Top Russian diplomats engaged in talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia to explore ways to enhance relations and negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Notably, Ukrainian officials were absent from the meeting, prompting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to assert that any outcomes from the discussions would not be accepted if Kyiv was not involved. Concerns have been raised by European allies who feel sidelined by the absence of Ukrainian representation.
Supreme Court to Rule on Watchdog Firing Dispute
The Trump administration has sought the Supreme Court's intervention to allow the dismissal of the head of a government whistleblower office. The court has requested input from the whistleblower office's legal team before making a decision, setting a response deadline for Wednesday afternoon. The administration aims to overturn a court order that temporarily reinstated the office head, responsible for safeguarding the federal workforce against unlawful personnel actions.
Federal Efforts to Monitor Election Interference Dismantled
The downsizing and disbanding of federal agencies by the Trump administration have impacted election security and foreign influence monitoring efforts. This move could potentially create vulnerabilities for adversaries to exploit during future major elections. Actions include disbanding an FBI task force focused on investigating foreign influence operations and making significant cuts at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, responsible for overseeing critical infrastructure, including election systems.
Judge to Rule on Blocking DOGE's Access to Data and Firing Employees
A federal judge is deliberating on a request to limit billionaire Elon Musk's authority and prevent DOGE from accessing sensitive data and terminating employees across several federal agencies. The judge expressed skepticism about the request but pledged to issue a ruling within 24 hours. The lawsuit, filed by Democratic attorneys general, challenges what they perceive as Musk's unchecked power in downsizing the federal government.
Trump Administration Reverses Layoffs of Nuclear Weapons Workers
In a reversal, the Trump administration halted the firing of hundreds of federal employees involved in the nation's nuclear weapons programs. The abrupt layoffs were rescinded for most staff members following confusion and concerns raised by experts about the potential risks posed by blind cost-cutting measures. The move came after initial statements downplaying the number of affected employees.
Efforts to Restore U.S.-Russia Relations and Negotiate Ukraine Peace
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced agreements reached during talks with Russian officials to restore embassy staffing levels and establish a high-level team to facilitate peace negotiations in Ukraine and promote economic cooperation. Rubio emphasized the importance of vibrant diplomatic missions for both countries to operate effectively.
Presidents Day Protests and More Administration Cuts
Protests against President Trump and his policies took place across all 50 states on Presidents Day. Additionally, the Trump administration's workforce reduction efforts extended to the FDA, impacting roles related to food safety, medical devices, and tobacco product reviews. Over the weekend, various developments unfolded, including ongoing layoffs, reversals in nuclear weapons program firings, and protests against government actions.
