Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Justice Department as attorney general, appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for her confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in
Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Senate confirms Pam Bondi as US attorney general, putting Trump ally at Justice Department’s helm
By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and STEPHEN GROVESUpdated 6:53 PM CST, February 4, 2025
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as U.S. attorney general Tuesday evening, putting a longtime ally of Donald Trump at the helm of a Justice Department that has already been rattled by the firings of career employees seen as disloyal to the Republican president.
The vote fell almost entirely along party lines, with only Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, joining with all Republicans to pass her confirmation 54-46.
Bondi, a former Florida attorney general and corporate lobbyist, is expected to oversee a radical reshaping of the department that has been the target of Trump’s ire over the criminal cases it brought against him. She enters with the FBI, which she will oversee, in turmoil over the scrutiny of agents involved in investigations related to the president, who has made clear his desire to seek revenge on his perceived adversaries.
Republicans have praised Bondi as a highly qualified leader they contend will bring much-needed change to a department they believe unfairly pursued Trump through investigations resulting in two indictments.
“Pam Bondi has promised to get the department back to its core mission: prosecuting crime and protecting Americans from threats to their safety and their freedoms,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. ...
READ THE FULL STORY - AP
Trump administration pulling almost all USAID workers off the job worldwide
The move had been rumored for several days and a notice posted online gives the workers 30 days to return home.
apnews.com
CIA sends ‘buyout’ offers to entire workforce | CNN Politics
The Central Intelligence Agency on Tuesday became the first major national security agency to offer so-called buyouts to its entire workforce, a CIA spokesperson and two other sources familiar with the offer said, part of President Donald Trump’s broad effort to shrink the federal government and...
www.cnn.com
Elon Musk's access to Treasury's payment system is raising alarms. Here's what to know.
Elon Musk's control of a federal payment system is raising concerns about funding for programs like Social Security and the safety of personal data.
www.cbsnews.comTrump says he's given advisers instructions for Iran to be 'obliterated' if it assassinates him
President Donald Trump says he’s given his advisers instructions to obliterate Iran if it assassinates him.
apnews.com
USAID to put nearly all staff on leave Friday; overseas missions shuttering
USAID announced that all "direct-hire personnel" will be placed on leave with some exceptions for those on "mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs."
www.cbsnews.com
FBI agents detail J6 role in exhaustive questionnaire, spanning 'thousands' of employees
Questions ranged from agents' participation in any grand jury subpoenas, whether the agents worked or responded to leads from another FBI field office, or if they worked as a case agent for investigations.
USAID upheaval is paralyzing delivery of food and medicine around the globe
Though humanitarian aid was supposed to be exempt from the Trump-ordered disruption, shipments of lifesaving food and drugs are held up in ports and warehouses.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump says US will 'take over' Gaza: 'We'll own it'
He said the U.S. would "level the site" and create "an economic development."
Pokrovsk: Inside the Ukrainian city as Russian forces advance
Ukrainian volunteers are going house to house in Pokrovsk as Russian drones hunt from the skies.
www.bbc.com
Elon Musk and DOGE are hacking the government
Musk has moved with lightning speed to try to remake the federal government. Many Democrats and even some Republicans say his efforts are unlawful.
www.nbcnews.com
Democrats lay out road map to take down Elon Musk - Washington Examiner
Democrats are railing against Elon Musk’s efforts to gut federal agencies and recent access to the federal government’s payment system.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Trump reinstates ‘maximum pressure’ campaign against Iran
President Donald Trump issued an executive order reinstating a "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, targeting Tehran's oil exports.
Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick to oversee US spy agencies, clears Senate committee
Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's pick to be director of national intelligence, has moved a step closer to Senate confirmation.
apnews.com
'Deranged' and 'problematic': Bipartisan group of lawmakers bashes Trump's Gaza proposal
Trump said Tuesday night the U.S. "will take over Gaza" and send in troops "if necessary."
www.nbcnews.com
Vance flexes political power in new role
Republican senators cite Vice President JD Vance as a key negotiator in moving President Trump's nominees out of committee and reassuring wavering senators.
www.cbsnews.com
RFK Jr. passes key Senate panel vote to advance health secretary nomination
All eyes were on Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and longtime doctor who expressed deep concern about Kennedy's history of anti-vaccine comments.
