https://x.com/ICEgov/status/1892689498007343302
Judge rules Trump administration can move ahead on mass government layoffs
A federal judge Thursday refused a group of government employee unions’ request to block the Trump administration from moving ahead with plans to dramatically reduce the federal workforce.
U.S.District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that federal law mandates the unions bring their challenge before the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), which adjudicates labor relations within the federal bureaucracy, rather than a federal district court.Kek Idiots
The decision notches another victory for Trump’s Justice Department, which is defending against dozens of lawsuits challenging a broad range of the president’s executive actions, including the administration’s efforts to slash spending and reshape government agencies.
“The first month of President Trump’s second administration has been defined by an onslaught of executive actions that have caused, some say by design, disruption and even chaos in widespread quarters of American society,” wrote Cooper, an appointee of former President Obama.
“Affected citizens and their advocates have challenged many of these actions on an emergency basis in this Court and others across the country,” he continued. “Certain of the President’s actions have been temporarily halted; others have been permitted to proceed, at least for the time being. These mixed results should surprise no one.”
The unions’ lawsuit challenged mass terminations of probationary employees, the administration’s plans for additional mass layoffs, known as a reduction in force (RIF), and its offer for most federal employees to accept a buyout.
Another federal judge previously rejected an attempt to block the buyouts in a separate lawsuit, but litigation against the probationary employee firings remains ongoing after a coalition of unions filed yet another lawsuit Thursday.
The case at hand was brought by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), the National Federation of Federal Employees, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers and United Auto Workers.
The unions argued that the administration’s plans violates the separation of powers and regulations for how the federal government can carry out RIFs.
Cooper took no position on those issues, instead ruling that the unions brought their challenge in the wrong forum.
“The Court acknowledges that district court review of these sweeping executive actions may be more expedient. But NTEU provides no reason why it could not seek relief from the FLRA on behalf of a class of plaintiffs and admits that it would ask other agencies to follow an administrative judge’s ruling in its favor,” Cooper wrote.
Trump fired the FLRA’s Democratic-appointed chair, Susan Grundmann, earlier this month, but she is fighting her termination in court
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5156080-judge-trump-mass-layoffs/
Noem ends protections from deportations for Haitians
REBECCA BEITSCH 02/20/25 05:16
02/20/25 05:16 PM ET
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday moved to end deportation protections for Haitians in the U.S., likely teeing up legal challenges.
The memo seeks to end temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitians, which allows those unable to return to their country due to unrest or a natural disaster to remain in the U.S. without fear of deportation.
The directive from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noemwould end the status for some 520,000 Haitians in the U.S.
Much like with an earlier directive that “vacated” TPS for Venezuelans, DHS purported to take the same action with regard to Haitians, blaming the prior administration for renewing the protections in June.
“[Former President] Biden and [formerHomeland Security Secretary Alejandro] Mayorkas attempted to tie the hands of the Trump administration by extending Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status by 18 months—far longer than justified or necessary,” DHS said in a statement.
“We are returning integrity to the TPS system, which has been abused and exploited by illegal aliens for decades. President Trump and Secretary Noem are returning TPS to its original status: temporary.”
DHS pointed to the evolution of TPS for Haitians, which was first ignited in 2010, and about 57,000 registered for TPS the following year.
Haitians were first designated for TPS following a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake.
However, the status was renewed under the Biden administration amid civil unrest after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
DHS was sued Thursday in two different lawsuits challenging the stripping of TPS protections for Venezuelans.
The method to strip TPS was the same for both groups, meaning Noem’s actions on Haiti would likely face similar legal challenges.
“The Secretary’s actions are illegal for multiple reasons. At the outset, DHS has no authority to ‘vacate’ a prior TPS extension. The TPS statute tightly regulates the conditions under which TPS decisions can be made, setting time periods and other procedural rules that must be followed for both extensions and terminations,” the National TPS Alliance wrote in its suit.
It also said Noem’s decision was based on her view that TPS is illegal, despite the creation of the status under law.
“Neither their disdain for TPS nor the Secretary’s decision can nullify a statute,” they wrote.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5156280-dhs-revokes-haitian-temporary-protected-status/amp/
Trump endorses Donalds in potential bid for Florida governor
BY TARA SUTER 02/20/25 08:00 PM ET
President Donald Trump on Thursday endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) for Sunshine State governor in the case that the House Republican makes a bid for the role.
“Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
Earlier this week, the president shared an internal poll showing Donalds leading in a hypothetical competition for Florida governor. In the poll, the House Republican gained 31 percent support, while Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez (R) earned 4 percent and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson (R) earned 3 percent support.
Donalds has told multiple Sunshine State Republican donors that he plans on entering the race.
“As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda,” Trump said in his social media post. “He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”
In the past, Donalds has strongly allied himself with the president, backing him over his own state’s governor, Ron DeSantis (R), in last year’s Florida Republican presidential primary. Trump also gave Donalds a shoutout amid the inaugural parade in January.
“Stand up, Byron,” Trump said at the time. “What a future this one has.”
Donalds appeared to be enthused about Trump’s Oval Office return last month.
“When Americans see deportations or repatriations happen, they’re gonna be like, ‘Thank you,’” Donalds told Fox News previously. “When they see the border closed, they’re gonna say, ‘This is what I voted for.’ When they see peace starting to break out again around the world, they’re gonna be like, ‘This is the stability that we were asking for.’”
“Daddy’s back,” the Florida Republican continued.
The Hill has reached out to Donalds’s office for comment.
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5156576-trump-endorses-donalds-in-potential-bid-for-florida-governor/amp/
Citizen Free Press
@CitizenFreePres
TRUMP JUST CALLED TEAM USA – IN THE LOCKER ROOM.
From Dan Scavino
7:49 PM · Feb 20, 2025
·43.2K
Views
https://x.com/CitizenFreePres/status/1892738498051915816
That is freaking amazing!!!
OK this is gonna be so much fun
https://x.com/PapiTrumpo/status/1892004155411124415
How many times do they check in here?
FBI Director Kash Patel
@FBIDirectorKash
I am honored to be confirmed as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Thank you to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for your unwavering confidence and support.
The FBI has a storied legacy—from the “G-Men” to safeguarding our nation in the wake of 9/11. The American people deserve an FBI that is transparent, accountable, and committed to justice.The politicalization of our justice system has eroded public trust—but that ends today.
My mission as Director is clear: let good cops be cops—and rebuild trust in the FBI.
Working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Bureau and our partners, we will rebuild an FBI the American people can be proud of.
And to those who seek to harm Americans—consider this your warning. We will hunt you down in every corner of this planet.
Mission First. America Always. Let’s get to work.
3:19 PM · Feb 20, 2025
·28.2M
https://x.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/1892670378436128994?mx=2
il Donaldo Trumpo
@PapiTrumpo
"—SHOULD I RUN AGAIN?"😎🇺🇸🔥🔥🔥
https://x.com/PapiTrumpo/status/1892688182363529384
Citizen Free Press
@CitizenFreePres
RAND PAUL TELLS AN INFURIATING STORY ABOUT SPENDING.
From il Donaldo Trumpo
6:33 PM · Feb 20, 2025
·26.3K
Views
https://x.com/CitizenFreePres/status/1892719377977352426
How many decades have Government leaders and employees never cared about how much was stolen or misused by them? Have they ever seen us as paying for it?
Citizen Free Press
@CitizenFreePres
ELON SEEMS OPEN TO AUDITING THE FEDERAL RESERVE.
From Hank™
6:13 PM · Feb 20, 2025
·14.7K Views
https://x.com/CitizenFreePres/status/1892714301791625471
Citizen Free Press
@CitizenFreePres
IF I STEAL SOCIAL SECURITY I CAN FINALLY BUY NICE THINGS.
From Nick Sortor
6:12 PM · Feb 20, 2025
·29K Views
https://x.com/CitizenFreePres/status/1892713847741407722
Citizen Free Press
@CitizenFreePres
KASH PATEL CONFIRMED AS FBI DIRECTOR.
From Mandy Rose
3:22 PM · Feb 20, 2025
·62K Views
https://x.com/CitizenFreePres/status/1892671192101749121
If this was the only reason Kash was confirmed as Director of FBI, it wouldp be worth it
Rehire Kyle Seriphan, Steve Friends and the other guys, have them as your security KashCongratulations
Citizen Free Press
@CitizenFreePres
JAVIER MILEI GIVES GOLDEN CHAINSAW TO ELON MUSK.
