Trump's Influence on US Politics and Foreign Policy
Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence on US politics, from taunting foreign leaders and shaping primary elections to making controversial statements on immigration and foreign policy, including his stance on the ongoing Iran conflict.
Latest Developments
Details on firing of Navy secretary amid Iran war, Strait of Hormuz blockade
John Phelan, the Navy secretary, was fired by the Pentagon on Wednesday night. This leadership change occurs amid an ongoing war with Iran and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The abrupt dismissal of the Navy's top civilian official signals significant upheaval within the Department of Defense during a period of heightened military tension. CBS News senior White House and Political correspondent Ed O'Keefe is reporting on the development.
Who’s out in spring Trump administration shake-up?
The Trump administration is experiencing a significant spring shakeup, with at least five cabinet, intelligence, or military officials departing since mid-March. This marks a notable change after the first 13 months of President Trump's second term saw no major personnel shifts. The latest departure is Navy Secretary John Phelan, whose exit was announced by the Pentagon on Wednesday. This series of high-level exits indicates a period of significant personnel turnover within the administration.
Jeffries warns Democrats might not support FISA reauthorization if Patel remains atop FBI
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) warned that House Democrats might not support reauthorizing the government's warrantless spy powers if Kash Patel remains FBI Director. Jeffries has consistently criticized Patel, describing him as a partisan conspiracy theorist unfit for the role. This stance creates a potential legislative roadblock for the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a critical national security tool. The reauthorization of FISA Section 702, which allows for surveillance of non-U.S. persons abroad, typically requires bipartisan support to pass Congress.
Trump claims US has total control over strait of Hormuz after Iran seizes two container ships
President Donald Trump asserted that the US has "total control over the strait of Hormuz" and that Iran's leadership is hobbled by infighting. This claim followed Iran's seizure of two container ships by Iranian commandos in the strait. The White House's assertion appears questionable given the seizures and a Pentagon report suggesting mine clearance could take six months. The situation highlights escalating tensions in the critical shipping lane and raises concerns about the reliability of US control in the region.
Hung Cao, the former refugee who is Trump’s new acting navy secretary
Hung Cao, a Vietnam-born former refugee and veteran naval officer, has been named the Trump administration's new acting navy secretary following the sudden departure of John Phelan. Cao previously ran for federal office twice in Virginia and earned his position with the administration through campaigns marked by religious intolerance. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initially tasked Cao with modernizing base infrastructure, improving quality-of-life for sailors and marines, and raising recruiting standards. Cao has also advocated for upgrading the fleet to address new threats.
Key Facts
Donald Trump has publicly criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and rejected UK assistance in the Iran conflict.
Source: AFP / France 24, BBC News, The Hill
Trump stated he will not sign any bills into law until the SAVE Act, related to voter eligibility, passes.
Source: The Hill
His administration's EPA rollbacks inadvertently strengthened arguments for state-level climate action.
Source: The Guardian US News
Trump dismissed threats from Iranian officials, stating 'I couldn't care less' regarding the ongoing military campaign.
Source: The Hill, CBS News
He has made controversial statements about Cuba and Venezuela, and his influence is seen in primary elections.
Source: Euronews.com, NPR, The Hill
Recent Highlights
Trump taunts Starmer over Iran war and states he will not sign bills until the SAVE Act passes.
Trump dismisses threats from Iran's security chief; Polls show primary voters prioritizing ideology over electability.
Trump faces economic squeeze as Iran conflict escalates; He states he 'knocked out' 42 Iranian ships and will 'take care' of Cuba.
Full Coverage (1730 articles)
Showing 20 of 1730 articles
Details on firing of Navy secretary amid Iran war, Strait of Hormuz blockade
John Phelan, the Navy secretary, was fired by the Pentagon on Wednesday night. This leadership change occurs amid an ongoing war with Iran and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The abrupt dismissal of the Navy's top civilian official signals significant upheaval within the Department of Defense during a period of heightened military tension. CBS News senior White House and Political correspondent Ed O'Keefe is reporting on the development.
Who’s out in spring Trump administration shake-up?
The Trump administration is experiencing a significant spring shakeup, with at least five cabinet, intelligence, or military officials departing since mid-March. This marks a notable change after the first 13 months of President Trump's second term saw no major personnel shifts. The latest departure is Navy Secretary John Phelan, whose exit was announced by the Pentagon on Wednesday. This series of high-level exits indicates a period of significant personnel turnover within the administration.
