Trump launches strikes on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, killing 31: Live updates
President Donald Trump launched military strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The Houthi-run health ministry said that at least 31 people were killed. Trump said the strikes would continue until the Houthis stopped their attacks on shipping vessels off the coast.
“Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,” Trump said in a social media post Saturday. “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”
Meanwhile, a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration from carrying out deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which the president invoked against members of a Venezuelan gang earlier Saturday.
Chief Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order on deportations under wartime law on Saturday night. This order blocks the deportation of any non-citizens in custody and facing removal under the Alien Enemies Act for at least 14 days.
Key Points
Judge temporarily blocks Trump’s deportations under Alien Enemies Act after he invoked it against Venezuelan gang
Trump drafts three-tier U.S. travel ban which now targets 43 countries: report
What is the Alien Enemies Act of 1798? The wartime law that Trump invoked to speed up deportations
Trump orders strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and issues new warning to Iran
Voice of America journalists put on administrative leave
South African ambassador expelled from US called a ‘race-baiting politician’ by Marco Rubio
Republican says he wishes Trump's executive orders were legislation
17:26 , Gustaf Kilander
How Trump could ‘dismantle’ decades of work to fix discrimination against Black farmers
17:00 , Gustaf Kilander
For John Boyd, Jr., a farmer and civil rights activist, the first months of the Trump administration have felt like déjà vu of the worst kind.
“It’s just like going back in time,” Boyd, founder of the National Black Farmers Association, told The Independent.
Boyd is a fourth-generation farmer who raises corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock in Virginia. He has spent years lobbying Congress and fighting in the courts to correct the federal government’s well-documented, longstanding exclusion of Black farmers from loans, subsidies, and other forms of support.
“He's totally dismantled the work I've been doing for the last 40 years,” Boyd said of Trump. “I don’t think people understand the magnitude.”
Through changes large and small, the Trump administration looks set to drastically alter the direction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a federal agency that has in recent years dispersed billions trying to make up for a long legacy of racial discrimination in farming.
Josh Marcus has the story:
Trump could ‘dismantle’ decades of work to fix discrimination against Black farmers
Trump envoy says there'll likely be a call between Trump and Putin this week
16:14 , Gustaf Kilander
Canada to review the purchase of F-35 fighter planes in light of Trump trade war
16:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Rob Gillies writes:
New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has asked his defense minister to review the purchase of America’s F-35 fighter jet to see if there are other options “given the changing environment," a spokesman for the minister said Saturday.
Laurent de Casanove, Defense Minister Bill Blair’s press secretary, said the contract to purchase U.S. military contractor Lockheed Martin's F-35 currently remains in place and Canada has made a legal commitment of funds for the first 16 aircraft.
But Canada agreed to buy 88 F-35’s two years ago. Carney, who was sworn in on Friday, has asked Blair to work with the military “to determine if the F-35 contract, as it stands, is the best investment for Canada, and if there are other options that could better meet Canada’s needs," he said.
Read more:
Canada to review the purchase of F-35 fighter planes in light of Trump trade war
Pastor details taking fight to the Trump administration to get her student loans forgiven. All from her hospice bed
15:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Mike Bedigan writes:
Pastor Eva Steege planned to meet with officials from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on February 10 hoping to get $15,000 of student debt forgiven. She was under the nation’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program that is designed to give loan relief to people who participate in public service.
In Steege’s case she used the money to fund her seminary training.
But the day before her meeting, Steege learned that President Donald Trump – with help from Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency – had taken steps to shut down the CFPB - the agency that was supposed to help her with the Department of Education and eliminate the debt.
To make matters worse, Steege was battling advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She was given just six months to live and now lives in hospice care.
“We're caught in the backwash of what Trump is trying to do with the CFPB… [he] wants to reduce waste fraud and abuse, but there's no waste fraud and abuse here,” Steege, 83, and her husband, Ted, told The Independent.
Read more:
Pastor in lawsuit over CFPB closure talks fighting the Trump administration
‘They ruined this place’: JD Vance and Usha Vance jeered as they attend concert
14:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Holly Patrick writes:
JD Vance Usha Vance were booed by a crowd as they attended a concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C, on Thursday, 13 March.
The US vice president and second lady were jeered as they sat down to watch the National Symphony Orchestra.
The venue has been in upheaval since Donald Trump forced out its leadership and took over as chair of the board of trustees. His decision to do so is part of his broad campaign against “woke” culture.
The Kennedy Center, supported by government money and private donations, attracts millions of visitors every year.
Elon Musk-led Tesla sends Trump letter raising concerns about tariffs
13:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Kelly Rissman writes:
Tesla, whose CEO Elon Musk is a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, has wrote a letter to the the U.S. Trade Representative voicing concerns over retaliatory tariffs.
In recent weeks, Trump has fueled a trade war with Canada, Mexico and China by imposing tariffs on the U.S.’s largest trading partners. These countries have imposed retaliatory tariffs in response.
It’s not immediately clear if Musk, who as the Department of Government Efficiency boss has been carrying out mass layoffs and slashing government contracts, was involved in the letter. The Independent has reached out to Tesla for comment.
In the unsigned letter on Tesla letterhead, dated March 11, the electric vehicle manufacturer wrote to Ambassador Jamieson Greer about its concerns that it could be “exposed” to retaliatory tariffs.
Read more:
Elon Musk-led Tesla sends Trump letter raising concerns about tariffs
Donald Trump stares down reporter after microphone hits his face
12:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Holly Patrick writes:
Donald Trump stared down a reporter whose microphone hit him in the face as he spoke to journalists before departing for Mar-a-Lago on Friday, 14 March.
The president was speaking about Gaza to a group of press at Joint Base Andrews when a boom microphone made contact with his face.
Mr Trump looked towards the group of journalists before raising his eyebrows at the incident.
The Republican remarked, "She just became a big story tonight," seemingly referring to the reporter.
Judge temporarily blocks Trump’s deportations under Alien Enemies Act after he invoked it against Venezuelan gang
11:15 , Sonal Hayat
A federal judge has temporarily blocked Donald Trump’s administration from carrying out deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which the president invoked against members of a Venezuelan gang earlier Saturday
Judge temporarily blocks Trump’s deportations under Alien Enemies Act
How Trump’s ‘America First’ MAGA movement turned the Republican Party into an ‘arm of the Kremlin’
11:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Joe Sommerlad writes:
Donald Trump’s Oval Office attack on Ukraine’s president last month appeared to mark a very public realignment of America’s sympathies - away from Europe and towards Russia in a manner that few could have imagined during the Cold War years.
The Republican Party, now dominated by Trump’s “America First” MAGA movement, once considered the former Soviet Union “the evil empire” under Ronald Reagan and relished its collapse.
Today, the GOP stands accused of parroting Vladimir Putin’s rhetoric and some even refuse to admit the plain fact that Moscow began the war by invading its neighbor.
Read more:
How ‘America First’ MAGA turned the Republican Party into an ‘arm of the Kremlin’
Elon Musk attended a comedy show with ‘eight guys carrying AK-47s,’ says Jimmy Carr
10:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Greg Evans writes:
Jimmy Carr has reflected on the time Elon Musk attended one of his comedy shows with a group of heavily armed men.
Musk is no stranger to comedians having had run-ins with the likes of Bill Burr, Kathy Griffin and Chloe Fineman as of late.
Although he appears to be at odds with some people in the comedy world the same can’t be said for Carr. Shortly after Musk’s “Nazi salute” controversy at Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration, Carr defended the Tesla CEO during a stand-up gig in Washington DC.
“For the record, Elon Musk is not a f**king Nazi. It’s just the internet goes ‘he’s a Nazi’ almost immediately. He’s a f**king genius. And Neal Brennan, my friend pointed this out brilliantly, if you’re a genius...there’s a little Salt Bae of f**king crazy that comes with it. He’s maybe a little bit crazy but he’s not a f**king Nazi. He’s alright. I’ve met him. He’s a very nice fella. Great sense of humour.”
Speaking to The Telegraph, Carr recalled an encounter with Musk when the billionaire attended a television performance of his in Los Angeles in 2016.
Read more:
Elon Musk attended a comedy show with ‘eight guys carrying AK-47s,’ says Jimmy Carr
‘Honk if you hate Elon’: Protests against Musk’s Tesla spread to London
09:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Protests against Elon Musk’s Tesla spread to London this week, calling for people to boycott the company.
Demonstrators gathered outside the Tesla centre in Park Royal, west London, on Saturday (15 March), holding up banners that read “Honk if you hate Elon.”
It followed a Just Stop Oil protest on Wednesday. Two protesters were arrested after pouring orange powdered paint over a robot at a shop in Shepherd's Bush, the Metropolitan Police said.
Organisers are encouraging Tesla owners to sell their cars and for people to dump stock amid calls for a boycott over Musk's close ties with US president Donald Trump.
Tesla has been a target of protests and vandalism in America in recent weeks.
Alexander Butler has the story:
‘Honk if you hate Elon’: Protests against Musk’s Tesla spread to London
Trump drafts three-tier U.S. travel ban which now targets 43 countries: report
08:00 , Gustaf Kilander
President Donald Trump appears to have expanded the scope of the travel ban from his first term to include 43 countries, according to a report.
Although Trump failed to reintroduce the “travel ban” on “day one” of his second term, as he promised, he did issue an executive order on January 20 directing cabinet members to draft a list of countries that should face full or partial travel restrictions because their "vetting and screening information is so deficient" within 60 days. Now, with that deadline approaching, a draft list of proposed countries banned from traveling to the U.S. is circulating, the New York Times reported.
It was developed by the State Department weeks ago, officials familiar with the matter told the outlet, who cautioned it will likely undergo changes by the time the White House gets ahold of it.
Kelly Rissman has the story:
Trump drafts three-tier U.S. travel ban which now targets 43 countries
DOGE approval ratings tank with nearly 60% of Americans unhappy, poll finds
07:00 , Gustaf Kilander
A surging portion of American voters are dissatisfied with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new poll has revealed.
Sixty percent of registered voters disapprove of how DOGE has dealt with federal government employees amid massive job cuts, reports a fresh Quinnipiac University survey.
In addition, 54 percent of respondents agreed with the statement that DOGE was doing “more damage than good” to America.
Only 36 percent of respondents support the world’s richest man’s brash measures slashing federal departments and jobs.
Madeline Sherratt has the story:
DOGE approval ratings tank with nearly 60% of Americans unhappy, poll finds
Critics warn staff cuts at federal agencies overseeing US dams could put public safety at risk
06:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Martha Bellisle writes:
Trump administration workforce cuts at federal agencies overseeing U.S. dams are threatening their ability to provide reliable electricity, supply farmers with water and protect communities from floods, employees and industry experts warn.
The Bureau of Reclamation provides water and hydropower to the public in 17 western states. Nearly 400 agency workers have been cut through the Trump reduction plan, an administration official said.
“Reductions-in-force” memos have also been sent to current workers, and more layoffs are expected. The cuts included workers at the Grand Coulee Dam, the largest hydropower generator in North America, according to two fired staffers interviewed by The Associated Press.
Read more:
Critics warn staff cuts at federal agencies overseeing US dams could put public safety at risk
After Columbia arrests, international college students fall silent
05:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Jocelyn Gecker writes:
In the span of a week, a hush has descended on higher education in the United States.
International students and faculty have watched the growing crackdown on pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University with apprehension. Some say they are familiar with government crackdowns but never expected them on American college campuses.
