President Donald Trump has made no secret of his plans to dramatically downsize the federal workforce, though his efforts have faced an onslaught of pushback in the courts.
In a noteworthy setback for Trump and broader GOP desires for greater government efficiency, a federal judge last week put a temporary pause on an administration move that would have laid off tens of thousands of employees, as Fox News reports.
The decision at issue was handed down by California-based U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, and it resulted in a 14-day stop on a wave of planned layoffs at multiple government agencies.
Illston's ruling came on the same day she heard arguments on the request for injunctive relief, and in it, the judge declared that the Trump move lacked necessary involvement from Congress, as NBC News noted.
“The President has the authority to seek changes to the executive branch agencies, but he must do so in lawful ways and, in the case of large-scale reorganizations, with the cooperation of the legislative branch,” Illston wrote.
The judge continued, “Many presidents have sought this cooperation before; many iterations of Congress have provided it. Nothing prevents the President from requesting this cooperation -- as he did in his prior term of office.”
Illston added, “Indeed, the Court holds the President likely must request Congressional cooperation to order the changes he seeks and thus issues a temporary restraining order to pause large-scale reductions in force in the meantime.”
The judge's order puts a block – at least for now – on cuts planned by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Personnel Management, as well as the Transportation, Interior, and Housing and Urban Development Departments.
Reductions were planned across 21 distinct departments and agencies, and as such, Illston's ruling represents a significant setback for Trump's downsizing agenda.
The restraining order will be in place for two weeks, and it embodies Illston's stated belief that no statutory authority exists that would provide the aforementioned administration arms to force other government agencies to initiate mass layoffs of this nature.
“Such action is far outside the bounds of any authority that Congress vested in OPM or OMB, and, as noted, DOGE has no statutory authority whatsoever,”' she determined.
Whether Illston's block will endure for the stated time period remains to be seen, as administration lawyers filed an appeal of the ruling late on Friday, seeking review by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
The coalition of unions, nonprofit organizations, and local governments opposing the Trump workforce reduction move issued a statement reacting to the ruling, saying, “The Trump administration's unlawful attempt to reorganize the federal government has thrown agencies into chaos, disrupting critical services provided across our nation,” adding, “We are gratified by the court's decision today to pause these harmful actions while our case proceeds.”
Illston, a Bill Clinton appointee, has scheduled further arguments in the dispute on May 22, and precisely where this case will go from there, only time will tell.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth cancelled a planned trip to Israel this week to join President Donald Trump on his Middle East trip.
The decision to cancel the trip to Israel to join with Trump carries two significant implications. Firstly, it shows that Hegseth and Trump are on great terms despite Hegseth's difficult time at the Pentagon since being confirmed to the position by the Senate.
Hegseth has had to grapple with internal sabotage and massive leaks by leftist federal workers designed to damage his legitimacy and the legitimacy of the Trump administration.
Democrats have gloated about rumoured dissatisfaction with Hegseth from Trump, but those rumors appear to be exactly that.
By all accounts, Trump is happy with Hegseth's performance and appears to be well aware that Hegseth's path to success was never going to be smooth.
Hegseth was scheduled to meet with his Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, then proceed to Saudi Arabia the next day to meet with Trump.
However, Trump invited Hegseth to join him on Air Force One and travel straight to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. The decision by Hegseth to completely skip a visit to Israel is raising questions about changing dynamics in the Trump administration's handling of the Middle East.
What is interesting is that a litany of top brass from the Trump administration will be going to Saudi Arabia with Trump and Hegseth.
This extensive list includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, who will all be heading for a seemingly massive meeting that suggests something big will happen on this trip.
As for Israel, Hegseth is going to visit at a later date and the White House has specifically rejected the idea that the visit was cancelled, but instead has simply been delayed.
It seems that the Trump administration has downgraded Israel's importance in the region and this could be the result of significant developments at the White House.
President Trump recently fired national security adviser Mike Waltz after it was discovered that he had secretly coordinated with Israel to push Trump to use military force against Iran. Further reports have suggested that Waltz was effectively a spy for Israel in the White House.
Furthermore, it was Waltz who added a journalist from The Atlantic to a Signal chat with Trump administration officials who were discussing the ongoing strikes against terrorists in Yemen.
Waltz was not only a bumbling liability, he was actively undermining Trump and working on behalf of Israel. While a lot of this information isn't set in stone, this could explain why Israel is suddenly being put on the back burner.
Trump is pursuing diplomatic avenues to sort out the conflicts in the Middle East and is working to end the war in Gaza as well as rein in Iran and stop it from obtaining nuclear weapons. It seems Israel will have to get its priorities straight if it wants to stay ahead of other Middle Eastern nations' courting Trump's diplomatic favor.
President Donald Trump is looking to grant Greenland special status in a Compact of Free Association agreement, Reuters reported. The president has made it known that the strategically located island nation is important to the U.S.
The COFA is a type of agreement commonly used to foster friendly ties with Pacific Island nations. Much of what's contained in the agreements is not made known to the public.
However, nations typically receive benefits such as military protection and services ranging from emergency management to mail delivery. In return, the U.S. gets free trade without tariffs while the U.S. military is allowed to operate from the islands.
Trump has been looking to acquire Greenland since his first administration, and continued his overtures after taking office again in January. Even with this potential agreement, it's unclear whether the country will go along with it.
The Trump-created National Security Council and the National Energy Dominance Council have been putting together the deal on Trump's behalf. The National Economic Council is also involved in crafting a COFA that Greenland would readily sign on to.
While such an agreement seems attractive and easily sold to Greenland, the reality is that there are many challenges ahead. Firstly, the agreement would eliminate Trump's ultimate goal of making Greenland part of the U.S.
Moreover, it may be difficult to arrange a COFA with Greenland because it's still a territory of Denmark, even if it is considered autonomous. Greenland would likely have to sever its relationship with Denmark before signing on.
It's not that Greenland doesn't want its independence from Denmark, but instead that it doesn't necessarily want to be controlled by any entity, including the U.S. The island nation has a population of about 57,000, but a COFA agreement would not make them citizens.
Finally, COFAs for island nations such as the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau haven't yielded expected results. The U.S. cozied up to the nations to ally against China, but that hasn't stopped officials in places like Palau from opening up amicable relations with China.
Earlier this week, Trump doubled down on expressing his desire to acquire Greenland. "We need Greenland very badly. Greenland is a very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of and we’ll cherish them and all of that, but we need that for international security," Trump said.
Still, this talk about getting Greenland on board may be a moot point if reports about the U.S. spying are correct. According to Fox News, information recently emerged suggesting American intelligence gathering operations were occurring in Greenland.
On Friday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said, "You cannot spy against an ally" when asked about it in the press. "Cooperation about defense, deterrence, and security in the northern part of Europe is getting more and more important," Frederiksen said.
American officials were in contact to attempt to smooth over relations, but Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen made it clear that this was unacceptable. Nielsen said Greenland "will never, ever be a piece of property that can be bought by just anyone," and furthermore, that "the talks from the United States have not been respectful."
Trump wants so much to get his way with Greenland. Unfortunately, it seems that the more time that goes on and the more things that happen, the prospect becomes more remote by the day.
A woman spat on acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin during a live TV appearance Thursday, the Daily Caller reported. Martin was speaking to Newsmax after President Donald Trump withdrew his nomination for top federal prosecutor for Washington, D.C.
Despite having no experience as a judge or attorney, Trump tapped him for his loyalty in firing prosecutors who went after defendants from the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. However, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) threatened to vote against his nomination for precisely those reasons.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) realized this would hold up Martin's nomination, which would not proceed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. With Martin out, Trump tapped Jeanine Pirro, former District Attorney of Westchester County and Fox News host, instead.
For his part, Martin was moved to associate deputy attorney general and pardon attorney while also running the Justice Department’s Weaponization Working Group. That didn't stop a crazed woman from taking aim at Martin after the news already broke.
Martin was giving a live interview to Newsmax about the changes when he was approached on the street by a woman walking a dog. "Who the f— are you?" she yelled.
"You are Ed Martin," she said, realizing who the official was. She then walked right up to and spat at an unsuspecting Martin.
"You are a disgusting man," the unnamed assailant claimed, despite being the one to hurl spittle at him. The clip was shared to X, formerly Twitter, by Rob Schmitt.
"This afternoon acting DC US Atty Ed Martin was spit on by a psychotic lib during our interview. Hope she’s ready for a nice stretch in jail," Schmitt captioned the footage.
This afternoon acting DC US Atty Ed Martin was spit on by a psychotic lib during our interview. Hope she’s ready for a nice stretch in jail. pic.twitter.com/2Y5hj41V0l
— Rob Schmitt (@SchmittNYC) May 8, 2025
This woman's attack was brazen and caught on video. It didn't take long for her to be identified and on her way to getting punished for such action against a government official.
