Trump Halts $100B in FEMA Grants; 10,000 Health Department Layoffs Announced
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.
White House withdraws Elise Stefanik's UN ambassador nomination.
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.
Healthcare Cuts
10,000 Federal Health Department workers face layoffs.
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.
NPR/PBS heads testify amid renewed defunding effort.
Democrat wins PA state senate seat in Trump-heavy district.
Immigration Crackdown
Trump admin pauses green card processing amid hardline agenda.
Trump administration revokes 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.
Court blocks Trump admin from freezing federal funds to states.
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.