On Friday, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump embarked on their first trip since the inauguration of his second term, visiting two areas hit hard by natural disasters.

Their journey began in the late morning when they arrived in western North Carolina on Air Force One, a region still in recovery following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene the previous year.

During his visit, Trump strongly criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding its response to the hurricane, announcing his intention to sign an executive order aimed at “restructuring” or even eliminating the agency entirely.

Later, the couple will head to Southern California, which has experienced severe wildfires. Trump has indicated he might take away relief aid from California if the state does not change its water management practices. The day will conclude with Trump spending the night in Nevada ahead of a campaign-style rally scheduled for Saturday in Las Vegas.

Trump addressed the annual March for Life rally via video, an event protesting against abortion that took place on Friday in Washington. Vice President JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune were also among the speakers.

A final confirmation vote for Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense, is expected to take place in the Senate around 9 p.m.

Stay updated with live coverage from the YSL News Network.

Clemency for Oath Keepers Founder Stewart Rhodes: DOJ Opposes Restrictions on Capitol Access

WASHINGTON – Following President Donald Trump granting clemency to Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers militia, for his Jan. 6-related conviction, a federal judge mandated on Friday that Rhodes must avoid the U.S. Capitol now that he is out of prison.

The Justice Department, which secured Rhodes’ conviction during the Biden administration in 2022, asserted that Judge Amit Mehta lacked the authority to impose such a restriction. Trump had commuted Rhodes’ 18-year sentence on Monday along with the sentences of 13 other individuals, as well as pardoning around 1,500 others facing charges related to January 6.

Rhodes was released from a federal prison in Cumberland, Maryland, on Tuesday and visited Capitol Hill the following day. Mehta consequently issued a brief order, applicable to Rhodes and seven other defendants whose sentences were also commuted, requiring them to obtain approval from him before visiting the Capitol or Washington, D.C.

However, the Justice Department countered in its motion that the commutation of Rhodes’ sentence implies he is no longer bound by probation or supervised release conditions.

Read the complete story.

−Aysha Bagchi

Excitement Builds in Pacific Palisades Ahead of Trump’s Visit

LOS ANGELES – A lively atmosphere surrounded Fire Station No. 69 in the Pacific Palisades as preparations kicked into gear for President Trump’s visit to assess wildfire damage.

An audience gathered within a stone’s throw from the destroyed neighborhoods, consisting of members from the Secret Service, LAPD, LA Fire Department, and Teddy’s Tacos food truck.

“It’s a significant day,” said Teddy Vasquez, 39, observing the hustle around his taco stand, which has been providing complimentary meals since shortly after the fires ignited on January 7. “Firefighters left their homes to be here. The least I can do is offer them food.”

Trump is anticipated to arrive by helicopter around 2:30 p.m. local time, with law enforcement patrolling nearby Fiske Street, an area marked by destroyed homes that he is expected to examine following an aerial overview of the devastation.

Additionally, banquet tables have been arranged inside the fire station for an emergency briefing involving the president. Fire captain Jeff Brown, a key figure in the upcoming activities, declined to comment. However, Vasquez was eager to discuss Trump’s pending arrival as his staff prepared tortillas for the day’s operation.

“I hope President Trump enjoys the tacos,” said Vasquez, a Long Beach resident. “I think he’ll love them after tasting Teddy’s.”

– Josh Peter

Vice President JD Vance Advocates for Families at March for Life

In his inaugural address as vice president at the March for Life rally in Washington, JD Vance urged anti-abortion activists to recognize that the nation has failed its young citizens.

“We have let down a generation by allowing a culture of unrestricted abortion and by failing to support young parents in leading fulfilling lives,” he expressed.

Vance pointed out that a “culture of extreme individualism” has caused many to see the joys and responsibilities of family nurturing as burdens.

“Our society often overlooks the essential responsibility that one generation has to another, which is a fundamental aspect of community living,” he added. “To put it frankly, I want to see more families in the United States.”

As a former senator from Ohio, Vance has proposed increasing the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $5,000 per child to alleviate the financial burden of child-rearing.

−Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy

Survivor Shares His Terrifying Flood Experience with President Trump

Thomas Bright recounted for President Trump his harrowing escape from his family’s home, which had stood for four generations and was destroyed by Hurricane Helene.

Bright was jolted awake at 5 a.m. by the sound of trees crashing onto his house in the Azalea Road region of East Asheville. He rushed to move five vehicles to safety on a road roughly a third of a mile away as rising floodwaters began to threaten the house.

As the water began to fill the house, reaching his ankles, he retreated to the loft. Once it climbed to waist level, he fashioned a makeshift ladder to get to the roof.

For four hours, he perched on the roof, sending farewell messages on his cellphone to his children and grandchildren as debris from the storm floated by. His garage was swept away as the water peaked at around four feet on the roof.

“We truly didn’t believe we were going to survive,” Bright recounted. “We watched houses, trailers, and even bodies drift past us.”

–Bart Jansen

Fairview Resident Describes Traumatic Flood Experience to Trump

Mona Nix-Roper, a Fairview resident in North Carolina, shared with President Trump that during the floods caused by Hurricane Helene, her home became isolated as waters surged around it in September.

Home alone while her husband stayed with a 98-year-old neighbor, Nix went outside to check on the road and bridge leading to her home only to find them completely washed away.

The following day, fire officials advised her to evacuate due to the threat of landslides. Nix’s 21-year-old son hiked five miles through impassable roads to help her escape.

“He said, ‘Mom, grab a bag, we’ve got to go,’” Nix recalled. “I replied, ‘Son, there’s no way I can hike out of here.’ But he insisted, ‘No, we need to leave.’”

As they made their way out, I witnessed a neighbor’s body that had turned blue in the water.

“All I can say is it was horrifying,” Nix recounted. “People were out everywhere searching for their loved ones, and there were deceased individuals. My son warned me, saying, ‘Mom, you’re going to see things that will be hard to handle.’”

For two months, Nix’s home was without electricity, prompting her to temporarily reside in her church’s sound room. Many others lost everything, making her feel ashamed to ask for assistance.

“We need support,” Nix expressed. “It’s utterly heartbreaking.”

Trump seemed genuinely moved by her words.

“I’ve witnessed many terrible things, but this is something entirely different,” Trump remarked.

−Bart Jansen

Trump expresses gratitude to March for Life participants via video

Following the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, President Trump remarked on Friday that the “historic injustice was corrected” owing to the “dedicated efforts over five decades” of anti-abortion activists while addressing March for Life participants at the National Mall.

“I was immensely proud to be part of it three years ago,” he stated. “Six brave justices of the Supreme Court returned this critical matter to the state legislatures and the people where it rightfully belongs.”

During his next term, Trump promised to “proudly advocate for families and life.”

“Under my administration, the revamped Department of Justice will finally look into the extremist attacks on churches and crisis pregnancy centers, ensuring that those responsible face justice,” he added.

Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy

Pastor shares stories of volunteers aiding recovery

Pastor Ramona Nix informed President Trump that she had consecrated her church in Eagle Rock, North Carolina just a week prior to the arrival of Hurricane Helene in September.

Nix remained in the church for three months, choosing to sleep on the floor for three weeks due to the overwhelming needs of the community. Her son helped bring in supplies, she explained.

“By the end of the week, our church was so full that we could hardly move,” Nix remarked. “Even our sanctuary was filled up to the platform.”

Volunteers from Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, Indiana, and Oklahoma came to assist with the recovery efforts. “They showed up day and night,” Nix stated.

At one point, Nix asked a woman who arrived if there was anything special she could do for her.

“She replied, ‘I don’t want to seem selfish, but could I have a cup of coffee?’” Nix shared. “I handed her the coffee, and she stood there, tears streaming down her face. She said, ‘You have no idea how significant the little things are. It’s not the big things in life that matter, but the small ones.’”

−Bart Jansen

‘I thought I wouldn’t survive’: NC survivor shares with Trump

Kim West recounted her terrifying escape from her home as Hurricane Helene flooded the area in September during President Trump’s visit to the devastated Swannanoa, North Carolina.

As the river water surged toward their home, Kim and her husband, Chris West, began moving their vehicles to higher ground. Water was already ankle-deep inside their house. Kim grabbed her purse and pug dog, while Chris gathered dog food in a trash bag.

“Once we reached the driveway, the water was already waist-deep,” West said. “I thought I wouldn’t make it out.”

They faced lengthy delays on local roads due to flooding, with the waters finally receding around midnight after their evacuation began at 5 a.m.

“We lost everything we owned,” West lamented. “For about three days, we didn’t even have a brush.”

−Bart Jansen

Thune and Johnson address the March for Life attendees

On Friday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., spoke at the annual March for Life rally at the National Mall, assuring the anti-abortion protesters that they were “not alone.”

“You are part of a significant movement grounded in the truth that every life is valuable,” he stated. “I stand with you in this battle, along with many of my congressional colleagues.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., shared his perspective as a “child of an unplanned teenage pregnancy,” born in 1972, just a year prior to the legalization of abortion through Roe v. Wade.

“I am eternally thankful that my parents disregarded the advice they received and chose to embrace life, bringing me into the world as their first child among four,” he reflected.

On Thursday, President Trump granted clemency to 23 anti-abortion activists.

−Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy

Trump proposes potential dissolution of FEMA

President Trump escalated his criticisms by suggesting a possible dissolution of the Federal Emergency Management Agency following its handling of the ongoing damage from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

“I will also be signing an executive order to initiate a thorough reform of FEMA or potentially eliminate it altogether,” Trump stated after a briefing in Fletcher, North Carolina. “To be frank, FEMA isn’t effective.”

Trump accused FEMA crews of lacking familiarity with the regions they are responding to during disasters. He pointed out that FEMA imposes regulations that are inferior to those provided by local officials. Instead, he advocated for the federal government to allocate funds directly to governors so they can manage disaster responses.

“FEMA has proven to be a failure,” Trump affirmed. “I think we will recommend its termination and provide funds directly to the states.”

After conversing with flood victims in Swannanoa, Trump added, “If it were my decision, I would terminate it right now.”

−Bart Jansen

Political undertones during Trump’s visit to North Carolina

While surveying the storm damage from Hurricane Helene, President Trump highlighted the political dynamics influencing disaster assistance.

Trump shared information about a whistleblower who claimed FEMA crews neglected to aid individuals displaying Trump’s 2024 campaign signs in their yards. “That’s unacceptable,” the president commented.

Trump observed that North Carolina and nearby Tennessee both voted for him in the previous election, with Tennessee showing slightly more support.

The president also requested that California implement voter ID measures to verify the citizenship of voters seeking disaster aid for the wildfires around Los Angeles.

Throughout his address during a briefing in Fletcher, North Carolina, Trump pointed out failures in former President Joe Biden’s response to the disaster, which resulted in 104 fatalities in North Carolina and left 73,000 homes severely affected or destroyed, with Asheville lacking running water for two months.

“At this stage, it’s irrelevant: Biden’s performance was inadequate,” Trump stated.

‒ Bart Jansen

Tennessee governor expresses gratitude to Trump for supporting Appalachia

Tennessee Republican Governor Bill Lee, whose state borders North Carolina and also experienced damage from Hurricane Helene, attended President Trump’s disaster briefing to express his appreciation.

“The residents in this area—both in Tennessee and Appalachia—are thankful for your presence and that they have not been overlooked,” Lee expressed. “There are other disasters too, but this one was monumental for both North Carolina and Tennessee.”

Trump humorously commented on which state had supported him more in votes: “I hate to admit it, North Carolina, but it was Tennessee,” he joked.

Lee noted that one of the counties affected in the disaster had given Trump 88% of its votes.

‒ Bart Jansen

Trump states Fauci can arrange his own security

President Trump announced that Dr. Anthony Fauci’s federal security detail was terminated on Thursday due to the fact that such protections cannot continue indefinitely, suggesting that Fauci could secure his own safety.

Fauci played a vital role in the U.S. health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which drew intense criticism from Republicans regarding investigations into the virus’s origins and lockdown measures implemented during the initial phase.

“When you are a government employee, your security detail eventually ceases,” Trump commented to reporters while touring areas in North Carolina affected by storms. “It’s not feasible to have it indefinitely.”

Trump’s former national security adviser, John Bolton, and former secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, also saw their security details revoked during the initial week of his administration.

“They’ve all earned substantial money, they can hire their own protection as well,” Trump added.

‒ Bart Jansen

NC Reps. Edwards, Foxx, and Moore to assist in recovery efforts

Michael Whatley, the Republican National Committee Chairman from North Carolina, announced that he would lead recovery initiatives for Hurricane Helene alongside three House Republicans representing the most severely impacted areas.

The lawmakers involved are Republican Representatives Chuck Edwards, Virginia Foxx, and Tim Moore.

Trump revealed that Whatley will spearhead the recovery efforts together with Democratic Governor Josh Stein.

‒ Bart Jansen

Trump advocates for voter ID in California for disaster assistance

On Friday, President Trump expressed a desire for two specific changes in California: the implementation of voter ID laws and the reallocation of water resources from northern California to the southern region, in return for disaster assistance due to wildfires.

Trump articulated his reasoning for supporting voter identification to verify voter citizenship. He reiterated his stance that California should shift funds from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Los Angeles to combat wildfires.

“I want two things,” Trump remarked to reporters upon his arrival in Asheville, North Carolina. “Once those are addressed, I will be regarded as the greatest president California has ever known.”

‒ Bart Jansen

Trump states OPEC must lower oil prices to help resolve Ukraine conflict

Trump claimed that his suggestion for the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to reduce oil prices is crucial in ending the war in Ukraine.

“We need OPEC to decrease oil prices, which will instantly help to cease the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine,” Trump stated in Asheville, North Carolina. “It’s a horrific tragedy, affecting both sides, by the way.”

With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine occurring in February 2022, Trump emphasized that fewer barriers are present in stopping the conflict if OPEC lowers their prices, noting that high prices will prolong the war.

“OPEC should act decisively and lower oil prices; doing so would lead to an immediate solution to the war,” Trump asserted.

‒ Bart Jansen

Trump pledges ‘substantial funding’ to NC, proposes FEMA reform

During his visit to Asheville, North Carolina, President Trump assured reporters that the federal government would contribute “substantial funding” for recovery efforts in response to the damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

Additionally, Trump proposed reforms to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), suggesting that states should take greater responsibility for disaster response rather than relying predominantly on federal assistance.

“We’re going to expedite the recovery process as much as possible,” Trump stated. “The scale of the devastation is immense.”

He backed up Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, who is from North Carolina, and Democratic Governor Josh Stein to collaborate on strategies for demolishing damaged properties and clearing debris. Trump anticipated that around 75% of the funding would come from the federal level.

“We’re prepared to contribute our fair share, a significant portion,” Trump said.

He expressed a desire to reevaluate the overall structure and function of FEMA, indicating that states like Florida and Oklahoma are typically more efficient when responding to disasters.

“I would prefer to see states manage disaster responses,” Trump stated. “You’ll likely find it to be significantly more cost-effective—potentially less than half the expense—with swifter outcomes.”

‒ Bart Jansen

Schiff says he’s happy Trump will witness wildfire devastation

Senator Adam Schiff, a frequent critic of President Trump, expressed his approval of Trump’s visit to Los Angeles to observe the damage caused by wildfires, despite the fact that he and Senator Alex Padilla cannot attend due to scheduling conflicts.

“I welcome the opportunity for him to witness the destruction firsthand because it’s difficult to truly comprehend until you see entire neighborhoods obliterated, block after block,” Schiff told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

However, Schiff expressed concern that Trump and congressional Republicans may impose conditions on disaster funding.

“We’ve never restricted aid to our fellow citizens in distress,” Schiff noted. “California has consistently been the most generous state in aiding citizens in other states, whether they are red or blue, in times of crisis.”

Schiff mentioned that reshaping the Environmental Protection Agency and FEMA, as Trump has suggested, could present opportunities for bipartisan cooperation.

“All of that could be fertile ground for collaboration and progress,” Schiff concluded.

‒ Bart Jansen

Trump indicates he didn’t invite Senator Schiff on wildfire trip

President Trump revealed that he did not extend an invitation to Senator Adam Schiff, a vocal Democratic critic, for his trip to wildfire-affected areas in Los Angeles.

“Is he going? I don’t have that information. I really have no clue,” Trump remarked. “If he were to join, it might save some costs, but I didn’t personally invite him. Someone else likely did.”

Schiff, a California Democrat, has insisted that disaster relief for California be provided without conditions, amid Republican suggestions of potential limitations on the funding. Schiff, a former U.S. House member, previously led Trump’s first impeachment inquiry regarding his interactions with Ukraine, questioning the independence of Trump’s Cabinet nominees.

‒ Bart Jansen

Trump announces he will observe ‘March for Life’

President Trump stated he plans to watch the “March for Life” event in Washington while traveling to visit disaster-affected areas in North Carolina and California. He mentioned that Vice President JD Vance would represent the administration “very well.”

“I’ll be tuning into it,” Trump noted. “He will represent us admirably.”

Trump also noted that he issued pardons for 23 individuals whom he believes were “unfairly” prosecuted for protests outside abortion clinics.

“It was appalling what occurred,” Trump stated.

‒ Bart Jansen

Trump labels Defense nominee Pete Hegseth ‘a good individual’

President Trump hailed his nominee for the Defense Department, Pete Hegseth, as “a good individual” but refrained from predicting the outcome of his Senate confirmation vote, which is set for late Friday.

“He’s a decent man. I can’t forecast what will unfold,” Trump mentioned. “I hope he succeeds.”

GOP Senators Susan Collins from Maine and Lisa Murkowski from Alaska opposed efforts to limit debate on Hegseth’s nomination. Trump also raised concerns about whether Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., would back Hegseth.

and McConnell have had disagreements before.

“I was quite taken aback that Collins and Murkowski would do that,” Trump remarked.

‒ Bart Jansen

Trump: North Carolina was ‘neglected’

On Friday morning, outside the White House, President Trump informed reporters about his upcoming visits to North Carolina, highlighting the state’s mistreatment since Hurricane Helene, and to California, where he expressed that the wildfires should have already been dealt with.

“North Carolina’s situation is dreadful; it has been left to worsen for too long. This should have been resolved months ago,” Trump stated. “The treatment North Carolina has received is unjust.”

Later that day, Trump is scheduled to be in Los Angeles to assess the wildfire situation.

“We plan to inspect the fire condition if they permit water to flow, but they haven’t allowed that,” Trump added.

‒ Bart Jansen

Detailed Timetable of Trump’s Trip

President Trump departed the White House via helicopter at 9:16 a.m. on Friday, starting his tour of disaster zones in North Carolina and California. Below is his itinerary (all times in Eastern Standard Time):

11 a.m. in Fletcher, N.C.: Trump will obtain updates on the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, which caused flooding in much of western North Carolina in September. Attendees include several lawmakers, State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, State House Speaker Dustin Hall, and Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse.

