The ACTUAL NEWS: Tuesday, January 7th 2025 Recap
Vice President Kamala Harris to Visit Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany, New Guidance for Missile Technology Exports, Trump Press Conference, and Other National and Global News
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Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a final rule that will remove $49 billion in unpaid medical debt from the credit reports of 15 million Americans. The initiative is part of the Biden-Harris administration's efforts to alleviate financial burdens for millions of households. Additionally, Harris highlighted that states and localities have already eliminated over $1 billion in medical debt, thanks to the administration's support.
A fast-moving wildfire tore through an upscale area of Los Angeles on Tuesday, destroying homes and forcing the evacuation of 30,000 people. Thick smoke blanketed much of the city, creating traffic jams and posing health risks. Emergency crews are working to contain the blaze as residents flee the affected areas.
President Biden was briefed by phone by Bob Fenton, FEMA Region 9 Administrator, regarding the Palisades wildfire. The President encourages residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and heed the warnings of local officialsespecially if ordered to evacuate.
A U.S. judge issued a temporary order preventing Special Counsel Jack Smith from releasing a report on his investigations into President-elect Donald Trump. The investigations focus on Trump's handling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
Two bodies were discovered in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue plane during a routine inspection after a flight from New York to Fort Lauderdale. The airline is cooperating with authorities as investigations are underway.
The U.S. state of Alaska has sued the Biden administration for what it calls violations of a Congressional directive to allow oil and gas development in a portion of the federal Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing intensified efforts to arrest him on insurrection charges. A top investigator pledged to overcome any security barriers to detain the impeached leader, escalating the political and legal turmoil surrounding his presidency.
A new report from the U.S. Justice Department's internal watchdog concluded that three senior officials committed misconduct in late 2020 by leaking details of a confidential investigation. The leaks may have been intended to influence the outcome of the 2020 presidential election during Donald Trump's final months in office.
Two U.S. citizens were among seven individuals arrested in Venezuela, labeled as "mercenaries" by President Nicolas Maduro. The arrests come amid a crackdown preceding Maduro's anticipated inauguration for a new term later this week.
The U.S. is expected to introduce new sanctions this week against the Maduro regime in Venezuela, an Axios reporter said in a post on X on Tuesday, citing two U.S. officials.
The White House introduced a new label on Tuesday for internet-connected devices like smart thermostats, baby monitors, and app-controlled lights. The label will help consumers assess the cybersafety of these devices by displaying their ratings based on security criteria.
Meta Platforms announced on Tuesday that it has ended its U.S. fact-checking program and eased restrictions on discussions surrounding controversial topics like immigration and gender identity. The move comes in response to criticism from conservatives as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office for a second term.
Federal prosecutors revealed on Tuesday that they have uncovered additional criminal conduct by New York City Mayor Eric Adams as they prepare for his April corruption trial. Adams, 64, was charged in September with accepting travel perks from Turkish officials and foreign political donations in exchange for actions benefiting Turkey. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery, fraud, and solicitation of campaign contributions from foreign nationals.
The Biden administration unveiled new guidance on Tuesday to assist companies in securing clean energy tax credits under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. The updated program expands subsidies, which were previously available only for wind and solar, to include other low-carbon energy sources.
On Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's suggestion that he might use "economic force" to make Canada the 51st U.S. state. Trudeau responded firmly on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "There isn't a snowball's chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States."
President-elect Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, stated on Tuesday that he "hopes to have positive updates" regarding hostages held by Hamas in Gaza by the time Trump is sworn in as U.S. president on January 20.
Qatar is planning to help finance a significant increase in public sector wages promised by Syria's new government, according to a U.S. official and a senior diplomat. This assistance is crucial for the new Islamist rulers in Damascus, who recently toppled Bashar al-Assad, marking a vital step for the country's political transition.
The United States imposed sanctions on a senior member of the Hungarian government for alleged corruption, according to the U.S. Treasury on Tuesday. In response, Budapest stated that it would challenge the sanctions once President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
The United States determined on Tuesday that members of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias committed genocide in Sudan. In response, the U.S. imposed sanctions on the group's leader over the ongoing conflict, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III departed Washington, D.C. to travel to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where he will host the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) on January 9.
Donald Trump Jr. is visiting Greenland two weeks after his father expressed interest in gaining control over the vast Arctic island.
A judge on Monday found Rudy Giuliani to be in civil contempt of court in a $148 million defamation case brought by two Georgia election workers that the former New York City Mayor falsely accused of trying to help steal the 2020 U.S. presidential election for Democrat Joe Biden.
Vice President Kamala Harris to Visit Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany for Key Diplomatic and Military Engagements
Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany from January 13 to January 17. Her visit includes meetings with leaders and visits to key U.S. military bases in each country. In Singapore on January 15, she will meet with leaders and tour Changi Naval Base. In Bahrain on January 16, she will visit Naval Support Activity–Bahrain and meet with leaders in Manama. On January 17, she will visit Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany to engage with U.S. Air Force personnel.
