ACTUAL NEWS: Monday, March 24th 2025 Recap
- Olga Nesterova
- Mar 24
- 10 min read
"Today in History" and the Latest National & Global News
QUICK HITS
VP JD Vance: "Denmark, which controls Greenland, is not doing its job and it's not being a good ally. How are we going to solve that problem, solve our national security? If that means we need to take more territorial interest in Greenland, that is what President Trump is going to do because he doesn't care about what the Europeans scream at us, he cares about putting the interests of America's citizens first."
"The president said he didn't believe that North Korea had ballistic missiles that could hit the US. And he didn't believe it because Putin told him that the North Koreans didn't actually have such missiles," the former FBI director said, - DW
"He believes Putin more than he believes the intelligence."
"We're tired of washing body bags. We're really tired of washing them."
Russian 'military expert' and 'Z-patriot' Maxim Klimov said that the losses in the Russian army are so huge that there are no longer enough bags for the dead.
President Trump to reporters at the White House on the separate negotiations with Russia and Ukraine:
"Right now, we’re talking about territory. We’re talking about lines of demarcation, about energy, about ownership of power plants. Some are saying the power plant should belong to the United States — because we have the expertise."
The Atlantic chief editor was accidentally added to the chat by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and received the detailed plan on the attack targeting Houthis in Yemen. You can find the full article here.
These are the screenshots of the messages shared in the chat, minus the actual plan of the strike.
The Signal message thread that was reported in The Atlantic "appears to be authentic," White House National Security Council spokesperson says, "and we are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain. The thread is a demonstration of the deep and thoughtful policy coordination between senior officials. The ongoing success of the Houthi operation demonstrates that there were no threats to our service members or our national security.”
I explained what exactly happened in the first What's Actually True? moment of the day:
Yesterday, I went live with the latest Weekly Recap. If you missed it, you can watch the replay!
TODAY IN HISTORY
1603: King James VI of Scotland ascended the English throne as James I following the death of Elizabeth I.
1882: Robert Koch announced in Berlin that he had isolated and grown the tubercle bacillus, which he believed to be the cause of all forms of tuberculosis.
1944: More than 75 Allied prisoners undertook a daring escape from a POW camp in Sagan, Germany. Though most were eventually recaptured, the event inspired the classic World War II movie The Great Escape (1963), starring Steve McQueen.
1980: A vocal critic of the violence during El Salvador's civil conflict, Archbishop Óscar Romero was assassinated while celebrating Mass in San Salvador; he was canonized in 2018.
1989: The oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground, spilling approximately 11 million gallons (41 million liters) of oil into Prince William Sound, Alaska, creating the largest oil spill in U.S. history at the time.
1999: A fire began in the Mont Blanc Tunnel, a major Alpine automotive tunnel connecting France and Italy. It took two days to extinguish the blaze, and 39 people were killed.
2008: Bhutan held elections for the National Assembly, completing the country's transition to democracy.
2016: Serbian politician Radovan Karadžić was found guilty of committing war crimes, including genocide, during the civil war that followed Bosnia and Herzegovina's split from Yugoslavia in 1992. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
QUICK ACTUAL NEWS
NATIONAL
Paul Weiss Chairman Brad Karp's agreement with President Donald Trump to avert an executive order threatening the firm's operations has elicited widespread criticism within the legal community. The deal involves Paul Weiss providing $40 million in pro bono legal services to support the Trump administration's initiatives. This move is perceived by many as capitulating to presidential pressure, with over 100 former Paul Weiss attorneys condemning it in an open letter. Karp defended the decision, stating that the executive order posed an existential threat to the firm, and that a prolonged legal battle would have jeopardized its clients and employees.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has resigned effective immediately after nearly five years at the helm of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). His tenure was marked by significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, controversies over mail-in ballots during elections, and efforts to restructure the financially struggling agency. Deputy Postmaster General Doug Tulino will serve as interim head while the USPS Board of Governors searches for a permanent replacement. DeJoy's departure comes amid discussions within the Trump administration about potential privatization of the USPS, a move that has raised concerns among postal workers and lawmakers.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Monday that the bureau is investigating an uptick in violent incidents targeting Tesla. He indicated that steps have been taken in recent days to address and mitigate these threats.
President Donald Trump stated on Monday that automobile tariffs are forthcoming. However, he suggested that not all of the proposed levies would be implemented on April 2, and that some countries might receive exemptions—a signal interpreted by Wall Street as a potential softening of the administration's trade stance.
