Trump officials and judge face off over flights to El Salvador in rare, high-stakes contempt probe

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed on Meet the Press that she authorized the continuation of deportation flights for Venezuelan migrants, despite a federal judge's order to halt such actions. This decision has sparked significant controversy and legal scrutiny regarding the adherence to judicial directives.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Ukrainian officials in Florida to finalize a peace deal following the resignation of President Zelenskyy's top negotiator. This meeting is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, which has seen significant violence and casualties recently.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has significantly weakened its oversight system that addresses civil rights violations, particularly concerning immigration detention, raising concerns among former officials about potential human rights abuses under the Trump administration. This dismantling coincides with an increase in aggressive immigration enforcement operations across the country.

U.S. District Judge William Young, appointed by Reagan, ruled that the Trump administration's cancellation of research grants related to gender identity and diversity was illegal, characterizing the action as racial and LGBTQ discrimination. This decision not only reinstates the grants but also underscores the judiciary's role in holding the administration accountable for its policies.

Former federal prosecutor Joseph Moreno criticized President Trump for using a derogatory slur against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, calling the remark 'absolutely indefensible.' This comment came in the aftermath of a shooting incident involving National Guard members in Washington, D.C., where two were critically injured. Trump referred to Walz as 'seriously retarded' in a post on Truth Social, linking it to his views on immigration and security policies.

The Fresno Unified School District has restructured its Black student achievement department in response to threats from the Trump administration to cut federal funding for race-based programs and a related discrimination lawsuit. This restructuring aims to safeguard academic support for Black students amidst a challenging political climate.

A shooting incident in Washington D.C. on November 26, 2025, critically injured two members of the National Guard, prompting the Trump administration to impose tighter immigration restrictions, including a halt on immigration from Afghanistan. The suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national, raising concerns about the implications for Afghan refugees and immigration policy.

Northwestern University has reached a $75 million agreement with the Trump administration to conclude investigations into antisemitism allegations on its campus and restore federal funding. This deal will be executed over three years and is aimed at addressing concerns raised regarding the university's handling of antisemitism.