The following is an installment of Trump-Vance team accomplishments (each article is linked for further info):
1. U.S. to Revoke Visas for South Sudan for Not Accepting Deported Citizens
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the State Department is revoking visas currently held by South Sudanese passport holders, saying the government will not accept its citizens deported from the U.S. under the Trump administration.
I am taking actions to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and to restrict any further issuance to prevent entry into the United States, effective immediately, due to the failure of South Sudan’s transitional government to accept the return of its repatriated citizens in a timely manner.
Further:
It is time for the Transitional Government of South Sudan to stop taking advantage of the United States. Every country must accept the return of its citizens in a timely manner when another country, including the United States, seeks to remove them.
2. U.S. Troops to Ecuador?
President Trump recently held talks with Ecuador President Daniel Noboa at Mar-a-Lago, aiming to explore U.S. military collaboration in tackling drug trafficking.
Ecuador is grappling with rampant drug-related violence and Noboa is looking to address the issue through international cooperation. However, Ecuador’s constitution currently prohibits foreign military bases, creating a need for potential reform to facilitate this collaboration.
Ecuador saw military cooperation agreements with the U.S. in 2023, which Noboa ratified, showcasing an already established legal framework. Yet, he emphasized compliance with local laws for any deployed foreign military, making it clear that Ecuador remains steadfast in safeguarding its sovereignty. Experts indicate this regional collaboration could not only combat drug gangs but also support economic and migratory advancements.
Internally, Ecuador remains embroiled in a struggle against gangs that control drug routes, with estimates that 70% of the world’s cocaine passes through its ports. Noboa’s war-like strategies have resulted in a significant militarization of its streets and prisons. Critics argue over his heavy-handed tactics, though statistics show the murder rate has decreased by 16% from 2023 to 2024.
Ecuador is exploring avenues to host a U.S. military base, which would mark a pivotal shift in the country’s military alignment. A new naval facility is under construction in Manta aimed at supporting U.S. personnel, indicating a proactive stance in anticipation of enhanced military cooperation.
3. More than 50 Countries Have Contacted the White House to Start Trade Talks
On NBC News’s Meet the Press, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed the stock market drop and said there was “no reason” to anticipate a recession based on the tariffs.
Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary
Bessent said:
We could see from the jobs number on Friday, that was well above expectations, that we are moving forward, so I see no reason we have to price in a recession.
Trump jolted economies around the world by announcing broad tariffs on U.S. imports on Wednesday, triggering retaliatory levies from China and sparking fears of a globe trade war and recession.
Trump officials explained the tariffs are a repositioning of the U.S. in the global trade order and the economic disruptions are a short-term fallout.
U.S. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told ABC News’ This Week Trump’s tariffs had so far driven “more than 50” countries to contact the White House to begin trade talks.
Hassett said he did not expect a big hit to consumers because exporters were likely to lower prices.
4. DOGE Is Now Auditing the IRS to Identify Waste, Abuse, and Fraud
Fox News reported late Friday the IRS will begin laying off approximately 20,000 staffers—up to 25% of the workforce—on Friday and through next week.
Most job cuts will center around the IRS Office of Civil Rights and Compliance, which protects taxpayers from discrimination, audits, and investigations.
White House spokesperson Liz Huston told Fox News:
In a stark contrast to the previous administration’s wildly unpopular plan to hire thousands of additional IRS agents, President Trump is focused on saving tax dollars, eliminating bloat, axing useless DEI offices, and increasing the agency’s efficiency.
More from Fox:
In addition to the layoffs, the agency said in a letter to employees it is eliminating its Office of Civil Rights and Compliance, which is responsible for protecting taxpayers from discrimination, audits and investigations.
. . .
The agency said it was approved to offer Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP). Information about those programs will be shared with employees at a later date, the message said.
‘This calendar year to date, approximately 5% of this office left through the Deferred Resignation Program and attrition,’ the message said. ‘An additional 75% of the office will be reduced through a RIF (Reduction in Force).’
A Treasury Department spokesperson told Fox News:
The rollback of wasteful Biden-era hiring surges and consolidation of critical support functions are vital to improving both efficiency and quality of service.
Further:
The Secretary is committed to ensuring efficiency is realized while providing the collections, privacy, and customer service the American people deserve.
5. Trump Stands Firm on Tariffs as China Announces 34% Retaliatory Duties
China quickly announced retaliatory measures. Beijing unveiled new 34% tariffs on American imports starting April 10.
Trump posted on Truth Social:
China played it wrong, they panicked—the one thing they cannot afford to do!
The Chinese government also plans to restrict exports of rare earth elements. These materials are crucial for high-end medical equipment and electronics technology. It is a desperate move from a regime that has grown far too comfortable exploiting American markets.
Trump dismissed concerns about market reactions. He stated firmly:
My policies will never change.
Trump’s economic vision focuses on American manufacturing strength. The strategy aims to force foreign companies to produce on U.S. soil rather than import goods. “ONLY THE WEAK WILL FAIL!” Trump declared in another Truth Social post. His message reflected confidence despite the market turbulence.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned the tariffs could lead to “higher inflation and lower growth.” His comments added to market jitters.
Trump quickly responded to Powell’s assessment. He posted:
CUT INTEREST RATES, JEROME,
AND STOP PLAYING POLITICS!
Trump’s long-term vision focuses on American economic independence. The immediate market pain could lead to stronger domestic industries and reduced reliance on foreign nations.
The President’s tariff strategy recognizes China and other nations have not played by fair trade rules. American workers have paid the price for decades of unbalanced trade agreements. It takes real courage to challenge the economic orthodoxy that has failed working Americans.
6. The U.S. Is the ‘World’s Leading Exporter of Natural Gas’
“We need to be energy dominant,” as noted by the Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
It is an understatement to acknowledge that gone are the days of having to light kerosene lamps or go to the telegraph office.
Soon, gone will be the days of gasoline burning automobiles. Just stop to think about all of the technological interworkings that come together for We the People to be reading this right now. It is mind-boggling, and also think about how lost we would be without some of the smart things we have. They sure are a big help to us.
Further from Secretary Wright:
By unleashing production of affordable and secure energy today, we benefit our Americans for generations to come.
