President Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape the federal government to his liking suffered a loss in court when a federal judge blocked his administration from firing the head of a federal watchdog agency without cause, likely triggering a lengthy appeal that could end at the Supreme Court.
U.S. District Justice Amy Berman Jackson determined the move was unlawful and issued a permanent injunction that reinstated special counsel Hampton Dellinger to his position.
Meanwhile, the Social Security Administration said it will cut 7,000 jobs and six of its 10 regional centers as part of the president’s downsizing of the federal workforce.
And Trump’s physician announced the president will have his annual physical next month, days after reporters raised questions about a bruise they saw on the back of his hand.
Trump administration to look into imposing tariffs on copper imports
President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to investigate the possibility of imposing tariffs on copper to see if they are necessary to "help build back our American copper industry … and strengthen our national defense."
President Donald Trump speaks to the press in the Oval Office, at the White House in Washington, Feb. 25, 2025.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
When reporters asked how copper got on the president's radar during a call previewing the action, one official said Trump "is playing three-dimensional chess in this world, and he sees things far advanced that the rest of us don't."
-ABC News' Molly Nagle
Feb 25, 2025, 5:35 PM EST
Philadelphia Eagles will 'absolutely' be invited to White House, Trump says
Trump said the White House has not extended an invitation to the Philadelphia Eagles following the team's Super Bowl victory but that it intends to.
"I thought it was a great performance by them. And absolutely they'll be extended that invitation," he said, before turning to ask an aide to do so "right away."
Trump suspends top Washington law firm's security clearances as a result of working with Jack Smith
In the Oval Office on Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced the suspension and review of security clearances for Covington and Burling employees who worked with special counsel Jack Smith to be suspended and put under review.
President Donald Trump holds up a hat stating "Trump Was Right About Everything" after signing executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House, Feb. 25, 2025 in Washington.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
"One law firm that provided pro bono legal services to the special counsel's office under Jack Smith's leadership was Covington and Burling," Trump said. "As a result of those actions, we're now going to be suspending and putting under review the security clearances for the attorneys and employees at that firm who worked with Jack Smith's team."
The president added that he plans to hold "the people who were responsible for the weaponization of government, who supported it, accountable for what they did."
The directive from Trump follows a series of moves to retaliate against Smith and members of his team who aided his dual prosecutions for Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
-ABC News' Alexander Mallin
Feb 25, 2025, 5:19 PM EST
Acting IRS commissioner sends retirement email
The acting IRS commissioner announced his resignation internally on Tuesday, according to copies of the internal email obtained by ABC News, and a new acting commissioner has been announced by the Treasury Department.
Douglas O'Donnell's retirement, which takes effect Friday, comes in the middle of tax filing season and amid thousands of layoffs at the agency.
In his email, O'Donnell cited family reasons for his decision, writing that he considered it multiple times in the past.
"I assist in caring for my mother and mother-in-law, but they are both in declining health and I have been much less available than a son or son-in-law should be. My spouse and sisters have picked up the slack, and I need to do my part," he said in the email.
A flag waves outside the International Revenue Service Building after it was reported the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is preparing to fire thousands of workers in the coming days, in Washington, Feb. 18, 2025.
Kent Nishimura/Reuters
O'Donnell also gave a shoutout to those with whom he has worked and to the administrative staff in the offices.
"To all of you, I am grateful for your patience, support and courage in the face of adversity," he said.
O'Donnell added that he recommended to the Treasury Department that Melanie Krause be selected as the new acting director, and it agreed.
