In a dramatic shift at the U.S.-Mexico border, President Trump's administration has implemented stringent measures to address illegal immigration.
According to Breitbart, the administration has achieved a remarkable 99.99 percent reduction in "catch and release" cases, with only 20 migrants being released into the U.S. interior during February 2025, compared to approximately 200,000 in December 2023 under the Biden administration.
The stark decline in catch-and-release numbers represents a significant victory for Trump's border security agenda. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the administration's tough stance on illegal immigration has successfully deterred unauthorized border crossings, marking a fundamental shift in border control policy.
The administration's approach has dramatically altered the likelihood of migrants being released into the United States after apprehension. Statistical analysis shows that the chances of catch and release have plummeted from 778 per 1,000 border crossers in December 2023 to merely 2 per 1,000 in February 2025.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated:
You can't get much better than that … thanks to President Trump, operational control of the border is becoming a reality. Illegal aliens are finally getting the blunt message: If you cross the border illegally, you will be swiftly deported and never return to the United States of America.
The administration's success stems from a comprehensive strategy focusing on strict enforcement and expanded detention capabilities. These measures have contributed to the dramatic reduction in unauthorized entries and subsequent releases.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) system currently operates at maximum capacity, housing approximately 48,000 illegal aliens in various facilities across the country. This represents a significant increase in detention capabilities compared to previous years.
Plans are underway to further expand the system's capacity through the reopening of a facility in Newark, New Jersey. This expansion will add 1,000 additional beds to accommodate detained individuals awaiting processing or deportation.
The administration views these detention facilities as crucial components of their enforcement strategy. They serve as both deterrents to potential border crossers and practical solutions for managing apprehended individuals.
The dramatic reduction in catch-and-release statistics demonstrates the effectiveness of Trump's hardline immigration policies. These policies prioritize immediate deportation over temporary release into the United States.
Immigration enforcement officials attribute the success to a combination of strict border control measures and enhanced detention capabilities. The approach has fundamentally altered the dynamics of illegal border crossings.
The Trump administration's border control initiatives have resulted in an unprecedented 99.99 percent reduction in catch and release cases at the U.S.-Mexico border. February 2025 saw only 20 migrants released into the U.S. interior, marking a dramatic decrease from the approximately 200,000 releases recorded in December 2023 under the previous administration.
These changes stem from a comprehensive strategy combining enhanced detention capabilities, strict enforcement policies, and clear messaging about the consequences of illegal entry. The administration continues to expand its detention facilities, with plans for additional capacity in Newark, New Jersey, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining these heightened enforcement levels.
President Donald Trump's ongoing feud with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell intensifies as concerns over monetary policy and political bias emerge.
According to Breitbart News, Trump launched a scathing critique of Powell on Truth Social, labeling him a "major loser" and questioning the timing of his rate decisions, particularly during election periods.
The president's criticism follows Powell's recent statements about potential interest rate hikes, citing inflation risks connected to Trump's newly implemented tariffs. The Fed chairman expressed concerns about challenges in balancing employment levels and inflation control under the current economic conditions.
Powell warned that Trump's tariff policies could create economic tensions, potentially forcing the Federal Reserve to navigate between maintaining employment and controlling inflation. His comments drew immediate criticism from the administration's economic advisers.
The White House response took a decisive turn when economic adviser Kevin Hassett confirmed on Sunday that the administration is exploring options to remove Powell from his position. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the executive branch and the Federal Reserve.
Trump's Truth Social post directly addressed Powell's historical performance, with the president stating:
Powell has always been 'To Late,' except when it came to the Election period when he lowered in order to help Sleepy Joe Biden, later Kamala, get elected. How did that work out?
The confrontation raises questions about the Federal Reserve's independence from political influence. Powell has maintained his position regarding presidential authority, stating he would not voluntarily step down if asked.
The tension between Trump and Powell reflects broader disagreements over monetary policy direction. While many experts advocate for pre-emptive rate cuts, Powell's stance suggests a more cautious approach.
The Federal Reserve's decisions on interest rates have become increasingly contentious as the administration pursues aggressive economic policies, including new tariff implementations.
