politics

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25969346

Key U.S. agencies, including the FBI, State Department and the Pentagon, have instructed their employees not to comply with cost-cutting chief Elon Musk’s demand that federal workers explain what they accomplished last week — or risk losing their jobs.

The questionnaires include questions about racism, discrimination, sexual orientation and identity, and an array of questions which look at how socioeconomic status can affect health

Summary

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is diverting engineers from regular work to scan government websites for terms like “transgender,” “gay,” and “inclusion.”

This effort, reportedly linked to Trump’s executive orders against diversity initiatives, aims to catalog and potentially remove such content.

Critics argue it contradicts claims of government efficiency and wastes taxpayer money. Similar efforts are happening in other agencies.

A court order has temporarily halted removals, mandating the restoration of certain webpages to their previous versions.

Summary

Ticket sales at the Kennedy Center dropped 50% after Trump overhauled its board, installed himself as chairman, and fired president Deborah Rutter.

Trump framed the changes as a fight against "woke" culture, leading to the cancellation of performances, including a children's musical and a concert by the Gay Men's Chorus.

Several artists and board members, including Issa Rae and Shonda Rhimes, withdrew in protest.

The White House defended the move, saying it aims to restore the center’s prestige by aligning it with "America’s great history and traditions."

Summary

Federal agencies, including FEMA, IRS, NOAA, CDC, DOE, and the Pentagon, were surprised by an OPM email, directed by Elon Musk, demanding employees list weekly accomplishments.

Agencies are advising staff to delay responding, pending further guidance. Some, like the FBI, have instructed a "pause." NOAA recommended waiting until Monday for potential clarification.

Musk stated non-compliance would be considered resignation. Agencies are now seeking clarity from Treasury and other departments on how to proceed with the unprecedented request.

Summary

The Supreme Court's handling of a case involving Trump's firing of Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel, has been described as a "compromise."

Dellinger sued, claiming unlawful termination. The court, facing a split between conservative and liberal justices, opted to "not decide," holding the government's appeal "in abeyance" until the temporary restraining order (TRO) expires.

This "nonruling" risks escalating executive vs. judicial tensions, as it provides no clear direction on presidential removal power.

While TROs remain an option, the court avoided directly challenging Trump's claims, leading to potential future clashes.

Summary

Senate Republicans, led by Ted Cruz, have flagged nearly 3,500 National Science Foundation (NSF) grants worth over $2 billion as “woke DEI” research, accusing them of promoting leftist ideology.

Scientists, including chemical engineer Darren Lipomi, argue that their projects—ranging from cancer treatment to AI research—are being unfairly politicized.

The move has sparked fear among researchers, particularly immigrants, and raised concerns about future funding.

Critics warn that targeting DEI in science could stifle innovation, limit diversity, and discourage young scientists from pursuing research careers.

Missed this earlier in everything going on and didn't see others talking about it

Summary

Trump has reportedly slashed funding for the NIH’s Roy Blunt Center for Alzheimer’s Research, leading to layoffs, including its incoming director.

The center, named after former GOP Senator Roy Blunt, was a Republican-backed initiative to advance Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Despite previously championing the program, Republicans have remained silent on the cuts.

Experts warn weakening the center will significantly set back Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s research.

Critics argue the move contradicts past GOP support and lacks justification from either party or scientific leaders.

Summary

Enrique Tarrio, the pardoned former Proud Boys leader, confronted and insulted police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6, calling one a "coward."

He followed officers Michael Fanone, Harry Dunn, and Aquilino Gonell at a Washington hotel hosting the Principles First summit. The officers denounced his actions and Trump’s mass pardons of January 6 rioters.

The incident followed Tarrio’s recent arrest for assault near the Capitol.

Officers at the summit warned that Trump’s pardons embolden extremists and urged resistance against his political movement.