A federal judge temporarily reinstated Hampton Dellinger as head of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) after President Trump fired him via email. Dellinger’s lawsuit argued that his dismissal violated federal law, which mandates removal only for cause. The judge’s order prevents the Trump administration from denying Dellinger access to OSC resources pending further review. This action follows a pattern of Trump removing appointees from previous administrations, sparking controversy over his disregard for established legal procedures.
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President Trump signed an executive order establishing a White House Faith Office, renaming the existing Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, to advise on policy and grant access for faith-based organizations. Simultaneously, he announced a task force to investigate “anti-Christian bias” within the federal government, sparking criticism from some groups concerned about church-state separation. This action follows Trump’s comments about a renewed faith following near-death experiences and his administration’s past actions to roll back diversity initiatives. The new office and task force have drawn both support and strong condemnation from religious leaders across the political spectrum.
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Despite the Trump administration’s termination, the National Nature Assessment, initiated by President Biden, will likely be completed and released. The report, based on extensive public input and volunteer contributions, aims to comprehensively assess nature loss’s impact on climate change and society, filling gaps in existing knowledge. Though its webpage was removed, the first draft is largely finished and the project maintains broad author consensus. The assessment intends to inform the development of “nature-based solutions” to advance US climate goals and economic well-being.
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Donald Trump’s renewed threat of a 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum imports is causing immediate economic harm, mirroring the negative impacts of similar tariffs imposed in 2018. Canadian steel and aluminum companies are already experiencing cancelled orders and reduced sales, forcing them to reconsider expansion plans and potentially leading to job losses. This uncertainty is prompting businesses to halt investments and impacting the Canadian economy, with calls for government intervention and potential retaliatory measures. The situation highlights the precarious nature of the Canada-U.S. trading relationship and the unpredictable impact of protectionist policies.
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President Trump signed orders imposing 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including from Canada, effective March 4th. These tariffs, justified as a means to boost domestic production, were enacted despite strong Canadian opposition and lack of prior warning. The Canadian government plans to analyze the implications and consult with international partners, while opposition parties advocate for immediate retaliatory measures against the U.S. This action marks a renewed escalation of trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
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President Trump declined to endorse Vice President JD Vance as his successor in the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, citing it being too early to make such a decision. While praising Vance’s performance, Trump highlighted the numerous capable individuals within the Republican party. This statement surprised some, given Vance’s close alignment with Trump and widely perceived potential candidacy. The decision leaves open the question of who will lead the Republican party after Trump’s presidency, with numerous other candidates potentially emerging.
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President Trump removed David Huitema, the Senate-confirmed director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), replacing him with former Congressman Doug Collins. This action follows the recent dismissal of numerous inspectors general and coincides with the Trump administration’s restructuring of government agencies. The OGE is responsible for overseeing ethics rules and financial disclosures within the executive branch, a role critics say is now significantly weakened. This move is seen as part of a broader effort to limit government oversight and accountability.
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A Rhode Island federal judge ordered the Trump administration to immediately reinstate funding for federal programs after finding them in violation of a court order pausing a spending freeze. The judge’s decision, in response to a lawsuit from 22 states and the District of Columbia, cited evidence of continued funding disruptions across multiple agencies. The administration’s defiance of the court order follows public statements from President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Elon Musk suggesting disregard for judicial rulings. Failure to comply could result in contempt charges against administration officials.
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President Trump will sign an executive order temporarily halting the Department of Justice’s enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). This pause aims to prevent U.S. businesses from facing unfair competition against foreign companies that are not similarly restricted. The Attorney General will review existing FCPA cases and develop new enforcement guidelines. This action, while intended to level the economic playing field, contrasts with the FCPA’s original purpose of combating international corruption.
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A federal court issued a temporary restraining order halting the Trump administration’s planned transfer of three Venezuelan detainees from a New Mexico immigration center to Guantanamo Bay. This action follows President Trump’s announcement to detain up to 30,000 immigrants at the facility, a controversial plan met with widespread criticism from human rights organizations. The court’s decision represents a small victory for the detainees, who face lengthy detention and potential human rights violations. Legal challenges are expected to continue as immigration advocates fight the administration’s Guantanamo Bay detention policy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker