Trump Administration Freezes $790 Million in Federal Funds

The Trump administration's economic and immigration policies have been at the forefront of recent news, with President Trump announcing significant tariff hikes on nearly all U.S. trading partners, leading to retaliatory actions from China and market volatility. A federal judge has allowed a controversial requirement for undocumented immigrants to register with the federal government to move forward, while another ruling ordered the return of a wrongly deported Maryland man. The administration's immigration policy has faced criticism for revoking nearly 300 student visas and treating deportations like a commercial service, sparking outrage over the lack of due process. Locally, Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson countered threats from the White House concerning sanctuary cities, while the city council blocked a settlement for a family impacted by police violence. The economic ramifications of these policies, alongside the ongoing tensions with China, have raised concerns about a return to protectionism and the potential unraveling of U.S. global leadership. Observers argue that this moment may signal the end of an era in American economic policy and international relations.