President Donald Trump is set to sign three executive orders on Monday involving the U.S. military, including banning transgender service members, eliminating military DEI programs, and reinstating service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
What to Know:
- Trump will sign three key orders impacting military policy.
- One order bans transgender individuals from military service, reversing Biden’s 2021 policy.
- Another bans Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices in the military.
- A third order will reinstate service members discharged over COVID-19 vaccine refusal with backpay.
- Trump’s new defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, is set to enforce these changes.
Stay with Newsweek as we bring you updates on Trump’s policies.
Trump administration’s immigration sweep followed by media-focused raid images
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent preparing to arrest alleged immigration violators at Fresh Mark, Salem, June 19, 2018.
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
The Trump administration’s weekend immigration sweep, which resulted in nearly 1,000 arrests, has left many immigrant communities feeling uneasy. Following the operation, the federal government released a series of videos and photos showing agents in tactical gear, including vests labeled “Police ICE” and “Homeland Security,” as they took suspects into custody.
This media-savvy approach to the arrests was no accident. Sources familiar with the operations told CNN that at least two agencies assisting in the raids instructed personnel to ensure their agency insignia was visible in case they were filmed by media outlets. The visuals were part of a broader effort to project a strong, law-enforcement presence during the operation.
Trump congratulates Chiefs on AFC Championship win, touts his own support
The Kansas City Chiefs narrowly defeated the Buffalo Bills 32-29 to claim the AFC Championship and secure a spot in the Super Bowl. Trump quickly took to his Truth Social platform to congratulate the Chiefs, praising their team, coach, and quarterback. He also added a personal touch, claiming that many of the Chiefs’ fans “voted for me (MAGA!) in record numbers.”
Trump also gave credit to the Buffalo Bills for their “tremendous season” but did not mention the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant 55-23 NFC Championship victory. His post seemed more focused on promoting his political brand, despite admitting that he hadn’t watched much of the game. Instead, he was busy promoting a Fox News show, noting his enjoyment of a segment featuring Katie Pavlich and Congressman Jim Jordan.
While Trump’s remarks about the Chiefs’ fans’ support for him are debatable—given that the Kansas City metro area swung for Harris in the 2020 election—the president used the moment to inject politics into the sporting event. His statements were somewhat at odds with the political neutrality of Chiefs players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, whose personal opinions remain unspoken.
Hegseth stands by Gen. C.Q. Brown amid threats of firing
On his first day as secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth expressed strong support for Gen. C.Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had previously been under threat of being dismissed by President Trump.
“I’m standing with him right now, I look forward to working with him,” Hegseth told reporters upon arriving at the Pentagon.
While Trump had initially considered firing Brown due to concerns over the general’s focus on diversity initiatives, a meeting between the two led to a change of heart. Brown’s term is set to end in 2027.
What does Fafo mean? Trump’s message to Colombia goes viral
Donald Trump garnered attention on Sunday with a Truth Social post that appeared to be a message to Colombia featuring the acronym “FAFO”.
The post, which also featured an image of Trump wearing a fedora, was made after Colombia’s initial refusal to allow U.S. military planes carrying deported migrants to land on its territory.
The President’s use of “FAFO”—which stands for “F*** Around, Find Out”—quickly went viral, underscoring his no-nonsense approach to foreign policy disputes.
Elon Musk amplified the viral nature of Trump’s post by posting it on X, formerly Twitter, and commenting: “This is awesome.”
Newsweek approached the White House for comment via email on Monday.
Read the full story by Daniel Cody on Newsweek.
Pete Hegseth signals more executive orders coming on Pentagon policies
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that more executive orders are on the way, including measures to remove Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Pentagon and reinstate troops dismissed due to COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
Defense Secretary @PeteHegseth: There are more Executive Orders coming that I fully support — on removing DEI inside the Pentagon, reinstating troops that were pushed out because of Covid mandates… As the Secretary of Defense, it’s an honor… to ensure these orders are complied… pic.twitter.com/5BmS0nxK7E
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 27, 2025
Trump’s border czar rails against Pope—’they have a wall’
A composite image of Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, left, in New York City, New York, December 12, 2024, and Pope Francis, right, in the Vatican City, January 26, 2025.
