Donald Trump News Live: Donald Trump's proposal for tax-free overtime pay sparks debate

A proposal by Donald Trump, made during the 2024 campaign, to eliminate federal income taxes on overtime pay is currently under examination for its broader implications, as per a report in MSNBC. This initiative, which would necessitate Congressional approval, aims to provide financial relief to hourly and non-exempt salaried workers who typically earn overtime, which is currently taxed as regular income. Experts are debating the potential economic outcomes, with some supply-side economists suggesting it could boost productivity by incentivizing more work, while fiscal policy analysts raise concerns about a significant loss in federal revenue and a potential increase in the national debt. Tax policy specialists also point to possible administrative complexities and inequities in the tax system if such an exemption were implemented. Politically, the plan is viewed as an effort by President Donald Trump to appeal to working-class voters, while posing a strategic challenge for the Democratic Party regarding their response to a potentially popular tax cut.

The return of President Donald Trump to the White House is invigorating nationalist and populist movements across Europe, who now see a significant opportunity to transition into the mainstream and strengthen their political influence, as per a report in BBC. These European conservative groups, ideologically aligned with Trump's 'America First' approach and his challenges to traditional political norms, feel their anti-globalist and sovereignty-focused platforms are validated by his presidency. This development is expected to increase their confidence and potentially lead to greater electoral success and cross-national coordination among like-minded parties on the continent.

President Donald Trump’s U.S. Secretary of Education on Friday threatened New York with a Justice Department investigation or the loss of federal funding over the state's ban on Native American school mascots, according to a report in AP. Visiting Massapequa High School on Long Island, a district refusing to change its mascot, the Secretary stated that a U.S. Department of Education investigation determined New York education officials violated Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act by enacting the ban, alleging it discriminates against the school district.

Elon Musk has pledged to continue advising President Donald Trump even after stepping away from an informal "Department of Government Efficiency" initiative he spearheaded, Bloomberg News said in a report. This decision maintains Musk's connection to Trump, following earlier discussions between the two on policy matters. The 'Department of Government Efficiency' was not a formal government entity, highlighting the informal nature of Musk's involvement. This development is notable as Musk (past event) previously served on, and then departed from, advisory councils during Trump's first term.

Officials in the Trump administration have unveiled a new budget blueprint proposing significant cuts to a wide array of federal programs, including aid for college education, cancer research, health services, and housing assistance, as per a report in The New York Times. This proposal targets non-defense discretionary spending and is consistent with budgetary approaches observed during Donald Trump's first presidential term (2017-2021), a past event. The plan is anticipated to trigger considerable debate in Congress, with strong opposition expected from Democrats and potential divisions within the Republican party regarding the extent and targets of the proposed reductions.

A State Department plan under the Trump administration to revoke the visas of some Chinese college students is facing skepticism from some former spy-hunters, who reportedly see the measure as heavy-handed and counterproductive, as per a report in The New York Times. These experts are concerned that such a broad approach could alienate potential sources, push illicit activities further underground, and strain resources that should be focused on specific, high-risk individuals, rather than effectively mitigating the core national security threat. The plan is understood to target graduate students and researchers with ties to institutions affiliated with China's People's Liberation Army, based on concerns over China's 'military-civil fusion' strategy.

CNN political analyst Maggie Haberman stated that some White House officials are excited to see Elon Musk exit his role as a special government employee, according to a report in The Hill. The tech giant led the Department of Government Efficiency for 130 days with an objective to downsize federal spending by trillions. Haberman, also a New York Times journalist, commented on the sentiment within the Trump administration regarding Musk's departure.

The internationally acclaimed Mexican regional music band Grupo Firme announced on Friday, May 30, 2025, the cancellation of their upcoming weekend performance at a California music festival, as per a report in AP. The group stated on Instagram that the US government had suspended their visas, an action they attribute to a past administration of Donald Trump, who is the current US President. This visa suspension, reportedly due to their music allegedly glorifying cartel violence, has led to the recent cancellation, and follows a noted US State Department concern over such music genres.

