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Trump administration reaches a trade deal to lower Taiwan’s tariff barriers

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WASHINGTON — The Trump administration reached a significant trade deal with Taiwan on Thursday, with Taiwan agreeing to remove or reduce 99% of its tariff barriers, the office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced.

The agreement comes as the U.S. remains heavily reliant on Taiwan for its production of computer chips. Chip exports contributed to a trade imbalance of nearly $127 billion during the first 11 months of 2025, according to the Census Bureau. Under the new deal, most of Taiwan’s exports to the U.S. will be taxed at a 15% rate, which aligns with tariffs levied on other U.S. trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Japan and South Korea.

Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick attended the signing of the reciprocal agreement. The ceremony took place under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States. Taiwan’s Vice Premier Li-chiun Cheng and government minister Jen-ni Yang were also present.

“President Trump’s leadership in the Asia-Pacific region continues to generate prosperous trade ties for the United States with important partners across Asia, while further advancing the economic and national security interests of the American people,” Greer said in a statement.

The Taiwanese government emphasized that the tariff rate set in the agreement allows its companies to compete on a level playing field with counterparts in Japan, South Korea, and the European Union. Taiwan also stated that the agreement “eliminated” the disadvantage caused by the absence of a formal free trade agreement between Taiwan and the U.S.

This deal comes ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China in April, signaling a deepening economic relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan. It’s important to note that Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy claimed by China as its own territory — which Beijing has vowed to annex by force if necessary. China also prohibits countries with which it has diplomatic relations, including the U.S., from maintaining formal ties with Taipei.

Under the terms of the deal, Taiwan will invest $250 billion in U.S. industries such as computer chips, artificial intelligence applications, and energy. Additionally, the Taiwanese government plans to provide up to $250 billion in credit guarantees to assist smaller businesses in making investments in the U.S.

The agreement also aims to make it easier for the U.S. to sell autos, pharmaceutical drugs, and food products in Taiwan. However, the most critical component may be Taiwanese investment in domestic U.S. computer chip production, which could help reduce the trade imbalance.

These substantial investments helped the U.S. reduce its initially planned tariffs from as high as 32% to 15%. Taiwan’s government will submit the deal and investment plans to its legislature for approval.

From the U.S. perspective, the agreement is expected to facilitate the creation of several “world-class” industrial parks designed to bolster domestic manufacturing of advanced technologies, including semiconductors. In January, the Commerce Department described the deal as “a historic trade agreement that will drive a massive reshoring of America’s semiconductor sector.”

In return, the U.S. will give preferential treatment to Taiwan regarding potential tariffs stemming from a Section 232 investigation into the importation of computer chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

TSMC, the Taiwanese chip-making giant, is expected to be the key investor in this initiative. The company has committed $165 billion towards investments in the U.S., which include fabrication plants and a major research and development center. This R&D center will help build a supply chain to support U.S. ambitions in artificial intelligence.

Major U.S. tech companies such as Nvidia and AMD rely on TSMC for manufacturing highly advanced chips. The investment agreement also envisions two-way investments, with U.S. companies investing in key Taiwanese industries.

For example, Nvidia recently signed a land deal in Taipei to build its new headquarters office there, highlighting the growing economic ties between the two partners.
https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/trump-administration-reaches-trade-deal-lower-taiwans-tariff-130120134

Federal judge blocks California law banning law enforcement agents from wearing masks

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A federal judge on Monday blocked a California law from going into effect that would ban federal immigration agents from covering their faces. However, the agents will still be required to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number.

California became the first state to ban most law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings under a bill signed in September. The legislation followed a summer marked by high-profile raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Los Angeles.

The Trump administration filed a lawsuit in November challenging the laws, arguing they threatened the safety of officers who faced harassment, doxing, and violence. The administration also claimed the laws violated the Constitution because the state was directly regulating the federal government.

Judge Christina Snyder issued the initial ruling because the mask ban, as enacted, did not apply to state law enforcement authorities, thereby discriminating against the federal government. This ruling could have national implications as states grapple with how to handle federal agents enforcing the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

Despite blocking the law for federal agents, Judge Snyder left open the possibility of future legislation banning federal agents from wearing masks if applied universally to all law enforcement agencies. She wrote, “the Court finds that federal officers can perform their federal functions without wearing masks.”

The ruling is set to take effect on February 19.

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### Background on the California Law

Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill in September, banning some law enforcement officers from wearing masks, neck gaiters, and other facial coverings. Originally slated to go into effect on January 1, the law was put on hold due to the lawsuit.

In addition to exempting state law enforcement officers, the bill included exceptions for undercover agents, protective equipment like N95 respirators or tactical gear, and other situations where not wearing a mask would jeopardize an operation. Judge Snyder sided with the federal government, which argued that these exemptions were discriminatory against federal agents.

Governor Newsom also signed into law a separate measure requiring law enforcement to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number while on duty. This measure was also challenged by the federal government but was upheld by the judge.

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### Reactions and Next Steps

California State Senator Scott Wiener, who proposed the original bill to ban facial coverings, announced on Monday that he would immediately introduce new legislation to include state police in the law.

“ICE and Border Patrol are covering their faces to maximize their terror campaign and to insulate themselves from accountability,” Wiener said in a news release. “We will ensure our mask ban can be enforced.”

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### Court Hearing Details

At a January 14 hearing, Judge Snyder repeatedly asked the government’s lawyer, Tiberius Davis, to explain why banning masks would impede federal law enforcement if officers rarely wore masks before 2025.

Davis cited claims from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security indicating a multifold increase in assaults and threats against federal officers. He also referred to an incident in Los Angeles where three women allegedly livestreamed while following an ICE agent home and posted the address on Instagram.

“There is real deterrence on the officer’s safety and ability to perform their duties,” Davis said.

In response, Cameron Bell, an attorney with the California Department of Justice, challenged these claims, stating there was no concrete evidence that federal agents could not perform their duties without facial coverings. Bell referenced accounts from U.S. citizens who, upon detention by federal agents, believed they were being kidnapped.

“It’s obvious why these laws are in the public interest,” Bell said.

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### Broader Legal Implications

The federal government also argued in legal briefs that allowing California’s legislation could embolden other states to impose similar unconstitutional restraints.

Davis cited a July 2025 statement from Governor Newsom during an online interview discussing the mask ban bill: “It appears that we don’t have the legal authority for federal agents but we do for other law enforcement authorities.”

In December, Los Angeles County supervisors voted to enact a local ordinance banning law enforcement from wearing masks, which went into effect January 8. However, the sheriff’s department stated it would not enforce the ordinance until after the court ruled on the statewide mask ban. The Los Angeles Police Department also announced it would not enforce the mask ban.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-blocks-californias-ban-on-federal-agents-wearing-masks-but-requires-badges-be-clearly-seen/

Anti-ICE protesters assemble across Triangle, US after shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, Oregon

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Thousands of people marched in Minneapolis on Saturday to protest the fatal shooting of a woman by a federal immigration officer and the shooting of two people in Portland, Oregon. Minnesota leaders urged demonstrators to remain peaceful as protests took place in dozens of towns and cities across the country over the weekend.

The protest in Minneapolis occurred in a city on edge following the killing of Renee Good on Wednesday by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer.

“We’re all living in fear right now,” said Meghan Moore, a mother of two from Minneapolis who joined the protest. “ICE is creating an environment where nobody feels safe and that’s unacceptable.”

On Friday night, a protest outside a Minneapolis hotel that attracted about 1,000 people turned violent as demonstrators threw ice, snow, and rocks at officers, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said. One officer suffered minor injuries after being struck with a piece of ice. Twenty-nine people were cited and released following the incident.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized that while most protests remain peaceful, those who cause damage to property or threaten others will face arrest. He criticized “agitators that are trying to rile up large crowds.”

“This is what Donald Trump wants,” Frey said, referring to the president who has demanded massive immigration enforcement efforts in several U.S. cities. “He wants us to take the bait.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also called for calm, stating, “Trump sent thousands of armed federal officers into our state, and it took just one day for them to kill someone. Now he wants nothing more than to see chaos distract from that horrific action. Don’t give him what he wants.”

Walz added in a later post, “We will fight with peaceful expression, in court, through public debate, and at the ballot box. Keep the peace. And keep the faith.”

### Communities Unite in Frustration

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that its deployment of immigration officers in the Twin Cities is its largest-ever immigration enforcement operation. The Trump administration has said both shootings were acts of self-defense against drivers who “weaponized” their vehicles to attack officers.

Connor Maloney attended the Minneapolis protest to support his community and express frustration with the immigration crackdown.

“Almost daily I see them harassing people,” he said. “It’s just sickening that it’s happening in our community around us.”

Despite subfreezing temperatures and a light dusting of snow, protesters including children carried handmade signs declaring “De-ICE Minnesota!” and “ICE melts in Minnesota.” They marched down a street lined with restaurants and stores that celebrate various nationalities and cultures through colorful murals.

Indivisible, a social movement organization formed to resist the Trump administration, reported that hundreds of protests were scheduled across Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Florida, and other states.

