1️⃣ President Donald *Trump has announced the deployment of an extra 1,500 US troops to the Mexican border,* as he stepped up a crackdown against illegal immigration and diversity programs in a whirlwind start to his second term. 🇺🇸 🇲🇽 The 78-year-old Republican -- who has pledged a _"golden age"_ for America -- *halted refugee arrivals and threatened to prosecute local authorities that fail to deport migrants.* As part of his *blizzard of right-wing measures on returning to office,* the billionaire also *ordered that US government employees in diversity programs* -- conceived as ways to combat racism and sexism -- be *put on paid leave immediately.* *Trump also held what was reportedly his first phone call with a foreign leader* since taking office Monday, talking with *Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,* who promised increased trade to the United States, according to the kingdom's foreign ministry.