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President Donald Trump delivered a pre-recorded video message to the March for Life rally on Friday, celebrating the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
What to Know:
- Trump praised the work of anti-abortion advocates over the past 50 years and credited Supreme Court justices he appointed for the ruling.
- He called Roe v. Wade "unconstitutional" and said the Dobbs decision corrected a "historic wrong."
- Trump criticized Democrats, claiming they support "unlimited abortion" up to and after birth, a widely debunked claim.
- The March for Life rally marks the first event since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, with attendees emphasizing state-level advocacy.
- Trump previously attended the rally in person in 2020, becoming the first sitting president to do so.
Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Jan 24, 2025 at 06:31 PM EST
Planned Parenthood accuse Trump of launching ‘full-on attack’ on reproductive rights
A Planned Parenthood spokesperson has accused Donald Trump of launching a 'full-on attack' on reproductive rights after he, and other key members in his administration, appeared at the March for Life rally.
Angela Vasquez-Giroux, Vice President of Communications, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, told Newsweek, "Not even a week into his presidency, Donald Trump and his administration have again launched a full-on attack on gender equality, reproductive rights, and more.
"Trump's presence at the March for Life is just another proof point of his allegiance with anti-abortion zealots who want to 'defund' Planned Parenthood, ban abortion nationwide, and strip people of the right to control their own bodies and health.
"So let's be clear: abortion opponents may be more emboldened than ever, but the movement for reproductive freedom has only grown and gained strength. Time and again, people have raised their voices when abortion and sexual and reproductive health care have come under attack. Poll after poll, year after year, has made it clear: the majority of Americans do not want to see abortion banned.
"Abortion opponents have already laid out their playbook. We know exactly what is at risk and we heard the hate and lies they spewed at the March for Life. Just look at Trump's pardons yesterday of convicted criminals who used violence to either harass, intimidate, or even prevent people from getting essential health care — and this is just the beginning.
"The fact is, Planned Parenthood and abortion rights are more popular than Donald Trump and any other elected official. These next four years and beyond, Planned Parenthood Action Fund will do everything we can to protect reproductive freedom, Planned Parenthood patients, and the care affiliates provide. We will make it clear to President Trump and the Senate and House majorities: You can't win a fight with Planned Parenthood, so don't pick one."
Jan 24, 2025 at 06:15 PM EST
WATCH: JD Vance says America has a culture of ‘abortion on demand’
Jan 24, 2025 at 05:53 PM EST
Donald Trump’s wins after first week in office: Improved approval ratings compared to first term
Early polls have shown Trump earning approval ratings that are higher than he achieved during most of his first term. Rasmussen Reports, which has a history of being favorable towards Trump, showed the president with a 56 percent approval rating as of Thursday, not far from a high of 59 percent approval he received in the same poll at around the same point during his first term.
Trump's approval ratings have also been relatively favorable in other polls, although slightly lower. A poll released this week by The Economist/YouGov shows the president with 49 percent approval and 48 percent disapproval. In a poll from Reuters/Ipsos, Trump was a approved of by 47 percent of respondents, which is similar to his first term ratings.
Despite a week of pushing his policy and fulfilling campaign promises, Trump's first few days back in office have faced some resistance, including an avalanche of lawsuits filed over the president's executive orders.
His order attempting to invalidate birthright citizenship has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge who called it "blatantly unconstitutional" on Thursday.
Jan 24, 2025 at 05:40 PM EST
Donald Trump’s wins after first week in office: Quick Cabinet Confirmations in the Senate
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Despite some early bumps in Cabinet nominees, including the failed nomination of former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, Trump's picks have been successfully navigating Senate confirmation hearings during his first week in office.
Former Republican Senator Marco Rubio was confirmed by a 99-0 vote as Trump's Secretary of State by the Senate on Monday. John Ratcliffe, who served as the director of National Intelligence during Trump's first term, was confirmed by the Senate as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director by a vote of 74 to 25 on Thursday.
Additionally, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, one of Trump's Cabinet picks that has faced the most pushback, came one step closer to becoming the next Department of Defense secretary after passing a key procedural vote on Thursday. Hegseth will likely face a full Senate confirmation vote on Friday.
Jan 24, 2025 at 05:28 PM EST
Donald Trump’s wins after first week in office: Rolling back former President Joe Biden’s orders
Within hours of being inaugurated on Monday, Trump moved to invalidate dozens of Biden's executive orders with his own order for the "rescission of harmful executive orders and actions."
Trump's order included the rescission of Biden's order on "Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for Americans," potentially opening the door for drug companies to raise prescription costs for Medicare and Medicaid recipients.
Biden's order had directed the Department of Health and Human Services to explore ways to lower costs.
Jan 24, 2025 at 05:15 PM EST
Donald Trump’s wins after first week in office
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President Donald Trump has largely gotten his way during the first few days of his second term, issuing a flurry of executive orders, enjoying relatively high approval ratings and seeing some of his Cabinet picks earn Senate confirmations.
A number of actions he has taken could be considered victories, here are some of the moves made by Trump in his first week back in the White House:
Delivering on Campaign Promises With Executive Orders
Trump has signed dozens of executive orders during his first few days in the Oval Office. The orders have focused on a range of issues that he promised to tackle during his campaign, including clamping down on illegal immigration, pardoning January 6 Capitol attack participants and "Silk Road" creator Ross Ulbricht, withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord, withdrawing from the World Health Organization, eliminating federal diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and changing federal government policies toward transgender people.
