America in Brief

Kennedy Jr. announces effort to tackle autism epidemic, the U.S. freezes $2.6 billiion in funding for Harvard, and Trump hosts Italian prime minister.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C. on April 16, 2025. Alex Wong/Getty Images

US Health Secretary Kennedy JR. Targets Spike in Autism

The United States Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. spoke out against the autism epidemic in America on April 16, calling it a preventable disease caused by environmental factors rather than genetics.

This coincided with a government health report released on April 15, stating that autism has risen from 1 in 36 Americans in 2022 to 1 in 3, nearly five times higher than when surveys began in 1992.

On April 10, at a cabinet meeting, Kennedy announced a “massive testing and research effort” to identify the cause of autism by September.

Tourists in front of the main gate to Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts on April 15, 2025. Scott Eisen/Getty Images

Federal Government Freezes $2.6 Billion in Funding to Top University

The Federal government has frozen $2.6 billion in funding to one of the United States’ most prestigious universities over its refusal to adhere to new policies.

The announcement was made on April 14, following Harvard University’s refusal to establish a plan to address anti-Semitism and its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Universities across the country have been widely critised for their failure to deal with student protests last year against Israel’s response to Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks.

Part of President Donald Trump’s campaign agenda has been to rid the United States of its DEI programs throughout the federal government, private sector, and education system, saying they promote racism and gender over merit.

Former President Joe Biden and Former Vice President Kamala Harris were strong advocates for DEI.

U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office on April 17, 2025. Win McNamee/Getty Images

Trump Hosts Italian Prime Minister

President Donald Trump hosted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on April 17 in an effort to ease tensions between the United States and the European Union amid an ongoing trade dispute.

Both leaders signalled confidence that a deal will emerge.

On April 2, Trump announced a 20 percent tariff on the EU as part of reciprocal tariffs being implemented worldwide in order to level the playing field, but introduced a 90-day pause shortly after.

On top of 20 percent, the EU is also facing two other tariffs: 25 percent on vehicles, and 25 percent on steel and aluminium.

Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington, on Jan. 31, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Meta CEO Zuckerberg Testifies in Antitrust Trial

Social media giant Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified this week in court as part of an ongoing trial by government watchdogs accusing him of monopolising the industry.

In its 2021 complaint, the Federal Trade Commission is accusing Meta of violating antitrust laws by allegedly monopolizing the industry through its Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp platforms, suggesting the breakup of the company and the sale of its individual platforms.

Google has also been in the courts this week, as a federal judge ruled that the company also violated antitrust laws “by willfully acquiring and maintaining monopoly power” in certain ad markets.