Trump administration briefing: chaos caused by Musk’s Doge; fears over far-right podcaster tapped for FBI
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From the latest in Musk’s fight to fire federal workers to concern over appointment of Dan Bongino – key US politics stories from Monday at a glance
Confusion continued on Monday over the demands made by Elon Musk of federal workers. Just hours after the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) had directed agencies that responses to its email were optional, Musk again threatened federal workers.
He wrote on X, the platform he owns: “Subject to the discretion of the president, they will be given another chance. Failure to respond a second time will result in termination.”
President Donald Trump backed Musk earlier Monday, two days after OPM initially sent an email asking federal workers to list five things they accomplished last week. Several government agencies, including the FBI and state department, have told their employees not to respond.
Here are the biggest stories in US politics on Monday, 24 February.
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‘Unqualified henchmen’: fears rise as Trump names far-right podcaster as FBI deputy director
Dan Bongino’s installation in high-ranking law enforcement role sparks concern in both Republicans and Democrats. Fears over the future direction of the FBI have intensified after Donald Trump ...The Guardian - 14h -
Conservative podcaster Dan Bongino tapped for Trump's deputy FBI director
President Donald Trump announced the selection of conservative commentator and former Fox News host Dan Bongino to serve as deputy FBI director.NBC News - 1d -
FBI agents express shock and dismay over naming of right-wing podcaster to No. 2 post
Current and former FBI officials expressed shock and dismay over the news that President Trump has selected Dan Bongino to be the bureau’s deputy director.NBC News - 10h -
Trump taps Dan Bongino to be deputy FBI director
President Donald Trump announced that he has selected conservative commentator and former Fox News host Dan Bongino to serve as deputy FBI director. The position does not require Senate confirmation.NBC News - 15h -
Trump picks rightwing podcaster as FBI’s second-in-command
Dan Bongino among online influencers who supported US president’s conspiracy theories and re-election bidFinancial Times - 20h -
Trump names podcaster as deputy FBI director
The former New York City police officer will supervise daily operations and serve under new FBI director Kash Patel.BBC News - 13h -
Trump names conservative podcaster Dan Bongino as FBI deputy director
Selection of former Secret Service agent and author means two staunch Trump allies lead the principal federal law enforcement agency. Dan Bongino, a former US Secret Service agent who has written ...The Guardian - 1d -
Far-right links and Putin praise: fears over £600m UK history theme park plan
French family behind project visited Kremlin in 2014 to discuss building ‘Tsarland’ in annexed Crimea. With its spectacular shows featuring Viking longboats, Roman charioteers and sword-wielding ...The Guardian - 2d -
Europe’s elite fears Trump, Musk and the truth
The EU's ruling class has become fanatical in its desire to censor.The Hill - 3d
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More than 160 Gazan medics held in Israeli prisons amid reports of torture
Senior doctors claim they were subjected to months of physical abuse, as UN calls for release of those still detained. ‘No rules’: Gaza’s doctors say they were tortured, beaten and humiliated in ...The Guardian - 2h -
Beatings, torture and electric shocks: freed scam compound workers allege horrific abuse
Lured by the promise of well-paying jobs in Southeast Asia, thousands instead allegedly end up enslaved in jail-like compounds and forced to carry out online scams. “The Chinese would shock me with ...The Guardian - 3h -
Macron warns against ‘surrender’ in Ukraine as Trump claims Putin will accept peacekeeper deal
Macron and Trump disagree over aid and securing a lasting peace after US president says Russian counterpart has ‘no problem’ with European forces in Ukraine. . Emmanuel Macron, the French ...The Guardian - 2h -
Shimmering oarfish rarely seen near ocean surface pops up on Mexico beach
Distinctive, slender deep-sea creature, also known as ‘doomsday’ fish, seen wriggling on Baja California beach. A shimmery, slinky oarfish – a deep-sea creature that is rarely seen near the surface ...The Guardian - 4h -
US personnel office walks back email ultimatum from Musk to workers
OPM says failure to respond to email will not be considered resignation but Trump ally digs in and threatens job losses. The US government’s human resources office has walked back an ultimatum ...The Guardian - 4h
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Thousands gather outside the Vatican to pray for Pope Francis' health
Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray for an ailing Pope Francis, expressing sorrow for his suffering, hope for his recovery and gratitude for his efforts to steer the Catholic ...ABC News - 19m -
An elevated part of a highway being built in South Korea collapses, killing 3 workers
An elevated part of a highway under construction has collapsed in South Korea, killing three workers and injuring six othersABC News - 23m -
Investor sentiment vs consumer sentiment
And the flatlining stock marketFinancial Times - 31m -
2/24: CBS Evening News Plus
Key takeaways from Trump-Macron meeting; Reporter's Notebook: Ukraine war revisionismCBS News - 36m -
2/24: CBS Evening News Plus
Key takeaways from Trump-Macron meeting; Reporter's Notebook: Ukraine war revisionismCBS News - 36m