President Donald Trump on May 1 removed National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and said he will nominate the former Green Beret congressman as the next United States ambassador to the United Nations, pending Senate confirmation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been asked to assume the national security adviser portfolio on an interim basis while retaining control of the State Department. Rubio already holds temporary duties as acting USAID Administrator and Acting National Archivist, giving him an unusually broad span of responsibilities across the administration. Waltz’s reassignment follows growing fallout from “SignalGate,” in which sensitive discussions on a Signal group chat were inadvertently exposed after a reporter was added to the conversation. The shake-up is the first major personnel change of Trump’s second term and signals a tightening of White House security protocols amid continuing foreign-policy challenges.

Germany’s domestic intelligence service, the Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz, formally classified the Alternative für Deutschland as a “proven right-wing extremist organisation” on 2 May 2025, upgrading the far-right group from its previous status as a mere suspected case. The agency’s roughly 1,000-page assessment concludes that the party’s aims and rhetoric violate the constitutional principles of human dignity, democracy and the rule of law. The nationwide designation—three state branches were already classified as extremist—allows authorities to deploy informants, tap communications and bar civil servants from joining the party. Founded in 2013 and co-led by Alice Weidel, AfD won about 10 million votes and finished second in February’s federal election, making it the largest opposition force in the Bundestag. The ruling intensifies debate among mainstream parties over whether to petition the Constitutional Court to ban the organisation altogether. AfD has condemned the decision as politically motivated and said it will challenge the classification in court. While legal proceedings could take years, the intelligence service’s expanded surveillance powers take effect immediately.

Apple Inc. has projected a $900 million increase in costs for the June quarter due to tariffs imposed by the U.S. government, according to CEO Tim Cook. This estimate assumes that the current tariff rates and policies remain unchanged throughout the quarter. To mitigate the impact of these tariffs, Apple is shifting its supply chain for U.S.-bound products. The majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. during the June quarter will originate from India, while most iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and AirPods will be sourced from Vietnam. Products destined for markets outside the U.S. will continue to be primarily manufactured in China. Apple's second-quarter results showed a revenue increase of 5% to $95.4 billion, surpassing analyst expectations. The company's services business, which includes the App Store, Apple Pay, and Apple TV+, reported a record $26.65 billion in sales, up 11.8% from the previous year. Apple also introduced the iPhone 16e and reduced its carbon emissions by 60% over the past decade. Additionally, the company announced a $100 billion stock repurchase program and a 4% increase in its dividend to 26 cents per share.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order late on May 1 instructing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and all federal agencies to “cease Federal funding for NPR and PBS,” accusing the broadcasters of partisan bias and describing their government support as “outdated, unnecessary and corrosive.” The Corporation for Public Broadcasting channels roughly $500 million in annual congressional appropriations to nearly 1,500 public radio and television stations nationwide. Under the order, CPB is directed to halt both direct and indirect subsidies and to identify any remaining federal support for the two outlets. Trump’s action follows his effort days earlier to remove three of CPB’s five board members—a move that prompted the nonprofit to sue the White House—and coincides with a Republican-backed rescissions package in Congress that seeks to claw back more than $1 billion in public-broadcasting funds. Because CPB’s budget is set by Congress, the executive order’s immediate effect is uncertain and is expected to be challenged in court, adding financial uncertainty for local stations that rely heavily on federal grants.

