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Trump defends Hegseth after new Signal chat revelation, says he’s ‘doing a great job.’ Follow live updates.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to reporters during the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 21, 2025 in Washington, D.C.Chip Somodevilla/Getty

The White House is expressing support for Pete Hegseth following media reports that the defense secretary created another Signal messaging chat that included his wife and brother where sensitive military information was shared.

The New York Times first reported Sunday evening that the embattled Pentagon leader shared details of a March military airstrike against Yemen’s Houthi militants that were similar to those sent in another chain with top Trump administration leaders.

“Ask the Houthis how much disfunction there is. There’s none,” Trump said on Monday. “Pete’s doing a great job. Everybody’s happy with him.”

Follow along live.


Read Harvard’s lawsuit against the Trump administration — 5:08 p.m.

By Mike Damiano and Hilary Burns, Globe Staff

In a lawsuit filed in federal court in Boston, the university’s lawyers argued that the government’s “attempt to coerce and control Harvard” violates First Amendment protections of academic freedom. They also argue the Trump administration’s actions violate federal laws and regulations by flouting the normal procedures for investigating and punishing an institution for alleged civil rights violations.

Read the complaint.

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Harvard sues Trump administration over funding freeze — 5:00 p.m.

By Mike Damiano and Hilary Burns, Globe Staff

Harvard University sued the Trump administration on Monday, alleging that the government’s campaign to alter the school’s policies while cutting off research funding is unconstitutional.

Harvard University.David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

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Wall Street sink again as Trump’s pressure on Fed erodes appeal of US assets — 4:26 p.m.

By the Associated Press

US stocks have tumbled as investors worldwide get more skeptical about U.S. investments because of Trump’s trade war and his criticism of the Federal Reserve, which are shaking up the traditional order.

The S&P 500 fell 2.4% and was 16% below its record set two months ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.5%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 2.6%.

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Big Tech stocks led the way lower ahead of earnings reports coming this week from Tesla and others. Perhaps of more concern, US government bonds and the value of the US dollar also sank.

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Student loans in default to be referred to debt collection, Education Department says — 4:24 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Currently, roughly 5.3 million borrowers are in default on their federal student loans.

Beginning May 5, the department will begin involuntary collection through the Treasury Department’s offset program, which withholds payments from the government — including tax refunds, federal salaries and other benefits — from people with past-due debts to the government. After a 30-day notice, the department will also begin garnishing wages for borrowers in default.

Already, many borrowers have been bracing for obligations coming due.

In 2020, the Biden administration paused federal student loan payments and interest accrual as a temporary relief measure for student borrowers. The pause in payments was extended multiple times through 2023, and a final grace period for loan repayments ended in October 2024.

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Trump to attend Pope Francis’ funeral — 4:23 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The president said on social media that he will be attending the pope’s upcoming funeral.

“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!”


More change at Pentagon as spokesman Sean Parnell shifts to direct support role for Hegseth — 4:06 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Parnell is moving away temporarily from his media role to more directly support the defense secretary, three US officials told the Associated Press.

The shifts are taking place as Pete Hegseth has removed five staff from his inner circle over the last week. A separate defense official disputed that Parnell’s role was substantially changing and said Parnell would continue to advise the Secretary “as he always has.”

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“It’s not a huge shakeup,” the defense official said.

All of the officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet made public.

Over the last week Hegseth has removed his aide Dan Caldwell; Colin Carroll, chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg; and Darin Selnick, Hegseth’s deputy chief of staff. Those officials were escorted out of the Pentagon as the department hunts down leaks of inside information.

Former Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot announced he was resigning last week, unrelated to the leaks. The Pentagon said, however, that Ullyot was asked to resign. A fifth close Hegseth aide, chief of staff Joe Kasper, also was transitioning to a different role.


Judge temporarily blocks NYC mayor from allowing ICE agents on Rikers Island jail — 3:37 p.m.

By the Associated Press

A New York judge has ordered city officials to temporarily halt a plan allowing federal immigration agents to operate within the Rikers Island jail complex ahead of a hearing later this week.

In a written order, Judge Mary Rosado barred the city from “taking any steps toward negotiating, signing, or implementing any Memorandum of Understanding with the federal government” before an April 25 hearing in a suit challenging the plan.

That hearing will focus on a lawsuit brought last week by the New York City Council against Mayor Eric Adams that seeks to block his recent executive order permitting US. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies to maintain office space at the jail complex.


American Oversight wants judge to declare new Hegseth Signal chat is subject to federal records law — 3:21 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The Washington-based watchdog group filed a lawsuit last month against Hegseth and other top administration officials alleging violations of the Federal Records Act and Administrative Procedure Act after it was revealed the senior Trump administration officials had used Signal to discuss a military strikes against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

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The group told the Associated Press that it will soon file an amended complaint asking a federal judge to also declare Hegseth’s separate Signal chat about the strike with a group that included his wife and brother as also subject to the federal records law and records must be preserved.

“This case concerns a clear and urgent threat to the preservation of government records, so we are asking the court to act swiftly and decisively to ensure this administration complies with the Federal Records Act,” Chioma Chukwu, interim executive director of the group, said in a statement to the AP.

The Federal Records Act requires federal officials to preserve communications related to official government business.


Transportation department bucks long-held support for ‘road diets’ — 2:56 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The Trump administration says projects that reduce the number of traffic lanes will be viewed less favorably in an upcoming round of road safety grants.

For years, federal transportation officials have embraced “road diets” as a strategy for discouraging speeders, citing a 19 percent to 47 percent decline in crashes.

The DOT now claims road diets can lead to crashes, erratic maneuvers and a false sense of security putting everyone at risk.

Often the projects involve converting four-lane local roads to three lanes — one in each direction and a shared turn lane. Advocates maintain they’re an inexpensive and supported by years of research showing safety improvements.


Supreme Court appears likely to uphold Obamacare’s preventive care coverage mandate — 2:48 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The Supreme Court seemed likely to uphold a key preventive-care provision of the Affordable Care Act in a case heard Monday.

Conservative justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett appeared skeptical of arguments that Obamacare’s process for deciding which services must be fully covered by private insurance is unconstitutional.

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The case could have big ramifications for the law’s preventive care coverage requirements for an estimated 150 million Americans. Medications and services that could be affected include statins to prevent heart disease, lung cancer screenings, HIV-prevention drugs and medication to lower the chance of breast cancer for high-risk women.


Autoparts industry seeks tariff relief from Trump — 2:22 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The US autoparts industry is asking Trump to pause his tariffs so that manufacturers have time to open domestic manufacturing.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association, which represents manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the autoparts sector, sent Trump and his top aides on trade policy a letter Monday that seeks economic relief.

In addition to a “transition period” to “re-shore” manufacturing, the group is seeking “some form of economic relief” that could include tariff exemptions for molds, tooling and machinery brought into the United States as well as tax incentives to defray the costs of doing so. The letter gives a specific example of how a Louisiana factory would struggle to manage the cost of expanding because its machinery needs to be imported from Germany or China.

Trump has imposed 25 percent tariffs on autos, though there are some protections under the USMCA North American free trade pact.


Homeland Security Secretary Noem’s purse stolen at D.C. restaurant — 2:08 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse was stolen at a Washington, D.C., restaurant on Easter night, according to department officials.

Noem’s children and grandchildren were in town for the holiday Sunday, and she had money in her purse to treat them to dinner and activities and to buy gifts, an email from Homeland Security said.

The email didn’t specify what was stolen, but CNN — which was first to report the story — said the thief took about $3,000 in cash, as well as Noem’s keys, driver’s license, passport, checks, makeup bag, medication and Homeland Security badge.

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The secretary of Homeland Security is protected by U.S. Secret Service agents.

The Secret Service referred questions about the incident to Homeland Security headquarters.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference on April 9, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/Associated Press

JD Vance was one of the last leaders to meet with Pope Francis — 2:05 p.m.

By the Associated Press

One of Pope Francis’ final encounters before his death was with US Vice President JD Vance, who visited the Vatican over the weekend.

The meeting took place on Easter Sunday. Vance, a Catholic convert, entered the room and reached down for the pope’s hand. “Hello,” the vice president said. “So good to see you.”

Vance’s visit was not without political sensitivities, and he met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Saturday for what the Vatican described as “an exchange of opinions.” The Catholic Church, under Francis’ leadership, has championed the rights of migrants, while Vance and President Trump have advocated for crackdowns.

Vance’s office said the vice president and the cardinal “discussed their shared religious faith, Catholicism in the United States, the plight of persecuted Christian communities around the world, and President Trump’s commitment to restoring world peace.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that she had spoken to members of Vance’s team on Monday morning after Francis’ death.

“They expressed how excited and grateful they were for the opportunity to have met with the pope just yesterday,” she said.

Pope Francis receives US Vice President JD Vance, right, before bestowing the Urbi et Orbi (Latin for to the city and the world) blessing in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Sunday, April 20, 2025. Vatican Media/Associated Press

RFK Jr. is set to cut synthetic food dyes from US food supply — 1:55 p.m.

By Bloomberg

The US Department of Health and Human Services will soon unveil a plan to remove petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the country’s food supply, ramping up pressure on major food makers.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary will provide details on Tuesday at 4 p.m. in Washington, D.C., the agency announced.

Kennedy had previously told the top executives of food companies to remove artificial dyes before the end of his term. The agency didn’t provide further details about what new policy will be rolled out.

The Joe Biden administration in its final days announced a ban on Red No. 3 dye after decades of concern about potential links to cancer.

Pez candy, which contains red dye no. 3, is on display at a store in Lafayette, Calif., March 24, 2023. Haven Daley/Associated Press

Baby bonuses, fertility planning: Trump aides assess ideas to boost birthrate — 1:30 p.m.

By The New York Times

The White House has been hearing out a chorus of ideas in recent weeks for persuading Americans to get married and have more children, an early sign that the Trump administration will embrace a new cultural agenda pushed by many of its allies on the right to reverse declining birthrates and push conservative family values.

One proposal shared with aides would reserve 30% of scholarships for the Fulbright program, the prestigious, government-backed international fellowship, for applicants who are married or have children.

Another would give a $5,000 cash “baby bonus” to every American mother after delivery.

A third calls on the government to fund programs that educate women on their menstrual cycles — in part so they can better understand when they are ovulating and able to conceive.

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Trump meeting with major retailers as tariffs create anxieties — 1:05 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Trump is slated to meet on Monday with executives from Walmart, Target, Home Depot and Lowe’s, as concerns about his tariffs have rattled major US retailers.

Trump’s baseline tariffs of 10 percent and import taxes of 145 percent on Chinese goods have created broader concerns about higher inflation and an economic slowdown. That’s created uncertainty and increased fears of a recession. The meeting was confirmed by an administration official who insisted on anonymity as the sitdown is not on Trump’s public schedule.

Bloomberg News first reported the meeting.


Trump says he was elected to move migrants out of the US — 12:51 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Trump is defending evoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, suggesting that cracking down on immigration was why he won in November.

Those comments followed Trump suggested that he agreed with Pope Francis’ message of tolerance for migrants.

“I was elected to clean up the mess in this country,” he said. “We had millions and millions of people come in who are criminals.”

He added, “I was elected to move them out.”

The about-face came as Trump spoke to reporters amid Easter festivities.

Actually, studies show people living in the US illegally are less likely than native-born Americans to have been arrested for violent, drug and property crimes.

Trump evoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants to a mega-prison in El Salvador. That’s drawn legal challenges, including a hearing in federal court later Monday.


Vance’s team says trade talks with India are progressing — 12:37 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Vance’s office says that ‘significant progress’ has been made in trade talks with India.

Vance and his wife, Usha, met on Monday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They discussed the US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement, which could possibly help to integrate supply chains between the two countries, according to a statement by Vance’s office.

Vance’s office said the talks had laid down “a roadmap for further discussions about our shared economic priorities.”

The Trump administration has made trade deals that box out China, the world’s dominant manufacturer, a priority.

Vice President JD Vance talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting in New Delhi, India, Monday, April 21, 2025. Uncredited/Associated Press

Trump calls Francis ‘a good man’ — 12:27 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Trump called Pope Francis “a very good man who loved the world.”

“And he especially loved people that were having a hard time, and that’s good with me,” the president added.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Easter festivities at the White House, Trump said he was still working on his schedule and wasn’t sure he attended Frances’ funeral. Asked if he agreed with the pope’s message of tolerance for migrants, Trump responded “Yeah, I do” but didn’t elaborate.

That comment came despite Trump making cracking down on the US-Mexico border and championing hardline immigration policies a centerpiece of his second term. That’s included deporting migrants from the US to Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, and a Salvadoran mega-prison.


Trump says media should ‘ask the Houthis’ how Hegseth is doing — 12:11 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The president offered full-throated backing of his defense secretary following media reports that Hegseth shared sensitive military details in another Signal messaging chat, including with his wife and brother.

Asked by reporters if he still had confidence in Hegseth amid the latest revelations, Trump responded the media should pose that question to the Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, who have been facing a barrage of US airstrikes in recent weeks.

“Ask the Houthis how he’s doing,” Trump said. He added, “Ask the Houthis how much dysfunction...There is none.”

Trump also appeared to blame recently dismissed Pentagon aides for being behind the reports.

“It’s just fake news. They just bring up stories,” Trump said. “I guess it sounds like disgruntled employees. You know, he was put there to get rid of a lot of bad people, and that’s what he’s doing. So you don’t always have friends when you do that.”

“Pete’s doing a great job,” Trump said. “Everybody’s happy with him.”


Melania Trump reads to children at White House Easter Egg Roll — 12:08 p.m.

By the Associated Press

She read “Bunny with a Big Heart” by Marilyn Sadler at a reading nook.

When she was done, the first lady asked the kids to tell her what they learned from the story. A couple said “kindness.”

Other administration officials scheduled to read books at the event include White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

First lady Melania Trump reads to children durning the White House Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 21, 2025 in Washington, D.C.Anna Moneymaker/Getty

Trump praises military recruitment during Easter Egg Roll speech — 11:56 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Trump used his remarks kicking off the White House Easter Egg Roll to touch on some non-Easter themes after promising the children they would have “a lot of fun.”

The president said the US is “doing very well,” and to support this, said military and law enforcement recruitment and enrollment have been “setting records” since he was elected to a second term.

“Happy Easter and enjoy your lives,” Trump declared from the Blue Room balcony. “We’re going to have a great four years.”

He and first lady Melania Trump then headed out to the lawn with a person in a bunny costume, and blew a gold whistle to start the roll. Some children lobbed their eggs skyward rather than rolling them.


Dow drops 1,000 points amid worries about Trump’s trade war and criticism of the Fed — 11:50 a.m.

By the Associated Press

US stocks are tumbling Monday as investors pull further from the United States over worries about Trump.

The S&P 500 fell 2.6% Monday and was 16% below its record set two months ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1,000 points, and the Nasdaq composite sank 2.9%.

Perhaps more worryingly, the value of the U.S. dollar also sank as a retreat continues from U.S. markets. This is unusual because the dollar has historically strengthened during past episodes of nervousness. This time around, it’s the Trump administration’s policies that are causing the fear and potentially weakening the dollar’s reputation as a pillar of the global economy and one of the safest possible investments.

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Trump participates in the White House Easter Egg Roll, says ‘religion is coming back’ in America — 11:22 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The president made comments from the White House balcony, flanked by Mrs. Trump and a person wearing an Easter bunny costume.

Trump thanked the National Park Service for “making everything so beautiful and spiffy,” and the first lady for organizing the egg roll.

“I’m very difficult when it comes to that,” Trump said of preparations for White House celebrations. “They have done an incredible job. You just have to look around and see.”

Trump added, “Easter is special and it’s one of our favorite days.”


Trump orders US flags to half mast in honor of Pope Francis — 11:11 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Trump says he signed an executive order putting US flags at half mast in recognition of the passing of Pope Francis.

“He was a good man,” Trump said of the pope, who died on Monday. “He loved the world and it’s an honor to do that.”

Trump made the announcement in brief remarks at the White House Easter Egg Roll.


Defense Secretary lashes out at media and his former staff after reports he shared military details in a second Signal chat — 11:01 a.m.

By the Associated Press

“This is what the media does,” Pete Hegseth said at the White House Easter egg roll.

“They take anonymous sources from disgruntled former employees, and then they try to slash and burn people and ruin their reputations. Not going to work with me.”

Hegseth did not deny the reports.

