Trump meets with congressional Republicans as GOP lawmakers argue over tax and spending cuts

• February 6, 2025

By LISA MASCARO, KEVIN FREKING and DARLENE SUPERVILLE, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is meeting privately with congressional Republicans at the White House on Thursday as his allies on Capitol Hill are arguing with themselves over the size, scope and details of his “big, beautiful bill” to cut taxes, regulations and government spending.

The House and Senate GOP leaders are looking to Trump for direction on how to proceed, but so far the president has been noncommittal about the details — only pushing Congress for results.

The standoff is creating frustration for Republicans as precious time is slipping and they fail to make progress on what has been their top priority with their party in control in Washington. At the same time, congressional phone lines are being swamped with callers protesting Trump’s cost-cutting efforts led by billionaire Elon Musk against federal programs, services and operations.

Speaker Mike Johnson, despite the slimmest of majorities, has insisted Republicans will stay unified and on track to deliver on his goal of House passage of the legislation by April.

But as Johnson’s timeline slips — the House was hoping to start budget hearings this week — the Senate is making moves to take charge.

Republicans led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota have proposed a two-step approach, starting with a smaller bill that would include money for Trump’s U.S.-Mexico border wall and deportation plans, among other priorities. They later would pursue the more robust package of tax break extensions before a year-end deadline.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, announced late Wednesday that he was pushing ahead next week with hearings to kickstart the process.

Graham’s first bill would total some $300 billion and include border money and a boost in defense spending, largely paid for with a rollback of Biden-era green energy programs. Graham, R-S.C., said that would give the Trump administration the money it needs to “finish the wall, hire ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents to deport criminal illegal immigrants, and create more detention beds so that we do not release more dangerous people into the country.”

“This will be the most transformational border security bill in the history of our country,” Graham said.

That’s a long way from the more $3 trillion in tax cuts and more than than $2 trillion in spending reductions that hard-line conservatives are demanding.

House Republicans are deeply split over Graham’s approach. But they are also at odds over their own ideas.

House GOP leaders are proposing some $1 trillion in savings over the decade, lawmakers said, but members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus want at least double that amount.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said of achieving only $100 billion a year in savings, at a time of $7 trillion in annual spending: “That’s insane.”

Roy and other members of the Freedom Caucus are interested in Graham’s approach, which is seen as a down payment on Trump’s immigration and deportation plans, while the party continues work on the broader tax and spending cuts package.

But Texas Rep. Jodey Arrington, the House Budget Committee chairman, said the $2.5 trillion in spending reductions was a “stretch goal.”

Johnson, R-La., needs almost complete unanimity from his ranks to pass any bill over objections from Democrats. In the Senate, Republicans have a 53-47 majority, with little room for dissent.

Trump has repeatedly said he is less wed to the process used in Congress than the outcome of achieving his policy goals.

​ Orange County Register 

Costa Mesa looking at how model trains, gliders might fit into new Fairview Park plan

• February 6, 2025

Costa Mesa is looking to update Fairview Park’s master plan for the first time in more than 25 years, aiming to balance the needs of protecting endangered wildlife while also maintaining cherished park amenities.

City officials want an updated master plan to help define the future of the park and better manage its diverse features.

The 208-acre Fairview Park on the city’s western edge is home to several habitat ecosystems with rare and endangered plants and animals, as well as two Native American historic sites with archeological remnants from the indigenous communities. It is also home to an airfield for remote-controlled model gliders and a model train.

The park has seen efforts in recent years to restore several vernal pools, where areas of land become covered with water during the rainy season and to document all the hundreds of animal species that make Fairview Park their home for parts of the year. Fairview Park is now the only place where vernal pools are in the county.

City staff and consultants presented the first half of the park’s master plan update on Jan. 28, discussing both the park’s sensitive habitat and activities enjoyed by residents. A second presentation is planned for this spring.

The presentation revived discussions about how and if the park and its beloved activities like the remote-controlled gliders flown by the Harbor Soaring Society and the model train rides offered by the Orange County Model Engineers can coexist with efforts to restore the habitat and protect endangered species.

