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TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FIRES 17 INDEPENDENT INSPECTORS GENERAL, SPARKING CONGRESSIONAL OUTRAGE

In a sweeping move, the Trump administration fired approximately 17 independent inspectors general at government agencies, sparking outrage from congressional members who claim the action violates federal oversight laws. The dismissals, which began on Friday night, were effective immediately, with neither the exact number of firings nor the reasons behind them being officially confirmed. Senator Chuck Grassley, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed concerns over the lack of transparency, stating, “There may be good reason the IGs were fired. We need to know that if so… I’d like further explanation from President Trump.” Grassley also emphasized that the 30-day notice period required by law was not provided to Congress. Inspectors general serve as independent watchdogs within government agencies, tasked with identifying mismanagement, abuse of power, and waste. Their removal has raised concerns about the potential for corruption and abuse within the administration. Graham Senator Lindsey Graham acknowledged that the firings may have violated statutes but downplayed the issue, saying, “Just tell them you need to follow the law next time.” In contrast, Democrats and watchdog groups have condemned the move, with Senator Elizabeth Warren calling it “a purge of independent watchdogs in the middle of the night.” Stier Max Stier, president and CEO of the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service, emphasized the importance of inspectors general, stating, “Their work saves the taxpayer tens of billions of dollars every year.” The White House has not commented on the matter. The firings have sparked concerns about the potential for corruption and abuse within the administration, with Representative Gerald Connolly warning that “replacing independent inspectors general with political hacks will harm every American who relies on social security, veterans benefits, and a fair hearing at IRS on refunds and audits.”

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION LAUNCHES MASS DEPORTATION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

The Trump administration has begun mass deportations of illegal and undocumented immigrants from the United States, fulfilling a campaign promise made by President Donald Trump. According to a statement and pictures posted by the White House, “Just as he promised, President Trump is sending a strong message to the world: those who enter the United States illegally will face serious consequences.” The deportations, which started on January 23, have already resulted in the arrest of 538 undocumented immigrants, including a suspected terrorist and several individuals convicted of sex crimes against minors. The Trump administration has also announced plans to expand the deportation efforts, targeting cities such as Chicago, New York City, Miami, Denver, and Los Angeles. The move has been met with criticism from some lawmakers and advocacy groups, who argue that the deportations will tear families apart and harm the economy. However, the Trump administration has maintained that the deportations are necessary to enforce immigration laws and protect national security. As part of the deportation efforts, the administration has also authorized federal law enforcement personnel from various agencies to assist in carrying out immigration policies. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to cut federal funding to states that do not comply with deportation plans. The mass deportations have already had a significant impact on some communities, with reports of widespread fear and anxiety among immigrant populations. The move is also expected to have significant economic implications, particularly in industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor.

PAMELA HEMPHILL REFUSES TRUMP PARDON, SAYING “WE WERE WRONG THAT DAY”

Pamela Hemphill, who pleaded guilty to participating in the January 6 US Capitol riots, has refused a pardon from President Donald Trump. Hemphill, nicknamed the “Maga Granny,” was sentenced to 60 days in prison and told BBC that accepting a pardon would “insult the Capitol police officers, the rule of law, and our nation”. “We were wrong that day, we broke the law – there should be no pardons,” Hemphill emphasized. She also expressed concerns that Trump’s government is trying to “rewrite history,” and she doesn’t want to be a part of it. Trump’s decision to pardon or commute the sentences of nearly 1,600 people involved in the riots has drawn mixed reactions from Republican politicians. Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina disagreed with the decision, citing “legitimate safety issues on Capitol Hill.” Senator James Lankford from Oklahoma emphasized the importance of law and order, stating that attacking a police officer is a “very serious issue” that should be punished. The proclamation has identified 14 accused individuals, including Stewart Rhodes, Kelly Meggs, and Kenneth Harrelson, who will be released from incarceration if they are still in federal custody.

TRUMP PROPOSES CUTTING FEDERAL ROLE IN DISASTER RESPONSE DURING CALIFORNIA, NORTH CAROLINA VISIT

President Donald Trump has proposed cutting the federal role in disaster response, suggesting that states should take care of disasters themselves. Trump made the comments during a visit to California and North Carolina, where he surveyed damage from recent wildfires and Hurricane Helene. “I’d like to see the states take care of disasters,” Trump said in North Carolina. “Let the state take care of the tornadoes and the hurricanes and all of the other things that happen.” Trump also criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), saying that he was considering “getting rid of” the agency. In California, Trump met with Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has been critical of the president in the past. Despite their differences, the two appeared to get along, with Newsom praising Trump’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re going to need your support,” Newsom told Trump. “We’re going to need your help.” Trump responded by promising to provide federal assistance to the state, but also suggested that California’s water policies had contributed to the wildfires. Trump’s visit to California and North Carolina came as he faces criticism for his administration’s response to natural disasters. In North Carolina, residents told Trump about their struggles to recover from Hurricane Helene, which hit the state in September. “We’ve come to North Carolina with a simple message,” Trump said. “You are not forgotten any longer. You were treated very badly by the previous administration.” Trump’s administration has distributed $319 million in financial assistance to residents affected by the hurricane, but some have criticized the response as inadequate.

US SET TO WITHDRAW FROM WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AMID ACCUSATIONS OF MISMANAGEMENT

The United States is set to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday, citing the agency’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other international health crises. Trump accused the WHO of failing to act independently from the “inappropriate political influence of WHO member states” and requiring “unfairly onerous payments” from the US that are disproportionate to the sums provided by other, larger countries, such as China. “World Health ripped us off, everybody rips off the United States. It’s not going to happen anymore,” Trump said. The WHO expressed regret over the US decision, with spokesperson Tarik Jasarević stating, “We hope that the United States will reconsider, and we really hope that there will be constructive dialogue for the benefit of everyone, for Americans but also for people around the world.” The US withdrawal will trigger a 12-month notice period, during which the country will stop all financial contributions to the WHO. The US is the WHO’s biggest financial backer, contributing around 18% of its overall funding. The move is likely to put at risk programs tackling tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other health emergencies. Experts warn that the US departure will weaken the WHO and isolate the US when global health challenges demand unity. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the next-largest donor to the WHO, has pledged to continue supporting the agency. Germany, the next-largest state donor, has also expressed hope that the US will reconsider its decision. The US withdrawal from the WHO is not unexpected, as Trump had previously taken steps to quit the body in 2020. However, the move was halted by President Joe Biden on his first day in office. SOURCE: Reuters

TRUMP UNVEILS AMBITIOUS AGENDA ON FIRST DAY BACK IN OFFICE

President Donald Trump has wasted no time in outlining his vision for a stronger America, unveiling a series of powerful executive actions aimed at reshaping U.S. policy on the global stage and at home. On his first day back in office, Trump signaled his intention to reset U.S.-Russia relations, with a call to Russian President Vladimir Putin anticipated in the coming days or weeks, followed by a face-to-face meeting “very quickly.” Trump has also made it clear that one of his primary foreign policy goals is to withdraw U.S. funding for Ukraine, stating “I will end the war in Ukraine… and I will prevent World War III from happening.” He believes the Ukraine conflict is “dying to be settled” and blamed the current administration, specifically President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, for escalating the crisis. On the domestic front, Trump is laser-focused on what he terms the “border invasion.” He plans to declare a national border emergency and deploy the U.S. military to launch the “largest deportation program in American history.” This move is part of his ongoing effort to clamp down on illegal immigration and secure the southern border. In another dramatic step, Trump has promised to address the controversial “Laptop from Hell” scandal, potentially suspending security clearances for 51 national security officials who, according to Trump, misled the public about the contents of Hunter Biden’s laptop ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Finally, Trump has vowed to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring practices, which he describes as “destructive and divisive.” He plans to target these practices in both the government and private sectors, claiming they undermine merit and unity in the workplace. These bold moves highlight Trump’s readiness to implement sweeping changes from day one, reflecting his determination to fulfill his campaign promises and reshape key aspects of American policy. The impact of these actions will be felt across the nation and beyond as Trump takes decisive steps to fulfill his vision for a stronger America.

US PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP DECLARED CONVICTED FELON IN “HUSH MONEY” CASE

US President-elect Donald Trump has been sentenced in his “hush money” criminal case in New York, just ten days before he is scheduled to take office. Judge Juan Merchan announced on Friday that an unconditional discharge has been affirmed as appropriate, imposing no penalties but creating the status of convicted felon as Trump appeals. Trump was charged in 2023 with misreporting “hush money” payments made to adult actress Stormy Daniels in 2017. He was found guilty on all 34 felony counts in May. The US Supreme Court ruled in July that official actions taken by a president while in office cannot be prosecuted, but Judge Merchan rejected this ruling last month. In a statement, Trump maintained his innocence, saying “I am innocent of all of the Judge’s made up, fake charges… This was nothing other than Weaponization of our Justice System against a Political Opponent. It’s called Lawfare, and nothing like this has ever happened in the United States of America, and it should never be allowed to happen again”. The US Supreme Court denied Trump’s motion to stop the proceedings on Thursday, clearing the way for Merchan to hold the virtual hearing on Friday. Trump has long maintained that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg was acting on behalf of President Joe Biden by bringing the case. Trump is scheduled to be sworn in as the 47th US president on January 20, after winning both the popular vote and the electoral college victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in November.

GLOBAL GOALS ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE TRUMP’S PRESIDENCY

President Trump seems to be viewing the world with unproven unorthodox assumptions in asserting that“I will exit the Paris Agreement, I will take over Panama canal and Greenland”. I consider this a game of orchestrated optical illusion by developed countries that have plagued the world for centuries. Greenland is the largest non continental island third largest after Canada and north America. Although it has been geographically part of north America continent, it has been politically and culturally associated with Europe for about it millennium. Since 1721, Denmark has held colonies in Greenland but was officially made a part of Denmark in 1953. Greenland is generally a good place to live because of low crime but has cold harsh weather.The promise by Trump to claim this largest island is bound to result in international tension as Russia is keeping an eye on it too. On the other hand, the Panama canal is 82 kilometres waterways that connect the Caribbean sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is a conduit of trade that connects the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic ocean and a life saver for those travelling between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic ocean cutting off 8000 miles and 12,875 kilometres of maritime voyages and saving passengers and businesses countless hours of travel time. The canal was built in 1900 and the US exercised control until 1977 when President Carter ceded it to Panama. The canal is used mostly by the United States followed by China, Japan and Chile and North Korea. The interest of America in the canal is drawn from a long history of President Theodore Roosevelt long term United states goal of American and British leaders and businessmen to ship quickly and cheaply between the Pacific and the Atlantic ocean. The unlikely interference in the canal by the US will be resisted by countries like china and North Korea which will be another source of international tension between the US, China and North Korea. Additionally, The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international Treaty on climate change that entered into force since November 2016 and covered climate change, mitigation, adaptation and financing. The overarching goal is to hold global increase in temperature to well below 2▪︎c above pre industrial times and pursue efforts to limit temperatures to 1.5▪︎c. The main aim is to strengthen global response against climate change. The United states has succeeded in obtaining Newfoundland fishing rights, a western border that extends to Mississippi with right of navigation which the Spanish government will later resist. The Paris Agreement is different from the Kyoto Protocol which involved only developed countries. The Paris Agreement recognises that climate change is a shared problem that call on countries to set emission targets. President Trump since June 1 2017 made the decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement because of the unfair economic burden imposed on American workers, businesses and taxpayers by US pledges made under the Agreement. As at February 2023, 195 countries of UNFCCC are Parties to the Agreement. The US previously withdrew in 2020 but rejoined by 2021. The challenge for President Trump to take on these 3 international areas will be resisted because of its relevance to the survival of humanity and economic benefits to industrialized nations including answerebility and democratic politics will be at play here. The higher values seem lost on America as countries are bestowed with the power of purse and and climate control. The new world reality seems lost on most advanced economies that countries are not subjects but have a duty to protect their citizens from aggression and insist that the world behave better. (For more conversation follow me on Twitter X @iyamuclimatech1 and Instagram iyamuclimatechange).You can send your views to iyamukenneth65@gmail.com or WhatsApp message to 07057447442

SUPREME COURT REJECTS TRUMP’S BID TO DELAY SENTENCING IN HUSH-MONEY CASE

In a 5-4 decision, the US Supreme Court rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s emergency request to delay his sentencing in the New York hush-money case. The ruling clears the way for Trump to be sentenced on Friday, just days before his inauguration on January 20. Trump was convicted in May of falsifying business records over payments to adult-film star Stormy Daniels to keep her from speaking out about an alleged affair before the 2016 election. Trump has denied the affair. The Supreme Court’s decision was a significant defeat for Trump, who had argued that his sentencing would distract from his transition to power and potentially jeopardize national security. However, the court found that Trump’s concerns could be handled “in the ordinary course on appeal.” Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the court’s three liberals in rejecting Trump’s emergency motion. The majority found that Trump’s sentencing wouldn’t be an insurmountable burden during the presidential transition, especially since Judge Juan Merchan has indicated that Trump won’t face jail time, fines, or probation. “We brought a case. A jury of ordinary New Yorkers returned 34 guilty verdicts,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. “Our function right now primarily is to continue to give voice to that verdict and respect, as a principle — bedrock principle of the administration of justice — that the jury’s voice must not be rubbed out.” Trump’s attorneys had argued that the case was politically motivated and that sentencing him now would be a “grave injustice.” However, prosecutors countered that Trump’s concerns could be hashed out on appeal. The decision comes after the conservative-majority court has handed Trump major victories over the past year. The justices could also be faced with weighing other parts of the sweeping conservative changes Trump has promised after he takes office. In a statement, Trump said he respects the high court’s order and will pursue an appeal that could end up before the high court again. “I respect the court’s opinion — I think it was actually a very good opinion for us because you saw what they said, but they invited the appeal and the appeal is on the bigger issue. So, we’ll see how it works out,” he said.

TRUMP ASKS SUPREME COURT TO HALT HIS SENTENCING IN NEW YORK CRIMINAL CASE

Days away from his criminal sentencing in New York, President-elect Donald Trump is seeking a late-stage rescue from the U.S. Supreme Court, escalating his bid to shut down the case before he returns to the White House.In an emergency petition filed late Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers urged the high court to intervene and halt the sentencing, which is scheduled for Friday, 10 days before the presidential inauguration.The filing came after a New York Appeal Court rejected the same request on Tuesday, casting doubt on the validity of his effort to stave off the sentencing. The effort hinges on Trump’s argument that he is entitled to full immunity from prosecution, and even sentencing, now that he is the president-elect. His lawyers have based that claim on a polarizing Supreme Court ruling from last year that granted former presidents broad immunity for their official acts. “This court should enter an immediate stay of further proceedings in the New York trial court to prevent grave injustice and harm to the institution of the presidency and the operations of the federal government,” the application said,The Supreme Court directed prosecutors to respond to Trump’s application by Thursday morning, an indication that the justices may act before the scheduled sentencing on Friday.It capped a whirlwind stretch of legal wrangling for the former and future president, who is scrambling to avoid the embarrassing spectacle of a public sentencing. Although Trump is expected to receive nothing more than a slap on the wrist — the trial judge overseeing the case has signaled that he would spare Trump jail time — the sentencing carries symbolic importance. It would formalize Trump’s status as a felon, making him the first president to hold that dubious designation.If the Supreme Court grants a stay of Trump’s sentencing, it might effectively scuttle the proceeding for good. The window to sentence Trump is rapidly closing — once he returns to the White House, Trump cannot face criminal prosecution and he would be 82 after his second term concludes. (The New York Times)