Trump News for Thursday, February 12, 2026
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WATCH: Trump hasn't disciplined staffer he says posted video with racist image of Obamas
ABC News, Abcnews.com
President Trump said he has not disciplined or fired the staffer that, according to both Trump and the White House, posted a video that included a racist animation of the Obamas.
Feb 12, 2026, 11:28 PM
In the fight against climate change, Trump sides with climate change
Cameron Peters, Vox
This story appeared in The Logoff, a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here. Welcome to The Logoff: The Trump administration is shredding the federal gove…
Feb 12, 2026, 11:26 PM
Protesters march in Venezuela as National Assembly weighs amnesty bill
Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English
First major opposition protest since Maduro's abduction comes as lawmakers consider bill to free political prisoners.
Feb 12, 2026, 11:05 PM
Donald Trump Says No Staffer Has Been Fired For Posting Video With Racist Obama Clip
Ted Johnson, Deadline
Donald Trump said that a staffer has not been fired in the fallout after a video was posted to the president’s Truth Social account that featured a racist clip depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump defended the …
Feb 12, 2026, 11:04 PM
‘Uncanny Valley’: ICE’s Secret Expansion Plans, Palantir Workers’ Ethical Concerns, and AI Assistants
Brian Barrett, Zoë Schiffer, Leah Feiger, Wired
In this episode of “Uncanny Valley,” our hosts dive into WIRED’s scoop about a secret Trump administration campaign extending right into your backyard.
Feb 12, 2026, 10:12 PM
OpenAI President Defends Trump Donations, Refuses to Comment on ICE
Matt Novak, Gizmodo.com
Are you just an apolitical defender of AI if you give money to fascists?
Feb 12, 2026, 10:10 PM
Johnson calls DOJ surveillance of members reviewing Epstein files not 'appropriate'
Lauren Peller, John Parkinson, Jay O'Brien, Abcnews.com
Jayapal said lawmakers need to be assured the DOJ "is not spying on us."
Feb 12, 2026, 9:47 PM
Joe Rogan Says He Refused to Meet With Jeffrey Epstein
Kory Grow, Rolling Stone
The podcaster's name was in the Epstein Files when Epstein asked another one of Rogan's guests for a meeting
Feb 12, 2026, 9:07 PM
Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq sink as tech gets hit as AI disruption fears grow; gold, bitcoin sink
Rian Howlett, Yahoo Entertainment
Wall Street is gearing up for an update on the Fed's favored inflation gauge, after the jobs report bolstered the case for keeping rates unchanged.
Feb 12, 2026, 9:03 PM
The U.S. Has a Massive Advantage Over the Country I Live In. Trump Is Determined to Squander It.
Jill Filipovic, Slate Magazine
Some countries have to choose between development and the environment. We don't.
Feb 12, 2026, 8:37 PM
Pam Bondi Admits DOJ Has a Secret Domestic Terrorist List
Nick Turse, The Intercept
After the DOJ dodged questions for months, Bondi acknowledged in a House Judiciary Committee hearing that she had a list of targets under NPSM-7. The post Pam Bondi Admits DOJ Has a Secret Domestic Terrorist List appeared first on The Intercept.
Feb 12, 2026, 8:30 PM
Argentina Blocks Pirate Streaming Services Magis TV and Xuper TV, VPN Usage Skyrockets
Ernesto Van der Sar, Torrentfreak.com
An Argentine court has expanded the crackdown on pirate IPTV services Magis TV and Xuper TV, blocking more than 70 domains, while ordering Google to disable sideloaded Android apps. As the pirate services suddenly went dark across the South American country o…
Feb 12, 2026, 8:25 PM
US readying another aircraft carrier for Middle East deployment: Trump
Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English
Despite nuclear diplomacy with Iran, US president suggests Washington will send more military assets to the region.
