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Tech entrepreneur, who may run for governor of Ohio, reportedly clashed with billionaire SpaceX CEO

Having done his best to shut down the social media platform, the new president is now being hailed as its saviour. And once again the Democrats have egg on their facesPolitics in the US has had its fair share of stupid moments, but the recent banning and (sort of) unbanning of TikTok may rank as one of the stupidest. At the same time, the episode neatly encapsulates the current moment: it's a perfect example of Donald Trump's showmanship, the Democrats' incompetence and the limits of bipartisanship. If I were a TikTok teen I'd come up with some sort of experimental dance to illustrate these themes but I'm old and completely devoid of rhythm, so words are going to have to suffice.Let's start with Trump, who, with his usual talent for self-promotion, has positioned himself as the guy who brought TikTok back from the dead, despite being responsible for signing its death warrant in the first place. To refresh everyone's memory, in 2020 Trump issued vaguely worded executive orders that described TikTok and WeChat as threats to national security. There doesn't seem to be much evidence, by the way, that TikTok is any more of a threat to national security than any of the other data-sucking apps we all have on our phones. The main argument from its critics seems to be that it has Chinese owners - and they're clearly not going to be responsible stewards of people's data in the way that Americans such as Mark Zuckerberg are. Continue reading...

The president can't fully eliminate the federal agency, but an overhaul could disrupt critical services for students who are of color, low-income or LGBTQ+For many students of color, access to an equitable education is dependent on the initiatives and programs provided by the Department of Education. Among its various functions, the department provides targeted funding for low-income students, collects data on educational outcomes and investigates potential bias - essential functions that help underserved students. But such services stand to be disrupted or ended entirely as Donald Trump plans to dismantle the department during his second tenure.In addition to nominating for education secretary the former WWE executive Linda McMahon, who served on Connecticut's state board of education for one year and has no other notable education experience, Trump has pledged to [close] up" the department and return" education rights to the states. Though Trump alone cannot eliminate the federal agency, as such an act requires congressional approval beyond a simple majority, experts have warned that any type of overhaul could disrupt the department's critical roles, especially for marginalized students. Continue reading...

President and first lady's business ventures show shameful conflicts of interest', says ex-government ethics officialDonald Trump was accused of corruption as he returned to the White House days after launching a multibillion-dollar cryptocurrency meme coin. Former government ethics officials and presidential experts said the venture amounted to a shameful" conflict of interest.The president and his wife, Melania, each announced their own respective coins ahead of his inauguration. Both were valued at billions of dollars as Trump took the oath of office on Monday. Continue reading...

The new US president incorrectly said Spain is a member of the Brics grouping of nations, and that this was the reason it was not maintaining defence spending levels. When asked by a reporter about Spain's defence spending, Trump dismissively asked if he knew what Brics was, adding: 'You'll figure it out'. Brics is a bloc of 10 emerging economies, of which no EU state is currently a member

Departure from UN agency in 12 months would leave Americans vulnerable, say public health experts

Among dozens of other actions, Trump pardons about 1,500 of the January 6 defendants, including many convicted of violent offenses. Plus, Elon Musk gives fascist-style salutes at rally

A reporter at the German TV channel Phoenix went off-script while he was on air during Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, asking colleagues: 'How long did you want to stay with this shit?'

Much remains uncertain about the path the next four years will take us down. But it's crystal clear who's going to come out ahead and who it's all forNeedless to say, a nation capable of sending a man like Donald Trump to the White House twice is not well. It was of course possible to understand his election in 2016 as a fluke, a win delivered by the Electoral College over the opposition of most voters. But the legitimacy of his election this time around has shifted the mood around his second inauguration significantly. The protests have been sparser, the liberal pundits are quieter, the resistance, all told, seems weaker. Ten years into the Trump era and due for at least another four, we've been humbled into near-impotence, a victory for the only ideology Trump has ever been committed to, which is humiliation.It must have been a real pleasure, given this, to have Biden, Harris, and much of the Democratic party's leadership sit and listen Monday afternoon to an inauguration speech that featured many of the lies and distortions about the Biden administration that he trotted out on the campaign trail. The invasion of criminal immigrants, economic decline, the abolition of free speech, the indoctrination of children - all of it's over and all will be well now that America's being carried forth not only into a new administration but, per Trump, a new era in American history.Osita Nwanevu is a Guardian US columnist Continue reading...

