On Politics

Mon Mar 17 2025

Rebecca Morin | Newsletter Writer

@RebeccaMorin_

Hi all! It's Rebecca Morin . I got some interesting responses last week when I asked about grocery prices. This week, I am wondering what are some stories you're interested in seeing me highlight in the newsletter? You can email me your responses.

Trump's immigration showdown

A Wisconsin couple, Bradley Bartell and Camila Muñoz, were heading back home from their honeymoon in Puerto Rico when an immigration agent pulled Muñoz aside and asked if she was an American citizen. She wasn't. She was from Peru and had come to the United States on a visa, which she overstayed. But she was taking legal steps with her husband to one day become a citizen. For the last month, Muñoz has been sitting in an ICE detention center as part of President Donald Trump 's crackdown on illegal immigration. And her husband? He's one of millions of Americans who voted Trump's promise to crack down on "criminal illegal immigrants." Why Muñoz was detained.

The Trump administration is also facing a legal – and political – showdown after defying court orders by deporting nearly 300 Venezuelans to El Salvador. The administration used the Alien Enemies Act over the weekend to deport the Venezuelans who it says are members of a controversial gang called Tren de Aragua. Follow today's updates.

•	Judge blocks Trump's use of 1798 law, but some migrants still removed
•	Trump on Truth Social applauded the mass deportation of Venezuelans.
•	Documents shed light on why Rhode Island doctor was detained and deported. What we know.

Salvadoran police officers escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua recently deported by the U.S. government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison, at the El Salvador International Airport in San Luis Talpa, El Salvador, in this handout image obtained Sunday.

Secretaria de Prensa de la Presidencia, via REUTERS

A politics pit stop

•	Trump says Biden 'autopen' pardons are no good
•	AOC slams Schumer help for Republican government funding bill
•	In Iowa, Tim Walz says Democrats must answer Americans' 'primal scream'
•	How many eggs can you send? US asks countries to help lower soaring prices
•	Burger chain says its 'fries will be RFK'd' as it joins 'Make America Healthy Again' effort

Trump says no exemptions on sweeping steel and aluminum tariffs

President Donald Trump is remaining steadfast on his tariff war. The president late Sunday told reporters that his 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imported into the U.S. is here to stay. In addition to those tariffs, which went into effect last week, Trump said he will still implement reciprocal and sectorial tariffs on April 2. What tariffs mean for inflation.

•	Fed up with Trump's America, Canadians are staying home and boycotting

Trump to preside over board meeting in visit to Kennedy Center

It's no secret that President Donald Trump is a fan of theater. (His rally playlists during his first presidential run at times included songs from "Phantom of the Opera" and "Cats.") On Monday, the president is set to visit the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to preside over a board meeting. Remember, last month he ousted the center's leadership and named himself the new board chairman. Why Trump ousted the board.

Got a burning question, or comment, for On Politics? You can submit them here or send me an email at rdmorin@usatoday.com.