International News
Elon Musk Joins Trump Administration To Cut Bureaucracy
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to lead a newly announced federal efficiency initiative named the Department of Government Efficiency, or “Doge.”
Musk will partner with biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy on the project, which aims to dramatically reduce government spending and streamline operations across federal agencies.
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Trump unveiled the initiative on Tuesday night, emphasizing his administration’s focus on dismantling what he called “entrenched bureaucracy” and curbing excess government regulations.
Musk and Ramaswamy will serve as external advisors, working with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to address inefficiencies across the federal government, which Trump says consumes $6.5 trillion annually.
“Our aim is to drive sweeping structural reform, cut wasteful spending, and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy,” Trump said in a press release.
“With Musk and Ramaswamy at the helm of the Doge initiative, we’ll take on inefficiency and make government work for the people.”
The Department of Government Efficiency is not a formal federal agency, as its establishment would require Congressional approval. Rather, Musk and Ramaswamy’s roles are advisory, allowing them to advocate for cost-cutting measures and structural changes across federal agencies.
Musk, who recently called for $2 trillion in federal spending reductions, has suggested eliminating several agencies that he argues have redundant functions.
Trump likened the Doge initiative to the Manhattan Project, describing it as a critical undertaking with the goal of overhauling government bureaucracy by July 4, 2026, to mark the United States’ 250th Independence Day anniversary.
“Reducing government size and creating an efficient federal system is the perfect gift to America on this milestone,” Trump said.
Musk expressed his support for the initiative, calling it “a necessary jolt to a bloated system.” He also took to his social media platform X, writing, “Threat to democracy? Nope, threat to BUREAUCRACY!”
Ramaswamy echoed Trump’s sentiments, posting that the team “will not go gently.” Ramaswamy also announced he is stepping away from consideration for the Senate seat soon to be vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance, signaling his commitment to the Doge project.
Trump’s announcement of the Doge initiative came alongside several high-profile cabinet picks.
Former Texas Congressman John Ratcliffe, who previously served as Trump’s director of national intelligence, has been nominated to lead the CIA.
Trump also named Fox News host and Iraq War veteran Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, a move that has raised eyebrows due to Hegseth’s limited government experience despite his vocal support of Trump’s policies.
Rounding out the national security appointments, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was nominated as Secretary of Homeland Security.
Since Trump’s election, Musk has been a prominent figure within his inner circle, spending considerable time with the President-elect at Trump’s estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
Musk’s presence in the administration appears to have fueled a surge in the cryptocurrency Dogecoin, which Musk has long supported.
The Doge initiative’s proposed sweeping cuts have stirred debate.
While Musk and Ramaswamy have both advocated for significant workforce reductions and even the closure of major agencies like the Department of Education and FBI, it remains uncertain whether their vision will gain traction in Congress or among the public.
International News
‘Only Two Genders’ – Trump Vows To Tackle Transgender Lunacy
President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to take sweeping actions against what he described as “transgender lunacy,” signaling a push to reverse policies protecting transgender individuals in schools, sports, and the military.
Speaking at the AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Trump outlined his administration’s priorities, stating, “I will sign executive orders to end child sexual mutilation, get transgender out of the military, and out of our elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.”
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He also vowed to “keep men out of women’s sports” and asserted, “It will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.”
The president-elect’s remarks come amid growing national debate over transgender rights, with states divided over issues such as gender-affirming medical care and the inclusion of books addressing transgender topics in schools.
The controversy escalated last week when Congress passed a defense budget provision blocking funding for certain gender-affirming care for the children of service members.
Trump’s speech drew strong reactions, with critics warning that his policies could strip essential protections from transgender individuals.
Civil rights advocates have raised concerns about the implications of these proposals on marginalized communities.
In addition to his focus on cultural issues, Trump used the event to outline his vision for the nation under his leadership.
He described his presidency as a turning point, promising to address international conflicts and restore American dominance.
“On January 20, the United States will turn the page forever on four long, horrible years of failure, incompetence, national decline, and we will inaugurate a new era of peace, prosperity, and national greatness,” Trump declared, referring to his upcoming swearing-in.
He pledged to end the war in Ukraine, stabilize the Middle East, and avert global conflict. “I will stop the chaos in the Middle East, and I will prevent, I promise, World War III,” he said.
The president-elect also reiterated his commitment to reclaiming control of the Panama Canal and combating crime linked to illegal immigration.
“I can proudly proclaim that the golden age of America is upon us,” Trump concluded.
International News
Ex-IMF Chief, Rodrigo Rato Jailed For Money Laundering, Fraud
A Madrid court on Friday handed down a sentence of more than four years in prison to Rodrigo Rato, the former chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Spain’s ex-economy minister.
Rato was convicted of multiple charges, including tax crimes, money laundering, and corruption.
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The court found Rato guilty of “three offences against the treasury, one offence of money laundering, and one offence of corruption between individuals,” according to an official statement.
Details shortly………..
International News
South Korean President Banned From Travel Amid Martial Law Backlash
South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol has been banned from leaving the country, the Justice Ministry confirmed Monday, following a week of political chaos triggered by his brief declaration of martial law.
The ban marks the first time a sitting president has faced such a restriction in the nation’s history.
Recall that on December 3, Yoon ordered special forces and helicopters to the National Assembly in an attempt to impose martial law.
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Lawmakers swiftly overturned the decree, forcing Yoon to rescind the order. Although he survived an impeachment motion on Saturday, public anger has continued to mount, with large protests demanding his resignation.
Authorities are now investigating Yoon and his close allies for their roles in last week’s events, including allegations of insurrection.
Among those facing travel bans are former Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun, who is in custody, and former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min.
General Park An-su, who led the martial law operation, and Defence Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung have also been barred from leaving the country.
General Park was questioned by investigators on Monday as the probe intensified.
Yoon’s impeachment failed after members of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) walked out of the National Assembly, denying the opposition the required two-thirds majority.
In exchange for their support, Yoon reportedly agreed to delegate his powers to the prime minister and the PPP chairman.
“This is an unlawful, unconstitutional act of a second insurrection and a second coup,” said Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the opposition Democratic Party.
Critics argue that Yoon’s decision to hand power to unelected officials violates the constitution.
“It seems to resemble an unconstitutional soft coup,” said Kim Hae-won, a constitutional law professor at Pusan National University.
“Their attitude of placing themselves above the constitution mirrors that of insurrectionist Yoon Suk Yeol,” added Park Chan-dae.
Despite Yoon’s apology for the “anxiety and inconvenience” caused by his martial law order, his approval rating has plummeted to 11%, according to a recent Gallup poll.
Opposition leaders have announced plans for a second impeachment vote on Saturday, with massive protests expected outside the National Assembly.
The PPP’s claim that Yoon can remain in office while delegating his powers to party officials has also been widely criticized.
“If there are issues with the president, the constitution lays out clear procedures, such as suspension or impeachment,” said Professor Kim Hae-won.
The ongoing crisis has raised concerns about South Korea’s leadership amid tensions with nuclear-armed North Korea.
The Defense Ministry confirmed Monday that Yoon remains the official commander in chief, despite questions about his authority.
“Legally, (control of military forces) currently lies with the commander in chief,” said Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-Kyou.