Trump administration live updates: Jesse Jackson dies; Russia-Ukraine talks start in Geneva
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The U.S. and Iran also held indirect talks aimed at resolving their long-running nuclear dispute.
What to know today ...
- JESSE JACKSON DIES: The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the longtime civil rights activist, Baptist minister and two-time presidential candidate, died today, his family said. He was 84.
- RUSSIA-UKRAINE MEETING: Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia are gathered in Geneva today for two days of U.S.-mediated peace talks that will focus on the main sticking point of land, with President Donald Trump pressing Kyiv to act fast to reach a deal.
- IRAN NUCLEAR TALKS: The U.S. and Iran held indirect talks in Geneva today aimed at resolving their long-running nuclear dispute, with little clear indication of compromise as Washington masses a battle force in the region.
Trump’s election bill tops 50 Senate votes, but Democrats could still block it
The SAVE America Act to require proof of citizenship nationwide to register to vote and overhaul voting laws has now topped 50 votes in the Republican-controlled Senate.
The bill, which is supported by Trump, passed the House last week, meaning the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster rule is the only thing standing in the way of its becoming law.
The tally guarantees a battle on the Senate floor as Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has promised a vote. But he warned last week that there are “not even close” to enough votes to get rid of the filibuster, despite Trump’s calls to do so. If the filibuster remains, the legislation will still fail as Democrats are certain to use every tool to block it.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, the chief sponsor of the bill, is pushing Republicans to use existing rules to force Democrats to engage in a “talking filibuster” on the floor. The idea is to tire out opposing Democrats and pass it. But the tactic is a long shot, viewed by previous Senate majorities as doomed to fail if it was attempted. The rules make it considerably easier for a filibustering minority to sustain the 60-vote threshold than for a majority to break its will and advance a bill with 51 votes.
Jackson’s death prompts outpouring of tributes and praise
A flood of tributes poured in for Jesse Jackson after his family announced his death today.
Activists, public figures and many of the country’s most prominent politicians, including Trump, took to social media this morning to commemorate Jackson, 84, the civil rights pioneer, Baptist minister and two-time presidential candidate.
Obamas pay tribute to Jackson
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama paid tribute to Jackson in a statement today, saying he "helped lead some of the most significant movements for change in human history."
The Obamas also emphasized that Jackson "created opportunities for generations of African Americans and inspired countless more, including us." They pointed to Jackson's runs for president, saying he "laid the foundation" for Barack Obama's successful campaign.
"Michelle and I will always be grateful for Jesse's lifetime of service, and the friendship our families share," the statement said. "We stood on his shoulders."
Trump administration strikes three more alleged drug boats in the Pacific and Caribbean
The military launched strikes yesterday on three alleged drug smuggling boats in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean, killing 11 people, U.S. Southern Command announced.
“Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” Southern Command said today on X.
The strikes are the latest in a series of controversial military operations that have alarmed and frustrated critics of the administration in Congress, although lawmakers have opted to allow them to continue without prior congressional approval.
Stephen Colbert says CBS didn’t air Rep. James Talarico interview out of fear of FCC
“Late Show” host Stephen Colbert said CBS did not air his interview last night with Texas state Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate, out of fear of the Federal Communications Commission.
Colbert kicked off last night’s show by almost immediately mentioning Talarico’s absence.
“He was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast,” Colbert said. “Then, then I was told in some uncertain terms that not only could I not have him on, I could not mention me not having him on. And because my network clearly doesn’t want us to talk about this, let’s talk about this.”
CBS and the FCC did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Top DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stepping down
Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed to NBC News today that she plans to leave her position.
McLaughlin’s last day will be Friday, Feb. 27.
She has been the department's main spokesperson during Trump's second term so far, defending Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the administration from the backlash to its immigration enforcement efforts.
The department's handling of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent came under fire after videos from witnesses appeared to contradict the initial statements DHS and McLaughlin put out.
McLaughlin first told news outlets in a statement that was also posted to X: “The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted. Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots.”
Noem made similar comments, claiming Pretti “attacked” officers and referring to the incident as “domestic terrorism."
A DHS spokesperson clarified days later that the initial statement was "based on reports from CBP from a very chaotic scene on the ground. That’s precisely why an investigation is underway and DHS will let the facts lead the investigation.”
Negotiators for U.S. and Iran hold key nuclear talks
Diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran got underway in Geneva today, led by Trump’s envoy and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, for a new round of nuclear talks. Trump is making new threats about what could happen if a deal is not reached. NBC News’ Keir Simmons reports for "TODAY."
