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ABC And Disney Sues FCC Over Alleged First Amendment Violations 

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The ABC network has sued the Federal Communications Commission in federal court this week. ABC and its corporate parent, The Walt Disney Company, are alleging major First Amendment infractions, arguing that the Trump administration has violated their free speech rights by launching investigations and challenging the network’s broadcast licenses in retaliation for its news coverage, late-night satire, and views on talk shows, according to reports.  

ABC and Disney allege that the FCC is working to appease President Trump due to the fact that he has repeatedly called out the network to be stripped of its licenses because of material that he viewed as unfavorable to himself and his administration. 

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“Government censorship is deeply un-American,” the lawsuit begins. 

Within the suit itself are Trump’s social media posts which condemn ABC’s news coverage, talk show The View, and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who has often gone back and forth with the president. 

The lawsuit continues to point out that the government “may not use the power of the State to punish or suppress disfavored expression.”

“The case concerns the Administration’s sustained effort to do just that. The Administration has waged a retaliatory campaign against ABC for a single reason: it disapproves of what ABC broadcasts.”

ABC and Disney together own eight local TV stations, and among them are stations in six of the United States’ largest markets which contribute significantly to ABC’s bottom line, NPR reports. 

These shows require federal licenses because they rely on the public airwaves, but the FCC forces all eight of them to undergo early scrutiny within the renewal process, years ahead of schedule. 

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated in an interview with NPR this week that Disney and ABC were “jumping the gun,” because the agency has not made any decision about whether to renew the licenses. 

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“Disney seems a little jumpy right now. Disney has chosen to go to court to try to block the FCC from moving forward with respect to at least some of the procedural options that are in front of the agency. But from our perspective, we’re going to continue to follow the facts and the law wherever they may lead. Perhaps Disney is concerned or worries about how the record is developing,” Carr said. 

“Ultimately, they’re going to get a fair shake before the agency.”

This lawsuit and the FCC’s decision is being regarded as unprecedented. Traditionally, the commission has acted with the president party holding three seats and the opposing party with two. However, before Trump took office for his second term, he publicly stated that he saw the FCC as an extension of the executive branch. 

Carr stated that he makes sure broadcasters operate in the public interest without violating Trump’s executive order regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. He also has been vocal over his support of Trump’s views and criticisms of ABC, Kimmel, The View, and the network’s journalists in general. 

When Trump called for Kimmel to be pulled off the air, Carr said that ABC and Disney could “do this the easy way or the hard way.” The host was suspended and returned to air days later after public backlash and calls of First Amendment violations. 

With Trump consistently speaking out against ABC, The View, Kimmel, and its journalists, as the parent company Disney has decided to speak out against the president’s attempts to take over the programs. 

“We’re very principled on this,” Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro told CNBC.

“We’re going to stand up to what we believe is journalistic integrity, and we’re not going to be told how to run that side of our business.”  

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Trump Says July 4th Celebration Will Feature ‘TRUMP RALLY’ on National Mall

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President Donald Trump said Monday that the Independence Day celebration on the National Mall will include what he described as a “TRUMP RALLY,” adding a distinctly political framing to an event traditionally centered on the country rather than any one president or party.

The main July 4th event on the National Mall, known as the “Salute to America,” is expected to include a parade, military demonstrations and other activities before concluding with a fireworks display over the monuments, according to the National Park Service.

Freedom 250, a public-private partnership launched by the White House last year, had previously announced the July 4th event as the nation’s “premier Independence Day celebration,” but did not mention Trump’s involvement.

“Set against the iconic backdrop of the National Mall, Salute to America will bring together citizens from every corner of the country to honor and celebrate the United States,” Freedom 250 said in a release earlier this month.

But Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the evening would also serve as a large-scale rally tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

“On July 4th, at The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, in beautiful and safe Washington D.C., we are going to host the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all, a ‘TRIBUTE TO AMERICA. Starting at 7 P.M. EST, this HUGE Celebration will honor our Country’s People, Spirit, Strength, Resolve, and Triumphs.”

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Trump also said the event would include what he described as the largest fireworks show in history.

