Trump’s Second Term Day 3 Live Updates: Executive Actions, Pardons & Cabinet Scrutiny

The Washington, D.C., Police Union has expressed disappointment over the recent pardons granted to individuals involved in the violent January 6th Capitol assault, particularly those who attacked law enforcement officers.

Representing the 3,000 members of the Metropolitan Police Department, the union firmly stated that those who harm police officers should face the maximum legal penalties. "Anyone who assaults law enforcement should be held fully accountable, with no exceptions," the union emphasized.

The statement reaffirmed the union's ongoing commitment to defending the rights of police officers and ensuring that justice is applied fairly and consistently for all involved.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with a group of moderate House Republicans at the White House on Wednesday afternoon, according to multiple sources.

Among the attendees are Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon and New York Rep. Mike Lawler, along with several other Republican members. The meeting is expected to focus on key issues facing the party as Trump continues to solidify his influence in Congress.

President Donald Trump has granted a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace, who had been sentenced to life in prison in 2015.

Trump announced the decision on Truth Social, explaining that he reached out to Ulbricht's mother to inform her about the pardon, stating it was his "pleasure" to sign it in recognition of her and the support from the Libertarian Movement. Trump also criticized those involved in Ulbricht's conviction, suggesting they were part of the same group that he believes misused government power against him. He called Ulbricht’s two life sentences plus 40 years "ridiculous."

Ulbricht, who ran Silk Road between 2011 and 2013, was convicted for allowing users to buy illegal drugs, weapons, and other banned goods. Prosecutors tied the drugs sold on Silk Road to at least six deaths.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was asked whether he would consider "turning off the tap" on U.S. weapons aid to Ukraine. Trump responded, stating he is currently "looking at that." He explained that ongoing conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are taking place and that he intends to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future to assess the situation.

Trump further remarked that the European Union should take a more active role in supporting Ukraine, pointing out that the war impacts Europe more directly than the United States.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has set a tentative date of January 29 for the confirmation hearing of Kash Patel, former President Trump’s nominee for FBI director. This announcement came from Senator Dick Durbin, the committee's ranking Democrat, who has already expressed his disapproval of Patel’s qualifications.

Durbin raised concerns about Patel’s lack of experience, judgment, and temperament to lead the FBI, emphasizing his belief that Patel is unfit for the role. "After meeting with him and reading his book, Government Gangsters, I concluded that he does not possess the necessary qualities to safeguard our country," Durbin remarked.

Additionally, Durbin voiced alarm over Patel’s characterization of the January 6 Capitol insurrection during their meeting. Patel described the violent attack as a "haphazard riot," a description Durbin strongly disputed. "What the hell is a haphazard riot?" Durbin responded, emphasizing the seriousness of the event and the harm caused to law enforcement officers. "I was here, and unfortunately, there were injuries and even deaths among the officers."

Durbin also questioned Patel’s stance on the rioters, especially in light of Trump’s recent pardons. He raised concerns about whether the FBI would continue to track and monitor those who had been released, questioning the future of the investigation into the Capitol attack.

During a recent AI infrastructure announcement, Donald Trump warned that he plans to impose tariffs on the European Union, following the same approach he used with Canada, China, and Mexico.

Trump expressed frustration with the EU's trade behavior, calling it extremely detrimental to the U.S. "It's not just China. While China is an abuser, the European Union treats us very, very badly," Trump stated after his announcement. He pointed out the trade imbalance, citing a $350 billion deficit with the EU, and emphasized the lack of U.S. exports to the region. "They don't take our cars. They don’t take our farm products. In fact, they hardly take anything at all."

Trump concluded by asserting that the EU would face tariffs due to their unfair treatment of the U.S.