1A The News Roundup For February 7, 2025
Feb 7, 2025
Guest
Alex Ward
Guest
Jack Detch
Guest
Felicia Schwartz
Guest
Taylor Poplar
Guest
Steve Clemens
Guest
Megan Scully
Megan Scully, Congress editor at Bloomberg News, joins a panel of experts to dissect recent political turmoil. Steve Clemens provides insights into Trump's shifting focus on education and foreign aid. Taylor Poplar discusses the implications of federal employment changes, while Felicia Schwartz and Jack Detch delve into national security concerns amidst increasing U.S.-China tensions. Alex Ward highlights the ethical dilemmas of military AI, juxtaposed with Trump's controversial Gaza policies. Buckle up for a rollercoaster of political intrigue and international challenges!
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USAID Criticism and Defense
- Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized Elon Musk's involvement in USAID, claiming he's dismantling the agency that feeds the world's poorest children.
- President Trump defended the changes, saying USAID's spending was out of control and the agency had become radical.
Effective Agency Shutdown
- Despite some Congressional concern, the Trump administration is effectively shutting down agencies like USAID without formally doing so.
- They achieve this by laying off staff and shelving projects, even though funding and control should rest with Congress.
Republican Support for USAID Review
- Sen. John Thune supported the White House review of USAID's spending.
- Megan Scully noted Republicans view this as a winning strategy because foreign aid isn't popular with many Americans despite being a small part of the budget.