By Amanda Castro
Associate News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke about a new agreement to combat fentanyl trafficking and bolster border security. The two leaders confirmed that proposed tariffs would be paused for at least 30 days while their countries work on a coordinated solution.
What to Know:
- Canada will implement a $1.3 billion border plan, including new technology, personnel, and helicopters to enhance security.
- Canada will appoint a Fentanyl Czar, list cartels as terrorists, and set up a Joint Strike Force with the U.S. to fight organized crime.
- Trudeau also signed a directive to combat crime and pledged $200 million to back these efforts.
- Trudeau also shared that Canada is implementing a $1.3 billion border plan, creating a Fentanyl Czar, and launching a Joint Strike Force to combat crime, fentanyl, and money laundering. He added that proposed tariffs would be paused for at least 30 days while both countries continue their cooperation.
- This comes after Mexico and the U.S. have agreed to pause tariffs for one month, including Mexico sending 10,000 National Guard members to reinforce its northern border to combat drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl.
- Trump signed tariffs imposing a 25% duty on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% on Chinese imports.
- The tariffs have drawn sharp criticism from economists, lawmakers, and some of Trump's own allies.
This live blog is now closed.
Feb 03, 2025 at 04:57 PM EST
Trump delays tariff threats for 30 days after Canada and Mexico agree to border security boost
Trump will delay imposing tariffs on Mexico and Canada for 30 days after both countries agreed to enhance border security measures. Trump had previously directed that 25% tariffs on most imports from the two neighboring countries — with a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products — take effect at midnight Tuesday.
The looming tariffs had raised tensions, with Mexico and Canada both threatening retaliation, which could have triggered a regional trade war. However, after a call with Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that additional cooperation on border security would take place. Trudeau said on the social platform X that the proposed tariffs would be paused for at least 30 days while the countries work together to address the issue.
Feb 03, 2025 at 04:37 PM EST
Donald Trump’s tariff threats cause Wall Street turbulence
President Donald Trump's tariffs created significant turbulence on Wall Street.
On Monday, the S&P 500 fell by 0.8 percent following more substantial losses in Asia and Europe. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 0.3 percent, and the Nasdaq composite dropped by 1.2 percent.
Initially, U.S. stocks were set to incur steeper losses due to concerns about the impact of the newly announced tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China. The S&P 500 was briefly down nearly 2%, and the Dow plunged as many as 665 points.
However, the markets recovered some losses after Mexico's president announced that she had secured a one-month reprieve for her country.
Read the full story by Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.
Feb 03, 2025 at 04:21 PM EST
UN expresses concern over impact of Trump tariffs on global economy
...
The United Nations has voiced significant concern over the potential impact of Trump's tariffs on the global economy, particularly in developing countries and regions with vulnerable populations.
Stéphane Dujarric, a spokesperson for the U.N., stressed the importance of adhering to internationally agreed-upon trade rules, as set by the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Feb 03, 2025 at 04:07 PM EST
Trump reiterates desire for Canada to become U.S. state amid tariff threat
President Donald Trump on Monday once again expressed his desire for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state as he prepared to impose steep tariffs on Canadian imports. In the Oval Office, Trump suggested that Canada could avoid these tariffs by agreeing to become a U.S. state, although he acknowledged the economic and political challenges this would entail.
Trump downplayed the importance of Canada's role in U.S. trade, despite the country being one of the U.S.'s top trading partners, and dismissed the need for Canadian goods like lumber and automobiles. The tariffs, set to begin at midnight, would impose a 25% levy on Canadian imports, excluding energy products, which will be taxed at 10%.
While Trump spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, both sides are bracing for the economic impact. In response, Canada announced it would impose 25% tariffs on more than $100 billion in U.S. goods. Trudeau's political opponent, Pierre Poilievre, criticized the tariffs, calling them "unjust and unjustified," while Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) warned of the potential negative effects on various U.S. industries.
Though Trump's comments about annexing Canada have been dismissed by Canadian officials, the looming tariff dispute remains a point of contention between the two countries.
Feb 03, 2025 at 03:49 PM EST
Does ice need a warrant? Questions loom over Trump’s deportation raids
...
