Records show many federal workers were fired and rehired at 18 agencies
More than 24,000 federal probationary employees who worked across 18 agencies were fired as part of President Trump's efforts to reduce the size of government.
Department of Government Efficiency
Fired CISA probationary employees to be reinstated after U.S. judge's order
Over 130 probationary cybersecurity agency workers were told in a mass-firing form letter last month they were "not fit" for employment.
Government expert on Elon Musk and DOGE's "slash-and-burn exercise"
Trump campaign funder and government disrupter Elon Musk has used unprecedented power to quickly eliminate thousands of federal jobs and shutter entire programs and agencies, using tactics that have raised questions about transparency.
Is Trump's sweeping firings an abuse of power?
The government must follow certain rules. Not lying is one of them. Two federal judges sent that message to the Trump administration this week when they ordered it to rehire employees fired for what the administration said was poor performance. John Dickerson has more.
Biologist fired by DOGE stays on as volunteer
In February, the Trump administration let go of over 2,300 probationary employees from the Interior Department as part of its effort to reduce the size of the federal workforce. One fired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee, Bianca Sicich, is still working for free because she's so passionate about her job. Sicich joins "America Decides" to share her story.
Second federal judge orders White House to rehire fired probationary workers
The order from U.S. District Judge James Bredar came in a lawsuit filed by 19 states and the District of Columbia against multiple federal agencies alleging the mass firings are illegal.
Veterans fired by Trump administration speak out
Veterans make up about 30% of the overall federal workforce. Many veterans who were new on the job, classified as probationary workers, were fired as part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the size of government through the Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency. Some feel their military service is being ignored. Nancy Cordes reports.
IRS chief counsel demoted and replaced with DOGE ally
IRS' top lawyer replaced amid DOGE's alleged push to share taxpayer info with other federal agencies.
Judge's orders on federal firings
A federal judge has ordered six federal agencies to offer to reinstate probationary employees who were fired as part of the Trump administration's cuts through the Office of Personnel Management. CBS News' Jake Rosen has more.
NOAA and National Weather Service job cuts raise concerns about forecasts
A hurricane modeling specialist fired from the National Weather Service said progress on forecast accuracy may "go backwards" if job cuts continue.
Does Elon Musk want a government shutdown?
In just over 48 hours, the government will partially shut down unless Congress can pass a continuing resolution. New reporting from Wired finds Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency might just want Washington, D.C., to close for a few days. Makena Kelly, senior politics writer at Wired, and Vittoria Elliott, reporter at Wired, join "America Decides" to explain.
Education Department union reacts to job cuts
The Trump administration is placing more than a thousand Department of Education workers on leave beginning March 21. American Federation of Government Employees Local 252 President Sheria Smith, whose union represents Education Department employees, joins "America Decides" with her reaction.
Tesla facilities across the country attacked in protest of Elon Musk
President Trump says any attacks on Tesla facilities will be considered "domestic terrorism" following the wave of protests and violence.
NOAA cuts raising concerns over public safety
Another wave of mass firings could be hitting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The agency, which includes the National Weather Service, could ultimately lose about 20% of its staff. Rob Marciano reports.
Rubio: 83% of USAID programs terminated
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday announced the cancellation of 83% of USAID programs. Rubio said the remaining programs will be run under the State Department and thanked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency for its assistance in cutting costs. Sam Vinograd, CBS News national security contributor, and Raj Kumar, president and editor-in-chief of Devex, join to assess the impact on U.S. assistance worldwide.
HHS offers buyout option, source says
All employees at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services received an offer of a $25,000 payment if they choose to voluntarily resign, a source familiar with the situation told CBS News. Major Garrett has more.
DOGE mischaracterizes a study as transgender, and USDA cancels it
"CANCELLED: $600,000 grant to study 'menstrual cycles in transgender men,'" Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on X last week. That's not what it was.