Biden pays tribute to Jackson as 'a man of God and of the people'
Former President Joe Biden paid tribute to Jackson as someone who "helped lead our Nation forward through tumult and triumph," emphasizing that Jackson influenced generations and "countless elected leaders."
"Throughout our decades of friendship and partnership, I’ve known Reverend Jackson as history will remember him: a man of God and of the people. Determined and tenacious. Unafraid of the work to redeem the soul of our Nation," Biden wrote in his post.
Biden expressed gratitude for Jackson's "lifetime of dedicated service and inspirational leadership."
"We extend our love to the entire Jackson family, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and all those who counted Reverend Jackson as a mentor, friend, and hero," the former president said, referring to the civil rights and social justice nonprofit organization hat Jackson founded.
Jackson 'was family to the NAACP,' civil rights group's leaders say
Leaders of the NAACP honored Jackson's civil rights legacy, saying in a joint statement that he "was not only a civil rights icon — he was family to the NAACP."
"His work advanced Black America at every turn," the statement said. "He challenged this nation to live up to its highest ideals, and he reminded our movement that hope is both a strategy and a responsibility. His historic run for president inspired millions and brought race to the forefront of American politics."
The statement, released by the NAACP's board chair, Leon W. Russell, Vice Chair Karen Boykin Towns and President Derrick Johnson, said: "We honor his legacy by continuing the work he championed: protecting the right to vote, expanding economic opportunity, and fighting for the freedom and dignity of Black people everywhere."
Noem’s use of Coast Guard resources strains her relationship with the military branch, sources say
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s relationship with Coast Guard officials has become strained throughout her first year leading the department, according to two U.S. officials, a Coast Guard official and a former Coast Guard official.
The tensions between Noem and the only branch of the U.S. military overseen by DHS stem from some early decisions she made that rankled Coast Guard officials, including a verbal directive to shift Coast Guard resources from a search-and-rescue mission to find a missing service member, the sources said.
Noem’s leadership at DHS has created a specific split in the Coast Guard. Many rank-and-file members are motivated by her approach, in which she showcases their work by joining them on operations and visiting their ships. Some more senior officials, however, see that approach as taking away from the Coast Guard’s traditional missions.
Trade ambassador says administration will ‘re-create’ tariff policy if Supreme Court rules against Trump
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said today on CNBC that the Trump administration is bracing for the Supreme Court’s looming ruling on the president’s sweeping tariffs and has a contingency plan ready if the justices strike them down.
“So we’ll just see when it comes, when, if and when it comes, and we win, then we’ll just carry on our successful tariff and trade policy program," Greer said. "If it goes the other way, then we’ll try to re-create that in the best way possible, so we can have continuity in what the president’s doing.”
Greer noted that Friday is the court’s next designated date to hand down opinions.
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose global tariffs in November, and both liberal and conservative justices appeared skeptical of the administration’s position.
Chief Justice John Roberts noted that taxing Americans has always “been the core power of Congress,” while Justice Neil Gorsuch, another conservative, questioned whether there would be any limit to Congress “just abdicating all responsibility to regulate foreign commerce, or for that matter, declare war” if the court were to rule for Trump.
Trump says he'll decide on Taiwan arms sales 'soon,' as China trip looms
Trump said his administration would decide “pretty soon” on arms sales to Taiwan in what has become a key issue of contention with Beijing ahead of Trump’s anticipated visit to China.
In December, the U.S. announced an $11 billion arms sale to the Beijing-claimed island that is believed to be the largest ever. China opposes such sales, and President Xi Jinping warned Trump in a call earlier this month to handle them with “prudence.”
“I’m talking to him about it,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One. “We had a good conversation, and we’ll make a determination pretty soon,” he said, adding that he and Xi have a “good relationship” and he plans to travel to China in April.
The U.S. has no formal relations with Taiwan, which rejects China’s sovereignty claims, but is legally bound to provide the self-governing democracy with defensive weapons. The Trump administration has been pressuring Taiwan to spend more on its own defense, but President Lai Ching-te’s $40 billion special defense budget faces resistance from the opposition-controlled legislature.
Trump calls Jesse Jackson 'a good man,' praises his 'grit' and 'street smarts'
Trump said in a post on Truth Social that Jesse Jackson "was a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and 'street smarts.'"
"Despite the fact that I am falsely and consistently called a Racist by the Scoundrels and Lunatics on the Radical Left, Democrats ALL, it was always my pleasure to help Jesse along the way," he said in the post.
