A look at the posters in the New York protests

Donald Trump says he will deny visas for transgender Olympic athletes

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he would direct Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to "reject any and all visa applications made by men attempting to fraudulently enter the United States while identifying as women athletes."

After campaigning heavily about transgender issues, one of Trump's first executive orders declared that there are only two genders, "male and female."

Last week, Trump signed another executive order instructing agencies to ensure that hospitals receiving federal research and education grants "end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children." He also signed an order to prevent transgender service members within the military.

With Trump's other executive orders about transgender rights, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started to remove language around gender identity and sexual orientation from its website.

Read the full story by Monica Sager and Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.

Rep. Jared Golden says constituents are more concerned about Elon Musk than Trump

Rep. Jared Golden of Maine shared on X that recent calls to his office have focused more on Elon Musk than on Trump.

"I've been getting a lot of calls over the past few days, and the interesting thing is none of them are about Donald Trump," Golden wrote. "They're all about Elon Musk. My constituents, and a majority of this country, put Trump in the White House, not this unelected, weirdo billionaire."

Republican says Ron DeSantis targeted her for supporting Donald Trump

GOP Florida lawmaker Debbie Mayfield accused Governor Ron DeSantis of targeting her for endorsing President Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican primaries.

Newsweek reached out to DeSantis and Mayfield's offices for comment via email.

DeSantis ran for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination but struggled to win over Republican voters against Trump, whose popularity with the GOP base helped him easily win the nomination. DeSantis is viewed as a potential candidate in 2028 but has faced a rebellion back home, where some Republican legislators have turned on him.

Mayfield, a current member of the state House who was previously the majority leader in the state Senate, was disqualified from making another play at the Senate by the secretary of state's office.

Read the full story by Andrew Stanton on Newsweek.

WATCH: Pam Bondi sworn in as attorney general

Newsom pushes for wildfire aid as Abbott meets with Trump on immigration, transgender sports ban

California Governor Gavin Newsom is in Washington, D.C., advocating for federal wildfire disaster aid as he meets with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. He is also expected to meet with President Donald Trump on Wednesday to push for assistance for survivors of the Los Angeles fires.

"The Governor's trip is focused on securing critical disaster aid for the survivors of the Los Angeles fires and ensuring impacted families who lost their homes and livelihoods have the support they need to rebuild and recover," Newsom spokesperson Brandon Richards said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is also in D.C. for a meeting with Trump. Ahead of their discussion, Abbott met with Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, to talk about immigration enforcement strategies.

Trump is expected to sign an executive action later in the day banning transgender women from competing in women's sports. Abbott, who signed a similar law in Texas in 2023, expressed his support for the move, stating he looks "forward to joining President Trump today as he protects women's sports across America."

NY protester expresses fear over Trump's impact on America

Zosia, a demonstrator at a recent protest, voiced deep concerns about the future of the U.S. under Trump, drawing comparisons to historical authoritarian regimes.

"I'm terrified for America. I've seen the similarities between now and what happened in Germany and Hitler," she said to Newsweek live blog editor Hannah Parry, who is on the ground at the City Hall protest in New York. "Everyone has fought so hard for the rights we have, and it's terrifying that in four years, that can all be taken away."

Zosia described Trump as a "fascist" and expressed fear that he was attempting to consolidate power. "I don't know what's going to happen to the U.S.," she said.

Rubio attempts to clarify Trump's Gaza remarks, says U.S. would focus on reconstruction

Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to clarify President Donald Trump's suggestion that the U.S. should "take over" Gaza, stating that Trump was referring to helping with reconstruction rather than permanent control.

"The only thing President Trump has done, very generously, in my view, is offer the United States' willingness to step in, clear the debris, clean the place up," Rubio said during a news conference in Guatemala City. He added that Gazans would need to leave temporarily while reconstruction took place.

Rubio's remarks contrast with Trump's earlier comments, in which the president questioned whether displaced Gazans would even want to return. Critics of the proposal argue it could amount to forced displacement.

Rubio acknowledged that implementing any such plan would require coordination with international partners but did not address how or if displaced Palestinians would be allowed to return.

Scenes from the New York protest

Trump is moving fast and breaking things. These voters can't get enough

President Donald Trump is taking a page out of the playbook used by many of the tech titans who now support him, moving fast and breaking things—all to the delight of his supporters.

Voters who cast ballots for Trump in November told Newsweek they are thrilled over the rapid speed and breadth of the president's action over his two-and-a-half weeks back in office, applauding him for "doing everything he said he would."

