Washington, D.C. – Today, senior officials from President Donald Trump's administration held a press briefing at the White House to discuss current policies and initiatives.​

Immigration Policies and Deportations

The administration announced plans to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 530,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Concurrently, funding for legal aid to 26,000 unaccompanied immigrant children has been cut. Officials emphasized that these measures aim to enhance national security and ensure compliance with immigration laws.

Foreign Investment and Economic Development

The White House reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has committed to a $1.4 trillion investment in the United States. This investment includes support for U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and export, with a portion allocated to NextDecade's LNG export facility in Texas. ​

Education Reforms and Columbia University Controversy

Columbia University has agreed to implement changes demanded by the Trump administration to restore $400 million in federal funding, previously cut due to allegations of tolerating antisemitism. These changes involve increased political oversight of Middle East scholars, a campus ban on face masks, and granting arrest powers to security personnel.

Controversial Remarks by Commerce Secretary

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faced criticism for recommending the public purchase Tesla stock during a television interview. Legal experts argue this violates a 1989 law prohibiting federal employees from using public office for personal gain. However, enforcement of ethics laws under the Trump administration has been lax, making severe penalties for Lutnick unlikely. ​

Changes in White House Press Access

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the administration will now select which reporters are permitted to cover the President in restricted events, such as those in the Oval Office and aboard Air Force One. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by the Associated Press alleging the White House barred their reporters from such events, raising concerns about press freedom. ​

President Trump and Elon Musk Discuss Government Efficiency

President Trump and Director of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Elon Musk appeared together in the Oval Office to discuss new executive orders aimed at further reducing federal budgets. Musk emphasized the necessity of streamlining government operations to enhance efficiency, while President Trump praised these efforts as significant steps toward governmental reform. ​

The press briefing concluded with administration officials reaffirming their commitment to implementing policies designed to bolster national security, stimulate economic growth, and reform government operations to better serve the American people.