President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday prior to Pope Francis’ funeral, marking their first in-person discussion since a contentious meeting in February. A White House spokesperson described the meeting as “very productive.” Trump expressed concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin may not be serious about peace, stating he was worried that Putin “doesn’t want to stop” the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In related news, a third round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding Tehran’s nuclear activities concluded on Saturday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed cautious optimism about the progress made, despite ongoing disagreements.
A coalition of 19 states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its threat to withhold federal funding from states and districts that implement certain diversity programs in public schools. The lawsuit follows an April 3 memo from the administration demanding states certify they do not use specific diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
International students at U.S. universities remain anxious despite the Trump administration's recent decision to restore their legal status to study in the country. Many students expressed concerns that their legal status could still be revoked, as immigration officials indicated they were developing a new system for reviewing student records.
During his visit to Rome, Trump criticized Putin for the escalation of violence in Ukraine and threatened new sanctions against Russia. He emphasized the need for a peace deal, urging both Zelensky and Putin to engage in direct talks. Trump’s remarks came amid increasing pressure from members of his own party to adopt a tougher stance against Russia.
In a separate incident, a federal judge raised concerns about the deportation of a 2-year-old U.S. citizen to Honduras, suggesting it occurred without proper legal process. The judge scheduled a hearing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deportation.
Additionally, the Trump administration has initiated a civil rights inquiry into a Long Island school district's refusal to drop its Native American mascot, following a state mandate. This move aligns with the administration's broader campaign against diversity initiatives in education.
As the Trump administration navigates these complex issues, the implications for international relations, education policy, and immigration law continue to unfold.