The European Commission has said on Monday (Feb 10), it will protect EU interests after US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose new tariffs on steel and aluminium&nbsp;imports. However, the EU will wait for official details before deciding on a response. &nbsp;
Trump stated on Sunday ( Feb &nbsp;9) that his government would introduce a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminium&nbsp;imports. The EU, however, has not received any formal notification and will not react to broad announcements without written clarification. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-ready-to-talk-putin-if-us-europe-assure-they-wont-abandon-ukraine-8707810">'Give security guarantees': Zelensky ready to talk if US, Europe assure they &lsquo;won't abandon&rsquo; Ukraine</a>
<h2>&nbsp;EU rejects tariffs as unfair &nbsp;</h2>
The European Commission has dismissed the need for tariffs on EU exports. The Commission said, "The EU sees no justification for the imposition of tariffs on its exports. We will react to protect the interests of European businesses, workers and consumers from unjustified measures."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-leaves-for-france-us-visit-have-very-warm-recollection-of-working-together-in-trumps-first-term-8706633#google_vignette">PM Modi embarks on key visit to France, US; 'Have very warm recollection of working together in Trump&rsquo;s first term&rsquo;</a>
It said, "In general: The imposition of tariffs would be unlawful and economically counterproductive, especially given the deeply integrated production chains the EU and US established through Transatlantic trade and investment."&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-reacts-to-horrible-condition-of-israeli-hostages-says-us-will-lose-patience-with-gaza-ceasefire-8707549">Trump reacts to 'horrible condition' of Israeli hostages, says US will 'lose patience' with Gaza ceasefire</a>
"Tariffs are essentially taxes. By imposing tariffs, the US would be taxing its own citizens, raising costs for business, and fuelling inflation. Moreover, tariffs heighten economic uncertainty and disrupt the efficiency and integration of global markets."
<h2>How can Europe retaliate against Trump's tariffs?</h2>
A Goldman Sachs report suggests that Trump's new tariffs may prompt the EU to retaliate by focusing on US tech services rather than goods. Given Europe's significant trade deficit in services, Brussels could impose digital restrictions to offset Washington's trade policies.
<h2>Trade tensions resurface &nbsp;</h2>
If confirmed, this move would repeat Trump&rsquo;s 2018 tariffs, which affected &euro;6.4 billion ($6.6 billion) of EU exports. In response, the EU had imposed tariffs on &euro;2.8 billion worth of US goods, including bourbon and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, with plans for more. &nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

 World | Trump stated on Sunday ( Feb  9) that his government would introduce a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminium imports. The EU, however, has not received any formal notification and will not react to broad announcements without written clarification. 

The European Commission has said on Monday (Feb 10), it will protect EU interests after US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose new tariffs on steel and aluminium imports. However, the EU will wait for official details before deciding on a response. Trump stated on Sunday ( Feb 9) that his government would introduce a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminium imports. The EU, however, has not received any formal notification and will not react to broad announcements without written clarification. Also read | 'Give security guarantees': Zelensky ready to talk if US, Europe assure they ‘won't abandon’ Ukraine EU rejects tariffs as unfair The European Commission has dismissed the need for tariffs on EU exports. The Commission said, "The EU sees no justification for the imposition of tariffs on its exports. We will react to protect the interests of European businesses, workers and consumers from unjustified measures." Also read | PM Modi embarks on key visit to France, US; 'Have very warm recollection of working together in Trump’s first term’ It said, "In general: The imposition of tariffs would be unlawful and economically counterproductive, especially given the deeply integrated production chains the EU and US established through Transatlantic trade and investment." Also read | Trump reacts to 'horrible condition' of Israeli hostages, says US will 'lose patience' with Gaza ceasefire "Tariffs are essentially taxes. By imposing tariffs, the US would be taxing its own citizens, raising costs for business, and fuelling inflation. Moreover, tariffs heighten economic uncertainty and disrupt the efficiency and integration of global markets." How can Europe retaliate against Trump's tariffs? A Goldman Sachs report suggests that Trump's new tariffs may prompt the EU to retaliate by focusing on US tech services rather than goods. Given Europe's significant trade deficit in services, Brussels could impose digital restrictions to offset Washington's trade policies. Trade tensions resurface If confirmed, this move would repeat Trump’s 2018 tariffs, which affected €6.4 billion ($6.6 billion) of EU exports. In response, the EU had imposed tariffs on €2.8 billion worth of US goods, including bourbon and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, with plans for more. (With inputs from agencies)

'No justification': EU slams Trump’s tariff plan on steel, aluminium - Here's how Europe can retaliate

President Donald Trump’s offer to grant asylum to white South Africans has been rejected by Afriforum and other groups. Meanwhile, Trump has frozen US aid to South Africa over the country's controversial land law.

White South African groups reject Trump's asylum offer in US

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hailed US President Donald Trump's widely criticised plan to move Palestinians out of the war-battered Gaza Strip, saying Israel is willing to "do the job".
In a Fox News interview aired late Saturday as the premier was wrapping up a visit to Washington, Netanyahu defended Trump's proposal, which has sparked concern and condemnation across the Middle East and the world.
"I think that President Trump's proposal is the first fresh idea in years, and it has the potential to change everything in Gaza," Netanyahu said, adding that it represents a "correct approach" to the future of the Palestinian territory.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinians-return-north-after-israel-withdraws-from-netzarim-corridor-that-split-gaza-in-two-8704935">Palestinians return north after Israel withdraws from Netzarim Corridor that split Gaza in two</a>
"All Trump is saying, 'I want to open the gate and give them an option to relocate temporarily while we rebuild the place physically'," Netanyahu said.
Trump "never said he wants American troops to do the job. Guess what? We'll do the job," Netanyahu declared.
Israel seized the Gaza Strip in 1967 and maintained a military presence in the territory until 2005, when it pulled out settlers and its troops.
It subsequently imposed a crippling blockade on the Hamas-ruled territory and placed it under siege after the war began in October 2023.
Israel and armed groups in Gaza have fought several wars in recent years, but the latest &ndash; sparked by the unprecedented 2023 Hamas attack on Israel &ndash; has been the deadliest and most destructive.
Netanyahu said Trump's plan was a departure from the "same old, same old, same old &ndash; we leave, Gaza becomes again occupied by these terrorists who use it as a base to attack Israel... It doesn't go anywhere."
"I think we should pursue it," he added, cautioning that "the real issue" was finding a country that would agree to take in displaced Gazans.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-israel-and-hamas-to-begin-fifth-hostage-prisoner-exchange-8700961">Gaza ceasefire: Israel and Hamas to begin fifth hostage-prisoner exchange</a>
The Israeli leader also said that relocated Palestinians would have to "disavow terrorism" to be allowed to return to Gaza.
For Palestinians, any attempts to force them out of Gaza would evoke dark memories of what the Arab world calls the "Nakba", or catastrophe &ndash; the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel's creation in 1948.
"Everybody describes Gaza as the biggest open-air prison in the world," Netanyahu said.
"Get the population out, allow them to leave. Not forcible eviction, not ethnic cleansing &ndash; getting people out of what all these countries and all these do-gooders say is an open-air prison. Why are you keeping them in prison?"
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Israel seized the Gaza Strip in 1967 and maintained a military presence in the territory until 2005, when it pulled out settlers and its troops.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hailed US President Donald Trump's widely criticised plan to move Palestinians out of the war-battered Gaza Strip, saying Israel is willing to "do the job". In a Fox News interview aired late Saturday as the premier was wrapping up a visit to Washington, Netanyahu defended Trump's proposal, which has sparked concern and condemnation across the Middle East and the world. "I think that President Trump's proposal is the first fresh idea in years, and it has the potential to change everything in Gaza," Netanyahu said, adding that it represents a "correct approach" to the future of the Palestinian territory. Also read | Palestinians return north after Israel withdraws from Netzarim Corridor that split Gaza in two "All Trump is saying, 'I want to open the gate and give them an option to relocate temporarily while we rebuild the place physically'," Netanyahu said. Trump "never said he wants American troops to do the job. Guess what? We'll do the job," Netanyahu declared. Israel seized the Gaza Strip in 1967 and maintained a military presence in the territory until 2005, when it pulled out settlers and its troops. It subsequently imposed a crippling blockade on the Hamas-ruled territory and placed it under siege after the war began in October 2023. Israel and armed groups in Gaza have fought several wars in recent years, but the latest – sparked by the unprecedented 2023 Hamas attack on Israel – has been the deadliest and most destructive. Netanyahu said Trump's plan was a departure from the "same old, same old, same old – we leave, Gaza becomes again occupied by these terrorists who use it as a base to attack Israel... It doesn't go anywhere." "I think we should pursue it," he added, cautioning that "the real issue" was finding a country that would agree to take in displaced Gazans. Also read | Gaza ceasefire: Israel and Hamas to begin fifth hostage-prisoner exchange The Israeli leader also said that relocated Palestinians would have to "disavow terrorism" to be allowed to return to Gaza. For Palestinians, any attempts to force them out of Gaza would evoke dark memories of what the Arab world calls the "Nakba", or catastrophe – the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel's creation in 1948. "Everybody describes Gaza as the biggest open-air prison in the world," Netanyahu said. "Get the population out, allow them to leave. Not forcible eviction, not ethnic cleansing – getting people out of what all these countries and all these do-gooders say is an open-air prison. Why are you keeping them in prison?" Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel PM says 'we'll do the job' on Trump’s plan to take Gaza