### Nationwide Protests Against ICE

In Durham, North Carolina, Steven Eubanks, 51, felt compelled to attend a protest because of the “horrifying” killing in Minneapolis.

“We can’t allow it,” Eubanks said. “We have to stand up.”

Several North Carolina residents protested after seeing videos from bystanders and from Jonathon Ross, the ICE agent who shot Renee Good.

“When I saw that, it was totally unjustified,” said Matt Smith, a Durham protester. “I just cannot believe that we’re doing this, and every day it is something else.”

In Cary, North Carolina, more than 200 protesters marched through town against ICE. Mary Ellen Rickards told WRAL News in Raleigh that she felt compelled to protest after seeing video of Good’s death.

“I was angry, I was upset, [and] I was sad,” Rickards said.

Durham experienced ICE crackdowns in November, leading to student walkouts and multiple protests. In response to Good’s death, residents marched through downtown Durham for three consecutive days. While no arrests were made during the last two protests and on Saturday, some protesters on Friday spray-painted buildings and set off fireworks in the street.

Officials within the Trump administration, including President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, defended the officer’s actions, stating that Good tried to ram the agent before the shooting.

Matt Mercer, communications director for the North Carolina Republican Party, said the videos “speak for themselves.”

“It’s depressing to think that this person committed this in cold blood, then fled the scene, and immediately the White House and its supporters began blaming her for her own death,” Rickards said.

In response to the protests, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated:

“The First Amendment protects speech and peaceful assembly, not rioting. DHS is taking reasonable and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law and protect our officers. ICE officers are facing a nearly 1300% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, and gang members. Secretary Noem has been clear: if you obstruct or lay a hand on law enforcement, you will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Law and order will prevail.”

### ICE Activity Across Minneapolis

In Minneapolis, a coalition of migrant rights groups organized the demonstration that began in a park about half a mile from the residential neighborhood where 37-year-old Renee Good was shot on Wednesday.

Despite the large protest, federal officers continued operating in the city. An Associated Press photographer witnessed heavily armed officers, at least one in Border Patrol uniform, approach a person following them. The agents, with long guns drawn, ordered the person to stop following them, issuing a “first and final warning” before driving away without detaining the individual.

In Richfield, a Minneapolis suburb, federal agents with covered faces warned journalists to stay back as they detained a man outside a home improvement store.

Protests in the neighborhood have been largely peaceful, with minimal law enforcement presence, contrasting with the violence Minneapolis experienced following the killing of George Floyd in 2020.

Near the airport, smaller groups of protesters clashed with officers guarding the federal building used as a base for the Twin Cities crackdown on Thursday and Friday.

O’Hara said city police have responded to reports of abandoned cars after drivers were apprehended by immigration enforcement. In one case, a dog was left inside a car left in park. He confirmed that immigration enforcement activities are happening “all over the city” and that 911 callers have reported ICE activity, arrests, and abandoned vehicles.

The Trump administration deployed more than 2,000 federal officers to Minnesota under a sweeping new crackdown tied in part to fraud allegations involving Somali residents.

### Lawmakers Snubbed at ICE Facility

Three congresswomen from Minnesota — U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig — attempted to tour the ICE facility inside the Minneapolis federal building on Saturday morning. They were initially allowed entry but were told to leave about ten minutes later.

The lawmakers accused ICE agents of obstructing their duty to oversee operations. A federal judge last month temporarily blocked the Trump administration from enforcing policies limiting congressional visits to immigration facilities. This ruling followed a lawsuit filed by 12 members of Congress challenging ICE’s amended visitor policies after being denied entry to detention centers.

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This story has been updated to correct that the people shot in Portland were not protesters.

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Associated Press writers Allen Breed in Durham, North Carolina, and Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, contributed. WRAL reporters Flynn Snyder and Kirstyn Clark contributed from Raleigh.
https://www.wral.com/news/state/a5922-anti-ice-protesters-assemble-across-the-us-after-shootings-in-minneapolis-and-portland-oregon/

National Alert Warning System To Start Soon at Cooper, County Commissioners Informed

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**Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Implementation at Cooper Nuclear Station Nears**

Dakota Schulenberg presented the Cooper Nuclear Station’s fourth quarter report to the Nemaha County Commissioners on Tuesday morning, December 30. He shared that the implementation of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) at the facility is forthcoming. However, Schulenberg noted that the responsibility for putting IPAWS into practice lies with other officials, with hopes to begin the process in the spring.

IPAWS is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) national system for local alerting, designed to provide authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public.

