US Marshals Service deputizes Musk’s private security detail: Reports
The U.S. Marshals Service has deputized Elon Musk’s private security team, granting them rights and protections typically reserved for federal law enforcement agents. The move comes amid heightened security concerns following his appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The deputation allows Musk’s team to carry firearms on federal property and make arrests. The full extent of their powers remains unclear.
The Marshals Service typically deputizes law enforcement officers, not private security personnel, raising concerns about the precedent it sets.
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The U.S. Marshals Service reportedly deputized members of Elon Musk’s private security team, according to multiple law enforcement sources. The move granted them certain rights and protections typically reserved for federal law enforcement agents.
However, the number of security personnel granted this status remains unknown.
The move follows heightened security concerns for Musk, who President Donald Trump appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
In recent weeks, Musk publicly referenced threats to his safety. Reports also indicated that his security team sought expanded authority in Washington, D.C.
What powers do deputized security officers have?
The full extent of the powers granted to Musk’s security team remains unclear. Generally, special deputy U.S. Marshals can carry firearms on federal property and may be authorized to detain individuals in certain situations.
However, the specific authorities granted to Musk’s security detail remain unknown.
A law enforcement source told CNN that deputation also means the Marshals Service could be held legally responsible if an incident involving Musk’s security team were to occur.
How unusual is this move?
While the Marshals Service frequently deputizes law enforcement officers to assist in major security operations—such as during a presidential inauguration—deputizing private security officers is rare but not unprecedented.
The agency has deputized security details for high-profile government officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, whose protection came from federal law enforcement. However, sources said extending these protections to private security personnel who are not sworn law enforcement officers is unusual.
Why doesn’t Musk have Secret Service protection?
The White House has not issued Musk a Secret Service detail, though Trump could authorize one via executive order.
The Secret Service protects the president, vice president, their families and select high-ranking officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi declined to comment on Musk’s security arrangements. However, he noted that private security officers are not permitted to carry weapons inside federal buildings.
What are the broader implications?
The decision to deputize Musk’s security team has raised concerns among law enforcement officials. They questioned the precedent it sets.
Sources familiar with the situation stated Musk’s security detail has attracted attention due to its size and presence in Washington.
As Musk continues to head the Department of Government Efficiency, which has managed budget cuts across federal agencies, his security situation remains a subject of discussion in both political and law enforcement circles.
President Donald Trump has revoked former President Joe Biden’s security clearance and access to daily intelligence briefings, citing national security concerns. Trump referenced Biden’s own decision in 2021 to deny Trump intelligence briefings as a precedent.
Trump criticized Biden’s ability to handle sensitive information, citing findings from special counsel Robert Hur’s report.
This move is part of a broader effort by Trump to revoke security clearances for several former officials critical of his administration.
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President Donald Trump has revoked former President Joe Biden’s security clearance and access to daily intelligence briefings, citing concerns over Biden’s memory and a precedent set in 2021. The move follows Trump’s broader efforts to strip security protections from former officials critical of his administration.
Why did Trump decide to revoke Biden’s security clearance?
Trump announced the decision on Friday, Feb. 7, in a Truth Social post, stating, “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.”
The move comes after Trump pointed to Biden’s 2021 decision to stop Trump from receiving intelligence briefings. At that time, Biden defended his action by questioning Trump’s trustworthiness, saying, “What value is giving him an intelligence briefing? What impact does he have at all, other than the fact he might slip and say something?”
What precedent did Biden set in 2021 for this move?
Trump referenced the precedent set in 2021 when Biden, in an unprecedented move, denied Trump access to classified intelligence. Biden justified his decision by stating concerns over Trump’s “erratic behavior”, even before the Capitol riot, which was linked to Trump’s last days in office. Biden argued that giving Trump intelligence briefings could pose a risk to national security.
What Concerns Did Trump Cite Regarding Biden’s Ability to Handle Sensitive Information?
