President Trump reshaped key domestic and foreign priorities on April 15, 2025—issuing sweeping executive orders on drug pricing, procurement reform, and Social Security eligibility, while escalating trade tensions with China and targeting critical mineral imports. His aggressive policy blitz signals a renewed push to tighten federal control and energize his economic and immigration agendas.
Today, several U.S. federal departments unveiled notable policy changes and initiatives. The Department of Education plans to decentralize control to states, aiming to reduce federal oversight. The Treasury Department sanctioned a leader of a darknet marketplace linked to fentanyl sales. The Social Security Administration issued over $7.5 billion in retroactive payments following policy repeals. Additionally, the Office of Personnel Management released guidance on workforce reductions to enhance government efficiency.
House Republicans push tax cuts, Speaker Johnson hints at tariff exemptions, and Rep. John Larson suffers a seizure mid-speech. Key developments from Congress on February 12, 2025.