Latest news with #NotmyPresidentsDay
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Republicans in the complicated crosshairs of DOGE and government layoffs
WASHINGTON — Congressional Republicans are balancing their rhetoric after the Trump administration ordered the termination of thousands of government jobs over the past week, acknowledging frustration from those in the federal workforce while backing the president's efforts to rein in spending. The Trump administration ordered officials to begin layoffs last week, mostly targeting probationary employees in agencies such as Veterans Affairs, the Department of Energy, the Small Business Administration, and the Office of Personnel Management. Because the layoffs targeted probationary employees, it has mostly affected new hires or long-standing employees who have been recently moved or promoted to a new position. The layoffs prompted widespread backlash over the weekend, with thousands of people gathering for protests across the country on Monday to mark 'Not my Presidents Day.' Protesters held gatherings from the streets of Washington, D.C., all the way to the state Capitol in Salt Lake City to push back on the order. The protests particularly targeted billionaire Elon Musk and the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, which has led the effort to identify wasteful spending and downsize the federal government. The public outcry has now put some Republicans in a bind as they seek to strike a balance between supporting their constituents who may now find themselves out of work while also promoting President Donald Trump's agenda. Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, acknowledged that several of his constituents have expressed 'frustration' about the 'rhetoric toward and vilification of the federal workforce', especially since Musk took over DOGE and promised to clean house. Moore represents Utah's 1st Congressional District, with one of the most dense federal workforce populations in the country. As of December 2024, the 1st District is home to 26,555 federal workers — making up almost 6% of the entire workforce, according to the Congressional Research Service. Most of those workers are employed by Hill Air Force Base, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Forest Service, or other federal agencies. Hill Air Force Base, one of the largest employers in the district, has not reported any civilian or military layoffs. Although Moore conceded the coming months will be a 'period of angst and even contention,' the Utah Republican assured constituents the country could 'come out of it for the better.' 'My commitment to this … is to find waste while preserving the mission and strengthening personnel,' Moore, who serves as co-chairman of the congressional caucus working in tandem with DOGE, wrote in a district newsletter. 'Many key function areas are severely understaffed, like air traffic controllers, and I want First District constituents to know that I avoid the rhetoric and focus on results.' Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, similarly acknowledged that layoffs are personally significant and that constituents will of course have concerns when those occur. However, the Utah senator told the Deseret News, he believes the layoffs are a necessary step in the Trump administration's efforts to cut down on costs. 'The U.S. government, having gotten in the pattern of just printing more money when it doesn't have enough, has created a really unsustainable path for itself,' Lee told the Deseret News in an interview. 'I don't think it's unreasonable for the incoming administration to want to look at inefficiencies that have creeped into the system, and in many circumstances, offer a sort of a severance package for those who want to exit.' Lee pointed to the 'explosive growth' over the last several decades that he argues has led to an 'unmitigated expansion of the federal government, of its scope, its cost, its reach, and the size of its workforce.' While Trump and those in his close circles continue to champion his efforts to cut down on governmental waste, some GOP lawmakers have pushed back against the way it's being carried out. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who represents one of the most competitive House districts in the country, argued the layoffs were being handled too quickly without adequate preparation. 'They're being a little rash, (they) aren't thinking through all the consequences,' Bacon told the Deseret News. 'It needs to be more thought out. … It just seems like they're moving too fast and they're making mistakes. It needs to be more thoughtful.' Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., posed similar criticisms, specifically voicing concerns about layoffs possibly affecting FBI agents. 'I am all for efficiency and ultimately downsizing the federal government, but firing large numbers of new FBI agents is not the way to achieve this,' Cassidy said in a post on X. 'Louisiana specifically benefits from newly hired FBI agents. We need to add to our law enforcement, not take away.' It's not yet clear how many workers have been terminated across the federal workforce over the last week. However, there are hundreds of thousands of workers who are listed under probationary status, possibly putting them at risk. About 220,000 federal employees were listed as probationary with less than one year of service as of March 2024, with another 288,000 who held between one and two years of service. Probationary periods typically last one or two years, although it varies by department.
