The ACTUAL NEWS: Monday, January 20th 2025 Recap
Today in History, Inauguration Ceremony, Official Send-Off for Joe Biden and Dr. Biden, Trump’s EOs, and More National and Global News
TODAY IN HISTORY
1778: British explorer James Cook landed at Waimea on Kauai Island, becoming the first European to visit Hawaii.
1801: U.S. President John Adams nominated John Marshall to be chief justice of the Supreme Court.
1892: The first official basketball game was played in Springfield, Massachusetts, by YMCA students under the guidance of James A. Naismith.
1945: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated for an unprecedented fourth term in office.
1961: U.S. President John F. Kennedy delivered his inaugural address, famously declaring, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
1981: The Iran hostage crisis ended with the release of 52 Americans held hostage for 15 months by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
2009: Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the office.
2017: Republican Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States after an unexpected victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.
2021: Kamala Harris became the first woman to serve as vice president of the United States, taking the oath of office alongside President Joe Biden.
2025: Donald Trump became the first convicted felon to be inaugurated as the President of the United States.
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NATIONAL
On Sunday in South Carolina, President Biden honored Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., stating, “We must hold onto hope. We must stay engaged. We must always keep the faith in the better days to come.” The President and First Lady also visited International African American Museum where President Biden delivered remarks.
Both Donald Trump and Melania Trump launched their own cryptocurrencies on the inaugural weekend. “The $TRUMP memecoin — a financial asset that didn’t exist on Friday afternoon — now accounts for about 89% of Donald Trump's net worth,” according to Axios.
This morning, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden had tea with the Trumps at the White House before traveling together with Vice President Kamala Harris and VP-elect JD Vance to the Capitol for the oath ceremony.
At 12:01 p.m. ET, JD Vance was sworn in as the new Vice President. At 12:02 p.m. ET, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
After the inauguration ceremony, former Vice President Harris flew back to Los Angeles with an all-female U.S. Air Force crew — the first time an all-female crew has operated a C-33. Upon landing, Harris visited a local fire station and distributed food to community members impacted by wildfires.
Now Former President Biden delivered an official farewell speech to his cabinet members, staffers, and supporters upon landing at Joint Base Andrews after Trump’s inauguration. He thanked his team, encouraged them to “keep the good fight,” and assured that he wasn’t going anywhere. The Bidens then flew to California for some time off.
Newly sworn-in President Donald Trump has appointed Mark Uyeda, a Republican member of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as acting SEC chair, the White House announced Monday.
Long-time Justice Department immigration attorney James McHenry will serve as acting U.S. Attorney General until President Trump’s pick, Pam Bondi, is confirmed by the Senate, a Justice Department official said on Monday.
The Pentagon removed the portrait of retired Army General Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to two Reuters witnesses. The removal took place within two hours of Trump’s inauguration.
A U.S. Border Patrol agent was shot and killed on duty on Monday, according to acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamín Huffman.
Trump signed an executive order halting foreign development assistance for 90 days. The pause is intended to "allow for assessments of the efficiency and alignment of these programs with U.S. foreign policy". The order directs all department and agency heads responsible for foreign development assistance to immediately suspend new obligations and disbursements of funds.
Trump declared a national state of emergency at the Southern border and designated cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, which could enable the U.S. to take action against cartels without prior communication with Mexico.
Trump signed full pardons for nearly 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6th insurrection.
Trump also revoked a 2023 executive order signed by Joe Biden that aimed to reduce the risks posed by artificial intelligence to consumers, workers, and national security.
Trump signed an executive order to leave the World Health Organization.
The U.S. Senate on Monday unanimously confirmed Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a China hawk and staunch supporter of Israel, as President Donald Trump's Secretary of State. The Senate backed Rubio by a vote of 99-0, following a smooth confirmation hearing.
Robert Salesses will serve as acting defense secretary until Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee, is confirmed by the Senate. Salesses is the deputy director of the Washington Headquarters Services, which handles human resources, facilities, and resource management within the Pentagon.
The Senate Armed Services Committee voted 14-13 along party lines to advance Pete Hegseth’s nomination to lead the Pentagon. Hegseth, a combat veteran and former Fox News host, is expected to receive a full Senate vote later this week.
NBC reported that Mark Zuckerberg had dinner with Supreme Court justices.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on Monday urged President Trump to reexamine the federal government’s approval of New York City’s first-in-the-nation congestion pricing program, which began on January 5.
GLOBAL
Putin congratulated U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on taking office hours before Trump’s inauguration in Washington, expressing openness to dialogue with the new U.S. administration on Ukraine and nuclear arms.
