Donald Trump: Key Developments in the Past 48 Hours (April 17–19, 2025)
The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter: Trump Report #9
Here’s the Trump Report of significant events involving Donald Trump over the last two days:
Immigration and Legal Challenges
Supreme Court Blocks Deportations:
The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily halted the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan men in immigration custody. The ACLU argued that detainees were not given proper notice or due process. Latest news & breaking headlines+2Vanity Fair+2CNN+2
Controversy Over Deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia:
Trump criticized Senator Chris Van Hollen for meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man wrongfully deported despite a court order. Trump dismissed the senator's actions, calling him a "fool." CBS News+4Latest news & breaking headlines+4ABC News+4
Domestic Policy and Governance
Federal Workforce Reclassification:
The Trump administration continues to pursue broad reclassification of federal employees under "Schedule F," aiming to enhance accountability and streamline government operations. The Guardian
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell Criticized:
Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, stating that Powell's "termination cannot come fast enough" due to concerns over inflation and monetary policy. Latest news & breaking headlines+2ABC News+2CBS News+2
International Relations
China Trade Negotiations:
Trump revealed that the United States is in talks with China regarding a tariff deal, with expectations of reaching an agreement within the next three to four weeks. ABC News
Ukraine-Russia Peace Efforts:
Senator Marco Rubio indicated that the Trump administration may soon "move on" from Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations, emphasizing that the conflict is not considered "our war." CBS News
Public Engagement and Media
Meeting with Actor Vince Vaughn:
Actor Vince Vaughn made an unannounced visit to the White House and was photographed with Trump in the Oval Office. The White House shared the image on social media, styled as a fictional movie poster titled "White House Crashers." EW.com
Press Conference Incident:
Trump abruptly ended a press conference, ordering journalists to leave. The incident was captured on video and has been widely discussed in the media. YouTube
That’s it for this Trump Report for April 17th-19th.
Be watching for this week’s Grounding Meditation post later this evening….and another article (or two) tomorrow.
Best,
Jack
P.S. I wanted to take a moment and share my response to a social media message someone left me about this Trump report. I think it will address any potential misunderstandings about any future Trump Reports.
Here's the comment that was left for me about this Trump Report:
"I saw this in your Substack and was shocked to see you appear to normalize what is happening to federal employees with Schedule F. ??? '.. continues to pursue broad reclassification of federal employees under "Schedule F," aiming to enhance accountability and streamline government operations.'"
Here's my reply:
These reports do not contain my opinion. They simply state the facts about the Trump-related events of the period defined by the news story I used.
I'm sharing links to the particular news story I refer to.
No need to feel shocked.
I provide these Trump Reports as bonuses to my newsletter subscribers so they can get all of the major Trump-related events of the last day or two, and the links to the stories, so:
1. They don't miss out on any.
2. They don't have to spend much time searching for them alone.
Following the link to that story, you will see that the quote describes the author's article.
I think you might have misunderstood the purpose of these reports and how...and why they are structured and written as they are.
I think that should address your concern.
***The End of My Reply***
I think most people already knew most of what I replied with, but...just on the chance that someone else might not have...I wanted to make sure I cleared it all up.
Thanks :)
Jack
I'll remember Vince Vaughn's stop in the Oval for a cheesy photo op. You betcha'