The elite New York City university has been the focus of the Trump administration's effort to deport foreigners who took part in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at colleges last year.
Federal immigration agents have arrested two foreigners — one of them a student — who protested last year at Columbia. They've revoked the visa of another student, who fled the U.S. this week. Department of Homeland Security agents also searched the on-campus residences of two Columbia students on Thursday but did not make any arrests there.
Read more:
After Columbia arrests, international college students fall silent
Head of Trump’s antisemitic task force shares antisemitic tweet about ‘Jew cards’
04:00 , Gustaf Kilander
The head of Donald Trump’s task force on antisemitism has shared a white nationalist’s quip about the president revoking “Jew cards.”
The startling share comes even as Trump threatens to deport or arrest university students protesting on behalf of war-torn Gaza, implying such actions are antisemitic.
Former Fox News contributor Leo Terrell, who now heads the Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, shared the post by white nationalist Patrick Casey earlier this week chortling that Trump can “revoke someone’s Jew card.”
Read more from Mary Papenfuss:
Head of Trump’s antisemitic task force shares post about ‘Jew cards’
U.S. military strikes in Yemen reportedly kill at least 24
03:26 , Graeme Massie
President Donald Trump launched military strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, reportedly killing at least 24 people.
Reuters reported that the Houthi-run health ministry said that 13 civilians were killed in the capital Sanaa. At least 11 others were killed in the northern province of Saada, according to the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV.
Trump said the strikes would continue until the Houthis stopped their attacks on shipping vessels off the coast.
“Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,” the president said in a social media post on Saturday. “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”
White House releases pictures of Trump watching Yemen strikes
03:15 , Graeme Massie
“President Trump is taking action against the Houthis to defend US shipping assets and deter terrorist threats,” the White House posted on X.
“For too long American economic & national threats have been under assault by the Houthis. Not under this presidency.”
COMMENT: How a Meta exposé reveals a disturbing truth about Mark Zuckerberg
03:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Chris Blackhurst writes:
There is no greater proponent of freedom of expression than Mark Zuckerberg. The Meta boss sits atop a digital empire used by 3 billion worldwide or, as the company likes to say, “empowers them to share ideas and offer support”. His domain covers Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. Truly, he is a king of the age.
Enabling folk to say what they want is at the heart of his success. It’s how he has amassed his fortune, providing platforms and networks for the exchange of views, thoughts, experiences, opinions. They’re monitored, but he tries to keep the checks and balances down – otherwise users would look elsewhere. Every time regulators try to impose something heavier, there is kickback. Increasingly, thanks to his new pal, Donald Trump – Zuckerberg was given star billing at the inauguration along with the other tech bros and he was co-host at that evening’s presidential ball – he is in his pomp, an untouchable global master.
Read more:
How a Meta exposé reveals a disturbing truth about Mark Zuckerberg
VOICES: Putin has given Trump a clear message – he still wants to win
02:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Jon Sopel writes:
Tuning into some Fox News coverage the other day, there was a British commentator who lives in the US proclaiming that whatever the latest apparent snafu from Donald Trump, people should have no doubts. He is a chess grandmaster, the man who can see around corners, the tactician supreme.
There is of course another view, and that is that the president is a clueless blowhard who makes it up as he goes along – a man of endless tactical manoeuvres with no overarching strategy.
When it comes to Ukraine, I can’t decide. The démarche with Zelensky in the White House was hideous; the pressure the US put on Ukraine has been so asymmetric. In his call with Putin the other week, Trump says you can keep the land you’ve got, we won’t let Ukraine join NATO, we’ll look at easing sanctions and we’ll stop cyber-ops against you. With Kyiv he beats them around the head, stops defence assistance and intelligence cooperation until they surrender to his wishes.