Jan 24, 2025 at 05:07 PM EST
Putin echoes Trump claim Ukraine war could have been avoided if he was in office
Russian President Vladimir Putin has echoed Donald Trump's claims that the war in Ukraine would have been prevented if he had been in office.
"I couldn't disagree with him that if he had been president, if they hadn't stolen victory from him in 2020, the crisis that emerged in Ukraine in 2022 could have been avoided," Putin said on an interview on Russian state television, also repeating Trump's debunked claim that the 2020 election was "rigged."
Jan 24, 2025 at 04:53 PM EST
Republicans criticize proposal allowing Trump a 3rd term: ‘Embarrassing’
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Republican Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee drew fire from members of his own party for proposing a constitutional amendment allowing presidents to serve up to three terms in office, provided they have not served two consecutive terms.
Ogles specified that he made the proposal with President Donald Trump in mind, writing on X, formerly Twitter, "I just introduced a resolution to amend the 22nd Amendment to allow President Trump to seek a third term."
Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee, a Democrat and member of the House Judiciary Committee, told Axios: "Two terms is enough chaos for any nation to endure."
"Constitutional amendments are for enduring principles and process," Jenna Ellis, who represented Trump in his efforts to nullify the results of the 2020 election, wrote on X. "Not for a singular moment or because you want attention from the current leader."
Ellis, along with Trump and more than a dozen other codefendants, was indicted in a sprawling racketeering case in Georgia. She eventually pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements in connection to the Trump team's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.
The conservative pundit John Cardillo criticized Ogles, saying he "needs to pull that dumb 'give Trump a third term' amendment stunt and focus on reversing the pain [former President Joe] Biden caused Americans."
"It's an embarrassing way for Ogles to climb the MAGA ladder," Cardillo added. "Term limits, not term extensions, because this nation won't survive 12yrs because of a Dem."
Read in full from Sonam Sheth on Newsweek.
Jan 24, 2025 at 04:41 PM EST
Interior Department: Efforts ‘already underway’ to rename the Gulf of Mexico.
The Interior Department has said that efforts are "already underway" to rename the Gulf of Mexico, as the Gulf of America.
On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order to change the name of the gulf, as well as to rename Denali, a mountain in Alaska, to Mount McKinley.
"As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America and North America's highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley," an Interior Department statement said.
"These changes reaffirm the Nation's commitment to preserving the extraordinary heritage of the United States and ensuring that future generations of Americans celebrate the legacy of its heroes and historic assets.
"The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, under the purview of the Department of the Interior, is working expeditiously to update the official federal nomenclature in the Geographic Names Information System to reflect these changes, effective immediately for federal use."
While the government can change how the United States refers to places, it does not affect how the rest of the world refers to those places.
Jan 24, 2025 at 04:17 PM EST
Nancy Pelosi calls out Trump for putting conditions on California aid
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who hails from California, has slammed Donald Trump for putting conditions on federal aid to California after the wildfires.
Trump said earlier today that he would withhold aid until the state introduced voter I.D. and followed the president's recommendations on water management.
But Pelosi accused Trump of using the "urgently-needed" aid for families as a "pawn for political games."
"We must work together to deliver relief aid for all Americans impacted by natural disasters across the country, including for Californians to rebuild and recover from the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles," she said.
"Urgently-needed assistance for families and communities ravaged by natural disasters should never be used as a pawn for political games," she added.
Jan 24, 2025 at 03:57 PM EST
ICE agents denied entry to Chicago elementary school, CPS says
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were denied entry to Hamline Elementary School on the South Side Friday morning. The incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. when ICE agents arrived at the school in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, ABC 7 Chicago reported.
The principal of the school said the appropriate protocols were followed, and the agents were not allowed inside. CPS officials confirmed that all students and staff were safe.
"CPS will continue to protect our students and their families in alignment with the Illinois TRUST Act and Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance," a school official said.
Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, called the incident "unprecedented" and emphasized that CPS schools remain safe. The district does not inquire about students' citizenship status and will not permit ICE agents entry without a valid judicial warrant.
Chicago police were not notified of the situation, and ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Trump administration had previously announced plans to target schools for deportation efforts.
Jan 24, 2025 at 03:52 PM EST
DOJ asks judge to drop ban on Oath Keepers at the Capitol
Acting U.S. attorney for Washington D.C., Ed Martin, has asked a federal judge to reverse the ban he imposed on the Oath Keepers militia group that bars them from entering the Capitol or D.C.
In the motion, Martin agues that Trump's pardons for the Oath Keepers, and other January 6 rioters, should overrule the ban.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta had issued the order after Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, recently freed from prison by Trump, spent several hours at the Capitol just days after his 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy was commuted.
The ruling applies to Rhodes and other Oath Keepers who had their sentences commuted by Trump.
Rhodes, convicted in 2022 for his role in the Jan. 6 attack, was found to have orchestrated an attempt to violently prevent the peaceful transfer of power from Trump to Joe Biden. During the trial, Rhodes was heard in a recording expressing regret that the Capitol rioters did not bring rifles.
Jan 24, 2025 at 03:47 PM EST
Full list of people who Donald Trump revoked security details for
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Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who advised former President Donald Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the latest ex-aide to lose government protection, sources confirmed Friday.
The abrupt termination of Fauci's federal security detail reflects a pattern seen with other high-profile former officials, such as former National Security Adviser John Bolton, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and his top aide Brian Hook. These decisions come despite persistent threats linked to their roles in the Trump administration.
When asked about the move, President Trump remarked, "They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security, too."
Read the full story by Jesus Mesa on Newsweek.
Jan 24, 2025 at 03:36 PM EST
Texas governor requests $11 billion in federal funding for border security
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has formally requested that Congress allocate over $11 billion to reimburse the state for its efforts to secure the southern border. In a letter to congressional leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader John Thune, and Minority Leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, Abbott outlined the costs incurred by Texas over the past four years as part of Operation Lone Star, which has contributed to an 87% reduction in illegal immigration in the state.
Abbott detailed the expenses, including nearly $3 billion for border wall construction and the deployment of buoys, $58 million for border fencing installation, and close to $6 billion for the deployment of over 10,000 Texas National Guard soldiers.
Jan 24, 2025 at 03:23 PM EST
Trump administration withdraws proposed menthol cigarette ban
The Trump administration has officially withdrawn a proposed rule that would have banned menthol in cigarettes and flavored cigars, according to the regulatory docket.
The menthol ban was a key priority under the Biden administration's FDA, which sent a final version of the rule to the White House for approval in October 2023. Although a ban had been expected that year, the Biden White House did not approve it after significant lobbying from various stakeholders.
In April of last year, a coalition of civil rights and medical groups sued the FDA for missing its deadline on the ban. The lawsuit remains ongoing, though it's unclear how the rule's withdrawal will affect the case.
Experts say the ban is not entirely off the table, as future administrations could revive it. The FDA has been considering a menthol ban for over a decade, following a 2009 ban on all flavored cigarettes except menthol.
Jan 24, 2025 at 03:11 PM EST
U.S. military flights deport immigrants to Guatemala, Mexico denies access
NBC reports that two U.S. military C-17s flew approximately 160 immigrants to Guatemala last night, according to U.S. defense officials and a source familiar with the situation. Each flight carried about 80 individuals.
Another flight, scheduled to head to Mexico, was halted after Mexican authorities denied it permission to land. There are no flights scheduled for today, but that could change depending on future developments.
Jan 24, 2025 at 02:55 PM EST
Federal judge bars Stewart Rhodes from entering Capitol without permission
A federal judge has issued an order barring Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, recently freed from prison by President Donald Trump, from entering the U.S. Capitol or its surrounding grounds without court permission. The order comes in response to Rhodes' actions Wednesday, when he spent several hours at the Capitol just days after his 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy was commuted.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta's ruling applies to Rhodes and other Oath Keepers who had their sentences commuted by Trump. Rhodes, convicted in 2022 for his role in the Jan. 6 attack, was found to have orchestrated an attempt to violently prevent the peaceful transfer of power from Trump to Joe Biden. During the trial, Rhodes was heard in a recording expressing regret that the Capitol rioters did not bring rifles.
Jan 24, 2025 at 02:43 PM EST
Mayor Gordo calls on Trump to provide aid to devastated communities
Ahead of President Trump's visit to Los Angeles County, Mayor Victor Gordo delivered a heartfelt message, urging the president to prioritize assistance for communities affected by recent devastation.
"We need your help," Gordo said during his interview with CNN, calling for unity and emphasizing that this is not a time for political gamesmanship. He condemned the withholding of aid to struggling communities, stressing the urgency of support for those who have been "completely decimated."
"I can't believe that President Trump or anyone else can visit these sites of devastation and maintain a political position that keeps aid from coming to these families," he said. "This is not the time nor is it the issue to hold back aid on."
Gordo challenged the idea of conditioning aid, calling it "inhumane" and pointing out that such actions have never been taken in the country before. "Our families need assistance," he added.
Jan 24, 2025 at 02:30 PM EST
RFK Jr. criticizes government secrecy, praises Trump for transparency
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In a tweet on Thursday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. invoked a speech by President John F. Kennedy to criticize what he called a "60-year strategy of lies and secrecy" by intelligence officials and the government.
JFK warned against excessive secrecy, saying, "The very word 'secrecy' is repugnant in a free and open society," RFK Jr. quoted. He argued that this secrecy has been used to obscure major events, including his uncle's assassination, and has fueled crises such as Vietnam, 9/11, and the Iraq War.
"A government that withholds information is inherently fearful of its citizens' ability to make informed decisions," Kennedy added, warning that secrecy undermines democracy and fosters totalitarianism.
RFK Jr. also thanked former President Donald Trump for taking steps toward transparency, calling it a "first step down the road towards reversing this disastrous trajectory."
Jan 24, 2025 at 02:24 PM EST
Lone democrat votes for GOP-backed abortion bill
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Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas was the only House Democrat who joined Republicans to pass the Born-Alive Act on Thursday.
The Born-Alive Act is the latest battle in the decades-long fight over abortion rights, a crucial political issue for millions of voters across the country. Supporters of abortion rights have raised concerns about access to abortion under the second Trump administration, though he has said he doesn't support a national ban.
Abortion became particularly salient for Democrats after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that guaranteed abortion rights, in 2022—and a flurry of GOP-controlled states quickly moved to ban the procedure. Despite a wave of abortion-fueled backlash at the polls later that year, Republicans managed to stage a comeback in 2024.
Now, Republicans are tasked with striking a balance between appeasing their base without alienating moderates who backed President Donald Trump and other conservatives in last year's election to avoid similar backlash in upcoming midterms. Democrats like Cuellar, from swing districts, are similarly walking a fine line on the issue.
Read in full from Andrew Stanton on Newsweek.
Jan 24, 2025 at 02:21 PM EST
JD Vance makes first public appearance after being sworn in at rally
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JD Vance makes his first public appearance after being sworn in as vice president, at the March for Life rally.
Vance spoke about his support for the movement, which aims to outlaw abortion in the U.S.
"We are thrilled that Vice President Vance has chosen the National March for Life for his first public appearance in his new role — a sign of his commitment to standing up for life," March for Life President Jeanne Mancini and March for Life President-elect Jennie Bradley Lichter said in a joint statement ahead of his appearance.
Jan 24, 2025 at 02:14 PM EST
Trump touts Dobbs decision in March for Life video message
Trump delivered a pre-recorded video message at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Friday, highlighting the 2022 Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and making controversial claims about abortion policies supported by Democrats.
Trump praised the Supreme Court justices he appointed for their role in reversing Roe, describing it as a "disastrous" and "unconstitutional" decision that had fueled decades of division. "Thanks to your tireless work and devotion, that historic wrong was set right three years ago," he said, addressing anti-abortion advocates.
He also repeated a widely debunked claim that Democrats support "a federal right to unlimited abortion — on demand up to the moment of birth, and even after birth." Critics have consistently challenged the accuracy of such statements.
The March for Life, which has taken place annually since the Roe v. Wade ruling, remains a key event for the anti-abortion movement.
Jan 24, 2025 at 02:08 PM EST
March for Life president-elect says she wants all abortions illegal in U.S.
March for Life president-elect Jennie Bradley Lichter said at the rally, that she wants all abortions to be made illegal in the U.S.
"We will keep marching on Washington until abortions are not only illegal, but unthinkable."
Jan 24, 2025 at 02:05 PM EST
Target ending DEI program, other equity initiatives amid Trump’s order
On Friday, Target announced that it would be discontinuing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program, along with other equity initiatives.
Target is the latest U.S. company to retreat from policies designed to enhance racial and ethnic representation in the workplace.
The decision comes amid increasing pressure from President Donald Trump and conservative activists. Last year, corporations such as McDonald's and Walmart either ended or scaled back their DEI initiatives in response to conservative backlash, legal threats, and Trump's victory in the November election.
Read the full story by Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.
Jan 24, 2025 at 02:01 PM EST
Doctor warns anti-abortion rally ‘encourages violence’ against women and medical community
Dr. Jamila Perritt, the president and CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health, has warned that today's rally "encourages violence" against women and the medical community.
Perritt, who is also an ob/gyn and abortion provider in Washington D.C., told Newsweek, "When anti-abortion extremists gather, I can't help but think about how they'd be outnumbered if everyone who has abortions, provides abortions, and loves people who have had abortions were to come and meet them.
"Abortion is a basic human right that Americans not only need, but unequivocally support.
"The people present at today's gathering encourage violence against our communities.
"Me and my colleagues are grounded in compassion and care. In trusting that people know what they need for their lives. A march doesn't change that. A new Administration doesn't change that."
Jan 24, 2025 at 01:51 PM EST
Abortion campaigners warn Trump rally appearance shows supports for national abortion ban
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Pro-choice campaigners have warned that the strong turnout from the Trump administration, including the president himself, at the March for Life rally, shows their support for the group's extreme anti-abortion agenda, "including ending abortion access nationwide."
Reproductive Freedom for All President and CEO Mini Timmaraju told Newsweek, "President Trump, Vice President Vance, Speaker Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader Thune wouldn't be addressing this fringe, extremist event if they didn't intend to enact its anti-abortion agenda—including ending abortion access nationwide.
"The American people voted to protect reproductive freedom, and the GOP's embrace of these anti-abortion extremists is proof positive that they couldn't care less," she added.
"Americans deserve better and make no mistake, we will make sure Trump and Congressional Republicans remember this at the ballot box."
Jan 24, 2025 at 01:47 PM EST
Sodomy laws remain in 12 states, race to avoid Roe vs Wade repeat vegins
In 2003, the Supreme Court passed Lawrence v. Texas, which banned the prosecution of sodomy—any sexual act that could not result in children—across the country.
However, despite this judgment, 12 states in the U.S. still have "zombie" anti-sodomy laws on their books. This means that if Lawrence v. Texas were to be overturned, it would be illegal for gay people to have intimate relations in Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.
While heterosexual people can also engage in sodomy, prior to being overruled by the Supreme Court, anti-sodomy laws were largely used to prosecute gay people for their private lives.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has been clear that he wants the court to "reconsider" Lawrence v. Texas as it is based on the same precedent of fundamental privacy as Roe v. Wade, which was overturned in 2022.
Thomas has also said he wants the court to "reconsider" Obergefell v. Hodges, which codified gay marriage, and Griswold v. Connecticut, which granted the national right to contraception.
Read in full from Sophie Clark on Newsweek.
Jan 24, 2025 at 01:18 PM EST
Speaker Johnson points to Trump executive order that ‘defines life as beginning at conception’
Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, told crowds at the anti-abortion event that the new White House has "already shown its resolve" on abortion.
He pointed to Donald Trump's pardons for dozens of anti-abortion activists.