The announcement stands out because celebrations marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence have generally been treated as nonpartisan commemorations of the nation as a whole. Trump, however, has repeatedly placed himself at the center of events connected to America’s semiquincentennial.

His latest plans follow other instances in which he has faced criticism for using the presidency to elevate his own image or advance personal interests during events that would typically be viewed as apolitical national celebrations.

After several artists withdrew from a concert series connected to the “Great American State Fair,” Trump made himself the host of an opening ceremony celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

Some performers who backed out reportedly said they had not realized how closely the event was tied to Trump. Trump later promoted the June 24th event as “a Rally to end all Rallies!”

On Sunday, his 80th birthday, Trump also hosted a UFC fight night at the White House, an event billed in part as a celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary. His family simultaneously promoted a business venture tied to the spectacle, selling gold coins priced at up to $12,000.

Some of Trump’s supporters praised the White House UFC event as a way to rally Americans around the anniversary.

“Fight for freedom. Fight for our way of life. Fight for America,” the Homeland Security Department wrote on X.

Democrats, meanwhile, have criticized Trump’s growing role in the anniversary celebrations as improper and potentially unethical, with some opening investigations into sponsorships connected to the events.

The president’s July 4th announcement also comes after several states declined to take part in the “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall. Officials have said many of those decisions were driven largely by cost, though a spokesperson in one Democratic-led state cited concerns about the event’s partisan tone.

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The event will be staged against the backdrop of the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, which he said he recently renovated. The Interior Department is still working to remove “residual algae” from the Reflecting Pool.

Trump previously delivered remarks at the Lincoln Memorial during the White House’s “Salute to America” celebration on July 4th in 2019, though critics at the time argued the event resembled a political rally.

In recent days, Trump has also invoked the site’s history, comparing the crowd for his 2019 address near the Reflecting Pool to the crowd that gathered there for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

“That’s where MLK made his great speech, and they said he had a million people. And I made a speech there for July 4th a few years ago and … that was packed. They said I had 25,000 people. They said [King] had a million, but when you look at the picture, the people were packed even tighter at mine. I had more people than him, but they said I had 25,000, he had a million. But I’m not going to argue with Martin Luther King.”

In his Monday post, Trump said the July 4th rally would feature military bands, orchestras and ceremonial units performing what he called “patriotic melodies,” as well as favorite hits from his own “playlist.”

“We will have none of those people that put you to sleep and constantly complain!” the president said, appearing to refer to artists who have criticized him.

“There will be incredible Flyovers and Airshows featuring our Top Military Pilots and Equipment, and I will deliver keynote remarks that you will not want to miss.”

The National Mall has long hosted July Fourth celebrations, including the 1976 bicentennial, which drew an estimated 1 million people. President Gerald Ford marked the bicentennial with a formal address in Philadelphia earlier that day, but did not speak to the crowd gathered on the Mall.

Congress Advances Major Bipartisan Housing Bill After Months Of Negotiations

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The House moved one step closer to passing the most significant housing legislation in decades on Wednesday, approving a sweeping bipartisan package designed to address rising housing costs across the United States. The bill passed by an overwhelming 396 to 13 vote, reflecting a rare moment of agreement in a deeply divided Congress as lawmakers from both parties attempt to respond to growing voter frustration over affordability.

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Melania Trump Criticizes Kimmel’s ‘Expectant Widow’ Joke, Questions His Platform

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First lady Melania Trump is calling out late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke made during a recent broadcast, suggesting the comedian should no longer have a platform on television.

The controversy stems from a monologue Kimmel delivered last week on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where he staged a mock version of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. During the segment, Kimmel portrayed himself as the evening’s comedian, taking aim at Donald Trump and his family.

“Our first lady is here. Mrs. Trump… you have a glow like an expectant widow,” Kimmel said during the routine.

He continued with another jab tied to a meme previously shared by the president.

“By the way, in the unfortunate event that our president has a medical emergency tonight, do we have a doctor in the house — oh, I’m sorry. I mean, do we have a Jesus in the house? I always confuse them, too.”

