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 22, 2025, 12:59 PM EST

DOD preparing to send at least 1,000 more troops to border

According to U.S. officials, 1,000 to 1,500 additional troops are expected to be sent to the southern border, in addition to the roughly 1,500 currently there.

These additional forces will be operating under the U.S. Northern Command.

A member of the Texas Military Department opens a fence along the US-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas, Jan. 22, 2025.
Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images

Troops have been on the border for years, and though there are only about 1,500 National Guard and reservists there now, that mission had been authorized to have up to 2,500 personnel. They serve in a support role to Homeland Security and Customs and Border Patrol along the border and do not carry out law enforcement duties.

-ABC News’ Matt Seyler

Jan 22, 2025, 12:25 PM EST

Biden's letter to Trump revealed by Fox News

Fox News Senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy read aloud on-air the content of the letter left by former President Joe Biden to President Donald Trump.

"As I take leave of this sacred office I wish you and your family all the best in the next four years," Biden wrote, according to Fox News. "The American people -- and people around the world -- look to this house for steadiness in the inevitable storms of history, and my prayer is that in the coming years will be a time of prosperity, peace, and grace for our nation."

President Donald Trump looks at a letter left for him by former President Joe Biden while signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Jan. 20, 2025.
Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images

"May God bless you and guide you as He has blessed and guided our beloved country since our founding," Biden wrote.

Trump held up the letter for reporters on Monday night as he signed executive orders in the Oval Office. He described it to reporters on Tuesday as "very nice" and that he appreciated it.

President Donald Trump holds up outgoing President Joe Biden's letter as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the WHite House in Washington, Jan. 20, 2025.
Evan Vucci/AP
Jan 22, 2025, 12:16 PM EST

Federal DEI employees to be put on leave by 5 p.m. today

All federal employees working on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives must be put on paid administrative leave by Wednesday at 5 p.m., according to a memo obtained by ABC News.

The decision comes as the Trump administration shuts down the relevant DEI offices and programs across the federal government.

Trump is also threatening "strong action" against DEI programs in the private sector, including possible civil compliance investigations.

Jan 22, 2025, 11:54 AM EST

Video captures JD Vance's 1st time in Oval Office

House Speaker Mike Johnson posted a video on X of President Trump taking Vice President JD Vance into the Oval Office for the first time on Tuesday.

Trump can be seen walking ahead of Vance in the halls of the West Wing before showing him into the office. He introduced Vance to his communications adviser, Margo Martin, who was standing at the door to the Oval Office.

"Wow, this is pretty crazy," Vance says as Johnson narrated the video. He later said it was "incredible."

Vice President-elect J.D. Vance arrives for a joint session of Congress to certify the results of the 2024 Presidential election, inside the House Chamber at the Capitol, Jan. 6, 2025, in Washington.
Samuel Corum/AFP via Getty Images

Johnson praised Vance's path to the White House, writing that "only in America can a hardworking young man from Appalachia rise from his humble circumstances to enter the Oval for first time" as vice president.

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