reposted by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, states:
President Trump believes that English is a non-negotiable safety requirement for professional drivers, as they should be able to read and understand traffic signs, communicate with traffic safety officers, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station personnel, and provide and receive feedback and directions in English.
The implementation of stricter language requirements comes as part of Trump's broader initiative to establish English as the official language of the United States. The Department of Transportation will oversee the enforcement of these new standards through enhanced inspection procedures.
The policy change particularly impacts areas with high commercial truck traffic and challenging driving conditions. Wyoming and other Intermountain West states have been vocal supporters of stricter language requirements due to their unique geographic and weather-related challenges.
The move has garnered support from industry associations and safety advocates who argue that clear communication is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring efficient operations at checkpoints and weigh stations.
President Trump signed the executive order in the Oval Office at 5 p.m. on Monday, setting in motion a significant shift in commercial trucking regulations. The order represents a complete reversal of the 2016 Obama administration memo that had removed out-of-service penalties for English Language Proficiency violations.
The Department of Transportation will now begin implementing stronger inspection procedures and authentication processes for commercial driver's licenses, with immediate consequences for drivers who fail to meet the English proficiency requirements. This development aligns with broader efforts to enhance road safety and standardize communication requirements across the commercial transportation sector.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Eli Ricks created a stir during the team's White House visit to celebrate their Super Bowl LIX victory.
According to the Daily Mail, the 23-year-old NFL player took to social media platform X to express his admiration for President Donald Trump's eldest daughter Ivanka, declaring her "beautiful" and "exactly my type" after seeing her in person at Monday's ceremony.
The California native's bold comments about the 43-year-old married mother of three quickly garnered attention online, with fans responding with a mix of amusement and concern over his public declarations.
Fellow Eagles supporters had varying reactions to Ricks' candid social media posts about the First Daughter. While some fans urged him to "take a break" and "chill out," others praised his confidence level as fitting for an NFL defensive back.
Several social media users joked about the situation, with one noting, "You'll never intercept the ball if you never jump a route," in reference to Ivanka's marriage to Jared Kushner.
The comment thread highlighted the mix of humor and criticism surrounding the young player's outspoken attraction.
Beyond his comments about Ivanka, Ricks also showed support for President Trump by posting a selfie mimicking a painting depicting Trump's response to an assassination attempt, displaying his fist raised similarly to the blood-stained candidate in the artwork.
The team's White House visit saw several key players missing from the celebration. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was among the prominent absences, along with receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith.
Multiple defensive stars, including Jalen Carter, Brandon Graham, Darius Slay, Jordan Davis, Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, and CJ Gardner-Johnson, also did not attend the ceremony. Reports indicated these absences were attributed to scheduling conflicts.
The divided attendance highlighted the complex nature of White House victory celebrations in the current political climate as players navigate personal choices about participation in such events.
The Eagles' Super Bowl celebration at the White House became a focal point of attention not just for the team's achievement but for Ricks' unexpected social media commentary about the First Daughter's appearance. The young cornerback's posts created waves across social media platforms while also highlighting the delicate balance of politics and sports.
The celebration marked another chapter in the tradition of championship teams visiting the White House, though the notable absences of several star players and Ricks' viral comments overshadowed aspects of the formal ceremony.
The incident demonstrated how social media interactions can quickly transform routine championship celebrations into trending topics of public discussion.