J.D. Vance is fighting an uphill battle in public opinion. His approval ratings are slipping, and the numbers paint a troubling picture.

Compared to past vice presidents, Vance is starting on shaky ground—raising doubts about his future in Republican politics. With the 2028 election on the horizon, can he turn things around?

Vice presidents usually begin with at least moderate goodwill, but Vance’s numbers tell a different story:

• March 2025 Favorability: 42.4% favorable vs. 48.0% unfavorable.
• Trailing Kamala Harris: Despite criticisms, Harris maintained higher approval ratings at this stage.
• Echoing Dan Quayle’s Struggles: Quayle’s low ratings kept him from securing his party’s nomination.
• Falling Behind Mike Pence: Even amid controversy, Pence never hit such early-term lows.

Vance’s numbers are troubling. If history is any guide, vice presidents with weak public approval rarely succeed in securing the presidency.

Donald Trump still dominates the Republican Party, but his stance on Vance remains unclear.

Trump sidestepped questions about supporting Vance in 2028. His comments suggested a preference for a Trump family member instead.

Without Trump’s backing, Vance must carve out his own political identity.

Trump’s lukewarm response leaves Vance vulnerable. Without a solid base of support, his chances in 2028 could dwindle fast.

Several key factors contribute to his declining popularity:

• Overly Aggressive Rhetoric: While mirroring Trump’s combativeness, Vance lacks the outsider appeal that made Trump successful.
• No Defining Achievements: Unlike Trump, who had a business empire, Vance lacks a strong private-sector reputation.
• Voter Fatigue with Negativity: Polls suggest growing frustration with divisive politics.

Vance’s challenge is clear: He needs a new approach, or he risks alienating voters further.

If Vance hopes to be a serious contender in 2028, he must act now. His survival depends on:

A more unifying tone could help expand his appeal. If Trump remains noncommittal, Vance must rally his own supporters. Legislative and policy wins could shift public perception in his favor.

Vance’s early struggles signal a steep climb ahead. Without a boost in public opinion or Trump’s full support, his 2028 prospects remain bleak.

The next few years will decide whether he reshapes his image or follows the path of past vice presidents who never reached the White House.

Donald Trump has reignited a decades-old political battle by signing an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education.

This move aligns with conservative calls for smaller federal government control, but it also raises concerns about the future of public education, funding, and equal access to resources.

Trump’s Executive Order Sparks a Major Education Shake-Up

On March 20, 2025, Trump signed an order directing officials to begin scaling back the Department of Education.

At the White House ceremony, he declared that education decisions should belong to states and local communities, not Washington bureaucrats.

As cameras rolled, young students sat at desks, playfully signing their own “executive orders,” turning a political decision into a photo-op.

Trump blamed the federal agency for failing American students.

He pointed to declining test scores in math and reading as evidence that government oversight had done more harm than good. “We’ve spent billions, and what do we have to show for it?” he asked the crowd.

Can Trump Actually Shut Down the Department of Education?

Trump’s executive order begins the process, but shutting down an entire federal agency requires congressional approval.

Right now, Trump lacks the votes needed in Congress to fully dismantle the department.

However, he can weaken its influence by cutting funding, eliminating positions, and shifting responsibilities to state governments.

Even if Congress blocks him, Trump can still shrink the department’s role through executive actions. That means fewer federal grants, fewer regulations, and less oversight in education policies nationwide.

What’s at Risk? Federal Programs That Could Disappear

If Trump succeeds, several key federal education programs could see major changes—or disappear entirely:

• Special Education Funding – Schools rely on federal grants to support students with disabilities. Without this funding, states would have to fill the gap.
• Financial Aid for Low-Income Students – Pell Grants and federal student loans help millions afford college. A weakened Education Department could lead to fewer resources for students in need.
• Civil Rights Protections – The department investigates cases of discrimination in schools, ensuring students are treated fairly. Without federal oversight, enforcement may vary from state to state.
• Support for Struggling Public Schools – Federal funding helps schools in low-income areas improve resources and teacher quality. If those funds disappear, some schools could suffer drastic budget cuts.

Why Critics Say This Move Could Harm Students

Education advocates warn that dismantling the Department of Education could widen educational inequality.

Without federal oversight, wealthier states could invest more in their schools, while poorer states might struggle to maintain basic resources.

Democratic lawmakers argue that Trump is playing politics with students’ futures.

Senator Patty Murray criticized the move, saying, “If you fire all the staff and smash it to pieces, you might get a similar, devastating result.”

She warned that without federal protections, vulnerable students could lose access to essential services.