Feb 12, 2026, 8:11 PM
Bondi Spying On Congressional Epstein Searches Should Be A Major Scandal
Mike Masnick, Techdirt
Yesterday, Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Judiciary Committee. Among the more notable exchanges was when Rep. Pramila Jayapal asked some of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims who were in the audience to stand up and indicate whether Bondi’s DOJ h…
Feb 12, 2026, 7:55 PM
Misgendering Incident Involving A Trans Olympian Triggers Heated Debate After NBC Deletes Footage
Rocio Corsi, Boredpanda.com
NBC removed Winter Olympic footage after commentators misgendered trans skier Elis Lundholm, igniting heated debate over inclusion in sports.
Feb 12, 2026, 7:50 PM
JPMorgan is reorganizing its commercial and investment bank as part of its AI push
Alice Tecotzky, Business Insider
JPMorgan appointed Guy Halamish as the chief operating officer of the corporate and investment bank as part of an effort to "maximize the impact of AI."
Feb 12, 2026, 7:46 PM
What repealing the ‘endangerment finding’ means for public health
Andrea Thompson, Scientific American
The EPA has scrapped a rule stating that climate change harms human health. Here’s what that could mean
Feb 12, 2026, 7:38 PM
Trump calls Israel’s president ‘disgraceful’ for not pardoning Netanyahu
Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English
The US president tells reporters that Isaac Herzog should be 'ashamed' for not pardoning Netanyahu's bribery charges.
Feb 12, 2026, 7:20 PM
Trump Defends Obama Ape Video, Says Whoever Posted It Hasn't Been Punished: 'Very Strong Piece'
Mediaite, Yahoo Entertainment
President Donald Trump defended his highly controversial posting of a video on social media that included a clip of former President Barack Obama and First...
Feb 12, 2026, 7:19 PM
Federal judge orders return of Venezuelan migrants deported to El Salvador under Alien Enemies Act
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR
In his Thursday order, U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg ordered the government to allow any of the men deported last year to El Salvador to appear in a U.S. port of entry to be conditionally allowed in as they challenge their removal.
Feb 12, 2026, 7:05 PM
Trump Just Blew American Climate Policy to Smithereens
Ellyn Lapointe, Gizmodo.com
President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the repeal of the endangerment finding, the legal bedrock for the agency's actions against planet-warming pollution.
Feb 12, 2026, 6:59 PM
ICE, CBP Knew Facial Recognition App Couldn’t Do What DHS Says It Could, Deployed It Anyway
Tim Cushing, Techdirt
The DHS and its components want to find non-white people to deport by any means necessary. Of course, “necessary” is something that’s on a continually sliding scale with Trump back in office, which means everything (legal or not) is “necessary” if it can help…
Feb 12, 2026, 6:42 PM
FBI Counterterrorism Agents Spent Weeks Seeking a Climate Activist — Then Showed Up at His Door
Jacqueline Sweet, The Intercept
The visit suggests a possible FBI probe into Extinction Rebellion NYC as the Trump administration increases surveillance of activist groups. The post FBI Counterterrorism Agents Spent Weeks Seeking a Climate Activist — Then Showed Up at His Door appeared firs…
Feb 12, 2026, 6:38 PM
Mexican ships arrive in Cuba with humanitarian cargo amid US oil blockade
Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English
President Sheinbaum called for dialogue and pledged to send more supplies as soon as the two ships return to Mexico.
Feb 12, 2026, 6:34 PM
Howard Lutnick’s Epstein Island Visit Puts Spotlight on His Past Crypto Ties
Matt Novak, Gizmodo.com
Trust him?
Feb 12, 2026, 6:30 PM
Jeffrey Epstein might not have created /pol/, but he helped carry out its mission
Kat Tenbarge, The Verge
On October 24th, 2011, Jeffrey Epstein was emailing back and forth with Boris Nikolic, a biotech venture capitalist who would later be named as a backup executor of Epstein's will. The two appeared to be discussing a meeting Nikolic had helped arrange between…
Feb 12, 2026, 6:19 PM
Judge approves Mark Kelly's request for preliminary injunction against Pete Hegseth
Elena Moore, NPR
Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, sued Hegseth after the Defense Secretary moved to formally censure him for participating in a video where he told service members they can refuse illegal orders.