Read more:
Putin has given Trump a clear message – he still wants to win
SpaceX finally launches after scrubbing mission days ago to replace astronauts who have been in space for months
01:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Following a scrubbed launch on Wednesday, NASA and SpaceX launched four astronauts to the International Space Station Friday evening.
The Crew-10 mission lifted off from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft.
The mission includes NASA’s Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos’ Kirill Peskov. They have already boarded the Dragon capsule.
“Take two,” McClain wrote in a post on social media before the launch.
Read more from Julia Musto:
SpaceX launches after scrubbing mission to replace Crew-9 astronauts
Who is Mark Carney, former central banker, who is replacing Justin Trudeau as prime minister of Canada?
00:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Mark Carney, Canada’s newly elected prime minister and head of the country’s Liberal Party, faces a war on two fronts.
To the south, the former governor of the UK’s Bank of England has to contend with the Trump administration, which has threatened then postponed crippling 25 percent tariffs on Canada, as well as taunted the country with the outlandish possibility of making it the 51st U.S. state.
Internally, Carney faces likely imminent federal elections, where he will need to convince Canadians he is different enough from his Liberal predecessor Justin Trudeau, but remains the best person, affiliated with the best party, to helm the country.
Here’s Josh Marcus and Millie Cooke:
Who is Mark Carney, former central banker replacing Justin Trudeau?
Judge temporarily blocks Trump’s deportations under Alien Enemies Act after he invoked it against Venezuelan gang
Saturday 15 March 2025 23:58 , Katie Hawkinson
A federal judge has temporarily blocked Donald Trump’s administration from carrying out deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which the president invoked against members of a Venezuelan gang earlier Saturday.
Chief Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order on deportations under the wartime law on Saturday night. This order blocks the deportation of any non-citizens who are in custody and facing removal under the Alien Enemies Act for at least 14 days.
The decision comes in response to a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward challenging Trump’s order, which was filed hours before he signed it.
Keep reading:
Judge blocks Trump’s deportations under Alien Enemies Act
Trump administration demands Columbia make sweeping changes – or have funding cut
Saturday 15 March 2025 23:00 , Gustaf Kilander
The Trump administration has issued an unprecedented ultimatum to Columbia University, threatening to permanently revoke federal funding unless the institution relinquishes control of its international studies department and enacts sweeping policy changes.
In a letter sent on Thursday night, federal officials demanded Columbia immediately place its Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department under "academic receivership for a minimum of five years."
The administration also stipulated a ban on masks intended to conceal identity or intimidate others, the adoption of a new definition of antisemitism, and the abolishment of the university's current student disciplinary process.
These demands, described as "preconditions," are necessary, the letter stated, to initiate "formal negotiations regarding Columbia University's continued financial relationship with the United States government."
Jake Offenhartz has more:
Trump administration demands Columbia make sweeping changes – or have funding cut
‘He’s underwater on everything:’ Fox News host breaks down latest Trump approval polling
Saturday 15 March 2025 22:00 , Gustaf Kilander
President Donald Trump is “underwater on everything” when it comes to his approval ratings, a Fox News host declared Thursday.
Jessica Tarlov pointed to a new Quinnipiac poll released this week that found 53 percent of voters disapprove of the president’s second term performance.
Voters responded to questions about trade policies with China and Canada, immigration issues, foreign policies, military issues and Trump’s handling of the economy and federal workforce.
Michelle Del Rey has more:
‘He’s underwater on everything:’ Fox News host breaks down Trump approval polling
What is the Alien Enemies Act of 1798? The wartime law that Trump invoked to speed up deportations
Saturday 15 March 2025 21:15 , Gustaf Kilander
The Trump administration invoked a wartime law on Saturday to speed up the pace of deportations.
The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 gives the president broad authority to remove undocumented immigrants, but it’s only ever been invoked during actual wartime, and legal experts have said that President Trump would likely face pushback.
Venezuelan organized crime group Tren de Aragua, which is present in the U.S. and other countries, is the top target for deportation under the law, the White House said Saturday. President Donald Trump has already instructed his administration to designate the group as a foreign terrorist organization and wants to use the law to remove its members.
“I proclaim that all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are members of TdA, are within the United States, and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies,” the invocation on the White House site states.
Read more:
What is the Alien Enemies Act of 1798? The wartime law that Trump invoked
Trump invokes 18th century law to declare invasion by gangs and speed deportations
Saturday 15 March 2025 21:03 , AP
Claiming the United States was being invaded by a Venezuelan gang, President Donald Trump on Saturday invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a sweeping war time authority that allows the president broader leeway on policy and executive action, to speed up mass deportations of people in the country illegally — potentially pushing his promised crackdown on immigration into higher gear.
Trump’s declaration targets Tren de Aragua, contending it is a hostile force acting at the behest of Venezuela’s government. The declaration comes the same day that a federal judge in Washington barred the administration from deporting five Venezuelans under the expected order, a hint at the legal battle brewing over Trump’s move.
Donald Trump stares down reporter after microphone hits his face
Saturday 15 March 2025 21:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Donald Trump stared down a reporter whose microphone hit him in the face as he spoke to journalists before departing for Mar-a-Lago on Friday, 14 March.
The president was speaking about Gaza to a group of press at Joint Base Andrews when a boom microphone made contact with his face.
Mr Trump looked towards the group of journalists before raising his eyebrows at the incident.
The Republican remarked, "She just became a big story tonight," seemingly referring to the reporter.
Holly Patrick has more:
Donald Trump stares down reporter after microphone hits his face
WATCH: JD Vance booed at Kennedy Center concert
Saturday 15 March 2025 20:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Why do fake Elon Musk ads keep appearing around London and on the Tube?
Saturday 15 March 2025 19:00 , Gustaf Kilander
“Tesla: The Swasticar”, reads a poster at a bus stop opposite Sadler’s Well Theatre. “Autopilot for your car. Autocrat for your country.”
First appearing around Clerkenwell in February, London has since been plastered with guerrilla advertisements comparing Elon Musk to a Nazi over recent weeks.
It was a satirical swipe at the multi-billionaire Tesla owner and world’s richest man. “We are holding Elon to account,” the group behind the poster said.
Read more from Alexander Butler:
Why do fake Elon Musk ads keep appearing around London and on the Tube?
Trump orders strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and issues new warning to Iran
Saturday 15 March 2025 18:57 , AP
President Donald Trump said he ordered a series of airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Saturday, promising to use “overwhelming lethal force” until Iranian-backed Houthi rebels cease their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor.
“Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,” Trump said in a social media post. “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”
He also warned Iran to stop supporting the rebel group, promising to hold the country “fully accountable” for the actions of its proxy.
The Houthis reported a series of explosions in their territory Saturday evening. Images circulating online show plumes of black smoke over the area of the Sanaa airport complex, which includes a sprawling military facility. The extent of the damage was not yet clear.
The airstrikes come a few days after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing in waters off Yemen in response to Israel’s blockade on Gaza. There have been no Houthi attacks reported since then.
The United States, Israel and Britain have previously hit Houthi-held areas in Yemen. Israel’s military declined to comment.
“These relentless assaults have cost the U.S. and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk,” Trump said.
Grimes calls out Elon Musk again for putting their kids in the spotlight: ‘I’ve tried legal recourse’
Saturday 15 March 2025 18:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Grimes has once again called on her former partner Elon Musk to keep their children out of the public eye.
“I have tried begging the public and my kids’ dad to keep them offline, and I've tried legal recourse,” she wrote in a post on X, adding that she feels it’s “insane to me that there’s no way to deal with this.”
The Canadian musician, 36, shares three children with the Tesla CEO, 53, who is reportedly a father of 14.
Grimes was responding to a viral fake tweet on Musk’s social media platform, X, when she was asked by another user what she was doing to “protect her children” from misinformation.
Here’s Kevin E G Perry:
Grimes calls out Elon Musk again for putting their kids in the spotlight
Voice of America journalists put on administrative leave
Saturday 15 March 2025 17:03 , Gustaf Kilander
South African ambassador expelled from US called a ‘race-baiting politician’ by Marco Rubio
Saturday 15 March 2025 17:00 , Gustaf Kilander
The United States has expelled South Africa’s ambassador, after accusing him of being a “race-baiting politician” who hates America and President Donald Trump.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that the envoy was “no longer welcome in our great country.”
“Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS. We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.”
Mr Rubio re-posted an article from the right-wing website Breitbart that quoted the envoy saying in a webinar that Trump was leading a white “supremacist” movement.
Bryony Gooch has the story:
South African ambassador expelled from US called a ‘race-baiting politician’
Protesters gathered outside Tesla dealership call for boycott
Saturday 15 March 2025 16:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Protesters gathered outside a Tesla dealership in London have called for people to boycott the Elon Musk owned electric car maker.
Organisers are encouraging Tesla owners to sell their cars and for people to dump stock.
The electric car giant has already seen shares plunge since the start of the year as the firm comes under pressure from Chinese rivals amid calls for a boycott over Musk’s close ties with US President Donald Trump and far-right causes.
George Lithgow has the story:
Protesters gathered outside Tesla dealership call for boycott
How Trump’s ‘America First’ MAGA movement turned the Republican Party into an ‘arm of the Kremlin’
Saturday 15 March 2025 15:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Donald Trump’s Oval Office attack on Ukraine’s president last month appeared to mark a very public realignment of America’s sympathies - away from Europe and towards Russia in a manner that few could have imagined during the Cold War years.
The Republican Party, now dominated by Trump’s “America First” MAGA movement, once considered the former Soviet Union “the evil empire” under Ronald Reagan and relished its collapse.
Today, the GOP stands accused of parroting Vladimir Putin’s rhetoric and some even refuse to admit the plain fact that Moscow began the war by invading its neighbor.
Joe Sommerlad has more:
How ‘America First’ MAGA turned the Republican Party into an ‘arm of the Kremlin’
ICYMI: White House asked for update after ‘retaliatory’ arrest of Columbia grad Mahmoud Khalil, his lawyers say
Saturday 15 March 2025 14:00 , Alex Woodward
An agent honored by Donald Trump during his address to Congress in 2019 was one of the officers who arrested Mahmoud Khalil in New York City, according to attorneys for the Columbia University student and lawful permanent resident who is now facing deportation for his role in pro-Palestine campus protests.
When Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents took Khalil’s biometrics after his arrest, an agent said “the White House is requesting an update,” lawyers wrote in a court filing in Manhattan on Thursday.
More details from Khalil’s arrest and detention in the latest court filings:
White House wanted update after ‘retaliatory’ arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, lawyers say
ICE is $2 billion in the hole
Saturday 15 March 2025 13:00 , Alex Woodward
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is reportedly already $2 billion short to keep up its current pace of operations through the end of this fiscal year, as it races to keep up with the Trump administration’s promises to rapidly deport millions of undocumented migrants.
Josh Marcus reports:
ICE is $2 billion in the hole – even as Trump wants to increase deportation efforts
Pete Hegseth shutters Pentagon office that helped military leaders plan for possible future wars
Saturday 15 March 2025 12:00 , Alex Woodward
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has moved to shutter the Pentagon office that helped military leaders plan for possible future wars.
A memo signed by Hegseth dated March 13 reportedly said that civil employees in the Pentagon’s Office of Net Assessment will be reassigned to other “mission critical positions” as it is dismantled. The office is often referred to as the Pentagon’s internal think tank.
After reports of the memo were published, chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell issued a statement about the “restructuring.”
