Appeals court rules DOGE can continue operating at USAID in another win for Trump administration
A federal appeals court on Friday granted the Trump administration’s motion to extend a stay allowing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to continue operating at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Last week, a federal judge in Maryland ruled efforts to halt USAID functions were likely unconstitutional, ordering its reinstatement. A federal appeals court in Richmond, Virginia, on Tuesday issued a stay, temporarily blocking the judge’s order that prohibited DOGE from working with USAID. It also barred biopharmaceutical executive Jeremy Levin from leading the agency. Friday’s decision extends the stay until the appeal is resolved. ‘HYSTERIA’: WHITE HOUSE SHUTS DOWN CONCERNS OVER USAID DOCUMENT PURGE A group of 26 unidentified current and former USAID employees or contractors alleged the Trump administration unlawfully canceled government contracts, placed USAID personnel on administrative leave, reduced the force of employees and contractors, closed the headquarters and took down the website, violating the U.S. Constitution’s appointments clause because Elon Musk acted as DOGE administrator without being properly appointed. They also claimed dismantling USAID infringed on Congress’ responsibilities, according to court documents. ‘FIRED ME ILLEGALLY’: EMOTIONAL EX-USAID EMPLOYEES LEAVE BUILDING WITH BELONGINGS AFTER MASS LAYOFFS The Trump administration fought the claims, alleging Musk acts as a senior advisor to the president, and actions at USAID were carried out by Secretary of State Marco Rubio as USAID’s acting administrator, who then designated Peter Marocco as deputy administrator. USAID subsequently, and in accordance with President Donald Trump’s executive order, established an internal DOGE team led by Lewin, according to court documents. Actions the employees and contractors alleged were unconstitutional were within both agency discretion and the president’s authority to direct foreign policy, the administration argued. The district court granted the employees and contractors’ requested preliminary injunction, blocking DOGE from operating at USAID, finding the administration “likely” violated the Constitution, and the pause was in the public interest. It later clarified Lewin, who led the USAID DOGE team prior to the injunction, could no longer do his job as chief operating officer at USAID and declined to grant any modifications. The Trump administration appealed the district court’s preliminary injunction and the denial of its motion for clarification or modification. It also filed an emergency motion to stay the injunction pending the appeal. U.S. Court of Appeals Circuit judges Arthur Marvin Quattlebaum Jr. and Judge Paul V. Niemeyer found Friday that Musk and DOGE “made a strong showing that they are likely to succeed on the merits of the appeal, that they will be irreparably injured absent the stay,” according to court documents. Further, Quattlebaum and Niemeyer found the stay “favors the public interest.” The ruling marked the third temporary win Friday for the Trump administration at the federal appeals court level.
Donald Trump speaks with Canada’s Mark Carney amid trade tensions
US president says he and the Canadian PM ‘agree on many things’ and will meet after Canada’s elections next month. President Donald Trump says he has had an “extremely productive call” with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney amid a spike in tensions and an escalating trade war between the United States and its northern neighbour. In a social media post describing the call on Friday, the US president sounded conciliatory towards Canada. Notably, Trump referred to the Canadian leader by his correct title as prime minister after months of calling Carney’s predecessor Justin Trudeau “governor”. “I just finished speaking with Prime Minister Mark Carney, of Canada,” Trump wrote. “It was an extremely productive call, we agree on many things, and will be meeting immediately after Canada’s upcoming Election to work on elements of Politics, Business, and all other factors, that will end up being great for both the United States of America and Canada.” While the statement lacked specifics, it marked a change in tone from Trump’s threats and hostile rhetoric towards Canada, which included repeated calls for the US to annex the country and make it its 51st state. Advertisement Friday’s talks were the first between the two leaders since Carney succeeded Trudeau two weeks ago. The call came less than 24 hours after Carney forcefully rebuked Trump for increasing tariffs on Canadian goods. The US president had announced 25-percent levies on foreign cars, starting on Wednesday. “I reject any attempts to weaken Canada, to wear us down, to break us, so that America can own us. That will never happen,” Carney said on Thursday. He also suggested that US-Canada ties have undergone a dramatic transformation because of Trump. “The old relationship we had with the United States – based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperation – is over,” the Canadian prime minister told reporters. Still, Carney said he was looking forward to speaking to Trump to resolve the issues between the two countries. The Canadian prime minister has visited the United Kingdom and France after taking office. He has not yet gone to the US – traditionally Ottawa’s closest ally and trade partner. On Thursday, he stressed the need for Canada to “pivot” its trade relationships away from the US. Earlier this week, Trump warned Ottawa and the European Union against teaming up against Washington, threatening “far larger” tariffs against both. Canada is to hold a general election on April 28. Carney’s Liberal Party has surged in the polls over the past few weeks in part because of the change in its leadership after Trudeau’s resignation as well as the standoff with the US. Advertisement Adblock test (Why?)
