American Civil Liberties Union news - Today’s latest updates

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American Civil Liberties Union

DOJ defends El Salvador deportations in court

The Trump administration appeared in court again on Friday, defending its decision to deport hundreds of Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador's mega-prison. On Saturday, President Trump cited a centuries-old law called the Alien Enemies Act to deport migrants with alleged ties to the gang Tren de Aragua. A judge temporarily paused the flights and verbally told the administration to turn the planes around, which didn't happen. CBS News Department of Justice reporter Jake Rosen breaks it all down and has the latest updates.

Mar 21
04:58

Richard Lee Tabler executed for 2004 Texas double killing

Texas has executed a man convicted of killing two men as part of a 2004 dispute with his boss at a strip club.

Feb 13

Trump signs order to end federal support for care for transgender minors

The order directs that federally-run insurance programs, including TRICARE and Medicaid, exclude coverage for gender-affirming care for those under 19.

Jan 28

An image taken from police dashcam video shows Gregory Bombard getting arrested on Feb. 9, 2018, in St. Albans, Vermont.

Man arrested after flipping off Vermont trooper to get part of $175K settlement

Vermont has agreed to pay $175,000 to settle a lawsuit on behalf of a man who was charged with a crime for giving a state trooper the middle finger in 2018.

Jun 27, 2024

Groups of migrants of different nationalities arrive at the Rio Grande to cross and surrender to the American authorities, since elements of the Texas National Guard no longer prevent their passage, in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, on March 2, 2024.

Biden administration asks Supreme Court to block Texas immigration law

The state law known as SB4 would empower Texas officials to stop, jail and prosecute migrants on state criminal charges of illegal entry or reentry.

Mar 4, 2024

Migrants at US-Mexico border during International Migrant Day

Civil rights groups file lawsuit against new Texas immigration law

The lawsuit on behalf of El Paso County comes one day after Gov. Greg Abbott signed SB 4 into law

Dec 19, 2023

Nusrat Chowdhury confirmed as first U.S. Muslim female federal judge

Nusrat Chowdhury has been confirmed by the Senate as the first Muslim female federal judge in U.S. history.

Jun 16, 2023

TikTok users file lawsuit challenging Montana ban

Montana's Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed the bill banning TikTok into law on Wednesday, but it's already being challenged in court.

May 18, 2023

President Trump Holds Roundtable With Governors On Reopening Small Businesses

Oklahoma governor signs gender-affirming care ban for kids

Oklahoma is the latest state to ban gender-affirming medical care for minors.

May 1, 2023

What is Section 230, the rule that shaped the modern internet?

Legal phrase tucked into 1996 law protects companies Facebook, Twitter and Google from being sued into oblivion for libel.

Feb 22, 2023

Utah becomes first state to ban gender-affirming care for trans youth in 2023

"Trans kids are kids — they deserve to grow up without constant political attacks on their lives and health care," wrote the ACLU's Utah chapter on Twitter.

Jan 29, 2023

Judge rules Missouri 19-year-old can't see father's execution

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on behalf of Khorry Ramey asking a federal court to allow her to attend the execution.

Dec 6, 2022

In this photo illustration a box of Ivermectina medicine

Doctor who gave ivermectin to inmates commended for "job well done"

The doctor has also been sued dozens of times for allegedly providing inadequate medical care to detainees, including for mistreating broken bones.

Feb 8, 2022

State Flag flies over Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma City OK

Oklahoma ACLU files lawsuit against ban on critical race theory

The lawsuit claims the bill imposes on the free speech and academic freedom of Oklahoma students and teachers.

Oct 19, 2021

Vice President Harris Tours El Paso Border Patrol Station

ACLU arm publishes database tracking fatal encounters with CBP

The database by the ACLU of Texas identified fatalities going back to 2010.

Aug 6, 2021

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Britney Spears allowed to choose own attorney

A Los Angeles judge awarded Britney Spears the right to choose her own attorney to represent her in her conservatorship case. The 39-year-old pop singer continues to fight to regain control of her personal life and $60 million estate from her father, Jamie Spears. Carolyn Reinach Wolf, an executive partner and director of mental health law for the firm of Abrams Fensterman, joined CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss where Spears' case now stands.