Jeffries warns Democrats might not support FISA reauthorization if Patel remains atop FBI
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) warned that House Democrats might not support reauthorizing the government's warrantless spy powers if Kash Patel remains FBI Director. Jeffries has consistently criticized Patel, describing him as a partisan conspiracy theorist unfit for the role. This stance creates a potential legislative roadblock for the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a critical national security tool. The reauthorization of FISA Section 702, which allows for surveillance of non-U.S. persons abroad, typically requires bipartisan support to pass Congress.
Trump claims US has total control over strait of Hormuz after Iran seizes two container ships
President Donald Trump asserted that the US has "total control over the strait of Hormuz" and that Iran's leadership is hobbled by infighting. This claim followed Iran's seizure of two container ships by Iranian commandos in the strait. The White House's assertion appears questionable given the seizures and a Pentagon report suggesting mine clearance could take six months. The situation highlights escalating tensions in the critical shipping lane and raises concerns about the reliability of US control in the region.
Hung Cao, the former refugee who is Trump’s new acting navy secretary
Hung Cao, a Vietnam-born former refugee and veteran naval officer, has been named the Trump administration's new acting navy secretary following the sudden departure of John Phelan. Cao previously ran for federal office twice in Virginia and earned his position with the administration through campaigns marked by religious intolerance. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initially tasked Cao with modernizing base infrastructure, improving quality-of-life for sailors and marines, and raising recruiting standards. Cao has also advocated for upgrading the fleet to address new threats.
Trump’s navy secretary ousted over dispute about shipbuilding
The Trump administration fired John Phelan, its navy secretary, on Wednesday over an internal dispute about shipbuilding, making him the first service secretary to depart in the administration. Sources indicated Phelan's firing was due to poor relationships with secretary Pete Hegseth, deputy secretary of defense Steve Feinberg, and his deputy Hung Cao, alongside a Pentagon view that he was moving too slowly on shipbuilding reforms. There was also reportedly an ongoing ethics investigation into the Navy secretary’s office. Hung Cao, a former navy officer, was named acting Navy secretary following Phelan's removal.
Lockheed Martin CEO sees Trump’s Pentagon as ‘golden opportunity’ for growth
Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet stated that the Trump administration presents a "golden opportunity" for the company during an earnings call. This assessment comes as Lockheed Martin expands its contracts with the US government, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Taiclet informed investors that the company is well-positioned due to "more available resources" from the current administration. This indicates a potential increase in defense spending and government contracts for the aerospace and defense giant.
The ‘Make America Healthy Again’ Movement Is Cooling on Trump and Republicans
The "Make America Healthy Again" movement, comprised of vaccine skeptics, "organic moms," and environmental activists, is reportedly becoming disillusioned with President Trump and Republicans. These voters had previously united to help elect President Trump. Their current dissatisfaction suggests they may not participate in future elections, potentially impacting Republican turnout. This cooling sentiment among a key demographic could pose a challenge for the Trump administration's political support.
Trump to nominate David Cummins as TSA administrator, CBS News confirms
President Trump plans to nominate David Cummins as the administrator for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), according to CBS News. This decision was confirmed by a source familiar with the matter to CBS News' Nicole Sganga. The TSA administrator oversees the federal agency responsible for security at U.S. airports and other transportation hubs. Cummins' nomination will require Senate confirmation to assume leadership of the critical national security role. This move fills a key position within the Trump administration's executive branch.
Pence-aligned group blasts Trump’s reported Spirit Airlines rescue deal
An advocacy group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, Advancing American Freedom (AAF), is criticizing the Trump administration's reported plan to rescue Spirit Airlines. AAF, a conservative voice, argues against a direct bailout of Spirit, as detailed in a memo obtained by The Hill on Thursday. This opposition highlights a division within conservative circles regarding government intervention in the economy, even as President Trump leads the White House. The group's stance suggests potential internal political challenges for the administration's proposed economic policies.
Most say Supreme Court avoids anti-Trump rulings: Survey
A new Marquette School of Law national poll released Thursday indicates that a majority of respondents believe the Supreme Court is actively avoiding rulings that President Trump might refuse to obey. Specifically, 57 percent of those surveyed suggest the high court is intentionally sparing President Trump from unfavorable orders. This perception raises questions about the judiciary's independence and its relationship with the executive branch under the current administration. The survey highlights public concern regarding the potential for non-compliance with judicial decisions and its implications for the rule of law.
