‘DOGE is just barreling ahead': Semafor reporter says red states may need Trump to slow down cuts
In a stunning development, seven prosecutors resigned over the Department of Justice's decision to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This as DOGE expands its efforts to eliminate more positions from dozens of federal agencies. Semafor reporter Shelby Talcott discusses the latest developments and explains why she expects more Republican-led states to push back.
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Newsweek
10 minutes ago
- Newsweek
'Musk Must Fall': Nationwide Protest to Take Place on Elon Musk's Birthday
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mass protests across the country are being scheduled for Tesla CEO Elon Musk's birthday on June 28, led by the Tesla Takedown movement. Despite no longer being part of the government, Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) policies and his continued impact as a private citizen are still being felt across the country, from mass governmental layoffs to his involvement in running companies with large government contracts. The "Musk Must Fall" protests are planned for cities across the country, including in "red" states of Texas, Missouri, Georgia, and Ohio, with the Tesla Takedown team saying: "And our birthday gift to the Broligarch in Chief? A global party with one powerful message: Musk Must Fall." Tesla has been contacted via email for comment. New Yorkers gathered outside the Tesla dealership in the Meat Packing district in Manhattan to protest against Elon Musk and his actions with DOGE, 3/29/25. New Yorkers gathered outside the Tesla dealership in the Meat Packing district in Manhattan to protest against Elon Musk and his actions with DOGE, 3/29/25. Andrea Renault/STAR MAX/IPx Why It Matters Musk retains a lot of power over global politics as he is capable of endless donations to political parties and aiding in message amplification as the owner of X (formerly Twitter). According to public polls, he was an unpopular member of the Trump administration and, since leaving, has been in a public feud with President Donald Trump. Despite some political commentators recommending that Democrats try to win Musk and his billions over to their side, these protests show that Musk is still a deeply unpopular figure in American politics. What To Know Tesla Takedown protest in New York, March 29, 2025. Tesla Takedown protest in New York, March 29, 2025. Andrea Renault/STAR MAX/IPx Protests are planned for June 28 in 15 states: Virginia, California, Washington, Florida, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, Texas, Idaho, Ohio, Missouri, as well as the District of Columbia. There are also protests planned overseas in the UK. These protests come amid a social media spat between President Trump and Musk. Musk has accused Trump of not being able to win the election without him, and Trump has threatened to pull government money for Musk's companies, such as SpaceX and Starlink. The Tesla Takedown team disputes the idea that Musk is no longer part of the current administration, saying: "Elon is still deeply tied to the Trump regime, still fueling conspiracies and fascist rhetoric, and still using his immense wealth to warp government policy and buy elections around the globe." These protests have been occurring outside of Tesla showrooms since Trump was inaugurated on January 20. Tesla Takedown is a non-violent movement and is not related to incidents in the U.S. where some Tesla cars and dealerships have been vandalized. The Trump administration has said that Tesla vandalism is "domestic terrorism," and the FBI has launched a task force to target attacks on Teslas and their dealerships. What People Are Saying Tesla Takedown: "On June 28—Elon's birthday—let's celebrate everything we've achieved and recommit to the long fight still ahead." An FBI spokesperson told Newsweek for a previous article: "The FBI is committed to protecting the U.S. from many threats including terrorism, violent crime, drug trafficking, and cyberattacks. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners here in the U.S. and internationally to detect and counter potential dangers. All our work is focused on providing safer communities for our citizens every day." What Happens Next The protests will take place on June 28. Other anti-Trump protests are planned for June 14, Trump's birthday.
Fox News
26 minutes ago
- Fox News
Republican rep indicates he will be 'a no' on Trump-backed rescissions measure if AIDS relief cut
As the Trump administration and congressional Republicans eye passage of a rescission proposal, Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican who doesn't shy away from bucking President Donald Trump, has indicated that he won't support it if it guts an AIDS relief program. The president's proposed clawbacks include millions of dollars pertaining to global health programs. "I told them I'm a no," the congressman said of the measure, according to the New York Times. "I just want to make sure we're funding the medicine. We want to prevent AIDS, it's a noble program, it's George Bush's legacy. I put the marker out there; we'll see." In a post on X last week, Bacon described "The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)" as "a noble program that America can be proud of funding." But in a statement to Fox News Digital on Monday, Bacon said, "If PEPFAR is gutted, I am a no. But I'm told that only parts of the program will be cut. I'll need more details," The rescission package "proposes to rescind $400 million from the PEPFAR program, which is appropriated $4.4 billion annually to provide bilateral assistance to countries, many of which do not support American interests, such as South Africa," a White House official told Fox News on Monday. "The $400 million rescission eliminates wasteful programming that does not serve the American taxpayer," the official said, while maintaining that the "package does NOT rescind any life-saving assistance and in fact, continues to make available billions of resources to implement life-saving medicine, medical services, as well costs necessary to deliver these services to maintain all current individuals on treatment." Bacon was the only House Republican to vote against a measure to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. "I thought it was dumb. That's what people told me — they said, 'It's so dumb; just vote for it.' That argument didn't work on me," he said, according to the Times. House leaders have pressed Bacon to keep more of his views to himself, telling him to, as the congressman put it, "quit kicking President Trump in the nuts," the outlet reported. But the lawmaker indicated that he would only press back when he believes it is needed. "You can't be anti-everything," Bacon noted, according to the outlet. "I like what the president has done on the border, so I have no problem with that." "I'd like to fight for the soul of our party," he said, according to the Times. "I don't want to be the guy who follows the flute player off the cliff. I think that's what's going on right now." Bacon has served in the House of Representatives since 2017.
