Three lawsuits were filed on January 20th, challenging President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, alleging violations of the Federal Advisory Committee Act due to a lack of open meetings. The plaintiffs, including the American Federation of Government Employees and the American Federation of Teachers, seek to halt DOGE’s operations and prevent further actions regarding federal worker hiring and spending cuts. The lawsuits name Trump, the Office of Management and Budget, and DOGE itself as defendants. These legal challenges target DOGE’s advisory role to the President and its potential impact on federal employees.
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President Trump signed executive orders aiming to recognize only two sexes (male and female) and eliminate federal DEI programs deemed “radical and wasteful.” The gender order mandates the use of “sex” instead of “gender” in official documents, impacting passports and visas, and restricts taxpayer funding for gender-transition healthcare. A second order targets the dismantling of DEI initiatives within federal agencies, focusing on environmental justice programs and equity-related grants. These actions, announced on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, are framed as a return to merit-based systems, while opponents argue they represent a setback for racial and social justice and anticipate legal challenges.
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During the presidential inauguration, President Trump deviated from tradition by not placing his hand on the Bibles held by the First Lady. He opted to use both a family Bible and the Lincoln Bible for the oath of office. Unlike prior presidents, his left hand remained at his side during the swearing-in ceremony. This marked a departure from the customary use of a single Bible for the oath.
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At a recent rally, President-elect Trump credited Elon Musk’s purported expertise in Pennsylvania’s voting systems for his landslide victory in the state. This statement, widely circulated online, prompted accusations from Trump critics of election rigging and spurred speculation about potential voter fraud. The claims have drawn sharp rebukes from Democrats, including a sitting congresswoman, who allege a confession to criminal activity. Newsweek has reached out to both the Trump transition team and Elon Musk for comment.
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President Biden commuted Leonard Peltier’s sentence, releasing him from prison after decades of advocacy from Indigenous activists and human rights groups who claimed his conviction was unjust. This decision, which was opposed by law enforcement who cited the 1975 murders of two FBI agents, grants Peltier clemency but not a pardon. The commutation considers Peltier’s age, health issues, and lengthy imprisonment, culminating in a historic moment for Indigenous communities. His release follows years of lobbying efforts and support from various prominent figures and organizations.
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President Trump plans to issue a series of executive orders on his first day in office addressing immigration. Key actions include ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, despite potential legal challenges stemming from the 14th Amendment. Additionally, the orders will reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, end “catch and release,” and declare a national emergency at the border, authorizing the deployment of armed forces for border wall construction. Further measures include suspending refugee resettlement, increasing migrant vetting, and designating certain criminal organizations as global terrorists.
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President Biden issued preemptive pardons to three siblings, two spouses, and several other individuals, including Dr. Fauci and Gen. Milley, citing concerns about politically motivated investigations. These pardons, announced shortly before President-elect Trump’s inauguration, aimed to protect those targeted from the damaging effects of baseless probes, regardless of guilt or innocence. The president stated that such investigations can cause irreparable harm to reputations and finances. This action, while breaking with historical norms, follows precedent of outgoing presidents granting eleventh-hour pardons, including family members.
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On his inauguration day, President Trump opted against immediately imposing tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, despite previous threats. Instead, he will direct agencies to investigate trade deficits and unfair trade practices from these countries. While this provides temporary relief for Canada, the threat of future tariffs remains, with Canada prepared to retaliate with its own tariffs on American goods should they be imposed. The decision to delay tariff implementation allows Trump to prioritize other inaugural day initiatives, but Canada remains vigilant and is proactively engaging with the Trump administration on trade concerns.
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President Biden issued preemptive pardons for five family members—his brother James, James’s wife Sara, his sister Valerie, Valerie’s husband John, and his brother Francis—citing baseless, politically motivated investigations targeting them. These pardons, announced shortly before the presidential transition, accompanied similar pardons for other figures, including Dr. Fauci and Gen. Milley. The president emphasized that the pardons do not indicate guilt and that the investigations caused irreparable damage. This action follows Biden’s earlier pardon of his son, Hunter, after Hunter’s conviction on federal gun and tax charges.
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President Biden reflected on his presidency, citing a key regret: insufficiently highlighting the Democratic Party’s role in legislative achievements like the infrastructure bill and Covid relief. He acknowledged the political benefit of associating accomplishments with his party, contrasting his approach with that of other presidents. Biden attributed this oversight to prioritizing policy over politics, hindering efforts to effectively communicate the administration’s successes to the public. This ultimately impacted the Democrats’ ability to garner deserved credit and maintain popular support.
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John Q. Hosedrinker