Trump to nominate David Cummins as TSA administrator
President Trump plans to nominate David Cummins as the next administrator for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This nomination would place Cummins in charge of the federal agency responsible for security at U.S. airports and other transportation hubs. The role is critical for overseeing national transportation security protocols and operations. Cummins's appointment would require Senate confirmation.
Trump tells BBC that King's visit could 'absolutely' help repair relations with UK
President Trump told the BBC that King Charles III's upcoming visit to the United Kingdom could "absolutely" help repair relations between the two nations. In a phone interview with the BBC's North America editor, President Trump discussed the visit and his relationship with the UK Prime Minister. This statement suggests the Trump administration views current U.S.-UK relations as needing improvement. The King's visit next week is seen as a diplomatic opportunity to strengthen ties.
DOJ settles with Trump 2016 campaign aide Carter Page over Russia probe
The Justice Department has settled a lawsuit filed by Carter Page, a 2016 campaign aide to President Trump. Page sued the DOJ in 2020, alleging errors by FBI and DOJ officials related to surveillance targeting him during the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. This settlement resolves Page's claims that he was improperly targeted by surveillance. The lawsuit stemmed from the FBI's probe into Russian interference, which involved Page as a campaign aide.
Latest spy powers proposal doesn’t have warrant requirement demanded by critics
A new draft proposal to extend the nation's spy powers does not include a warrant requirement sought by privacy advocates. An overview of this proposal, obtained by The Hill, suggests new reforms but omits the warrant provision demanded by critics across the political spectrum. This comes amidst ongoing, fluid negotiations among House Republicans regarding the extension of these powers. No final product for extending these spy powers has yet been revealed.
Trump Has Already Spent at Least $4.7 Billion Attacking Latin America
A new analysis by Brown University’s Costs of War Project reveals the U.S. military’s interventions in Venezuela and attacks on boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific have cost taxpayers at least $4.7 billion between August 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. This estimate, provided exclusively to The Intercept, includes $3.8 billion for naval deployments, notably the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group. The Department of War has refused to provide a tally of these costs, which authors Hanna Homestead and Jennifer Kavanagh say is likely an undercount. These operations, termed "Operation Absolute Resolve" and "Operation Southern Spear," have also involved 53 attacks on drug boats, killing over 180 civilians since September 2025. The Trump administration's actions, part of what President Donald Trump calls the "Donroe Doctrine," are expected to continue accumulating costs as military presence remains in the region for the foreseeable future.
Spirit Airlines in bailout discussions with Trump administration, sources say
Spirit Airlines is engaged in advanced bailout discussions with the Trump administration, according to sources familiar with the negotiations who spoke with CBS News. These discussions suggest the airline may be facing significant financial challenges, potentially exacerbated by broader economic conditions. A bailout would represent direct financial intervention by the White House to support a major airline. Kris Van Cleave reported on these developments. This situation highlights the Trump administration's involvement in stabilizing key industries.
Trump to host bash for crypto investors tied to his coin sales
President Donald Trump is scheduled to host a cryptocurrency event on April 25 at his Mar-a-Lago club for purchasers of his crypto memecoin $Trump. The event, hyped by Trump-linked Fight Fight Fight LLC, promises a luncheon with Trump as the keynote speaker. This gathering is drawing renewed criticism from Democrats and ethics watchdogs who warn of pay-to-play risks. Critics allege that President Trump is using his office for personal financial gain, breaking ethical norms. This event follows the enrichment of President Trump through sales of his memecoin while in office.
Some key groups moved toward Trump in 2024. Here’s what they think now, according to AP-NORC polls - AP News
AP-NORC polls reveal current sentiments among key demographic groups that shifted their support towards Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. These polls assess how these voters view the President and his administration's performance now, in April 2026. The findings offer insight into the stability of Trump's expanded voter base and potential implications for future political dynamics. Understanding these groups' current perspectives is crucial for analyzing the political landscape following the 2024 election.
King Charles on US mission to bolster UK's special relationship with royalist Trump - Reuters
King Charles is on a mission to the United States to strengthen the United Kingdom's special relationship with the Trump administration. This visit aims to bolster ties with President Trump, who is described as a "royalist." The initiative underscores the UK's diplomatic efforts to maintain strong alliances with the current US leadership. The engagement seeks to ensure continued cooperation between the two nations.