March 2025
A senior Pentagon source revealed that the Trump administration ordered the unauthorized installation of the Signal messaging app on government devices, overriding Department of Defense cybersecurity policies. This move—prompted by top officials’ preference for Signal’s encrypted and disappearing messages—violates the Presidential Records Act and possibly the Espionage Act, as it potentially exposes national defense information to foreign surveillance. The widespread use of Signal, including by officials on personal devices, raises serious legal and national security concerns, with calls mounting for investigations and accountability.
Private contact information and passwords for top U.S. security officials—Pete Hegseth, Mike Waltz, and Tulsi Gabbard—were found online through commercial databases and leaked data, raising serious security concerns. Reporters discovered that many of the phone numbers were still active and linked to Signal, WhatsApp, and other personal accounts, potentially exposing sensitive communications, including a chat about a military strike on Yemen. Experts warn that this data could enable phishing, spyware attacks, and even political blackmail, yet the officials and U.S. agencies have not responded to inquiries.
A WIRED investigation found that U.S. national security adviser Michael Waltz and other top officials, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, had left their Venmo friend lists public, exposing sensitive personal and professional connections. This oversight revealed links to journalists, defense contractors, and members of a controversial Signal chat where confidential discussions about a Yemen strike took place. While the White House declined to comment, the exposed accounts were made private only after WIRED’s inquiry, highlighting a broader pattern of digital carelessness among senior officials.
The NIH and CDC are abruptly terminating billions in COVID-19 research funding, citing the end of the pandemic and shifting political priorities under the Trump administration. The cuts also target projects on climate change, DEI, and long COVID, sparking concern among scientists about preparedness for future health crises.
A major security breach involving a Signal group chat between top U.S. officials and a journalist has alarmed American allies, exposing sensitive military plans and raising doubts about intelligence-sharing with Washington. The leak, centered on a planned U.S. strike in Yemen, has intensified existing concerns among NATO members and partners like Japan about the reliability of the U.S. under President Trump. Meanwhile, Trump downplayed the incident, blaming a staff error and defending National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who reportedly added the journalist to the chat.
President Trump announced new tariffs on auto imports, aiming to boost U.S. manufacturing but risking price hikes and disruptions due to automakers’ reliance on global supply chains. The tariffs are part of a broader strategy that includes levies on steel, aluminum, and Chinese imports, and could escalate into a global trade war. Despite warnings from the industry, Trump argues these measures will create jobs and reduce the deficit, citing Hyundai’s planned steel plant in Louisiana as proof.
Families are raising alarm over dire conditions at the Krome Detention Center in Miami, where detainees report sleeping on floors, lacking food and water, and receiving little to no medical care. A viral video and firsthand accounts describe overcrowding, heat, and illness, prompting public outcry and concern from advocacy groups. ICE attributes the conditions to a recent surge in detainee numbers and says it’s working to manage capacity while maintaining federal standards.
In West Texas, some parents influenced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s promotion of vitamin A as a measles remedy have been giving their unvaccinated children dangerously high doses, leading to cases of liver damage. Doctors warn this unproven treatment is complicating care amid a severe measles outbreak, undermining public health efforts.
Law firms are refusing to represent Trump opponents due to his attacks, threatening constitutional rights and weakening efforts to challenge his actions in court. Trump has used executive orders to target powerful law firms, banning their lawyers from government buildings and barring companies with federal contracts from employing them. The campaign is having a chilling effect on lawyers' willingness to defend Trump's opponents or contest his actions, with some former officials struggling to find legal representation.
The Social Security Administration is facing severe challenges due to budget cuts and staffing reductions led by Elon Musk's U.S. DOGE Service, resulting in website crashes, long phone wait times, and reduced services for retirees and disabled Americans. The agency's acting commissioner, Leland Dudek, has implemented rapid policy changes and pushed out experienced officials, creating chaos for front-line staff and leaving many beneficiaries struggling to access their benefits. Lawmakers and advocacy groups are alarmed by the situation, with some fearing it could be part of a conservative effort to privatize the agency, while the Trump administration maintains it won't touch Social Security benefits.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that Trump's 'Gold Card' initiative brought in $5 billion in a single day, as discussed on the podcast 'All-In'. The program aims to attract wealthy individuals to obtain U.S. Residency, replacing the EB-5 program, which required foreign investments that create U.S. Jobs. Trump mentioned that if recipients are deemed unsatisfactory, their investments can be refunded, allowing for fast deportation. Lutnick believes this approach could attract up to 37 million affluent individuals, potentially contributing significantly to the U.S. Economy and addressing national debt concerns.
President Trump signed an executive order targeting law firm Jenner & Block, restricting their access to government work and suspending security clearances for their lawyers. The order cites the firm's past employment of prosecutor Andrew Weissmann and its involvement in cases challenging Trump's policies on transgender rights and asylum.
President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday to expand the executive branch's power over federal elections, potentially disenfranchising millions. The order seeks to wrest control from the states and make registering to vote more difficult, prompting immediate legal challenges.
The Department of Health and Human Services has appointed vaccine skeptic David Geier—previously disciplined for practicing medicine without a license—to lead a federal study on vaccines and autism, reigniting long-debunked theories. Public health experts fear the move will undermine trust in vaccines and distort decades of scientific consensus showing no link between vaccines and autism.
The Social Security Administration is facing a crisis as the Trump administration, under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, slashes staff, closes offices, and implements policies that delay benefit access for millions. Critics warn that the aggressive anti-fraud push is destabilizing the program and setting the stage for potential privatization, despite widespread reliance on Social Security to prevent poverty.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that FEMA would be eliminated, aligning with President Trump’s broader push to decentralize federal disaster response. Meanwhile, a bipartisan House bill seeks to instead elevate FEMA to a Cabinet-level agency, citing the need for a more efficient and independent emergency management structure.
Governor Janet Mills strongly criticized President Donald Trump after he demanded an apology for their February confrontation over Maine's transgender athlete policies. Mills defended her stance on the rule of law and separation of powers, while calling for Trump to address pressing issues like healthcare, Social Security, and the economy instead of focusing on transgender sports.
Following Trump's negotiator, Steve Witkoff, admitting he may have been "duped" by Hamas in peace talks, MAGA supporters entered damage control. Vice President JD Vance defended Witkoff, while others criticized his foreign policy views, particularly regarding Putin and the war in Ukraine.
The Atlantic article describes how senior Trump administration officials accidentally included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal group chat discussing military plans against Houthi targets in Yemen. The officials shared sensitive operational details before launching strikes, unaware Goldberg was present.
The article discusses how European companies are increasingly looking to move away from US cloud services provided by Amazon, Google, and Microsoft due to concerns about data security and privacy risks under the Trump administration. This shift is part of a broader European desire to reduce dependence on US technology companies, with some organizations already beginning to transition to European alternatives despite the significant challenges involved in migrating from established cloud ecosystems.
Immigrant women detained at the Krome North Processing Center in Miami describe horrific conditions including being chained for hours without access to bathrooms, held in overcrowded cells, and denied basic necessities like food, water, and sanitary products. The allegations come as ICE detention facilities are operating above capacity, with the Trump administration working to expand immigrant detention while lowering standards, despite government investigators repeatedly finding serious problems in these facilities.
The Trump administration has cut U.S. research funding to seven Australian universities, citing opposition to “woke gender ideology” and mandating compliance with anti-trans policies. The move has sparked backlash from Australian education leaders, who call it blatant foreign interference and a threat to academic freedom.
The IRS is nearing a data-sharing agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that would allow immigration officials to use tax data to support deportation efforts. The agreement would enable ICE to submit names and addresses of suspected undocumented immigrants for the IRS to check against its confidential databases.
Columbia University has agreed to comply with President Trump's demands to regain $400 million in federal funding, including banning masks, empowering campus police, and placing the department of Middle East, South Asian and African Studies under oversight of a new senior vice provost who will review curriculum and faculty hiring to ensure balanced educational offerings. The university's decision comes after the Trump administration revoked funding over concerns about protection of Jewish students following pro-Palestinian protests, with Columbia administrators determining that fighting the federal government would be difficult given the many financial levers available to claw back money.
Cross-border trips from Canada to the U.S. have declined significantly, with nearly 500,000 fewer travelers in February 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, reaching levels not seen since the COVID-19 era. This steep drop coincides with President Trump's trade war and rhetoric about Canada becoming the 51st state, prompting many Canadians to boycott travel to the U.S. as a response to tariffs and political tensions.
The FBI has reduced staffing in its domestic terrorism office and discontinued tracking tools for such investigations, potentially undermining efforts to counter white supremacists and anti-government extremists. These changes, occurring under FBI Director Kash Patel, come despite previous warnings about domestic violent extremists posing significant security threats to the United States.
The Washington Post article describes how the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is making federal agencies less efficient through measures like requiring weekly activity reports, restricting equipment purchases, canceling necessary subscriptions, and diverting employees to scrub documents of DEI-related terms. These inefficiencies are impacting government services, with examples including unanswered IRS calls, delayed tornado warnings, and requiring in-person Social Security claims while simultaneously closing field offices.
The Open Technology Fund (OTF) has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and the Office of Management and Budget, seeking to block the termination of its grant and secure the release of withheld Congressionally-appropriated funds. The lawsuit aims to preserve OTF's mission of countering digital authoritarianism worldwide, particularly in response to China's sophisticated censorship apparatus and other authoritarian regimes' information controls.
Trump's interim Social Security chief has threatened to shut down the agency's IT systems, potentially halting payments to 71 million Americans, if Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cannot access non-anonymized personal data of Social Security recipients. This threat comes after a judge issued a restraining order barring DOGE from accessing personally identifiable information due to privacy law violations.
President Trump signed an executive order consolidating federal IT contracting under the General Services Administration, giving GSA authority over all governmentwide acquisition contracts for IT within 30 days. The order aims to eliminate waste and duplication in federal procurement, allowing agencies to focus on their core missions.
President Trump has signed an executive order directing state and local authorities to take a more active role in disaster preparedness, while suggesting the possibility of dismantling FEMA. The order creates a "National Resilience Strategy" aimed at simplifying federal policies on disaster response, though emergency management experts argue that states already handle disasters but rely heavily on federal resources and funding that they cannot replace on their own.
President Trump denied signing a proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants, claiming "other people handled it" despite the document appearing in the Federal Register with his signature. The White House later claimed Trump was referring to the original 1798 law, while Judge Boasberg expressed concerns about the administration's actions and vowed to investigate whether officials violated his orders temporarily blocking deportations.
President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, firing half its workforce on March 11 and mandating its closure on March 20, 2025. While the president cannot completely abolish the department through executive order alone, the administration plans to significantly reduce its size to administer only "critical functions" while returning many responsibilities to the states.
The U.S. government has closed the main Canadian access to the Stanstead, Quebec library, an iconic building that straddles both borders, ending over 100 years of open access without going through official customs. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House, built in 1904 and declared a heritage site on both sides of the border, has long been considered a symbol of harmony between Canada and the U.S., but this unilateral decision has prompted local officials to call a news conference to formally respond to what they describe as undermining "the spirit of cross-border collaboration.
U.S. Postal Service workers across the country are rallying against proposed cuts of 10,000 jobs, as announced by the Postmaster General in a letter to Congress. Unions are concerned about the potential privatization of the Postal Service and its impact on mail service and jobs. Local rallies are set in cities like Portland and Bangor, where union leaders fear significant negative effects on the community. NALC President Brian L. Renfroe emphasized the need for public support against the proposed cuts and privatization efforts.
A tourist from Wales was detained in the US for 19 days and deported in chains, with her parents describing her as "traumatised" after being transported in leg chains, waist chains, and handcuffs. Becky Burke, who was helping host families with housework in exchange for accommodation during her backpacking trip, was denied entry to Canada and subsequently detained by US authorities who may have suspected she violated the terms of her tourist visa.
President Trump signed an executive order invoking emergency powers to increase domestic mining and processing of minerals, including critical minerals, copper, and gold. Earthjustice Senior Legislative Representative Blaine Miller-McFeeley criticized the order as an effort to sell out public lands to industrial polluters, making it easier for mines to bypass environmental reviews.
The United States Postal Service has confirmed plans to lay off more than 10,000 employees as part of a cost-cutting measure in collaboration with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite generating $78 billion annually, USPS continues to struggle financially due to mismanagement of retirement funds and labor compensation.
Canadian Jasmine Mooney was detained by ICE for two weeks after a border officer revoked her work visa, experiencing harsh conditions in detention facilities where she was held without explanation despite having legal representation and media attention. Her story highlights the systemic issues within immigration detention, where she witnessed numerous women with similar experiences trapped in a profit-driven system that offers little transparency or dignity to those detained.
Senate Republicans want Elon Musk to stop discussing Social Security, concerned that his comments calling it a "Ponzi scheme" and plans to cut Social Security Administration staff are politically damaging. GOP lawmakers fear these actions will negatively impact constituents and play into Democrats' hands during election season.
