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The Trump administration has threatened federal employees with "adverse consequences" if they fail to report colleagues who try to conceal DEI programs or staff, to save them from the purge.
A memo from the Office of Personnel Management stated that all DEI federal employees must be placed on paid leave by Wednesday evening. The memo, first obtained by CBS News and confirmed by Trump's Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, comes after Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday to shut down all diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in federal agencies.
The administration said in the email it was "aware of efforts by some in government to disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language,"
"Failure to report this information within 10 days will result in adverse consequences." The message also claimed that the programs "divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars and resulted in shameful discrimination."
Trump also issued a number of immigration orders today, as the House sent its first immigration bill to the president's desk, which would mandate the detention of more undocumented immigrants.
The president also signed an executive order to effectively closed the southern border to migrants and people seeking asylum. The order states the government will "take all necessary action to immediately repel, repatriate, and remove illegal aliens across the southern border of the United States."
Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses also directed the Defense Department to send 1,500 ground personnel, along with helicopters and intelligence analysts to the border.
What to Know:
- Trump has issued a multiple sweeping executive orders since taking office on Monday.
- His other executive orders include one order, revoking decades of federal diversity and affirmative action policies.
- The order mandates the termination of DEI programs across federal agencies and directs federal agencies to investigate companies, universities, and large foundations with DEI programs.
- More executive orders include a national emergency declared at the border, delayed TikTok ban, gutted racial equity policies, and proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Steve Bannon rips Elon Musk's 'out of control' Stargate comments
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon tore into Elon Musk on Wednesday over Musk's criticism of President Donald Trump's Stargate project.
Newsweek reached out to SpaceX via email Wednesday for comment from Musk.
Bannon's criticism reveals yet another fissure in the MAGA world over the Stargate project, a massive artificial intelligence initiative aimed at positioning the United States as a global technology leader.
Stargate is a joint venture between SoftBank Group, OpenAI, Oracle Corp. and MGX that will invest $500 billion over the next four years to build AI infrastructure, with an initial $100 billion already in the books.
Trump signs order to 'immediately repel, repatriate, and remove' migrants
Donald Trump has signed an executive order to effectively closed the southern border to migrants and people seeking asylum.
The order states the government will "take all necessary action to immediately repel, repatriate, and remove illegal aliens across the southern border of the United States."
"Through the exercise of his authority, President Trump has further restricted access to the provisions of the immigration laws that would enable any illegal alien involved in an invasion across the southern border of the United States to remain in the United States, such as asylum," the White House said in a statement.
The White House fact sheet states that the order keeps Trump's promise to "seal the border on Day 1."
ACLU sues to block Trump's fast-track deportations
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is suing over President Trump's expansion of a program that allows fast-track deportations.
The rule, issued Tuesday, allows expedited deportations of migrants across the United States who cannot prove they have been in the country for two years. The fast-track removal does not require a full hearing if a migrant cannot present a valid asylum claim.
The program is a huge expansion of Biden's, that limited the fast-tracks to within 100 miles of international borders.
"The Administration's decision to expand expedited removal to a vast group of noncitizens living anywhere in the United States disregards nearly three decades of experience showing that the expedited removal process, even when used at the border for new arrivals, is rife with errors and results in widespread violations of individuals' legal rights," the ACLU wrote in the suit.
White House says order sending 1,500 troops to border sends 'strong message to people around this world'
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the executive order President Trump signed to send 1,500 additional troops to the border sends a "strong message to people around this world."
"If you are thinking about breaking the laws of the United States of America, you will be returned home. You will be arrested. You will be prosecuted," the message warned, according to Leavitt.
Leavitt said that Trump wanted the Department of Defense to make homeland security the "core mission of the agency."
"This is something President Trump campaigned on, the American people have waiting for such a time as this - for our Department of Defense to actually take homeland security seriously. This is a number one priority of the American people and the president has already delivered."
Trump pardons DC convicted in 2020 death of Karon Hylton-Brown
President Donald Trump has issued full and unconditional pardons Wednesday to Andrew Zabavsky and Terrance Sutton, the former D.C. officers sentenced over the death of 20-year-old Karon Hylton-Brown.
In October 2020, Sutton and Zabavsky, of the Metropolitan Police Department, spotted Hylton-Brown driving a moped without a helmet. They pursued him at high speed until he was eventually struck and killed by another motorist.
Zabavsky and Sutton were sentenced in September last year, but had remained free pending an appeal in the case.
Acting secretary of defense directs 1,500 ground personnel to the southern border
Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses has directed the Defense Department to send 1,500 ground personnel, along with helicopters and intelligence analysts to the border.
The DoD will also provide military aircraft to support the "flights of more than five the thousand illegal aliens from the San Diego, California, and El Paso, Texas, sectors detained by Customs and Border Protection," he said in a statement.
"DHS will provide inflight law enforcement, and the State Department will obtain the requisite diplomatic clearances and provide host-nation notification."
