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1 Two Judges Refuse To Temporarily Block President Trump’s Moves
Two federal judges sided with President Donald Trump yesterday, at least for now. There have been multiple lawsuits filed to stop some of the actions Trump has taken on the advice of the Department of Government Efficiency, with requests for some of them to be blocked now refused by the courts. US District Judge Christopher Cooper refused to temporarily block the Trump administration’s mass layoff of federal workers yesterday. Five unions have filed a lawsuit to stop the layoffs, saying that some of those being fired have good performance reviews and aren’t being laid off for cause. Cooper refused the request to block the layoffs and said the unions have to file their claims under federal employment law, not in district court. Judge Trevor McFadden denied a request for a temporary restraining order on the Trump administration’s halt in funding for the nation’s largest private refugee resettlement program. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops had asked for the order, and even though he refused, McFadden called his ruling “very tentative”. Not all of the legal action was good news for the administration yesterday. Federal Judge Amir H. Ali said the Trump administration must at least temporarily restore aid funding. Ali did decline a request by the US Agency for International Development to find Trump administration officials in contempt of court, however. The administration had previously been ordered to restore payments, but ignored the court.
2 Kash Patel Confirmed By Senate To Head FBI
It was close, but it’s done. The U.S. Senate confirmed Kash Patel as the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with a narrow 51-49 vote yesterday. Patel, a known loyalist to President Donald Trump, has previously criticized the FBI and expressed intentions to implement significant changes within the agency. His confirmation has been contentious, with concerns that he may target Trump's adversaries and politicize the justice system. Despite these apprehensions, Patel has pledged to depoliticize the FBI and restore public trust, emphasizing a focus on justice. Republican supporters argue that his leadership is necessary to address perceived biases in law enforcement during the previous administration. Patel's extensive background includes roles as a public defender, prosecutor, and positions within the National Security Council and Defense Department during Trump's first term. He succeeds Christopher Wray, who resigned following President Trump's re-election. Wray was appointed by Trump during his first term. As the new FBI Director, Patel is expected to oversee significant restructuring within the bureau.
3 Sen. Mitch McConnell Announces He Won't Run For Reelection Next Year
Senator Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving party leader in U.S. Senate history, has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026, concluding a four-decade run representing Kentucky. In his farewell speech on his 83rd birthday yesterday, he highlighted his role in shaping the federal judiciary, notably the confirmation of three Supreme Court justices during President Donald Trump's first administration. Despite recent health challenges, McConnell remains committed to fulfilling his current term, which ends in January 2027. Potential successors to his Senate seat have already indicated they may run for McConnell’s seat, like former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and Representative Andy Barr.
