December 4, 02:10 PM • 20785 viewsTrump signed a decree on a large-scale reduction of civil servants and gave Elon Musk's team the authority to make personnel appointments. The newly created Department of Government Efficiency was given the right to control the structure of federal agencies.
Trump is considering closing US consulates in Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the Pacific Islands to save money. Most of the consulates that may be closed are in Germany and France.
The suspension of US funding will affect the investigation of Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Six projects worth $89 million, including evidence collection and victim assistance, are at risk.
Mike Walz said that USAID did not meet the strategic interests of the United States and inefficiently used funds.
US Vice President J. D. Vance plans to meet with Zelenskiy at a conference in Munich.
The United States is imposing sanctions on an international network that directs oil sales revenue to the Iranian military. The sanctions will also target the "shadow fleet" and management companies that transport Iranian oil to China.
The Trump administration has frozen foreign aid programs for 90 days for review. 500,000 tons of food worth $340 million are awaiting authorization for distribution.
Labor unions have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its attempt to dissolve USAID and furlough 10,000 employees. The plaintiffs argue that the president's actions are unconstitutional and will lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.
The Trump administration is preparing a massive cut in USAID staff, leaving only 294 employees out of more than 10,000. The decision threatens global humanitarian aid and disease control programs.
The Panama Canal Authority has denied the US statement that American ships were exempt from the tolls. The situation is escalating amid Trump's statements about regaining control of the canal and accusations of Chinese influence.
There are no draft laws in the Verkhovna Rada to lower the mobilization age below 25. MP Venislavsky said that such initiatives are only political discussions and are unlikely to find support in parliament.
U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that foreign aid should promote U.S. interests, not be charity. USAID refused to provide information on the use of funds, where only 10-13% of the amount reaches the recipients.
El Salvador's president has offered the United States to house its criminals in the Cecot mega-prison for a fee. The proposal includes the detention of both American citizens and illegal migrants from other countries.
U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. is not negotiating to admit Canada as a state. The US agreed to suspend customs restrictions for Canada and Mexico for 30 days.
Marco Rubio is appointed acting administrator of USAID. The U.S. State Department announces a review of the agency's activities due to inconsistency with national interests.
U. S. District Judge Lauren Alikhan has extended a temporary injunction against a federal funding freeze initiated by the Trump administration. The judge believes the plan may violate Congress' constitutional authority.
U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio became the interim head of USAID and criticized the agency's work. A conflict arose at USAID headquarters over attempts to gain access to classified information.
The President of Panama announced the suspension of participation in the One Belt, One Road project after talks with the US Secretary of State. The country is also considering an early withdrawal from the Chinese initiative.
Trump announces a series of meetings with representatives of Ukraine and Russia and “various parties”.
Elon Musk, the new head of the US government's Office of Management and Budget, called USAID a criminal organization. According to him, the agency funded biological weapons research, including COVID-19.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Panama that Chinese control over the Panama Canal is unacceptable. The US threatens to take action if the situation does not change immediately.
The official USAID website stopped functioning on February 1, the reasons for the failure are unknown. This is happening against the backdrop of a possible transfer of the agency to the control of the US State Department.
Several senior FBI officials appointed by Christopher Wray have been ordered to resign or retire. The changes affected about five “executive assistant directors” who are in charge of key investigations.
The President of Ukraine has instructed to finance critical programs at the expense of domestic funds. The priority areas include energy, veteran projects, cybersecurity, and healthcare.
The White House press secretary clarified that only the OMB memorandum has been rescinded, not the federal funding freeze. The President's executive orders on federal funding remain in effect and will be enforced.
The U. S. Secretary of State has allowed the continuation of funding for humanitarian programs during the 90-day moratorium. The Pentagon's military aid to Ukraine has not been affected, but civilian programs have been suspended.
U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with EU representative Kaja Kallas about sanctions against Russia. The parties discussed strengthening transatlantic security and increasing European defense spending.
USCIS suspends acceptance of applications under the United for Ukraine program for Ukrainian refugees. The decision is related to the Executive Order “Securing Our Borders” of January 20, 2025.
The Minister of Social Policy reported a minor impact of the suspension of US foreign aid on the social sector. Ukraine has support from European partners and the World Bank, which compensates for the restrictions.
The White House announces that it has reached an agreement with Colombia to accept all illegal immigrants deported from the United States. In exchange, the US will postpone the introduction of a 25% duty on Colombian goods.
