This Week in Politics - Week of Jan. 30
Post date: Feb 07, 2017 4:21:7 PM
Published 2/7/17
By Nick Robertson, '19
President Donald Trump arrives in Washington, DC with his wife Melania the day before his inauguration. Photo by Gabrielle Spalding // Wikimedia Commons
Welcome to This Week in Politics, a new recurring column on what happened this week in politics worldwide. Let’s get started with President Donald Trump’s controversial travel ban executive order.
Saturday Jan. 28 - Sunday Jan. 29
Travel Ban Executive Order
Late Friday, Trump signed an order banning immigration from seven majority-Muslim nations for a minimum of 120 days, and banning immigration from Syria indefinitely
The seven nations are Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Sudan
No citizen of one of these countries has ever committed a terrorist attack against the United States
It has come under fire from both Democrats and Republicans; John McCain (R-AZ) stated in his response that the order may “give ISIS more propaganda” in the long run instead of slowing terrorism.
The order stopped approximately 100-200 immigrants that were already on planes or at American Customs for immigration; many of these refugees have been released after the order was clarified on Sunday.
Large protests erupted at airports across the country, thousands strong. One protest took place at the CVG airport in Covington on Sunday and Monday.
Monday Jan. 30
Attorney General Sally Yates Fired
Yates was fired by Trump after refusing to uphold his travel ban executive order.
Replaced by Dana Boente, Attorney General of Virginia’s District 9
Boente will likely have a short tenure, as Trump’s nominee for the position, Rep. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), is expected to be confirmed by the Senate soon.
Tuesday Jan. 31
Trump announces Supreme Court nominee
Appellate Judge Neil Gorsuch of Colorado nominated
Trump has said that Senate should “go nuclear” and destroy the power of the filibuster to get Gorsuch confirmed at all costs.
A filibuster is when a congressperson makes a marathon speech in an attempt to delay a vote. The speaker may go on for hours, with the longest filibuster lasting over 24 hours in 1957.
Wednesday Feb. 1
Trump Makes Black History Month Speech
Trump used his “listening session” to speak about a variety of topics, including his popularity and his coverage in the media
He also referred to Frederick Douglass in the present tense, leading some to believe that Trump may think that the abolitionist from the late 1800s is still alive today
Press Secretary Sean Spicer later said, “I think through a lot of the actions and statements that he's going to make, I think the contributions of Frederick Douglass will become more and more,” seeming to confirm this idea that Douglass is still alive
Protest Turns Violent at UC Berkeley
An originally peaceful protest at the University of California’s Berkeley campus against Breitbart Senior Editor Milo Yiannopoulos’ speech at the campus turned violent as anarchists took it over.
The anarchists wore bandanas, carried flags, lit fires and assaulted a campus building, causing thousands of dollars in damages.
The speech was canceled later that day due to the protest.
Trump Threatens Iran Over Ballistic Missile Launch
Trump accused Iran of violating a UN missile regulation, which the UN has said they are “still evaluating” if it was violated.
He threatened economic sanctions, and did not rule out military action
This walks back former President Barack Obama’s policy of friendly relations with the nation, and signals increased tensions in the region.
Thursday Feb. 2
Trump Vows to “Destroy” Law Banning Political Action by Churches
If overturned, tax-exempt churches would be allowed to participate in political speech, including donating to political campaigns.
The Johnson Amendment to the US Tax Code was enacted in 1954, named for then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, later President.
Trump Eases Sanctions on Russia
The move eliminates some sanctions put in place by Obama, now allowing some transactions with Russia, after evidence that a state-sponsored group infiltrated multiple government databases and was accused of attempting to manipulate the result of the election.
White House Denounces Israeli Plans to Expand Settlements
In a press release, the White House condemned the Israeli plan to build 2,000 new settlements in the West Bank region of Palestine, saying that the settlements may hinder the peace process.
This goes against previous statements made by Trump, who nominated an ambassador to Israel that supports the “one-state solution,” unification of Israel and Palestine.
Friday Feb. 3
Sanctions Imposed Against Iran
In response to ballistic missile tests, 25 individuals involved with Iran will be sanctioned.
These individuals now cannot make deals within the the United States
These sanctions do not violate the Iran Deal made by Obama.
Nominee for Army Secretary Withdraws Self
Vincent Viola, Wall Street billionaire and former Army Reserves Major, withdraws himself from the nomination to Secretary of the Army
He withdrew on the basis that it would be too difficult to distance himself from his business ties.
Viola is a part-owner of the Florida Panthers NHL team, as well as a major stockholder in Eastern Airlines and other companies that could be advantaged by his position.
It is currently unknown who Trump’s new nominee for the position will be
Federal Court Blocks Travel Ban Executive Order
The federal court in Seattle, Washington stopped the order until further notice, citing its disputed legality
Almost all aspects of the order are halted in this new ruling
White House says it will fight the “outrageous” ruling
The blockage will be temporary, at least until the government and opponents of the order can have full arguments over its legality