All articles tagged with #us government
The Vox explainer argues that while the 25th Amendment has triggered attention, it’s not a practical route to remove President Trump: it requires a cabinet majority and a two‑thirds vote in both houses, an almost insurmountable hurdle in today’s polarized politics. By comparison, parliamentary democracies can remove leaders more easily, so the United States is unlikely to oust Trump before 2029 via the 25th Amendment.
The Trump administration announced a ban on importing newly manufactured routers from foreign companies, citing national security risks tied to supply-chain vulnerabilities and potential threats from foreign-made equipment.
Internal memos published in a lawsuit allege U.S. health officials largely ignored hundreds of studies and built the decision to end Covid vaccine recommendations for pregnant people and children on a narrow, potentially biased evidence base, sparking criticism that policy shifts were ideology-driven even as data show vaccination reduces risks in pregnancy and protects young infants.
CME Group CEO Terry Duffy warned that US intervention in oil futures to lower prices would erode confidence in price discovery and could be a biblical disaster for markets, as officials weigh measures to curb oil prices amid volatility; the administration has already released strategic reserves and is considering other options, while analysts caution that government action in markets could backfire.
The Washington Post reports a whistleblower alleges a former DOGE Service engineer had access to two highly sensitive Social Security Administration databases and planned to transfer the data to a private employer, prompting an inspector general investigation into a potential major security breach at SSA.
The Financial Times reports the U.S. government has declined to refund tariffs deemed illegal by the Supreme Court, leaving importers’ refund requests in limbo as customs officials deny or suspend repayments. The government has collected more than $130 billion in these duties, while a trade-court order to begin refunds has yet to be implemented amid unclear guidelines and no immediate comment from the White House or CBP.
Three officials familiar with the intelligence tell The Washington Post that Russia is providing Iran with targeting data to attack American forces in the Middle East, including locations of U.S. warships and aircraft, marking the first public sign that a major adversary is aiding Iran—indirectly—in the conflict.
U.S. critical infrastructure operators are on high alert for potential Iran-backed cyber retaliation after weekend strikes, with Iran-aligned hackers and hacktivists escalating activity against the U.S., the Middle East, and Asia. Analysts warn of possible DDoS, data leaks, and intrusions targeting energy, water, transportation, and telecom sectors, though some officials say recent claims are not yet evidence-backed. The risk comes as DHS funding and staffing constraints may hinder monitoring and response.
The State Department authorized nonemergency staff and families at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem to leave Israel, warning they should act while commercial flights are available as tensions with Iran threaten retaliation against Israel and U.S. forces in the region.
FedEx filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of International Trade asking for a full refund of IEEPA emergency tariffs imposed by President Trump, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that the tariffs exceeded authority; officials say more than $175 billion in tariff receipts could be refundable, though the lower court must work out the refund process. FedEx, as importer of record, named U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. government as defendants, and industry lawyers say refunds would depend on paperwork and contract terms, with a wave of similar cases expected.
The BEA reports that U.S. growth cooled at the end of 2025, with fourth-quarter GDP up at an annualized rate of 1.4%, leaving 2025’s total growth at 2.2%—down from 2.8% in 2024—largely due to tariffs and a weeks-long government shutdown that weighed on momentum.
The Trump administration is pressuring other countries to urge Vanuatu to withdraw a U.N. General Assembly draft that would translate an ICJ climate ruling into action, including reparations for damages. It argues the proposal could harm U.S. industry and calls the UN overreaching, while some major powers reportedly share concerns; the draft would push for a 1.5°C target, phasing out fossil-fuel subsidies, and establishing an International Register of Damage, though General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding.
Washington and Caracas have moved quickly to open Venezuela’s oil sector to U.S. investment and ease sanctions, signaling a swift shift in energy policy, but everyday Venezuelans are unlikely to feel immediate relief from the changes.
Capgemini said it will immediately sell its U.S. unit that works with ICE after French officials criticized the contract over immigrant surveillance; a Canadian company also canceled a sale to ICE, signaling growing political pressure on contractors doing business with the agency.
Senate Democrats say they will not vote for the Department of Homeland Security funding bill in the wake of the Minneapolis shootings, including Alex Pretti’s death, threatening to derail six annual spending bills and potentially trigger a partial government shutdown if no deal is reached by Friday. Democrats are pressing for reforms to ICE and stronger oversight, warrants for arrests, and improved training, while Republicans and the White House search for a path forward; Minnesota’s senators have joined the opposition, and a winter snowstorm has delayed session, leaving the fate of DHS funding and the broader package uncertain.