That Noisy Trump
Day 32

Thursday, 20 February 2025

10 events

Key Events (10)

1
Foreign Policy

Trump called Ukrainian President Zelenskyy a 'dictator' and blamed Ukraine for the war with Russia, representing a major reversal of U.S. foreign policy. Trump stated Russia 'has the card' in peace negotiations and expressed frustration that Zelenskyy has not taken an alleged U.S.-brokered peace opportunity.

2
Legal

A federal judge rejected a bid by labor unions to halt the Trump administration's mass firings of federal workers through the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), allowing the workforce reductions to continue.

3
Legal

The U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed Kash Patel, a key Trump ally, as FBI director in a 51-49 vote. Patel has aligned with Trump on multiple issues and was a controversial nomination.

4
Legal

An appeals court denied Trump's request to reinstate his executive order banning birthright citizenship. The president had signed the order on day one, targeting citizenship for children of non-legal permanent residents.

5
Domestic

Trump administration cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) include capping 'indirect funding' at 15% and halting research projects. Critics warn the cuts 'will kill' Americans by delaying medical research initiatives.

6
Foreign Policy

The Trump administration's freeze on all USAid funding has created chaos for humanitarian staff and projects worldwide, affecting millions of people and threatening disease control efforts including mpox containment in African countries.

7
Domestic

Hundreds of federal workers, including health and tax agency employees, have been fired, with survivors describing widespread chaos and confusion. The Trump administration and Elon Musk's DOGE cuts are creating real-world impacts on services ranging from weather forecasts to tax processing.

8
Foreign Policy

European officials warn that Trump is rapidly undercutting NATO and the post-World War II international order, creating a crisis of major proportions despite uncertainty over whether he will formally leave the alliance.

9
Domestic

The Trump administration has dismantled government teams working to counter foreign interference in U.S. elections, with dozens of employees reassigned or forced out according to current and former officials.

10
Domestic

Trump and Elon Musk suggested returning 20% of government 'savings' to American households through $5,000 checks if DOGE cost-cutting targets are met, though details remain unclear and some experts warn of potential inflation risks.

Day 32 — Thursday, 20 February 2025 | That Noisy Trump