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Bessent says up to Trump whether Warsh might be sued over policy choices

Bessent says up to Trump whether Warsh might be sued over policy choices

By Michael S. Derby Feb 5 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday declined to commit that the Trump administration would not sue Kevin Warsh, its nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, if he follows a monetary path opposed by the president.
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Supreme Court allows new California congressional districts that favor Democrats

Supreme Court allows new California congressional districts that favor Democrats

The Supreme Court has allowed California to use a new voter-approved congressional map that is favorable to Democrats in this year’s elections, rejecting a last-ditch plea from state Republicans and the Trump administration
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VP Vance to Lead California Anti-Fraud Task Force Amid Welfare Abuse Concerns

VP Vance to Lead California Anti-Fraud Task Force Amid Welfare Abuse Concerns

Vice President JD Vance, alongside other Trump administration officials, is set to lead a new task force aimed at addressing fraud in California and other states. President Trump is expected to sign an executive order appointing Vance as the chair of this initiative, which seeks to combat welfare abuses following notable scandals in cities like Minneapolis. The task force will focus on auditing federal funds allocated to California's social service and childcare programs. Andrew Ferguson, the chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, will join Vance in this effort. The initiative arises from the administration's dissatisfaction with existing Department of Justice fraud units, which may not align with the administration's priorities.
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Federal Judges Criticize President Trump's Immigration Policies Amid Legal Challenges

Federal Judges Criticize President Trump's Immigration Policies Amid Legal Challenges

Federal judges across the United States are increasingly vocal in their criticism of President Trump's immigration policies, particularly regarding the treatment of immigrants and the administration's approach to legal procedures. Judges have expressed moral indignation and frustration over what they perceive as federal overreach and disregard for constitutional values. Notably, Judge William G. Young of Boston criticized the administration for breaching the First Amendment by deporting legal residents who advocated for Palestinians. Similarly, Judge Fred Biery of San Antonio condemned the detention of a five-year-old child by immigration agents, describing the government's actions as traumatizing. These judicial rebukes highlight a growing trend of legal resistance against the administration's policies, although the Supreme Court has largely sided with President Trump in related cases.
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White House Launches TrumpRx for Medication Discounts

White House Launches TrumpRx for Medication Discounts

The White House has launched TrumpRx, a new website offering discounts on brand-name medications for cash-paying consumers. The site features 43 drugs from companies like AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer, with discounts ranging from 33% to 93%. To access these discounts, consumers must confirm they are not enrolled in government insurance programs and will not seek reimbursement. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to lower drug prices through agreements with pharmaceutical companies, which include commitments to reduce prices for Medicaid and offer cash discounts.
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Federal Judge Blocks Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, Impacting Massachusetts Community

Federal Judge Blocks Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, Impacting Massachusetts Community

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, a move that affects tens of thousands of individuals in Massachusetts. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, pauses the termination of TPS while a lawsuit challenging the decision proceeds. This status has allowed Haitians to live and work in the U.S. since a devastating earthquake in 2010. The Department of Homeland Security plans to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, leaving the long-term status of these individuals uncertain. The decision was welcomed by Massachusetts officials and community leaders, who highlighted the essential role of Haitian TPS holders in the state's workforce, particularly in the healthcare sector.
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Senator Rand Paul Criticizes Trump Administration's Justification for Maduro's Arrest

Senator Rand Paul Criticizes Trump Administration's Justification for Maduro's Arrest

Kentucky Republican Senator Rand Paul has publicly rejected the Trump administration's justification for the arrest of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Paul argues that labeling the military operation as a law enforcement action does not change its legality, asserting that only Congress has the authority to declare war. The arrest, which involved collaboration between law enforcement and the military, has been criticized by some Republicans and many Democrats as an illegal act of war. State Secretary Marco Rubio defended the operation as primarily a law enforcement function, aimed at apprehending indicted fugitives.
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Judge Questions Pentagon's Censure of Sen. Mark Kelly Over Video

Judge Questions Pentagon's Censure of Sen. Mark Kelly Over Video

A federal judge in Washington has expressed skepticism over the Pentagon's decision to censure Sen. Mark Kelly for his involvement in a video urging troops to resist unlawful orders from the Trump administration. The judge, Richard Leon, questioned the legal basis for the Pentagon's actions, noting the lack of Supreme Court precedent supporting such censure. Kelly, a retired Navy pilot, argues that the censure violates his First Amendment rights. The Pentagon's actions could lead to Kelly's demotion and reduced retirement pay. The case highlights tensions between military regulations and free speech rights, particularly for retired service members.
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States scramble to gerrymander US House districts after Trump sought edge in midterm elections

States scramble to gerrymander US House districts after Trump sought edge in midterm elections

Republicans and Democrats in some states are redrawing U.S. House districts to gain an advantage in the upcoming midterm elections
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Defense Department's Attempt to Censure Mark Kelly Faces Judicial Scrutiny

Defense Department's Attempt to Censure Mark Kelly Faces Judicial Scrutiny

A federal judge has raised questions about the Defense Department's efforts to censure and potentially demote Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, for his public criticism of the Trump administration. U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon expressed skepticism over the legality of applying restrictions typically reserved for active-duty service members to military retirees. The case centers on a censure letter issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which reprimanded Kelly for comments made in a social media video. In the video, Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers suggested that military personnel are not obligated to follow illegal orders. The Defense Department argues that Kelly's actions undermined the chain of command and constituted conduct unbecoming of an officer. The disciplinary proceedings could result in a post-retirement demotion, affecting Kelly's benefits.
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President Trump's Fed Chair Nomination Faces Confirmation Challenges

President Trump's Fed Chair Nomination Faces Confirmation Challenges

President Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May. The nomination comes amid concerns about Trump's efforts to influence the Federal Reserve's independence. Warsh's confirmation may face challenges due to these concerns, as well as his previous tenure at the Fed and his views on monetary policy. The nomination is part of Trump's broader strategy to align the Fed's policies with his economic agenda.
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President Trump's Tariff Strategy Faces Supreme Court Scrutiny

President Trump's Tariff Strategy Faces Supreme Court Scrutiny

The Trump administration's use of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) is under review by the U.S. Supreme Court. The case, Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, will determine the extent of presidential power to impose broad tariffs under emergency powers. Meanwhile, the administration continues to utilize established tariff authorities, such as Section 232 and Section 301, to impose duties on specific sectors and products. These sections allow for tariffs based on national security and unfair trade practices, respectively. The administration's reliance on these tools underscores its commitment to using tariffs as a key component of trade policy, despite the pending legal challenge.