This weekend is shaping up to be one of the strangest moments of Donald Trump’s second term. What began with him receiving a questionable “peace prize” from his close ally at FIFA will end with him personally awarding medals to Kiss, Sylvester Stallone, and even Frank Spencer. If that already sounds surreal, the details make it even more so.
1. Trump Moves to End Hepatitis B Vaccine for Newborns
Trump took to Truth Social to celebrate the CDC’s decision—under his influence—to drop the recommendation for newborns to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. He argued that most infants face “NO RISK” of the disease because it is mainly transmitted sexually or through needles.
While partially true, the argument ignores a critical fact: babies are at high risk if their mothers carry Hepatitis B, a condition many adults do not know they have. Without the birth-dose vaccine, transmission during childbirth can reach up to 80%. Infants who contract the virus face lifelong risks, including liver failure and cancer.
Trump also echoed misinformation from his vaccine-skeptic Health Secretary, RFK Jr., claiming children are forced to take “72 jabs.” In reality, those doses are spread from birth to age 18, and many are combined vaccines. Babies under two receive about 28 doses, including annual flu shots.
Strangely, Trump has also suggested splitting the MMR vaccine into separate shots—an option the U.S. barely offers—meaning more injections, not fewer.
2. FIFA Throws Trump a Lavish, Over-the-Top Celebration
After awarding him a made-for-TV “peace prize,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino went even further to flatter Trump at the World Cup draw. Following opera star Andrea Bocelli’s performance, the event capped off with a surprise performance of “YMCA” by the Village People—Trump’s longtime favorite.
The entire scene resembled a child’s extravagant birthday party more than a global sports gathering. Critics were quick to note the irony: FIFA once banned political symbols like poppies and rainbow armbands, yet now rolled out the red carpet for Trump.
3. Judge Orders Release of Epstein Grand Jury Transcripts
In a significant development, a federal judge has ordered the release of grand jury transcripts related to the cases of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The decision follows recent legislation requiring transparency, overriding longstanding rules that normally keep grand jury proceedings sealed.
4. Trump Replaces MLK Day Free Park Entry With His Own Birthday
National Parks traditionally offer free entry on major American holidays—including Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth. But those days have now been removed from the free-entry list under Trump’s administration.
In their place? June 14th—Trump’s birthday.
Also scrapped were National Public Lands Day and the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, raising concerns about partisan manipulation of national observances.
5. ICE Conducts Raids Targeting Somali Community After Trump’s Rhetoric
ICE confirmed the arrest of 12 individuals in Minneapolis, including five originally from Somalia, following Trump’s highly criticized attacks on Somali-Americans. Although approximately 95% of Somali residents in Minnesota are U.S. citizens, the raids intensified fears within the community.
ICE said eight of those arrested faced charges such as assault, fraud, domestic violence, or DUI.
6. Trump Prepares to Honor Frank Spencer and Hollywood Favorites
The Kennedy Center Honors—normally a prestigious, carefully curated cultural event—has undergone radical change under Trump. After replacing the board and reshaping the center’s programming, Trump personally selected this year’s honorees, claiming he was “97%” responsible for the choices.
This year’s lineup includes:
Sylvester Stallone
Kiss
George Strait
Gloria Gaynor
Michael Crawford, best known as Frank Spencer and the original Phantom of the Opera
The iconic rainbow ribbon medal has been replaced with a flashy gold version crafted by Tiffany & Co. And for the first time, the sitting President himself will personally preside over the ceremony—both tonight in the Oval Office and at the main event tomorrow.