"He's damn near got a checklist and he just going down the line," Michaelah Montgomery, a Trump supporter and political activist from Atlanta, said in an interview.

With four years out of office to ponder where and how to govern more effectively, Trump took the White House by storm last month, moving immediately on immigration, energy, diversity programs, public health, the federal bureaucracy, TikTok, pardons for those he deemed unfairly prosecuted —addressing many of the exact issues he vowed to tackle on the campaign trail. In 16 days in office, he has signed 45 executive orders, the Federal Register shows.

Jacob Creech, who runs the popular conservative X account @WarClandestine, said even he was shocked and impressed by what he's seen in the early days of the second Trump administration.

Read the full story by Katherine Fung on Newsweek.

Protester and former Musk fan criticizes his influence

Jess, a social worker and former fan of Elon Musk, expressed deep frustration with the billionaire's growing influence, likening him to a self-proclaimed monarch.

"I used to be a fan of Musk... I feel very much duped but also not surprised," Jess said to Newsweek live blog editor Hannah Parry, who is on the ground at the City Hall protest in New York. "He's done too many drugs, he's high on his own ego, and he's a mess."

Jess argued that Musk and other tech leaders seek control beyond business, pushing for a system that undermines democracy. "There is this desire not just for a monarchy but a patriarchy. The tech titans want to be in charge of everything and they don't like democracy."

WATCH: 50501 anti-Trump protester accuses Musk of treating people like 'revenue'

Trump administration reverses course, will restart legal aid for migrants

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reversed a recent order preventing legal aid groups from providing services to immigrants in federal detention centers and immigration courts.

Newsweek reached out to the DOJ via an online email form for comment.

The initial move, in which a DOJ memo told legal providers to "stop work immediately," appeared to be one of several made by the new administration to enact tough-on-immigration policies promised by the new president. Many undocumented migrants require court hearings to have their cases determined, but the system can be complicated and confusing, especially for those with little money or who speak little English.

Under Trump's executive order issued last week, "Protecting the American People Against Invasion," the secretary of Homeland Security was ordered to review funding provided to nongovernmental organizations "supporting or providing services, either directly or indirectly, to removable or illegal aliens." The order asked that funds should be paused while audits took place.

Federal judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order

A federal judge has halted Trump's executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, ruling that it likely violates the Constitution. U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman issued a nationwide injunction on Wednesday, citing conflicts with the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent.

The order "conflicts with the plain language of the 14th Amendment, contradicts 125-year old binding Supreme Court precedent and runs counter to our nation's 250-year history of citizenship by birth," Boardman said in her ruling.

The lawsuit, filed in Maryland by several pregnant women and immigrant-rights groups, argued that the order would unlawfully strip citizenship from children born in the U.S. Boardman, appointed by President Joe Biden, said the injunction was necessary to fully protect those affected.

"The government will not be harmed by a preliminary injunction that prevents it from enforcing an executive order likely to be found unconstitutional," she said.

Demonstrators gather at Georgia state capitol to protest Trump administration

Dozens of protesters rallied outside the Georgia state capitol as part of the 50501 movement, a nationwide effort staging demonstrations in all 50 states on the same day.

"Our democracy is in danger, and the only option we have left is the streets," said Zack Simmons, holding a sign that read "Authoritarianism."

Protesters carried signs featuring Elon Musk's image with messages like "Stop Musk's Steal" and "No Kings in the USA," criticizing Trump's appointment of political outsiders to key positions.

Additional demonstrations are planned throughout the day, including an evening march from the capitol to an ICE field office.

WATCH: Hundreds gather for 50501 anti-Trump rally in Boston

House Speaker Mike Johnson defends Trump's Gaza proposal amid global backlash

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Trump's controversial proposal to take over Gaza during a briefing on Wednesday morning, praising the president for "taking bold, decisive action" to ensure peace in the Middle East.

Despite widespread international condemnation of the idea, Johnson argued that the proposal, though surprising, was "widely cheered" by some, due to the region's ongoing instability and danger.

Hundreds protest at North Carolina State Capitol against Trump administration

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered around the North Carolina State Capitol in Raleigh today, protesting the policies of the Trump administration.

Protestors chants involve Elon Musk

Protestors demonstrating in New York are chanting rhymes such as "Deport Elon" and "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Elon Musk has got to go."

Police have also confirmed to Newsweek reporter Monica Sager that there are over 200 protestors at the Statehouse today.

Department of Government Efficiency accesses NOAA IT systems to check DEI compliance

A representative from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gained access to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) IT systems this week, according to three sources familiar with the situation.