The Social Security Administration enacted a new policy that could overwhelm its field offices with millions of additional visitors, including freezing the Enumeration Beyond Entry program for non-citizens granted work authorization and newly naturalized U.S. citizens. This change, along with a new ID verification requirement, could result in up to 160,000 additional people visiting SSA field offices each week, potentially causing significant delays and service disruptions.
The UK and Germany have issued updated travel advisories for citizens traveling to the United States, warning of stricter enforcement of immigration rules and potential detention for those who violate entry regulations.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, directing Secretary Linda McMahon to facilitate its closure while returning education authority to the states. The order has sparked concerns about potential impacts on federal funding for schools, student loans, and civil rights enforcement in education.
Jose Adalberto Herrera, a 17-year-old immigrant in Maine, was detained by federal agents on his way to his first construction job after a traffic stop revealed his undocumented status. Despite having lived in the U.S. since age 12 and reuniting with his family, Herrera now faces deportation to El Salvador, prompting criticism of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies.
The Social Security Administration will no longer allow beneficiaries to confirm their identity over the phone, requiring them to do so online or in person at a local office starting March 31, 2025, a move aimed at reducing fraud but criticized by AARP for potentially burdening older Americans, especially those with limited internet access or mobility issues.
The University of Maine System has confirmed compliance with President Trump's executive order barring transgender athletes from women's sports after a Title IX review by the USDA. The university system stated they do not permit male student-athletes to identify as female for NCAA eligibility or participate in women's sports.
The Trump administration has suspended coordinated efforts to counter Russian sabotage, disinformation, and cyberattacks, easing pressure on Moscow as it pushes Russia to end the war in Ukraine. Several U.S. national security agencies have halted their work on this initiative, which was established under the Biden administration to monitor Russia's escalating hybrid warfare campaign against Western nations.
VoteVets has launched a six-figure ad campaign targeting Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for firing thousands of veterans from federal agencies. The ad features veterans expressing frustration about losing their jobs due to ideological reasons rather than performance issues, with one veteran stating they didn't put their life on the line for "some tech bro billionaire from South Africa" to destroy the country.
"I am a commissioner at the Federal Trade Commission. The president just illegally fired me. This is corruption plain and simple. My full statement:"
House Democrats have demanded that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stop what they call "Orwellian book purges" in military schools, arguing it is unconstitutional to ban books for political reasons. The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is reviewing materials in 161 schools serving military families to comply with Trump's anti-DEI executive orders, resulting in the removal of books, posters, and LGBTQ+ support materials.
President Donald Trump stated he was revoking Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, children of Joe Biden, effective immediately. Trump stated, "Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period of time, all paid for by the United States taxpayer." Trump mentioned that Ashley Biden has 13 agents assigned to her detail and that she too "will be taken off the list." Protection for immediate family members over 16 typically ends when a president leaves office, although both Trump and Biden previously extended protection for their children for six months.
Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service has been installed across the White House complex, with the system routed through a White House data center rather than physically placed at the location. The Trump administration officials stated that the service was donated by the company and vetted by ethics lawyers, though questions persist about potential conflicts of interest given Musk's role as an unpaid adviser to President Trump while controlling companies with regulatory matters before the federal government.
An internal Social Security Administration memo details proposed changes to the claims process that would significantly hinder the agency's operations, causing processing delays and preventing many Americans from applying for or receiving benefits. The memo, authored by Acting Deputy SSA Commissioner Doris Diaz, outlines plans to require internet identity verification for phone claims and in-person office visits for those unable to use online verification, despite anticipated challenges for vulnerable populations and potential legal scrutiny.
The private sector is showing increasing deference to Donald Trump's administration despite his narrow election victory and declining approval ratings. Major companies across media, technology, and other industries are dismantling DEI programs, making large inaugural donations, and accommodating Trump's agenda through actions that critics view as moral compromises rather than strategic pragmatism.
The text discusses concerns about the U.S. tsunami response system due to job and funding cuts to federal emergency programs. It highlights the potential risks of a major earthquake and tsunami in the Pacific Northwest, while detailing the challenges faced by NOAA's understaffed tsunami warning centers and the impact of recent layoffs on their operations.
The "Pardons" that Sleepy Joe Biden gave to the Unselect Committee of Political Thugs, and many others, are hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, because of the fact that they were done by Autopen. In other words, Joe Biden did not sign them but, more importantly, he did not know anything about them! The necessary Pardoning Documents were not explained to, or approved by, Biden. He knew nothing about them, and the people that did may have committed a crime. Therefore, those on the Unselect Committee, who destroyed and deleted ALL evidence obtained during their two year Witch Hunt of me, and many other innocent people, should fully understand that they are subject to investigation at the highest level. The fact is, they were probably responsible for the Documents that were signed on their behalf without the knowledge or consent of the Worst President in the History of our Country, Crooked Joe Biden!
The U.S. is withdrawing from the International Center for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, signaling a shift under the Trump administration away from Biden-era efforts to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for war crimes. This decision, coupled with reduced support for Ukraine's war crimes investigations, reflects a broader policy change aimed at restoring ties with Moscow and pursuing a swift peace deal.
The article discusses how the Trump administration has escalated its challenge to constitutional limits by defying federal court orders regarding deportations and claiming unlimited executive power. It details specific instances where immigration authorities ignored judicial directives, including the deportation of a kidney transplant specialist and Venezuelan migrants, while also highlighting Trump's attempt to void Biden's pardons of January 6 committee members.
Black Saturday, March 15, 2025, marked the moment when the United States ceased to function as a constitutional democracy as a sitting president openly defied a federal court order without consequences. This unprecedented defiance exposed the judiciary as powerless against an executive branch that decided it could ignore legal rulings, demonstrating how democratic systems collapse through the normalization of such defiance. The groundwork for this moment was laid through previous failures to hold the president accountable, including failed impeachments, stalled criminal cases, and the Supreme Court's expansion of presidential immunity to the point where the office became functionally above the law. According to the article, this event represents not just a crisis in democracy but its actual collapse, as the constitutional system of checks and balances has fundamentally failed with no meaningful mechanism left to constrain executive power.
Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese kidney transplant specialist and Brown University professor with a valid visa, was deported from the United States despite a court order temporarily blocking her expulsion. Customs and Border Protection officers detained her at Boston Logan International Airport for 36 hours before putting her on a flight to Paris, apparently in defiance of Judge Leo T. Sorokin's order requiring 48 hours' notice before deportation.
Nova Scotia folk duo Cassie and Maggie MacDonald were questioned by state troopers while touring in the US, where they were asked which country they preferred between Canada and America. The incident highlights growing tensions amid President Trump's tariff war, accusations of Canada being a source of fentanyl, and comments about making Canada the 51st state.
The article describes how Trump's mass deportation efforts have expanded to include immigrants with pending legal status applications, including those married to US citizens. Bradley Bartell, a Trump voter, is shocked after his Peruvian wife Camila Muñoz was detained by ICE at an airport despite their ongoing green card application process, along with several other non-criminal immigrants in similar situations.
The Trump administration ignored a federal judge's order to turn back two deportation flights of alleged Venezuelan gang members on Saturday, March 15, 2025, claiming the planes were over international waters when the ruling came and therefore it didn't apply. This unprecedented defiance of a court order has been described as the start of a "true constitutional crisis" by critics, while the White House welcomes the legal fight and believes it will win at the Supreme Court. The administration's decision to proceed with the deportations was orchestrated by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristy Noem, who acted on advice from administration lawyers that the judge's ruling was not applicable over international waters. El Salvador President Nayib Bukele mockingly celebrated the arrival of the deportees with a social media post saying "Oopsie... too late" with a laughing emoji, which was retweeted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
NIH officials have reportedly instructed scientists to remove all references to mRNA vaccine technology from grant applications, suggesting the Trump administration may abandon this field of medical research despite its role in saving millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists are expressing concerns about potential funding cuts to mRNA research, attributing this shift to political pressure from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose anti-vaccine stance has already affected other research areas and created a climate of fear among vaccine scientists.
The US deported hundreds of Venezuelans to El Salvador despite a federal judge ordering a halt to the deportations, with El Salvador's President Bukele confirming the arrival of 238 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and 23 members of MS-13. The deportations were carried out under Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which allows for deportation without due process of individuals deemed threats to national security. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Bukele for accepting the deportees, calling him "the strongest security leader in our region," while Bukele indicated the detainees would be held in El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center for at least a year.
Canadian entrepreneur Jasmine Mooney returned to Vancouver after being detained for 12 days in U.S. immigration detention centers following her attempt to apply for a visa at the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite being released, Mooney stated she was never informed about the reasons for her detention, crediting her release to the efforts of friends, family, and media attention.
The webpage describes a March 14, 2025 visit by Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) representatives and FBI agents to the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), where they were turned away after being informed of USIP's independent status. The press release emphasizes USIP's commitment to cooperation with the Trump administration while maintaining its status as a non-executive branch agency.
US fighter jets conducted air raids across Yemen, killing at least 32 people including children and injuring 101 others, according to the Houthi-run Health Ministry. The strikes, ordered by President Trump who threatened "overwhelming lethal force" against the Houthis, targeted multiple provinces after the group threatened to resume attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea over Israel's Gaza blockade.
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport five Venezuelans, implementing a temporary restraining order for 14 days. Judge James E. Boasberg noted that the ruling was to preserve the status quo amid concerns about the emergency powers invoked under the act. The Trump administration appealed the restraining order, arguing it would hinder presidential power before the act was officially announced. Litigation over the Alien Enemies Act raises concerns due to its previous use only during wartime, requiring a formal declaration of war.
The poll by Data For Progress reveals that only 10% of Americans support increasing federal funding for cryptocurrency and blockchain development, with 45% favoring decreased funding. Additionally, 51% of likely U.S. voters oppose the Trump administration's proposed strategic crypto reserve, while 34% support it, showing a partisan divide with Republicans narrowly supporting (41-40%) and Democrats strongly opposing (59-29%) the initiative.
Trump administration workforce cuts at federal agencies overseeing U.S. dams are threatening their ability to provide reliable electricity, supply farmers with water, and protect communities from floods. Critics warn that the reduction of nearly 400 workers at the Bureau of Reclamation and potential layoffs at other agencies could put public safety at risk and negatively impact water delivery systems.
President Donald Trump's administration has made deep cuts to Voice of America and other US-funded media organizations, placing virtually all 1,300 VOA employees on paid administrative leave. The U.S. Agency for Global Media, which houses these organizations, has also terminated grants to Radio Free Asia and other programming that collectively reach an estimated 427 million people worldwide.
The article discusses concerns about the Trump administration potentially damaging the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, highlighting tensions such as Tulsi Gabbard's controversial statements as Director of National Intelligence and threats to eject Canada from the pact. Despite these issues, intelligence sharing continues normally for now, though experts worry about disruption due to Trump's politicization of intelligence agencies and bureaucratic turmoil.
The US launched air strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen on March 15, 2025, with President Trump warning that "hell will rain down upon" the Iran-backed group if they continue to attack shipping in the Red Sea. Trump also warned Iran to immediately halt its support for the militant group, threatening accountability if they continue to threaten American people or shipping lanes.
The US Agency for Global Media has initiated measures to eliminate non-statutory components and functions in compliance with President Trump's Executive Order to reduce the federal bureaucracy. Senior Advisor Kari Lake announced the cancellation of an expensive 15-year lease and outlined plans to drastically downsize the agency, citing issues such as national security violations, self-dealing, and wasteful spending.
The article reports that TSA bomb-sniffing K-9 units have become victims of Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts, with funding for veterinary visits, kenneling, and dog food put on hold according to an email sent to TSA workers. This occurred on the same day President Trump celebrated National K-9 Veterans Day by sharing a photo of himself with Conan, a military dog who participated in the operation against ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019.
The Mauna Loa Observatory, which has tracked atmospheric carbon dioxide levels since 1958, may face closure due to potential federal cuts under the Trump administration. The Hilo office supporting the observatory is among 34 NOAA facilities flagged for possible lease cancellation, threatening the continuation of crucial climate data collection that has documented CO2 levels rising from 315 ppm in the 1960s to over 420 ppm today.
The Trump administration is considering a new travel ban targeting citizens from up to 43 countries. The draft proposal categorizes countries into three tiers: a "red" list of 11 countries facing a complete travel ban, an "orange" list of 10 countries with significant visa restrictions, and a "yellow" list of 22 countries given 60 days to address security concerns.
Johns Hopkins University announced it will cut over 2,000 jobs due to an $800 million funding loss from USAID amid the Trump administration's efforts to downsize the federal government. The layoffs include 1,975 international positions across 44 countries and 247 U.S. jobs, mostly in Baltimore.
Efficiency Maine Trust has lost access to approximately $15 million in federal funding that would have doubled its capacity to draw private capital for energy efficiency and clean energy programs. The funding loss is part of the Trump administration's efforts to cancel $20 billion in grants authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act, affecting more than two dozen nonprofit groups and agencies across the U.S.