Trump ally Donalds on president’s endorsement in Florida governor race: ‘it’s a great thing to have’
BONITA SPRINGS, FL. – EXCLUSIVE – Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, as he kicked off his 2026 campaign for Florida governor, touted that “this is going to take off.” Donalds’ prediction came in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital ahead of his rally in front of a hometown crowd, his first campaign event in his 2026 bid. The conservative lawmaker, who has represented Florida’s 19th Congressional District in the southwest part of the state for four years, is currently the only major Republican to date to jump into the race to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis. Donalds, a staunch supporter and ally of President Donald Trump, announced his candidacy during an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity” late last month, days after landing the president’s endorsement. “We’re going to campaign hard and we’re going to take this to every part of Florida,” Donalds pledged in his interview. FIRST ON FOX: LEADING CONSERVATIVE GROUP BACKS DONALDS IN FLORIDA And pointing to the support from Trump, whose immense grip over the GOP is stronger than ever, he emphasized “having his endorsement, it’s a great thing to have, I’m glad I have it.” “And when he makes these choices, they tend to turn out well for his candidates,” Donalds noted. WHAT BYRON DONALDS TOLD FOX NEWS’ LARA TRUMP The campaign event, in Bonita Springs, comes as Florida first lady Casey DeSantis has acknowledged she is considering a 2026 Republican gubernatorial run of her own, to succeed her husband in Tallahassee. DeSantis has repeatedly touted his wife’s accomplishments as Florida first lady and framed her as a worthy successor. Additionally, Casey DeSantis, late last month, stoked speculation when asked by reporters if she would run. “To quote the late Yogi Berra,” DeSantis said as she reiterated a famous line from the late baseball legend. “If you see a fork in the road, take it.” The governor then quipped to reporters that “you guys can read into that what you will.” RON AND CASEY DESANTIS TEE OFF WITH TRUMP AS FLORIDA GOVERNOR’S RACE HEATS UP When asked this month at the National Review Institute’s Ideas Summit in National Harbor, Maryland, if she might launch a campaign, Casey DeSantis said “we’ll see.” Sources last month confirmed to Fox News that the governor has been reaching out to donors on behalf of his wife. Asked about a possible face-off with Casey DeSantis, Donalds said “races take on a shape of their own, so we’ll see what actually happens.” “My mission is going to be focused on our future and the things that are necessary for Florida to go and to thrive and be prosperous for everybody. So that’s going to be my mission. We’ll see how the race shapes up,” he added. And Donalds said he aims to convey to voters that “I have a vision for their future and I think that when they hear it, they’re going to choose me.” The next campaign cash filing deadline in the Florida governor’s race comes at midnight Monday, and a source in the congressman’s political orbit predicted to Fox News that Donalds would “easily eclipse” the $1 million DeSantis raised in his first month as a gubernatorial candidate in his successful 2018 campaign to succeed Scott as governor. “I think he’s going to show a really strong fundraising number,” added another Florida-based Republican strategist, who asked to remain anonymous to speak more freely. Outside of the rally, which was held at a restaurant and music venue in downtown Bonita Springs, dozens of demonstrators protested Donalds and the Trump administration’s sweeping and controversial agenda. TRUMP REVEALS WHY HE PULLED THE STEFANIK AMBASSADOR NOMINATION: ‘CANT’ TAKE A CHANCE’ Donalds’ rally was held amid concerns by the White House and Republicans on Capitol Hill over next week’s special congressional elections in Florida. Voters in two congressional districts in Florida will head to the polls on Tuesday, as Republicans aim to keep control of both solidly red seats and give themselves slightly more breathing