A video of a dispute between White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and a reporter has gained attention online. The argument started over questions about an ICE agent's shooting of a Minneapolis woman, leading to accusations of bias and unprofessionalism directed at the reporter by Leavitt.
Key Facts
The incident involved White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and a reporter.
The dispute began during a press briefing about the killing of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE agent.
ICE refers to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a U.S. agency.
The reporter questioned the actions of ICE, citing 32 deaths in custody and 170 wrongful detentions last year.
Leavitt accused the reporter of being biased and lacking professionalism.
A video of the argument went viral, with over 1.5 million views on social media platform X.
The U.S. Senate has a week to prevent a partial government shutdown when they return from their break. Democrats are pushing for changes in how ICE is handled in the Homeland Security funding bill. Some Democrats and Republicans need to agree to avoid the shutdown.
Key Facts
The Senate has until a week after January 26 to stop a partial government shutdown.
Democrats want to change how ICE is funded in the Department of Homeland Security bill.
A budget with no limits on Homeland Security might not get many Democratic votes.
At least six or seven Democrats need to agree with Republicans to prevent the shutdown.
Senate leaders from both parties, John Thune and Chuck Schumer, do not want another shutdown.
Congress is over halfway through passing appropriations bills for various departments.
Passing funding bills is a fundamental role of Congress, according to Republican leaders.
Some believe a temporary funding measure may be needed to avoid shutting down Homeland Security.
President Donald Trump met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer at the White House to discuss funding for the Gateway Tunnel Project and other issues. Schumer urged the release of federal funds for the tunnel and other matters, while expressing concerns about ICE activities in U.S. cities.
Key Facts
President Trump and Senator Chuck Schumer met at the White House.
They discussed the Gateway Tunnel Project in New York, which costs $16 billion.
Schumer urged Trump to release federal funds for this project.
Trump had previously withheld funds after a government shutdown disagreement last year.
Schumer also asked Trump to push Senate Republicans to extend tax credits from the Affordable Care Act.
Schumer expressed concerns over ICE operations, stating they were dangerous and causing fear.
Democrats are debating whether to support Department of Homeland Security funding that doesn't limit ICE actions.
Schumer indicated that a government shutdown is not expected this time.
President Donald Trump's administration faced two legal defeats in California this week. Federal courts ruled against the administration's positions on redistricting and access to sensitive voter data.
Key Facts
Federal courts ruled against the Trump administration in two cases related to redistricting and voter data in California.
A court upheld California's congressional map, which was challenged for racial gerrymandering.
The ruling allowed new Democratic-leaning districts for future elections, with possible effects on the 2026 midterms.
Republican officials plan to appeal the ruling on the congressional map.
A federal judge dismissed the administration's request for California voter data, citing privacy law violations.
The voter data request included sensitive details like social security numbers and voter registration methods.
California's Secretary of State, Shirley Weber, defended the decision to protect voter privacy.
President Trump's administration may appeal these federal court decisions.
President Donald Trump announced a new healthcare plan that proposes replacing government subsidies for insurance with direct payments to health savings accounts for consumers. The plan includes measures to lower drug prices and make more medicines available over-the-counter, but it lacks clear funding details and a timeline for execution.
Key Facts
The healthcare plan aims to replace government insurance subsidies with direct payments to health savings accounts.
The administration wants Congress to pass laws to lower drug prices and expand over-the-counter medication availability.
The plan is called “The Great Healthcare Plan.”
It promises to lower the most common Obamacare plan premiums by over 10%.
The plan does not clarify how much money will go to consumers or which Obamacare plans it applies to.
The proposal does not have an implementation timeline.
The plan ensures coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.
Critics argue that the health savings accounts may not cover medical costs for most people.
Recent polls show that President Trump’s support is declining on key issues that helped him win the 2024 election. Many Americans are unhappy with how he is handling immigration, foreign policy, and the economy during his second term. Despite these challenges, some voters still support his efforts in these areas.
Key Facts
President Trump was elected in 2024 with tough positions on immigration, foreign policy, and economic promises.
A January AP-NORC poll shows around 4 in 10 Americans approve of Trump's second-term performance.
Only 38% approve of Trump's immigration policies, with increased criticism after an ICE-related shooting incident.
56% of people think Trump has been too aggressive in international military actions.
The majority (70%) believe the U.S. should not be involved with military actions in Iran.
