Wed, February 5, 2025

by: Newsweek

US Trade Deficit Widens Significantly Ahead of Trump Tariffs

The U.S. trade deficit hit near-record levels in late 2024 as America's trading partners prepare to navigate Trump's tariffs.

by: BBC

Starmer and Badenoch clash over Chagos Islands deal at PMQs

The Tory leader says "when Labour negotiates, our country loses"; the prime minister questions whether Badenoch has been "properly briefed" on UK security.

by: Newsweek

US Treasury says Musk and DOGE Have Read-Only Access to Payments System

The Treasury Department has defended DOGE's access to its payment system, explaining they only have "read-only access."

by: MSN

Elon Musk's dad says he set up call between his son and Cyril Ramaphosa amid land reform drama

President Donald Trump's threat to cut funding to the country. Musk had publicly accused his post-apartheid government of anti-white racism, and now Musk's ally, Trump, said he would cut more than $400 million (R7.6 billion) in funding to the country.

by: STAT

No, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren aren't top recipients of pharmaceutical industry donations

A quirk in the website OpenSecrets has given RFK Jr. a chance to misleadingly portray Sen. Bernie Sanders as receiving big money from big Pharma.

by: thenightly

Jim Chalmers has reassured big business leaders he wants to slash red tape in a second term Labor government

Jim Chalmers has reassured big business leaders he wants to slash red tape, boost productivity and sieze the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in a second term Labor government.

by: Sky

Palestinians 'must' live in Gaza and West Bank, Lammy says to Trump's plan of Gaza takeover

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has given his response to US President Donald Trump's suggestions that Palestinians could be removed from Gaza and a "Riviera" of the Middle East built instead.

by: MSN

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju takes dip in Triveni sangam, says 'don't do politics on historic moment'

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju took a holy dip in Prayagraj's Mahakumbh Triveni Sangam on Wednesday, and urged not to do 'politics' on historic moment.Posting a video on X, he wrote "Maha Kumbh comes once in 144 years i.

by: NewsNation

What is USAID, and why might the Trump administration shut it down?

The agency's future is uncertain amid changes under the Trump administration and a freeze imposed on billions of dollars in foreign assistance.

by: MSN

"Handcuffed and humiliated": Congress leader Pawan Khera slams US deportation of Indians

Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera on Wednesday expressed sadness to see pictures of Indians getting "handcuffed and humiliated" while being deported from the US. His statement comes after reports claimed that US was using military planes to deport migrants to India.

by: fox13now

Congress asks Trump to explain what Elon Musk and DOGE are doing at federal agencies

Senior members of House oversight committees have asked President Trump to explain why Elon Musk and members of the Department of Government Efficiency are trying to access government agencies.

by: CNN

Trump says US 'will take over' Gaza and Palestinians should leave

CNN's Fareed Zakaria discusses President Donald Trump's comments that the United States "will take over" Gaza — possibly with the help of American troops — while the Palestinians who live there should leave, a stunning proposal that would dramatically reorient the Middle East and subject a population of more than a million to further displacement.

by: KPBS

DOGE is making major changes to the federal government. Is it legal?

Tue, February 4, 2025

by: Newsweek

CIA Offers Buyouts to Entire Workforce in Intelligence Agency First: Report

The CIA on Tuesday has become the first intelligence agency to offer buyouts to its entire workforce, The Wall Street Journal reported. The buyouts are reportedly the latest attempt by the Trump administration to slash federal spending and purge employees who did not align ideologically with the president.

by: thenightly

Australian news and politics live updates: Anti-Semitism crisis top of list as Parliament returns

Stay up to date with world politics, breaking news, views and opinion as The Nightly provides live updates throughout the day.

by: thenightly

Australian news and politics live updates: Trump meets Netanyahu for vital talks, Oscar Jenkins' fate

Stay up to date with world politics, breaking news, views and opinion as The Nightly provides live updates throughout the day.

by: WPLG

The Latest: Netanyahu and Trump to meet at the White House

As President Trump prepares to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump's Middle East envoy said that a three to five-year timeline for reconstruction of Gaza is not a viable post-war plan for the battle-torn territory.