"And I don't know if you saw his executive order on gender, but it defines life as beginning at conception, rather than birth," Johnson said.
Jan 24, 2025 at 12:55 PM EST
ICE arrests hundreds across U.S. in nationwide operation
A Trump administration official reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has conducted arrests in multiple states, including Illinois, Utah, California, Minnesota, New York, Florida, and Maryland.
The arrests took place in cities such as Buffalo, Chicago, St. Paul, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Denver.
ICE confirmed that 538 individuals were arrested in the operation, with 373 facing criminal allegations and 165 detained for noncriminal reasons. Further details about the charges or the individuals involved have not yet been disclosed.
Jan 24, 2025 at 12:48 PM EST
Dozens of Republicans take the stage at anti-abortion march
More than a dozen high ranking Republicans have taken the stage at today's anti-abortion march.
They include John Thune, Majority Leader of the United States Senate, Mike Johnson, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and Jeff Landry, Governor of Louisiana.
JD Vance and President Donald Trump are slated to speak at the event later this afternoon.
Jan 24, 2025 at 12:44 PM EST
Federal security protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci revoked
Trump announced Friday that federal security protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former top U.S. health official, has been revoked.
Fauci, who played a prominent role as the nation's leading infectious disease expert during the COVID-19 pandemic, previously had security provided by the National Institutes of Health.
The decision was first reported by CNN, though no further details on the rationale behind the move were provided.
Jan 24, 2025 at 12:31 PM EST
Trump criticizes FEMA during North Carolina visit, suggests reforms or elimination
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Trump suggested he may overhaul or eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during a visit to North Carolina areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
"I'll also be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, or maybe getting rid of FEMA. I think, frankly, FEMA is not good," Trump said Friday.
The president criticized FEMA's response system, arguing that state governments should address disasters independently. "Whether it's a Democrat or a Republican governor, you want to use your state to fix it and not waste time calling FEMA," he said. "And then FEMA gets here and they don't know the area. They've never been to the area, and they want to give you rules that you've never heard about."
Jan 24, 2025 at 12:19 PM EST
Trump ties California disaster aid to voter ID and water management
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Trump discussed his upcoming trip to California in a briefing in the state of North Carolina, suggesting he may withhold disaster aid unless certain conditions are met.
Trump stated his visit aimed to address two issues: voter ID laws and water management in the state. "I have a condition," he said. "In California, we want them to have voter ID so the people have a voice, because right now, the people don't have a voice because you don't know who's voting, and it's very corrupt."
He also criticized California's water policies, claiming the state ignored his advice. "If they released the water when I told them to, because I told them to do it seven years ago, if they would've done it, you wouldn't have had the problem," Trump said, without specifying the problem he was referencing.
Trump's remarks have sparked debate over the potential politicization of disaster aid and his ongoing push for voter ID laws.
Jan 24, 2025 at 12:04 PM EST
Trump pardons anti-abortion activists ahead of March for Life rally
President Donald Trump pardoned 23 anti-abortion activists yesterday, ahead of today's anti-abortion rally.
Several of them were convicted of blockading a reproductive health clinic and intimidating staff and patients.
"Twenty-three people were prosecuted, they should not have been prosecuted," Trump said at the Oval Office signing ceremony Thursday.
"This is a great honor to sign. They will be very happy."
The pardoned protesters include Lauren Handy who was jailed for leading a blockade to block a clinic's doors. A woman, suffering labor pains, was accosted by a protester during the event, while a nurse was injured.
Five fetuses were discovered in Handy's home after she was indicted.
Abortion rights campaigners said the pardons were a clear sign that Trump wants to take more action to restrict abortions.
"Donald Trump on the campaign trail tried to have it both ways — bragging about his role in overturning Roe v. Wade while saying he wasn't going to take action on abortion," Ryan Stitzlein, VP of political and government relations for the abortion rights organization Reproductive Freedom for All, told Time. "We never believed that that was true, and this shows us that we were right."
Jan 24, 2025 at 12:03 PM EST
DEI guidance removed from Federal Agency websites amid new Trump measures
Several federal agencies have started removing resources for Americans from their websites in response to President Donald Trump's executive order targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Agencies have also been canceling training and service contracts to comply with Trump's directive, which aims to dismantle diversity programs across the federal government. He has ordered that all DEI staff be placed on paid leave with the intention of eventually laying them off.
Read in full from Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.
Jan 24, 2025 at 11:58 AM EST
Putin says war in Ukraine might not have happened had Trump been president
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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said the 2022 invasion of Ukraine that resulted in a full-blown war might not have happened had Donald Trump been U.S. president at the time.
President Trump has said at various times that the war would not have broken out had he been in office in 2022, including in a Wednesday post on Truth Social. On Friday, Putin addressed such remarks in an interview with Rossiya TV correspondent Pavel Zarubin.
"I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president—if his victory hadn't been stolen in 2020—then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that emerged in 2022," Putin said.
Read the full story by Jon Jackson on Newsweek.
Jan 24, 2025 at 11:58 AM EST
Rally organizers say they hope expected crowd of 150,000 will send a message to Trump
Rally organizers say they expect a crowd of up to 150,000 to attend the March for Life - which they hope will be a message for Donald Trump.
"It is especially important now with this new incoming presidential administration to remind them that the pro-life movement is staying engaged," Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, told the Washington Post.
"We demand, we require them to act."