"This is just the beginning," Salesses added.
Senate HELP committee announces plans for RFK Jr. confirmation hearing
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee has revealed its plans for the confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
A spokesperson for HELP said the hearing will be held on Thursday, January 30 - one day after the Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing.
Elon Musk is already playing spoiler to Trump's AI plans
President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced Stargate, a new entity that plans to invest $500 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure with the goal of making advancements in industries like health care and positioning the U.S. as the leader in AI.
But within hours of the announcement, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk had already started taking shots at Trump's highly touted project.
Newsweek reached out to SpaceX and a White House spokesperson for comment via email on Wednesday.
Musk ingratiated himself in Trump's inner circle after spending more than $100 million to help get him elected in November and has become a fixture at Trump's side in the months since the election.
However, Musk's criticism of Stargate, a major White House technology initiative, likely won't go over well with Trump, who tapped Musk to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Instagram users complain they can't unfollow Trump or JD Vance
Several Instagram users have complained that Meta won't let them unfollow President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and First Lady Melania Trump.
Singer Gracie Abrams said on her Instagram story, that she had to unfollow the @vp and @potus accounts on Instagram at least three times because Meta kept automatically refollowing them.
Demi Lovato said she had a similar experience.
On her Instagram story, she said, "I have unfollowed this guy twice today."
The POTUS, VP and first lady accounts change with every administration, Meta said.
The company has denied that it forces anyone to follow Trump, Vance or Melania.
"People were not made to automatically follow any of the official Facebook or Instagram accounts for the President, Vice President or First Lady," Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said in a post on X on Wednesday. "This is the same procedure we followed during the last presidential transition."
People were not made to automatically follow any of the official Facebook or Instagram accounts for the President, Vice President or First Lady. Those accounts are managed by the White House so with a new administration, the content on those Pages changes.
— Andy Stone (@andymstone) January 22, 2025
Laken Riley Act expected to be first legislation signed into law in Trump's second term
The Laken Riley Act is expected to be the first piece of legislation to be signed into law under Donald Trump's second term.
The House passed the act today in a 263 to 156 vote.
"This legislation would simply say that we have to detain some of the worst people that are here illegally," Republican Rep. Chip Roy said on the House floor today.
House approves Laken Riley Act
The House of Representatives has approved the Laken Riley Act, which expands the government's mandate to detail undocumented migrants.
The act, named after nursing student Laken Riley, 22, who was murdered by a Venezuelan immigrant in the country illegally, will now be the first bill sent to Donald Trump's desk.
Who Is Judge Kollar-Kotelly?
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly was first appointed to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia by the late President Ronald Reagan in 1984 and appointed to the U.S. District Court by former President Bill Clinton in 1997.
She graduated from the Catholic University of America and later received a law degree from the Columbus School of Law.
She has sparred with Trump before. In 2018, she blocked his ban on transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. military. She has also been critical of Trump's alleged role in the January 6 riot, saying that a separate defendant "followed then-President Trump's instructions" when participating in it.
"Every step of the way, from the western boundary of Capitol grounds, to the West Lawn, to the Upper West Terrace, to the interior of the Capitol itself, she saw sign after sign that her presence was unlawful. Nevertheless, heeding the call of former President Trump, she continued onwards to 'stop the steal,'" she wrote in one filing, reported Axios.
Federal judge warns Trump's January 6 pardons could create future lawlessness
Federal Judge Beryl Howell called January 6, 2021, rioters "poor losers" and warned that Trump's pardons "undermines the rule of law" and "raises the dangerous specter of future lawless conduct."
Howell also disputed Trump's claim, in his executive order, that the pardons began a "process of national reconciliation."
"No 'process of national reconciliation' can begin when poor losers, whose preferred candidate loses an election, are glorified for disrupting a constitutionally mandated proceeding in Congress and doing so with impunity."
"That merely raises the dangerous specter of future lawless conduct by other poor losers and undermines the rule of law," Howell added.
Howell agreed to dismiss a pending case against a January 6 rioters and Proud Boys affiliates Nicholas DeCarlo and Nicholas Ochs, because she accepted Trump's Justice Department does not want to prosecute it. But she declined to do it "with prejudice," as prosecutors requested, which means it could not have been brought again.
OPINION: Paris Agreement exit signals return of American energy dominance
What matters more: America's economy or European climate radicalism?
Just hours after taking the Oath of Office, President Donald Trump gave the right answer. He withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accords, putting the growth and success of American communities and families ahead of the extreme and pointless demands of climate radicals. Almost simultaneously, Trump started slashing the outgoing administration's regulatory regime, which had stifled American energy, especially through its foolish ban on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
These decisions bode well for America's future—a future that must be built on a foundation of energy dominance.
I say this as someone who's seen firsthand the difference American energy can make. My organization is headquartered in Pennsylvania, the country's second-largest natural gas producer. That industry supports thousands of jobs statewide. Without reliable energy sources like natural gas, Pennsylvania's economy would collapse, gutting entire communities and leaving families with soaring bills, fewer jobs, and less hope.