The vernal pools in Fairview Park are habitat for San Diego and Riverside fairy shrimp species, which have been recognized as federally endangered species since the 1990s. Other rare and endangered species at the park include the burrowing owl, Crotch’s bumble bee, the San Diego button celery and Orcutt’s grass.

There are vernal pools near where the gliders fly and the model train tracks. City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison suggested city staff will need to explore moving these activities, but will need to understand what options are available and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

“I don’t want us to miss that there are protected and endangered species that may be in locations where we have current human activity, and those just may not be compatible,” she said. “That’s just a reality.”

The city purchased the 208-acre park in 1986 from the county. Gliders began flying regularly at the park in the mid-1960s and the model trains began rolling in 1985.

Josh Guesman, president of the Orange County Model Engineers, which has more than 300 members, said the model train organization group wants to be a good partner with the city to work to keep the trains at the parks and update the master plan. He described the area as where “the wild of California meets the city.”

“OCME has been cooperating with the city for 40 years … and throughout that time we have watched the magic of nature return,” Guesman said.

City staff will present the draft master plan in the spring. Councilmember Loren Gameros said he wants everyone to work together to come up with solutions.

“Figure out a way that we can have a flying field, we can have the OCME, and we can create an environment that everyone is willing to uphold, where the vernal pools can coexist,” he said. “I just don’t see why this cannot happen.”

Councilmember Manuel Chavez said he was optimistic the city and groups can work together to find a solution and define the future of Fairview Park.

“I think the whole council wants everyone to stay in the park,” Chavez said. “It might be tweaking how we stay, it might not … We can solve this problem.”

​ Orange County Register 

Valentine’s Day 2025: Where to find romantic meals and decadent desserts

• February 6, 2025

Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year, but several restaurant chains are stretching their promotions to a week or more.

Steak, lobster, heart-shaped pizzas and desserts with chocolate, strawberries and raspberries are on the menu.

Here is a sampling of what full-service and quick service chains have announced this year on their websites, in news releases or social media posts. Prices may vary by location.

Full service

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant and Cantina: A three-court Sweetheart menu for two will be offered Feb. 10-17. Entrées include fajitas, crab and shrimp enchiladas and a Muy Grande platter. acapulcorestaurants.com

BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse: A Sweetheart Pizookie served Feb. 14-16 will feature a cookie topped with vanilla bean ice cream, strawberries and a chocolate topping. The chain’s Lucky Ducky cocktail container will turn into Get Lucky Ducky for the occasion; the beverage is made with several alcoholic beverages, including tequila, rum, vodka and peach schnapps. Also, people who buy $50 e-gift cards through Feb. 14 can get a $10 bonus card.  bjsrestaurants.com

Black Angus Steakhouse: A Campfire Feast Dinner for Two for about $69 includes one starter, two entrées with two sides each and one dessert. There is also a $114 dinner for two with filet mignon and lobster tails. blackangus.com

California Pizza Kitchen: A Sweet Deal for Two includes one starter, two entrées and one dessert starting at $55. It’s available Feb. 10-17. Customers who purchase it can get a card with additional offers good Feb. 17-March 2. cpk.com

Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar: Surf & Turf for Two will be available Feb. 7-16. claimjumper.com

Descanso Restaurant: There will be prix fixe menus Feb. 13-14 as well as Valentine’s brunch Feb. 15-16. descansorestaurant.com

El Torito: A three-court Sweetheart menu for two will be offered Feb. 10-17. Entrées include fajitas, Shrimp Mazatlán Enchiladas and a Macho Combo. eltorito.com

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: Valentine’s menu will be available Feb. 13-17, including Surf & Turf for Two. flemingssteakhouse.com

Lazy Dog Restaurants: Customers who make online reservations Feb. 10-16 can receive a $10  promo card for use between Feb. 17 and March 16. The chain will be serving a limited-time Huckleberry Spritz during Valentine’s week. lazydogrestaurants.com