Teachers’ unions and civil rights groups have also spoken out, saying that state-run education systems without federal guidelines could lead to major disparities in the quality of schooling.

What’s Next? The Battle Over Federal Education Control Continues

Trump says he won’t stop until the Department of Education is completely dismantled.

However, even if Congress blocks him, his administration can still roll back funding and programs through executive actions.

This move reignites a long-standing debate: Should education be left entirely to the states, or does the federal government play a crucial role in ensuring equal access to quality education?

A federal judge has slammed the brakes on Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team, blocking them from accessing sensitive personal data from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander, called DOGE’s sweeping data requests an unjustified “fishing expedition.”

The court ruled against DOGE’s access, citing the lack of a valid reason for retrieving vast amounts of personally identifiable information (PII).

Judge Hollander’s order specifically barred SSA officials—including Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek and Chief Information Officer Michael Russo—from handing over any data to DOGE.

The type of PII at stake includes:

• Social Security numbers
• Medical records
• Employer and employee payment details
• Addresses and tax records

In a strong move to protect privacy, the judge also ordered DOGE to delete any non-anonymized data collected since January 20.

A coalition of unions and retiree groups challenged DOGE’s actions in court, including:

• The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
• The Alliance for Retired Americans
• The American Federation of Teachers (AFT)

Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, praised the ruling, stating, “Seniors must be able to trust the Social Security Administration to protect their personal information.”

The White House, however, saw it differently. Principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields dismissed the ruling, branding Judge Hollander a “radical leftist” and accusing her of working to “sabotage” President Trump’s agenda.

Judge Hollander criticized DOGE’s secrecy and lack of transparency. Even DOGE’s own affiliates remained anonymous, supposedly for protection against harassment.

Yet, the judge pointed out the hypocrisy: “The defense does not appear to share a privacy concern for the millions of Americans whose SSA records were made available.”

She also referenced previous incidents where breaches of Social Security data led to severe privacy violations.

One such case involved the unredacted release of records connected to former congressional staffers and individuals tied to JFK assassination documents.

While the ruling limits DOGE’s access, it does not completely shut down its operations. The team can still retrieve redacted data—if its members pass background checks and complete privacy training.

However, Judge Hollander made it clear that security concerns must outweigh fraud detection efforts.

“Rooting out fraud is important,” she wrote, “but the government cannot flout the law to do so.”

The Trump administration insists that DOGE is on a mission to eliminate waste in government programs, including Social Security, which Musk has labeled a “Ponzi scheme.”

The Justice Department argues that DOGE’s access is in line with standard SSA practices. However, critics say the agency’s demands far exceed normal oversight.

This is just one of nearly two dozen lawsuits challenging DOGE’s expanding government reach. A separate ruling recently found DOGE’s restructuring of the U.S. Agency for International Development likely unconstitutional.

For now, Judge Hollander’s decision has halted DOGE’s push for Social Security data—at least until the next courtroom showdown.

President Donald Trump is taking a drastic step to reshape America’s education system. On Thursday, he will sign an executive order to begin shutting down the U.S. Department of Education.

This decision aligns with his long-standing belief that education should be controlled at the state level rather than by Washington bureaucrats.

However, there’s a catch—Trump cannot completely dismantle the department without approval from Congress.

While this executive order won’t immediately eliminate the agency, it will significantly weaken its power and influence.

What Exactly Does Trump’s Order Do?

This executive order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take three key actions:

• Start dismantling the Department of Education by scaling back its programs and workforce.
• Ensure schools continue running smoothly by shifting responsibilities to state and local governments.
• Block federal education funding from being used for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs or gender-related policies.

McMahon has already begun cutting the department’s workforce, reducing it by nearly half as the first step toward phasing out the agency.

Can Trump Actually Shut Down the Department of Education?

Trump may have signed the order, but Congress holds the final say.

The Department of Education was created in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, and fully dismantling it would require legislative approval.

That means Trump would need at least seven Democratic senators to vote in favor of its closure—an unlikely scenario.

But Trump doesn’t need Congress to weaken the department.

By slashing its budget, limiting its operations, and cutting staff, his administration can effectively render it powerless, similar to how his first term saw major reductions in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

What’s at Risk If the Department Closes?

The Department of Education plays a crucial role in funding schools, supporting students with disabilities, and protecting civil rights in education.

If Trump succeeds in shutting it down, several key programs could be impacted:

• K-12 school funding—especially for low-income students.
• Special education programs that help students with disabilities.
• Federal student loan protections, which prevent borrowers from falling into unmanageable debt.
• Civil rights enforcement to ensure schools comply with anti-discrimination laws.

