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.
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
- Trump says USAID is run by 'radical lunatics' amid agency's uncertainty
- Trump says he will cut 'all future funding' to South Africa
- 500 Marines arrive at Guantanamo to set up migrant facilities: DOD
- FBI employees asked to explain their role in Jan. 6 cases: Sources
- Trump acknowledges ‘some pain’ possible from tariffs
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.
"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
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
Trump fires 17 independent watchdogs
In a late-night Friday move, President Donald Trump fired at least 17 independent watchdogs -- known as inspectors general -- at multiple federal agencies, sources familiar with the move told ABC News.
While inspectors general can be fired by the president — it can only happen after communicating with Congress 30 days in advance and in 2022 Congress strengthened the law requiring administrations to give a detailed reasoning for the firing of an IG.
At least one high-profile watchdog — Justice Department IG Michael Horowitz — did not receive notice that he was fired as of yesterday evening.
Read more .
-ABC News' Katherine Faulders, Benjamin Siegel and Alexander Mallin
Senate strikes deal to vote to confirm Kristi Noem as DHS secretary Saturday
The Senate struck a deal to hold a vote Saturday morning on Kristi Noem’s nomination to be the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
The Senate is expected to vote Saturday at 11:30 a.m. to confirm Noem instead of returning on Sunday as originally planned.
Noem is expected to easily get the simple majority of votes she needs to be confirmed.
The Senate will also take a test vote on Scott Bessent’s nomination to lead the Treasury Department.
-ABC News' Allie Pecorin