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to lift the Biden administration's freeze on the supply of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel in his first days in office, Walla News reported on Monday, citing an interview with the Israeli envoy to Washington.
South Korea's defense ministry stated on Tuesday that the denuclearization of North Korea must remain the goal for achieving lasting global peace, following reports that U.S. President Donald Trump had called Pyongyang "a nuclear power."
A hearing for a lawsuit filed by Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel against President Joe Biden's administration is scheduled for February and March, Kyodo News agency reported on Monday.
Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on his inauguration in a statement on Monday, expressing hope for improved relations between the two countries.
Pope Francis criticized President-elect Donald Trump's plan to intensify immigration enforcement after his inauguration, calling it a "disgrace" in an Italian television interview. This was an unusually strong statement from the leader of the Catholic Church.
Three Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas. President Biden addressed the nation, announcing the exchange of Doron Steinbrenner, Romi Gonen, and Emily Damari for nearly 90 Palestinians.
Germany's ambassador to the United States warned that the incoming Trump administration would erode the independence of U.S. law enforcement and the media, while handing big tech companies "co-governing power," according to a confidential document seen by Reuters.
Russia is amassing forces beyond the requirements of the current conflict in Ukraine, warned Major General Christian Freuding, head of Germany's military task force on assistance to Ukraine, according to DPA.
Negotiators are zeroing in on a potential deal to resolve the fate of Kurdish forces in Syria, who the U.S. considers key allies against the Islamic State but are viewed by neighboring Turkey as a national security threat. (reported during Biden Administration)
The President of Panama issued a statement condemning President Trump’s suggestion to “take over” the Panama Canal.
Nearly 1,660 Afghans, cleared by the U.S. government to resettle in the U.S. — including family members of active-duty U.S. military personnel — have had their flights canceled due to Trump's order suspending U.S. refugee programs, according to a U.S. official leading refugee resettlement.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
Today, the United States is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Here are some recommended speeches to watch, learn from, and review:
VIDEO OF THE DAY
President Biden delivered remarks at the Official Send-Off Ceremony at Joint Base Andrews.
PHOTO(S) OF THE DAY
Tel Aviv City Hall Tribute to President Biden
Rep. Clyburn to President Biden on Sunday in South Carolina: “When people look back, they’ll appreciate. I want to say to you, my good friend, very little appreciation has been shown recently. Feign not. History will be very kind to you.”
Trump shared the stage with the Village People at the MAGA Victory Rally in DC on Sunday.
The Bidens greet the Trumps at the White House on Inauguration Day.
“Last selfie for the road,” the First Family posted a photo on POTUS’ social media ahead of Inauguration Day.
Trump did not place his hand on the Bible when he swore the oath of office.
President Trump’s redecorated Oval Office includes a new painting of Andrew Jackson. “A tray of pens was ready on the Resolute Desk for Trump to sign executive orders. A valet button to order Diet Cokes was also set up.” (Photos taken by WSJ)
Swedish troops arrive in Latvia to defend an ally in the event of a Russian invasion.
TIME covers say it all.
VIDEO QUICK NEWS
Joe Biden Reflects on His 4 Years as President
Trump Launches Limited-Edition Bibles on Inauguration Day
Reactions to Trump’s First Speech as the 47th President
Putin congratulates Trump
Elon Musk "Thanks" the Crowd at the Inauguration Parade Rally at Capital One Arena.
Netanyahu Says Trump "Emphasized" That the Ceasefire Is "Temporary" and that Israel will have "full backing" to resume the war in Gaza if necessary.
Highlights from Trump's Inauguration Day: VIPs, Executive Orders, and a Bipartisan Luncheon
President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony was filled with political leaders, business magnates, and prominent figures.
Here’s a summary of key moments:
Inauguration Day Observations
Lawmakers and VIPs Attend: While Trump’s allies dominated the crowd, several notable critics of the president also made their way into the Capitol for the event. Among them was Rep. Pete Aguilar, a prominent Democratic leader and recent Biden pardon recipient for his work on the January 6th committee. Rep. Mike Turner, recently ousted as House Intelligence Chair, was also spotted.
Tech Moguls and Media Giants in the VIP Area: Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, and Rupert Murdoch, the media tycoon behind Fox News, took prominent spots among the VIPs. Podcast host Joe Rogan was also seen sitting nearby, reflecting Trump’s broad reach across industries.
A Blended Audience: In a symbolic gesture of bipartisan engagement, Republicans and Democrats sat together, with lawmakers snapping selfies ahead of the ceremony. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) noted that it was a “bright, sunny” day, while Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, wearing a blue cap, jokingly said he was focused on “the Bills.”