President Donald Trump said on Sunday (Feb 9) that the United States will impose a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium imports on Monday. The move becomes the latest major escalation of his trade policy overhaul. "Any steel coming into the United States is going to have a 25% tariff," Trump told reporters on Air Force One.&nbsp;
The US president said that the same tariff would be applied to aluminium as well. On being asked by a reporter whether it would also be subject to tariffs, Trump added, "Aluminum, too.".&nbsp;
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Trump was speaking to reporters on Air Force One when he was on his way to the NFL Super Bowl in New Orleans. He also said he will announce reciprocal tariffs on Tuesday or Wednesday. The tariffs are to take effect almost immediately.&nbsp;
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"I don't want US Steel being owned by a foreign country... They can have... No, they're not... They don't have a control, they have an investment. All they're going to have is an investment," he said.&nbsp;
"US Steel for 15 years with the greatest company in the world, the greatest number one company in the world. And I'm not going to let another country buy it. We had a great meeting on that. But they are allowed to invest in it, and that's different," he added.&nbsp;
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The US president also said that the US would match tariff rates levied by other countries and that this would apply to all countries.
"And very simply, it's, if they charge us, we charge them," Trump said.&nbsp;
The nations have varying import policies, which can be further complicated by their obligation to adhere to other economic agreements, like the European Union, making the actual impact of reciprocal tariffs unclear.&nbsp;
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-corrupt-least-competent-elon-musk-demands-impeachment-of-judge-who-blocked-doge-treasury-access-8705333" aria-label="&lsquo;Most corrupt, least competent&rsquo;: Elon Musk demands &lsquo;impeachment&rsquo; of judge who blocked DOGE&rsquo;s Treasury access">&lsquo;Most corrupt, least competent&rsquo;: Elon Musk demands &lsquo;impeachment&rsquo; of judge who blocked DOGE&rsquo;s Treasury access</a>
However, the tariffs may eventually have an impact on important trading partners, including China, the European Union, Japan, Canada, and Mexico.
Notably, during his first term, Trump imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium, but later granted several trading partners duty-free quotas, including Canada, Mexico and Brazil.&nbsp;
America imports the most steel from Canada, Brazil and Mexico, followed by South Korea and Vietnam, according to data from the American Iron and Steel Institute and the government.
<h2>'Tariffs are going to help'</h2>
With 79 per cent of all imports in the first 11 months of 2024 coming from Canada, the country is by far the biggest supplier of basic aluminium metal to the US. Meanwhile, Mexico is a significant source of aluminium alloy and scrap.&nbsp;
"Nobody can have a majority stake for U.S. Steel. They can for other companies, but not for U.S. steel. I think you agree with that. U.S. Steel was one of our great companies," Trump said.&nbsp;
He added, "And through a lot of stupidity and bad government and also bad management of the company, it lost that luster, but it's going to gain it back. And tariffs are going to help. Tariffs are going to make it very successful again."&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World News | Explore how Trump's latest trade measures might affect international trade dynamics, while examining previous tariff implementations and their economic outcomes.

President Donald Trump said on Sunday (Feb 9) that the United States will impose a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium imports on Monday. The move becomes the latest major escalation of his trade policy overhaul. "Any steel coming into the United States is going to have a 25% tariff," Trump told reporters on Air Force One. The US president said that the same tariff would be applied to aluminium as well. On being asked by a reporter whether it would also be subject to tariffs, Trump added, "Aluminum, too.". Also read: 'He'll expose billions of dollars of fraud': Trump defends 'terrific' Elon Musk’s government overhaul Trump was speaking to reporters on Air Force One when he was on his way to the NFL Super Bowl in New Orleans. He also said he will announce reciprocal tariffs on Tuesday or Wednesday. The tariffs are to take effect almost immediately. Also read: Trump at the Super Bowl LIX: A historic first for US President as his NFL feud lingers "I don't want US Steel being owned by a foreign country... They can have... No, they're not... They don't have a control, they have an investment. All they're going to have is an investment," he said. "US Steel for 15 years with the greatest company in the world, the greatest number one company in the world. And I'm not going to let another country buy it. We had a great meeting on that. But they are allowed to invest in it, and that's different," he added. Also read: Rising legal battles over Trump’s executive orders: A look at key lawsuits The US president also said that the US would match tariff rates levied by other countries and that this would apply to all countries. "And very simply, it's, if they charge us, we charge them," Trump said. The nations have varying import policies, which can be further complicated by their obligation to adhere to other economic agreements, like the European Union, making the actual impact of reciprocal tariffs unclear. Also read: ‘Most corrupt, least competent’: Elon Musk demands ‘impeachment’ of judge who blocked DOGE’s Treasury access However, the tariffs may eventually have an impact on important trading partners, including China, the European Union, Japan, Canada, and Mexico. Notably, during his first term, Trump imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium, but later granted several trading partners duty-free quotas, including Canada, Mexico and Brazil. America imports the most steel from Canada, Brazil and Mexico, followed by South Korea and Vietnam, according to data from the American Iron and Steel Institute and the government. 'Tariffs are going to help' With 79 per cent of all imports in the first 11 months of 2024 coming from Canada, the country is by far the biggest supplier of basic aluminium metal to the US. Meanwhile, Mexico is a significant source of aluminium alloy and scrap. "Nobody can have a majority stake for U.S. Steel. They can for other companies, but not for U.S. steel. I think you agree with that. U.S. Steel was one of our great companies," Trump said. He added, "And through a lot of stupidity and bad government and also bad management of the company, it lost that luster, but it's going to gain it back. And tariffs are going to help. Tariffs are going to make it very successful again." (With inputs from agencies)

US to impose 25-percent tariffs on steel, aluminium imports, says Donald Trump

World: Explore the intriguing cover of TIME magazine featuring Elon Musk at the Resolute Desk, sparking public debate amid Donald Trump's ongoing second presidential term.

The cover of TIME magazine’s latest issue features Elon Musk sitting behind the fabled Resolute Desk in the Oval Office of the White House. The picture has no text or caption. It is a public reminder of a question asked increasingly frequently as Donald Trump’s second presidential term unfolds. The question: who is really in charge of the government of the United States? The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, or Donald Trump, whose electoral campaign benefitted from contributions totalling $288 million from Musk. In return, the day Trump assumed office, he named Musk head of a newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), whose aim is to make huge cuts in federal spending. Also read | After Biden, Trump cancels security clearances for Blinken, Jake Sullivan Critics soon dubbed Musk co-president. Social media memes and cartoons proliferated, with one of the most viewed showing Musk as a puppeteer pulling the strings of Trump. This is why the TIME cover needed no explanation. It irked Trump, whose unsmiling response to a press conference question about the depiction of Musk in the Oval Office was, “Is TIME magazine still in business? I didn’t know that.” If that was meant as an attempt at light-hearted repartee, it fell flat as reporters soon found Trump’s reaction to TIME naming him Person of the Year in December. “It’s an honour, it’s a great honour.” To put the cover episode, in week three of Trump 2.0, into context: news magazines used to have an enormous impact on public opinion through much of the 20th century. But their importance faded in an information ecosystem now dominated by social media and cable TV. Also read | Tsunami advisory issued after magnitude 7.6 earthquake hits Caribbean Still, TIME, first published in 1923, reports a circulation of 1.2 million. To return to DOGE and the controversies and achievements of Trump’s first few weeks, the words “unprecedented” and “American Exceptionalism” come to mind. There is no precedent for an unelected private citizen to be charged with cutting two trillion dollars from a 6.75 trillion federal budget. There is no precedent either for DOGE, which is not a cabinet-level department of the U.S. government but was established as an advisory group. There were no guidelines on the extent, or limits, of its power. Musk appears to believe its authority trumps laws and regulations. As to American Exceptionalism: Musk could be the poster boy for the concept, the epitome of the American dream that draws millions of foreigners to America. Also read | Alaska plane crash: Bodies of all 10 people recovered. Here’s what we know Where else could an immigrant from South Africa amass a fortune estimated at $424 billion, more than $150 million more than Jeff Bezos, the U.S.-born Jeff Bezos, who owns Amazon and is the world’s second-richest man? Where else could a private citizen, with the help of a super smart former employee of one of his companies, gain access to the payments system of the U.S. Treasury which processes federal spending accounting for roughly a fifth of the U.S. economy? Where else would a president ignore the possibility of huge conflicts of interest by giving free rein to a cost-cutting czar who has billions of dollars worth of contracts with important agencies of the government and some of the most important companies in the defence and space industries? All of this is exceptional though it is not the kind of American exceptionalism that has filled generations of Americans with pride – a country based on an idea rather than on blood and soil. So, how much government spending has been cut in the first three weeks of DOGE and what have been the primary targets of Musk’s cost-cutters? Given the outsize role of “defence” in the U.S. economy, you might assume that the Pentagon has been under early scrutiny following the “shock and awe” announcement of impending cuts. This does not appear to be the case despite a history of jaw-dropping waste. In 2018, a Republican Senator, Charles Grassley, provided several mind-boggling examples. In an opinion piece in the New York Times in December 2018, Grassley wrote that “the Defense Department has had to explain why it’s been paying $14,000 for individual 3-D printed toilet seats and purchasing cups for $1,280.00 each.” Also read | Trump talked to Putin, says Russian president 'wants to see people stop dying' in Ukraine war: Report The Pentagon’s budget for fiscal 2025 (ending in September) is $849.8 billion. But rather than going for the big stuff, both Musk and Trump have been focused on USAID, the US Agency for International Development. Its spending accounts for around one per cent of the overall federal budget. On his social media platform X, Musk described USAID as a “criminal organization. Time for it to die.” Trump asserted on his platform that USAID is “run by radical left-wing lunatics.” Neither Trump nor Musk has provided concrete examples of malfeasance or lunatic behaviour. That has not kept them from planning to cut USAID personnel from around 10,000 around the world to 294. USAID is the most visible demonstration of “soft power” demonstrating to people around the world that the United States can be a force for good. It provides food for the hungry and medicines for the sick. As Samantha Power, who ran USAID from 2021 to 2025, put it in an opinion piece in the New York Times: ”We are witnessing one of the worst and most costly foreign policy blunders in history.” Halting aid programmes around the world, she wrote, imperils millions of lives, thousands of American jobs, and billions of dollars of investment in American business and small farms. Killing USAID “is a win for autocrats everywhere,” she concluded. Judging from a string of surveys over the years, such arguments do little to touch emotional buttons for most Americans. Aid to foreigners is not popular, thanks partly to lazy journalism omitting context that might sway public opinion. Poll after poll has shown that most Americans believe that foreign aid accounts for around 25 per cent of the federal budget. Year after year, the actual figure has been around one per cent. That vast gap between perception and reality makes USAID an easy target.