CBS News
18-02-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Protests target Trump, Musk and DOGE in "No Kings on Presidents Day" rallies in cities nationwide
Protesters against President Trump and his policies braved frigid temperatures in parts of the U.S. Monday, shouting "No kings on Presidents Day" in East Coast cities and attempting to enter the Arizona Statehouse to oppose a bill that would bolster fast-changing federal immigration enforcement. In Florida and California, local media outlets reported on hundreds of protesters carrying out "Not my Presidents Day" protests. The "No Kings" theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement and marked the second set of protests criss-crossing the nation in less than two weeks. A similar nationwide event on Feb. 5 drew participants in dozens of cities. Both sets of rallies denounced Mr. Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, the head of the White House's Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, which the administration says is designed to slash federal spending. Nearly 1,000 people marched in the snow from the Statehouse in Boston to City Hall, chanting "Elon Musk has got to go" and other slogans. The temperature was below freezing, with wind chills in the teens. Boston protesters, some dressed in Revolutionary War-style clothing, carried signs saying such things as "This is a Coup" and "Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up." One sign had a depiction of Uncle Sam saying "I Want You to Resist." "I thought it was important to be here on Presidents Day to demonstrate for what America stands for," said Emily Manning, 55, a Boston engineer who came to the rally with her two teenage sons. "American values are not the values of the plutocracy or the limited few rich people." Organizers of Monday's protests, which were focused on state capitals and major cities including Washington, D.C.; Orlando, Florida; and Seattle, said they were targeting "anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies." One sign at the rally that attracted hundreds in the nation's capital said, "Deport Musk Dethrone Trump." Many demonstrations were slated for cities where temperatures were well below freezing as a polar vortex worked its way across the country. The rallies followed a series of executive orders from Mr. Trump and came just days after job cuts across federal agencies as part of an effort to reduce the government workforce. Many of those administration actions are facing legal challenges. In Phoenix, hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Capitol carrying signs reading "No Kings" and "Resist Fascism." Security barred protesters from entering the building after a few tried to get inside. Demonstrators were seeking access to a state Senate committee hearing on legislation that would require law enforcement officers across the state to support federal immigration policy. Protest organizer December Archer said her goal was to keep the event civil. She quickly came between someone trying to enter the Statehouse and a security guard who pushed the protester back through the doorway. "We're trying to make sure everything stays civil and stays respectable because again, we're here to make a statement, not be the statement," Archer said. A state Senate committee heard the measure in a packed room and it passed in a party-line vote, CBS Phoenix affiliate KPHO-TV reports. The station quoted the bill's sponsor, Senate President Warren Petersen, as saying, "After the past four years of lawlessness at our border, it is imperative that every level of government supports efforts to safeguard our communities from the harms of illegal immigration. Arizona is a border state, and as such, we need to empower our sworn agents to enforce our laws and assist the Trump Administration's efforts on this front." Critics say the measure, and several other anti-illegal immigration bills, promote racial profiling and family separation and waste taxpayer dollars. "These types of bills are created and put forth to politicize with an issue of our humanity," ex-state lawmaker Raquel Terán told KPHO. "That is the last priority of the voters in Arizona." Among many other cities, demonstrators turned out in Denver; Dallas; Annapolis, Maryland; Oakland and San Francisco; Los Angeles and Miami. CBS News Miami reports that counter-demonstrations were held in support of Mr. Trump in West Palm Beach, including a gathering outside Trump International Golf Club. "50501," which stands for "50 protests, 50 states, one day," is a grassroots attempt to protest the policies and actions of the second Trump administration.