room in the House. The elections are in Florida’s 1st and 6th Congressional Districts, which Trump carried by 37 and 30 points in last year’s presidential election. But the Democratic candidates have vastly outraised the Republican nominees, and polling in recent days suggested that the race in the 6th District was within the margin of error. The GOP currently holds a 218-213 majority in the House, with two vacant seats where Republicans stepped down and two where Democratic lawmakers died in March. “When it comes to Florida, you have two races, and they seem to be good,” Trump told reporters on Friday. But pointing to the massive fundraising advantage by the Democrat candidates over the GOP contenders, Trump raised concerns, saying “You never know what happens in a case like that.” Donalds, in his Fox News Digital interview, predicted “it would be difficult” for the GOP House majority if the party lost one of Tuesday’s elections. But he added, “I’m not looking forward to that. I think we’re going to win both those seats on Tuesday. I think Republican voters in those districts are going to turn out because, at the end of the day, the choice is clear.” Jimmy Patronis, the Florida Chief Financial Officer, is favored over Democrat Gay Valimont in a multi-candidate field in the race to fill the vacant seat in the 1st CD, which is located in the far northwestern corner of Florida in the Panhandle region. Republican Matt Gaetz, who won re-election in the district in last November’s elections, resigned from office weeks later after Trump selected him to be his nominee for attorney general in his second administration. Gaetz later withdrew himself from cabinet consideration amid controversy. But it’s the race in the 6th CD, which is located on Florida’s Atlantic coast from Daytona Beach to just south of Saint Augustine and inland to the outskirts of Ocala, that is really raising concerns among some in the GOP. The race is to succeed Republican Michael Waltz, who stepped down from the
Appeals court grants ‘striking’ temporary stay in Trump’s firing of board leaders
A D.C. federal appeals court on Friday handed the Trump administration a temporary victory, overturning district court rulings that ordered the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) Gwynne Wilcox and the Merit Systems Protection Board’s Cathy Harris to be reinstated. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ordered NLRB member Gwynne Wilcox to be reinstated after her dismissal by President Donald Trump earlier this year. Friday’s ruling halts both reinstatements while the case proceeds. FEDERAL JUDGE RULES TRUMP’S FIRING OF HEAD OF SPECIAL COUNSEL WAS UNLAWFUL, WILL MAINTAIN HIS JOB Wilcox filed a lawsuit Feb. 5 in D.C. federal court, claiming her Jan. 27 firing violated the congressional statute outlining NLRB appointments and removals. Trump told Wilcox in a letter she was being fired because the NLRB had not “been operating in a manner consistent with the objectives of [his] administration.” He also cited multiple recent board decisions, claiming Wilcox was “unduly disfavoring the interests of employers.” On Feb. 10, Wilcox requested a summary judgment on an expedited basis, and, after a hearing on March 5, the district court ruled she could remain a member of the NLRB. In a similar suit, Harris, a Democrat who led the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), argued Trump did not have the authority to terminate her Feb. 10 and that he did not provide a reason for the firing. However, unlike Wilcox, she did not receive a letter from the president, according to court documents. She sued Feb. 11, and a district court later granted her a temporary restraining order, reinstating her to the MSPB. Howell previously said the case seemed to go beyond his purview, stating, “I realize for both sides this court is merely a speedbump to get to the Supreme Court.” Concurring opinions by D.C. Circuit Court judges Justin R. Walker and Karen LeCraft Henderson noted the Supreme Court’s precedent that Congress cannot restrict the president’s removal authority over agencies that “wield