Trump Admin Appeals Order Blocking Removal Of Lisa Cook

What's happening

Trump Admin Appeals Order Blocking Removal Of Lisa Cook — Democratic lawmakers are calling for a detailed account of a U.S. military strike targeting a Venezuelan motorboat suspected of transporting narcotics. The strike, which occurred months ago, has drawn scrutiny amid allegations from Democrats that it may have violated international law. Explainer Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to Revoke TPS For Venezuelan Nationals Allegations of War Crimes Congressional Democrats have accused Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and military officials of potentially committing a war crime during the operation. They claim that a follow-up strike killed two survivors from the initial attack, raising questions about the rules of engagement and whether the U.S. was justified in its Venezuelan nationals. "We need a full timeline of events to understand the decisions made during this operation," a Democratic representative stated. The lawmakers are particularly concerned about claims that innocent fishermen may have been targeted, as well as the legality of conducting military strikes against a nation with which the U.S. Context of the Drug Trade Venezuela is widely regarded as a failed state, with the drug trade comprising a significant portion of its economy. The Trump administration announced plans to halt food stamp funding to 21 Democrat-led states and Washington, D.C., due to their refusal to provide data on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated during a cabinet meeting that 28 states and Guam, governed by Republicans, have complied with requests for data, including names and immigration statuses of recipients.

What's at stake

In contrast, the Democrat-run states have opted not to comply, prompting the administration's decision to withhold federal funds. Explainer Trump Administration Reassesses Approach to Sanctuary Officials Rollins emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "So as of next week, we have begun and will begin to stop moving federal funds into those states, until they comply and they tell us and allow us to partner with them to root out this fraud and to protect the American taxpayer." This move affects over 20 million SNAP recipients in the Democrat-led states, which account for nearly half of the total 42 million recipients nationwide. The data request, made earlier this year, was met with legal action from the Democrat states, which argued that the request violated privacy laws. Critics of the lawsuit contend that it serves as a means to shield illegal immigrants from scrutiny and maintain access to public welfare. The has asserted that the requested data is essential for addressing waste, fraud, and abuse within the SNAP program, and has suggested that it could also aid in immigration enforcement efforts. SNAP has faced criticism for its vulnerability to fraud and misuse, with reports indicating that some recipients exploit the system. The program allows individuals to purchase a wide range of food items, including those that may not align with nutritional guidelines. Furthermore, statistics reveal that 59 percent of households with utilize at least one welfare program, while 52 percent of legal immigrant households do the same. The Trump administration announced Tuesday it would halt immigration applications from 19 countries, citing national security concerns.

Following a suspected terrorist attack in Washington D.C. allegedly involving an Afghan national, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has placed a hold on asylum applications from these nations. According to a 2023 report from CNN, Mexicans represent the largest group of immigrants in the U.S., followed by India and China. The report highlights that a significant portion of these individuals may be living in the country without authorization. Critics of immigration from Mexico point to incidents of civil unrest, where demonstrators displayed Mexican flags during protests against deportations. The countries identified include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Explainer Trump Administration Reassesses Approach to Sanctuary Officials Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the need for strict immigration controls, stating, "Our forefathers built this nation on blood, sweat, and the unyielding love of freedom—not for foreign invaders to slaughter our heroes." The administration's criteria for these countries is rooted in security concerns, particularly the inability to confirm proper vetting of immigrants. In addition to the 19 countries, some analysts argue that Mexico, China, and India should also be considered for travel restrictions. What to watch next is whether new filings, agency actions, votes, or court decisions change the timeline—and how officials respond in the weeks ahead.

Why it matters

The coverage highlights: Democrats Criticize Military Strike on Venezuelan Drug Traffickers. The coverage highlights: Trump Admin To Stop Food Stamp Payments To Democrat States Covering Up Welfare Fraud. The coverage highlights: 3 Countries That Should Be Next On Trump's Travel Ban List. The coverage highlights: House Subpoenas Jack Smith Over Arctic Frost Fishing Expedition. The coverage highlights: Supreme Court Defers Decision on Trump's Firing of Library of Congress Official. The coverage highlights: Jack Smith Ignored Constitutional Standards In Arctic Frost Lawfare.

Key facts & context

2025-12-05: Democrats Criticize Military Strike on Venezuelan Drug Traffickers. 2025-12-04: Trump Admin To Stop Food Stamp Payments To Democrat States Covering Up Welfare Fraud. 2025-12-04: 3 Countries That Should Be Next On Trump's Travel Ban List. 2025-12-03: House Subpoenas Jack Smith Over Arctic Frost Fishing Expedition. 2025-11-26: Supreme Court Defers Decision on Trump's Firing of Library of Congress Official. 2025-11-25: Jack Smith Ignored Constitutional Standards In Arctic Frost Lawfare. 2025-10-01: Supreme Court Delays Decision on Lisa Cook's Removal from Federal Reserve Board. 2025-09-18: DOJ Asks Supreme Court to Halt Lower Court's Ruling on Trump's Firing of Fed Governor. 2025-09-15: Trump Admin Appeals Order Blocking Removal Of Lisa Cook. 2025-09-04: Atlantic: Yes, Lawfare Overturns Any Elections Republicans Win.

Timeline & key developments

2025-12-05: Democrats Criticize Military Strike on Venezuelan Drug Traffickers. 2025-12-04: Trump Admin To Stop Food Stamp Payments To Democrat States Covering Up Welfare Fraud. 2025-12-04: 3 Countries That Should Be Next On Trump's Travel Ban List. 2025-12-03: House Subpoenas Jack Smith Over Arctic Frost Fishing Expedition. 2025-11-26: Supreme Court Defers Decision on Trump's Firing of Library of Congress Official. 2025-11-25: Jack Smith Ignored Constitutional Standards In Arctic Frost Lawfare. 2025-10-01: Supreme Court Delays Decision on Lisa Cook's Removal from Federal Reserve Board. 2025-09-18: DOJ Asks Supreme Court to Halt Lower Court's Ruling on Trump's Firing of Fed Governor. 2025-09-15: Trump Admin Appeals Order Blocking Removal Of Lisa Cook.

Primary sources

• storage.courtlistener.com PDF
• Lisa Cook V Donald Trump — courtlistener.com
• storage.courtlistener.com PDF

Further reading & references

• (Additional background links will appear here as we cover this topic.)