The Independent
18-02-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Trump live: Elon Musk is not a DOGE employee and has no decision-making authority, White House filing reveals
Watch: Musk claims friends suffer from 'Trump derangement syndrome' Elon Musk claims friends suffer from 'Trump derangement syndrome' Elon Musk declared that "[Donald] Trump derangement syndrome" is real in a joint interview with the US president broadcast on Monday, 17 February. The billionaire father-of-12 and the Republican spoke to Fox News' Sean Hannity about the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Mr Musk compared reactions to Trump's name being mentioned at a friend's dinner party before the election to someone being "shot with a dart in the jugular that contained methamphetamine and rabies." His remarks came after White House court filings said Mr Musk's role in the Trump administration is that of a senior adviser to the president, and not as an employee of DOGE. Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 12:45 Republican lawmakers 'grumbling' about Musk's 'poorly executed' mass cuts It's not just pro-democracy campaigners who are unhappy. Here's Gustaf Kilander on growing GOP discontent. GOP lawmakers are 'grumbling' about Musk's 'poorly executed' mass government cuts 'It's not efficiency, it's not output,' one Republican senator griped Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 12:25 'No kings on Presidents' Day': Protesters rage against Trump and Musk Protesters in cities across America slammed Donald Trump and Elon Musk yesterday as the Presidents' Day holiday arrived in the wake of the DOGE dismantling of federal agencies. Activists, largely organized by the 50501 Movement and various branches of Indivisible, were honoring 'Not my Presidents Day.' Demonstrators chanted 'no kings on Presidents' Day' to protest the power grab by Trump and his billionaire hatchet man. Protesters gathered at various city halls, state capitols and outside Tesla showrooms packed with Musk-made cars. A sign in an office window above a Tesla dealership in San Francisco informed protesters about Musk: 'We hate him too.' Here's more. 'No kings on Presidents Day': Protesters rage across nation against Trump and Musk Demonstrators hit the streets to tear into dismantling of federal government Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 12:05 Transport Secretary Sean Duffy tries to shift blame for recent air disasters onto Pete Buttigieg Trump's new man in the hot seat has tried to shift the blame for the string of recent air disasters onto his Democratic predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, in the wake of cutting hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel. Duffy, confirmed to lead the department in the Senate late last month, revealed on Monday that the Trump administration fired 'less than 400' of the FAA's 45,000 employees. He also claimed all of them were serving probationary periods. The layoffs took place against a backdrop of three fatal U.S. air disasters since Trump's inauguration last month, in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Alaska – with another commercial plane carrying 80 people flipping over upon a crash landing at Canada's Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday. Here's more from James Liddell. Transport Sec Sean Duffy shifts blame for recent air disasters onto Pete Buttigieg 'Mayor Pete failed for four years to address the air traffic controller shortage and upgrade our outdated, World War II-era air traffic control system,' Duffy says Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 11:45 Readers criticise Trump's 'simplistic' plan for peace in Ukraine We've been asking for your opinions on Trump's efforts to negotiate peace in Ukraine directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many readers shared concerns that Trump's plan is too simplistic, with several warning that leaving Kyiv out of the talks and pushing NATO aside could weaken Ukraine and encourage Putin to take more land. They argued that Trump's approach focuses on quick deals instead of long-term peace and could hurt international support for Ukraine. Some also criticised Trump for putting his own goals above global security. They stressed that any peace deal should protect Ukraine's independence and Europe's safety. Read the full debate and get involved in the conversation below. Trump's plan to talk directly with Putin to end the Ukraine war was slammed as risky for Ukraine's independence and Europe's safety, while a few supporters saw it as a fast fix Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 11:25 Trump loyalist Peter Navarro steering trade war Donald Trump loyalist Peter Navarro, senior counselor to the president for trade and manufacturing, is becoming an increasingly influential figure within the administration and guiding much of Trump's policies on trade, which are threatening rifts with America's allies, according to a new report. Navarro, a China hawk who served in the first Trump administration and was jailed for ignoring a January 6 subpoena last year, 'has been catapulted into the trade hot seat, orchestrating an early suite of tariffs and probes that bear the hallmarks of his particular enthusiasms,' writes The Financial Times. 'There is a clear premium put on loyalty in this administration,' a Washington lobbyist told the FT. 'And there's no doubting, whatsoever, Navarro's loyalty to Trump – that's why he'll always have a lot of influence.' The newspaper adds: 'Whereas in the last administration Navarro was often hamstrung by more free-market minded Trump advisers such as Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin or National Economic Council director Gary Cohn, he faces far less opposition in Trump 2.0. 'People familiar with the administration's inner workings say Navarro is working closely with Howard Lutnick, Trump's nominee for commerce secretary, and Jamieson Greer, the president's pick for trade representative.' Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 11:05 Starmer to meet Trump in Washington next week A Downing Street spokesman has said Sir Keir will seek to 'deepen the special relationship' on his first visit to Washington, D.C. since the new president's inauguration a month ago. Claudia Savage has more on Starmer's upcoming visit. Prime Minister to meet Donald Trump in Washington next week A No 10 spokesman said Sir Keir Starmer will seek to 'deepen the special relationship' with the new US president. Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 10:45 Trump must provide 'backstop' to deter Russia, Sir Keir Starmer says The British prime minister has thrown down the gauntlet to Donald Trump, calling for the U.S. to provide a 'backstop' to deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again after meeting with European leaders for emergency talks on the war. Starmer said allies on the continent would have to step up in terms of both spending and capability as he spoke following talks with partners in Paris on Monday. While he said he would be prepared to put a peacekeeping force into Ukraine if there is a deal to end the war with Russia, Sir Keir said such a move would require there to be an American security guarantee to ensure Russia does not attack again. 'Europe must play its role, and I'm prepared to consider committing British forces on the ground alongside others if there is a lasting peace agreement', the PM told reporters after last night's meeting. 'But there must be a U.S. backstop, because a U.S. security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again.' Millie Cooke reports. Trump must provide 'backstop' to deter Russia, Starmer says The prime minister said a US security guarantee would be the only way to effectively prevent Moscow from attacking the country again in future Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 10:25 Trump 'wants 50% cut' of Ukraine's mineral riches in return for peace The president wants half the revenue from Ukraine's minerals and veto rights over licensing in return for providing security guarantees in the event of a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv, according to leaked documents. Trump previously said he wants Ukraine to pay for financial and military support by affording Washington access to the country's vast but untapped rare earth minerals. However, new documents show a deal between the two countries could expand U.S. access to Ukraine's ports, infrastructure, oil and gas. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is ready to do a deal with Trump that includes American involvement in developing Ukraine's huge deposits of rare earths and other critical minerals. James Liddell has more. Trump 'wants 50% cut' of Ukraine's mineral riches in return for peace Trump previously said he wants Ukraine to pay for US support by affording Washington access to the country's vast but untapped rare earth minerals Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 10:05 U.S. and Russian teams meeting in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine war peace talks Officials from the Trump administration and from Russian President Vladimir Putin's delegation are meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today for talks on ending Moscow's war in Ukraine. The war-hit European nation has said that no peace deal can be made on its behalf at the talks, to which it was not invited. The two sides are nevertheless expected to discuss ways to end the conflict as its third anniversary approaches. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he will travel to Saudi Arabia tomorrow but that his trip is unrelated to the U.S.-Russia talks. You can follow the very latest updates from Andy Gregory on our sister blog. Joe Sommerlad18 February 2025 09:45
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'No kings on Presidents Day' rings out from protests against Trump and Musk
BOSTON (AP) — Protesters against President Donald Trump and his policies braved frigid temperatures in parts of the U.S. Monday, shouting 'No kings on Presidents Day' in East Coast cities and attempting to enter the Arizona Statehouse to oppose a bill that would bolster fast-changing federal immigration enforcement. In Florida and California, local media outlets reported on hundreds of protesters carrying out 'Not my Presidents Day' protests. The 'No Kings" theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, and marked the second set of protests criss-crossing the nation in less than two weeks. A similar nationwide event on Feb. 5 drew participants in dozens of cities. Both sets of rallies denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, the leader of Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency, a government organization designed to slash federal spending. Nearly 1,000 people marched in the snow from the Statehouse in Boston to City Hall, chanting 'Elon Musk has got to go' and other slogans. The temperature was below freezing, with wind chills in the teens. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Boston protesters, some dressed in Revolutionary War-style clothing, carried signs saying such things as 'This is a Coup' and 'Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up.' One sign had a depiction of Uncle Sam saying 'I Want You to Resist.' 'I thought it was important to be here on Presidents Day to demonstrate for what America stands for,' said Emily Manning, 55, a Boston engineer who came to the rally with her two teenage sons. 'American values are not the values of the plutocracy or the limited few rich people.' Organizers of Monday's protests, which were focused on state capitals and major cities including Washington, D.C.; Orlando, Florida; and Seattle, said they were targeting 'anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies.' One sign at the rally that attracted hundreds in the nation's capital said, 'Deport Musk Dethrone Trump.' Many demonstrations were slated for cities where temperatures were well below freezing as a polar vortex worked its way across the country. The rallies followed a series of Trump executive orders and came just days after layoffs across federal agencies as part of an effort to reduce the government workforce. In Phoenix, hundreds of protestors gathered in front of the Capitol carrying signs reading 'No Kings' and 'Resist Fascism.' Security barred protesters from entering the building after a few tried to get inside. Demonstrators were seeking access to a state Senate committee hearing on legislation that would require law enforcement officers across the state to support federal immigration policy. Protest organizer December Archer said her goal was to keep the event civil. She quickly came between someone trying to enter the Statehouse and a security guard who pushed the protestor back through the doorway. 'We're trying to make sure everything stays civil and stays respectable because again, we're here to make a statement not be the statement,' Archer said. ___ Associated Press writers Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin; and Sejal Govindarao in Phoenix contributed to this report.
CBS News
18-02-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
"No Kings on Presidents Day" rallies in cities nationwide target Trump, Musk
Protesters against President Trump and his policies braved frigid temperatures in parts of the U.S. Monday, shouting "No kings on Presidents Day" in East Coast cities and attempting to enter the Arizona Statehouse to oppose a bill that would bolster fast-changing federal immigration enforcement. In Florida and California, local media outlets reported on hundreds of protesters carrying out "Not my Presidents Day" protests. The "No Kings" theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement and marked the second set of protests criss-crossing the nation in less than two weeks. A similar nationwide event on Feb. 5 drew participants in dozens of cities. Both sets of rallies denounced Mr. Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, the head of the White House's Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, which the administration says is designed to slash federal spending. Nearly 1,000 people marched in the snow from the Statehouse in Boston to City Hall, chanting "Elon Musk has got to go" and other slogans. The temperature was below freezing, with wind chills in the teens. Boston protesters, some dressed in Revolutionary War-style clothing, carried signs saying such things as "This is a Coup" and "Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up." One sign had a depiction of Uncle Sam saying "I Want You to Resist." "I thought it was important to be here on Presidents Day to demonstrate for what America stands for," said Emily Manning, 55, a Boston engineer who came to the rally with her two teenage sons. "American values are not the values of the plutocracy or the limited few rich people." Organizers of Monday's protests, which were focused on state capitals and major cities including Washington, D.C.; Orlando, Florida; and Seattle, said they were targeting "anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies." One sign at the rally that attracted hundreds in the nation's capital said, "Deport Musk Dethrone Trump." Many demonstrations were slated for cities where temperatures were well below freezing as a polar vortex worked its way across the country. The rallies followed a series of executive orders from Mr. Trump and came just days after layoffs across federal agencies as part of an effort to reduce the government workforce. In Phoenix, hundreds of protestors gathered in front of the Capitol carrying signs reading "No Kings" and "Resist Fascism." Security barred protesters from entering the building after a few tried to get inside. Demonstrators were seeking access to a state Senate committee hearing on legislation that would require law enforcement officers across the state to support federal immigration policy. Protest organizer December Archer said her goal was to keep the event civil. She quickly came between someone trying to enter the Statehouse and a security guard who pushed the protestor back through the doorway. "We're trying to make sure everything stays civil and stays respectable because again, we're here to make a statement, not be the statement," Archer said. A Senate committee heard the measure in a packed room and it passed in a party-line vote, CBS Phoenix affiliate KPHO-TV reports. The station quoted the bill's sponsor, Senate President Warren Petersen, as saying that, "After the past four years of lawlessness at our border, it is imperative that every level of government supports efforts to safeguard our communities from the harms of illegal immigration. Arizona is a border state, and as such, we need to empower our sworn agents to enforce our laws and assist the Trump Administration's efforts on this front." Critics say the measure, and several other anti-illegal immigration bills, promote racial profiling and family separation and waste taxpayer dollars. "These types of bills are created and put forth to politicize with an issue of our humanity," ex-state lawmaker Raquel Terán told KPHO. "That is the last priority of the voters in Arizona." Among many other cities, demonstrators turned out in Denver; Dallas; Annapolis, Maryland; Oakland and San Francisco; Los Angeles and Miami. CBS News Miami reports that counter-demonstrations were held in support of Mr. Trump in West palm Beach, including a gathering outside Trump International Golf Club. "50501," which stands for "50 protests, 50 states, one day," is a grassroots attempt to protest the policies and actions of the second Trump administration.
