President Donald Trump announced a new travel ban on Wednesday, applying to citizens from 12 countries, with restrictions for visitors from seven additional nations. This ban is set to take effect on Monday at 12:01 a.m., aimed at preventing the chaos of the previous travel ban in 2017. The countries included in the ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The visiting restrictions will affect travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Trump linked the announcement of the travel ban to a recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, emphasizing the potential danger posed by individuals overstaying their visas. The attack's suspect, from Egypt, is not on the banned list, despite the Department of Homeland Security's confirmation that he had overstayed a tourist visa.
In a further development, Trump ordered an investigation into President Joe Biden's actions during his administration, alleging that Biden's aides concealed his "cognitive decline." This directive is seen as a significant escalation in Trump's political strategy against Biden, suggesting that numerous decisions made by Biden could be invalidated. Biden responded firmly, asserting that he alone made the decisions regarding his presidency and denouncing Trump’s claims as “ridiculous and false.” He emphasized the constitutionality of his powers, including using an autopen to sign documents.
In international affairs, Trump reported a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who communicated a strong stance regarding Ukraine's recent drone attack on Russian airfields. Trump commented that while the conversation was constructive, it is unlikely to lead to immediate peace. This interaction reflects the ongoing complexities in U.S.-Russia relations amid continuing conflict in Ukraine.
Economically, Trump's proposed tax bill is drawing scrutiny due to a Congressional Budget Office estimate that indicates it would increase the deficit by $2.4 trillion over the next decade and leave 10.9 million additional people without health insurance. Despite this, Republican leaders are pushing for its passage, proclaiming a commitment to improving the lives of the American populace, while Democrats are rallying against it. Rep. Brendan Boyle criticized the package, likening it to a "disgusting abomination."
In legal matters, a federal judge ruled that over 100 migrants sent to an El Salvador prison must be given an opportunity to challenge their deportations. The migrants had been accused of gang affiliations without proper chances to contest these claims. Judge James Boasberg expressed concerns about the integrity of the deportations, which were executed under an outdated wartime law, and called for a resolution within one week.
In a related legal case, a U.S. District Judge halted the deportation of the family of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the suspect charged in a recent firebombing attack in Boulder. This unusual measure aimed to protect the constitutional rights of Soliman's family, which has not faced criminal charges but was taken into custody by immigration officials.
Meanwhile, federal authorities arrested Daniel Park, the accomplice of a fertility clinic bomber in Palm Springs. Park was accused of supplying explosive materials and collaborating in the preparation of the bombing before fleeing to Poland. After a brief detention in New York, he waived his right to a detention hearing.
In the education sector, Trump’s initial promise to welcome foreign students to the U.S. has markedly shifted, impacting international students negatively. Policies have emerged that restrict their enrollment and admission, causing anxiety and uncertainty among this demographic. Students report feelings of fear and distress, complicating their academic experiences and foreign visits.
Health-wise, measles vaccination rates have significantly decreased in almost 80% of regions across the United States since the COVID-19 pandemic, raising alarms among health officials. A study conducted by Johns Hopkins University revealed troubling trends indicating that vaccination rates against measles are dropping and that the U.S. could be facing one of its worst years for measles outbreaks since 2000, the year measles was declared eliminated in the country.
In sports, the Edmonton Oilers secured a win over the Florida Panthers, with Leon Draisaitl scoring in overtime in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final. The match featured dramatic moments, including a comeback where the Oilers overcame a multi-goal deficit to clinch a thrilling victory.