The request was made as part of a review to ensure compliance with President Donald Trump's executive order terminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal workforce.

Sources revealed that DOGE is focusing on individuals within NOAA who contributed to a 2023 report by the agency's Science Advisory Board, which examined efforts to diversify the organization.

"They're searching high and low for DEI," a source told CNN.

Protestors worry about Elon Musk's power

"I'm worried about what happening with our government," said Cathy Walters at the protest taking place in Boston to Newsweek reporter Monica Sager, who is on the ground. Walters is holding a poster that reads, "F-Elon."

She asked, "Elon Musk—who is he and is he taking over the Treasury? There's a lot of questions and I'd like to get some answers for that."

Walters also said that she thinks it's "problematic" for Musk to not be in an elected government position. "It seems like he's doing some lawless things that nobody really knows about

Sight of protestors in Washington D.C.

Protests continue against Trump administration's immigration policies

Protests against Trump's immigration policies are intensifying across the country.

Earlier this week, the "A Day Without Immigrants" movement highlighted the crucial role immigrants play in local communities. Over the weekend, additional demonstrations took place in response to the administration's crackdown on immigration.

On Monday night, a large anti-ICE protest filled a street in North Austin, where Austin police reported two arrests. While the protest was mostly peaceful, authorities noted the presence of a group of "agitators" who engaged in violent behavior, throwing rocks at officers and driving recklessly.

Texas Democrat to bring first articles of impeachment of Trump second term

Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas said Wednesday morning that he just brought Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump over the alleged threat of "ethnic cleansing in Gaza."

On Tuesday, Trump said during a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States wants to "take over" the Gaza Strip, drawing backlash from some lawmakers and praise from others.

"The movement to impeach the president has begun. I rise to announce that I will bring Articles of Impeachment against the president for dastardly deeds proposed and dastardly deeds done," Green said Wednesday on the U.S. House floor.

During Trump's first term, between 2017 and 2019, Green, who represents the Houston area, unsuccessfully attempted to impeach the president on three different occasions.

Read the full story by Gabe Whisnant and Dan Gooding on Newsweek.

Trump administration pulls most USAID workers from the field

The Trump administration has announced plans to pull nearly all U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) workers from their roles abroad, effective just before midnight Friday. Under the order, agency staff overseas will have 30 days to return home unless deemed essential.

The move, which had been speculated for days, also applies to contractors, who will be fired unless considered necessary for operations.

This decision follows a broader freeze on foreign assistance imposed by the administration, which has already led to the layoff of thousands of USAID employees and the shutdown of various programs worldwide.

Protest scheduled to take place on the Las Vagas Strip today

A "large protest" is scheduled to take place on The Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada near the entrance of the Bellagio Hotel at 2 p.m. local time.

Middle East nations refuse Trump's Gaza plan

Trump's proposal for the U.S. to "take over" Gaza and relocate Palestinians to neighboring countries has sparked widespread rejection across the Middle East, including from U.S. allies Egypt and Jordan. These nations, key recipients of U.S. aid, have long aligned their regional policies with U.S. interests and were the first Arab countries to sign peace treaties with Israel.

However, Trump's comments mark a significant departure from decades of U.S. foreign policy, which has typically supported a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated that Palestinians should not be displaced from Gaza, emphasizing their strong connection to the land. Saudi Arabia reiterated its unwavering support for a Palestinian state and refused to normalize relations with Israel without such guarantees.

Qatar's foreign ministry also underscored the need for reconstruction in Gaza while keeping Palestinians in the enclave, focusing on continuing ceasefire negotiations. Jordan's King Abdullah II strongly rejected any plans to displace Palestinians and called for an end to settlement activities and land annexations in Gaza and the West Bank.

Peter Navarro assures price stability despite new tariffs on China

Peter Navarro, Senior Counselor for Trade & Manufacturing under Trump, has promised price stability for Americans despite the introduction of new tariffs on China. Speaking to CNN, Navarro pointed to the success of the Trump administration's first term, citing the absence of inflation and recession despite similar tariffs, including on steel, aluminum, and solar products.

Navarro reassured the public that, just like in the previous term, the U.S. economy would see price stability, robust growth, and rising real wages.

"But we have experience now on our side," Navarro said. "We didn't have that back in 2018. But now we do. We succeeded back in the first term. We'll succeed again for the American people."

US trade deficit widens significantly ahead of Trump tariffs

The United States goods and trade balance went deeper into the red in December, providing the Trump administration with more leverage as it seeks to reshape America's approach to global commerce.

