7 Things: Biden’s foreign policy approval rating is low as expected, Ivey touts education accomplishments as setbacks pile up in Alabama Legislature and more …

7. “China Initiative” is ending

• Earlier this week it was announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) would be pulling back some portions of the “China Initiative” that’s received criticism for unfairly targeting some citizens. It’s now been announced that the program will be ended.

• The DOJ will instead create the “Strategy for Countering Nation-State Threats,” with National Security Division Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen saying, “Our goal with this strategy is to take a comprehensive approach that draws on the full extent of our tools and authorities to address the alarming rise in illegal activity from hostile nations. This includes growing threats within the United States and to Americans and U.S. businesses abroad.”

6. Marshall calls for Mayorkas’ resignation

• Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall joined in a letter with 13 other states pushing for U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to resign from his position due to his handling of illegal immigration and the borders.

• Marshall said, “Mayorkas is not only ignoring U.S. border security, he is actively promoting homeland ‘insecurity’ through policies of catch and release of offenders while refusing to deport dangerous criminals, even when required by federal law to do so.”

5. I thought this was where they would get Trump

• In another blow to the media and their Democrats, it looks like the case against former President Donald Trump in New York is falling apart as two “top prosecutors” have resigned. The case that was allegedly being built against the former president by the office appears to be far shakier than suggested by reporting and sources.

• Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg reportedly “indicated to them that he had doubts about moving forward with a case against” Trump and has doubts about the likelihood of success in the case. It may be possible that the walls are not “closing in” and Donald Trump may not be in “jeopardy” after all.

4. The science has changed (the political science, that is)

• New guidance has been released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on when people should get their second shot of the coronavirus vaccine. The CDC now recommends a longer waiting period than initially stated.

• It was previously recommended that people wait three to four weeks to get their second dose, but now the CDC is recommending that men 12-39 and some 12-64 wait about eight weeks before getting their second dose. The longer waiting period could lower risks of some complications and lengthen immunity.

3. Bathroom bill has advanced, so has a ban on transgender hormone therapy for minors

• The Alabama House of Representatives voted in favor of the bill that would require students in schools to use only bathrooms correlating with their birth gender. The legislation was proposed by State Representative Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle), who has said that the focus of the bill is safety.

• The final vote was 74-24 and will now go to the State Senate for a vote. State Representative Andrew Sorrell (R-Muscle Shoals) said the legislation is “commonsense,” adding, “I understand and appreciate that you’re trying to protect our daughters.” Another bill banning transgender hormone therapy for minors has passed the Alabama State Senate 24-6. Both of these bills seem to be on the path to adoption.

2. Ivey praising Alabama education alterations while Alabama Literacy Act is delayed

• In her bid for reelection, Governor Kay Ivey has released another campaign ad focusing on education in Alabama and recent legislation that’s been passed impacting education systems, specifically banning Critical Race Theory. This is happening on the same week that “Parent’s Choice” was sent to a study committee to die an agonizing, gory and predictable death while the Alabama Literacy Act delay seems all but certain without a word from Ivey on either.

• In the ad, Ivey says, “[T]he left teaches kids to hate America – but not here. Biden’s Critical Race Theory is racist, wrong and dead as a doornail. Transgender sports – toast. They can try that in California. America is the greatest country in the world. Joe Biden may not get that, but here in Alabama, we always will.”

1. War is on, Biden’s approval on foreign affairs is falling

• President Joe Biden received lower marks for his handling of foreign affairs and his job approval rating overall. According to a recent Gallup poll, Biden’s overall approval rating is at only 41%.

• The poll also showed that the approval of his handling of foreign affairs is at only 40%. There are only 36% of people who approve of Biden’s handling of Russia, and 62% of people disapprove of how he’s handled the economy. However, this poll was taken February 1-17, which was several days before it was declared that Russia had officially invaded Ukraine.