White House says some employees were fired by mistake - ABC News

President Donald Trump's administration, including Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, is continuing its sweeping effort to cut much of the federal government -- but it's being met with legal challenges.

Trump is also making his second administration's first forays on the diplomatic front with calls to Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy on ending the 3-year-old war that began in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.

And a day after Hamas released more hostages taken when it attacked Israel in October 2023, Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the militant organization needs to be "eliminated."

Trump criticizes "highly political, activist Judge" over DOGE

In a new Truth Social post Wednesday, President Donald Trump is defending DOGE, claiming the new agency has "found massive amounts of FRAUD, WASTE, INCOMPETENCE, AND ABUSE" while also saying that a "highly political, activist Judge wants us to immediately make payment, anyway."

"In other words pay, even though you know the payment was fraudulently requested to be made. DOGE caught them - The Judge just doesn't care," Trump added.

The post comes as DOGE's actions face lawsuits for their activity at the Treasury, the Department of Education and efforts to dismantle USAID.

-- ABC News' Michelle Stoddart

Feb 12, 2025, 12:36 PM EST

2 top enforcement officials at ICE reassigned

Two of the top officials responsible for carrying out enforcement actions at Immigration and Customs Enforcement were reassigned, according to a source familiar.

Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Transportation Command is supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation flights by providing military airlift, Fort Bliss, Texas, Feb. 10, 2025.

Sgt. Griffin Payne/DoD

Russell Holt, the acting head of enforcement operations, and Peter Berg, his deputy, were reassigned, according to an email sent to the workforce.

"ICE needs a culture of accountability that it has been starved of for the past four years. We have a President, DHS Secretary, and American people who rightfully demand results, and our ICE leadership will ensure the agency delivers," a DHS spokesperson said.

-ABC News' Luke Barr

Feb 12, 2025, 7:41 AM EST

Inflation report expected to show 2.8% increase

The latest federal report on inflation is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, with observers expecting to see 2.8% growth in January from the same year-ago month.

If the Consumer Price Index matches that exception, it would place inflation slightly lower than last month's reading but still above the Federal Reserve's 2% target.

Cartons of eggs sit inside cooler at Norma's Sweets Bakery Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New Orleans.

Stephen Smith/AP

Investors are watching closely to see if inflation is still headed in the right direction. Tariffs that President Donald Trump has promised to impose on several of the country's largest trading partners, could push inflation higher, adding a potential headwind.

January is also a time when many businesses raise prices that can provide a bellwether for where inflation is headed.

This report will also contain the latest snapshot on egg prices. Last month's data showed that consumers on average were paying 65% more for eggs compared to a year ago.

Economists at Goldman Sachs expect an increase in used and new car prices and a pick up in car insurance prices. They expect shelter price increases to moderate slightly and higher food and energy prices to contribute to inflation.

The Federal Reserve chair said in his congressional testimony on Tuesday that while there has been progress on inflation the Fed is in no hurry to cut rates.

-ABC News' Zunaira Zaki

Feb 11, 2025, 11:18 PM EST

Secret Service announces retirement of its acting director

Ron Rowe, the acting director of the United States Secret Service, retired from the agency on Tuesday, according to a spokesperson for the USSS.

“Deputy Director Ronald Rowe, a valued executive and leader of the United States Secret Service, has announced his decision to retire after 26 years of dedicated service," the spokesperson said in a statement. "He is currently enjoying a well-deserved break before his retirement.”

Rowe took over for former Director Kim Cheatle in the aftermath of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in July 2024.

Rowe oversaw the agency through multiple reviews -- both from Congress and internally at the Secret Service -- and a Department of Homeland Security review panel about the incident in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Prior to being acting director and deputy director, Rowe was the head of the president's protective detail.