The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) maintains a larger workforce than in 2019, despite departures since President Trump's inauguration. While 6,000 employees have left, the agency still has almost 6,000 more individuals than it did in 2019, with increases seen in agencies like the FDA and CDC. This growth follows a significant expansion in HHS hiring between fiscal year 2019 and 2024.
Political commentator Charles Hurst suggests that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s collaboration with President Trump might have influenced the election outcome. (REUTERS/Go Nakamura)
Key Developments in the Trump Administration
President Trump's administration has taken action on several fronts, including designating certain cartels as terrorist organizations and nominating a Jan. 6 defense attorney for a key prosecutor role in Washington D.C. The administration is also addressing questions about aviation safety during Trump's presidency. Meanwhile, some K Street influencers who were initially hesitant about Trump are now expressing willingness to collaborate.
Image from a plane crash at Toronto Pearson International Airport, raising questions about aviation safety trends. (REUTERS/Cole Burston)
In other developments, a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration from dismissing 11 intelligence officers involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has filed a lawsuit against the administration regarding immigration and refugee funding. Additionally, the administration has paused applications for certain migrant programs established during the Biden era due to concerns about fraud and national security.
Global Affairs and International Relations
President Zelenskyy of Ukraine is facing challenging re-election prospects as the US and Russia encourage Ukraine to hold elections as a component of a peace agreement. Conservative voices in the US suggest European leaders critical of Vice President Vance should engage with their citizens to understand their perspectives. Border security remains a focus, with reports of a DHS helicopter being targeted by lasers from Mexico. Meanwhile, border state officials anticipate authorization to take significant action against cartels.
Presidents Zelenskyy, Trump, and Putin. (Alessandro Bremec/NurPhoto via Getty Images | Contributor/Getty Images | Scott Olson/Getty Images)
In other international news, the Iranian crown prince has advocated for global measures against the current regime in Iran. Pope Francis is reportedly recovering well after a pneumonia diagnosis.
Developments on Capitol Hill
A judge has rejected a Democrat-led attempt to restrict access to the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General (DOGE), citing insufficient evidence of harm. Trump's FBI director nominee, Kash Patel, has gained support from a prominent Republican senator. Senate Majority Leader Schumer's photo with a Chinese Communist Party official has drawn attention amid concerns about Chinese influence.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
The Senate has confirmed Kelly Loeffler to head the Small Business Administration. Trump's labor secretary nominee has revised his stance on the PRO Act and now supports Right-to-Work legislation.
News from Across America
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's "Energy Master Plan" is facing opposition even within the Democratic party. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is resigning amidst financial challenges at the US Postal Service. A controversial bill in a "blue state" proposes potential penalties for misgendering transgender individuals on death certificates.
Traffic in New York City, where a congestion toll program is facing challenges from the Trump administration. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)
The DOGE has identified over 4 million government credit cards linked to 90 million transactions. Colorado is moving towards banning the sale of AR-15s and other firearms with extended magazines. A judge has expressed reservations about an executive order restricting transgender individuals from military service. Finally, a dispute has arisen in California following wildfires, with accusations of "White mansplaining" directed at a Democratic congressman.