US Postal Service stops accepting parcels from China
It says the suspension will be in place "until further notice" and did not offer a reason for the decision.
www.bbc.comDemocrats confront limits of their power in bid to stop Trump and Musk
Democrats are fighting to energize their party’s growing resistance to President Trump and his chief lieutenant, Elon Musk.
apnews.com
Trump administration plans sweeping layoffs among workers who don’t opt to resign | CNN Politics
The Trump administration is planning widespread layoffs among the federal workforce soon, leaving employees who don’t accept its deferred resignation offer at risk of losing their jobs, two Trump administration officials told CNN.
www.cnn.comTrump won't rule out deploying US troops to support rebuilding Gaza, sees 'long-term' US ownership
President Donald Trump has suggested that displaced Palestinians in Gaza be permanently resettled outside the war-torn territory and proposed the U.S. take “ownership” in redeveloping the area.
apnews.com
ICE releases some migrant detainees as its detention facilities reach 109% capacity
Since Mr. Trump's inauguration, ICE has increased arrest operations across the country, recording as many 1,000 arrests on some days.
www.cbsnews.com
Trump says the US will 'own' the Gaza Strip - Washington Examiner
President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday, capped by a first joint press conference.
www.washingtonexaminer.comTreasury tells Congress that DOGE has ‘Read Only’ access to payment systems
A Treasury Department official has written a letter to federal lawmakers saying that a tech executive working with Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” will have “read-only access” to the government’s payment system.
apnews.com
Trump's Gaza plan will be seen as flying in face of international law
Netanyahu's far-right allies will cheer the proposal, but Arab nations will see it as ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.
www.bbc.com
Left-wing billionaires bankroll Dem super PAC plotting to win back working-class voters: 'This is a priority'
The House Majority Fund, which is boosted by several billionaire donors, has launched an initiative aimed at earning back the working-class vote that was lost in 2024.
Lawsuit claims University of Michigan violated protesters' constitutional rights
A new lawsuit filed against the University of Michigan claims the school banned five people from campus because of pro-Palestine protests.
www.usatoday.com
Senate Republicans insist Elon Musk isn't in charge after whirlwind actions
Senate Republicans defended the Trump administration’s sweeping revamp of the U.S. Agency for International Development led by Elon Musk.
Israeli prime minister lauds Trump's leadership when asked if Biden should take credit for ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded President Donald Trump's leadership when asked if the Biden or Trump administration should take credit for the ceasefire deal.
Trump suggests displaced Palestinians in Gaza be 'permanently' resettled outside war-torn territory
President Donald Trump is suggesting that displaced Palestinians in Gaza be “permanently” resettled outside the war-torn territory.
apnews.com
USAID employees around the world will be placed on leave Friday and ordered to return to US | CNN Politics
US Agency for International Development staff around the world will be placed on administrative leave Friday and ordered to return to the US, according to a directive issued Tuesday night.
www.cnn.com
1st migrant flight at Guantanamo Bay arrives, carrying 'worst of the worst'
The first flight carrying migrants to Guantanamo Bay arrived Tuesday evening, a U.S. Transportation Command official said.
Meet the young team of software engineers slashing government waste at DOGE: report
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has reportedly put together a team of young software engineers to help with his efforts at DOGE to promote spending cuts.
New York Democrats choose candidate to replace Stefanik - Washington Examiner
Stefanik is expected to be confirmed as President Donald Trump's ambassador to the United Nations.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
US officials walk back elements of Trump’s plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza
US president’s plan drew sharp responses worldwide, with Hamas calling it ‘a recipe for creating chaos’ in Middle East.
Could US criminals be sent to El Salvador's mega-jail?
El Salvador has offered to take in criminals deported from the US and house them in its mega-jail.
www.bbc.comIn Trump's quest to close the Education Department, Congress and his own agenda may get in the way
President Donald Trump is preparing to gut the U.S. Education Department to the full extent of his power, directing his administration to slash spending while pressuring employees to quit.
apnews.com
Pam Bondi confirmed as attorney general in 54-46 vote
President Trump tapped Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, to lead the Justice Department.
www.cbsnews.comMexico's National Guard starts moving troops to the Northern border
Mexico began moving troops Tuesday to reinforce its shared border with the United States, part of the deal President Claudia Sheinbaum reached with U.S.
apnews.com
Rep. Jamie Raskin demands details on U.S. citizens caught up in ICE enforcement
Following up on an NBC News report, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee said in a letter that ICE can't use its enforcement powers to arrest or detain U.S. citizens.
