• Wed, February 5, 2025

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: 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: scrippsnews

CIA begins offering employees buyouts as Trump aims to shrink federal government

The CIA became the first national security agency to reportedly offer employees buyouts amid President Trump's plan to shrink the federal workforce.

by: krtv

CIA offers employee buyouts as Trump aims to shrink government

The CIA became the first national security agency to reportedly offer employees buyouts amid President Trump's plan to shrink the federal workforce.

by: Newsweek

Trump Is Moving Fast and Breaking Things. These Voters Can't Get Enough

Voters who cast ballots for Trump in November told Newsweek they are thrilled over the rapid speed and breadth of the president's action over his two-and-a-half weeks back in office, applauding him for for "doing everything he said he would."

by: Crikey

World leaders slam Trump's Gaza takeover plan

US President Donald Trump has suggested America 'take over' Gaza to widespread condemnation, and China is bristly about the Australian government's DeepSeek ban.

by: RealClearPolitics

WH: Federal Government Canceling Subscriptions "Subsidizing" Politico

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed Wednesday that the U.S. government, including USAID, will no longer be spending "more than $8 million... essentially subsidizing subscriptions to Politico.

by: komonews

Worker buyouts just 'peanuts' in crusade to cut government spending: expert

The federal government has congressionally approved buyout authority that's capped at $25,000. Trump's plan allows workers who resign before Thursday to keep getting paid through September. Kamarck said the average federal worker would hit the $25,000 limit allowed for buyouts within a few months.

by: CNN

First on CNN: Republican and Democratic former USAID leaders speak out against Trump's attempts to dismantle agency

Five former leaders of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) from across Republican and Democratic administrations spoke out against the Trump administration's attempts to dismantle the humanitarian agency.

by: Reuters

State Dept says US government vessels can now transit Panama Canal without fees

The U.S. Department of State said on Wednesday American government vessels can now transit the Panama Canal without charge fees.

by: IJR

'So Pathetic': Long-Time Dem Operative Says Dems Fear Trump's Success As They'll Have Nothing To Sell To The Public

A long-time Democratic Party operative appeared Wednesday on Fox Business to criticize Democratic leaders and said the party fears that President Donald Trump will enjoy success implementing policies that are popular.

by: MSN

Trump's response to journalist's on Afghanistan's future and Taliban recognition

During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump appeared confused and struggled to understand an Afghan journalist's questions about recognising the Taliban,

by: ABC

Republicans block Musk from congressional subpoena as DOGE continues to access government data

Congressional Democrats are continuing their push for answers as Elon Musk continues to dismantle and disrupt government services.

by: MSN

Trump: US 'will take over Gaza strip' and 'level it'

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington. The House of Representatives impeaches Vice President Sara Duterte after a total of 215 lawmakers endorsed the fourth impeachment complaint.

by: Reuters

US top diplomat Rubio will not attend G20 meeting in South Africa

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not attend an upcoming G20 meeting in South Africa, the top U.S. diplomat said on Wednesday, days after President Donald Trumpthreatened to cut off funding to the African country.

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: White House won't rule out military deployment in Gaza

As President Donald Trump's second administration continued its swift recasting of the federal government and American foreign policy, the president and his top diplomat issued a stunning proposal, saying the U.S. would "take over" the Gaza Strip, "level the site" and rebuild it.

by: CNN

Trump and Musk are moving to smother these three pieces of the government

Donald Trump ran his presidential campaign promising to abolish entire federal agencies and departments, but it's not quite so easy for a president to simply end an organization that was created and funded each year by Congress,

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: 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

Trump Treasury head defends Elon Musk's DOGE despite 'squawking' from critics

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent comments on Elon Musk's influence over the department and breaks down key aims of President Donald Trump's economic agenda on "Kudlow."

by: MSN

Iowa Governor talks DOGE in D.C. but faces questions about Elon Musk, too

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on Wednesday told members of a U.S. House of Representatives committee that states could use more flexibility with federal resources and could deliver them more efficiently.

by: MSN

Federal government buyouts threaten U.S. national security, ex-officials say

The Trump administration's offer to extend deferred resignations to the intelligence community poses a grave threat to U.S. national security interests, ex-officials say.

by: MSN

World News Live Today February 6, 2025: Donald Trump signs executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports

Get real-time updates on international politics, economic changes, conflicts, and environmental issues. Access the latest breaking news and in-depth stories as they happen, keeping you informed of events shaping the world.

by: MSN

Where the 'uncommitted' movement stands after Trump's Gaza plan: From the Politics Desk

President Donald Trump's proposal of a U.S. takeover of Gaza that would displace Palestinians has reignited a debate among Democrats over the role the "uncommitted" movement played in their 2024 election defeat.

by: MSN

Protesters in cities across the US rally against Trump's policies, Project 2025 and Elon Musk

Demonstrators gathered in cities across the U.S. on Wednesday to protest the Trump administration's early actions, decrying everything from the president's immigration crackdown to his rollback of transgender rights and a proposal to forcibly transfer Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

by: MSN

In Augusta and elsewhere across U.S., crowds protest Trump policies

A movement to oppose the early actions of President Donald Trump's administration is taking off online, with plans to protest across the U.S. on Wednesday.

by: MSN

The House DOGE committee's first hearing will be on 'improper payments and fraud'

The House DOGE subcommittee, chaired by Marjorie Taylor Greene, is set to hold its first hearing on Wednesday, February 12.

by: MSN

'They're working in devilish tandem': Trump and Musk's dreams of government deconstruction collide

John Heilemann joins Nicolle Wallace and discusses how Elon Musk's agenda to deconstruct the administrative state dovetails with President Trump's - but has a broader aim.

by: MSN

Democratic senators protest after they say Trump gives Musk's staff access to classified info

Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee are demanding answers after they say President Donald Trump gave billionaire Elon Musk and his staff access to sensitive data and classified secrets as part of their work to overhaul the federal government.

by: MSN

Trump and Musk's moves to ax USAID are 'flatly illegal,' experts say. It doesn't mean it won't happen.

