Tue, February 18, 2025

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: Slate

Meet the Disabled Vets, Cancer Researchers, and Nuclear Techs Fired by Elon Musk "For Cause"

Musk's vulture-capitalist approach to dismantling the federal government may be opening the door to wrongful termination lawsuits.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: Slate

I Just Figured Out What Elon Musk's DOGE Really Is

It's how things worked when you went to the Cosa Nostra to ask for protection for you and your family in exchange for some portion of your own resources.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: scrippsnews

Judge won't place restraining order on Elon Musk and DOGE in state AG case

A federal judge has declined to grant a request for a temporary restraining order against Elon Musk and DOGE. State attorneys general argue his making government changes is unconstitutional.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: Slate

Is This a Constitutional Crisis? Wrong Question.

The legalists just want to have a big old fight that lands up at the Supreme Court about the unitary executive and big conservative principles, and the monarchic view of the presidency they've been pushing for a very long time.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: Oregonian

Republicans worry Trump's firings of federal workers will hit red states hard

The DOGE push to downsize government employees will hit the coalition that elected Trump,' a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank, wrote.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: Slate

What Happens Next in the Eric Adams Case? It's Up to One Judge.

Judge Ho will have a hearing on Wednesday to determine whether to accept the DOJ's motion to dismiss the case against the New York City mayor.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: Newsweek

Social Security's COBOL Software Comes Under Scrutiny

Elon Musk's investigation of federal government systems highlighted Social Security's reliance on software developed in the 1950s.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: PBS

Looking to slash Medicaid funding, Republicans consider cutting billions of dollars

Republican lawmakers could try to siphon billions of dollars from the nearly-free health care coverage offered to the poorest Americans.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: CNN

'Good luck with that.' Trump administration terminates privacy officials at agency overseeing government hiring and firing

The Trump administration has quietly fired multiple members of the "privacy team" and other officials from the office that oversees the hiring of federal workers, a move that limits outside access to government records related to the security clearances granted to Elon Musk and his associates,

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: Newsweek

Steve Bannon Escalates Feud With Elon Musk: 'Parasitic Illegal Immigrant'

The former Trump adviser accused the Tesla CEO of using his influence to push an agenda that disregards American traditions.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: AOL

Analysis-France's latest pensions battle could ignite fresh political crisis

President Emmanuel Macron braved strikes and street protests to force through a deeply unpopular reform in 2023 raising France's retirement age by two years to 64, saying it was the only way to keep the generous but costly pension system afloat.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: KPBS

White House says Elon Musk is not in charge of DOGE - legally, anyway

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: Sky

England's top judge condemns Starmer and Badenoch comments on Gaza family coming to UK on Ukraine scheme

The Labour and Conservative leaders spoke out in PMQs against an immigration tribunal allowing a Gazan family to come to the UK under the Ukraine scheme.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: BBC

US Social Security boss steps down after reportedly clashing with Doge

Michelle King left because of a reported disagreement over Elon Musk-led Doge staffers accessing sensitive data.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: Politico

Platkin and the resistance

While I very much doubt that Platkin wanted Trump to be elected, he is now part of a group of Democratic attorneys general who have arguably been the only effective resistance so far to the new administration.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: MSN

Leaked DOGE documents offer a damning insights into Trump's DEI purge - and what's next

A new set of leak documents have revealed damning details regarding Trump's purge of government employees and DEI staff - and what's coming next.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: Musk sets sights on Fort Knox gold reserves

In recent days, Musk repeatedly posted to X about wanting to "make sure" the gold is still at the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: CapX

Lawyers are good at politics - but not if you want growth

In a lecture titled 'Politics as Vocation', the philosopher Max Weber noted that: 'To an outstanding degree, politics today is in fact conducted in public by means of the spoken or written word.' It was true when he said it, in 1918; it is even more true now.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: Sky

London mayor Sadiq Khan to tell EU diplomats 'Brexit was a mistake' and argue for stronger EU ties to fight Trump tariffs

