Amidst President Trump's second-term government reorganization, the union representing foreign service officers at USAID has raised concerns about non-compliance with a restraining order aimed at preventing the agency's dismantling. Simultaneously, the EPA has placed numerous DEI and environmental justice staff on leave in response to Trump's executive orders. Further adding to the flurry of activity, Trump signed an executive order bolstering the Department of Government Efficiency, empowering Elon Musk to implement federal workforce reductions. Musk joined Trump in the Oval Office, addressing questions publicly for the first time since the DOGE launch.

Recent Developments:

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s HHS confirmation and impending swearing-in.

• Senate panel's advancement of Kash Patel's FBI director nomination.

• Termination letters issued to holdover U.S. attorneys.

• Education Department dismisses probationary employees.

• Memo confirms continued medical care for transgender soldiers.

Kennedy Confirmed as HHS Secretary

Following a 52-48 Senate vote, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appointment as HHS Secretary has been confirmed, with Senator Mitch McConnell being the sole Republican dissenting vote. Kennedy's swearing-in is anticipated at the White House, where President Trump is also expected to sign an executive order establishing a "Make America Healthy Again" commission. The confirmation follows extensive debate surrounding Kennedy's previous remarks on vaccine safety and efficacy. As an environmental lawyer without prior public health experience, Kennedy will now oversee a vast network of health agencies.

Image: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at his confirmation hearing. (Allison Dinner/EPA via Shutterstock)

Patel's FBI Nomination Advances

The Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12-10 to advance Kash Patel's nomination for FBI Director. Despite Democratic concerns regarding Patel's past comments about firing agents, his support for January 6th rioters, and his invocation of the Fifth Amendment during an investigation related to Trump's handling of classified documents, Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley staunchly defended Patel.

Image: Kash Patel at his confirmation hearing. (Anna Rose Layden/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Education Department Staff Reductions

Sources reveal that the Department of Education dismissed approximately 40 probationary employees, coinciding with President Trump's criticism of the department and his call for its closure. Trump has tasked Elon Musk with investigating the agency and has drafted an executive order to downsize it. Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has already implemented significant cuts, including the termination of independent research contracts. DOGE personnel have been observed at the Department of Education, some with access to agency records, and numerous employees remain on administrative leave for participating in diversity training during Trump's first term.

Image: President Trump addressing the media. (Jim Lo Scalzo/POOL/EPA via Shutterstock)

U.S. Attorneys Terminated

Several Biden-appointed U.S. attorneys have received termination letters from the White House, marking another step in the administration's personnel changes. While the removal of holdover U.S. attorneys has become more frequent in recent years, the broader shake-up of senior officials at the FBI and Department of Justice is less common. This follows similar actions by previous administrations, with both the Trump and Biden administrations requesting resignations from holdover U.S. attorneys.

Image: President Trump at Tulsi Gabbard's swearing-in. (Nathan Howard/Reuters)