President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. is going to help with the response to a deadly earthquake in Southeast Asia that’s killed at least 150 people and left others under rubble.
But his administration has gutted foreign assistance through the U.S. Agency for International Development, firing thousands. USAID staff were notified Friday that most remaining employees would be fired and surviving agency programs would be moved under the State Department. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the cuts have “no impact” on its ability to respond to disasters.
Other news we’re following:
District judge blocks dismantling of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: The agency responsible for protecting consumers from financial fraud and deceptive practices was targeted by the Trump administration, which canceled $100 million in contracts and fired 70 employees. The judge said the court “can and must act” to save the agency from being shuttered.Judge OKs firing of board members at independent labor agencies: An appeals court ruled that Trump can move forward in firing one member of the Merit Systems Protection Board and another of the National Labor Relations Board. Two district judges separately blocked each termination in early March.Major law firm bows to Trump to avoid punishment: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom will provide at least $100 million in free legal services and review its hiring practices to avert a punishing executive order. Two other law firms have sued over executive orders meant to sanction them over their association with attorneys who have previously investigated Trump.