The great American guessing game: who runs the country,  Trump or Musk?

In another jolt to former US president Joe Biden&rsquo;s team, President Donald Trump&rsquo;s administration revoked the security clearances of his Secretary of State Antony Blinken and former national security adviser Jake Sullivan, White House officials said on Saturday.
This comes a day after President Trump stripped the security clearance of former President Joe Biden, which would stop his access to daily intelligence briefings.
Trump also revoked security clearances for Biden's Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, who helped coordinate the Department of Justice's response to the January 6, 2021, attacks on the US Capitol, the officials said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-tit-for-tat-us-president-revokes-security-clearance-of-predecessor-joe-biden-8700784">Trump's tit-for-tat: US President revokes security clearance of predecessor Biden</a>
He also removed the clearances of the New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who led cases against Trump, the officials said.
<h2 dir="ltr">Trump revokes security clearance of predecessor Biden</h2>
On Friday (Feb 7), the US President announced that he was revoking the security clearance of former president Joe Biden, ending his access to intelligence briefings after leaving office.
Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to announce the revocation of security clearance and said, "There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information. Therefore, we are immediately revoking Joe Biden's Security Clearances, and stopping his daily Intelligence Briefings."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-talked-to-putin-says-russian-president-wants-to-see-people-stop-dying-in-ukraine-war-report-8703614">Trump talked to Putin, says Russian president 'wants to see people stop dying' in Ukraine war: Report</a>
Using his famous catchphrase from his former reality show 'The Apprentice' he added "JOE, YOU'RE FIRED."
<h2 dir="ltr">&lsquo;Tit For Tat Move'</h2>
US presidents are traditionally given the right to receive intelligence briefings even after they step down.
Trump said he was making the move because Democrat Biden had removed his security clearance after winning the 2020 election. At the time, Biden had cited Trump's "erratic behaviour" both before and after the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol by protesters trying to overturn Trump's election loss.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-donald-trumps-tremendous-resentment-for-japan-fueled-his-tariff-obsession-8703283">How Donald Trump's 'tremendous resentment for Japan' fueled his tariff obsession</a>
In his post on Friday, Trump claimed that Biden "could not be trusted" with intelligence briefings because a special counsel's report into classified documents found at the Democrat's home found that Biden, 82, suffered from "poor memory."
&ldquo;I will always protect our National Security &mdash; JOE, YOU&rsquo;RE FIRED. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!&rdquo; the US President added. 
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: In a significant move, President Trump's administration has revoked security clearances for Biden's Secretary of State Antony Blinken and ex-adviser Jake Sullivan.

In another jolt to former US president Joe Biden’s team, President Donald Trump’s administration revoked the security clearances of his Secretary of State Antony Blinken and former national security adviser Jake Sullivan, White House officials said on Saturday. This comes a day after President Trump stripped the security clearance of former President Joe Biden, which would stop his access to daily intelligence briefings. Trump also revoked security clearances for Biden's Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, who helped coordinate the Department of Justice's response to the January 6, 2021, attacks on the US Capitol, the officials said. Also read | Trump's tit-for-tat: US President revokes security clearance of predecessor Biden He also removed the clearances of the New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who led cases against Trump, the officials said. Trump revokes security clearance of predecessor Biden On Friday (Feb 7), the US President announced that he was revoking the security clearance of former president Joe Biden, ending his access to intelligence briefings after leaving office. Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to announce the revocation of security clearance and said, "There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information. Therefore, we are immediately revoking Joe Biden's Security Clearances, and stopping his daily Intelligence Briefings." Also read | Trump talked to Putin, says Russian president 'wants to see people stop dying' in Ukraine war: Report Using his famous catchphrase from his former reality show 'The Apprentice' he added "JOE, YOU'RE FIRED." ‘Tit For Tat Move' US presidents are traditionally given the right to receive intelligence briefings even after they step down. Trump said he was making the move because Democrat Biden had removed his security clearance after winning the 2020 election. At the time, Biden had cited Trump's "erratic behaviour" both before and after the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol by protesters trying to overturn Trump's election loss. Also read | How Donald Trump's 'tremendous resentment for Japan' fueled his tariff obsession In his post on Friday, Trump claimed that Biden "could not be trusted" with intelligence briefings because a special counsel's report into classified documents found at the Democrat's home found that Biden, 82, suffered from "poor memory." “I will always protect our National Security — JOE, YOU’RE FIRED. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” the US President added. (With inputs from agencies)

After Biden, Trump cancels security clearances for Blinken, Jake Sullivan

As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring people from updating the sex on their passports, Lisa Suhay took her daughter Mellow to a passport office, as they want her&nbsp; to leave America before it becomes unbearable for transgenders.&nbsp;
Mellow, who is 21 years old, was taken to a passport office in Norfolk, Virginia, where they live.
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Trump signed an executive order, using a narrow definition of the sexes instead of a broader conception of gender. According to the order, a person is either a male or a female.&nbsp;
It also rejects the idea that someone can transition from the sex assigned at birth to another gender.&nbsp;
Mellow's family wants her to be able to leave the country if things become unbearable for transgender people in the US.&nbsp;
&ldquo;If the worst was to come to worst and things were to threaten my life,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;I would have some way out.&rdquo;
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Mellow checked on the "male" box, even though that's different from her state-issued driver's license.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We had to swear an oath to the fact that the information that we presented was true, even if what we had to do was not truthful to ourselves,&rdquo; Mellow said. &ldquo;It was emotional because it was in a way lying to yourself.&rdquo;
Mellow's mother said she is worried that her daughter might not be granted a passport or that it could create legal problems if her documents don't match or because she swore to something where she was not true.&nbsp;
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Following Trump's order, seven people filed a federal lawsuit challenging the State Department's refusal to issue passports with accurate sex designations.&nbsp;
The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Massachusetts, and law firm Covington &amp; Burling LLP, on behalf of those seven people. The complaint was filed in the federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
Under the ensuing Passport Policy, within 24 hours, the State Department began holding some passports and other relevant documents, submitted by the transgender, intersex, and nonbinary people who had applied to update the sex designation on their US passports.&nbsp;
They further returned the documents and passports with their applications rejected and their newly-issued passport marked with their sex assigned at birth.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-deserve-this-jo-ellis-transgender-pilot-wrongly-named-in-washington-plane-crash-speaks-out-who-is-she-8682211" rel="dofollow">'I don&rsquo;t deserve this': Jo Ellis, transgender pilot wrongly named in Washington plane crash speaks out. Who is she? | WATCH</a>
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve lived virtually my entire adult life as a man. Everyone in my personal and professional life knows me as a man, and any stranger on the street who encountered me would view me as a man,&rdquo; said Reid Solomon-Lane of North Adams, Massachusetts.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I thought that 18 years after transitioning, I would be able to live my life in safety and ease. Now, as a married father of three, Trump&rsquo;s executive order and the ensuing passport policy have threatened that life of safety and ease. If my passport were to reflect a sex designation that is inconsistent with who I am, I would be forcibly outed every time I used my passport for travel or identification, causing potential risk to my safety and my family&rsquo;s safety," Reid said.&nbsp;
Earlier, the State Department permitted people to change the sex designation on their passports to be aligned with their gender identity.&nbsp;
However, since Trump's new order, the department publicly announced that applications to obtain a sex designation consistent with their gender identity rather than their sex assigned at birth have been "suspended".&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Trump signed an executive order, using a narrow definition of the sexes instead of a broader conception of gender. As per the order, a person is either a male or a female. 

As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring people from updating the sex on their passports, Lisa Suhay took her daughter Mellow to a passport office, as they want her to leave America before it becomes unbearable for transgenders. Mellow, who is 21 years old, was taken to a passport office in Norfolk, Virginia, where they live. Also read: 'War on women sports'? Donald Trump signs order banning transgender athletes from women's sports Trump signed an executive order, using a narrow definition of the sexes instead of a broader conception of gender. According to the order, a person is either a male or a female. It also rejects the idea that someone can transition from the sex assigned at birth to another gender. Mellow's family wants her to be able to leave the country if things become unbearable for transgender people in the US. “If the worst was to come to worst and things were to threaten my life,” she said, “I would have some way out.” Also read: Trump to sign executive order banning transgender athletes from female sports Mellow checked on the "male" box, even though that's different from her state-issued driver's license. “We had to swear an oath to the fact that the information that we presented was true, even if what we had to do was not truthful to ourselves,” Mellow said. “It was emotional because it was in a way lying to yourself.” Mellow's mother said she is worried that her daughter might not be granted a passport or that it could create legal problems if her documents don't match or because she swore to something where she was not true. Also read: Trump signs order banning transgender people from US military. What are the new guidelines? Following Trump's order, seven people filed a federal lawsuit challenging the State Department's refusal to issue passports with accurate sex designations. The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Massachusetts, and law firm Covington & Burling LLP, on behalf of those seven people. The complaint was filed in the federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Under the ensuing Passport Policy, within 24 hours, the State Department began holding some passports and other relevant documents, submitted by the transgender, intersex, and nonbinary people who had applied to update the sex designation on their US passports. They further returned the documents and passports with their applications rejected and their newly-issued passport marked with their sex assigned at birth. Also read: 'I don’t deserve this': Jo Ellis, transgender pilot wrongly named in Washington plane crash speaks out. Who is she? | WATCH “I’ve lived virtually my entire adult life as a man. Everyone in my personal and professional life knows me as a man, and any stranger on the street who encountered me would view me as a man,” said Reid Solomon-Lane of North Adams, Massachusetts. “I thought that 18 years after transitioning, I would be able to live my life in safety and ease. Now, as a married father of three, Trump’s executive order and the ensuing passport policy have threatened that life of safety and ease. If my passport were to reflect a sex designation that is inconsistent with who I am, I would be forcibly outed every time I used my passport for travel or identification, causing potential risk to my safety and my family’s safety," Reid said. Earlier, the State Department permitted people to change the sex designation on their passports to be aligned with their gender identity. However, since Trump's new order, the department publicly announced that applications to obtain a sex designation consistent with their gender identity rather than their sex assigned at birth have been "suspended". (With inputs from agencies)

