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WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY - FEBRUARY 12, 2025
In this week's Intersect, read about:
Judge Pauses Trump Plan from Placing Thousands of USAID Workers On Leave
“A federal judge on Friday, Feb. 7, temporarily stopped President Donald Trump’s plans to place thousands of U.S. Agency for International Development staffers on leave. President Donald Trump has said that USAID is wasteful and has posted on social media his intent to ‘close it down.’” Read more at Straight Arrow News.
THINK.
- What is USAID? The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the U.S. government agency that provides foreign aid to promote global stability, economic growth, and humanitarian relief. They work in over 100 countries, addressing issues such as poverty, health, education, democracy, and disaster response to advance U.S. foreign policy interests and foster self-reliance in partner nations. Many, if not most, of USAID’s employees work outside of the United States.
- Why is there pushback on shutting it down? The judge found that the two foreign workers’ unions who filed the initial lawsuit against the administration “adequately demonstrated that their members are facing irreparable injury from their placement on administrative leave, and that more members would face such injury if they were placed on administrative leave.” Judge Nichols continued, “No future lawsuit could undo the physical harm that might result if USAID employees are not informed of imminent security threats occurring in the countries to which they have relocated in the course of their service to the United States.”
- What is next? The judge’s initial pause expires on Friday (February 14th), but there is another hearing scheduled for today. At that hearing, the judge will determine whether to implement a longer pause.
- What is the Christian perspective? It is not necessarily the United States’ responsibility to fix all the economic or humanitarian challenges around the world. It is, however, the Church’s responsibility to meet legitimate needs as we are able (Proverbs 11:24-25, 19:17 and Philippians 2:4). So, we must see this as an opportunity to step in and be the hands of feet of Jesus.
PRAY.
Lord, as President Trump, Elon Musk, and others continue to analyze this issue, please give them wisdom and discernment. May the United States be good stewards of the resources You have blessed us with. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ACT.
Many Americans are struggling to contend with the defunding and dissolution of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) because it has done—in many people’s view—some valuable work in nations around the world since its inception. But not everything reported about USAID or the Trump administration’s plan to dissolve it is accurate. That is why discernment is essential when consuming news. In this article, My Faith Votes shares 11 Tips for Discerning the News to help you navigate information about USAID and other critical issues with clarity and wisdom.
Federal Judge Blocks Elon Musk’s DOGE From Accessing Sensitive US Treasury Department Material
“A federal judge early Saturday blocked Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from accessing Treasury Department records that contain sensitive personal data such as Social Security and bank account numbers for millions of Americans. U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer issued the preliminary injunction after 19 Democratic attorneys general sued President Donald Trump. The case, filed in federal court in New York City, alleges the Trump administration allowed Musk’s team access to the Treasury Department’s central payment system in violation of federal law.” Read more at Associated Press.
THINK.
- What is the main issue in this case? The given reason for this lawsuit is that Elon Musk, along with DOGE employees, were given access to Americans’ personal data. Obama-appointee U.S. District Judge Engelmayer said in his emergency order that “because of the risk that the new policy presents of the disclosure of sensitive and confidential information and the heightened risk that the systems in question will be more vulnerable than before to hacking,” he was granting the plaintiff’s request for a temporary restraining order.
- The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was created by President Trump to identify and eliminate wasteful government spending. So far, DOGE has exposed numerous questionable programs funded by U.S. taxpayers, including DEI scholarships in Burma and ESG initiatives in Africa. President Trump campaigned on DOGE’s establishment—and on Elon Musk leading it—making it reasonable to conclude that voters endorsed Musk’s role. However, as DOGE continues its mission to streamline government spending, further legal challenges are likely.
- Last week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Elon Musk is a “special government employee.” When asked to disclose Musk’s security clearance status, Leavitt said she would investigate it and offer an update at a later time. According to the Justice Department, “[a] special government employee is anyone who works, or is expected to work, for the government for 130 days or less in a 365-day period.”
PRAY.
Pray for the judges evaluating the details of this case, that God would give them clarity and discernment. Pray that these legal hurdles would not deter those who are trying to hold the government accountable to we, the people.
ACT.
As we step into a rapidly evolving news cycle, staying informed is more important than ever. Million Voices is committed to covering the latest developments, providing in-depth analysis, and keeping you updated on the issues that matter most. Visit our website regularly to stay ahead of the headlines and gain a deeper understanding of the news shaping our world.
Americans Rush to Enlist in Trump’s Military Recruitment Boom
“The Trump team may be slashing and burning lots of government jobs, but there’s one agency that’s been hanging a “We’re hiring” shingle for four years: the U.S. military. In yet another sign that the long and embarrassing chapter of the Biden administration is over, young men and women apparently can’t enlist fast enough, spiking recruitment numbers that had been at their lowest levels since World War II.” Read more at Washington Stand.
THINK.
- In 2023, the U.S. military failed to meet its recruiting goals but the Army recently announced it had recruited almost 350 soldiers per day in December of 2024—one month after President Trump was elected to a second term.
- Is it possible military recruitment is up because of a renewed commitment to lethality over political correctness? It is impossible to be certain but the change in priorities and the excitement it is generating among civilians and servicemembers alike is palpable. On Saturday, the U.S. Army released a new ad of a soldier in the gym saying, “Stronger people are harder to kill.” Days later, on his first trip abroad as Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth posted photos of him weightlifting and jogging alongside of active-duty service members—a stark contrast to former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin who was in and out of the hospital for various reasons during his tenure at the department.
- Last month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg sat down with popular podcast host Joe Rogan to discuss a host of issues but his comments on masculinity were quite interesting. Zuckerberg told Rogan, “It’s one thing to create an environment that’s welcoming for everyone, but it’s another to suggest that masculinity is inherently bad. I think embracing aggression has merits that are really positive.” Is this, coupled with the military’s apparent shift in focus, a signal that masculinity is going to be celebrated once again in America? Would you agree that “embracing aggression” is a good thing in the military?
PRAY.
Lord, thank You for leaders who are prioritizing peace through strength. Please strengthen, protect, and bless the men and women signing up to serve their country in uniform. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
ACT.
Last summer, now-Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth published The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free, exposing the harm woke policies inflict on America’s military. Get your copy today to gain insight into his perspective as he takes on his new role.
Trump Announces Executive Order Creating Task Force To 'Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias'
“President Donald Trump announced at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on Thursday that he will sign an executive order instructing the Justice Department to create a new task force to ‘eradicate anti-Christian bias.’ Trump praised new Attorney General Pam Bondi as a ‘great person,’ saying she would lead the new task force.” Read more at Fox News.
THINK.
- According to President Trump, “The mission of this task force will be to immediately halt all forms of anti-Christian targeting and discrimination within the federal government, including at the DOJ, which was absolutely terrible…. [and] work to fully prosecute anti-Christian violence and vandalism in our society and to move heaven and earth to defend the rights of Christians and religious believers nationwide.”
- The task force will be comprised of the heads of nearly every major government department and agency, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and many others. Arielle Del Turco, director of the Center for Religious Liberty at Family Research Council, told the Washington Stand, “It’s exciting that President Trump is tackling this effort at the highest level with a commission lead by his cabinet members and agency heads.”
- President Trump also announced that Reverend Paula White, his longtime spiritual advisor, will lead the White House Faith Office. Her appointment has received mixed reactions, as many Christians oppose the “prosperity theology” she promotes. But while there may be disagreements over her beliefs, it is essential to recognize that President Trump is prioritizing the defense of Bible-believing people of faith. That is something to celebrate, as it is in stark contrast to previous administrations' policies and actions.
PRAY.
Thank You, Lord, that this White House is taking steps to protect people of faith in America. We pray that their efforts will be successful and long-lasting. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ACT.
In a recent episode of his podcast The Daily Briefing, Dr. Albert Mohler discusses the establishment of this new task force and contrasts President Trump’s actions with those of the previous administration. Listen to his insights here and share with those around you.
My Faith Votes— is a ministry that motivates, equips, and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth. An estimated 25 million Christians who are registered to vote, fail to vote in presidential elections. My Faith Votes is on a mission to change this statistic by helping Christians act on their faith and vote in every election. When we pray unceasingly for our nation, think biblically about the issues, and vote consistently in every election the impact of Christians taking action from the local to the state and federal level will be unprecedented.
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