“I have spoken to the president, and we are going to continue fighting, on the same page all the way,” he said.


Trump calls Federal Reserve chairman a ‘major loser’ as markets sink — 10:49 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Trump again urged Jerome Powell to boost the economy by lowering the central bank’s key short-term interest rate.

Trump asserted that energy and grocery prices are “substantially lower” and “there is virtually No Inflation.” Gas prices have fallen, in part because oil costs have dropped on fears of slower growth, but food prices have risen and overall inflation remains above the Fed’s 2 percent target.

Stock prices were already falling after White House economist Kevin Hassett said Friday that the administration is studying whether it can fire Powell. With Trump’s Truth Social post Monday, the S&P 500 stock index dropped nearly 2 percent in morning trading.

Trump’s threats also have driven down the dollar and pushed up the interest rate on 10-year Treasuries, a benchmark for mortgage rates.


Secondhand stores are poised to benefit if US tariffs drive up new clothing costs — 10:30 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Nearly all clothing sold in the US is made elsewhere, and that means higher prices as businesses the world over seek to survive Trump’s trade war.

The Yale University Budget Lab last week estimated short-term consumer price increases of 65 percent for clothes and 87 percent for leather goods. The price hikes may drive cost-conscious shoppers to search for bargains and get cash from their own wardrobes.

Mobile apps for resale marketplaces are being downloaded at a rate not seen in years, according to market research firm Sensor Tower. It’s not yet clear though whether Trump’s tariffs will hold long enough to change behavior. And the purveyors of secondhand goods may raise their own prices.

A Goodiwll stores located in Hyde Park. Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff

60,000 Americans to lose their rental assistance and risk eviction unless Congress acts — 10:00 a.m.

By the Associated Press

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development says the $5 billion program launched by President Joe Biden to help pull people out of homelessness, domestic violence and human trafficking will run out of money by the end of next year.

Analysts say the Emergency Housing Vouchers were intended to keep paying rents for nearly a decade, but the money is running out as rents rise. It’s up to Congress to extend the funding, but the Republicans in control are dead-set on cutting spending to support tax cuts.

Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters championed the program and is pushing for another $8 billion infusion. Four GOP lawmakers who oversee the budget negotiations did not respond to AP requests for comment.


White House expresses support for Hegseth following new Signal chat revelations — 9:39 a.m.

By the Associated Press

The White House is expressing support for Pete Hegseth following media reports that the defense secretary created another Signal messaging chat that included his wife and brother where sensitive military information was shared.

The New York Times first reported Sunday evening that the embattled Pentagon leader shared details of a March military airstrike against Yemen’s Houthi militants that were similar to those sent in another chain with top Trump administration leaders. A person familiar with the contents and those who received the messages confirmed the second chat to The Associated Press.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that Trump “stands strongly behind” Hegseth. She tried to dismiss the reporting by saying “this is what happens when the entire Pentagon is working against you.”

Hegseth told reporters Monday that he had spoken with the president and “we are going to continue fighting.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attends a White House meeting in February. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post

The American Egg Board acknowledges shortage as it donates 30,000 eggs for the White House event — 9:25 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Egg Board President and CEO Emily Metz says the eggs were hand-dyed by board staff and volunteers and delivered to the White House on Friday.

She said the board understands the frustration felt by egg farmers and consumers over the egg shortage caused by the spread of avian flu and how expensive it’s become to buy a dozen.

She said these donated eggs were small and medium, sizes not typically sold by retailers, to avoid contributing to even higher prices. Nearly 9 million dozen eggs are sold daily in the United States, she noted.

“You cannot have the White House Easter Egg Roll without real eggs,” Metz said in an interview.


Trumps to preside as thousands attend the White House Easter Egg Roll — 9:11 a.m.

By the Associated Press

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump expected to welcome 40,000 people to the first White House Easter Egg Roll of his second term — an event that could turn soggy with scattered showers in Monday’s forecast.

Children will line up to guide colorfully dyed hard-boiled eggs across a patch of lawn to a finish line. There’s also an egg hunt and activities to promote next year’s 250th anniversary of America’s founding.

Kids and families can sign a mini-Declaration of Independence or dress up as Founding Fathers during the daylong event that will feature multiple activity stations, live performances and story times, including readings by the first lady and administration officials.

Children participate in the Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House Monday, April 21, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/Associated Press

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Trump’s schedule for Monday — 9:04 a.m.

By the Associated Press

The only thing on the president’s schedule for today is the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House, hosted by Trump and the First Lady. It starts at 10:30 a.m.


China warns other countries against deals with the US that harm Chinese trade — 8:58 a.m.

By the Associated Press

“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement Monday. “If this happens, China will never accept it and will resolutely take countermeasures in a reciprocal manner.”

Governments including those of Taiwan, Japan and South Korea have begun negotiations with Washington after Trump announced sweeping tariffs against almost all of America’s trading partners on April 2. The import taxes were quickly paused against most countries after markets panicked, but he increased his already steep tariffs against China.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said that other countries should “approach China as a group” together with Washington.

The newly commissioned and Chinese-built 7,800-car LNG dual-fuel car carrier "Anji Virtue" arrives at the port in Yantai in China's eastern Shandong province, to pick up Chinese-made cars on April 18, 2025. AFP via Getty Images

Hegseth had a second Signal chat where he shared details of Yemen strike, New York Times reports — 8:45 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth created another Signal messaging chat that included his wife and brother where he shared similar details of a March military airstrike against Yemen’s Houthi militants that were sent in another chain with top Trump administration leaders, The New York Times reported.

A person familiar with the contents and those who received the messages, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, confirmed the second chat to The Associated Press.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump.Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post

The second chat on Signal — which is a commercially available app not authorized to be used to communicate sensitive or classified national defense information — included 13 people, the person said. They also confirmed the chat was dubbed “Defense ’ Team Huddle.”

The New York Times reported that the group included Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer, who is a former Fox News producer, and his brother Phil Hegseth, who was hired at the Pentagon as a Department of Homeland Security liaison and senior adviser. Both have traveled with the defense secretary and attended high-level meetings.


Alito’s dissent in deportation case says court rushed to block Trump with middle-of-the night order — 8:40 a.m.

By the Associated Press

The Supreme Court acted “literally in the middle of the night” and without sufficient explanation, Justice Samuel Alito wrote in a sharp dissent that castigated the seven-member majority.

Justice Samuel Alito smiles during a group photo of the Supreme Court.ERIN SCHAFF/NYT

Joined by fellow conservative Justice Clarence Thomas, Alito said there was “dubious factual support” for granting the request in an emergency appeal from the American Civil Liberties Union. The group contended that immigration authorities appeared to be moving to restart such removals under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

The majority did not provide a detailed explanation in the order early Saturday, as is typical, but the court previously said deportations could proceed only after those about to be removed had a chance to argue their case in court and were given “a reasonable time” to contest their pending removals.

The justices’ brief order directed the administration not to remove Venezuelans held in the Bluebonnet Detention Center “until further order of this court.”

Alito said that “unprecedented” relief was “hastily and prematurely granted.”


Supreme Court blocks, for now, new deportations under 18th-century wartime law — 8:00 a.m.

By the Associated Press

The Supreme Court on Saturday blocked, for now, the deportations of any Venezuelans held in northern Texas under an 18th-century wartime law.

In a brief order, the court directed the Trump administration not to remove Venezuelans held in the Bluebonnet Detention Center “until further order of this court.”

Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented.

The high court acted in an emergency appeal from the American Civil Liberties Union contending that immigration authorities appeared to be moving to restart removals under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The Supreme Court had said earlier in April that deportations could proceed only if those about to be removed had a chance to argue their case in court and were given “a reasonable time” to contest their pending removals.

The Trump administration later Saturday filed paperwork urging the high court to reconsider its hold. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Saturday in a post on X: “We are confident we will ultimately prevail against the onslaught of meritless litigation brought by radical activists.”

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Trump’s schedule for Monday
8:58 a.m.
China warns other countries against deals with the US that harm Chinese trade
8:45 a.m.
Hegseth had a second Signal chat where he shared details of Yemen strike, New York Times reports
8:40 a.m.
Alito’s dissent in deportation case says court rushed to block Trump with middle-of-the night order
8:00 a.m.
Supreme Court blocks, for now, new deportations under 18th-century wartime law