Trump 2nd term updates: Trump says USAID is run by 'radical lunatics'

The comments came amid turmoil as DOGE took over USAID offices last week.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, Emily Chang, Andrea Pineda-Salgado, Meredith Deliso, and Julia Reinstein
Last Updated: February 2, 2025, 11:11 PM EST

President Donald Trump made good on his threats to impose tariffs on some of the U.S.'s trading partners, announcing Saturday that he will levy 25% tariffs on some goods from Canada and Mexico and 10% on Chinese goods.

Experts have warned that tariffs of this magnitude will likely increase prices paid by U.S. and Trump appeared to acknowledge that “some pain” might be possible in the U.S.

Meanwhile, the Senate Finance Committee announced it will meet Tuesday, when it is expected to vote on the controversial nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of Health and Human Services.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing:
Jan 25, 2025, 12:14 PM EST

Senate confirms Kristi Noem as secretary of homeland security

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, the firebrand who gained a national spotlight during the coronavirus pandemic, was confirmed by the Senate on Saturday.

The vote was 59-34.

Read more here.

-ABC News' Luke Barr

Jan 25, 2025, 12:14 PM EST

Hegseth sworn in as defense secretary

Pete Hegseth was sworn in to lead the Defense Department at the White House on Saturday morning during a ceremony officiated by Vice President JD Vance, who offered the tie-breaking vote on Friday evening to seal his nomination.

Vance offered words of appreciation for the president and Senate before acknowledging the close vote.

PHOTO: Vice President JD Vance, from left, swears in Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense as his wife Jennifer Rauchet, right, holds the Bible in Washington, D.C., Jan. 25, 2025.
Vice President JD Vance, from left, swears in Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense as his wife Jennifer Rauchet, right, holds the Bible in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington, D.C., Jan. 25, 2025.
Rod Lamkey/AP

Hegseth was joined by his wife and kids as he put his hand on the Bible taking the oath of office. He then praised to God and thanked his wife.

-ABC News' Kelsey Walsh

Jan 25, 2025, 11:43 AM EST

Grassley says Congress was not given 30 days notice for IG firings

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa said in a statement Saturday that Congress was not given the mandatory 30-day notice over the termination of over a dozen independent inspectors generals.

Sen. Chuck Grassley speaks at the Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing for Scott Bessent, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Secretary of the Treasury, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 16, 2025.
Ben Curtis/AP

"There may be good reason the IGs were fired. We need to know that if so. I’d like further explanation from President Trump," the senator said in a statement.

-ABC News' Allison Pecorin

Jan 25, 2025, 11:47 AM EST

Schumer rips into Trump admin over IG firings

In floor remarks Saturday morning, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer ripped into the Trump administration for dismissing 17 independent inspectors general.

"It's a preview of the lawless approach that Donald Trump and his administration are taking far too often as he is becoming president," Schumer said.

The senator noted that the dismissals are a possible violation of federal law requiring Congress be given 30-day notice of such a firing.

Schumer said Trump could "well regret" his action.

-ABC News' Allison Pecorin

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