Transgender Americans face complicated passport process amid Trump's new policy

US President Donald Trump asked if Time Magazine is still in business after he was asked about its latest cover showing Elon Musk behind Trump's resolute desk. "Is TIME magazine still in business? I didn't even know that," Trump said leading laughs in the room. The US president was asked what is his opinion on the cover, which pushed the "President Musk" narrative. Trump said he did not realise the magazine was still in business.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-appoint-himself-chairman-of-washingtons-top-cultural-venue-the-kennedy-center-8700987">Trump to appoint himself chairman of Washington's top cultural venue, the Kennedy Center</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6vvbl9x-6m72ec2x-x13lj40r">
NEW: Reporter asks Trump about his reaction to the new TIME cover depicting Elon Musk as president, Trump replies by saying he didn't realize TIME was still in business. Reporter: "Do you have a reaction to the TIME Magazine cover that has Elon Musk sitting behind your resolute&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/GlcoGPqvKh">pic.twitter.com/GlcoGPqvKh</a>
&mdash; Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1887925469531750707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-tit-for-tat-us-president-revokes-security-clearance-of-predecessor-joe-biden-8700784">Trump's tit-for-tat: US President revokes security clearance of predecessor Biden</a>
The magazine questioned how Musk enjoys the power that no businessman ever had and how he is only accountable to the US president "who handed his campaign benefactor a sweeping mandate to bring the government in line with his agenda".
Trump then went on to praise Musk saying, "Elon is doing a great job. He is finding tremendous fraud and corruption and waste. You see it with the USAID but you are going to see even more with other agencies and other parts of the government."&nbsp;
"He's got a staff that's fantastic. He's wanted to be able to do this for a long time. Everybody else knew it was existent but, I think, never so much when you look at USAID. The whole thing is a fraud," he further added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-intention-to-absorb-canada-into-us-is-real-thing-8700778">Trudeau says Trump's threat to absorb Canada into US is a 'real thing'</a>
The US president further added, "Very little being put to good use. Every single line that I look at in terms of events and transactions is either corrupt or ridiculous. And we are going to be doing that through our government and we are going to be very close to balancing the budget. He's (Elon) doing a very good job. I am very happy with it."&nbsp;
Trump's statement about Time Magazine came after the US president was selected as Person of the Year in 2024 by the magazine.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/keep-it-simple-bangars-advise-to-rohit-sharma-amid-prolonged-lean-patch-8701495">'Keep it simple', Bangar's advise to Rohit Sharma amid prolonged lean patch</a><img src="https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210401220308-conclu-trump.jpg?q=x_4,y_207,h_2246,w_3991,c_crop/h_833,w_1480" alt="Trump Twitter: Supreme Court wipes away ruling that said Trump violated Constitution by blocking Twitter followers | CNN Politics">
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending | The US president was asked what is his opinion on the cover, which pushed the "President Musk" narrative. Trump said he did not realise the magazine was still in business. 

US President Donald Trump asked if Time Magazine is still in business after he was asked about its latest cover showing Elon Musk behind Trump's resolute desk. "Is TIME magazine still in business? I didn't even know that," Trump said leading laughs in the room. The US president was asked what is his opinion on the cover, which pushed the "President Musk" narrative. Trump said he did not realise the magazine was still in business. Also read: Trump to appoint himself chairman of Washington's top cultural venue, the Kennedy Center NEW: Reporter asks Trump about his reaction to the new TIME cover depicting Elon Musk as president, Trump replies by saying he didn't realize TIME was still in business. Reporter: "Do you have a reaction to the TIME Magazine cover that has Elon Musk sitting behind your resolute… pic.twitter.com/GlcoGPqvKh — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 7, 2025 Also read: Trump's tit-for-tat: US President revokes security clearance of predecessor Biden The magazine questioned how Musk enjoys the power that no businessman ever had and how he is only accountable to the US president "who handed his campaign benefactor a sweeping mandate to bring the government in line with his agenda". Trump then went on to praise Musk saying, "Elon is doing a great job. He is finding tremendous fraud and corruption and waste. You see it with the USAID but you are going to see even more with other agencies and other parts of the government." "He's got a staff that's fantastic. He's wanted to be able to do this for a long time. Everybody else knew it was existent but, I think, never so much when you look at USAID. The whole thing is a fraud," he further added. Also read: Trudeau says Trump's threat to absorb Canada into US is a 'real thing' The US president further added, "Very little being put to good use. Every single line that I look at in terms of events and transactions is either corrupt or ridiculous. And we are going to be doing that through our government and we are going to be very close to balancing the budget. He's (Elon) doing a very good job. I am very happy with it." Trump's statement about Time Magazine came after the US president was selected as Person of the Year in 2024 by the magazine. Also read: 'Keep it simple', Bangar's advise to Rohit Sharma amid prolonged lean patch (With inputs from agencies)

'Is Time Magazine still in business?' Trump asks after 'President Musk' cover

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading to the US next week. What golden gift will he take for US President Donald Trump?

What golden gift should Modi take for Trump?

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says US President Donald Trump’s idea to move Palestinians out of Gaza is "the first original idea to be raised in years." Watch this report for more details!

Netanyahu: Trump's Gaza plan first original idea to be raised in years

US Federal Election Commission (FEC) Commissioner and Chair Ellen Weintraub received a letter from President Donald Trump that purports to fire her but added that the action was illegal. Watch this report for more details!

Donald Trump sends letter to Election Chair Ellen Weintraub

We take a look at what else is making news in West Asia.

Arab nations reject Trump's Gaza plan

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to meet US President Donald Trump, marking a crucial moment in the US-Japan alliance. Watch this report for more details!

Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba to meet Trump

President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed that South Africa will not be bullied after his government faced criticism from senior US officials, including President Donald Trump. Watch this report for more details!

Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa will not be 'deterred'

US President Donald Trump’s administration ended the section 321 de minimis exemption, which had allowed low-value shipments—under $800—from China to enter the US Duty-free. The sudden removal of this loophole is set to affect millions of shipments from Chinese e-commerce giants, who together account for 30 percent of these direct-to-consumer shipments.

Trump ends de minimis loophole: US consumers brace for rising costs

Donald Trump has signed an executive order that authorises aggressive economic sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the body of targeting the US and Israel.

Donald Trump imposes sanctions on ICC, accusing it of targeting US and Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on his official visit to the United States on February 12, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Friday.&nbsp;
Indian prime minister is scheduled to hold discussions with US President Donald Trump in Washington.&nbsp;
This will mark his first visit to the US after the inauguration of President Donald Trump.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-to-travel-to-us-next-week-meet-president-donald-trump-8687911" rel="dofollow">Indian PM Narendra Modi to meet US President Donald Trump next week</a>
"The PM would be among the first few world leaders to visit the US following the inauguration of President Trump,&rdquo; Misri said at a special briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
<h2>Modi to visit France from Feb 10-12</h2>
PM Modi will travel to the US after visiting France from February 10 to 12, where he is scheduled to co-chair the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris. He will discuss the future of artificial intelligence, its governance, and its role in shaping international policies.
This comes after a White House official released a statement confirming that Trump has invited Modi for talks next week.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-co-chair-ai-summit-to-open-new-consulate-in-marseille-during-france-visit-sources-8698477" rel="dofollow">PM Modi to co-chair AI Summit, to open new Consulate in Marseille during France visit: Sources</a>
Earlier also, Trump hinted at the visit as he told reporters last month that he had spoken to Modi and looked forward to hosting him in Washington.&nbsp;
PM Modi and Donald Trump have spoken to each other twice since the November 2024 US election results, the last conversation being on January 27.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-accepts-macrons-invitation-for-ai-action-summit-8679450" rel="dofollow">Indian PM Modi accepts Macron's invitation for AI Action Summit</a>
On Jan 27, Trump spoke with Modi and discussed immigration and stressed the importance of India buying more American-made security equipment and fair bilateral trading ties.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-french-president-macron-to-jointly-inaugurate-indian-consulate-in-marseille-8691162" rel="dofollow">PM Modi, French President Macron to jointly inaugurate Indian consulate in Marseille</a>
They also had a conversation on bilateral trade and defence cooperation, with Trump emphasising on &lsquo;fair trade&rsquo; and increased procurement of US security equipment.
Moreover, it also comes days after a US military plane deported 104 Indians who had illegally immigrated to the US.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Indian prime minister is scheduled to hold discussions with the US President in Washington, marking his first visit to the US after the inauguration of Donald Trump. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on his official visit to the United States on February 12, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Friday. Indian prime minister is scheduled to hold discussions with US President Donald Trump in Washington. This will mark his first visit to the US after the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Also read: Indian PM Narendra Modi to meet US President Donald Trump next week "The PM would be among the first few world leaders to visit the US following the inauguration of President Trump,” Misri said at a special briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Modi to visit France from Feb 10-12 PM Modi will travel to the US after visiting France from February 10 to 12, where he is scheduled to co-chair the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris. He will discuss the future of artificial intelligence, its governance, and its role in shaping international policies. This comes after a White House official released a statement confirming that Trump has invited Modi for talks next week. Also read: PM Modi to co-chair AI Summit, to open new Consulate in Marseille during France visit: Sources Earlier also, Trump hinted at the visit as he told reporters last month that he had spoken to Modi and looked forward to hosting him in Washington. PM Modi and Donald Trump have spoken to each other twice since the November 2024 US election results, the last conversation being on January 27. Also read: Indian PM Modi accepts Macron's invitation for AI Action Summit On Jan 27, Trump spoke with Modi and discussed immigration and stressed the importance of India buying more American-made security equipment and fair bilateral trading ties. Also read: PM Modi, French President Macron to jointly inaugurate Indian consulate in Marseille They also had a conversation on bilateral trade and defence cooperation, with Trump emphasising on ‘fair trade’ and increased procurement of US security equipment. Moreover, it also comes days after a US military plane deported 104 Indians who had illegally immigrated to the US. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi to visit US on Feb 12-13, will hold talks with President Trump