From Javier Milei
5:39 PM · Feb 20, 2025
·32.3K
Views
Javier seems so awkward he’s lovable.
https://x.com/CitizenFreePres/status/1892705707264266601
Daily Mail Don’t Believe a Word of This
White House reveals Trump's personal problem with Zelensky and issues furious demand of Ukrainian leader
Trump is pushing for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal
He also wants ownership of rare earth minerals located in Ukraine
President Donald Trump is 'very frustrated' with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky as relations between the two leaders appeared to reach a new low, the White House has revealed.
In a stern ultimatum Trump's National Security Advisor Mike Waltz detailed what Zelensky needs to do to get back in Trump's good graces, including 'coming back to the table' to negotiate a deal over Kyiv's rich mineral resources.
Slapping down the Ukrainian president, Waltz said: 'Look, his (Trump's) goal is to bring this war to an end period…Some of the rhetoric coming out of Kyiv, frankly, and insults to President Trump were unacceptable.”
Waltz, speaking at the White House, also said Zelensky needs to show a 'deep appreciation' for the sacrifice the United States has made to help Ukraine. He added that Trump's frustrations with Zelensky were 'multifold'.
Trump has demanded that Ukraine repay the U.S. for the military and financial help it gave Kyiv in its fight with Russian forces.
The U.S. wants some of Ukrainian resources, which include rare earth minerals necessary for making items like modern electronics and batteries. Ukraine has about 5 percent of the world's total reserves.
Waltz slammed Zelensky for looking past 'a historic opportunity' for America to co-invest with Ukraine in their mineral production.
Zelensky has rejected Trump's demand for $500 billion in mineral wealth as part of a repayment plan for the weapons and aid Washington has sent over the last three years.
The Ukrainian president said the proposed deal did not contain the security provisions his country needs to protect it from Russian aggression.
He said the draft deal proposed the U.S. taking ownership of 50 percent of Ukraine's critical minerals.
'I defend Ukraine, I can't sell our country. I said OK, give us some sort of positive. You write some sort of guarantees, and we will write a memorandum… some sort of percentages,' he said.
'I was told: only 50 (percent). I said: OK, no. Let the lawyers work some more, they did not do all the necessary work. I am just the decision maker, I don't work on the details of this document. Let them work on it.'
Trump's focus on critical minerals doesn't just include Ukraine but is part of the reason he wants the United States to take ownership of Greenland, which is also rich in rare earth minerals.
Waltz said the Ukrainian minerals would be a repayment to the American taxpayer. The U.S. has given Ukraine $67 billion in weapons and $31.5 billion in direct budget support in its fight against Russia.
'There are tremendous resources there,' the National Security Advisor said. 'Not only is that long-term security for Ukraine, not only do we help them grow the pie with investments, but we do have an obligation to the American taxpayer and helping them recruit the hundreds of billions that have occurred.'
Waltz also said he didn't understand officials who are 'suddenly aghast' that the U.S. is pushing for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Some Trump and Russian officials are meeting in Saudi Arabia to start talks. Ukraine wasn't invited and Zelensky said he'd reject any peace deal he wasn't a part of negotiating.
Waltz said: 'I find it kind of, frankly ridiculous, so many people in Washington that were just demanding, pounding the table for a cease-fire in Gaza are suddenly aghast that the president would demand one and both sides come to the table with talks when it comes to Ukraine.
'A war that has been arguably far greater in scope and scale and far more dangerous in terms of global escalation to U.S. security.'
The National Security Advisor joined the White House press briefing to mark one month since Trump took office.
Waltz didn't answer a question about Trump calling Zelensky a 'dictator,' declining to respond when asked if the president also thought Vladimir Putin was a dictator.
But he did say Trump wants the war to end.
In Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the Trump administration held its first meeting with Russia on ending the war. But the talks excluded Kyiv.
(Who is telling them this. Bottom line Zelensky doesn’t want to ever pay America Back)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14418803/Trump-frustration-zelensky-ukraine-russia.html
Zelensky will be surprised at the next action by Trump. He really will.