Written by Olivia Flake Edited by Annika Lilja
Top Stories from Feburary 17-23, 2025
Top US Story: Federal job cuts are striking backlash towards President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency
Over the past couple of days, President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have cut thousands of federal jobs, including positions within the United States Coast Guard, TSA, Homeland Security, the US Forest Service, possibly the Pentagon, and so forth. The executive order will also affect positions associated with DEI programs.
The rapid cuts have caused a lot of confusion among federal workers on whether or not they will receive pay and healthcare, and they have led to commotion over what they can do to get back on their feet.
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Top Europe Story: Ukraine rejects Trump's initial mineral offer, but now a new one is on the table.
Previously this week, US President Trump proposed that Ukraine give away 50% of its profit coming from sources like drilling for gas, minerals, etc. This would be a way for Ukraine to pay the U.S. back for the millions of dollars of protection and weapons the U.S. has provided since the war began. However, Ukraine almost immediately refused this offer due to Trump's aggressive approach, Zelensky saying that they felt “blindsided.”
Zelenskyy states that part of the reason he said no to the initial deal was that "I told them to show the security guarantees, and then we talked about the percentage. They said 50% and I replied NO. I can't sell the country off. I'm just a manager. Tomorrow, the country will have another manager, so I can't sell it. Besides, around 20% of resources are in Russia-occupied territory" (ABC).
Although not confirmed, it has been said by many officials that Zelenskyy plans to discuss possible changes and modifications that can be made to the proposal with the U.S.
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