During his fifth week in office, President Donald Trump and his administration persisted in negotiations with Ukraine and Russia in hopes of establishing a peace agreement to conclude the ongoing conflict between the nations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz convened with Russian officials in Riyadh on Tuesday to explore avenues for ending the war. Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg met with Ukrainian officials in Kyiv the following day to discuss a potential peace deal.
The discussions heightened tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated to reporters in Turkey, “nobody decides anything behind our back,” accusing the U.S. of excluding Ukraine from talks with Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine would not consent to a deal without being directly involved in the discussions.
TRUMP’S FRUSTRATIONS WITH ZELENSKYY GROW AS U.S. INCREASES PRESSURE ON UKRAINE TO ACHIEVE PEACE AGREEMENT
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are at odds amid ongoing negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. (Getty Images)
In response, both Trump and Zelenskyy exchanged sharp remarks. Although Russia initiated the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Trump suggested that Ukraine instigated the conflict and labeled Zelenskyy a “dictator.” Conversely, Zelenskyy accused Trump of spreading Russian “disinformation.”
Despite the tensions, the Trump administration has justified its dealings with Russia, asserting that dialogue is crucial to furthering negotiations.
“How will you conclude the war if you don’t communicate with Russia?” Vice President JD Vance stated at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington on Thursday. “You have to engage all parties involved in the fight if you genuinely aim to bring the conflict to an end.”
This week at the White House also saw the following developments:
Eliminating unconstitutional regulations
On Wednesday, Trump enacted an executive order mandating federal agencies to evaluate regulations that may contravene the Constitution as part of the administration’s efforts to reduce bureaucratic obstacles.
Senior officials within the administration informed Fox News Digital that this order is a pioneering initiative aimed at ensuring the government does not act against the interests of the American populace. Agencies are required to provide a list to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) within the next 60 days, detailing all regulations that could potentially be unconstitutional.
The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) at OMB, along with the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), will supervise this initiative and examine the regulations put forth by federal agencies.
TRUMP TO SIGN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO IDENTIFY REGULATIONS THAT CONFLICT WITH THE CONSTITUTION
President Donald Trump addresses the audience while Elon Musk, accompanied by his son X Æ A-Xii, listens in the Oval Office on Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/The Associated Press)
Officials from DOGE at federal agencies will compile a catalog of regulations that might be unconstitutional and submit the list to the OMB. Following the 60-day period, the OIRA will review the regulations and make determinations on which are unconstitutional, initiating the repeal process for those deemed inappropriate on an individual basis.
OIRA manages regulations affecting the executive branch, while the new DOGE is established to eliminate waste, fraud, and excessive spending in government.
Enhancing IVF accessibility
On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order directing the Domestic Policy Council to explore methods to make in vitro fertilization (IVF) more affordable and accessible for Americans.
“Americans need dependable access to IVF and more budget-friendly treatment alternatives, as costs per cycle can range from $12,000 to $25,000,” states the executive order. “Fostering support, awareness, and access to affordable fertility options can assist families in their journey to parenthood with optimism and assurance.”
‘PROMISES KEPT’: TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO ‘PROACTIVELY’ MAKE IVF MORE AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE
President Donald Trump announced an executive order aimed at making IVF more accessible and affordable. (Getty Images)
The presidential assistant for domestic policy will present policy suggestions with the objective of “protecting access to IVF and significantly lowering out-of-pocket expenses and health plan costs for IVF treatment” within 90 days.
Ending public funding for undocumented immigrants
Additionally, Trump signed an executive order to ensure that taxpayer-funded benefits do not support illegal immigrants, seeking to safeguard the interests of American citizens.
This directive mandates federal agencies to evaluate if any federally funded programs are inadvertently providing financial assistance to undocumented immigrants and to promptly take “corrective action” to prevent federal funds from supporting illegal immigration. The order also instructs agencies to implement more stringent eligibility checks to make certain that these benefits do not go to individuals residing in the country unlawfully.
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The order did not specify particular benefits, acknowledging that illegal immigrants are generally ineligible for welfare programs. However, it asserts, without providing detailed evidence, that prior administrations have “consistently undermined the objectives of that law, leading to significant taxpayer resource expenditures.”
“My administration will uphold the rule of law, prevent the misuse of taxpayer resources, and protect benefits for American citizens in need, including those with disabilities and veterans,” the order clarifies.
“President Trump is dedicated to safeguarding federal public benefits for American citizens who genuinely require them, including individuals with disabilities and veterans,” stated a fact sheet from the White House regarding the executive order.
