What Did Donald Trump Do Today?
January 24, 2025 Recap
President Trump confirmed that security details for former officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, John Bolton, Mike Pompeo, and Brian Hook, have been removed, citing that such protection cannot be provided indefinitely for government workers. Fauci, who faced threats for his role in the COVID-19 response, previously had security funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Trump defended the decision, saying individuals could hire their own security and highlighted resource constraints as a factor. Security for officials like Pompeo and Hook, previously targeted by Iran for their roles in Trump-era policies, reportedly cost taxpayers about $2 million monthly.
CBS reported that ongoing threats against some former officials, such as Mark Esper and Ret. Gen. Mark Milley still warrants government-funded security. There is no clear explanation for the changes or whether Biden's administration's "act of war" stance on Iranian threats still applies under Trump’s new term.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorized the removal of the Diplomatic Security detail, which affected officials who were key players in Trump's maximum pressure campaign against Iran. The State Department or Diplomatic Security has made no comments on the matter.
President Trump addressed the media before departing on Marine One from the South Lawn, covering several topics. He announced plans to visit North Carolina to address lingering hurricane recovery issues, criticizing the delays in resolving them. He described the region as being "treated very badly" and expressed urgency in fixing the situation. The President also mentioned a trip to Los Angeles to assess ongoing fire management issues, suggesting that the fires could have been controlled more effectively if water flow had not been restricted.
When asked about inviting Congressman Adam Schiff on the trip, Trump denied being involved in any invitation, despite previously calling Schiff "scum." The President also commented on Pete Hegseth’s prospects amid a recent loss of Republican votes, expressing support but acknowledging uncertainty about the outcome.
Trump recognized the March for Life, highlighting his administration's strong pro-life stance. He mentioned signing pardons for 23 individuals he described as unjustly prosecuted for pro-life activities, calling their situation a "persecution." When asked about potential tariff relief for Italy, Trump expressed a positive sentiment on international trade but made no definitive commitments.
President Trump announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oświęcim, Poland, on January 27, 2025. The delegation will be led by Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, and Howard Lutnick, nominee for Secretary of Commerce.
Delegation Members:
Charles Kushner, U.S. Ambassador to France Nominee
Isaac and Laura Perlmutter
Allison Lutnick
Robert Book
Michael Friedman
Boris Epshteyn
Daniel Lawton, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., U.S. Mission to Poland
Ellen Germain, U.S. Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues
President Trump criticized FEMA during his second-term trip to North Carolina, suggesting the agency might be eliminated or significantly restructured. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with FEMA’s bureaucracy and inefficiency, advocating for states to take greater responsibility for disaster management, with the federal government stepping in only for financial support.
In North Carolina, where recovery from Hurricane Helene remains slow, Trump pledged support and assigned Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley to coordinate efforts despite his lack of official government authority. However, Trump criticized California for its water policies, suggesting disaster aid should be conditional on policy changes, and used federal assistance as leverage to push voter ID requirements.
In California, Trump visited wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles and reiterated unfounded claims that water management was exacerbating the fires. His stance prompted backlash from lawmakers and disaster experts, who condemned politicizing aid and warned against undermining FEMA’s critical role in disaster response.
Trump appointed Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL with limited disaster management experience, as acting FEMA director and suggested a shift in responsibility to individual states. His comments revived debates on climate change, which Trump has downplayed, even as studies link Hurricane Helene’s rainfall and California’s wildfires to global warming.
The trip, which included meetings with disaster survivors and first responders, highlighted contrasting political and environmental approaches, stirring support and criticism ahead of Trump’s planned rally in Las Vegas.
Additional Source: Associated Press
President Trump and Vice President Vance delivered speeches at the March for Life event, emphasizing their administration's unwavering support for the pro-life movement. President Trump addressed the crowd virtually from the Oval Office, thanking them for their dedication to protecting unborn children. He celebrated the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, attributing the success to decades of tireless activism by pro-life advocates. Trump pledged to continue opposing federal policies that support abortion on demand, including late-term procedures, and to promote support systems for mothers, families, adoption, and foster care. He also criticized the Biden administration for targeting pro-life activists, announcing pardons for individuals like Paula Harlow, who faced legal consequences for their advocacy. Trump concluded by calling attendees to continue their mission to create a society that cherishes life and protects the unborn.
Vice President Vance, addressing the crowd in person, praised the attendees who braved the cold to support the pro-life cause. Reflecting on the event's theme, "Life: Why We March," Vance emphasized the sanctity of unborn life as a miracle and a gift from God. He criticized societal and governmental shortcomings in supporting young families, noting that many parents face significant challenges in raising children due to economic and cultural obstacles. Vance called for policies that make it easier to raise families, including access to affordable housing, education, and child-rearing essentials while advocating for a pro-family culture that values life at all stages. Highlighting the Trump administration's pro-life achievements, such as the Dobbs decision and expanded child tax credits, he affirmed their commitment to building on these successes.