Critics warn that eliminating the department could lead to larger class sizes, reduced school funding, and weakened protections for students.

A Nation Divided: Reactions to Trump’s Plan

Trump’s executive order has sparked fierce debate across the political spectrum.

• Democratic lawmakers and state attorneys general have already filed lawsuits challenging Trump’s authority to close the department.
• Teachers’ unions and education advocates argue that shutting it down will harm students and leave schools underfunded.
• Conservative supporters praise the decision, saying it will eliminate federal overreach and allow states to craft education policies tailored to their needs.

What Happens Next?

Trump’s order is just the opening move in what promises to be a long political and legal battle.

The fate of the Department of Education now hinges on Congress, the courts, and the American public.

The Biden administration has made a bold move, freezing $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) over its policy allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports.

This unprecedented decision is part of a larger push to enforce new federal standards on gender participation in athletics.

UPenn now faces a significant financial setback as the funding freeze directly impacts crucial research and academic programs.

The funds, sourced from the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services, account for nearly 20% of UPenn’s total federal support from last year.

This move isn’t just about money—it’s a direct response to policies that have fueled a national debate.

The administration’s stance echoes growing concerns over fairness in women’s sports, a topic that has ignited passionate arguments from both sides of the aisle.

At the heart of this decision is Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer who transitioned from competing in men’s swimming to women’s.

In 2022, Thomas won a national title, igniting a firestorm of controversy over the fairness of transgender athletes competing against cisgender women.

While the NCAA has since revised its guidelines, requiring transgender athletes to meet specific hormone levels and eligibility criteria, UPenn has continued to support transgender inclusion.

This has placed the university in direct conflict with new federal directives aimed at redefining gender eligibility in competitive sports.

The funding freeze isn’t just an isolated case—it’s a warning shot.

• The Department of Education has launched an investigation into whether UPenn is violating Title IX policies.
• Universities with similar policies could soon face similar financial penalties.
• LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are preparing legal challenges, arguing that these actions infringe on transgender rights and equal access to education.

UPenn has wasted no time in responding to the funding freeze. A spokesperson for the university stated:

Penn has always adhered to NCAA and Ivy League regulations regarding athlete participation. We remain in full compliance with all applicable policies and will continue to advocate for inclusivity in sports.

Despite this defense, the pressure is mounting, and UPenn now faces not just a financial crisis but a pivotal moment in the national conversation about gender and athletics.

This funding freeze could be just the beginning of a broader crackdown on universities that allow transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports.

Supporters argue it protects fairness in female athletics, while opponents see it as a direct attack on transgender rights.

As lawsuits and political battles unfold, this issue is far from settled. With the 2024 election on the horizon, the future of transgender participation in sports remains one of the most polarizing debates in America today.

The Trump administration has cut off $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), citing its transgender athlete policy as the reason.

This marks a major escalation in the national debate over transgender participation in women’s sports.

The move comes after UPenn allowed transgender women to compete against biological females, a decision that sparked controversy and legal challenges.

Now, with this funding freeze, the battle between federal policy and university autonomy has reached a boiling point.

Trump’s Executive Order: A Bold Move Against Transgender Athletes

On February 5, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.”

This order bars biological males from competing in female sports categories, even if they identify as transgender.

Trump’s administration argues that allowing trans women (biological males) in women’s sports undermines fair competition and violates Title IX, a federal law designed to ensure equal opportunities for female athletes.

UPenn has been at the center of this debate since Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer, dominated women’s NCAA competitions.

Her victories ignited a nationwide debate on whether transgender athletes have an unfair biological advantage.

Where Did the $175 Million Come From?

The funding freeze targets two major sources of UPenn’s federal funding:

• Department of Defense (DOD) Grants: UPenn receives millions in defense contracts for research in cybersecurity, medicine, and engineering.
• Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Funding: This money supports medical research, scholarships, and public health programs at UPenn.

With these funds frozen, key research projects and student programs could face delays or cancellations.

How Will This Impact UPenn?

UPenn relies heavily on federal funds, receiving around $1 billion annually from government sources. Losing $175 million could have serious consequences:

• Academic Research Disruptions: Defense and medical research programs may lose crucial funding.
• Scholarship Cuts: Students receiving federal grants could face uncertainty.
• Potential Legal Battles: UPenn may challenge the funding freeze in court, arguing that transgender athletes have legal protections under anti-discrimination laws.

Could Other Universities Be Next?

Trump has made it clear that UPenn won’t be the only target. The Department of Education has launched investigations into other institutions, including:

• San Jose State University
• Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association

Both schools allow transgender women to compete in women’s sports, and they could face similar funding cuts under Trump’s new policy.