The story was shared to X by conservative commentator Benny Johnson on Friday. "BREAKING NEWS: Trump's Associate Deputy Attorney General Ed Martin just confirmed to me that the feral leftist woman who spit on him LIVE during a Newsmax interview is being ARRESTED: 'Yes, we got her,'" Johnson's caption claimed.
"She has been identified by U.S. Marshals, arrested and will be charged under 18 U.S. Code § 111. She is facing 20 years in federal prison for knowingly assaulting a federal official and potentially millions in legal fines. This is JUSTICE in action," Johnson added.
🚨BREAKING NEWS: Trump's Associate Deputy Attorney General Ed Martin just confirmed to me that the feral leftist woman who spit on him LIVE during a Newsmax interview is being ARRESTED: “Yes, we got her.”
She has has been identified by U.S. Marshals, arrested and will be charged… pic.twitter.com/AWQFlUWvcH
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 9, 2025
The left is out of control in their hatred for Republicans and especially anyone associated with Trump. If they truly found the identity of this woman who allegedly spat at Martin, she will face prison time and more.
Carla Hayden was recently removed from her role as Librarian of Congress by President Donald Trump through an abrupt email notification on Thursday, Breitbart reported. Her unanticipated departure has elicited criticism from several notable Democrats, who have recognized her significant contributions and raised questions about the rationale behind her sudden dismissal.
Carla Hayden's term was initially appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016, with the expectation of serving a renewable decade-long term; her dismissal came one year before her term's natural conclusion.
Hayden has made history as the first woman and the first African American to lead the Library of Congress. Her appointment in 2016 marked a departure from tradition, as she is the first professional librarian to hold the position in many decades, a role typically filled by historians and scholars.
The decision to remove Carla Hayden has sparked disquiet among several Democrats, who have been vocal about their disapproval. In a terse, two-sentence message sent on behalf of President Trump, the White House deputy director of presidential personnel informed Hayden that she was being dismissed effective immediately. This communication was confirmed by the Library of Congress spokesperson, who offered no additional remarks on the matter.
Hayden previously served as the head of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore. Her career also includes her time as president of the American Library Association from 2003 to 2004. Her leadership and expertise have had a lasting impact on the field of librarianship, garnering her respect within the community.
The dismissal has prompted a strong response from Democratic leaders. Representative Hakeem Jeffries has condemned the manner of Hayden's removal, characterizing the decision as "unjust" and criticizing the method in which it was executed. He accused President Trump of continuing efforts to undermine American history and literature.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer praised Hayden's tenure, referring to her as a trailblazer of high regard. He voiced his indignation succinctly with "Enough is enough," emphasizing Hayden's stature as a notable figure in public service and scholarship.
Representative Rosa DeLauro from Connecticut also weighed in, describing the dismissal as "callous" and calling for an explanation from the Trump administration. The Library of Congress, known as the largest library globally, has remained a quintessential part of American history since its establishment in 1800. Acting as the research arm of Congress, it supports the nation's lawmakers with an expansive array of resources.
Dr. Hayden's influence stretches beyond her administrative duties. Her advocacy for libraries and access to knowledge underscores the importance of her work. Her role was pivotal in bringing the Library of Congress into a more digital and inclusive era, focusing on broadening accessibility and modernizing its vast collections.
This unexpected dismissal could have broader implications for federal appointments and how such changes are communicated. The precedent set by the manner of communication—via a brief email—has left many wondering about the professionalism and decorum of these processes within the current administration.
Critics argue that the lack of transparency and the rapidity of the process undermine the stability of such esteemed positions. For many, Hayden's removal from office raises concerns about the shifting priorities within governmental roles connected to cultural and educational advancement.
The Library of Congress, under Hayden's guidance, has embarked on several initiatives to engage with the public more dynamically. Her sudden removal leaves questions about the continuity of these projects and who might lead them going forward.
The political backdrop of Hayden's dismissal adds another layer of complexity. As discussions continue, the identity of her successor remains an open question, with the potential to influence the strategic direction of the Library of Congress for years to come.
In wrapping up, Hayden's firing exemplifies an intensifying political landscape in Washington, where collegiality and respect for tenure appear to be overshadowed by contentious dismissals. The conversation sparked by this development is likely to continue, highlighting the importance of the Library of Congress and the roles it plays in shaping American thought and policy.
For many, Hayden's legacy as a pioneering leader in the world of libraries remains significant, even as her tenure is brought to an unanticipated early conclusion. As her supporters stand firm in advocating for her achievements, the discourse surrounding her dismissal might prompt new reflections on how the roles of key cultural and educational institutions are managed at the federal level.
Producers and hosts at Fox News had a bit of a scare recently after former Trump White House aide Camryn Kinsey had a minor medical emergency on-air.