Both leaders urged the pro-life movement to continue its efforts with joy and optimism, celebrating the truth of the value of unborn life. They praised the unity and dedication of activists, emphasizing that the March for Life is not just an annual event but a continuous mission to support life and families. Trump and Vance concluded by reaffirming their administration's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that the pro-life cause remains a cornerstone of their policies and vision for the country.
President Trump issued an executive order reinforcing the Hyde Amendment, a longstanding policy that prohibits the use of federal funds for elective abortions. The order emphasizes the principle that American taxpayers should not be compelled to finance or promote elective abortion practices. It reverses actions by the previous administration, which embedded taxpayer funding for such procedures into various federal programs. To this end, the order specifically revokes Executive Orders 14076 and 14079, issued in 2022. It directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to guide federal agencies in implementing these changes. The executive order also clarifies that it does not alter existing legal authorities or create new enforceable rights, and its implementation is subject to applicable laws and budget appropriations. This measure underscores a commitment to aligning federal funding policies with the principles of the Hyde Amendment.
President Trump issued a memorandum revoking the Presidential Memorandum of January 28, 2021, titled "Protecting Women’s Health at Home and Abroad," and reinstated the January 23, 2017, memorandum known as the Mexico City Policy. This policy prohibits U.S. global health assistance from funding organizations that perform or promote abortion as a method of family planning. The memorandum directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to develop and implement a plan to extend the policy’s requirements to all departments or agencies providing global health assistance to the extent allowable by law.
Additionally, the Secretary of State is instructed to ensure that U.S. taxpayer funds are not used to support organizations or programs involved in coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization within the limits of the law. The memorandum clarifies that it does not create any enforceable legal rights or benefits for any party. Finally, the Secretary of State is authorized and directed to publish the memorandum in the Federal Register.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles to assess wildfire damage, President Trump met with California Governor Gavin Newsom in a cordial meeting. Despite recent disagreements over disaster relief, the two exchanged pleasantries and committed to working together. Trump expressed appreciation for Newsom's welcome and acknowledged the severe impact of the wildfires, stating, "We want to get the problem fixed."
Newsom emphasized the state's need for federal support, and Trump conveyed optimism about collaboration, saying they would "get it completed." After the meeting, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump toured wildfire-stricken areas, spoke with firefighters and police, and assured residents, "We won’t let you down."
The meeting followed prior tensions, with Newsom inviting Trump to visit and urging him to avoid politicizing the tragedy. Trump previously criticized California's water management, linking it to wildfire prevention.
Source: The Hill
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued an order instructing U.S. diplomatic and consular posts to pause all new funding obligations for foreign assistance programs managed by the State Department and USAID. The directive follows President Trump’s recent executive order to reevaluate U.S. foreign aid policies. Rubio’s order highlights the lack of a centralized repository to assess whether foreign aid programs are effective, non-duplicative, and aligned with the administration’s foreign policy. The State Department plans to establish a centralized data system to address this, with further guidance forthcoming.
The order sets an 85-day deadline for a comprehensive government-wide review of all foreign assistance programs. A report summarizing the findings will be presented to the Secretary of State, who will then provide recommendations to the President. Additionally, the order mandates the issuance of stop-work orders for existing foreign assistance awards, except in certain exempted cases.
Exemptions from the funding pause include U.S. foreign military financing for Israel and Egypt, emergency food assistance, and administrative expenses for U.S. personnel. The directive also allows exceptions approved by the State Department Director of Foreign Assistance Office. This order follows reports of the Biden administration redirecting U.S. military aid from Egypt to Lebanon to support the Lebanese Armed Forces after the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire. How the order will affect foreign aid to Ukraine and other nations remains unclear.
Pete Hegseth was confirmed as Donald Trump's defense secretary after a contentious 50-50 Senate vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The confirmation was controversial due to allegations of sexual assault, public drunkenness, financial mismanagement at veterans' organizations, and his lack of executive experience. Senators Murkowski, Collins, and McConnell opposed the nomination, citing these concerns.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and National Guard combat veteran, has been criticized for his divisive remarks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the military and his opposition to women in combat roles. Despite this, he has pledged to restore "lethality" to the military, emphasizing merit-based promotions and reviewing standards for combat roles.
As defense secretary, Hegseth inherits ongoing missions in Iraq and Syria, NATO relations, and military involvement at the southern border. His leadership style and controversial views have sparked concerns about politicization within the Pentagon and potential challenges in implementing his agenda.
President Trump gives remarks in Asheville, NC, after reviewing recovery and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene
