President Donald Trump made headlines this week with a series of announcements and actions spanning both domestic and international affairs. From a potential Federal Reserve chair appointment to claims of a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, Trump's activities kept the news cycle busy.
Trump indicated he would soon announce his pick to replace Jerome H. Powell as chair of the Federal Reserve, with Kevin M. Warsh, a former Fed official, as the expected nominee, according to multiple people familiar with his plans who were not authorized to discuss the decision publicly (NY Times). Trump met with Warsh at the White House on Thursday, telling reporters he would soon announce someone who was "known to everybody in the financial world." He added, "A lot of people think that this is somebody that couldve been there a few years ago," an apparent reference to Warsh, whom Trump almost selected as Fed chair during his first term (NY Times).
In other news, a photo posted by rapper Nicki Minaj sparked debate after she flaunted what appeared to be a "Trump gold card," the expedited visa offered to those willing to pay $1 million (NY Times). Minaj, who hours before declared herself Trump's "No. 1 fan," suggested she received the card without payment. "Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President," Minaj posted alongside the image, adding, "I wouldn’t have done it without you" (NY Times). Minaj has previously stated that she came to the United States illegally.
Tensions remained high in Eastern Europe, but Trump claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to halt attacks on Ukrainian cities for a week due to extremely cold weather (BBC World). According to BBC News, Trump stated Putin agreed not to attack Kyiv and other parts of the country due to "extraordinary cold" weather. While Russia has not confirmed this agreement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move (BBC World). Temperatures in Kyiv were expected to drop to -24C (-11F) over the next few days. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure (BBC World).
Meanwhile, the U.S. military has been building up forces near Iran, with the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and three warships equipped with Tomahawk missiles entering the Central Command's area of responsibility in the western Indian Ocean on Monday (NY Times). Navy officials stated the vessels are now stationed in the Arabian Sea (NY Times). Trump referred to this build-up as an "armada" (NY Times).
In Minnesota, Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz of the District of Minnesota has reportedly shown increasing frustration with the Trump administration's tactics in court, particularly regarding immigration enforcement (NY Times). Schiltz is known in the legal community for his work on legal ethics (NY Times).
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