Trump 2nd term updates: Trump attends the Super Bowl

Although Sec. of State Marco Rubio wrote a letter casting the State Department’s absorption of USAID as only a possibility at this point, several sources familiar with the administration’s plans and the inner workings of the State Department tell ABC News that the process is already well underway.

As part of the merger, USAID is expected to undergo drastic cuts to its funding, programs and staffing, according to two officials, who say initial plans call for agency personnel to be reduced by as much as 70%.

Even current and former USAID employees who previously thought folding the agency into the State Department wasn’t the worst idea now say they’re dismayed by how this is being carried out.

"They could have just moved it over, but instead they crashed it and now they’re going to drag over the scraps," a former USAID employee told ABC News. "People are going to die because of how they’re doing this. And that shouldn’t be forgotten."

-ABC News' Shannon Kingston, Katherine Faulders and Will Steakin

After Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a pause in the U.S. tariffs, President Donald Trump released his own statement on Truth Social regarding the decision.

"Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like Fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans, while destroying their families and communities all across our Country," he wrote.

"As President, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of ALL Americans, and I am doing just that," he added. "I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the Tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30 day period to see whether or not a final Economic deal with Canada can be structured. FAIRNESS FOR ALL!"

Read more here.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has announced she intends to support Tulsi Gabbard to be Trump's director of national intelligence.

Collins was considered a key swing vote for Tuesday's vote in the Senate Intelligence Committee on whether to advance Gabbard's nomination.

The panel will vote on Gabbard during a closed-door meeting at 2 p.m. If Gabbard clears the committee, which Collins' support will likely help her to do, her final confirmation vote will occur on the Senate floor likely next week.

Collins said in a statement that Gabbard "addressed" her concerns regarding Gabbard's position on Edward Snowden, a topic that dominated her confirmation hearing last week. She also said Gabbard shares her view for reforming the intelligence agency.

"As one of the principal authors of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 that established this coordinating position, I understand the critical role the DNI plays in the Intelligence Community," Collins said. "The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, however, has become far larger than it was designed to be, and Ms. Gabbard shares my vision of returning the agency to its intended size."

-ABC News' Allison Pecorin

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday that Elon Musk is classified as a "special government employee" but could not say if he passed a background check.

"I can confirm he's a special government employee. I can also confirm that he has abided by all applicable federal laws," Leavitt said. "As for his security clearance, I'm not sure, but I can check back with you."

She also said she did not know if Musk's aides at the Department of Government Efficiency have a security clearance, or if Musk took the oath of office that White House officials such as herself take.

Reporters asked Leavitt if Musk had expertise in global health and humanitarian aid considering DOGE's role in shuttering the doors at USAID.

"Well, first of all, Elon Musk is a once-in-a-generation business leader. He is an entrepreneur. He serves as a great ally and a friend to the president," Leavitt responded. "And I think Elon Musk also has a little bit of common sense, and I think the American people really appreciate that when it comes to the federal government, because it seems like all common sense has been lost in this city, and that's what you see when you look at USAID."

-ABC News' Fritz Farrow