Schulenberg also reported that Cooper Nuclear Station is currently operating at 100 percent power, with the next scheduled refueling outage planned for next fall.

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### Action Items

The following action items were unanimously approved by the commissioners in a 3-0 vote:

– A $150 bid from John Thomas was approved to remove snow from the Multiplex grounds.

– Kip Reeves was appointed to the Nemaha County Planning Commission.

– The single January fuel proposal submitted by Sapp Bros. was accepted. The proposal includes:
– $3.00 per gallon for No. 1 clear diesel,
– $2.51 per gallon for No. 2 clear diesel,
– $2.0390 per gallon for regular gasoline with ethanol.

– Approval of Link2Pump as a fuel monitoring system for the county road department. The system requires an initial fee of $18,400 and an annual service charge of $5,400. The selection of this system was requested by the Auditor’s office.

—

### Board of Equalization

Assessor Mallory Lempka presented tax list corrections, which were approved by the board. The adjustments include:

– Kenneth and Joan Kracke: A 20 percent Homestead exemption to be applied, resulting in a $237.28 tax loss to be recouped by Homestead credit from the state.

– Scott and Debra Brakhahn: A $192.18 tax deduction to be applied for now, with the amount to be charged after a 30-day notice of value.

– Jay Fischer: Deduction of $12.48 for tenancy in common, which was corrected last year but not deleted from the computer-assisted mass appraisal system.

The Treasurer’s staff also presented tax list corrections for Jeffrey and Becky Whisler to reflect ownership change to Rachel Snyder and Mark Brown; these corrections were approved.

Two board notices were accepted concerning property value adjustments:

– Teresa Oestmann building: The structure will be moved to a different parcel. The current value is $589,301, with a new value of $619,298.

– Jamie Lee and Christopher Beaner: Purchased a house from the City of Auburn before the levy date. The current assessed value is zero, with a new value set at $283,103.

In both cases, a 30-day waiting period is required before tax list corrections can be made.

—

### Other Updates

The commissioners were informed that a $21,248 grant agreement has been signed with the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy & Environment for tire recycling. A date for the recycling event or program will be set at a later time.

Vicky McNealy, Executive Director of the Southeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership, inquired about the agency’s use of the county building located at 1908 O Street over potential safety concerns. District 3 Commissioner Michael Weiss responded that the building is safe to occupy, having been inspected by professionals.

Commissioners acknowledged that while repairs are needed, the roof has been repaired, leaks have been resolved, and there is no ongoing mold growth. There have been no recommendations from state officials to vacate the building or concerns declaring it a health hazard.

McNealy noted that the Richardson County outreach office is located in the courthouse in Falls City and that no office is currently open at the Nemaha County Courthouse. She also discussed potential expansion of services, should the need arise.

Currently, the Auburn office is open Thursdays and Fridays. Additionally, the Johnson County office operates two days each week, and the Pawnee County office is open one day weekly.
https://www.anewspaper.net/article/1651,national-alert-warning-system-to-start-soon-at-cooper-county-commissioners-informed

Pyrite President Targets Programs In Dem States

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The Trump administration plans to freeze $10 billion in funding for child care subsidies, social services, and cash support for low-income families in five states controlled by Democrats. This move comes amid claims of widespread fraud throughout those states, though no evidence has been cited to support these claims beyond a major welfare fraud scheme uncovered in one of them.

The affected states—Minnesota, New York, California, Illinois, and Colorado—will lose access to approximately $7 billion in funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF provides cash assistance to households with children, according to two people familiar with the matter.

In addition to the TANF cuts, the five states will also forfeit nearly $2.4 billion allocated for the Child Care Development Fund, which supports child care for working parents. They will also lose around $870 million in social services grants, which mostly benefit children at risk, the sources said.

This funding pause could jeopardize programs serving hundreds of thousands of low-income households in the affected states.

The planned freeze appears to build on the administration’s recent suspension of $185 million in annual aid to Minnesota day care centers. This action followed investigators’ findings that more than a dozen welfare fraud schemes in Minnesota had resulted in billions of dollars in taxpayer losses.

While no evidence has emerged to suggest that the other four Democratic states experienced similar widespread welfare fraud, Andrew Nixon, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—the agency responsible for disbursing the funds—implied that the Minnesota fraud cases triggered the broader freeze.

“Democrat-led states and governors have been complicit in allowing massive amounts of fraud to occur under their watch,” Nixon said in a statement. “Under the Trump administration, we are ensuring that federal taxpayer dollars are being used for legitimate purposes.”

