President Donald Trump had a busy first week in office. Just hours after being sworn in, Trump signed dozens of executive orders, including actions to end birthright citizenship, to delay the enforcement of the federal TikTok ban, to authorize the U.S. military to take over security at the southern border, to mandate federal workers return to office, to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO and the Paris Climate Treaty and to reverse Biden policies on drug pricing. Additionally, Trump issued roughly 1,500 pardons and commuted the sentences of 14 of his supporters in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
In the last hours of his presidency Monday, former President Joe Biden also issued a slew of pardons to pre-emptively protect people Trump had threatened since leaving office in 2021, including former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci and members and staff of the House Jan. 6 committee. Biden also issued pre-emptive pardons for members of his family.
Late Friday, the Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense after a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance. Hegseth, a former Fox News host and combat veteran, was dogged by allegations of misconduct and scrutinized over his lack of qualifications. Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and former GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky were the sole Republican votes against confirmation.
Four more Israeli hostages, all female soldiers, were released by Hamas and returned to Israel Saturday. Seven hostages have been set free since the start of the ceasefire deal that went into effect last Sunday. A total of 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released over several weeks during the first phase of the deal. According to the terms of the deal, 30 Palestinians will be released for each Israeli civilian hostage, and 50 for each soldier.
Missed something? Don't worry. Here are our select columns and videos from the week. And don't forget to check out MSNBC.com for more.
