In a particularly active morning on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Boeing “should default China” for not taking planes that it had committed to purchase.
The president has alternated between taking a hard line on tariffs targeting Chinese imports, causing markets to plummet, and then having to soothe Wall Street by claiming the U.S. and China are negotiating and progress is being made.
Beijing denied any knowledge of such negotiations, calling his claims “groundless as trying to catch the wind” and having “no factual basis.”
A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “China’s attitude is consistent and clear: if you want to fight, we will fight to the end, if you want to talk, the door is open.”
Meanwhile, a dozen states have sued the Trump administration over its “reckless” and “insane” tariff policies.
The states argued the policy was based on a “whim,” and would be an added burden to consumers.
This came as the president warned he could re-impose higher tariffs he previously paused in as little as two weeks.
Key Points
- Trump maintains U.S.-China talks are happening, despite denial from Beijing
- Trump says Boeing 'should default China'
- Trump administration sued by states over 'reckless' tariffs
- Trump attacks Powell again, after saying he won’t be fired
- Why China holds the edge over the US in Trump’s trade war
- Trump says Russia has made ‘pretty big concession’ to peace by not seizing whole of Ukraine
Our live coverage has ended for the day.
Here’s Andrew Feinberg with the latest on Donald Trump’s comments on Russia’s war on Ukraine following the latest attack on Kyiv.
Trump says Russia made ‘pretty big concession’ to peace by not seizing all Ukraine
John Bowden takes a look at the president’s plunging poll numbers.
Trump’s polling plunge continues over deportation unpopularity and recession fears
And finally, Kelly Rissman reports on Beijing’s denial that trade talks are underway between the U.S. and China, as Trump insists they are.
Trump claims he’s working on a deal with China. Beijing says that is all in his mind
Trump administration sued by states over 'reckless' tariffs
09:32 , Rachel ClunA dozen states are suing the Trump administration over its “reckless” and “insane” tariff policies they say will hurt their states’ citizens.
Arizona’s Attorney General Kris Mayes, who co-led the coalition of attorneys general in the lawsuit, said the case challenges four of the president’s executive orders that claim he has the power to increase tariffs without any action from congress.
“President Trump’s insane tariff scheme is not only economically reckless – it is illegal,” she said. “Arizona cannot afford President Trump’s massive tax increase. No matter what the White House claims, tariffs are a tax that will be passed on to Arizona consumers.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James said the president “does not have the power to raise taxes on a whim”.
“Donald Trump promised that he would lower prices and ease the cost of living, but these illegal tariffs will have the exact opposite effect on American families,” she said. “His tariffs are unlawful and if not stopped, they will lead to more inflation, unemployment, and economic damage.”
President threatens to reimpose high tariffs ‘over next two, three weeks’
09:36 , Rachel ClunDonald Trump has threatened to reimpose higher tariffs on some countries within weeks, potentially re-escalating the global trade war.
Within hours of introducing so-called reciprocal tariffs as high as 50 percent on dozens of countries earlier this month, Trump said he would pause those duties for 90 days to allow time for negotiations.
But on Wednesday, the president said they could be reintroduced sooner.
“In the end, I think what’s going to happen is, we’re going to have a great deals, and by the way, if we don’t have a deal with a company or a country, we’re going to set the tariff,” Trump said in an Oval Office ceremony, reported by CNN.
“I’d say over the next couple of weeks, wouldn’t you say? I think so. Over the next two, three weeks. We’ll be setting the number.”
Trump attacks Powell again, after saying he won’t be fired
09:49 , Rachel ClunThe president has yet again attacked the Federal Reserve chair, accusing him of keeping interest rates too high.
Donald Trump has repeatedly hit out at Jerome Powell and last week threatened to fire him soon, before walking those comments back on Tuesday.
Trump said he “might call him” during an Oval Office signing ceremony on Wednesday.
“I believe he’s making a mistake by not lowering interest rates, and I think, as well as we’re doing, we could do much better,” he said, according to CNN.
The Federal Reserve has not lowered interest rates this year, and Powell said in a speech last week that the central bank wanted to wait and see how the new aggressive trade policy affected the economy before moving rates again.
That angered Trump, who believes interest rates should be lower. He called Powell “Mr Too Late” after the European Central Bank lowered its interest rates last week.
States’ lawsuit highlights cost of tariffs to American consumers
10:04 , Rachel ClunA dozen states have sued the Trump administration over what their attorneys general claim are unlawful tariffs.
The office of the Connecticut Attorney General pointed out that studies found 95 per cent of the cost of Trump’s first-term tariffs were paid by Americans, and highlighted a recent study by Yale Budget Lab that found tariffs would increase costs by $4,900 a year for American households.
That research found US consumers face paying 87 percent more for shoes and 65 percent more for clothing in the short term because of the tariffs, which will also add $7,400 to the price of a new car.
Connecticut’s Attorney General William Tong said Donald Trump’s “lawless and chaotic” tariffs were a “massive tax” on families and a disaster for businesses and jobs.
“He is destroying our strong economy and robbing from working families to enrich his Mar-a-Lago billionaire cronies,” he said.
“The Constitution is clear-- Trump has no authority to wage this brainless trade war, and we are suing in the Court of International Trade to stop this.”
China says 'no factual basis' for US claim of trade talks
10:19 , Rachel ClunChina’s Ministry of Commerce said there have been no trade talks with the U.S. yet, and any claims of progress were “groundless” and had “no factual basis”.
On Wednesday, Donald Trump told reporters the US and China were speaking “every day” about the tariffs, The Telegraph reports.
But China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong disputed that in a press conference on Thursday.
“As the competent department for foreign economic and trade relations, I would like to emphasise that there are currently no economic and trade negotiations between China and the United States,” he said.