DOJ orders crackdown on local efforts to block immigration enforcement
The Department of Justice has instructed federal prosecutors to pursue charges against state and local officials obstructing the Trump administration's immigration enforcement.
A memo from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove directs the DOJ's civil division to collaborate with the Sanctuary Cities Enforcement Working Group to identify and potentially challenge state and local laws impeding immigration efforts.
President Donald Trump's immigration blueprint has revived policies from his first term, such as the "Remain in Mexico" policy while implementing new measures aimed at curbing both legal and illegal immigration. His administration is pushing back against sanctuary jurisdictions by considering criminal charges against officials who resist federal directives and restricting federal funding for noncompliance.
This three-page memo, obtained by the Associated Press, emphasizes the administration's goal to prosecute individuals for serious immigration-related crimes and to increase deportations. To support these efforts, federal agencies, including the FBI and Bureau of Prisons, are instructed to share information with the Department of Homeland Security.
Trump signs executive order to close southern border to illegal immigration
Trump signed an executive order to suspend the physical entry of individuals deemed to be part of an "invasion" at the southern border. This move fulfills a 2024 campaign promise to "seal the border on Day 1."
The administration cites Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees federal protection against invasion, and the Immigration and Nationality Act as the legal basis for the order. The proclamation empowers the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and Department of State to take immediate action to repel and remove illegal border crossers.
This includes restricting access to asylum and other immigration pathways for those entering unlawfully. The Trump administration argues that illegal immigration imposes significant costs on states and local governments, particularly in border states like Texas, and strains public resources such as schools and hospitals.
In a 2018 statement echoed in the proclamation, Trump said, "Illegal immigration affects the lives of all Americans... taking precious resources away from the poorest Americans who need them most."
The executive action marks a significant escalation in Trump's immigration policies as his administration continues to prioritize border security.
Trump criticizes Biden pardons, reflects on White House return
Trump criticized former President Joe Biden's decision to pardon members of his family during an Oval Office interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity, set to air Wednesday night.
"I was given the option. They said, 'Sir, would you like to pardon everybody, including yourself?' I said, I'm not going to pardon anybody. We didn't do anything wrong," Trump remarked in a clip shared by Fox News. "We had people that suffered, they're incredible patriots."
Trump also reflected on his return to the White House, calling it "historically bigger" than if he had served consecutive terms. "Well, it was a lot of work, and as you know, I felt that we shouldn't have had to necessarily be here. Could have been done, lot of work could have been, it would have been over," he said.
He further claimed that his leadership would have prevented global crises such as the October 7 attack and the war in Ukraine, stating, "Our victory showed us that the radical left, their philosophies and policies are horrible."
The interview will air tonight at 9 p.m.
Trump wishes Melania a happy anniversary
Trump shared a tweet wishing his wife Melania a happy anniversary. The two married in 2005.
Happy 20th Anniversary to Melania! pic.twitter.com/VIcXSQb4QO
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 22, 2025
Senate moves forward with Hegseth confirmation as defense secretary
Senator Roger Wicker, a Republican from Mississippi and chairman of the Armed Services Committee, announced that plans to confirm Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump would proceed swiftly.
"We're going to proceed to confirmation this week," Wicker stated.
Hegseth's nomination has already cleared the Armed Services Committee on a party-line vote, leaving only the full Senate vote to finalize his appointment.
Trump signs executive orders targeting ACA, affecting millions of Americans
Trump signed executive orders on Monday aimed at rolling back key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a move that could impact nearly 24 million Americans, particularly in states with high ACA enrollment rates.
The orders tighten enrollment periods and reduce federal subsidies, steps the administration says will streamline processes and cut federal spending. However, critics warn these changes could reduce access to health care, especially in Republican-led states like Texas, Florida, and Georgia, which have not expanded Medicaid and already have higher uninsured rates.
These executive actions reverse expansions introduced during the Biden administration, which were credited with increasing health care accessibility. Experts note the changes could discourage enrollment, particularly for individuals facing significant life changes like job loss or relocation, potentially increasing health care costs for millions in these states.
The measures mark a significant shift in federal health care policy, signaling a departure from ACA provisions designed to broaden coverage and reduce costs.
Rep. Nancy Mace considering run for South Carolina governor
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina announced on Wednesday that she is "seriously considering" a gubernatorial run in 2026 and expects to make a final decision in the coming weeks.
In a comprehensive interview conducted Wednesday in Washington, Mace—who secured her third term representing South Carolina's 1st District last year—told The Associated Press that she plans to seek support from President Donald Trump. Trump, who has remained popular in South Carolina since his pivotal 2016 primary victory there, also backed Mace in her GOP primary race last year.
"We are seriously considering a statewide run for governor in 2026," Mace told The Associated Press.