Trump cited special counsel Robert Hur’s 2024 report as further justification for his decision. The report revealed that Biden has “poor memory” and struggled to recall significant events, such as the year his son, Beau Biden, passed away. Trump used this as evidence to argue that Biden cannot be trusted with sensitive information.
“The Hur Report revealed that Biden suffers from ‘poor memory’ and, even in his ‘prime,’ could not be trusted with sensitive information,” Trump wrote. “I will always protect our National Security — JOE, YOU’RE FIRED. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
How has Trump handled security clearances of other former officials?
Since taking office, Trump has revoked security protections for several former officials, particularly those who have publicly criticized him. Among those affected:
John Bolton, former national security adviser, who lost his Secret Service protection.
Mike Pompeo, former secretary of state, had his security protection removed.
Mark Milley, former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, saw his security clearance and detail rescinded by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Mark Esper, former defense secretary, also lost security protection.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, former chief medical adviser, was stripped of his security detail after leading the U.S. response to COVID-19.
Why did Trump target these officials specifically?
Trump’s revocations appear to be connected to his ongoing disputes with these former officials. Many of them were outspoken critics of his policies or decisions. In particular, Trump has taken aim at those involved in handling classified information in ways he believes were damaging to him or his administration.
How many former intelligence officials have had their clearances revoked?
Trump has revoked the security clearances of more than four dozen former intelligence officials, including two former CIA directors. These individuals signed a 2020 letter that suggested reports of Hunter Biden’s laptop were part of a Russian disinformation campaign. Trump accused them of interference in the 2020 election and said their actions made them untrustworthy with classified materials.
What legal and political implications does this move have?
Trump’s decision to revoke Biden’s security clearance could deepen political divisions and further escalate tensions between the two former presidents. The move raises questions about the precedent for denying intelligence access to former presidents and whether such actions are politically motivated or based on legitimate national security concerns.
As of now, Biden has not publicly responded to Trump’s decision. Biden’s team was contacted for comment, but no response has been provided.
State AGs seek investigation of Dr. Fauci’s role in COVID-19 pandemic
A group of state attorneys general, led by South Carolina AG Alan Wilson, is seeking to investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci’s role in the COVID-19 pandemic. They cite “alleged mismanagement, misleading statements and suppression of scientific debate.”
This follows a report from the House Select Subcommittee that claimed COVID-19 likely emerged from a Wuhan lab and NIH-funded gain-of-function research.
The attorneys general argue that President Joe Biden’s pardon of Fauci does not prevent state-level legal action, and are requesting cooperation from Congressional leaders for further investigation.
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A group of state attorneys general is seeking to investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci and his role in the COVID-19 pandemic. Before President Joe Biden left office, he granted a blanket pardon for Fauci, who was neither under investigation nor convicted of a crime, dating back to Jan. 1, 2014.
A presidential pardon is an official act by the U.S. president that forgives someone for a federal crime, usually removing any penalties or consequences.
In a statement, Biden said, “The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense. Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment to our country.”
Fauci served as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 1984 until his retirement in 2022. He worked under President Donald Trump’s first term, coordinating the U.S. response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fauci and Trump frequently clashed over public health matters. Fauci often disagreed with some of Trump’s views and public health suggestions, particularly regarding unproven treatments and downplaying the severity of the virus.
Fauci’s stance on measures like mask-wearing and social distancing led to significant backlash from some of Trump’s supporters. They viewed his guidance as restrictive or an infringement on personal freedoms. The criticism intensified as Fauci became a prominent figure in the national response to the pandemic.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson is leading the coalition. According to an official press release, Wilson said they are investigating Fauci’s role in the COVID-19 response. He said they are “demanding accountability for alleged mismanagement, misleading statements, and suppression of scientific debate.”
In December, the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic released a final report following its two-year investigation. They found that “COVID-19 most likely emerged from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.”
The report states that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded and oversaw gain-of-function research with U.S. taxpayer dollars at the Wuhan lab.
Wilson asserts that Dr. Fauci worked to discredit the lab leak theory and misled Congress by allegedly providing “false testimony regarding NIH-funded gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.”
The attorneys general say Biden’s federal pardon of Fauci “does not prevent state-level legal action.”
In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., the attorneys general requested cooperation in “providing us with information that could outline potential courses of action under state law, should they exist.”
“We are fully committed to investigating any malfeasance that may have occurred to the fullest extent of our authority and are prepared to collaborate with you in further efforts,” Wilson stated in the letter.
DOGE cancels contract to build Dr. Fauci museum exhibit
DHS canceled a $168,000 contract to build an exhibit honoring Dr. Fauci. DOGE put the contract on the chopping block.
Fauci spent 54 years at NIH, but his response to the COVID-19 pandemic made him a controversial figure.
DOGE claims it has saved the government $32 billion so far.
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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) canceled a $168,000 contract to build an exhibit honoring Dr. Anthony Fauci at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The contract was originally signed in October 2024 at the end of the Biden administration. However, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created by President Donald Trump, put it on the chopping block.
The funds for the Fauci exhibit would have paid for project management, design consultation, samples and fabrication.
Dr. Fauci spent 54 years at NIH and retired in December 2022. He was a controversial figure during the COVID-19 pandemic as he tried to guide the country’s response. Many Republicans accused him of providing inconsistent guidelines for social distancing, masking and vaccinations. He has been a target for oversight ever since.
News about the canceled exhibit came in a larger DOGE announcement about 62 canceled contracts at HHS totaling $182 million. It’s unclear exactly how much money that will save the government, given that some payments on active contracts have already been made.
In the past 48 hours, HHS canceled 62 contract worth $182 million. These contracts were entirely for administrative expenses – none touched any healthcare programs. This included terminating a $168,000 contract for an Anthony Fauci exhibit at the NIH Museum. pic.twitter.com/EsZxflPS6w
According to the website DOGE-tracker, the group has saved American taxpayers $32.7 billion thus far, a little more than 1.5% of its $2 trillion goal. The department, led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, is set to terminate automatically on July 4, 2026, so they have a little over 500 days left. Many of the cuts are related to diversity, equity and inclusion programs that President Trump banned with an executive order.
Recently, Musk teased a DOGE audit of the IRS. DOGE has also gutted USAID and put 2,200 of its employees on leave. However, a judge temporarily blocked some of DOGE’s actions related to the foreign aid agency Friday afternoon, Feb. 7.
Trump to sign executive order targeting gain-of-function research: Report
The Trump administration is preparing an executive order that would stop federal funding for gain-of-function (GOF) research, The Wall Street Journal reports. Gain-of-function is a controversial area of virus-related research that has been widely debated since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The research modifies a virus to increase its transmissibility, virulence or ability to evade the immune system. Essentially, it makes the virus more dangerous and deadly than its natural state.
Scientists in favor of GOF research argue that it can provide crucial insights into how viruses evolve and spread.
People familiar with the matter, who spoke anonymously to the Journal, said the goal of the executive action would be to prevent U.S.-funded scientists from conducting GOF research on viruses that could threaten human health.
There is also a possibility that H5N1, also known as bird flu, could be exempt from the order.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and other Republicans have been critical of gain-of-function research. They claim that COVID-19 is the product of it and leaked from a lab at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Paul has accused Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, of knowingly funding gain-of-function research at the Wuhan lab with federal funds.
The origin of the COVID-19 pandemic remains undetermined. In October 2021, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a declassified report asserting that it could not conclusively prove the origins of COVID-19.
The president has not finalized his executive action.
President Donald Trump issues series of executive actions on Day 1
President Donald Trump served speeches, politics and policy during his inauguration, immediately increasing border security and granting pardons to Jan. 6 rioters while also rescinding Biden administration directives on climate change and DEI. The president also officially gave TikTok a reprieve from a potential ban in the United States. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.