86% oppose taking over Greenland by military force, and 55% oppose buying the territory.
37% approve of Trump's handling of the economy, with many blaming him for rising prices and healthcare costs.
The AP-NORC poll included 1,203 U.S. adults, conducted in early January with a margin of error of +/- 3.9 percentage points.
President Donald Trump has threatened to use the Insurrection Act to address protests related to immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This act could involve using military forces to help with law enforcement after recent protests and a shooting involving an immigration agent. Tensions have risen following incidents between local protesters and federal officers.
Key Facts
President Trump might use the Insurrection Act in Minnesota due to ongoing protests.
The Insurrection Act allows the military to participate in law enforcement within the U.S.
Protests erupted after a shooting by an immigration agent in Minneapolis.
DHS reported that the shooting occurred after an agent was attacked by three individuals from Venezuela.
The agent and one of the alleged attackers were hospitalized with injuries.
Minneapolis has seen clashes between protesters and law enforcement, with property damage reported.
The city's mayor and state governor have called for calm and de-escalation.
Federal officers have been heavily deployed in Minnesota amidst the tensions.
In Georgia, 22 people are running for a congressional seat previously held by Marjorie Taylor Greene. The candidates include a district attorney, a state senator, and a business owner. An all-party election will be held on March 10, with a runoff planned for April 7 if needed.
Key Facts
22 candidates are competing for a congressional seat in Georgia.
The seat was previously held by Marjorie Taylor Greene.
The candidates include a district attorney, a state senator, and a trash-hauling business owner.
The election will include 17 Republicans, 3 Democrats, a Libertarian, and an independent.
All candidates will participate in a single ballot election on March 10.
If no candidate wins over 50% of the votes, a second election (runoff) will take place on April 7.
In Minnesota, protests became tense when a man reportedly attacked federal officers and was then shot and injured. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry urged for calm, while President Trump mentioned he might send troops to the area.
Key Facts
Protests took place in Minnesota against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
A man was shot and injured after allegedly attacking federal officers there.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry asked people to stay calm.
President Trump said he might send troops to the Twin Cities, which includes Minneapolis.
The incident involved clashes between protesters and ICE agents.
President Trump is considering using the Insurrection Act, which is a law that gives the U.S. President special powers to deploy military forces within the country during specific situations. This has led to concerns from some people who are worried about how this power might be used.
Key Facts
The Insurrection Act is a law in the United States.
It allows the President to use military forces domestically in certain situations.
President Trump has mentioned the possibility of using this law during times of domestic unrest.
Some critics are concerned about the potential misuse of these powers.
Elizabeth Goitein from the Brennan Center for Justice provided insights on the topic.
President Donald Trump made a joke about canceling the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the president's comment was not serious.
Key Facts
President Trump joked about canceling U.S. midterm elections.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, explained it was a joke.
The joke suggested the administration is doing a great job.
The context was that the administration felt confident about its performance.
The comments were made earlier this week.
Leavitt’s remarks on the topic can be watched in a video.
A federal judge, William G. Young, stated that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not uphold the Constitution regarding free speech. This relates to President Trump's administration's policies on revoking visas of students involved in pro-Palestinian activism. The judge is planning more actions to protect these students' rights.
Key Facts
Judge William G. Young was appointed by President Ronald Reagan.
The judge criticized the Trump administration for policies that he says violate free speech, particularly on college campuses.
The policies targeted foreign students and faculty linked to pro-Palestinian activism.
Young issued a ruling that these actions violate the First Amendment, which guarantees free speech.
The case was brought by academic groups against student visa revocations tied to political protests.
The trial involved testimonies regarding the impact of these policies on U.S. college campuses.
The Department of Justice argues that no legal remedy should be enacted against these policies.
Homeland Security and the State Department were named as failing to uphold constitutional duties.
A Black midwife died after experiencing complications during childbirth. This event has brought attention to the ongoing issues of racial differences in maternal healthcare in the United States. Black women face a higher risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women.
Key Facts
A Black midwife died from complications related to childbirth.
This incident has highlighted disparities in healthcare for Black women.
Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues than white women.
The case has raised questions about inequities in maternal health care.
The Trump administration initially stopped billions in funding for mental health and addiction programs. A day later, the White House restored around $2 billion in federal grants after receiving bipartisan criticism.
Key Facts
The Trump administration stopped funding for mental health and addiction programs.