Bipartisan Leadership Remarks: Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), co-chairs of the 60th Inaugural Committee, emphasized the endurance of American democracy in their speeches, stressing the importance of a system that empowers the people to “chart their own destiny.”
Key Moments from the Ceremony
Trump’s Executive Orders: Trump laid out a series of significant executive actions, including declaring a state of emergency on the southern border. The announcement garnered a standing ovation from Republicans and some Democrats from swing states. Trump’s bold declaration that the U.S. would plant its flag on Mars was met with enthusiasm from Elon Musk, who threw his hands up in the air in excitement.
Inaugural Luncheon: After the ceremony, guests gathered in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall for a bipartisan luncheon. The seating arrangements were designed to bring together members of both parties, with Republicans and Democrats often sitting side by side. Among the attendees were Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL), Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, and several other notable figures.
Billionaire Interactions: Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton made the rounds, greeting tech giants such as Mark Zuckerberg (Meta) and Jeff Bezos (Amazon).
Menu Details: The inauguration luncheon featured a menu that celebrated both political leaders’ home states, with a main course of Greater Omaha Angus Ribeye Steak and Minnesota Apple Ice Box Terrine for dessert, a nod to Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota.
Trump’s inauguration day was a momentous occasion, marked by a mix of MAGA fanbase celebration, reflection on the fragility of American democracy, and the first steps toward his next phase in office. The interactions between politicians, business moguls, and other influential figures underscored the day’s significance—the end of the America we knew and the beginning of something resembling the end of democracy as we know it.
Trump's First Oval Office Presser: Tariffs, TikTok, and "Cancer" from Biden
In his first impromptu press conference at the Oval Office, President Donald Trump delivered a mix of policy statements, controversial remarks, and characteristically blunt commentary.
Some of the key points from the session included:
On Zelenskyy and Putin: Trump addressed the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, stating, “Zelenskyy wants to make a deal. Putin is destroying Russia by not making a deal. I’ve came along great with him, I hope he makes a deal. I think I’ll put tariffs on Russia until they make a deal.”
On signing executive actions: Trump hinted at signing major orders to reverse Biden-era policies, claiming, “We are getting rid of ‘cancer’ caused by Biden.”
On Gaza: When discussing the region, Trump said, “It’s a beautiful location by the sea. Some fantastic things could be done with it.” He also made a controversial statement about Palestinians, noting, “‘Most of them are dead. But they made bad decisions.”
On TikTok: Trump threatened China over the popular app, stating, “If China doesn’t approve the TikTok deal, we can put up to 100% tariffs on them. I don’t say I will do it, but I can.” He also weighed in on the app’s value, adding, “TikTok is worthless if I don’t approve the deal. If I do it, then it’s worth billions. US should be entitled to get 50% of it. If I sign, maybe it’s trillion dollars.” Trump continued, “Xi probably would like it. We have 90 days to make the decision. They make all sorts of things in China. Nobody ever complains about this. Every rich person is calling me about TikTok. TikTok is all about kids, so if China gets info on US kids - I don’t know, I think we have bigger problems.”
On former Presidents: Reflecting on his predecessors, Trump said, “I think Clinton was a good one.”
On his conversations with Obama: Trump provided a cryptic remark about his past discussions with Barack Obama at the State Funeral for President Carter, claiming, “We had some crazy conversation. I don’t think you wanna know. You might feel insulted.”
On national energy policy: Trump stressed his administration's focus on energy independence, declaring, “National energy emergency order - that’s a big one. And we do have this kind of emergency.”
On his speech and the media: Trump asserted, “I got great reviews on my speech today. Maybe fake news is changing.”
On Biden pardoning his family: Trump said, “I was surprised that Biden pardoned his family, it makes them all look guilty. I never pardoned my family or myself.”
Trump Signs Series of Executive Orders on Day One
Today, President Trump signed a number of Executive Orders aiming to overturn a variety of Biden administration's efforts. Please note that the orders reflect the actual wording used by the Trump administration, which may not always be entirely accurate:
Executive Order declaring a national energy emergency, unlocking "America’s full energy potential."
Executive Order directing all Federal agencies to suspend, revise, or rescind all Federal policies that restrict American energy production.
Executive Order terminating the Biden administration’s electric vehicle mandate.
Executive Order reversing regulations that "impeded Alaska’s ability to develop its vast natural resources".
Executive Order to "unleash American energy production" in order to "bring costs down for American families."
Executive Order withdrawing the United States from the Paris agreement.
Presidential Memorandum pausing all new and renewed federal leasing and permitting for both onshore and offshore wind projects.
Executive Order declaring a national emergency at the southern border to allow the government to gain operational control of the border, combat the cartels, and secure our nation.
Executive Order revoking Biden Executive Orders and policies on controlling the Southern border.
Executive Order requiring Homeland Security officials to deport aliens with orders of removal and prioritizing the prosecution of immigration criminal offenses.
Executive Order to enhance federal vetting and screening of aliens, requiring officials to identify which countries are not cooperating with United States officials in providing basic information on individuals seeking to enter the United States.
Executive Order pausing the operation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) to suspend the entry of aliens into the United States when "such entry is not in the national interest".
Executive Order prohibiting recognizing as United States citizens, children born in the U.S. to foreign national parents who are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, "as consistent with the Fourteenth Amendment". (NOTE: this goes against the U.S. Constitution)
Trump shut down the CBP One App used by legal immigrants to schedule immigration appointments.
Executive Order to end catch-and-release programs.
Executive Order to resume the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) policy, also known as “Remain in Mexico.”
Executive Order directing the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to finish construction of a physical barrier along the southern border.
Executive Order designating international cartels and transnational gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
Executive Order directing the military to prioritize our own borders and territorial integrity in strategic planning for its operations.
Presidential Memorandum ordering agencies to take all necessary steps to terminate remote work.
Executive Order establishing and implementing the President’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to oversee a substantial reduction in the size and scope of government.
Executive Order reforming the Federal hiring process to "restore merit to government service and re-prioritize skills, experience, and patriotism, not commitment to radical ideologies".
Executive Order instilling accountability for "failing career bureaucrats to better address misconduct or poor performance".
Executive Order to create a new category of federal hires for career employees in policy-influencing positions, "making it easier to remove rogue bureaucrats without long delays and red tape".
Executive Order to "bring a swift end to the weaponization of the federal government".
Executive Order to restore "freedom of speech and end government-sponsored censorship, rectifying years of government abuse".
Executive Order rescinding a record 78 executive actions signed by the Biden-Harris administration — including eliminating DEI programs, border policies, and climate protection from federal government.
Presidential Memorandum to the heads of all executive departments and agencies ordering an immediate halt to the publication of regulations.
Policy Directive declaring that the United States' foreign policy "must always put the interests of America and its citizens first".
Executive Order to "realign U.S. foreign aid to match American values".
Presidential Memorandum "reviving his America First trade agenda".
Executive Order reinstating the name Mount McKinley and renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. (NOTE: this cannot be done by an Executive Order)
Presidential Memorandum to deliver emergency price relief for American families by ordering all Federal agencies to eliminate "unnecessary administrative expenses, counterproductive requirements, and harmful climate policies that are driving up costs".
Executive Order restoring the death penalty.
Executive Order requiring the Federal government to recognize the "biological reality of two sexes" — male and female.
NOTE: As these orders have been signed just a short time ago, I will be diving into the legality, details, and consequences of the orders throughout this week. You can click on any order for details.
Global Market Volatility Amid Trump's Trade Tariff Plans
Global shares and U.S. Treasuries saw significant volatility on Tuesday following Donald Trump's announcement of potential trade tariffs on neighboring countries early in his presidency. U.S. markets, closed for a holiday on Monday, saw their first reactions during Asian trading hours on Tuesday.
Trump proposed imposing a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada starting February 1, which dampened investors' optimism after his brief mention of tariffs in his inauguration speech. Financial markets are closely monitoring Trump's plans for import tariffs and tax cuts, anticipating that these policies could trigger inflation and a "hot" U.S. economy, potentially boosting the dollar while hurting bonds.
As a result, U.S. stock futures reversed earlier gains, with Nasdaq futures down 0.4% and S&P 500 futures falling 0.25%. European and Asian markets followed suit, with EUROSTOXX 50 and FTSE futures each losing 0.3%, and Japan's Nikkei dropping 0.4%.
In the Treasury market, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield dropped to 4.5682%, while the two-year yield stood at 4.2424%. Early optimism around Trump's inauguration, which had caused a dip in the dollar, was reversed, leading to a broad recovery of the greenback. The euro and sterling weakened, while the dollar gained over 1% against the Mexican peso and rose 0.8% against the Canadian dollar.
In the commodities market, oil prices weakened following Trump's plan to maximize U.S. oil and gas production. Brent crude rose slightly but remained near a one-week low, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 1.46%.
As volatility increases, investors are adjusting to a new reality of sudden policy shifts under Trump's administration, particularly regarding trade protectionism and economic nationalism. The key question remains how aggressively Trump will pursue these policies.
RECOMMENDED READ
That’s it from me for now. Thank you so much for reading.
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