The Democratic Party is challenging a recent executive order issued by President Trump, arguing it grants him excessive control over regulatory agencies, particularly the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The lawsuit claims this order jeopardizes the FEC’s independence, potentially allowing partisan influence over campaign finance law enforcement. The plaintiffs seek a court declaration upholding the FEC’s independent status and a block on the executive order’s application to the FEC. This action counters a conservative legal movement aiming to centralize executive branch power within the White House, potentially circumventing Supreme Court precedents protecting independent agencies.
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President Trump signed an executive order expanding Elon Musk’s “Doge” program, mandating a centralized system for tracking and justifying federal spending, subject to public transparency, and monitored by Musk’s team. Exemptions exist for national security and related agencies. This initiative is part of a broader White House effort to drastically reduce the federal workforce, with planned large-scale reductions across multiple agencies, including significant cuts at the EPA and potential job losses at other departments. Despite some initial setbacks, including a disputed interruption of Ebola prevention funding, the order also includes measures such as a government real estate offloading plan and a freeze on non-essential government credit card use.
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Hunter Schafer’s passport was recently reissued with a male gender marker despite her having consistently identified as female. This change, she believes, is a direct result of a Trump-era executive order restricting gender marker changes on passports to those aligning with assigned sex at birth. Schafer’s experience highlights the real-world impact of this policy on transgender individuals, regardless of their social standing. She shared her story to raise awareness of the growing challenges faced by the trans community and the subtle, yet significant, ways policies can affect their lives.
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Actress Hunter Schafer revealed that her renewed passport incorrectly lists her sex as male, a direct consequence of a Trump-era executive order defining sex based solely on birth assignment. Despite selecting “female” on the application, Schafer’s passport reflects the order’s mandate, overriding her gender identity. This policy, which eliminates the “X” gender marker, has faced legal challenges and impacts countless transgender individuals. Schafer shared her experience not for personal sympathy, but to highlight the broader impact on the transgender community.
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The National Science Foundation (NSF) terminated approximately 168 employees, representing roughly 10% of its workforce, citing President Trump’s executive order mandating federal workforce reduction. The firings disproportionately affected probationary and temporary employees, including program officers crucial for grant management and research oversight. Many terminated employees reported exemplary performance records, leading to accusations of unfounded dismissals and concerns about the legality of the actions. This mass termination is expected to significantly hinder the NSF’s ability to manage its $9 billion budget and support crucial scientific research.
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The upcoming four years represent a pivotal moment for the nation. To ensure continued access to unbiased reporting during this transformative period, HuffPost is introducing an ad-free experience for supporting contributors. This initiative aims to safeguard the future of free and impartial journalism. By joining, readers directly contribute to the newsroom’s ability to provide critical coverage.
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A Washington state judge issued a preliminary injunction against President Trump’s executive order banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, deeming it unconstitutional. The order blocks federal funding for such treatments and potentially criminalizes the medical procedures themselves, exceeding the President’s authority. The judge cited violations of the separation of powers and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fifth Amendment. This preliminary injunction follows a temporary restraining order and is expected to be appealed, potentially reaching the Supreme Court.
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Following President Trump’s executive order pausing funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Huntsville Utilities notified some customers that a $100 grant, previously applied to their bills, was invalid. This resulted in a $100 increase on their next electricity bill. The grant, distributed through the Community Action Partnership, supplemented the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). While the main LIHEAP funding remained untouched, the supplemental funding from the IIJA was rescinded, impacting low-income families.
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A Maryland federal judge issued a temporary restraining order halting President Trump’s executive action restricting access to gender-affirming care for minors. This action, challenged as unconstitutional and discriminatory, prevents federal agencies from withholding funds from medical providers offering such care. The executive order prohibits federal funding for gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, for individuals under 19, impacting federal programs like TRICARE and Medicaid. The plaintiffs, including transgender minors and advocacy groups, argued the order violates existing law and harms vulnerable youth.
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John Q. Hosedrinker