Surpassing consensus forecasts, the nation's trade balance—the difference in dollar amounts between exports and imports of goods and services—reached a deficit of $98.4 billion in December, its highest level since March 2022 and widened 25 percent from November's revised deficit of $78.9 billion.

On an annual basis, the deficit jumped to $918.4 billion from $784.9 billion in 2023, having previously fallen from $951.2 billion in 2022.

While deficits are not themselves measures of a nation's economic health—these often being the result of high foreign investment, economic growth or access to lower-cost imports—the widening gap between imports and exports will likely be jumped on by the Trump administration as evidence that America is being taken advantage of on the global stage, and used to support the president's pursuit of wide-scale trade reforms.

Trump has previously touted America's deficit alongside immigration and drug trafficking as the motivation for his tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico, the latter two of which have been paused thanks to last-minute agreements with the U.S.

Read the full story by Hugh Cameron on Newsweek.

DeSantis seeks to win back Trump supporters with immigration push

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is working to reclaim support from Donald Trump's base as he prepares for a potential second presidential run. DeSantis is doing so by doubling down on Trump's signature issue—immigration.

However, Florida Republicans may have a different take. When DeSantis called a special legislative session to pass his immigration proposals, state lawmakers quickly rejected his plans, instead introducing their own version of an immigration bill. The bill, named the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (TRUMP) Act, seeks to transfer immigration enforcement authority to the agriculture commissioner.

Political consultant Jamie Miller noted that DeSantis is currently winning the social media and conservative media battle, but warned that "that microphone can be taken away with one tweet."

Attorney General Pam Bondi takes office amid controversy over FBI firings and January 6 investigations

Newly confirmed Attorney General Pam Bondi begins her first day at the Justice Department amid significant controversy surrounding the firings of agents and prosecutors involved in cases related to Donald Trump and the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Bondi is expected to immediately take action to investigate and reverse legal decisions made under the Biden administration, signaling a shift in priorities for the Justice Department.

Sources familiar with her plans indicate that Bondi will issue a series of department-wide memos and orders aimed at changing the public narrative, which has been dominated by headlines about the January 6 pardons and the FBI's recent employee purges.

While there are no plans for mass firings at the FBI, the agency remains under scrutiny after the Department of Justice requested information about over 5,000 employees involved in the January 6 investigations. Bondi's actions are aligned with Trump's executive order to review and address the perceived "weaponization of government."

Phoenix police issue statement on Public Safety Response Team's role in maintaining order

The Phoenix Police Department issued a statement on Tuesday explaining the role of its Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) in managing public gatherings ahead of today's 50501 protests. The department emphasized that the PSRT is specially trained to protect the exercise of free speech while ensuring public safety.

Elon Musk takes control of U.S. agencies, reshaping the government

Elon Musk's swift takeover of two key U.S. government agencies has resulted in significant control over the federal workforce, with Musk working to implement President Trump's cost-cutting agenda. The billionaire, now overseeing the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the General Services Administration (GSA), has introduced measures that some government workers are finding alarming.

His efforts include offering federal employees financial incentives to quit and gaining access to sensitive government systems, such as the U.S. Treasury's payment system.

The move has raised concerns about Musk's unprecedented influence, as well as his limited accountability in his new role, with critics arguing it goes beyond the scope of his mandate. While Trump has expressed support for Musk's actions, critics, including federal worker unions, have sued to block his access to sensitive government systems.

Additionally, Musk's team has been involved in downsizing government agencies, including USAID, leading to panic among federal employees.

Trump aims for "Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement" with Iran

President Trump expressed his hopes for a "Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement" with Iran to prevent the country from acquiring a nuclear weapon. In a post on Truth Social, Trump denied reports suggesting that the U.S. planned to "blow Iran into smithereens" alongside Israel, calling such claims "GREATLY EXAGGERATED."

Following a meeting with Trump at the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he and Trump were in agreement on the issue of Iran, though he did not elaborate further on the details of their discussions.

US Postal Service reverses decision to suspend incoming parcels from China

The US Postal Service announced Wednesday morning that it will continue accepting incoming international parcels from China and Hong Kong, reversing its decision from the previous night to suspend them.

While no official reason was provided for the initial suspension, the Postal Service indicated that it was likely linked to the new tariffs imposed on Tuesday and the removal of the de minimis exemption, which had allowed goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. without duties or inspections.

The new tariffs and the challenges of inspecting parcels for compliance with the import taxes may have contributed to the initial move.

