What Did Donald Trump Do Today?
March 10, 2025 Recap
The Trump administration is eliminating 83% of programs at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). It plans to transfer the remaining 1,000 programs to the State Department, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The move effectively dismantles USAID, an independent agency responsible for global humanitarian aid, poverty reduction, and democracy promotion. In a post on X, Rubio claimed the 5,200 canceled contracts—worth tens of billions—did not serve U.S. national interests, though he did not provide specifics. He thanked DOGE, a Musk-backed federal office known for aggressive spending cuts, for its role in the review. Elon Musk, who has frequently criticized USAID, publicly supported the decision. The overhaul follows a six-week review and has sparked backlash from humanitarian officials, who described the terminations as abrupt and devastating. Some contracts, including those deemed lifesaving, were reportedly reinstated after confusion within USAID and the State Department. Legal challenges to the administration’s foreign aid freeze are ongoing. While a federal judge allowed layoffs and contract terminations to proceed, the Supreme Court recently upheld a ruling requiring the administration to pay nearly $2 billion in overdue humanitarian aid. However, a timeline for payment has not been established.
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore teacher preparation grants in eight Democratic-led states that were cut as part of its effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Judge Myong Joun ruled that the U.S. Department of Education failed to provide a clear or individualized explanation for canceling the grants, which support teacher training programs. The cuts, totaling over $600 million, targeted programs the department claimed promoted "divisive ideologies" such as DEI, critical race theory, and anti-racism.
The lawsuit, led by attorneys general from California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, argued that the grant cancellations were unauthorized and would harm public universities and non-profits and worsen teacher shortages. The judge agreed, stating that the programs were critical to public education and should be restored for now.
The Trump administration has cut millions in federal funding for two major cybersecurity programs, including one that helped protect state and local elections. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) ended about $10 million annually to the nonprofit Center for Internet Security, which ran the Elections Infrastructure and Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Centers.
These cuts have raised the alarm about weakening election security just as threats from foreign interference remain. Over a dozen CISA staff involved in election security were recently put on leave, and an FBI task force focused on foreign influence was also disbanded.
Critics, including election officials and experts, say these changes jeopardize national election integrity. Officials like Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows called the eliminated programs vital in countering cyberattacks. While CISA said it is shifting focus to “mission critical areas,” many state election leaders seek clarity and have urged the Department of Homeland Security to restore support.
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, and Columbia University graduate was arrested by federal immigration agents on Saturday for allegedly supporting Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. His arrest sparked widespread protest in New York City, where hundreds rallied demanding his release. A federal judge blocked his deportation on Monday, allowing him to remain in the U.S. while his legal case is reviewed.
Khalil’s legal team argues he is a lawful permanent resident and that his arrest is politically motivated, driven by President Trump's executive orders targeting alleged pro-Hamas sympathizers. Trump called Khalil’s arrest “the first of many,” claiming there are other agitators on campuses nationwide. Critics, including the ACLU and Columbia faculty, argue that Khalil’s detention is a violation of free speech and civil rights, emphasizing he protested in support of Palestinian civilians, not Hamas.
Khalil’s wife, eight months pregnant, pleaded for his release. His legal team filed a motion to return him from a detention facility in Louisiana, accusing ICE of trying to evade court jurisdiction. Protesters, faculty, students, and civil rights organizations continue to push for his immediate release, calling the arrest unconstitutional and a threat to free expression on college campuses.