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.

Jan 28, 2025, 7:20 PM EST

OPM memo emphasizes loyalty

Among the four "pillars" addressed in the Office of Personnel Management memo offering buyouts to government employees, one emphasizes loyalty.

Under "Enhanced standards of conduct," the memo states: "The federal workforce should be comprised of employees who are reliable, loyal, trustworthy, and who strive for excellence in their daily work. Employees will be subject to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward. Employees who engage in unlawful behavior or other misconduct will be prioritized for appropriate investigation and discipline, including termination."

The other pillars highlight a return to in-office work, updated performance standards and a "more streamlined workforce" with anticipated downsizing in a "majority of federal agencies," per the memo.

Jan 28, 2025, 7:02 PM EST

Speaker Johnson says he 'fully' supports temporary funding freeze

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he "fully" supports President Donald Trump's funding freeze, downplaying the impacts, and noted it'll be temporary and not a "major interruption."

President Donald Trump and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson shake hands during a House Republican members conference meeting in Trump National Doral resort, in Miami, Florida, Jan. 27, 2025.
Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

"It is a temporary pause for some programs -- it could be an hourslong pause. It is not a big thing. Some of the programs have already been approved. But what this is a, I believe, a common application of common sense," the speaker said during a fireside chat at the GOP retreat on Tuesday. "We want to make sure that the executive orders of the new president are being fully complied with regard to these programs. I think these would be quick reviews."

"I think it's going to be harmless," he added.

Asked by the reporter if Trump is stretching his executive authorities, Johnson said the president has been "using his executive authority, I think, in an appropriate manner."

Within minutes of the White House freezing billions in federal grants and loans, a federal judge blocked the funding pause from taking effect until next week.

-ABC News' Lalee Ibssa, Jay O'Brien and Lauren Peller

Jan 28, 2025, 6:47 PM EST

White House addresses buyout offer

The White House has addressed the buyout plan offered to federal workers on Tuesday, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt calling the payout "very generous."

"American taxpayers pay for the salaries of federal government employees, and therefore deserve employees working on their behalf who actually show up to work in our wonderful federal buildings, also paid for by taxpayers," Leavitt said in a statement. "If they don’t want to work in the office and contribute to making America great again, then they are free to choose a different line of work, and the Trump Administration will provide a very generous payout of 8 months."

Jan 28, 2025, 6:35 PM EST

22 states and DC sue Trump administration over funding freeze

Twenty-two states and Washington, D.C., are suing the Trump administration over its plan to pause billions in federal grants and loans.

The federal lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island around the same time that a judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia temporarily delayed the freeze, argued that Trump exceeded his authority as president by denying funds appropriated by Congress.

"The OMB Directive constitutes a refusal to spend money appropriated by Congress, in violation of the executive’s constitutional authority to administer the law," the lawsuit said.

The state attorneys general argued the funding is necessary to support health systems, Medicaid, law enforcement, disaster relief, critical infrastructure, education systems and other key services.

"Without this funding, Plaintiff States will be unable to provide certain essential benefits for residents, pay public employees, satisfy obligations, and carry on the important business of government," the filing said.

-ABC News' Peter Charalambous