The Biden administration's approach to immigration enforcement has been quickly reversed by President Donald Trump, leading to mass deportation operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers across major U.S. cities. The sweeping enforcement actions, conducted in states like Texas, California, and Illinois, have renewed legal questions about whether ICE requires a warrant to arrest undocumented immigrants inside homes or workplaces.
ICE's use of administrative warrants versus judicial warrants has long been a contentious issue. Under the Trump administration's directives, ICE has significantly expanded its enforcement, arresting thousands of individuals in the first weeks since Trump's return to office. Advocates and legal experts argue that while administrative warrants allow ICE to detain individuals, they do not grant the authority to forcibly enter private residences without judicial approval.
According to KERA News, "An ICE warrant, also known as an administrative warrant, allows an agent to arrest the person for which the warrant is issued. But it doesn't allow an agent to demand entry into someone's home or a private space." Immigration attorneys have urged individuals to understand their Fourth Amendment rights when confronted by ICE agents at their doors.
Read the full story by Jenna deJong and Dan Gooding on Newsweek.
Feb 03, 2025 at 03:33 PM EST
Canada’s prime minister and Trump in ongoing call, official confirms
A call between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump is currently underway, according to a Canadian government official, per The New York Times.
Feb 03, 2025 at 03:32 PM EST
Federal officers block access to agency after Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency gains control
...
Federal law enforcement officers blocked the doors of an agency's headquarters, preventing Congressional Democrats from even accessing the public lobby. The action follows growing tensions over Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its recent acquisition of internal government systems, despite not being an official agency.
Democrats have sharply criticized Musk and DOGE for gaining access to sensitive systems, including those of the U.S. Department of Treasury. "Elon Musk, you may have illegally seized power over the financial payment systems of the United States Department of Treasury, but you don't control the money of the American people.
"The United States Congress does that," said Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, during a recent news conference.
Feb 03, 2025 at 03:18 PM EST
China files WTO complaint over Trump’s tariffs, considers countermeasures
China's ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, announced on Monday that China is filing a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over President Trump's recent increase in tariffs. Fu condemned the tariff hike as "unwarranted" and stated that it violates WTO rules.
"We are firmly opposed to this unwarranted increase," Fu said, adding that China may be forced to take retaliatory actions in response. He also emphasized the negative consequences of trade wars, asserting, "There is no winner in a trade war."
This move marks another chapter in the ongoing trade tension between the U.S. and China, with both nations locked in disputes over tariffs, trade practices, and market access.
Feb 03, 2025 at 02:59 PM EST
U.S. attorney threatens legal action over Department of Government Efficiency’s operations
The acting U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., Ed Martin, issued a warning on Monday that legal action would be pursued against anyone who "impedes" the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) or "threatens" its staff.
The statement follows backlash against DOGE, led by Elon Musk, for its recent takeover of operations in several government agencies, including the U.S. Treasury, the General Services Administration, and the Office of Personnel Management. These agencies manage sensitive financial data and personal information critical to the functioning of the U.S. government.
Musk's team, comprised of recent college graduates with no prior government experience, has also been accused of disrupting the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), with Musk indicating plans to shut the agency down.
Martin's letter to Musk noted that some DOGE staff had been targeted publicly, though specifics were not provided. The letter emphasized that any threats or actions impacting DOGE's work could violate laws.
The acting U.S. attorney also criticized the Biden administration for allegedly being lenient on previous protests, drawing comparisons to the January 6 Capitol riot.
Musk, speaking at an X Spaces event, said USAID is "beyond repair" and confirmed plans to shut it down. However, President Donald Trump clarified on Monday that Musk would need approval for any actions taken.
As DOGE continues its push to access more federal agency systems, USAID's workforce is set to be merged into the U.S. State Department, with significant cuts expected.
Feb 03, 2025 at 02:46 PM EST
Trump says he has ‘no assurances’ Gaza ceasefire will hold
Trump said Monday that he has "no assurances" that the ceasefire in Gaza will remain intact.
When asked during an Oval Office signing ceremony whether he believed the ceasefire would hold, Trump responded, "I have no assurances that it'll hold." He added, "I've seen people brutalized. I've never—nobody's ever seen anything like it. No, I have no guarantees that the peace is going to hold."
Feb 03, 2025 at 02:37 PM EST
Trump wants ‘security’ of Ukraine’s rare earth elements for US support
On Monday, President Donald Trump expressed his desire to strike an agreement with Ukraine to secure access to the country's rare earth materials as a condition for continued U.S. support in its conflict with Russia.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump noted that the U.S. had provided more military and economic aid to Ukraine than its European allies.
He stated, "We're looking to make a deal with Ukraine where they will secure what we're providing them with their rare earth materials and other resources."
Trump indicated that he had received assurances from the Ukrainian government that they would be open to an arrangement granting the U.S. access to these elements, which are essential for the modern high-tech economy.
"I want to have security of rare earth," Trump added Monday. "We're putting in hundreds of billions of dollars. They have great rare earth. And I want security of the rare earth, and they're willing to do it."
Read the full story by Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.
Feb 03, 2025 at 01:29 PM EST
Trump says China faces steep tariffs if no deal is reached
Trump said he expects to speak with Chinese officials "probably over the next 24 hours" as trade negotiations continue. He warned that if a deal is not reached, China could face significant tariffs.
"If we can't make a deal with China, the tariffs will be substantial," Trump said, per Reuters White House reporter Jarrett Renshaw's tweet.
Feb 03, 2025 at 01:20 PM EST
Federal prosecutor urges Musk to report threats against DOGE staff
Washington, DC's top federal prosecutor, Ed Martin, has urged Elon Musk to report any threats against staff from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) so authorities can investigate, according to a letter posted on X.
Martin acknowledged that DOGE employees had been "targeted publicly" for their work and assured Musk that his office would take legal action against any threats or interference. He also criticized the previous administration's handling of protests, pledging to protect government workers.
Musk acknowledged the letter on X, replying, "Thank you, receipt via 𝕏 acknowledged."
Feb 03, 2025 at 01:06 PM EST
Trump to withdraw U.S. from UN Human Rights Council, cut Gaza aid
President Donald Trump is set to issue an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the United Nations Human Rights Council and blocking future funding for the U.N. relief agency for Gaza, according to a document obtained by Politico.
The move, reinstating policies from Trump's first administration, comes ahead of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The U.S. has long accused the council of bias against Israel and criticized the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) over alleged ties to Hamas.
The order will also direct Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review U.S. participation in international organizations, with a focus on UNESCO. The actions reflect Trump's "America First" approach and ongoing scrutiny of foreign aid spending.
Feb 03, 2025 at 01:04 PM EST
Trump suggests TikTok could be placed in sovereign wealth fund
U.S. President Donald Trump said TikTok could be placed into a sovereign wealth fund, according to reporter Nandita Bose via X.
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the future of the popular social media platform in the U.S.
Feb 03, 2025 at 01:01 PM EST
Federal judge may issue restraining order on Trump administration
U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan, of Washington, D.C., is concerned that President Donald Trump's administration is still implementing the spending freeze that she and a Rhode Island judge ordered temporarily halted last week.
The stay was to remain in effect at least until today at 5 p.m. EST.
According to a post on X, formerly Twitter, by Kyle Cheney, Politico's senior legal affairs reporter, AliKhan said Monday that she is inclined to issue a temporary restraining order on the White House to block a federal funding freeze as some nonprofit groups have requested.
Read the full story by Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.
Feb 03, 2025 at 12:55 PM EST
New York AG warns hospitals against blocking transgender care
...
New York Attorney General Letitia James has warned hospitals that complying with a White House order to end gender-affirming care for transgender youth could violate state law, The New York Times reported.
In a letter sent Monday, James' office reminded healthcare providers that denying care based on gender identity is considered discrimination under New York law. The warning comes after the White House threatened to withhold federal funding from hospitals providing treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy to transgender patients under 19.
Some families reported NYU Langone Health had already canceled appointments, though the hospital has not commented on the matter.
Feb 03, 2025 at 12:42 PM EST
Sen. Brian Schatz: ‘Many people will die because of what’s happening to USA AID’
Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) expressed strong condemnation of Trump's 90-day Stop Work Order on foreign assistance, warning that it would have deadly consequences globally.