"I've been in the state Legislature before, I have great relationships in Washington now, and I've acquired the leadership necessary to be bold, to make sure that we are moving forward with conservative policies. I have made a difference in the work that I have done up here, and know that I could do even more at the state level."
Defense lawyer emphasizes importance of diversity in criminal justice
Kobie Flowers, a Washington, D.C., defense attorney and co-chair of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers' Anti-Racism Task Force, highlighted the critical need for diversity in the legal field.
In an email, Flowers emphasized that anti-discrimination laws are vital but insufficient, stating, "Equal justice for all demands more than simply the absence of overt bias." He added that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are about fostering a culture where all voices are valued and empowered.
Flowers noted that diversity enhances understanding of clients and strengthens the criminal justice system. "Ending discrimination is always the right thing to do in the criminal legal system and our country as a whole," he said.
TikTok board member says US deal could happen by end of week
A board member at TikTok's parent company has said that a deal could happen between ByteDance and the U.S. by the end of the week.
General Atlantic CEO Bill Ford said today, at the World Economic Forum event in Davos, Switzerland, that it's in "everyone's interest" to keep TikTok app active, CNN reports.
"We'll get on with it, as soon as maybe the end of the week in terms of negotiating what might work," said Ford, a member of the ByteDance board. His company, General Atlantic, is a major investor in the TikTok parent company.
"The Chinese government, the U.S. government and the company and the board all have to be involved in this conversation," Ford said.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order deferring a TikTok ban in the U.S., unless it sells the app to an American buyer, for 75 days. The ban has been set to begin on January 19.
At a press conference last night, Trump said he would be open to Elon Musk or Larry Ellison of Oracle buying the app. But he said he would like the United States to get half of the proceeds from the sale in exchange for granting the "permit" for its use in America.
Massachusetts Teachers Association condemns directive allowing ICE arrests in schools
The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) has strongly denounced President Trump's directive permitting ICE agents to make arrests in public schools.
In a joint statement sent to Newsweek, MTA President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy called the policy "repulsive" and a violation of public schools' role as safe havens. They warned of lasting trauma for students and emphasized that Massachusetts' Constitution ensures education for all, regardless of immigration status.
The MTA pledged solidarity with immigrant advocates and vowed to fight the policy, affirming their commitment to safe and inclusive learning environments. Resources on immigration issues will be shared with MTA members via a newsletter.
Trump to attend House Republican retreat at his Doral resort
Trump is set to attend the House Republican retreat at his Doral resort in Miami on Monday, a White House official confirmed. The visit follows a busy first week in office and stops in North Carolina and California.
Trump has a history of hosting political events at his properties, including his initial plan to hold the 2020 G7 summit at Doral, which he reversed after bipartisan criticism.
His properties, such as Mar-a-Lago, have remained popular venues for Republican gatherings, both during and between his presidential terms.
Anthony Scaramucci predicts how long Musk will stay in Trump's good graces
Anthony Scaramucci said billionaire Elon Musk's days with President Donald Trump are numbered, predicting their relationship may only last a year.
Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comment.
Scaramucci, a financier and entrepreneur, was an early supporter of Trump during his first presidential campaign in 2016. Once Trump took office, Scaramucci was appointed White House communications director.
His tenure—which ended up lasting only 11 days—was marked with controversy, including an interview in The New Yorker in which he made remarks about other members of White House staff.
In spite of his brief time in office, Scaramucci has remained a public figure and been very critical of Trump at times.
Tech surge drives Wall Street gains, led by Netflix and AI stocks
U.S. stock indexes gained ground on Wednesday, buoyed by stronger-than-expected earnings from major tech companies and growing enthusiasm over the profit potential of artificial intelligence (AI).
The S&P 500 rose by 0.5 percent in early trading, marking its sixth increase in the past seven sessions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 97 points or 0.2 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 1 percent.
Netflix led the charge, surging 13 percent after the streaming giant reported a robust quarterly performance.
The company added nearly 19 million new subscribers, driven by live events such as NFL games and the highly publicized Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight. Netflix also exceeded Wall Street's profit expectations and announced plans to raise subscription prices.
The strong results from Netflix are part of a broader trend, with many companies surpassing analyst profit estimates for the fourth quarter of 2024. Analysts have speculated that former President Donald Trump's anticipated policies could help fuel further gains in the crypto sector.
Trump is sitting down with Fox News for first interview after inauguration
Donald Trump is sitting down with Fox News' Hannity for his first television interview since his inauguration, airing Wednesday night at 9 p.m. ET.
This marks Trump's first formal interview since returning to the White House, and will be set in the Oval Office. The President is expected to discuss the raft of executive orders he has already signed, and his plans for the first 100 days in office.
Today, Hannity told pool reporters, at the White House after the intervuew: "He is focused and he's happy and he has a big agenda. He's dialed in."
To watch the interview, tune in to Fox News on your television or stream it through the Fox News website or mobile app. The Fox News app is available for download on iOS and Android devices, as well as on smart TVs and streaming platforms such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast.