A Korean American student from Columbia University, who is a legal permanent U.S. resident and has participated in pro-Palestinian protests, filed a lawsuit on Monday to prevent her deportation, according to court documents.
Republican lawmakers initiated proceedings on Monday to impeach two judges, as the White House and its allies escalate their critiques of the judiciary for hindering President Donald Trump's expansive assertions of executive power.
The Trump administration has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a judicial directive mandating the rehiring of thousands of federal employees who were previously terminated. The administration contends that the judge exceeded his authority in issuing the directive.
Elon Musk, the billionaire advisor to President Donald Trump, revealed on Monday that members of his Department of Government Efficiency team have been receiving daily death threats.
The United Nations AIDS agency warned on Monday that if funding frozen by the United States is not restored or replaced, there could be 2,000 new HIV infections daily worldwide and a tenfold increase in related deaths.
A U.S. judge on Monday denied the Trump administration's request to lift a temporary ban on deportations enacted earlier this month under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. The initial two-week prohibition, imposed on March 15, led President Donald Trump to call for the judge's impeachment—a process that could result in his removal from the bench.
Mia Love, the first Black Republican congresswoman, passed away after a three-year battle with brain cancer, her family announced on social media. She was 49.
The U.S. Treasury Department is preparing recommendations to streamline banking regulators, potentially affecting the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's efforts align with the Trump administration's broader push for expanded presidential control over independent agencies. If approved, these recommendations would add to the administration's assertive moves, such as defunding federal programs and freezing congressional spending. Financial oversight has already shifted, with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau largely inactive and the OCC recently terminating 76 probationary employees.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to focus on more traditional cases under its incoming leadership, including those involving individual misconduct and fraud targeting the elderly, the agency's acting enforcement director stated on Monday.
In the final days before Republicans assumed control of the SEC in January, the agency's five commissioners held a closed-door vote on whether to sue Elon Musk. Since 2022, the SEC had been investigating whether Musk—a close ally of President Donald Trump—violated securities laws by delaying disclosure of his acquisition of Twitter (now known as X) shares prior to his 2022 takeover of the company.
Technology stocks led Wall Street's surge on Monday amid indications that the Trump administration is adopting a measured approach to tariffs against its trading partners. Reports over the weekend suggested that certain sector-specific tariffs, initially set to be imposed on April 2, might be excluded—a development that has eased market concerns.
The United States has nearly doubled imports of Brazilian eggs, previously used solely for pet food, and is considering easing regulations on eggs from meat-raised chickens. This initiative, driven by the Trump administration, aims to reduce soaring egg prices. However, concerns remain about potential pathogen risks, as eggs from meat-raised chickens may not be held at the proper low temperatures despite pasteurization.
Alina Habba, currently serving at the White House, has been appointed interim U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey.
The Space Force is set to launch over 100 satellites into orbit in 2025, nearly doubling the previously known number of U.S. military spacecraft, according to the service's top intelligence officer.
Joe Kasper, Chief of Staff to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, issued a memo on March 21 indicating that Department of Defense personnel may be subjected to polygraph tests as part of a new investigation into alleged leaks at the Pentagon. Kasper cited "recent unauthorized disclosures" of sensitive information but did not provide specific details about the alleged leaks.
Officials leading the Pentagon's Chief Digital and AI Office are exploring possible exemptions to the ongoing hiring freeze instituted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the department's civilian workforce.
GLOBAL
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Jamaica, Guyana, and Suriname on March 26–27, a State Department spokesperson told reporters on Monday. During his trip, Rubio will discuss bilateral relations with Caribbean nations and efforts to combat illegal immigration and crime, the State Department added.
The UK and France continued high-level defense engagements today with a meeting between their respective military chiefs in London.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that any country purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela will face a 25% tariff on all trade transactions with the United States.
President Trump’s plan to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry is expected to backfire, as industry executives will testify this week before the U.S. Trade Representative. They argue that the proposal—which includes imposing fees on China-linked vessels—will harm domestic ship operators and ports.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to visit the Philippines next week as the first stop on his inaugural trip to Asia. Discussions will focus on strengthening deterrence against aggression in the disputed South China Sea, a Philippine official said on March 21. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell later confirmed that Hegseth will first visit Hawaii to meet with civilian and military leaders at Indo-Pacific Command, then tour U.S. military facilities in Guam before heading to the Philippines and Japan.
Hegseth has also extended the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in the Middle East, while USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) will also move to U.S. Central Command, USNI News has learned. According to a U.S. official, the Truman will remain in Central Command for an additional month, and the Carl Vinson, currently operating in the East China Sea, has been redirected to the region. The move ensures a two-carrier presence as the Trump administration escalates its stance against Yemen-based Houthi forces.
Israeli forces expanded their offensive in Gaza on March 23, seizing more territory and issuing new evacuation orders for residents who had only recently returned home. The Israeli military renewed its operations after negotiations to extend a fragile ceasefire—initially implemented in mid-January—collapsed.
China is ramping up efforts to develop its commercial space industry, aiming to foster innovation and close the gap with Elon Musk’s SpaceX. At least six reusable Chinese rockets are scheduled for their maiden flights this year. In November, China’s first commercial launch site became operational. Beijing and local governments are injecting billions of dollars into private-sector space companies to accelerate growth.
Greenlandic leaders have condemned a planned visit by a high-profile U.S. delegation to the Danish territory, a move drawing criticism due to President Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. should annex Greenland. The delegation, led by Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, includes White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Their itinerary includes a tour of a U.S. military base and attendance at a dogsled race.
In an unprecedented diplomatic rebuke, Greenland’s prime minister called the visit by the U.S. second lady and senior officials “highly aggressive.” Both Greenland and Denmark stated that they had not invited the delegation.
Russia is deliberately stalling peace talks on Ukraine to gain territorial advantages and strengthen its negotiating position with the U.S., the Moscow Times reported on March 24, citing undisclosed sources.
Oleksandr Merezhko, head of the Ukrainian Parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee, has called for the removal of U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, condemning his remarks on referendums in Russian-occupied territories as “disgraceful and shocking.” Merezhko accused Witkoff of echoing Russian propaganda, questioning whether he represents the U.S. or Moscow.
President Trump said on Monday that he expects a U.S.-Ukraine revenue-sharing agreement on Ukrainian critical minerals to be signed soon. Speaking to reporters during a Cabinet meeting, he also revealed that the U.S. is in discussions with Ukraine about potential American ownership of Ukrainian power plants. Seeing is believing.
Trump also vowed on Monday that more countries will join the Abraham Accords, the normalization agreements between Israel and several Gulf nations brokered during his first term. Speaking at a White House Cabinet meeting, he claimed that additional nations are eager to join. While the White House has pointed to Saudi Arabia as a potential participant, ongoing tensions over the Gaza conflict remain an obstacle.
CARTOON OF THE DAY
POSTS OF THE DAY
NEWS CLIPS - NO COMMENTARY
PM Carney: Canada is everything
Russian paper today: “US & Russian officials are now speaking the same language”
US gov vehicles arrived in Greenland in preparation for the visit by US delegation led by SLOTUS
ICYMI
As of last night, four wildfires were burning across Polk County, North Carolina, with the two largest each exceeding 2,000 acres. The NC Department of Public Safety issued mandatory evacuation orders for parts of the county, where containment and rescue efforts are being complicated by debris left behind from Hurricane Helene, which devastated the area last October. Meanwhile, in South Carolina, a wildfire in the Blue Ridge Mountains remained completely uncontained as of last night, prompting Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency. While drought conditions are believed to be a key factor in the fires across both states, a South Carolina sheriff attributed the Table Rock Fire to a “negligent act” by a group of teenagers.
Pope Francis made his first public appearance in over a month, briefly waving from a hospital balcony in Rome before being discharged.
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal from casino mogul Steve Wynn, who sought to weaken the defamation protections established in New York Times v. Sullivan (1964). This decision leaves in place a Nevada court’s dismissal of Wynn’s lawsuit against the Associated Press (AP) under a state law that safeguards First Amendment rights. Under New York Times v. Sullivan, public figures must prove "actual malice"—that false statements were made knowingly or recklessly—to succeed in libel cases. Wynn sued AP in 2018 over an article detailing sexual assault allegations against him dating back to the 1970s. He denied the claims, calling one complaint “fanciful or delusional,” but the courts ruled against him.
U.S. retailers Walmart and Target are clashing with their suppliers over proposed price hikes on a wide range of merchandise, from cake pans and tote bags to toys and other household goods.
TODAY'S COVER PHOTO
Kyiv, Ukraine
In Zelenskyy’s office hang paintings depicting the Kremlin in flames, Ukrainian soldiers, and the sinking of the cruiser Moskva.
The photo was published by The Times, which interviewed Zelenskyy.
That's all from me for now. Thank you for reading.
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