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.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing:
Feb 26, 2025, 12:05 PM EST

Musk claims without any evidence there are dead, fictional people on government payroll

Musk was asked about the his email asking for federal employees to give five things they did last week or risk termination.

The billionaire reiterated his claim that it was done to determine if employees were doing their jobs or if they exist.

"We think there are a number of people who are dead ... and some people who are not real people, like, just like fictional individuals," Musk claimed without any evidence.

Feb 26, 2025, 12:03 PM EST

Musk says this is 'literally the best Cabinet the country has ever had'

After being met with applause for discussing his efforts with DOGE, Musk said that "for the most part, I think everyone's not only happy, but thrilled."

"I don't think that such a talented team has actually ever been assembled. I think it's literally the best Cabinet the country has ever had. And I think the company should be incredibly appreciative of the people in this room," he said.

Feb 26, 2025, 11:57 AM EST

Elon Musk says he's getting death threats

As he addressed DOGE's work, Musk said he's getting a lot of "flak" and "a lot of death threats."

Feb 26, 2025, 11:57 AM EST

Musk stands to speak about DOGE

Elon Musk is now standing up in the corner of the room discuss DOGE, at Trump's request. Musk is wearing a black jacket and black "Make America Great Again" hat.

Musk said DOGE was currently working to fix government computer systems. "We're literally tech support," he joked.

But he said the overall goal was to reduce the deficit and pocket savings.

Related Topics

Sponsored Content by Taboola