Maggiano’s Little Italy:  A “That’s Amore” meal for two will be available Feb. 8-18 with entrees that include beef, chicken, salmon and pasta. maggianos.com

Mountain Mike’s Pizza: New this year is a Sweetheart Cherry Pie Dessert Pizza, which will cost $5.99 with any pizza purchase except mini pizzas. Heart-shaped pizzas are available through Feb. 28. mountainmikespizza.com

Polly’s Pies: Heart-shaped apple, cherry or boysenberry hand pies will be available throughout February at $7.99. pollyspies.com

Round Table Pizza: Guests can get 14% off large or extra large pizzas Feb. 14-17. Use the code RTP125. roundtablepizza.com

Tender Greens: Customers can get a free Flourless Chocolate Lava Cake with any entrée purchase on Feb. 14. tendergreens.com

Water Grill: The chain will be serving four-course prix fixe menus with entrees such as Chilean sea bass and surf & turf. Check your local restaurant for details. watergrill.com

Quick service and sweets

Baskin-Robbins: The flavor of the month is Love Potion No. 31, white chocolate and raspberry with raspberry swirls, chocolate chips and raspberry-filled chocolate-flavored hearts. baskinrobbins.com

Chick-fil-A: Heart-shaped trays for such items as Chick-n-Minis, cookies and brownies will be available through Feb. 22. chick-fil-a.com

Cold Stone Creamery: The featured flavor is Fudge Truffle Ice Cream, available in a heart-shaped red velvet cake. coldstonecreamery.com

Del Taco: Rewards members can get buy-one-get-one shakes Feb. 14-16.

Duck Donuts: The Love Dozen, featuring a variety of pink, red and chocolate toppings, will be available through Feb. 16. The chain is also offering doughnuts and milkshakes with Reese’s Pieces through April 6. duckdonuts.com

Dunkin’: The heart-shaped Cupid’s Choice Specialty Donut, filled with Bavarian cream, is back through Feb. 18. dunkindonuts.com

Dutch Bros: Look for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mocha and Strawberries & Cream Rebel, made with the chain’s energy drink. Both feature a creamy top and valentine-shaped candies. dutchbros.com

Krispy Kreme: The “Hearts in Bloom” collection features heart-shaped doughnuts decorated with candy flowers. krispykreme.com

Miguel’s Jr.: The Corona-based chain will be serving nachos in heart-shaped trays on Valentine’s Day only. www.miguelsjr.com

​ Orange County Register 

13 memorable Super Bowl halftime show musical moments

• February 6, 2025

As Kendrick Lamar gets set to take the stage at halftime of Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Feb. 9, we’re confident he’ll put on a great show.

For one thing, he’s been there before, performing as part of a hip-hop super-group with Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige at Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, just up the street from his hometown of Compton.

He’s also the first solo Super Bowl headliner to also have won the Pulitzer Prize for music, which he did in 2018 for the album “Damn,” which has to count for something, right?

So before Lamar shows us what he’s got at halftime in New Orleans, we decided to look back at the history of Super Bowl halftime shows, and highlight its most memorable moments. Beginning with …

Purple rain on ‘Purple Rain’: Let’s just get this out of the way right now: Prince’s performance at Super Bowl XLI in Miami in 2007 is the best single performance in Super Bowl history. From opening with Queen’s “We Will Rock You” to closing with “Purple Rain” as the skies opened up to rain through the purple lights on “Purple Rain,” his set was magic.

A rare playoff appearance for Jets: Ever wonder why so many people expected flying cars and jetpacks were the future? For flying cars you can blame “The Jetsons.” For jetpacks, blame Super Bowl 1, the halftime of which featured two dudes in bulky jetpacks flying briefly over the field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Down with Up With People: We said these were memorable moments, but we didn’t say they were all good memories. No one should be as constantly cheerful as the song-and-dance troupe Up With People was during its four – four! – Super Bowl halftime show performances between 1971 to 1986.

Startin’ something? Michael Jackson’s performance at Super Bowl XXVII at the Rose Bowl in 1993 marks the start of the modern era of pop music halftime headliners. Sure, Gloria Estefan and New Kids on the Block were part of the previous two halftime shows, but they had to share the stage with Olympic skaters and 2,000 kids doing one of those old-fashioned card tricks.

Hit records? We barely know ’em! George Michael’s “Faith” was the top-selling album of 1988, and Guns N’ Roses’ “Appetite for Destruction” and the soundtrack for “Dirty Dancing” were close behind. But the Super Bowl halftime producers must have been listening to Art Laboe’s Golden Oldies because they booked Elvis Presto, an Elvis-impersonating magician, and a song-and-dance troupe for a ’50s rock ‘n’ roll medley.

Love Hirt’s (Trumpet): This year is the 11th time the Super Bowl has been held in New Orleans, and five of those halftime shows included New Orleans jazz trumpeter Al Hirt or New Orleans jazz clarinetist Pete Fountain, both of them fine players, both of them White. We’ll be surprised if Lamar doesn’t include some traditional New Orleans jazz elements while also celebrating the city’s Black musical history.

Beyoncé Shuts It Down: The last time the Super Bowl was in New Orleans its halftime headliner was Beyoncé, whose thrilling performance included a surprise reunion of Destiny’s Child, the trio with which she began her ascent to global stardom. How powerful was her show? A blackout in the stadium after halftime delayed the game 34 minutes which we are almost certain is the only reason the San Francisco 49ers did not beat the Baltimore Ravens.

Crotch Watch 2009: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band delivered one of the best halftime show performances at Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa in 2009. The Boss got a little bit over-excited at the end of “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,” though, when he sprinted down a ramp, dropped to his knees, and slid crotch-first in living rooms around the world.

This is an arrival: Admit it, you believed for a moment that Lady Gaga really had dived off the roof of Houston’s NRG Stadium to kick off her performance at Super Bowl LI in 2017. Sure, it was a neat piece of editing, but man, in the moment, it sure looked like she had. Admirably cool, the Gaga is.

And this is how you leave: When the confetti explodes over the football field that’s the end of the show. You don’t really notice how the performers depart. Unless we’re talking about Diana Ross, who flew out of Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona at Super Bowl XXX in 1996 on a helicopter. Divas gonna diva.

Whither goest thou, Left Shark? Is it bad when a costume dancer upstages your halftime show performance? After Katy Perry’s performance at Super Bowl XLIX in 2015 all anyone could talk about was the performer known as Left Shark his wildly noticeable gyrations inside a shark suit as Perry sang.

U2 and us, too: U2, an Irish rock band known for its inspirational songs, was chosen to play the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002 just months after the terror attacks of 9/11. Springsteen would have been good here, too. Though it’s hard to top the emotional wallop of the names of those who died in the attacks scrolled across the video screens as U2 played “MLK.”

Wardrobe Malfunction: Ah, the infamous Nipplegate, there’s no avoiding it, we’re afraid. That moment during Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 when Justin Timberlake grabbed part of Janet Jackson’s top and tore it off, scarring children worldwide who discovered that human anatomy includes nipples. Sure, it was a mistake, but the outrage outstripped the offense. Forgotten in the furor was the fact her performance was fire, as those kids grew up to say.

​ Orange County Register 

What to know about what’s tying up a $4B settlement for Hawaii wildfire victims

• February 6, 2025

By JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii’s Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Thursday over insurance issues that are tying up a potential $4 billion settlement over Maui’s catastrophic 2023 wildfire, the deadliest in the U.S. in more than a century.

The massive inferno decimated the historic town of Lahaina, killing more than 100 people, destroying thousands of properties and causing an estimated $5.5 billion in damage. Soon afterward, attorneys began lodging hundreds of lawsuits.

A settlement was announced last summer, but insurance companies held out, insisting that they should have the right to go after the defendants separately to recoup money paid out to policyholders.

