President Donald Trump has wasted no time reshaping the federal government, enacting a flurry of executive actions aimed at overhauling policies across multiple sectors. From implementing a federal hiring freeze and curbing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to hinting at dismantling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Trump has signaled a dramatic shift in governance.
Colombia Bows to U.S. Pressure on Deportations
10:45 p.m. ET – The White House announced a diplomatic win on Sunday after Colombia agreed to accept deportation flights from the U.S. The decision came just hours after President Trump threatened to impose steep tariffs and other economic penalties on the South American nation.
Earlier in the day, Trump had ordered retaliatory measures, including visa restrictions and trade penalties, in response to Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s initial refusal to receive deported migrants. Petro had insisted that deportation protocols must ensure migrants are treated with dignity. Trump, however, argued that Petro’s stance posed a direct threat to U.S. national security.
ICE Ramps Up Enforcement in Chicago
1:15 p.m. ET – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched an “enhanced targeted operation” in Chicago on Sunday, part of a broader crackdown on undocumented immigration. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove was on-site to observe the operation, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to stricter enforcement. While officials withheld specifics, the move is expected to escalate federal immigration actions in one of the nation’s largest cities.
[Read More: ICE Begins ‘Targeted Operations’ in Chicago Amid Immigration Raid Concerns]
Vance on Inflation: ‘It Will Take Time’
11 a.m. ET – Vice President JD Vance defended the administration’s approach to economic challenges during an interview with CBS’ Face the Nation. While acknowledging persistent inflation, Vance urged patience, stating, “Prices are going to come down, but it’s going to take a little bit of time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.” His comments suggest the White House is shifting its economic focus away from immediate price control efforts toward long-term fiscal strategies.
Trump to Address House GOP Retreat
President Trump is scheduled to speak Monday evening at the House Republican retreat at Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida. His remarks are expected to focus on his administration’s policy priorities and legislative agenda.
(Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the event was scheduled for Sunday night.)
Trump Proposes Palestinian Resettlement Plan
9:30 p.m. ET (Saturday, Jan. 25) – President Trump has floated the idea of relocating Palestinian refugees from Gaza to neighboring Arab nations, describing the region as a “demolition site” following Israel’s prolonged military campaign against Hamas.
During an informal press briefing aboard Air Force One, Trump said he discussed the idea with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and planned to speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.
“I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing in a different location, where they can maybe live in peace for a change,” Trump stated, suggesting that such relocation efforts could be temporary or permanent.
The proposal, however, is unlikely to gain traction, as both Jordan and Egypt have previously resisted similar suggestions. Palestinian leaders also fear that resettlement would prevent refugees from ever returning to their homeland.