Trump pointed to his record on issues Jackson pushed for, including criminal justice legislation, funding for historically Black colleges and universities, and the creation of opportunity zones to provide incentives for investment in low-income areas.
Jackson was critical of Trump's presidency after he was elected to his first term, saying that "fifty years of civil rights have been threatened."
Trump also said in the post that Jackson "had much to do with the Election, without acknowledgment or credit, of Barack Hussein Obama, a man who Jesse could not stand." The comment appeared to be a reference to sometimes strained relations between the two men after Jackson accused Obama of sometimes seeming to be "talking down to Black people" during his candidacy in 2008.
"He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences," Trump said in the post. "Jesse will be missed!"
Trump talks endorsements for Marjorie Taylor Greene's seat, although he already announced one
In remarks to reporters last night, Trump referred to the need to make an endorsement of a candidate to fill Republican former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's seat in Georgia, although he did in fact endorse someone earlier this month.
"We have a lot of people that want to take Marjorie 'traitor' Greene's place, and many, many candidates, and I have to choose one, and they say whoever I endorse is going to win, but we have a lot of good candidates who want to take her place," Trump told reporters on Air Force One.
Earlier this month, Trump said he was endorsing Clay Fuller to fill Greene's seat. Trump reposted his endorsement of Fuller this morning.
Reached for comment on whether Trump stood by his endorsement in light of last night's comments, a White House official pointed to Trump's reposted endorsement.
Trump says he hasn't decided whom to endorse for Senate in Texas
Trump told reporters on Air Force One last night that he has yet to make a decision over whom to endorse in the GOP primary race for Senate in Texas.
"I just haven’t made a decision of that race yet," he said, responding to a question about potential endorsements. "It’s got a ways to go."
Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn is facing competitive primary challenges from state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. Trump told reporters that he liked all three candidates.
"I like all three," he said. "Those are the toughest races. They’ve all supported me. They’re all good, and you're supposed to pick one, so we’ll see what happens. But I support all three."
Al Sharpton pays tribute to Jesse Jackson
In an interview on MS Now, Al Sharpton said Jesse Jackson's goals went far beyond politics.
"He basically was not a politician," Sharpton said. "He was one that saw politics as a means, not an end, and he saw himself fighting in the social policy arena."
"He had accumulated such influence that he used it to help what he wanted to see done in terms of social policy," Sharpton said, responding to a question about why Jackson did not run for president again after 1988.
Jackson ran for president in 1984 and 1988 and was a high-profile civil rights activist for decades, dating back to the 1960s, and had marched with Martin Luther King Jr.
Sharpton said that Jackson helped change both American politics and civil rights, saying, "He kept Dr. King's dream going, and we have to keep his going."
Jackson demonstrated alongside King and participated in marches and sit-ins. In the MS Now interview, Sharpton also credited Jackson with teaching him about activism, calling him “the most definitive teacher in my life.”
Iran’s supreme leader warns Trump warships can be sunk as nuclear talks begin in Geneva
The U.S. and Iran held indirect talks in Geneva today aimed at resolving their long-running nuclear dispute, with little clear indication of compromise as Washington masses a battle force in the region.
Trump said he would be involved “indirectly“ in the Geneva talks and that he believed Tehran wanted to make a deal.
“I don’t think they want the consequences of not making a deal,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One yesterday. “We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s.”
New peace talks between Russia and Ukraine focus on land
Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia gathered in Geneva today for two days of U.S.-mediated peace talks that will focus on the main sticking point of land, with Trump pressing Kyiv to act fast to reach a deal.
Trump is pressing Moscow and Kyiv to reach a deal to end Europe’s biggest war since 1945, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has complained that his country is facing the greatest pressure to make concessions.
Ahead of the talks, Russia carried out heavy airstrikes overnight across swaths of Ukraine, inflicting severe damage on the power network in the southern port city of Odesa, which authorities said left tens of thousands without heat and water.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights icon, dies at 84
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the longtime civil rights activist, Baptist minister and two-time presidential candidate, died today, his family said.
“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the Jackson family said in a statement. “We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”
Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton said in a statement that “our nation lost one of its greatest moral voices” and paid tribute to a man who “carried history in his footsteps and hope in his voice.”
“Reverend Jackson stood wherever dignity was under attack, from apartheid abroad to injustice at home. His voice echoed in boardrooms and in jail cells. His presence shifted rooms. His faith never wavered,” Sharpton said.
A cause of death was not immediately given. Jackson’s family said he died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.