In his last term, Trump promoted several anti-abortion policies. He appointed the deeply conservative U.S. Supreme Court that overturned Roe v. Wade, he removed federal funding for organizations that refer patients for abortions, and became the first sitting president to attend the March for Life.
On his 2020 presidential campaign, he also promised to bring in more restrictions on abortion.
After taking office on Monday, Trump has pardoned a number of anti-abortion protesters, but anti-abortion campaigners want him to go much further, and were surprised by the lack of executive orders on abortion restrictions.
"I don't feel like it's too late," Kristi Hamrick, vice president of media and policy at Students for Life told 19th. "But I certainly do hope Friday to see something."
Jan 24, 2025 at 11:28 AM EST
Senate to vote on Hegseth and Noem nominations, says Thune
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced Friday that the Senate aims to expedite the confirmation process for Trump's nominees, Pete Hegseth and Kristi Noem. The Senate will vote on Hegseth's nomination as defense secretary by 9 p.m. ET, followed by a vote to break a filibuster on Noem's nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Thune praised Hegseth, saying he would bring "a warrior's perspective" to the Pentagon and focus on restoring military readiness. Hegseth's confirmation has faced hurdles due to allegations of sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and financial mismanagement, all of which he denies.
Thune also expressed confidence in Noem, saying she has "everything it takes" to lead Homeland Security. If all Democrats oppose Hegseth, Republicans can only lose three GOP votes on his confirmation.
Jan 24, 2025 at 11:16 AM EST
Jan. 6 defendants, including Oath Keepers’ Rhodes, face DC entry ban
A federal judge on Friday barred Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes from entering Washington, D.C., without court approval, following President Donald Trump's commutation of his 18-year prison sentence for orchestrating the Capitol attack four years ago.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta issued the restriction just two days after Rhodes visited the Capitol, where he met with at least one lawmaker and defended his role in the January 6, 2021, riot. Rhodes had been released from a Maryland prison the previous day.
The order also extends to other Oath Keepers members convicted of participating in the violent plot against the Capitol.
Read the full story by Michael D. Carroll and Amir Daftari on Newsweek.
Jan 24, 2025 at 11:03 AM EST
Preventive medicine group urges Trump administration to reconsider WHO withdrawal
The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), representing 2,000 board-certified preventive medicine physicians, has called on the Trump administration to reverse its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization emphasized in a statement sent to Newsweek that collaboration with the WHO is essential to addressing global health threats and protecting public health both in the United States and worldwide.
Dr. Mirza Rahman, president of ACPM, highlighted the risks of disengagement: "Diseases respect no borders. Withdrawing support from the WHO will likely have an immediate and significant negative impact, not only globally but also here in America."
As a founding member of the WHO, the U.S. has played a pivotal role in its achievements, including the eradication of smallpox. ACPM urged strengthening America's leadership within the organization to address emerging health threats efficiently.
ACPM reiterated its commitment to evidence-based decision-making and called for reasserting U.S. leadership in global health efforts to ensure national security and resilience.
Jan 24, 2025 at 10:49 AM EST
Trump denies inviting Schiff on wildfire survey trip to California
Trump told CNN's Kaitlan Collins that he did not personally invite Democratic Senator Adam Schiff to join him on his trip to California to assess wildfire damage.
Earlier reports indicated the White House had extended an invitation to Schiff, but his spokesperson said the senator could not attend due to "scheduled nomination votes." The Senate is set to vote on Pete Hegseth's nomination to lead the Department of Defense later today.
When asked why Schiff was invited, despite Trump calling him "scum" earlier this week, the president said, "I really don't know... I didn't invite him, somebody did."
Trump's trip will also include stops in North Carolina and Nevada.
Jan 24, 2025 at 10:29 AM EST
Hegseth reportedly paid $50,000 settlement to sexual assault accuser
A written response from former Fox News host Pete Hegseth to senators reveals that he paid $50,000 to the woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017. Hegseth's attorney previously stated that the payment was made because the former host "strongly felt he was the victim of blackmail."
Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the encounter was consensual. The details of the settlement have resurfaced amid ongoing scrutiny.
Jan 24, 2025 at 10:16 AM EST
Melania Trump reveals what kind of first lady she’ll be in viral video
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Years before Melania Trump became the first lady, she revealed what she would be like if she ever took on the role, comparing herself to Jackie Kennedy.
Melania Trump became first lady for a second time on Monday when her husband Donald Trump, was sworn into office as the 47th U.S. president after previously serving as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021.
The first lady grew up in Slovenia in the 1980s when it was a part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In 1996, she moved to the United States to pursue a career in modeling and was introduced to Trump in 1998 during a party at New York Fashion Week, with the two starting to date shortly afterward.
Now a clip has resurfaced from an interview ABC News conducted with Melania Trump, then-named Melania Knauss, on December 3, 1999, when she was 29 years old. During the conversation with Don Dahler, she was asked what she thought about being in the White House.
Newsweek contacted a spokesperson for Melania Trump for comment on Friday via the Office of Donald J. Trump website outside of normal business hours.
Read the full story by Billal Rahman on Newsweek.
Jan 24, 2025 at 10:05 AM EST
Lower oil prices won’t end Ukraine conflict, Kremlin says
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected claims by Trump that lower oil prices could help end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Peskov responded Friday, saying that the conflict does not depend on oil prices, directly countering Trump's comments made the previous day at a virtual address during the Davos conference in Switzerland.
