Trump 2nd term live updates: Trump signs new executive orders

The White House is touting a major Trump announcement on infrastructure.

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Last updated: Friday, January 24, 2025 12:27AM GMT
Judge blocks Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship
A federal judge in Seattle has signed a temporary restraining order blocking President Donald Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship.

President Donald Trump has kicked off his second term with a flurry of executive actions on immigration, the economy, DEI and more.

Trump discussed his economic agenda in a virtual discussion with those gathered at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland. He threatened tariffs against businesses that don't make their products in the United States.

Meanwhile, the president's attempt to end birthright citizenship faced its first legal test. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the order, calling it unconstitutional.

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Jan 23, 2025, 9:18 PM GMT

Trump signs executive order to declassify JFK, RFK and MLK assassination files

President Donald Trump just signed an executive order to declassify files relating to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"That's a big one," Trump said. He added that people have "been waiting for this for years."

President Donald Trump holds a signed an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Washington.
President Donald Trump holds a signed an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Washington.

Trump said to give the pen he used to sign the order to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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Jan 23, 2025, 8:39 PM GMT

Sen. Susan Collins also votes no on Pete Hegseth

Sen. Susan Collins is the second Republican senator who will not be supporting Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense.

In a lengthy statement she said he "does not have the experience and perspective necessary to succeed in the job."

She also expressed concern over Hegseth's comments about women serving in the military.

"He and I had a candid conversation in December about his past statements and apparently evolving views. I am not convinced that his position on women serving in combat roles has changed," she said.

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Jan 23, 2025, 8:17 PM GMT

Senate advances Pete Hegseth as Trump's defense secretary, despite allegations against him

The Senate advanced the nomination of Pete Hegseth as President Donald Trump's defense secretary Thursday on a largely party-line vote, despite grave objections from Democrats and stirring unease among Republicans over his behavior and qualifications to lead the U.S. military.

Two Republicans, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, broke ranks with Trump and his allies who have mounted an extensive public campaign to push Hegseth toward confirmation. The former combat veteran and Fox News host faces allegations of excessive drinking and aggressive actions toward women, which he has denied. The vote was 51-49, with a final vote on confirmation expected Friday.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense Secretary, poses for a photo at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense Secretary, poses for a photo at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
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Jan 23, 2025, 8:04 PM GMT

Johnson signs Laken Riley Act -- Trump's 1st legislative win

House Speaker Mike Johnson held a bill signing ceremony for The Laken Riley Act, which cleared the House with bipartisan support on Wednesday.

The bill now heads to President Donald Trump's desk to be signed into law.

Speaker Mike Johnson signs the Laken Riley Act during an enrollment ceremony in the Speaker's ceremonial office at the U.S. Capitol on January 23, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Speaker Mike Johnson signs the Laken Riley Act during an enrollment ceremony in the Speaker's ceremonial office at the U.S. Capitol on January 23, 2025 in Washington, DC.

"This will be the first bill signed by the president ... This is the right thing to do," Johnson said.

He added, "We have a new commander in chief, a new sheriff in town who is willing to stand for border security, safety and sovereignty of the American people."