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have both suggested that US-Russia trade could be restored if a peace settlement is reached in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, which has lasted over three years, as per a report in AP. Trump stated, "Russia wants to do largescale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic ‘bloodbath’ is over, and I agree." This prospect arises after hundreds of foreign companies, including major US firms like Coca-Cola and Ford, exited Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Despite these overtures, the business environment in Russia remains hostile, influenced by international sanctions and Russia's policies on foreign assets, although Putin has indicated foreign companies might return under specific conditions.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Thursday voluntarily dismissed its civil lawsuit against Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, a decision viewed as part of a new, more favorable approach to cryptocurrencies by the financial regulator since President Donald Trump re-entered the White House, as per a report in The Guardian. The dismissal, filed in the Washington DC federal court as a joint stipulation by the SEC, Binance, and its founder Changpeng Zhao, is "with prejudice," preventing the SEC from pursuing the same case again. The SEC stated that dropping the enforcement action, originally filed in 2023 (a past event) over alleged trading irregularities and misleading investors about surveillance controls, was appropriate "in the exercise of its discretion and as a policy matter."

President Donald Trump stated his intention to double tariffs on imported steel from 25% to 50% at a rally on Friday, May 30, an event celebrating a "partnership" deal between US Steel and Japan-based Nippon Steel, The Guardian said in a report. Addressing steelworkers, Trump indicated this 25% increase would further secure the American steel industry, a move that could lead to significant global market repercussions.

President Donald Trump said Friday he was not aware of Elon Musk’s reported drug use but indicated he was not troubled by it, as per a report in The Hill. When asked by reporters if he was aware of Musk’s regular drug use, Trump responded, “No, I wasn’t,” and added, “I think he’s fantastic. I think Elon is a fantastic guy. I'm not troubled.”

President Donald Trump has granted pardons to multiple drug offenders, including individuals identified as significant traffickers and gang leaders, a move that contrasts with his administration's simultaneous efforts to intensify the U.S. drug war and implement tougher actions against drug gangs, NPR said in a report. This approach, observed during his current second term and also during his first term (a past event), has led to discussions about policy coherence, with experts noting the broad constitutional power of presidential pardons while critics point to perceived hypocrisy and the undermining of law enforcement and stated anti-drug objectives.

PBS and Lakeland PBS in rural Minnesota have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration in response to an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to terminate all funding for the public television network, NPR said in a report. The legal action challenges the President's directive, which is perceived as an existential threat to public broadcasting, particularly impacting smaller and rural stations reliant on federal support. The lawsuit is expected to scrutinize the executive branch's authority over the CPB, a private non-profit corporation that receives congressional appropriations, and whether an executive order can override funds allocated by Congress. This development follows previous efforts during Donald Trump's tenure to eliminate federal funding for public broadcasting.

Cuba has formally reprimanded a US diplomat, an action attributed to rising tensions following signals from President Donald Trump that he intends to renew a "maximum pressure" campaign against the island nation, Al Jazeera said in a report. This diplomatic censure from Havana occurs as Trump indicates a potential reinstatement of stricter policies towards Cuba, echoing the approach of his first presidential term (a past event from 2017-2021) which significantly strained bilateral relations. The Cuban government characterized the US posture leading to this reprimand as "unfriendly and meddling."

Representative Jamie Raskin, in his capacity as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, is pressing for additional details concerning a spate of pardons granted by President Donald Trump, alleging that these may have been issued as 'favors', CBS News said in a report. This new inquiry by Raskin, who serves as the ranking member on the committee, aims to scrutinize the motivations and processes behind these executive clemency actions by the current president, which could include the pardons reportedly issued at the start of his second term for individuals involved in the January 6 events.

President Donald Trump is expressing significant frustration with court rulings that have blocked his administration's initiatives, including decisions from judges he appointed, leading him to publicly criticize the Federalist Society and declare intentions to assert more direct autonomy in future judicial selections, The New York Times said in a report. This emerging stance signals a potential departure from relying on established conservative legal groups for vetting nominees and could prioritize personal loyalty, sparking concerns about judicial independence and straining relations with key allies in the conservative legal movement.

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett has indicated that China's progress on a trade agreement is not meeting U.S. expectations for speed, NBC News said in a report. This assessment was shared during a discussion that also covered President Donald Trump's tariff agenda, an Oval Office meeting with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and the administration's legislative priorities in Congress, underscoring ongoing U.S. concerns about the pace of negotiations with Beijing.

Current US President Donald Trump has asserted he fired Kim Sajet, who has directed the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery for more than 12 years with a focus on contemporary artists, The New York Times said in a report. This claim raises questions regarding the process for removing a director from the Smithsonian, a trust instrumentality of the US governed by a Board of Regents rather than directly by the executive branch. The development is viewed within the context of Trump's past engagement with cultural institutions and his emphasis on loyalty in appointments.

President Donald Trump has stated that the US will double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, with steel tariffs rising to 50% and aluminum to 20%, in a move aimed at protecting America's domestic industries, BBC says in a report. This action, which also anticipates a partnership with Japan, significantly escalates the initial Section 232 tariffs imposed in March 2018, which were 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum, and is framed under national security concerns to bolster domestic production capacity.

Meteorologists and climate researchers are set to run a 100-hour livestream to voice their opposition to the Trump administration's reductions in funding for weather and climate research, according to a report in The New York Times. This extended broadcast by scientists aims to highlight the impact of these cuts and advocate for continued support in these research areas.

A list released by the Trump administration identifying jurisdictions deemed uncooperative with federal immigration enforcement has drawn widespread criticism from state and local officials across the political spectrum, including some staunch supporters of the White House, AP said in a report. Officials expressed dismay on Friday over the inclusion of their communities, citing numerous errors such as misspellings and the listing of sparsely populated, pro-Trump counties that report little interaction with immigration authorities or claim active cooperation. The backlash focuses on the perceived inaccuracies and questionable criteria behind the compilation of this sanctuary jurisdiction list.

President Donald Trump has made false assertions that Harvard University offers “remedial mathematics” on topics such as simple addition, with his most recent comments occurring on Wednesday during a swearing-in ceremony for Interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. Jeanine Pirro, as per a report in AP. These claims coincide with the White House revoking Harvard University's certification to enroll foreign students, escalating a conflict between the Trump administration and the institution. Factual clarifications indicate Harvard's undergraduate math curriculum actually begins with advanced calculus, linear algebra, and abstract algebra, directly refuting the President's statements.

President Donald Trump stated on Friday during a rally in Pittsburgh that he would back U.S. Representative Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) if Meuser pursues a gubernatorial bid in Pennsylvania, a possibility the congressman has acknowledged he is considering, according to a report in The Hill. Trump mentioned he heard a "rumor" about Meuser's potential run, which would position him against the current Governor, Josh Shapiro, a Democrat.

President Donald Trump is conducting a rally in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, on Friday to announce a forthcoming deal where Japan-based Nippon Steel will invest in U.S. Steel, a move Trump claims will preserve employment, AP said in a report. Attendees, including employees, supporters, and local officials, gathered at U.S. Steel's Irvin finishing plant for the event, which featured large American flags and a banner reading "The Golden Age."

Donald Trump has dismissed Kim Sajet from her position as director of the National Portrait Gallery, with the stated reasons being her perceived political bias and an overemphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the institution, Washington Times said in a report. This move aligns with previous actions and rhetoric from Trump and the Republican party targeting DEI programs and perceived liberal leanings in cultural and educational bodies.

Florida Republican Representative Greg Steube has put forward a proposal to rename the Washington D.C. area's Metrorail system as the "Trump Train", Washington Times said in a report. This suggestion utilizes the "Trump Train" slogan, a persistent symbol of President Donald Trump's political movement. Political analysts view the proposal primarily as a symbolic gesture designed to demonstrate loyalty to Trump and appeal to his base, highlighting ongoing political polarization. However, urban policy experts and factual clarifications point out that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), which operates the Metro, has a complex multi-jurisdictional governance structure involving D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, making the actual implementation of such a name change highly improbable.

President Donald Trump's legal team and Paramount are reportedly considering a proposal to settle a contentious $20 billion lawsuit, which would involve Paramount's CBS news subsidiary running what would effectively be paid advertisements as Public Service Announcements (PSAs) across its platforms, as per a report in New York Post. These PSAs would address issues favored by Trump, such as the rise of antisemitism in American society, particularly following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, in an effort to break the current impasse in the legal dispute.

President Donald Trump expressed openness on Friday to potentially pardoning Sean 'Diddy' Combs if Combs is convicted of federal crimes, including alleged sex trafficking, New York Post said in a report. This development occurs as Combs is reportedly under federal investigation and faces multiple civil lawsuits regarding these allegations, though he is not currently on criminal trial for federal sex trafficking charges; any presidential pardon would only apply to federal offenses.

President Donald Trump has reportedly offered marriage advice to French President Emmanuel Macron following an incident described as a 'slap by wife Brigitte,' according to a report in the New York Post. Trump commented on the French first couple, stating, 'He’s fine, they’re fine,' and described them as 'two really good people.'

Career pathways in the United States are becoming increasingly uncertain for international students like Bob Zeng, who recently graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as President Donald Trump's administration pledges to crack down on visas, especially for Chinese students, according to a report in AP. Zeng, who arrived from China as a teenager for boarding school and has now completed a master's degree in science and management, stated he is rethinking his plans to build a career in America and is considering moving to Europe due to these visa policies.

PBS is suing President Donald Trump's administration on First Amendment grounds, arguing the president is attempting to strip funding from the public broadcaster because of editorial coverage he disagrees with, as per a report in The Hill. The lawsuit, filed on Friday in federal court in Washington, D.C., accuses the administration of trying to "upend public television" and asserts that the law "forbids" such actions.

Florida Congressman Greg Steube has introduced legislation, dubbed the "MAGA Act," seeking to rename Washington D.C.'s public transit system in honor of President Donald Trump, as per a report in Fox News. The bill proposes changing the name of the METRO system to "Trump Train" and rebranding the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to "WMAGA," making these changes a prerequisite for the transit authority to receive ongoing federal funding.

President Donald Trump recently claimed that former President Joe Biden, during his previous term in office, did not actually agree with the border policies enacted by his (Biden's) own administration, which Trump characterized as lax, Fox News said in a report. Trump further speculated that an autopen might have been used by Biden's aides to implement these policies, implying that Biden was not in full agreement or control over his administration's approach to border security at that time.

Following a pardon from President Donald Trump earlier this week for convictions on bank fraud and tax evasion charges, Todd Chrisley stated during a Friday press conference his intention to continue combating "injustices" at the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), said The Hill in a report. Chrisley, who along with his wife Julie received the pardon, mentioned meeting "wonderful men" and hearing "horrific" stories during his incarceration, motivating his new advocacy.

President Donald Trump announced on Friday via Truth Social the termination of Kim Sajet, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, stating the dismissal was due to her being 'highly partisan' and a 'supporter' of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as per a report in The Hill. This action occurs amid broader 'culture wars' and an anti-DEI push, aligning with Trump's criticisms of federal institutions he perceives as politically biased. The firing has drawn varied reactions, with supporters viewing it as a move against 'wokeness,' while critics see it as political interference in a cultural institution and an attack on diversity. Experts have raised questions about the direct presidential authority to fire a director within the Smithsonian Institution, which operates as a trust instrumentality of the U.S. with governance typically handled by its Board of Regents.