Newsweek
32 minutes ago
- Newsweek
California Republicans React to Donald Trump Deploying National Guard
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. California Republican lawmakers are largely backing President Donald Trump's decision to send the National Guard into Los Angeles amid immigration protests, with Representative Kevin Kiley telling Newsweek that the president chose to "protect federal officers and LA citizens because Governor Newsom has refused to do so." Why It Matters U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have conducted raids across the country and have faced large protests in Los Angeles, as Trump's administration pledged to carry out the largest mass deportations in U.S. history. While the raids are following legal directive from federal authorities, protests have erupted amid reports that detainees were being held in the basement of a federal building. ICE denied these allegations, with a spokesperson previously telling Newsweek the agency "categorically refutes the assertions made by immigration activists in Los Angeles." The clashes highlight deepening conflicts between sanctuary jurisdictions and federal immigration policy, as Trump has implemented sweeping changes through executive orders and utilized the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expand deportation authority. Trump deployed 2,000 California National Guard troops to quell the protests in Los Angeles, sparking opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, who has said the move is "unlawful" and a "serious breach of state sovereignty." Some Republicans in the state, however, are siding with the president. What to Know Representative Kiley responded to Trump's move to call in the National Guard in a statement to Newsweek. "The acts of violence, lawlessness, and obstruction we are seeing in Los Angeles pose an ongoing risk to public safety," Kiley said. "The President has chosen to protect federal officers and LA citizens because Governor Newsom has refused to do so. I am praying for everyone's safety during this time." He said ICE officials are looking for "illegal immigrants with criminal convictions and existing deportation orders" and criticized Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for their handling of the situation, accusing them of choosing to "obstruct and interfere with these standard operations." "In addition to adopting 'sanctuary' policies that force ICE to apprehend criminals in the community rather than at jails, the Governor and Mayor have used inaccurate and inflammatory rhetoric that has encouraged the lawless activity we are seeing in LA right now," the congressman said. California Highway Patrol officers attempt to control crowds on the 101 Freeway during protest in Los Angeles on June 8. California Highway Patrol officers attempt to control crowds on the 101 Freeway during protest in Los Angeles on June 8. BENJAMIN HANSON/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images Other California Republicans reacted to the president's decision in social media posts. "The National Guard has been deployed, not at the request of California officials, but by direct order from President Trump. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles officials refused to act, letting the situation spiral before criticizing the effort to restore order," Representative Doug LaMalfa wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "This is what happens when politicians prioritize making headlines over doing their jobs. Earlier this year Gavin and many Democrats were telling people to resist and fight back against ICE arresting illegal alien criminals." He added: "The rioters need to be arrested immediately to stop the threat. And the elected officials who are inciting and aiding them need to be dealt with sternly. I stand with our National Guard, DHS, and every law enforcement officer on site working to protect people and property while California's leaders cower behind press conferences and attempt to shift blame. It's an embarrassment to all Californians at the same time the State asks for federal assistance on other issues. Enough with the excuses. Law and order still matters." Representative Vince Fong wrote on X that Trump is "acting to restore law and order while local leaders refuse to acknowledge the consequences of their failed policies." Other California Republican lawmakers also reacted to the protests but did not comment specifically on Trump calling in the National Guard. "Peaceful protests are a right, but crime, hate, and violence are unacceptable and unAmerican," Representative Young Kim wrote on X. What People Are Saying California Governor Newsom wrote on X on Sunday: "I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles county and return them to my command. We didn't have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they're actually needed. Rescind the order. Return control to California." Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wrote on X: "We will always protect the constitutional right for Angelenos to peacefully protest. However, violence, destruction and vandalism will not be tolerated in our City and those responsible will be held fully accountable." Representative Ken Calvert, a California Republican, wrote to X on Sunday: "Pay attention to how many times liberals like Gov. Newsom & Mayor Bass try to blame those enforcing the law for causing 'chaos.' What is the biggest contributor to this chaos? Their sanctuary policies that prevent local authorities from transferring criminal illegal immigrants." President Donald Trump on Truth Social: "If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can't do their jobs, which everyone knows they can't, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!" Former Vice President Kamala Harris wrote in a statement: "This administration's actions are not about public safety – they're about stoking fear. Fear of a community demanding dignity and due process. Protest is a powerful tool – essential in the fight for justice. And as the LAPD, Mayor, and Governor have noted, demonstrations in defense of our immigrant neighbors have been overwhelmingly peaceful." What Happens Next Although Newsom has called for the National Guard troops to be returned to California control, the Trump administration has not said they plan to do so. It's unclear how long the National Guard will stay in Los Angeles.
