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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
Trump Administration Enforces New Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum
President Donald Trump has officially reinstated 25% tariffs on steel imports and raised the aluminum tariff from 10% to 25%, aiming to protect American industries. The administration has labeled these trade policies as "Tariffs 2.0," promising strict enforcement without exemptions. This move aligns with Trump’s campaign commitment to revamp trade policies and counter foreign exploitation of the U.S. market.
Trump’s Ultimatum on Hostage Release
In a firm stance on foreign policy, President Trump warned that if Hamas does not release remaining hostages in Gaza by Saturday, "hell is going to break out." He also hinted at potentially withholding financial aid from Egypt and Jordan if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza, emphasizing his administration’s strategy of leveraging foreign assistance.
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
Fort Liberty Renamed Back to Fort Bragg
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reinstated the name Fort Bragg for the military base previously renamed Fort Liberty. The decision, signed aboard his flight to Europe, is intended to honor World War II hero Roland L. Bragg rather than its original Confederate namesake, Braxton Bragg. The Pentagon affirmed that the change respects those who have made significant sacrifices for the nation.
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
USAID Employees File Legal Challenge Against Reorganization
A union representing nearly 2,000 foreign service officers at USAID has filed an emergency motion, alleging that the Trump administration is ignoring a court order preventing the agency’s dismantling. Employees have reported being placed on leave and locked out of their systems despite legal barriers. The union is pushing for a hearing to enforce compliance.
Google Maps Renames Gulf of Mexico for U.S. Users → Google Maps Alters Gulf of Mexico's Name for U.S. Audience
Following an executive order from President Trump, Google Maps now displays "Gulf of America" for users in the U.S., while maintaining the original "Gulf of Mexico" label internationally. Google stated that this change aligns with the Geographic Names Information System, which follows U.S. government designations.
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
Trump Avoids Details on Communication with Putin
During an Oval Office meeting, President Trump declined to disclose specifics regarding his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. When questioned about a potential meeting, Trump responded, "I can’t tell you what I’m talking about, but we are talking as a group." He also reiterated his stance that Europe should bear a larger financial burden in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Trump Shuts Down Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has been effectively shuttered, with Trump calling the agency "a waste." He criticized its founding purpose, spearheaded by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and asserted that it was used to unfairly target businesses. When asked about eliminating the agency entirely, Trump responded affirmatively, citing a goal to reduce waste and fraud.
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
Trump Signs Executive Order to Reinstate Plastic Straws
Among the executive orders signed by President Trump was one directing federal agencies to reconsider the use of paper straws. Declaring them ineffective, he stated, "Nobody really likes paper straws." → Deeming them impractical, he commented, "People just don’t prefer paper straws. They break, they explode, and they don’t last." The administration will now push for the return of plastic alternatives.
Senate Advances Tulsi Gabbard’s Nomination as DNI
Tulsi Gabbard has passed a key Senate vote for her confirmation as Director of National Intelligence. The 52-46 vote saw all Republicans in favor, while Democrats opposed her nomination. A final confirmation vote is expected within the next 48 hours.
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
Trump Pardons Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich
Trump has issued a full pardon to former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted in 2011 on corruption charges. Trump defended his decision by calling Blagojevich "a very fine person" and arguing that he was unfairly prosecuted.
Federal Judge Blocks NIH Funding Cap Change
A U.S. District Judge has issued a temporary restraining order to prevent the National Institutes of Health from enforcing a new funding cap on indirect costs. The court has ordered the NIH to provide regular updates on financial disbursements, with a hearing scheduled for February 21.
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
Trump Removes Ethics Office Director
David Huitema, the director of the Office of Government Ethics, has been dismissed by the Trump administration. The move comes amid scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest between Elon Musk and the government. Shelley Finlayson has been appointed as acting director in Huitema’s place.
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
Sen. Susan Collins Supports RFK Jr. for HHS Director
Senator Susan Collins announced her support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Director after he assured her he would re-evaluate proposed cuts to the NIH budget. Kennedy’s confirmation is expected to proceed later this week.
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
Lawmakers Rally Against CFPB Closure
Senator Elizabeth Warren led a protest outside the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, denouncing the agency’s shutdown. She criticized Trump and Musk, calling the latter a "co-president," while other lawmakers accused the administration of engaging in corruption.
DOJ Defends Federal Workforce Buyout Plan
The Department of Justice has framed the Trump administration’s buyout program as a "humane off-ramp" for government employees before sweeping federal workforce reforms take effect. The program aims to reduce the number of government workers and restructure agencies.
Judiciary Committee Raises Concerns Over VP JD Vance’s Statements
Senator Dick Durbin has expressed alarm over Vice President JD Vance’s assertion that "judges cannot defy the executive’s power." Durbin warned that such rhetoric is "one step away from a constitutional crisis" and undermines judicial authority.
Trump: Vance Not His Successor
In an interview, President Trump stated that he does not see Vice President JD Vance as his political successor, although he acknowledged Vance’s capabilities. Trump noted that it is too early to make such determinations, emphasizing that "there are many capable people" in the Republican Party.
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
Court Extends Block on Federal Employee Buyout Plan
A federal judge has extended the temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from implementing its controversial buyout plan for government employees. The ruling ensures the policy remains halted until further judicial review.
Former USAID Contractor Calls Layoffs "Cruel"
Jacqueline Devine, a former USAID contractor, has voiced her distress over the agency’s sudden restructuring, which left her unemployed. She fears the long-term impact on global health initiatives and expressed personal concern about job prospects in her field.
