President Donald Trump's administration is continuing its radical effort to cut much of the federal government and crackdown on immigration -- and is being met with dozens of legal challenges.
On the foreign policy front, Trump's press secretary said the White House believes it can reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine this week even as Trump attacks Ukraine's president and blames it for starting the war, which even some in his own party are calling him out over.
Meanwhile, heads of federal government agencies were telling employees not to reply to an email from Elon Musk, Trump's ally who he picked to cut government waste, which asked for them to list their accomplishments for the week or face termination.
Tiger Woods joins Trump at White House Black History Month event
President Trump hosted a reception at the White House on Thursday to mark Black History Month.
When he walked on stage, he was joined by Tiger Woods, who Trump called "one of the greatest golfers in the world."
President Donald Trump speaks next to Tiger Woods during a reception for Black History Month in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 20, 2025.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Woods was wearing the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to him by Trump in 2019. The medal is the highest honor the president can bestow on a civilian.
President Donald Trump speaks alongside Tiger Woods, during a reception for Black History Month in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 20, 2025.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Feb 20, 2025, 4:24 PM EST
Trump administration moves up TPS expiration date for Haitian migrants
The Trump administration has moved up the expiration date for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and the program is now set to expire in August 2025, according to a memo obtained by ABC News. The program, which allows Haitians to temporarily live in the United States due to credible fear in their home country was set to expire in February 2026 after former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas extended the designation in 2024.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will have to decide whether she will extend the program by June 4, or let it expire and subject over 500,000 Haitians in the United States to possible deportation in August.
The status of Haitian migrants became a flashpoint during the 2024 campaign, after Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump spread false rumors that migrants were stealing and eating people's pets in Springfield, Ohio.
Haitians have had TPS protections for over 15 years, according to the DHS memo.
-ABC News' Luke Barr
Feb 20, 2025, 3:26 PM EST
Attorney General Pam Bondi fires chief counsel of ATF, who was escorted out of office
The chief counsel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was fired and escorted out of her office, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.
Pamela Hicks posted about her termination notice from Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday afternoon, though she did not disclose any reasoning behind the decision.
Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks as she announces an immigration enforcement action during her first press conference at the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., Feb. 12, 2025.
Craig Hudson/Reuters, FILE
"Earlier today, I was served official notice from the Attorney General of the United States that I was being removed from my position as the Chief Counsel of ATF and my employment with the Department of Justice terminated," Hicks said in a post on her official LinkedIn account. "I have had the privilege of serving in the federal civil service for almost 28 years, including 23 as an attorney for the Department of Justice. Serving as ATF Chief Counsel has been the highest honor of my career and working with the people at ATF and throughout the Department has been a pleasure. I thank my colleagues for their friendship and partnership over the years."
Hicks is just the latest among dozens of longtime career officials ousted by senior leadership of Trump's Justice Department. A DOJ spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reasoning for Hicks' termination.
-ABC News' Alexander Mallin and Luke Barr
Feb 20, 2025, 2:37 PM EST
Airbus could prioritize non-US customers if impacted by tariffs
The CEO of Airbus told CNBC that the company could prioritize deliveries to non-U.S. customers if they are impacted by President Donald Trump's tariffs.
“We have a large demand from the rest of the world, so [if] we face very significant difficulties to deliver to the U.S., we can also adapt by bringing forward deliveries to other customers which are very eager to get planes,” Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said.
“Like others in the industry, we continue to evaluate the potential impact of trade policy changes on our operations and suppliers to assess potential scenarios and mitigation strategies,” Airbus told ABC in a statement. “We look forward to continued engagement with the U.S. administration and policymakers to support a strong and competitive industry.”
