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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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Trump Administration's Detention Facility Expansion Faces Backlash from MAGA Supporters

Trump Administration's Detention Facility Expansion Faces Backlash from MAGA Supporters

The Trump administration is facing significant backlash from its own supporters over plans to expand immigration detention facilities across the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been acquiring industrial properties to convert into detention centers, a move that has sparked protests even in areas that strongly supported President Trump in the last election. In Hanover County, Virginia, over 500 protesters gathered after receiving a last-minute notification from DHS about a new facility. Similar opposition has been seen in Oklahoma City and Roxbury, New Jersey, where local protests have led to the cancellation of planned detention centers. The expansion is part of a $45 billion initiative to increase detention capacity, with ICE purchasing properties in multiple states.
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Massachusetts and Nova Scotia Sign Agreement for Offshore Wind Energy Supply

Massachusetts and Nova Scotia Sign Agreement for Offshore Wind Energy Supply

Massachusetts is set to import renewable energy from Nova Scotia through a new agreement aimed at expanding the state's renewable energy portfolio. This collaboration comes as Massachusetts seeks to address its growing electrical power needs and counter the opposition from the Trump administration regarding offshore wind energy development. The state has been a strong advocate for offshore wind energy, with significant projects like Vineyard Wind 1 nearing completion. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has actively supported legal actions against the Trump administration's efforts to halt offshore wind development. The agreement with Nova Scotia, signed by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, is expected to bolster confidence among developers and investors in the offshore wind industry.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Rep. Maxine Waters Clash Over Tariffs and Inflation Impact

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Rep. Maxine Waters Clash Over Tariffs and Inflation Impact

During a recent House Financial Services Committee hearing, a heated exchange occurred between Rep. Maxine Waters and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The discussion centered around the impact of tariffs on inflation and housing affordability. Waters argued that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have led to increased prices for goods such as coffee, bananas, and housing materials like lumber and steel. Bessent countered that tariffs do not cause broad-based inflation, citing a San Francisco Federal Reserve report. He also attributed rising housing prices to increased immigration during the Biden administration, which he claimed outpaced housing supply. Waters and Bessent's debate highlights the ongoing concerns about affordability and economic policy impacts on American consumers.
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On Capitol Hill, Treasury Secretary Bessent’s testimony descends into insults and shouting matches

On Capitol Hill, Treasury Secretary Bessent’s testimony descends into insults and shouting matches

A hearing with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent turned chaotic Wednesday as Democratic lawmakers clashed with him over fiscal policy and Trump family conflicts
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New York AG Deploys Legal Observers to Monitor Federal Immigration Agents

New York AG Deploys Legal Observers to Monitor Federal Immigration Agents

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the deployment of legal observers to monitor federal immigration enforcement actions in the state. This initiative aims to ensure transparency and accountability in federal operations, particularly following incidents of aggressive immigration enforcement under President Trump's administration. The observers, identifiable by purple safety vests, will document enforcement activities to inform potential legal actions. This move comes amid heightened tensions over immigration policies and recent incidents involving federal agents. James emphasized the importance of protecting New Yorkers' constitutional rights and called for public submissions of videos capturing federal enforcement actions.
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Governor Sherrill Sues Trump Administration Over Gateway Tunnel Funding Freeze

Governor Sherrill Sues Trump Administration Over Gateway Tunnel Funding Freeze

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alongside New York, to release billions of dollars in frozen funds for the Gateway Tunnel project. The funds were halted by the Trump administration last October, a move Sherrill describes as arbitrary and illegal. The project, deemed critical for regional jobs and the economy, faces a shutdown if funds are not released by February 6. Sherrill, who spoke with President Trump prior to the lawsuit, emphasized the project's importance but did not receive a commitment to restore funding. The lawsuit argues that the suspension of funds violates federal regulations, potentially leaving state taxpayers responsible for millions in additional costs. U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer is also working on a legislative solution to release the funds.
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EPA administrator outlines Trump's plan to speed up the rebuilding of homes after LA wildfires

EPA administrator outlines Trump's plan to speed up the rebuilding of homes after LA wildfires

Trump administration officials traveled to Los Angeles to outline the president’s plan to override state and local rules and speed up the permitting process for the reconstruction of tens of thousands of homes destroyed by last year’s wildfires
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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.
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New Congressional Caucus Formed to Advocate for Federal Workforce Reforms

New Congressional Caucus Formed to Advocate for Federal Workforce Reforms

A new congressional caucus, the Federal Workforce Caucus, has been launched to advocate for reforms in the federal workforce. This bicameral group, led by Senators Chris Van Hollen and Tim Kaine, along with Representatives James Walkinshaw, Steny Hoyer, and Suhas Subramanyam, aims to address recent changes implemented by the Trump administration. These changes include staffing reductions, performance standard overhauls, and modifications to probationary period rules. The caucus seeks to push back against these reforms and work towards improving employee recruitment, retention, and morale. The group plans to collaborate with federal unions and good government organizations to propose legislation and policies for long-term improvements.
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Cuba Offers Dialogue with U.S. Amidst Economic Strain, Rejects Regime Change Talks

Cuba Offers Dialogue with U.S. Amidst Economic Strain, Rejects Regime Change Talks

Cuba is experiencing significant economic challenges, including frequent blackouts and fuel shortages, which Cuban officials attribute to U.S. economic sanctions. These sanctions have reportedly impacted Cuba's energy sector severely. In response to the increasing pressure from the Trump administration, Cuban officials have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States, but they firmly reject any discussions about changing their government. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío emphasized that Cuba poses no threat to the U.S. and urged for an easing of the pressure campaign. The U.S. has recently intensified its stance by threatening tariffs on countries exporting oil to Cuba, citing Cuba's alignment with hostile nations as a concern.
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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.