February
01.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Two Cities Burned

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The Philadelphia medevac crash investigation unfolded throughout the day, revealing a Mexican child returning from treatment among the six passengers. By evening, ground casualties reached seven dead and nineteen injured. The incident coincided with revelations about yesterday's DC collision - the Black Hawk was conducting classified "continuity of government" exercises.

Trump's administration continued institutional restructuring: Justice Department fired January 6 prosecutors, while federal websites removed gender-related content. The Consumer Protection Bureau chief was dismissed. CBS agreed to release Harris interview transcripts to FCC.

Hamas released three hostages, including the first American, Keith Siegel. By evening, Trump signed orders imposing tariffs on Canada (25%), Mexico (25%), and China (10%), despite warnings of inflation risks. The administration launched airstrikes against ISIS in Somalia, while Arab nations rejected Trump's Gaza relocation plan.
02.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Trade War Met Three Borders

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Trump imposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico (25%) and China (10%), triggering immediate retaliation. By morning, both Canada and Mexico announced matching 25% tariffs on $155 billion of US imports. Trudeau warned of US factory closures, while a major Canadian CEO defended Trump's demands.

The controversy over the DC helicopter crash continued as flight recorder data revealed conflicting altitude readings. The Daily Beast reported Capt. Rebecca Lobach ranked in the top 20% of her class, challenging Trump's DEI criticism. Senator Vance backtracked on related statements.

USAID security officials were placed on leave after refusing to grant Musk's DOGE team access to federal payment systems, including Social Security. Common Dreams labeled this a "coup," while conservative media praised the move.

Philadelphia's air ambulance crash investigation revealed seven ground casualties and nineteen injuries, expanding the toll from previous reports.
03.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Trade Pains Bought Time

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Trump's tariff threats against Mexico, Canada and China generated market turbulence through morning trading, with the Dow dropping 550 points. By afternoon, Mexico secured a one-month pause by committing 10,000 troops to border control. Canada followed with its own 30-day reprieve after pledging enhanced border security and a "Fentanyl Czar."

The USAID crisis deepened as Musk announced Trump's approval to "shut down" the agency. Staff were locked out of headquarters while Marco Rubio was appointed acting administrator. Democrats attempted to block State Department nominees in response.

Trump created a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, with reports indicating TikTok as a potential first acquisition. Musk received an unpaid government position. The Grammy Awards saw Beyoncé win her first Album of the Year, while Kendrick Lamar took Record and Song honors.

Panama announced withdrawal from China's Belt and Road Initiative following Rubio's diplomatic visit.
04.02.2025
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Tuesday
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The Day Systems Opened Their Gates

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China responded to Trump's 10% tariffs with targeted levies on U.S. energy exports and launched an antitrust probe of Google. Mexico and Canada secured 30-day tariff pauses through border security commitments.

Two major nominations advanced through Senate committees: RFK Jr. for Health Secretary and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, both along party lines. The administration moved to eliminate the Department of Education through executive action.

Over 20,000 federal workers accepted Trump's buyout offer as USAID operations faced paralysis. FBI agents sued to protect the identities of January 6 investigators as their names were transmitted to DOJ.

By evening, Trump hosted Netanyahu at the White House, proposing permanent resettlement of Palestinians outside Gaza. The first flights of migrant detainees arrived at Guantanamo Bay under new deportation protocols.
05.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Gaza Dream Became American

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Trump's meeting with Netanyahu produced an unprecedented proposal for US control of Gaza Strip, suggesting permanent Palestinian relocation and rebuilding Gaza as a "Riviera of the Mid-East." The plan expanded throughout the day to include potential US troop deployment, generating widespread international rejection.

Meanwhile, the administration's federal restructuring accelerated. USAID operations faced paralysis as staff were placed on administrative leave and ordered to return within 30 days. The CIA became the first national security agency to offer buyouts to its entire workforce, following similar offers across federal agencies.

The Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as Attorney General, continuing Trump's successful nomination streak. Federal health workers reported concerns over targeting through a published "DEI targets" list, while Republicans introduced the "Dismantle DEI Act" to support Trump's agenda.
06.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Judge Froze The Great Resignation

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A federal judge in Massachusetts blocked Trump's federal workers buyout program hours before its deadline, affecting 2 million employees who had until midnight to accept resignation with benefits. The order came as USAID faced widespread office closures and staff reductions.

Attorney General Pam Bondi launched her first initiatives, cutting funding to sanctuary cities and suing Illinois over immigration policies. The border czar threatened military action against Mexican cartels, while reports emerged of expanded migrant flights to Guantanamo.

Trump signed an executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court for its investigations of U.S. and Israeli actions. His Gaza reconstruction proposal, presented the previous day, faced increasing scrutiny for sidestepping current conflict resolution.

The administration agreed to restrict DOGE's access to Treasury payment systems following court challenges, marking a setback for Musk's involvement in government restructuring.
07.02.2025
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Friday
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Day When Two Thousand Got Their Papers Back

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Russell Vought's confirmation as OMB director in the morning signaled acceleration of Project 2025's federal restructuring. By afternoon, reports emerged of USAID's reduction to 290 employees from 10,000, triggering union lawsuits and international concern.

A federal judge blocked the administration's attempt to place 2,200 USAID workers on administrative leave, marking the first successful legal challenge to Trump's federal workforce reduction. The ruling came as companies like GM, Pepsi, and Disney quietly removed DEI references from investor documents.

DOGE faced multiple setbacks as a senior staffer resigned over racist social media posts, while 14 states prepared legal action regarding its access to Treasury payment systems. Netanyahu praised Trump's Gaza proposal as "the first original idea," while three NATO members announced plans to disconnect from Russia's electricity grid.
08.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Courts Locked Treasury Gates

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Trump's morning revocation of Biden's security clearance initiated a wave of similar actions against political opponents, citing Biden's 2021 precedent. The move coincided with multiple legal setbacks for the administration's federal restructuring.

A federal judge blocked DOGE's access to Treasury payment systems, warning of "irreparable harm," while another ruling halted the placement of 2,200 USAID employees on administrative leave. Nineteen states filed suit to prevent DOGE from accessing Treasury Department personal data records.

By evening, reports emerged of DOGE obtaining Treasury data despite court orders, raising security concerns. Federal workers' unions reported membership surges in response to the restructuring. The administration announced plans for reciprocal tariffs and new NIH funding policies, while Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center board faced institutional resistance.
09.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Consumer Watchdog Went Dark

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The morning began with federal judge blocking DOGE's access to Treasury Department data, continuing previous days' legal restraints on Musk's team. By midday, Russell Vought ordered CFPB to cease operations, marking the first complete shutdown of a federal agency under Project 2025.

Trump's interview with Bret Baier revealed plans to expand Musk's oversight role into military and education spending, despite mounting judicial opposition. This announcement triggered Democratic threats of government shutdown.

Musk's response to judicial constraints escalated throughout the day, culminating in calls for the judge's impeachment. Senator Vance joined in questioning courts' authority over executive actions.

The administration's federal restructuring faced multiple challenges as cities and counties sued over sanctuary city policies, while Jordan expressed concerns about Trump's Gaza proposal. Evening brought announcement of new steel and aluminum tariffs, expanding previous week's trade measures.
10.02.2025
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Monday
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Eagles Soar As Steel Wall Returns

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The Eagles' 40-22 victory over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX dominated morning coverage, with Philadelphia's defense crushing Kansas City's bid for a historic three-peat. Post-game celebrations turned violent in Philadelphia, while Trump's presence and reactions to Taylor Swift generated political undertones.

By midday, Trump announced 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports starting Monday, expanding previous week's trade measures. The administration faced multiple judicial setbacks as three federal judges blocked attempts to limit birthright citizenship and found non-compliance with court orders regarding federal spending freezes.

Evening coverage shifted to Gaza policy, with Trump declaring Palestinians would have no right of return under his "ownership plan." Hamas responded by threatening to postpone hostage releases. The CFPB shutdown continued generating controversy as Warren accused Trump and Musk of undermining consumer protections.
11.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Trade Walls Rise As Ethics Chief Falls

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Trump's 25% steel and aluminum tariffs announcement triggered immediate European Union retaliation warnings. The Department of Justice moved to dismiss corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, while the administration fired its ethics chief, marking an expansion of institutional restructuring beyond DOGE's initial scope.

Netanyahu and the Israeli cabinet aligned with Trump's Saturday ultimatum to Hamas regarding hostage releases. Jordan's King Abdullah II visited the White House to discuss Trump's Gaza resettlement plans, which now include potential aid cuts to regional allies.

Evening brought an expansion of federal workforce reduction efforts as Trump signed executive orders alongside Elon Musk in the Oval Office. Republican senators began expressing public concerns about bypassing Congress on budget cuts, while multiple federal judges found the administration in non-compliance with previous court orders limiting spending freezes.
12.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Putin Picked Phone

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The morning brought Trump's executive order expanding DOGE's authority over federal workforce reductions, while Marc Fogel returned from Russian detention in what Kremlin later revealed as a prisoner exchange. Elon Musk's presence in the Oval Office generated coverage as he outlined plans for agency eliminations.

January inflation data showed an unexpected rise to 3%, complicating Trump's tariff policies. The Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, while RFK Jr.'s nomination for Health Secretary advanced.

Evening coverage centered on Trump's call with Putin regarding Ukraine war negotiations, following Defense Secretary Hegseth's statement about abandoning pre-2014 borders goal. The White House claimed judicial opposition to Trump's actions was causing a constitutional crisis, while federal judges continued blocking various executive orders.

The administration initiated legal action against New York over immigration policies, expanding conflicts with sanctuary jurisdictions.
13.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Treaties Rose From Ashes

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The morning witnessed a federal judge clearing Trump's workforce downsizing plan, allowing 75,000 federal workers to accept buyouts. This development triggered immediate agency-wide firings, with Musk's DOGE team leading implementation.

By midday, Trump's call with Putin regarding Ukraine peace talks generated extensive coverage, leaving European allies and Zelensky demanding involvement. The Senate confirmed RFK Jr. as Health Secretary in a narrow 52-48 vote, while Manhattan's top federal prosecutor resigned after refusing to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Adams.

Evening brought Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs on nearly all trading partners, expanding previous days' trade measures. The plan emerged during meetings with India's Modi, suggesting a broader realignment of trade relationships. Fourteen states sued Trump and Musk over DOGE's creation, while federal judges continued blocking various executive orders, including restrictions on transgender healthcare.
14.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Federal Workers Got Their Papers

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The Trump administration began mass termination of probationary federal workers, particularly affecting nuclear weapons agencies and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. By midday, a Russian drone strike reportedly hit Chernobyl's containment shell, though radiation levels remained normal.

Vice President Vance's Munich Security Conference speech criticized European allies while suggesting military leverage against Russia, prompting Kremlin requests for clarification. His subsequent meeting with far-right German leaders generated further controversy.

The Department of Justice moved to dismiss corruption charges against NYC Mayor Adams, triggering multiple prosecutor resignations. Legal challenges mounted against DOGE's access to federal payment systems, while Treasury launched an audit of Musk's team. The Army announced the end of gender-affirming procedures and transgender recruitment, expanding previous days' institutional restructuring beyond workforce reductions.
15.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Workers Fell Like Winter Snow

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The Department of Justice's dismissal of corruption charges against NYC Mayor Adams triggered resignations of seven prosecutors, marking a new phase in the Trump administration's judicial realignment. By mid-morning, widespread federal workforce reductions began, particularly affecting HUD and other agencies, despite court intervention blocking CFPB layoffs.

