USA ESTA Travel Pass News

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and Axios, among other American media outlets, reported on the 1st that the United States recently utilized the artificial intelligence (AI) model “Claude” in its airstrikes against Iran. This came just hours after President Donald Trump ordered all federal agencies to halt use of technology from Antropic, the developer of Claude. This is being criticized as demonstrating the extent to which AI tools like Claude are already deeply intertwined in military operations. It is also interpreted as a reason for President Trump’s announcement of a six-month phase-out period.

The WSJ reported that officials confirmed that Antropic’s CENTCOM, as well as several other commands around the world, are using CENTCOM. According to the report, CENTCOM is using CENTCOM for intelligence assessments, target identification, and battlefield simulations, even amid heightened tensions between CENTCOM and the Pentagon. CENTCOM is currently the only AI that can be used in classified US military systems, and the US also used CENTCOM in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January.

However, the Pentagon and Antropic have been at odds over how to use CENTCOM. The Pentagon has demanded full openness to the military use of AI, but Antropic has maintained that its technology should not be used for mass surveillance or the development of fully autonomous lethal weapons. In response, President Trump ordered federal agencies to halt the use of Antropic’s technology.

On the 27th of last month, he called Antropic a “radical left-wing woke company” and criticized it, saying, “Their selfishness has endangered the lives of the American people and jeopardized our military and national security.” However, he announced that there would be a six-month phase-out period as Antropic’s products are currently being used by the Department of Defense and others. Meanwhile, OpenAI, Antropic’s competitor that took over the vacancy left by Claude’s withdrawal, claimed that it had stronger safety measures than Antropic when it signed a contract to provide AI models to the US Department of Defense.

While Antropic only demanded that they not be used for large-scale domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons, OpenAI went further and said that they would not be used for high-risk automated decisions in areas such as social credit. OpenAI also emphasized that its models are deployed in a cloud-based format rather than an “edge” format that runs only on Department of Defense internal devices, allowing security-cleared personnel to continuously monitor safety-related requirements. They stated that they “do not know” why Antropic, which had similar requirements, failed to reach an agreement with the Department of Defense, and hoped that other AI companies would consider a similar contracting method.

Previously, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had expressed sympathy for Antropic amid the conflict between the Department of Defense and Antropic, telling employees that he would negotiate with the Department of Defense while maintaining similar principles to Antropic and pave the way for other AI companies to follow. Altman stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the negotiations were “clearly rushed and not pretty.” However, he emphasized, “If our judgment is correct and this eases the conflict between the Department of Defense and industry, we will be seen as a genius and a company that has taken a lot of pain for the industry.”

Meanwhile, Claude ‘s popularity has risen outside the US government. Since the Trump administration’s decision to expel Claude, it has surpassed ChatGPT to become the number one free app on the Apple App Store for the first time. An Antropic spokesperson told CNBC that the number of new subscribers this week has reached an all-time high, with free users increasing by more than 60% since January, and paid subscribers more than doubling since the beginning of the year.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially announced a temporary suspension of airport security screening programs due to the shutdown, but reversed course a day later after facing industry backlash.

On the 22nd, the DHS issued a statement stating that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Precheck program, a screening program designed to expedite security screening at U.S. airports, was operating normally. TSA Precheck allows pre-screened travelers to expedite security screening at U.S. airports. Currently, over 20 million people are enrolled in the program. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the previous day that it would temporarily suspend the TSA Precheck program at 6:00 a.m. today due to emergency staffing redeployment following the shutdown but faced strong opposition from the airline and travel industries. However, the Global Entry program, which expedites customs and immigration screening, remained suspended as previously announced.

The escort service for members of the U.S. Congress was also suspended.

The DHS stated, “If staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate and adjust operations on a case-by-case basis.” Congress previously failed to narrow differences over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies and failed to pass the budget for the DHS, the lead agency, within the deadline.

Consequently, the DHS went into shutdown at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on the 14th.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has indefinitely suspended the issuance and renewal of nonresident commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for immigrants and other foreign nationals, following an order from the Trump administration. This has raised concerns that this could disrupt public transportation and school bus services in New York City.

According to local media outlet Godamist on the 19th, the DMV announced, “Under special direction from the federal government, New York State’s nonresident commercial driver’s license issuance program is suspended indefinitely.” The nonresident commercial driver’s license program is for foreign nationals, not citizens or permanent residents.

While this program has previously allowed a variety of immigrants, including those with employment authorization documents (EADs), visas, DACA recipients, and asylum seekers, to obtain commercial driver’s licenses, the Department of Transportation began significantly limiting nonresident CDL eligibility to H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visa holders through emergency rule changes last September, with the final rule set to take effect on the 16th of next month. Furthermore, the Trump administration has threatened to withhold federal funding if states don’t stop issuing commercial driver’s licenses to applicants who aren’t citizens or permanent residents.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy specifically raised the issue after a sample audit of 200 non-resident commercial driver’s licenses issued in New York found that 53 percent of them were illegal. According to federal regulations, licenses should have been issued only for the duration of the legal stay, but numerous violations were discovered, and if the problem was not immediately corrected, New York threatened a $73 million cut in federal funding and the possibility of decertification of the entire New York State CDL program. In response to this move by federal authorities, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has suspended the issuance and renewal of non-resident commercial driver’s licenses. However, existing license holders can use their licenses until their expiration date. The drivers’ union immediately protested this.

The union raised concerns that the change in federal regulations would destabilize public transportation such as buses and school buses and criticized the New York state government’s decision. John Samuelson, president of the MTA Bus Drivers’ Union, criticized Governor Hokul, saying, “New York Governor Hokul has caved to the federal government’s threats.”

Governor Hokul’s side, in response, shifted the blame, saying, “The problem is not with the governor’s office, but with the policies of the Trump administration.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Motor Vehicles also criticized the change, saying, “The commercial driver’s license program is regulated by the federal government. This rule change is just another show by Secretary Duffy.”

CBS reported on the 15th that President Donald Trump had indicated about two months ago that he would support an Israeli strike on Iran’s ballistic missile program if US-Iran negotiations broke down.

According to sources who requested anonymity, Trump made this announcement during a December meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. CBS reported that internal discussions have begun among high-ranking US military and intelligence officials to explore the possibility of supporting a renewed Israeli strike on Iran.

Multiple US officials familiar with the matter told US discussions primarily focused on providing aerial refueling support for Israeli aircraft and securing flight permits from countries along potential air routes. Having resumed nuclear negotiations with Iran after an eight-month hiatus, the US is continuing its “two-track” approach of applying military pressure on Iran while simultaneously pursuing dialogue. The US is escalating pressure on Iran by deploying a second aircraft carrier, following the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln to the Middle East.

President Trump told reporters at the White House on the 13th that the deployment of a second aircraft carrier would be necessary “in case negotiations break down.” He also stated that he “believes” negotiations with Iran will succeed, adding, “If they don’t, it will be a very bad day for Iran.” However, Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly expressed skepticism about the possibility of a diplomatic agreement.

On the 12th, Prime Minister Netanyahu conveyed to President Trump his negative view on the Iran nuclear deal, saying, “If (the US and Iran) reach an agreement, it must include important elements, including not only nuclear weapons but also ballistic missiles and Iran’s proxy forces.”

As the US escalates military pressure on Iran and considers supporting an Israeli attack, it appears to be further clarifying its position on military options against Iran if negotiations break down. The US and Iran, which resumed nuclear talks in Oman on the 6th, plan to continue talks in Geneva, Switzerland on the 17th.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is facing a backlash after revelations that it improperly provided thousands of sensitive tax and personal information about immigrants to immigration authorities.

This information, which is strictly confidential and subject to federal law, is sparking controversy as concerns are raised that the sharing process may have violated legal safeguards.

According to a Washington Post report, the IRS recently discovered that the personal information of thousands of individuals was incorrectly provided during a data sharing process with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

This incident stemmed from a request by the Trump administration to track down individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants.

DHS requested the addresses of 1.2 million individuals from the IRS, and the IRS reportedly improperly shared the personal information of thousands of individuals while providing information on 47,000 of them.