Days after the broadcast, and following a security scare at an event attended by the president, the first lady, and senior officials, Melania Trump issued a sharply worded response on X.

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“His monologue about my family isn’t comedy — his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America,” she wrote.

“People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate. A coward, Kimmel hides behind ABC because he knows the network will keep running cover to protect him. Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand. How many times will ABC’s leadership enable Kimmel’s atrocious behavior at the expense of our community?”

The first lady’s remarks mark her first public comments since the security incident, in which she and the president were escorted offstage by the Secret Service. Though she later appeared briefly in the White House briefing room as the president addressed reporters, she had not previously spoken about the episode.

The president described the incident as unsettling for his wife in an interview the following day. “I don’t want to say, and people don’t like having it said that they were scared, but certainly, I mean, who wouldn’t be when you have a situation like that?” he told CBS.

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The clash also revives broader tensions between Kimmel and Trump-aligned figures. Earlier this year, the host faced backlash after comments related to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, prompting criticism from administration officials.

Among them was Brendan Carr, the Federal Communications Commission chair, who publicly urged action against Kimmel. In the aftermath, at least two owners of ABC-affiliated stations declined to air the program, fueling speculation about political pressure influencing broadcast decisions.

Free speech advocates quickly condemned the moves, arguing the network appeared to be yielding to government influence. A wave of public support for Kimmel followed, and ABC restored the show within days. Since then, his commentary targeting the president has only intensified.

Any decision on how to respond to Melania Trump’s latest criticism is expected to involve ABC’s parent company, The Walt Disney Company. The situation could serve as an early test for new CEO Josh D’Amaro, who recently succeeded Bob Iger.

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IMF Warns War in the Middle East Could Derail Global Growth

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The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is threatening to undo years of fragile economic recovery, the International Monetary Fund said Tuesday, warning that rising energy costs and supply disruptions could ripple across the global economy.

The fund’s latest projections show a clear shift from a relatively stable growth path to one now clouded by uncertainty. After weathering the pandemic, inflation shocks and the war in Ukraine without tipping into recession, the global economy is once again facing serious risks.

“The global outlook has abruptly darkened following the outbreak of war in the Middle East,” Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, the IMF’s chief economist, wrote.

“The war interrupted what had been a steady growth trajectory. Prior to the war, we were poised to upgrade our global growth forecast, reflecting continued momentum in the global economy supported by a tech investment boom, some moderation in trade policy tensions, fiscal support in some countries, and accommodating financial conditions. War in the Middle East will overwhelm these underlying forces.”

Even in a best-case scenario, where the conflict is contained and short-lived, the IMF. expects noticeable damage. Global growth is now projected at 3.1 percent this year, down from both last year’s pace and earlier forecasts made before the fighting disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

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The timing of the warning is significant. Officials from around the world have gathered in Washington for the spring meetings of the IMF. and the World Bank, where the agenda has quickly shifted. Topics like artificial intelligence and trade tensions have taken a back seat to the economic consequences of war.

So far, markets have reacted most sharply in energy. Oil has surged past $100 a barrel, natural gas prices have jumped more than 80 percent and fertilizer costs are climbing, a combination that could squeeze both consumers and farmers.

Those price increases are expected to spread through the broader economy, pushing up the cost of goods like steel and cement while reducing household purchasing power. Central banks, the IMF. warned, may be forced to respond by keeping interest rates higher for longer.

“Under our severe scenario—assuming dislocations in energy markets that extend to next year, together with a de-anchoring of inflation expectations and a tightening of financial conditions, the global economy would come close to experiencing a recession, with growth around 2 percent this year and next and global headline inflation near 6 percent. Clearly, the downside risks are tremendous.”

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The effects will not be evenly distributed. Lower-income countries and developing economies are expected to feel the greatest strain, particularly those already vulnerable to food and energy price swings. Some oil-exporting countries in the Persian Gulf may also face direct damage to infrastructure and exports.

Wealthier economies may be more resilient, but they are not immune. The IMF. now forecasts U.S. growth at 2.3 percent in 2026, an improvement over the previous year, but still weaker than earlier expectations. The White House, by comparison, has projected 3.5 percent growth.

For American consumers, the impact is already visible at the pump. Gas prices have climbed to a national average of $4.11 per gallon.

Russia, meanwhile, appears to be benefiting from the turmoil. Higher oil prices and a temporary easing of U.S. sanctions on some of its exports have improved its outlook, with growth expected to edge up slightly in 2026.

Amid these developments, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent used the IMF-World Bank meetings to push for a different focus. Speaking at an event alongside the gatherings, he urged the institutions to prioritize their core responsibilities and address long-standing global imbalances.

“This slow-motion buildup of global imbalances after a lack of sustainable growth is the biggest risk,” Mr. Bessent said. “The world cannot take a China with a trillion-dollar trade surplus.”

He did not, however, directly address the war itself, even as it reshapes the economic outlook that the meetings were meant to assess.

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Trump Removes Pam Bondi as Attorney General, Names Todd Blanche as Successor

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U.S. President Donald Trump has removed Pam Bondi from her position as attorney general, bringing a sudden end to the tenure of one of his most loyal allies and a central figure in his administration’s legal strategy. The move comes at a moment when questions surrounding the Justice Department’s handling of politically sensitive investigations, particularly those tied to financier Jeffrey Epstein, had intensified scrutiny on Bondi’s leadership.

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ICE Agents to Assist at U.S. Airports as Shutdown Strains TSA Staffing

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As long security lines continue to frustrate travelers during a busy spring travel period, federal officials are preparing to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to major airports across the country.

Tom Homan, the White House border czar, said Sunday that ICE personnel would begin assisting at airports as early as Monday. The move comes as the Transportation Security Administration faces staffing shortages amid a partial government shutdown, leaving many agents working without pay.

“It’s a work in progress, but we will be at airports tomorrow, helping T.S.A. move those lines along,” Homan said during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

According to The New York Times, ICE agents, including those from Homeland Security Investigations, are expected at 14 airports nationwide. These include major hubs such as Kennedy and LaGuardia in New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston and Phoenix.

The Department of Homeland Security said the deployment is intended to reduce wait times by allowing T.S.A. agents to focus on passenger screening. ICE agents are expected to handle other roles, such as monitoring exits and assisting in areas that do not require specialized screening expertise.

“This is about helping T.S.A. do their mission, and get the American public through that airport as quick as they can, while adhering to all the security guidelines and the protocols. We’re simply there to help T.S.A. do their job in areas that don’t need their specialized expertise.”

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The decision follows a weekend announcement by President Trump, who framed the move as both a response to long lines and leverage in negotiations with congressional Democrats over funding the Department of Homeland Security.

On social media, he wrote that agents would “do security like no one has ever seen before,” adding that the effort would include “the immediate arrest of all illegal immigrants who have come into our Country.”

In a statement Sunday night, the department blamed Democrats for the disruptions.

“Because of the Democrat shutdown, President Trump is using every tool available to help American travelers who are facing hours-long lines at airports across the country — especially during this spring break and holiday season that is very important for many American families,” the statement said. “This will help bolster T.S.A. efforts to keep our skies safe and minimize air travel disruptions.”

Still, details of the plan remain unclear. Officials have yet to finalize how many agents will be deployed or precisely where they will be stationed. Homan said airports with the longest wait times, particularly those exceeding three hours, would likely be prioritized. “When we deploy them more, we’ll have a well-thought-out plan to execute,” he said.

The announcement has drawn criticism from lawmakers and union representatives, who argue that the move does little to address the root problem—unpaid T.S.A. workers.

Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York condemned the plan, saying, “The last thing the American people need is for untrained ICE agents to be deployed at airports across the country, potentially to brutalize or to kill them.”

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker told reporters that ICE agents are “striking fear” in passengers. Booker also claimed that many airlines told him they want agents out of airports and called on President Trump to fund the T.S.A.

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“They have brought this reckless and out-of-control ICE into our airports, and have even told the American people what they’re specifically doing, and all we see them doing today is roaming around.”

