Trump 2nd term updates: Trump says USAID is run by 'radical lunatics'

The comments came amid turmoil as DOGE took over USAID offices last week.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, Emily Chang, Andrea Pineda-Salgado, Meredith Deliso, and Julia Reinstein
Last Updated: February 2, 2025, 11:11 PM EST

President Donald Trump made good on his threats to impose tariffs on some of the U.S.'s trading partners, announcing Saturday that he will levy 25% tariffs on some goods from Canada and Mexico and 10% on Chinese goods.

Experts have warned that tariffs of this magnitude will likely increase prices paid by U.S. and Trump appeared to acknowledge that “some pain” might be possible in the U.S.

Meanwhile, the Senate Finance Committee announced it will meet Tuesday, when it is expected to vote on the controversial nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of Health and Human Services.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing:
Jan 30, 2025, 5:38 PM EST

Trump mulls including oil in tariffs placed on Mexico, Canada

Trump was asked by reporters if oil would be included in his 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico that are set to begin on Saturday.

The president indicated that tariffs on oil are still on the table and said that he would make a determination Thursday night.

“We'll see. It depends on what the price is. If the oil is properly priced, if they treat us properly, which they don't," Trump said.

President Donald Trump listens to a question as he speaks in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Jan. 30, 2025, in Washington.
Alex Brandon/AP

-ABC News' Kelsey Walsh

Jan 30, 2025, 4:27 PM EST

Trump signs aviation-related executive order and memorandum

President Donald Trump signed an executive order appointing the acting commissioner for the FAA in the Oval Office.

President Donald Trump signs an executive order to appoint Chris Rocheleau as the Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration in the Oval Office at the White House, Jan. 30, 2025.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

It came hours after he announced he was immediately appointing Christopher Rocheleau, a 22-year veteran of the agency, in the wake of the deadly plane crash in Washington. "He's a very capable guy," Trump said of Rocheleau as he signed the order.

The president also signed a memorandum directing the transportation secretary to make sure the administration's actively undoing the Biden administration's DEI policies.

-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart

Jan 30, 2025, 4:23 PM EST

Trump asked about DEI attacks in wake of plane crash

President Donald Trump took several questions about the plane crash as he sat in the Oval Office.

"Mr. President, to be clear, are you saying race or gender played a role in this tragedy?" ABC News White House Correspondent Karen Travers asked.

"It may have. I don't know. Incompetence might have played a role. We'll let you know on that," Trump said.

Earlier on Thursday, Trump held a press conference where he -- without evidence -- claimed DEI initiatives were partly to blame for the deadly collision. No determination of fault in the crash has been made, and the National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation.

Trump was also asked if he had plans to visit the crash site.

"You tell me, what's the site? The water ... I don't have a plan to do that, but I will be meeting with some people that were very badly hurt with their family member, obviously, but I'll be meeting with some of the families," he said.

Jan 30, 2025, 3:33 PM EST

Homeland Security's Kristi Noem with Coast Guard after plane crash

After the deadly plane crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was with the Coast Guard being briefed in Anacostia, according to a department spokesperson.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem meets with the Coast Guard and surveys the damage from the water, on Jan. 30, 2025.
DHS

Noem posted photos of her on the scene on X with the caption: "Our Coast Guard saw the collision and immediately responded. Our cutter was the first boat on the scene of the tragic DCA plane crash."

"This morning, I went to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling first thing to see the rescue & recovery operations from the water and offer all resources of the Department of Homeland Security to help support multiple agencies & first responders," she wrote. "Please pray for the families of all the victims and the safety of all those involved."

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem meets with the Coast Guard and other officials, on Jan. 30, 2025.
DHS

This crash is one of the first major disasters that Trump’s administration is facing. It’s Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s first week in their roles, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s first full on the job was on Thursday.

-ABC News' Selina Wang and Luke Barr

Sponsored Content by Taboola