Trump expected to sign executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports

Trump is set to sign an executive order today that will prohibit transgender girls and women from competing in female sports categories, fulfilling a promise from his 2024 campaign. The order will direct federal agencies to interpret Title IX rules to exclude transgender athletes and enforce this ban across schools and athletic organizations.

The executive order, titled "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports," mandates immediate enforcement, with penalties for schools and athletic bodies that fail to comply. It also calls on state attorneys general to outline enforcement strategies. Sports organizations like the NCAA are expected to update their rules in accordance with the order.

Trump's order also includes provisions aimed at influencing the International Olympic Committee and pushing changes to visa policies for transgender athletes.

The signing ceremony will feature athletes and advocates who have campaigned against transgender participation in women's sports.

50501 movement gains traction with online organizers and comedian

The 50501 Movement, which aims to organize protests in all 50 states on February 5, began with a post from Reddit moderator u/Evolved_Fungi, according to fellow moderator u/honeydoulemon. Though the original post was deleted, screenshots show the goal was to provide simple instructions to boost participation.

Stand-up comedian Cliff Cash has also promoted the event, posting a YouTube video titled "FEB 5 protests in EVERY STATE. ALL FIFTY STATE CAPITOLS."

Each protest is organized locally by different participants, and the movement has since partnered with the Political Revolution.

50501 movement explained

Flyers promoting the 50501 Movement call for protests against Project 2025 and what organizers describe as Trump administration efforts to "destroy our freedoms and human rights." The demonstrations will focus on issues such as free speech, racial equality, women's and LGBTQ+ rights, public health, gun violence, climate change, and wealth equity.

While the First Amendment protects the right to protest, officials can impose restrictions, including dispersal orders if there is a risk of violence or disorder. Marches on streets and sidewalks do not require permits as long as traffic is not obstructed. Counter-protesters also have free speech rights.

The protests follow nationwide demonstrations last weekend against Trump's immigration policies, including mass deportation and raids.

Where the protests will take place

Information on 50501 Movement's Instagram indicates that meetings will take place at the following times (local) and locations:

• Arizona – State Capitol at noon
• California – State Capitol Building at noon
• Colorado – State Capitol Building at noon
• Florida – Tampa City Hall at 3 p.m.
• Georgia – Centennial Park at 2 p.m.
• Idaho – State Capitol steps at 11 a.m.
• Illinois – State Capitol Building at noon
• Indiana – State Capitol Building at noon
• Iowa – State Capitol at noon
• Kansas – State Capitol Building at 4 p.m.
• Kentucky – State Capitol Building at noon
• Massachusetts – Statehouse at noon
• Maine - State Capitol at noon
• Michigan – State Capitol at noon
• Minnesota – St. Paul Technical College at noon
• Mississippi – State Capitol at noon
• Missouri – State Capitol Building at noon
• Montana – State Capitol at noon
• Nebraska – State Capitol at 4 p.m.
• Nevada - State Capitol Building at noon
• New Hampshire – Statehouse at noon
• New Jersey – Statehouse at noon
• New York – Capitol Building at noon and New York City Hall at 2 p.m.
• North Carolina – State Capitol Building at noon
• Ohio – Statehouse at noon and Willard Park at 4 p.m.
• Oklahoma – State Capitol at noon
• Oregon – State Capitol Building at noon
• Pennsylvania – State Capitol Complex at 11 a.m., Williams S. Moorhead Federal Building in Pittsburgh at 11 a.m. and Philadelphia City Hall at noon
• South Dakota – Downtown Federal Courthouse at 3 p.m.
• Tennessee – State Capitol at 1:30 p.m.
• Texas – State Capitol at 11 a.m. and San Jacinto Plaza at 4 p.m.
• Utah - State Capitol at noon
• Vermont – State Capitol at noon
• Virginia – Bell Tower at 12:30 p.m.
• Washington – Tivoli Fountain North Lawn at 2:30 p.m.
• Washington D.C. – Capitol Building at 11 a.m.
• Wisconsin – State Capitol at 11 a.m.
• Wyoming – Capitol at 2 p.m.

50501 movement plans nationwide protests against Trump on February 5

The 50501 Movement is organizing protests across all 50 states on February 5 to oppose President Donald Trump and his early actions in office. The movement, which has gained traction on social media, brands itself as a fight against fascism.

Since returning to the White House, Trump has issued multiple executive orders, including stricter immigration policies and pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. His actions have drawn sharp criticism, with former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley calling him a "fascist to the core," and former Chief of Staff John Kelly saying he fits the definition of a fascist.

The protests are expected to take place in state capitals and major cities nationwide.