Jul 14, 2021
06:05

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Britney Spears' conservatorship back in court

Britney Spears 's conservatorship case is going back before a judge weeks after her testimony describing her situation as "abusive." The American Civil Liberties Union has filed an amicus brief in support of the singer's right to choose her own attorney. Zoe Brennan-Krohn, a staff attorney for the ACLU Disability Rights Project, joins Tanya Rivero on CBSN to discuss the issues at stake.

Jul 14, 2021
06:48

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Judge rejects most claims over clearing of protesters from D.C. park

She tossed allegations that Trump, Barr and other federal officials violated demonstrators' civil rights when they were forced from Lafayette Square, near the White House.

Jun 22, 2021

U.S. to admit 250 asylum-seekers per day

The Biden administration has agreed to allow up to 7,750 vulnerable migrants stranded in Mexico to enter the U.S. each month as part of negotiations in an ongoing lawsuit brought by American Civil Liberties Union. CBS News immigration reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss the latest with the new agreement.

May 18, 2021
05:36

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U.S. commits to admitting 250 asylum-seekers per day

The Biden administration has been negotiating with the American Civil Liberties Union, which sued the government over the expulsions of migrant families.

May 18, 2021

Asylum seekers enter the United States along the Arizona border

U.S. stops flying migrant families across southern border states

The Biden administration has continued a Trump-era public health order to expel migrants and asylum-seekers, but the policy is being challenged in federal court.

May 12, 2021

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ACLU lawyer on family reunification efforts

The Department of Homeland Security is working with the American Civil Liberties Union to reunify migrant families separated under the Trump administration, as the Biden administration continues to use a public health policy to justify deportations. Lee Gelernt of the ACLU spoke with CBSN's Tanya Rivero about why he says the rule is unfair, and how's working to bring families back together.

May 6, 2021
07:58

ACLU calls on Biden administration to close dozens of ICE facilities

During the presidential campaign, President Biden pledged to discontinue for-profit immigration detention, but no announcements have been forthcoming.

Apr 28, 2021

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Biden speech expected to focus on proposals

President Biden will deliver his first address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night. Mr. Biden is expected to highlight a proposal to provide free preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds among other priorities. CBS News correspondent Laura Podesta reports on what else to expect from the speech, and CBS News White House reporter Bo Erickson join CBSN AM to discuss the president's first 100 days in office.

Apr 28, 2021
10:56

Colorado mother files lawsuit over arrest of son with autism

The boy was reportedly "aggressively handcuffed" and then left alone for two hours.

Mar 10, 2021

President Trump Departs The White House For Weekend In Florida

CBS News poll finds Americans want Trump's focus more on prices, not tariffs

Most Americans say the matter of Trump administration officials discussing U.S. military plans on the Signal app is serious.

6H ago

Iran has rejected direct negotiations with the U.S. after Trump letter

Indirect negotiations have been unsuccessful for years since Mr. Trump initially withdrew the U.S. from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018.

5H ago

Premiere Of Showtime's "Twin Peaks" - Arrivals

Richard Chamberlain, star of "Shogun" and "The Thorn Birds," dies at 90

The actor died Saturday, March 29, in Waimanalo, Hawai'i of complications following a stroke. He was two days shy of his 91st birthday.

5H ago

UAW president Shawn Fain says "tariffs are a tool in the toolbox"

Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers union, praised President Trump's move to impose tariffs on vehicles, while noting that "tariffs aren't the total solution."

4H ago

Russian drone attack on Ukraine's Kharkiv

Russia targets Ukrainian military hospital as Trump lashes out at Putin

President Trump offered his most critical comments at Russian President Vladimir Putin for comments he made about the leader of Ukraine.

1H ago

Sen. Warner: Trump's approach to Greenland is part of "a crazy foreign policy"

Sen. Mark Warner criticized President Trump's approach to Greenland on Sunday as part of what he called a "crazy foreign policy."

2H ago

Comedian Amber Ruffin pulled from White House Correspondents' Dinner

In an email to members, White House Correspondents Association President Eugene Daniels said that the WHCA board had "unanimously decided we are no longer featuring a comedic performance this year."

16H ago

Prince Harry accused in bullying campaign against chair of his charity

Prince Harry and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, abruptly resigned this week as patrons of Sentebale, the charity they established in honor of the late Princess Diana.

1H ago

New Mexico GOP says headquarters targeted in "deliberate act of arson"

The Republican Party of New Mexico said its headquarters was targeted Sunday in what it called a "deliberate act of arson

updated 3M ago

U.S.

