New Zealand Update: Administration Restricts Harvard's Admission of Foreign Students, Forcing Thousands to Seek Alternatives

The Trump The administration took away Harvard University’s permission to admit international students as part of their intensifying conflict with the prestigious institution. This decision means that numerous currently enrolled students have to either switch universities or depart from the United States. The Department of Homeland Security alleged that Harvard permitted "anti-American, pro-terrorist individuals" to attack Jewish students on campus and made unfounded claims suggesting that Harvard is working together with the Chinese Communist Party.

In another judicial matter, District Judge Jeffrey S. White based in Oakland halted the Trump administration’s efforts to end the protected status for international scholars across the country as long as the ongoing lawsuit against prior terminations remains unresolved. This ruling prohibits the authorities from: detaining or imprisoning the plaintiffs along with comparable individuals studying abroad, relocating any such student beyond their designated place of residency, inflicting any detrimental legal consequences upon these students, and revoking the restoration of their lawful standing until the litigation concludes.

Here's the latest:

Legislators request prominent hotels avoid using the term ' Taiwan , China’

A pair of Republican lawmakers have asked major hotel chains to stop using the term “Taiwan, China” on their websites, seven years after the U.S. hotel chain Marriott had its website shut down in China over its listing Taiwan as a country.

Currently, the CEOs of Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt hotels are being urged to align with U.S. policy regarding Taiwan, which is seen as a self-governing entity but is claimed by Beijing as part of China’s territory.

The United States does not take a position on the island’s sovereignty but is against any forcible seizure of the island.

In a letter, Representatives John Moolenaar and Senator Marsha Blackburn expressed concern that some U.S. hotels have started designating the island as "Taiwan, China," stating this practice goes against established U.S. policy and falsely validates the Chinese Communist Party’s assertions about Taiwan.

White House says judge’s ruling could jeopardize U.S. relations overseas

The White House claims that a federal judge who criticized the Trump administration regarding several deportation cases is threatening U.S. international relations.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the remarks made by Federal Judge Brian Murphy, who stated on Wednesday that the Trump administration had breached a court directive concerning deportations to third nations via a flight connected to South Sudan.

Murphy said eight migrants aboard the plane were not given a meaningful opportunity to object to their deportation.

Leavitt stated on Thursday that "as a consequence of Judge Murphy’s actions, federal officials are being compelled to stay in Djibouti for more than two weeks."

She mentioned that the judge’s remarks were "jeopardizing our United States' diplomatic ties with nations globally," although she declined to comment on potential agreements with additional third countries for accepting deportees from U.S. expulsion flights.

Federal judge stops immigration officials from taking away international students' legal status

A judge in California has halted the Trump administration from ending the legal status of international students across the country as litigation over past terminations proceeds.

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White prohibited the government from changing the students' legal standing, detaining, or relocating them until the conclusion of the case. However, they may still face arrest for offenses such as serious crimes.

White stated that the government's actions "caused widespread disruption not just for the plaintiffs involved here but also for similar F-1 nonimmigrant visa holders throughout the United States, and this continues."

The Trump administration stated that thousands of international students registered with Harvard University must either switch institutions or depart from the United States.

The Trump administration took away Harvard University’s permission to admit international students as part of their intensifying conflict with the Ivy League institution, stating that numerous currently enrolled students have to either switch to different universities or depart from the country.

On Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security released a statement accusing Harvard of fostering an insecure atmosphere on campus by permitting "pro-terrorist activists" who are anti-American to attack Jewish students. The department did not provide proof but additionally alleged that Harvard was working together with the Chinese Communist Party.

"This indicates that Harvard can now no longer admit international students, and current international students have to either transfer or forfeit their lawful status," the agency stated.

Harvard has nearly 6,800 international students enrolled at its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which makes up over a quarter of their total student population. The majority are graduate students hailing from more than 100 different nations.

The Republican tax legislation significantly reduces the clean energy incentives that Democrats enacted three years prior in the climate act.

The substantial tax relief measure endorsed by House Republicans late Wednesday aims to eliminate clean energy incentives that were established by Democrats three years prior. Simultaneously, this plan favors boosting activities like mining and oil extraction along with other conventional forms of power generation.

The legislation, which will now move to the Senate, abolishes or accelerates the phase-out of various clean energy tax benefits established under last year's Inflation Reduction Act during ex-President Joe Biden’s tenure. Although Biden's climate act was seen as a landmark step towards transitioning to cleaner energy sources, this new House bill largely nullifies many of the incentives promoting renewables like wind and solar power.

Supporters of clean energy argued that the bill reverses the biggest governmental commitment to clean energy ever made.

Netanyahu connects the attack on Israeli Embassy employees with antisemitism and the October 7 strikes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu states that the attack on two employees at his nation's embassy in Washington, D.C., which targeted them as Jewish individuals, was an "atrocious" act of anti-Semitic aggression.

“Yaron and Sarah weren’t the victims of a random crime,” Netanyahu said. “The terrorist who cruelly gunned them down did so for one reason and one reason alone -- he wanted to kill Jews.”

A video posted by his office on Thursday shows him saying in English that the two employees intended to announce their engagement when they visit Jerusalem next week.

Netanyahu stated that the suspect yelled "Free Palestine" when being led away, linking the shooting directly to the assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. He added, "These were precisely the same words we heard on October 7th."

Netanyahu ended the video by stating, "I particularly wish to express my gratitude to President Trump and the American people for their steadfast support of Israel and the Jewish community."

Leavitt states that Trump signs each legal paper.

Regarding inquiries into ex-President Joe Biden’s utilization of an autopen for signing certain paperwork, Leavitt stated that Trump signs "all documents with legal ramifications."

"He basically signs all the documents required for the president's approval, except perhaps some letters to kids," she stated.

However, one of Trump’s most contentious actions, using the 18th-century wartime Alien Enemies Act to deport immigrants, was an instance where Trump later stated he did not actually sign the document.

"I'm not sure when it was signed since I didn't put my signature on it," Trump said to journalists in March.

Trump and Netanyahu talk about the shooting of an Israeli Embassy staff member and Iran

On Thursday, the two leaders had a telephone conversation following Wednesday night's shooting, which resulted in the deaths of two Israeli embassy employees at a Washington reception.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the two leaders also discussed “a potential deal” with Iran to stem its rapidly advancing nuclear program. Trump is expected to dispatch special envoy Steve Witkoff to Italy for talks later this week with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi.

Leavitt said Trump believes the talks “moving along in the right direction.”

Trump administration files motion to end protections for immigrant children in federal custody

The Trump administration submitted a motion on Thursday aimed at terminating a key policy that has provided protection for child migrants in federal custody since the 1990s. This action is expected to face legal challenges from supporters of these protections.

The safeguards established under what’s called the Flores Settlement primarily restrict the duration for which unaccompanied or familial child migrants held by U.S. Border Patrol can remain in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to around 72 hours. Additionally, these provisions guarantee that the children are maintained in secure and hygienic environments.

The Flores settlement gets its name from a Salvadoran girl, Jenny Flores, who filed a lawsuit claiming pervasive misconduct towards minors in custody during the 1980s, leading to enhanced supervision.

For the second time, the federal government during the Trump presidency has tried to terminate this policy. Back in August 2019, the initial Trump administration requested a judge to invalidate the agreement. However, their motion was ultimately dismissed in December 2020 by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The White House has criticized the judge who stated that the U.S. had breached a court directive.

At her press conference, Leavitt targeted the federal judge who had determined that the White House breached a court directive regarding deportations to third nations. She directly criticized Judge Brian E. Murphy from Boston as a "liberal activist" and alleged that he was jeopardizing American foreign relations.

"Judge Brian Murphy isn’t the Secretary of State, nor is he the Secretary of Defense or the Commander in Chief. He serves as a district court judge in Massachusetts. His role doesn’t extend to managing the country’s foreign policy or national security. Suggesting anything different would be utterly ridiculous," stated Leavitt.

