Supreme Court allows federal layoffs; IRS pushes for churches in politics; a Rubio AI impersonator; and more. The 7 follows President Donald Trump’s second term.
Today at 5:57 p.m. EDT, By Alec Dent
1 – The Supreme Court allowed Trump to begin mass layoff plans.
The ruling: The court lifted a lower court order blocking plans to fire thousands of federal workers at 19 agencies and departments. The court didn’t address the legality of Trump’s reorganization plans.
Dissent: Only Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson broke from the majority, writing “this decision is not only truly unfortunate but also hubristic and senseless.”
2 – The Trump administration sought access to spy agency employees’ emails.
What happened: A special intelligence team created by National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard has sought access to potentially sensitive agency emails and chat logs.
What they do: The team was created to enforce Trump’s executive orders ending federal DEI programs and alleged weaponization against political opponents.
3 – Trump said the U.S. will resume weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
“I’m not happy with Putin, I can tell you that much right now, because he’s killing a lot of people,” Trump said at a Cabinet meeting. (Tom Brenner/For The Washington Post)
The latest: Trump said that he’ll send more “defensive weapons, primarily” to Ukraine so the nation can defend itself in its ongoing war with Russia. He also said he was “not happy” with Russian President Vladimir Putin because he’s “killing a lot of people.”
Last week: The U.S. paused delivery of weapons, including air-defense missiles, to Ukraine while American military stockpiles are reviewed.