The open letter from Big Law associates calls for law firms to defend their colleagues against Trump's actions targeting Perkins Coie and Covington & Burling, which they describe as attempts to bully firms out of challenging the administration. The letter had gathered about 280 anonymous signatures from associates across the Am Law 200 as of March 14, 2025, with signatories identifying themselves by firm and class year rather than by name.
Federal workers are returning to offices following President Trump's "return to office" memorandum, but custodial staff shortages have led to deteriorating conditions in federal buildings. Reports indicate overflowing trash cans, clogged sinks, pest problems, and lack of basic supplies in workspaces and bathrooms.
The Trump administration is preparing to significantly reduce the Department of Health and Human Services workforce, with an announcement expected soon. Under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the administration plans agency-wide cuts targeting multiple departments including the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (potentially reducing staff from 180 to 30) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
The Social Security Administration is considering a policy change that would ban payments to people without Social Security numbers, potentially affecting 170,000 beneficiaries. This move would impact vulnerable groups including disabled children of immigrants and widows of Americans living overseas, as it targets representative payees who manage benefits on behalf of eligible recipients.
Trump's imposition of tariffs has created economic uncertainty, leading to a market correction with the S&P 500 falling 10.1% from its peak and the Nasdaq Composite dropping 14.2% from its record. Despite Trump and his advisers acknowledging the falling stock market, they remain committed to their policies, framing it as a necessary "transition" period for rebuilding the country. Economic indicators show troubling signs, including the NFIB Uncertainty Index reaching its second-highest level ever in February and a significant drop in CEO confidence about revenue growth. The administration's budget challenges persist, with Republicans abandoning efforts to negotiate a new budget and the February deficit reaching $308 billion, $11 billion higher than the same period last year. Markdown version of heavily paywalled story in summpementary-files.
CISA, the US government's cyber defense agency, is facing severe challenges due to mass layoffs, weak leadership, and new restrictions from the Trump administration. The agency has lost between 300 and 400 staffers, including key employees, straining its workforce and undermining its ability to protect America from cyber threats. International partnerships have been strained, vital programs have been gutted, and employees are demoralized and afraid to discuss certain topics, all of which could have significant consequences for national security and economic prospects.
A Canadian woman named Jasmine was detained by ICE after her consulting visa was denied at the San Ysidro border crossing. She was held at Otay Mesa Detention Center before being transferred to San Luis Detention Center in Arizona, where conditions are reportedly poor. Her family has limited communication with her and is working with the Canadian Consulate and a lawyer to secure her release.
The Trump administration is implementing another round of job cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with plans to lay off 10% of its current workforce, amounting to 1,029 positions. These cuts follow earlier rounds of firings and retirements, resulting in NOAA eliminating about one in four jobs since Trump took office in January.
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have sent multiple requests to federal agencies seeking information about the use of AI software amid concerns over Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) accessing sensitive data. The requests focus on ensuring AI usage is legal, protecting Americans' private data, and investigating whether Musk could benefit financially from access to government data.
The Trump administration, under E.P.A. administrator Lee Zeldin, announced plans to repeal numerous environmental regulations, aiming to lower costs for businesses and consumers by easing restrictions on pollution and energy production. These changes include revising or eliminating limits on emissions, protections for wetlands, and the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gases, sparking criticism from Democrats and environmental groups who argue it abandons the E.P.A.'s mission to protect public health and the environment.
The Trump administration announced plans to repeal numerous environmental regulations, including limits on pollution and protections for wetlands, while redefining the EPA's mission to focus on lowering costs rather than protecting the environment. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin outlined intentions to unwind over two dozen air and water pollution protections, eliminate enforcement efforts prioritizing poor and minority communities, and reconsider the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gases. The moves, described as "the largest deregulatory announcement in U.S. history," were met with criticism from Democrats and environmental activists who accused the administration of abandoning the EPA's responsibility to protect human health and the environment.
A recording obtained by ProPublica reveals acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek expressing concerns about the agency's stability under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Trump administration's agenda. Dudek admits to making tough choices he doesn't agree with, citing pressure from the president and DOGE, while also downplaying Trump's claims of Social Security fraud.
The Social Security Administration is considering ending telephone service for claims processing and direct-deposit transactions under pressure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team, which would force elderly and disabled Americans to use the internet or visit field offices instead. This proposed change comes amid DOGE's push to cut staff by over 12% and false claims by Elon Musk about fraud involving impossibly old beneficiaries, despite agency staff explaining these were record-keeping artifacts rather than actual fraud.
The US State Department has suspended processing of passport applications with "X" gender markers, requiring applicants to provide evidence of their biological sex assigned at birth. This policy change effectively denies some US citizens the ability to obtain passports and travel internationally without legal basis.
President Trump's tariffs targeting Canada, Mexico, and China have sparked a global "Boycott USA" consumer backlash, with significant pushback coming from EU countries and Canada where social media groups dedicated to boycotting American products have gained thousands of members.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the termination of $20 billion in climate grants issued by the Biden administration under the Inflation Reduction Act, citing concerns about program integrity, award process issues, and alleged fraud. This decision comes one day before a federal judge is scheduled to hear a lawsuit from one of the grant recipients seeking access to funds that were frozen in a Citibank account while the Trump administration investigated the program.
U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin has announced a campaign encouraging Americans to file Freedom of Information Act requests to access their personal data held by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musk, following a District Court ruling that DOGE must comply with such requests. Raskin is providing a fillable Privacy Act request form through his website and social media, asserting that since DOGE has claimed status as a legitimate government agency in court cases, it is now obligated to fulfill citizen demands for access to their personal information under federal privacy laws.
The Trump administration is reducing the size of the Justice Department's Public Integrity Section, which oversees prosecutions of public officials accused of corruption. Only about six employees will remain in the office that previously handled all federal public corruption cases nationwide.
Los Angeles County has confirmed its first measles case in a resident who returned from an international trip on March 5. Health officials have identified several exposure locations including LAX, Cloud 9 Nail Salon in North Hollywood, and Superior Grocery in El Monte. Public health authorities advise those who may have been exposed to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that typically starts on the face.
The article discusses the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian immigrant with a green card who was involved in protests at Columbia University. The Trump administration is accused of violating First Amendment rights by detaining him without criminal charges, claiming he "led activities aligned to Hamas," which raises concerns about political targeting and could have broader implications for free speech in America.
The Pentagon is considering significant cuts to programs that secure loose nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, with potential reductions of up to 75% of workers who prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction. According to documents obtained by WIRED, these cuts could severely impact global security efforts, including pandemic surveillance, counter-extremism programs, and initiatives to prevent the development and proliferation of WMDs.
The Federal Aviation Administration will implement permanent restrictions on helicopter traffic near Reagan National Airport following a deadly January 29 collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter that killed 67 people. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced these changes based on NTSB recommendations after data revealed thousands of instances of close proximity between aircraft and helicopters in the area, with monthly emergency alerts to pilots to avoid collisions.
This article discusses how the Trump administration's cutbacks to global health institutions like USAID, WHO, and CDC are severely undermining America's ability to detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks worldwide. The author, a physician who survived Ebola, warns that these "slash-and-burn" policies have rapidly transformed the US from a global health leader into an "untrustworthy has-been," leaving both America and the world more vulnerable to future pandemics.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will label violence against Tesla dealerships domestic terrorism as he appeared with Tesla CEO Elon Musk to show support amid recent "Tesla Takedown" protests and the slump in the company's stock price.
House Republicans are moving to block Democrats from forcing a politically difficult vote on Donald Trump's tariffs as the president escalates the US trade war with Canada by increasing steel and aluminum tariffs to 50%. The legislative provision, included in a rule governing floor debate on a government funding bill, would prevent a vote terminating the national emergency Trump used to impose tariffs without congressional approval.
A whistleblower testified that plans to dismantle the CFPB were still in progress, contradicting the Justice Department's narrative. A judge expressed concern and sought ways to preserve the agency amid litigation over its potential dismantling.
Congressman Tom Cole has successfully worked with the Administration to prevent the termination of leases for the National Weather Center in Norman, the Social Security Administration Office in Lawton, and the Indian Health Services Office in Oklahoma City. Cole expresses pride in advocating for these facilities which provide vital services to Oklahomans and reaffirms his commitment to fighting for his constituents.
In a post on Truth Social, president Donald Trump confirmed the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist and permanent US resident with a green card. “This is the first arrest of many to come,” Trump said. The president said Ice took Khalil into custody after his executive order and claimed, without evidence, that similar activists on college campuses are paid agitators, not students.
The Trump administration is repurposing the CBP One app (now called CBP Home) to allow undocumented migrants to "self-deport" by submitting an "intent to depart" through the application, which officials say may give them an opportunity to return legally in the future. This initiative is part of the administration's broader immigration strategy that includes creating a national registry for undocumented migrants, pausing parole programs, and launching a $200 million ad campaign urging migrants to "stay out and leave now."
The USDA has cut over $1 billion in funding for two programs that helped schools and food banks purchase food from local farms and ranches. The $660 million Local Food for Schools program for 2025 and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, which would have provided about $500 million to support food banks, have been eliminated by the Trump administration as part of efforts to reduce federal government spending.
The article discusses Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial comments suggesting that poor diet and lack of exercise may be to blame for a Texas child's death from measles. Kennedy's remarks sparked significant backlash on social media, with critics condemning his suggestion that "measles is very difficult to kill a healthy person" and his implication that the child who died may have suffered from malnutrition.
The Trump administration has offered voluntary separation payments of up to $25,000 to approximately 80,000 federal workers at the Health and Human Services Department, with a response deadline of 5 p.m. Friday. This effort to reduce the federal workforce comes as HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has indicated plans for deep staff cuts, while the CDC is simultaneously handling a measles outbreak in West Texas and New Mexico, and Congress debates significant Medicaid reductions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faces significant challenges, including workforce reductions and potential interference from Elon Musk's SpaceX. The agency is experiencing depleted staff and low morale following a deadly air disaster, early retirement offers, and the introduction of SpaceX's Starlink technology into its communications network.
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is deploying a chatbot called GSAi to replace fired workers at the US General Services Administration. The chatbot, described by one employee as "about as good as an intern," has limited functionality and significant restrictions on handling sensitive information, raising questions about its effectiveness as a replacement for the hundreds of terminated domain experts and civil servants.
Maxar Technologies has restricted Ukraine's access to satellite imagery following a broader US intelligence-sharing pause with Ukraine. The restriction was reportedly imposed under an order from the Trump administration as part of efforts to pressure Ukraine into peace talks with Russia.
The Social Security Administration Data Operations Center in Plains Twp. is the only facility of its kind in the country, handling over 1.23 million customer service calls between October and January to assist people with Social Security benefits. The center was briefly listed as one of 433 "non-core assets" the government wanted to sell before the list was removed from the General Services Administration's website.
The text discusses how US foreign aid cuts combined with the reimposition of the "Mexico City Policy" are negatively impacting women's health services globally, particularly in conflict zones. By the end of the current aid freeze on April 15, 2025, an estimated 11.7 million women and girls worldwide will lose access to contraceptives, while the policy forces healthcare organizations to choose between accepting US funding with abortion-related restrictions or forfeiting support entirely.
Groups representing "startup nations" are drafting legislation to create deregulated "freedom cities" in the US, with Próspera representatives meeting Trump officials who have been reportedly receptive to the idea. The proposed cities would operate free from certain federal regulations, allowing accelerated development in areas like anti-aging clinical trials, nuclear reactor startups, and building construction without prior approval from agencies like the FDA and EPA.
Joshua Stanton, FEMA's Acting Chief Counsel, was placed on administrative leave after less than one week in the role, reportedly after refusing to write a memo justifying the seizure of $80 million from New York City meant for migrant shelters. This situation may be connected to a lawsuit filed by former FEMA Chief Financial Officer Mary Comans, who is suing the agency for allegedly unlawful termination related to her authorization of funds for migrant housing.
The Social Security Administration has implemented a new policy in Maine requiring parents to visit a Social Security office in person to register their newborns for Social Security numbers, eliminating the previous "Enumeration at Birth" program that allowed parents to complete this process via a simple form at the hospital. This change has been criticized by pediatric health advocates as burdensome and unnecessary, forcing families with newborns to travel to one of Maine's eight Social Security offices instead of using the efficient system that had been in place since the late 1980s.
The Social Security Administration has implemented new internet restrictions that block employees from accessing "general news" websites including WIRED, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, with the changes coming weeks after DOGE engineers were installed at the agency and amid plans to cut 7,000 employees. The restrictions were announced in an email to all SSA employees on March 6, 2025, stating that effective immediately, categories of prohibited websites include online shopping, general news, and sports, though the criteria for blocking specific sites remains unclear.
