February 28, 2025

Friday, February 28th, 2025 - Starmer pressures Trump; USAID frozen; RFK Jr. halts flu meeting; Tate brothers return; Epstein files flop; New China tariffs

7 minutes

Today’s Headlines: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Trump at the White House, urging him not to abandon Ukraine, while Trump expressed confidence in Putin’s promises. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court kept USAID funds frozen, and a federal judge ruled against mass terminations of probationary federal employees. In healthcare, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. canceled the FDA’s flu vaccine advisory meeting, leaving the U.S. unrepresented in global vaccine planning. Elsewhere, Andrew and Tristan Tate returned to the U.S. after reported pressure from the Trump administration, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made it clear they’re “not welcome.” Attorney General Pam Bondi is demanding the FBI release Epstein case documents, though the much-hyped first “phase” of files distributed to influencers turned out to be old, publicly available information. Finally, Trump is raising tariffs on China by 10% and moving forward with 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, citing drug trafficking concerns—though without presenting new data.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

AP News: With flattery and frank talk, Starmer urges Trump not to abandon Ukraine in press to end Russian war

NY Times: Chief Justice Allows U.S. to Continue Freeze on Foreign Aid Payments

WA Post: Judge blocks Trump administration’s mass firings of federal workers

Axios: FDA cancels meeting to pick flu vaccine strains for next winter

NBC News: Gov. DeSantis says Tate brothers aren't welcome in Florida

Telegraph: FBI accused of withholding Epstein files

NBC News: Hyped release of 'Epstein Files' sparks anger and disappointment on right

Axios: Trump raising tariffs on China another 10%, citing flows of illegal drugs

Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

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