DOGE's role expanded as federal judges granted Musk's team access to agency data, while reports emerged of $1.9 billion in "misplaced" federal funds discovered by the organization. Vice President Vance's controversial meeting with German far-right leaders generated diplomatic tension.

In the afternoon, Ukraine rejected Trump's request for mineral rights, while Zelensky called for creation of European armed forces at Munich Security Conference. The evening brought reports of chaos across federal agencies as mass terminations continued, with fired workers speaking publicly against the administration.
16.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Federal Gates Opened To Moscow

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The mass federal workforce reductions expanded to include IRS personnel during tax season, while Trump representatives prepared for the first US-Russian talks on Ukraine since 2022. Morning headlines focused on chaos within federal agencies as thousands received termination notices.

By early afternoon, diplomatic developments accelerated as Senator Rubio met with Netanyahu in Israel while White House envoys headed to Saudi Arabia for Ukraine negotiations. Zelenskyy publicly rejected a proposed US mineral rights deal, warning about Russian-NATO conflict possibilities.

Evening coverage shifted to Trump's Supreme Court petition to expand presidential firing authority over independent agency heads, building on previous days' institutional restructuring. The administration's attempts to reshape federal workforce faced multiple legal challenges, while European allies expressed concern over potential NATO realignment. Severe flooding in the Southeast provided backdrop to the political developments, with at least nine reported deaths.
17.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Planes Fell As Agencies Crumbled

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The morning coverage centered on Trump's Supreme Court petition to expand presidential firing authority, while mass terminations continued across federal agencies, particularly affecting health services and FAA personnel. DOGE secured legal victories for accessing federal databases, including IRS systems, despite opposition from Senate Democrats.

By afternoon, European leaders convened an emergency meeting in Paris as the administration moved forward with Ukraine-Russia peace talks. Poland explicitly rejected troop deployment proposals, while the UK's Labour leader suggested British military involvement.

The evening was dominated by a Delta Airlines crash in Toronto, with a Minneapolis-originating plane flipping on landing, injuring 19 passengers. In New York, four deputy mayors resigned over Mayor Adams' reported arrangements with the Trump administration, extending the pattern of institutional upheaval that characterized the week's developments.
18.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Moscow Spoke While Delta Burned

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A Delta Airlines crash in Toronto dominated morning coverage, with footage showing the aircraft bursting into flames before flipping, injuring 18 passengers. The incident amplified scrutiny of DOGE's FAA personnel cuts from previous days.

US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia proceeded without Ukrainian representation, marking a shift in Trump's diplomatic approach. Secretary Rubio and Lavrov agreed to appoint negotiating teams and work toward a Trump-Putin meeting, while Zelensky warned against decisions made "behind Ukraine's backs."

The evening brought institutional tensions as a judge rejected attempts to block DOGE's access to federal data, while the White House claimed Musk does not legally head the organization. A court permanently blocked Biden-era student loan forgiveness, while four NYC deputy mayors resigned after corruption charges against Adams were dropped, extending the pattern of administrative upheaval.
19.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Moscow Peace Trampled Ukraine

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Morning headlines revealed Trump's reversal of US-Ukraine policy, with US-Russia talks proceeding without Ukrainian representation. Trump demanded new Ukrainian elections as a precondition for peace, while echoing Kremlin narratives about war origins.

By early afternoon, Zelenskyy responded forcefully, accusing Trump of operating in Russian "disinformation space." The diplomatic clash escalated when Trump labeled Zelenskyy a "dictator without elections," marking a dramatic shift in US-Ukraine relations.

