Monday, 3 February 2025

President Trump agreed to postpone threatened 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for one month after both countries pledged to strengthen efforts against drug and migrant trafficking. However, China faces a 10% tariff on exports to the U.S. beginning February 4, 2025.

Global stock markets experienced significant pressure amid concerns over Trump's tariff announcements, with markets in the U.S., EU, and UK showing volatility. Markets recovered some losses after the Trump administration agreed to delay tariffs on Mexico.

USAID headquarters was ordered closed with staff locked out and told to stay away from the facility. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared himself head of USAID, stating he has assumed control to 'align' the agency with Trump's priorities.

Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. Treasury and Commerce Departments to create a sovereign wealth fund that could potentially purchase TikTok after the president delayed the app's ban.

Trump administration officials are discussing an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education as part of efforts by Elon Musk's DOGE team to gain control over federal spending.

Following a Trump administration threat to withhold federal funding from hospitals providing gender-affirming care to youth under 19, U.S. hospitals have begun suspending such healthcare services.

Trump stated he will cut off funding to South Africa over what he characterized as land 'confiscations,' claiming the government is 'treating certain classes of people very badly.'

Trump told reporters he has 'no guarantees' the Gaza ceasefire will hold, a day before Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House for discussions on the second phase of a truce agreement.

Trump administration is targeting wind and solar energy through executive actions while benefiting fossil fuel interests, marking a sharp reversal from Biden-era clean energy investments that had created jobs.

FBI officials are warning staff that the agency faces a 'battle' with Trump as the president targets bureau officials over January 6 investigations. FBI official James E. Dennehy vowed the agency would 'dig in' against the purge.