The dispute highlights fundamental differences in economic vision between the White House and the Federal Reserve. Trump's administration emphasizes immediate economic stimulus through various policy measures.
Powell's warnings about tariff-induced inflation present a direct challenge to Trump's economic strategy. The Fed chairman's position suggests that protective trade policies might require compensatory monetary measures.
These developments occur against a backdrop of ongoing debates about the appropriate balance between fiscal and monetary policy in managing the economy.
The confrontation between President Trump and Chairman Powell has evolved into a significant challenge for both monetary policy and institutional independence. The White House's consideration of removing Powell has created uncertainty about the Federal Reserve's leadership. Powell's position on interest rates and his warnings about tariff-related inflation have put him at odds with Trump's economic agenda, leading to unprecedented public criticism from the president. The outcome of this conflict could have substantial implications for both monetary policy and the relationship between the Federal Reserve and the executive branch.
A series of controversies surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's handling of sensitive military information has thrown the Pentagon into disarray.
According to the New York Post, Hegseth shared classified details about the March 15 attack on Yemen's Houthi rebels in a Signal group chat that included his wife, brother, and personal lawyer, marking the second instance of such sensitive information being improperly disclosed.
The revelation comes just weeks after news broke about another Signal chat where Hegseth accidentally shared the same military plans with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic magazine, along with several Trump administration national secrity officials. The contents of both messages contained nearly identical information about the planned strikes against the Iran-aligned militant group.
The Defense Department has been thrust into what former Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot described as a "month from hell" in a recent Politico op-ed. Three top Pentagon officials have been placed on administrative leave amid an ongoing investigation into unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information.
Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser to Hegseth, was escorted from the Pentagon following an investigation connecting him to apparent leaks. Additionally, deputy chief of staff Dan Selnick and Colin Carroll, chief of staff to Hegseth's deputy, were also suspended from their duties.
The turnover extends to Hegseth's chief of staff, Joe Kasper, who is reportedly transitioning to a different role within the agency. Before his departure, Kasper had ordered an investigation into unauthorized disclosures of sensitive and classified information across the Department of Defense.
The scope of the leak investigation encompasses several critical areas of national security. Officials are examining unauthorized disclosures about operational plans for the Panama Canal, carrier movements in the Red Sea, Elon Musk's recent Pentagon visit, and the March pause on intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Further complicating matters, reports have emerged that Hegseth's wife, Jennifer, a former Fox News personality, has been present during sensitive meetings with foreign military officials, according to Wall Street Journal coverage.
The security breaches have attracted significant attention from Democratic lawmakers, who are calling for Hegseth's removal from his position. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his concerns on social media platform X.
Senate Democrats have intensified their criticism of the Defense Secretary, with many arguing that these repeated security breaches warrant his immediate dismissal.
The pressure on President Trump to address the situation continues to mount as more details emerge about the extent of the sensitive information shared in these private chat groups.
Democratic lawmakers argue that the integrity of national security operations has been compromised by these unauthorized disclosures, particularly given the strategic importance of the operations discussed in the leaked messages.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's position has become increasingly precarious following these multiple instances of sharing classified military plans through Signal chat groups. The ongoing leak investigation and administrative leaves have created significant leadership gaps within the Pentagon, raising concerns about the department's operational effectiveness. As pressure mounts from Democratic lawmakers and former Pentagon officials express their concerns, the Defense Department faces a critical period of scrutiny over its handling of sensitive military information and overall leadership stability.
In a dramatic turn of events last week, Peter Marocco, a key Trump administration official instrumental in efforts to overhaul USAID, was abruptly let go and denied access to the State Department premises following a meeting at the White House.
The decision, reportedly led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has ignited a storm of criticism from Trump loyalists and fueled an ongoing rift between the MAGA movement and more traditional conservative elements within the GOP, as Politico reports.
Marocco, known for his staunch dedication to President Donald Trump’s agenda, found himself out of a job without warning upon returning to the State Department. Security personnel informed him that he was no longer employed, unsettling the MAGA community and triggering vocal backlash against Rubio.
Critics within the MAGA movement directed strong disapproval toward Rubio, accusing him of undermining their objectives and displaying disloyalty to Trump’s vision. Sources indicate that the decision to terminate Marocco's employment was not made impulsively; several officials, citing reasons ranging from Marocco’s management style to policy disagreements over USAID, were involved.
Rubio, who reportedly sought approval from a senior White House aide before executing the dismissal, has come under fire for his actions. A White House official starkly described Marocco's firing as “the first MAGA world killing from inside the White House,” highlighting the sensitivity and intensity of the situation. Despite the controversy, a White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, commended Marocco’s contributions, emphasizing that President Trump and his team are grateful for his efforts and that he will continue to be a valuable figure in the MAGA movement.
While Marocco did not comment publicly following his termination, he received praise from a State Department official for his work in exposing abuses within foreign aid programs. The official expressed optimism about Marocco’s future endeavors, despite the challenges posed by his departure.
Marocco’s removal has deepened skepticism toward Rubio among MAGA supporters, who question his motives and suspect him of safeguarding USAID, as well as betraying Trump’s loyalists. The conflict underscores the persistent tension between the MAGA faction and traditional conservatives within the current administration. A central point of contention between Marocco and Rubio centered around the fate of USAID. Marocco aimed for a complete dismantling of the agency, while Rubio advocated for retaining and optimizing certain programs.
In March, Rubio announced significant cuts to USAID programs, reducing their scope by 83%. He insisted that assertions of maintaining USAID's functionality were misleading. Rubio proposed consolidating the remaining USAID operations into the State Department to enhance oversight and accountability, seemingly striving to strike a balance between dismantling and preserving.
Despite these intentions, prominent far-right influencers, such as Laura Loomer, sharply criticized Rubio, labeling him as betraying Trump loyalists. Loomer, a significant voice within MAGA circles, had previously been an advocate for firings within the National Security Council, underscoring friction between ideological factions.
Marocco, known as a "die-hard" MAGA advocate, had garnered support within the movement for his aggressive stance against USAID. However, Rubio’s past as a 2016 Trump rival and his more mainstream Republican background complicate his position. To appeal to MAGA supporters, Rubio has adopted certain hardline stances, including endorsing Trump’s immigration policies.
Some MAGA factions have supported Rubio's moves, like dismantling a State Department initiative perceived to censor conservative voices. Nevertheless, Rubio continues to tread a fine line, preserving essential aid programs while canceling others, such as the recent cessation of 139 grants worth $214 million, deemed aligned with left-leaning movements. Marocco’s tenure was not without controversy. During a previous stint at USAID in 2020, he sparked discontent among staff, resulting in a 13-page complaint memo.
A Trump administration official clarified that Marocco’s firing was a collective decision, incorporating feedback from various officials, including White House figures, who had received numerous complaints regarding his conduct.
As Rubio attempts to navigate the political landscape and maintain support, Marocco’s departure remains a focal point of division among Trump loyalists. The firing raises questions about the trajectory of U.S. foreign aid and the ongoing struggle between differing visions within the conservative movement. With Marocco’s influence still recognized, expectations of significant contributions from him in the future linger, leaving room for continued debate and political maneuvering.
President Donald Trump has announced a significant restructuring of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) as part of his administration's effort to enhance the nation's border safety.
The new council, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, now includes Fox News host Mark Levin among other notable individuals, with a focus on strengthening national security, as the Daily Mail reports.
The announcement was made by Trump, who emphasized the expertise of the newly appointed members. "I am proud to announce the formation of my revamped Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC)," he stated. Levin, a prominent figure on Fox News and an author, is the third person from the network to join Trump’s administration, showcasing the continued influence of Fox personalities in government roles.
Levin joins the HSAC as part of an ongoing trend of Trump appointing Fox News hosts to significant positions within his administration. His appointment follows those of Pete Hegseth and Sean Duffy, both former Fox News hosts who have taken on roles as Defense secretary and Transportation secretary, respectively.
The council itself has been entrusted with the critical tasks of advising on and crafting policy for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Emphasizing this mandate, Trump expressed confidence in the council's potential impact, highlighting its role in securing borders, combating illegal drug flow, and deporting dangerous criminals.
In addition to Levin, the council features recognizable names such as South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Bo Dietl, and Joseph Gruters. Each brings unique credentials to the panel. McMaster is noted for his early and staunch support of Trump during the 2016 campaign, which included delivering a keynote speech at the Republican National Convention. His presence in the council reinforces the administration’s ties with regional political figures who have been longstanding allies.
Dietl, a former NYPD detective, adds a law enforcement angle to the council’s perspective. He is also known for his appearances in media, including a notable cameo in the film The Wolf of Wall Street, indicating a well-rounded background beyond policing. Gruters, a key figure in Florida’s GOP voter registration efforts, adds political experience from a state crucial to recent national election outcomes.
Trump has articulated a robust vision for national security, one of the central themes driving the formation of the new HSAC. He envisions the council as being instrumental in "making America safe again" through its various initiatives. The council is expected to tackle critical issues, including the fight against drug trafficking and the deportation of criminals, which remain priority areas for the current administration.
The presence of Levin, who called his selection an "honor," underscores the blending of media influence with policymaking. Levin’s role aligns with that of his fellow Fox News veterans, suggesting a cohesive strategy within the administration. The significance of these appointments may reflect the administration's emphasis on media-savvy individuals capable of shaping public discourse in favor of policy initiatives.
The inclusion of such a diverse group of advisors indicates a strategic approach, leveraging various backgrounds to enhance the council’s advisory and practical capabilities. Trump's comment that the members will “do an incredible job” highlights his confidence in their collective abilities to address and alleviate national security concerns.
Under Kristi Noem's guidance, the council is poised to give structured input and develop actionable strategies, aligning with the DHS’s broader objectives. This promises to blend insights from political, media, and security sectors to form coherent, actionable security policies.
As the council begins its operations, a watchful eye will be on the initiatives rolled out under its guidance. Public and media attention will likely focus on the success of the strategic objectives outlined by Trump and Noem, particularly in reducing crime and illegal drug issues.
The revamped HSAC represents a bold step by the Trump administration to incorporate media personalities in shaping national security policy, further blurring the lines between broadcasting and governance. This development continues to reflect Trump's reliance on trusted Fox News figures, aiming to leave a legacy of robust national security policy well into his term.
Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen embarks on a controversial journey to El Salvador, triggering debates about immigration policy and use of taxpayer funds.
According to The Daily Caller, Sen. Chris Van Hollen's recent trip to El Salvador, aimed at securing the return of deported illegal immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, was likely funded by taxpayer dollars, as revealed by multiple Senate aides familiar with congressional travel protocols.
Six individuals with knowledge of congressional travel arrangements, including three current Senate aides and one former aide, indicated that Van Hollen's trip bears the hallmarks of a Congressional Member Delegation (CODEL). These official visits traditionally receive federal funding and require approval from committee chairs or Senate leadership.
Ted Cruz addressed the funding controversy during his "Verdict" podcast, acknowledging senators' prerogative to conduct international travel while criticizing the underlying mission. He emphasized that while such trips typically align with senatorial responsibilities, the attempt to repatriate an alleged MS-13 member represents questionable policy.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Jim Risch's office confirmed they did not authorize the trip. However, they noted that other committees and Democratic leadership, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, possess the authority to approve such travel arrangements.
Representatives Maxwell Frost and Robert Garcia's subsequent letter requesting their own CODEL to El Salvador referenced existing Senate authorization for CECOT travel, suggesting an established framework for such visits.
Van Hollen's efforts to meet with Abrego Garcia proved unsuccessful, with El Salvador's vice president unable to facilitate the interaction. President Nayib Bukele firmly rejected the possibility of returning Abrego Garcia during an Oval Office meeting with President Trump.
Court documents reveal that Abrego Garcia was initially detained in 2019 alongside ranking MS-13 members. Two immigration judges concurred with government assessments identifying him as a "verified member" of the gang who posed public safety risks.