Layoffs in the U.S. surged by 245% in February 2025, with federal government cuts accounting for a significant portion, driven by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives under President Donald Trump's administration. These cuts impacted both government employees and contractors, with Washington D.C. experiencing the highest job losses, while concerns over trade wars and funding freezes added further strain to the labor market.
The Pentagon has flagged over 26,000 images for removal as part of a directive to purge content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), following an executive order by former President Trump. The removals target milestones involving women and minorities, historical content like the Tuskegee Airmen, and even images flagged due to file names containing words like "gay," highlighting confusion and challenges in implementing the directive.
China has warned the US it is ready to fight "any type" of war after hitting back against President Donald Trump's mounting trade tariffs, with tensions escalating as Trump slapped more tariffs on all Chinese goods and China retaliated with 10-15% tariffs on US farm products. The Chinese embassy's statement on X represents some of the strongest rhetoric from China since Trump became president, coinciding with China's announcement of a 7.2% increase in defense spending during the annual National People's Congress in Beijing.
Almost 4,000 campsites across California's 18 national forests could close for part or all of the summer season due to federal government staff reductions and budget freezes that have led to severe staffing shortages. The closures follow terminations of at least 2,000 employees by the Department of Government Efficiency, which has resulted in reduced capacity to maintain facilities, respond to emergencies, conduct scientific research, and manage wildfire risks.
Elon Musk suggested privatizing the U.S. Postal Service and Amtrak during a virtual appearance at a technology conference. President Trump has previously floated the idea of privatizing the USPS and is considering folding it into the Commerce Department.
The article discusses speculation that the Trump administration may be intentionally engineering a recession to set the stage for economic policy changes. It suggests this strategy aims to trigger Fed rate cuts, weaken the U.S. dollar, and create conditions for future growth through tax cuts and deregulation.
a group of archivists has recreated the original CDC website and is hoting it in the EU.
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche, President Trump's former criminal defense attorney, as Deputy Attorney General in a 52-46 mostly party-line vote on March 5, 2025. Blanche, who previously defended Trump against multiple indictments including the New York hush money case, will now oversee federal law enforcement agencies including the FBI, DEA, and ATF while serving as second-in-command to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The text discusses the current state of bird flu in the US, highlighting its spread among poultry, dairy herds, and humans. It also criticizes the Trump administration's response, arguing that their policies are exacerbating the risk of a potential pandemic by weakening surveillance, research, and public health measures.
The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to cut 80,000 jobs in an "aggressive" reorganization, aiming to return to 2019 staffing levels of under 400,000 employees. Democrats have criticized the cuts, while Republicans have cautiously observed the Trump administration's changes to the VA and other agencies.
The Trump administration temporarily exempted the auto sector from tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports for one month, offering relief to automakers while maintaining broader tariffs on other imports. The move highlights the uncertainty surrounding Trump's trade policies, with potential economic impacts and market volatility tied to tariff announcements.
The Trump administration is reopening the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas for migrant families facing deportation, resuming the practice of detaining children four years after the Biden administration ended it. CoreCivic, the private prison contractor operating the facility, announced an agreement with ICE to reopen the center with capacity for 2,400 people, expecting annual revenue of $180 million including medical services.
The Supreme Court issued a brief order requiring the government to pay foreign aid contractors up to $2 billion for completed work, leaving in place a lower court decision that forbade the Trump administration from suspending foreign-assistance funds. The case, known as Department of State v. AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, was decided in a 5-4 vote, with the majority citing a mistake by Trump's legal team in appealing the wrong lower court order.
The Trump administration has proposed a new policy requiring applicants for US citizenship, green cards, asylum, or refugee status to disclose their social media handles as part of enhanced vetting procedures. This policy, which would affect over 3.5 million people according to USCIS estimates, is being implemented to comply with Trump's executive order on national security screening of immigrants.
Maine's congressional delegation, including Senator Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree, is urging the Trump administration to restore $4.5 million in funding for the Maine Sea Grant program, which has been cut by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The funding termination is seen as a significant blow to Maine's coastal economy and marine industries, with concerns that the decision may be politically motivated following a dispute between President Trump and Maine's governor over transgender athlete policies.
The Dow fell by almost 600 points as President Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico threatened a dangerous trade war, erasing all stock market gains since his presidency began. Global markets reacted negatively, with trading partners announcing retaliatory tariffs, while economists warned of potential economic consequences similar to the Great Depression.
President Trump seeks to put 443 federal properties up for sale. Properties include HHS and HUD headquarters in D.C.
Ontario will impose a 25% tariff on power exported to 1.5 million homes in Minnesota, Michigan and New York in response to U.S. tariffs, as announced by Premier Doug Ford. The province has also banned U.S. companies from government contracts and ended its deal with Starlink.
Some staffers at Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are drawing six-figure salaries from federal agencies they are tasked with cutting, with some making up to $195,200 annually[1]. Despite Musk's initial claim of zero compensation, DOGE's budget has grown to around $40 million, raising questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest in the organization's operations.
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has deleted billions in claimed savings from its "wall of receipts" due to numerous errors and inaccuracies. The group's total claimed savings from cutting contracts has declined from $16 billion to less than $9 billion, raising questions about DOGE's competence and understanding of federal government operations.
The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to weaken federal limitations on raw sewage discharge into bodies of water, effectively allowing cities to dump more sewage into rivers, lakes, oceans, and bays. The majority opinion, written by Justice Samuel Alito, reinterpreted the Clean Water Act to no longer require that water actually be clean, as long as cities attempt to keep their water safe.
Target warns of imminent price increases due to tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China. The company expects these price hikes to occur "over the next couple of days" despite posting better-than-expected fourth quarter earnings.
The International Chamber of Commerce warns that the world economy risks a crash similar to the Great Depression unless the U.S. reverses its plans for steep import tariffs, with ICC Deputy Secretary-General Andrew Wilson describing the situation as a potential "downward spiral" into "1930s trade-war territory." Wilson considers the likelihood of a severe economic blow "a coin-flip" dependent on whether the U.S. reconsiders its tariff strategy, as President Trump has already implemented 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, increased duties on Chinese goods, and promised similar measures for European products, despite economists' warnings about potential domestic inflation.
President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing national security concerns related to illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The tariffs include 25% duties on most Canadian and Mexican goods, with a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products, and a 10% tariff on Chinese imports.
The Pentagon is set to significantly reduce its Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, which focuses on minimizing civilian casualties in military operations, with about half of the office's workforce being offered buyouts or termination as part of the Trump administration's broader effort to scale back civilian harm protections in favor of military "lethality." This shift, which includes granting commanders more authority to approve strikes without higher-level authorization, has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers who argue these changes undermine systems designed to limit civilian casualties and could ultimately harm U.S. national security interests.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that all federal funding will stop for colleges and schools that allow "illegal" protests and that agitators will be imprisoned or sent back to the country they came from. "American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested," Trump said in a Truth Social post.
The Trump administration has shut down a global air quality monitoring program that had been operating at 80 U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide since 2008, citing budget constraints. The program provided valuable public data about pollution levels in cities like New Delhi, Jakarta, and Buenos Aires, which supported research, helped foreign service officers make health decisions, and led to air quality improvements in countries like China.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to significantly increase military spending across the EU, unveiling a 'ReArm Europe' plan that could mobilize up to €800 billion for defense. The plan includes easing restrictions on overspending, offering €150 billion in loans for arms purchases, and allowing member states to repurpose EU funds for defense investments.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is moving to cancel leases on key NOAA facilities, including the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction and the Radar Operations Center, which are critical for weather forecasting and radar maintenance. These actions, combined with recent layoffs and budget cuts, have raised concerns about the agency's ability to fulfill its mission, potentially leading to significant gaps in weather forecasting and climate research.
The Trump administration is terminating dozens of technology specialists from the General Services Administration's 18F unit, which developed software and technology products to improve efficiency across federal agencies. The decision, directed by top leadership and implemented by Thomas Shedd, a former Tesla engineer, has resulted in employees being placed on administrative leave until their official release at the end of April.
The Trump administration has suspended the use of costly military aircraft for deportation flights. The decision follows reporting by the Wall Street Journal that revealed these flights were inefficient and expensive compared to traditional civilian deportation methods.
Rep. Gabe Vasquez expresses concern over potential closure of the Skeen-Whitlock Building, which houses the Department of Energy's Carlsbad Field Office crucial for Waste Isolation Pilot Plant operations. He highlights risks to national security and environmental safety, citing staff reductions and project delays, while requesting urgent meetings with GSA and DOE officials to address the issue.
The State Department launched an AI-powered "Catch and Revoke" program to cancel visas of foreign nationals appearing to support Hamas or other designated terror groups. This initiative involves AI-assisted reviews of student visa holders' social media accounts and has resulted in the arrest of pro-Palestinian activists, sparking concerns about immigrants' free speech rights.
James Dennehy, head of the FBI's New York Field Office, was forced to retire after criticizing the Trump administration's request for names of agents who worked on January 6 cases. Dennehy had urged colleagues to "dig in" against the administration's actions, leading to his ouster one month later.
The story discusses a series of breaking news events, including the tragic death of a 75-year-old man allegedly assaulted by three teenage girls, and significant developments in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. It highlights Ukraine's recent attack on a Russian oil refinery coinciding with President Zelensky's return from diplomatic efforts in the US and Europe, amidst a backdrop of strained relations with US President Donald Trump regarding military support and peace negotiations.
The Trump administration has suspended delivery of all US military aid to Ukraine, affecting ammunition, vehicles, and other equipment including weapons in transit. This decision comes after a confrontation between Trump and Zelenskyy, with Trump telling the Ukrainian president to return "when he is ready for peace" and expressing frustration at Zelenskyy's statement that the end of the war could be "very, very far away".
The White House is exploring options for easing sanctions on Russia as part of efforts to improve diplomatic relations and potentially end the war in Ukraine. This initiative involves drafting proposals by the State and Treasury departments, though it remains unclear what concessions the U.S. might seek in return for any sanctions relief.
The Trump administration laid off approximately 90 employees from the General Services Administration's 18F team, a group formed during the Obama era to modernize government software. The layoffs, part of a broader effort to reduce the federal workforce, have jeopardized ongoing projects and completed services, potentially impacting millions of Americans who rely on these digital services.
FAA officials ordered staff to find tens of millions of dollars for a Starlink deal, despite no official contract yet. Elon Musk, leading Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, oversaw mass firings at the FAA while his company SpaceX stands to benefit from potential contracts, raising conflict of interest concerns.
The Trump administration's hasty mass firings through the DOGE Service led to a crisis at the National Nuclear Security Administration, where 17% of workers maintaining America's nuclear weapons were dismissed despite their critical security roles, forcing an embarrassing reversal after panicked calls from lawmakers of both parties. The incident highlighted the dangers of applying Silicon Valley's "move fast and break things" approach to government agencies with serious national security missions, as the novice cost-cutters appeared to lack basic understanding of the nuclear agency's work, resulting in chaos that potentially compromised safety at sensitive nuclear facilities across the country.
The U.S. Department of Defense is terminating numerous grants under the Minerva Research Initiative, a program established in 2008 to fund social science research related to national security. The initiative, which has supported studies on topics like violent extremism, disinformation, and climate change threats, is being significantly reduced, with at least 9 projects from the latest funding round and over a dozen from previous rounds receiving termination notices.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick plans to remove government spending from GDP calculations, claiming to make economic data more transparent. Economists warn this change could increase volatility in GDP figures and complicate comparisons with other countries' economies.
The post describes frustration with accessing public earthquake information due to limited USGS map functionality. It suggests this is caused by staff shortages and efforts to update geographic names, implying these changes are politically motivated.
A DOGE staffer named Jordan Wick has been publicly posting DOGE work on GitHub, including a Twitter DM-downloading tool and geospatial data related to undersea cables, ports, and critical minerals. In February 2024, Wick uploaded code for an organizational chart viewer with fields for employee union status and satisfaction ratings, as well as a search tool allowing users to filter federal employees by office and union status. Wick's company AccelerateX, co-founded with fellow DOGE member Anthony Jansco, sells AI efficiency systems to the federal government and claims to have large transit agency clients. Following public attention to his GitHub activities, Wick's GitHub account is no longer publicly accessible.
DOGE's savings page updated its claims, fixing previous errors but introducing new inaccuracies. The Department of Government Efficiency's digital "wall of receipts" now claims $65 billion in savings, but an NPR review found discrepancies in the data and inflated estimates.
The General Services Administration (GSA) has eliminated 18F, a government tech consultancy team of approximately 90 employees that helped other agencies with technology projects. The office was deemed "non-critical" as part of GSA's reduction in force (RIF) under White House direction, with Thomas Shedd, director of GSA's Technology Transformation Services, notifying staff of the decision early Saturday morning.
US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has reversed his stance on the measles outbreak, now declaring it a "top priority" after initially dismissing it as "not unusual," following the first US measles death in a decade. The health department is sending 2,000 doses of the MMR vaccine to Texas, where over 140 cases have been reported since January, with approximately 95% of infected individuals being unvaccinated.
