Trump 2nd term updates: Trump excludes low-value shipments from looming tariffs

The amendment exempts imports valued at less than $800 from Canada and Mexico.

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.

Feb 28, 2025, 4:28 PM EST

Over 500 NOAA probationary staff cut, 800 more to come: Union

The union representing NOAA and National Weather Service staffers told ABC News that they've been informed of 586 probationary employees terminated from NOAA Thursday, with 108 of those cuts coming from the National Weather Service.

"We understand that an additional 800 NOAA probationary employees may be terminated this afternoon," National Weather Service Employees Organization General Counsel Richard Hirn told ABC News in an emailed statement.

NOAA declined to confirm the number of staffers affected by the cuts in a statement to ABC News earlier today, saying they "don't discuss personnel matters."

-ABC News' Kelly Livingston

Feb 28, 2025, 4:09 PM EST

GOP Ukraine allies react to Trump, Vance's blow up with Zelenskyy

Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Ukraine ally on Capitol Hill, said in a statement that "it was heartbreaking" to witness the "events that transpired in today's meeting" at the White House.

"This can and will be fixed. A strong, sovereign Ukraine is essential for global stability in the face of Putin's ongoing aggression. Lasting peace can only be achieved through unwavering strength," he said.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy leaves the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump, in Washington, Feb. 28, 2025.
Chris Kleponis/Pool via Shutterstock

GOP Reps. Don Bacon of Nebraska and Rep. Mike Lawler of New York were also critical in separate posts on X regarding what transpired today at the White House and if Ukraine's future is impacted.

"Diplomacy is tough and often times there are serious differences of opinion and heated exchanges behind closed doors. Having this spill out into public view was a disaster — especially for Ukraine," Lawler said.

-ABC News' Lauren Peller

Feb 28, 2025, 3:59 PM EST

'We were prepared for a productive meeting, but they clearly wanted to start a fight': Ukrainian official

A member of the Ukrainian delegation who attended the talks at the White House confirmed to ABC News that after a fiery verbal exchange between Zelenskyy and Trump, the Ukrainian side waited in a separate room, and was ready to continue negotiations.

However, White House staff told them the meetings were canceled and they told the Ukrainians "to leave," according to the official.

"We were prepared for a productive meeting, but they clearly wanted to start a fight," the source told ABC News.

When asked if the source believed Zelenskyy was deliberately provoked, the source replied, "I think so."

-ABC News' Oleksiy Pshemyskiy

Feb 28, 2025, 3:32 PM EST

Zelenskyy speech at DC think tank canceled

Zelenskyy was slated to give remarks and participate in a "fireside chat" at the conservative Hudson Institute think tank in Washington, D.C., on Friday afternoon, but the event has been canceled.

Zelenskyy was going to "discuss U.S.-Ukrainian relations, the state of the war, and the path forward for Ukraine," according to the institute.

PHOTO: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president, during a meeting with President Donald Trump, not pictured, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC,  Feb. 28, 2025.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president, during a meeting with President Donald Trump, not pictured, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, Feb. 28, 2025.
Bloomberg via Getty Images

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