As head of DOGE, Elon Musk is making moves to scrap federal agencies like USAID. Legal experts say that power belongs with Congress.

by: MSN

DOGE Cancels Politico's Government Funding After $8 Million in Subscription Contracts Revealed

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Wednesday that Politico will not receive another dime of taxpayer money after it was revealed that the politics-focused news outlet has taken in more than $8 million via subscriptions and other government contracts.

by: MSN

Power moves: The women changing Africa's leadership

From Ghana to Namibia, recent appointments of women to top political positions have been encouraging. But with more women in significant roles, are African nations really boosting female political representation?

by: MSN

Trump 'is not king': Lawmaker slams Trump and Musk's government blitz

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have been leading a blitz in shutting down and gutting federal government agencies like USAID. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) joins Chris Jansing to criticize Trump and Musk's actions and explains how Democrats will fight back in Congress.

by: MSN

Trump 2nd term live updates: Rubio said Trump's Gaza takeover 'not meant as hostile'

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

by: MSN

Catholic bishops call for justice, common good in VP Sara's impeachment proceedings

Catholic bishops behind Caritas Philippines on Wednesday urged the government to 'uphold the truth and ensure that justice prevails" as the House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte,

by: MSN

8th Pay Commission: The government said this about the timeline of the 8th Pay Commission and the appointment of members, click to know

Last month, the central government took a surprising step and announced the 8th Pay Commission. More than 15 central employees and pensioners are now eagerly waiting for salary and pension hikes. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday,

by: MSN

"Muslims are being targeted and harassed in Bihar": Tejashwi Yadav meets Governor Arif Mohammad Khan

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday met Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan regarding the "deteriorating law and order situation" in the state and informed him about the "chaotic situation prevailing in the state.

by: MSN

Employee or the boss? More Republicans 'nervous' about Trump's 'hatchet man' Musk

President Trump and Elon Musk continue to cut down parts of the federal government, with many workers being offered a buyout. The Hill senior political correspondent Amie Parnes, Republican strategist Susan Del Percio and Democratic strategist Basil Smikle join Ana Cabrera to share their analysis as many question Musk's role in the White House.

by: MSN

All the times Project 2025 has appeared in Trump's executive orders

All the times Project 2025 has appeared in Trump's executive orders - Trump said he doesn't know 'what the hell' Project 2025 is — but there are dozens of parallels between the document and his execut

by: MSN

The former head of the OPM condemns Trump buyout offer and says federal workers are being 'tormented'

Acting as a kind of HR department for the federal government and tasked with managing that workforce, the OPM made headlines last week when it sent millions of federal workers a b

by: MSN

UK politics live: Starmer confirms talks with Trump over shock plan for US takeover of Gaza

Starmer confirms talks with Trump over shock plan for US takeover of Gaza - Sir Keir Starmer refused to call out Donald Trump on his controversial plan for Gaza during PMQs

by: MSN

Njuri Ncheke reprimands Justin Muturi, orders him to reconcile with Ruto: "Wacha hiyo fitina"

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has found himself at odds with the Njuri Ncheke, who have criticized his constant criticism of the government.

by: MSN

Delhi Elections 2025: Close contest between AAP and BJP, Saffron camp likely to win 36 seats

Exit polls released by Zeenia, Zee News' AI-powered news anchor, suggest that the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP will get 33 to 38 seats while the BJP secures 31 to 36 seats in the Delhi Assembly.

by: MSN

World News Live Today February 5, 2025: Scientists trace sea turtles' 'lost years' for the first time using GPS tags

Get real-time updates on international politics, economic changes, conflicts, and environmental issues. Access the latest breaking news and in-depth stories as they happen, keeping you informed of events shaping the world.

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.
  • Thu, February 6, 2025

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: US government vessels can transit Panama Canal for free

As President Donald Trump's second administration continued its swift recasting of the federal government and American foreign policy, the president and his top diplomat issued a stunning proposal, saying the U.S. would "take over" the Gaza Strip, "level the site" and rebuild it.

by: MSN

Trump can delete Elizabeth Warren's failed experiment once and for all

Rohit Chopra's departure as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau should not be just the end of his tenure but the beginning of the end for the CFPB itself.

by: MSN

Meet the 'nerd army' of Elon Musk: Here is how the 'Muskrats' are shaking up US government agencies and the education system too

Elon Musk's handpicked young tech experts, known as the "Muskrats" or "nerd army," are targeting US bureaucracy, with a special focus on the Education Department. Comprising talented individuals from top companies like Tesla,

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.
The article from STAT News, published on February 3, 2025, discusses the significant political contributions made by Big Pharma's political action committees (PACs) to U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, despite their known criticism of the pharmaceutical industry. According to data from OpenSecrets, these contributions have been substantial, with Sanders and Warren receiving funds from companies like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and others. The article highlights the irony of these donations, given both senators' advocacy for policies aimed at reducing drug prices and increasing transparency in pharmaceutical pricing. It also explores the broader implications of such financial support, suggesting that it might influence or at least complicate the senators' legislative efforts against the industry. The piece delves into the ethical considerations of accepting such funds, the potential for conflict of interest, and how these contributions fit into the larger landscape of campaign finance in American politics.

Read the Full STAT Article at:
https://www.statnews.com/2025/02/03/big-pharma-pac-contributions-bernie-sanders-elizabeth-warren-open-secrets-data/

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