Trump Threatens to Fire Powell if He Does Not Step Down at Term End
Donald Trump has issued a warning to Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve chair, stating he will remove him if he does not vacate his position at the conclusion of his term next month.
Trump has nominated financial executive Kevin Warsh to succeed Powell as head of the central bank. Warsh is scheduled to appear before Senate lawmakers in a confirmation hearing next week.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated he would dismiss Powell if Warsh is not confirmed by 15 May, the date Powell’s term expires. It is customary for an incumbent Federal Reserve chair to remain in office until a permanent replacement is confirmed by lawmakers.
Warsh’s nomination faces challenges due to opposition from Senator Thom Tillis, a pivotal Republican vote on the Senate banking committee. Tillis has pledged to withhold support for any Fed chair nominee while an investigation into Powell’s alleged mismanagement of Federal Reserve renovations continues.
Tillis has characterized Trump’s efforts to remove Powell as political retaliation for Powell’s refusal to reduce interest rates at the president’s request.
Trump described the investigation into Powell as “more than a criminal probe”, also citing concerns about “incompetence”.
Trump Shares Altered Image of Jesus Embracing Him
On Truth Social, Trump posted a digitally altered image depicting Jesus Christ embracing him, stating,
“The Radical Left Lunatics might not like this, but I think it is quite nice!!!”
This follows recent controversy after Trump shared an AI-generated image portraying himself as a Christ-like figure, which he later deleted, claiming he believed it depicted him as a doctor healing the sick.
Vaccine Recommendations Halted Amid Legal Challenges
Several vaccine recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been suspended following a judge’s stay against changes implemented by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This suspension may affect vaccine access in some states and halt new vaccine recommendations.
The current annual flu and COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are no longer in effect, and a recommendation for a new vaccine to protect infants against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also on hold. The future timeline for new vaccine recommendations remains uncertain, even with anticipated respiratory virus surges.
Jen Kates, senior vice-president and director of the Global and Public Policy Program at KFF, remarked, “We could see delays in updates of vaccines. We’re going into some pretty uncharted territory.”
The vaccine advisory committee was appointed by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary, who is known for opposing vaccines. The judge’s ruling effectively overturned all decisions made by the committee, creating further uncertainty in the US vaccine landscape.
Vought Budget Hearing Interrupted by Protesters
On Capitol Hill, Russell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), testified before lawmakers regarding the administration’s 2027 budget request. The proposal includes a historic $1.5 trillion defense spending request, an increase of over $440 billion from the previous year.
As Vought began his testimony, he was interrupted by protesters, apparently HIV activists, who voiced concerns over reports that the administration has withheld congressionally appropriated funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Controversial FISA Extension Heads to House Floor
House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to push for an extension of a key provision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), specifically Section 702. This provision authorizes intelligence agencies to collect communications of foreign nationals outside the US without warrants or court orders.
Johnson faces opposition from Democrats and some Republicans who argue that extending Section 702 threatens Americans’ privacy.
Donald Trump has urged GOP lawmakers to unify and pass the extension. Previously, he suggested attaching his restrictive voter ID bill, the Save America Act, to the FISA extension to appease conservative holdouts. However, he now advocates for passing a “clean bill” without additional provisions.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence stated that information collected under Section 702 helps protect the US and its allies from hostile foreign adversaries, including terrorists, proliferators, and spies, and supports cybersecurity efforts.
Trump Says China Is ‘Very Happy’ About Opening Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump claimed that China and the US are cooperating, with Beijing being “very happy” about the US president’s decision to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said on Truth Social, “I am doing it for [China], also. This situation will never happen again. They have agreed not to send weapons to .”
He predicted that Chinese leader Xi Jinping will give him a “big, fat, hug” during his upcoming trip to China next month.
Meanwhile, developments in the Middle East continue, including Iran’s threats to shipping beyond the Strait of Hormuz if the US naval blockade of Iranian ports persists. Trump told Fox News that the war on Iran is “very close to over” and hinted at upcoming peace talks in Pakistan.
Vance Heckled at Turning Point Event Over Gaza War; Comments on Pope
At a Turning Point USA event in Georgia, Vice-President JD Vance was heckled by a protester criticizing the conflicts in the Middle East, including the war in Gaza.
The protester shouted, “Jesus Christ does not support genocide.”
Vance agreed with the statement and responded to further accusations that the administration supports genocide in Gaza.
He acknowledged the humanitarian crisis in Gaza prior to US intervention and credited Donald Trump with achieving a peace agreement in Gaza.
The protester accused the administration of killing and bombing children, referencing a strike on an Iranian girls’ school that killed at least 168 people. Investigations suggest the attack was likely carried out by the US.
During the event, Vance also criticized Pope Leo XIV, advising the pontiff to be cautious when discussing theology.
Vance said, “I think it’s very, very important for the pope to be careful when he talks about matters of theology.”
Last week, the pope criticized the war in Iran without naming Trump, describing it as fueled by a “delusion of omnipotence.” Trump responded by calling the pope “weak on crime” and accused him of catering to “radical left lunatics.” Vance urged the pope to “stick to matters of morality” in a Fox News interview.
Trump in Washington; Melania to Attend Capitol Hill Roundtable
Donald Trump is in Washington today for policy meetings closed to the press. First Lady Melania Trump will visit Capitol Hill to participate in a House Ways and Means committee roundtable focused on improving foster care and education.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will hold a briefing at 1pm ET, joined by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Trump Addresses Fuel Prices and War Impact
In an interview with Maria Bartiromo of Fox News, Trump initially indicated fuel prices could remain the same or increase slightly by the November midterm elections. He later clarified, stating he was misquoted and expressed satisfaction with oil prices around $92 per barrel.
