Thursday, 12 February 2026

The Environmental Protection Agency rescinded its 2009 finding that greenhouse gases threaten human life and well-being, eliminating the government's legal authority to regulate climate-warming pollution. The rollback prevents the EPA from setting emission limits and is described by climate advocates as a major gift to fossil fuel industries.

The US House voted to block Trump's tariffs on Canada imposed under a declared national emergency. While Republicans joined Democrats in the rare rebuke, the measure faces an unlikely path to override a presidential veto, as any actual policy reversal would require Trump's approval.

The House passed the Save America Act, Trump's voting restriction bill requiring proof of citizenship and limiting mail-in voting, by a narrow margin of 218-213. The bill faces significant obstacles in the Senate.

US antitrust chief Gail Slater was removed from the Justice Department after losing support from Vice President JD Vance and Attorney General Pam Bondi. The decision marks another significant personnel change in the Trump administration's law enforcement agencies.

Trump's border czar Tom Homan announced that the immigration enforcement crackdown in Minnesota will conclude, with Trump backing a significant drawdown in the state following reports that US citizens were killed during the operation.

A federal judge blocked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's attempt to punish Senator Mark Kelly over a video criticizing military orders, preventing the reduction of the Arizona Republican's military rank and pension. The judge reprimanded Hegseth for the attempted action.

Senate Democrats blocked Department of Homeland Security funding over immigration enforcement tactics, though a shutdown is expected at midnight Friday. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations are expected to remain largely unaffected by the funding dispute.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, banned immigration agents from some state property and launched an online portal for residents to share footage of ICE enforcement activity.

Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby told NATO members in Brussels that the US plans to reduce conventional forces in Europe while remaining committed to the alliance. The announcement signals shifting US military priorities in Europe.

Trump appointed Kurt Olsen, an election denier who made key referrals in the Fulton County, Georgia election case, as Director of Election Security. The appointment marks a significant shift in overseeing election integrity policy in the administration.