January 21, 2025: Donald Trump presidency news

January 21, 2025: Donald Trump presidency news

January 21, 2025: Donald Trump presidency news

Meta Spokesperson Clarifies Trump Account Followings

Facebook and Instagram users might be surprised to see posts from President Donald Trump or Vice President JD Vance on their feeds. However, Meta clarified that the routine transfer of ownership of official White House accounts occurs every four years during presidential transitions.

Meta spokesperson Andy Stone explained on X that accounts such as @POTUS, @WhiteHouse, @VP, and @FLOTUS are managed by the White House. When a new administration takes office, ownership of these accounts is transferred, along with their followers. This process ensures continuity but often confuses users who may not realize their followings are automatically carried over.

When Trump took office, his team gained access to these accounts, while the previous administration’s accounts were archived, preserving their posts and follower lists. This practice applies to most government branches during leadership changes.

Trump Administration Orders Federal Health Agencies to Pause Communications

The Trump administration has directed federal health agencies to halt external communications, including scientific reports, website updates, and public health advisories. The directive, delivered to agencies such as the FDA, CDC, and NIH, came unexpectedly and with little clarification, according to internal sources.

While pauses for review during transitions are not uncommon, the scope of this order raised concerns. Federal health agencies typically provide updates on food recalls, drug approvals, and public health threats, making this directive an unusual interruption.

The order was reportedly issued by Stefanie Spear, a deputy chief of staff at HHS and former press secretary for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is Trump’s nominee for HHS Secretary, pending Senate confirmation.

White House Ends DEI Programs in Federal Workforce and Contracting

President Donald Trump signed an executive order eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) considerations in federal hiring, promotions, and contracting. According to a White House fact sheet, the order enforces federal civil rights laws and promotes a "colorblind" approach.

Key provisions include:
Termination of DEI-related goals and mandates in hiring and spending.
Simplification of federal contracting processes to enhance efficiency while ensuring contractors comply with anti-discrimination laws.
Mandates for strong actions against private sector DEI discrimination.
Joint guidance from the Attorney General and Secretary of Education to align with the Supreme Court's Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard decision.

Additionally, DEI employees across federal agencies were placed on administrative leave as offices and initiatives are dismantled.

Bishop Urges Trump to Show Mercy in Address to Immigrants and LGBTQ Community

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde used her sermon at the National Cathedral to plead with President Trump for compassion toward immigrants and the LGBTQ community. She called for unity and understanding, highlighting the fears and challenges faced by marginalized groups.

Budde’s remarks aimed to encourage a broader perspective of mercy and humanity. While Trump criticized the service, Budde noted his response was respectful, emphasizing the need for civil discourse despite differences.

Trump Administration Prepares Changes at FBI

The Trump administration is setting the stage for changes at the FBI by hiring former agent Tom Ferguson, who previously worked for Rep. Jim Jordan. Ferguson is expected to advise Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, pending Senate confirmation.

Ferguson, a vocal critic of "woke" ideology and political overreach, is among several new hires intended to address Trump’s concerns about the agency’s alleged politicization.

Trump Defends Pardoning Capitol Rioters Amid Mixed Reactions

President Trump sparked controversy by pardoning January 6 Capitol rioters, including individuals convicted of assaulting police officers. While some Republican lawmakers supported the decision, others expressed unease. Law enforcement organizations condemned the pardons, calling them discouraging.

Trump’s AI Initiative and Economic Moves

Trump announced a $500 billion AI infrastructure project, "Stargate," in partnership with OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle. Additionally, potential tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada could raise costs for Americans, while trade partners have promised strong responses if implemented.

Trump Pardons Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht

President Trump granted a full pardon to Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace. Ulbricht, serving a life sentence for money laundering, drug trafficking, and hacking, was described by Trump as a victim of disproportionate sentencing. The pardon fulfills Trump’s campaign promise to the Libertarian Movement, which strongly supported him.

The Southern District of New York declined to comment, while Trump criticized the legal figures involved in Ulbricht’s conviction, calling them “scum.”