Trump nominations sent to the Senate
Trump has sent a series of nominations to the Senate, with key positions across various agencies and departments. The nominees include:
- Michael Boren (Idaho), nominated for Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment, replacing Homer L. Wilkes.
- Steven Bradbury (Virginia), nominated for Deputy Secretary of Transportation, replacing Polly Ellen Trottenberg.
- William Briggs (Texas), nominated for Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration, replacing Dilawar Syed.
- James Danly (Tennessee), nominated for Deputy Secretary of Energy, replacing David Turk.
- Richard Fordyce (Missouri), nominated for Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation, replacing Robert Farrell Bonnie.
- David Fotouhi (Virginia), nominated for Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, replacing Janet Garvin McCabe.
- Kenneth Kies (Virginia), nominated as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, replacing Lily Lawrence Batchelder.
- Michael Kratsios (South Carolina), nominated as Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, replacing Arati Prabhakar.
- Paul Lawrence (Virginia), nominated for Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, replacing Tanya J. Bradsher.
- Katharine MacGregor (Florida), nominated for Deputy Secretary of the Interior, replacing Tommy P. Beaudreau.
- Casey Mulligan (Illinois), nominated as Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the Small Business Administration, replacing Darryl L. DePriest.
- William Pulte (Florida), nominated to be Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency for a five-year term, replacing Sandra L. Thompson.
- Penny Schwinn (Tennessee), nominated for Deputy Secretary of Education, replacing Cynthia Minette Marten.
These nominations will be subject to Senate confirmation in the coming weeks.
'Get over it': JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon says on tariffs
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon admitted that Donald Trump's tariffs on its trade partners may be "inflationary" but told people to "get over it."
During an interview with CNBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, Dimon said that the proposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and further 10% tariffs on China, could be used as "an economic tool" or "an economic weapon."
"I would put in perspective: If it's a little inflationary, but it's good for national security, so be it," he added. "I mean, get over it."
OPINION: The Laken Riley Act represents basic common sense
President Donald Trump will soon sign the Laken Riley Act, which requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to take custody of illegal immigrants who are charged with crimes.
This will prevent so-called sanctuary cities and states with weak criminal law enforcement from shielding illegals from federal authorities and releasing dangerous people into American neighborhoods. It also allows states to sue the federal government if damages result from their failure to take custody of criminal illegal aliens. The bill passed the Senate with 64 votes, signaling a major change in immigration politics.
The bill represents basic common sense. Billions of people want to come to the United States, so if we accept any immigrants at all, it makes sense for them to be the best the world has to offer, not shoplifters and murderers. The Laken Riley Act allows ICE to correct mistakes that permitted criminal aliens who were allowed to cross the border to prey on Americans.
Read in full from David Barker and John L. Evans Jr.,Co-Founders of Promising People, on Newsweek.
Pentagon sending active duty troops to US-Mexico border
The Pentagon plans to deploy up to 1,500 active-duty troops to help secure the southern border in the coming days, U.S. officials announced on Wednesday.
The officials provided this information to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, as the announcement has not yet been made public. This move enacts President Donald Trump's executive orders issued shortly after he took office to intensify immigration enforcement.
Acting Defense Secretary Robert Salesses is anticipated to sign the deployment orders on Wednesday. However, it is not yet clear which troops or units will be deployed, and the total number of troops may vary. It remains uncertain whether the troops will engage in law enforcement activities, which would assign them a role not performed by American troops in recent history.
The deployed forces are expected to assist border patrol agents by providing logistics, transportation, and constructing barriers.
Trump's budget nominee dodges compliance questions on Impoundment Control Act
Russell Vought, Trump's pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget, dodged questions about whether the would comply with the Impoundment Control Act multiple times during his Senate confirmation hearing.
The act, passed in 1974 in response to President Nixon's executive overreach, established procedures to prevent the president from substituting his own funding choices for those agreed on by Congress.
"I listened very carefully to the exchange you had with (Democratic Sen. Patty) Murray, and you had a very clear opportunity to say yes, you will comply with the Impoundment Control Act," Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland told Vought at today's hearing
"I didn't hear you say that. So just to give you another chance, will you comply with the Impoundment Control Act?"
Vought, one of the authors of Project 2025, declined to give a yes or no, answering, "Senator, the president ran against the Impoundment Control Act."
When pressed, he said the Trump administration "has to go through a policy process to understand the legal parameters for operating in the ICA."
"It seems that complying with the current law, even if you disagree with it would result in a clear answer, 'yes, I will comply with the current law, including the Impoundment Control Act,'" Van Hollen said.
Trump's executive orders and Project 2025: A closer look at the similarities
Trump's recent executive actions have sparked comparisons to Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint aimed at reshaping the federal government under a Republican administration. The 900-page document, created by the Heritage Foundation, includes proposals to expand executive power, overhaul civil service, and implement stringent immigration policies. Trump's actions on his first day in office show parallels with elements of the initiative.