Federal Judge Rules White House Violated Order on Funding Freeze
A federal judge in Rhode Island has upheld a motion enforcing a temporary restraining order against the White House, blocking its freeze on federal funds. Judge John McConnell Jr. stated that evidence presented indicates the administration continued to improperly withhold funds despite the prior ruling.
"These funding pauses directly contradict the terms outlined in the restraining order," McConnell wrote in his decision. He further ordered an immediate end to the freeze while considering a preliminary injunction.
The administration defended its actions by citing concerns over fraudulent activities, but McConnell dismissed this claim, emphasizing that the broad suspension of funds was not based on any specific fraud findings and was likely unconstitutional.
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
House Democrats Establish Task Force to Counter Administration Policies
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has formed a new initiative called the "Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group" to challenge the administration's restructuring of federal government agencies. The group, led by Colorado Representative Joe Neguse, aims to engage through legislative, legal, and community-driven strategies.
"We are mobilizing on multiple fronts to shield everyday Americans from the administration’s harmful policies," Jeffries wrote to fellow lawmakers.
As the minority party in the House, Democrats have limited influence, but they hope this effort could lead to future legal battles against controversial policy changes.
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
White House Moves to Reform CFPB, Calling It Politically Biased
The White House has announced an end to what it calls the "weaponization" of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), alleging that the agency has been used to unfairly target specific industries.
In a press release, the administration claimed the CFPB had aligned itself with radical advocacy groups and granted itself expanded powers under previous leadership. A major point of contention is the agency’s role in regulating medical debt on credit reports, which the administration considers excessive government interference.
European Union Warns of Retaliation Against U.S. Tariffs
The European Union has condemned potential U.S. tariffs on European goods, calling them "unjustified and economically damaging." The EU Commission released a statement vowing to protect European businesses and workers from adverse trade measures.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed the EU’s stance, warning that any tariffs imposed by the U.S. would be met with reciprocal actions.
Federal Court Blocks Trump's Birthright Citizenship Order
A U.S. District Court judge in New Hampshire has issued an injunction preventing the enforcement of President Trump’s executive order limiting birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.
Judge Joseph Laplante ruled that the executive order is likely unconstitutional and could cause irreparable harm to those affected. This marks the third federal court ruling against the administration’s policy within a week, raising the likelihood of an appeal reaching the Supreme Court.
Trump Dismisses Military Academy Advisory Boards
President Donald Trump has removed members of the advisory boards for the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard academies, claiming they have been influenced by ideological agendas. In a social media post, Trump stated his intent to appoint new members aligned with his administration's vision.
CFPB Employees Advised Not to Work Amid Leadership Transition
Russ Vought, the acting director of the CFPB, sent an email to employees instructing them not to perform any work tasks during the transition period. The message comes amid an ongoing legal battle over the administration’s takeover of the bureau.
Trump Outlines U.S. Plans for Gaza Without Palestinian Right of Return
In an interview with Fox News, President Trump revealed a proposal to relocate Palestinians to newly constructed communities rather than allowing them to return to Gaza.
"We’ll build safe, modern communities for them, but returning to Gaza won’t be an option," Trump stated, suggesting that financial negotiations with neighboring countries such as Jordan and Egypt could facilitate the plan.
Trump is expected to discuss the proposal with Jordan’s King Abdullah II during an upcoming White House meeting.
Legal Challenges Mount Against CFPB Overhaul
The National Treasury Employees Union has filed two lawsuits against acting CFPB director Russ Vought, challenging his authority to restructure the agency. One lawsuit argues that only Congress has the power to dismantle the CFPB, while the other claims the administration’s access to the bureau’s records violates federal laws protecting sensitive information.
Trump’s Schedule Includes Executive Order Signing
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
According to White House guidance, President Trump will receive an intelligence briefing at 11 a.m. ET, followed by the signing of executive orders in the Oval Office. The details of the orders have not yet been disclosed.
Trump Prepares to Announce Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
President Trump has signaled plans to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, impacting trade with multiple countries.
"We will have an official announcement early this week," Trump told reporters, adding that reciprocal tariffs could follow for nations that impose similar trade restrictions on U.S. goods.
A court has halted the relocation of Venezuelan migrants to Guantanamo.
A federal judge in New Mexico has issued a temporary injunction preventing the Trump administration from relocating three Venezuelan migrants to a detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.
The administration had designated the individuals as members of a Venezuelan criminal gang, but legal representatives argued they fled Venezuela seeking asylum. The judge’s ruling halts the transfer while the court reviews the case.
Trump Ends Penny Production Over Cost Concerns
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
President Trump has directed the Treasury Department to halt the production of pennies, citing inefficiencies in minting costs.
"The production cost of each penny exceeds two cents. It’s a waste of resources!" Trump wrote on social media, adding that the decision aligns with broader efforts to eliminate unnecessary government spending.
Trump Renames the Gulf of Mexico
While flying over the Gulf of Mexico en route to the Super Bowl, President Trump signed an executive order renaming it the "Gulf of America."
When asked if he had consulted Mexico before making the decision, Trump simply replied, "No."
Trump Attends the Super Bowl
President Trump arrived at the Superdome in New Orleans for the Super Bowl, where he was joined by House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senators Eric Schmitt and Tim Scott, and members of his family.
Trump stood for "America the Beautiful" and saluted during "The Star-Spangled Banner," becoming the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl in person.
Trump Confirms Steel and Aluminum Tariff Plans
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| Trump's Second Term Live: Fort Liberty Reverts to Fort Bragg, Hegseth Reports |
While traveling to the Super Bowl, Trump reiterated his commitment to imposing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. He indicated that an official announcement would be made early in the week, with further trade policies to be outlined in an upcoming press conference.