Veterans throughout the United States are set to hold widespread protests on D-Day, targeting the Trump administration’s perceived cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and reductions in staff and programs across the government, as per a report in AP. These demonstrations, highlighting veterans' concerns over federal budget impacts on their benefits and services, are planned for the National Mall, 16 state capitol buildings, and various other venues spanning 43 states.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, representing President Donald Trump's administration, stated on Friday that New York is discriminating against the Massapequa school district by requiring it to remove its Native American mascot and could consequently face a Justice Department investigation or lose federal funding, according to a report in AP. McMahon, speaking during a visit to Massapequa High School on Long Island, asserted that an investigation by her agency found New York state education officials in violation of Title VI of the federal civil rights law due to the statewide ban on such mascots.

US goods imports tumbled by 20% in April as sweeping levies implemented by President Donald Trump disrupted trade and increased the costs of foreign goods, Financial Times said in a report. This sharp decline reflects the impact of the administration's current tariff policies on international commerce, affecting the flow of products into the United States.

Follow President-elect Trump’s progress filling over 800 positions, among about 1,300 that require Senate confirmation, in this tracker from The Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service.

Top White House aide Stephen Miller engaged in a contentious debate on Friday with CNN anchor Pamela Brown regarding President Donald Trump's immigration agenda and its challenges in the judicial system, according to a report in The Hill. The heated exchange reportedly occurred after Brown questioned Miller if the judiciary should simply 'rubber stamp' the president's policies, prompting Miller to criticize judges who oppose the administration's agenda, referring to them as 'crazy communist judges'.

Social media posts by President Donald Trump are increasingly being utilized as evidence in legal challenges brought against his administration by various institutions and law firms, as per a report in The Guardian. Specifically, lawyers representing Harvard University are highlighting Trump's 'vituperative rhetorical assaults' on his Truth Social platform—including denouncing professors as 'bird brains'—to argue that his administration's attempts to reduce the university's funding and cancel its authorization to enroll foreign students are motivated by personal animus rather than legitimate policy concerns. This trend suggests that the president's online statements are facing scrutiny for potentially revealing the intentions behind governmental actions.

Musician Bono has defended Bruce Springsteen after President Donald Trump recently attacked Springsteen, who had criticized the president during an overseas concert earlier in May 2025, as per a report in The Hill. Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel's late-night program, Bono commented on the situation, stating, “I think there’s only ... only one boss in America,” an apparent reference to Springsteen's well-known nickname.

The Trump administration, through a memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), has instructed federal agencies to discontinue considering race, sex, or religion in their hiring processes, implementing a "Merit Hiring Plan" as part of a broader initiative to overhaul the federal government via major cuts and restructuring, according to a report in The Hill. This directive is framed as an effort to prioritize individual qualifications and overhaul government operations, aligning with past administration efforts to push back against certain diversity initiatives. While proponents argue this focuses on competence, critics and civil rights advocates express concerns that it may hinder efforts to ensure a representative federal workforce and make it more difficult to identify and address potential systemic discrimination.

The Trump administration has canceled nearly $4 billion in awards for emerging energy technologies that were issued under the previous Biden administration, The Hill said in a report. This cancellation, announced on Friday, May 30, 2025, affects $3.7 billion earmarked for 24 projects, predominantly focused on carbon capture technologies and other decarbonization initiatives designed to cut planet-warming emissions from fossil fuel plants.

The Supreme Court has issued a ruling that allows President Donald Trump to proceed with ending humanitarian parole for more than 500,000 people from four nations, a decision that leaves these individuals vulnerable to deportation, as per a report in AP. This development means those affected, who were previously granted temporary stay in the U.S. under humanitarian parole, now face the loss of their legal status and the subsequent risk of removal.

Georgia Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff has urged the Department of Homeland Security to reprioritize immigration enforcement towards public safety threats and to utilize humanitarian parole to keep families together, as per a report in NBC News. In a recent letter, Ossoff referenced past family separation policies, specifically the 'Zero Tolerance' policy enacted during the first presidential term (2017-2021) of Donald Trump, who is currently serving his second term as U.S. President. Ossoff's letter calls for current DHS policy changes to prevent similar occurrences and advocates for an approach balancing enforcement with humanitarian concerns.