substantial executive power” weighed heavily in the case. The NLRB and MSPB are executive branch agencies. LAWSUIT TRACKER: NEW RESISTANCE BATTLING TRUMP’S SECOND TERM THROUGH ONSLAUGHT OF LAWSUITS TAKING AIM AT EOS A dissenting opinion by D.C. Circuit Court Judge Patricia A. Millett claimed the two opinions granting the stay “rewrite controlling Supreme Court precedent and ignore the binding rulings of this court, all in favor of putting this court in direct conflict with at least two other circuits.” The stay decision also marks the first time in history a court of appeals or the Supreme Court allowed the firing of members of multi-member adjudicatory boards “statutorily protected by the very type of removal restriction the Supreme Court has twice unanimously upheld,” Millet said. She called the idea of making a decision Friday “striking,” claiming the decision will leave “hundreds of unresolved legal claims that the Political Branches jointly and deliberately channeled to these expert adjudicatory entities.” Millet added the majority decisions’ rationale “openly calls into question the constitutionality of dozens of federal statutes conditioning the removal of officials on multi-member decision-making bodies — everything from the Federal Reserve Board and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to the National Transportation Safety Board and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.” “That would be an extraordinary decision for a lower federal court to make under any circumstances,” she wrote in the dissenting opinion. “I cannot join a decision that uses a hurried and preliminary first-look ruling by this court to announce a revolution in the law that the Supreme Court has expressly avoided, and to trap in legal limbo millions of employees and employers whom the law says must go to these boards for the resolution of their employment disputes.” Fox News Digital’s Jake Gibson contributed to this report.
Is South Sudan heading to another civil war?
South Sudan is on the brink of another civil war, the United Nations has warned, after weeks of escalating violence and rising tensions between Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir. After Machar was placed under house arrest this week, his party said the 2018 peace deal that ended years of fighting had collapsed. Can the rival parties overcome political mistrust? Presenter: Cyril Vanier Guests: Patrick Oyet – journalist in South Sudan Daniel Akech – senior analyst for South Sudan at the International Crisis Group Abdullahi Halakhe – Horn of Africa security analyst and a senior advocate at Refugees International Adblock test (Why?)
Brazil fire coach Dorival after Argentina hammering in World Cup qualifier
Dorival was only appointed 14 months ago, but a 4-1 defeat against rivals Argentina proved to be his last game. Brazil coach Dorival Junior has been fired after 14 months in charge amid poor results and disappointing performances from the national team. Hiss sacking by Brazilian Football Confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues came three days after a 4-1 defeat to bitter rival Argentina in Buenos Aires, Brazil’s heaviest defeat in a World Cup qualifier. Junior’s replacement has yet to be picked. Brazil are fifth in South America qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The top six qualify automatically. Brazil’s Matheus Cunha looks dejected after the match in Argentina, which was Dorival’s last in charge [Rodrigo Valle/Reuters] Under the 62-year-old, Brazil won seven matches, drew another seven, and lost two. The team scored 25 goals and conceded 17. In the Copa America last year, Brazil was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Uruguay on penalties. Rodrigues was just re-elected on Monday to head the confederation to 2030. In 2023, he bet on Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti to take over one year later. Advertisement While waiting for Ancelotti, Brazil retained Fernando Diniz as its coach. Diniz was fired in January 2024 after six matches on the job after Ancelotti extended his contract in Spain. Adblock test (Why?)
Real Madrid vs Leganes – LaLiga: Team news, kickoff, how to follow, stream
A turbulent week off the field sees Real Madrid return to LaLiga action against Leganes after the international break. Who: Real Madrid vs LeganesWhat: Spanish LaLigaWhere: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, SpainWhen: Saturday at 9pm (20:00 GMT) Follow Al Jazeera Sport‘s live text and photo commentary stream. Holders champions Real Madrid have endured a mixed season in the defence of their LaLiga and Champions League double. Barcelona moved three points clear at the top of the Spanish league following their 3-0 win against Osasuna on Thursday. Earlier this season, Real failed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League automatically and were forced to qualify through the playoffs. Al Jazeera takes a look at their latest league fixture on the back of a turbulent week off the field for the Spanish giants. What charges were levelled against Real players this week? European football’s governing body opened an investigation on Thursday into a possible breach of disciplinary regulations by several Real players following the recent Champions League win over Atletico Madrid. The inquiry is focused on allegations of improper conduct involving Antonio Ruediger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos and Vinicius Jr. A potential decision could impact Real’s Champions League quarterfinal legs against Arsenal on April 8 and 16, with Spanish media reports saying bans could be handed out. Advertisement UEFA did not detail the incidents under review, but Spanish media said Atletico filed a complaint over Real’s players taunting their fans with gestures and dances after the match, leading to objects being thrown at them. What was Real Madrid’s response to the charges? Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence on Friday that UEFA’s investigation into alleged player misconduct will be resolved positively as members of his team face the prospect of missing upcoming key games. “We believe everything was correct and we hope UEFA makes a decision, but we trust that everything will end well,” Ancelotti told reporters. “We are confident in UEFA’s verdict as the players had just celebrated, that’s it, we wait for the verdict, but our players didn’t do anything wrong,” Ancelotti added. The Italian said his side would give everything to retain their LaLiga title, despite trailing leaders Barcelona in the standings by three points. Both sides are still in the Champions League and Copa del Rey. “Barcelona has an advantage, but we are going to fight until the end. I hope we have 17 matches [in all competitions] left until the end,” Ancelotti said. 🎯 Sharpshooters. pic.twitter.com/FgxDGSLPXd — LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) March 28, 2025 How is the LaLiga title race shaping up? Barcelona’s win on Thursday was also their game in hand on their title rivals, and the three-point lead they have now gained is also bolstered by a goal difference that is 19 efforts superior to Real’s. Advertisement Atletico Madrid are also in action on Saturday as they travel to Espanyol earlier in the day. Real’s cross-city rivals start the day four points off second spot and seven off leaders Barcelona. Where are Leganes in LaLiga? Leganes start the latest round of matches in 18th place – the third relegation spot in Spain’s top flight. They have only recorded six wins in their 28 matches so far this season – losing 13. What are the charges relating to Ancelotti? Ancelotti is to stand trial on tax evasion charges in Spain on Wednesday. Spanish state prosecutors have accused the highly successful Italian coach of defrauding the state of $1m in 2014 and 2015. A Madrid-based court set the trial date on Friday. State prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of up to four years and nine months on two counts of tax fraud. They accused Ancelotti in March 2024 of having used shell companies to hide his true earnings. Ancelotti has denied any wrongdoing. Real Madrid team news Real will be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for Saturday’s league match at home against Leganes due to a muscle strain. Ancelotti was hopeful of other players returning in time for the Arsenal clash. “Courtois has a small issue, and we are trying to recover Ceballos and [Ferland] Mendy for the first leg against Arsenal,” Ancelotti said. Leganes team news Yvan Noupa faces a late fitness test after being withdrawn due to injury in Leganes’ final LaLiga game before the international break – a 3-2 defeat by Real Betis Advertisement Striker Daniel Raba was also taken off in that game but is expected to be fit. Former Real youth-team player Javi Hernandez is set to start at left-back in the absence of both Enric Franquesa and Borna Barisic Adblock test (Why?)
3 dead, more than 200 rescued in South Texas after severe storms cause flooding
Homes were inundated with water and cars were abandoned across the Rio Grande Valley region.
Babydog bridges ‘pawtisan’ divide in the Senate on social media: ‘She knows no political bias’
One senator’s pooch is digging up “bipawtisan” goodwill on Capitol Hill this week. Babydog Justice, famous sidekick to West Virginia Republican Sen. Jim Justice, visited the Senate Thursday, and senators across the political spectrum couldn’t hold back their appreciation. Rolled along in her soft-sided wagon, the English bulldog canine ambassador is a welcome sight in the Senate chambers. SENATOR-ELECT JIM JUSTICE’S TEAM CLARIFIES REPORT CLAIMING FAMOUS POOCH BABYDOG BANNED FROM SENATE FLOOR Babydog took to X to share a post meeting four senators who work with her famous dad, saying, “Loved getting some bipawtisan pets by the Senate floor today!” Babydog was photographed with Republican and Democratic senators alike, including Democrats Ruben Gallego of Arizona and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. One eager commentator wrote, “The real senate majority leader.” BABYDOG GOES TO WASHINGTON: WEST VIRGINIA’S JUSTICE FLIPS SENATE SEAT RED Sen. Jon Hustsed, R-Ohio, also posted a photo of the lovable pooch, writing, “Just another day at work for Ohio’s four-footed neighbor, Baby Dog.” “Babydog is happy to be pet by anyone that comes along – she shows no political bias, especially if treats are involved,” Justice told Fox News Digital. “She loves coming with me over to the Senate floor, where senators can walk off and immediately come to visit with her. I think if Babydog moderated spending discussions going on around here, we might get more across the finish line. There is no doubt in my mind that both sides of the aisle agree Babydog as Senator No. 101 is the most popular member in Congress.” Babydog sparked headlines nationally last year at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where she took the Fiserv Forum stage with Justice, who was West Virginia’s governor at the time. “I know that a lot of you want to meet my little buddy. So, if Babydog could come on out here,” Justice said before the crowd erupted in cheers. The 5-year-old pooch was a fixture on the campaign trail with Justice and has shown no signs of ending her support for her dad now that he’s in the Senate. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Her official X account bio says, “My favorite things are @JimJustice_WV, Wendy’s nuggets, riding shotgun in dad’s Suburban, and napping.” Justice successfully flipped his seat for the GOP after longtime Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin announced he would not seek re-election last year. Justice received 68.8% of the vote after gaining a key endorsement from President Donald Trump.
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy cautious on new US minerals deal proposal
Kyiv to assess US proposal on minerals deal, noting major differences from earlier framework shared in bilateral talks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that a new proposal that would give the United States access to Ukraine’s critical minerals differs significantly from the previous draft proposed by Washington, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported. Addressing a press briefing on Friday, Zelenskyy emphasised that the proposal, which was formally submitted to his office, will be compared with earlier plans shared with Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko in bilateral talks with US officials. “The framework has been changed. Let us study this framework, and then we can talk,” he told a news conference in Kyiv. The Ukrainian president also said Kyiv would not recognise previously approved US military aid to his country as loans that need repaying. “We are grateful for the support, but this is not a credit, and we will not allow it to be treated as such,” he said, without mentioning whether such a demand featured in the latest version of the US proposal. Navigating an acceptable path forward on the issue is a major challenge for Zelenskyy after a rift with Trump last month saw Washington cut off flows of previously agreed military assistance and stop intelligence sharing. Advertisement It is also a highly sensitive diplomatic juncture with Trump trying to rapidly end the fighting with Russia, while reorienting Washington’s policy towards endorsing Moscow’s narrative about its three-year-old war in Ukraine. Regarding possible negotiations with Moscow, Zelenskyy said Ukraine could consider dialogue with Russian representatives who offer a real plan to end the war – but ruled out any talks with President Vladimir Putin. The comments come after the Russian president proposed to temporarily put Ukraine under external governance as part of efforts to reach a peaceful settlement. He also reaffirmed his claim that Zelenskyy, whose term expired last year, lacks the legitimacy to sign a peace deal. Under Ukraine’s constitution, it is illegal for the country to hold national elections while it’s under martial law. Putin claimed that any agreement that is signed with the current Ukrainian government could be challenged by its successors and said new elections could be held under external governance. “Under the auspices of the United Nations, with the United States, even with European countries, and, of course, with our partners and friends, we could discuss the possibility of the introduction of temporary governance in Ukraine,” Putin said. He added that it would allow the country to “hold democratic elections, to bring to power a viable government that enjoys the trust of the people, and then begin negotiations with them on a peace treaty.” He said such external governance is just “one of the options,” without elaborating. Advertisement UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres dismissed such a proposal: “Ukraine has a legitimate government, and so obviously that must be respected.” Adblock test (Why?)