A California federal judge has ordered the U.S. government’s Office of Personnel Management to temporarily rescind directives ordering the mass firings of probationary employees at dozens of federal agencies, a major blow to the Trump administration’s efforts to drastically slash the size of the state being lead by Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“Congress has given the authority to hire and fire to the agencies themselves,” U.S. District Judge William Alsup ruled in San Francisco on Thursday.
“The Office of Personnel Management does not have any authority whatsoever under any statute in the history of the universe to hire and fire employees at another agency.”
U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meanwhile became the latest foreign leader to visit Donald Trump at the White House yesterday, following in the footsteps of French President Emmanuel Macron and setting the stage for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s arrival on Friday.
While securing peace in Ukraine was top of the agenda between Trump and Starmer, the president also signaled that there may be good news for Britain regarding a trade deal and accepted a historic second invitation for a state visit from King Charles III.
Key Points
- Judge halts Donald Trump’s mass firing of government employees
- Sir Keir Starmer warns Ukraine deal can’t reward ‘the aggressor’ as Trump reiterates trust in Putin
- Starmer lays the ground for warmer relations between Trump and Zelensky ahead of Friday summit
- Trump says Mexico, Canada tariffs will take effect on March 4 and levy on China will double
- Mike Johnson claims anti-DOGE town hall arguments started by ‘paid protesters’
Watch: Starmer clashes with JD Vance over vice president’s attack on Europe’s free speech
09:25
,
Joe Sommerlad
This was another rather less than cosy moment, when Sir Keir dismissed Vance’s attack on Europe over censorship, a critique he offered at the Munich Security Conference earlier this month.
Sir Keir Starmer warns Ukraine deal can’t reward ‘the aggressor’ as Trump reiterates trust in Vladimir Putin
09:10
,
Joe Sommerlad
The British Prime Minister became the latest foreign leader to visit Donald Trump at the White House yesterday, following in the footsteps of French President Emmanuel Macron and setting the stage for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s arrival on Friday.
While securing peace in Ukraine was top of the agenda between Trump and Starmer, the president also signaled that there may be good news for Britain regarding a trade deal and accepted a historic second invitation for a state visit from King Charles III.
Although the bilateral was largely cheerful, with Trump praising Starmer as a “special” man with a “beautiful” accent and expressing admiration for his skills as a negotiator, there were a few distinctly awkward moments on Russia and Ukraine, particularly in relation to the American’s recent attacks on Zelensky.
Trump: “I think Russia has been acting very well.” (Russia continues to bomb Ukraine.) pic.twitter.com/Jifs9qWpjK
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 27, 2025
Trump on Putin: “I think he’ll keep his word … we had to go through the Russian hoax together.” pic.twitter.com/dV95Qg8X1R
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 27, 2025
Trump on Ukraine joining NATO: “It’s not gonna happen. That’s what started this whole thing.” pic.twitter.com/9Yo8uATAuJ
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 27, 2025
Trump on calling Zelenskyy a dictator: “Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that.” pic.twitter.com/rgkwLjw1D6
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 27, 2025
“They don’t need much help” — Trump on if he’d help Britain if British soldiers are attacked by Russia in Ukraine pic.twitter.com/r1qTaqTpoH
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 27, 2025
Trump asks Starmer if the UK could take on Russia on its own pic.twitter.com/mtstLVReLF
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 27, 2025
Here’s a full report from Andrew Feinberg.
Judge halts Trump’s mass firing of government employees
08:50
,
Joe Sommerlad
A California federal judge has ordered the Office of Personnel Management to temporarily rescind directives prompting the mass firings of probationary employees at dozens of federal agencies, a major blow to the Trump administration’s efforts to drastically slash the size of the government.
“Congress has given the authority to hire and fire to the agencies themselves. The Department of Defense, for example, has statutory authority to hire and fire,” U.S. District Judge William Alsup reportedly said from the bench on Thursday afternoon in San Francisco.
“The Office of Personnel Management does not have any authority whatsoever under any statute in the history of the universe to hire and fire employees at another agency. They can hire and fire their own employees.”
The decision also required the agency to inform certain agencies it lacked the power to order the mass firings.
