The Bulletin

• Trump's tariffs on China: The Trump administration has implemented a 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports, affecting a broad range of consumer and industrial products. Here's how US consumers will be affected.

• Musk issues warning: Elon Musk has said President Donald Trump will "succeed" in shutting down the Department of Education. Here's what else he said.

• Trump orders start of sovereign wealth fund: President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing the U.S. Treasury and Commerce departments to establish a sovereign wealth fund. Find out what it is.

• Russian troop suicides: A prominent pro-Kremlin military blogger has criticized Russian commanders deployed in northeastern Ukraine for allegedly lying to Moscow's top officials, accusing the commanders of spurring on a spate of reported suicides of Russian troops in the area. Learn more.

• National '50 states' anti-Trump protest: The 50501 Movement—or 50 states, 50 protests, one day—is garnering support throughout social media over its plan to stage demonstrations across the nation to "fight Fascism" on February 5. Here's what to know.

• US warship fires laser weapon: A U.S. warship, which is currently deployed in the Western Pacific Ocean, was pictured firing its laser at a drone target last week. See the image.

The rundown: Donald Trump's efforts to dismantle what he calls the "deep state" have sparked resistance among federal employees, many of whom fear job losses and policy shifts under his administration. Here's what they told Newsweek.

Why it matters: Federal government employees said morale has plummeted due to moves like ending remote work and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Some workers, speaking anonymously, describe a "demoralising and chaotic" atmosphere but refuse to resign, vowing to ignore unlawful orders. Online forums like r/fednews Reddit page have become hubs for solidarity, with employees adopting symbols of defiance, including a stapler-emblazoned flag reading "Come and take it." Meanwhile, Trump allies, including Elon Musk, argue that federal spending is excessive and must be cut.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Fork in the Road? Federal Employees React to Trump's Worker Buyout

TL/DR: Trump and his supporters say the deep state consists of progressive-leaning federal government employees who continue to wield substantial power regardless of who controls the White House and Congress.

What happens now? As tensions rise, federal employees remain determined to "hold the line" against what they see as an attack on public service.

Deeper reading Deep State Fights Back Against Trump

The rundown: China has announced its own set of tariffs on U.S. goods, in response to Washington imposing a 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports that took effect Tuesday. Learn more.

Why it matters: Starting February 10, China will implement a 15 percent tariff on American coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10 percent tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-engine cars imported from the U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order Saturday seeking to levy significant tariffs on America's largest trading partners, citing concerns over fentanyl flow and trade deficits. Craig Singleton, senior China fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Newsweek China could respond to Trump by targeting areas where it dominates. These include advanced batteries, minerals, semiconductors, solar components, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Trump Says Anybody Against His Tariffs 'Controlled by China'

TL/DR: A spokesperson for China's U.S. embassy said, "The unilateral tariff increase by the U.S. seriously violates [World Trade Organization] rules and is a typical act of unilateralism and trade protectionism."

What happens now? Beijing has called on Washington to enter negotiations and "meet China halfway" suggesting that it is interested in negotiations and Trump and Xi are scheduled to speak later this week, according to the White House.

Deeper reading China Strikes Back Over US Tariffs Imposed by Trump

The rundown: Two unions and one advocacy group have filed a lawsuit to prevent billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing the highly sensitive U.S. Treasury payment system, which manages Social Security, Medicaid and other government operations. More about the lawsuit.

Why it matters: The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, argues that Musk's team is using the system in violation of multiple privacy laws, including 1974's Privacy Act, and other regulations that dictate who is authorized to access the network. The new access, approved by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday, gives Musk and his team entry into a system responsible for trillions of dollars in government payments, including Social Security checks and tax refunds. The complaint alleges that Bessent took punitive actions against an official who attempted to safeguard the data from unauthorized access.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Elon Musk's DOGE Getting Access to Treasury Payment Data Alarms Critics

TL/DR: The unions and advocacy group are represented in the new lawsuit by Public Citizen Litigation Group and State Democracy Defenders Fund.

What happens now? Trump told reporters Monday in the Oval Office that Musk "has some very good ideas" but said that he has the final say over what happens.

Deeper reading US Treasury Sued Over DOGE's Access To Sensitive Information

The rundown: New satellite imagery suggests North Korea is expanding a key port, with analysts pointing to recent additions that could increase the site's capacity to import oil and receive naval vessels, according to an analysis by 38 North, a program of the Stimson Center think tank.

Why it matters: Nampho, North Korea's largest commercial port, is situated on the west coast and serves as a key gateway to China and other parts of Asia. Substantial amounts of fossil fuel and commercial goods are known to come and go at the site, which is also equipped to construct and repair vessels, including warships. Among the most notable new structures at the site is a shipbuilding hall whose roof was finished in November. Progress has been made on several nearby buildings, 38 North pointed out, though their function has not been determined.

Read more in-depth coverage:
North Korea Issues First Direct Criticism of Trump Administration

TL/DR: Meanwhile, a higher level of activity was observed at the commercial container port compared to previous photos from November and September.

What happens now? The port expansion could accelerate the country's capacity to import energy in defiance of the United Nations aimed at hampering the country's nuclear weapons program.

Deeper reading Satellite Photos Show North Korea Expanding Major Seaport

The rundown: Secretary of State Marco Rubio says that El Salvador has agreed to an "unprecedented" and "extraordinary" deal regarding taking in deportees. Find out what it means.

Why it matters: President Donald Trump earlier this month threatened tariffs against Colombia for not accepting deportation flights from the United States. The threat ultimately led to Colombia agreeing to accept migrants as long as they were not flown back to the country on military aircrafts. On Monday night, Rubio announced that El Salvador had agreed to accept not only deportees from other countries but also "do the same for dangerous criminals currently in custody and serving their sentence in the United States even though they're U.S. citizens or legal residents," according to The Associated Press.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Colombia Offers Incentives for Migrants to Return From US

TL/DR: Trump made immigration a central theme of his successful presidential campaign.

What happens now? Rubio is traveling throughout Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic in the first week of February. Rubio will continue his trip throughout Latin America until February 6, the State Department says.

Deeper reading El Salvador Agrees to 'Unprecedented' Migrant Deal, Marco Rubio Says