President Donald Trump's administration is continuing its radical effort to cut much of the federal government and crackdown on immigration -- and is being met with dozens of legal challenges.
On the foreign policy front, Trump's press secretary said the White House believes it can reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine this week even as Trump attacks Ukraine's president and blames it for starting the war, which even some in his own party are calling him out over.
Meanwhile, heads of federal government agencies were telling employees not to reply to an email from Elon Musk, Trump's ally who he picked to cut government waste, which asked for them to list their accomplishments for the week or face termination.
Trump floats possibility of giving 20% of DOGE savings to Americans
Addressing the Future Investment Institute Wednesday in Miami, Trump floated the possibility of sending Americans money that DOGE accumulates in savings.
President Donald Trump speaks at FII PRIORITY Miami 2025 Summit (Future Investment Initiative) at the Faena Hotel & Forum in Miami Beach, Florida, Feb. 19, 2025.
Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images
“There's even under consideration a new concept where we give 20% of the DOGE savings to American citizens and 20% goes to paying down debt because the numbers are incredible, Elon,” he said, praising the billionaire who was in the audience.
President Donald Trump speaks at FII PRIORITY Miami 2025 Summit (Future Investment Initiative) at the Faena Hotel & Forum in Miami Beach, Florida, Feb. 19, 2025.
Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images
“So many billions and billions, hundreds of billions. And we're thinking about 20% back to the American citizens and 20% down to pay back and pay down debt.”
Musk promised Tuesday that he would "check with the president" about a suggestion on his X platform about a "DOGE Dividend."
Feb 19, 2025, 6:09 PM EST
DHS puts administrative hold on Biden parole policies
The Department of Homeland Security put an “administrative hold” on multiple programs put in the place by the Biden Administration designed to allow migrants to claim asylum.
A department spokesperson told ABC News that Uniting for Ukraine, the Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans (CHNV) process and Family Reunification Parole program benefits that are pending were placed on hold.
-ABC News' Luke Barr
Feb 19, 2025, 6:07 PM EST
6,000+ IRS workers expected to be laid off, as some told to report to office tomorrow: Sources
The Internal Revenue Service is expected to begin laying off more than 6,000 probationary employees from offices across the country starting Thursday, sources familiar with the situation told ABC News.
IRS employees across the country received emails on Wednesday instructing them to return to the office tomorrow and to bring their government-issued equipment with them, sources familiar with the notifications told ABC News.
An exterior view of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in Washington, Feb. 14, 2025.
Will Oliver/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
"We are directing you to come into the office tomorrow and Friday. Any previously approved leave is canceled," one IRS manager said in an email to a probationary employee reviewed by ABC News. "Under an executive order, IRS has been directed to terminate probationary employees who were not deemed as critical to filing season. We don't have many details that we are permitted to share, but this is all tied to compliance with the executive order."
While some of these employees may not be directly working on the upcoming filing season, some suggested to ABC News that their dismissal could have an impact on individual business and personal filings, if active audits are left open and not resolved by the time of their dismissal.
"Termination of probationary employees could prolong audits," one IRS worker expecting to be fired told ABC News.
"I’ve gone through the stages of coming to terms with it," the IRS worker told ABC News about going to work tomorrow. "I feel better knowing I did a good job. It’s not my fault that I’m being released. Somebody at the top decided this is what’s going to happen."
The worker was informed by their manager that their removal was not related to any workplace performance issues.
An IRS spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
-ABC News' Olivia Rubin, Will Steakin, and Ben Siegel
Feb 19, 2025, 6:04 PM EST
Hegseth could fire or remove generals and senior officers as early as this week
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is considering firing or removing generals and senior officers as early as this week, according to multiple U.S. and congressional officials.
According to the officials, a list has been provided to the Hill that contains names of generals and senior officers who could be fired or removed as soon as this week.
-ABC News' Luis Martinez, Rachel Scott and Katherine Faulders
