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 27, 2025, 6:11 PM EST

NOAA staff hit with layoffs

Employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, from probationary members to seasoned ones, were given layoff notices Thursday.

It is unclear how many NOAA staffers have been fired, however U.S. House Natural Resources Committee ranking member Jared Huffman D-Calif., claimed it is more than 1,000.

"People nationwide depend on NOAA for free, accurate forecasts, severe weather alerts, and emergency information. Purging the government of scientists, experts, and career civil servants and slashing fundamental programs will cost lives," he said in a statement.

-ABC News' Ginger Zee

Feb 27, 2025, 6:07 PM EST

Top administration officials brief conservative influencers at the White House

The White House hosted more than a dozen conservative influencers for policy briefings Thursday with top administration officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and FBI Director Kash Patel, a White House official confirmed to ABC News.

Attendees at the meeting included Rogan O'Handley, Collin Rugg, Isabel Brown and Scott Presler.

People carrying binders with information on the to-be-declassified Epstein Files outside the West Wing Lobby of the White House on Feb. 27, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
Chris Kleponis, Pool via EPA via Shutterstock

Axios first reported on the briefings.

-ABC News' Hannah Demissie

Feb 27, 2025, 4:10 PM EST

Starmer asked if he thinks Putin can be trusted to 'keep his word'

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was asked if he agreed with President Trump's belief that Russia's Vladimir Putin will "keep his word" on a Ukraine deal.

"I think my views on Putin are pretty well rehearsed and pretty well known," Starmer said. "My concern is that if there's a deal, and I hope there is a deal, that it is a lasting deal ... That's why I think it's really important that Putin knows that this deal -- a historic deal which I very much hope comes about -- is there, is there and it's a lasting deal and we're able to deal with any inclination he has to go again or go further."

US President Donald Trump (R) holds a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 27, 2025.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Feb 27, 2025, 4:04 PM EST

'He tried': Trump says he negotiated with Starmer over tariffs

Trump was asked if Starmer persuaded him to not impose tariffs on the U.K. during their talks.

"He tried," Trump joked.

President Donald Trump (R) holds a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 27, 2025.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

The president, however, praised Starmer's discussion and said he was a hard worker.

"I think there is a good chance where we can end up with a real trade deal, where the tariffs aren't necessary," Trump said.

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