T.S.A. employees and union leaders have also raised concerns about both effectiveness and optics. Mike Gayzagian, a T.S.A. officer at Boston Logan International Airport and the president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2617, questioned whether ICE agents would provide meaningful support, particularly if assigned to less critical roles.

“None of this would be happening if Congress had just simply decided to pay us,” he said.

Johnny Jones, a T.S.A. officer at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, echoed that frustration. “All we want is a paycheck,” Jones said. “We don’t need all these optics.”

He also warned that the presence of immigration agents could create tension and distractions, potentially making airports less safe.

Travelers themselves expressed mixed reactions. At LaGuardia Airport on Sunday, where wait times stretched up to three hours, some passengers welcomed additional help but remained wary of ICE involvement.

Sarah Estes, a nurse from Dallas visiting New York, said she had expected a short wait based on airport estimates but was instead told it could take over two hours.

“I don’t trust those people,” she said. “So how can I trust them to help out at the airport? But the airports do need help.”

Homan emphasized that ICE agents already operate in airport environments, handling immigration enforcement and investigating crimes such as smuggling. He added that agents are “well trained” in identification and security procedures and are continuing to receive pay during the shutdown, unlike many T.S.A. workers.

Even so, with implementation imminent, the plan remains fluid, leaving questions about how effectively the additional personnel will ease delays during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.

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Clinton Accuses Trump Administration of Epstein Files ‘Cover-Up’ Amid Document Fight

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Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has accused President Donald Trump’s administration of engaging in a “cover-up” tied to government records concerning the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Speaking to the BBC in Berlin during the annual World Forum, Clinton urged transparency from federal officials. “Get the files out. They are slow-walking it,” she said, “They are redacting the names of men who are in it; they are stonewalling legitimate requests from members of Congress.”

“A law was passed in Congress to require that all the files that have anything to do with them [Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell] be released. What we’re seeing, I think it’s fair to say, is a continuing cover-up by the Trump Administration.”

The White House rejected the accusation, arguing the administration’s actions have exceeded those of previous Democratic leadership. In a statement, officials said that by releasing documents, the Trump administration had done “more for the victims than Democrats ever have.”

Earlier this month, the US Department of Justice released millions of pages connected to Epstein-related investigations. However, officials said that roughly three million additional pages remain undisclosed, citing the presence of personal medical information, graphic depictions of child abuse, and other sensitive material that could compromise ongoing inquiries.

Clinton also addressed questions surrounding testimony before Congress. Asked whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should appear before a congressional committee, she responded: “I think everybody should testify who is asked to testify.”

Andrew has consistently denied any misconduct. The committee lacks authority to compel his appearance, though pressure has mounted from US officials and the family of Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser. Andrew previously reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability. Giuffre died by suicide in 2025.

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Congressional scrutiny has also focused on the Clintons. After initially declining to testify, the couple agreed last month to appear before the committee, leading lawmakers to shelve a planned contempt vote. Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify on Feb. 27, with Hillary Clinton set to appear the preceding day. The session will mark the first time a former US president has testified before a congressional panel since Gerald Ford in 1983.

In her comments, Hillary Clinton reiterated her preference for public proceedings rather than closed-door depositions.

“We will show up, but we think it would be better to have it in public. I just want it to be fair. I want everybody treated the same way. We have nothing to hide. We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly. We think sunlight is the best disinfectant.”

Republican committee chair James Comer previously accused the Clintons of “delay,” stating they “caved” as a contempt vote approached.

Clinton further argued that renewed attention on her and her husband was politically motivated. “Look at this shiny object. We’re going to have the Clintons, even Hillary Clinton, who never met the guy,” she said.

Clinton also criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi’s testimony at the House Judiciary Committee hearing last week, calling it “quite a scene” and stating that Bondi “refused to answer questions, diverted attention away from the matter at hand, and refused to look at the survivors.”

“There’s something about this administration’s attitude towards this, which I think leads us to conclude they have something to hide. We don’t. We’ve been willing to say whatever we know.”

She acknowledged having encountered Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell “on a few occasions.” Bill Clinton, whose name appears in the files, has said he ended contact with Epstein two decades ago. Neither Clinton has been accused of wrongdoing by survivors, and both say they were unaware of Epstein’s abuse at the time.

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“They’re accused, and in both cases, were convicted of horrific crimes against girls and women. That should be the focus. We are more than happy to say what we know, which is very limited and totally unrelated to their behavior or their crimes. And we want to do it in public. Let’s make this transparent.”

Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail cell on Aug.10, 2019, while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges without the possibility of bail. More than a decade earlier, he had been convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor and was required to register as a sex offender.

Trump is also referenced in the Epstein files, but has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and says he severed ties with Epstein decades ago.

“President Trump is mentioned, some say, a million times in the files; that is what it says on the internet, over and over again. So, let’s find out what the truth is.”

Responding to Clinton’s comments, Trump told the BBC aboard Air Force One: “I’ve been exonerated.

“I had nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. They went in hoping that they’d find it, and they found just the opposite. They’re getting pulled in. And that’s their problem. Clinton and many other Democrats have been pulled in.”

The Justice Department has previously also addressed allegations involving Trump.

“Some docs contain untrue and sensationalist claims against Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election. To be clear, the claims are unfounded and false, and if they have any shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against Trump already.”

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Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner Deaths Become Political Flashpoint After Son’s Arrest

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Authorities in Los Angeles are investigating the deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner, best known for directing The Princess Bride, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, who were found dead in their home on Sunday. Police have described the case as an “apparent homicide,” though officials have not released details about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Crime scene tape has since been removed from the residential street, and the investigation has shifted into a more prolonged phase, with law enforcement continuing to withhold specifics.

Outside the Reiner residence on Monday, the scene had become chaotic, with members of the media gathered along the street and several online streamers drawing attention. Two Twitch streamers disrupted the area—one wearing a Burger King crown and shouting “no one watches TV!”, while another sat in a black Tesla blasting music, BBC reported.

The deaths quickly became entangled in the nation’s already charged political climate, following comments made by former President Donald Trump that appeared to link Reiner’s political views to his death. Trump suggested on Monday that Reiner’s outspoken criticism of him amounted to an “obsession” that may have played a role.

“He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before. May Rob and Michele rest in peace!”

Trump later expanded on his remarks in a Truth Social post, claiming, without providing evidence, that Reiner and his wife had reportedly “died due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction” with what Trump referred to as “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” It remains unclear which reports the president was referring to, and police have not supported any such claims.

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Reiner, a longtime Hollywood figure and prominent supporter of progressive political causes, had been one of Trump’s most vocal critics for years. In a 2017 interview, Reiner described Trump as “mentally unfit” to serve as president. The following year, he escalated his criticism, accusing Trump of “treason.” More recently, during an October interview with MSNBC (now MS NOW), Reiner characterized the political environment under the Trump administration as “beyond McCarthy era-esque.”

The term “Trump Derangement Syndrome” is primarily used by Trump supporters to describe individuals they believe harbor irrational or extreme hostility toward the former president. Trump and his allies have frequently used the label to dismiss critics on the political left.

That phrase has moved beyond casual political insult and into legislative debate. In March, Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) introduced the Trump Derangement Syndrome Research Act of 2025. The proposed legislation would direct the National Institutes of Health to study what it describes as the “psychological and social roots” of TDS. Just days after Davidson introduced the bill, Minnesota state Senate Republicans sought to formally add the term to a list of definitions related to mental health care within the state.

Meanwhile, new developments in the investigation emerged Monday involving the Reiners’ family. Nick Reiner, the couple’s 32-year-old son, was arrested on Sunday evening and booked into custody in the early hours of Monday, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Inmate Information Center. Records show he is being held on $4 million bail in connection with a felony-level charge.

The agency involved is listed as LAPD-gang activity, and his location is recorded as an LAPD jail division. Authorities have not publicly detailed the nature of the charges or said whether the arrest is directly related to his parents’ deaths.

Nick Reiner is the middle child of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, who shared three children together. He has worked as a screenwriter and co-wrote the 2016 film “Being Charlie,” which his father directed. The film, centered on a drug-addicted teenager, was loosely based on Nick Reiner’s own struggles with addiction, which he discussed publicly at the time of the film’s release.

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Trump’s statement about Reiner stands in stark contrast to the responses from Democratic leaders, Hollywood figures, and political allies, many of whom focused on Reiner’s legacy and artistic contributions rather than partisan conflict. Former President Barack Obama was among those who expressed grief, issuing a statement that conveyed “heartbreak” over the loss of a man Democrats described as someone who “fought for America’s democracy.”

“Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”

Tributes also poured in from across the entertainment industry. Actor and comedian Eric Idle said he had spoken with Reiner for over an hour the night before his death, describing him as “a clever, talented and very thoughtful man.” Kathy Bates, who starred in Reiner’s 1990 film “Misery,” said he had “changed the course of my life,” while fellow actors John Cusack, Elijah Wood, James Woods, and Ben Stiller described the deaths as devastating and called Reiner’s body of work formative for generations of filmmakers and audiences.

As investigators continue their work, law enforcement officials have emphasized that the case remains active and unresolved. Police have cautioned against speculation as the inquiry proceeds.

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Trump Declares ‘Liberation Day’ in D.C., Announces Federal Takeover of Metropolitan Police

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President Donald Trump on Monday unveiled an aggressive law-and-order plan aimed at what he called “out-of-control” crime in the nation’s capital, declaring a public safety emergency and placing the Washington police department under federal control.

Speaking at a news conference flanked by Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Trump said the measures would “rescue our nation’s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam, and squalor and worse.”

“This is Liberation Day in D.C. We’re going to take our capital back,” Trump said.

Under the plan, Bondi will assume command of the Metropolitan Police Department, while DEA Administrator Terry Cole will serve as interim federal commissioner. The president also ordered the deployment of the National Guard, as well as a sweeping presence from multiple federal agencies. Bondi vowed swift results.

“Let me be crystal clear. Crime in D.C. is ending and ending today. We are going to use every power we have to fight criminals here.”

The federal operation will involve officers from the Park Police, U.S. Marshals Service, Capitol Police, Homeland Security Investigations, ATF, and several other law enforcement agencies. Officials say the initiative will last seven days, with a focus on tourist corridors and high-crime areas.

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Trump also announced plans to dismantle homeless encampments across city parks, underpasses, and other public spaces. “Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged out maniacs and homeless people,” Trump said.

“We’re going to be removing homeless encampments from all over our parks, our beautiful, beautiful parks, which now a lot of people can’t walk on. They’ve been very, very dirty, very — got a lot of problems. But we’ve already started that. We’re moving the encampments away, trying to take care of people. Some of those people, we don’t know how they even got there. And some of those people are from different countries, different parts of the world. Nobody knows who they are. They have no idea.”

In recent days, Trump had previewed his intentions on his social media platform, posting photos of encampments and writing, “The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital. The Criminals, you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong.”

While Trump characterized D.C. as “one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the world,” city statistics tell a different story. Preliminary year-to-date numbers from the Metropolitan Police Department show overall crime down 7% from last year, including a 26% drop in violent crime and a 5% decline in property crime.

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D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, speaking on MSNBC a day before the announcement, said the city has “driven violent crime down to a 30-year low.”

“It is true that we had a terrible spike in crime in 2023, but this is not 2023; this is 2025, and we’ve done that by working with the community, working with the police, working with our prosecutors, and, in fact, working with the federal government.”

Trump dismissed those assertions, saying Bowser “has been given many chances” but failed to deliver results. “The city only gets dirtier and less attractive. The American public is not going to put up with it any longer.”

The president’s latest action follows months of rhetoric about a possible federal intervention in D.C., as well as a March executive order to “Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful.” Last week, Trump threatened to deploy the National Guard after a former federal employee, Edward Coristine, was assaulted while trying to stop a carjacking.

Administration officials have described the operation as a “whole-of-government approach” to public safety. They say all federal officers participating will be in marked units and highly visible to the public.

Trump framed the effort as both a crackdown on crime and a restoration of the capital’s image. “Something’s out of control,” he said. “But we’re going to put it in control very quickly, like we did on the southern border.”