Active
TERM 2
January 17 2025 · 500 days ago
💰 Economy
The Trump administration issued a 90-day extension to the Jones Act waiver, which allows non-American ships to transport goods between U.S. ports. The administration stated that data showed the waiver significantly increased fuel supply reaching American consumers, helping to lower fuel prices.
Active
TERM 2
January 17 2025 · 500 days ago
🌐 Foreign Policy
The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese oil refinery, dozens of shipping firms, and vessels with Hong Kong ties to disrupt Iran's oil exports. The action targets Iran's main revenue stream ahead of US-Iran negotiations. Americans may face higher oil prices and increased geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets.
Active
TERM 2
January 17 2025 · 500 days ago
🌐 Foreign Policy
The Trump administration extended a waiver allowing countries to purchase sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products through May 16, reversing its earlier stated position. The license was issued amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. This action affects global oil markets and U.S. energy policy, potentially impacting gas prices and inflation for American consumers.
Active
TERM 1
January 17, 2025 · 500 days ago
✊ Civil Rights
On January 17, 2025, President Trump signed Proclamation 2025-01600 regarding the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday. The proclamation directs federal agencies and observances for the holiday. The confirmed direct impact is the official federal recognition and observance procedures for the MLK Jr. federal holiday on the third Monday in January.
Active
TERM 2
January 2025 · 501 days ago
🌐 Foreign Policy
U.S. Central Command drastically reduced its office focused on reducing civilian deaths in military operations from 10 employees to a single staffer. The dramatic downsizing eliminates institutional capacity to investigate and prevent civilian casualties in ongoing military campaigns. The action removes a critical accountability mechanism during active military operations, particularly affecting oversight in regions where civilian harm allegations have mounted.
Active
TERM 2
January 2025 · 501 days ago
💰 Economy
Kevin Warsh was confirmed by the Senate as the 17th Chair of the Federal Reserve on a 54-45 vote, taking leadership of the central bank during a period of elevated inflation and economic uncertainty. As Fed chair, Warsh will oversee monetary policy affecting interest rates, employment, and inflation that directly impact all Americans' borrowing costs, savings returns, and job market conditions. His confirmation reflects the Trump administration's influence over the nation's monetary policy apparatus and economic direction.
Active
TERM 2
January 2025 · 501 days ago
✊ Civil Rights
The State Department announced it will revoke passports of parents owing more than $2,500 in child support, enforcing a rarely-used 1996 law. The policy restricts travel rights for millions of Americans with outstanding child support obligations. This action affects both passport eligibility and revocation of existing documents, potentially stranding parents abroad or preventing international travel.
Active
TERM 2
January 16 2025 · 501 days ago
🗳️ Democracy
The Pentagon terminated the U.S. military newspaper Stars and Stripes's ombudsman, Jacqueline Smith, who was responsible for monitoring the outlet's editorial independence and reporting concerns to Congress. The firing removes an independent watchdog designed to protect press freedom within the military. This action directly impacts transparency and editorial independence at a major military publication.
Active
TERM 2
January 16 2025 · 501 days ago
🌍 Environment
The Trump administration approved BP's new ultra-deep oil drilling project in the Gulf of Mexico, allowing the company to drill deeper into the ocean bed. Environmental groups filed suit against the approval, citing BP's history of failures including the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. The project increases risks of potential environmental damage and oil spills affecting Gulf ecosystems and coastal communities.
Active
TERM 2
January 2025 · 502 days ago
🗽 Immigration
The Trump administration Department of Transportation issued a new rule disqualifying approximately 200,000 foreign-born truck drivers from obtaining or renewing commercial driver's licenses, even if they have driven legally for years. The restriction creates a licensing barrier that disproportionately affects immigrant workers and threatens their ability to maintain employment in the trucking industry. Drivers report the rule constitutes discriminatory enforcement targeting immigrant workers rather than addressing legitimate safety concerns.