The Philadelphia Eagles boast a formidable defense. But the rookie quarterback's eerie calm could cause another upsetNow that the Washington Commanders have achieved the highly unlikely by upsetting the NFC's one-seed Detroit Lions with a decisive 45-31 win in the divisional round of the playoffs, it's time to ask if the team, who haven't been to a Super Bowl since the end of the 1991 season, can do so again.If that's to happen, the Commanders and their rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, will have to get past the Philadelphia Eagles, their NFC East neighbors and the conference's two-seed. Continue reading...

It loves freedom and equality, abhors tyranny, values minding your own business and hates, above all, to be told what to do. This will haunt Trump soon enoughAt noon ET on Monday, the US presidency changed hands, and one of the largest governments in the world rearranged itself in service to the petulance and vulgarity of the nation's new president.At the Pentagon, a portrait of a general who Donald Trump had found insufficiently deferential to him in his first term was removed from a wall; photographs of the empty spot circulated on social media. Trump was set to sign a bevvy of executive orders, pledging to withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement, to revoke policies promoting wind energy and electric cars, and to exert executive powers to speed up the construction of oil pipelines.Moira Donegan is a Guardian US columnist Continue reading...

Events in Vienna are forcing Germany's bickering mainstream parties to rally together. But the AfD could yet outflank the centreCould Germany go the way of Austria? Could the party of the far right be invited to form a government? What was previously deemed impossible, then revised down to improbable, is now possible. There are two scenarios in which this could happen.Fast forward to Germany's general election day on 23 February and the following assumptions: Germany's Christian Democrats (CDU) win, reasonably comfortably, at around their present poll rating of 30%. The far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) comes second, with an impressive vote share of between 20% and 25%. Nevertheless, it is excluded from coalition negotiations thanks to the firewall" established several years ago by the mainstream parties to keep extreme groupings at bay. Continue reading...

Planet-sparing Paris agreement goes out the window, along with punishment for January 6 insurrectionists, as Donald Trump glories in his return to power

Trump took a whistlestop world tour from his Oval Office desk, touching on topics including imposing tariffs, rebuilding Gaza and withdrawing (again) from the Paris climate agreement and the WHO

Most leaders were diplomatic about their differences, while others more ideologically aligned with the new US president voiced their joy

More than 1,600 people eligible to resettle in the United States are waiting to flee Afghanistan and Pakistan, say advocatesMore than 1,600 Afghans eligible to enter the US as refugees will see their entry blocked under an executive order signed by Donald Trump on Monday evening that suspends the resettlement of all refugees to the United States for an indefinite period of time.The decision has led to panic among prospective Afghan refugees, including family members of hundreds of active-duty service personnel and children waiting to be reunited with family members already in the US, according to a leading refugee resettlement activist and a US official who spoke with the Guardian on condition of anonymity. Continue reading...

President says his executive orders will lead to complete restoration of America'. Here's what we know so far

Laken Riley Act, which passed 64-35, requires detention of undocumented migrants charged with theft-related crimesThe Senate has passed legislation requiring the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related crimes, with the chamber approving its first bill of the new Congress just hours after Donald Trump took the oath of office.The vote was 64 to 35, as a dozen Democrats joined every present Republican in supporting the Laken Riley Act, named after a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was murdered last year by a Venezuelan national. Continue reading...

Hordes of people wait outside the Capital One Arena to watch Trump's swearing-inAs protesters gathered against Donald Trump's inauguration, we sent photographer Matailong Du to photograph the atmosphere that settled as he began his presidency marking his entrance back to politics after four years later. Continue reading...

Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th US president, beginning what could be a vengeful second term. His swearing-in ceremony, which was initially scheduled to take place outside on the Capitol's west front, was moved inside. Trump vowed to sign a series of executive orders, with many focusing on immigration. The president was sworn in among global conservative politicians and tech billionaires

Donald Trump repeatedly made false and misleading claims during his inaugural address. Here are the facts on some of the false claims offered during his speech

Donald Trump vowed to 'plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars' and 'take back' the Panama Canal as he was sworn into office for the second time. He announced a number of measures he planned to take such as ending the Green New Deal and declaring a national emergency on the US-Mexico border

People worldwide take to the streets after Donald Trump was sworn in as US president on Monday

The president cast himself as a holy warrior in a speech that made 2017's American carnage' theme seem almost innocentHe is risen. After dodging an assassin's bullet and the prospect of jail, Donald Trump staged a political resurrection like no other. On Monday, as he returned to power, he embraced the role of a demagogue on a divine mission.Sworn in as the 47th US president at the US Capitol in Washington, Trump delivered an inaugural address that cast himself as a holy warrior and made his American carnage" speech from 2017 seem almost innocent. Continue reading...

Following up on key claims made by 47th US president during his day one address

Texas and other parts of south experience frigid weather before rare storm, while east coast contends with snowFrigid temperatures engulfed Texas and other parts of the south on Monday ahead of a rare winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and disruptive ice accumulations to the region into Wednesday, sending residents scurrying to insulate pipes, check heating systems and stock emergency kits.In Texas, William P Hobby airport and George Bush airport in Houston announced on Sunday night that flight operations would be suspended Tuesday in anticipation of hazardous conditions. Continue reading...

Donald Trump gave an air kiss to his wife, Melania, at his inauguration ceremony in Washington DC. Trump leaned in as Melania presented her cheek, but her hat appeared to keep him at a short distance, with the incoming president resorting to blowing a kiss in the air. Trump was sworn in as the 47th US president on Monday, ushering in another four-year term with promises to push the limits of executive power, deport millions of immigrants, secure retribution against his political enemies and transform the role of the US on the world stage

CEOs and conservative politicians from around the world have descended on Washington DC for Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. The Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, and the president of Argentina, Javier Milei, were seen inside the US Capitol.Other notable figures such as the UK politicians Nigel Farage, Liz Truss and Suella Braverman were also present. A variety of high-profile business owners also joined, including the Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, the Apple CEO, Tim Cook, and the Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos

The 47th US president referred to his attempted assassination in Pennsylvania last year, implying that God had saved him so he could save America. He also said he would sign a series of executive orders that will impose strict anti-migration policies across the country, and pledged to lower prices and restore manufacturing jobs as well as dismantle federal diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives

Decision by Biden comes after Trump warned of enemies list, including people who investigated Capitol attack

Gathering of conservative politicians marks first time that foreign heads of state attend a US presidential inauguration

Our guide on what to know about the moment Trump becomes 47th US president, including the oath of office and who is attending

A growing number of well-run clubs have shown what can be achieved by recruiting smartly and playing to a system

Texas-born activist who spent lifetime advocating for abortion rights died after a battle with brain cancerCecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood who helped turn the reproductive healthcare giant into a formidable political organization and make support for abortion rights a virtual requirement for Democratic candidates, died on Monday after a battle with brain cancer. She was 67.This morning our beloved Cecile passed away at home, surrounded by her family and her ever-loyal dog, Ollie," Richards' family wrote in a statement. Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives." Continue reading...

Windy weather and single-digit humidity that created dangerous bone dry conditions across the region are expected to lingerFierce and gusty winds and a heightened risk of wildfire outbreaks are set to return to southern California, and especially the devastated city of Los Angeles, as the region continues to deal with deadly blazes that have already killed at least 27 people and destroyed or damaged thousands of homes.Windy weather and single-digit humidity that have created dangerous bone dry conditions across the region are expected to linger through Thursday, said Rich Thompson, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service. Continue reading...

Photographer Jordan Gale documents preparations for 60th presidential inauguration, showing a US poised and polarised between hope and fearWashington is a city on edge. Concrete barriers, unscalable steel fencing and security checkpoints dot the map. In a climate of simmering political violence, and after a divisive election campaign in which he survived two assassination attempts, Donald Trump is returning to an anxious capital where more than nine in 10 voters broke for his opponent, Kamala Harris. A city of tradition and ritual will seek to accommodate the most unconventional of presidents, bringing thousands of Trump's supporters into direct contact with the residents who feel a sense of foreboding and dread.Trump will take the oath of office under the magnificent dome of the Capitol Rotunda on Monday due to forecasts of intense cold weather, upending months of meticulous planning for a massive outdoor event with crowds sprawling down the National Mall. The swearing-in was last moved indoors in 1985, when Ronald Reagan began his second term. The rotunda was one of the areas breached during the 6 January 2021 insurrection by supporters of Trump trying to block the certification of his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden. Continue reading...

Pope Francis has criticised Donald Trump's plan to deport undocumented people. The pontiff said during an interview on Italian TV: 'If this is true, it will be a disgrace because it would make the poor unfortunate people who have nothing to pay the unpaid bill. It doesn't work' Continue reading...

Advocates warn that Trump's promised deportations will flood Mexico with migrants and spur organized crimeIt is cold and quiet in Casa del Migrante, a shelter in Ciudad Juarez, on the US-Mexico border. A group of men play dominoes, another shoots hoops alone, and a young couple watch their kids play with superhero toys.Some people get here and don't want to go back outside," said Ivonne Lopez, a social worker. They're afraid." Continue reading...