12:05 p.m. in Swannanoa, N.C.: Trump will engage with families impacted by the hurricane. Notable attendees include Ramona Nix, the pastor of Eagle Rock Church, and homeowners benefitting from Samaritan’s Purse: Chris and Kim West; Thomas Bright and Jackie Mitchell; and Curtis A., Amber, and Curtis B. Wright.

1:15 p.m. Trump departs Asheville Regional Airport heading to Los Angeles.

5:40 p.m. Trump lands at Los Angeles International Airport.

6:25 p.m. Trump tours the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, where he meets Fire Captain Jeff Brown, Jason Hing, chief deputy of emergency services for the Fire Department, and homeowners Mike and Gaby Shaw.

7:05 p.m. Trump receives an emergency briefing in Pacific Palisades, joined by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Ric Grenell, presidential envoy for special missions, Randy Moore, chief of the U.S. Forest Service, Kathryn Barger from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Ed Ring, director of water and policy for the California Policy Center, and several House members.

8:20 p.m. Trump heads to Los Angeles airport.

8:50 p.m. Trump flies to Las Vegas, where he will stay overnight.

‒ Bart Jansen

‘Deportation flights have started’: White House press secretary

On Friday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that President Trump’s pledge for mass deportation of undocumented immigrants is now in motion.

“Deportation flights have started,” she posted on X. “President Trump is delivering a firm and clear warning to the world: if you enter the United States illegally, you will face significant repercussions.”

Leavitt also shared two photos showing individuals boarding military planes.

‒ Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy

North Carolina Governor Stein to meet with Trump

According to The Citizen-Times, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is set to meet Trump on the tarmac at Asheville Regional Airport during his visit to Western North Carolina.

Earlier in the week, Stein, a Democrat, described Trump’s upcoming visit to the hurricane-hit region, which suffered due to Tropical Storm Helene nearly four months ago, as “very good news” for local residents. The storm resulted in over 100 fatalities statewide and caused approximately $60 billion in damages, as estimated by the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management.

‒ Asheville Citizen-Times

What is Trump’s agenda today?

Trump’s tour of disaster-stricken areas commences around 10 a.m. EST, marking his first trip away from Washington. His initial stop will be in Asheville, North Carolina, which was severely impacted by the hurricane.

Following this, he will board Air Force One in the early afternoon, making his way to Los Angeles and Santa Monica to assess areas affected by the ongoing wildfires. Trump is anticipated to arrive in California around 6:15 p.m. EST.

The president will conclude his Friday by flying to Las Vegas, where he’ll spend the night prior to holding a downtown rally on Saturday. After winning Nevada in 2024, following a previous loss four years earlier, Trump recently expressed he wanted to “thank them for the votes.”

Additionally, a video message from the president will be featured at the annual March for Life rally by anti-abortion supporters on Capitol Hill this morning. Vice President JD Vance is slated to address the attendees during the rally, marking his inaugural public appearance in his new role.

‒ Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy

Judge halts Trump’s birthright citizenship order, deeming it ‘blatantly unconstitutional’

On Thursday, a federal judge in Seattle issued a ruling blocking Trump’s administration from executing an executive order that sought to limit the right to automatic birthright citizenship in the United States, describing it as “blatantly unconstitutional.”

U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, responding to a request from four Democratic-led states, enforced a temporary restraining order that prevents the administration from enforcing the order signed by the Republican president on his first day in office.

This order has already led to five lawsuits filed by civil rights organizations and Democratic state attorneys general from 22 states who argue it violates the U.S. Constitution.

– Reuters

Trump’s CIA director nominated and confirmed

The Senate approved CIA Director John Ratcliffe with a robust bipartisan vote of 74-25 on Thursday afternoon, making him the second cabinet nominee of Trump to gain Senate approval after Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Ratcliffe previously held the position of director of national intelligence during Trump’s first term.

– Riley Beggin