A federal judge in Brownsville, Texas, permanently blocked the Trump administration from using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to detain or deport Venezuelan migrants held in the Southern District of Texas. U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr., a 2018 Trump appointee, ruled that the president’s March 14 proclamation invoking the centuries-old wartime statute exceeded executive authority and therefore is unlawful. Rodriguez wrote that the Act permits removal only during a “declared war,” an “invasion,” or a “predatory incursion,” conditions the administration failed to establish. The decision halts efforts to transfer alleged members of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua to a prison in El Salvador and certifies a class action covering all individuals targeted under the proclamation in South Texas. The injunction is the first judicial ruling to strike down the administration’s reliance on the Alien Enemies Act, a statute used only three other times in U.S. history. The Justice Department is expected to appeal to the Fifth Circuit, setting the stage for a potential Supreme Court review as the White House continues to pursue aggressive immigration enforcement measures along the U.S.–Mexico border.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday establishing a Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty, using a National Day of Prayer ceremony in the White House Rose Garden to unveil the initiative. The order, signed after morning prayers with roughly 200 faith leaders, creates a panel charged with advising the administration on how to safeguard and expand religious freedom in the United States and abroad. In televised remarks carried by outlets including C-SPAN, ABC and Fox News, Trump said his administration is “bringing back religion … quickly and strongly” and asserted that “for America to be a great nation, we must always be One Nation Under God.” He added that the new commission will be chaired by former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, though the full membership and mandate have not yet been released. The Rose Garden event featured prayers led by House Speaker Mike Johnson and other clergy representing multiple faiths, underscoring the administration’s effort to highlight religious themes at the start of Trump’s second term. The order follows earlier White House moves to expand faith-based outreach offices and combat religious discrimination. After the ceremony, the president was scheduled to travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to deliver his first commencement address of the term at the University of Alabama. Legendary Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban is also slated to speak during the Thursday evening ceremony at Coleman Coliseum.

China’s Ministry of Commerce said on 2 May it is “currently evaluating” overtures from Washington to restart discussions on trade, marking the first explicit indication that Beijing may be open to negotiations since the tariff stand-off intensified. The ministry stated that U.S. officials have “repeatedly” conveyed messages through various channels in recent weeks expressing a desire to talk. Beijing is assessing these approaches but emphasised that the United States initiated the tariff conflict and must demonstrate genuine intent before formal talks can proceed. Chinese officials warned that if Washington fails to reverse what they described as “unilateral” tariff measures—raised by President Donald Trump last month to levels of up to 145%—any dialogue would lack credibility and further erode mutual trust. The ministry urged the U.S. side to “correct its mistakes” and show greater sincerity. Investors interpreted the comments as a tentative thaw in relations; major equity benchmarks in Asia and global futures advanced following the statement. Beijing, however, has not set a timetable or identified negotiators, leaving the prospects for substantive talks contingent on U.S. moves regarding existing tariffs.

The New York Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals after defeating the Detroit Pistons 116–113 in Game 6 at Little Caesars Arena. Jalen Brunson poured in 40 points and sealed the series with a step-back three-pointer over Ausar Thompson with 4.3 seconds remaining, finishing an 11–1 closing run that erased a late five-point deficit. Brunson’s performance marked his seventh 40-point playoff game for New York and his fifth 30-plus outing of the series. Mikal Bridges added 25 points and OG Anunoby scored 22, while Cade Cunningham paced Detroit with 21 points and 12 assists. The Knicks became the first team in franchise history to win three road games in a playoff series, taking the best-of-seven 4–2; road teams won five of the six contests. New York, which is into the second round for a third straight season, will meet the No. 2-seed Boston Celtics. The NBA set the schedule for that matchup: Game 1 in Boston on May 5, followed by May 7, 10 and 12, with Games 5–7, if needed, on May 14, 16 and 19. The league also announced the Cleveland Cavaliers–Indiana Pacers semifinal will open on May 4.

Israeli fighter jets carried out a precision air strike in the early hours of 2 May near the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus, the Israel Defense Forces said. Israeli media and Syrian security sources reported that the munitions landed roughly 400–500 metres from the compound, causing no casualties and limited damage. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement after the raid, describing it as “a clear message to the Syrian regime.” They warned that Israel would not allow Syrian forces to move south of Damascus or endanger Druze communities, adding that further action was possible if threats continued. The strike followed several days of heightened Israeli military activity. On 30 April, Israeli jets conducted low-altitude flights and two raids over Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, a suburb of Damascus. On 1 May, Israel’s foreign and defence ministers publicly urged the international community to safeguard Syria’s Druze minority and cautioned Damascus against sectarian violence. Tensions escalated after Syria’s most influential Druze cleric denounced what he called an unjustified “genocidal campaign” against his community amid clashes that left at least 102 people dead, according to AFP. Syrian authorities have not commented on the latest Israeli action, while Israel maintains that its operations are intended to deter further attacks on the Druze population.