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New Mexico GOP says headquarters was targeted in "deliberate act of arson"

The Republican Party of New Mexico said its headquarters was targeted Sunday in what it called a "deliberate act of arson

updated 3M ago

Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 30, 2025

On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, UAW president Shawn Fain and Sen. Mark Warner join Margaret Brennan.

1H ago

Sen. Warner says Trump's approach to Greenland is part of "a crazy foreign policy"

Sen. Mark Warner criticized President Trump's approach to Greenland on Sunday as part of what he called a "crazy foreign policy."

2H ago

UAW president Shawn Fain says "tariffs are a tool in the toolbox"

Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers union, praised President Trump's move to impose tariffs on vehicles, while noting that "tariffs aren't the total solution."

4H ago

Richard Chamberlain, star of "Shogun" and "The Thorn Birds," dies at 90

The actor died Saturday, March 29, in Waimanalo, Hawai'i of complications following a stroke. He was two days shy of his 91st birthday.

5H ago

MoneyWatch

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The buzz over annoying corporate buzzwords

Faith Salie shares a "disruptive action item" for business buzzword users to "on-board" (that is, if you don't want to be "smartsized" out of a job).

5H ago

A bad bet? The dangers of sports gambling addiction

Nearly $150 billion in online wagers were placed last year alone. With one in five problem gamblers attempting suicide, experts say the ease of access and number of betting opportunities on one's phone represent a growing public health crisis.

6H ago

CBS News poll finds Americans want Trump's focus more on prices, not tariffs

Most Americans say the matter of Trump administration officials discussing U.S. military plans on the Signal app is serious.

6H ago

Protesters rally at Tesla showrooms in U.S., Europe to protest Elon Musk

Protesters are trying to escalate a movement targeting Tesla dealerships and vehicles in opposition to Elon Musk's role in DOGE.

22H ago

Trump's changes to the Social Security Administration have many seniors alarmed

The average wait time for Social Security calls has doubled in the last six months to 104 minutes.

Mar 29

Politics

More Politics

New Mexico GOP says headquarters was targeted in "deliberate act of arson"

The Republican Party of New Mexico said its headquarters was targeted Sunday in what it called a "deliberate act of arson

updated 3M ago

Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 30, 2025

On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, UAW president Shawn Fain and Sen. Mark Warner join Margaret Brennan.

1H ago

Russia targets Ukrainian military hospital as Trump lashes out at Putin

President Trump offered his most critical comments at Russian President Vladimir Putin for comments he made about the leader of Ukraine.

1H ago

Sen. Warner says Trump's approach to Greenland is part of "a crazy foreign policy"

Sen. Mark Warner criticized President Trump's approach to Greenland on Sunday as part of what he called a "crazy foreign policy."

2H ago

Transcript: Sen. Mark Warner on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 30, 2025

The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 30, 2025.

1H ago

HealthWatch

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HealthWatch

How the arts can create healthier communities

According to thousands of studies, researchers have determined that involvement in the arts can improve public health and promote healing from illness, as well as protect against such problems as cognitive decline, heart disease, anxiety and depression. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook talks with Broadway director Lear deBessonet, the force behind Arts For EveryBody, a national public health movement whose mission is to connect more people to the arts and create healthier communities.

5H ago
06:54

FDA's top vaccine official forced out, decries RFK Jr.'s "misinformation and lies"

A Department of Health and Human Services official delivered an ultimatum to Dr. Peter Marks: either resign or be fired.

Mar 28

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies in front of the Senate Finance Committee in Washington, DC on January 29, 2025.

RFK Jr. to gut vaccine promotion and HIV prevention office, sources say

Much of the federal government's efforts to buoy lagging childhood vaccination rates have been run through the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy.

Mar 28

Utah becomes first state to ban adding fluoride to public water systems

Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox signed a bill banning fluoride from public water supplies. The ban will take effect in May.

Mar 28

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Kansas reports measles outbreak with 23 cases

23 measles cases have been confirmed in Kansas, marking an outbreak for the state, according to local health officials. Ohio has reported 10 cases.

Mar 28

World

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Russia targets Ukrainian military hospital as Trump lashes out at Putin

President Trump offered his most critical comments at Russian President Vladimir Putin for comments he made about the leader of Ukraine.

1H ago

Prince Harry accused in bullying campaign against chair of his charity

Prince Harry and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, abruptly resigned this week as patrons of Sentebale, the charity they established in honor of the late Princess Diana.

