
A 19-year-old man was arrested and charged with arson after intentionally setting fire to the Wisconsin office of Congressman Glenn Grothman. The incident occurred in the wake of a controversial vote by the House of Representatives to ban the popular social media platform TikTok. Congressman Grothman had voted in favor of the ban, which was met with significant backlash from many, particularly younger, constituents. The ban, though briefly enforced, was ultimately lifted by President Trump upon taking office.
Trump First Day: Flurry of Executive Orders, J6 Participants Pardoned
At the start of his second term, President Trump pardoned 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6th riots, implemented strict immigration policies, and reversed numerous policies enacted by the Biden administration. Furthermore, he established alliances with prominent tech companies and adopted a firm stance on foreign policy, including threats of tariffs and demands for increased NATO spending. Although Trump’s executive actions were both swift and impactful, their long-term success and effectiveness will depend on his ability to navigate congressional relationships and mitigate potential legal and economic repercussions.
U.S. Border ‘Emergency’ Declaration, President Seeks to End Birthright Citizenship
President Trump began his term with executive actions on immigration, including declaring a national emergency at the southern border, halting the CBP One app, and ending birthright citizenship. He also reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy and designated cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Additional actions included suspending refugee resettlement and pursuing capital punishment for certain crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. These actions fulfill campaign promises and revive previous policy ideas. Trump assumes control of a relatively calm border, but the CBP One app shutdown could lead to increased illegal crossings. Immigration groups are prepared to challenge these actions legally.
Immediate Tariffs Delayed, Potential 25% Against Mexico, Canada Feb. 1
President Trump announced that 25% tariffs could be levied against Mexico and Canada as soon as February 1st. He called Canada “a very bad abuser” for allowing border crossings and said that a target date for the tariffs would be “I think Feb. 1.” Trump has reportedly been considering a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and 10% duties on all countries that could escalate over time. The president also suggested the idea of hitting China with intensified tariffs over social media site TikTok. Along with seeking to protect U.S. business interests, Trump has said he wants to use the levies as ways to encourage Canada and Mexico to clamp down on fentanyl trafficking. Trump also said that he will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich U.S. citizens. Stock market futures gave up earlier gains as Trump spoke about the Mexico and Canada tariffs.
Biden Issues Last-Minute Pardon to Family, Trump Critics
President Biden pardoned prominent Trump critics and his family members to shield them from potential retaliation by the incoming Trump administration. The pardons aim to protect individuals like General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of the January 6th investigative committee, as well as Biden’s immediate family. Biden expressed concerns that the relentless attacks on his family were politically motivated and unlikely to cease. The pardons sparked mixed reactions, with some lawmakers expressing gratitude and Trump’s team condemning it. Legal experts also raised concerns about the pardons’ effectiveness and potential implications.