“If the US truly wants to resolve the issue, it should heed rational voices from the international community and domestic stakeholders, completely abolish all unilateral tariffs on China, and find a solution through equal dialogue.”
There are key reasons China has an edge over the U.S. in Trump's trade war
10:35 , Rachel ClunWhether talks have started yet or not, there are several key reasons why China has reason to believe the U.S. will back down first.
Firstly, China can take more pain: partially because it isn’t a democracy and President Xi Jinping doesn’t have to worry as much about public sentiment, but also because its economy appears to be in better health going into the trade war.
Secondly, Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs allow Xi to position China as the stable, sensible alternative in global trade relationships, and China has already diversified its imports and exports away from overly relying on the U.S.
China also controls the lion’s share of global critical minerals, which are key components in everything from mobile phones and computers, to home appliances, vehicles, and military equipment.
Tariffs on Canadian cars could go higher, Trump threatens
10:51 , Rachel ClunDonald Trump has threatened to lift tariffs on Canadian-made cars even higher.
Already, all cars imported to the U.S. face a 25 percent tariff, and before his “liberation day” of widespread tariff hikes Trump had already increase duties on all other Canadian goods to 25 percent.
On Wednesday, the president told reporters in the Oval Office that tariffs on Canadian cars could go even higher.
"When I put tariffs on Canada - they're paying 25 percent - but that could go up, in terms of cars," Trump said, according to Reuters.
"All we're doing is we're saying, 'We don't want your cars, in all due respect. We want, really, to make our own cars."
South African leader speaks with Trump
11:06 , Rachel ClunSouth Africa’s president has spoken with Donald Trump in a step towards a meeting after relations deteriorated earlier this year.
Cyril Ramaphosa said he spoke with Trump on the phone about the process towards peace in Ukraine, and the pair agreed the war should end “as soon as possible”.
“We both agreed to meet soon to address various matters regarding US-South Africa relations,” he said on X.
“We also spoke about the need to foster good relations between our two countries.”
Relations between South Africa and the U.S. fell apart after South Africa introduced new laws giving the government the power to take land from people without compensation in some cases.
Trump signed an executive order to cut all aid to the country for “rights violations” against Afrikaner farmers, and for taking a case against Israel to the International Court of Justice.
Trump’s condemnation of the country tracks closely with that of his close ally and adviser, South-African born billionaire Elon Musk, who has long criticized his homeland for its “openly racist policies”.
While Trump attacks Powell, here’s why he won’t fire him
11:21 , Rachel ClunDonald Trump continued his attacks on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell yesterday.
“I believe he’s making a mistake by not lowering interest rates, and I think, as well as we’re doing, we could do much better,” he told reporters in the Oval Office.
It is one of the milder hits from Trump, who has labelled Powell “Mr Too Late” and “a major loser” for not cutting interest rates in the central banks two meetings so far this year.
He has also threatened to fire the Federal Reserve chair, which spooked financial markets.
But on Tuesday, he backtracked, saying he had “no intention” of ousting the bank’s chair.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump had also directed aides to find ways to fire Powell, but that action was halted on the advice of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
They told the president that removing Powell would cause chaos in financial markets and raise legal issues, the Journal reported.
Republican lawmaker wants Federal Reserve protected from political influence
11:36 , Rachel Clun, ReutersA Republican lawmaker said President Donald Trump’s “made the right call” in clearly stating he would not fire the Federal Reserve chair, but said the central bank must be protected from political influence
"The president made a wise decision," said Frank Lucas, who chairs the House Financial Services Task Force on Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience and Economic Prosperity. “We didn't need any more uncertainty in the markets.”
In an interview with Reuters, Lucas said he wants the taskforce to find policy initiatives that can bolster the Federal Reserve’s independence when Congress returns next week.
"It's not a government-owned bank. It's owned by the banks. And, yes, the president nominates with Senate confirmation the governor and the board of directors. But they are independent," Lucas said.
"Demonstrating that monetary policy is not going to be a political game of whoever the president is - and not just this president, but the next two or three or five or 10 presidents - I think that would be a stabilizing force.”
Oregon Attorney General says states are ‘pushing back’ at Trump’s tariffs
11:52 , Rachel ClunOregon’s Attorney General said American states have decided to fight Donald Trump’s “unlawful” tariff policy, saying it will hurt ordinary Americans.
Attorney General Dan Rayfield co-led the coalition of top lawmakers from a dozen states in the lawsuit, which challenges the executive orders introducing sweeping tariffs.
Those levies include the 145 percent tariff on goods from China, 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, and 10 percent duties on products from most other countries.
Rayfield said: “These tariffs hit every corner of our lives – from the checkout line to the doctor’s office – and we have a responsibility to push back.”
Ann Donaca, who is a personal support worker for her son, who has Down Syndrome, said the tariffs were causing more suffering for her family, which was already living hand to mouth.
Donaca said: “We, the people, are sinking.”
Beijing reiterates that no trade talks have begun with U.S.
12:07 , Rachel ClunBeijing says it willing to negotiate with the U.S., but talks are yet to begin.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said U.S. claims talks had begun were false, after President Donald Trump on Wednesday said there had been “direct contact” between the countries.
Guo said: “None of that is true. For all I know, China and the U.S. are not having any consultation or negotiation on tariffs, still less reaching a deal.”
Guo said in a press conference that China’s position has not changed: “We will fight, if fight we must. Our doors are open, if the U.S. wants to talk. Dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.”
Beijing warns U.S. to ‘stop threatening China’ if it wants a trade deal
12:22 , Rachel ClunChina’s foreign ministry warned a trade deal can only be reached if Washington stops “threatening and blackmailing China”.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Beijing has an opportunity to strike a “big deal” with America, but warned the country had to move away from relying on exports and boost its domestic consumption.
