Today’s Top U.S. Headlines: Breaking News You Can’t Miss

Scott Bessent Confirmed as U.S. Treasury Secretary

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Scott Bessent, a 62-year-old billionaire hedge fund manager, as the new Treasury Secretary under President Donald Trump. Bessent, the highest-ranking openly gay federal official in U.S. history, will manage the nation’s $28 trillion debt and oversee fiscal policy, financial regulations, and international sanctions. He advocates for tax cuts and tariffs to combat unfair trade practices and emphasizes the importance of renewing expiring tax cuts to avoid economic challenges.

White House Pauses Federal Financial Assistance Programs

The White House has issued a memo ordering a pause on federal financial assistance programs pending a review by the Trump administration. The pause, effective Tuesday at 5 p.m., applies to various grants and loans but exempts Medicare, Social Security benefits, and direct individual assistance. This move has caused confusion among federal, state, and local officials, as well as nonprofits and lawmakers, and is expected to face legal challenges from Democrats who argue it violates Congress’s power of the purse.

Justice Department Dismisses Prosecutors Involved in Trump Cases

The Justice Department has terminated over a dozen employees who were involved in the criminal prosecutions of President Donald Trump. This action appears to target career prosecutors from special counsel Jack Smith’s team and reflects the administration’s intent to remove individuals deemed disloyal to Trump. Acting Attorney General James McHenry justified the move as a step toward ending governmental weaponization, asserting that the fired prosecutors could not be trusted to implement the president’s agenda.

USAID Places Senior Officials on Leave Amid Investigation

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has placed over 50 senior officials on administrative leave during an investigation into alleged efforts to block President Donald Trump’s executive orders. This action follows Trump’s recent executive order imposing a 90-day halt on most U.S. foreign aid distributed by the State Department, disrupting numerous international humanitarian and development programs. Essential programs such as emergency food aid and military support to Israel and Egypt have been exempted from the freeze.

CNN Announces Job Cuts Ahead of New Streaming Service Launch

CNN is cutting approximately 200 jobs, around 6% of its workforce, in a strategic shift toward digital growth and the preparation of a new streaming service. This move responds to significant changes in news consumption and declining cable television viewership. CNN plans to revamp its show lineup and invest in digital properties, backed by a $70 million investment from Warner Bros. Discovery. The reorganization also involves hiring new executives to bolster digital efforts.