What Did Donald Trump Do Today?
January 25, 2025 Recap
The Trump administration has fired approximately 17 independent inspectors general (IGs) from federal agencies, triggering bipartisan criticism and raising concerns about potential legal violations. The dismissals, reportedly effective immediately, were carried out without the 30-day congressional notification required by law, which both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have condemned. Inspectors general, established after the Watergate scandal, serve as independent watchdogs tasked with identifying waste, fraud, and abuse within federal agencies. Critics argue that removing these oversight officials without explanation undermines government accountability and paves the way for political interference.
The firings align with Trump’s broader efforts to reshape the federal government, including executive actions targeting diversity initiatives and advocating for state-led disaster recovery. In the past, Trump challenged independent oversight by removing key IGs overseeing agencies like the Defense Department and intelligence community.
Communications Office:
Steven Cheung: Communications Director (previously announced).
Karoline Leavitt: Press Secretary (previously announced).
Notable new appointments:
Alex Pfeiffer: Principal Deputy Communications Director; background in Fox News and MAGA Inc.
Kaelan Dorr: Deputy Communications Director; extensive experience in strategic communications and marketing.
Harrison Fields: Principal Deputy Press Secretary; former Assistant Press Secretary under Trump.
Anna Kelly & Kush Desai: Deputy Press Secretaries with experience at the RNC.
Additional roles include Media Affairs, Special Projects, Research, and Policy Communications.
Office of Public Liaison:
Jim Goyer: Director of the Office of Public Liaison; previous experience with Trump’s first administration and Goldman Sachs.
Lynne Patton: Director of Minority Outreach; focused on building support from minority groups.
Other appointments include positions for strategic initiatives, business outreach, and political stakeholder engagement.
Cabinet Affairs:
Lea Bardon: Director of Cabinet Affairs; former America First Policy Institute staffer.
Supporting roles filled by Thomas Bradbury and Cami Connor, focusing on policy and agency outreach.
The White House issued a statement highlighting the release of four Israeli hostages—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—by Hamas as part of a ceasefire agreement. In exchange, Israel has freed 70 Palestinian prisoners. Upon their return to Israel, the hostages will undergo medical evaluations and be reunited with their families. The ceasefire, which was brokered through negotiations involving the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, marks a pause in over a year of conflict following Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack. The agreement includes a six-week truce with additional hostage releases in phases. Both former President Biden and President Trump have claimed credit for the ceasefire and the hostage release. While Biden acknowledged the groundwork laid by his administration’s transition team, Trump, now in his second term, is overseeing the implementation of the truce and further negotiations. The statement underscores the collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Israel and highlights ongoing diplomatic endeavors to secure peace and regional stability.
President Trump spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan following Trump's inauguration. During the call, King Abdullah congratulated President Trump on assuming office. Both leaders affirmed the strong and enduring partnership between the United States and Jordan, reflecting their mutual commitment to maintaining a stable and cooperative relationship.
The discussion focused on key regional and international issues, emphasizing efforts to advance peace, security, and stability in the Middle East. This included exploring ways to address ongoing regional conflicts and promoting solutions aligning with their shared regional development and prosperity goals. The dialogue underscored the strategic importance of the U.S.-Jordan alliance in tackling global challenges.
The Senate confirmed South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem in a 59-34 vote to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), making her the fourth confirmed member of President Trump's cabinet. Noem emphasized her commitment to national security, border control, and law enforcement.
In her confirmation statement, Noem pledged to secure the southern border, fix the immigration system, and equip law enforcement to combat terrorism and criminal activity. She noted her experience as the first governor to send National Guard troops to assist Texas during a border crisis. She also highlighted her intention to reform the Secret Service and improve disaster relief management.
During her confirmation hearing, Noem criticized the use of the CBP One app for migrant asylum appointments, which DHS has since discontinued. She promised to enforce immigration policies and ensure Border Patrol agents have adequate resources.
Overseeing 22 agencies and 260,000 employees, Noem assured she would act without political bias and follow the law in implementing DHS programs, focusing on reforms and enhancing public safety.
President Trump delivered remarks at the Circa Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, outlining his vision for economic revitalization, border security, and worker-focused reforms. The centerpiece of his address was the "No Tax on Tips" initiative, a policy designed to eliminate taxes on tipped income for service workers, including restaurant staff, bartenders, valets, and other tipped employees. Trump emphasized the transformative impact this policy would have on the financial well-being of millions of workers, including single mothers and low-income earners who depend heavily on tips. He shared personal anecdotes about interactions with workers, including a young waitress whose suggestion inspired the policy. He noted that Nevada would benefit significantly from its high reliance on tipped income. Trump also spotlighted testimonials from local workers, such as Jessica Anano, a single mother facing medical challenges, and Lexi York, a cocktail server with entrepreneurial dreams, to illustrate the human impact of his proposals.
Trump used the speech to sharply critique the Biden administration's economic policies, blaming them for inflation and the rising cost of living. He cited statistics showing that Americans are paying $1,200 more per month on average since he left office. To counteract this, Trump pledged to implement sweeping tax cuts for families, workers, and small businesses while aggressively reducing federal regulations. He also promised to revive American energy independence through policies that would expand oil drilling and unlock the country’s vast reserves of "liquid gold," pledging that this would lower energy costs and stabilize the economy. In addition, he announced the creation of a Department of Government Efficiency, intended to streamline operations and eliminate wasteful spending.
A significant portion of the speech focused on immigration and border security. Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, detailing plans to repel what he described as an "invasion" of illegal immigrants. He announced measures to deport criminal migrants, designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, and deploy additional troops to the border. He also criticized the Biden administration’s handling of border policies, claiming it led to an influx of criminals and a surge in crime.
Trump’s speech also included broader policy initiatives. He announced the largest deregulation campaign in American history, designed to reduce costs for businesses and families. He promised to abolish diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates across the government and private sector, framing this as a return to a merit-based system where capability and effort would be the criteria for advancement. Trump also highlighted his withdrawal from costly international agreements, such as the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization, arguing these steps saved taxpayer dollars and protected American interests.
Throughout the speech, Trump emphasized his commitment to putting American workers and families first. He pledged to restore America’s dignity, strength, and prosperity, highlighting successes during his first term and promising even greater achievements in a potential second term. He frequently invoked national pride and unity themes, declaring that his administration had brought "light" back to America and the world.
Trump reiterated his commitment to delivering on his promises, highlighting the tangible benefits of his policies for everyday Americans. He assured the audience that America would be prosperous, safe, and respected again under his leadership and closed with his signature promise to “Make America Great Again.”
President Trump speaks at a rally at Circa Resort & Casino on January 25, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada
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