Asked to respond to Bessent’s comments, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said: “The truth, which is clear to all, is that the U.S. tariffs are seriously undermining the WTO rules and harming the common interests of all countries.
He continued: “Let me stress again that this tariff war is launched by the U.S., and China’s attitude is consistent and clear. If a negotiated solution is truly what the U.S. wants, it should stop exerting extreme pressure, stop threatening and blackmailing China, and seek dialogue based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.”
A timeline of Trump’s on again, off again tariffs
12:37 , Rachel ClunDonald Trump’s tariff policies have changed at a rapid pace. Here are the key moments so far:
- January 20 - Announces 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico.
- February 1 - Adds 10 per cent tariffs on China.
- February 10 - Puts 25 percent tariff on all steel and aluminum exports to the U.S.
- March 4 - Canada, China and Mexico tariffs come into effect.
- March 26 - Announces 25 percent tariff on all cars and car parts shipped to the U.S.
- April 2 - Reveals 10 percent tariff on nearly all countries exporting goods to U.S, and even higher reciprocal tariffs for dozens of nations.
- April 9 - Higher tariffs take effect, but within hours, announces a 90-day pause – except the general 10 percent increase. China tariffs are lifted to 145 percent.
- April 11 - Trump administration exempts electronic goods.
- April 12-13 - Trump says new tariffs on semiconductors and chips will be introduced, administration says tech exemption will be temporary.
- April 23 - Trump says the paused tariffs could be reintroduced within two or three weeks, unless deals are made
New, star-spangled portrait of Trump hung in White House
12:51 , Rachel ClunA new portrait of the president has been hung in the White House, depicting the president’s face painted with the United States flag.
Its position is also interesting, having been hung between gold-framed portraits of former first ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.
Florida congressman Jimmy Patronis shared a photo of the new display on X, saying the portrait went up on Tuesday.
This portrait of @realDonaldTrump just went up in the White House today! #Awesome #MAGA pic.twitter.com/8lfP1HAzhZ
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) April 22, 2025
Trump claims Democrats trying to ‘keep murderers’ in the U.S.
13:07 , Rachel ClunDonald Trump has claimed that Democrats were trying to “keep murderers” in the US.
In an early spray on Truth Social, the president said: “THE DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING LIKE HELL TO KEEP MURDERERS, AND ALL OTHER TYPE OF CRIMINALS, SOLIDLY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THEY HAVE GONE CRAZY, AND ARE ONLY GETTING WORSE!!!”
Trump did not post any other context, but earlier this week a delegation of four Democrats traveled to El Salvador to “fight like hell” for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was incorrectly deported there.
The Trump administration has deported hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants it claims are gang members or criminals to a notorious jail near the country’s capital.
That push comes after the Supreme Court made an extraordinary ruling in the early hours of Saturday morning to block the White House from deporting a group of Venezuelans under the Alien Enemies Act “until further order of this court”.
Americans ‘will pay more at the checkout’ because of tariffs, top state legal adviser says
13:22 , Rachel ClunNew Mexico’s Attorney General Raul Torrez says Donald Trump’s tariffs will “hurt working Americans”.
Torrez joined a coalition of 12 state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s tariff policies, claiming the president did not have the authority to unilaterally introduce the duties.
“The American people will pay more at the checkout line because of these unlawful tariffs imposed by the Trump administration,” Torrez said.
“We were promised that prices would go down—but instead, these tariffs are driving up the cost of everyday goods for families across the country. Without a legitimate state of emergency, the President does not have the authority to unilaterally impose sweeping tariffs that hurt working Americans.”
He continued: “Our communities should not have to shoulder the burden of bad policy decisions, and I will see this lawsuit through to ensure the American people are protected from unnecessary and unjustified financial strain.”
Trump claims egg prices are down, but are they?
13:37 , Rachel ClunDonald Trump says prices for key goods,including eggs, have plummeted.
“Gas and grocery prices are WAY DOWN, just like I said they would be. Eggs are plentiful, and down 87%. NICE!” he said in a post on Truth Social.
But where is he getting this from?
As of April 21, gas was $3.141 a gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, down 0.027 cents on the previous week, and 0.527 cents lower than a year ago.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics published inflation data for March on April 10, and an NBC price tracker for key grocery items including chicken breast, bacon, bread and orange juice showed that on April 8, prices were mostly flat.
The latest US Department of Agriulture report on the national egg market, from April 18, shows egg prices have also largely held steady.
However, they’ve held steady after some wild movement – our own data reporting shows egg prices in March were 60.4 percent higher compared to a year ago.
Analysis: Why Trump's tariff inconsistency will give investors heartburn
13:52 , Rachel ClunWashington Bureau Chief Eric Garcia writes that Trump’s tariffs might upset the tummy of Wall Street, but its the inconsistency that will give investors heartburn:
Trumpworld talks out of both sides of its mouth on tariffs and trade
Vice president makes brief stop on return to U.S.
14:07 , Rachel ClunJ.D. Vance has made a brief refueling stop in Germany, on his way back to Washington from a visit to India.
During that visit, Vance conceded Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs will lead to “profound changes” to the U.S. economy, as well as the economies of nations around the world.
“It's clear to me, as it is to most observers, that President Trump, of course, intends to rebalance America's economic relationship with the rest of the world,” J.D. Vance said during a speech on Tuesday.
“Fundamentally, [that] will cause profound changes within our borders in the United States, but of course, with other countries as well.”