Evening coverage tracked institutional restructuring as DOGE gained unprecedented access to federal databases despite legal challenges. The administration terminated NYC's congestion pricing plan and labeled Latin American cartels as terrorist organizations. Federal workforce reductions continued affecting multiple agencies, with the JFK Library temporarily closing due to staff cuts. The DOJ provided new rationales for dropping charges against NYC Mayor Adams, while state protests against DOGE's authority faced judicial defeats.
20.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Four Powers Changed Seats

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Morning brought McConnell's retirement announcement, marking the end of his Senate leadership after Trump's criticism of his Ukraine stance. By early afternoon, the Senate confirmed Kash Patel as FBI Director in a narrow 51-49 vote, consolidating Trump's control over federal law enforcement.

Hamas returned bodies of Israeli hostages, including the Bibas children, in what media described as a propaganda display. Trump continued aligning with Russian positions on Ukraine, echoing Kremlin talking points while European leaders scrambled to maintain unity without US support.

Evening coverage focused on the administration's expansion of deportation policies, with 500,000 Haitians losing protected status as migrants were cleared from Guantanamo Bay. The courts allowed federal worker layoffs to proceed, while New York activated National Guard amid prison guard strikes. Multiple bus explosions in Tel Aviv marked the day's end.
21.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Federal Work Force Lost Ground

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Morning reports focused on a judge's refusal to block federal worker layoffs, allowing Trump's mass dismissals to proceed. The IRS fired 6,000 employees while FDA medical device safety teams faced cuts. The administration defied court orders on foreign aid freezes.

By afternoon, the Senate approved a $340 billion budget framework in an overnight session, while Trump signaled openness to multiple budget bills. Hamas's deception regarding the Bibas family remains dominated Middle East coverage, with IDF confirming only the children's bodies were identified.

Evening brought institutional restructuring plans, with proposals to move USPS under Commerce Department control and gut USAID's workforce. Border Patrol reported steep declines in illegal crossings as ICE's acting director was removed for not meeting deportation targets. Los Angeles removed its fire chief following criticism over wildfire response.
22.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Pentagon Command Changed Hands

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Trump fired Joint Chiefs Chairman CQ Brown and other military leaders in a morning purge that dominated early coverage. Lt. Gen. Dan Caine was named as Brown's replacement. A federal judge blocked Trump's anti-DEI executive orders, while the Supreme Court prevented him from firing certain Biden appointees.

By afternoon, news emerged of US-Russia talks scheduling and tough mineral deal demands with Ukraine. Hamas returned Shiri Bibas's remains and released six more hostages under ongoing ceasefire.

Evening brought escalation in federal workforce confrontations as Musk, following Trump's CPAC directive to "get more aggressive," demanded all federal employees justify their positions within 48 hours. The Pope's critical condition and Bernie Sanders' Midwest tour received limited coverage amid institutional upheaval. Canadian tourism boycott emerged in response to Trump's tariffs.
23.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Agencies Defied The Billionaire

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Federal agencies systematically rejected Musk's demand for workforce justification, with even Trump-appointed officials instructing employees to disregard the 48-hour ultimatum. This institutional resistance followed Trump's previous week's extensive federal workforce purges and military command restructuring.

German elections dominated international coverage as Friedrich Merz's conservatives secured victory, with the far-right AfD achieving unprecedented second place. Zelensky's statement about potential resignation for NATO membership emerged as Trump's mineral deal demands faced rejection.

By evening, the Pope's deteriorating condition gained prominence as the Vatican reported respiratory crisis and kidney complications. Joy Reid's MSNBC show cancellation signaled continued media landscape restructuring, while California's high-speed rail project faced new federal scrutiny. Hamas's "humiliation" of hostages prompted Netanyahu to delay prisoner releases, potentially threatening the ceasefire.
24.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Third Powers Balanced Ukraine

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Morning coverage focused on Germany's election results, with Merz's conservatives winning while AfD secured second place. The appointment of Dan Bongino as FBI deputy director emerged alongside mass federal workforce confusion over Musk's job justification demands.

By afternoon, attention shifted to Ukraine's third war anniversary, with Trump meeting Macron amid reports of US alignment with Russia on UN resolutions. The administration pushed a controversial minerals-for-peace framework, while European leaders rushed to Washington.

Evening brought further institutional upheaval as agencies received conflicting guidance about Musk's demands, with some departments declaring them voluntary. Trump-Macron's press conference revealed sharp differences over Ukraine's future, with Macron insisting on security guarantees while Trump suggested quick resolution through Moscow talks. The Pope's reported critical condition and continuing MSNBC restructuring received limited coverage amid the diplomatic focus.
25.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Workers Left As Europe Backed Away

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Morning coverage centered on federal agencies' coordinated resistance to Musk's DOGE demands, with the Office of Personnel Management declaring email responses voluntary. Twenty-one tech staffers resigned in protest, refusing to participate in what they termed "dismantling of public services."

By afternoon, Macron's White House visit revealed deep US-Europe rifts over Ukraine policy. The French president openly challenged Trump's positions while attempting diplomatic finesse. Ukraine's parliament formally rejected elections during wartime, responding to Trump's suggestions.

Evening brought news of a US-Ukraine minerals deal, appearing as compensation for reduced military support. House Speaker Johnson struggled to secure votes for Trump's budget blueprint, which included Medicaid cuts. ICE operations faced disruption after agents' personal information leaked, while judges continued blocking various Trump executive orders.
26.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Budget Passed While Musk Crashed Cabinet

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House Republicans narrowly passed Trump's $4.5T budget resolution in early morning hours after significant pressure. The plan includes deep tax cuts and federal spending reductions, particularly targeting Medicaid.

By midday, Trump's first Cabinet meeting dominated coverage, with Elon Musk's unexpected attendance drawing scrutiny. Some Cabinet members expressed disagreement with Musk's approach as agencies received directives to prepare for "large-scale" workforce reductions. The Washington Post's opinion editor resigned following Bezos's directive to focus on free markets.

Evening coverage centered on Ukraine developments, as Trump refused to guarantee Ukraine's security in the minerals deal scheduled for Zelensky's Friday signing. The EPA moved to repeal climate findings that underpin electric vehicle regulations, while federal agencies continued resisting Musk's workforce demands. Reports emerged of over 100 intelligence officials facing dismissal over inappropriate communications.
27.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Federal Power Left Through Guarded Doors

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The morning brought extraordinary scenes of USAID workers clearing offices under federal guard with 15-minute deadlines, while the Supreme Court halted a lower court order to restart foreign aid payments. The administration proceeded to cut 90% of USAID contracts.

By afternoon, details emerged of Oscar-winner Gene Hackman and wife's deaths under suspicious circumstances in their Santa Fe home, with evidence of mummification and scattered pills drawing investigative attention.

Evening coverage centered on Trump-Starmer talks, where the British PM's offers of military support for Ukraine contrasted with Trump's expressed confidence in Putin. The Pentagon ordered removal of transgender troops within 60 days, while state officials reported unpreparedness for Education Department dissolution. A judge's late-night order attempting to block federal workforce cuts highlighted ongoing institutional resistance to DOGE initiatives.
28.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Ukraine Peace Crashed In Oval Room

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The morning brought reports of new Epstein files and a judge's ruling against federal workforce cuts. A planned minerals-for-security deal with Ukraine dominated coverage, as Zelenskyy arrived at the White House.

By afternoon, the Oval Office meeting deteriorated into confrontation. Trump and Vance berated Zelenskyy over his reluctance to accept peace terms, with Trump warning about "gambling with World War III." The Ukrainian leader left without signing the minerals agreement, effectively ending negotiations that had been developing since Tuesday.

Evening coverage revealed institutional responses, with some GOP representatives rebuking Trump's handling of the meeting. Trump called for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, marking a shift from previous US positions. Separately, Gene Hackman's death investigation continued, with pacemaker data indicating February 17 as the date of death.
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