The funding freeze, initially reported by The New York Post, continues the Trump administration’s pattern of interrupting federal dollars to Democratic-run cities and states. This approach appears to leverage the disbursement of congressionally approved funding to punish perceived enemies and political opponents.
https://crooksandliars.com/2026/01/pyrite-president-targets-programs-five

LifeFlight says increase in number of drones poses risk to pilots and patients

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LifeFlight of Maine has reported multiple encounters with drones near major hospitals in Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland. These incidents occur as pilots approach and depart from these locations, posing serious risks to pilots, patients, and crew members.

According to LifeFlight pilot Bonenfant, these drone encounters are not only dangerous but also violate FAA regulations, which prohibit drone activity within five nautical miles of an airport. “You’re traveling 165 mph and our windscreens are not that thick; a drone could come right through the windscreen, or hit the rotor system or tail rotor system, causing catastrophic damage,” Bonenfant explains.

LifeFlight emphasizes that it is the responsibility of drone operators to remain aware of aircraft in their vicinity and keep their drones at a safe distance. “We want to make people aware that just a small $60 drone can bring down a $7 million helicopter with many lives on board,” Bonenfant warns.

All drone encounters are reported to local law enforcement and the FAA. To promote safe drone operation, the FAA also offers training resources for drone users.
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/01/07/state/state-health/lifeflight-says-increase-in-number-of-drones-poses-risk-to-pilots-and-patients/

After missing deadline, DOJ says it may need a ‘few more weeks’ to finish releasing Epstein files

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WASHINGTON — The administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, politicization of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act have raised serious concerns.

In a statement, senators emphasized that a neutral assessment of the administration’s compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential.

They stressed that full transparency “is essential in identifying members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes.”

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Sisak reported from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
https://whdh.com/news/after-missing-deadline-doj-says-it-may-need-a-few-more-weeks-to-finish-releasing-epstein-files/

Multiple documents in Epstein files disappear as release continues

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The apparent deletion was met with criticism from Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, who are already exploring “all legal options” after the Trump administration did not release all of the files on Friday.

On Saturday, the Oversight Democrats’ X account reposted one of the removed photos and accused the administration of a “cover-up.”

**Justice Department Releases First Round of Epstein Files Required Under New Law**

While the Trump administration ultimately did not meet the Friday deadline for a full release of the files, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has continued to release them over the weekend.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4135274/multiple-documents-epstein-files-disappear/

Ex-NASA scientist poached by France urges European flexibility on appointments

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As Europe considers how best to attract US-based scientists impacted by funding cuts and political hostility from the administration of Donald Trump, one space scientist heading for Marseille has a message for funders: allow Americans to retain some of their old ties.

Kartik Sheth, who lost his position as associate chief scientist at NASA in April due to a mass layoff affecting thousands of employees, is preparing to start a new chapter in France. Sheth will soon join Aix-Marseille University as part of its Safe Place for Science programme, an initiative designed to offer a haven for US-based academics affected by recent cuts in the United States.

“The French have been extremely wonderful and generous in offering a pretty sizable start-up package,” said Sheth, who earlier this year met French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the scheme.

As European institutions work to welcome displaced talent, the Safe Place for Science programme stands as an example of how global cooperation can support researchers during challenging times.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/aerospace/ex-nasa-scientist-poached-france-urges-european-flexibility-appointments

Noem calls for ‘full travel ban’ on countries ‘flooding’ US with immigrants after DC attack

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Monday that, following a meeting with President Donald Trump, she is recommending a sweeping travel ban on every country she claims is sending dangerous immigrants to the United States.

Noem made the announcement in a fiery post on X, denouncing certain immigrants as “killers” and “leeches.” She stated, “I just met with the President. I am recommending a full travel ban on every country that’s been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies.”

She slammed certain immigrants as threats to public safety and accused them of draining resources meant for Americans.

“Our forefathers built this nation on blood, sweat, and the unyielding love of freedom—not for foreign invaders to slaughter our heroes, suck dry our hard-earned tax dollars, or snatch the benefits owed to AMERICANS,” she said. “WE DON’T WANT THEM. NOT ONE.”

The announcement came after law enforcement officials reported that an Afghan immigrant allegedly attacked two National Guard members last Wednesday in Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House.

This incident has heightened concerns about immigration policies. According to Noem, the Afghan suspect involved was “radicalized” after arriving in the U.S.

RELATED: Alleged D.C. Shooter Entered US Under Afghan Resettlement Push Mayorkas Vowed Would Be Done ‘Swiftly and Safely’

[Click here to download the full report.]
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/noem-calls-full-travel-ban-countries-flooding-us-immigrants-dc-attack