Michael Appleton and Gregorio Borgia/ASSOCIATED PRESS
President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan has railed against Pope Francis for his criticism of the Trump administration’s mass-deportation policy.
Homan, who is overseeing the policy, accused the Catholic leader of hypocrisy for supporting a wall around the Vatican while opposing the Trump administration’s intention to control American borders.
Newsweek has contacted the Vatican and the White House via email for comment.
In his first week since returning to office, Trump has followed through on his 2024 campaign promise to launch the “largest deportation program” in U.S. history, signing a series of executive orders that showcase his administration’s commitment to implement his immigration agenda.
While Trump is a dominant political force among evangelical and conservative Christians, the mass-deportation policy has faced heavy criticism from Catholic and mainline Protestant leaders. A New York Times poll found 55 percent of Americans support deporting all immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, while 42 percent oppose doing so.
Read the full story by Flynn Nicholls on Newsweek.
Senate to vote on Trump’s treasury secretary nominee Scott Bessent
Scott Bessent, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to be Secretary of the Treasury, appears before the Senate Finance Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 16, 2025. He has warned that the economy could crash without Trump’s tax cut proposals.
Ben Curtis/AP
The Senate is scheduled to vote later today on Trump’s nomination of Scott Bessent for treasury secretary.
The final vote is set for 5:30 p.m.
Experts caution potential downsides of Trump’s energy plans
President Donald Trump speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling from Las Vegas to Miami on January 25, 2025.
Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press
As President Trump prepares to re-enter office, his energy policies have come under scrutiny. Nathan Schluter, Energy Expert at Home Energy Club, shared with Newsweek via email the expected outcomes of Trump’s focus on promoting fossil fuel industries.
Trump’s first-day actions signal a return to policies favoring domestic oil, gas, and coal production. The plan includes easing restrictions on these industries, opening federal lands for exploration, and declaring a national energy emergency to support fossil fuels. This approach contrasts sharply with President Biden’s push for clean energy, including electric vehicles and offshore wind projects.
“Trump’s intentions are to ease restrictions on coal and natural gas industries and open federal lands for energy exploration, scrapping Biden’s actions towards encouraging a transition away from fossil fuels such as electric vehicles and offshore wind energy projects. Instead, he declared a national energy emergency in efforts to further support the fossil fuel industries,” he said.
In the short term, these measures could help alleviate rising energy costs, benefiting consumers and creating jobs in oil and gas-producing regions. However, Schluter highlights long-term risks, such as the cancellation of environmental regulations and reduced investment in clean energy, which could hinder efforts to address climate change and sustainability.
While fossil fuels provide reliability in energy supply, Schluter argues that relying solely on them may undermine the benefits of a diverse energy mix, as seen in Texas’s response to the 2021 winter storm. The integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, helped improve energy stability. A failure to invest in renewables could limit long-term energy resilience and innovation.
Donald Trump’s 100 day’ Ukraine peace plan leaked: Report
A news outlet has leaked U.S. President Donald Trump’s alleged plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 100 days, which the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said is false.
On Sunday, Strana, a Ukrainian outlet, published details of the purported plan to end the war in a few months, writing that it had been discussed in “political and diplomatic circles” in Ukraine. Newsweek was unable to independently verify whether the details of the plan were accurate.
Newsweek has contacted the White House, outside business hours, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine for comment via email.
Read the full story by Maya Mehrara on Newsweek.
