The ACTUAL NEWS: Friday, February 7th 2025 Recap

Feb 7

"Today in History" and the Latest National and Global News

TODAY IN HISTORY

1613: Michael Romanov, founder of the Romanov dynasty, became tsar of Russia.

1812: One of the largest earthquakes in U.S. history occurred along the New Madrid Fault.

1940: The animated film Pinocchio had its world premiere, and it became one of Disney's most beloved classics, known for its brilliant animation and compelling story.

1964: The musical British Invasion began when the Beatles landed in New York City, and two nights later, as Beatlemania stormed America, their performance on The Ed Sullivan Show was watched by 73 million viewers.

1986: In the wake of political unrest, Haitian President Jean-Claude Duvalier fled his country, with U.S. assistance, for France.

1999: Abdullah II became king of Jordan hours after the death of his father, Hussein.

2013: Mississippi became the last U.S. state to officially abolish slavery; it had ratified the Thirteenth Amendment in 1995 but failed to submit the necessary paperwork.

2015: American collegiate basketball coach Dean Smith—who recorded 879 career victories, making him one of the most successful men's collegiate basketball coaches—died at age 83.

2019: Baseball player and manager Frank Robinson, who was the first Black manager in Major League Baseball, died at age 82.

2023: American basketball player LeBron James became the all-time highest scorer in the NBA, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record of 38,387.