Watch: Vance says it was 'pretty crazy' to be among last to see the Pope alive
14:22 , Rachel ClunVice president J.D. Vance has described it as “pretty crazy” that he was one of the last people to see Pope Francis alive before his death at the age of 88 on Monday.
Trump claims U.S.-Mexico border the safest it's been
14:37 , Rachel ClunThe president has claimed the U.S. border with Mexico is now the safest it has ever been.
“THE SOUTHERN BORDER IS NOW THE STRONGEST AND SAFEST IN USA HISTORY. IT WILL REMAIN SO!!!” Donald Trump said on Truth Social.
'Vladimir, STOP!'
14:46 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump on Thursday issued a rare and pointed criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin after Moscow unleashed the deadliest airstrike on Kyiv since last year, killing at least nine people.
In a post on his Truth Social website, Trump said he was “not happy” with the Russian attack on the Ukrainian capital, which came less than 24 hours after he baselessly accused Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky of starting and working to prolong the war that began in 2022 when Putin ordered Russian forces to invade Ukraine.
He then exhorted the Russian leader to halt the attacks and get to the negotiating table, writing: “Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
Andrew Feinberg reports from Washington, D.C.
Trump slams ‘not necessary’ Russian airstrike on Kyiv: ‘Vladimir, STOP!’
Trump posts new diatribe against Harvard
14:54 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump has posted a lengthy diatribe against Harvard University in response to the school’s continued defiance of and legal action against his administration.
In his fifth Truth Social post of the morning, the president wrote:
Harvard is an Anti-Semitic, Far Left Institution, as are numerous others, with students being accepted from all over the World that want to rip our Country apart. The place is a Liberal mess, allowing a certain group of crazed lunatics to enter and exit the classroom and spew fake ANGER AND HATE. It is truly horrific! Now, since our filings began, they act like they are all “American Apple Pie.” Harvard is a threat to Democracy, with a lawyer, who represents me, who should therefore be forced to resign, immediately, or be fired. He’s not that good, anyway, and I hope that my very big and beautiful company, now run by my sons, gets rid of him ASAP!
The lawyer in question is Bill Burck, a managing partner of the trial firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan and a longtime Republican insider, who was hired by the Trump Organization as its outside ethics advisor.
He was hired by the university to help Harvard President Alan Garber counter Trump’s demands of the institution.
So, that’s awkward.
Read more below from Io Dodds:
Harvard sues Trump over $2.2 billion funding freeze as free speech battle heats up
Colorado says Trump’s tariffs are ‘awful’
15:10 , Rachel ClunColorado’s governor and attorney general say Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs are terrible for the country, joining a lawsuit with 11 other states against the duties.
Governor Jared Polis said Trump’s tariffs were threatening the world economy and U.S leadership.
“Tariffs are awful for Americans and our economy, and it’s important to use every legal tool possible to reduce trade barriers and increase prosperity,” he said.
“Here in Colorado, tariffs are already hurting Colorado agriculture and small businesses. We will do everything we can legally to prevent tariffs that are bad for businesses and all Americans.”
Attorney General Phil Weiser said that under the Constitution, only Congress has the power to impose taxes and tariffs, and there was “no ‘emergency’ that justifies the Trump tariffs”.
He continued:” We are challenging these tariffs in court because they are illegal and, as one study concluded, they will ‘increase inflation, result in nearly 800,000 lost jobs, and shrink the American economy by $180 billion a year’.”
Trump turns his fire on Rupert Murdoch
15:16 , Oliver O'ConnellIt’s a busy morning for President Donald Trump — at least on social media.
After posts attacking Democrats, Putin and Harvard, the president next turned his fire on media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his empire.
Trump wrote on Truth Social:
Rupert Murdoch has told me for years that he is going to get rid of his FoxNews, Trump Hating, Fake Pollster, but he has never done so. This “pollster” has gotten me, and MAGA, wrong for years. Also, and while he’s at it, he should start making changes at the China Loving Wall Street Journal. It sucks!!!
If you’re wondering what the latest Fox News polling says, here’s an excerpt:
Overall approval of Trump’s job performance comes in at 44%, down 5 points from 49% approval in March. That’s lower than the approval of Joe Biden (54%), Barack Obama (62%), and George W. Bush (63%) at the 100-day mark in their presidencies. It’s also lower by 1 point compared to Trump’s 45% approval at this point eight years ago.
And another:
Voters remain gloomy about the economy, as 71% rate economic conditions negatively and 55% say it is getting worse for their family. Both of those numbers are slight improvements compared to where they stood in December. Still, only 28% say it feels like things are getting better and by a 22-point margin more think Trump’s policies are hurting rather than helping the economy. Trump is underwater by a narrower 11-point margin when voters are asked what they expect from his policies in the long run (40% help vs. 51% hurt).
Ouch.
The Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal also frequently publishes editorial pieces critical of Trump’s economic and trade policies.
Trump keeps claiming he’s working on a deal with China. Beijing says that it is all in his mind
15:29 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump touted that the United States and China were at the negotiating table to reach a resolution to the trade war — but Beijing says that’s not true.
Washington was “actively” having discussions with Beijing this week, and Trump said he planned to be “very nice” to reach a deal. He also called his 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods “too high” and vowed it would “come down substantially.”
Two Chinese officials on Thursday contradicted the U.S. president’s claims.
Kelly Rissman reports.
Trump claims he’s working on a deal with China. Beijing says that is all in his mind
New poll: 60 percent of Americans believe the country is ‘on the wrong track’
15:40 , Oliver O'ConnellA majority of Americans have a gloomy view of the U.S.’s trajectory under Donald Trump’s administration as the president approaches the 100-day mark of his second term, a new national survey suggests.
Some 60 percent believe that the country is “seriously off on the wrong track,” according to a poll released Tuesday from the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center. The question is used across major polling organizations to capture public sentiment about where they believe the nation is headed.
James Liddell looks at the numbers.
Trump Organization parts ways with lawyer representing Harvard
15:52 , Oliver O'ConnellEric Trump appears to have listened to his father.
After this morning’s diatribe against Harvard, in which President Donald Trump noted that the university suing his administration is represented by a lawyer who also advises his family business, the Trump Organization has parted ways with said lawyer.
Top conservative attorney Bill Burck will no longer be working with the firm.
Eric Trump told CNN in a statement: “I view it as a conflict and I will be moving in a different direction.”
The Trump Organization has parted ways with top conservative attorney Bill Burck after President Trump complained that he was working for them while also representing Harvard in its fight against the Trump administration.
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) April 24, 2025
Eric Trump confirmed that the Trump Organization will no… pic.twitter.com/rQzI08Dd11
Vance marks refueling stop in Germany by serving beer to U.S. service members
15:58 , Oliver O'ConnellVice President JD Vance marked his refueling stop in Germany today by serving beer to U.S. service members.
Vance and his family are returning to Washington from a trip to Italy and India and stopped at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
“I have no idea what the hell day it is, what time it is,” Vance joked.
Service members around him were drinking beer and eating hot dogs, and Vance held up a classic German painted stein with a metal lid.
He joked that he should chug a beer but added, “That would go viral, and not in a good way, my friends.”
Instead, Vance took a regular sip before handing out cups of beer, which he served from a keg.
Trump says Boeing 'should default China'
16:02 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump has again posted to Truth Social — his seventh post this morning.
This time, he has Boeing and China on his mind:
Boeing should default China for not taking the beautifully finished planes that China committed to purchase. This is just a small example of what China has done to the USA, for years… And, by the way, Fentanyl continues to pour into our Country from China, through Mexico and Canada, killing hundreds of thousands of our people, and it better stop, NOW!
Here’s Namita Singh reporting on what Trump appears to be referring to:
China sends back Boeing jet worth $55m as Trump tariffs continue to hurt trade
Hegseth had Signal app reportedly installed on office computer - because of spotty cell phone service in the Pentagon
16:11 , Oliver O'ConnellDefense secretary Pete Hegseth had the Signal app installed on an office computer because he couldn’t get cell phone service in the Pentagon, according to a report.
Hegseth directed the installation of the encrypted app on a desktop Pentagon computer as a “workaround that enabled him to use Signal in a classified space,” the Washington Post reports, citing people familiar with the matter.
Rhian Lubin has the details.
Vance autographs the kegerator he used to pour beers
16:14 , APWhile serving beer on the air base, Vice President JD Vance was using a special kegerator, which was constructed by Air Force Master Sgt Anthony Davis.
After Vance had poured drafts from the kegerator — typically a small refrigerator modified to dispense beer from kegs — Davis asked the vice president to autograph it.
“To Anthony, this is great! A work of genius!! JD Vance,” he wrote while signing the contraption.
He used Davis’ kegerator to serve Benediktiner Hell lager beer.
Davis fundraised for and built the kegerator for an event for the 86th Maintenance Group at the base where Vance was on a refueling stop, Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
Davis added that Vance said, “This thing is awesome” when Davis asked him to sign it.
Will DOGE cuts to Social Security Administration interrupt payments?
16:19 , Oliver O'ConnellFormer Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley is sounding the alarm that benefit payments could be delayed for millions of Americans as soon as next month.
O’Malley, who ran the Social Security Administration from 2023 to 2024 under President Joe Biden, warned that deep staffing cuts and internal chaos since President Donald Trump took office will soon start to impact those expecting checks from the government.
Read on...
Trump and cuts to SSA spark fears that benefit payments will be interrupted soon
Trump asks Supreme Court to let him ban trans service members while legal challenges play out
16:22 , Alex WoodwardTrump is asking the Supreme Court to let him ban trans service members from the military while legal challenges play out.
During an appeals court hearing on Tuesday, judges did not appear convinced by the government’s arguments that the Pentagon’s policy doesn’t ban trans service members per se but gender dysphoria diagnosis and healthcare.
Last month, District Judge Ana Reyes issued a nationwide injunction, finding that a categorical ban on trans service members in the nation’s military is “soaked in animus” and discriminatory.
“Its language is unabashedly demeaning, its policy stigmatizes transgender persons as inherently unfit, and its conclusions bear no relation to fact,” she wrote.
Trump’s approval rating sinks as Americans become wary of power he holds
16:38 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump’s approval rating sank in a new poll to its lowest level since the start of his second term amid Americans’ concerns about his attempts to expand his power.
Gustaf Kilander reports.
Trump’s approval rating sinks in the latest poll as more become wary of his power
Trump-appointed judge orders government to ‘facilitate’ return of another deported asylum seeker
16:46 , Oliver O'ConnellA federal judge has ordered Donald Trump’s administration to “facilitate” the return of a Venezuelan asylum seeker deported to El Salvador, marking the second time the government has been directed to secure the release of an immigrant imprisoned in that country’s jails.
Maryland District Judge Stephanie Gallagher — who was appointed by Trump in 2019 — found that the government’s removal of a 20-year-old Venezuelan man named in court documents as “Cristian” violated a court settlement intended to protect young immigrants who have pending asylum claims.
Alex Woodward has the details.
Trump-appointed judge orders return of another asylum seeker in El Salvador
Trump’s tanking meme coin gets massive boost when dinner with the president is offered as a reward
16:57 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump’s meme cryptocurrency surged in price on Wednesday after its website announced a few lucky investors could win a private dinner with the president in Washington, D.C.
The $Trump coin surged approximately 60 percent after announcing the “most exclusive invitation in the world” dinner to the top 220 holders. The sudden price jumped to $14 – still well below its peak of $70 after launching in January.
Anthony Cuthbertson and Ariana Baio report.
Trump’s meme coin gets massive boost after offering dinner with the president
Trump orders targeting 'sanctuary cities' deemed unconstitutional by Fed judge
17:03 , Alex WoodwardTrump’s executive orders targeting so-called “sanctuary cities” are unconstitutional, according to a federal judge in California.
The president’s directives to withhold or freeze federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions likely violate the separation of powers, the Spending Clause, and Fifth and Tenth Amendments “because they impose coercive condition intended to commandeer local officials into enforcing federal immigration practices and law.”
Judge William H. Orrick issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the orders while the legal challenge plays out.
Today in unexpected visitors to the White House...
17:17 , Oliver O'ConnellKeen followers of the White House schedule will know that today, President Donald Trump is sitting down for a meeting with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre.
They are expected to discuss Ukraine, NATO, and, inevitably, tariffs.
The president, who let’s just say loves a dramatic reveal, just added something most unexpected to his schedule in a Truth Social post (yes, he’s still posting).
Here it is in full:
Later today I will be meeting with, of all people, Jeffrey Goldberg, the Editor of The Atlantic, and the person responsible for many fictional stories about me, including the made-up HOAX on “Suckers and Losers” and, SignalGate, something he was somewhat more “successful” with. Jeffrey is bringing with him Michael Scherer and Ashley Parker, not exactly pro-Trump writers, either, to put it mildly! The story they are writing, they have told my representatives, will be entitled, “The Most Consequential President of this Century.” I am doing this interview out of curiosity, and as a competition with myself, just to see if it’s possible for The Atlantic to be “truthful.” Are they capable of writing a fair story on “TRUMP”? The way I look at it, what can be so bad – I WON!
Take a moment to digest that.
Yes, the journalist who found himself at the heart of the Signalgate scandal will be interviewing the president, who called him “a loser” and the magazine “terrible.”
Here’s a quick reminder of what transpired last month, in what was described at the time by Democratic Senator Jack Reed as “one of the most egregious failures of operational security and common sense I have ever seen.”
Journalist accidentally included in Trump admin group chat outlining Yemen war plans
Trump says Russia and Ukraine 'have to get to the table'
17:42 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump was asked if he still believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin is serious about peace, given the bombing of Kyiv last night, and whether he is considering new sanctions against Russia.
The president said: “So we are thinking that very strongly, that they both want peace, but they have to get to the table. We're waiting a long time. They have to get them to the table. And I think we're going to get peace. We want to save 5,000 young people. I used to say 2,500 ... we have about 5000 young people a week that are dying in that ridiculous war.
“And, you know, I started out because I didn't like all the money that we were paying, and then I realized how many people were dying, and that's by far the more important element. Right now, I'm saying, we can save 1000s of people. I don't like that it takes long at all. But I think they both want to make peace, I do believe so. There's a lot of hatred. There's a lot of very bad blood. A lot of stress, but I think we're going to I hope we're going to get there, for the sake of a lot of young people that are dying.”
Watch that moment here:
Watch: Trump maintains U.S.-China talks are happening, despite denial from Beijing
17:49 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump maintains that the U.S. and China are in trade talks over the tariffs they have imposed on each other, despite a flat-out denial from two ministries in Beijing that any negotiations are underway.
The president wouldn’t say who was participating in the talks.
REPORTER: Can you clarify with whom the U.S. is speaking with China? They're saying it's fake news that trade talks are happening.@POTUS: "Well, they had a meeting this morning... we may reveal it later, but they had meetings this morning, and we've been meeting with China." pic.twitter.com/99HGQIsCHf
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 24, 2025
Family feud: Jack Schlossberg issues wild challenge to cousin RFK Jr
18:00 , Oliver O'ConnellThe grandchild of late President John F. Kennedy, Jack Schlossberg, issued a bizarre challenge to his cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the secretary of health and human services.
“RFK Jr ... I have got a challenge for you,” Schlossberg said in an Instagram video Wednesday.
Gustaf Kilander has the story.
Jack Schlossberg issues wild challenge to cousin RFK Jr in ongoing feud
Why China holds the edge over the US in Trump’s trade war
18:20 , Oliver O'ConnellRachel Clun writes:
The Trump administration appears to be softening its rhetoric towards China after Washington and Beijing rapidly escalated a trade war in the past few weeks.
Donald Trump said this week they were working on a deal and tariffs would come down, while U.S. treasury secretary Scott Bessent said there was “an opportunity for a big deal here” as the countries prepare to start negotiations.
The U.S. has raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 per cent and threatened tariffs of up to 245 per cent, while China has lifted tariffs on U.S. goods to 125 in retaliation.
Despite the slight change in tone from the White House, China says it will not be bullied into a deal.
Here are some of the key reasons Beijing has less reason than the U.S. to back down first.
In pictures: Trump welcomes Norwegian PM to White House
18:27 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump welcomed Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre to the White House for a bilateral meeting on Thursday lunchtime.
Trump hits thousands with surprise deportation notice email – including US citizens
18:40 , APWhen immigration attorney Hubert Montoya was sent an email by the US Department of Homeland Security telling him to leave the country or risk being deported, he says his first reaction was to laugh.
“I just thought it was absurd,” the US citizen based in Austin, Texas, said.
But as the Trump administration continues to dismantle the immigration polices of its predecessors, more and more people are getting caught up in the mass deportation drive.
Read on...
