US Politics News

Trump Halts $100B in FEMA Grants; 10,000 Health Department Layoffs Announced

1027 words · 5 mins read

Key Takeaways

  • Trump halts $100B FEMA disaster recovery grants after Elon Musk's post.
  • 10,000 Federal Health Department workers face layoffs due to restructuring.
  • Trump announces sweeping 25% tariffs on cars not made in the US, effective April 2.
  • DOJ proposes DEA/ATF merger; agencies must respond by April 2.
  • White House withdraws Rep. Elise Stefanik's UN ambassador nomination.

White House Watch

Trump halts $100B FEMA disaster recovery grants after Musk post.

On March 27, 2025, it was reported that following a post from Elon Musk, the Trump administration effectively halted $100 billion worth of FEMA disaster recovery grants nationwide.

White House withdraws Elise Stefanik's UN ambassador nomination.

On March 27, 2025, the White House withdrew Rep. Elise Stefanik's nomination for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Trump asked Elise Stefanik to withdraw from consideration.

AP sues Trump officials, renews press pool access request.

On March 27, 2025, the Associated Press is suing three Trump administration officials, including White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, on 1st and 5th Amendment grounds. Also, on March 27, 2025, the Associated Press renewed its request to a federal judge to reinstate its access to the White House press pool, arguing the ban violates freedom of speech, a request opposed by the Trump administration.

Senators request investigation into Trump administration's Signal use.

On March 27, 2025, Senators Wicker and Reed requested an investigation into the Trump administration's use of Signal for discussing military strikes. Separately, on March 26, 2025, top Republican senators also called for an investigation into the Signal leak scandal.

Healthcare Cuts

10,000 Federal Health Department workers face layoffs.

Published on March 27, 2025, reports indicate that 10,000 Federal Health Department workers are to be laid off. This is part of a 'dramatic restructuring'.

CDC suspends grants to California's infectious-disease response.

On March 27, 2025, it was reported that the CDC is suspending grants provided to support California's infectious-disease response during the COVID-19 pandemic, part of a nationwide $12 billion funding cut, announced to all 50 states. The decision cancels funding awarded during the pandemic for tracking infectious diseases, mental health services, and addiction treatment.

RFK Jr. plans 25% HHS workforce cut, saving $1.8B.

On March 27, 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to cut the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) workforce by nearly 25%, aiming to save $1.8 billion annually. The restructuring involves consolidating divisions and reducing regional offices, with the FDA, CDC, and NIH losing employees.

Trump's Tariffs

Trump announces 25% car tariffs; advisers see long-term gains.

On March 26, 2025, Donald Trump announced sweeping 25% tariffs on cars not made in the US, set to go into effect on April 2, 2025, prompting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to call it a "direct attack." Trump's advisers believe his bet on tariffs will pay off in the long term and create jobs, despite fears of higher consumer costs.

Policy Landscape

DOJ proposes DEA/ATF merger, agencies must respond by April 2.

On March 27, 2025, it was reported that the Justice Department, under the Trump administration, is proposing a major restructuring, potentially combining the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) into a single agency. Heads of Justice Department agencies were instructed to respond with any concerns about the proposals by April 2.

Trump ends $500M in programs combating child/forced labor.

On March 27, 2025, it was reported that the Trump administration has terminated 69 international programs aimed at combating child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking, totaling over $500 million in grants across 40 countries.

Senate overturns rule limiting bank overdraft fees to $5.

NPR/PBS heads testify amid renewed defunding effort.

On March 26, 2025, the heads of National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service testified in a congressional subcommittee hearing amid a renewed Republican effort to defund US public media.

Democrat wins PA state senate seat in Trump-heavy district.

On March 26, 2025, a Democrat won a Pennsylvania state senate seat in a district that overwhelmingly voted for Trump, offering a ray of hope for the party.

Columbia students say protesting is too 'dangerous'.

Immigration Crackdown

Trump admin pauses green card processing amid hardline agenda.

On March 26, 2025, the Trump administration has paused the processing of certain green card applications as the US government continues to implement a hardline immigration agenda.

Trump administration revokes visas of at least 300 people.

On March 26, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the Trump administration has revoked the visas of at least 300 people.

Court rejects bid to deport Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador.

On March 26, 2025, a federal appeals court rejected a request to lift an order preventing the US government from deporting Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador under a wartime law. The order, issued on March 15, 2025, temporarily prohibits deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798; the ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of five Venezuelan noncitizens held in Texas.

Palestinian activist detained, doctor deported this month.

On March 27, 2025, it was reported that Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, was arrested and detained by immigration enforcement agents earlier this month and is facing possible deportation. Also, Dr. Rasha Alawieh was deported earlier this month after a federal judge ordered that she not be removed until a hearing could be held.

Courts & Laws

Trump calls for Judge Boasberg's impeachment over lawsuit.

On March 27, 2025, President Trump expressed anger over a lawsuit filed by American Oversight and called for Judge James Boasberg's impeachment. Previously, on March 26, 2025, Trump called for James Boasberg’s impeachment after the judge blocked his deportation flights.

Court blocks Trump admin from freezing federal funds to states.

On March 26, 2025, a federal appeals court upheld a lower court's ruling blocking the Office of Management and Budget from freezing federal funding to states, denying a request from the Trump administration.

Judge Howell assails Trump White House bid in Perkins Coie Case.

Lawsuit alleges Signal chat violations; Yemen bombing details emerge.

On March 26, 2025, a lawsuit was filed by American Oversight, arguing that officials failed to prevent the automatic deletion of messages in the Signal chat, violating the Federal Records Act. Judge James Boasberg was assigned to a lawsuit alleging Trump officials violated federal record-keeping laws by using a Signal group chat to discuss military action against Yemen’s Houthis. Newly released messages from the Signal group chat discussing an attack on Yemen revealed details of US bombings, while US intelligence chiefs denied breaking the law or revealing classified information in the chat.

Follow What Matters to You