QUICK ACTUAL NEWS

NATIONAL

Members of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) moved into the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Friday, according to two sources familiar with the situation, per Reuters. This marks an expansion of Musk's unelected unofficial influence across the U.S. government.
Musk's team from the Department of Government Efficiency has also started working at the U.S. Energy Department, raising concerns among officials. They fear that the team could gain access to sensitive personnel files and information about the distribution of federal grants, according to two sources.
One of the individuals working alongside Musk to overhaul the U.S. government is a Berkeley-educated computer scientist who has supported white supremacists and misogynists online.
On Friday, the U.S. Treasury Department announced that Rodney Hood, a former credit union regulator, will take over as the acting head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, replacing Michael Hsu. Hood will assume the role on February 10 and will oversee the nation's largest banks, according to an OCC statement.
The Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID has left no staff to process waivers submitted by food and other aid organizations seeking to resume operations under humanitarian exemptions to the international aid freeze. Five sources confirmed this situation.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Friday that the Food for Progress aid program could resume for agreements made in fiscal year 2024 or earlier, according to an email obtained by Reuters.
A U.S. judge on Friday issued a temporary order to pause plans to place 2,200 U.S. Agency for International Development employees on leave, blocking the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the agency for now.
On Friday, a group representing automakers and electric vehicle charging companies urged the U.S. Transportation Department to quickly restart a $5 billion government EV infrastructure program. This comes after the Trump administration announced the suspension of the electric vehicle charging program and rescinded approval of state EV charging plans pending a new review.
Scientists are struggling to comply with a Trump administration order to review previously submitted papers for content now banned by the federal government, according to interviews with six researchers.
President Donald Trump's nominee for Air Force Secretary, a top official at the national spy satellite agency, arranged a multibillion-dollar contract solicitation that favored Elon Musk's SpaceX, according to seven people familiar with the matter.
The FBI launched a nationwide investigation on Friday into a burglary ring targeting the homes of professional athletes in the U.S. The burglaries have been carried out by members of South American Theft Groups (SATGs), according to an FBI statement.
On Friday, President Donald Trump told Republican lawmakers that he plans to announce reciprocal tariffs, fulfilling a campaign promise to impose tariffs on American imports equal to the rates imposed by trading partners on U.S. exports. The specific countries affected by the tariffs have not yet been confirmed.
U.S. job growth in January was weaker than expected, with nonfarm payrolls rising by 143,000, below the forecast of 170,000. This slowdown could have been influenced by wildfires in California and cold weather across the country. Despite this, the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.0%, which may lead the Federal Reserve to hold off on interest rate cuts until at least June. December’s job gains were revised upward to 307,000, making January's lower growth a natural correction.
For the second time this week, a federal judge issued an injunction blocking Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship. The Justice Department has appealed the ruling.
The Senate confirmed Russell Vought, a key architect of Project 2025, to lead the Office of Management and Budget. Democrats staged an all-nighter, delivering speeches in protest of Vought’s confirmation.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Friday that Congressional Republicans’ tax and spending package will be revealed this weekend. “Probably not today,” Johnson said, “but we plan for a markup on Tuesday.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized past celebrations of military diversity in a broad address to Pentagon staff, asserting that under his leadership, the military would treat everyone fairly, though he dismissed “our diversity is our strength” as the "single dumbest phrase in military history."
A Marine and three U.S. Defense Department contractors were killed on February 6 when their plane crashed in the southern Philippines. Military officials stated that the crew had been on a routine mission to provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support at the request of the Philippines.
The Defense Department is exploring how SpaceX's Starship vehicle could support a broader in-space refueling architecture. Gary Henry, a senior adviser at the Defense Innovation Unit, spoke at the Smallsat Symposium on February 6, detailing how the agency is collaborating with SpaceX on this initiative.
U.S. President Donald Trump has tasked Vice President JD Vance and national security adviser Michael Waltz with overseeing a potential sale of TikTok, according to Punchbowl News.
In its latest Monetary Policy Report to Congress, the Federal Reserve expressed optimism about the economy but warned about certain risks in the financial system. Ahead of Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s testimony next week, the report indicated that the central bank is committed to reducing inflation to 2% and would carefully assess economic data when deciding on interest rate policy changes.
The acting head of the FBI, after days of resistance, turned over to the Justice Department a list of names of FBI employees involved in investigations related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he plans to fire certain FBI agents involved in the January 6 investigation. Trump did not specify how many agents would be dismissed or when.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has drafted a memo to develop a comprehensive missile shield plan for the U.S., including preparing a budget request for fiscal 2026. Alexander Velez-Green, a former Heritage Foundation adviser, is currently performing duties in the USD-policy role while Elbridge Colby awaits confirmation. John Hill, who served in both the first Trump and Biden administrations, is now performing the duties of assistant secretary for space policy.
The combatant command overseeing U.S. military operations in the Middle East has appointed a new chief technology officer. Joy Angela Shanaberger, who previously served as a senior adviser to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, assumed the role at U.S. Central Command last month.
Google has lifted its self-imposed ban on using AI in weapons, a decision that has sparked both praise and criticism. This move highlights the Pentagon’s role as the primary regulator of AI usage in military applications.
A plane carrying 10 people went missing off the coast of Alaska.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on Friday demanded access to information about migrants flown by the U.S. military to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The ACLU argues that the Trump administration has provided little information about the detainees and that the detentions may violate both U.S. and international law.

GLOBAL

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion about absorbing Canada "is a real thing" and is linked to the country's abundant natural resources, the Toronto Star reported.
On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced that Japan is considering an investment in U.S. Steel instead of pursuing an acquisition. This follows the blocking of Nippon Steel’s bid to buy U.S. Steel by former President Joe Biden last month.
Trump also revealed on Friday that Japan will soon begin importing a record amount of American liquefied natural gas. Speaking at a White House press conference after meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba, Trump mentioned that the two nations are working on a joint venture related to oil and gas in Alaska.
Kaja Kallas, the Vice President of the EU Commission, stated on Friday that Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia will permanently disconnect from Russia's power grid. “Russia can no longer use energy as a tool of blackmail. This is a victory for freedom and European unity," she said.
Ukraine expressed its belief on Friday that the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding Russian war crimes will continue, despite sanctions imposed by President Trump on the organization, according to Ukraine's foreign ministry.
Ukraine, seeking continued U.S. support in its war with Russia, is eagerly anticipating a visit this month from U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy to the region, as confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff.
The ICC condemned President Trump’s sanctions on its staff on Friday. The sanctions target people involved in investigations of U.S. citizens or U.S. allies, such as Israel, and follow similar actions taken during Trump's first term.
International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan is the first individual to face economic and travel sanctions imposed by Trump over the tribunal’s investigations into U.S. citizens or U.S. allies, two sources briefed on the matter told Reuters on Friday.
Trump stated on Friday that he is not in a hurry to implement his plan to take over and redevelop Gaza. “We're in no rush on it," he told reporters at the White House.
Despite Trump’s sanctions on the ICC, Israeli victims of the Hamas attack that led to the Gaza war will continue working with the court, according to a lawyer representing the victims and their families.
Palestinians in Gaza, determined to rebuild their homes, have rejected Trump’s vision of creating a "Riviera of the Middle East".
Egypt reported on Friday that it had been in contact with Arab partners, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, to firmly reject any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza after Trump suggested they should leave.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Israel and Arab states in mid-February, as announced by a State Department official on Friday. This will be Rubio’s first trip to the Middle East following the widely criticized proposal by Trump to displace Palestinians in Gaza.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Friday that defense spending by NATO’s European members and Canada was 20% higher in 2024 compared to the previous year, ahead of a meeting in which the U.S. is likely to push for even more spending.
Pro-Putin Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday that Hungary would take steps to ensure transparency about all aid funding from the U.S. to NGOs and media critical of the government, calling for the elimination of "foreign networks."
The Kremlin on Friday responded to reports about U.S. plans to end the Ukraine war, urging "patience" as speculation increased around a potential meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
Trump confirmed on Friday that he is likely to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy next week to discuss Ukraine’s war against Russian invaders.
The shutdown of U.S. foreign aid under Trump’s administration has left many people with experimental drugs and devices without access to care, including those impacted by USAID funded medical research around the world.
A Burmese refugee suffering from lung problems died after being discharged from a U.S.-funded hospital on the Myanmar-Thai border, which was ordered to close due to Trump’s foreign aid freeze, her family said.
The Trump administration announced on Friday that it would keep 611 essential workers at USAID onboard, according to a notice shared with Reuters.
Australia made its first $500 million payment to the United States under the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, ahead of a meeting between their defense heads in Washington on Friday.
On Friday, Trump signed an executive order delaying tariffs on de minimis (low-cost) packages from China until the U.S. Commerce Department confirms that procedures and systems are in place to process these packages and collect tariff revenue.
Hong Kong announced on Friday that it would file a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over Trump’s decision to impose 10% tariffs on goods from the Asian financial hub, as Trump targets Chinese imports.
China condemned the U.S. on Friday for "smearing and sabotaging" its Belt and Road Initiative in Panama through "pressure and coercion" after the country decided to exit the program.
Trump postponed a scheduled phone call with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino on Friday due to "last-minute changes in his agenda", as tensions over U.S. threats to take over the Panama Canal persisted.
U.S. interest in Greenland has bolstered the country’s independence movement and strengthened its position in future secession talks with Denmark. Greenland, which is set to vote on March 11, has made independence a key topic following Trump’s recent statements suggesting Denmark should cede control of the island due to its strategic importance for U.S. security.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the U.S. on Wednesday for talks with Trump on trade and other issues, days after many Indians were deported in shackles on a U.S. military plane, with more expected.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed talks with the United States as "not smart, wise, or honorable" on Friday, following Trump’s comment that he would "love to make a deal" with Iran.
Iran condemned on Friday the U.S. move to impose shipping-related sanctions, saying it would hinder legitimate trade with its partners. The U.S. Treasury announced sanctions on individuals and tankers involved in shipping Iranian crude oil to China.
The war between Sudan’s army and paramilitary forces has intensified, with recent fighting claiming the lives of hundreds, including children.

PHOTOS OF THE DAY

Netanyahu gifted Trump a golden pager during their meeting this week, the PM’s office said.