by: MSNBC

Federal employee unions sue Trump over Musk data meddling

On Monday night's episode of "The ReidOut with Joy Reid," Joy referred to Musk's power grab as a "coup" that has put millions of Americans' private data at risk, and she asked Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey how Democrats intend to fight back:

by: KPBS

What is the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE?

by: Newsweek

Trump and Musk Find Unexpected Ally in Push to Shut Down USAID

Trump signed an executive order imposing an unprecedented freeze on foreign assistance, effectively shutting down many of USAID's programs.

by: Slate

Eighteen "Pro-Life" States Demand the Freedom to Persecute American Babies

Monday's amicus brief was spearheaded by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and joined by the Republican AGs of 17 other states.

by: RealClearPolitics

Mike Davis: Democrats Have Never Seen A Republican Who Is Fearless And Ready To Roll

"Article III Project" founder Mike Davis, Tuesday on Bannon's "War Room" podcast, said President Trump "has the deep state terrified -- and they should be terrified." "He is on offense so much that the Democrats don't know how to respond,

by: Forbes

Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund Sparks Online Backlash Over Funding And Politics

There are a couple of elements at play around why people are responding so negatively to the news of the Trump sovereign wealth fund.

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: At least 20,000 federal workers have taken buyout offer

President Donald Trump has begun his second administration with a series of controversial moves and decisions.

by: CNN

The latest on Trump's tariffs and Netanyahu meeting as Cabinet picks face key votes

President Donald Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House Tuesday. The US president also paused tariffs on Mexico and Canada before they went into effect. Follow for live news updates.

by: cnbctv18

Budget vs. Election: How tax breaks and project proposals could influence the Delhi, Bihar elections

The presentation of the Union Budget by the Finance Minister, outlining proposals for revenue and expenditure in the coming fiscal year, is always a much-anticipated event. But can these proposals—such as tax breaks and allocations to specific projects—be viewed purely through the lens of development,

by: Reuters

USAID contractors fire staff, face cash crunch as Trump causes chaos in aid world

President Donald Trump's overhaul of U.S. foreign assistance has led to chaos in the aid and development field, leaving hundreds of contractors in a severe financial crunch with some already having to lay off staff and others facing millions of dollars in unpaid invoices.

by: ABC

Turmoil inside USAID as Musk calls the agency 'criminal' and says it 'has to die'

Amid ongoing turmoil inside the U.S. Agency for International Development, sources say that Department of Government Efficiency staffers have moved to take over offices.

by: cnbctv18

Uniform Civil Code in Gujarat: Government forms panel for guidelines

The UCC is a common civil code or common law for every citizen in India, irrespective of religion and caste. The code is mentioned under Article 44 of the Constitution as a Directive Principle of State Policy.

by: Reuters

Ukraine's politics warms up as US focuses on war's endgame

After Russia's 2022 invasion, Ukraine's normally febrile political life was becalmed under martial law. But there have been growing signs of activity picking up, as the United States has set its sights on finishing the war with Russia quickly.

by: MSN

Trump's first trade war begins as China tariffs come into effect and Beijing hits back: Live updates

Trump's first trade war begins as China tariffs come into effect and Beijing hits back: Live updates - President Trump's 10% tariffs on Chinese goods come into effect from 12.01am Tuesday after measur

by: MSN

Gov't employee unions sue Treasury to stop DOGE from accessing sensitive data

Three U.S. government employee unions filed a lawsuit Monday against the Treasury, alleging that its sharing of confidential information with the Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency violated the law.
Mon, February 3, 2025

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: White House says Musk is 'special government employee'

One USAID contractor who is currently on official travel for a "high priority emergency response" told ABC News the move to dismantle the agency has "severely impacted" their ability to assist people in need and will have "lasting implications.

by: Newsweek

Secretive FBI Group Probing UFOs Worried They'll Get Purged by DOGE: Report

A secretive group of FBI agents tasked with investigating UFOs is deeply concerned that they may be next in the DOGE purge, according to a new report.

by: CNN

Trump pauses Mexico and Canada tariffs while moving ahead with government changes

