Active
TERM 1
January 20, 2025 · 591 days ago
🗳️ Democracy
Executive Order 14171 was signed on January 20, 2025. The order modifies the civil service protections and classification of certain federal positions designated as policy-influencing roles. The confirmed direct impact includes changes to job protections and removal procedures for affected federal employees in positions designated under the order's criteria.
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TERM 2
January 2025 · 593 days ago
🗳️ Democracy
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche, President Trump's former personal attorney, as Attorney General in an early Saturday vote. Blanche's confirmation caps a contentious confirmation process marked by Republican holdouts and Trump's threats to install him as acting attorney general. The appointment gives Trump direct control over the Department of Justice and federal law enforcement.
Active
TERM 2
January 2025 · 593 days ago
🗳️ Democracy
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General in a 50-49 vote, with two Republicans breaking ranks to oppose him over concerns about departmental independence and conflicts of interest. Blanche's confirmation as DOJ head gives Trump appointees control over federal law enforcement, prosecution priorities, and the department's institutional independence. The narrow partisan vote and Republican opposition signal concerns about politicization of the Justice Department.
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TERM 2
January 18 2025 · 593 days ago
🏥 Healthcare
President Trump signed an executive order directing the FDA to accelerate review of psychedelic drugs including ibogaine for medical treatment. The order aims to speed access to psychedelic-based therapies, particularly for treating post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans. The reform could expand availability of these treatments to Americans seeking alternative mental health interventions.
Active
TERM 2
January 18 2025 · 593 days ago
🏥 Healthcare
President Trump signed an executive order to accelerate research on psychedelic drugs for treating mental health disorders. The order aims to expedite clinical trials and regulatory pathways for these substances. This could expand treatment options for Americans suffering from depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.
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TERM 2
January 2025 · 594 days ago
🌍 Environment
The Trump administration conducted an oil and gas lease sale in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), but received minimal industry interest with only two bidders acquiring five of approximately 60 available tracts. The auction demonstrated weak market demand for Arctic drilling despite the administration's push to open pristine ecosystems to extraction. The limited bidding reflects industry concerns about climate policies, legal challenges, and declining long-term oil demand.
Active
TERM 2
January 2025 · 594 days ago
💰 Economy
President Trump swore in Kevin Warsh as chair of the Federal Reserve following Senate confirmation in a 54-45 vote, replacing Jerome Powell. Warsh, a former Fed governor and Trump ally, now leads the nation's central bank with authority over monetary policy, interest rates, and banking regulation. This leadership change directly affects inflation, employment, lending rates, and economic conditions for all Americans.
Active
TERM 2
January 17 2025 · 594 days ago
💰 Economy
President Trump announced tariffs increasing to 25 percent on cars and trucks imported from the European Union, effective the following week. Trump claimed the EU failed to comply with existing trade agreements. The tariffs will increase costs for American consumers purchasing European vehicles and potentially affect the automotive industry.
Active
TERM 2
January 17 2025 · 594 days ago
💰 Economy
The Trump administration issued a 90-day extension to the Jones Act waiver, which allows non-American ships to transport goods between U.S. ports. The administration stated that data showed the waiver significantly increased fuel supply reaching American consumers, helping to lower fuel prices.
Active
TERM 2
January 17 2025 · 594 days ago
🌐 Foreign Policy
The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese oil refinery, dozens of shipping firms, and vessels with Hong Kong ties to disrupt Iran's oil exports. The action targets Iran's main revenue stream ahead of US-Iran negotiations. Americans may face higher oil prices and increased geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets.