US President Donald Trump stripped one of his most outspoken critics, John Bolton, of Secret Service protection.

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Trump's administration has directed all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion staff to be put on leave as part of his executive order aimed at dismantling the programs across the federal government.

In other news, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned China against coercive actions in Asia during a Washington meeting with the Quad alliance.

Meanwhile, Trump expressed that he is 'open' to Elon Mask buying TikTok amid legal controversies surrounding the app.

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Trump strips vocal critic, ex-adviser John Bolton of Secret Service protection: 'You can't have that for life'

 In response, Bolton, who faces the alleged threat of an Iranian assassination plot, said he was "disappointed but not surprised" by Trump's move. Photograph: (AFP)

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US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 21) stripped one of his most outspoken critics, John Bolton, of Secret Service protection, a move that may be seen as retribution for criticism. Addressing reporters, Trump said that Bolton, his former US National Security Adviser, no longer has the protection, because "you can't have that for life." 

Trump administration directs all federal DEI staff to be put on leave

 Trump administration directs all federal DEI staff to be put on leave Photograph Photograph: (AFP)

Trump's administration has directed all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion staff to be put on paid leave, with plans to lay them off in the future, as stated in a memo from the Office of Personnel Management.

Trump's Secretary of State Rubio warns China as Quad nations push for free Indo-Pacific

 QUAD alliance representatives meet in Washington, 21 Jan 2025. Photograph: (DrSJaishankar/X)

Marco Rubio, the new US Secretary of State on Tuesday (Jan 21), a day after US President Donald Trump's inauguration, in a veiled but stark warning aimed at China warned against coercive actions in Asia. 

Donald Trump says 'open' to Elon Musk buying TikTok

 US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk Photograph: (Reuters)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 21) expressed openness to his close ally tech billionaire Elon Musk acquiring TikTok, the Chinese-owned app embroiled in legal controversies. When asked by reporters if he would be open to Musk acquiring TikTok, Trump stated, "I would be if he wanted to buy it". Musk, who owns the social media platform X, is yet to comment on the possibility.

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