He said, “It’s going to come dropping down very big as soon as this is over,” referring to the war, and predicted gas prices would be “much lower” by the elections.
Trump added, “When that’s settled, gas prices are going to go down tremendously.”
Union Leaders Launch Drive to Boost Labor Movement
Leaders of major US unions have launched Union Now, a non-profit organization aimed at revitalizing the labor movement and addressing wealth inequality under the current administration.
Union Now seeks to simplify union membership and strengthen negotiating power for new unions.
Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, stated, “This is really about trying to put power in the hands of people.”
Nelson noted that 70% of workers want a union but only 10% have one, emphasizing the need for unions to mobilize resources effectively.
US Military Conducts Lethal Boat Strikes in Eastern Pacific
The US military announced the killing of four individuals in a boat strike in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, marking the third such strike in four days.
The US Southern Command claimed the deceased were “narco-terrorists,” though no evidence was provided.
Since September, US military boat strikes have resulted in at least 174 deaths. Legal experts and human rights advocates have condemned these strikes as extrajudicial killings violating US and international law.
Trump Threatens to Alter US-UK Trade Deal Amid Tensions
Donald Trump has threatened to reconsider the trade deal signed with the UK last year, citing disagreements over the US approach to the Middle East.
Trump described the deal as “better than I had to” but emphasized it “can always be changed.”
UK officials have cited the agreement as evidence of strong US-UK ties despite Trump’s criticism. However, they express frustration over the economic impact of the US war with Iran, which could trigger a global recession affecting the UK more than other G7 nations.
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves criticized the US for launching strikes without clear objectives, and Labour leader Keir Starmer expressed frustration over rising energy bills linked to Trump’s actions.
Trump told , “Well, it’s been better, but it’s sad. And we gave them a good trade deal, better than I had to, which can always be changed. It’s the relationship where when we asked them for help, they were not there when we needed them, they were not there when we didn’t need them. They were not there, and they still aren’t there.”
Save America Act Could Disrupt Voting in Midterms
The latest version of the Save America Act, if passed, could impose significant changes to voting procedures during the federal midterm election year, creating challenges for election workers.
The legislation includes strict voter ID requirements, criminal liabilities for election officials, and mandates for states to share voter rolls with the Department of Homeland Security.
Political reporters George Chidi and Sam Levine will host a live Q&A to discuss the act’s impact on voting rights and American democracy.
US Taxpayers Face Increased Military Spending Amid War
New analysis reveals that US households paid hundreds of dollars more in taxes last year to support increased military spending amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The Pentagon estimated the war’s cost exceeded $11.3 billion in the first six days. Trump recently increased defense spending by approximately 40%, with cuts to other government programs totaling 10%.
According to the progressive Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), the average household contributed $4,049 in federal income taxes toward military-related spending in 2025, up from previous years.
Military spending includes $1,870 for Pentagon contractors, $770 for military personnel, $130 for nuclear weapons, and $57 for aid to foreign militaries.
IPS stated, “These enormous sums for the Pentagon and militarism more broadly come with enormous costs to ordinary people – both in terms of the opportunity cost for other programs and the drain on our wallets.”
The 2025 tax receipts do not account for the costs of the US-Israeli war with Iran, which began recently.
Trump Security Aide Seeks National Counterterrorism Center Leadership
Sebastian Gorka, a security aide to Donald Trump, is reportedly seeking to become head of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), following the resignation of the previous director over disagreements about the war in Iran.
Joe Kent resigned last month, stating that Iran posed no imminent threat to the US.
The NCTC and White House have not commented on the report.
Republicans Promote Tax Cuts on Tax Day Amid Modest Impact
On Tax Day, Republicans are emphasizing last year’s tax cuts to gain political advantage, although early data indicates only modest increases in tax refunds.
Trump claims his legislation delivered the largest tax cuts ever, though analysts rank the 2025 cuts as the third or sixth largest since 1980.
Rising living costs and the war in the Middle East have overshadowed the benefits of tax cuts for many Americans.
Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform said, “But that’s not guaranteed. I run a taxpayer group. War’s kind of out of my control sometimes.”
Eric Swalwell Resigns Amid Misconduct Allegations
Eric Swalwell officially resigned from Congress amid an impending expulsion vote and allegations of misconduct, which he denies. A special election to fill his seat is scheduled for 18 August.
Lonna Drewes accused Swalwell of drugging and raping her in 2018, stating she did not consent to any sexual activity.
Government Funding and 25th Amendment Commission Proposal
The House has yet to pass a bill funding several Department of Homeland Security (DHS) subagencies amid a partial government shutdown. The Senate has advanced a measure excluding funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border patrol, which has stalled in the House.
House Democrats proposed creating a commission to work with the vice president to remove the president under the 25th Amendment if deemed unfit, following controversial statements and actions by Trump.
Potential Resumption of Iran Peace Talks
Trump indicated that talks with Iran could resume in Pakistan within two days, urging parties to remain there as developments unfold.
The US State Department announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and place, expressing hope for a peace agreement.
Senate Confirmation Hearing for Kevin Warsh Scheduled
The Senate Banking Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Kevin Warsh on 21 April. Both Republicans and Democrats are expected to question Warsh about his wealth, ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and views on Federal Reserve independence.
Justice Department Seeks to Vacate Proud Boys and Oath Keepers Convictions
The Justice Department has requested a federal appeals court to overturn seditious conspiracy convictions of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers leaders involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. This request goes beyond Trump’s previous commutations granted in January.