Norwegian petroleum giant Haltbakk Bunkers has announced it will stop providing fuel to all American forces in Norway, declaring "No fuel to Americans!" in response to Donald Trump's treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. The company made this decision after witnessing what they called "the biggest s***show ever presented live on tv" during a meeting between Trump and Zelensky that ended in a heated exchange.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advocated for the MMR vaccine in response to a growing measles outbreak in Texas, despite his history of vaccine skepticism. At least 146 measles cases have been identified in Texas since January, including a fatal case of an unvaccinated school-aged child in Lubbock.
Melanie Krause, who took over as acting IRS commissioner on March 1, 2025, quickly indicated her willingness to explore compliance with the DHS request for information on undocumented immigrants. The article describes how the IRS initially rejected DHS requests for addresses of 700,000 people suspected of being in the country illegally, but Krause's acquiescence marked a potential shift in the agency's stance on sharing taxpayer information with immigration authorities.
The Trump administration abruptly terminated the Maine Sea Grant program, cutting $1.5 million in funding for 2025 and $4.5 million through January 2028. The decision affects 20 Sea Grant workers at the University of Maine and coastal ports, with NOAA stating the program's activities are "no longer relevant" to the administration's priorities. This move has shocked Maine's fishing industry, as the Sea Grant program has been instrumental in supporting coastal communities and sustainable fisheries for 50 years. The program's economic impact is significant, with advocates noting that in 2023, Maine Sea Grant's $1.5 million federal investment resulted in a $23.5 million economic benefit, translating to a return of $15.60 for every dollar spent. The termination comes amid broader cuts to NOAA and follows a public dispute between Maine Governor Janet Mills and President Trump over transgender athletes in sports. Industry leaders express concern about the impact on fishing communities, young fishermen training, and the long-term viability of Maine's coastal economies.
February 2025
Health officials in King County are urging caution after the first confirmed measles case in Washington state this year, involving an infant who may have exposed others at several locations following overseas travel. The highly contagious respiratory disease poses greatest risk to unvaccinated individuals, with health experts emphasizing that the MMR vaccine provides 97% protection after two doses while vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has rapidly infiltrated federal computer systems since Trump's second inauguration, gaining access to sensitive information across multiple agencies including OPM, USAID, Treasury, IRS, and CFPB. The secretive operation has resulted in thousands of layoffs targeting diversity programs, scientists, and various federal workers, creating an atmosphere of fear among government employees who view DOGE programmers as threats to their careers and agencies.
President Trump is planning to sign an executive order making English the official language of the United States for the first time in the nation's nearly 250-year history. The executive order will rescind a Clinton-era mandate that required federal agencies and recipients of federal funding to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. According to White House officials, agencies will still have flexibility to provide documents and services in languages other than English. The stated goals of making English the national language are to promote unity, establish efficiency in government, and provide a pathway to civic engagement. Trump has previously expressed concerns about languages entering the country, stating at CPAC last year that "We have languages coming into our country...that nobody in this country has ever heard of".
The court document details a case where the American Federation of Government Employees and other plaintiffs challenged the Office of Personnel Management's directive to terminate probationary federal employees across multiple agencies. Judge William Alsup ruled that OPM exceeded its statutory authority by ordering mass terminations, finding the directive was unlawful and issuing a temporary restraining order against OPM's actions affecting employees at NPS, BLM, VA, DOD, SBA, and FWS.
The Trump administration is implementing a new strategy requiring federal workers to provide weekly bullet-point descriptions of their work, with the second email expected to arrive Saturday from agency HR departments. This initiative will allow supervisors and agency heads to check whether employees' work aligns with Trump administration goals and priorities, and unlike the initial email from OPM that agencies advised workers not to respond to, these new agency-specific requests may be mandatory.
Federal workers across various government departments received late-night emails asking them to justify their work to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), overseen by Elon Musk, creating further anxiety among public-sector employees who have already experienced large-scale firings. The emails, with the subject line "What did you do last week? Part II," requested employees to provide approximately five bullet points describing their weekly accomplishments and copy their managers, with Musk and President Trump previously suggesting that non-responsive workers could face dismissal despite OPM's clarification that responses are voluntary.
The GDPNow model from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta provides a "nowcast" of real GDP growth based on available economic data for the current measured quarter, using methodology similar to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The latest estimate shows the U.S. economy is projected to contract by 1.5 percent in the first quarter of 2025, a significant decline from the previous estimate of 2.3 percent growth on February 19.
Google Maps will change the name of "Gulf of Mexico" to "Gulf of America" once it is officially updated in the U.S. Geographic Names System, Google said in an X post on Monday, January 27, 2025. The change will be visible in the U.S., but the name will remain "Gulf of Mexico" in Mexico. Outside of the two countries, users will see both names on Google Maps.
The article describes significant layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with approximately 800 probationary employees being cut, including staff at the National Weather Service. These cuts are occurring as climate change causes more intense weather extremes, threatening the agency's ability to provide accurate forecasts and warnings, with some offices already reducing services due to staffing shortages.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine is facing potential mass layoffs of federal employees as part of the Department of Government Efficiency's efforts to reduce federal spending. Union leaders report that the shipyard, which employs around 6,000 federal workers, may see employees released by the end of the week, raising concerns about both worker livelihoods and national security implications.
The Social Security Administration plans to reduce its workforce from 57,000 to 50,000 employees, focusing cuts on non-mission critical functions while implementing organizational restructuring including reduction of regional offices from 10 to 4 and headquarters organizations to 7 Deputy Commissioner level units. The agency will offer voluntary separation options and potential reduction-in-force actions, aiming to prioritize customer service by streamlining management layers and reducing non-essential work.
Federal student loan borrowers are temporarily unable to apply for income-driven repayment plans due to a court ruling. The Education Department has closed applications for these plans, including SAVE, following a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
President Donald Trump transported boxes of documents back to Florida that were previously seized by the FBI from Mar-a-Lago during a 2022 search, with Trump claiming "justice finally won out" and the White House describing them as personal items. The classified documents case against Trump was dropped after his 2024 election victory, though concerns remain about storage protocols at Mar-a-Lago where he allegedly kept classified materials in public areas including a ballroom and bathroom.
A federal judge in California granted a temporary restraining order against the Office of Personnel Management regarding the firing of federal probationary workers, ruling that the terminations were not legal because OPM lacked the authority to order them. The decision by Judge William Alsup of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California follows a similar ruling by the Merit Systems Protection Board that stayed the terminations of six probationary employees earlier that week.
West Virginia native Ellen Blackwood lost her dream job as a recreation fee technician at Acadia National Park after just two months when she was terminated on Valentine's Day as part of the Trump administration's federal workforce reduction plan. She was among 1,000 National Park Service employees fired under an initiative led by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, raising concerns about park maintenance, visitor safety, and the future of public lands.
The letter from Alaska Senate President Gary Stevens and House Speaker Bryce Edgmon to Alaska's congressional delegation expresses deep concern about federal actions threatening Alaska's economy, including potential job losses for federal workers, Medicaid/CHIP terminations, federal spending cuts, and freezes on energy infrastructure funding. They call for bipartisan action to address these issues, emphasizing that the state legislature cannot compensate for these federal funding reductions and requesting a unified approach with Alaska's governor to confront the crisis.
Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have left Romania on a private jet bound for the US after their travel ban was lifted, though they remain under judicial supervision and must appear for court hearings. The self-styled "misogynist influencer" and his brother face trial on charges of rape, sex with a minor, people trafficking and money laundering, with allegations they used the "loverboy" method to force women into making pornography.
The discovery of approximately 20 dead geese on Ogunquit Beach in Maine is suspected to be due to avian flu (HPAI), with authorities ranking the risk level as "high" while continuing to monitor the situation. This follows a similar incident at Short Sands Beach in York where five dead ducks were found, and while transmission to humans is rare, the current H5N1 strain has caused 70 human cases in the U.S. since March 2024, including one documented death.
The Department of Homeland Security has quietly removed sexual orientation and gender identity from its policy manual section prohibiting surveillance based solely on immutable characteristics, allowing intelligence activities that were previously restricted. This change follows Donald Trump's executive orders removing diversity, equity, and inclusion references in government and comes under the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem, who has a history of targeting LGBTQ+ rights.
Hundreds of NOAA employees were laid off on Thursday as part of the Trump administration's efforts to cut the federal workforce through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The layoffs affected approximately 880 NOAA staffers, representing about 5% of the agency's workforce, with critics arguing these cuts will impact weather forecasting capabilities and potentially endanger lives.
ICE has detained an undocumented mother named Yolanda, 50, and her son Johnathan in El Monte, California, leaving Yolanda's daughter Xitlali, who is battling bone cancer, without her primary caretakers. Xitlali, a U.S. citizen, relies heavily on her mother for care during chemotherapy while her brother was the family's financial provider, and according to their attorney, there is little hope they will be able to remain in the country despite protests from friends and relatives.
The federal district judge allowed CIA director John Ratcliffe to fire intelligence officers who worked on diversity issues, ruling that Ratcliffe has unfettered authority to terminate employees at will without court review, despite acknowledging concerns about fairness. The decision impacts up to 51 intelligence officers who had previously received job offers within the CIA and had collectively given 285 years of service, with their lawyer arguing they should be allowed to apply for other positions within the agency.
The Nature Conservancy has renamed its Gulf of Mexico program to "Gulf of America" following President Trump's executive order that changed the name of this body of water, with the organization stating the change was made to comply with federal directives and ensure continued access to funding. The organization updated its website to reflect this change while explaining that they continue to use "Gulf of Mexico" when referring to programs outside U.S. territorial waters.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has directed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to reinstate veterans, disabled veterans, and military spouses who were previously fired. This reversal was communicated through an email to affected CFPB employees whose terminations have now been overturned. The reinstated employees will not experience any break in service or interruption to their pay and benefits, and their termination records will be removed. However, this reinstatement comes amid the Trump administration's preparation for a potential large-scale reduction in force across the federal government, raising questions about the long-term job security for these reinstated workers.
The DOGE initiative, led by Elon Musk, has caused widespread disruption across federal agencies through mass firings and program cuts that are more severe than commonly understood. These cuts have affected critical services including international aid, scientific research, consumer protection, and national security, with long-term consequences that include loss of institutional knowledge, disruption of essential government functions, and significant humanitarian impacts worldwide.
President Donald Trump and Republican leaders are discussing how to use revenue from new tariffs to fund their domestic policy bill, aiming to argue it won't increase the national debt. The strategy involves keeping tariffs outside the reconciliation package while counting the revenue to claim deficit neutrality, with Trump announcing tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China to take effect next month.
Trump's administration plans to significantly reduce the State Department's size and scope, with potential cuts to staffing levels by at least 20% across its 75,000 employees, including both local hires abroad and U.S. diplomats. While certain functions like consular affairs and economic bureaus will remain, many diplomatic outposts may close, hiring has been frozen, and reforms to Foreign Service standards appear designed to create a more compliant workforce that critics fear could discourage dissenting views essential for informed decision-making.
A person has died of measles in West Texas as part of a fast-moving outbreak that has infected at least 124 people, mostly children, with at least 18 hospitalizations. This marks the first measles death in the United States in a decade, occurring in an outbreak where all hospitalized children at Covenant Children's Hospital in Lubbock were unvaccinated and admitted due to breathing difficulties.
The document is a court filing in the case of Nicolas Talbott v. Donald J. Trump (No. 1:25-cv-240-ACR) in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. It contains a notice of new Department of Defense policy guidance implementing Executive Orders 14168 and 14183, which establish that military service by individuals with gender dysphoria is deemed incompatible with military service and directs the separation of transgender service members.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins outlines a five-point strategy to combat avian influenza and lower egg prices, which have risen 237% since January 2021 to an average of $4.95 per dozen last month. The plan includes investing up to $1 billion to implement biosecurity measures, provide financial relief to affected farmers, research vaccines and therapeutics, reduce regulatory burdens, and consider temporary egg imports that meet U.S. safety standards.
Billed as promoting European products rather than boycotting US ones, a Danish supermarket chain has a special label for goods from Europe. The move comes as many seek to protest Trump's aim to control Greenland.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was created by President Trump through an executive order that renamed the U.S. Digital Service as the U.S. DOGE Service, with Elon Musk serving as an adviser rather than official administrator. Despite not being a true federal department, DOGE has been granted unprecedented authority to access government databases, initiate layoffs, and halt diversity programs, raising constitutional questions about its operations and facing multiple lawsuits challenging its legality.
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, announced the termination of over 100 intelligence officers for participating in sexually explicit discussions on the National Security Agency's "Intelink" messaging platform. The officers will also have their security clearances revoked for what Gabbard described as an "egregious violation of trust" involving the misuse of a professional government platform for inappropriate behavior.