Trump hits thousands with surprise deportation notice email – including US citizens
Watch LIVE: Trump meets with Norwegian Prime Minister following Russian bombing of Ukraine
18:57 , Oliver O'ConnellAmericans on Social Security are being ‘resurrected’ after DOGE falsely declares them dead
19:00 , Oliver O'ConnellAmericans who had been wrongly declared dead after Elon Musk’s government-slashing force was granted access to the Social Security Administration’s databases are being forced to prove that they are very much alive.
James Liddell has the story.
Social Security claimants ‘resurrected’ after DOGE falsely declares them dead
'I didn't like last night. I wasn't happy with it,' says Trump on Russian missile attack on Kyiv
19:12 , Oliver O'ConnellAsked about his post this morning, saying, “Vladimir, STOP!” concerning last night’s missile attack by Russia on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, President Donald Trump said: “I didn't like last night. I wasn't happy with it. We're in the midst of talking peace, and missiles were fired. And I was not happy with it.”
.@POTUS: "I didn't like last night. I wasn't happy with it. We're in the midst of talking peace and missiles were fired. And I was not happy with it." pic.twitter.com/aSdPhsaOP0
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 24, 2025
Report: Trump targets popular Democrat fundraising group as he preps order to crack down on foreign money in elections
19:20 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump is set to target a major Democratic fundraising group to crack down on foreign donations in American elections, according to a report.
Rhian Lubin reports.
Trump ‘to target Democrat fundraising group over foreign money in elections’ - report
Watch: Trump asked whether he still agrees Ukraine has to give up territory
19:25 , Oliver O'ConnellReporter: Do you still agree that Ukraine has to give up some territory?
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 24, 2025
Trump: It depends what territory… When you say Crimea, that was handed over under Barack Hussein Obama.. They made a decision. There wasn’t a bullet fired. There was no anything. They just handed it over.… pic.twitter.com/JEZ8HYaln9
Bessent says trade talks with South Korea moving faster than expected
19:27 , Oliver O'ConnellU.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters on Thursday that trade talks with South Korea may be moving faster than the Trump administration expected.
“We will be talking technical terms as early as next week,” he said. “South Koreans came early, they came with their A game. And we will see if they follow through on that.”
Trump says Russia's concession to end war in Ukraine is not taking whole country
19:30 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump, speaking in the Oval Office, was asked about what concessions Russia is offering in negotiations to end its war on Ukraine: “Stopping the war, stopping taking the whole country — pretty big concession,” he said.
Reporter: What concessions has Russia offered up thus far to get to the point where you're closer to peace.
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 24, 2025
Trump: Stopping the war, stopping taking the whole country. Pretty big concessions pic.twitter.com/9MiHQx7YUv
Poll: Only 15 percent of young people believe U.S. is on right track under Trump
19:40 , Oliver O'ConnellOnly 15 percent of young people believe the U.S. is on the right track under the leadership of President Donald Trump, a Harvard Youth Poll released on Wednesday found.
This comes even after Trump made gains with young voters in November’s general election, in which he beat then-Vice President Kamala Harris. However, less than a third of young people approve of the president’s job performance so far in his second term. Both congressional parties received similarly poor results in the poll from the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School.
Gustaf Kilander looks at the numbers.
Only 15 percent of young people believe U.S. is on right track under Trump: poll
Swiss diplomat says entire world has to join together to talk trade with the US
19:52 , Oliver O'Connell
Switzerland’s foreign minister, on a visit to China, says the sweeping tariffs imposed by Donald Trump are like an earthquake that has hit “all the other countries on the planet” and thrust them into “a sort of coalition” to reach a deal with the United States.
Ignazio Cassis spoke to reporters in Beijing on Thursday after meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.
“We have to convince the United States to come back to a multilateral discussion — which for now is not a given,” the Swiss diplomat said.
Trump has imposed 31 percent tariffs on Swiss goods — far higher than the 20 percent faced by its European Union neighbors — but Switzerland is among the many places now subject to a 90-day pause.
White House hits back at ‘talentless’ Jimmy Kimmel after Hegseth roast
20:00 , Oliver O'ConnellThe White House has lashed out at Jimmy Kimmel after the TV host ripped into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s handling of the second Signalgate scandal.
On Tuesday, Kimmel laid into Hegseth over reports he had again disclosed sensitive information about airstrikes in Yemen, this time in a Signal group chat that included his wife, brother and lawyer. In his monologue, the comedian accused Hegseth of being a ‘leaker’ and branded his attempts to deflect criticism as ‘bull****’.
Madeline Sherratt has the story.
White House hits back at ‘talentless’ Jimmy Kimmel after Hegseth roast
Trump team may have violated another judge’s order by moving Venezuelan to Texas for deportation
20:19 , Oliver O'ConnellDonald Trump’s administration moved a Venezuelan immigrant living in Philadelphia to a Texas detention facility for possible removal from the United States despite a court order blocking his removal from Pennsylvania and the country.
On April 15, Trump-appointed District Judge Stephanie Haines blocked the government from moving a man named in court documents as A.S.R. from her western Pennsylvania judicial district.
But roughly 30 minutes after her order, a plane carrying the man took off for Texas, according to filings from the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents him.
Alex Woodward reports.
Trump administration moved Venezuelan to Texas to be deported despite judge’s order
Four more years: Eric Trump promotes third-term Trump Organization merch
20:24 , Oliver O'ConnellThe U.S. Constitution states that Trump can only be elected to two terms as president. However, this isn't stopping his family from promoting a third campaign.
Eric Trump shared a photo on Instagram of himself wearing a red “Trump 2028" hat, now sold by the Trump Store.
Trump, who would turn 82 in 2028, has mentioned he is considering how to breach the constitutional prohibition. He had previously joked about it before telling NBC News that he’s serious and that “there are methods which you could do it.”