Trump issues series of executive actions on Day 1
Donald Trump is now officially the 47th president of the United States. It did not take long for him to get his agenda started for his second term after his inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20. During his 30-minute inauguration speech in the Capitol Rotunda, Trump outlined how he would spend much of his first day in office.
“Today, I will sign a series of historic executive orders,” he said. “With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense. It’s all about common sense. First, I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted. And we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came. We will reinstate my ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy. I will end the practice of catch and release and I will send troops to the southern border to repel the disastrous invasion of our country. Under the orders I sign today, we will also be designating the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.”
The president followed through with his promise, signing a series of executive orders throughout the day. He signed the first while on stage in front of a crowd at the Capital One Arena, rescinding 78 executive actions implemented under the Biden administration.
Trump signed additional executive actions at the White House, including one that orders flags to fly at full staff on Inauguration Day. On Monday, flags flew at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter’s passing.
He also signed an order requiring all federal workers to return to work in person full-time and issued a freeze on federal hiring except for the military and other excluded departments.
Two executive actions saw Trump withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization.
He also ordered the construction of the wall on the southern border to restart. Trump’s first administration built about 450 miles of the current barrier wall.
The president signed another executive order that ended birthright citizenship for children of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit challenging that order late Monday night.
Trump declared a national emergency on energy costs for Americans and issued an order eliminating an Environmental Protection Agency rule to get car manufacturers to cut greenhouse gas emissions — the so-called “electric vehicle mandate.”
Another order calls for the reopening of drilling in parts of Alaska.
Additionally, Trump signed an executive order making it federal government policy to recognize only two sexes: male and female. Another order called for the elimination of all government programs that are part of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
One of the executive orders issued by Trump on day one included the pardoning of 1,500 Americans who stormed the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021 as Congress tried to certify the 2020 election results.
The president granted clemency, including “full, complete and unconditional” pardons for about 1,500 people.
The move came just hours after outgoing President Joe Biden issued a series of last-minute preemptive pardons, including for Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley and members of the House committee that investigated Jan. 6. Biden also pardoned his siblings and their spouses in a move to ward off any possible future prosecution, saying they were “subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me — the worst kind of partisan politics.”
Trump delays TikTok ban for enforcement for at least 75 days
Within the first few hours of his second term, Trump followed through on his promise to delay the enforcement of the TikTok ban. The executive order directed the Department of Justice not to enforce the law for at least 75 days.
The law, passed during the Biden administration with strong bipartisan support, said TikTok parent company ByteDance had to sell the social media platform to a buyer from America or one of its allies or be banned starting Jan. 19.
Congress passed the law over national security concerns that China might influence or tap into American data through the app. The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the law to go forward last Friday, Jan. 17.
The Trump executive order said the 75-day delay will help his administration attempt to “determine the appropriate course forward in an orderly way that protects national security while avoiding an abrupt shutdown of a communications platform used by millions of Americans.”
Marco Rubio confirmed as secretary of state
Longtime Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is officially the U.S. secretary of state, making him the first confirmed member of Trump’s new cabinet. Senators voted unanimously Monday to approve the selection.
The Republican has served on the Senate since 2011 and his nomination drew strong support from not just Senate Republicans, but Democrats who said he’s highly qualified for the job.
Meanwhile, another one of Trump’s cabinet nominees is one step closer to landing the role of defense secretary.
All 14 of the committee’s Republicans voted in favor of Hegseth, while all 13 Democrats voted against him. The former Fox News host is a controversial pick because of allegations of sexual assault, alcohol abuse and financial mismanagement. It’s something the Army and Iraq War vet has denied, saying he’s a changed man.
At this point, not one Senate Republican indicated they would vote “no” on Hegseth getting the job.
Senate passes amended ‘Laken Riley Act’ to combat illegal immigration
In another high-profile move Monday, the Senate passed legislation known as the “Laken Riley Act.” Twelve Democrats crossed party lines to join Republican senators in voting to send the immigration bill to the House.