The FDA has canceled a pivotal advisory committee meeting that was set to discuss which flu strains to include in next season's vaccine. The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee meeting was scheduled for March 13, but committee members were notified of the cancellation without explanation.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has paused a multimillion-dollar contract for a new oral COVID-19 vaccine development by Vaxart Inc., issuing a 90-day stop-work order to review the project that was part of the Biden administration's $4.7 billion Project NextGen initiative. The clinical trial involving 10,000 participants was set to begin but will now be on hold while Kennedy and health officials examine initial findings.
The Social Security Administration is facing significant staff departures, with at least five of eight regional commissioners retiring amid rumors of workforce reductions under Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek, who reportedly aims to reduce the agency's 57,000 employees by approximately 7,000 people. Meanwhile, Karen Evans, a former Department of Energy cyber official who served in the first Trump administration, has been appointed as the new executive assistant director for cybersecurity at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
The Trump administration is planning a nationwide operation to locate and potentially deport unaccompanied migrant children who entered the US without parents, focusing on those without court dates or whose sponsors didn't answer 30-day check-in calls. This initiative comes as more than 291,000 children who crossed the border since fiscal year 2019 were not given notices to appear in court.
The memorandum outlines the implementation of President Trump's Executive Order "Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce," which creates a new Schedule Policy/Career in the excepted service for positions of confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character not normally subject to change during presidential transitions. It directs agency heads to review positions within 90 days and petition the Office of Personnel Management to recommend transfers to Schedule Policy/Career, while nullifying previous Biden administration regulations that would impede implementation.
US health officials are reevaluating a $590 million contract for bird flu shots that the Biden administration awarded to Moderna Inc. in January 2025, as part of a broader examination of spending on mRNA-based vaccines. The review comes amid concerns from the Trump administration about the Biden administration's oversight of vaccine production agreements, with Moderna's stock falling as much as 6.6% in after-hours trading following the news.
(original article at the source <https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/02/26/dhs-lgbtq-kristi-noem-department-of-homeland-security/?utm_content=1740571440&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter> causes a redirect loop if not redirected from X) The Department of Homeland Security has eliminated policies that previously prevented staff from gathering intelligence on individuals or groups based solely on their LGBTQ+ status, removing sexual orientation and gender identity from protected categories in their intelligence manual. This change, which comes following President Trump's executive order to scrap DEI policies in federal agencies, has sparked alarm among LGBTQ+ people who fear potential surveillance based solely on their identity.
Twenty-one members of the United States DOGE Service (formerly the U.S. Digital Service) have resigned, citing their refusal to help dismantle public services or compromise government systems. In their resignation letter addressed to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, the staffers, who appear to have joined before the Trump administration, stated they would not use their technological skills to jeopardize Americans' sensitive data or legitimize DOGE's actions. The resignations follow earlier layoffs at USDS and come amid controversy surrounding DOGE, which is overseen by billionaire White House adviser Elon Musk. DOGE spokesperson Katie Miller responded to the resignations by characterizing the departing employees as "full remote workers who hung Trans flags from their workplaces". The White House press secretary dismissed the resignations, stating that protests and lawsuits would not deter President Trump from delivering on his promises to make the federal government more efficient.
Kyle Diamantas, a Florida attorney and hunting buddy of Donald Trump Jr., has been appointed as acting deputy commissioner for human foods at the FDA despite limited regulatory experience. His appointment comes amid mass purges at health agencies, including the dismissal of 89 staff members from the Human Foods Program, raising concerns about food safety oversight for 80% of the nation's food supply.
An unknown illness with hemorrhagic fever-like symptoms has killed 53 people in northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo since January, with a 12.3% fatality rate among 431 reported cases. WHO officials traced the outbreak to Boloko Village where three children died after eating a bat carcass, and despite testing negative for known diseases like Ebola and Marburg, the remote location and weak healthcare infrastructure present significant challenges to containing the spread.
U.S. consumer confidence plummeted in February 2025, with the Conference Board's index dropping to 98.3 from 105.3 in January, marking the biggest monthly decline in over four years amid concerns about inflation, trade wars, and President Trump's proposed tariffs. The seven-point drop reflected growing pessimism about future business conditions, income prospects, and employment, with the measure of Americans' short-term expectations falling to 72.9, below the 80-point threshold that can signal a potential recession.
This document outlines what the authors describe as an "imminent neoreactionary threat" to American democracy, claiming Elon Musk and associates (including Peter Thiel and Curtis Yarvin) are implementing a radical agenda to dismantle constitutional governance. It details how Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has seized control of critical government infrastructure including Treasury payment systems and personnel data, bypassing oversight and security protocols. The authors argue these actions follow Yarvin's "neoreactionary playbook" to centralize power under a CEO-dictator model, replace democratic institutions with corporate governance, and ultimately transform citizens into "state slaves." The document cites national security concerns regarding Musk's ties to China and Russia, and warns that control of government data systems enables surveillance, coercion, and targeted defunding of opposition. It presents recent government infiltration as part of a coordinated strategy to "break the regime in a single step" rather than merely improving efficiency.
Engineers for Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are working on software called AutoRIF that could automate mass firings of federal workers, with evidence showing they're editing code in the Office of Personnel Management's GitHub system. The software, originally developed by the Department of Defense, is being modified as DOGE prepares for a second major round of firings, with recent emails asking government workers to detail their weekly accomplishments potentially to feed into an AI system that would assess employee necessity.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has removed its five largest savings claims from its "wall of receipts" website after multiple media investigations revealed serious errors in the reported figures. Despite deleting these major savings entries, DOGE still reported an increase in total savings from $55 billion to $65 billion, raising questions about the accuracy and transparency of the Elon Musk-led cost-cutting initiative.
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) terminated the Open Government Federal Advisory Committee, which advised on transparency and public engagement initiatives, following an executive order by President Donald Trump to reduce federal bureaucracy. The abrupt decision drew criticism from the committee’s chair, who characterized it as part of a broader pattern of democratic backsliding under the administration.
The letter from House Democrats to President Trump expresses alarm over cybersecurity vulnerabilities introduced by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team at multiple federal agencies, including exposed payment systems at Treasury and potential access points at national laboratories handling nuclear weapons research. The lawmakers request detailed information about DOGE's activities, systems access, and cybersecurity incidents by March 11, 2025, citing concerns that these practices have undermined decades of bipartisan cybersecurity progress.
The FAA has contracted with SpaceX's Starlink to upgrade its IT networks, raising conflict of interest concerns since Elon Musk leads the Department of Government Efficiency which recommends funding cuts to federal agencies including the FAA. Critics question the appropriateness of Musk's dual role as both a government contractor and a government official tasked with overseeing agencies that regulate his businesses.
Troy Edgar, nominee for DHS deputy secretary, defended the Trump administration's decision to dismiss all members of the Cyber Safety Review Board during its investigation of the Salt Typhoon hack, calling it "a great idea" because the board was "going in the wrong direction." The CSRB, which had been reviewing the breach of U.S. and global telecommunications systems by a Chinese-linked group, was disbanded while CISA took over the investigation, though the FBI continues its own inquiry into Salt Typhoon's "indiscriminate" collection of Americans' data.
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 prevented a potential collision at Chicago Midway Airport on February 25, 2025, by executing a go-around when a Flexjet Bombardier Challenger 350 crossed the runway without authorization. The incident occurred around 8:50 a.m. local time when the Southwest flight from Omaha was about to land on Runway 31 Center, but instead accelerated and climbed over the business jet, landing safely about 10 minutes later.
The US State Department has ordered officials to deny visas to transgender athletes coming to the US for sports competitions and issue permanent visa bans against those deemed to misrepresent their birth sex on applications. This directive follows Trump's executive order barring trans athletes from women's sports and instructs consular officers to apply the "permanent fraud bar" against trans applicants, which triggers lifetime exclusion from the United States with limited waiver possibilities.
President Donald Trump announced plans to sell a "gold card" to wealthy foreigners for $5 million, providing green card privileges and a path to citizenship. The program, set to begin in about two weeks, will replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa program and require vetting to ensure applicants are "wonderful world-class global citizens."
Focus groups conducted in February 2025 reveal widespread skepticism about Elon Musk's role in government through DOGE, with voters describing him as "weird," "scary," and "selfish," while Trump is viewed as a strong leader compared to Democrats who are perceived as "weak" and "out of touch." The dominant concern across all voter groups is the cost of living, with participants expressing frustration about inflation and hoping Trump will address economic issues, though they remain divided on whether his policies like tariffs will help or hurt their financial situations.
The White House announced it will now control which media outlets cover presidential events as part of the press pool, reversing the long-standing practice where journalists determined pool participation. This decision follows the administration barring the Associated Press from pooled events after AP refused to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America," with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the White House Correspondents' Association "should no longer have a monopoly" on organizing press pools.
A federal court has granted a temporary restraining order and expanded preliminary injunction blocking the implementation of Executive Order 14168's provisions regarding transgender inmate transfers and medical care termination for twelve transgender women in federal custody. The Court rejected the government's arguments about low-security men's facilities being safer, maintaining that removing the possibility of housing the plaintiffs in women's facilities (when previously determined appropriate under existing constitutional and statutory requirements) demonstrates a likelihood of success on the plaintiffs' Eighth Amendment claim.
Delta Flight 876 made an emergency landing in Atlanta after crew reported "possible smoke" in the flight deck, leading to an evacuation of 94 passengers and 5 crew members via emergency slides. Two passengers required medical attention after the incident, which occurred shortly after the Boeing 717 departed for Columbia, South Carolina.
A federal court granted a temporary restraining order against the Departments of Education and OPM to prevent them from sharing personal data with employees working on Trump's "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) agenda, finding the agencies likely violated the Privacy Act by granting broad access without demonstrating a "need to know". The ruling blocks Education and OPM (except for CIO Greg Hogan) from disclosing plaintiffs' personally identifiable information to DOGE affiliates until March 10, 2025, though it denied the request regarding Treasury since another court had already issued similar relief.
The U.S. Department of Justice has removed a database tracking misconduct by federal law enforcement officers, stating it is no longer active. This action followed an executive order from Donald Trump that rescinded a previous order (EO 14074) from Joe Biden establishing the database.
A bomb threat disrupted the Principles First Summit in Washington DC on February 23, forcing a two-hour evacuation after organizers received an email from "Enrique T." threatening four pipe bombs targeting the venue, Michael Fanone's mother's mailbox, and John Bolton's residence. The threat came just days after former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who was recently pardoned by Trump from a 22-year seditious conspiracy sentence, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a protester at the Capitol and had confronted summit speakers including Capitol Police officer Michael Fanone.
The Trump administration is placing most USAID staffers worldwide on administrative leave and firing at least 1,600 U.S.-based employees as part of a broader campaign to dismantle the agency. The move comes after a federal judge allowed the administration to proceed with its plan, despite ongoing lawsuits challenging the constitutional authority to eliminate an independent agency without congressional approval.
A new variant of H5N1 bird flu has become endemic in dairy cows across multiple U.S. states, with experts warning the situation is unlikely to be contained without intervention, particularly concerning given Trump administration cuts to CDC and USDA staff responding to the outbreak. The virus has shown concerning patterns of transmission between birds, cows, and humans, with multiple spillover events in Nevada and Arizona involving the D1.1 variant, while simultaneously occurring during the worst flu season in 15 years - raising risks of viral reassortment and mutation.
More than a quarter of the contracts listed by DOGE were actually already paid, the Journal found, saving no money. For instance, DOGE listed $168,000 in savings for terminating a contract with HHS for an Anthony Fauci museum exhibit. It had already been fully paid.
On February 22, 2025, federal employees received an email from OPM demanding "5 bullets of what you accomplished last week," with Elon Musk claiming on X that non-responses would be considered resignations, leading to widespread confusion and conflicting guidance across agencies. Multiple federal departments including the FBI, State Department, VA, and Department of the Navy have instructed employees to ignore the email, while the DOJ appears to be telling staff to comply, creating an unprecedented situation where Trump-appointed officials are treating a presidentially-authorized communication as a potential threat.
The Trump administration has conducted a widespread purge of federal health workers, firing approximately 750 CDC workers, over 1,000 NIH staffers, and numerous employees at CMS and FDA, with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. vowing to gut federal health centers. The firings have severely impacted critical public health programs including tobacco regulation, maternal health initiatives, and organ donation systems, with terminated employees warning that these cuts will lead to increased risks to public health and potentially cost lives.
A federal court has partially granted a preliminary injunction against three provisions of Trump's January 2025 executive orders targeting DEI programs, finding that the Termination Provision is unconstitutionally vague, the Certification Provision violates the First Amendment as a content-based speech restriction, and the Enforcement Threat Provision's enforcement component constitutes unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination.
The Associated Press has filed a lawsuit against three Trump administration officials over restricted access to presidential events, citing freedom of speech violations. The lawsuit comes in response to the White House blocking AP journalists after the news agency declined to fully adopt President Trump's renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" in its reporting.