The 22nd Amendment was adopted after President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected four times. He died at 63, before the 100th day of his fourth term, on April 12, 1945.
Department of Transportation scrambles to keep staff who accepted resignations
20:38 , Oliver O'ConnellSo many workers at the Department of Transportation accepted a second deferred resignation offer that officials have been forced to ask some of them to reconsider.
As part of President Donald Trump and the Elon Musk-led DOGE’s efforts to slash the federal workforce, the Transportation Department offered employees another opportunity to take a deferred resignation, for which approximately 4,700 people volunteered, according to Politico.
Ariana Baio has the details.
Department of Transportation scrambles to keep staff who accepted resignations
DOJ cancels hundreds of grants for police, crime victims
20:44 , ReutersThe U.S. Justice Department is terminating grants totaling $811 million for a wide range of services to crime victims, including trauma recovery centers and sign language interpretation, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The grants were worth $811 million at the time they were awarded, which is being reported for the first time, but it was not clear what percentage remained unspent at the time of the cuts.
Reuters previously reported that a total of 365 competitive ongoing grants offered by the Office of Justice Programs were cut. The grants are paid out over the course of three years.
NYAG’s lawyer urges DOJ to reject Trump official’s call for criminal probe
20:57 , APA lawyer for New York Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday urged the Justice Department to refuse a Trump administration official’s request to prosecute the Democrat for mortgage fraud, calling it “improper political retribution."
In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the lawyer, Abbe Lowell, also offered evidence that the central accusation against James — that she had falsely told a lenders she intended to use a house in Virginia as her primary residence — is easily disproven by records and correspondence related to the real estate transaction.
Read on...
NY attorney general’s lawyer urges Justice Dept. to reject Trump official’s call for criminal probe
Trump’s bad day in court: President racks up 3 losses in 90 minutes on DEI, sanctuary cities and voter registration
21:07 , Oliver O'ConnellThree federal judges blocked key parts of Donald Trump’s agenda in courtrooms across the country on Thursday, all within roughly 90 minutes of one another.
Alex Woodward has the details of a bad day in court for the administration.
Trump loses on DEI, sanctuary cities and voter registration in 90 minutes
Trump says Russia has made ‘pretty big concession’ to peace by not seizing whole of Ukraine
21:16 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump on Thursday said Russia’s failure to forcibly seize and occupy the entirety of Ukraine’s territory amounts to a “pretty big concession” to Kyiv as he continues to push for Russia and Ukraine to come to a settlement to end the war Moscow started three years ago.
Speaking in the Oval Office during a bilateral meeting with Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump insisted to reporters that he is putting pressure on Russian president Vladimir Putin behind the scenes as reporters asked him what he would ask the Russian leader to give up to match the massive territorial concessions he has asked Ukraine to make as a way to find an end to Europe’s bloodiest conflict since the end of the Second World War.
Andrew Feinberg reports for The Independent from Washington, D.C.
Trump says Russia has made ‘pretty big concession’ to peace by not seizing allUkraine
NATO's Rutte: US, European allies agree Russia is a long-term threat
21:20 , Reuters
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said after talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday that the United States and its European allies agree that Russia is a long-term threat.
"We all agree in NATO that Russia is the long-term threat to NATO territory -- to the whole of the Euro-Atlantic territory," Rutte told reporters outside the White House.
He also said the United States remained committed to NATO, even as Washington increasingly focuses on the Asia-Pacific region.
As his store starts selling ‘Trump 2028’ hats, Trump rehashes third term claims
21:23 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump poked the third-term bear again on Thursday when his personal store began selling “Trump 2028” hats.
After teasing the media and public about running for president again in 2028, which the Constitution specifically forbids, Trump’s online store launched the new campaign-style hat for $50.
Read on...
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Trump rehashes third term claims as his store starts selling ‘Trump 2028’ hats
'It sucks!': Furious Trump calls for Rupert Murdoch to fire staff at Fox News and the Wall Street Journal
21:35 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump encouraged News Corp founder Rupert Murdoch to “start making changes” at Fox News and the Wall Street Journal in a furious Truth Social post after the news organizations offered negative coverage of the administration.
In the angry post, the president flexed his influence over the conservative news groups by touting his relationship with Murdoch, the founder and former CEO of News Corp, which owns Fox News and the Journal.
The post comes a day after Fox News released a poll that found that voters are generally displeased with Trump on most issues. The Journal, meanwhile, has released an editorial criticizing Trump’s tariff agenda.
Ariana Baio reports from New York.
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Trump calls for Rupert Murdoch to fire staff at Fox News and the Wall Street Journal
ANALYSIS: Trump’s polling plunge continues as he loses ground on immigration and his trade war
21:45 , Oliver O'ConnellJohn Bowden writes:
Donald Trump’s honeymoon period is over — if it ever existed at all.
The president’s often disjointed efforts aimed at reorganizing the architecture of global trade, coupled with furious (and growing) opposition to the rollout of his mass deportation strategy, have left him in a tight spot. With the House and Senate still just around the halfway point in the months-long budget reconciliation process and yet to cast a final vote on a bill that may need his political capital to get over the finish line, Trump is bleeding support from voters on several fronts.
It’s a rough spot to be in, given the GOP’s ultra-slim majorities in the House and Senate and the continued likelihood that the Republican Party will have to reckon with a fight over Medicaid in the weeks ahead.
A slew of new approval polling this week finds the president underwater with voters in terms of his overall job performance and popularity of his efforts to address individual issues, including immigration — the area where he’s longest held an advantage over Democratic opponents.
Trump’s polling plunge continues over deportation unpopularity and recession fears