The measure would mandate the detention of more undocumented immigrants who are charged with any crime, including small crimes like shoplifting. The act came to be after undocumented immigrant Jose Ibarra from Venezuela was convicted of murdering Laken Riley last year while she was out for a jog on the University of Georgia campus.
Ibarra had previously received a misdemeanor for shoplifting, but no immigration action was taken.
The House passed a similar bill earlier this month. This amended bill is expected to pass the House and become the first piece of legislation approved by Trump in his new term.
Ohio State wins College Football National Championship, beats Notre Dame 34-23
Ohio State overpowered Notre Dame in the national championship game Monday night, winning 34-23 after fending off a late Irish comeback attempt to win the title. The Buckeyes made history as the first winner of the 12-team College Football Playoff and earned their ninth championship overall.
Biden preemptively pardons Fauci, Milley, Jan. 6 committee members
In the final hours of his tenure, President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons for potential targets of the Trump administration. On Monday, Jan. 20, Biden preemptively pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for nearly four decades — including during the COVID-19 pandemic during President-elect Donald Trump’s first administration.
He also pardoned now-retired Gen. Mark Milley, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Trump’s first term, and has publicly warned he believes Trump is a fascist. Milley has also been heavily criticized by Republicans for the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
President Biden also issued preemptive pardons for members of Congress who served on the Jan. 6 Committee — including former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, who Trump has vowed retribution against.
President Joe Biden’s statement
Our nation relies on dedicated, selfless public servants every day. They are the lifeblood of our democracy.
Yet alarmingly, public servants have been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties.
In a statement, President Biden said, “Our nation relies on dedicated, selfless public servants every day. They are the lifeblood of our democracy. Yet alarmingly, public servants have been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties.”
Biden added, “These are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing.”
Reaction from both sides of the aisle
The president also made clear the preemptive pardons are not meant to imply any wrongdoing; rather, they’re meant to provide protection for these individuals. Some Democrats argued against preemptive pardons, including Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who served on the House Jan. 6 Committee.
Some Trump supporters have also spoken out against the pardons, like Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R, who claimed in a post on X that those pardoned Monday are guilty of crimes.
Democratic senator opposes Biden’s preemptive pardons. Here’s why.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said he “strongly opposed” President Joe Biden’s consideration of preemptive pardons for President-elect Donald Trump’s political rivals. Blumenthal described it as a “terrible idea.”
“It would, in effect, be an implicit acknowledgment of some culpability or guilt,” Blumenthal told reporters. “And it would apply only to the top officials, probably leaving the underlings exposed and vulnerable.”
Multiple outlets reported Biden’s senior aides are debating blanket pardons for those possibly targeted by the incoming Trump administration. Former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Dr. Anthony Fauci are among possible Trump targets.
Prosecution speculation
Blumenthal said if there is a prosecution, it would be better to create a legal defense fund. This way, the accused can have a strong, bipartisan team of attorneys.
As a former prosecutor, he expressed doubts about getting a conviction on purely political charges.
“I think that pushing back and achieving acquittals, in effect giving the president a black eye when he brings these retribution prosecutions, would be a way to uphold justice,” Blumenthal said.
Trump threatens Jan. 6 investigative committee
President-elect Trump added to concerns about retribution, saying members of the Jan. 6 investigative committee should go to jail.
“For what they did, honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Trump said he wouldn’t direct his FBI director and attorney general to send them to jail.
“I think that they’ll have to look at that. I’m going to focus on drill, baby, drill,” Trump said.
Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., a former member of the committee, said he did his job and the findings of the investigation should be preserved.
“They’re incredibly concerning,” Aguilar responded to Trump’s comments. “But I also think that within that same interview, he said that he could not tell the American public that their prices were not going to be impacted by the tariffs. So this is somebody who doesn’t keep his word.”
Aguilar said he hasn’t been a part of any conversations about pardons, calling it speculation.