Rhian Lubin reports:
Hegseth shutters Pentagon office that helped leaders plan for possible future wars
Nancy Mace sued for defamation by man she named in floor speech and accused of abuse
Saturday 15 March 2025 11:00 , Alex Woodward
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina is being sued for defamation by one of the four men she publicly accused of sexual abuse in a speech she made on the floor of the House of Representatives last month.
Ariana Baio reports:
Nancy Mace sued for defamation by man she named in floor speech and accused of abuse
Full story: Rubio declares South African ambassador to US persona non grata over speech criticizing Trump, Musk and Vance
Saturday 15 March 2025 10:00 , Alex Woodward
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is seeking to expel South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S. Ebrahim Rasool after the official criticized Donald Trump during a forum on Thursday.
Josh Marcus reports:
South African ambassador declared persona non grata after comments criticizing Trump
Arlington Cemetery scrubs info on famous Black, Hispanic, and female veterans to comply with Trump orders
Saturday 15 March 2025 09:00 , Alex Woodward
Arlington National Cemetery has purged dozens of pages of information about famous Black, Hispanic and female veterans from its website to comply with Donald Trump’s executive order purging diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the federal government.
Rhian Lubin reports:
Arlington Cemetery scrubs info on famous Black, Hispanic, and female veterans
Law launching deportation of Columbia student was condemned in 1996 by a judge – Donald Trump’s sister
Saturday 15 March 2025 07:00 , Alex Woodward
The White House has said that Mahmoud Khalil, who is not formally accused of breaking any laws, is deportable because a rarely used portion of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act lets the Secretary of State deport people deemed to risk “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.”
Khalil’s lawyers and supporters, meanwhile, argue he is being unlawfully targeted for exercising his First Amendment rights.
Thirty years ago, another figure voiced concerns over the same provision at issue today: Donald Trump’s sister, federal judge Maryanne Trump Barry.
Law fueling arrest of Columbia student was slammed by Trump’s judge sister in 1996
Analysis: Democrats revolt against Chuck Schumer’s cave to Republicans
Saturday 15 March 2025 06:00
With a majority of his caucus revolting against him and activists furious, the longtime Democratic leader faces calls to step aside or have a primary challenge, Eric Garcia writes:
Democrats revolt against Chuck Schumer’s cave to Republicans
ICYMI: Trump says he asked Putin to spare Ukrainian lives in ‘good and productive’ talks
Saturday 15 March 2025 04:00 , Alex Woodward
Trump on Friday said he’s asked Russian president Vladimir Putin to order his troops not to commit a massacre of Ukrainian soldiers who they are attempting to dislodge from the Kursk region after months of occupation by Kyiv’s forces.
Trump says he asked Putin to spare Ukrainian lives in ‘good and productive’ talks
Full story: Trump accuses the press of ‘illegal’ reporting in Justice Department remarks
Saturday 15 March 2025 03:00 , Alex Woodward
Trump continued his assault on the press in front of the nation’s top federal law enforcement officials on Friday while taking a victory lap against a justice system that failed to hold him to account.
He suggested that press coverage that criticized judges influenced their decisions in cases against him and should be “illegal.” Trump himself, however, continues to rage against judges that have blocked parts of his agenda, while his allies call for their impeachment and removal from the bench.
Newspapers “are really no different than a highly paid political operative,” Trump said.
“And it has to stop. It has to be illegal,” he said. “It’s influencing judges. It’s really changing law. And it just cannot be legal. I do not believe it is legal.”
Trump accuses the press of ‘illegal’ reporting in Justice Department remarks
ICYMI: Bomb-sniffing dogs are the latest DOGE casualty
Saturday 15 March 2025 03:00 , Alex Woodward
K-9 bomb sniffer dog units have become the latest victims of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, just as the White House celebrated a national day honoring the heroic animals.
Mike Bedigan reports:
Bomb sniffing K-9s become latest DOGE victims as Trump shares 2019 pic with hero dog