Courts Block Key Trump Directives; Trump Signs Order to Boost Deep-Sea Mining | NTD Good Morning (April 25)

President Donald Trump’s agenda hit more legal roadblocks on Thursday as three federal judges blocked key orders. The courts halted Trump’s directive to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in schools; require proof of citizenship for voter registration; and strip funding from sanctuary cities. The judges ruled that parts of the directives were vague or unconstitutional.

Trump signed executive orders on Thursday to fast-track offshore mineral mining and to crack down on potential campaign finance abuse. A new White House memo warns of illegal donations through platforms such as ActBlue. Meanwhile, Trump announced he’ll be interviewed by The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg.

Trump has refuted China’s latest claim that the two countries have not had any negotiations over tariffs, saying his trade team met with Chinese officials this week. Trump also reiterated his warning that if countries such as China don’t try to negotiate, the United States will impose tariffs unilaterally. Meanwhile, negotiations are proceeding quickly with other countries. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters that South Korea could be the first country to strike a deal with the Trump administration.