London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan is to tell EU diplomats "Brexit was a mistake" and argue stronger ties with the bloc would help fight Donald Trump's tariff threats. He will say the UK's withdrawal from the EU "continues to have a negative impact" and will promise to make the case for "being bold" to seek closer alignment.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: MSN

Amir of Qatar receives Guard of Honour, ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Amir of Qatar, Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani received the Guard of Honour and a ceremonial welcome in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. He was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with senior ministers from the government.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: MSN

Costa Rica offers to receive deported Indians and central Asian migrants from US

Costa Rica has agreed to repatriate 200 illegal immigrants from Central Asia and India, following President Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. This makes Costa Rica the third Central American country to collaborate in this effort,

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: CNN

US and Russian officials meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine war deal

Trump administration and Russian officials meet in Saudi Arabia for talks on ending the Ukraine war. Follow for live updates.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: MSN

Musk is not a DOGE employee and "has no actual or formal authority," White House says

Elon Musk is not the administrator of DOGE and nor is he an employee of the department that's overseeing massive cuts to the federal workforce and agencies, either, per a Monday night White House court filing.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: MSN

"Their anxiety increases as Sanatanis come together...": BJP's Gourav Vallabh hits back at Akhilesh Yadav

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Gourav Vallabh came out heavily against Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav for his criticism of the Yogi Adityanath government over Maha Kumbh arrangements, and accused him of engaging in appeasement politics.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: CNN

US and Russian officials to discuss Ukraine war deal in Saudi Arabia

Trump administration and Russian officials to meet in Saudi Arabia for talks on ending the Ukraine war. Follow for live updates.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: MSN

Elon Musk's role in DOGE uncertain after recent filing from White House

In an affidavit filed in federal court Tuesday, a White House official said Elon Musk is not the administrator of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

[ Tue, Feb 18th 2025 ]: ABC12

Trump begins firing FAA staff weeks after Washington, D.C. plane crash

Probationary workers were targeted in late-night emails Friday notifying them they had been fired, according to David Spero, president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union.
Mon, February 17, 2025

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: Newsweek

Photos Show Trump, Musk 50501 Protests Across the US

Thousands of Americans braved freezing temperatures on Presidents Day to protest against Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: Newsweek

Americans Shocked by '60 Minutes' Report on German Speech Policing

The segment, which aired on Sunday, showcased how German authorities crack down on online speech deemed harmful or offensive under the country's laws.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: KTVZ

Oregon's federal workforce among those hit by Trump's sweeping firings of thousands of probationary employees

The Trump administration Friday continued its mass firing of thousands of probationary federal employees in an attempt to remove workers recently hired under the Biden administration and to cull the federal workforce.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: Reuters

Scholz calls for 'strong and sovereign' Europe ahead of security talks in Paris

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants to see a strong and sovereign Europe, he said on Monday, ahead of hastily arranged talks in Paris following signals that the United States is no longer seeking Europe's input on ending the Ukraine conflict.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: Newsweek

John Fetterman Calls Out Elon Musk After Recent Support for Trump Ally

Following Trump's win, Fetterman and Musk shared pleasantries when the two were on Capitol Hill back in December.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: Newsweek

Americans Shocked by '60 Minutes' Report on German Free Speech Policing

The segment, which aired on Sunday, showcased how German authorities crack down on online speech deemed harmful or offensive under the country's laws.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: WESA

Hundreds of Pittsburghers protest Trump cuts, voice support for Ukraine, immigrants, trans people

The protesters shouted slogans of solidarity with a wide variety of Democratic causes and constituencies, such as immigrants and trans people. As they walked through the streets, they waved pride flags,

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: Newsweek

DC House Prices Slashed As DOGE Targets Federal Workers

New listings in Washington, D.C., have risen over the past few weeks, as mass layoffs leave federal workers uncertain about their future.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: thenightly

Australian news and politics live: Building productivity sinking like a brick, report calls for code shake-up

Senator Fatima Payman has weighed into the furore over the vile anti-Semitic video showing two former NSW nurses last week, saying the comments were 'wrong'.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: CNN

Trump pushes Russia to end war with Ukraine as government overhaul takes shape in the US

Donald Trump is forging ahead with his foreign and domestic policy agendas in the early stages of his presidency, working toward a deal to end the war in Ukraine and shrinking the scale of federal government agencies at home.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: KY3

Trump nominates former Missouri GOP leader to stay as top DC federal prosecutor

Ed Martin supervised legal clinics for low-income residents as director of the human rights office for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis and, for two decades before becoming U.S. attorney, ran his own law practice and was active in Republican politics,

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: PBS

How an emboldened crypto industry is trying to cement political influence

The crypto industry has scored some early wins since Trump took office, including the repeal of an accounting rule by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and an executive order by the president directing a working group to study and propose changes to crypto regulations as well as the possible formation of a strategic government reserve of cryptocurrencies within 180 days.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: ktvq

Trump's widespread federal layoffs could be felt across the country

While Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. are feeling the effects of these layoffs, a union representing federal workers has emphasized that 80% of its membership resides outside the D.C. metropolitan area, indicating the potential national implications of these layoffs.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: MSN

New York Congresswoman introduces bill to make Trump's birthday a federal holiday

New York Congresswoman introduces bill to make Trump's birthday a federal holiday - 'This legislation would permanently codify a new federal holiday called "Trump's Birthday and Flag Day", Congressman

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: MSN

Judge to hear arguments over Musk's authority as suits against administration pile up

A judge will hear arguments challenging Elon Musk's constitutional authority -- one of at least 73 lawsuits the administration faces in its effort to trim the government.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: MSN

'He couldn't answer': Dems left shocked after ambushing Mike Johnson over Elon Musk

Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA) and Gwen Moore (D-WI) — found House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to be "alarmingly" ignorant of Elon Musk's intentions as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) rampaged its way through the federal government,

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: PBS

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

The impacted workers include personnel hired for FAA radar, landing and navigational aid maintenance, one air traffic controller told the Associated Press.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: MSN

Comelec asked to disqualify Tulfo siblings

A petition seeking to disqualify members of the Tulfo clan from running in the national and local elections was filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The 22-page petition, dated February 14,

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: MSN

Trouble for Elon Musk's DOGE? Rare urgent court hearing scheduled on Presidents Day holiday. Here's why

Elon Musk's governmental cost-cutting team known as DOGE in President Donald Trump's second tenure has raised several questions.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: CNN

European leaders to host Ukraine summit as Trump pushes peace talks with Russia

Donald Trump is forging ahead with his foreign and domestic policy agendas in the early stages of his presidency, working toward a deal to end the war in Ukraine and shrinking the scale of federal government agencies at home.

[ Mon, Feb 17th 2025 ]: MSN

Trump claims Putin wants to 'stop fighting' and Zelensky will be in negotiations

Brazil's Neymar walk onto the pitch during his debut for Santos FC in a Sao Paulo league soccer match against Botafogo-SP, in Santos, Brazil, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. On February 12, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone, their first official conversation since Trump's re-election.

Musk is not a DOGE employee and "has no actual or formal authority," White House says

Elon Musk is not the administrator of DOGE and nor is he an employee of the department that's overseeing massive cuts to the federal workforce and agencies, either, per a Monday night White House court filing.

The White House has clarified that Elon Musk, despite his significant influence in the tech and social media spheres, holds no formal or actual authority within the U.S. government. This statement was made in response to Musk's interactions with foreign leaders and his comments on various policy issues, which have sometimes led to confusion about his role. The clarification comes amidst discussions about Musk's involvement in international affairs, particularly his communications with leaders like Vladimir Putin and his public statements on matters like Ukraine and Taiwan. The White House emphasized that while Musk can offer insights and engage in discussions, he does not have any official governmental power or decision-making capacity.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/musk-is-not-a-doge-employee-and-has-no-actual-or-formal-authority-white-house-says/ar-AA1zfP91