Trump Signs Bill to Enforce Release of the Epstein Files
On Wednesday, Nov. 19, President Trump signed a bill that forces the Justice Department to release more files regarding the Epstein case. Trump had the authority to release the files himself without Congress’s approval but chose not to.
The Justice Department now has 30 days to release them. The victims’ identities will be kept hidden; however, officials cannot hide information that mentions them just because it may harm their reputation. The department had already stated earlier this year that it released as much information as it legally could, given that much of the information was protected by court orders.
The public will officially have access to the files within the next 30 days. There are no more legal steps for the release to go through.
White House Hosts Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was suspected of approving the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. The CIA conducted an interview with him in the Oval Office of the White House. President Trump proceeded to say that he believed that the prince was not involved with the killing. In Spite of that claim, the CIA still concluded that the prince was guilty.
After that, Trump and the prince still created a deal between the US and Saudi Arabia that would bring billions in investment to the US in exchange for access to military and technology assets for Saudi Arabia. They believe the investment will grow to be worth one trillion dollars.
Lastly, they touched on the subject of the Abraham Accords. The prince said that Saudi Arabia has not decided whether to join in, but that he thinks regional cooperation is possible. He also said any agreement must include a clear plan for a two-state solution for Palestinians and Israelis, which he discussed with President Trump. Their conversations will continue, and Salman is set to attend a dinner at the White House in the near future.
Student Loan Changes Lead to Changes in What is Considered a Professional Degree
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, federal discussion over new student loan regulations brought concern about what is classified as a professional degree. The Department of Education noted that nursing was never part of the original definition, and due to that, it is not classified as a professional degree. Along with nursing are public health, social work, physical therapy, and physician assistant programs.
Under the administration’s proposed loan changes, professional degrees are allowed to loan $50,000 per year, while non-professional degrees will be limited to $20,500 annually. Nursing organizations, in particular, have expressed concern that students will be affected by how they are able to finance their programs.
The loan adjustment is set to take effect on July 1, 2026. Until then, federal officials and advocacy groups will continue to discuss whether the definition should be expanded to include more graduate programs.