The Divided Opinions on Transgender Athletes

This decision has deepened the divide in the ongoing debate:

Supporters say Trump’s action protects fair competition for female athletes.
Critics argue it’s an attack on transgender rights and could violate federal anti-discrimination laws.

As lawsuits mount and universities push back, the legal and political battle over transgender athlete policies is far from over.

What Happens Next?

UPenn has yet to announce its next steps, but legal experts predict court battles over Title IX and federal funding regulations.

Trump’s administration, however, shows no signs of backing down. With more universities under scrutiny, this funding freeze could be the start of a nationwide crackdown on transgender athlete policies.

In a rare and pointed statement, Chief Justice John Roberts firmly rejected former President Donald Trump’s demand to impeach a federal judge. His words, though measured, carried immense weight, reaffirming the independence of the judiciary in the face of political pressure.

It started with a fiery post on Trump’s social media platform. He called for the impeachment of U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who had ruled against his administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members.

Trump labeled Boasberg a “Radical Left Lunatic” and insisted that judges who opposed his policies should be removed. His demand was not just about one ruling—it was a broader attack on judicial oversight, a move that alarmed many in the legal community.

Roberts, typically reserved in public political discourse, did not let Trump’s remarks go unanswered. In a short but powerful statement, he reinforced the fundamental principle of judicial independence:

For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.

These words carried an unmistakable message: Judges do not serve at the pleasure of any president. Their role is to interpret the law, not to cater to political whims.

Roberts’ rebuke is more than just a defense of one judge—it’s a stand for the integrity of the entire judicial system.

The U.S. Constitution grants judges lifetime appointments precisely to shield them from political influence. Impeachment is reserved for misconduct, not for decisions that displease those in power.

This is not the first time Trump has attacked the judiciary. Throughout his political career, he has repeatedly lashed out at judges who ruled against him.

His latest demand for impeachment continues this trend, raising concerns about his willingness to undermine judicial independence.

Trump, never one to back down, dismissed Roberts’ remarks during a Fox News interview. He doubled down, claiming that “many people” supported his call to remove Boasberg.

He suggested that the ruling was politically motivated, despite its firm grounding in legal precedent.

When asked whether he would defy a court order, Trump responded:

No, you can’t do that. However, we have bad judges. We have very bad judges, and these are judges that shouldn’t be allowed.

His comments further fueled the controversy, with legal experts warning that such rhetoric erodes public trust in the judiciary.

The battle between Trump and the courts is far from over. The Supreme Court may eventually weigh in on his administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act and other legal challenges tied to his immigration policies.

As the 2024 election looms, Trump’s attacks on the judiciary are likely to intensify, testing the resilience of America’s legal system.

For now, Roberts’ rare public statement stands as a critical reminder: The judiciary is meant to function independently, even under the weight of political pressure.

Whether Trump or his supporters accept that reality is another question entirely.

Former President Donald Trump’s recent deportation of over 250 Venezuelan migrants has triggered a major legal showdown.

A U.S. federal judge had ordered a temporary halt to these deportations, yet reports suggest the Trump administration may have defied that ruling.

Legal experts are now raising concerns that ignoring court orders could threaten the foundations of the U.S. legal system.

Former FBI general counsel Andrew Weissmann described this as a “doomsday scenario” for American democracy.

A Judge’s Order vs. The Trump Administration

On Saturday evening, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled that the deportations must stop.

His decision was meant to ensure that migrants accused of gang affiliations would receive due process before removal.

However, the Trump administration continued with its plans, claiming that Boasberg’s order came too late to reverse the flights.

The administration’s defense hinges on timing. Officials argue that some planes were already in the air when the order was issued, meaning they were beyond U.S. jurisdiction.

However, legal advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), dispute this claim.

They point to flight logs suggesting at least one deportation flight departed after the judge’s ruling.

Why Ignoring a Court Order is a ‘Doomsday Scenario’

Legal analysts warn that if a president openly disregards court rulings, it undermines the rule of law.

Weissmann emphasized that ignoring judicial authority leads to a dangerous precedent where legal decisions are no longer enforced.

The U.S. Constitution guarantees due process to all individuals, regardless of immigration status.

Even noncitizens have legal rights under Supreme Court precedent, meaning that deportations must follow established legal procedures.

ACLU Demands Answers: Did Trump Officials Break the Law?

The ACLU has taken swift legal action, urging Judge Boasberg to investigate whether the Trump administration deliberately violated his ruling.

The organization is demanding that Trump officials submit sworn statements clarifying the timing of the deportations.

Judge Boasberg has scheduled a hearing to determine:

• Did any flights take off after the court order?
• Did the Trump administration knowingly defy judicial authority?
• Could officials face legal consequences for ignoring the ruling?

What Happens Next? A High-Stakes Legal Battle Looms

This case is far from over. Legal experts predict that the fight over these deportations could escalate to the Supreme Court.

If it does, the justices will decide whether Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798—the same law used to intern Japanese Americans during World War II—was legally justified.

Meanwhile, immigration advocates warn that if a president can sidestep court rulings, it sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations.

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll has revealed that more than half of Americans believe President Donald Trump is “too closely aligned” with Russia. The survey, conducted over two days, highlights how Trump’s foreign policy shifts are shaping public opinion and international relations.

• 56% of Americans believe Trump is too close to Russia.
• 89% of Democrats and 27% of Republicans share this view.
• 40% disagree, while 4% did not respond.

Since beginning his second term in January, Trump has taken a radical approach to U.S. foreign policy, challenging allies and proposing a controversial ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.

Trump’s administration has proposed a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, but the Kremlin has reacted with caution.

The president has also made bold statements about acquiring new territories, including Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal.

These moves have sparked debate among both American citizens and global leaders.

While Trump pushes for territorial expansion, the poll shows most Americans have little interest in these ideas:

• Only 1% of respondents ranked expansion as a top priority.
• 61% said fighting inflation should be the primary focus.
• 13% wanted a smaller federal government.

Among his expansion proposals:

• 17% support absorbing Canada.
• 21% support taking over Gaza.
• 65% of Republicans support taking control of the Panama Canal.
• 45% of Republicans support acquiring Greenland.

Despite these controversial policies, Trump’s approval rating remains steady at 44%, higher than both his previous term and Biden’s approval ratings.

A major point of contention is Trump’s plan to condition military aid on gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth. This policy has created a divide among Americans:

• 44% support the plan.
• Two-thirds of Republicans back it.
• Only 20% of Democrats agree.

Critics argue this approach undermines U.S. credibility and shifts military support into a transactional arrangement.

Trump’s stance on Russia and Ukraine has alarmed European allies, leading to discussions about strengthening their own defense capabilities without relying on U.S. support.

His proposed ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia remains uncertain, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed interest but remains vague on terms.

The poll suggests that Americans are wary of Trump’s close ties with Russia and skeptical about his expansionist ambitions. While his approval rating remains solid, his foreign policy continues to divide the country.

The coming months will determine whether his controversial strategies will strengthen or weaken his leadership on the world stage.

U.S. President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on The Wall Street Journal on Thursday, accusing the newspaper of outdated thinking and bias.

His comments came after the Journal published an analysis questioning whether Trump’s economic policies were causing short-term pain for uncertain long-term gains.

Trump took to social media to highlight recent economic developments, claiming that:

• Egg prices are falling
• Oil costs are down
• Interest rates are decreasing
• Tariff-related revenue is pouring into the U.S.

He used these factors to defend his economic strategies, arguing that his policies were benefiting the country despite criticism from financial experts.

Trump accused The Wall Street Journal of being influenced by the European Union, suggesting that the EU was formed to harm U.S. economic interests. He called the paper’s thinking “antiquated and weak” and dismissed their analysis as misguided.

The Journal’s report had raised concerns that Trump’s approach to tariffs and economic policy was destabilizing businesses, leading to uncertainty among corporate leaders.

A key focus of the Journal’s analysis was the shifting sentiment among U.S. business executives. Initially optimistic about Trump’s tax cuts and deregulation, many now express concerns over his aggressive tariff policies.

Fox Business interviewed The Wall Street Journal’s editor-in-chief, Emma Tucker, who noted that corporate leaders were hesitant to criticize Trump publicly but feared the long-term consequences of his trade policies.

During his tenure, Trump repeatedly warned companies to move manufacturing to the U.S. or face stiff tariffs. However, analysts argue that his trade war tactics have led to economic instability.

In his latest move, Trump threatened a 200% tariff on European alcohol in retaliation for reciprocal tariffs on U.S. exports. This tit-for-tat strategy has raised concerns that escalating trade disputes could harm American businesses and consumers.

Trump’s clash with The Wall Street Journal is part of his broader history of attacking media outlets that criticize his policies. He has frequently targeted major news organizations, including CNN, MSNBC, Reuters, and the Associated Press, accusing them of bias.

Trump remains firm in defending his economic record, using social media to push back against critics. However, with growing concern among business leaders and market instability, the debate over his economic policies is far from over.

As the U.S. prepares for another election cycle, Trump’s handling of trade and economic issues will likely remain a key point of discussion.