The finding was the latest step in a lawsuit filed last week, after thousands of early-career government workers were terminated, part of the administration’s push with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to drastically shrink the government’s spending and headcount.
Josh Marcus reports.
SKETCH: Trump gushes at invite from the King of Canada as Starmer charms president in the Oval Office
08:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
Richard Hall writes:
Keir Starmer came to the White House with a list of daunting objectives.
The British prime minister had to press Donald Trump to exempt the UK from import tariffs, draw him closer to Europe on a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, and convince him that the Chagos Islands are real.
Success would require an abundance of charm, which is not something the prime minister, a former human rights lawyer, is particularly known for.
But Starmer brought with him a secret weapon to meet the challenge...
Only two members of Trump’s top administration have a favorable view with the public — who are they?
07:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Only two members of the Trump administration’s senior leadership are viewed favorably by the public, according to a new Economist / YouGov poll.
Josh Marcus reports.
Starmer plays royal Trump card to win Chagos deal and no trade tariffs in critical White House summit
06:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
David Maddox, The Independent’s political editor, reports from the Oval Office of the White House:
Sir Keir Starmer delivered a diplomatic success on Thursday as he appeared to charm Donald Trump into co-operation on major issues during his visit to the White House.
Even before formal talks had begun, the prime minister appeared to have secured a number of concessions on issues including trade and Ukraine.
In front of reporters and cameras in the Oval Office, their meeting began with a flourish from Sir Keir as he produced a letter from King Charles inviting him to a second state visit to Britain.
Read on...
Watch: Trump shuts down Independent reporter
05:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Lutnick claims 250K are already waiting for gold cards — but there is nowhere to sign-up
04:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick defended President Donald Trump’s proposed “gold card” visa program, touting that there were already “250,000 waiting in line” for the visa pathway that the gold card program could soon replace.
Just one day after announcing the proposed gold card program, Lutnick told Fox News host Bret Baier that if the “250,000” people were “willing to pay the $5 million” that the gold card requires, it would amount to “over $1 trillion dollars” in stimulating the U.S. economy and paying down the national debt.
But it’s unclear where Lutnick is obtaining the “250,000” number.
Or where to sign up.
Ariana Baio has the story.
When ‘Mr Charisma’ met ‘Mr Logic’: body language expert’s verdict on the Trump-Starmer meeting
04:00
,
Kelly Rissman
When Keir Starmer met Donald Trump in the White House for Thursday’s high-stakes meeting over the future of US-UK relations, the messaging each projected wasn’t confined to words alone.
From the power of the handshakes, to their tender gestures during the televised Oval Office chat, and the way each stood apart during the later White House press conference, the pair could not be more “mismatched”, according to body language expert Caroline Goyder.
“Trump is the silverback, totally relaxed, totally grounded, you know, on his home turf. And the difference, it couldn't be starker,” Ms Goyder told ITV on Thursday night after viewing footage of the US and UK leaders as they prepared to discuss advances in security and trade.
Read the full story.
Joy Behar walks back Elon Musk comments on 'The View' after saying he was ‘pro-apartheid’
03:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Joy Behar has retracted her bold proclamation that the South African-born Elon Musk was “pro-apartheid” after she said she received flack for her comment.
While speaking about the tech billionaire’s working relationship with President Donald Trump on Thursday’s episode of The View, Behar remarked that Musk purely served as Trump’s ego-booster.
Inga Parkel has the story.
Watch in full: Starmer and Trump’s joint press conference after crunch Ukraine talks
02:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Watch Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump’s joint press conference after their crunch talks on Ukraine and defense on Thursday, 27 February.
Musk urges retired air traffic controllers to come back
02:25
,
Kelly Rissman
Elon Musk has urged retired air traffic controllers to return to work after the string of deadly aviation disasters that have plagued the U.S. this year.
“There is a shortage of top-notch air traffic controllers. If you have retired but are open to returning to work, please consider doing so,” Donald Trump’s DOGE boss wrote.
A few hours later, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) posted a recruiting flyer on the social media platform for entry-level air traffic controllers announcing the opening of applications now through March 17.
Michelle Del Rey has the story.
Tesla stock sinks by 26% in wake of Elon Musk’s ‘Nazi’ salute
01:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Tesla’s stock has fallen more than 26 percent since Elon Musk became a central figure in President Donald Trump’s administration and kicked off his leadership with a now-infamous salute at Trump’s celebratory inaugural rally.
Ariana Baio has the story.
Trump’s biggest MAGA fans seen holding ‘Phase 1’ of the Epstein files — but not all is as it seems...
01:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
A group of high-profile conservative political commentators and online personalities emerged from the White House on Thursday, holding binders labeled “The Epstein Files” after Attorney General Pam Bondi promised she would release them publicly as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to make the government more “transparent.”
The group of MAGA figures posed for photos outside of the West Wing, smiling, while holding up large white binders that claimed to contain “declassified” information related to Epstein – who spent decades sexually abusing dozens of children.
However, it is unclear what the contents of the binder are or if they were at any point classified, as Ariana Baio reports.
Keir Starmer’s wins and losses during White House meeting
00:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
It was the meeting that could well define Keir Starmer’s premiership and the most important set of discussions between a British PM and a US President in decades.
Sir Keir and Donald Trump met in the White House for the first time since last month’s inauguration with an agenda that included issues from securing lasting peace in Ukraine to tariffs and a potential US-UK trade deal.
Trump cancels contracts with refugee groups one day after judge blocks suspension of resettlement program
00:15
,
Kelly Rissman
Donald Trump’s administration abruptly terminated contracts with refugee resettlement and assistance groups 24 hours after a judge ordered the government to restore a federal refugee program and funding to aid organizations.
Lawyers for aid groups argue the administration is trying to circumvent court orders by canceling their contracts altogether.
On Wednesday, brief messages from State Department officials told refugee groups that their contracts were “terminated for the convenience of the U.S. Government pursuant to a directive” from Secretary of State Marco Rubio for “alignment with agency priorities and the national interest.”
Other messages told aid groups that funding is “immediately terminated” because it “no longer effectuates agency priorities.”
Alex Woodward has the story.
GOP lawmaker cites scripture in opposition to bill outlawing the hitting of disabled children
00:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
A Republican in Oklahoma has spoken out against a law banning the corporal punishment of disabled children, saying it violates scripture.
State Senator Shane Jett spoke out against Senate Bill 364, which passed in a 31-16 vote, on Tuesday night.
Madeline Sherratt has the story.
Judge halts Trump’s mass firing of government employees
Thursday 27 February 2025 23:57
,
Kelly Rissman
A California federal judge on Thursday ordered the Office of Personnel Management to rescind orders that directed the mass firings of probationary employees at federal agencies, a major blow to the Trump administration’s efforts to drastically slash the size of the government.
“Congress has given the authority to hire and fire to the agencies themselves. The Department of Defense, for example, has statutory authority to hire and fire,” U.S. District Judge William Alsup reportedly said from the bench Thursday afternoon in San Francisco. “The Office of Personnel Management does not have any authority whatsoever under any statute in the history of the universe to hire and fire employees at another agency. They can hire and fire their own employees.”
Josh Marcus has the story.
DeSantis says ‘you’re not welcome’ as Andrew Tate and brother flee to Florida
Thursday 27 February 2025 23:40
,
Oliver O'Connell
Social media influencer and self-described misogynist Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan landed in Florida on Thursday after suddenly leaving Romania where they face trial on charges of rape and human trafficking.
The pair flew into Fort Lauderdale and straight into a political storm after state governor Ron DeSantis said they are not welcome.
Greeted by reporters after stepping off their private jet, they did not comment on why they had gone to Florida, or if US president Donald Trump had helped get their travel ban lifted.
Jabed Ahmed and Alastair Jamieson report.
This hurricane season might be kinder than the last. But DOGE cuts at NOAA could still impact the ability to save lives
Thursday 27 February 2025 23:30
,
Kelly Rissman
There’s potentially good news for Florida and coastal U.S. cities this year ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. While specific forecasts for the number of hurricanes can’t be made yet, early outlooks suggest it could be less active than last year.
But this season comes with a big caveat, as Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency takes aim at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration budget. Cuts there could impact how forecasters warn about potential storms or get people out of areas in the line of fire.
Meteorologists at the agency use satellite and observational data to track hurricanes, including factors like wind speed and rainfall. During hurricane season, which traditionally stretches from June through November, the tracking can mean the difference between getting hit the hardest, and being side-swiped by a cyclone. Accurate forecasts can save lives.
Julia Musto has the story.
Bret Baier fires back at Chuck Todd after former anchor takes swipe at him
Thursday 27 February 2025 23:20
,
Oliver O'Connell
Bret Baier returned fire on Thursday over criticisms former Meet the Press host Chuck Todd seemed to recently direct at the Fox News anchor, dryly noting that he’s about to interview United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer while Todd appears to have nothing going on.
Todd, who left NBC News after 17 years last month, appeared to take a swipe at Baier — without mentioning his name — during a podcast appearance with The Bulwark’s Sam Stein last week.
Justin Baragona has the story.
Watch: Trump makes U-turn on Volodymyr Zelensky dictator comment
Thursday 27 February 2025 23:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
SKETCH: Trump gushes at invite from the King of Canada as Starmer charms president in the Oval Office
Thursday 27 February 2025 22:45
,
Oliver O'Connell
Richard Hall writes:
Keir Starmer came to the White House with a list of daunting objectives.
The British prime minister had to press Donald Trump to exempt the UK from import tariffs, draw him closer to Europe on a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, and convince him that the Chagos Islands are real.
Success would require an abundance of charm, which is not something the prime minister, a former human rights lawyer, is particularly known for.
But Starmer brought with him a secret weapon to meet the challenge...
As Trump reiterates trust in Putin, Starmer warns Ukraine deal can’t reward ‘the aggressor’
Thursday 27 February 2025 22:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Thursday said any eventual peace deal to end Russia’s three-year-old war against Ukraine must not end up providing any sort of windfall for Moscow as he met with President Donald Trump at the White House.
Speaking during a joint press conference alongside Trump in the East Room following a bilateral meeting between the two leaders, Starmer recalled the Anglo-American alliance that brought about victory in Europe to end the Second World War and said he welcomed what he described as Trump’s “deep and personal commitment to bring peace and to stop the killing” in Ukraine.
Andrew Feinberg reports from the White House.
Mike Johnson’s prize for victory on Trump’s budget? A fight over Medicaid
Thursday 27 February 2025 22:15
,
Oliver O'Connell
House Speaker Mike Johnson pulled his caucus through a tight vote Tuesday as he fights to deliver on several of Donald Trump’s legislative priorities in one large bill.
As a reward, his party will now undergo a public battle over where to come up with hundreds of billions of dollars in spending cuts — much of which the GOP has claimed will come from Medicaid.
With an ultra-slim majority in the House and only slightly better margins in the Senate, the Republican Party is entering politically fraught territory. Any cuts to a service that impacts roughly one in five Americans will be divisive, even just within the Republican caucuses.
John Bowden reports from Washington, D.C.
In pictures: UK PM Sir Keir Starmer visits President Donald Trump at the White House
Thursday 27 February 2025 22:07
,
Oliver O'Connell
Hot mic catches Trump urging Fox News reporter to say Cabinet meeting was ‘unbelievable’
Thursday 27 February 2025 22:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump took the opportunity at the end of his first Cabinet meeting to urge a host of his favorite morning program to tell viewers that “we did a great job” and it was an “unbelievable” meeting.
Justin Baragona reports.
Bessent says Ukraine economic deal is done, no more negotiation
Thursday 27 February 2025 21:48
,
Reuters
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said an economic framework agreement with Ukraine was complete, covering critical minerals, oil and gas and infrastructure assets.
Bessent told Fox Business that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump would sign the deal on Friday, with no more negotiations on that issue.
"It is a deal on strategic minerals, oil and gas and infrastructure assets. And it's really a win-win," Bessent said. "It shows the American people that there is upside here for them. That we have not squandered the money."
Starmer plays royal Trump card to win Chagos deal and no trade tariffs in critical White House summit