politics News

Donald Trump issued an executive order on Friday ensuring that all Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees will receive pay and benefits during the agency's partial shutdown, now in its 49th day. The order directs DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to utilize funds with a logical connection to DHS functions to ensure employee compensation.

President Trump has requested $152 million from Congress in his proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 to begin rebuilding Alcatraz prison for operational use. This proposal revives the idea of converting the historic site, which has been a national recreation area since 1972, into a working federal prison.

Pam Bondi was fired as Attorney General by President Donald Trump on April 2, 2026, after overseeing controversial actions including the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump praised Bondi as a 'Great American Patriot' and noted a significant drop in crime rates, although data supporting this claim is questionable.

Former interim Israeli president Avraham Burg criticized the use of religion to justify violence and the impact of foreign evangelical agendas on Israeli politics. He stated, 'Bloody warriors are not entitled to build the house of God, the House of Peace,' and condemned Israeli rabbis who support violence, labeling it 'a shame on Judaism.' Burg emphasized the need for separation of religious fanaticism from political decisions, asserting that real protection comes from negotiation, not war.

The Children and Families Agency in Japan has launched a subsidy system to assist with the costs of seizing salaries and assets for child support payments from former spouses. This initiative aligns with the revised Civil Code that took effect on Wednesday, allowing parents to claim statutory child support from separated partners.

K. Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu BJP president, confirmed he will not contest the upcoming elections, addressing speculation surrounding his candidacy.

Republican Senator John Curtis of Utah stated he cannot support additional military funding in the conflict with Iran without a formal declaration of war from Congress. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the Constitution and history, expressing support for President Donald Trump's military actions while questioning the strategy and costs associated with prolonged conflict.

President Donald Trump has requested Congress to increase defense spending to $1.5 trillion, marking the largest request in decades. The proposal, part of Trump's 2027 budget outline, includes a 10% reduction in nondefense spending, with responsibilities shifted to state and local governments.

Officials from 23 Democratic states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit on Friday to block President Trump's executive order aimed at restricting mail voting. The lawsuit, led by California, claims the order violates the Constitution by interfering with states' election administration.

On April 3, 2026, Georgia lawmakers passed a bill enabling property owners to sue local governments for failing to enforce laws against homeless encampments. If signed by Governor Brian Kemp, the bill allows claims for lost property value or incurred expenses due to non-enforcement of policies on public camping and immigration cooperation.