Trump defends Elon Musk, DOGE
President Trump defended Elon Musk and DOGE over the weekend after reported rifts between Musk and Cabinet members. CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Secretary of state says 83% of USAID programs are being canceled
USAID has been the target of DOGE, the Elon Musk-helmed agency created in an executive order signed by President Trump on his first day in office.
All HHS workers given $25,000 voluntary buyout offer, source says
All employees in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were notified Friday of the option to voluntarily resign in exchange for a $25,000 payment.
Trump downplays infighting between Musk, Rubio
President Trump is backing a House Republican plan to avert a government shutdown next week. He also played down reports of in-fighting in his Cabinet with advisor Elon Musk. Nikole Killion has the details.
Ex-FEMA CFO gets threats after being fired
The chief financial officer at FEMA was fired after Elon Musk alleged she illegally sent funds to New York City to book luxury hotels for migrants. However, in an interview with CBS Evening News co-anchor Maurice DuBois, Mary Comans says a member of DOGE directed her to make the payments. DuBois joins "America Decides" with the latest.
Trump appears to limit Elon Musk's powers
President Trump appears to be reining in Elon Musk's layoff efforts and suggesting a more "precise" approach by his Cabinet secretaries. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports.
U.S. layoffs at highest level since 2020
Layoffs across the U.S. soared in February, hitting the highest levels since July 2020. Javier E. David, business editor for the Dallas Morning News, joined CBS News to discuss the rise in job cuts.
FEMA CFO fired over payments to NYC for migrants says she had DOGE sign-off
"They told me to do these actions, to make these payments, and then they fired me," said Mary Comans, who was FEMA's chief financial officer.
Trump says "killing in Iran is stopping," with "no plan for executions"
Potentially thousands have died from the crackdown to quash unrest amid protests.
Exclusive
ICE agent who shot Renee Good suffered internal bleeding, officials say
Jonathan Ross, who shot Renee Good in Minneapolis last week, suffered internal bleeding after the incident, two officials said, though it's not clear how extensive the bleeding was.
Trump administration investigates 5 Democrats over their video to troops
Five congressional Democrats say they have received inquiries from the DOJ after they appeared in a video urging members of the military not to follow "illegal orders" — a move the lawmakers allege is political intimidation.
Senate GOP kills war powers effort to limit Trump on Venezuela, with Vance breaking tie
Two Republicans switched their votes after pressure from the White House.
What to know about Havana Syndrome and a device that might be linked to it
Years after the first reports of Havana Syndrome emerged, U.S. officials have obtained and are testing a device that could be linked to the debilitating condition.
ICE officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis after shovel attack, officials say
A shooting occurred Wednesday night in north Minneapolis after ICE officers were attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
U.S. completes first sale of Venezuelan oil, valued at $500 million
The Trump administration has not yet disclosed many details about the deal.
"Fundamental" differences remain over Greenland's future, Denmark says after U.S. meeting
After the meeting, Denmark's foreign minister said they're eager to work with the U.S. while respecting the "red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark."
Trump administration to suspend immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries
The State Department announced it will stop giving out visas to nationals of dozens of countries who are seeking to move to the U.S. permanently.
U.S.
More U.S.
Part that broke in UPS cargo plane crash had failed 4 other times, NTSB says
Boeing warned plane owners in 2011 about a broken part that contributed to last year's UPS cargo plane crash that killed 15 people, but at that time the plane manufacturer didn't believe it threatened safety, the NTSB said.
Newsom blocks Louisiana from extraditing doctor accused of mailing abortion pills
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he is blocking Louisiana's effort to extradite a California doctor accused of mailing abortion pills out of state.
Trump signs bill allowing whole milk to return to school lunches
Whole milk is heading back to school lunch cafeterias.
ICE officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis after shovel attack, officials say
A shooting occurred Wednesday night in north Minneapolis after ICE officers were attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Chicago mayor explains how he's tackling the city's life expectancy gap
In 2023, life expectancy in the Loop was 87.3 years, while in West Garfield Park, life expectancy was just 66.6 years, according to the city's Health Department.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Bilt offers credit cards with 10% APR after Trump proposes interest cap
FIntech company Bilt pounced on the opportunity to roll out low-APR credi cards, as big banks push back on proposed rate cap.
Apple, Google face pressure to remove X and Grok from their app stores
Grok faces mounting scrutiny from government officials and advocacy groups after people used the AI chatbot to create sexualized images of minors and women.
Verizon says outage resolved after customers lost service for hours
A Verizon spokesperson told CBS News that an outage that customers reported beginning around noon Eastern Time had been resolved.
ChatGPT served as "suicide coach" in man's death, lawsuit alleges
Mother of Colorado man who committed suicide in 2025 alleges that OpenAI's AI chatbot told him death was a "beautiful place."
Chew on this: U.S. food prices are still up 19% since 2022
Food prices in December saw their biggest jump in more than three years, data shows, while the cost of eating out has also risen.
Politics
More Politics
ICE officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis after shovel attack, officials say
A shooting occurred Wednesday night in north Minneapolis after ICE officers were attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Chicago mayor explains how he's tackling the city's life expectancy gap
In 2023, life expectancy in the Loop was 87.3 years, while in West Garfield Park, life expectancy was just 66.6 years, according to the city's Health Department.
Trump administration investigates 5 Democrats over their video to troops
Five congressional Democrats say they have received inquiries from the DOJ after they appeared in a video urging members of the military not to follow "illegal orders" — a move the lawmakers allege is political intimidation.
What to know about Havana Syndrome and a device that might be linked to it
Years after the first reports of Havana Syndrome emerged, U.S. officials have obtained and are testing a device that could be linked to the debilitating condition.
Trump administration to suspend immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries
The State Department announced it will stop giving out visas to nationals of dozens of countries who are seeking to move to the U.S. permanently.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Chicago mayor explains how he's tackling the city's life expectancy gap
In 2023, life expectancy in the Loop was 87.3 years, while in West Garfield Park, life expectancy was just 66.6 years, according to the city's Health Department.
Recalled "super greens" supplement linked to dozens of salmonella cases, CDC says
Illnesses linked to the New York-based Live it Up Super Greens brand powder were reported in 21 states from Aug. 22 to Dec. 30, 2025.
Trump admin. cuts grants for mental health, addiction treatment programs
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, lost around $1.9 billion in federal grants, which were abruptly terminated on Tuesday, a source said.
Wide variation found in funding for states' rural health proposals
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing MAHA initiatives.
ACA enrollment sinks sharply as coverage costs soar in 2026
Roughly 1.4 million fewer Americans have signed up for an Affordable Care Act plan as expiring tax breaks drive up premiums.
World
More World
What to know about Havana Syndrome and a device that might be linked to it
Years after the first reports of Havana Syndrome emerged, U.S. officials have obtained and are testing a device that could be linked to the debilitating condition.
Iranian mom searched morgue, sifting through hundreds of bodies, to find her daughter
Rubina Aminian's mother forced her way into a morgue in search of her daughter, who her family says was shot in the head at close range.
Trump says "killing in Iran is stopping," with "no plan for executions"
Potentially thousands have died from the crackdown to quash unrest amid protests.
U.S. says it's moving into next phase of Gaza peace plan, warns Hamas
Steve Witkoff said the U.S. expects Hamas to immediately return the final deceased hostage as part of its obligations under the deal.
Trump told Iranians help is coming, so what might it look like?
Experts tell CBS News what sort of options President Trump has to respond to Iran's brutal crackdown on protesters.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Actor Timothy Busfield held without bond in New Mexico child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Stars of "Sinners" talk about movie
"Sinners" stars Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton and Wunmi Mosaku talk to "CBS Mornings" about the movie's recent success at the Golden Globes, the atmosphere on set and what they learned through the process.
Ali Larter talks what's ahead in "Landman"
Actor Ali Larter plays Angela Harris, the ex-wife of an oilman played by Billy Bob Thornton in the Paramount+ series "Landman." She talks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, working with Thornton and how she landed her role.
Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in following child sex abuse allegations
In a video provided to TMZ on Tuesday, Timothy Busfield said the allegations "are all lies."
François Arnaud on "Heated Rivalry" series
Francois Arnaud joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about the popular series "Heated Rivalry," based on the "Game Changers" book series. It follows rising hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. What begins as a fling between two rivals turns into a yearslong journey of love, denial and self discovery. Arnaud plays Scott Hunter, a closeted gay professional hockey player in the same league who has fallen in love with a smoothie shop worker. He talks about the message in the series and how it developed into a hit show.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
Apple, Google face pressure to remove X and Grok from their app stores
Grok faces mounting scrutiny from government officials and advocacy groups after people used the AI chatbot to create sexualized images of minors and women.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
ChatGPT served as "suicide coach" in man's death, lawsuit alleges
Mother of Colorado man who committed suicide in 2025 alleges that OpenAI's AI chatbot told him death was a "beautiful place."
"Are You Dead," viral Chinese app, changing its name
The Chinese mobile app "Are You Dead?" which sounds an alarm if a user doesn't check in every 48 hours, says it will drop its catchy name after it drew international media attention.
Science
More Science
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Crime
More Crime
ICE officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis after shovel attack, officials say
A shooting occurred Wednesday night in north Minneapolis after ICE officers were attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Actor Timothy Busfield held without bond in New Mexico child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Indicted Virginia coach still missing
The search continues in Virginia for a high school football coach charged with possessing child sexual assault material and using a computer to solicit a minor. CBS News breaking news correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Au pair testifies in man's murder trial
A trial is underway in northern Virginia for a man accused of plotting his wife's murder with help from his affair partner - the family's au pair. The former au pair was the first witness called to testify against Brendan Banfield. Jericka Duncan reports on the case.
Doctors arrested after 9 newborns die at hospital in Russia
The case has provoked anger and bewilderment from Russian politicians.
Space
More Space
Astronauts head home early after medical issue
Crew 11 is expected to splash down off the coast of Southern California at 3:41 a.m. ET, closing out a 167-day stay in space.
Former NASA astronaut on ISS undocking
The members of SpaceX Crew-11 undocked from the International Space Station on Wednesday, beginning their journey back to Earth. The crew is leaving a month early after NASA announced that an unnamed team member experienced an undisclosed "medical concern." Clayton Anderson, a former NASA astronaut who spent time on the ISS, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ISS astronauts prepare for early return
Crew-11 is preparing for an unprecedented early return to Earth over concerns for an astronaut's medical condition aboard the International Space Station. Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and engineering professor at Columbia University, joins with more.
Former astronaut on ISS crew coming home early
Four members of Crew-11 are preparing to return to Earth from the International Space Station later this week after a "medical concern" prompted NASA to cancel a scheduled spacewalk. Former astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski joins with his reaction.
Space station changes command, setting stage for Crew 11 departure
Outgoing space station commander Mike Fincke, a member of the returning Crew 11, turned the station over to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, saying the combined crew had developed deep friendships.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
Judge weighs law banning masks for ICE agents
Legal representation for the state of California and the federal government were in court on Wednesday over the Golden State's new law that bans federal agents from wearing face coverings during operations. CBS News correspondent Nidia Cavazos reports.
Next steps in Iran after Trump says killing stopped
President Trump says his administration has been notified that the killings and executions of anti-government protesters in Iran have stopped. CBS News Middle East reporter Courtney Kealy has more.
Chicago believes again as the Bears catch fire
It's a long winter in Chicago when the Bears are bad, but walk into any bar in the city, especially after last week's comeback win over the Packers, and the winter is gone. Tony Dokoupil has details.
Chicago mayor on life expectancy disparities
In an interview with "CBS Evening News" anchor, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson discusses what's driving disparities between different areas of the city, and what officials are doing to address them.