Judge Blocks Trump Spending Freeze, Leavitt's First Briefing, Thinning Government Jobs, Senate Hearings Preview

Today on America in the Morning   Judge Blocks Spending Freeze The White House Office of Management and Budget ordered all federal agencies to pause grants, loans and other financial assistance to place those programs under review. Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports that even after a federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump's hold on federal grants and loans, leaders on Capitol Hill were still pointing fingers.     Leavitt’s First Press Briefing There is a new seating charts of sorts in the White House press room. Correspondent Clayton Neville reports the Trump administration held its first official press briefing. Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.    Thinning Government The White House’s Office of Personnel Management sent a mass email to civilian government employees offering them a chance to quit with pay through September 30. Correspondent Lisa Dwyer reports it is the most sweeping effort yet by the new Trump administration to shrink the ranks of the federal workforce.    Latest On ICE Arrests The government announced that there have been over 35 hundred arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the first week of their crackdown of illegal migrants. Correspondent Ed Donahue reports.    Florida Special Elections The results are in for two special elections in Florida.     Flights Landing In Columbia Two Columbian Air Force planes landed in Bogota, more proof that deportation flights from the US are being made and a diplomatic incident was averted. Correspondent Haya Panjwani reports.      Judge Blocks Trump Spending Freeze A federal judge put a temporary hold on an executive order by President Trump that would freeze potentially billions of dollars in federal grants and loans, some of which Democrats fear will prevent needy Americans from receiving badly needed aid. John Stolnis has more on the judge's decision and US lawmaker reaction.    Senate Hearing Preview President Trump's Cabinet picks that seemingly have received the most pushback on Capitol Hill will be in front of lawmakers for their confirmation hearings this week. Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.     Peters Says No Third Term There was surprise on Capitol Hill when a Senator said he would not run for reelection next year for a third term. Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports on what is expected to be one of the most-watched Senate battleground elections in 2026.    Gender-Affirming Care Ban President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking to restrict gender-affirming care for people under the age of 19.     Send In The Drones Drone sightings in New Jersey became so bad last year that many thought they were being spied on by foreign nations. Sue Aller reports the White House has now brought that issue in for a landing.    Indiana Supermarket Shooting An investigation is underway in Elkhart, Indiana after a deadly shooting inside a supermarket. Correspondent Jennifer King reports.    In Need Of Confidence There are doubts about the economy moving forward. Correspondent Ed Donahue reports.     Finally   Rapper Snoop Dogg is pushing back against criticism for his performance at one of the Inaugural events for President Trump. Kevin Carr reports.     It’s always good to know the timepiece is ticking – unless it’s the Doomsday clock. Correspondent Haya Panjwani has the first 2025 update to the clock that measures the likelihood of catastrophe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices