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 28, 2025, 12:44 PM EST

Trump says he's not aligned with Putin: 'I'm aligned with the world'

Trump said he is not "aligned" with Russia's Putin after boxing Ukraine and Europe out of peace negotiations, arguing he needs to keep all options open to secure an agreement. Trump contended: "I'm not aligned with anybody. I'm aligned with the United States of America and for the good of the world."

But he then pointedly suggested Zelenskyy was not helping. "You see, the hatred he's got for Putin. It's very tough for me to make a deal with that kind of hate," Trump said with the Ukrainian leader next to him.

President Donald Trump listens as he meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, Feb. 28, 2025.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Feb 28, 2025, 12:38 PM EST

Trump, Vance argue with Zelenskyy as tensions break into open

A photo spray with Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Zelenskyy got heated as the leaders took questions from the press during a photo op at the White House.

The vice president and Zelenskyy got into a back and forth when asked about Putin's role in the negotiations, according to pool reports.

President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in Washington, D.C., Feb. 28, 2025.
Brian Snyder/Reuters

Trump stepped in and also pushed back against the Ukrainian president.

Feb 28, 2025, 11:48 AM EST

Trump, Zelenskyy sit side by side in Oval Office

The two leaders are seated next to each other as they hold a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office. They are surrounded by officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in Washington, D.C., Feb. 28, 2025.
Brian Snyder/Reuters

Feb 28, 2025, 11:24 AM EST

Trump and Zelenskyy shake hands as Ukrainian leader arrives at White House

Trump and Zelenskyy shook hands as the Ukrainian leader arrived at the White House. The exchange comes after Trump called Zelenskyy a "dictator" and repeatedly criticized his leadership.

President Donald Trump welcomes Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in Washington, Feb. 28, 2025.
Ben Curtis/AP

"He's all dressed up today," Trump said as Zelenskyy arrived wearing a black sweatshirt with the Ukrainian trident on the chest.

President Donald Trump welcomes Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in Washington, Feb. 28, 2025.
Ben Curtis/AP

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