Feb 03, 2025 at 12:26 PM EST
Trump considers imposing 10% tariff on EU goods amid trade tensions
Trump is reportedly weighing the option of implementing a 10% tariff on goods imported from the European Union, a move that could escalate the global trade war ignited last weekend with new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China.
A source close to the Trump administration said that while no broad agreement has been reached, discussions are ongoing about placing a 10% tariff on all EU imports. Another source indicated that Trump is using the tariffs on Canada and Mexico to test the waters before taking similar action against Europe.
Trump confirmed the potential tariff on Sunday, citing the EU's trade imbalance with the U.S., which he claims results in a $300 billion deficit. He criticized the EU for not taking U.S. cars or agricultural products, while the U.S. imports large quantities of European goods.
EU officials have warned of retaliatory measures, with reports indicating that tariffs on U.S. goods could exceed 50%. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Europe could respond with its own tariffs if Trump moves forward with his plans.
Feb 03, 2025 at 12:09 PM EST
Jeffries to push for rollback of Trump’s ‘illegal’ funding freeze in spending talks
...
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Monday that he will make canceling the White House's "illegal" freeze on federal program funding a key demand in upcoming spending negotiations, potentially sparking a major confrontation with the Trump administration.
Jeffries told his party that he has made it clear to House GOP leaders that Trump's recent moves to limit government funding must be reversed in the next spending bill, or earlier if possible. The comment signals the first major indication from Democrats of their intent to use their Congressional powers to challenge Trump's efforts to cut or restructure federal programs and the workforce.
With government funding set to expire on March 14, Jeffries also stressed other actions Democrats are taking, including introducing a new bill to block unlawful access to the Treasury Department's payment programs, which store personal data for millions of Americans. The party is also preparing for a legal battle, filing 20 lawsuits against more than a dozen of Trump's executive actions.
Feb 03, 2025 at 11:59 AM EST
Marco Rubio reportedly made acting admin of USAID
Reports are now surfacing that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been made acting administrator of USAID.
Feb 03, 2025 at 11:45 AM EST
Kennedy responds to concerns over vaccine litigation conflicts as HHS nominee
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Trump's nominee for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), addressed concerns raised by Democratic senators about his financial interests in vaccine litigation. The senators, including Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren, expressed that Kennedy could benefit financially from his involvement in the ongoing litigation over the HPV vaccine Gardasil.
In response, Kennedy pledged to divest his interests in the case by transferring them to his adult son, Conor Kennedy, who is licensed to practice law and works at a law firm currently suing Gardasil's manufacturer, Merck. The senators, however, described this arrangement as "plainly inadequate," citing the potential for Kennedy's family to gain financially from vaccine-related decisions he could influence as HHS secretary.
Wyden and Warren have called on Kennedy to commit to recusing himself from any vaccine-related communications or decisions if confirmed and to avoid involvement in vaccine litigation for four years after leaving office. They stated that without addressing these conflicts, Kennedy would be unfit to serve as secretary. The Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to vote on his nomination Tuesday.
Feb 03, 2025 at 11:24 AM EST
Mark McKinnon criticizes Trump’s policies on tariffs, USAID, and Musk’s role
In an interview on CNN This Morning, Mark McKinnon, former adviser to George W. Bush and John McCain, weighed in on Trump's new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, as well as the growing influence of Elon Musk in the U.S. government.
McKinnon expressed concern over Trump's reported attempt to shut down USAID, arguing that it is "eliminating compassion from conservatism," a key principle he believes was established during George W. Bush's presidency. He stressed that compassionate policies, such as the PEPFAR initiative, saved millions of lives and should remain a focus.
On the new tariffs, McKinnon likened the move against Canada to "killing a chicken to scare the monkeys," suggesting it was more of a message to other nations than a direct punishment of Canada.
Lastly, McKinnon predicted backlash against Musk's increased role in the federal government, warning that the involvement of unelected figures, like Musk, in sensitive governmental matters could lead to public disillusionment. "I can smell the wax melting on his wings," he said, describing Musk's growing influence in the Treasury Department.
Feb 03, 2025 at 11:06 AM EST
Trump designates Scott Bessent as acting director of CFPB
...
Trump appointed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as the Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
In a statement, Bessent expressed his commitment to working with the CFPB to advance the administration's goals of lowering costs for Americans and boosting economic growth.
Feb 03, 2025 at 11:05 AM EST
OPINION: To keep pace with China, the U.S. needs its allies to step up
President Donald Trump's return to the White House has already caused geopolitical shockwaves. His threats against Panama, Colombia, and Greenland have frayed relations with key allies. Following the imposition of tariffs against Canada and Mexico, leaders in Europe and beyond are watching nervously to see whether Trump expands his trade war further afield. Even if they are just an opening salvo for negotiations, Trump's approach risks distracting from his core foreign policy goal: countering the rising economic and security threat posed by China.
Economically, technologically, and militarily, China poses the greatest strategic challenge to the United States since the end of World War II. Yet by antagonizing America's allies instead of seeking to lead a united front from the free world, Trump risks hampering America's response.
Some in the Trump camp believe this doesn't matter. They want the United States to deal with China in the Indo-Pacific while Europe is left to deal with Russia in Ukraine and elsewhere. But splitting the global theatres in this way would fundamentally weaken the transatlantic alliance and benefit only Beijing and Moscow in the long run.
Feb 03, 2025 at 10:57 AM EST
Trump pauses tariffs on Mexico for a month after border deal
Trump confirmed on Truth Social that he is pausing tariffs on Mexico for one month, following an agreement where Mexico will deploy soldiers to its northern border to combat the flow of drugs and migrants.
Trump stated that his secretaries of state, commerce, and the Treasury would engage in further negotiations with Mexico. "I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a 'deal' between our two countries," Trump wrote.
Feb 03, 2025 at 10:43 AM EST
U.S. stock indexes drop amid Trump’s tariffs
Major U.S. stock indexes saw significant losses as trading began this morning, with the S&P 500 falling approximately 1.5 percent and the Nasdaq dropping 1.8 percent.
The market downturn comes as Trump's tariffs continue to create uncertainty and send shockwaves through global markets. Investors are bracing for potential economic fallout as trade tensions intensify.
Feb 03, 2025 at 10:33 AM EST
Mexico and U.S. reach agreements on border security and trade
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she had a productive conversation with Trump, emphasizing respect for both nations' sovereignty. The leaders reached several key agreements during their discussion.
Mexico will deploy 10,000 members of its National Guard to strengthen security along the northern border, focusing on preventing drug trafficking, especially fentanyl. In return, the U.S. has committed to addressing the flow of high-powered weapons into Mexico.
Additionally, both countries agreed to prioritize security and trade efforts, with a pause on tariffs for the next month to allow time for these initiatives to be put into action.
Feb 03, 2025 at 10:29 AM EST
Iran unveils ‘Missile City’ in show of strength before Trump Israel talks
Iran has unveiled a new underground missile facility along its southern coastline, marking its latest show of military strength. The "Missile City," designed to house a range of systems, was revealed alongside the presentation of a new ballistic missile with a striking range of over 1,000 miles, according to state news agencies.
These developments come as Israel and the United States are set to discuss countering Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will raise the issue in Tuesday's White House meeting with President Donald Trump.
The unveiling of the underground missile facility signals Iran's attempt to strengthen its strategic military assets amid escalating tensions with the U.S. and its allies. Since the return of Trump, who pursued a "maximum pressure" approach to Iran in his first term, Tehran has made multiple shows of military force.
Read the full story by Amir Daftari on Newsweek.
Feb 03, 2025 at 10:17 AM EST
What is USAID?
...
USAID, the U.S. agency responsible for humanitarian assistance, supports developing countries and those affected by conflicts, primarily through grants to NGOs, governments, and international organizations. With a budget exceeding $50 billion, it plays a central role in global aid distribution.
Created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 during the Cold War to counter Soviet influence, USAID is now at the forefront of the U.S. response to China's expanding global reach, particularly through its Belt and Road initiative.
Feb 03, 2025 at 10:05 AM EST
‘Time for it to die’: Elon Musk about USAID
Elon Musk said that USAID is a "criminal organization" and that it's "time for it to die" in a recent tweet.
Feb 03, 2025 at 09:51 AM EST
Donald Trump’s Panama threat starts paying off
Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has said the country will not renew a trade and development agreement with China after President Donald Trump accused the Chinese of controlling the Panama Canal.
Mulino announced he would not renew Panama's participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative once the current agreement expires, following a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday.
Newsweek has contacted the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Panama for comment via email.
Trump has repeatedly suggested the U.S. should demand the return of the Panama Canal if Panama does not reduce the fees it charges American ships. He has also frequently accused China of controlling the key global trade route.
Mulino's announcement that Panama will not renew a 2017 memorandum of understanding to participate in China's Belt and Road Initiative suggests the country may be hoping to appease Trump amid his threats of retaliation unless it reduces China's influence.
Read the full story by Ewan Palmer on Newsweek.
Feb 03, 2025 at 09:32 AM EST
Trump criticizes Canada’s banking policies, cites drug war in border talk
Trump criticized Canada's refusal to allow U.S. banks to operate there, questioning the reasoning behind the policy in a post on Truth Social.
Trump mentioned that he had spoken with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and planned another conversation with him at 3:00 p.m. on the same day.
Feb 03, 2025 at 09:19 AM EST
USAID map shows countries it spends most money
...
A map from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) shows which countries receive the most foreign assistance from the U.S.
USAID disbursed $72 billion in fiscal year 2023, the most recent full year for which information is available. The most aid—more than $16 billion—was sent to Ukraine that year.
The U.S. is by far the world's largest provider of humanitarian aid, with USAID administering billions of dollars in humanitarian, development, and security assistance in more than 100 countries.
The U.S. spends less than 1 percent of its budget on foreign assistance, a smaller share overall than some other countries.
Nevertheless, USAID has been one of the federal agencies targeted by President Donald Trump's administration in a crackdown on the federal government and its programs. Billionaire Elon Musk, who is leading Trump's effort to slash federal spending and programs, has said USAID will be shut down. However, congressional Democrats have said presidents cannot eliminate congressionally appropriated federal agencies by executive order.
It comes after Trump placed an unprecedented 90-day freeze on foreign aid and development on his first day back in office on January 20 which has shut down many of USAID's programs. He said his administration will review spending to ensure money is distributed in line with his "America First" foreign policy.
Read the full story by Khaleda Rahman on Newsweek.
Feb 03, 2025 at 09:05 AM EST
Warren presses Treasury chief on Musk’s access to payment systems
Senator Elizabeth Warren is demanding answers from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over why Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency have been granted access to federal payment systems.
In a letter, Warren warned that interference with these systems could jeopardize trillions in transactions, Social Security payments, tax refunds, and Medicare benefits. She also raised concerns over reports that a top Treasury official, David Lebyck, was placed on leave after resisting Musk's involvement.
Calling the move a threat to privacy and economic security, Warren has asked Bessent to respond by February 7.
Feb 03, 2025 at 08:56 AM EST
Ontario cancels Starlink contract over U.S. tariffs
...
Ontario is canceling a $68 million contract with Starlink in response to U.S. tariffs, the provincial government announced. The deal, valued at 100 million Canadian dollars, was meant to expand satellite internet access.
The decision comes as Canada retaliates against U.S. trade measures. Ontario officials did not specify if further actions against American companies were being considered. Starlink, controlled by Elon Musk, has not yet commented on the cancellation.
Feb 03, 2025 at 08:41 AM EST
Trump to invoke wartime law for deporting alleged gang members
Trump is preparing to use the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport immigrants accused of gang ties without court hearings, a move that could dramatically expand his immigration crackdown, Reuters reported.
Trump ordered military and immigration officials to be ready by Feb. 3 to implement the law, which was last used during World War II to justify internment camps.
The decision could allow his administration to bypass due process rights and accelerate deportations, though legal challenges are expected. Critics warn the broad authority could impact individuals who have not been charged with crimes.
Feb 03, 2025 at 08:32 AM EST
USAID ‘shutting down’—Elon Musk
...
Elon Musk said the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will be shut down.
The billionaire said during an X Spaces stream early on Monday discussing the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that President Donald Trump "agreed" with him that the agency should be shut down.
"I actually checked with him a few times. Said 'Are you sure?' Yes, so we're shutting it down," Musk said.
Newsweek contacted the White House for comment via an email outside of regular business hours.
Read the full story by Khaleda Rahman on Newsweek.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines