Late Friday, approximately 300 employees of the US Institute of Peace were terminated via email, following President Trump’s executive order to close the organization. The firings, overseen by Elon Musk’s “department of government efficiency,” were executed after a legal battle resulting in a judge’s rebuke of Doge representatives’ actions but not the reinstatement of the institute’s leadership. Employees were given until April 7th to vacate their offices, and are now exploring individual legal recourse. The White House cited the institute’s alleged failure to deliver on its mission as justification for its closure.
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Elon Musk’s claim that no one has died due to U.S. foreign aid cuts is demonstrably false. In South Sudan, the cessation of aid, orchestrated in part by Musk and President Trump, directly resulted in the deaths of several children, including Peter Donde, who died from an opportunistic infection due to lack of HIV medication, and Achol Deng, who died after losing access to her case worker and medicine. These deaths are not isolated incidents, and health workers predict a significant rise in mortality as food and medicine supplies dwindle. The consequences extend beyond immediate deaths, impacting anti-terrorism efforts and disease surveillance, ultimately harming U.S. interests.
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King Charles presented a ceremonial sword to Greg Peters, Canada’s Usher of the Black Rod, a symbolic gesture of support amid President Trump’s annexationist rhetoric. This action, along with recent meetings with Prime Minister Trudeau, the wearing of Canadian medals, and the planting of a maple tree, demonstrates the King’s solidarity with Canada. Royal watchers interpret these actions as subtle yet significant displays of support for Canadian sovereignty, mirroring similar symbolic gestures employed by Queen Elizabeth II. The sword, commissioned to mark the change of reign, is viewed as a powerful symbol of this support. The timing of these actions is seen as particularly meaningful given the current political climate.
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Despite a temporary reprieve on some U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, Ontario will proceed with its planned 25% electricity export tax to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota, beginning Monday. This retaliatory measure, alongside the removal of U.S. alcohol from LCBO shelves and cancelled contracts with American companies, reflects Ontario’s unwavering stance against President Trump’s tariffs. Premier Ford maintains that the temporary reprieve is insufficient and threatens to double the electricity tax if tariffs are not fully removed by April 2nd. The province cites the ongoing threat of further tariffs and the incomplete coverage of Canadian goods by the existing trade agreement as justifications for its actions.
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Following Google’s refusal to fully restore the Gulf of Mexico’s name on Google Maps, despite a request from the Mexican government, Mexico is awaiting a further response before initiating legal action. Google cited longstanding mapping policies and offered a meeting, but Mexico firmly rejected the renaming, asserting it violates its sovereignty over the majority of the gulf. This dispute arises from President Trump’s renaming of the body of water, creating tension between Mexico and the U.S., and fueling concerns about press freedom within the U.S. as well.
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On February 17th, the 50501 Movement and Political Revolution are collaborating on a nationwide “Not My President’s Day” of action against President Trump’s policies. This follows a successful February 5th series of protests across 80 cities, with tens of thousands of participants. The “day of action” encourages diverse participation, including protests, contacting representatives, and volunteer work. Future coordinated protests are anticipated, demonstrating a sustained commitment to opposing the current administration’s agenda.
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Elon Musk’s shutdown of USAID, at President Trump’s behest, has caused a global humanitarian crisis. The immediate consequences include blocked vital medical supplies in Sudan and the DRC, resulting in malnutrition and preventable deaths. Hundreds of thousands of children have lost access to school meals, and numerous health and education programs have been terminated. This action, described as an “extinction-level event” for the sector, threatens to destabilize global aid efforts and severely impact vulnerable populations worldwide. The freeze also jeopardizes women’s health, with thousands of preventable maternal deaths predicted.
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Following the reading of Matt Gaetz’s resignation letter, the House chamber erupted in applause. His departure came just two days before a House Ethics Committee report was to be released, finding “substantial evidence” of rule violations and statutory rape. The resignation followed President-elect Trump’s short-lived nomination of Gaetz to lead the Department of Justice, a nomination mired in scandal. Gaetz’s controversial tenure, including his role in ousting former Speaker McCarthy, culminated in his widely celebrated exit from Congress. His actions had earned him significant disapproval among his colleagues.
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Following recent political events, Democrats have accused Elon Musk of wielding undue influence over President-elect Trump, alleging he is the true power behind the incoming administration. These accusations, exemplified by Representative Jayapal’s assertion of Musk as “Shadow President,” prompted a strong denial from a Trump spokesperson, who reaffirmed Trump’s sole leadership of the Republican Party. Musk himself has attempted to deflect blame and minimize his involvement. The controversy highlights the perceived significant role of Musk in the political process.
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The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) expressed concerns regarding President-elect Trump’s “Operation Aurora,” a plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. While not condoning illegal immigration, the USCCB emphasized the need for a humane approach, asserting that immigrants “represent the face of Christ” and deserve dignity. Bishops vowed to publicly oppose the plan if it violates human rights or hinders the Church’s mission to support marginalized communities. The USCCB advocates for a system that distinguishes between immigrants who have committed crimes and those who should be allowed to remain.
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John Q. Hosedrinker