Here are things to know about the settlement and the issues that could thwart the deal:

The settlement won’t be enough

A few days before the one-year anniversary of the Aug. 8, 2023, fire, Gov. Josh Green announced that seven defendants accused of causing the tragedy had agreed to pay $4 billion to resolve claims by thousands of people.

Attorneys representing the individual plaintiffs agreed to the deal amid fears that main defendant Hawaiian Electric, the power company blamed for sparking the blaze, could be on the brink of bankruptcy. Other defendants include the state, Maui County and Kamehameha Schools, the largest private landowner in Hawaii.

Victims’ attorneys acknowledged that $4 billion wasn’t enough to make up for what was lost but said the deal was worth accepting, given Hawaiian Electric’s limited assets.

Legal wrangling threatens the deal

Attorneys for the victims asked Judge Peter Cahill to bar insurance companies from going after the defendants separately to recoup money — a requirement that was key to the settlement. Cahill agreed, saying insurers could seek reimbursement only from the $4 billion pool the defendants have already agreed to pay.

That didn’t sit well with a group of about 200 property and casualty insurers that remain holdouts to the settlement. So far they have paid more than $2.3 billion to people and businesses and expect to pay $1 billion more. They want to be able to pursue their own claims against the defendants.

Cahill has asked the state high court questions about subrogation, or how insurance companies can go about recouping money.

Among the issues before the court is whether state laws controlling health care insurance reimbursement also apply to casualty and property insurance in limiting companies’ ability to pursue independent legal action against those held liable.

It’s not clear when the justices will issue a ruling.

A last-minute deal between victims’ lawyers last week averted a separate trial over how to split the $4 billion between individual plaintiffs and others covered by a class-action lawsuit. Some victims had been ready to take the witness stand, while others submitted pre-recorded testimony describing pain made all the more fresh by the recent destruction in Los Angeles.

What is subrogation?

Common in the insurance industry, subrogation is a legal process that allows an insurance company to pursue a party that caused a covered loss. It’s one way companies recover the amount of claims paid to policyholders.

Insurance companies say subrogation is a way to offset costs associated with a catastrophic event so premiums won’t have to go up. The process isn’t for natural disasters such as hurricanes, but for when there is someone at fault.

Hawaii’s governor has previously denounced subrogation.

When insurance companies collect huge profits and no disasters occur, they don’t send refunds back to policyholders, Green noted in comments quoted in court filings. But when a tragedy does happen, they look to recoup their payments to the victims.

“It’s fundamentally unfair, and they call it subrogation,” he said.

Insurance companies say they have been unfairly villainized

The insurance industry has been unfairly villainized as outsiders taking resources from the community while those responsible for the fires won’t be held accountable, Vincent Raboteau, an attorney representing the insurers, told Cahill during a hearing last year.

Insurance lawyers have said they want to hold the defendants accountable and aren’t trying to get in the way of fire victims getting settlement money.

Origin and cause investigations are “time-intensive and costly,” lawyers said in a court brief of insurers who “assume the burden of these investigations,” and take on the risk of those costs.

Insurers promptly paid claims, which are helping victims rebuild, the brief said: “For many wildfire victims, payment of claims by their insurer provided quick access to desperately needed funds.”

When will victims get paid?

Not for a while.

If the state Supreme Court agrees that an insurance company can sue defendants directly, “that would likely destroy the global settlement agreement,” said Jacob Lowenthal, an attorney representing individual plaintiffs. The plaintiffs would go back to Cahill’s courtroom to figure out trial dates for their lawsuits.

If the justices rule the other way, the settlement could head toward finalization, putting in motion an administrative process for doling out money.

It’s possible that whichever side loses will seek review at the U.S. Supreme Court.

​ Orange County Register 

Anaheim Hills briefs: City offers clubs, activities for its older residents to stay active

• February 6, 2025

All older active adults aged 60 and over are invited to join one of Anaheim’s Senior Citizen Clubs and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and programs.

