AG Bondi directs pause on funding for sanctuary cities

AG Pam Bondi directs DOJ to halt federal funding for sanctuary cities and aims to combat politicised justice.

Published

11 months ago

February 6, 2025

ticker NEWS

AG Pam Bondi directs DOJ to halt federal funding for sanctuary cities and aims to combat politicised justice.

In Short

Attorney General Pam Bondi has initiated substantial changes at the DOJ, halting funding for sanctuary cities and emphasising strict enforcement of federal laws while clarifying that personal views should not impact duties. She has also established a “Weaponization Working Group” to investigate potential political bias in prosecutions and ended the execution moratorium, signalling a notable shift in the department’s approach.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has begun her tenure by issuing significant directives focused on the enforcement of federal laws.

On her first day, Bondi ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pause all federal funding for sanctuary cities.

She emphasised the importance of “zealous advocacy” by DOJ attorneys, stating they must enforce criminal laws and defend presidential policies vigorously.

Bondi’s memo clarified that personal political views should not interfere with their responsibilities.

Failure to fulfill these duties could lead to disciplinary actions, including termination.

Additionally, Bondi plans to establish the “Weaponization Working Group” to investigate potential politicised justice in law enforcement over the last four years.

This group will scrutinise prosecutions involving former President Trump as well as various DOJ actions related to recent events, such as the Capitol riots and the targeting of specific groups.

Furthermore, Bondi announced the end of the federal execution moratorium, instructing federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty when warranted, particularly in violent drug trafficking cases.

Her directives mark a clear shift in the DOJ’s approach under her leadership, aiming to reinforce law enforcement’s commitment to the executive branch and ensure the integrity of its legal processes.

Bondi was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in, marking the start of a new chapter for the Justice Department.

UK, Canada and Australia consider banning Elon Musk’s X over AI risks

UK, Canada, Australia discuss banning Elon Musk’s X over AI tool Grok’s potential for misuse; regulatory action may follow.

Published

4 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

UK, Canada, Australia discuss banning Elon Musk’s X over AI tool Grok’s potential for misuse; regulatory action may follow.

Downing Street has opened talks with Canada and Australia about a possible ban on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X. Concerns are growing over the platform’s AI tool, Grok, which could be misused to generate explicit images.

The scrutiny comes as government officials, including Sir Keir Starmer, voice serious worries about the platform’s impact and the potential for harm. Officials believe coordinated international action could send a clear message to Musk about the urgency of addressing these risks.

Ofcom is expected to release recommendations soon, potentially paving the way for regulatory action. How Musk responds could determine whether X faces restrictions in multiple countries.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#ElonMusk #SocialMediaBan #XPlatform #AIrisks #GrokAI #TechRegulation #UKPolitics #TickerNews

News

Trump weighs options as Iran protests escalate

Trump to discuss US responses to Iran protests with officials, including sanctions and military action options.

Published

4 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump to discuss US responses to Iran protests with officials, including sanctions and military action options.

President Donald Trump is set to meet with senior US officials to discuss possible responses to the growing protests in Iran. The talks will focus on how Washington should react as unrest continues to spread across the country.

Options on the table reportedly include tougher sanctions and the possibility of military action. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials are expected to attend, as concerns mount over how US involvement could impact regional stability.

Iran has warned it will retaliate if the US intervenes, raising fears that any move by Washington could sharply escalate tensions in the Middle East.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#Trump #Iran #USPolitics #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #Sanctions #WorldNews #TickerNews

News

Trump declares US ready to support Iranian protesters

Trump pledges US support for Iranian protesters as regime arrests 100 amid escalating crackdown on dissent

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2026

Ahron Young

Trump pledges US support for Iranian protesters as regime arrests 100 amid escalating crackdown on dissent

In Short:
– Trump supports Iranian protesters and promotes their quest for freedom amid government crackdowns.
– Iran reports arrests and increased military threats against protesters, with international demonstrations in solidarity emerging.

Donald Trump has warned Iran’s clerical regime that the US is “ready to help” anti-government protesters facing a crackdown. He stated on his social media platform, Truth, that the nation is witnessing a push for freedom like never before.On Saturday, Iran’s government reported the arrest of 100 “armed rioters” amid ongoing demonstrations. Rights groups claim at least 116 protesters have been killed, with unrest erupting over Iran’s currency collapse and demands for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

The Iranian military has intensified threats against protesters, warning that anyone participating could be deemed “enemies of God”, carrying a potential death sentence. There have been claims of “terrorist agents” linked to the US and Israel stirring unrest.

Protester Responses

International protests have also emerged in solidarity with Iranian demonstrators.

In London, an individual was seen tearing down the Iranian flag from the embassy, drawing attention to the global dissent. Iranian state media has accused “rioters” of violence and targeting military bases, amidst a climate of increased government scrutiny and restrictions.

With the internet down in Iran, accurate assessment of the situation remains challenging. Reports indicate scattered protests continue, but fear of government retaliation complicates participation.

The Iranian government’s response highlights the volatility of the political situation, and the growing international pressure on Tehran.