Trump Governance Pursues Policy Shifts on Federal Reserve, Visas, and Gaza as legal Challenges Mount
The Trump administration is navigating a series of complex challenges, from a contentious battle over the leadership of the Federal Reserve to sweeping changes in visa regulations and a newly revealed plan for Gaza. These developments come amid ongoing legal scrutiny and a flurry of activity across multiple policy fronts.
Federal Reserve Governor Faces Removal Attempt
A key point of contention centers on Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, whom the president has moved to fire. According to Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, the president hasn’t “made a final call” on when he plans to nominate a replacement. This statement follows reports that the administration is seeking legal justification for Cook’s removal, likely referencing the lawsuit Cook is expected to file challenging her attempted removal.
Visa Restrictions Tightened for Students and Media
In a critically important shift in immigration policy, the administration is proposing stricter regulations on the duration of visas for students, cultural exchange visitors, and members of the media. This move, part of a broader crackdown on legal immigration, would require these groups to apply for extensions rather than maintaining a more flexible legal status.
The proposed regulation would cap F visas for international students, J visas for exchange workers, and I visas for journalists at a fixed period. Currently, these visas are frequently enough valid for the duration of the program or employment. According to US government data,approximately 1.6 million international students held F visas in 2024, alongside 355,000 exchange visitors and 13,000 members of the media. The proposed changes would limit student and exchange visas to four years, while journalist visas – previously lasting for years – would be capped at 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese nationals. The administration argues this change is necessary to better “monitor and oversee” visa holders.The public has 30 days to comment on the proposed regulation, mirroring a similar proposal from the end of the president’s first term. This action follows increased scrutiny of legal immigration, including the revocation of student visas and green cards based on ideological views.
Gaza Plan Unveiled, Featuring International Figures
The administration is also focusing on the situation in Gaza, with plans for a “extensive plan” for the territory’s future. US special envoy Steve Witkoff announced the president will chair a “large” White House meeting to discuss the plan, marking the first public revelation of its existence. Witkoff stated the plan would be “robust” and reflect the president’s “humanitarian motives.” This follows previous headlines regarding a planned aid initiative that was never implemented.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are expected to participate in the meeting and present ideas for a post-war plan. Discussions will also focus on increasing aid flows into Gaza, where a quarter of the population is reportedly facing starvation due to Israel’s obstruction of aid.
Other Developments
in other news,the Department of Transportation is reclaiming control of Union Station in Washington,D.C., from amtrak, citing decades of neglect. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated the move will help make the station “safe and beautiful.”
The White House also responded to a school shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, stating the president has been “fully briefed” and is praying for those involved. At least five children were injured in the incident at Annunciation Catholic school, and the shooter is in custody.
Additionally, Kilmar Ábrego García’s lawyers have reopened immigration proceedings to seek asylum, citing fear of persecution if deported to Uganda. A federal judge has temporarily blocked his deportation pending a hearing on October 6th. Federal law enforcement also reported 84 arrests in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, bringing the total to 1,178 since the beginning of the month.
the case of Catalina “Xochitl” Santiago, a DACA recipient detained at the El Paso airport, has raised concerns among immigration advocates. Her family reports a lack of clarity regarding the reasons for her detention, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of DACA recipients amid false claims from a Department of Homeland Security official that the program does not confer any legal status.
