From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Read more
Donald Trump drove laps of the Daytona International Speedway track in his presidential limo “The Beast” on Sunday, as the 2025 NASCAR season began in Florida.
The president arrived for world-famous Daytona 500 race just before the green flag, and will return to Mar-a-Lago this afternoon. In 2020, he acted as grand marshal, waving the flag to start the race.
It comes after Trump raised eyebrows on Saturday after he appeared to be make reference to the dictatorial Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in an online post. “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law,” the president wrote on Truth Social, a quote which is often attributed to the European conquerer.
Several of Trump’s early executive orders and budget-slashing with Elon Musk‘s new Department of Government Efficiency have been called into court by a string of lawsuits.
The pair are reportedly planning to accelerate their purge of America’s federal bureaucracy, with thousands of federal works laid off in the past week, including more than 300 staffers at the National Nuclear Security Administration – which oversees the U.S. nuclear weapon stockpile.
NBC later reported that the NNSA was struggling the staffers because it did not have new contact information for them.
Mike Bedigan16 February 2025 22:00
Donald Trump’s administration is asking the Supreme Court for permission to fire an ethics chief as the president and Elon Musk move quickly to gut the federal workforce, including agency officials and watchdogs.
The top official at the independent U.S. agency that protects government whistleblowers and enforces ethics rules sued the administration this month after he received an email from the president simply stating that his role is “terminated, effective immediately.”
Alex Woodward has the full story:
Mike Bedigan16 February 2025 21:30
Donald Trump has declared an emergency in the state of Kentucky, after extreme bad weather caused at least nine deaths.
In response to Governor Andy Beshear’s request, the president granted assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency – which he has previously suggested he intends to shut down.
“Today, President Donald J. Trump declared that an emergency exists in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and ordered Federal assistance to supplement Commonwealth and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and landslides beginning on February 14, 2025, and continuing,” a statement from the White House read.
It added: “FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding.”
The Trump administration fired 200 workers at FEMA on Friday.
Mike Bedigan16 February 2025 21:00
The West Virginia House of Delegates has introduced a bill that would see the state’s highest peak renamed “Trump Mountain” following the president’s death.
Resolution 33, introduced on Feb 14, proposes to rename Spruce Knob, in honor of Trump’s accomplishments.
This change would not happen immediately however, but five years after the death of the president “as a way to honor his enduring influence and connection to the state of West Virginia.”
“Whereas, The people of West Virginia, in overwhelming support, voted for Donald J. Trump in every county during the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential elections, reflecting a shared commitment to the values of freedom, economic prosperity, and patriotism,” the bill states.
Mike Bedigan16 February 2025 20:30
(AP)
(AP)
(AP)
(AP)
Mike Bedigan16 February 2025 19:30
Mike Bedigan16 February 2025 19:00
Joining the president in Florida for the Daytona 500 are:
Mike Bedigan16 February 2025 18:30
Ahead of Sunday’s Daytona 500, Donald Trump released a statement in which he hailed the iconic race as “bringing together people from all walks of life.”
“Today, I look forward to joining tens of thousands of American Patriots in Daytona Beach, Florida, for the ‘Great American Race’ – the legendary Daytona 500 – and the official start to the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series,” he said.
“This iconic race showcases the fastest, most fearless drivers in motorsports, who represent our Nation’s love of tradition, competition, and automotive innovation.
“When the engines start or the checkered flag waves, and all 500 thrilling miles in between, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Guardians stand ready to defend cherished traditions like this—and for that, we are truly thankful.
“Melania and I send our best wishes for a safe and successful race. May God bless our Armed Forces, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.”
Mike Bedigan16 February 2025 18:00