As part of the Trump administration’s crusade for “government efficiency,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio is being put in charge of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as the White House mulls the future of the agency.
USAID has for decades administered billions of dollars of humanitarian and development assistance around the world.
USAID offices were closed Monday and employees were told to work remotely. Dozens of senior officials have been furloughed and hundreds of contract employees laid off. The apparent move to shutter the agency — and the chaos surrounding it on Monday — enraged Democrats.
Meanwhile, former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii), President Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, and Health and Human Services secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are facing crucial tests today as Senate committees decide whether to advance their nominations to the floor, The Hill’s Al Weaver reports.
Also, Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington meeting with President Trump about a future for Gaza.
Read on for updates on these stories and more.
