• Sun, February 16, 2025

by: CNN

'Salute and execute': A new generation of military veterans takes center stage as Trump remakes US foreign policy

At the start of his first term, President Donald Trump filled several top jobs with retired generals — high-ranking veterans who served in leadership positions during the post-9/11 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

by: PBS

Fact-checking Trump and Musk's claims that they are cutting government 'fraud and abuse'

Elon Musk and President Donald Trump say they have uncovered massive "fraud" in the federal government. But the projects the White House points to are largely ones that the administration disagrees with ideologically,

by: Yahoo

What it means when Elon Musk brings his children to work

Jon Haber, a strategic communication consultant who has worked with five presidential campaigns and teaches at Harvard, said Musk's children making frequent appearances - and creating viral moments - is beneficial for Trump.

by: Newsweek

Who Is Ashley St. Clair? Author Says She's Had Elon Musk's 13th Child

The conservative influencer said she made the announcement to prevent the baby's existence from being revealed by "tabloid media."

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: Musk's DOGE requests access to IRS tax database: Sources

Trump is also making his second administration's first forays on the diplomatic front with calls to Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy on ending the 3-year-old war that began in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.

by: MSN

Elon Musk's latest move involves millions of Americans' personal tax details: Sources

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency requested access to an IRS data system that retains the personal tax information on millions of Americans, sources say.

by: MSN

Syria's new leader visits former Assad strongholds

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Latakia and Tartus on Sunday, his office said, making his first official trip to the coastal provinces formerly known as strongholds of ousted ruler Bashar al-Assad.

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: Rubio agrees with Netanyahu Hamas must be 'eliminated'

As President Donald Trump's second administration continued its effort to swiftly reshape the federal government, a union representing foreign service officers at the U.S. Agency for International Development accused the administration of failing to comply with last week's temporary restraining order to prevent the dismantling of USAID.

by: MSN

A legal look at Trump's executive sprint

As President Trump tests the traditional limits of presidential power, Georgetown University legal scholar and constitutional expert Stephen Vladeck discusses what's legal, what's unprecedented, and what could come next.

by: MSN

'Crown Estate profits generated from our land and seabed should benefit Wales directly'

Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth writes for WalesOnline about the failure of the UK government to devolve responsibility for the Crown Estate

by: MSN

World News Live Today February 16, 2025: Transgender man 'tortured' and killed at NY motel; five charged

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

Ukraine and Europe worry about being sidelined as Trump pushes direct talks with Russia on war's end

President Donald Trump's approach to ending Russia's war against Ukraine has left European allies and Ukrainian officials worried they are being largely sidelined by the new U.S. administration as Washington and Moscow plan direct negotiations.

by: MSN

Meeting between PM Modi, US President Trump reaffirms strength of US-India partnership: USISPF

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump for the substantive outcomes achieved in their first meeting following Trump's inauguration on January 20.

by: MSN

Netanyahu tells Marco Rubio 'President Trump and I are working in full cooperation'

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Sunday met in Jerusalem with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.In his remarks, Netanyahu called President Trump "the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House.

by: MSN

As USAID freeze leaves South Asia reeling, can India rise to the challenge?

The sudden suspension of USAID funds has delivered a gut punch to Nepal and Bangladesh - but it could be an opportunity for India to step up When the US abruptly froze US$44 billion in aid funding last month,

by: MSN

Ukraine's Zelensky says he trusts Donald Trump but wants to meet as US pushes peace talks with Russia

Ukraine's Zelensky says he trusts Donald Trump but wants to meet as US pushes peace talks with Russia - White House officials are expected to enter negotiations with Russia in coming days, but it's un

by: MSN

President Murmu witnesses inaugural show of Change of Guard Ceremony in new format

President Droupadi Murmu witnessed the inaugural show of the Change of Guard Ceremony in a new format, held at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday."The inaugural show of Change of Guard Ceremony in new format was held today at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

by: MSN

Joint Parliamentary panel on One Nation One Election to meet on February 25

The Joint Committee meeting on Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024">2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024">2024 will be held at the Parliament House Annexe and will be holding interactions with legal experts.

by: MSN

Trump drives Daytona 500 track as government tries to rehire fired nuclear safety staff: Live updates

Trump drives Daytona 500 track as government tries to rehire fired nuclear safety staff: Live updates - According to the White House the president will arrive at the Daytona International Speedway jus

by: MSN

Elon Musk is doing everything conspiracy theorists accuse George Soros of

Elon Musk is an unfathomably wealthy billionaire who has used his financial resources to gain influence over politics, media, and government institutions. If that sounds familiar, it's because right-wing populists have spent years hurling accusations of the same behavior at the liberal Jewish philanthropist George Soros.

by: MSN

A government worker's message for Elon Musk

Since taking office, President Trump and his advisor, Elon Musk, have worked to winnow the ranks of federal workers, enticing more than 2 million gov't employees to quit. But how will the public lose out if government workers lose their jobs?

by: MSN

Trump administration's reversal: NNSA layoffs cause chaos

The Donald Trump administration initially laid off employees and subsequently reversed those decisions at the National Nuclear Security Administration, as reported by American media. On Thursday, some employees of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in the USA received layoff notices,

by: MSN

Trump's Return-to-Office Order Threatens Power of Government Unions

The fight involves whether remote-work protections for federal workers last from one administration to the next.
  • Mon, February 17, 2025

by: CounterPunch

Trump's Reign of Cruelty

Neoliberalism has always been more than an economic project; it is a political and educational weapon designed to erode social solidarity and dismantle the foundations of democracy. It does not merely defund public institutions like healthcare,

by: NDTV

How USAID Funneled $21 Million To India For 'Voter Turnout'

The newly created US Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE has been auditing several government agencies in the US and cutting wasteful expenditure.

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: White House says some employees were fired by mistake

President Donald Trump's administration said some federal government employees who took the "Fork in the Road" buyout offer were then fired or let go — in error.

by: WBTW

Trump administration cuts hit FDA employees in food safety, medical devices and tobacco products

Nearly half of the FDA's $6.9 billion budget comes from fees paid by companies the agency regulates, including drug and medical device makers, which allows the agency to hire extra scientists to

by: WPLG

Trump begins firings of FAA air traffic control staff just weeks after fatal DC plane crash

The Trump administration has begun firing several hundred Federal Aviation Administration employees, upending staff on a busy air travel weekend and just weeks after a fatal mid-air collision in Washington.

by: Reuters

Italy's Meloni takes on the judiciary, in echo of Berlusconi

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is clashing with the country's judiciary in the same way her old political ally and mentor Silvio Berlusconi used to, promising a once-in-a-lifetime overhaul of the legal system.

by: ABC

'We're under attack by billionaires': Fired federal workers speak out on terminations

Hanna Hickman, a now-terminated worker for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, told ABC News the last four days have been a roller coaster.

by: ABC

GOP Sen. Mullin: Trump is the only person who can force Putin to the table

GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin said Trump has the capability to apply pressure to Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a deal to end the war in Ukraine.

by: CNN

Paranoia seeps into a federal workforce worried about getting fired and being watched

As the Trump administration fires thousands of employees across the government, federal workers have another reason to be on edge: the widespread access that Elon Musk's "government efficiency" team has gained to agency computer systems.

by: Newsweek

Elon Musk Raises Alarm Over Social Security

The Social Security Administration has come under the scrutiny of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.

by: MSN

Column: Democrats belatedly wake up to start battling Trump and Musk

Democrats in Congress seemed surprised as President Trump fully unleashed Elon Musk to upend the federal government. Can they mount a real opposition?

by: MSN

Congress needs to ensure Trump's 'common-sense' agenda 'has become law': Kevin Roberts

Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action President Kevin Roberts details optimism around DOGE cuts, how to 'make the government great again' and international reactions to the Trump-Vance administration.

by: MSN

Moscow warns Zelensky's days 'are numbered'

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone, their first official conversation since Trump's re-election.

by: MSN

Kerala Mosque Sparks Outcry: Slain Hamas, Hezbollah Leaders Honoured, Posters Paraded Atop Elephants

Kerala Mosque Sparks Outcry: Slain Hamas, Hezbollah Leaders Honoured, Posters Paraded Atop Elephants

by: MSN

China plays its Trump card

As newly installed President Donald Trump pursues his personal agenda in the White House, Chairman Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) elites must be rubbing their hands with glee. Trump and his senior officials are alarming or snubbing one country after another,

by: MSN

MK Stalin vs Dharmendra Pradhan: Centre can't blackmail, says DMK leader; union minister fires back with Hindi argument

The war of words between the Centre and Tamil Nadu has heated up, with education minister Dharmendra Pradhan saying that there is nothing wrong with students of the state learning another language. His comments come a day after M K Stalin accused the Centre of 'blackmailing' over NEP.

by: MSN

Assam: FIR filed against Pakistan national allegedly linked to Congress MP Gogoi's wife

The Assam Police has registered a case against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheik, and others under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, state Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday.

by: MSN

Analysis-Italy's Meloni takes on the judiciary, in echo of Berlusconi

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is clashing with the country's judiciary in the same way her old political ally and mentor Silvio Berlusconi used to, promising a once-in-a-lifetime overhaul of the legal system.

by: MSN

Washington Post refuses to run $115,000 ad titled 'Fire Elon Musk,' report says

Washington Post refuses to run $115,000 ad titled 'Fire Elon Musk,' report says - 'Who's running this country: Donald Trump or Elon Musk,' reads the advert, which was intended for Tuesday's edition of

by: MSN

Former UK PM John Major warns of dangers if US does not stand by allies

Major said if the US 'retreats towards isolation' it would leave the door open for China and Russia to wield increased influence A world in which the United States does not support its allies will be "rather more dangerous",

by: MSN

Trump told Netanyahu 'Do whatever you want,' provides hostage update

Donald Trump was asked by reporters if he's been briefed on phase two of the hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. Trump replied that he told Israeli PM Netanyahu to, 'Do whatever you want.'

by: MSN

Trump takes a lap at Daytona as Elon Musk reportedly seeks access to personal taxpayer data: Live

Trump drives Daytona 500 track as government tries to rehire fired nuclear safety staff: Live updates - According to the White House the president will arrive at the Daytona International Speedway jus

by: MSN

'Trump's actions taking us back to primitive days of slavery, colonisation'

Frank Chikane, a veteran of the African National Congress (ANC), argues that the arbitrary actions of United States President Donald Trump, including the cutting of financial support to South Africa,

by: MSN

Are Musk's plans for mass federal layoffs 'driven by what he sees' on X?

More employees across more than a dozen federal agencies are reporting they are being let go from their positions as Elon Musk and DOGE look to slash the government workforce. New York Times reporter Teddy Schleifer breaks down the latest on these firings and discusses the relationship between Musk and President Trump.

by: MSN

Assam: Politics heats up as BJP and Congress warn each other of legal battle

The ongoing political battle between Assam's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress took a legal turn on Sunday, February 16, with both sides threatening lawsuits over allegations of defamation and character assassination.

Trump's Return-to-Office Order Threatens Power of Government Unions

The fight involves whether remote-work protections for federal workers last from one administration to the next.
The article discusses former President Donald Trump's plan to issue an executive order on his first day back in office, should he win the 2024 election, aimed at diminishing the power of government unions. This order would make it easier to fire federal workers by reclassifying many of them as at-will employees, thereby stripping them of civil service protections. This move is part of Trump's broader "Schedule F" initiative, which seeks to overhaul the federal workforce by removing job security for tens of thousands of employees, making it simpler to dismiss those not aligned with his administration's goals. Critics argue that this would politicize the federal workforce, potentially leading to a purge of career officials and undermining the merit-based system. The proposal has sparked significant opposition from unions and Democrats, who see it as an attack on workers' rights and an attempt to centralize power. The article also notes that while Trump's previous attempt at this order was blocked by legal challenges, he intends to push forward with it if re-elected, highlighting the ongoing tension between Trump's administration and federal employee unions.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/politics/trump-s-return-to-office-order-threatens-power-of-government-unions/ar-AA1z8ZmK

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