Trump administration acted within confines of law in using Alien Enemies Act: White House

The Trump administration has defended its decision to deport more than 200 Venezuelan immigrants over the weekend, despite a federal judge’s ruling to halt the process. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted the action was within the law, stating, "This administration acted within the confines of the law." However, the deportations have sparked legal battles, with plaintiffs filing lawsuits demanding that officials testify under oath about whether they violated the court order.

The President of Venezuela’s Assembly has strongly condemned the move, arguing that those deported were denied due process and had not committed crimes in their host countries. Meanwhile, Trump’s allies have downplayed concerns, framing the deportations as a matter of national security.


During the press briefing, Leavitt said that the deportation video shows the White House is ‘leaning in to the message’. She was asked by a reporter about a video of the deportations the White House shared on its X account Monday showing a man with his wrists handcuffed and shackled to his waist as he was patted down. The video was set to the Semisonic song, “Closing Time.”

“I think the White House and our entire government clearly is leaning into the message of this president. And we are unafraid to double down and to take responsibility and ownership of the serious decisions that are being made,” Leavitt said said.

Rising Tensions with Global Allies

Canada Pushes Back Against U.S. Pressure

In a bid to strengthen diplomatic ties amidst growing U.S. hostility, newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with French President Emmanuel Macron. The talks came as Trump imposed new economic pressures on Canada. Macron, while avoiding direct criticism of Trump, remarked, "Tariffs only bring inflation," underlining his opposition to the U.S. approach.

Carney, who took office just days ago, is also set to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, reinforcing Canada’s strategic partnerships with European allies.

WHO Criticises U.S. Aid Withdrawal

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom has called on the U.S. to ensure that its withdrawal of funding does not cause further harm to global health initiatives. While acknowledging the U.S.'s historical generosity, Tedros warned, "The U.S. has a responsibility to ensure that if it withdraws funding, it’s done in an orderly and humane way."

Trump’s decision to pull out from WHO has already led to severe funding shortfalls for many international aid programmes, with ripple effects on health systems in developing nations.

Environmental and Social Policies Under Fire

Methane Fee Scrapped

In a significant rollback of environmental protections, Trump has signed a measure eliminating a methane fee on oil and gas producers. The policy, originally introduced under the Biden administration, was projected to generate $7 billion in revenue while reducing harmful emissions.

Republicans argue that the fee would have driven up energy prices and hurt domestic production. Environmentalists, however, warn that methane is a potent greenhouse gas and that this rollback will exacerbate climate change, increasing risks to public health.

Veterans Affairs to Phase Out Transgender Medical Care

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced it will phase out medical treatments for gender dysphoria in line with Trump’s executive order affirming a binary definition of sex. VA Secretary Doug Collins stated that transgender veterans "will always be welcome at VA," but added, "If veterans want to attempt to change their sex, they can do so on their own dime."

While the VA has never provided gender-affirming surgery, it had previously offered hormone therapy, voice training, and prosthetics to a limited number of veterans. Advocacy groups have condemned the policy shift as discriminatory and harmful to transgender veterans.

Cornell Student Sues Over Deportation Fears

Momodou Taal, a British-Gambian Ph.D. student at Cornell University, has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block Trump’s executive orders that he fears could lead to his deportation. Taal, a pro-Palestinian activist, had previously been suspended after participating in a campus demonstration. His case adds to a growing list of legal battles against the administration’s immigration policies.

French Politician Calls for Return of the Statue of Liberty

In a surprising move, French politician Rapha?l Glucksmann has suggested that the U.S. should return the Statue of Liberty to France, arguing that "some Americans have chosen to switch to the side of the tyrants." His remarks reflect broader European concerns over Trump’s policies, which many see as undermining democratic values and global stability.

South Africa’s Ambassador Ordered to Leave U.S.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expelled South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, stating he is "no longer welcome." The State Department formally notified South Africa that Rasool’s diplomatic privileges expired and that he must leave the country by March 21. Rubio accused Rasool of being a "race-baiting politician" and a critic of Trump’s administration.

Conor McGregor Joins White House Press Briefing

Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor made a surprise appearance at the White House for Saint Patrick’s Day, criticising the Irish government for failing its citizens. "There is zero action with zero accountability," McGregor declared, calling out Ireland’s policies on immigration.

His comments followed a meeting between Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and President Trump, adding fuel to the ongoing debate about Ireland’s political direction.

Economic Uncertainty Grips the U.S.

Retail Sales Show Signs of Consumer Caution

U.S. retail sales saw a modest 0.2% increase in February, following a sharp decline of 1.2% in January. While sales grew at grocery stores and online retailers, they fell at auto dealers and restaurants, reflecting consumer concerns over economic uncertainty.

With Trump’s tariffs and spending cuts creating unease, many Americans are becoming more cautious about their finances. The stock market has also been volatile, further dampening consumer confidence.