The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) filed a lawsuit against President Trump’s “Schedule F” executive order, arguing it violates civil service law by enabling the dismissal of career employees without sufficient justification. The union contends the order circumvents congressional intent and constitutes an improper political loyalty test. This action follows other legal challenges to Trump’s efforts to reshape the federal workforce, including the Department of Government Efficiency initiative. The NTEU also alleges that Trump violated the Administrative Procedure Act by disregarding established procedures for altering regulations. This marks the second legal challenge from the NTEU regarding Schedule F.
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The ACLU filed suit against President Trump’s executive order attempting to revoke birthright citizenship, arguing it directly contradicts the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship to all persons born in the U.S. The suit, filed in New Hampshire on behalf of affected families, claims the order violates both the 14th Amendment and the Administrative Procedures Act. While the administration acknowledged potential legal issues by suggesting a prospective application of the order, the ACLU maintains the order is unconstitutional and a repudiation of American values. The ACLU is confident of prevailing in its challenge to this executive action.
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Russia’s foreign ministry issued a statement urging respect for Panama’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal, warning against U.S. attempts to reclaim control through coercion. The statement emphasized the canal’s vital role as an international transit waterway and reiterated Russia’s commitment to its neutrality. This follows President Trump’s previous threat to assert U.S. control, a move that Panama firmly rejected. Approximately 40% of U.S. container ships utilize the canal, highlighting its significance to American trade.
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Following a Supreme Court-enforced ban, President Trump’s stance on TikTok has shifted. Initially pledging to overturn the ban and highlighting his substantial engagement on the platform, he now labels TikTok “worthless” unless a favorable deal is reached. Trump suggests a joint venture where the U.S. obtains half ownership, but the future of the ban remains uncertain pending his final decision. This reversal reflects a hardening of his position toward the social media platform, despite previous assurances to the contrary.
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President Trump’s executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship is unconstitutional, directly contradicting the 14th Amendment and established Supreme Court precedent, most notably *United States v. Wong Kim Ark*. The order’s immediate legal challenges have a high likelihood of success, despite the current Supreme Court’s conservative leaning. Even the justices in *Plessy v. Ferguson*, known for its racist ruling, upheld birthright citizenship in *Wong Kim Ark*, demonstrating the strength of the 14th Amendment’s clear language. The continued assertion of birthright citizenship reaffirms the nation’s commitment to legal equality for all born within its borders.
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The inauguration of President Trump included several high-net-worth individuals, significantly boosting the collective wealth of attendees. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew’s presence, amidst negotiations to keep TikTok operational in the U.S., added an estimated $200 million. Reverend Franklin Graham offered a blessing, contributing an estimated $10 million to the total. Finally, biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy, previously a significant Trump supporter with a net worth exceeding $1 billion, reportedly fell out of favor with the President.
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During his inaugural address, President Donald Trump announced his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. This announcement prompted a visible reaction from former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who was seen laughing. The brief moment captured the unexpected nature of the declaration. No further details regarding the renaming were provided in the address.
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Three lawsuits allege that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) violates the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 by lacking transparency and balanced representation. The suits claim DOGE operates as a federal advisory committee without adhering to public meeting and membership requirements, with tech executives disproportionately represented. One lawsuit highlights the lack of contact from DOGE to applicants, demonstrating a bias in membership selection. Plaintiffs argue DOGE’s opaque communication, primarily through encrypted messaging, further undermines the law’s transparency mandates.
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President Trump rescinded President Biden’s executive order that ensured the inclusion of all residents, regardless of immigration status, in the census count used for apportionment of House seats and Electoral College votes. This reversal reinstates the Trump administration’s attempt to exclude undocumented residents, a move previously blocked by the Supreme Court. The decision potentially paves the way for the creation of gerrymandered districts advantageous to Republicans, building on prior efforts to collect citizenship data at the neighborhood level. The implications of this action on the 2030 census remain to be seen, with ongoing debate surrounding the inclusion of non-citizens in apportionment counts.
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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced she will not attend Donald Trump’s inauguration, citing his sexual abuse conviction in the E. Jean Carroll case. Ocasio-Cortez publicly stated her refusal to celebrate a rapist, referencing the judge’s finding that Trump sexually abused Carroll. Her statement prompted a response from Elon Musk, who called her “unhinged,” and further commentary from Ocasio-Cortez on social media platforms. She also expressed concerns about the potential use of TikTok as a propaganda tool by the Trump administration and warned about the looming threat of authoritarianism.
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John Q. Hosedrinker