The funding cut affected organizations and grant recipients nationwide.
The White House soon reversed the decision and restored about $2 billion in grants.
The reversal came after pressure from both Democratic and Republican leaders.
The discussion regarding this change involved Amna Nawaz and NPR's Brian Mann.
A federal judge has allowed an offshore wind power project in New York to continue. This is the second court ruling in a week against President Trump's efforts to stop new wind power projects. Wind energy makes up about 10% of electricity in the U.S., but the current uncertainty is affecting the industry.
Key Facts
A judge approved the continuation of a wind power project in New York.
This is the second time in a week a court has opposed the Trump administration's plans against wind energy.
Wind energy contributes about 10% of the electricity in the United States.
The industry faces uncertainty due to ongoing legal battles and policy issues.
Miles O'Brien reports on these developments as part of the "Tipping Point" series.
President Trump threatened to use the Insurrection Act to deploy troops in Minnesota following protests and violence involving federal agents and local residents. The act allows the president to use military forces on American soil under certain conditions. Minnesota's governor and others are critical of the proposed military action, raising concerns about its legality and necessity.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to use the Insurrection Act to send troops to Minnesota.
The Insurrection Act lets a president use military forces in the U.S. to enforce laws or respond to violence.
Protests erupted in Minnesota after an ICE agent shot a driver.
President Trump claims the move is necessary to stop "agitators and insurrectionists."
Minnesota's governor criticized the federal response as "brutality" and an "occupation."
Constitutional experts warn the Insurrection Act could be misused.
The Insurrection Act was last used in 1992 during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles.
President Donald Trump welcomed the Florida Panthers hockey team to the White House to celebrate their Stanley Cup victory. This event marks the team's second consecutive championship, and they presented the president with personalized gifts.
Key Facts
President Trump hosted the Florida Panthers, the current Stanley Cup champions, at the White House.
The Panthers won the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup for the second year in a row.
During the event, the team gave President Trump a custom jersey with "Trump 47" on it.
The team also presented him with a golden hockey stick and a championship ring.
The Panthers wore red ties, imitating President Trump's well-known fashion choice.
President Trump wore a deep burgundy tie to the event.
President Trump has announced a "Great Healthcare Plan" that aims to lower drug prices and insurance costs while increasing transparency about health expenses. The plan suggests giving money directly to patients instead of using Affordable Care Act subsidies and proposes a drug pricing strategy to match prices in other developed nations. The success of this plan depends on whether it gains enough support in Congress, which is currently divided on health care issues.
Key Facts
President Trump wants Congress to pass measures to lower drug prices and insurance costs.
The plan is called the "Great Healthcare Plan."
One proposal is to give money directly to patients instead of using Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Trump suggests changing U.S. drug pricing to match prices in other developed countries.
Some Republicans oppose the drug pricing strategy because it may go against free-market principles.
The plan includes requirements for hospitals and insurers to show prices clearly.
The White House hopes the plan will get support from both political parties in Congress.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Americans might need to prove their identity during immigration protests. Legal experts questioned if this aligns with constitutional rights, noting that people generally don't have to show ID unless law enforcement reasonably suspects a crime.
Key Facts
Kristi Noem mentioned that ICE agents might ask people to prove their identity during protests.
Protests have started following the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
Legal experts say law requires reasonable suspicion of a crime to compel ID.
The First Amendment protects peaceful protests, limiting when ID requests can be made.
Critics argue Noem's suggestion could conflict with constitutional rights.
The Supreme Court case Hiibel v. Sixth Judicial District allows ID checks only with reasonable suspicion.
Race can partially factor into immigration suspicion, but more evidence is needed.
Being near someone suspected of illegal status is not enough alone to demand ID.
President Donald Trump unveiled a new health care plan, aiming to lower health insurance costs. The plan includes direct payments to Americans for health savings accounts and measures to reduce drug prices and increase pricing transparency by insurers.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a new health care plan in Washington on Thursday.
The plan proposes sending money directly to Americans for health savings accounts.
The goal is for people to manage their own insurance and health costs with these funds.
Democrats oppose the plan, preferring tax credits that reduce monthly premiums.
President Trump’s plan also aims to lower drug prices.
The plan requires insurance companies to share information on costs and wait times.
Trump has worked to change the Affordable Care Act, the health law from President Obama’s time.
In his first term, Trump tried to replace the Affordable Care Act but was blocked.
