President Trump revokes Biden’s security clearances, intel briefings

President Donald Trump announced Friday that he is revoking former President Joe Biden’s security clearances and stopping his daily intelligence briefings, citing Biden’s own 2021 decision to deny Trump access to classified information. Trump referenced the Hur Report, which highlighted Biden’s memory lapses, as justification for the move. He declared the decision immediate, stating he will always protect national security, Fox News has reported. Written … Continue reading President Trump revokes Biden’s security clearances, intel briefings

Trump orders ‘anti-Christian bias’ task force, creation of White House Faith Office

President Trump signed an executive order Thursday to create a task force aimed at addressing “anti-Christian bias” in the federal government. Announced during the National Prayer Breakfast, the task force will be led by Attorney General Pam Bondi and focus on ending anti-Christian discrimination within government agencies like the DOJ, FBI, and IRS. Trump also revealed plans for a new presidential commission on religious liberty … Continue reading Trump orders ‘anti-Christian bias’ task force, creation of White House Faith Office

Senate confirms Russell Vought as White House budget director

The Senate confirmed Russell Vought as the next head of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in a party-line vote of 53-47, despite strong opposition from Democrats. Democrats criticized Vought for his ties to Project 2025, his support for slashing spending on middle-class programs, and his past election denial. They argued he would harm key social programs and expand Trump’s influence. Republicans, however, celebrated … Continue reading Senate confirms Russell Vought as White House budget director

Hungary’s Orban Follows Trump’s Lead: Will Shutter Organizations Taking USAID Funding

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced plans to take legal action against local NGOs and media outlets receiving funding from U.S. agencies and international sources, claiming these groups aim to undermine his government. Orbán, a close ally of former President Trump, criticized U.S. foreign aid, particularly from USAID, and praised Trump’s decision to dismantle the agency. He stated that any organizations receiving foreign funding to … Continue reading Hungary’s Orban Follows Trump’s Lead: Will Shutter Organizations Taking USAID Funding

Red states pursue their own DOGE-style reforms

Several Republican-led states are following the Trump administration’s push to reduce government size and cost by establishing local versions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Governors in Oklahoma and New Hampshire have launched DOGE-like commissions, while lawmakers in Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri have introduced similar initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce inefficiencies in state agencies and echo the federal cuts under DOGE, including … Continue reading Red states pursue their own DOGE-style reforms

Netanyahu says ‘worth listening carefully’ to Trump’s proposal for Gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday acknowledged U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, calling it a “worth listening carefully” idea. Trump’s plan, which suggests resettling Gaza’s residents in other countries after the defeat of Hamas, has faced international criticism but remains part of his broader vision for Gaza’s future. Netanyahu agreed that it was an original proposal and emphasized … Continue reading Netanyahu says ‘worth listening carefully’ to Trump’s proposal for Gaza

Trump’s Threats Are Already Getting Results

President Donald Trump’s recent threats of tariffs and land acquisitions are yielding results, as Mexico, Canada, and Panama have made significant concessions. Mexico and Canada reached temporary agreements to pause Trump’s 25% tariffs, with Mexico also agreeing to bolster its border enforcement to combat fentanyl. Panama distanced itself from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, likely in response to Trump’s pressure over Chinese influence on the … Continue reading Trump’s Threats Are Already Getting Results

Trump expected to attend Super Bowl, White House official says

President Donald Trump is expected to attend Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, making history as the first sitting U.S. president to attend the event. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana native, is also in talks to join him. Security preparations are heightened for Trump’s visit, as the Super Bowl is designated a national special security event (NSSE). The … Continue reading Trump expected to attend Super Bowl, White House official says

Trump to sign executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s sports

President Trump is set to sign an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, fulfilling a key promise from his 2024 campaign. The order will direct federal agencies to enforce Title IX rules prohibiting transgender girls and women from participating in female sports. It mandates enforcement against schools and athletic associations, with potential legal action and loss of federal funding for non-compliance. … Continue reading Trump to sign executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s sports

US Senate confirms Trump nominee Pam Bondi as attorney general

The US Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as Attorney General with a 54-46 vote, largely along party lines. Bondi, who takes charge during a tumultuous period for the Justice Department, faces the challenge of balancing Trump’s demands with legal and ethical constraints. She has pledged to maintain the department’s independence, but concerns persist about potential political influence. Bondi’s confirmation follows significant personnel changes, including the firing … Continue reading US Senate confirms Trump nominee Pam Bondi as attorney general

Philippine vice president impeached by House, faces Senate trial

The Philippine House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, accusing her of crimes including plotting to assassinate President Marcos, corruption, and failing to denounce China’s actions in the South China Sea. The impeachment complaint, signed by over 215 legislators, deepens political tensions between Duterte and Marcos, who have a strained relationship despite their alliance during the 2022 elections. The allegations include a death threat … Continue reading Philippine vice president impeached by House, faces Senate trial

Brussels lowers its expectations for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset

Brussels had high hopes for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset but has since lowered expectations. Six months of red lines and rejections have dimmed hopes that he will undo the extreme elements of the Tory Brexit deal. Officials and diplomats still see room for better relations, but no major breakthroughs. Early optimism faded after London dismissed proposals on visas for young people and student exchanges. Frustration … Continue reading Brussels lowers its expectations for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset

Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgian prime minister

More than seven months after the June 2024 elections, a coalition government has been formed, led by nationalist Bart De Wever. De Wever has been sworn in as Belgium’s new prime minister after prolonged negotiations, shifting the government further to the right. He is the first nationalist from Dutch-speaking Flanders to lead the country. His five-party coalition includes the Flemish nationalist N-VA, centrist Christian Democrats, … Continue reading Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgian prime minister

EU leaders deflect Trump on Greenland and on tariffs

European leaders met Monday to discuss defense against Russia, but the focus shifted to the U.S. Donald Trump is dominating headlines with trade wars and threats, including against China, Mexico, Canada, and the EU. Trump has also refused to rule out military action to seize Greenland, part of Denmark. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the EU would respond firmly if Trump … Continue reading EU leaders deflect Trump on Greenland and on tariffs

Rubio says El Salvador will house deportees from U.S., including Americans

Marco Rubio announced that El Salvador’s president has agreed to accept deportees from the U.S., including violent American criminals. Rubio called the agreement unprecedented and said President Nayib Bukele is willing to take in foreign nationals and U.S. citizens convicted of crimes. A U.S. official clarified that there are no current plans to deport American citizens, as such actions would face legal challenges. Rubio’s visit … Continue reading Rubio says El Salvador will house deportees from U.S., including Americans

Joe Biden Is Ready to Make Some Hollywood Deals, Signs With CAA

Joe Biden has signed with Creative Artists Agency for representation in his post-presidential era. CAA co-chair Richard Lovett praised Biden’s lifelong commitment to public service and unity. The agency previously represented Biden after his vice presidency, during which he published a book and went on a nationwide speaking tour. CAA also represents Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions and other Democratic figures. Biden recently … Continue reading Joe Biden Is Ready to Make Some Hollywood Deals, Signs With CAA

EU leaders vow to hit back if ‘attacked’ by Donald Trump tariffs

EU leaders have pledged to retaliate against potential trade tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump, warning of the negative impacts of a trade war. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Europe following similar measures against China, Canada, and Mexico. French President Macron emphasized Europe’s need for independence and stronger domestic trade policies. The EU is preparing possible countermeasures, while leaders like German Chancellor Scholz … Continue reading EU leaders vow to hit back if ‘attacked’ by Donald Trump tariffs

Rubio says Panama must reduce Chinese influence around the canal or face possible US action

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Panamanian leader José Raúl Mulino to reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal area or face potential U.S. retaliation. During Rubio’s visit to Panama, he conveyed President Trump’s concerns that China’s presence in the canal could violate a treaty ensuring its neutrality. While Mulino rejected threats to the canal’s sovereignty, he agreed not to renew Panama’s involvement in … Continue reading Rubio says Panama must reduce Chinese influence around the canal or face possible US action

Trump pushes Europe to be more independent, Macron says

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies are driving Europe to take more responsibility for its own security. Speaking ahead of an EU summit, Macron highlighted the need for Europe to strengthen its defense industry and reduce reliance on external powers. While Macron emphasized European “strategic autonomy,” some leaders, like Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, stressed … Continue reading Trump pushes Europe to be more independent, Macron says

USAID closes HQ to staffers Monday as Musk says Trump supports shutting agency down

Over 600 USAID workers were locked out of their computer systems, and those still connected received notices stating that the headquarters would be closed to personnel on February 3. Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), stated that former President Trump agreed with shutting down USAID. Musk called the agency “beyond repair,” describing it as “a bowl of worms” and accused it of … Continue reading USAID closes HQ to staffers Monday as Musk says Trump supports shutting agency down

Zelensky Claims Ukraine Received Less Than Half of U.S. Aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine has received around $76 billion in aid from the U.S., despite the U.S. authorizing approximately $175 billion for the country. Zelensky expressed uncertainty about where the remaining funds have gone, suggesting they may have been allocated to humanitarian programs. He noted that most of the aid received was in the form of weapons, amounting to about $70 billion, … Continue reading Zelensky Claims Ukraine Received Less Than Half of U.S. Aid

Panama’s president says there will be no negotiation about ownership of canal

Panama President José Raúl Mulino stated there will be no negotiations with the U.S. over ownership of the Panama Canal, emphasizing that it belongs to Panama. He downplayed tensions regarding U.S. President Trump’s past remarks about retaking the canal, clarifying that while China manages some canal ports, Panama controls the waterway. Mulino expressed hope that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit would focus on … Continue reading Panama’s president says there will be no negotiation about ownership of canal

Trump Admin Moves To Toss Out Biden’s Fuel Economy Rules

Newly-confirmed Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is moving to reverse the Biden administration’s fuel economy standards. Duffy signed a memorandum to reset the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which were strengthened by the Biden administration in June 2024 to increase fuel economy by 2% annually for passenger vehicles and light trucks. Duffy criticized the standards, claiming they harmed America’s auto industry and led … Continue reading Trump Admin Moves To Toss Out Biden’s Fuel Economy Rules

Rubio on buying Greenland: ‘This is not a joke’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed President Trump’s serious interest in acquiring Greenland, emphasizing national security concerns due to China’s growing interest in the Arctic. Rubio explained that the U.S. would benefit from controlling Greenland, especially given China’s potential to build facilities there for military purposes. While Trump has expressed interest in purchasing the island, Greenlandic leaders reject the idea, wanting to remain independent. Despite … Continue reading Rubio on buying Greenland: ‘This is not a joke’

Norway eurosceptics collapse coalition government over green energy row

Norway’s government collapsed on Thursday after the eurosceptic Centre party withdrew from the ruling coalition over disagreements about EU green energy laws. Centre party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum opposed three EU directives on renewable energy, citing concerns over Norway’s electricity policy and sovereignty. With the Centre party’s exit, the centre-left Labour party will govern alone for the first time in 25 years. While Prime Minister … Continue reading Norway eurosceptics collapse coalition government over green energy row