President Donald Trump wasted no time in getting to work on his first full day in office. He initiated a series of sweeping immigration executive actions, including the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act at the southern border. State and city officials are bracing for an immigration crackdown in response.
In Congress, where Republicans hold the majority, efforts are underway to pass Trump's agenda and swiftly confirm key Cabinet nominees.
Immigration Actions
Acting homeland security secretary announced that ICE agents can now arrest individuals at churches and schools, a reversal of previous policy. US Customs and Border Protection has been directed to hold migrants in custody to expedite the removal of those ineligible for asylum. Additionally, undocumented migrants without criminal records could face arrest in sanctuary cities.
Legal Challenges
The National Treasury Employees Union filed a lawsuit to halt Trump's executive order affecting federal workers' civil service protections. Democratic-led states and cities are also suing over Trump's attempt to end birthright citizenship, citing violations of the 14th Amendment.
Reaction to Pardons
Lawmakers expressed mixed reactions to Trump's decision to commute sentences or pardon January 6 insurrectionists. Some Republican senators supported the move, while others voiced unease or objection. Police organizations expressed disappointment over the pardons.
Cabinet Confirmations
Senate Republicans aim to confirm top national security nominees this week. Marco Rubio was sworn in as secretary of state, becoming the first of Trump's Cabinet nominees to take office.
Trump's Agenda
The House plans to advance Trump's agenda through a major bill this spring, focusing on immigration. Potential tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada could lead to increased costs for Americans on various products.
AI Partnership
Trump announced a partnership between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle to establish a $500 billion AI infrastructure company called Stargate. This initiative represents a significant private sector investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure in the United States.