The United States and Ukraine on 30 April 2025 signed an economic partnership that establishes the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund and gives Washington preferential access to Ukraine’s critical minerals and other natural resources. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, the pact covers 57 minerals—including rare earths, lithium, aluminum, uranium and natural gas—and is designed to mobilize capital for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction while diversifying U.S. supply chains. Profits from new extraction projects will flow into the jointly managed fund to finance infrastructure and economic recovery initiatives in Ukraine. The accord concludes months of tense negotiations and follows President Donald Trump’s public push for Kyiv to help offset billions of dollars in U.S. military and economic assistance. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hailed the agreement as a “historic economic partnership” that advances peace and prosperity for both nations. By linking resource development to reconstruction financing, the deal signals a shift in U.S. engagement from direct military aid toward long-term economic cooperation. Kyiv retains ownership of its resources, but the arrangement is expected to reshape global critical-mineral supply chains and attract additional international investment to Ukraine.

Thousands of demonstrators across the United States are set to rally on May Day, marking a significant show of opposition to President Donald Trump's policies. The protests, planned in over 1,000 locations across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, are driven by concerns over Trump's actions affecting immigrants, federal workers, and diversity programs. This comes 100 days after Trump's inauguration, with his poll numbers at historically low levels. In Chicago, the demonstrations will see a diverse coalition of local grassroots organizations and labor unions marching through the streets. Participants are protesting against Trump's agenda, which they believe is detrimental to workers' rights and immigrant communities. The event underscores the historical significance of May Day, which originated from the labor movement in Chicago in 1886, commemorating the Haymarket riot and general strike. Los Angeles will witness thousands of union members and immigrant-rights supporters flooding the streets, marking International Workers' Day with a focus on advocating for workers' and immigrants' rights. The protests are a response to what organizers, including 50501, Rising Majority, and the Arab American Action Network, describe as a 'war on working people' by the Trump administration. They are also targeting billionaire profiteers like Elon Musk, whose Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has led to mass deportations and federal worker layoffs. In New York City, May Day rallies will gather crowds to support worker and immigrant rights. Demonstrators are rallying against what they perceive as a 'billionaire takeover of America' under Trump, with calls for full funding of public services and an end to policies they view as detrimental to labor and diversity. The protests also highlight the need for public schools over private profits, healthcare over hedge funds, and prosperity over free market politics. Internationally, May Day protests are also taking place, with workers in countries like Japan, Greece, the Philippines, and Guatemala rallying in support of labor rights. These global demonstrations are fueled by concerns over U.S. policies under Trump, including tariffs and immigration crackdowns, which are seen as contributing to global economic instability. In Turkey, the protests also focus on the arrest of Istanbul's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, with 384 people detained.

Microsoft sharply increased prices across its Xbox hardware line on 1 May, saying the adjustments were necessary because of "market conditions" and higher costs. In the United States the flagship Xbox Series X now retails for $599.99, $100 more than before, while the entry-level Series S climbed $80 to $379.99. Digital-only and higher-capacity models rise to $549.99 and $729.99 respectively, and prices on controllers, headsets and other accessories are also up worldwide. Software will follow hardware higher. The company said that “some” new first-party Xbox titles scheduled for the 2025 holiday season will debut at $79.99, lifting the ceiling for major releases by $10 and bringing Microsoft in line with Nintendo’s recent $80 pricing. The change will push game prices above the $70 level that has become standard across much of the industry. Microsoft attributed the increases to rising development expenses and import tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Chinese-assembled electronics, which analysts say can reach 145 percent. The move comes days after Sony raised PlayStation 5 prices and underscores how escalating trade tensions and supply-chain pressures are rippling through the videogame market.