Trump will join the G7 Summit next month.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the president will join an assembly in Calgary, Canada, taking place between June 15 and June 17. Attendees include leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US.

Trump is ‘saddened and outraged’ by the shooting deaths of two Israeli embassy staffers

The White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, stated that Trump spoke with Attorney General Pam Bondi and mentioned that the Department of Justice would pursue the suspected shooter under "the fullest extent" of legal guidelines.

Leavitt said “hatred has no place in the United States of America” under Trump.

She stated that the whole White House team was "sending their prayers to the victims' friends and family during this inconceivable moment."

The inaugural lady's new audiobook features her own voice — however, she wasn't the one who narrated it.

Instead, Melania Trump stated on Thursday, she utilized artificial intelligence to create an imitation of her voice narrating her memoir titled "Melania."

The 7-hour-long voice recording was produced using technology from ElevenLabs, a startup that assists individuals in replicating their voices when medical conditions deprive them of their ability to speak.

The firm's tech was employed to create the sound for AI-generated robocalls mimicking ex-President Joe Biden, which deceived voters during the 2024 election.

The first lady's adoption of artificial intelligence for her book coincides with her spouse stating his intention to restrict regulations on this technology, which might impede progress. Both the president and the first lady have recently endorsed the Take It Down Act, legislation that enforces sanctions against online sexual exploitation, encompassing offenses committed via AI-generated deep fakes.

Many state legislators call on Congress to refrain from interfering with Planned Parenthood’s funding.

After the House Republicans approved their multi-trillion-dollar budget bill late at night, 562 state legislators penned a letter to Congressional leaders requesting they refrain from blocking Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood and described the organisation as "a vital and indispensable component of the healthcare system."

"Blocking funding for Planned Parenthood prevents patients from receiving the necessary medical care and leads to higher healthcare expenses for all," the letter stated.

Anti-abortion organizations have been targeting Planned Parenthood's Medicaid funding for quite some time as part of an increasing campaign known as Defund Planned Parenthood.

The federal Hyde Amendment currently limits governmental financial support for the majority of abortion procedures, and under 5% of the services provided by Planned Parenthood consist of abortions, as stated in their 2023 annual report. The bulk of their healthcare offerings include contraceptive services along with testing and treating sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, the organisation conducts more cancer screenings and preventive measures than abortion-related interventions, according to the document.

Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff will head the US delegation for the upcoming round of nuclear discussions with Iran.

This information comes from an American official acquainted with the situation, who spoke on Thursday under conditions of anonymity to address an impending private diplomatic gathering.

Witkoff and Michael Anton, who is the State Department’s director of policy planning, will join the discussions in Rome on Friday. This meeting was previously disclosed by Oman’s foreign minister, whose nation has been facilitating the negotiations, according to an official.

The negotiations, set to be the fifth series of both direct and indirect dialogues, are anticipated to take place at the Omani Embassy in Rome, Italy’s capital city.

— Matthew Lee

The U.S. government will cease production of cents.

The U.S. Mint has placed its last order for penny blanks and intends to cease production of the coin once those are used up, a Treasury official verified on Thursday.

The shift is anticipated to result in instant yearly savings of $56 million due to decreased material expenses, said an official who requested confidentiality to discuss the story ahead of time.

In February, President Trump stated that he had instructed his administration to stop producing the 1-cent coin.

Supporters of eliminating the penny argue about its expensive manufacturing expense—around 4 cents each, as reported by the U.S. Mint—and minimal practical use. On the flip side, those who cherish the penny highlight its role in charitable collections and point out its more economical creation process when contrasted with the nickel, costing nearly 14 cents to produce.

The Wall Street Journal initially broke this story.

— Fatima Hussein

Nonprofit organizations file lawsuits against the Justice Department regarding terminated grants for criminal justice initiatives and victim support groups.

Five groups whose funding from the U.S. Department of Justice was cut off in April have filed lawsuits against both the department and Attorney General Pam Bondi. They argue that terminating their grants is unconstitutional and they're requesting that the funds be restored.