According to the Daily Caller, Kinsey reportedly fainted during a segment with guest host Johnathan Hunt of "Fox News @ Night," prompting the host to cut to commercial break so she could be attended to.
Just prior to her fainting episode, Kinsey was talking about "former President Joe Biden’s claims that former Vice President Kamala Harris lost the 2024 election due to sexism," the DC reported.
Kinsey held several positions, including serving as a White House correspondent for One America News Network and is currently the founder and CEO of Titan Media Strategies.
The segment with Kinsey and Hunt was routine as the two discussed Biden's comments.
"The only mention, messaging point that Trump had is that during his campaign was Kamala is for they/them, Trump is for you,” Kinsey said. “That was referencing defending women and defending women spaces, women’s sports," Kinsey said.
She added, "So, this is what they have to do because they had a failed campaign, they had a failed presidency,” Kinsey continued. “They put her as the border czar, she never went to the border. So this is about incompetency, it’s not about ideology— "
At that point, Kinsey's eyes began to close and she fainted, falling out of her chair, prompting several people behind the camera to rush to her aide.
The Caller noted:
Kinsey then fainted, falling off a chair in the studio, prompting Hunt to first try to get New York Post reporter Lydia Moynihan to comment before cutting to commercial seconds later. After the break, Hunt provided an update on Kinsey.
Moments later, Hunt was back on air and provided a relieving update.
"We want to give you a quick update. Camryn is up and moving,” Hunt said. “We have paramedics checking her. We will keep you updated. We wish her all the best."
Users across social media reacted to the scary moment she fainted. Many criticized Hunt for not getting up and helping her.
🚨Just Now: Camryn Kinsey fainted live on Fox News At Night pic.twitter.com/rzFM3PQIba
— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) May 9, 2025
"How do you not get out of your seat and help," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "He was just going to go on with the show."
It's not often that the U.S. Supreme Court makes headlines over a death, but sadly that was the case this week after it was announced that a former Supreme Court justice had passed away.
According to the New York Post, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter has died. He was 85.
Souter was appointed to the high court by George H.W. Bush, but later generated controversy by becoming what was described as a "reliable" liberal vote on the high court, frustrating Republicans over the years with various landmark decisions.
Souter, a New Hampshire resident, reportedly "died peacefully" at his residence, reports indicated.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts issued a statement in the wake of the news of Souter's passing.
"Justice David Souter served our Court with great distinction for nearly twenty years. He brought uncommon wisdom and kindness to a lifetime of public service," a statement from Chief Justice Roberts read.
Roberts added, "After retiring to his beloved New Hampshire in 2009, he continued to render significant service to our branch by sitting regularly on the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit for more than a decade. He will be greatly missed."
Rest in peace, Justice Souter.
As a trailblazer on the bench who was not afraid to cross ideological lines and stand up for his beliefs, Justice Souter will always be a role model for aspiring lawyers and jurists. pic.twitter.com/q8dlF4Yp6Q
— Eleanor #DCStatehood Holmes Norton (@EleanorNorton) May 9, 2025
Despite his distinctive service to the high court, he was a thorn in the side of Republican and certain major topics.
The Post noted:
Souter was confirmed to the high court in 1990 and went on to side with the liberal bloc on issues including abortion, freedom of religion and expression — as well as the disputed 2000 election.
Given his status as a former Supreme Court justice, his death sparked plenty of well wishes, and criticisms of his positions while he was active.
"May his soul rest in peace. May his memory be a blessing," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "He was yet another swing and a miss from a Republican president about a Supreme Court nomination. Sununu poorly advised a RINO GHWB to pick this man."
Several high-profile Republicans and Democrats also offered their condolences across social media.
Former New York Republican lawmaker George Santos, who faces seven years in prison after he was sentenced recently in the wake of being hit with 24 charges of fraud and identity theft, wasn't shy about begging President Donald Trump for help.
According to the New York Post, the disgraced former lawmaker, who became the sixth-ever lawmaker to be kicked out of the House of Representatives by his colleagues, used his time during an interview with Piers Morgan to ask Trump for a pardon or clemency.
Santos even choked up during his request, which was presumably even more of a turn-off for Trump.
The disgraced lawmaker admitted he wasn't an "altar boy" but insisted that he deserves leniancy because he's not a "hardened criminal."
Santos held nothing back during his interview with Morgan in asking Trump for assistance before he's required to surrender to the feds on July 25.
“I’ll take a commutation, clemency, whatever the president is willing to give me,” Santos said on “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” while adding he was “not entertaining a pardon” until recently.
While clearly holding back tears as he looked into the camera, Santos added, "President Trump, I’d appreciate if you can give me a consideration."
The outlet recalled his crimes:
While running for Congress in 2022, the Republican candidate had defrauded dozens of donors — including some family members and friends — and later filed false campaign finance reports to juice his contribution figures.
The Post reported:
Last month, Central Islip federal Judge Joanna Seybert sentenced Santos, 36, to seven years and three months behind bars and ordered him to pay $373,000 after he pleaded guilty in August to charges of wire fraud and identity theft.
Santos was indicted on the charges back in 2023, and was ultimately hit with a total of 23 charges. Still, he remained in his elected office despite widespread calls from the Republican Party to step aside.
The disgraced lawmaker didn't listen and was ultimately voted out of the lower chamber, making history in the worst and most embarrassing possible way.
Social media reacts
Users across social media blasted Santos for having the audacity to ask for help from Trump at this time.
George Santos is officially asking President Trump for a pardon.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/qDU1LfoYRz
— Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) May 10, 2025
"You do the crime, you do the time!" one X user wrote.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Shows president during 'Fight, fight, fight' moment after 2024 assassination attempt
In what appears to be a miniature of an eventual nine-foot statue, a small sculpture depicting a pivotal point in President Trump's life was spied on display in the Oval Office Friday.
The piece of art, approximately a foot tall, shows the moment Trump stood up after being shot in the ear in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July as he raised his fist and shouted, "Fight, fight, fight!"
Surrounding him are the Secret Service agents who hurried the then-candidate off the outdoor rally stage, including current chief of the agency, Sean Curran.
Though the White House has not addressed the added piece of artwork, it appears to be a maquette of a proposed statue in the works by artist Stan Watts of the Trump Statue Project, an effort creating a nine-foot replica to honor the president.
"This powerful image, embodying 'Confidence, Strength, and Hope,' will be immortalized in this nine-foot-tall statue," the group's website reads. "It symbolizes the divine intervention as well as the man and his message of unity and resilience for which America stands."
As reported by the New York Post, the Oval Office statue isn't the only piece of art related to the Butler assassination attempt on display at the White House.
Last month, a new painting – an artistic interpretation of one of the iconic images captured by New York Times photographer Doug Mills in Butler – was revealed to be hanging in a prominent spot in the Grand Foyer of the East Wing of the executive mansion.
The artwork, painted by Marc Lipp, also depicts Trump with blood splattered across his face and the American flag in the background, raising his fist after the shooting.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
For years, Democrats have schemed and tried to put President Donald Trump in prison.
And have failed.
So perhaps Elon Musk should not really be worried, despite a new polling that shows more than 7 of 10 in the party would support a hypothetical law that would do that to him.
The results are from Rasmussen, which said, "Since he agreed to lead President Donald Trump's effort to reduce government waste, Elon Musk has become so hated by liberals that they would overwhelmingly favor a law to put the high-tech billionaire behind bars."
Musk, in fact, is running Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, cutting government spending, jobs, waste, fraud and corruption. Billions have been saved already, despite an active campaign by district judges across the country to foil Trump's taxpayer-benefitting program.
The results come from a telephone and online survey by Rasmussen in coordination with the Heartland Institute.
Overall, 54% of Likely Voters "would support a hypothetical law that would imprison Musk for his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), including 39% who would Strongly Support such a law. Thirty-six percent (36%) oppose a law that would send Musk to prison, including 26% who Strongly Oppose it, while 10% are not sure."
Democrats, who lost the 2024 presidential election by landslides in the popular vote and the Electoral College vote both, were literally lining up to condemn Musk.
"Seventy-one percent (71%) of Democrats would favor a hypothetical law to put Musk behind bars, as would 80% of self-identified liberal voters. Fifty-four percent (54%) of Republicans and 57% of conservative voters. would oppose such a law. Among voters not affiliated with either major party, 52% would support a law to imprison Musk for his role in DOGE, 34% would oppose it and 17% are not sure," the pollster said.
Justin Haskins, of the Heartland Institiute, said, "The fact that a majority of Democratic voters would support imprisoning Elon Musk for trying to make government more efficient is a shocking indictment of the modern left, which has become increasingly more tyrannical in recent years.
"We've reached a point where many Americans would rather unjustly punish innovation than fix the broken systems Musk was trying to reform."
The survey of 1,067 U.S. Likely Voters was done April 30-May 4, 2025 by Rasmussen Reports and the Heartland Institute. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.