1H ago

Earthquake strikes near Pacific island of Tonga, days after Myanmar quake

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Sunday near Tonga, a nation of more than 170 islands in the South Pacific Ocean.

4H ago

Rocket carrying European orbital vehicle crashes after seconds after takeoff

The unmanned Spectrum rocket, an orbital rocket developed by German start-up Isar Aerospace, crashed and exploded 40 seconds after takeoff.

2H ago

Damage from Myanmar earthquake assessed as death toll rises to 1,662

Officials are continuing to survey the destruction left in two major Myanmar cities and the Thai capital Bangkok, after a powerful earthquake hit the region Friday.

7H ago

Entertainment

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Elton John on Brandi Carlile: She gave me "a fresh start"

To young Brandi Carlile, a girl coming of age and struggling with her own sexuality, Elton John was a flicker of hope in a confusing world. Today, the two music superstars are friends and collaborators, recording an album together, "Who Believes in Angels?"

3H ago

Extended interview: Sir Elton John and Brandi Carlile

In this online exclusive, music superstars Sir Elton John and Brandi Carlile talk with correspondent Tracy Smith about the songwriting process and the challenge of collaborating on their first joint album, "Who Believes In Angels?" They also discuss their friendship, their families, and John's belief that "art has to be painful sometimes."

5H ago
30:02

Elton John, Brandi Carlile on their dream collaboration

Years ago, Elton John was a flicker of hope in a confusing world to young Brandi Carlile, a girl coming of age and struggling with her own sexuality. Today, the two music superstars are not only friends, but also collaborators, recording an album together, "Who Believes In Angels?" They talked with correspondent Tracy Smith about pushing each other artistically, and the 78-year-old John's emotional response to the album's closing track, "When This Old World Is Done With Me."

5H ago
09:12

Richard Chamberlain, star of "Shogun" and "The Thorn Birds," dies at 90

The actor died Saturday, March 29, in Waimanalo, Hawai'i of complications following a stroke. He was two days shy of his 91st birthday.

5H ago

What is the future of the Kennedy Center?

President Trump named himself the storied Washington arts center's chairman and replaced board members with Trump allies. Since then, the center has been rocked with cancellations, resignations, and questions about its mission.

3H ago

Technology

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Technology

Growing demand to power AI, cryptocurrency

As cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence advancements are made, U.S. demand for the energy needed to power massive mining and data centers grows. David Turk, former deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss how much energy the U.S. needs and the potential environmental impacts.

Mar 27
03:47

President Trump Attends Ambassador Meeting In White House Cabinet Room

Waltz's Venmo showed his contacts — even after bombshell report on Signal chat

White House chief of staff Susie Wiles was among the contacts listed in Waltz's Venmo account.

Mar 28

How AI powered robots are helping small farms

From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.

Mar 28, 2024
03:27

Lawsuit against OpenAI over newspaper copyright can proceed, judge rules

Several newspapers have sued OpenAI and Microsoft, seeking to end the practice of using their stories to train artificial intelligence chatbots.

Mar 26

What is Signal, the app used by Trump's team

The Senate Intelligence Committee heard testimony on Tuesday from key players involved in a group chat on the messaging app Signal, in which the U.S.'s highly sensitive plans to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen were discussed inadvertently with a journalist. President Trump said that his administration would investigate the government's use of Signal. CBS News contributor and former CIA official Andrew Boyd has more on what it is and how it's used.

Mar 25
05:08

Science

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Is carbon capture a solution to the climate crisis?

Carbon capture chemically removes CO2 from the air, to store or recycle into products. But is this technology – underwritten by the fossil fuel industry – an effective means to address climate change?

Mar 23

Is carbon capture a solution to the climate crisis?

As a tool to address rising greenhouse gas emissions, carbon capture chemically removes carbon dioxide from the air, to store or recycle into products. The company behind a new plant to be opened this summer claims the facility will remove 500,000 tons of CO2 a year. But is this form of carbon capture – underwritten by the fossil fuel industry – an effective means to address climate change? Correspondent David Pogue looks at the technology behind this initiative, and the controversy it has raised.

Mar 23
06:55

Bones of mammoths butchered for their tusks unearthed by archaeologists

Remains of five mammoths were found archaeologists from the Austrian Academy of Sciences said Thursday in a news statement.

Mar 21

Venus will pass between the Earth and sun on Saturday

Our planet's closest and brightest neighbor will pass approximately between the Earth and sun this week, in what's called an inferior conjunction.

