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Summary

Despite official denials, a technologist from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had "write access" to critical U.S. Treasury payment systems.

Marko Elez, a former SpaceX and X employee, was granted admin privileges to systems processing trillions in federal payments. Reports suggest he made “extensive changes” before resigning.

Concerns escalated after Treasury officials falsely claimed DOGE only had "read access."

The controversy follows the resignation of a senior Treasury official who opposed DOGE’s access, amid allegations of Musk associates interfering with USAID payments.

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Summary

The Senate confirmed Russell Vought as head of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in a 53-47 vote, despite Democratic opposition.

Vought, a key figure behind Project 2025, advocates consolidating executive power and limiting congressional control over federal funding.

Democrats warn he will help Trump dismantle the government, citing his past role in pausing federal grants.

His think tank supports restricting congressionally appropriated funds, potentially violating the Impoundment Control Act.

The White House confirmed Vought’s involvement in the recent federal funding freeze.

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What's going on here is that they're not allowed to publish data about actual issues under the Trump/Musk coup rules, because that might benefit regular folks instead of billionaires.

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Summary

Justice Sonia Sotomayor criticized the Supreme Court’s conservative majority for granting broad presidential immunity, warning it risks the court’s legitimacy.

Speaking in Louisville, she reiterated her dissent in the 6-3 ruling that limited Trump’s criminal liability for Jan. 6. She argued the decision contradicts constitutional principles and public sentiment.

Sotomayor also warned against rapidly overturning precedents, citing Roe v. Wade and affirmative action.

While acknowledging her colleagues' sincerity, she stressed that abrupt legal shifts create public distrust and instability in the judiciary.

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Summary

New York and 10 other states plan to sue the Trump administration over the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) program, alleging unauthorized access to sensitive Treasury Department data.

Attorney General Letitia James claims DOGE, led by Elon Musk, is unlawfully reviewing Americans’ personal and financial information to justify federal payment cuts.

The Treasury Department insists DOGE only has "read-only" access. The lawsuit argues this unprecedented access threatens privacy and critical aid programs like Social Security.

DOGE claims to reduce federal spending but faces growing legal challenges.

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"The ICC has, without a legitimate basis, asserted jurisdiction over and opened preliminary investigations concerning personnel of the United States and certain of its allies, including Israel, and has further abused its power by issuing baseless arrest warrants targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant."

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cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/18105461

Given their actions, it's been pretty clear that the racism and eugenics is their goal. Looks like one of them made it too explicit:

The deleted profile associated with Elez, who was embedded in the Treasury Department to carry out efficiency measures, advocated repealing the Civil Rights Act and backed a “eugenic immigration policy” in the weeks before President Trump was inaugurated.

The top-level post uses a gift link which has a view count limit. When it runs out, an archived copy might show up here

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Summary

Ted Carstensen, deputy administrator of the U.S. Digital Service (USDS), resigned instead of accepting Elon Musk’s "Fork in the Road" dubious resignation offer for federal employees.

USDS was recently renamed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump’s executive order, but its staff has continued operating separately from Musk’s team.

A federal judge delayed the resignation deadline pending a February 10 hearing.

Carstensen cited personal reasons for leaving, while USDS employees face internal disruptions, including changes to communication tools and organizational structure.

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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/25698405

from #Reuters
By James Mackenzie and Doina Chiacu
February 6, 20251:46 PM EST

"We will not sell our land for you, real estate developer. We are hungry, homeless, and desperate but we are not collaborators," said Abdel Ghani, a father of four living with his family in the ruins of their #Gaza City home. "If ( #Trump) wants to help, let him come and rebuild for us here."

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During their protest of Russell Vought’s confirmation, Senate Democrats sounded the alarm about Vought’s role in drafting Project 2025 and his support for vastly expanding the power of the president.

Vought, said Wisconsin senator Tammy Baldwin at 10:30 pm eastern time on Wednesday, “has openly called for the president to defy congress and take control of federal funding decisions that are constitutionally vested in the legislative branch.”

Schiff accused the Trump administration of unlawfully attempting to break down the separation of powers and said Vought would play a role in aiding that effort.

“This is an effort to try to consolidate power, all the power of this government, in the hands of Donald Trump and a few of his hand-picked very wealthy, billionaire friends,” said California Democrat Adam Schiff.

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Summary

Donald Trump’s tax cut agenda is stalled as Republicans struggle over spending cuts.

Fiscal conservatives demand up to $2 trillion in reductions, while others fear deep cuts will limit future funding options.

Proposals include shortening tax cuts from 10 to 5 years and offsetting revenue losses from Trump’s promised tax breaks, like eliminating income tax on tipped wages.

Senate Republicans favor prioritizing border security over tax cuts, but House Speaker Mike Johnson insists the House must lead.

With GOP infighting unresolved, progress remains slow.

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Summary

IRS employees who accepted the Trump administration's buyout offer have been told they must continue working until May 15 because their roles are deemed "essential."

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) had offered voluntary resignations and warned of future downsizing for those who stayed.

Uncertainty now surrounds the offer’s implementation, sparking frustration among employees.

The National Treasury Employees Union criticized the move, arguing it proves IRS workers are vital, especially during tax season, and that federal job cuts risk harming public services.

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Three months after Missouri voters enshrined reproductive rights in the state constitution, abortion remains unavailable as the state’s main provider fights legal hurdles to resume offering the procedure.

At the same time, opponents of abortion in the state Legislature, stung by the passage of Amendment 3 in November, have filed a raft of bills aimed at thwarting implementation of the measure or undercutting its goals while they try to find a unified strategy to prevent the return of abortion services.

This week, state lawmakers held a hearing on a conservative-backed plan to put a new amendment on the ballot that would block most abortions. If passed by the General Assembly, the measure could go to voters as soon as this year.

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Before becoming president, Trump sued CBS over 60 Minutes' interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris shortly before the election. Now, Trump's newly elevated Federal Communications Commission chairman, Brendan Carr, is using the levers of government to put pressure on the network.

"Now, more than ever, only a fearless press stands between an aggressive [White House] and the public," former CBS News correspondent Marvin Kalb posted on a Facebook page for CBS alumni. "If news organizations such as CBS bend a knee before a president, then we have all taken a big step towards autocracy."

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Summary

Trump announced a new task force led by Attorney General Pam Bondi to combat “anti-Christian bias,” ordering federal agencies to halt alleged discrimination against Christians and prosecute related violence.

Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump highlighted pardoned anti-abortion activist Paulette Harlow as an example of faith-based persecution.

His administration is expected to push for public funding of religious schools.

Trump has already advanced conservative social policies, including banning the legal recognition of transgender individuals by the federal government.

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