The ACTUAL NEWS: Thursday, January 23rd 2025 Recap

Jan 23

Today in History, Trump Speaks at the WEF; JFK, RFK, MLK Files Declassified, More Trump Orders, and Other National and Global News

TODAY IN HISTORY

1789 Georgetown College (now Georgetown University) was established in Washington, D.C.

1849 Elizabeth Blackwell, born in England, received an M.D. degree from Geneva Medical College in New York, becoming the first American-trained woman physician.

1964 The Twenty-fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibited the federal and state governments from imposing poll taxes before a citizen could participate in a federal election, was ratified.

1977 The TV miniseries Roots, an adaptation of Alex Haley's best-selling novel, debuted. It became one of the most popular shows in the history of American television and galvanized attention on African American issues and history.

1986 The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland inducted its first class, which included Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Elvis Presley.

1997 Madeleine Albright, who had earlier served as U.S. ambassador to the UN, assumed the office of U.S. secretary of state under President Bill Clinton, becoming the first woman to hold that cabinet post.

2021 American talk-show host Larry King, whose easygoing interviewing style helped make Larry King Live (1985–2010) one of CNN's longest-running and most popular programs, died at age 87.

QUICK ACTUAL NEWS

NATIONAL

Trump’s National Security Staff Cuts: President Donald Trump’s national security adviser sidelined about 160 National Security Council aides, sending them home for a review of staffing. These career government employees, known as detailees, were informed they would be available to senior directors but would not need to report to the White House.

Health Agencies Freeze Activities: U.S. health agencies, including the CDC, canceled meetings, paused some public health publications, and froze travel following directives from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Resignations Sought at Privacy Oversight Board: The Trump administration requested the resignation of three Democratic members of the U.S. Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board by Thursday or face termination.

Cryptocurrency Working Group: Trump ordered the creation of a cryptocurrency working group to propose new digital asset regulations and explore the creation of a national cryptocurrency stockpile.

Deportation of 5,400 Immigrants: The Pentagon announced plans to use U.S. Air Force planes to deport 5,400 people detained by Customs and Border Protection, marking the first action in Trump’s immigration crackdown.

Immigration Raid in Newark: U.S. immigration agents raided a Newark, New Jersey, worksite, detaining undocumented migrants and American citizens, including a military veteran. The raid raised concerns about violations of rights.

Foreign Investment in U.S. Real Estate: Senate Republicans are pushing to restrict foreign government investments in U.S. real estate near military bases, citing national security risks.

Pete Hegseth’s Nomination Advances: The U.S. Senate advanced the nomination of Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran, to be Trump’s secretary of defense.

Space Force Satellite Contracts: The U.S. Space Force announced $2.3 billion in contracting opportunities for commercial satellite services, focusing on maneuverable satellites in geostationary orbit.

U.S. Withdrawal from WHO: The U.S. formally notified the United Nations that it will leave the World Health Organization by January 22, 2026, accusing the agency of mishandling the pandemic.

Trump Criticizes NATO Spending: Trump questioned whether the U.S. should continue funding NATO, arguing that the U.S. protects NATO members, but they do not reciprocate.

Tennessee School Shooting: On Wednesday, a 17-year-old boy opened fire in a Tennessee high school, killing one student and injuring another before taking his own life. Police are investigating the incident.

Trump Pardons D.C. Police Officers: Trump pardoned two D.C. police officers convicted in a fatal 2020 traffic collision that led to the death of 20-year-old Karon Hylton-Brown. The case had sparked protests and concerns about police accountability.

Los Angeles Wildfire Losses: KCC, a catastrophe risk modeling firm, estimated insured losses from the Los Angeles wildfires at $28 billion, making them the costliest in U.S. history. The fires have killed 28 people and destroyed nearly 16,000 structures.

TikTok Deal Update: The CEO of General Atlantic, a board member of TikTok's parent company, expressed optimism about a potential deal to keep TikTok operating in the U.S.

GLOBAL

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. Rubio reaffirmed the strength and importance of the U.S.-Poland relationship for transatlantic peace and prosperity. The two discussed deepening ties across a range of mutual interests, including defense cooperation and energy security.
Marco Rubio's First Overseas Trip: Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Panama during his first overseas trip in the role, according to sources. The visit comes as President Trump pushes for the U.S. to regain control of the Panama Canal, a move that has caused tension with Panama.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly about the Trump administration’s new approaches to key global issues. They also discussed shared priorities in the Western Hemisphere and explored opportunities in the U.S.-Canada relationship.
Bloomberg Funds U.N. Climate Budget: Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's philanthropy announced it will cover the U.S. contribution to the U.N. climate body's budget, filling the gap left by President Trump’s withdrawal.
Visa Processing Halt for Refugees: The Trump administration’s decision to halt visa processing for refugees has caused uncertainty among Afghans in Islamabad awaiting resettlement in the U.S.
Corporate Tax Deal Withdrawal: Trump’s decision to pull out of a 2021 global corporate minimum tax deal does not pose a "significant threat" to Ireland, according to the head of Ireland's foreign direct investment agency.
EU Discusses U.S. Energy and Arms Deals: The European Union is willing to discuss U.S. energy and arms purchases to avoid tariffs threatened by President Trump, according to the EU’s top economy official.
Ukraine Applauds Trump’s Sanctions Threats: Ukraine praised President Trump for threatening to impose tariffs and sanctions on Russia if it fails to negotiate an end to the war, calling the threat a "strong signal."
Ukraine’s Defense Funding for Drones: Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense will provide $60 million (2.5 billion hryvnia) in monthly funding for combat units to procure their own drones.
North Koreans in Russia: Ukrainian soldiers and U.S. officials report that North Koreans in Russia are operating as a separate fighting force distinct in language, training, and military culture.
UK Warns Russia Over Spy Vessel: The United Kingdom warned Russia after a spy vessel entered British waters for the second time in weeks. Russia did not comment.
JPMorgan Downgrades Panama Bonds: JPMorgan downgraded its recommendation on Panama’s bonds following President Trump’s renewed threat to "take back" the Panama Canal, which has impacted the country’s bond market.
Secretary Rubio’s Talks with Venezuelan Leaders: Secretary of State Rubio spoke with Venezuela’s rightful president Edmundo González Urrutia and opposition leader María Corina Machado. Rubio reaffirmed U.S. support for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela and the immediate release of all political prisoners.
Iraqi Amnesty Law Passed: Iraq’s parliament passed an amnesty law that could lead to the release of thousands of prisoners, including those convicted of attacks on U.S. soldiers or involvement with ISIS.
Micheál Martin Reelected as Irish PM: Micheál Martin was elected Irish prime minister for the second time after a delayed vote due to opposition protests.
Pakistan’s Free Speech Concerns: Pakistan’s opposition accused the government of stifling free expression after introducing a bill to create an agency that could order takedowns of “unlawful” content and make disinformation a criminal offense.
South Sudan Riots and Social Media Shutdown: Riots erupted in South Sudan over videos depicting alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan. Authorities suspended access to Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms.
Zambia’s Copper Production Up: Despite a drought, Zambia increased its copper production last year, maintaining its status as Africa’s second-largest copper producer, crucial for electric cars and wind turbines.
UN Urges U.S. Talks with Iran: UN nuclear watchdog Rafael Grossi said Iran is enriching uranium near weapons-grade levels and urged the Trump administration to engage in talks to contain Iran’s nuclear activities. Iranian official Mohammad Javad Zarif also called for progress in negotiations.
Saudi Arabia’s Trade and Investment Plans: Saudi Arabia plans to increase its trade and investment with the U.S. by at least $600 billion over the next four years, according to a report on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's call with Trump.

PHOTO(S) OF THE DAY

Five Days In Between...

VIDEO QUICK NEWS

Trump speaking virtually at the WEF in Davos: “But nothing can destroy coal. Not the weather, not a bomb, nothing. It might make it a little smaller, might make it a little different shape. But coal is very strong.”

"Here in Davos next year, will there be peace agreement with Ukraine and Russia by then?”

Trump: “Well, you gonna have to ask Russia.”

Danish Member of EU Parliament Anders Vistisen has some harsh words for US President Trump

President of EU Commission promises pragmatic cooperation with partners, including the United States

Trump signs EO declassifying the JFK, RFK and MLK files

Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President Kennedy, commented the following on his social media:

Chrystia Freeland, a member of the House of Commons of Canada, offered a way to confront Donald Trump's tariffs.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff were spotted grocery shopping together in Los Angeles, both in good spirits.

President Trump’s EO Signing Ceremony and Q&A Session

I have received a transcript and a 22-minute audio recording of the closed press meeting.

Here, I am sharing the key remarks in short notes (as received).

Observation from the audio: Trump seems to be not very much in the loop on what he is signing. He signs, then asks what he has signed and is told a headline. This continues throughout the session.

Key Remarks

After a delay of more than 30 minutes, the signing ceremony began at the Oval Office.

David Sacks was in the room when POTUS first entered and announced the first two orders on AI to take U.S. to the “forefront” of industry.

Order to create working group on crypto.

“We’re going to make a lot of money for the country,” said POTUS.

He thanked Sacks and Staff Secretary Will Scarf began reading out orders thereafter.

Presidential commission on science and technology to get institutions to make sure U.S. maintains position.

More orders and brief quotes:

Order for interior to recognize the Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina.

Trump said he “loved” the Lumbee Tribe and North Carolina, where he will soon visit.

Pardon for 23 “peaceful protesters” prosecuted by Biden Administration.

“Many of them elderly people … this is a great honor to sign this. They will all be happy.”

Declassifying FBI files on JFK, RFK and MLK

Trump mentioned “giving” it to RFK Jr.

A series of questions were posed to POTUS:

On birthright citizenship - “No surprise with that judge”

Also “No surprises” on Senators Murkowski and Collins voting no on Hegseth.

He also said John Thune is “doing a great job.”

On recess appointments “it’s up to John Thune.”

Crown Prince call - “great” will ask for $1 trillion

The money goes to American companies to purchase jets, computers

Steve Witkoff - thinks he’s doing great but it’s a “tricky”

Will he place Witkoff in charge of Iran strategy - “no” but said he’s a “great negotiator”

Middle East “Deal wouldn’t have happened without Steve Witkoff. Slammed Biden Administration.

On if Musk is right about Stargate not having the money - “I don’t know”

Will AI replace jobs? — “no …it will create number of jobs … cancer research. We are way ahead of China”

On inflation - When the energy prices come down it will “knock out” inflation.

Expects to tell Federal Reserve to listen to him to bring interest rates down.

Jan 6 pardon recipients - Open to speaking with them. “I gave them their life back”

On Biden taking bad advice on not pardoning himself - “He did. He pardoned all these people who are crooked”

Railed against Democrats who “destroyed everything” in regard to Jan 6 investigation. Repeated claims of destroyed evidence. Called Schiff, Cheney, Thomson “crooked politicians.” He added, “They should be punished”

Said he offered 10,000 troops to be at Capitol on Jan. 6.

On National Guard: they will make sure the border is “safe”

Musk criticizing deal he made publicly - doesn’t bother him

China influence in ending Ukraine war - President Jinping has power over Russia and supplies them energy.

Said Ukraine-Russia Battlefield like no other since WWII.

Revoking security for Pompeo and others - “When you have protection, you can’t have it for the rest of your life.”

Elaborating on Fed interest rates - said he thinks he knows better than they do.

On why he’s softer on tariffs for China - “already paying a lot because of me”.

He also mentioned the loss of “300,000” lives from fentanyl, another issue he wants to tackle.

Trump Speaks Virtually at the World Economic Forum in Davos

President Trump began with a speech that resembled any recent rally.

He promised a “common sense revolution,” stating that Biden “wrecked up $8 trillion in debt” and that “we have the worst economy.” He claimed that “Biden had no control”..

Note: We have the strongest economy now.

Also, here are the statistics on accumulated debt per President.

He went on to say that inflation is 50% higher than the target.

Note: The target is 2%, and we are currently at 2.9%.

He promoted Musk's DOGE, discussed various Executive Orders and claimed the whole world “saw the light” when he won.

He said, “millions of Russians and Ukrainians died,” adding that he would end it by raising the price of oil.

He stated that “he negotiated the ceasefire,” “he got the Olympics,” “he got the soccer World Cup,” and “in 4 days, he got more done than other administrations in 4 years.”

These statements are not accurate.

President Trump announced the Saudis’ $600 billion investment in U.S. “business,” adding that he would push them to $1 trillion since they’re friends. He continued to refer to all billionaires there as friends, many of whom he claimed had recently visited Mar-a-Lago.

He said the EU is investigating American “great companies” like Apple, Google, X (formerly Twitter), and Meta, and promised to protect them.

Note: These companies are being investigated for market monopoly (Google Ads, Apple Store) and misinformation (Meta, X).

President Trump promised to supply the EU with gas and oil: “We make a deal, you get it.”

He said, “He will double the output immediately through emergency proclamation to avoid delays in Congress” to satisfy the “deals with the EU.”

The same approach applies to coal and the development of new plants and facilities. “We will get it rapidly done, America is open for business.”

All congratulated him on his “historic victory.” One woman, whom he didn’t know, introduced herself by her company’s turnover, saying, “That’s the way he understands best.”

He again promised that everything would be done “rapidly.” He claimed that climate change was studied by “less than average students.” “Democrats waste money. During his 4 years, we had the cleanest air and best economy.”

On Canada: “We will be demanding respect from Canada. They can always become a state. We don’t need their cars, oil, or lumber.”

On Mexico: “With Mexico, we deal very well.”

On Ukraine:“I saw pictures, it’s a carnage. There’s a bullet, and only a human body can stop that bullet.”

“I hope to meet with Putin very soon.”

On China: “We want to have a great relationship. Biden allowed it to get out of hand. We have to make it a fair relationship.”

“I like President Xi very much. We had a great relationship. Covid strained it. We hope China will help us stop the war in Ukraine.”

On Russia/China: “We want to see denuclearization of two countries. China has a much smaller arsenal than us. I tell you, Putin liked the idea of cutting down the nuclear arsenal. China would follow. We see if we can denuclearize, and I think it’s possible.”

When asked if, by this time next year, the Ukraine war will be over, President Trump responded: “You have to ask Russia.”

Trump Takes Swift Action to Roll Back Biden's Healthcare Policies

In his first 48 hours back in office, President Trump signed multiple executive orders that significantly threaten the healthcare of millions of Americans. These orders target the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other healthcare programs expanded under the Biden administration, potentially jeopardizing coverage for approximately 24 million people who rely on the ACA. Trump's actions affect various aspects of the ACA, including eligibility, federal subsidies, and enrollment deadlines, making healthcare access less accessible.

Notable reversals include repealing Biden’s Strengthening Medicaid and ACA executive order, which expanded coverage for parents with young children, and actions to limit funding for Medicaid and restrict eligibility. Trump also dismantled measures aimed at reducing prescription drug costs for Medicare and Medicaid recipients, as well as repealing the American Rescue Plan’s subsidies that lowered premiums for many middle-class Americans. With the expiration of these programs and further cuts in sight, millions face potential reductions in healthcare access.

In a one-page document published by Politico, Trump outlines options for spending cuts.

Bloomberg Steps in to Fund U.S. Climate Obligations Amid Trump’s Paris Agreement Withdrawal

After President Donald Trump’s second call for the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other U.S. philanthropists stepped up to cover the country’s financial commitments to the UN climate framework. Bloomberg, also a UN special envoy on climate change, announced that Bloomberg Philanthropies would again take responsibility for funding the U.S.'s annual dues to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This move ensures the U.S. meets its emissions reporting obligations, despite Trump’s retreat from global climate diplomacy.

Trump-Linked Crypto Venture Raises Ethics Concerns Among Investors

In the days before Donald Trump's inauguration, crypto investor Mike Dudas spent over $145,000 purchasing tokens from World Liberty Financial ($WLFI), a crypto company partially owned by Trump. Unlike traditional crypto tokens, $WLFI gives holders voting rights on product features and marketing decisions, and is part of a decentralized finance (DeFi) project. World Liberty Financial, which Trump and his family members are involved in, has raised over $300 million selling these tokens.

The involvement of prominent figures like Justin Sun and concerns over Trump’s financial benefit from the venture have led to ethical debates. Critics worry about conflicts of interest, given that Trump's name is tied to the project, though no legal violations have been identified. Some investors are drawn to the Trump connection, while others, like Sun, have a controversial history, including pending SEC charges. Despite concerns, Dudas remains optimistic about the project's future, citing DeFi's potential.

The venture has raised broader concerns about the lack of oversight in crypto and the influence of political figures on such ventures, particularly as Trump’s business assets are now managed by his children. Although the tokens cannot be resold, their structure and involvement in the crypto space highlight the growing intersection between politics and digital finance.

ICC Regrets US Sanctions Amid Israel Arrest Warrants Over Gaza War

The International Criminal Court (ICC) expressed regret on Thursday over U.S. efforts to undermine its independence after the U.S. House of Representatives voted for sanctions in response to the ICC's arrest warrants against Israeli officials over alleged war crimes in the Gaza conflict. The warrants targeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, but Israel has denied the charges. On his first day in office, President Trump reinstated an executive order that could lead to sanctions against the ICC and its staff. The ICC warned that such actions could hinder ongoing investigations, emphasizing that its decisions, including pursuing arrest warrants for Israeli officials, were based on a thorough legal process. The ICC is tasked with prosecuting individuals for serious international crimes like war crimes and crimes against humanity.

U.S. Bar Associations Push Back Against Trump's Executive Order Targeting Legal Diversity Programs

Two major U.S. bar associations have pushed back against President Trump's executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the legal profession. The order calls for federal probes into private-sector DEI programs, including those by state bar associations, for potential illegal discrimination. The State Bar of California and the Massachusetts Bar Association argued that their diversity initiatives comply with the law. Trump’s order, part of a broader push to roll back DEI efforts, follows pressure from conservatives and a Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. Many bar associations have created diversity programs to address underrepresentation in the legal field, though some conservative groups challenge such initiatives as discriminatory.

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