‘Risk and uncertainty’ as Syrian rebels oust Assad after decades in power
Syrian rebels oust dictator Bashar al-Assad, who has fled the country after nearly 25 years in power. And the suspected killer of a health care CEO in New York City is still at-large after eluding a massive manhunt for almost a week. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.
‘Risk and uncertainty’ as Syrian rebels oust Assad after decades in power
It’s the dawn of a new era in Syria. After more than a decade of civil war in the country, President Bashar al-Assad was ousted after rebel groups overtook the capital in a coup on Sunday, Dec. 8.
Now Syria and its people are left with the question of what comes next as countries around the world, including the United States, react to the changing landscape.
Syrians could be seen celebrating in the streets as word spread that Assad had fled the country. State media reported the president and his family landed in Russia Sunday evening and Assad has been granted political asylum in Moscow.
The toppled leader, who had been in power since 2000 and whose family had ruled for five decades, was forced to vacate after rebel forces quickly captured city after city leading to them taking control of Damascus.
Since the civil war broke out in the wake of the pro-democracy Arab Spring demonstrations of 2011, Assad’s forces have been accused of brutal severe human rights violations, including using chemical weapons against their people. They’ve been held responsible for the deaths of more than 5,000 people and the displacement of millions of others.
The rebels who led to Assad’s ouster were headed by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Jolani called the coup “a victory for the whole Islamic nation.”
Jolani’s group used to be linked to Al Qaeda. Though it has cut those ties, the U.S. still designates it a terrorist group.
President Joe Biden spoke from the White House Sunday, calling the end of Assad’s regime a “fundamental act of justice.” Biden added the U.S. will support Syria’s neighbors Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq should any threat arise from this period of transition.
Biden referred to this as a time of “risk and uncertainty.”
“We will remain vigilante. Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses,” Biden said. “We’ve taken note of statements by the leaders of these rebel groups in recent days and they’re saying the right things now. But as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words but their actions.”
Biden said Assad’s downfall came in part due to allies Iran, Russia and Hezbollah being weaker today than when Biden began his term.
President-elect Donald Trump issued a statement on his Truth Social platform Sunday, saying Iran and Russia are in weakened states right now and calling for the end of the war in Ukraine. However, in a post on Saturday, Dec. 7, Trump said the U.S. should not get involved with Syria, saying, “This is not our fight. Let it play out.”
Iran’s president said it is up to the Syrian people to decide the future of their country.
Amid the time of transition in Syria, the U.S. showed it will continue its efforts against ISIS in the region. U.S. Central Command said it launched a series of airstrikes Sunday targeting ISIS camps and leaders in central Syria, confirming 75 “targets” had been hit. U.S. officials said it will not allow ISIS to take advantage of the current situation in Syria.
Trump promises to pardon Jan. 6 rioters on first day in office
In his first network TV interview since winning the election, President-elect Trump touched on some of his biggest campaign promises and his plans to start following through with them immediately when he takes office in January.
In an interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker for Sunday’s “Meet the Press,” Trump said, “A lot of it will have to do with economics. A lot’s gonna do with energy. A lot’s having to do with the border. We’re gonna immediately strengthen up the border and do a real job.”
Trump also doubled down on his promise to pardon Americans jailed for their role in the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, saying they had no other choice than to plead guilty. Department of Justice records show more than 1,500 people have been arrested or charged in connection with that attack and nearly 900 have pleaded guilty.
While Trump said he will not tell his nominees for FBI director and attorney general to go after his political rivals, he did share his opinion on what should happen to lawmakers who were on the House’s select committee to investigate January 6.
“Everybody on that committee, for what they did, honestly, they should go to jail,” he said.
After that interview, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney (R-WY), who was on the committee, issued a statement saying, “Donald Trump’s suggestion that members of congress who later investigated his illegal and unconstitutional actions should be jailed is a continuation of his assault on the rule of law and the foundations of our republic.”