The Anaheim Senior Citizens’ Club, a nonprofit volunteer organization, provides many recreation and social opportunities coordinated by volunteers and staff members that are hosted at Anaheim’s six community centers, including the East Anaheim Community Center and East Anaheim Gymnasium in Anaheim Hills. Membership is $16 annually and entitles seniors to participate in various activities.

Some of these include lunches, dances, game day such as bridge and canasta, pickleball, table tennis, exercise including Zumba Gold and strengthening, art and educational classes, as well as movie days — all of which are intended to enrich life and foster friendships.

Join other older adults, have fun and make friends. For additional information, contact Christine Hunt at 714-765-3912.

Opportunity to give blood

A blood drive, sponsored by the Deacons at Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church, is scheduled from 1 to 7 on Feb. 17 in the church Fellowship Hall. And the community is encouraged to participate and help save lives.

This event is being held in conjunction with the American Red Cross and is an opportunity to help replenish blood supplies. Those wishing to participate, should visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter CanyonHills to schedule an appointment.

Many people rely on the Red Cross for help every day and all blood donations will make a difference and save lives. Visit canyonhillspc.org for more information.

Celebrate a late Valentine’s Day with the Women’s Club

The Anaheim Hills Women’s Club will host a Valentine’s Day luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course. All women in the community are invited.

Guests have the choice of three entrees to celebrate the special day. Singer Tony O’Dell Rogers entertains with familiar, fun songs. Cost to attend is $38 per person and the reservation deadline is Friday.

If you would like to attend, contact Karon Kelleher at [email protected] or call her landline, 714-912-4907.

Shop popular books for the library

Friends of Canyon Hills Library will host a special Valentine’s Day Flash Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 14 and again on Feb. 15 at the Canyon Hills branch.

Peruse a great selection of books from featured authors Danielle Steel, John Grisham and Janet Evanovich offered at bargain prices. The sale includes puzzles, DVDs and various books.

Proceeds from the sale will enable members of the Friends to provide many programs and services for the community. For additional information call, 714-765-6444.

Libraries have Black History, Ramadan events planned

Several activities and programs are happening at the Canyon Hills and East Anaheim branch libraries. Canyon Hills branch hosts a Black History Month program from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, with a special film screening with Disney/Pixar’s “Soul.” There is no cost to attend.

The East Anaheim branch will host Ring in Ramadan at noon on Feb. 15 with a story time, food and crafts. There is no cost to attend. Come join in the fun.

For additional information, contact the branch at 714-765-3887.

Library partners with Alzheimer’s OC

A “Mind Your Brain: Strategies for Cognitive Strength at Any Age” program is scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m. on Feb. 18.

The Zoom event is sponsored and co-hosted by the Anaheim Public Library and presented by Alzheimer’s Orange County, and will be an opportunity to learn about the six pillars of brain health, age-related changes in memory and steps to prevent risk of cognitive decline.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yktjzjjb or contact Senior Librarian Lucky Duran at [email protected] for additional information.

Option for older adults to skip driving

Anaheim also offers a Senior Wheels Program for active older adults aged 60 and over residing in Anaheim and Anaheim Hills which can be utilized within a 10-mile radius of their home.

The Senior Wheels Program is available for transportation to non-emergency medical appointments, community center social and recreational activities and shopping. Service is offered 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. Vouchers for each round-trip ride are $2, with two vouchers required per trip. Complimentary transportation to city-sponsored congregate meal locations for nutrition is available between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Those interested in taking advantage of the Senior Wheels Transportation Program may purchase vouchers using cash, check or money order at the East Anaheim Community Center, as well as other community center sites in Anaheim.

Seniors can also visit Anaheim.net/olderadults and click on the Senior Wheels Transportation link for an online application. Additional application information for purchasing a voucher or the service is available by calling 714-765-4511.

Assistance League plans its first 2025 gathering

The Assistance League of Anaheim kicks off the new year at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 at the Ebell Club of Anaheim clubhouse on Helena Street in Anaheim. Dinner and program follow at 6 p.m. All women are welcome.

Members will be collecting canned goods and gently used sweaters, jackets and school supplies for the students at Ball Junior High School at the meeting.

Contact Hilary Lacher at [email protected] for more information or reservations. Reservation deadline is Feb. 10.

Sharon Hlapcich writes about events and happenings in the Anaheim Hills area. Reach her by phone (714-998-4604 or e-mail ([email protected]).

​ Orange County Register 

In their own words: What Trump said about Gaza and how top administration officials contradicted him

• February 6, 2025

By WILL WEISSERT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top officials in President Donald Trump’s administration have contradicted some of his recent comments about the United States taking long-term control of Gaza. They also have played down the possibility of sending in U.S. troops and permanently resettling Palestinians amid rebuilding efforts that American interests might lead but U.S. taxpayers would not necessarily pay for.

Trump’s remarks Tuesday night set off alarm in Arab countries and even among some of his Republican allies. The uproar led Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt to try to walk back the comments a day later.

Then Trump took to his social media platform Thursday to insist that the U.S. could take over Gaza without needing to send in troops. He suggested that Gaza’s residents would be resettled elsewhere in the Mideast as American interests “slowly and carefully begin the construction of what would become one of the greatest and most spectacular developments of its kind on Earth.”

Trump hardly seems to be retreating from his original sentiments. In fact, it appears he is attempting to walk back some of his administration’s own walk-back.

“The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting” between Israel and Hamas, Trump posted. He added: “No soldiers by the U.S. would be needed!”

Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada and the European Union.

Here’s a look at what Trump, Rubio and Leavitt said, and the key areas in which they disagree:

On refugee resettlement outside of Gaza

Trump on Tuesday: “I hope we can do something where they wouldn’t want to go back.”

“If we can get a beautiful area to resettle people, permanently, in nice homes where they can be happy and not be shot and not be killed and not be knifed to death like what’s happening in Gaza.”

Rubio on Wednesday: “In the interim, obviously, people are going to have to live somewhere while you’re rebuilding it. It is akin to a natural disaster. What he very generously has offered is the ability of the United States to go in and help with debris removal, help with munitions removal, help with reconstruction — the rebuilding of homes and businesses and things of this nature, so that then people can move back in.”

Leavitt on Wednesday: “The president has made it clear that they need to be temporarily relocated out of Gaza.”

Trump on Thursday: “The Palestinians, people like Chuck Schumer, would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region. They would actually have a chance to be happy, safe, and free.” Schumer is the Senate Democratic leader.

On sending US troops to Gaza

Trump on Tuesday: “We will do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that.”

Rubio on Wednesday: “It was not meant as a hostile move. It was meant as, I think, a very generous move, the offer to rebuild and to be in charge of the rebuilding.”

Leavitt on Wednesday: “The president has not committed to putting boots on the ground in Gaza.”

Trump on Thursday: “The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting.”

“No soldiers by the U.S. would be needed!”

On the US taking long-term control and overseeing reconstruction of Gaza

Trump on Tuesday: “I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East, and maybe the entire Middle East.”

“We’re going to take over that piece and we’re going to develop it, create thousands and thousands of jobs. And it will be something that the entire Middle East can be very proud of.”

“We have an opportunity to do something that could be phenomenal. And I don’t want to be cute. I don’t want to be a wise guy. But the Riviera of the Middle East.”

“This could be so magnificent. But more importantly than that is the people that have been absolutely destroyed that live there now can live in peace in a much better situation because they are living in hell. And those people will now be able to live in peace. We’ll make sure that it’s done world class.”

Rubio on Wednesday: “What President Trump announced yesterday is the offer, the willingness, of the United States to become responsible for the reconstruction of that area.”

Leavitt on Wednesday: “It’s been made very clear to the president that the United States needs to be involved in this rebuilding effort to ensure stability in the region for all people. It does not mean American taxpayers will be funding this effort. It means Donald Trump, who is the best dealmaker on the planet, is going to strike a deal with our partners in the region.”