Mar 20

New evidence about dark energy may be "cusp of a major discovery"

The new findings come from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which sits on a telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona.

Mar 21

Crime

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Survivors speak up to help convict man of murder, sexual assault

David Pearce was convicted of first-degree murder for the deaths of Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales after a night of partying in Los Angeles. He was also found guilty of raping seven other women who came forward to testify at his trial.

13H ago

Utah law to protect child influencers

Utah is establishing legal protections for children who are social media influencers. This comes as cases of abuse emerge among parents with kids in the industry. Tiffany Li, a technology attorney, joins CBS News with more details.

Mar 28
02:13

Case of stepson allegedly held captive

A judge held a hearing in the case against a Connecticut woman accused of keeping her stepson captive for 20 years. This comes as the man's biological mother speaks out about the alleged abuse.

Mar 28
03:06

Second South Carolina inmate on death row chooses firing squad

Mikal Mahdi, who pleaded guilty to murder for killing a police officer in 2004, is scheduled to be executed April 11.

Mar 28

Lawyers say execution of morbidly obese inmate could be botched

Lawyers for convicted murderer Michael Tanzi say that his weight and health conditions could cause a lethal injection cocktail to fail.

Mar 28

Space

More Space

Rocket carrying European orbital vehicle crashes after seconds after takeoff

The unmanned Spectrum rocket, an orbital rocket developed by German start-up Isar Aerospace, crashed and exploded 40 seconds after takeoff.

2H ago

Mae Jemison on making history in space and inspiring change on Earth

Dr. Mae Jemison, the first woman of color in space, shares wisdom and encouragement with "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King ahead of King's upcoming Blue Origin launch.

Mar 28

When, where to see the March partial solar eclipse

Astronomy fans figuring out where and what time to see the March 29, 2025, partial solar eclipse can check out a map from NASA.

Mar 28

William Shatner offers Gayle King advice before women-led space flight

William Shatner, who became the oldest person to travel to space at age 90, is offering encouragement and practical advice to Gayle King and the all-female crew launching April 14.

Mar 27

Democrats warn of cuts to space office

Democratic members of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee are warning that Department of Government Efficiency cuts to the Office of Space Commerce at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration could harm American interests. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports.

Mar 27
03:56

Latest Galleries

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Notable Deaths in 2025

A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.

Mar 24
18 photos

Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales

Husband pieces together wife's last movements to find out how she was killed

A look into a grieving husband Jan Cilliers' investigative work after his wife Christy Giles and her friend Hilda Marcela Cabrales died after a night out.

Mar 28
24 photos

The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?

Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.

Dec 18, 2024
15 photos

The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield

The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.

Dec 3, 2024
20 photos

Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death

Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.

Dec 1, 2024
19 photos

Latest CBS News Videos

CBS News poll: Americans want focus on prices, not tariffs

A CBS News poll released Sunday finds that Americans' approval of President Trump's handling of the economy has ticked down, and most say he's focusing too much on tariffs and not lowering prices. CBS News director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto breaks down the poll.

5H ago
04:54

Ex-Trump intelligence official on Signal chat

Sue Gordon, who served as principal deputy of National Intelligence in the first Trump administration, and Ret. Gen. Frank McKenzie, a CBS News contributor, speak to "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" about the Signal group chat that mistakenly included a journalist.

2H ago
10:03

Warner: Trump's approach to Greenland is part of "a crazy foreign policy"

Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the Trump administration is enacting "a crazy foreign policy" as it eyes acquiring Greenland, turning "Canada into an enemy" and "suddenly wanting to buddy up with Putin in Russia or with Xi in China."

5H ago
11:16

Arrington on potential Medicaid cuts

Republican Rep. Jodey Arrington of Texas, the chairman of the House Budget Committee, tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the budget measure with $880 billion in funding reductions, which could lead to potential cuts to Medicaid, is necessary because "if we don't make these cuts, these changes, this program and the federal budget in general is not sustainable."

2H ago
07:37

Open: This is "Face the Nation," March 30, 2025

This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Major Garrett speaks to UAW president Shawn Fain as the Trump administration deals with upcoming tariffs with the markets sliding up and down and consumer confidence sliding. Plus, Sen. Mark Warner joins to discuss the Trump administration's mistake of its own making — sharing attack plans over an app.

14M ago
01:34