In a tense Oval Office meeting on April 14, President Donald Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele made it clear that the Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, won’t be returned to the United States—despite a Supreme Court decision instructing the U.S. to “facilitate” his return.
Bukele dismissed the idea of returning Garcia, calling it “preposterous” and suggesting that doing so would be tantamount to “smuggling a terrorist” into the country. U.S. officials claim Garcia is affiliated with the MS-13 gang, but his family and attorneys strongly deny those accusations, pointing instead to his past protection order based on threats from gangs due to his family’s pupusa business.
Meanwhile, Trump signaled his willingness to deport even U.S.-born violent criminals to El Salvador under a controversial deal that has sparked criticism from human rights advocates. “I have no problem with that,” Trump said, praising Bukele’s harsh prison policies and urging him to build more facilities to house deportees.
On the economic front, Trump continued to tighten the grip of his trade war by announcing new tech-specific tariffs and a sweeping 145% minimum tariff rate on Chinese imports. Small businesses like GaBBY Bows are already feeling the pressure—facing unexpected costs that now jeopardize deals with major retailers.
The president hinted at short-term exemptions for car manufacturers trying to adjust their supply chains, while reiterating his belief that American-made vehicles are the goal—even though none are fully manufactured in the U.S.
On foreign policy, Trump accused Iran of dragging out nuclear talks, even as a second meeting between U.S. and Iranian negotiators is tentatively scheduled for Saturday in Rome. Trump warned of severe consequences if negotiations stall, claiming Iran is “fairly close” to developing a nuclear weapon.
Here:
U.S. and Ukraine Reopen Talks on Contentious Minerals Deal
Joshlin Smith trial within a trial | Jacquen Appollis Testifies #JusticeForJoshlin
Elsewhere, Trump condemned the arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence, and reignited his criticism of President Zelensky of Ukraine, blaming both Zelensky and President Biden for Russia’s invasion—a war Trump claims he’s trying to end.
Throughout the day, the Oval Office served as the stage for a flurry of controversial policy declarations and diplomatic tensions, reinforcing Trump’s hardline stance on crime, immigration, trade, and foreign affairs.