President Trump’s administration initiated widespread federal employee dismissals within its first month, impacting both new and long-term workers across numerous agencies. These actions included a blocked “deferred resignation” plan, the firing of thousands of probationary employees, and significant cuts to various departments, such as the Education and Veterans Affairs departments. A freeze on trillions of dollars in federal grants further exacerbated the situation, impacting vital programs and potentially violating Congressional authorization. The dismissals also extended to numerous Inspectors General and career employees within the Justice and State Departments, raising concerns about legal compliance and the impartiality of government oversight.
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A Congressional Research Service report confirms that President Trump lacks unilateral authority to abolish USAID, requiring congressional authorization for such actions. Despite this, Elon Musk, with Trump’s approval, sought to shut down the agency. Simultaneously, Secretary of State Rubio assumed acting directorship of USAID, initiating a review of its activities with potential reorganization. The administration’s actions, including a foreign aid freeze and staff removals, have prompted congressional concerns about compliance with notification and funding regulations.
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Democratic Representatives Markey and Lieu urged President Biden to curtail the president’s sole authority to launch nuclear weapons, citing concerns about the potential for unilateral action by a future president. Their letter emphasizes the inherent danger of this unchecked power, particularly given Donald Trump’s past rhetoric regarding nuclear weapons. The lawmakers proposed requiring Congressional authorization for any nuclear first strike, reserving unilateral presidential response only to an existing nuclear attack. This policy change, they argued, would be a significant part of Biden’s legacy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker