Trump 2nd term updates: Trump excludes low-value shipments from looming tariffs

The amendment exempts imports valued at less than $800 from Canada and Mexico.

ByKevin Shalvey, Alexandra Hutzler, Emily Chang, Ivan Pereira, William Mansell, Sarah Beth Hensley, Jon Haworth, and Nadine El-Bawab
Last Updated: March 2, 2025, 11:08 PM EST

President Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape the federal government to his liking suffered a loss in court when a federal judge blocked his administration from firing the head of a federal watchdog agency without cause, likely triggering a lengthy appeal that could end at the Supreme Court.

U.S. District Justice Amy Berman Jackson determined the move was unlawful and issued a permanent injunction that reinstated special counsel Hampton Dellinger to his position.

Meanwhile, the Social Security Administration said it will cut 7,000 jobs and six of its 10 regional centers as part of the president’s downsizing of the federal workforce.

And Trump’s physician announced the president will have his annual physical next month, days after reporters raised questions about a bruise they saw on the back of his hand.

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Feb 25, 2025, 1:52 PM EST

Leavitt says Trump fired Gen. Brown for doing a 'bad job'

When asked about President Donald Trump's decision to replace Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown Jr. as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Friday, Leavitt said the president thinks poorly of the general's performance.

"He thinks he's doing a bad job," Leavitt responded. "And it's time for a shakeup at the Pentagon."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during the daily briefing in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, Feb. 25, 2025.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Trump nominated Gen. Brown during his first term, to which he called him a "great" leader at the time. Pressed about the president's initial praise, Leavitt responded, "I think replacing him speaks for itself."

Feb 25, 2025, 1:43 PM EST

White House asked if Trump is getting involved in budget drama

With the House budget vote now in peril, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked if President Donald Trump is making an effort to whip up votes for Speaker Mike Johnson.

"I'm not aware of any calls that he has made," Leavitt responded.

Leavitt only said Trump "expects Congress to get it done" and is looking at proposals from the House and Senate to advance his agenda.

Feb 25, 2025, 1:41 PM EST

Musk to attend Cabinet meeting Wednesday: Leavitt

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Elon Musk will be meeting with the Cabinet Wednesday with the president.

"This entire administration will be in attendance tomorrow just to talk about DOGEs efforts and, how all of the cabinet secretaries are identifying waste, fraud and abuse at their respective agencies," she said.

Feb 25, 2025, 1:38 PM EST

Leavitt says Musk's email request seeks to 'ensure federal workers are not ripping off' Americans

Speaking about Elon Musk's email request for federal workers to list five things they accomplished last week, press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated her support for what she called a "very simple idea."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during the daily briefing in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, Feb. 25, 2025.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

"Again, this is to ensure that federal workers are not ripping off American taxpayers, that they are showing up to the office and that they are doing their jobs," Leavitt said when asked whether this is an effort to see who is working or if it is an effort to cut jobs.

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