The legal action submitted late Wednesday by the Vera Institute of Justice, the Center for Children & Youth Justice, Chinese for Affirmative Action, FORCE Detroit, and Health Resources in Action seeks a federal judge’s ruling to overturn the sudden termination of grants.

They request the court to grant class status to the recipients who received over 360 grants originally valued at $820 million that were revoked last month. They also list both the Office of Justice Programs and its interim leader as further defendants.

Judge halts widespread layoffs at Education Department under Trump administration

On Thursday, a federal judge halted President Trump’s executive directive aimed at closing the Education Department and instructed the department to bring back workers who had been let go en masse during widespread layoffs.

U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration, halting two initiatives unveiled in March aimed at progressing towards President Trump’s objective of dismantling the agency. This decision represents a challenge to one of the key pledges made during the Republican leader’s election campaign.

▶ Learn more about Trump’s attempt to abolish the Education Department

Democrats decry Trump’s crypto dinner as selling access to the White House

The dinner Trump is hosting at his suburban Washington golf club is for top investors in a meme coin controlled by his family.

Sen Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, says the dinner means “in effect putting a for sale sign on the White House.”

"It’s selling off access," Blumenthal stated during a press briefing.

The senator stated that individuals who attended the dinner on Thursday evening aren’t required to submit any federal documentation—even though they enriched the Trump Organization—because cryptocurrency transactions aren’t governed similarly to conventional political contributions.

Democratic Representative Stephen Lynch from Massachusetts stated during a heated House hearing last month, "There has never been a time in American history when a current president has so flagrantly breached ethical statutes."

The United Arab Emirates denounces the deadly shooting at the Israeli Embassy staff members.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement offering their sympathies and support to both the families of the victims and the Israeli populace following the incident.

In 2020, the UAE consented to establish normal diplomatic ties with Israel through a United States-mediated agreement, marking the initial accord among what came to be known as the Abraham Accords. This pact was ultimately made between Israel and four Arab countries.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has communicated with the families of the embassy employees who were killed.

Netanyahu told the families that he joins them in their profound grief, along with the whole Jewish community," his office stated.

According to his office, the Prime Minister also had a conversation with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The US representative to Israel labels the killing of employees at the Israeli embassy as an 'act of terrorism.'

"It’s simply a dreadful tragedy, an act of terrorism, and yet another instance where we must acknowledge that Jewish individuals across the globe are being targeted for such heinous assaults," stated U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee during an interview on Fox & Friends.

Huckabee proceeded to counter those criticizing Israel's conduct of the conflict in Gaza, attributing the prolongation of the war to Hamas.

We have quite a few folks who appear to lack understanding when it comes to distinguishing between what’s right and wrong," Huckabee stated. "The distinction really should not be so difficult.

The cryptocurrency sector viewed Trump as an advocate. Now, some worry that his priorities may be driven by personal financial gain.

It appears as though this marks a victory for an industry within cryptocurrencies that has strived hard for widespread recognition: Major stakeholders from one of President Trump’s crypto initiatives were invited to have dinner with him at his upscale golf resort in Northern Virginia. This event came right after the Senate made significant progress on crucial pro-crypto bills and amid rising Bitcoin values.

However, the dinner held on Thursday evening for the 220 largest investors in the $TRUMP meme coin has brought up unsettling queries regarding possibly dubious purchasers leveraging the online world’s privacy features to gain access to the president.

Even as Democrats accuse Trump of leveraging presidential powers to enrich his own family enterprise, some supporters within the cryptocurrency community who back him remain concerned. They fear that his involvement with meme coins could undermine their attempts to gain credibility, stability, and legitimacy under what they expected would be supportive governance from his administration.

▶ Learn more about Trump and cryptocurrency

Trump rejoices over the approval of his 'GREAT, STUNNING LEGISLATION.'

In his early day social media update, the President commended House Speaker Mike Johnson and the Republican leaders for successfully pushing his key tax legislation through the lower house.