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) claims to have saved $55B through contract cancellations and staff cuts, but their public ledger contains numerous accounting errors, incorrect assumptions, and misleading calculations that significantly inflate the actual savings.
Current and former federal workers have created a website called "We the Builders" to anonymously share information about how the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is dismantling government agencies and accessing government tech systems. The site aims to inform the public about what's happening inside federal agencies and explain how DOGE's database access in Washington, DC could impact citizens across the country, with the creators describing themselves as "builders" in contrast to DOGE, which they characterize as "destroyers."
In an unprecedented move on February 21, 2025, the Trump administration fired several top military leaders including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown, Navy Chief Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Air Force Vice Chief Gen. James Slife, and the judge advocates general of three service branches. The firings coincided with announcements of massive civilian workforce cuts at the Pentagon, with critics suggesting some leaders were targeted due to their previous support of diversity initiatives and statements about institutional racism.
U.S. stocks experienced significant declines on February 23, 2025, with the S&P 500 dropping 1.7%, Dow falling 748 points, and Nasdaq tumbling 2.2%, driven by weak economic reports showing consumer and business concerns about government policies affecting the economy. The market decline was exacerbated by reports of slowing business activity, higher inflation expectations tied to potential tariffs, and weaker-than-expected home sales.
US economic growth has faltered to a near-stalled pace in February 2025, with the Composite Flash PMI Output Index falling to 50.4, a 17-month low, while goods prices have spiked higher due to tariffs. Companies attribute the weaker expansion to uncertainty and disruption caused by recent US government policy initiatives, though reduced pricing power in the services sector has offset manufacturing price increases, which bodes well for inflation but poorly for profits.
The article discusses the history and importance of the Department of Education, highlighting how it evolved from a data-collecting office in 1867 to a cabinet-level department that distributes funding for disadvantaged students and enforces civil rights laws in schools. In March 2025, the department faces scrutiny from Trump's administration and Elon Musk's DOGE initiative, which are investigating education spending cuts in line with Project 2025's proposal to eliminate the department entirely.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has halted its successful "Wild to Mild" flu vaccination campaign following a review by the Department of Health and Human Services under newly appointed secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The campaign, which used contrasting images of wild animals and their tame counterparts to illustrate how vaccines can reduce flu severity, was pulled despite the current flu season being particularly severe with hospitalization rates at a 15-year high.
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) filed articles of impeachment against U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer after the judge blocked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Treasury Department data. A second House Republican, Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), also filed separate impeachment articles against Engelmayer, accusing him of judicial misconduct and showing "apparent bias and favoritism" in his ruling that temporarily barred DOGE staffers from accessing sensitive Treasury systems.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology is preparing to fire approximately 500 probationary staffers as part of President Trump's federal government cuts, with some employees already receiving verbal notices. The layoffs could significantly impact offices overseeing Biden-era semiconductor investments and AI initiatives, including the US Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute, following Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's confirmation and Trump's shift away from the previous administration's risk-based approach to AI policy.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite promising Senator Bill Cassidy he would not change the nation's vaccination schedule to secure his confirmation as health secretary, announced plans to investigate childhood vaccines through a new "Make America Healthy Again" commission. Speaking to HHS employees during a measles outbreak in West Texas, Kennedy stated "nothing is going to be off limits" in examining vaccines, pesticides, food additives, microplastics, antidepressants, and electromagnetic waves to determine if they contribute to chronic illnesses like diabetes and obesity.
Yosemite National Park announced a delay in reservations for popular campgrounds (Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona and Hodgdon Meadow) for June 15-July 14, amid staffing shortages caused by a federal hiring freeze and recent termination of National Park Service employees. The reservation system for park entry, which was scheduled to become permanent this year, is also on hold pending review by the Trump administration, creating uncertainty for both visitors planning trips and park operations during the busy summer season.
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is seeking access to the IRS's highly sensitive taxpayer data system, with software engineer Gavin Kliger expected to be granted access "imminently" for at least 120 days. The system contains private information including tax returns, Social Security numbers, and banking details of millions of Americans, with strict protocols in place to prevent unauthorized access and potential penalties including termination, fines, or imprisonment for improper use.
This article discusses how pardoned Jan 6 defendants are now arguing the presidential pardon should extend beyond Capitol riot charges to other crimes discovered during investigations, including murder plots, illegal weapons, and child pornography. Some defendants are publicly naming prosecutors and officials involved in their cases, raising safety concerns. Several have had new confrontations with law enforcement, including one fatal incident, while others seek to have unrelated criminal charges dismissed by claiming they're connected to Jan 6 investigations. The pardoned defendants are targeting both prosecutors and correctional officers - specifically, they've compiled lists of 124+ officials involved in their cases and shared them publicly on X (formerly Twitter). Some are accusing DC jail guards of abuse and corruption, posting their names and LinkedIn profiles. One post about jail workers was reshared by a Proud Boys chapter with threatening messages. The DC Department of Corrections says these allegations are being reported to authorities.
A federal court has blocked the order, finding it likely unconstitutional because: 1) Only Congress, not the President, has power over federal spending; 2) The order discriminates based on sex/transgender status without sufficient justification; and 3) It improperly tries to expand federal criminal law into states' authority to regulate medicine.
The U.S. Digital Service, recently renamed to Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Service under Trump and led by Elon Musk, has dismissed dozens of employees (estimated around 50) as part of a broader government workforce reduction. The dismissals affected legacy USDS employees who were previously working on projects like improving the Social Security Administration's website.
Despite increased resources and efforts, ICE is struggling to meet the Trump administration's goals for immigration arrests, leading to internal dissatisfaction and criticism. Simultaneously, Indian American communities are experiencing heightened fear due to ICE raids, prompting local leaders to advocate for balanced and compassionate immigration policies.
Four nonprofit organizations have filed suit claiming the order is arbitrary, exceeds OMB's authority, and violates First Amendment rights by conditioning funding on political viewpoints.
The Trump administration fired over 300 employees of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) on Thursday night, only to reverse course upon learning these workers were responsible for overseeing America's nuclear weapons stockpile. Officials reportedly did not realize the agency's critical role in nuclear security when making the terminations, which were part of broader workforce cuts led by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The CDC's "Wild to Mild" flu vaccination campaign was terminated just days after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became health secretary. The campaign, which used contrasting images of wild and tame animals to illustrate how vaccines reduce flu severity, was halted during one of the worst flu seasons in decades, with materials being removed from the CDC website despite the campaign's reported success in reaching vulnerable populations.
The document reaffirms discrimination based on race, color, or national origin is illegal in educational institutions receiving federal funding, citing the 2023 SFFA v. Harvard decision as framework for evaluating race-based decisions. The letter prohibits use of race in admissions, financial aid, housing, programming, hiring, and other institutional activities, while banning the use of proxies or indirect means to achieve racial balancing. Educational institutions are required to ensure policy compliance, stop using race-based proxies, and cease using third parties to circumvent prohibitions. The Department warns of potential federal funding loss for non-compliance and indicates enforcement will begin within 14 days of issuance.
AIDS Vaccine Coalition and the Journalism Development Network, Inc., Public Ctiizen, sued the State Department, USAID, Secretary Rubio, OMB, OMB Director Russ Vought, and President Trump for the actions taken the dismantle USAID and foreign aid freeze. The plaintiffs argue that the aid freeze and stop work order violate the separation of powers, the Take Care Clause, and the Administrative Procedures Act.
The National Treasury Employees Union sued acting CFPB Director Russ Vought over the access granted to DOGE-affiliated employees of employee's personal data. The suit alleges violations of the Privacy Act and request that the court enjoin the CFPB from granting this access to members of DOGE.
The National Treasury Employees Union sued acting CFPB Director Russ Vought over his stop work order for CFPB employees and actions to dismantle CFPB. The plaintiffs allege that the actions violate separation of power and ask that Vought be enjoined from further attempts to halt CFPB's work.
A years-long redistricting battle over Alabama's congressional maps is going to trial to determine Black representation in the state's congressional delegation through 2030. The case centers on whether Alabama violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by drawing a map with only one majority-Black district despite a court order requiring two districts where Black Alabamians could elect candidates of their choice.
The attorneys general of New York, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin sued President Trump, the Treasury Department, and Treasury Secretary Bessent over DOGE's access to the Department of Treasury. Plaintiffs are requesting the court grant a temporary restraining order and preliminary and permanent injunctions preventing non-Treasury employees from haining access to to any Treasury Department payment systems or data systems at Treasury.
The Government Accountability Project and National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, represented by Protect Democracy, sued the Office of Personnel Management and President Trump over his executive order aimed to redesignate thousands of civil servants to make them easier to fire at will. The suit alleges the order violates the Administrative Procedure Act, the CSRA, 5 U.S.C. §§ 2302, 7511, is in Excess of Delegated Authority, and the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process Clause.
The American Foreign Service and the American Federation of Government Employees, represented by Public Citizen and Democracy Forward, sued President Trump, the State Department, USAID, Secretary of State Rubio, and Secretary of Treasury Bessent. The plaintiffs are seeking injuctive relief for the actions taken by the Trump administration to dismantle USAID, including the stop work order and laying off USAID contractors. The suit allege these actions violate the seperation of powers, the Take Care Clause, and the Administrative Procedure Act.
23,000 federal prison workers will face pay cuts up to 25% starting March 23, 2025 as the Bureau of Prisons reduces or eliminates retention incentives due to budget constraints while operating under a continuing resolution. The decision affects more than half of the BOP workforce and has already prompted staff concerns about potential resignations from already understaffed facilities.
7 current transgender service members, 1 prospective transgender servicemember and the Gender Justice League, represented by Lambda Legal Defense and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, sued President Trump and the Department of Defense over his executive order banning transgender service members from the military. The suit alleges the ban violates the Equal Protection Clause, the First Amendment, and procedural due process and requests that the court enjoin the defendants from implementing the ban.
Multiple federal government employee unions, represented by Democracy Forward, sued the Department of Labor, U.S. Digital Service (U.S. DOGE Service), and U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization over DOGE's expected attempt to access "highly sensitive data" at the Department of Labor.
DOGE employees were instructed to stop using Slack while the agency transitions from being under the Office of Management and Budget to the Executive Office of the President, a move that would make its records not subject to the Freedom of Information Act until years after a president leaves office. This organizational shift, directed under Elon Musk's leadership, has raised concerns among government experts who argue that DOGE's cross-agency activities extend beyond presidential advisory functions and should remain subject to transparency laws.
The article from The Hill covers various political developments including Trump's imposition of 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and 10% on China, which sparked international tensions with China filing a WTO lawsuit in response. It also discusses controversy surrounding Trump's comments linking DEI practices to a plane crash near Reagan National Airport, with various lawmakers either defending or criticizing these remarks, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy maintained that the U.S. has "the safest airspace in the world" despite recent incidents.
The USPS announced a temporary suspension of international package acceptance from China and Hong Kong Posts effective February 4, 2025, though letters and flats would not be affected. However, as of February 5, 2025, the Postal Service updated its policy to continue accepting all international inbound mail and packages from China and Hong Kong Posts, as USPS and Customs and Border Protection work together to implement an efficient collection mechanism for new China tariffs.
9 current FBI agents/employees sued the Department of Justice over President Trump's order to remove FBI personnel who participated in the Jan. 6 investifations and/or the investigations of President Donald Trump. The suit alleges the order violates the Civil Service Reform Act 5 U.S.C. §§2301 and 2303.
The FBI Agents Association, John Does 1-4, and Jane Does 1-3 sued the Department of Justice over President Trump's order for FBI agents to fill out a questionnaire on their work regarding the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol and potentially fire agents and employees involed with the investigations. The suit alleges the order would violate the Privacy Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, the Mandamus under 28 U.S.C. § 1361, the First Amendment, and Due Process.
Democrats have introduced the "Stop the Steal Act" to counter what they view as illegal interference by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency in federal agencies, particularly after Musk affiliates attempted to access sensitive information at USAID and Treasury Department. Republicans defend the administration's actions as legitimate reviews of government spending, while Democrats accuse Musk and Trump of operating a "shadow government" that bypasses congressional authority.
El Salvador has agreed to house violent US criminals and deportees of any nationality in an unprecedented deal announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. The agreement includes accepting Salvadoran deportees who illegally entered the US, receiving criminal deportees of any nationality, and housing dangerous American criminals in El Salvador's prisons in exchange for a fee.
The article discusses the potential dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education under the Trump administration, warning that such action would harm vulnerable students by cutting essential funding, eliminating civil rights protections, and reducing educational opportunities. It outlines how this move would negatively impact programs like Title I funding, special education services, and financial aid while emphasizing that educators and parents oppose these changes and will continue to advocate for well-resourced public schools.
3 immigrant advocacy organizations sued President Trump, DHS, the State Department, Department of Justice, and ICE with the assistance of the ACLU over the executive order, "Guaranteeing the States Protection Against Invasion." The suit alleges that the order violates the asylum statute, the removal statute, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the separation of powers.
President Donald Trump appointed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, who immediately halted all agency operations including regulations, investigations, and communications pending review. The move signals a potential major shift for the consumer watchdog agency, which was established after the 2008 financial crisis and had been aggressively overseeing financial practices under its previous director Rohit Chopra, who Trump fired before his term ended.
Congressional Democrats, including Senators Van Hollen and Schatz and Representatives Raskin and Connolly, were denied entry to the USAID headquarters during a protest against Trump's reported move to shut down the agency and deny staff entry to the building. The lawmakers were told the office was closed and employees were instructed to telework, with a similar incident occurring days later when Democratic lawmakers were also blocked from entering the EPA headquarters.
Elon Musk's team at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained access to the Treasury's payment system after David Lebryk, the Fiscal Assistant Secretary since 2014, was put on administrative leave for refusing to grant this access. The article warns this represents an unprecedented constitutional crisis as it could potentially allow the Trump administration to control federal payments, bypass agency cooperation, and impound funds contrary to congressional appropriations.
Democratic Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii has announced he will place a "blanket hold" on all Trump State Department nominees until the administration ends its attack on USAID, which Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency is attempting to close despite its existence being codified in federal law. This move threatens to stall Trump's foreign policy team appointments as DOGE staffers have forced their way into USAID headquarters, gaining access to classified information and closing the building to employees.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he had taken over as acting administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), an agency that had functioned independently for over 60 years, amid drastic changes including suspended officials and hundreds of employees locked out of systems. This takeover, part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce government spending led by Elon Musk, has sparked protests from USAID employees and criticism from Democrats who argue the shutdown is illegal since Congress created and continues to fund the agency.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has empowered Pete Marocco to run USAID and review all of its work, with potential plans to suspend or eliminate programs as part of the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the agency. USAID employees were ordered to work remotely after Elon Musk announced that he and President Trump were in the process of shutting down the agency, which has been the U.S. government's main international humanitarian and development arm since 1961.
The State Department has fired about 60 contractors from its democracy, human rights and labor bureau, severely impacting programs focused on promoting democratic practices in authoritarian states like China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela and Cuba. The dismissals follow President Trump's executive order suspending foreign aid programs and mirror similar workforce reductions at USAID, despite Secretary of State Marco Rubio's previous support for human rights initiatives.
President Donald Trump announced a one-month pause on the 25% tariff for Mexican imports after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to deploy 10,000 soldiers to their northern border to prevent drug trafficking and migration into the United States. The pause was announced two days after Trump had imposed 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10% tariff on Chinese imports.
U.S. President Donald Trump paused planned 25% tariffs on Canadian goods for 30 days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau committed to enhancing border security measures, including appointing a fentanyl czar and designating Mexican cartels as terrorists under Canadian law. The temporary ceasefire in the trade dispute came after Trudeau promised to implement a $1.3 billion border security plan with 10,000 front-line personnel and establish a joint strike force to combat organized crime, while Trump indicated he's still seeking a "final economic deal" with Canada.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk under President Trump's administration, has gained access to sensitive Treasury data including Social Security and Medicare payment systems, raising concerns about potential interference with federal payments. Senator Ron Wyden expressed alarm that this access could lead to illegal withholding of program payments, while Musk claimed on social media that Treasury payment approval officers "were instructed always to approve payments, even to known fraudulent or terrorist groups."
The Washington Post article reports that David A. Lebryk, a top Treasury career official, announced his retirement after a dispute with Elon Musk's allies over access to sensitive government payment systems that disburse trillions of dollars annually. Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) representatives had been requesting access to these systems since after the election, reflecting an intensifying power struggle between Musk and the federal bureaucracy in the early days of Trump's second administration.
Two top security officials at USAID were placed on administrative leave after refusing to allow Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) personnel access to agency systems, despite threats to call law enforcement. DOGE personnel attempted to access USAID headquarters in Washington, DC, seeking entry to security systems, personnel files, and classified information, amid growing concerns that the Trump administration is intentionally dismantling the agency.
Marisa Kabas describes a series of actions taken by Elon Musk and the Trump administration in early February 2025, including taking control of federal payment systems, locking out career civil servants from computer systems, and implementing various restrictions related to diversity and inclusion initiatives. The article characterizes these developments as an "administrative coup" with Musk effectively controlling government operations through his position as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada will impose 25% retaliatory tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods in response to President Donald Trump's imposition of 25% tariffs on virtually all Canadian goods. The trade war, which Trump justified as a response to Canada's alleged failure to address drug and migrant issues, threatens to severely impact both economies despite data showing minimal fentanyl seizures at the northern border compared to the southwestern one.
January 2025
The USDA directed agency officials to review and remove climate change content from public websites, instructing web managers to identify, archive, or unpublish materials by a Friday deadline. The directive, which followed President Trump's executive orders reversing climate policies, required staff to categorize content into three tiers of urgency based on how prominently climate change was featured.
A U.S. judge temporarily blocked federal prison officials from transferring a transgender woman to a men's facility and denying her access to gender-affirming care in accordance with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. The temporary restraining order was issued by U.S. District Judge George O'Toole in Boston on January 30, 2025, in what appears to be the first lawsuit challenging Trump's executive order that directed the federal government to recognize only two biological sexes and house transgender women in men's prisons.
Trump's blanket pardons for January 6 Capitol riot participants included dozens of individuals with extensive criminal histories, including convictions for rape, sexual abuse of minors, domestic violence, manslaughter, and production of child sexual abuse material. While Trump claimed individual case review would be "cumbersome" and sentences were excessive, his pardons only applied to Capitol riot-related charges, leaving many defendants still facing unrelated criminal proceedings. Notable examples include Theodore Middendorf (convicted of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old), Peter Schwartz (38 prior convictions including domestic violence), David Daniel (facing child pornography charges), and others with histories of violent crimes. Some pardoned individuals, like Matthew Huttle (who had abused his 3-year-old son), continued their criminal behavior after January 6, with Huttle being fatally shot by law enforcement shortly after receiving his pardon.
President Trump has issued an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) and is exploring the creation of an alternative international health structure. The authors of the BMJ article argue that such a parallel structure would be dangerous, causing duplication of efforts, coordination challenges between countries, and ultimately weakening global responses to health challenges.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, represented by Democracy Foward, sued President Trump and the Office of Personnel Management, over his attempt to repeal a regulation that protects civil servants. The suit alleges OPM violated the Administrative Procedure Act and all defendats violation 5 U.S.C. § 553 and requests the court enjoin the Trump administration from enacting Schedule F without complying with the APA.
This happened while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.
The document is a legal notice filed by defendants in a case challenging an Office of Management and Budget memorandum that temporarily paused federal financial assistance programs. It informs the court that OMB rescinded the challenged memorandum (M-25-13) on January 29, 2025, arguing this renders the plaintiffs' claims moot and eliminates the need for emergency relief.
6 current transgender service members and 2 prospective members sued President Trump, seeking injuctive relief against the implementation of this order. The suit alleges the order violates the Equal Protection section of the 5th Amendment of the Constitution.
A federal court granted a temporary restraining order requiring CDC, FDA, and HHS to restore health-related webpages and datasets that were removed on January 31, 2025 in response to a Trump executive order, finding that medical providers face irreparable harm from loss of critical clinical resources.
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility sued President Trump and the Office of Personnel Management, alleging that the renewed Schedule F executive order reinstates a spoils system in the civil service, one "untethered from merit." Plaintiffs argue that the Schedule F order discards civil servant protections requested by previous executives, enacted by Congress, and accepted by all three branches of government.
A federal judge in D.C. temporarily blocked the Trump administration's freeze on federal spending just before it was set to take effect, following legal challenges from nonprofit organizations and attorneys general from 22 states and D.C. who argued the freeze violated federal law, the Constitution's separation of powers, and targeted recipients based on political views.
This lawsuit, filed by 23 states and the District of Columbia, seeks to block a January 27, 2025 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directive that orders an immediate pause on "all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance" while agencies review their programs for consistency with new executive orders. The states argue this directive is illegal, unconstitutional, and will cause immediate devastating harm by freezing billions in critical federal funding that states rely on for healthcare, education, law enforcement, infrastructure, and other essential services. The suit claims the directive violates the Administrative Procedure Act, separation of powers, Spending Clause, and other constitutional provisions by unilaterally withholding congressionally appropriated funds without authority.
A group of Quaker meetings sued DHS to prevent the new policy that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement to conduct immigration enforcement inside of houses of worship and religious gatherings. The plantiffs allege that the policy undermines their constitutionaly granted religious freedom.
This memorandum from the Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget institutes a temporary pause on federal financial assistance programs, requiring agencies to review all grants, loans, and other funding to ensure alignment with President Trump's priorities. The directive aims to redirect federal spending away from programs related to "Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering" toward administration goals including strengthening America, eliminating inflation, unleashing energy production, ending "wokeness," and promoting government efficiency.
This memorandum from the Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget requires federal agencies to temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of federal financial assistance programs, effective January 28, 2025, while conducting a comprehensive review to ensure alignment with President Trump's executive orders and priorities. The directive specifically targets programs related to foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, gender ideology, and environmental initiatives, requiring agencies to submit detailed information by February 10, 2025, for OMB review before resuming activities.
This class action lawsuit against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) alleges that OPM illegally deployed an email server to collect federal employee data without conducting required Privacy Impact Assessments. According to the complaint, OPM sent "test" emails to federal employees in January 2025 requesting responses, potentially as part of an effort to compile employee lists. The plaintiffs seek an injunction to stop OPM from collecting any employee information until proper privacy assessments are completed.
U.S. public health officials have been ordered to immediately cease all collaborations with the World Health Organization following a CDC memo, despite expectations of a gradual withdrawal process after President Trump's executive order. The sudden stoppage impacts critical global health initiatives including investigations of Marburg virus and mpox outbreaks in Africa, while simultaneously the administration has frozen spending on PEPFAR, the anti-HIV program credited with saving 25 million lives.
This memorandum from the Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget announces a temporary pause on federal financial assistance programs to align with President Trump's priorities, requiring agencies to review all grants, loans, and other financial assistance to ensure they support administration goals like ending "wokeness," promoting efficiency, and eliminating programs related to "Marxist equity" and "green new deal social engineering." The pause takes effect January 28, 2025, and requires agencies to submit detailed information by February 10 about affected programs, with exceptions granted only on a case-by-case basis by OMB.
The order is being challenged in court by Maria Moe, a transgender woman currently housed in a women's federal prison, who argues the order violates her constitutional rights, the Rehabilitation Act, and administrative law by putting her at risk of serious harm and denying necessary medical care.
Donald Trump announced retaliatory measures against Colombia after President Gustavo Petro allegedly refused to allow repatriation flights carrying "Illegal Criminals" to land. These measures include emergency tariffs on Colombian goods, travel bans on government officials, visa sanctions, enhanced inspections of Colombian nationals and cargo, and financial sanctions.
([Petro enfrenta Trump e vence primeira queda de braço. Americano recuou](https://pensarpiaui.com/noticias/petro-enfrenta-trump-e-vence-primeira-queda-de-braco-americano-recuou/38554)). President Petro would not agree to have the Colombian nationals treated like prizoners on a U.S. military transport plane. He successfully negotiated for them to be transported on his presidential plane. This was a battle Trump ultimately lost.
4 Chicago-based immigrant advocacy organizations sued the Trump administration over its plans to conduct immigration enforcement in Chicago, a sanctuary city. The suit alleges that the "federal government’s plan to use Chicago-based immigration raids to quash the Sanctuary City Movement is a clear and obvious violation of the First Amendment." It also alleges a violation of the Administrative Procedures Act.
The Trump administration's Interior Department said on Friday, January 24, 2025 that it had officially changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and the Alaskan peak Denali to Mount McKinley.
The ACLU filed a lawsuit against the Trump adminsitration on behalf of Make the Road, a immigrant advocacy organization. The suit seeks to enjoin DHS's new rule on expedited removal and cites violations of the Fifth Amendment’s due process clause, the Immigration and Nationality Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act.
Public Citizen, State Democracy Defenders Fund, and the American Federation of Government Employees sued President Trump and the OMB to esure the Department of Government Efficiency complies with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
The Center for Biological Diversity sued OMB to compel it to release records of its communitcations with the Department of Government Efficiency under the Freedom of Information Act.
The National Treasury Employees Union challenged the Schedule F Executive Order on several grounds. It claims that the order exceeds statutory authority, unlawfully purports to apply to career officials, violates federal employees’ due process rights, and violates the Administrative Procedure Act.
December 2024
The article reports that Mike Whitaker, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration, announced his resignation effective January 20, 2025, allowing President-elect Donald Trump to appoint his successor. Whitaker, who had led tougher enforcement against Boeing following a door panel blowout incident in January, had served since October 2023 but is stepping down before completing his five-year term.