Fox News Politics Newsletter for Monday, February 17, 2025
Top Stories
Trump Appoints Negotiation Team for Russia-Ukraine Conflict
President Trump has chosen a four-member team to lead negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The team includes former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, and former Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul.
Elon Musk Raises Concerns over Social Security Data
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has expressed concerns over the accuracy of the Social Security database, stating that "millions" of individuals listed are between the ages of 100 and 159. Musk did not provide any further details or evidence to support his claim.
Iran Defies Western Pressure on Nuclear Ambitions
Iran has asserted that neither Israel nor the United States can prevent its nuclear ambitions. According to Iranian officials, the country’s nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and cannot be stopped by external threats.
Other News
Transportation Secretary Duffy Visits SpaceX Team
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced that members of Elon Musk’s SpaceX team will visit the Air Traffic Control System Command Center to explore potential improvements to the air traffic control system.
Biden Administration Accused of Voter Suppression in Georgia
An expert has called for the dismissal of the Department of Justice’s ongoing lawsuit against Georgia’s election laws, alleging that it is a form of "Jim Crow 2.0" aimed at suppressing the Black vote.
Trump Administration Targets Deep State Agencies
The Trump administration is reportedly planning a "fatal blow" to the independence of federal agencies, including the FBI and CIA, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the influence of the "Deep State."
Academic Unions Protest Trump Research Cuts
Academic unions are planning demonstrations outside the Department of Health and Human Services and medical schools to protest the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to research grants.
California Congressman Faces Backlash over Trump Remarks
Democratic Congressman from California, Adam Schiff, has faced social media backlash for a post linking a small plane crash in Georgia to former President Trump.
Report: Millions in Social Security Database over 100 Years Old
Elon Musk has claimed that millions of individuals in the Social Security database are between the ages of 100 and 159, raising questions about the accuracy of the system.
Department of Education Suspends Education Grants
The Department of Education has terminated over $370 million in education department grants related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Virginia Dems Reject Antisemitism Expert from GMU Board
Virginia Democrats have rejected the appointment of an antisemitism expert to the board of George Mason University, citing concerns about her conservative views.
Oregon Secession Movement Gains Momentum
A movement to have a "red" swath of eastern Oregon join Idaho has gained new life, as political secession has had mixed results in recent years.
NYC Mayor Adams Vows to Stay in Office
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has refused to resign despite calls for his removal, stating that he has a "mission to finish."
Department of Education Probes Virginia School Districts on Gender Policies
The Department of Education is investigating several Virginia school districts for alleged violations of parental rights and gender identity policies.
NAACP Urges Consumer Boycott of Companies Dropping DEI
The NAACP has encouraged Black consumers to redirect their spending away from companies eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to Launch Campaign
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former biotech entrepreneur, will launch his campaign for Ohio governor next week.
GOP Leaders Push to Revoke China’s Favored Nation Status
Republican leaders are rallying to revoke China’s "most favored nation" status, which has been in place for 20 years.
Zelenskyy Hesitates to Sign US Economic Agreement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concerns about signing a US economic agreement without receiving additional security guarantees.
Israeli Military Experts Weigh in on Trump’s Threat to Hamas
Israeli military experts have discussed the implications of President Trump’s threat to "unleash all hell" on Hamas if rocket attacks from Gaza continue.
Putin Sends Foreign Minister to Saudi Arabia for Talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin has派遣ed Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Saudi Arabia for talks with US officials regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine.
China Condemns US Statement on Taiwan Relations
China has expressed outrage after the Trump State Department removed a key phrase from a document affirming Taiwan’s status as a "major non-NATO ally."
Report: Illegal Border Crossings Spike Amid Trump Crackdown
A report indicates a surge in illegal border crossings at the US-Canada border, as coyotes take advantage of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration.
Iran Warns of Nuclear Escalation
Iran has warned that Israel and the United States will be unable to prevent its nuclear ambitions as tensions over the country’s nuclear program continue to escalate.
