Trump admin rolls back LGBTQ+ gains during Pride Month

Axios04-06-2025

The Trump administration isn't celebrating Pride Month, but rather walking back initiatives to recognize LGBTQ+ communities.
The big picture: It's a part of a larger repeal of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts by the administration, which have contributed to an increasingly hostile climate for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S., particularly for transgender individuals.
State of play: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that the White House has "no plans" to make a proclamation for the month of June.
That marks a reversal from the yearly "Pride Month" proclamations and elaborate celebrations under former President Biden.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education on Tuesday announced it's recognizing June as Title IX Month, "commemorating women and celebrating their struggle for, and achievement of, equal educational opportunity."
Flashback: Trump didn't issue presidential proclamations celebrating Pride in his first term either, only marking the occasion with a social media post in 2019.
Zoom in: In the first few days of Pride Month, the administration has taken steps to target LGBTQ+ recognition efforts.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the Navy to rename a ship that bears the name of gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk. Hegseth is "committed to ensuring that the names attached to all DOD installations and assets are reflective of the Commander-in-Chief's priorities, our nation's history, and the warrior ethos," Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement.
The FBI on Monday requested tips from the public on hospitals, clinics or practitioners performing gender-affirming surgeries to youth, putting that care among transgender youth under close scrutiny.
Trump threatened to cut funding to California if it continues to allow transgender athletes to compete in women's sports, doubling down this week after a trans high schooler won state championships. "President Trump is protecting women in sports and restoring common sense," spokesperson Harrison Fields told Axios Tuesday.
The National Park Service planned to close Dupont Circle in D.C. to bar people from celebrating Pride, but later reverted.
Between the lines: Minnesota state Rep. Leigh Finke told Axios that while acts of violence are not directly tied to the Trump administration, his policies and the "language of dehumanization and ... language of eradication" have consequences.
Our thought bubble via Axios' Russell Contreras: Trump's pullback on Pride comes as the nation is set the celebrate the fourth anniversary of Juneteenth becoming a national holiday.

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Canada and US Trade Talks Resume After Digital Tax Reversal

Newsweek

an hour ago

Newsweek

Canada and US Trade Talks Resume After Digital Tax Reversal

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Canada and the United States have resumed trade negotiations after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to rescind the country's digital services tax on U.S. technology companies. The development follows President Donald Trump's announcement on Friday that he was suspending all trade talks with Canada "effective immediately" over the tax policy. Why It Matters Trump's Friday announcement followed Canada's confirmation that it would proceed with its digital services tax on technology giants, most of which are U.S.-based, despite a previous G7 agreement where the Trump administration had agreed to drop a retaliatory tax proposal from congressional consideration. Canada's quick reversal signals the high stakes involved in maintaining trade relationships with the United States, particularly given the countries' deeply integrated economies. What To Know Carney's office confirmed on Sunday that both leaders have agreed to restart negotiations after Canada committed to abandoning the 3 percent levy targeting major U.S. tech giants including Amazon, Google, Meta, Uber, and Airbnb. The tax was scheduled to take effect Monday and would have applied retroactively, creating an estimated $2 billion bill for American companies. The conflict escalated rapidly after Canada's Finance Department confirmed Friday that companies would still be required to make their first digital tax payments Monday, despite ongoing negotiations. The tax targeted revenue generated from Canadian users rather than corporate profits, making it particularly burdensome for technology companies operating internationally. Trump's response was immediate and severe. He announced the suspension of all trade discussions "effective immediately" and threatened to impose new tariffs on Canadian goods within seven days. The president criticized Canada as "a very difficult Country to TRADE with" and described the digital tax as "a direct and blatant attack on our Country." The dispute has unfolded against already strained U.S.-Canada relations. Since taking office in January, Trump has repeatedly criticized Canada and suggested it should become the 51st U.S. state. These tensions contributed to the political environment that led to Justin Trudeau's resignation and Mark Carney's subsequent election on an anti-Trump platform. Canada's decision to rescind the tax came "in anticipation" of reaching a broader trade agreement, according to government officials. What People Are Saying Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday: Canada will "continue to conduct these complex negotiations in the best interests of Canadians. It's a negotiation." President Donald Trump previously said in the Oval Office that he expected Canada to lift the digital services tax: "Economically we have such power over Canada. We'd rather not use it. It's not going to work out well for Canada. They were foolish to do it." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (R) greets U.S. President Donald Trump at the official welcome ceremony during the G7 Leaders' Summit on June 16, 2025 in Kananaskis, Alberta. Canada is hosting this year's meeting... Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (R) greets U.S. President Donald Trump at the official welcome ceremony during the G7 Leaders' Summit on June 16, 2025 in Kananaskis, Alberta. Canada is hosting this year's meeting of the world's seven largest economies. MoreWhat Happens Next With negotiations resuming, both countries will likely focus on addressing broader trade issues beyond the digital services tax. The Trump administration has indicated expectations for additional Canadian concessions, particularly regarding agricultural tariffs that have been a longstanding source of friction. Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.