Feb 12, 2026, 6:05 PM
Dems cheer end to Minnesota immigration operation; GOP calls it success
Elyse S. Apel, The Center Square
(The Center Square) – Democrats are applauding White House border czar Tom Homan’s Thursday announcement that immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota ...
Feb 12, 2026, 5:58 PM
Republicans Have Moved Into a New, Even Dumber Phase of Bad Bunny Outrage
Ryan Bort, Rolling Stone
Right-wing lawmakers have now called for multiple investigations into Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance, calling the halftime show "pure smut."
Feb 12, 2026, 5:49 PM
Trump border czar Tom Homan announces Minnesota immigration surge is ending
Gigi Douban, NPR
The aggressive enforcement operation resulted in thousands of arrests, and two U.S. citizens were fatally shot in Minneapolis by federal immigration agents.
Feb 12, 2026, 5:41 PM
Joseph Gordon-Levitt Goes To Washington DC, Gets Section 230 Completely Backwards
Mike Masnick, Techdirt
You may have heard last week that actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt went to Washington DC and gave a short speech at an event put on by Senator Dick Durbin calling for the sunsetting of Section 230. It’s a short speech, and it gets almost everything wrong about Sect…
Feb 12, 2026, 5:26 PM
El Paso airspace closure was reportedly triggered by the CBP’s use of an anti-drone laser
Emma Roth, The Verge
The hours-long closure of El Paso airspace stemmed from the use of an anti-drone laser deployed by Customs and Border Protection, according to reports from The New York Times and the Associated Press. Sources tell The Times that CBP officials didn't give the …
Feb 12, 2026, 5:02 PM
US border chief says ending ICE deportation surge in Minnesota
Al Jazeera English
US border security chief Tom Homan says the Minnesota immigration crackdown is coming to an end.
Feb 12, 2026, 4:58 PM
Trump just blew up a load-bearing pillar of climate regulation in the US. What happens now?
Umair Irfan, Vox
The Trump administration is about to tear down a load-bearing ruling that considers climate change as a threat to Americans’ health. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency is announcing that it will publish its final rule to dismantle the endangerment fi…
Feb 12, 2026, 4:49 PM
Crypto Expert Explains How Bitcoin Exchange Gave Police Control Over Nancy Guthrie’s Kidnapper
Rocio Corsi, Boredpanda.com
A cryptocurrency expert believes Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapper may have sabotaged themselves by demanding ransom in Bitcoin.
Feb 12, 2026, 4:24 PM
WATCH: Vacation rental prices soar as 2026 World Cup nears
ABC News, Abcnews.com
Business Insider's James Rodriguez talks about what homeowners should do before putting their homes up for rent.
Feb 12, 2026, 4:06 PM
Tom Homan announces end of ‘Operation Metro Surge’ in Minnesota
Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English
US border chief announces the conclusion of a federal operation with 700 immigration agents set to leave Minnesota.
Feb 12, 2026, 3:24 PM
EPA set to scrap the ‘endangerment finding’ that climate change harms human health
Dan Vergano, Scientific American
The Trump administration is expected to rescind the 2009 “endangerment finding,” ending regulation of greenhouse gases from cars and trucks
Feb 12, 2026, 3:15 PM
Major staffing cuts are coming to D.C.’s Kennedy Center ahead of its 2-year closure
Associated Press, Ap.org
As the Trump administration prepares to close the Kennedy Center for a two-year renovation, the head of Washington’s performing arts center has warned its staff about impending cuts that will leave “skeletal teams.”In a Tuesday memo obtained by The Associated…
Feb 12, 2026, 3:13 PM
Splinter: Could North Korea End up with a Woman Leading the Country Before the U.S. Does?