Currently, he's urging Republican senators to expedite their progress and secure a political victory before the Democrats.

“It’s time for our colleagues in the United States Senate to get cracking and pass this bill to my desk AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE!” Trump stated. “We can’t afford to dilly-dally. The Democrats seem to be out of control, meandering without direction, lacking faith, courage, or resolve.”

Planned Parenthood states that excluding it from Medicaid funding might have significant consequences.

The organization claims that a clause preventing it from obtaining Medicaid funding might result in up to one-third of its health clinics shutting down.

Planned Parenthood mentioned that approximately 200 clinics could be jeopardized—primarily located in states where abortions are permitted under law. As the leading provider of abortion services nationwide, they also deliver various healthcare options such as contraception and cancer screenings. In certain regions, state Medicaid funds cover abortion costs; however, this financial support isn’t available across all areas.

"We're engaged in a battle for survival—not only for Planned Parenthood, but for the right of everybody to receive top-notch, unbiased healthcare," stated Alexis McGill Johnson, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood.

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America welcomed the development, stating in a release, "Congress has made significant progress towards ending taxpayer support for the large abortion sector."

Institute of Peace reclaims its headquarters after court win over Musk’s cost-cutting team

On Wednesday, the U.S. Institute of Peace regained control of its headquarters, following a federal court ruling just two days prior which stated that the dismissal of its board members and staff by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency was unlawful.

George Moose, the interim president of the institute, returned to the organization’s main building accompanied by private security and their external legal advisor for the first time since he was removed from the property during the DOGE takeover. In March, both Moose and majority of the institute’s board members were dismissed as part of extensive layoffs within the federal sector led by Musk.

The institute along with several of its board members promptly initiated legal action against the Trump administration following these events, aiming to block their ousting and halt DOGE from assuming control of its functions. On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell issued a ruling that overturned DOGE’s moves.

After a brief inspection of the premises, Moose stated that everything seemed to be in proper condition.

▶ Learn more about USIP

Here's what's included in the tax legislation.

Before the bill was brought to the House floor, Republicans made their final adjustments. They increased the state and local tax deduction to attract centrist support and hastened the work requirement for Medicaid to appease those concerned about insufficient expenditure control.

Here’s an overview of what’s included in the legislative bundle, anticipated to see further modifications as it advances to the Senate:

1. Reductions in taxes for people and companies

2. Guardians and elderly individuals may be subject to work obligations for receiving food aid.

3. And new work requirements for Medicaid

4. No taxes on gun silencers, no money for Planned Parenthood and more

5. 'Trump' children get $1,000 savings accounts

6. Financing for Trump’s large-scale deportation initiative

7. Increased funds for the Pentagon and Trump’s 'Golden Dome'

8. Levy on university endowments along with a complete review of student loan system

9. Increased drilling and mining activities on federal lands

▶ Learn more about what's included in the bill

Republican lawmakers for the House approve Donald Trump's major legislation featuring tax reductions and program cutbacks following an overnight session.

The House Republicans worked through the night to push forward their multi-trillion-dollar tax cuts package. Speaker Mike Johnson overcame doubts and brought his party together to forcefully advance President Trump’s key legislative initiative, which was approved on Thursday.

Amid late-night compromises and severe cautions from Trump, most of the hesitant Republicans abandoned their objections to push through the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which is crucial for the GOP platform. Discussions began in the House just before midnight and concluded with voting at daybreak, resulting in a narrow margin of 215-214 votes against the Democratic party's firm disapproval. This legislation will now proceed to the Senate.

“To put it simply, this bill gets Americans back to winning again,” said Johnson, R-La.

The result concludes a period of intense activity on Capitol Hill, marked by continuous rounds of private discussions and public committee meetings held day and night. Republicans maintained that their extensive bill spanning over 1,000 pages was precisely what constituents expected from them in Congress and led Trump to victory at the polls. They view this legislation as "rocket fuel," according to one member during debates, aimed at bolstering the currently unstable U.S. economy.

▶ Read more about the passage of the bill in the House

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