Project 2025 is seen by some as a roadmap for Trump's second term, outlining a hard-right agenda, including mass deportations, restrictions on transgender rights, and limitations on abortion access. Trump has distanced himself from parts of the initiative but acknowledged that he agrees with some aspects. His recent executive orders, such as withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and freezing federal hiring, align with proposals in Project 2025, particularly in immigration, DEI policies, and environmental matters.
Trump's immigration plan mirrors that of Project 2025, focusing on mass deportations and cutting benefits for undocumented immigrants. Additionally, his stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, seen in his executive order to remove DEI officials from federal agencies, echoes the project's call to eliminate "woke" policies.
On transgender rights, Trump's administration has implemented a policy ensuring that only male and female designations are used in official documents, in line with Project 2025's goals. His environmental policies also reflect the initiative, including withdrawing from climate agreements and prioritizing fossil fuel extraction.
One of the most significant moves is Trump's executive order dismantling the federal bureaucracy. This follows Project 2025's suggestion to replace civil servants with political appointees, a policy that Trump is reintroducing through his "Schedule F" order.
Though Trump's actions so far align with some parts of Project 2025, it remains unclear how much of the blueprint will shape his second term. The president has suggested that further plans, including potentially dismantling the Department of Education, may follow.
Thousands of other U.S. troops ordered to southern border
Trump has mandated the deployment of thousands of additional active-duty U.S. troops to the southern border with Mexico, just days after he called for an increased military presence. Officials familiar with the matter confirmed the move, signaling a significant escalation in U.S. border security efforts.
Currently, approximately 2,200 active-duty forces are already stationed at the border as part of Joint Task Force-North, a mission run by U.S. Northern Command out of El Paso, Texas. These troops primarily support U.S. Customs and Border Protection by handling logistical and administrative tasks such as data entry, monitoring, and vehicle maintenance.
The specific units being deployed to the border have not yet been disclosed, and further details on their roles are expected to be released soon.
MrBeast says he's not in bidding race for TikTok
Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, is not currently involved in the bidding race for TikTok, according to a representative for the YouTube star.
Donaldson sparked interest with a January 13 post on X, where he expressed his desire to "buy TikTok so it doesn't get banned." The following day, he added, "Unironically I've had so many billionaires reach out to me since I tweeted this, let's see if we can pull this off."
Interest intensified this week when Donaldson's name appeared in reports about an investor group aiming to purchase TikTok's U.S. operations in an all-cash deal. This group is led by Recruiter.com founder and CEO Jesse Tinsley. Posts on X from Tinsley on Monday and an announcement on Tuesday from Hastings LLP, a law firm advising the group, both mentioned MrBeast as part of this effort.
However, MrBeast spokesperson Matthew Hiltzik said Donaldson hasn't officially joined any bids.
"Several buyers are holding ongoing discussions with Jimmy," Hiltzik told The Associated Press Wednesday. "He has no exclusive agreements with any of them."
China reacts to Trump claim about Panama Canal control
China has fired back at President Donald Trump, dismissing his claim that Beijing has seized control of the Panama Canal as baseless and provocative.
During his inaugural address on Monday, Trump lamented that the U.S. had transferred control of the canal back to Panama, saying American ships are being "severely overcharged." He also repeated his claim that China is controlling the 50-mile waterway and pledged to take it back.
Asked to comment Wednesday on the issue during the Chinese Foreign Ministry's regular press conference, spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing agreed with Mulimo. "The canal is not directly or indirectly controlled by any major power," she stressed.
While the Trump administration has not provided evidence of Chinese involvement in the operations of the canal itself, the ports situated at either end—Cristobal and Balboa—are run by Panama Ports Co., which is part of Hutchison Ports, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino earlier this month defended the transit fees and stressed that the canal is "nonnegotiable."
Jamie Dimon on Elon Musk: he's 'our Einstein'
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said that he and Elon Musk have "hugged it out" and resolved their differences, going so far as to compare the billionaire to Albert Einstein.
"SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink, I mean, the guy is our Einstein," Dimon told CNBC.
Newsweek reached out to Musk's press team for comment.
Musk and Dimon have not always seen eye-to-eye, mainly around their views on technology and the future of the economy.
In 2021, JPMorgan filed a $162 million lawsuit against Telsa, arguing that the bank did not receive Tesla stock warrants to which it was allegedly entitled. In 2023, in court, Musk said, "JPMorgan hate(s) Tesla and me very much." He also called the companies' relationship "very negative."
In addition, tensions rose in 2017 when Dimon called Bitcoin a "fraud." Musk, a vocal proponent of cryptocurrency, criticized Dimon's stance.
Dimon was previously a Democrat but said in 2019 that his "heart is Democratic, but my brain is kind of Republican." Throughout the most recent presidential campaign, Dimon spoke up about how Trump was correct on certain issues, including his criticism of China. Musk has been ever more popular within the Republican Party.