Contractor Zachary Young wins damages over Afghanistan story in trial notable for prosecution's aggressive stanceA combative defamation trial in Florida, involving CNN and a former US security contractor in Afghanistan, is providing a roadmap for a crackdown on media independence during the second Trump administration, experts believe.The case was already unusual because CNN chose to defend itself and risk millions in damages, while other media giants such as ABC News and the Washington Post have opted to back down in the face of threats of persecution from the incoming president. Ultimately, after 18 hours of deliberation, the jury found that CNN defamed the contractor and awarded Zachary Young $4m in lost business and $1m in personal damages. Continue reading...

Buy a bargain panettone and a month's supply of chocolates - and consider developing a historical ailment such as bilious humour. It will all be over soonI don't want to alarm anyone on this, the 95th day of January, but I have just realised that there are still almost two weeks before February starts. I don't know about you, but the January 2025 time loop has broken me: my blood has become toxic ectoplasm and my bones are jelly worms. I don't so much live the 43 minutes of daylight we get in North Yorkshire as sullenly, listlessly exist through them. This morning, putting on leggings to go to the gym defeated me, so I just lay on the bathroom floor instead.This is not our first January rodeo - we have survived before; we will survive again. Last year, some idiot even tried to claim January was sort of great" (yes, that idiot was me). But the coping strategies I have found online all seem rather worthy, rather preachy, rather hello birds, hello sky". So to expiate for last year's idiocy, I have devised some better survival tips, none of which involve spending time in nature", gentle stretching" or nourishing soup". Continue reading...

His greatest successes came in domestic policy. Inheriting a post-pandemic economy, Biden orchestrated the best recovery in the industrial worldWith his characteristic dyspeptic vitriol, Donald Trump scorns Joe Biden as the worst president in the history of America". The historian Robert McElvaine hails him as a great president", arguing that his accomplishments rival those of both Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson, the two most effective of 20th-century presidents", and since Biden didn't enjoy the congressional majorities of those giants, he had to do it, as was said about Ginger Rogers doing everything that Fred Astaire could do, backwards and in high heels".What is clear is that after four contentious years, Biden leaves Washington as a remarkably consequential one-term president.Katrina vanden Heuvel is editor and publisher of the Nation, she is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and has contributed to the Washington Post, New York Times, and Los Angeles Times Continue reading...

Some say Trump part two needs a new strategy as the novelty of mass mobilization has kind of worn off'Prominent leftwing activists across the US say a second Trump administration demands new tactics to achieve their goals, amid expectations the huge protests that marked both the Biden and first Trump presidencies won't materialize in the same way.As many as 4.6 million people attended Women's Day marches in the US the day after Donald Trump's first inauguration. The Saturday before Trump was inaugurated for a second time, thousands turned out in Washington DC and in cities around the country as part of the People's March, this year's version of the Women's March - though the turnout was much smaller than in 2017. Continue reading...

All the talk coming into Sunday was about Josh Allen v Lamar Jackson. But it's often errors rather than brilliance that decide big gamesJosh Allen v Lamar Jackson was set to be an epic. The idea of this season's MVP favorites sharing a field was chill inducing. Because whichever quarterback punctuated a brilliant individual season with a conference championship berth would do so because he outplayed his counterpart.Then the actual game was played in snowy Buffalo. It turns out there's so much more to a football game than the two men under center, even men as supremely talented as Allen and Jackson. Many will blame Jackson for Buffalo's 27-25 win over the Ravens, especially as the weeks and months go on. They'll credit Allen too. But neither player was the key factor in the outcome. It's often the easy chances players don't take rather than flashes of brilliance that decide games. Continue reading...

Even before Trump, we were on the way to losing our democracy - but we did not pay attention. Now, we have no choice but to attend to itIf you're feeling despair over Trump's second regime, which begins today, I understand.Yet I remain hopeful about America. Let me explain why.Robert Reich, a former US secretary of labor, is a professor of public policy at the University of California, Berkeley, and the author of Saving Capitalism: For the Many, Not the Few and The Common Good. His newest book, The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It, is out now. He is a Guardian US columnist. His newsletter is at robertreich.substack.com Continue reading...

Nicolas Maduro's future uncertain as Trump prepares for White House return with contrasting administration picksVenezuela's dictator, Nicolas Maduro, has overcome the first major obstacle facing him in 2025 after staring down domestic and foreign foes to extend his 12-year rule.[I'm] the people's president ... and I will forge ahead with the hurricane-like, volcanic strength of a people who cherish their homeland, cherish their future and cherish peace," the 62-year-old proclaimed on Friday at an inauguration his opponents vowed, but failed, to disrupt. Continue reading...