Trump on Thursday: “The U.S., working with great development teams from all over the World, would slowly and carefully begin the construction of what would become one of the greatest and most spectacular developments of its kind on Earth. No soldiers by the U.S. would be needed! Stability for the region would reign!!!”

​ Orange County Register 

What to know about the court cases over President Trump’s birthright citizenship order

• February 6, 2025

By GENE JOHNSON and MIKE CATALINI, Associated Press

SEATTLE (AP) — A federal judge who already questioned the constitutionality of President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order is set to hear arguments Thursday over a longer-term pause of the directive, which aims to end citizenship for children born to parents not legally in the country.

U.S. District Judge John Coughenour in Seattle has scheduled a hearing involving lawyers from the Trump administration, four states suing to stop the order, and an immigrant rights organization, which is challenging it on behalf of a proposed class of expectant parents.

The latest proceeding comes just a day after a Maryland federal judge issued a nationwide pause in a separate but similar case involving immigrants’ rights groups and pregnant women whose soon-to-born children could be affected.

Here’s a closer look at where things stand on the president’s birthright citizenship order.

Where do things stand on birthright citizenship?

The president’s executive order seeks to end the automatic grant of citizenship to children born on U.S. soil to parents who are in the country illegally or who are here on a temporary, but lawful, basis such as those on student or tourist visas.

For now, though, it’s on hold. Two weeks ago, Coughenour called the order “blatantly unconstitutional” and issued a 14-day temporary restraining order blocking its implementation. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman followed that up with an injunction keeping it on hold long-term, until the merits of the case are resolved, barring a successful appeal by the Trump administration.

Asked by Boardman if the administration would appeal, an attorney for the administration said he didn’t immediately have the authority to make that decision.

What’s happening in the latest case?

On Thursday, the birthright citizenship issue is back before Coughenour, a Ronald Reagan appointee. During a hearing last month, he said the case stood out in his more than four decades as a federal judge. “I can’t remember another case where the question presented was as clear as this one is,” he told a Justice Department attorney.

His temporary order blocking the executive action was set to expire Thursday when he’ll hear arguments over whether he should issue an injunction similar to the one issued by the judge in Maryland.

What about the other cases challenging the president’s order?

In total, 22 states, as well as other organizations, have sued to try to stop the executive action.

The matter before the Seattle judge Thursday involves four states: Arizona, Illinois, Oregon and Washington. It also has been consolidated with a lawsuit brought by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. Eighteen states, led by Iowa, have filed a “friend-of-the-court” brief supporting the Trump administration’s position in the case.

Yet another hearing is set for Friday in a Massachusetts court. That case involves a different group of 18 states challenging the order, including New Jersey, which is the lead plaintiff.

What’s at issue here?

At the heart of the lawsuits is the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1868 after the Civil War and the infamous Dred Scott Supreme Court decision, which held Scott, an enslaved man, wasn’t a citizen despite having lived in a state where slavery was outlawed.

The plaintiffs argue the amendment, which holds that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” are indisputably citizens.

The Trump administration has asserted that children of noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and therefore not entitled to citizenship.

“The Constitution does not harbor a windfall clause granting American citizenship to … the children of those who have circumvented (or outright defied) federal immigration laws,” the government argued in reply to the Maryland plaintiffs’ suit.

Attorneys for the states have argued that it certainly does — and that has been recognized since the amendment’s adoption, notably in an 1898 U.S. Supreme Court decision. That decision, United States v. Wong Kim Ark, held that the only children who did not automatically receive U.S. citizenship upon being born on U.S. soil were children of diplomats, who have allegiance to another government; enemies present in the U.S. during hostile occupation; those born on foreign ships; and those born to members of sovereign Native American tribes.

The U.S. is among about 30 countries where birthright citizenship — the principle of jus soli or “right of the soil” — is applied. Most are in the Americas, and Canada and Mexico are among them.

Catalini is based in Trenton, New Jersey. Associated Press writer Michael Kunzelman contributed from Greenbelt, Maryland.

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