White House says some employees were fired by mistake

After taking the recent buyout offer, some employees were fired, a source said.

Last Updated: February 16, 2025, 11:07 PM EST

President Donald Trump's administration, including Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, is continuing its sweeping effort to cut much of the federal government -- but it's being met with legal challenges.

Trump is also making his second administration's first forays on the diplomatic front with calls to Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy on ending the 3-year-old war that began in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.

And a day after Hamas released more hostages taken when it attacked Israel in October 2023, Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the militant organization needs to be "eliminated."

Feb 12, 2025, 4:26 PM EST

Putin and Trump may meet in Saudi Arabia

In the Oval Office, Trump told reporters that he and Putin may meet in "probably" Saudi Arabia. Though the date has not been set, Trump said it will happen soon.

President Donald Trump, Feb. 11, 2025 and Russia's President Vladimir Putin, Feb. 6, 2025.
AFP via Getty Images

He added that their conversation was a "good call" that lasted "over an hour."

Trump added he will "think about" going to Ukraine and that his call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was "very good."

Feb 12, 2025, 4:09 PM EST

US embassies instructed to prepare for staff reductions: Sources

The State Department has begun instructing U.S. embassies to start planning for staff reductions, sources told ABC News.

Embassies will be required to cut U.S. staff and local staff, according to the sources. Senior embassy officials have also been asked to provide comprehensive lists of all employees and their employment status as part of the process, including tenured, untenured and temporary duty assignments.

The Embassy of the United States of America in Kyiv, Ukraine, July 18, 2015.
Getty Images

This comes as President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order aimed at ensuring all State Department staffers comply with his administration's foreign policy goals, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.

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

Feb 12, 2025, 4:07 PM EST

Private prison company anticipates 'significant opportunities' under Trump administration

Executives for CoreCivic, one of the largest private prison companies in the United States, said they anticipate "the most significant growth" in the company's history over the next several years.

"I've worked at CoreCivic for 32 years, and this is truly one of the most exciting periods of my career," CEO Damon Hininger said on Tuesday. "We anticipate significant growth opportunities, perhaps the most significant growth in our company's history, over the next several years."

PHOTO: Cells are seen in a prison.
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images

"The change in presidential administration on Jan. 20 has ushered in significant policy and legislative changes that directly impact our business," Hininger added.

-ABC News' Laura Romero

Feb 12, 2025, 3:51 PM EST

Trump unanimously elected as Kennedy Center Board chairman

President Donald Trump announced he was elected as chairman of the Kennedy Center Board.

"It is a Great Honor to be Chairman of The Kennedy Center, especially with this amazing Board of Trustees. We will make The Kennedy Center a very special and exciting place!" Trump wrote on social media.

ABC News has reached out to the Kennedy Center for comment.

The Kennedy Center Board confirmed it replaced former Chairman David M. Rubenstein with Trump.

It added that it terminated Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter's contract and announced Richard Grenell as interim Kennedy Center president.

Several members of Trump's administration will serve as board members, including his chief of staff Susie Wiles, second lady Usha Vance, deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino and Director of Personnel Sergio Gor.

-ABC News' Kelsey Walsh

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