Wednesday, July 23, 2025
All civic learning topics for this day
Today's Topics
Japan pays $550 billion to avoid Trump tariffs in protection deal
Japan announced a $550 billion investment in the US on July 23, 2025, which Trump called a "signing bonus" better than any "$100 million sports deal." The investment came as part of trade framework negotiations, with Trump boasting Japan "was willing to pay up front" for "the privilege of negotiating with the United States." Trump suggested other countries paying 25% tariffs should remember Japan paid $550 billion just to avoid them.
Trump eliminates AI safety rules while demanding political neutrality
The Trump administration unveiled its AI Action Plan on July 23, 2025, promising to cement US leadership by removing "red tape" for Silicon Valley while requiring federal AI models be "objective and free from ideological bias." AI Czar David Sacks announced the three-pillar plan: accelerating innovation, building US infrastructure, and making American AI the global standard. Privacy advocates and labor unions countered with a "People's Action Plan" warning the administration prioritizes tech profits over AI safety and job protection.
Federal judge blocks Epstein files as House subpoenas Maxwell
A federal judge on July 23, 2025, rejected DOJ's request to unseal Jeffrey Epstein grand jury transcripts despite Trump directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to release "any and all pertinent" documents. The House Judiciary Committee immediately subpoenaed Ghislaine Maxwell while Deputy AG Todd Blanche announced plans to meet with her. Maxwell's attorney confirmed "discussions with the government" but said she opposes unsealing grand jury materials. Rep. Massie secured enough GOP support to force a House vote on releasing all Epstein files, prompting leadership to end August recess early.
Defense Secretary shares classified Yemen strike plans on messaging app
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared classified military strike plans for Yemen on Signal messenger app, including details marked "SECRET/NOFORN" from classified emails. The leaked messages contained operational details like fighter takeoff times and bomb targets. The Pentagon Inspector General is investigating whether Hegseth personally wrote the texts. Hegseth insisted he never shared classified information, but the "NOFORN" marking confirms the intelligence couldn't be shared with foreign nationals, undercutting his denials.
Military runs $850,000 deportation flights as border troops surge
The US military conducted airlifts deporting 5,000 detained immigrants from San Diego and El Paso on July 23, 2025, as Acting Defense Secretary Robert Salesses announced 1,500 additional troops to the border—a 60% increase in ground forces. The deployment includes helicopter crews and intelligence analysts supporting immigration enforcement. Using Defense Department funding and military transport for deportations marks unprecedented militarization of immigration policy.
Federal appeals court blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 on July 23, 2025, that Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship is "very likely unconstitutional on its face." The court upheld a nationwide injunction blocking the order scheduled to take effect July 27. States argued they face "irreparable harm" from citizenship redefinition, including reduced population counts affecting federal funding. The ruling ensures birthright citizenship continues while litigation proceeds on the merits of rewriting the 14th Amendment by executive order.
Musk threatens primary challenges to force Senate compliance
Trump officials and Elon Musk threatened to fund primary challengers against Republican senators who vote against Trump's nominees, with 23 former Fox News employees appointed to the administration by July 2025. The threats aim to ensure confirmation of controversial appointees as 21 of 22 Cabinet positions were confirmed by July 9. Only UN Ambassador nominee Michael Waltz awaits confirmation. The pressure campaign includes public statements and private warnings about electoral consequences.
Weather service operates at 44% capacity as hurricane season intensifies
National Weather Service Director Ken Graham confirmed July 23, 2025, that forecast offices still face 44% vacancy rates one month after inadequate warnings contributed to 27 deaths in Texas flooding. With 12 offices closing overnight and 500 rural counties lacking radar technicians, meteorologists warn the approaching hurricane peak threatens catastrophic failures.
Border Patrol adds 5,000 agents while CDC banned from hiring during outbreak
Despite 260,000 federal employees fleeing, President Trump exempted Border Patrol and ICE from hiring freezes in July 2025 executive orders, adding 5,000 enforcement agents. Meanwhile, CDC Director Mandy Cohen cannot replace epidemiologists during bird flu outbreaks, while NASA and EPA remain frozen despite critical vacancies.