www.nbcnews.com
Senate confirms Pam Bondi as attorney general as RFK Jr and Gabbard advance
The full Senate voted in the evening, approving Bondi as the next attorney general, tasked with running the Department of Justice.
www.bbc.com
China retaliates against Trump with tariffs on select US imports, AP Explains
China announced retaliatory tariffs on select American imports and an antitrust investigation into Google on Tuesday, just minutes after a sweeping levy on Chinese products imposed by U.S.
apnews.com
USPS temporarily suspends accepting packages from China and Hong Kong
The suspension of international parcels from China and Hong Kong is effective immediately, the USPS said.
www.cbsnews.com
'Billionaires versus billionaires': OpenAI feud between Elon Musk, Sam Altman faces federal judge
A federal judge said it is a “stretch” that Musk and his company xAI suffered “irreparable harm” from OpenAI’s plan to become a for-profit company.
www.nbcnews.com
Senate confirms Pam Bondi as Trump attorney general - Washington Examiner
Ahead of the vote, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) urged his Democratic colleagues to support her.
www.washingtonexaminer.comWhat did US get from deals to pause tariffs on Canada and Mexico? Not that much, observers say
President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico risked blowing up North America’s economy.
apnews.com
Migrant flight lands in Guantanamo Bay as legal questions swirl around Trump plans | CNN Politics
As tents went up in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to hold migrants, attorneys at the Department of Homeland Security and Pentagon were still trying to determine whether it was legal to take the unprecedented step of flying migrants from the US southern border to the facility, according to two US...
www.cnn.comTrump announces withdrawal from UN human rights body and halt to funding for Palestinian refugees
President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will withdraw from the U.N.’s top human rights body and will not resume funding for the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees.
apnews.com
Thousands evacuate Santorini after earthquakes shake Greek island
Hundreds of earthquakes have rattled the island since Sunday, leading emergency flights to be scheduled.
www.bbc.com
Syria’s al-Sharaa, Turkiye’s Erdogan talk Kurdish fighters, defence pacts
Turkey meeting is second foreign trip by President Ahmed al-Sharaa as he seeks to bolster support for Syria.
Trump says he'd deport US citizens convicted of crimes 'in a heartbeat' if legal
Marco Rubio met with El Salvador’s president and said they've agreed to not only take in deported foreign nationals who committed crimes, but also jailed U.S. citizens.
Almost all USAID workers across the globe placed on leave as Trump moves to gut agency
Thousands of USAID employees, except for essential personnel, were notified they will be placed on administrative leave at the end of Friday.
www.usatoday.com
‘Making America expensive again’: Democrats find a tax they don’t like in Trump tariffs
President Trump said the tariffs might result in short-term disruption, but Democrats claim American households will pay the ultimate price.
Transgender youth sue over Trump's executive order targeting gender-affirming care
A group of transgender minors and their families filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump's executive action restricting access to gender-affirming care for people under the age of 19.
www.cbsnews.comFBI agents sue over Justice Dept. effort to ID employees involved in Trump-related investigations
FBI agents who participated in investigations related to President Donald Trump have sued over Justice Department efforts to develop a list of employees involved in those inquiries that they fear could be a precursor to mass firings.
apnews.com
Pro-athlete home burglaries may be linked to raid in New York City's Diamond District, sources say
Investigators say a retailer of allegedly stolen goods in Manhattan was working with a crew alleged to be behind a Dec. 9 break-in that coincides with a burglary at the home of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump eyes Abraham Accords expansion, Gaza rebuild with Netanyahu meeting on deck
The administration is eyeing an expansion of the Abraham Accords and a rebuilding of Gaza, senior administration officials said before President Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Judge orders Trump prosecutors to dish in collusion case - Washington Examiner
The order followed the end of Jack Smith’s 2020 election interference case against Trump and Smith’s own resignation from his special prosecutor role.
www.washingtonexaminer.comRemains of all 67 victims of the midair collision near DC recovered as NTSB probes altitude data
Investigators said they need to get more information from the still-submerged Black Hawk to verify the data.
apnews.com
Elon Musk gets quiet White House reminders his power isn't unchecked
Trump's aides have signaled behind the scenes that Musk still reports to White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
www.nbcnews.comFirst military flight lands in Guantanamo Bay with migrants deported from the US
The first U.S. military flight deporting migrants from the United States to Guantanamo Bay has landed in Cuba.