The gift is a nod to September's explosive attacks in Lebanon and Syria that killed dozens of people and injured thousands. Trump replied, "that was a great operation," an Israeli official told ABC News.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pored over a once-classified map of vast deposits of rare earths and other critical minerals during an interview with Reuters on Friday, part of a push to appeal to Donald Trump's penchant for a deal.

Amtrak service along the Northeast Corridor was impacted after a SEPTA train traveling from Philadelphia to Wilmington went up in flames Thursday night. It happened around 6 p.m. near the Crum Lynne Station in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania.

(MOST CONFUSING) TWEETS OF THE DAY

VIDEO QUICK NEWS

Swisher on media coverage of DOGE: “You’re walking right into the trap.”

Canadian PM Trudeau’s message for Black History Month

Trump’s new White House Faith Leader

Lieu: “Trump wasted all this water that isn’t even reaching LA for a PR stunt.”

Trump speaks on Social Security access

Trump on DOGE getting access to Americans' personal information

MSM cannot hide its excitement over Trump’s chaos

Canada Faces Long-Term Political Challenges with U.S., Trudeau Warns

Canada may face long-term political challenges with the United States, even if it successfully avoids U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of tariffs, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned on Friday.

The remarks came after President Trump agreed to delay the imposition of tariffs on Canadian exports for 30 days, in exchange for concessions on border and crime enforcement, particularly in combating fentanyl smuggling, which, for the most part, had already been introduced under the Biden administration.

Trump had made the tariff threat earlier in the week, but decided to hold off on imposing the punitive measures, giving Canada some “breathing room”.

Trudeau emphasized that Canada’s immediate task is to convince the U.S. that the country is taking significant action to curb the flow of fentanyl, a deadly opioid. He pointed out that public data shows that only 0.2% of all the fentanyl seized in the U.S. comes from Canada’s border. “We are doing everything we can to combat the flow of fentanyl,” Trudeau said during a meeting with business and labor leaders.

He stressed that if tariffs were to be imposed, Canada would retaliate in kind, but added that the ultimate goal would be to remove such measures as quickly as possible. “The strategic reflection we have to have right now is ... how we get through, and thrive, and grow stronger over the next four years and into what may be a more challenging long-term political situation with the United States?”

Trudeau's words underscore the fragile relationship between Canada and the U.S. under Trump’s administration. Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada might be “better off as the 51st U.S. state”, and his trade adviser, Peter Navarro, recently accused Canada of becoming a major source of small, duty-free drug shipments, as well as failing to adequately address visa and terrorism watch-list issues. These remarks add to the tension as Canada sends 75% of all its goods and services exports to the U.S., making it highly vulnerable to any sanctions or trade disruptions.

Despite these challenges, Trudeau remained optimistic. “This is one of those moments and opportunities where... there’s a window open because of the context we’re in. We have to jump through it,” he stated. He also highlighted the need for Canada to address internal trade barriers between its provinces, which have long been a hindrance to economic growth.

In response to the tariff threat, there was a wave of anti-U.S. sentiment across Canada. Many Canadians canceled trips to the U.S., boycotted U.S. products, and expressed their frustrations by booing American teams at sporting events. Trudeau, however, found some positive outcomes amid the tensions. He noted that it was “quite frankly, inspiring” to see Canadians rally behind their own economy by buying local products and choosing to vacation at home.

As Canada faces the ongoing challenge of navigating a complex and often adversarial relationship with the U.S., Trudeau’s focus remains on long-term strategies to ensure the country’s economic growth and stability, while protecting its sovereignty and trade interests.

MUST READ DOCUMENT

Today President Trump signed an executive order (EO) imposing sanctions on South Africa and announcing plans for the admission and resettlement of white South Africans, specifically Afrikaners, in an effort to "protect them from racial discrimination" in South Africa.

The majority of Afrikaners are considered right-wing.

You can find the full EO on the White House website.

Media, per usual, fails to "meet the moment".

Thank you so much for reading my newsletter! The fact that people from 49 countries can unite through consuming factual information is exactly why I do what I do. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Have a peaceful weekend.

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