New FCC chair reverses dismissal of complaints against ABC, NBC, CBS
Newly appointed FCC chair Brendan Carr has reversed the dismissal of complaints accusing ABC, NBC, and CBS of unfair media coverage of Trump. The complaints, originally dismissed by the previous leadership, will now be reviewed following Carr's decision.
BREAKING NEWS: New FCC chair Brendan Carr has reversed the dismissal of complaints against ABC, NBC, and CBS regarding unfair media coverage of President Donald Trump. @alana_austin pic.twitter.com/h6usk971we
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) January 22, 2025
Senator Jack Reed calls new allegations against Trump defense secretary nominee disqualifying
Senator Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat and the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has raised concerns over new allegations made against Pete Hegseth, President Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary. Reed argued that these allegations, which include accusations of drunkenness and potentially violent behavior toward Hegseth's second wife, Samantha, should disqualify him from the position.
The allegations were outlined in a signed affidavit by Danielle Hegseth, Hegseth's former sister-in-law. According to the affidavit, Hegseth was reportedly seen drunk in uniform at a Minneapolis strip club during a past drill weekend. In addition, the affidavit claims that Samantha Hegseth communicated a "safe word" to Danielle Hegseth in 2015 or 2016, suggesting she needed assistance to leave her husband.
Hegseth, through his attorney, has denied the allegations, but Reed has questioned the adequacy of the FBI's background investigation into Hegseth. As the confirmation vote looms, the allegations have cast a shadow over Hegseth's nomination.
Who is part of Stargate?
The initiative consists of top U.S. tech companies, including SoftBank, OpenAI, Oracle and MGX.
SoftBank is taking on the financial responsibilities of the project while OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, will take the lead on delivering the operation. Japanese billionaire Masayoshi Son, chairman of SoftBank, will serve as Stargate's chairman.
Key technology partners in the project include Arm, Microsoft and NVIDIA, all of whom will contribute to designing and operating the computing systems needed to maintain AI infrastructure.
Altman emphasized the significance of Stargate, calling it "the most important thing we do in this era," and highlighted the company's history of collaboration with NVIDIA and Oracle as essential to the project's success.
Microsoft's Azure platform will also play a pivotal role in providing the computing power necessary for OpenAI to train its leading AI models and deliver next-generation products and services. The initiative builds upon Microsoft's long-standing partnership with OpenAI, which gained international recognition following the launch of ChatGPT in 2022.
What is Stargate? Trump's $500 billion AI project explained
President Donald Trump has announced a new artificial intelligence company called Stargate, which will be a collaboration between some leading U.S. tech figures.
Stargate is a new project designed to maintain the U.S. as the global leader in artificial intelligence. Backed by a $500 billion investment over four years, Stargate plans to build AI infrastructure across the U.S., creating thousands of new jobs and doubling down on American advantages in AI development.
With $100 billion already set for immediate deployment, the project will focus on re-industrializing the U.S. while enhancing national security and developing transformative AI technologies.
The project will be based in Texas, where the construction of 10 new data centers has already begun.
Stargate will prioritize AI advancements in industries such as healthcare, where the technology could revolutionize patient care through improved diagnostics, earlier disease detection and even potential cancer vaccinations.
Trump used his first full day in office to announce the $100 billion project alongside OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Oracle chairman Larry Ellison, signifying Trump's close relationship with Big Tech.
Donald Trump facing defeat in birthright citizenship battle: Legal analyst
The courts will likely strike down Donald Trump's birthright order, a legal analyst has told Newsweek.
Trump's executive order against birthright citizenship faces several legal battles in the courts. Ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants has become a central focus of the administration's hardline immigration agenda.
Attorneys general from at least 18 states filed a lawsuit in a Massachusetts federal court on Tuesday to contest President Donald Trump's executive order from ending birthright citizenship.
The following states joined the case: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. The governors of all of those states—except Nevada and Vermont—are Democrats. The cities of Washington, D.C., and San Francisco also joined the suit. Four other states—Washington, Arizona, Oregon and Illinois—filed another lawsuit in a Washington federal court.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also separately sued the Trump administration over the executive order.
Trump to address House Republicans at Florida retreat
Trump is set to speak at a private retreat for House Republicans next week in Florida.
The annual conference retreat will take place at Trump's resort in Doral, where GOP lawmakers will gather to discuss priorities such as taxes, spending cuts, and other legislative goals.
Trump threatens taxes, tariffs, and sanctions over Russia-Ukraine war
President Donald Trump announced plans to impose "high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions" on imports from Russia and other nations supporting the conflict in Ukraine. Trump shared the statement via his platform, Truth Social, emphasizing that these measures would take effect if Russia does not cease its military actions in Ukraine.
The proposed economic penalties aim to pressure Moscow to end the ongoing war. Trump did not specify the "other participating countries" he referenced or provide details on how the policy would be implemented.
