The U.S. government took significant actions today, including the DOJ’s extradition of 29 cartel members, a White House-led AI policy initiative, and major international meetings by Treasury officials. The State Department reinforced diplomatic security cooperation with Mexico, while the Pentagon awarded $400M in defense contracts. Get a full breakdown of today’s policy shifts, high-level engagements, and department initiatives shaping national and global affairs.
As of February 28, 2025, several U.S. Executive Departments and Cabinet Members have engaged in notable activities and policy decisions. Below is a structured overview categorized by department:
1️⃣ Department of Justice (DOJ)
Policy Changes & Legislative Actions
- Extradition of 29 Mexican Cartel Members: The DOJ announced the successful extradition of 29 defendants from Mexico to the United States. These individuals face charges including racketeering, drug trafficking, and murder. This action underscores the administration’s commitment to combating transnational criminal organizations.
Leadership Actions & Public Engagements
- Formation of Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism: A new task force has been established to address antisemitic incidents, beginning with visits to ten university campuses that have recently experienced such events. This initiative aims to ensure educational institutions uphold federal anti-discrimination laws. justice.gov
New Initiatives & Departmental Programs
- Declassification of Epstein Investigation Files: Attorney General Pamela Bondi released the first phase of declassified documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, emphasizing a commitment to transparency and accountability. justice.gov+2justice.gov+2justice.gov+2
2️⃣ Department of the Treasury
Leadership Actions & Public Engagements
- Meetings with International Counterparts:
- Korea: Secretary Scott Bessent met with Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-Mok to discuss economic and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Qatar: Secretary Bessent also engaged with Qatari Finance Minister Ahmed al Kuwari, focusing on strengthening economic ties and addressing regional security concerns, particularly regarding Iran’s activities.
New Initiatives & Departmental Programs
- Preliminary Report on Foreign Holdings: The Treasury released a report detailing foreign holdings of U.S. securities as of end-June 2024, providing insights into international investment trends.
3️⃣ Department of State
Leadership Actions & Public Engagements
- Secretary’s Engagements:
- Meeting with Mexican Security Delegation: Secretary Marco Rubio met with a high-level Mexican security delegation to discuss bilateral efforts in combating organized crime and enhancing border security. state.gov
- Attendance at Presidential Meeting: Secretary Rubio attended President Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, signaling continued U.S. support for Ukraine.
4️⃣ Department of Defense (DoD)
Policy Changes & Legislative Actions
- Defense Contract Awards: The DoD announced multiple contract awards totaling over $400 million, aimed at enhancing military capabilities. Notable contracts include projects for the Navy’s Virginia-class submarines and the Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. defense.gov
5️⃣ The White House
Leadership Actions & Public Engagements
- Press Secretary’s Statement: The Press Secretary highlighted the extradition of 29 Mexican cartel members, including Rafael Caro Quintero, emphasizing the administration’s stance on treating cartels as terrorist organizations.
New Initiatives & Departmental Programs
- Public Comment on AI Action Plan: The administration invited public comments on the proposed Artificial Intelligence Action Plan, seeking to engage stakeholders in shaping the future of AI policy. whitehouse.gov
Bibliography
Department of Justice:
- “Attorney General Pamela Bondi Announces 29 Wanted Defendants from Mexico Taken into U.S. Custody,” February 28, 2025.
🔗 justice.gov - “Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism Announces Visits to 10 College Campuses that Experienced Incidents of Antisemitism,” February 28, 2025.
🔗 justice.gov - “Attorney General Pamela Bondi Releases First Phase of Declassified Epstein Files,” February 28, 2025.
🔗 justice.gov
Department of the Treasury:
- “READOUT: Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent’s Meeting with Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-Mok,” February 28, 2025.
🔗 home.treasury.gov - “READOUT: Secretary of the Treasury’s Meeting with Finance Minister Ahmed al Kuwari of Qatar,” February 28, 2025.
🔗 home.treasury.gov - “Preliminary Report on Foreign Holdings of U.S. Securities at End-June 2024,” February 28, 2025.
🔗 home.treasury.gov
Department of State:
- “Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with High-Level Mexican Security Delegation,” February 28, 2025.
🔗 state.gov - “Public Schedule – February 28, 2025,” February 28, 2025.
🔗 state.gov
Department of Defense:
- “Contracts for Feb. 28, 2025,” February 28, 2025.
🔗 defense.gov
The White House:
- “Statement from the Press Secretary on the Extradition of 29 Mexican Cartel Members,” February 28, 2025.
🔗 whitehouse.gov - “Administration Seeks Public Comments on AI Action Plan,” February 28, 2025.
🔗 whitehouse.gov