Senate aide comments reflected growing frustration with the priorities demonstrated by the trip:
I wouldn't be surprised at all if Van Hollen's little PR stunt to support an illegal alien was actually paid for by hardworking Americans. Democrats like Van Hollen are more outraged by a justified deportation than they are by horrific crimes committed by criminal illegals in the U.S. This little trip is a perfect example of why Americans overwhelmingly voted for President Trump and his commonsense immigration policies.
Independent journalist Andy Ngo uncovered court documents showing that Abrego Garcia's wife had previously filed two domestic violence protection orders against him. This revelation added another layer of complexity to Van Hollen's characterization of Abrego Garcia as his "constituent."
The White House highlighted the contrast in Van Hollen's priorities by hosting Patty Morin, whose daughter Rachel was murdered by an illegal alien in Maryland. Morin expressed outrage over Van Hollen's minimal acknowledgment of her daughter's death while actively pursuing Abrego Garcia's return.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen's taxpayer-funded trip to El Salvador aimed to secure the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported individual with alleged MS-13 ties. The senator's office has not responded to inquiries about the trip's funding sources.
The controversial mission highlighted growing tensions between immigration enforcement priorities and constituent advocacy. While Van Hollen pledges to continue fighting for what he views as constituent interests, President Bukele's firm stance against returning Abrego Garcia suggests limited prospects for the senator's objectives.
A historic all-female Blue Origin space mission turned into a social media spectacle when fast-food giant Wendy's unleashed a series of sarcastic tweets targeting pop star Katy Perry.
According to the New York Post, the restaurant chain's social media team took aim at Perry after she returned from her brief journey to space alongside CBS News anchor Gayle King and Jeff Bezos' fiancée Lauren Sánchez.
The mission marked a significant milestone as the first all-female crew to visit space since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova's solo flight in 1963. The group included accomplished professionals Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, and filmmaker Kerianne Flynn.
Wendy's X account initiated the mockery by responding to news of Perry's return with a dismissive tweet asking if they could "send her back." The fast-food chain continued their commentary by referencing Perry's 2008 hit song after she was photographed kissing the ground upon landing.
When users pointed out the brief duration of the space flight, Wendy's sarcastically corrected them, emphasizing it was "11 minutes" rather than 10. The chain's social media team further quipped, "When we said women in stem this isn't what we meant."
The exchange garnered significant attention on social media platforms, with many questioning why Perry was singled out among the six-member crew.
The criticism extended beyond Wendy's, as several prominent entertainment figures expressed their disapproval of the space mission. Amy Schumer, Olivia Wilde, Emily Ratajkowski, and Olivia Munn were among those who publicly voiced their concerns about the venture.
The Blue Origin New Shepard 31 flight launched at 9:30 a.m. from the company's West Texas base. Each crew member's spacesuit featured personalized touches reflecting their careers, with Perry's outfit incorporating a fireworks design as a nod to her hit single.
Perry also brought a daisy flower aboard as a tribute to her daughter with Orlando Bloom, while Sánchez's suit included a fly symbol referencing her children's book. King's spacesuit was adorned with a microphone, representing her broadcasting career.
The debate surrounding the space flight highlighted the growing intersection of celebrity culture and space exploration. While some celebrated the historic nature of the all-female crew, others questioned the value of such brief commercial space ventures.
The incident demonstrated the evolving nature of corporate social media strategies, with Wendy's Gen Z-focused account maintaining its reputation for provocative and sarcastic commentary. The fast-food chain's response garnered both praise and criticism from social media users.
Representatives for both Wendy's and Perry have not publicly addressed the social media exchange, leaving questions about the motivation behind the targeted criticism unanswered.
The Blue Origin mission represented a significant achievement in space exploration history, bringing together six accomplished women from diverse professional backgrounds. Despite lasting only 11 minutes, the flight marked only the second time an all-female crew has ventured into space. The mission successfully concluded with the crew's safe return to Earth at Blue Origin's West Texas facility. While Wendy's social media posts may have overshadowed some aspects of the historic flight, the achievement remains a milestone in the ongoing effort to increase female representation in space exploration.