This week at the White House, several key initiatives in tech, STEM, and sustainability are taking center stage. Here’s a look at the major developments taking place in Washington with President Trump. No opinions—just facts.
Trump Urges Putin to Halt Missile and Drone Attacks on Kyiv
Former President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a sharp public rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling for an immediate end to the recent wave of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s capital city.
“Vladimir, STOP!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, responding to what Ukrainian officials described as one of the most severe bombardments of Kyiv since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. The strike left at least eight civilians dead and more than 70 injured.
Trump criticized the timing of the attack, calling it “not necessary” and warning that continued violence could derail any progress toward a ceasefire. “Very bad timing,” he added. “5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the peace deal DONE!”
Retail Giants Warn Trump Tariffs Could Trigger Empty Store Shelves
According to sources familiar with the conversation, the CEOs of Walmart and Target privately cautioned President Donald Trump this week that his sweeping tariff plans could soon disrupt supply chains and result in empty store shelves across the country.
The warning came during a closed-door meeting at the White House on Monday, which also included the CEO of Home Depot. The gathering, which was first reported by Axios, focused on the economic impact of the administration’s latest trade policies.
While Walmart and Target declined to publicly confirm the specific concerns raised, both companies released general statements following the meeting.
“We had a productive meeting with President Trump and his team and appreciated the opportunity to share our insights,” Walmart said.
Target echoed the sentiment, but did not elaborate on the content of the discussion.
Federal Judge Pauses Order Demanding Trump Administration Disclose Deportation Efforts
A federal judge has temporarily paused her directive requiring the Trump administration to reveal what steps it has taken, if any, to bring back a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
The Justice Department’s Drew Ensign, a deputy assistant attorney general, submitted a sealed motion requesting a delay in complying with the judge’s original order, which would have compelled the White House Trump administration to provide testimony and documents related to efforts to retrieve Abrego Garcia. The administration is also pushing to be excused from filing daily status updates.
Although Judge Xinis did not provide her legal rationale for granting the stay, she left in place the existing requirement for daily progress reports. Abrego Garcia’s legal team filed a sealed response opposing the government’s request, but the judge emphasized that her decision was made in agreement with both parties.
The pause is scheduled to last until April 30.
Trump Administration Unveils Sweeping Overhaul of US State Department
The Trump administration has introduced a sweeping proposal to restructure the U.S. State Department, aiming to cut more than 100 offices as part of a broader push to align American diplomacy with the president’s “America First” agenda.
According to an internal State Department memo obtained by Reuters, the plan would eliminate 132 of the department’s 734 bureaus and offices, including some focused on war crimes investigations and human rights advocacy. The restructuring is intended to streamline operations and bring the agency in line with the administration’s evolving foreign policy priorities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the changes are necessary to make the department more efficient and more responsive to Trump’s diplomatic vision. “We must ensure the State Department reflects our America First goals,” Rubio said.