Anti-abortion groups urge Trump administration to clamp down on abortion pill access
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing a series of executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on January 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump signed a range of executive orders pertaining to issues including crypto currency, Artificial Intelligence, and clemency for anti-abortion activists. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Anti-abortion groups are urging the Trump administration to take swift action against abortion pill access, calling for the reversal of policies set by the Biden administration, Axios reported. A coalition of 30 anti-abortion organizations has specifically targeted the Justice Department and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pushing for a crackdown that includes using the 19th-century Comstock Act to prevent the mailing of abortion drugs.
This law, passed in 1873, originally aimed to restrict the distribution of obscene materials, and the groups argue it should now be interpreted to block the delivery of both abortion medications and contraception. The activists are also advocating for the FDA to reverse its relaxed policies on the abortion pill mifepristone, including extending its use window and allowing prescriptions via telehealth. These changes, they argue, are essential to protect what they consider the rights of women and children.
Medication abortions have become increasingly common since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, with the pills now accounting for about two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S. The Biden administration’s stance on abortion pills has sparked debate, with opponents expressing concerns over the drug’s safety and the FDA’s approval processes. Abortion rights supporters fear that restricting access to these pills could lead to a broader de facto national ban on abortion services.
While the Trump administration has yet to formally respond, the pressure from these groups highlights a growing effort to further limit abortion access in the U.S., with implications for both legal and medical practices surrounding reproductive rights.
Trump to sign executive orders reshaping military, including transgender ban and reinstatement of vaccine-refusing service members
Trump is expected to sign three executive orders aimed at reshaping the U.S. military, according to two Trump White House officials, per a reporter on X.
The orders are set to include a ban on transgender service members, the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the military, and the reinstatement of service members who were discharged for refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
News: Trump is expected to sign three executive orders that would reshape the military, including banning transgender service members, gutting the military’s DEI programs & reinstating service members discharged for refusing to get COVID vaccines, per two Trump WH officials
— Alayna Treene (@alaynatreene) January 27, 2025
Matt Gaetz denies allegations of sex with underage girl, responds to Bill Maher questioning
Former Republican Representative Matt Gaetz has denied accusations related to sex trafficking and engaging in sexual activity with an “underage girl” during a recent interview with Bill Maher. Gaetz, who resigned from Congress in November 2024 after being nominated by President Donald Trump for U.S. attorney general—a position he later withdrew from—faced a series of allegations stemming from a federal investigation. These allegations, detailed in a December House Ethics Committee report, include claims of Gaetz paying women for sex, engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl, and using illegal drugs.
In the interview on Maher’s podcast, Gaetz firmly denied the accusations, stating, “No,” when asked if he had ever been with an underage girl or hired prostitutes. Maher, who expressed support for Gaetz’s denial, noted that if there had been evidence, the Justice Department would have acted. “The Justice Department, this is Biden’s Justice Department, declined… They had nothing,” Maher said.
Despite the allegations, Gaetz remains defiant. He responded to the committee’s findings by asserting that he had been fully exonerated, noting he had been under investigation for years but was never charged. He also downplayed the claims of relationships with women in their 20s, saying these were not transactional.
The release of the House Ethics Committee report, which typically refrains from releasing findings after a resignation, was criticized by some, including committee Chairman Michael Guest, who suggested it was a politically motivated action.
Trump pushes NATO allies as Lithuania and Estonia commit to 5% defense spending
President Donald Trump boarding Air Force One in Las Vegas on January 25, 2025.
Lithuania and Estonia have become the first NATO countries to commit to increasing their defense spending to 5% of GDP, responding to pressure from the United States, according to the Financial Times. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys confirmed the country would allocate between 5% and 6% of its GDP to defense from 2026 to 2030. Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristan Michal echoed similar commitments, citing the clear message from NATO’s largest member, under President Donald Trump, to boost defense spending.
While both countries plan to meet these targets through government borrowing and public sector cuts, there is skepticism in Lithuania about the feasibility of this goal. Some opposition politicians questioned the credibility of the plan. However, both leaders emphasized the importance of the U.S. call for increased defense spending, a sentiment shared by Trump in a January 21 press conference, where he reaffirmed his push for NATO allies to meet the 5% threshold.
Russia has voiced concerns over NATO’s expanding defense budgets, warning that these moves could escalate tensions and raise the risk of direct confrontation with the alliance.
WATCH: JD Vance speak on grocery prices
In an interview on CBS’s Face The Nation, JD Vance was questioned on rising grocery prices. He said, “Prices are gonna come down. But it’s gonna take a little bit of time.”
BRENNAN: You campaigned on lowering prices. Which executive order lowers prices?
VANCE: We have done a lot.
BRENNAN: So grocery prices aren’t going to come down?
VANCE: No Margaret, prices are gonna come down. But it’s gonna take a little bit of time. pic.twitter.com/7lki2eIqRM
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 26, 2025
U.S. government could own up to 50% of perplexity AI and tiktok’s U.S. business as part of new deal
The U.S. government could own up to 50% of Perplexity AI and TikTok’s U.S. business as part of a new deal, a source familiar with the matter has said.
Perplexity AI recently presented a revised proposal to ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, aiming to address national security concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership. This new plan builds on a prior proposal made before the Jan. 19 enforcement of a TikTok ban.
The updated structure would merge Perplexity AI with TikTok’s U.S. business, allowing the U.S. government to acquire up to a 50% nonvoting stake after a $300 billion public offering. ByteDance would retain equity but relinquish control to a U.S.-based board.
The proposal seeks to balance security concerns with TikTok’s continued operation, aligning with feedback from the Trump administration and similar strategies previously suggested by former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
TikTok and ByteDance have not commented on the revised proposal.
The ban on TikTok, enacted by Congress, stemmed from fears of data misuse and Chinese influence over the app’s algorithm. While the Biden administration championed the law, President Donald Trump delayed its enforcement by 75 days, allowing time for a resolution.
If successful, the deal could secure TikTok’s future in the U.S., but Oracle and other investors are reportedly exploring a global acquisition of TikTok.
DeSantis proposal could impact Trump casino ambitions in Florida
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is pushing for significant changes to the state’s citizen-led ballot initiative process, which could unintentionally complicate former President Donald Trump’s long-standing goal of opening a casino in Miami, CNN reported.
DeSantis’ plan would add restrictions to constitutional amendments initiated by voters, including outlawing traditional signature-gathering methods. Critics argue this would effectively end the citizens’ initiative process. Florida’s constitution currently requires voter approval for gambling expansion through these amendments.
If enacted, the proposal could secure a gambling monopoly for the Seminole Tribe, which already holds exclusive rights to most casino operations in the state, while blocking new competitors, including Trump.
Gaming experts believe the legislation would make it nearly impossible for non-tribal casinos to establish themselves in Florida. However, Trump’s influence and unique ability to mobilize support might offer him a path forward.
The Seminole Tribe, a major donor to DeSantis, has not commented on the proposed legislation. Meanwhile, Trump has not responded publicly to the potential implications for his business interests.
Trump Colombia tariff announcement had major spelling mistake
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a rally at Circa Resort & Casino on January 25, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ian Maule/Getty Images
A press release from the administration of President Donald Trump misspelled the country Colombia as “Columbia,” quickly sparking ridicule online.
Newsweek has reached out to a representative for Trump via email outside of normal working hours for comment.
A press release containing the spelling mistake announced Trump’s declaration of tariffs against Colombia, and critics were quick to jump on the error. Although Trump’s policy is popular, the eyes of the world are on its execution, and simple mistakes such as misspelling a nation will not help promote the reputation of the administration.
The White House and Colombia reached a key agreement on Sunday, over the deportation of undocumented Colombia nationals.
The release with the spelling mistake no longer appears to be live, but it was quickly shared on social media with users mocking the error.
Read the full story by Marni Rose McFall on Newsweek.