Peskov also dismissed Trump's assertion that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to negotiate. He argued that Zelensky has effectively ruled out negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin by decree, making a settlement impossible without direct talks.
Jan 24, 2025 at 09:53 AM EST
US citizen shot by cartel after Donald Trump’s executive order
An American hiker was shot in the leg by suspected Mexican cartel members in the mountains near San Diego on Wednesday.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency said that the incident occurred when two citizens were robbed and attacked in the Jacumba Wilderness area near the U.S.-Mexico border.
"Two of the hikers, one U.S. citizen and one Canadian citizen, were approached by two armed individuals and were commanded to come toward the armed men," the CBP said.
"When the hikers refused to follow the armed subjects' commands, the assailants fired a volley of shots toward the hikers, striking one victim in the leg.
"The assailants advanced on the downed hiker and his Canadian companion, robbing them of their cell phones and backpacks."
Newsweek has contacted CBP for further comment via email.
Read the full article by Billal Rahman on Newsweek.
Jan 24, 2025 at 09:34 AM EST
Brigid Alliance responds to shutdown of government reproductive rights website
The Brigid Alliance, a nonprofit that assists abortion seekers with travel and logistical support, has expressed concern over the recent shutdown of the government's reproductive rights website, reproductivehealth.gov, which went offline during Trump's inauguration. The website, launched in 2022, provided crucial information on accessing abortion and reproductive healthcare.
Serra Sippel, Executive Director of The Brigid Alliance, called the disappearance of this vital resource "chilling" in an email to Newsweek, and warned that it marks the beginning of intensified attacks on reproductive rights. "Stigma, misinformation, a lack of providers and resources already make it hard for abortion seekers to identify where and how they can get the care they need," Sippel said, stressing the need for accessible resources. She pointed to organizations like The Brigid Alliance, which continues to ensure information and support are available to those in need.
In response to growing restrictions on abortion access, particularly in the South, The Brigid Alliance has expanded its services, increasing its client services team and forming new partnerships with clinics and providers. "We are poised to significantly increase the number of clients we serve," said Sippel. This includes expanding operations in states like Florida, Texas, and Georgia, where abortion access is most restricted.
The Brigid Alliance not only helps with logistical support, including transportation, meals, and accommodations for those seeking abortion care, but also addresses the emotional needs of its clients. Sippel emphasized the importance of providing clients with mental health resources and support to reduce feelings of isolation and judgment.
Looking ahead, The Brigid Alliance is committed to scaling its efforts, with plans to invest $45 million over the next three years to expand services, hire more staff, and increase bilingual coordinators to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking clients.
Sippel concluded, "We remain steadfast in our mission to get people to abortion care – whatever it takes – and back home safely."
Jan 24, 2025 at 09:21 AM EST
LULAC applauds federal court ruling blocking Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has praised a federal court's decision to temporarily block Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship. The order sought to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants and certain temporary visa holders.
LULAC, a plaintiff in a separate lawsuit with the ACLU to protect birthright citizenship, expressed strong support for the ruling. Roman Palomares, LULAC National President, called the court's decision a defense of the constitutional right to citizenship for children born on American soil. "Any child born on our soil has the right to be called a citizen," Palomares said in a statement sent to Newsweek, stressing the sanctity of this right.
Federal District Court Judge John C. Coughenour deemed the executive order "blatantly unconstitutional," citing its attempt to undermine the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship. LULAC views the ruling as a victory for civil rights and an affirmation of the nation's legal and constitutional values.
," citing its attempt to undermine the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship. LULAC views the ruling as a victory for civil rights and an affirmation of the nation's legal and constitutional values.
The organization remains committed to defending constitutional rights, with a preliminary injunction hearing in its case scheduled for February 10th in New Hampshire.
Jan 24, 2025 at 09:09 AM EST
Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles proposes constitutional change to allow Trump a third term
Republican Representative Andy Ogles from Tennessee has introduced a resolution to amend the U.S. Constitution, aiming to allow Trump to serve a third term in office. Ogles' proposal seeks to modify the 22nd Amendment, which currently limits presidents to two terms, to permit a third term. The resolution, however, is unlikely to gain the bipartisan support needed for success.
Ogles argues that Trump is "the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nation's decay and restoring America to greatness." He believes that the amendment would ensure the U.S. maintains "bold leadership" under Trump.
For the amendment to pass, it must secure a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from at least 38 states. Historically, amending the Constitution is a challenging process, and this proposal faces significant hurdles.
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, limits presidents to two terms following Franklin D. Roosevelt's four-term presidency. In response to questions about running for a third term, Trump has previously stated he is not in favor of repealing the amendment, although he has joked about the possibility of running again in 2028.
Ogles' resolution has sparked debate, with some warning that such a change could set a dangerous precedent for American democracy.
Jan 24, 2025 at 08:55 AM EST
Trump expresses opposition to windmills and solar fields in interview with Hannity
During an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Trump reiterated his opposition to windmills and large solar fields, saying, "We don't want windmills in this country. We're putting an order on it. I've already sort of done it. We don't want windmills... you know what else people don't like? Those massive solar fields."
Jan 24, 2025 at 08:43 AM EST
Senate set to vote on Pete Hegseth’s defense secretary nomination, Kristi Noem’s homeland security post next
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The Senate will hold a vote at 9 p.m. ET on Friday to confirm Pete Hegseth as the new defense secretary, with Hegseth expected to be narrowly confirmed after breaking a Democratic-led filibuster on a 51-49 vote.
The timing of the vote could shift earlier if both sides come to an agreement.
Following the defense secretary vote, the Senate will proceed to vote on breaking a filibuster for the nomination of Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary. Noem is expected to clear the simple-majority threshold with little opposition.
Jan 24, 2025 at 08:31 AM EST
Trump set to tour disaster-stricken North Carolina and California, considering changes to FEMA
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Trump is scheduled to visit hurricane-hit western North Carolina and wildfire-damaged Los Angeles on Friday, marking his first trip of his second administration. The president is expected to use the opportunity to criticize past disaster responses and propose changes to federal emergency management.
Trump has blamed former President Joe Biden for mishandling hurricane relief in North Carolina and plans to criticize California leaders for water policies he claims worsened recent wildfires. He is also considering overhauling FEMA, including reducing state reimbursements for disaster management.
During his California visit, Trump is expected to meet with congressional members, possibly sparking tensions over disaster funding. He may propose withholding federal aid to states like California unless they revise their water policies.
FEMA's role in disaster response is likely to come under scrutiny, with Trump advocating for states to handle emergencies independently. Former FEMA officials have pushed back, emphasizing the agency's importance in assisting overwhelmed states.
Trump's trip comes amid rising climate concerns, as studies link extreme weather, like Hurricane Helene and California's wildfires, to global warming. Despite this, Trump has downplayed climate change's role.
After his visits, Trump is set to hold a rally in Las Vegas on Saturday, where he plans to discuss a tax exemption on tips, fulfilling a campaign promise.
Jan 24, 2025 at 08:19 AM EST
Deportation flights begin, White House announces
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Friday that deportation flights have commenced, sharing images of individuals boarding U.S. military aircraft.
"President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences," Leavitt said.
The photos, posted on X, did not specify the identities of those boarding or the location where the images were taken.
According to information from ICE, in a 33-hour period between January 21 and the morning of January 22, over 460 individuals were arrested, including those with criminal records for offenses like sexual assault, robbery, drug and weapons charges, and domestic violence.
Arrested individuals included nationals from countries such as Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, and Venezuela, among others.
Jan 24, 2025 at 08:07 AM EST
Netanyahu defends Elon Musk over Nazi salute: ‘Falsely smeared’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Elon Musk is "being falsely smeared" after the tech billionaire was accused of giving two fascist salutes at Donald Trump's "presidential parade" on Monday.
The incident took place at Washington's Capitol One Arena, with Musk telling the audience "my heart goes out to you" before raising his arm straight from his chest with the palm facing downwards in what some critics claimed was a fascist salute, though the business tycoon has strongly denied the claim. Musk then turned around and repeated the gesture facing a different section of the crowd.
Newsweek contacted the Israeli prime minister's office and Elon Musk, via the Tesla and SpaceX press offices, for comment on Friday outside of regular office hours.
Read the full article by James Bickerton on Newsweek.
Jan 24, 2025 at 07:55 AM EST
Trump orders release of JFK, RFK, and MLK assassination files
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Trump has signed an order to declassify government files related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
The move fulfills a campaign pledge Trump made to release the remaining files, with the president declaring, "We're going to see the information."
During his previous term, Trump authorized the release of many JFK assassination documents but withheld others due to national security concerns raised by agencies like the CIA and FBI. His new order directs officials to present a plan for the complete release of the files within 15 days.
The files include reports, memos, and other documents related to the investigations. Their release aims to provide transparency about events that have fueled decades of speculation and conspiracy theories.
While President Joe Biden's administration declassified thousands of JFK-related documents, Trump's order extends to records involving the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy.
Trump saidthe release of these records is "long overdue" and "in the public interest." The timeline for making the files publicly available remains unclear.
Jan 24, 2025 at 07:43 AM EST
Will Donald Trump declassify UFO files? What we know
President Donald Trump has signed an order to declassify documents on the murders of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy and the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.—prompting calls that he also declassify documents on unidentified flying objects.
Newsweek contacted the White House and Senator Chuck Schumer for comment via email.
There has been a bipartisan push in Congress to have the government declassify information related to unidentified anomalous phenomena. In the previous congressional term, Schumer, a Democrat, and Republican Senator Mike Rounds introduced a bill requiring the government to disclose all current and former records on UAPs to the public unless officials can provide a reason for them to remain classified.
Read the full story by Sophie Clark on Newsweek.
Jan 24, 2025 at 07:30 AM EST
Trump invites Adam Schiff to tour wildfire devastation in Los Angeles
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Trump extended an invitation to California Senator Adam Schiff, a longtime political adversary, to join him on Friday as he surveys wildfire damage in Los Angeles. Schiff's office confirmed the offer to CNN but saidthe senator was unable to attend due to prior commitments, including scheduled votes on nominations.
"Senator Schiff greatly appreciates the president's visit to witness the devastation firsthand and regrets being unable to join," a spokesperson for Schiff said, per the outlet. They added that Schiff remains committed to bipartisan efforts to secure necessary support for California's recovery.
The invitation, though surprising given Trump's past sharp criticism of Schiff, may reflect an effort to project a more presidential image during disaster visits. A Trump official told CNN that the goal is to prioritize affected communities over political disputes, despite claiming that the president's criticisms were justified.
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