Trump appeals partial gag order in federal 2020 election case

Donald Trump is appealing a partial gag order in the case charging him with trying to subvert the 2020 presidential election. A day after the federal judge in the case barred Trump from making statements attacking prosecutors, potential witnesses, and court staff, his lawyers said they will challenge the order. The former president’s team argues the order amounts to censorship, but the judge said defendants cannot mount a “smear campaign.” Meanwhile, Trump returned to a New York court on Tuesday for his civil fraud trial.

U.S. cracks down on computer chip exports to China

The Biden administration is taking new steps to stop China from acquiring advanced computer chips. The Commerce Department has expanded its export controls aimed at stopping Beijing from getting cutting-edge U.S. technologies to strengthen its military. The update also introduces new requirements that make it more difficult for China to manufacture advanced chips abroad. The administration first took action a year ago to counter China’s use of the chips for military applications that include the development of hypersonic missiles and artificial intelligence.

Biden to visit Israel on Wednesday in show of solidarity

President Biden will travel to Israel this week in a show of solidarity. The Wednesday visit to Israel will be a powerful symbol of sympathy and support, but there are risks involved. Mr. Biden’s travel to the Mideast comes as Israeli forces prepare for a possible ground attack against Gaza aimed at Hamas terrorists. After meeting with Israeli leadership, the president will go on to Jordan for talks with King Abdullah, as well as the Egyptian and Palestinian presidents, in a bid to prevent the war from becoming a larger regional conflict.

Biden huddles with national security team on Mideast

President Biden spent the day focused on the Israeli-Hamas conflict. After canceling a day trip to Colorado to promote his economic message, the president met with his national security team here at the White House. He also spoke by phone with his counterparts in Egypt and Germany. Mr. Biden continues to offer Israel his full support following the Hamas attack, but he and administration officials are working to protect civilians in Gaza from ongoing Israeli air strikes and an expected ground invasion.

Judge imposes partial gag order in Trump 2020 election case

A limited gag order has been imposed on Donald Trump in his 2020 election subversion case. The federal judge overseeing the case said she was barring the former president from making statements targeting prosecutors, possible witnesses, and the judge’s staff. U-S District Judge Tanya Chutkan said there would be no restrictions on statements criticizing the Justice Department generally or statements about Trump’s belief that the case is politically motivated. But she said he can’t mount a “smear campaign” against prosecutors and court personnel. The former president’s lawyer strongly opposed the gag order.

Biden postpones Colorado visit to focus on Mideast conflict

President Biden postponed a day trip to Colorado to focus on the Middle East conflict. Instead of traveling to Colorado to discuss his economic agenda, the president remains here at the White House “to participate in national security meetings” concerning the Israel-Hamas war. The domestic trip was called off at the last minute, a rare move by the White House given the security and logistics involved in planning. Meanwhile, Mr. Biden is said to be weighing a decision to visit the Mideast in a sign of support for Israel.

Poll indicates ethical uncertainty hanging over Biden

Americans have ethical concerns about President Biden and his son, Hunter. A new poll points to a cloud of ethical uncertainty hanging over the president as he runs for re-election. Thirty-five percent of U-S adults believe Mr. Biden has done something illegal, according to a new AP-NORC survey. Another third thinks the president behaved unethically, but not illegally. The findings come amid investigations into the president’s son, Hunter, and a Republican-led impeachment inquiry in Congress.

Biden supports Israel’s defense, but opposes Gaza occupation

President Biden is urging Israel not to occupy Gaza. The president has been steadfast in his support of Israel since the surprise Hamas attack more than a week ago. He has denounced the terrorists and supported Israel’s right to defend. But Mr. Biden told CBS’s 60 Minutes that it would “be a big mistake” if Israeli troops occupied Gaza. He also called on Israel, Egypt, and other nations to allow for humanitarian aid and supplies into the worsening conflict zone.

Recent Trump comments could alienate some supporters

Donald Trump is testing some of his supporters with recent comments about abortion and Israel. The former president holds a commanding lead in the Republican race for the nomination, but it appears he’s running the risk of alienating some supporters. He came under fire from pro-life leaders recently after calling Florida’s six-week abortion ban a “terrible mistake.” Last week, he publicly criticized Israel’s prime minister following a terrorist attack on the Jewish state, and Trump described Hezbollah militants as “very smart.” Comments that were condemned by his GOP rivals. GC, Wash.

Pence to skip Nevada GOP caucus, run in state primary

Former Vice President Pence will skip the Nevada GOP caucus and run in the state primary instead.  Nevada’s Republican party has decided to run its own caucuses two days after a state-run primary in early February. The party has barred candidates from competing in both. Critics say the move favors Donald Trump. Pence is the first major GOP contender to announce he’ll skip the caucus. By skipping, Pence gives up a chance to try to win Nevada’s relatively small number of delegates. Instead, he’s hoping a primary win will demonstrate electability with a wider group of voters.

$6 billion in Iranian funds temporarily frozen after Hamas attack

Steps are being taken to temporarily re-freeze Iranian assets after the Hamas attack on Israel. The U-S and Qatar have reached an agreement that blocks Iran’s government from accessing 6-billion dollars in Iranian funds that were unblocked as part of a prisoner swap last month. It stops short of fully refreezing the Iranian money. Republicans have criticized the Biden administration’s deal with Iran, which is a major sponsor of Hamas. However, U-S officials have strenuously pushed back, noting that the money had yet to be spent by Iran and can only be used for humanitarian needs.

Biden speaks with family members of Americans missing in Israel

U.S. to begin evacuation flights for Americans in Israel

The U.S. government will begin operating evacuation flights to help Americans leave Israel. Responding to a sharp reduction in commercial flights out of Israel, the U-S will help Americans leave as Israel prepares to escalate military action against Hamas militants. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby also confirmed that the death toll in the fighting now includes at least 27 Americans. Fourteen remain unaccounted for.

Trump criticizes Israel, calls terrorists “very smart”

Donald Trump has angered both the White House and his GOP presidential rivals with his comments about Israel. At a Florida rally this week, Trump criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, called Israel’s defense chief a “jerk,” and described the Hezbollah militant group as “very smart.” A White House spokesman said that a former U-S president calling terrorists smart is “unhinged and sickening.” Trump’s campaign rivals also spoke out. Ron DeSantis said it’s “absurd…to attack our friend and ally, Israel.” And Mike Pence responded, saying “Hezbollah aren’t smart, they’re evil.”

U.S. discussing safe passage plans for Gaza civilians

The White House says discussions are taking place about ways to protect innocent Palestinians in Gaza.
National Security Council spokeswoman John Kirby said the United States is exploring ways to arrange safe passage for Gaza’s civilians. Meanwhile, Kirby said the U-S has no specific evidence of direct involvement by Iranians in the planning or execution of the Hamas attack, even though Iran is a main sponsor of Hamas.

American death toll in Israel-Hamas war rises to 22

The American death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has risen to at least 22. The White House said in addition to the number of American deaths, at least 17 U.S. citizens remain unaccounted for. National Security spokesman John Kirby said a number of them are being held hostage by Hamas. Kirby also said the administration was exploring options to assist Americans who want to leave Israel, leaving open the possibility of a U.S.-assisted evacuation.

Biden takes aim at hidden junk fees added to bills

President Biden is taking aim at so-called junk fees that often surprise consumers. The president says hidden fees on concert tickets, hotel rooms, and utility bills are taking real money out of the pockets of American families. And that’s why he’s backing a plan by the Federal Trade Commission to end those charges and hold violators accountable. The president insisted it’s a matter of fairness.

At least 20 American citizens “unaccounted for” in Israel

Biden pledges U.S. solidarity with Israel after attacks

Biden condemns “sheer evil” of Hamas attacks in Israel

President Biden is condemning the “pure, unadulterated evil” unleashed by Hamas militants in Israel.
The president denounced the weekend terrorist assault, calling the carnage “an atrocity on an appalling scale.” He said the number of American citizens killed was at least 14. Mr. Biden declared that Israel has a “duty to respond” to the attacks and the U-S “has Israel’s back.”

Biden interviewed over 2 days in classified documents probe

President Biden has been interviewed as part of an independent investigation into his handling of classified documents. A spokesman in the White House counsel’s office said the interview was voluntary and took place at the White House on Sunday and Monday. The interview comes several months after classified documents and other material were found in Mr. Biden’s private office in Washington and his Wilmington, Delaware, residence. Spokesperson Ian Sams said in a statement that the president is cooperating with the investigation. He referred questions to the Justice Department.

RFK Jr. drops Democratic presidential bid to run as Independent

Robert F. Kennedy Jr has dropped his Democratic Party bid for president and will run as an independent. Speaking in Philadelphia, Kennedy said there is a “rising tide of discontent” in the country and said he wants to make a “new Declaration of Independence” — from corporations, the media, and the two major political parties. Kennedy is a member of one of the most famous Democratic families in politics, but has better favorability ratings among Republicans than Democrats. His long-shot bid for the White House could pull voters away from both President Biden and former President Trump. GC, Wash.

9 Americans killed in the weekend Hamas attacks on Israel

At least nine Americans are among the dead in the Hamas attack against Israel. The State Department confirms that the death toll of American citizens is at least nine, and says an undetermined number of American citizens remain missing and unaccounted for. Spokesman Matthew Miller says the United States is in touch with families “and providing all appropriate consular assistance.”

Airlines halt flights in and out of Israel after a massive attack by Hamas

Major airlines have suspended flights in and out of Israel after the nation declared war following a massive attack by Hamas. American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines suspended service to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport as the State Department issued travel advisories for the region citing potential for terrorism and civil unrest. Airlines in Europe and Asia also put flights on hold amid the hostilities.