During her briefing on January 31, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed several major topics. Here are the six key points she highlighted:
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Washington Visit
Leavitt confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on Tuesday, February 4, for a working meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. “I can confirm that Prime Minister Netanyahu will be here on Tuesday of February 4th for a working meeting and visit with the president,” she stated, noting that media coverage of the visit is expected to be extensive.
Tariff and Trade Measures
When questioned about tariffs on the European Union, Leavitt explained that President Trump has not yet established a timeline for such measures nor decided whether any future tariffs will be uniformly applied or differentiated among EU members. However, she did confirm that new tariffs are set to be implemented soon:
25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico
10% tariffs on China
These measures reflect ongoing efforts to adjust U.S. trade policy with key global partners.
Transgender Policies and Gender Identity Directives
Leavitt detailed the administration’s recent actions on transgender issues, noting that President Trump has signed several executive orders. These orders:
Establish the federal government’s policy to recognize only two biological sexes—male and female—and direct all federal agencies to adhere to this definition.
Include measures affecting military policy by removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) directives from the armed forces, reinstating troops dismissed over COVID-19 vaccine refusals, and redefining military standards regarding gender identity.
Signal support for congressional efforts to end practices that the administration characterizes as harmful, such as “the mutilation” or “chemical castration” of young children.
Hostage Releases and Regional Security Initiatives
In a significant update on international security, Leavitt announced the release of eight hostages—three Israeli and five Thai nationals—from Hamas captivity. “The White House applauds the release of eight additional hostages from Hamas captivity,” she said, adding that President Trump remains committed to securing the return of all remaining hostages. She also underscored the importance of the upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu in reinforcing U.S. support for Israel and holding terror groups accountable.
Reaffirming the President’s Stance on COVID-19 Origins
Leavitt revisited a contentious topic from earlier briefings. Recalling that President Trump had suggested COVID-19 might have originated from a lab in Wuhan, China, she emphasized that early warnings—though initially dismissed as conspiracy theories—are now seen as validated by new evidence. “It took many years for it to come out, but the president was right in this instance again,” Leavitt remarked.
Ric Grenell’s Mission in Venezuela
In another international development, Leavitt confirmed that special U.S. envoy Ric Grenell is currently in Venezuela with two primary directives from the President:
Repatriation of Venezuelan Nationals: Grenell has been tasked with identifying a location to ensure that repatriation flights carrying members of the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua—alleged to have broken U.S. laws—land safely in Venezuela.
Return of U.S. Detainees: He is also charged with overseeing the return of all U.S. detainees held in Venezuela.
“Ric Grenell is in Venezuela to ensure that repatriation flights of Tren de Aragua members will land in Venezuela, and to ensure that all U.S. detainees in Venezuela are returned home,” Leavitt explained. She noted that a full readout would be provided following Grenell’s trip.
Pope Leo XIV marked his first full day as head of the Roman Catholic Church with a solemn Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, just one day after his historic election as the first American pope.
The swift election of Pope Leo XIV reflects a clear consensus among cardinals for continuity, unity, and a leader capable of bridging divides both within the Church and across the globe.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said “you cannot spy against an ally” following reports that the U.S. has increased intelligence efforts in Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Iran has agreed to hold a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States on Sunday in Oman.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that leaders of the "coalition of the willing" will meet in Kyiv on Saturday, as Europe weighs its long-term security role in Ukraine's future.
Ukraine and Hungary announced on Friday the mutual expulsion of two diplomats each, following accusations from both sides of espionage activities.
Pope Leo XIV marked his first full day as head of the Roman Catholic Church with a solemn Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, just one day after his historic election as the first American pope.
The swift election of Pope Leo XIV reflects a clear consensus among cardinals for continuity, unity, and a leader capable of bridging divides both within the Church and across the globe.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said “you cannot spy against an ally” following reports that the U.S. has increased intelligence efforts in Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Iran has agreed to hold a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States on Sunday in Oman.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
Ukraine and Hungary announced on Friday the mutual expulsion of two diplomats each, following accusations from both sides of espionage activities.
Pope Leo XIV marked his first full day as head of the Roman Catholic Church with a solemn Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, just one day after his historic election as the first American pope.
The swift election of Pope Leo XIV reflects a clear consensus among cardinals for continuity, unity, and a leader capable of bridging divides both within the Church and across the globe.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said “you cannot spy against an ally” following reports that the U.S. has increased intelligence efforts in Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Iran has agreed to hold a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States on Sunday in Oman.
Ukraine and Hungary announced on Friday the mutual expulsion of two diplomats each, following accusations from both sides of espionage activities.
Pope Leo XIV marked his first full day as head of the Roman Catholic Church with a solemn Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, just one day after his historic election as the first American pope.
The swift election of Pope Leo XIV reflects a clear consensus among cardinals for continuity, unity, and a leader capable of bridging divides both within the Church and across the globe.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said “you cannot spy against an ally” following reports that the U.S. has increased intelligence efforts in Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Iran has agreed to hold a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States on Sunday in Oman.
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