Throughout the trip, Vice President Harris will highlight the Biden-Harris Administration’s accomplishments, discuss U.S. partnerships in each region, and emphasize the contributions of U.S. military forces to global security. She will also engage with U.S. servicemembers. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will accompany her and engage with civil society, religious leaders, and families of servicemembers.
Biden-Harris Administration Introduces New Guidance for Missile Technology Exports to Advance Nonproliferation Goals and Bolster Allied Defense Capabilities
On January 3, President Biden issued a National Security Memorandum (NSM) to update the U.S. government's policy for implementing the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), reinforcing the administration's commitment to nonproliferation and strengthening defense capabilities with allied nations. The updated guidance aims to balance nonproliferation objectives with the goal of enhancing the U.S. defense industrial base, streamlining defense trade, and deterring adversaries.
The MTCR, which has been a key multilateral nonproliferation tool since its formation by the G7 nearly four decades ago, focuses on limiting the proliferation of missile systems capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction. The Biden administration’s changes reflect an evolving strategic landscape, with an emphasis on international cooperation, particularly through initiatives such as AUKUS, and the integration of emerging missile technologies.
Key aspects of the policy updates include:
Case-by-Case Review: The NSM provides increased flexibility for reviewing missile technology exports to partners with strong export control systems, particularly in areas related to MTCR Category I military missiles, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and space launch vehicle (SLV) systems. However, the policy excludes the transfer of complete missile production facilities capable of independently producing Category I systems.
Space Cooperation: The updated guidance supports international cooperation in space programs, provided these programs do not contribute to missile delivery systems for weapons of mass destruction. The U.S. will consider transferring MTCR Category I SLV-related commodities, software, and technology on a case-by-case basis for vetted space programs.
Opposition to Proliferation: The NSM reiterates the U.S. stance of opposing missile programs that pose proliferation concerns, and it continues to focus on curbing the transfer of advanced dual-use technology to unauthorized end-users that could fuel programs of concern.
Addressing Regional Proliferation: The U.S. will work with multilateral nonproliferation regimes and leverage its own laws and regulations to address regional proliferation challenges and disrupt proliferation networks globally.
Key Takeaways from President-elect Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Press Conference
President-elect Donald Trump gave a press conference at Mar-a-Lago. Here are the main takeaways:
Expansionism: Trump hinted at an expansionist agenda, suggesting U.S. acquisitions of Greenland and the Panama Canal as national security priorities. Trump would not deny a military option for such inquisition. He labeled the U.S.-Canada border as an "artificially drawn line," stirring international concern.
Opposition as Strategy: Trump targeted allies, accusing Panama of overcharging for canal usage, labeling Mexico as a “dangerous place,” and questioning Denmark’s claim to Greenland. He proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
Pessimistic Economic Outlook: Despite strong economic indicators, Trump painted a dire economic picture.
Sympathy for Jan. 6 Rioters: Trump reiterated plans to pardon many involved in the Capitol attack, downplayed the violence, and speculated about FBI involvement. He expressed empathy for those prosecuted, including Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio.
Tangents on Everyday Issues: Trump veered into topics often mentioned at his rallies, criticizing gas heater regulations, low-flow water fixtures, and wind turbines.
Debt Ceiling: Trump expressed that he wants the U.S. Congress to extend the nation's debt ceiling. He emphasized that he does not want to see the federal government default on its debt, which currently exceeds $36 trillion.
Ukraine: Trump expressed sympathy for Russia's position on Ukraine's NATO membership. He criticized outgoing President Joe Biden for shifting the U.S. stance on the issue, saying it exacerbated tensions with Russia. Trump suggested that Russia's longstanding opposition to Ukraine joining NATO was understandable, particularly given NATO's eventual support for Ukraine's potential membership.
Trump also expressed disappointment that he could not meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin before his inauguration, although he indicated a willingness to meet with him soon after taking office. He reiterated his belief that the war in Ukraine should never have started and suggested he could resolve it within six months. Meanwhile, Ukraine's leadership continues to push for NATO membership as a key deterrent against Russian aggression.
DAMAC Properties to Invest $20B in U.S. Data Centers, Amid Controversy Over Ties to Hunter Biden Allegations
DAMAC Properties, a major Saudi Arabian real estate firm, has announced plans to invest $20 billion in the development of data centers across eight U.S. states: Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. The move signals a significant expansion of the company's footprint in the U.S. tech infrastructure sector.
Meanwhile, The Guardian has reported that Farooq Arjomand, a board member and former chairman of DAMAC, is linked to a company that allegedly paid $600,000 to Alexander Smirnov, who informed the FBI of claims that Hunter Biden and his father, U.S. President Joe Biden, were involved in a bribery scheme.
Meta Platforms Adds New Directors with Diverse Backgrounds, Including UFC's Dana White
Meta Platforms announced the appointment of three new directors to its board: Dana White, CEO of UFC; Charlie Songhurst, an investor and former Microsoft executive; and John Elkann, CEO of Exor. These appointments are seen as part of Meta's strategy to expand its expertise in key areas like AI, wearables, and future technologies.
White, a close ally of President-elect Donald Trump, has a long-standing relationship with both Trump and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who shares an interest in mixed martial arts. Elkann brings a wealth of experience from his leadership roles at Exor, Ferrari, and Stellantis, while Songhurst has been advising Meta on AI strategy.
Meta’s shift in leadership also aligns with its broader political and strategic recalibration. Zuckerberg has expressed regret over past content decisions, especially those unpopular with conservatives, and has been positioning the company to navigate a potential second Trump presidency. This includes elevating Republican policy figure Joel Kaplan to global affairs head and making a $1 million donation to Trump’s inaugural fund, signaling a departure from previous political stances.
Meta said it would stop using third-party fact checkers and instead rely on Facebook and Instagram users to add notes or corrections to posts. The move is likely to please the Trump administration.
China Denounces U.S. Probe into Drone Systems as "Irresponsible"
China criticized the United States as "extremely irresponsible" for suspecting information security risks in Chinese drone systems. The Chinese Commerce Ministry expressed strong dissatisfaction with the U.S. investigation, urging Washington to respect the facts and halt its "erroneous practices." The remarks came after the U.S. Commerce Department announced it was considering new rules to restrict or ban Chinese drones due to national security concerns.
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Investors Await Economic Data and Trump Administration Insights
U.S. stock index futures were flat to slightly higher on Tuesday as investors braced for upcoming economic data and awaited signals about the policies of the incoming Trump administration. At 5:42 a.m. ET, Dow E-minis rose by 0.07%, S&P 500 E-minis gained 0.11%, and Nasdaq 100 E-minis increased by 0.09%. Key data releases, including the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey and the Institute for Supply Management’s December services report, were closely watched for clues about the economy's strength. Resilient data could push back expectations for the Federal Reserve to ease monetary policy. Meanwhile, Treasury yields have risen, with the 10-year note hovering near 4.6%. Analysts expect the Fed to take a more dovish stance by mid-year.
Market sentiment also reflected uncertainty about President-elect Trump's policies, particularly around tariffs, taxes, and regulation. In premarket trading, notable movers included Nvidia (+1.6%), Micron Technology (+5.4%), and Aurora Innovation (+44.4%) after the companies announced new product launches and partnerships.
Trump Advisers Urge Caution on LNG Export Approvals Amid Legal and Political Challenges
Advisers to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump are recommending a measured approach to restarting approvals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export licenses, fearing that quick approvals could be overturned in court. This caution contrasts with Trump’s campaign promise to swiftly undo President Biden’s moratorium on new LNG licenses, which was imposed last January amid environmental concerns. The moratorium has delayed several major projects, including Venture Global's CP2 and Commonwealth LNG plants. Although Trump plans to issue an LNG-specific executive order on his first day in office, advisers are considering how to balance political urgency with protecting these projects from protracted legal challenges.
The Biden administration's study on LNG, released in December, highlighted environmental concerns about potential climate impacts from unconstrained LNG exports. Environmental groups may use this study to challenge new permits, prompting Trump’s advisers to consider using the public comment period to dispute the study’s findings. The industry seeks a balance between swift approvals and the durability of those approvals in court. Trump's transition team has yet to comment on the details of the approach, but a spokeswoman emphasized Trump's mandate to lower energy costs for consumers.
Trump’s Ukraine Envoy Delays Trip to Kyiv and Europe
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, incoming special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, has postponed a fact-finding trip to Kyiv and other European capitals until after President-elect Trump’s inauguration. Initially set for early January, the mission, which would have been the first Trump administration visit to Ukraine, has been delayed with no new date confirmed. The delay raises questions about the timing and focus of the administration's foreign policy on Ukraine.
U.S. Ethics Official Faces Challenges in Vetting Trump’s Cabinet Appointees Amid Growing Scrutiny
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term, David Huitema, the newly appointed Director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), is stepping into a critical role of overseeing potential conflicts of interest among the incoming administration's nominees. Huitema took office on December 16, 2024, just weeks before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, and has a significant task ahead in ensuring that federal employees, particularly Trump’s Cabinet members, make decisions based on national interests.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Huitema explained that the OGE's primary responsibility is to prevent conflicts of interest by requiring nominees to disclose financial information and potential conflicts. Despite the challenges, including evaluating Trump’s and his family's complex business ties, Huitema stressed that public financial disclosures would allow both the Senate and the public to review potential conflicts.
However, the OGE's power has limits, as it cannot vet private advisers, like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who have been enlisted by Trump for advisory roles outside of government positions. Huitema emphasized that the OGE's role is preventative, offering guidance to officials on avoiding conflicts of interest, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) handling prosecutions if necessary.
Huitema, who previously served as the ethics chief at the U.S. State Department, acknowledged the difficulty of managing conflicts for individuals transitioning from the private sector, who may be accustomed to "networking" for personal gain. He underscored that the expectations in government are distinct from those in the private sector.
Regarding presidential waivers, Huitema clarified that they are permitted but must be consulted with the OGE and publicly disclosed. As Huitema navigates the ethical complexities of Trump's Cabinet, ensuring transparency and integrity within the administration remains a critical priority.
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