President Donald Trump announced extraordinary new tariffs over the weekend on Mexico, Canada and China, and the leaders of all three countries have since announced retaliatory measures. Follow for live updates.

by: devdiscourse

Trump Endorses Musk's Government Role

President Donald Trump stated that Elon Musk is operating with approval in efforts to shrink the U.S. government. Trump assured that Musk will be restricted from entering conflict zones, thereby maintaining a controlled approach to his engagements with the government.

by: Yahoo

The Federal Trade Commission and chair Lina Khan are plagued by classic mismanagement

Former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele said President Trump should "cut the crap" when it comes to accusations about his involvement in the firing of FBI officials and prosecutors involved in his criminal proceedings. "The reality of it is Trump said that, oh, I had no idea about these firings. I didn't request any…

by: WESA

Proposed ballot question seeks to ensure Pittsburgh's sewer and water system remains public

Activists and Pittsburgh City Council members aim to put a question on the May 20 ballot that could safeguard Pittsburgh's water and sewer system from privatization.

by: CNN

Latest on Trump's presidency as he pauses Mexico tariffs and moves ahead with government changes

The fate of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) appears bleak after Elon Musk said Trump agreed the agency needs to be "shut down," following days of speculation over the future of the agency after its funding was frozen and dozens of its employees were put on leave.

by: WFAE

Why does Musk want USAID 'to die'? And why did its website disappear?

by: RealClearPolitics

Bannon: Trump's "Monroe Doctrine 2.0" Strategy Is More Than Tariffs, Economically And Strategically

"War Room" host Steve Bannon runs down what is happening in the world as the third week of the second Trump presidency begins: STEVE BANNON: Days of thunder continue on, and I think it's very important now for the War Room Posse because we do have a lot of work to do.

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: Trump defends Elon Musk's recent DOGE moves

President Donald Trump has begun his second administration with a series of controversial moves and decisions.

by: Reuters

OPEC+ rolls over oil policy, ditches US government data

OPEC+ agreed to stick to its policy of gradually raising oil output from April on Monday and removed the U.S. government's Energy Information Administration from the sources used to monitor its production and adherence to supply pacts.

by: tvo

ANALYSIS: Cancelling Starlink was easy. Trump-proofing Ontario's electricity will be hard

Doug Ford wants to massively expand the province's capacity to generate nuclear power. But a made-in-Canada approach carries real risks.

by: MSN

Trump isn't closely monitoring Musk as he does the 'dirty work' for him

Trump isn't closely monitoring Musk as he does the 'dirty work' for him - Musk, the richest person in the world, has amassed wide-ranging authority without having a formal government role or congressi

by: kfoxtv

Abbott vows pay raises for teachers and more property tax relief

"Abbott vows pay raises for teachers and more property tax relief" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that in

by: Slate

I'm a Federal Worker. Elon Musk's Government Data Heist Is the Entire Ballgame.

Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily.

by: MSN

EPA warns more than 1,100 employees could be fired 'immediately' amid Trump government cutbacks

EPA warns more than 1,100 employees could be fired 'immediately' amid Trump government cutbacks - Environmental Protection Agency workers seem to be the first to receive a notice that they could be di

DOGE, tax cuts and education: Here's what happened on the first day of the legislative session

Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt doubled down on his call for tax cuts and said he would push for spending policies similar to the Trump Administration.

The first day of the legislative session in the U.S. was marked by a variety of significant activities and proposals. Key highlights included discussions on tax cuts, with some legislators pushing for reductions to stimulate economic growth. Education reform was another focal point, with debates on funding, curriculum changes, and school choice options. Additionally, there was an unusual mention of "Doge," likely referencing the cryptocurrency Dogecoin, in the context of financial regulations or perhaps as a light-hearted reference to internet culture intersecting with legislative discussions. This session also saw the introduction of numerous bills, setting the stage for debates on healthcare, infrastructure, and social issues, reflecting the diverse priorities of the legislative body as they began their work for the year.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/doge-tax-cuts-and-education-here-s-what-happened-on-the-first-day-of-the-legislative-session/ar-AA1ynNsa