Jim Vorel, Jezebel
Kim Jong Un has been making waves by reportedly choosing his 13-year-old daughter Kim Ju Ae as North Korea's potential next leader.
Feb 12, 2026, 2:40 PM
After deadly explosion at US Steel mill outside Pittsburgh, maintaining safety now falls to Nippon
QUINN GLABICKI, Pittsburgh's Public Source, and JOSH KELETY, Associated Press, Yahoo Entertainment
For Don Furko, Aug. 11, 2025, was a normal shift. A steelworker for 25 years and former Clairton local union president, Furko pulled on flame-retardant...
Feb 12, 2026, 2:37 PM
Minnesota immigration enforcement surge is ending, Trump border tsar says
BBC News
Two US citizens were killed in Minneapolis during the crackdown dubbed "Operation Metro Surge".
Feb 12, 2026, 2:32 PM
Trump's case against BBC set to go to trial in February 2027
BBC News
Donald Trump's multi-billion dollar lawsuit against the BBC is set to go to trial in February 2027.
Feb 12, 2026, 2:25 PM
Donald Trump Is VERY EXCITED About All Of Our Shitty Right Wing Broadcasters Merging Into One Bigger, Even Shittier Company
Karl Bode, Techdirt
Trump 1.0 took a hatchet to media ownership limits. Those limits, built on the back of decades of bipartisan collaboration, prohibited local broadcasters and media from growing too large, trampling smaller (and more diversely-owned) competitors underfoot. The…
Feb 12, 2026, 1:34 PM
Syrian army takes control of al-Tanf military base as US troops pull out
Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English
Syria's defence ministry says its forces have taken control of the strategic base amid coordination with the US.
Feb 12, 2026, 1:26 PM
WATCH: Update in Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni legal battle
ABC News, Abcnews.com
The stars are due back in court after failing to settle their bitter disagreement and avoid a trial.
Feb 12, 2026, 1:24 PM
WATCH: Ukrainian Olympian barred from competing over helmet honoring war dead
ABC News, Abcnews.com
Vladyslav Heraskevych's helmet honored Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed in the war with Russia.
Feb 12, 2026, 12:45 PM
Trump Has a Bridge He Wants to Sell You
Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic
The president’s closure of a trade route from Detroit to Windsor will help a billionaire and hurt basically everyone else.
Feb 12, 2026, 12:30 PM
U.S. allies at NATO focus on Europe as the Trump administration steps back
LORNE COOK Associated Press, Abcnews.com
European allies at NATO are putting on a brave face as the United States steps back from its leadership role at the alliance
Feb 12, 2026, 12:14 PM
Tim Cook Faces FTC Warning Over Apple News Curation
Tim Hardwick, MacRumors
Apple has been issued a warning letter from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, urging it to review its content curation for Apple News so as to ensure that it is not suppressing conservative publications. In a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, seen by the Fi…
Feb 12, 2026, 12:07 PM
BONDI BOMBS
Alanna Durkin Richer, Eric Tucker, Stephen Groves, Associated Press
Attorney General Pam Bondi launched into a wide-ranging, passionate defense of President Donald Trump, repeatedly shouting at Democrats during a combative hearing in which she postured herself as the Republican’s chief protector. Bondi's remarks came at a Hou…
Feb 12, 2026, 12:01 PM
The Surprising Skill MAGA Christians Say Is 'Sinful'
Caroline Bologna, HuffPost
As Christian nationalism rises, some influential voices are reframing this ability as weakness, manipulation or even a threat to faith.
Feb 12, 2026, 12:00 PM
What Is the Mellon Foundation Doing to Higher Education?
Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic
Its role as the country’s preeminent funder of humanities research has granted the foundation—and its president—enormous influence over American arts and letters.
Feb 12, 2026, 12:00 PM
Several assassination attempts targeted Syria’s al-Sharaa, ministers: UN
Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English
UN report reveals five foiled ISIL assassination plots against Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and top ministers.
Feb 12, 2026, 11:49 AM
10 Thursday AM Reads
Barry Ritholtz, Ritholtz.com
My morning train WFH reads: • Here’s Fidelity Contrafund’s Will Danoff’s Secret Sauce: Fidelity Contrafund’s retiring manager showed how long-term stock-picking success is still possible. After decades running one of the biggest mutual funds on the planet, Da…
Feb 12, 2026, 11:30 AM
Africa must boycott the 2026 World Cup
Tafi Mhaka, Al Jazeera English
Africa faces a historic sporting and moral choice over the US-hosted tournament.
Feb 12, 2026, 11:14 AM
These are the most Gen Z Olympics yet. Oversharing, activism, and AI are all on the podium.
Amanda Yen, Business Insider
Norway's Sturla Holm Lægreid overshared at the Winter Olympics with his infidelity confession. It's an example of how Gen Z has taken over the games.
Feb 12, 2026, 10:41 AM
Oh, Now the Bondi DOJ Has 'Pending Investigations' of Epstein Conspirators?
Jim Vorel, Jezebel
It sure is odd how "pending investigations" suddenly show up right when Pam Bondi is called to testify on the Epstein Files.
Feb 12, 2026, 10:35 AM
Video suggests DHS exaggerated claims about Chicago: Visual analysis
Chris Looft, Tom Jones, Kerem Inal, Peter Charalambous, Abcnews.com
At no point in the video footage is a driver seen ramming the agents' vehicle.
Feb 12, 2026, 10:10 AM
Pam Bondi Epstein hearing: Key takeaways
Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English
Bondi clashed with Democrat representatives Jasmine Crockett and Ted Lieu during her Epstein files hearing.
Feb 12, 2026, 10:07 AM
US Colleges received more than $5 billion in foreign gifts, contracts in 2025
Elissa Nadworny, NPR
New data from the U.S. Education Department show the extent of international gifts and contracts to colleges and universities.
Feb 12, 2026, 10:00 AM
Free speech lawsuits mount after Charlie Kirk assassination
Martin Kaste, NPR
Months after the killing of Charlie Kirk, a growing number of lawsuits by people claim they were illegally punished, fired and even arrested for making negative comments about Kirk.
Feb 12, 2026, 10:00 AM
Virginia’s Law: How Democrat proposal could spark flood of sex abuse claims
Sarah Shamim, Al Jazeera English
US Democrats seek to scrap statute of limitations for sex abuse crimes in bill named after Epstein accuser.
Feb 12, 2026, 9:17 AM
House GOP pushes strict proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters
The Associated Press, NPR
House Republicans rushed to approve legislation on Wednesday that would impose new proof-of-citizenship requirements ahead of the midterm elections, a Trump administration priority that faces blowback in the Senate.
Feb 12, 2026, 8:40 AM
Iran’s Larijani accuses Israel of trying to sabotage US negotiations
Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English
Tehran's security chief says Israel is attempting to derail talks with Washington and provoke war in the region.
Feb 12, 2026, 7:18 AM
In blunt warning, the U.S. says Peru could lose its sovereignty to China
The Associated Press, NPR
The Trump administration on Wednesday expressed concern that China was costing Peru its sovereignty after a Peruvian court ruling restricted a local regulator's oversight of a Chinese-built mega port.
Feb 12, 2026, 6:30 AM
Bondi says Ghislaine Maxwell 'will hopefully die in prison'
Luke Barr, Ivan Pereira, Abcnews.com
Attorney General Pam Bondi was on the hot seat over the controversial decision to transfer Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum security prison.
Feb 12, 2026, 6:00 AM
Congress defies Trump on tariffs amid his ongoing spat with Canada
Katherine Li, Business Insider
A bipartisan coalition in the House delivered a rare rebuke of Trump's tariffs by voting against his duties on Canada, citing economic concerns.
Feb 12, 2026, 5:18 AM
Anthropic says it will pay 100% of the grid upgrade costs tied to its AI data centers
Lee Chong Ming, Business Insider
Anthropic pledged to cover all grid upgrade costs for its AI data centers, saying households shouldn't foot the bill.
Feb 12, 2026, 5:03 AM
Why was El Paso airspace shut down? Drones, security fears and confusion
Elizabeth Melimopoulos, Al Jazeera English
The FAA initially announced a 10-day airspace closure but removed the restriction less than eight hours later.
Feb 12, 2026, 5:03 AM
Russia has started an 'evacuation' of its citizens from Cuba amid the island's jet fuel crisis
Matthew Loh, Business Insider
Russian authorities said two major airlines were flying one-way flights out of Cuba, as the Trump administration pressures the island's oil supply.
Feb 12, 2026, 5:01 AM
Dr. Oz: Vaccine Mandates Are Bad. I’ll Just Beg People To Get Vaccinated Instead.
Timothy Geigner, Techdirt
I want to say a little something upfront in this post, so that there is no misunderstanding. While I’ve spent a great deal of time outlining why I think RFK Jr. and his cadre of buffoons at HHS and its child agencies are horrible for America and her people’s …
Feb 12, 2026, 3:57 AM
WATCH: Buddhist monks reach Lincoln Memorial, a look back at the 2,300 mile walk for peace
ABC News, Abcnews.com
ABC News’ Selina Wang recaps the 15 week journey of 19 monks and their dog Aloka, bracing extreme weather and injuries walking from Texas to Washington, D.C. with a message of peace.
Feb 12, 2026, 3:54 AM
Trump orders Pentagon to buy electricity generated by coal
John Power, Al Jazeera English
Trump's order is the latest move by US administration to boost fossil fuel industry despite climate change concerns.
Feb 12, 2026, 3:06 AM
ICE is pushing Minneapolis underground
Gaby Del Valle, The Verge
Minneapolis was not the war zone I expected to find. Depending on who you are and where you live, things can seem, for a few fleeting moments, almost normal, like a few blocks or neighborhoods over people aren't being tear gassed or rounded up by ICE or, in t…
Feb 12, 2026, 2:35 AM
Russia to evacuate tourists from Cuba amid US-engineered fuel crisis
Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English
Russia will operate only return flights from Cuba as 'evacuation' of tourists from Caribbean island gets under way.
Feb 12, 2026, 2:20 AM
Breaking with Trump, US House votes to pass a bill ending Canada tariffs
Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English
The vote was a rare rebuke against Trump from the Republican-led chamber, as Congress members face midterm elections.
Feb 12, 2026, 1:49 AM
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright touts oil production on Venezuela visit
Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English
Democrats introduce legislation to force Donald Trump's administration to be transparent about Venezuelan oil sales.
Feb 12, 2026, 1:48 AM
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,449
Lyndal Rowlands, Al Jazeera English
These are the key developments from day 1,449 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Feb 12, 2026, 1:03 AM
Anthropic promises its datacenters totally won't drive up your utility bill
Tobias Mann, Theregister.com
Compute it leases from Amazon, MIcrosoft, and Google... that's another story Model-maker and SaaS-y AI outfit Anthropic has committed to covering any increases in energy prices paid by consumers caused by its power-hungry datacenters.…
Feb 12, 2026, 12:47 AM
US House votes to overturn Trump's tariffs on Canada
BBC News
Six Republican lawmakers joined Democrats to back a resolution that seeks to end the tariffs Trump imposed on Canada last year.
Feb 12, 2026, 12:41 AM
Pam Bondi’s Prepared Insult Flash Cards Exposed by GOP Rep
Sarah Ewall-Wice, Daily Beast
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie roasted Attorney General Pam Bondi after she showed up on Capitol Hill with prepared insults to lob at critics while refusing...
Feb 12, 2026, 12:38 AM
‘Nothing definitive’ reached about Iran during Netanyahu’s visit with Trump
Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English
US president says he 'insisted' that negotiations with Iran will continue and that 'progress' was being made on Gaza.
Feb 12, 2026, 12:14 AM