A federal judge in Seattle on Thursday (Feb 6) indefinitely blocked US President Donald Trump's executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship bringing a big relief for Indian students and professionals living in the United States on visas and awaiting green cards.
Slamming the order, the court reportedly said that the US President is trying to skirt the rule of law to play "policy games" with the Constitution.
This is the second major legal blow to Trump&rsquo;s efforts to alter the US law as a federal judge in Maryland issued a similar ruling earlier.
Also read | Federal judge temporarily halts Trump&rsquo;s birthright citizenship order
<h2 dir="ltr">What does the judge say?</h2>
"It has become ever-more apparent that to our president, the rule of law is but an impediment to his policy goals. The rule of law is, according to him, something to navigate around or simply ignore, whether that be for political or personal gain," Judge Coughenour said during a hearing.
"In this courtroom and under my watch, the rule of law is a bright beacon which I intend to follow," Coughenour continued.
Emphasising that the Constitution is not something with which the government can play policy games, Judge Coughenour said, &ldquo;If the government wants to change the exceptional American grant of birthright citizenship, it needs to amend the Constitution itself.&rdquo;
Also read | UK orders Apple to create back door for them to spy on users' encrypted accounts: Report
A new nationwide preliminary injunction issued in Seattle builds upon a previous temporary block by Judge Coughenour, who initially halted the President's order just days after its signing.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Affect on Indians in America</h2>
Trump&rsquo;s order to end birthright citizenship denies US citizenship to children born on American soil to parents who are not permanent residents of the United States.
The order caused concerns among the Indian community in the US, particularly those living on temporary visas like H-1B (work visas), L (intra-company transfers), H-4 (dependent visas) and F (student visas).
Also read | Donald Trump: Government paid Politico to write 'good stories' about Democrats
Without the right to birthright citizenship, children of these immigrants may lose access to in-state tuition rates, federal financial aid and scholarships, significantly impacting their educational prospects.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: A Seattle judge halts Trump's order on birthright citizenship indefinitely, offering significant relief for Indian students and professionals on visas in the US.

A federal judge in Seattle on Thursday (Feb 6) indefinitely blocked US President Donald Trump's executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship bringing a big relief for Indian students and professionals living in the United States on visas and awaiting green cards. Slamming the order, the court reportedly said that the US President is trying to skirt the rule of law to play "policy games" with the Constitution. This is the second major legal blow to Trump’s efforts to alter the US law as a federal judge in Maryland issued a similar ruling earlier. Also read | Federal judge temporarily halts Trump’s birthright citizenship order What does the judge say? "It has become ever-more apparent that to our president, the rule of law is but an impediment to his policy goals. The rule of law is, according to him, something to navigate around or simply ignore, whether that be for political or personal gain," Judge Coughenour said during a hearing. "In this courtroom and under my watch, the rule of law is a bright beacon which I intend to follow," Coughenour continued. Emphasising that the Constitution is not something with which the government can play policy games, Judge Coughenour said, “If the government wants to change the exceptional American grant of birthright citizenship, it needs to amend the Constitution itself.” Also read | UK orders Apple to create back door for them to spy on users' encrypted accounts: Report A new nationwide preliminary injunction issued in Seattle builds upon a previous temporary block by Judge Coughenour, who initially halted the President's order just days after its signing. Affect on Indians in America Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship denies US citizenship to children born on American soil to parents who are not permanent residents of the United States. The order caused concerns among the Indian community in the US, particularly those living on temporary visas like H-1B (work visas), L (intra-company transfers), H-4 (dependent visas) and F (student visas). Also read | Donald Trump: Government paid Politico to write 'good stories' about Democrats Without the right to birthright citizenship, children of these immigrants may lose access to in-state tuition rates, federal financial aid and scholarships, significantly impacting their educational prospects. (With inputs from agencies)

Major relief for Indians in US as court indefinitely halts Trump's birthright citizenship order

United States President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-just-getting-started-white-house-recaps-two-weeks-of-trump-presidency-in-95-seconds-8688269" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump</a> on Thursday (Feb 6) reiterated his claim that billions of dollars had "been stolen at the USAID, and other agencies" and given "to the fake news media" to write favourable stories about Democrats. In a social media post, Trump alleged that US-based news website Politico had received $8 million. The website has denied allegations, calling them "flat-out false".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-create-faith-office-to-end-anti-christian-bias-in-america-8698493">Trump to create faith office to end 'anti-Christian bias' in America</a>
On his official Truth Social account, Trump posted: "LOOKS LIKE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS HAVE BEEN STOLLEN [sic] AT USAID, AND OTHER AGENCIES, MUCH OF IT GOING TO THE FAKE NEWS MEDIA AS A "PAYOFF" FOR CREATING GOOD STORIES ABOUT THE DEMOCRATS." &nbsp;&nbsp;
"THE LEFT WING "RAG," KNOWN AS "POLITICO," SEEMS TO HAVE RECEIVED $8,000,000. Did the New York Times receive money??? Who else did??? THIS COULD BE THE BIGGEST SCANDAL OF THEM ALL, PERHAPS THE BIGGEST IN HISTORY! THE DEMOCRATS CAN'T HIDE FROM THIS ONE. TOO BIG, TOO DIRTY!" he added.&nbsp;
This came hours after the White House announced that it would stop paying for Politico subscriptions in the aftermath of claims that the United States Agency for International Development subsidised the media outlet.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-daughter-in-law-lara-trump-to-host-prime-time-tv-news-show-on-this-major-us-tv-network-8695058">Donald Trump's daughter-in-law Lara Trump to host prime time TV news show on THIS major US TV network</a>
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday that she was "made aware of the funding of USAID to media outlets, including Politico" and that the media outlet was paid more than $8 million by the federal government.&nbsp;
Leavitt added that the government was "essentially subsidizing subscriptions to Politico on the American taxpayers' dime".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-of-these-aliens-donald-trump-administration-sues-chicago-over-sanctuary-laws-8697819">'Some of these aliens...': Donald Trump administration sues Chicago over 'sanctuary' laws</a>
She added that the DOGE team, which is Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency led by billionaire Elon Musk, is working on "cancelling those payments now".&nbsp;
USAspending.gov, which is a government website that tracks federal spending, revealed that in 2024, the government agencies paid a total of almost $8 million for Politico subscriptions and products, including $24,000 spent by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on subscriptions.&nbsp;
As per the data, federal agencies also paid for subscriptions to other news outlets, such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal in 2014.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-signs-order-banning-transgender-athletes-from-womens-sports-in-teh-us-to-push-for-similar-ban-in-olympics-next-8694512">'War on women sports'? Donald Trump signs order banning transgender athletes from women's sports</a>
<h2>Politico denies allegations&nbsp;</h2>
Politico's editor-in-chief John Harris wrote a letter to the staff on Wednesday, saying, "POLITICO has never been a beneficiary of government programs or subsidies &mdash; not one cent, ever, in 18 years."&nbsp;
The "overwhelming majority" of Politico Pro subscriptions come from the private sector, Harris further said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World | Learn about the White House's decision to halt Politico subscriptions amid allegations of government subsidies, and the response from Politico denying these claims.

United States President Donald Trump on Thursday (Feb 6) reiterated his claim that billions of dollars had "been stolen at the USAID, and other agencies" and given "to the fake news media" to write favourable stories about Democrats. In a social media post, Trump alleged that US-based news website Politico had received $8 million. The website has denied allegations, calling them "flat-out false". Also read: Trump to create faith office to end 'anti-Christian bias' in America On his official Truth Social account, Trump posted: "LOOKS LIKE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS HAVE BEEN STOLLEN [sic] AT USAID, AND OTHER AGENCIES, MUCH OF IT GOING TO THE FAKE NEWS MEDIA AS A "PAYOFF" FOR CREATING GOOD STORIES ABOUT THE DEMOCRATS." "THE LEFT WING "RAG," KNOWN AS "POLITICO," SEEMS TO HAVE RECEIVED $8,000,000. Did the New York Times receive money??? Who else did??? THIS COULD BE THE BIGGEST SCANDAL OF THEM ALL, PERHAPS THE BIGGEST IN HISTORY! THE DEMOCRATS CAN'T HIDE FROM THIS ONE. TOO BIG, TOO DIRTY!" he added. This came hours after the White House announced that it would stop paying for Politico subscriptions in the aftermath of claims that the United States Agency for International Development subsidised the media outlet. Also read: Donald Trump's daughter-in-law Lara Trump to host prime time TV news show on THIS major US TV network White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday that she was "made aware of the funding of USAID to media outlets, including Politico" and that the media outlet was paid more than $8 million by the federal government. Leavitt added that the government was "essentially subsidizing subscriptions to Politico on the American taxpayers' dime". Also read: 'Some of these aliens...': Donald Trump administration sues Chicago over 'sanctuary' laws She added that the DOGE team, which is Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency led by billionaire Elon Musk, is working on "cancelling those payments now". USAspending.gov, which is a government website that tracks federal spending, revealed that in 2024, the government agencies paid a total of almost $8 million for Politico subscriptions and products, including $24,000 spent by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on subscriptions. As per the data, federal agencies also paid for subscriptions to other news outlets, such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal in 2014. Also read: 'War on women sports'? Donald Trump signs order banning transgender athletes from women's sports Politico denies allegations Politico's editor-in-chief John Harris wrote a letter to the staff on Wednesday, saying, "POLITICO has never been a beneficiary of government programs or subsidies — not one cent, ever, in 18 years." The "overwhelming majority" of Politico Pro subscriptions come from the private sector, Harris further said. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump: Government paid Politico to write 'good stories' about Democrats

Israel's defence minister ordered the army on Thursday to prepare for "voluntary" departures from Gaza, as US President Donald Trump ruled out sending American troops to the territory.
Trump had earlier proposed moving Palestinians out of Gaza, sparking uproar from leaders in the Middle East and beyond.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said he instructed the military to formulate a plan for Palestinians to leave Gaza, which has been ravaged by more than a year of war.
"I have instructed the IDF (military) to prepare a plan to enable voluntary departure for Gaza residents," Katz said, adding they could go "to any country willing to accept them".
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-create-faith-office-to-end-anti-christian-bias-in-america-8698493">Trump to create faith office to end 'anti-Christian bias' in America</a>&nbsp;
Trump announced his proposal for Gaza to audible gasps on Tuesday at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the first foreign leader to visit the White House since the inauguration.
The United Nations warned any forced displacement of Palestinians would be "tantamount to ethnic cleansing". Trump insisted "everybody loves" the plan, saying it would involve the United States taking over Gaza.
Arab nations, however, firmly rejected it, and the US president offered few details on how more than two million Palestinians would be removed.
His administration later appeared to backtrack, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying any transfer of Gazans would be temporary. But Trump doubled down on Thursday.
"The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel after fighting," he said on his Truth Social platform. "No soldiers by the US would be needed! Stability for the region would reign!!!"
Rubio will pay his first visit to the Middle East as secretary of state later this month, visiting Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar from February 13, a senior US State Department official said Thursday.
The top US diplomat has said those denouncing Trump's proposal should "step forward and provide a solution".
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-us-soldiers-needed-trump-restates-his-take-over-plan-says-israel-would-handover-gaza-after-fighting-8697112">'No US soldiers needed': Trump restates his takeover plan, says Israel would hand over Gaza after fighting</a>
Netanyahu on Thursday also voiced support for Trump's plan, calling it "the first original idea to be raised in years".
Hamas's spokesman condemned Trump's statements as "absolutely unacceptable".
"Trump's remarks about Washington taking control of Gaza amount to an open declaration of intent to occupy the territory," Hazem Qassem said.
"Gaza is for its people and they will not leave.
A ceasefire deal reached last month is intended to halt the war in Gaza, which was triggered by the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, led by Palestinian militant group Hamas.
<h2>'Steadfast in our homeland'&nbsp;</h2>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/already-regretting-taking-this-job-susie-wiles-wide-eye-stare-at-trump-while-he-announces-jaw-dropping-plan-for-gaza-8698142">Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles' wide-eyed stare as Trump announces his Gaza plan is unmissable</a>
Katz said Trump's plan "could create broad opportunities for Gaza residents who wish to leave... and also facilitate the advancement of reconstruction programs for a demilitarized, threat-free Gaza". Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich -- who vowed Wednesday to "definitively bury" the idea of a Palestinian state -- said he welcomed Katz's move.
Palestinians residing in the coastal territory have vowed to remain. For them, any attempt to push them out of Gaza recalls the "Nakba", or "catastrophe" -- the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel's creation in 1948.
"They can do whatever they want, but we will remain steadfast in our homeland," said 41-year-old Gazan Ahmed Halasa. Some Israelis in Jerusalem welcomed Trump's proposal, though others doubted it could be carried out.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-us-soldiers-needed-trump-restates-his-take-over-plan-says-israel-would-handover-gaza-after-fighting-8697112">'No US soldiers needed': Trump restates his takeover plan, says Israel would hand over Gaza after fighting</a>
"I like what he said, but in my wildest dreams... it's hard for me to believe it will happen, but who knows," said 65-year-old Refael. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump wanted Palestinians to only be "temporarily relocated" out of Gaza. "It's not a liveable place for any human being," she said.
But Trump, who also said he might visit Gaza, suggested it would not be rebuilt for Palestinians.
<h2>'Weakens' ceasefire&nbsp;</h2>
Even before Tuesday's announcements, Trump had suggested residents of Gaza should move to Egypt and Jordan, both of which have flatly rejected any resettlement of Palestinians on their territory.
Egypt's foreign ministry on Thursday said Israeli support for Trump's plan "weakens and destroys the negotiations on a ceasefire agreement and incites a return to fighting".
Egypt, Qatar and the United States mediated the fragile January 19 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;
Talks resumed this week for the second phase of the truce, expected to herald a more permanent end to the fighting.&nbsp;Israel's military offensive has left much of Gaza in ruins, including schools, hospitals and most civil infrastructure.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/trumps-gaza-takeover-plan-and-non-nuclear-iran-a-game-changer-or-a-political-fantasy-8695161">Trump&rsquo;s Gaza Takeover Plan and Non-Nuclear Iran: A Game-Changer or a Political Fantasy?</a>
In a bid to address the dire humanitarian situation, aid has been rushed into the territory, with more than 10,000 aid trucks entering since the ceasefire took effect, according to UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher.
In neighbouring Lebanon, Israel said late Thursday it had struck two sites that allegedly contained weapons belonging to the Hezbollah group, a Hamas ally, despite a separate truce deal in that country.&nbsp;
Lebanon's state news agency NNA said Israel had carried out air strikes on the south and east of the country.
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WORLD | Israel's defence minister ordered the army on Thursday to prepare for "voluntary" departures from Gaza, as US President Donald Trump ruled out sending American troops to the territory.

Israel's defence minister ordered the army on Thursday to prepare for "voluntary" departures from Gaza, as US President Donald Trump ruled out sending American troops to the territory. Trump had earlier proposed moving Palestinians out of Gaza, sparking uproar from leaders in the Middle East and beyond. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said he instructed the military to formulate a plan for Palestinians to leave Gaza, which has been ravaged by more than a year of war. "I have instructed the IDF (military) to prepare a plan to enable voluntary departure for Gaza residents," Katz said, adding they could go "to any country willing to accept them". Also read: Trump to create faith office to end 'anti-Christian bias' in America Trump announced his proposal for Gaza to audible gasps on Tuesday at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the first foreign leader to visit the White House since the inauguration. The United Nations warned any forced displacement of Palestinians would be "tantamount to ethnic cleansing". Trump insisted "everybody loves" the plan, saying it would involve the United States taking over Gaza. Arab nations, however, firmly rejected it, and the US president offered few details on how more than two million Palestinians would be removed. His administration later appeared to backtrack, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying any transfer of Gazans would be temporary. But Trump doubled down on Thursday. "The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel after fighting," he said on his Truth Social platform. "No soldiers by the US would be needed! Stability for the region would reign!!!" Rubio will pay his first visit to the Middle East as secretary of state later this month, visiting Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar from February 13, a senior US State Department official said Thursday. The top US diplomat has said those denouncing Trump's proposal should "step forward and provide a solution". Also read: 'No US soldiers needed': Trump restates his takeover plan, says Israel would hand over Gaza after fighting Netanyahu on Thursday also voiced support for Trump's plan, calling it "the first original idea to be raised in years". Hamas's spokesman condemned Trump's statements as "absolutely unacceptable". "Trump's remarks about Washington taking control of Gaza amount to an open declaration of intent to occupy the territory," Hazem Qassem said. "Gaza is for its people and they will not leave. A ceasefire deal reached last month is intended to halt the war in Gaza, which was triggered by the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, led by Palestinian militant group Hamas. 'Steadfast in our homeland' Also read: Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles' wide-eyed stare as Trump announces his Gaza plan is unmissable Katz said Trump's plan "could create broad opportunities for Gaza residents who wish to leave... and also facilitate the advancement of reconstruction programs for a demilitarized, threat-free Gaza". Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich -- who vowed Wednesday to "definitively bury" the idea of a Palestinian state -- said he welcomed Katz's move. Palestinians residing in the coastal territory have vowed to remain. For them, any attempt to push them out of Gaza recalls the "Nakba", or "catastrophe" -- the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel's creation in 1948. "They can do whatever they want, but we will remain steadfast in our homeland," said 41-year-old Gazan Ahmed Halasa. Some Israelis in Jerusalem welcomed Trump's proposal, though others doubted it could be carried out. Also read: 'No US soldiers needed': Trump restates his takeover plan, says Israel would hand over Gaza after fighting "I like what he said, but in my wildest dreams... it's hard for me to believe it will happen, but who knows," said 65-year-old Refael. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump wanted Palestinians to only be "temporarily relocated" out of Gaza. "It's not a liveable place for any human being," she said. But Trump, who also said he might visit Gaza, suggested it would not be rebuilt for Palestinians. 'Weakens' ceasefire Even before Tuesday's announcements, Trump had suggested residents of Gaza should move to Egypt and Jordan, both of which have flatly rejected any resettlement of Palestinians on their territory. Egypt's foreign ministry on Thursday said Israeli support for Trump's plan "weakens and destroys the negotiations on a ceasefire agreement and incites a return to fighting". Egypt, Qatar and the United States mediated the fragile January 19 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Talks resumed this week for the second phase of the truce, expected to herald a more permanent end to the fighting. Israel's military offensive has left much of Gaza in ruins, including schools, hospitals and most civil infrastructure. Also read: Trump’s Gaza Takeover Plan and Non-Nuclear Iran: A Game-Changer or a Political Fantasy? In a bid to address the dire humanitarian situation, aid has been rushed into the territory, with more than 10,000 aid trucks entering since the ceasefire took effect, according to UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher. In neighbouring Lebanon, Israel said late Thursday it had struck two sites that allegedly contained weapons belonging to the Hezbollah group, a Hamas ally, despite a separate truce deal in that country. Lebanon's state news agency NNA said Israel had carried out air strikes on the south and east of the country. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel backs Trump plan, orders army to plan to let Palestinians leave Gaza

The Trump administration has revised its Gaza proposal following significant backlash from both domestic and international communities. Critics voiced concerns over the plan’s implications for the region's stability, prompting the administration to reevaluate its approach to the ongoing conflict.

Trump administration dials back Gaza proposal after backlash

A photo of Donald Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles staring with wide eyes as the US president announced his plan to "take over" the Gaza Strip has gone viral with the internet claiming even she was not ready for what Trump said. On Tuesday (Feb 4), Trump announced his plan for Gaza in a bilateral press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-us-soldiers-needed-trump-restates-his-take-over-plan-says-israel-would-handover-gaza-after-fighting-8697112">'No US soldiers needed': Trump restates his takeover plan, says Israel would hand over Gaza after fighting</a>
"We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site ... level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings," Trump said in his announcement.&nbsp;
Netanyahu praised Trump for his plan, saying, "You see things others refuse to see, You say things others refuse to say."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-offer-exit-options-for-palestinians-in-gaza-including-land-sea-and-air-routes-defence-minister-israel-katz-8695513">Israel to offer exit options for Gazans; Defence Minister says they can go to countries that 'levelled false claims' against Tel Aviv</a>
"And after the jaws drop people scratch their heads and they say, you know, he's right," the Israeli PM added.&nbsp;
<h2>'Look at Susie Wiles&rsquo; face'</h2>
The viral photograph showed Wiles staring at Trump with wide-open eyes and a stern face.&nbsp;
An X user shared photos of Wiles and wrote, "Lmao, look at Susie Wiles&rsquo; face when Trump says Palestinians shouldn&rsquo;t go back to Gaza."&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6ubt7b2-urgxlfk1-1xys5r98">
Lmao, look at Susie Wiles&rsquo; face when Trump says Palestinians shouldn&rsquo;t go back to Gaza. Just like every other CoS before her, she has zero control over this buffoon. <a href="https://t.co/GSPpwzBjVo">pic.twitter.com/GSPpwzBjVo</a>
&mdash; Chris D. Jackson (@ChrisDJackson) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisDJackson/status/1886919806957301780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
"Just like every other CoS before her, she has zero control over this buffoon," the user added.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, another user said, "I remember when Politico wrote an article saying that Susie Wiles is 'so good at managing Donald Trump'."&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6ubtv0w-s8qs6jfz-33psyqyv">
I remember when Politico wrote an article saying that Susie Wiles is &ldquo;so good at managing Donald Trump.&rdquo; The look on her face when he said Palestinians from Gaza shouldn&rsquo;t go back says otherwise. <a href="https://t.co/UNzADAokFk">pic.twitter.com/UNzADAokFk</a>
&mdash; Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArtCandee/status/1887139615338811543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
Another joked saying it looked like Wiles is already regretting taking the job.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6ubsh2a-nmfd4bk6-lhb9bah5">
Looks like Suzie Wiles is already regretting taking this job. <a href="https://t.co/sA88Bfc94H">pic.twitter.com/sA88Bfc94H</a>
&mdash; Dexter the Dog (@dexter_doggie) <a href="https://twitter.com/dexter_doggie/status/1886929693552648420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/systematic-dehumanisation-us-chief-warns-against-ethnic-cleansing-of-gaza-after-trumps-remark-8694668">'Systematic dehumanisation': US chief warns against 'ethnic cleansing' of Gaza after Trump's remark</a>
One user shared a video of American political consultant Jessica Tarlov on Fox News saying if one wants to know how crazy the idea of a Gaza takeover is, they should look at Susie Wiles' face.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6ubu2fc-7w49ut72-z7wjs3se">
Jessica: If you wanna know how crazy the idea is, you have to look no further than Susie Wiles&rsquo; face as he said it. <a href="https://t.co/W6kPiKXcuc">pic.twitter.com/W6kPiKXcuc</a>
&mdash; Acyn (@Acyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1887263825520627980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/trumps-gaza-takeover-plan-and-non-nuclear-iran-a-game-changer-or-a-political-fantasy-8695161">Trump&rsquo;s Gaza Takeover Plan and Non-Nuclear Iran: A Game-Changer or a Political Fantasy?</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending | On Tuesday (Feb 4), Trump announced his plan for Gaza in a bilateral press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

A photo of Donald Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles staring with wide eyes as the US president announced his plan to "take over" the Gaza Strip has gone viral with the internet claiming even she was not ready for what Trump said. On Tuesday (Feb 4), Trump announced his plan for Gaza in a bilateral press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Also read: 'No US soldiers needed': Trump restates his takeover plan, says Israel would hand over Gaza after fighting "We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site ... level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings," Trump said in his announcement. Netanyahu praised Trump for his plan, saying, "You see things others refuse to see, You say things others refuse to say." Also read: Israel to offer exit options for Gazans; Defence Minister says they can go to countries that 'levelled false claims' against Tel Aviv "And after the jaws drop people scratch their heads and they say, you know, he's right," the Israeli PM added. 'Look at Susie Wiles’ face' The viral photograph showed Wiles staring at Trump with wide-open eyes and a stern face. An X user shared photos of Wiles and wrote, "Lmao, look at Susie Wiles’ face when Trump says Palestinians shouldn’t go back to Gaza." Lmao, look at Susie Wiles’ face when Trump says Palestinians shouldn’t go back to Gaza. Just like every other CoS before her, she has zero control over this buffoon. pic.twitter.com/GSPpwzBjVo — Chris D. Jackson (@ChrisDJackson) February 4, 2025 "Just like every other CoS before her, she has zero control over this buffoon," the user added. Meanwhile, another user said, "I remember when Politico wrote an article saying that Susie Wiles is 'so good at managing Donald Trump'." I remember when Politico wrote an article saying that Susie Wiles is “so good at managing Donald Trump.” The look on her face when he said Palestinians from Gaza shouldn’t go back says otherwise. pic.twitter.com/UNzADAokFk — Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) February 5, 2025 Another joked saying it looked like Wiles is already regretting taking the job. Looks like Suzie Wiles is already regretting taking this job. pic.twitter.com/sA88Bfc94H — Dexter the Dog (@dexter_doggie) February 5, 2025 Also read: 'Systematic dehumanisation': US chief warns against 'ethnic cleansing' of Gaza after Trump's remark One user shared a video of American political consultant Jessica Tarlov on Fox News saying if one wants to know how crazy the idea of a Gaza takeover is, they should look at Susie Wiles' face. Jessica: If you wanna know how crazy the idea is, you have to look no further than Susie Wiles’ face as he said it. pic.twitter.com/W6kPiKXcuc — Acyn (@Acyn) February 5, 2025 Also read: Trump’s Gaza Takeover Plan and Non-Nuclear Iran: A Game-Changer or a Political Fantasy? (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles' wide-eyed stare as Trump announces his Gaza plan is unmissable

Elon Musk's scheme to slash the size of the US government by instilling "panic" and encouraging federal workers to quit through a mass buyout instead of facing future culling was suspended by a judge on Thursday (Feb 6). This comes as 40,000 people have already taken up the offer, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-of-these-aliens-donald-trump-administration-sues-chicago-over-sanctuary-laws-8697819">'Some of these aliens...': Donald Trump administration sues Chicago over 'sanctuary' laws</a>
A federal judge in the state of Massachusetts has ordered a temporary injunction that delays the plan's deadline from Thursday midnight to Monday (Feb 10). The decision was delivered by US District Judge George O'Toole during a hearing in an appeal brought by US labour unions.
<h2>What was going to happen on midnight Thursday?</h2>
Thursday (Feb 7) midnight was the earlier deadline by which more than two million federal government employees were supposed to decide whether they'll resign with eight months' pay or risk being fired in future culls.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-slaps-sanctions-on-icc-over-israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-baseless-arrest-warrant-8697704">Trump slaps sanctions on ICC over 'baseless' arrest warrant against Netanyahu</a>
Already, over 40,000 staff have accepted the buyout deal, reports AFP. However, unions representing around 800,000 civil servants and Democratic members of the US Congress are resisting the scheme and have challenged the legality of the Trump administration's threat to fire them.
<h2>What does Musk have to do with this?</h2>
Musk, a close Donald Trump ally was roped in to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump 2.0 administration and is believed to be the mastermind behind this money-cutting scheme.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-team-has-read-only-access-to-payments-data-says-us-treasury-department-8694317">Musk team has 'read-only' access to payments data, says US Treasury department</a>
(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;
&nbsp;

A US judge has temporarily halted Elon Musk's controversial buyout plan for federal employees, delaying the deadline aimed at reducing government workforce size.

Elon Musk's scheme to slash the size of the US government by instilling "panic" and encouraging federal workers to quit through a mass buyout instead of facing future culling was suspended by a judge on Thursday (Feb 6). This comes as 40,000 people have already taken up the offer, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Also read | 'Some of these aliens...': Donald Trump administration sues Chicago over 'sanctuary' laws A federal judge in the state of Massachusetts has ordered a temporary injunction that delays the plan's deadline from Thursday midnight to Monday (Feb 10). The decision was delivered by US District Judge George O'Toole during a hearing in an appeal brought by US labour unions. What was going to happen on midnight Thursday? Thursday (Feb 7) midnight was the earlier deadline by which more than two million federal government employees were supposed to decide whether they'll resign with eight months' pay or risk being fired in future culls. Also read | Trump slaps sanctions on ICC over 'baseless' arrest warrant against Netanyahu Already, over 40,000 staff have accepted the buyout deal, reports AFP. However, unions representing around 800,000 civil servants and Democratic members of the US Congress are resisting the scheme and have challenged the legality of the Trump administration's threat to fire them. What does Musk have to do with this? Musk, a close Donald Trump ally was roped in to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump 2.0 administration and is believed to be the mastermind behind this money-cutting scheme. Also read | Musk team has 'read-only' access to payments data, says US Treasury department (With inputs from agencies)

US judge delays deadline for Musk's 'resign or be fired' buyout scheme for federal employees

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Feb 6) signed an executive order slapping sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, a close US ally.
Trump also alleged that the tribunal was engaged in "baseless" investigations against America.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-generous-move-donald-trump-administartion-backtracks-from-us-presidents-gaza-take-over-remark-8694608">Not 'hostile': Trump administration backtracks from US President's Gaza 'take over' remark</a>
<h2>'Illegitimate actions'</h2>
Trump's order accuses the ICC of engaging in "illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel." This is a clear reference to probes into alleged war crimes by US service members in Afghanistan and Israeli troops in Gaza.
The American President said that the ICC had "abused its power" by issuing a warrant against Netanyahu, whom Trump met recently.
Trump's order comes a month after the US House passed a bill to sanction the ICC. The bill was blocked by the Senate last month, which said it could backfire against US allies and firms.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-sign-executive-order-sanctioning-icc-for-targeting-us-israel-8697513">Trump to sign executive order sanctioning ICC for targeting US, Israel</a>
<h2>What sanctions has Trump imposed?</h2>
According to an AFP report, the US president has ordered asset freezes and travel bans against ICC officials, employees, and even their family members. Along with this, anyone deemed to have helped the international court's "illegitimate and baseless" investigations faces US sanctions.
These sanctions are a show of support after the Israeli PM's visit to the White House, reports AFP. During this much-anticipated meeting between the two prominent leaders, Trump infamously announced his plan for the US to "take over" Gaza and move Palestinians to other Middle Eastern countries.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-us-soldiers-needed-trump-restates-his-take-over-plan-says-israel-would-handover-gaza-after-fighting-8697112">'No US soldiers needed': Trump restates his takeover plan, says Israel would hand over Gaza after fighting</a>
<h2>Why did the ICC issue a warrant against Netanyahu?</h2>
Netanyahu faces an ICC arrest warrant for "crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024," during the Israel-Hamas war. The warrant was issued on November 21, 2024, for Netanyahu, his former defence minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas' military chief Mohammed Deif.
(With inputs from agencies)

World News | Trump imposed sanctions on ICC over arrest warrant for Israeli PM Netanyahu and accused it of "illegitimate, baseless actions targeting America and close ally Israel."

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Feb 6) signed an executive order slapping sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, a close US ally. Trump also alleged that the tribunal was engaged in "baseless" investigations against America. Also read | Not 'hostile': Trump administration backtracks from US President's Gaza 'take over' remark 'Illegitimate actions' Trump's order accuses the ICC of engaging in "illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel." This is a clear reference to probes into alleged war crimes by US service members in Afghanistan and Israeli troops in Gaza. The American President said that the ICC had "abused its power" by issuing a warrant against Netanyahu, whom Trump met recently. Trump's order comes a month after the US House passed a bill to sanction the ICC. The bill was blocked by the Senate last month, which said it could backfire against US allies and firms. Also read | Trump to sign executive order sanctioning ICC for targeting US, Israel What sanctions has Trump imposed? According to an AFP report, the US president has ordered asset freezes and travel bans against ICC officials, employees, and even their family members. Along with this, anyone deemed to have helped the international court's "illegitimate and baseless" investigations faces US sanctions. These sanctions are a show of support after the Israeli PM's visit to the White House, reports AFP. During this much-anticipated meeting between the two prominent leaders, Trump infamously announced his plan for the US to "take over" Gaza and move Palestinians to other Middle Eastern countries. Also read | 'No US soldiers needed': Trump restates his takeover plan, says Israel would hand over Gaza after fighting Why did the ICC issue a warrant against Netanyahu? Netanyahu faces an ICC arrest warrant for "crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024," during the Israel-Hamas war. The warrant was issued on November 21, 2024, for Netanyahu, his former defence minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas' military chief Mohammed Deif. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump slaps sanctions on ICC over 'baseless' arrest warrant against Netanyahu

In a significant blow to India's regional connectivity aspirations, the US President Donald Trump has now ordered the revocation of sanctions waivers for India's Chabahar port in Iran. Watch in for more details!

Washington tightens grip on Iran, India caught in the crossfire

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Feb 5) said that Israel would turn over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gaza-war" rel="dofollow">Gaza Strip</a> to America at the conclusion of fighting, adding that no US soldiers would be needed.&nbsp;
In a post on Truth Social, the US president said that the Palestinians would have a chance to be happy, safe, and free.&nbsp;
"The Palestinians, people like Chuck Schumer, would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region. They would actually have a chance to be happy, safe, and free," Trump posted.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-offer-exit-options-for-palestinians-in-gaza-including-land-sea-and-air-routes-defence-minister-israel-katz-8695513" rel="dofollow">Israel to offer exit options for Gazans; Defence Minister says they can go to countries that 'levelled false claims' against Tel Aviv</a>
He added that the US would slowly and carefully begin the construction of what would become one of the greatest and most spectacular developments.&nbsp;
"No soldiers by the US would be needed! Stability for the region would reign!!!," he added.
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113956721204228037/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

Trump, in a White House news conference on Tuesday along with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, proposed "long-term ownership" of Gaza by the United States, days after another shock suggestion, that the territory's residents should move to Jordan or Egypt.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-us-israel-announces-departure-from-anti-semitic-un-human-rights-council-8694577" rel="dofollow">After US, Israel announces departure from 'anti-semitic' UN Human Rights Council</a>
Trump also floated the idea of creating "the Riviera of the Middle East" in a rebuilt Gaza, but for Palestinians, the most crucial part of his proposal had to do with their feared displacement.
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz told its military to prepare a plan to "allow Gazans who wish to leave to do so."&nbsp;
Katz said Gazans should have "freedom of movement and migration" and countries critical of Israel's war with Hamas were "obligated" to take them in.
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-generous-move-donald-trump-administartion-backtracks-from-us-presidents-gaza-take-over-remark-8694608" rel="dofollow"> Not 'hostile': Trump administration backtracks from US President's Gaza 'take over' remark</a>
"I have instructed the IDF (military) to prepare a plan to enable voluntary departure for Gaza residents," he said.
He added that the plan could help Gaza citizens who wish to leave their home country to "integrate optimally in host countries, and also facilitate the advancement of reconstruction programmes for a demilitarised, threat-free Gaza".
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Trump said that the US would slowly and carefully begin the construction of what would become one of the greatest and most spectacular developments. 

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Feb 5) said that Israel would turn over the Gaza Strip to America at the conclusion of fighting, adding that no US soldiers would be needed. In a post on Truth Social, the US president said that the Palestinians would have a chance to be happy, safe, and free. "The Palestinians, people like Chuck Schumer, would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region. They would actually have a chance to be happy, safe, and free," Trump posted. Also read: Israel to offer exit options for Gazans; Defence Minister says they can go to countries that 'levelled false claims' against Tel Aviv He added that the US would slowly and carefully begin the construction of what would become one of the greatest and most spectacular developments. "No soldiers by the US would be needed! Stability for the region would reign!!!," he added. Trump, in a White House news conference on Tuesday along with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, proposed "long-term ownership" of Gaza by the United States, days after another shock suggestion, that the territory's residents should move to Jordan or Egypt. Also read: After US, Israel announces departure from 'anti-semitic' UN Human Rights Council Trump also floated the idea of creating "the Riviera of the Middle East" in a rebuilt Gaza, but for Palestinians, the most crucial part of his proposal had to do with their feared displacement. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz told its military to prepare a plan to "allow Gazans who wish to leave to do so." Katz said Gazans should have "freedom of movement and migration" and countries critical of Israel's war with Hamas were "obligated" to take them in. Also read: Not 'hostile': Trump administration backtracks from US President's Gaza 'take over' remark "I have instructed the IDF (military) to prepare a plan to enable voluntary departure for Gaza residents," he said. He added that the plan could help Gaza citizens who wish to leave their home country to "integrate optimally in host countries, and also facilitate the advancement of reconstruction programmes for a demilitarised, threat-free Gaza". (With inputs from agencies)

'No US soldiers needed': Trump restates his takeover plan, says Israel would hand over Gaza after fighting

Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce says it will be an 'honour' to play in front of US President Donald Trump at the Super Bowl on Sunday. Kelce is in a relationship with singer Taylor Swift, who has been a vocal critic of Trump in the past. Wion's Esha Hanspal gets you the details.

Kelce 'honoured' to play in front of US President despite Swift-Trump rift

US President Donald Trump delivered remarks at the annual National Prayer Breakfast at the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC. During his address, Trump urges Americans to 'bring God back into our lives'.

US President Donald Trump speaks at the 2025 National Prayer Breakfast

Texas Democrat Al Green said he was introducing impeachment articles against Donald Trump after the president said the US would "take over" Gaza. Watch this report for more details!

Texas democrat Al Green pushes for Donald Trump's impeachment

President Donald Trump advocates for a 'nuclear peace agreement' with Iran, expressing a desire for the country to become great and successful. His proposal challenges traditional diplomatic approaches to the Iran nuclear deal and could reshape US-Iran relations.

US President Donald Trump says he wants a nuclear peace deal with Iran

US President Trump says he wants a nuclear peace weal with Iran

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