The statement signals Trump's continued focus on using economic tools as leverage in international conflicts, should he return to the White House.
Elon Musk critiques Trump's new AI infrastructure investment
Shortly after Trump announced a significant AI infrastructure investment on Tuesday, Elon Musk publicly questioned the initiative's financial backing.
"They don't actually have the money," Musk wrote on his platform X, responding to a post by OpenAI about the investment. "SoftBank has well under $10B secured. I have that on good authority."
Trump unveiled the plan to launch Stargate, a new company aimed at advancing artificial intelligence infrastructure in the U.S. Leaders from SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle joined him, announcing an initial $100 billion investment with plans to scale up to $500 billion in the future.
While specifics on the funding strategy for Stargate remain unclear, companies could leverage debt or additional equity investors to support the project. SoftBank and OpenAI have yet to comment on Musk's assertions.
Police union that endorsed Trump condemns Jan 6 pardons—'Dangerous message'
The largest police union in the U.S. has condemned President Donald Trump for his sweeping pardons of those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021.
The Fraternal Order of Police, which endorsed Trump in the last three general elections, issued a joint statement with the International Association of Chiefs of Police denouncing the "dangerous message" that pardoning those convicted of assaulting officers sends.
Newsweek has contacted the White House and the Fraternal Order of Police for comment via email.
Trump is continuing to face backlash for decisions made during the early days of his second term, including criticism from his supporters and the GOP. The backlash from police unions could undermine Trump's longstanding claim to be a "law and order" president.
Trump administration halts refugee arrivals, leaving thousands stranded
The Trump administration has canceled travel plans for refugees previously approved to resettle in the United States, effectively stranding thousands worldwide. The suspension follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Monday, which halted America's refugee resettlement program.
Initially, the order allowed individuals who had already undergone the rigorous approval process and booked flights before a January 27 deadline to travel. However, an email reviewed by The Associated Press indicates that refugee arrivals to the U.S. have been suspended "until further notice."
Among those affected are over 1,600 Afghans who were cleared to resettle under a program established after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. This group includes individuals who worked alongside American soldiers and family members of active-duty U.S. military personnel.
The suspension has left many in limbo, with no clear explanation for the change in timing or what prompted the expedited halt. Refugees differ from asylum seekers arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border; they must apply from outside the U.S., often through referrals by the United Nations, and undergo extensive vetting before approval.
Resettlement agencies typically help refugees adjust to life in the U.S., assisting with employment, housing, and schooling. The abrupt suspension has left both refugees and support organizations uncertain about what comes next.
Justice Department memo outlines plans to challenge sanctuary city laws
A new memo from the U.S. Department of Justice details the Trump administration's strategy to challenge sanctuary city laws by threatening to prosecute state and local officials who resist federal immigration policies. The document, obtained by CNN, emphasizes the administration's commitment to enforcing immigration laws and targets jurisdictions that refuse to comply with federal immigration requests.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove's memo also mandates that federal prosecutors who decline to pursue immigration-related cases must report to the Justice Department for investigation and potential prosecution. The three-page directive underscores the administration's effort to create legally sound policies that can withstand challenges.
The memo highlights the legal obligation for state and local officials to comply with immigration-related directives, stating, "Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing and otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands and requests." The department's civil division is instructed to identify and challenge any state or local laws that could hinder the administration's immigration enforcement efforts.
Russell Vought set for hearing before Senate Budget Committee
Russell Vought, nominated to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), is scheduled for a hearing before the Senate Budget Committee at 10 a.m. ET. Vought, who served as OMB director during Donald Trump's first term, previously appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Vought's role in the Trump administration included significant involvement with Project 2025, a conservative framework for Trump's second term, which the former president later distanced himself from during the campaign. As OMB director, Vought would oversee the development of the president's budget and review proposed regulations, playing a crucial role in the administration's fiscal policies.
Bolton: U.S. must continue support for Kurdish fighters in Syria
Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has spoken on continued U.S. support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a group primarily composed of Kurdish fighters. Bolton highlighted their role in defeating the ISIS Caliphate and cautioned that withdrawing support would harm regional stability and U.S. national security interests.
"The U.S. should continue to back the Syrian Democratic Forces because of the very important role they played in defeating the ISIS Caliphate," Bolton wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Withdrawing our support would be a big mistake for the region and our own national security interests."
The remarks come after Trump removed Bolton's Secret Service detail.
White House Gun Violence Prevention website goes offline
The web page for the Office of Gun Violence Prevention that was once on the White House website is now offline.
The page currently redirects to a 404 error message.
The Office of Gun Violence Prevention was created by the Biden administration to "reduce gun violence, and to implement and expand upon key executive and legislative action taken to help save lives."
Now, with the website taken down, it appears as if President Trump is following through on his promise to the National Rifle Association (NRA) to terminate Biden's gun laws, despite gun violence rates falling rapidly during the previous president's administration.
The White House has been contacted via email for comment.
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