The US Senate passed a six-month spending bill on Friday, narrowly avoiding a government shutdown just hours before the deadline. The bill, which passed with a 54-46 vote, now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature.
Senators announced plans to vote on a separate bill that would allow Washington, DC, to maintain its 2025 budget instead of reverting to 2024 levels. The measure would prevent $1 billion in cuts, which had sparked protests from the city’s mayor and residents. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called it “very good news” and urged the House to approve it quickly, as reported by Associated Press (AP).
US expels South African ambassador
Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared South Africa’s ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, “persona non grata.” In a post on X, Rubio accused Rasool of being a “race-baiting politician” and a critic of Trump. The State Department provided no further details. Expelling a foreign ambassador is rare, though lower-ranking diplomats have been targeted in the past.
South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country.
Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS.
We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) March 14, 2025
Trump ends USAID document destruction
Federal judges declined to block the Trump administration from destroying records at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) after officials assured that only outdated documents were being discarded. The move comes as Trump dismantles USAID, cutting most of its funding and terminating 83% of global aid programs.
Ex-EPA chiefs warn against rollbacks
Three former heads of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criticised plans by Administrator Lee Zeldin to reverse 31 key environmental rules, calling it a “catastrophe.” Gina McCarthy, former EPA chief under President Obama, said, “This is the most disastrous day in EPA history.”
Trump restores refugee aid payments
The Trump administration agreed to resume payments to a Texas-based Catholic charity that assists refugees. The group, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Worth, had sued after funding was paused. Their lawyer expressed hope that delays would be minimal.
Senate Democrats divided over shutdown bill
While 10 Senate Democrats voted to advance the Republican-backed spending bill, progressive groups warned of a backlash. MoveOn, a liberal advocacy group, accused Democrats of “clearing the way for Trump and Elon Musk to gut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.”
Trump defends Judge in classified documents case
Trump praised US District Judge Aileen Cannon, who dismissed the case against him over classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago. Calling her “amazing,” Trump criticised what he described as unfair attacks against her.
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Ceasefire talks in Russia-Ukraine war
Trump suggested a ceasefire could be near in the Russia-Ukraine war, saying Vladimir Putin “has respect for this country.” However, Secretary of State Rubio denied the US had backed down on demanding an immediate Russian withdrawal.
Protests erupt over education cuts
Demonstrators gathered outside the Department of Education to protest planned job cuts. Senator Mazie Hirono joined union leaders in condemning the layoffs. The cuts are part of Trump’s broader plan to reduce government agencies.
Pelosi criticises Senate Democrats over spending bill
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi slammed Senate Democrats for supporting the Republican-backed spending bill, warning, “America has experienced a Trump shutdown before.” She urged them to support an alternative 30-day stopgap plan instead.
(with inputs from agencies)
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