Trump did reiterate multiple times during Sunday’s interview he has no plans to go after political rivals, but as we’ve reported here at Straight Arrow News, President Biden is considering preemptive pardons for Cheney and others who were part of the House Jan. 6 investigation, as well as Dr. Anthony Fauci and Special Counsel Jack Smith.
Police release new images of suspect in NYC deadly shooting
The manhunt for the killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson enters a new week.
Over the weekend, the NYPD released new images of the apparent suspect. Police identify the man in the pictures as “a person of interest” wanted for questioning for the fatal shooting outside a Hilton hotel Wednesday, Dec. 4.
One image shows the masked man in the back of a taxi. Another shows him walking on the sidewalk outside a vehicle. Police are hoping these images, along with others released last week, will help lead to the gunman.
Authorities reportedly traveled to Atlanta on Saturday, Dec. 7, and have been searching a lake near Central Park. On Friday night, Dec. 6, reports said investigators found a backpack believed to belong to the shooter. Inside they found two items: a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and Monopoly money.
Jay-Z accused of raping 13-year-old girl alongside Diddy
Music mogul Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs. In a civil suit filed Sunday, the anonymous accuser claimed the assault happened in 2000 at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party.
The federal lawsuit was originally filed in October only listing Combs as a defendant, but it was refiled Sunday to include Carter.
Jay-Z, who is married to Beyonce, denied the accusation and said in a statement directed at the attorney who filed the suit, “These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!!”
Combs’ lawyer also responded, calling the suit a “shameless” publicity stunt.
In September, federal prosecutors in New York criminally charged Combs with racketeering, sex trafficking and other offenses. He is in jail awaiting trial, which is scheduled to start May 5.
Kennedy Center honors Coppola, Grateful Dead, The Apollo
President Biden was among those in attendance — a tradition President Trump did not continue during his first term in office, saying he did not want to be a political distraction as some attendees had threatened to boycott his appearance. As Trump gets ready to start his second term in office, there are questions about whether federal funding for the arts might be on the chopping block.
Reports: Juan Soto, Mets agree on largest contract in pro sports history
Former New York Yankees star outfielder Juan Soto is staying in the Big Apple, but moving leagues in reportedly the largest deal in professional sports history.
But should Soto decide not to opt out, his pay will reportedly go up an extra $4 million a year for the remainder of the deal — meaning in the end, this could be an over $800 million deal.
The agreement also reportedly includes a $75 million signing bonus. Soto’s deal surpasses the record set just last year by Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million contract.
Note: The headline has been corrected to Assad. A previous version had the incorrect name.
Dr. Fauci, Schiff, Cheney: Biden weighs preemptive pardons ahead of Trump term
The Biden administration is considering issuing preemptive pardons for several public officials, according to sources close to the discussions who spoke with Politico. These pardons could be granted to individuals who senior aides believe may be targeted by President-elect Donald Trump.
The potential pardons could include high-profile figures who have been outspoken against Trump, such as Senator-elect Adam Schiff of California, former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci, a key figure in U.S. health policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The White House is weighing the legal and political risks of offering preemptive pardons to individuals who are not currently facing criminal charges but could be protected from future prosecution if charges were later brought.
Some of those reportedly being considered for pardons have already expressed hesitation. Schiff has said he would “urge the president not to do that,” noting that such a move “would seem defensive and unnecessary.”
In June 2024, Trump posted on Truth Social that the January 6th Select Committee should be indicted, accusing members of deleting and destroying evidence. However, Trump has also stated that he will not target political opponents, asserting his revenge will be his success.
The discussions about potential pardons come after Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, a move that has received mixed reactions. Some Democrats have called on Biden to issue additional pardons.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a statement urging Biden to use his final weeks in office to extend “the high level of compassion he has consistently demonstrated throughout his life.” Jeffries called for pardons on a case-by-case basis for working-class Americans in the federal prison system who have been negatively impacted by aggressive prosecutions for nonviolent offenses.