New Jersey homeowners over the age of 65 will see a significant reduction in their property taxes.

According to the New Jersey State Treasurer, the rebate program for senior homeowners, “Stay NJ,” will begin disbursing rebates starting on the 9th. The state treasurer stated, “Approximately 438,000 homeowners are estimated to be eligible for Stay NJ,” and “Beneficiaries will receive their rebate checks sequentially by mail.”

Stay NJ, which targets New Jersey homeowners over the age of 65 with an annual household income of less than $500,000, will reduce their property taxes by half, with a maximum rebate of $6,500. If the total refund amount through the existing property tax relief programs, ANCHOR and Senior Freeze, is less than half of the annual property tax payment, the remaining difference will be paid under the name of the “Stay New Jersey” program. However, the total refund amount through these three property tax relief programs cannot exceed $6,500.

Refunds through Stay New Jersey will be paid in quarterly installments, and the first installment will be delivered starting on the 9th. The Treasury Department announced that the average first installment of Stay New Jersey to be sent to beneficiaries is $639.

Stay New Jersey refunds being sent this year are for residents who submitted and were approved last year on the “PAS-1,” the Integrated Application for the Property Tax Relief Program for Individuals 65 and Older. If you did not apply last year but submitted the PAS-1 this year, you will be eligible for the benefit starting next year. You can check your individual Stay New Jersey eligibility and refund amount on the state Treasury website (nj.gov/treasury/taxation/staynj/index.shtml).

The New York City Council is set to begin drafting an ordinance that would allow outdoor dining to operate 24/7 again. Council Speaker Julie Menin announced on the 4th, “We plan to begin working in earnest on a plan to completely revise the current regulations so that outdoor restaurants can operate 365 days a year, just like they did during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

To this end, Councilmember Menin plans to re-introduce and pass the so-called “Expanding Access to Outdoor Dining” ordinance (Int. 1421), which was already introduced by Councilmember Lincoln Resler (Democrat) in October of last year. The ordinance has already passed public hearings with the Consumer Protection Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee but has not been brought to a vote due to the end of the session.

This ordinance includes a provision to remove the “seasonal restrictions” on “Roadway Cafes,” which are outdoor dining establishments installed along the roadside. Under current regulations, Roadway Cafes, unlike Sidewalk Cafes installed on pedestrian roads that can operate 24/7, can only operate for eight months (10 a.m. to midnight) from April 1 to November 29 each year, and must be removed during the four-month winter season from November 30 to March 31. The new ordinance also includes a provision that allows general grocery stores to apply for Sidewalk Cafe licenses, which is currently only available to restaurants.

The analysis is that the reason Council Member Menin is pushing for this year-round outdoor dining policy again is because of the sharp decline in outdoor dining. According to data from the City Transportation Department, the number of outdoor dining establishments peaked at 12,000 during the pandemic and then stabilized at 6,000 to 8,000. However, since the first regulation was implemented last year, the number of Roadway Cafes has decreased significantly to 849 and Sidewalk Cafes 1,973.

Councilmember Menin added, “If outdoor dining is allowed to operate 24/7, it will not only reduce job losses but also provide substantial support for the survival of small businesses like restaurants.” New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani also said immediately after winning last year’s election that he supports outdoor dining, saying, “We support outdoor dining all year round.”

If the related ordinance passes this year, it is expected to be implemented without delay. Meanwhile, New York City’s outdoor dining program was created as an emergency measure to help restaurants facing closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it operated 24/7 without cost. However, with the end of COVID-19, the temporary program was modified with the introduction of licensing fees and seasonal restrictions requiring temporary winter closures.

Construction on the Gateway project, a new Hudson River train tunnel linking New York and New Jersey, is on the verge of halting.

This is because federal funding has been frozen for months, making it impossible to continue construction. According to the Gateway Development Board, which oversees the new Hudson River train tunnel, contractors have already been notified that construction must halt completely as of February 6th unless new funding is secured. The Trump administration has withheld federal funding for the project for nearly four months, dating back to October of last year.

The Department of Transportation has declared a funding freeze pending a review of new federal rules prohibiting consideration of race or gender in the selection of contractors for the Gateway project. In addition, President Trump blamed Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer for the federal government shutdown last October.

Following President Trump’s remarks, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that a review of the project was underway, but funding has yet to resume. With federal funding freezing, the Gateway Development Board secured a $500 million credit line to continue construction but has now reached its limit. The current Hudson River Tunnel, the sole rail passage between New York and New Jersey, is 116 years old and suffering from serious aging issues.

The need for a new train tunnel, the Gateway Project, has long been emphasized, and construction finally began in 2023 and is currently underway. However, without $11 billion in federal support, which accounts for approximately 70% of the total $16 billion project cost, it is virtually impossible to complete.

In this regard, Senate Majority Leader Schumer and other Democratic lawmakers from New York and New Jersey sent a letter to the Trump administration on the 28th, strongly urging the swift release of federal funds allocated to the Gateway Project.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has decided to completely revise its enforcement policy in Minnesota, where controversy over indiscriminate immigration raids, including the shooting of civilians, is growing.

According to a Reuters report on the 29th, new internal guidelines have been issued to ICE agents deployed in Minnesota, outlining a “traditional targeted raid” method that will only target immigrants with confirmed criminal records. The new guidelines stipulate that all targets in Minnesota must have a clearly proven “criminal nexus,” meaning that they are under criminal charges or have been convicted. This is a stark change from the previous method of indiscriminate raids and arrests of even non-criminal immigrants on the streets.

The New York Times pointed out the reason for the shift in direction, saying, “In recent months, ICE raids have moved away from the ‘traditionally targeted raids’ that target only those with confirmed criminal records.” Field procedures will also be significantly strengthened.

Agents will be required to use loudspeakers to clearly announce their identities and purposes during arrests, and any contact or conversation with protesters other than to deliver orders will be prohibited to avoid unnecessary friction. This is interpreted as a measure to address controversy over excessive response by ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents.

According to CNN, the new guidelines came amidst numerous behind-the-scenes discussions between the White House and the Department of Homeland Security on how to effectively conduct immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota.

Tom Homan, the new director of Border Enforcement, who was dispatched to Minnesota by President Trump, is said to be deeply involved in this process. At his first press conference in Minneapolis on the 29th, Homan indirectly acknowledged responsibility, saying, “The federal government’s approach was not perfect.”

He announced that he would return to “traditionally targeted enforcement, as we have done for decades,” and that he would “only target people we know in the field and where they are.” Homan also stated that, with cooperation from the Minnesota state government, the number of ICE agents stationed in Minneapolis could be reduced.

However, it remains unclear whether this Minnesota policy shift will lead to a nationwide shift in immigration enforcement. A White House official stated that “discussions are ongoing to improve operational efficiency,” and that no final policy has been finalized.

Bloomberg News reported on the 26th that the influential American newspaper The Washington Post (WP) is planning to carry out large-scale workforce reductions.

Paul Fahy, a freelance journalist from the WP, told X (formerly Twitter) that day, citing former colleagues, that up to 300 people could lose their jobs. It has been reported that the sectors that will be hit hardest by this restructuring are foreign correspondents and sports.

Some Washington Post correspondents have publicly emphasized the need to continue covering the region through social media. Yeganeh Torbaty, a correspondent covering Iran and Turkey, appealed to X, citing the US-Israeli airstrikes since June of last year and the recent protests, saying, “We want to continue this important work.”

The Washington Post has also decided to reduce its staff to four from the original ten to cover the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, next month. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who acquired the Washington Post in 2013, has invested heavily in expanding the paper’s reach. However, recent plummeting advertising revenue and declining readership have led to restructuring.

Approximately 240 people will be laid off in the form of voluntary retirements in 2023, and another round of voluntary retirements was held last year. While the Washington Post is considered progressive, it sparked controversy in the 2024 presidential election when an editorial endorsing former Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democratic candidate, was not published due to Bezos’ objection.

Criticism spread both inside and outside the Washington Post, accusing businessman Bezos of making this decision based on the potential re-election of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Over 200,000 readers canceled their subscriptions.

Furthermore, internal opposition, including the resignations of several Washington Post reporters and editors, has been significant.