apnews.com
100,000 organic eggs stolen from one US grocer as bird flu drives up prices
The price of eggs has risen amid a bird flu epidemic, making them an unexpectedly costly menu option.
www.bbc.com
CIA offers buyouts to workforce to align with Trump priorities, agency official says
The CIA is offering most employees a buyout as part of a plan to realign itself with Donald Trump's agenda. Essential spies, analysts won't get one
www.usatoday.com
Temple University student arrested for impersonating ICE officer: Police
A Temple University student has been arrested and charged with impersonating an ICE officer.
Trump divided America as a candidate. So far, he’s doing the same as president | CNN Politics
There are two areas of bipartisan agreement about President Donald Trump’s early days back in the White House: voters say he is moving quickly to keep promises and he is far more active and visible than his predecessor.
www.cnn.comRepublicans running for New Jersey governor swing at one another in first debate
Four candidates in the New Jersey Republican gubernatorial primary have spared few punches in their first debate ahead of the June vote.
apnews.com
Doug Collins confirmed as veterans affairs secretary in latest addition to Trump Cabinet
Collins has promised to cut regulations across the department and elevate the quality of care for veterans.
www.cbsnews.comAt least 10 killed at adult education center in what officials say is Sweden's worst mass shooting
At least 10 people including the gunman have been killed at an adult education center in what Sweden’s prime minister called the country’s “worst mass shooting.”
apnews.com
In West Bank, Israel denies Jenin families right to bury loved ones at home
As Israel kills dozens of Palestinians in Jenin, it also denies victims’ families the dignity to bury their loved ones.
House Dem Pat Ryan calls Elon Musk a villain, accuses Trump of enriching his inner circle
House Democrat Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., called Elon Musk a villain and accused Trump of selling out to his donors during an interview with CNN's John Berman on Tuesday.
Ivey calls public safety her top priority for the 2025 session
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is calling public safety her top priority for this year's legislative session.
apnews.com
Trump administration moves to make tech officials political appointees amid DOGE clashes
The change could smooth Elon Musk’s efforts to access the technology systems of various federal agencies through his Department of Government Efficiency. One former personnel management official called it a “tech coup.”
www.nbcnews.comA timeline of last week's air disaster in Washington, the deadliest in the US since 2001
Almost a week after a helicopter and airplane collision in Washington killed 67 people, investigators are still at work as salvage crews pull out chunks of aircraft.
apnews.com
Sanders and Hawley introduce bill to cap credit card interest at 10% - Washington Examiner
President Donald Trump backed lowering credit card interest rates during his 2024 campaign, and the bill attempts to hold him to his promise.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
What is the Department of Education - and can Trump dismantle it?
The president has pledged to eliminate the federal agency that oversees the US education system.
www.bbc.comCourt upholds suspension of LSU professor who vulgarly criticized Trump and Louisiana Governor
A Louisiana appeals court has upheld the suspension of an LSU law professor who criticized Gov. Jeff Landry and President Donald Trump using vulgar language.
apnews.com
Analysis: Trump tests his power. Can he do these things? | CNN Politics
There’s an as-yet unanswerable question to apply to so many of the incredible things President Donald Trump is trying to do as he barrels through the second week of his second term: Can he actually do this?
www.cnn.com
Senator sends message to Dems upset over Elon Musk's DOGE team: 'Get used to this'
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, joined 'America's Newsroom' to discuss alleged 'waste and abuse' at USAID and Democrats' criticism of Elon Musk's role in reducing government spending.
Trump wants Education secretary to 'put herself out of a job' in push to close department
President Donald Trump told reporters that Linda McMahon, his nominee to lead the Education Dept., should eventually "put herself out of a job."
www.usatoday.com
India PM Modi's party seeks to oust anti-corruption crusader in New Delhi state elections
Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party is pitted against the Aam Aadmi Party, led by Arvind Kejriwal, which runs Delhi and has built a vast support base on its popular welfare policies and an anti-corruption movement.
apnews.com
Sweden shooting: What we know about Orebro school gun attack
Police say "around 10" people have died, in the worst school shooting in Sweden's history.
www.bbc.comTrump administration will consider redrawing boundaries of national monuments as part of energy push
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has ordered federal officials to review and consider redrawing the boundaries of national monuments created under previous presidents to protect unique landscapes and cultural resources.
apnews.com
FBI agents sue Trump administration over Jan. 6 scrutiny as FBI discloses list of over 5,000 agents to DOJ
FBI agents who worked on the Jan. 6 probe are suing the government over plans to review the FBI workforce and agents who may have worked on the investigations.
www.cbsnews.comIn Trump's quest to close the Education Department, Congress and his own agenda may get in the way
President Donald Trump is preparing to gut the U.S. Education Department to the full extent of his power, directing his administration to slash spending while pressuring employees to quit.
apnews.com
Treasury says Musk’s DOGE has not rejected payments in first attempt to clarify access granted to critical system | CNN Politics
The Treasury Department said Elon Musk aides detailed to the agency have “read-only” access to its sensitive $5 trillion US payments system and that no payments have been suspended or rejected as part of an ongoing review.
www.cnn.comStock market today: Most of Wall Street rises as earnings reporting season ramps up
Wall Street drifted higher as gains for most stocks outweighed drops for Alphabet and some other big-name companies following their latest profit reports.
apnews.com
From lip balm to sneakers, here's how Trump's China tariffs could raise prices
While the 10% tariff is smaller than what Trump has threatened before, investors and industry analysts expect a ripple effect across industries that rely on Chinese manufacturing.
www.nbcnews.com
FireAid estimates over $100 million raised for LA after star-studded concert
FireAid estimates the concert raised over $100 million at the event which featured performances from Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo and more.
How states are taking the deportation battle into their own hands - Washington Examiner
Red states are taking aggressive moves on immigration, feeling emboldened by President Donald Trump.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Tulsi Gabbard advances out of Intel Committee in boost to confirmation odds
The key committee vote on Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence (DNI) determined whether her nomination would move to the floor.
South Africa leader calls Elon Musk over ‘distortions’ after Trump attack
President Ramaphosa called after US leader said he would suspend aid to South Africa over its land reform policy.
Trump says he wants Ukraine's rare earth elements as a condition of further support
President Donald Trump on Monday indicated that he wants to reach an agreement with Ukraine to gain access to the country’s rare earth elements as a condition for continuing U.S. support for its war against Russia.
apnews.com
DC judge gives control of Proud Boys’ trademark to Black church attacked by far-right group | CNN Politics
The Proud Boys lost control of their trademarked name on Monday after a judge in Washington, DC, ruled that it be handed over to a Black church that was attacked by members of the far-right group four years ago.
www.cnn.comTrump picks former chief entangled in 'Sharpiegate' to lead NOAA
President Donald Trump has nominated Neil Jacobs to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
apnews.com
Barbie maker Mattel warns Trump tariffs may drive up prices
The firm says it could raise prices and make changes to its supply chains to deal with new import taxes.
www.bbc.com
Trump administration sends first group of migrant detainees to Guantanamo Bay
The U.S. government is moving quickly to implement President Trump's order to turn facilities at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base into a large-scale immigration detention center.
www.cbsnews.comStill locked out of federal funding, several Head Start preschools may need to close temporarily
Leaders of dozens of Head Start preschools said they might need to close temporarily because they remain locked out of their federal funding, a problem that first surfaced last week during President Donald Trump’s aborted effort to freeze federal grants.
apnews.com
'Open wounds': Tulsa, Oklahoma, mayor backs new plan for reparations for race massacre victims
Tulsa, Oklahoma's mayor is backing parts of a plan that aims to pay reparations to the survivors and descendants of a 1921 race massacre in the city.
www.usatoday.com
Trump administration drafting executive order to initiate Department of Education’s elimination | CNN Politics
The Trump administration has begun drafting an executive order that would kick off the process of eliminating the Department of Education, the latest move by President Donald Trump to swiftly carry out his campaign promises, two sources familiar with the plans told CNN.
www.cnn.comThe GOP keeps failing to make Nebraska a winner-take-all state. Now it might ask voters to do it
Republicans in the GOP-dominated state of Nebraska face yet another likely defeat on a bill to reverse the state’s unusual method of splitting its presidential electoral votes by congressional district.
apnews.com
Sanders and Hawley introduce bill to cap credit card interest rates at 10%
Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Josh Hawley, R-Mo., introduced a bill on Tuesday that would cap credit card interest rates at 10%.
www.usatoday.com
Fast fashion, laptops and toys are likely to cost more due to US tariffs on Chinese imports
The tariffs on Chinese imports took effect after President Donald Trump agreed to pause his threatened tariffs against Mexico and Canada for 30 days.
apnews.com
What tariffs is China imposing on the US – and why are they significant?
China is quick to act when US tariffs on its imports go into effect, but experts say it’s leaving room for negotiation.
White House flags top USAID boondoggles under Elon Musk's microscope
The White House has released a list of USAID programs its considers wasteful and that it says abused taxpayer funds by backing programs that supported DEI initiatives.
Trump’s tariff tactics carry higher economic risks than during his first term
When Donald Trump started the biggest trade war since the 1930s in his first term, his impulsive combination of threats and import taxes on U.S. trading partners created chaos, generated drama -- and drew criticism from mainstream economists who favor free trade.
apnews.com
Trump plans to attend Super Bowl in New Orleans
President Trump will attend the Super Bowl in New Orleans on Sunday, according to people familiar with the president's travel plans.
www.cbsnews.comFormer NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg returns to government in Norway as finance minister
Former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has returned to government in his native Norway as finance minister, months before a national election.
apnews.com
Watch: Moment victim's family attacks murder suspect in court
Courtroom surveillance video shows two family members jumping over the gallery divider and charging at the defendant.
www.bbc.com
Vance emerges as pivotal player in fight to confirm Trump’s Cabinet - Washington Examiner
The vice president has spoken with several Senate Republicans to convince them not to vote down Trump nominations that are in jeopardy.
www.washingtonexaminer.comJudge says Elon Musk's claims of harm from OpenAI are a 'stretch' but welcomes possible trial
Elon Musk’s lawyers faced off with OpenAI in court Tuesday as a federal judge weighed the billionaire’s request for a court order that would block the ChatGPT maker from converting itself to a for-profit company.
apnews.com
GOP hardliners rebel over Johnson’s budget plans | CNN Politics
Conservative backlash has brought Speaker Mike Johnson’s budget plans to a halt, offering an early sign of the struggle Republicans will face as they try to muscle President Donald Trump’s agenda through a narrowly divided Congress.
www.cnn.com
Republicans fall in line with Trump's nominees: From the Politics Desk
Plus, what the 2024 presidential election results in Virginia reveal about the upcoming race for governor.
www.nbcnews.comTrump and Musk demand termination of federal office leases through General Services Administration
One of the next moves in President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s effort to fire government employees and curtail operations is using the agency that manages federal employee worksites around the country to cut down on office space.
apnews.com
Fact check: Trump falsely claims Canada prohibits US banks | CNN Politics
On Monday, President Donald Trump put a month-long pause on his planned tariffs on Canadian imports. Earlier in the day, though, he added two new items to his long list of inaccurate complaints about Canada.
www.cnn.comUkrainian troops losing ground to Russia as Trump talks of ending war
A shortage of infantry troops and supply routes under Russian drone attacks have dealt a blow to Ukrainian forces around the strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk.
apnews.com
Vance to attend global AI summit in Paris for first international trip as VP
JD Vance is traveling to the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris for his first international trip as vice president.
www.cbsnews.comStock market today: Calm returns to Wall Street, and tech stocks lead US indexes higher
Calm returned to Wall Street, and tech stocks led U.S. indexes higher. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Tuesday, a day after swinging sharply on worries that President Donald Trump’s tariffs could spark a trade war that would hurt economies around the world.
apnews.com
Diddy: 10 lawsuits expected against rapper in coming days, accusers' lawyer says
A lawyer files another legal case on behalf of an unnamed male, who claims he was assaulted in 2015.
www.bbc.comJudge blocks transfers of 3 transgender inmates to men's prison
A federal judge has agreed to temporarily block prison officials from transferring three incarcerated transgender women to men’s facilities and terminating their access to hormone therapy under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump.
apnews.com
Trump accuses USAID of being 'corrupt'; implies the agency's days are numbered
USAID, a federal humanitarian agency, has been in turmoil as the Trump administration considers folding it into the State Department
www.usatoday.com
Aga Khan IV dead at 88 - Washington Examiner
The billionaire religious leader, whose birth name was Mawlana Shah Karim al Hussaini, died surrounded by his family, the Ismaili community announced Tuesday.
www.washingtonexaminer.comFront-runner in German election says his party will 'never' work with the far right
The front-runner in Germany’s upcoming election says the far-right Alternative for Germany is his “most important opponent” and his party will “never” work with it.
apnews.com
Trump expected to sign order trying to ban trans women from preferred sports teams
President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order barring trans athletes from participating on teams corresponding with their identities.
www.usatoday.com
Doug Collins confirmed as veterans affairs secretary as Trump Cabinet takes shape
The United States has a new secretary of veterans affairs. The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed Doug Collins to the job, putting the former congressman in charge of care for America’s veterans.
apnews.com
Democrats question diversion of federal law enforcement officers to Trump migrant crackdown
Three House members said the shift will allow “dangerous criminals” to remain free and expose “countless Americans to more violent crime.”
www.nbcnews.com
Atmospheric river slams California with heavy rain: Latest forecast
An atmospheric river is pounding Northern California with heavy rain and the threat of flooding before heading to Southern California.
Palestinian gunman kills Israeli soldiers as UN warns over W Bank operation
A Palestinian opened fire at a checkpoint in Tayasir, killing two soldiers and wounding eight.
www.bbc.comSen. Tim Scott and South Carolina's governor will chair Lindsey Graham's reelection bid
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham is kicking off his pursuit of a fifth term with his home state’s top Republicans chairing his 2026 campaign.
apnews.comRussian attacks near Ukrainian nuclear infrastructure heighten scrutiny of Kyiv's preparedness
Despite more than a year of warnings that critical Ukrainian nuclear energy infrastructure sites are vulnerable to potential Russian attacks, Ukraine's Energy Ministry has failed to act swiftly to protect them, government officials have told The Associated Press.
apnews.com
'Get them out': Trump says US mulling sending American convicts to other countries for fee
President Trump said he'd "do it in a heartbeat" if it's legal. El Salvador President Nayib Bukele has offered his country's jails - for a price.
www.usatoday.com
US aid freeze puts at risk Ukraine’s wartime help for frontline evacuees
U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to freeze for 90 days the humanitarian aid that the United States provides to countries overseas is being felt in places far from Washington.
apnews.comUSAID missions overseas ordered to shut down, staff being recalled: report
The overseas missions for USAID, the aid agency, have reportedly been told to shut down and that workers have been recalled to the United States.
North Korea reopens to tourists just in time for late leader Kim Jong Il's birthday
Tourists can visit the Sea Cucumber Breeding Farm and Paekhaksan Combined Foodstuff Processing Factory.
www.nbcnews.comColombia's president orders national oil company to cancel US venture over environmental concerns
Colombian president Gustavo Petro has ordered the state-run oil company Ecopetrol to cancel a joint venture with U.S.
apnews.com
Gates suggests Musk doesn’t see USAID's ‘good work’
The Microsoft founder's comments came after Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, shut down the USAID headquarters on Monday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
What's latest on Trump's tariffs? Here's where things stand with Mexico, Canada and China
Donald Trump announced tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China, but has paused two of them while the other issued retaliations.
www.usatoday.com
How major US stock indexes fared Tuesday, 2/4/2025
Calm returned to Wall Street, and tech stocks led U.S. indexes broadly higher. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Tuesday, a day after swinging sharply on worries that President Donald Trump’s tariffs could spark a trade war that would hurt economies around the world.
apnews.com
What cutting USAID could cost the U.S. — and how China, Russia may benefit
Concerns are growing in Washington that abruptly halting assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development “opens up a window for China and Russia,” one analyst said.
www.nbcnews.com
A look into one of the most twisted kidnappings in US history
A man and a woman were discovered in the Mojave Desert, setting off a grim series of events that included kidnappings, a prison break, and a secret extradition plot.
A 'misstep': Controversial MAGA Bloody Sunday billboards removed in Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed announced the removal of two billboards with the words "Make America Great Again" displayed over a picture of 1965's Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama.
www.usatoday.com
O'Leary says Canada's new government can make better tariff deal
Trump's latest tariffs could raise taxes by more than a trillion dollars between 2025 and 2034 if they continue that long, according to an estimate from the nonpartisan think tank Tax Foundation.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
In major policy shift, Trump says the US should take over Gaza and does not rule out using US troops
Trump, in a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also said all Palestinians living in Gaza should be relocated.
www.usatoday.com
