Trump’s Ex-Terror Detainees: US Return Possible

Trump Faces Criticism Over Epstein Case Handling

President Donald Trump is facing continued criticism, even from his supporters, regarding his administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. This comes despite his call for Attorney General Pam Bondi to release relevant grand jury testimony, subject to court approval. Trump addressed the controversy on social media, stating that even if the court granted full approval for the release of information, it wouldn’t satisfy those calling for transparency. He characterized these individuals as “troublemakers and radical left lunatics” who would always demand more.

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Americans Freed from Venezuela Return to the US

In a separate development, nine out of ten Americans recently freed from Venezuela as part of a prisoner swap have returned to U.S. soil. One individual, holding dual U.S.-Venezuelan citizenship, remained.

US Facilitates Return of Former CECOT Detainees

The Trump administration has stated its intention to facilitate the return of former detainees from El Salvador’s CECOT prison to the U.S. from Venezuela, if required by a court. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official confirmed that the Maduro regime in Venezuela has assured the U.S. it will not obstruct the return of any former detainee whose presence is required for legal proceedings in the United States.

This announcement followed the release of over 250 Venezuelan migrants from the CECOT prison, part of the prisoner exchange with the U.S. ICE clarified that while Venezuela released U.S. prisoners, the decision to release the Venezuelans was solely made by the government of El Salvador.

ICE official Mellissa Harper emphasized that the U.S. had obtained assurances from the Maduro regime that if any of the released Venezuelan nationals were required for legal proceedings in the U.S., Venezuela would not impede their travel to the United States.

Powell Defends Fed Renovation Plans Amid White House Criticism

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell defended the Federal Reserve’s renovation plans against criticism from the Trump administration, which has alleged mismanagement of the project. Trump has even hinted that the renovation issues could be grounds for removing Powell.

Powell responded to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with a letter, asserting that the Fed takes its responsibility to manage public resources seriously. He maintained that the project has been carefully overseen since its inception in 2017, with budget approvals and oversight from board members and independent inspectors general, including a 2021 audit.

Powell addressed concerns about the project’s cost and scope, explaining that the building, constructed in the 1930s, was undergoing its first comprehensive renovation. He refuted specific claims made by OMB Director Russ Vought, such as the existence of “private dining rooms” and a “private elevator to the dining suite,” stating that no such amenities existed.

Trump Criticizes Powell as “One of My Worst Appointments”

President Trump renewed his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, urging him to lower interest rates. He claimed that the Fed’s high rates were “choking out the housing market,” making it difficult for people, especially young individuals, to buy homes. Trump labeled Powell “truly one of my worst appointments” and criticized former President Biden for extending Powell’s term. He also implicated the Fed Board, stating they were equally to blame for not stopping Powell.

House Committee Debates Epstein File Release

A House committee saw heated debate over measures concerning the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Republicans advanced a non-binding resolution calling for the release of some Epstein files. This resolution doesn’t require Senate passage or presidential approval and allows Attorney General Pam Bondi to release “credible” documents while redacting or withholding certain portions.

A contentious exchange occurred between Representative Jim McGovern, a Democrat, and Representative Austin Scott, a Republican, during the committee meeting. Democrats offered an amendment, which failed, to force the release of all materials related to the Epstein investigation through a bill sponsored by Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna. The debate over the Epstein measures delayed a vote on a White House request to reclaim $9 billion from the federal budget.

DHS to Launch Information Sharing Initiative on Medicaid Benefits

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will launch an “initiative” to ensure that “illegal migrants are not receiving Medicaid benefits that are meant for law-abiding Americans.” DHS Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin stated that President Trump promised to protect Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. An official with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated that the department takes the integrity of the Medicaid program seriously and is committed to protecting taxpayer dollars. DHS has also partnered with the IRS for information sharing.

Schumer Calls for Vought’s Firing Over Bipartisanship Remarks

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for President Trump to fire Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought over his suggestion that Congress should be less bipartisan in its appropriations process. Schumer accused Vought of wanting to “destroy” the way Congress works and upend the balance of power. He claimed Vought doesn’t believe in democracy and wants to unilaterally impose his right-wing views on America. Schumer urged Republicans to take action and accused Trump of allowing Vought to run rampant in a powerful government position.

White House Dodges Questions on Maurene Comey Firing

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to comment on the firing of Maurene Comey from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, deferring questions to the Department of Justice. She would not confirm whether the White House had prior knowledge of the firing or whether President Trump approved the decision. Comey, the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, prosecuted high-profile cases, including those involving Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jeffrey Epstein.

President Opposes Special Prosecutor in Epstein Case

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump would not recommend appointing a special prosecutor to investigate the Jeffrey Epstein case.