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Celebrity News, Exclusives, Photos and Videos
- Taylor Lautner Defends Selena Gomez amid ‘Cruel’ Body-Shaming Comments: ‘Be a Little Bit Nicer’
Taylor Lautner Defends Selena Gomez amid ‘Cruel’ Body-Shaming Comments: ‘Be a Little Bit Nicer’
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Celebrity News, Exclusives, Photos and Videos
- “Chicago P.D.”'s Jason Beghe Has Some Thoughts on Patrick John Flueger's Performance in Wednesday's 'Very Special Episode' (Exclusive)
“Chicago P.D.”'s Jason Beghe Has Some Thoughts on Patrick John Flueger's Performance in Wednesday's 'Very Special Episode' (Exclusive)
Alix Earle Shares Next Career Move After Podcast Dropped by Unwell Network
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Alix Earle revealed her latest endeavor after news broke that her “Hot Mess” podcast was dropped by Alex Cooper’s Unwell Network.
“I told you guys that I had a secret and I’m finally able to talk about it with you,” Earle, 24, said via Instagram on Wednesday, February 26. “There is an alcohol company launching soon and I am investing in it.”
Earle explained that she wanted to get involved in the alcohol space since she graduated college in 2023 — including “two separate times” when she tried to start her own alcohol company, but she struggled to find the perfect brand for her.
When this particular brand was “put in front” of her, Earle thought it was the right fit because she had been “obsessed” with the company. (Earle did not name the brand in the video.)
“So I was like, ‘Let me explore this.’ I still didn’t really think anything would come of it. … I was basically like, ‘I’ll invest in this company. I’ll put my money in it,’” she said, sharing that it will be launching in March. “I’m so happy I can finally talk about this.”
The update comes one day after Us confirmed on Tuesday, February 25, that Earle’s “Hot Mess” was dropped by Unwell Network. Variety, who broke the news, reported that SiriusXM will no longer sell ads for “Hot Mess” and that the Unwell Network has renounced rights to the podcast.
Cooper launched her own beverage, Unwell Hydration, in December 2024. The point of the nonalcoholic drink, which is available in three flavors, “is to kind of meet you where you’re at, and it is for everybody in whatever unwell state you are in,” Cooper told Us at the time. “No one is perfect. We’re all a little unwell.”
Cooper initially signed Earle and “Pretty Lonesome” host Madeline Argy to the Unwell Network in August 2023. The network, which launched at the same time, was created in an effort to cater to Gen Z audiences with “unique voices that embrace social challenges and personal insecurities through honest conversation.”
Alix Earle’s Podcast Dropped By Alex Cooper’s Unwell Network
Now, less than two years later, eagle-eyed social media users began speculating of a rift between Earle and Cooper, with multiple sources telling Us the rumors held some weight. In the latest issue of Us, an insider revealed that there was “a lot of tension” between the pair.
“They’ve had a lot of drama between them [since] they decided to collaborate on Unwell,” a second source shared. “They clashed over business, and their friendship is over because of it.”
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A source confirmed that Earle can explore other opportunities, which she has been wanting to do. “Alix is working on bigger projects not related to the podcast space,” one insider said.
The same source shared to Us that Alix’s dad, Thomas “TJ” Earle, contributed. “Alix’s dad got more involved in her business decisions and did not like what Unwell was doing. He ultimately thought it ended up not being a smart business move,” the insider said.
Nick Viall Says He ‘Felt a Little Seen’ After Dyslexia Diagnosis in His 30s
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Nick Viall is grateful for his late-in-life dyslexia diagnosis.
“When I was a kid, you didn’t know about dyslexia or talked about dyslexia,” Viall, 44, said on the Wednesday, February 26, episode of his “Viall Files” podcast. “If you found out you were dyslexic, you weren’t telling people. It’s something you would have definitely gotten picked on [for].”
The former Bachelor ultimately received his diagnosis in adulthood.
“I was like, ‘Why can’t I read out loud very well?’” Viall recalled. “I could never figure it out. I was like, ‘I’m not stupid.’ … [I was] in my 30s. I didn’t really change anything. I didn’t take any classes to help me read better aloud.”
Nick Viall Had ‘Insecurities’ in Early Days of Natalie Joy Relationship
He continued, “I felt a little seen, not to sound corny. I’m a big believer in, like, I don’t like to lean into my weaknesses, but I think it’s nice to know what they are. I don’t have to make excuses for anything, it’s just [that] I’m dyslexic.”
While Viall never leads with his learning difficulties, he noted that it’s “nice to know” why he often struggled in class growing up and at certain media events.
“Now I know why I had no idea how many vowels were in a word or why I have a hard time reading a teleprompter when everyone makes it look so easy [and] it’s so hard for me,” Viall said. “After I found out, people were telling me all the very talented, very successful people who are dyslexic.”
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Viall’s wife, Natalie Joy, chimed in to share that the first book he ever bought their daughter was called Dyslexic Legends.
“I bought it for myself,” Viall corrected. “We were at a kid’s store and I bought it for me. I’ll read it to her someday and tell her about dad.”
Nick Viall’s Daughter Was Born With Umbilical Cord Wrapped Around Her Neck
The Dyslexic Legends, written by Beck Feiner, is an alphabetic book listing all the famous stars from Albert Einstein to Pablo Picasso, who navigated dyslexia amid their respective successful careers. Viall and Joy, 26, picked up the book in honor of daughter River Rose.
Joy gave birth in February 2024, celebrating River’s first birthday earlier this month.
“The fastest a year has gone by ,” they captioned a joint Instagram post on February 2. “Happy 1st birthday to our sweet girl, River Rose. You’re a dream come true.”
Viall and Joy started dating in 2019 after the former nurse slid into his Instagram DMs. Viall proposed in January 2023 before they wed in April 2024.
21 Travel Essentials to Vacation Like Your Favorite Influencer
From Instagram to TikTok and Pinterest, many of Us have a list of influencers that we can’t get enough of. Tuning into vlogs, tutorials and random rants give Us a look at trending styles and products to watch. We may not have the luxury of getting paid to post as our favorite influencers do, but we can deliver viral-worthy style with the help of popular travel essentials.
Many of Us are gearing up for spring vacations. From family friendly trips to amusement parks to tropical baecations, there’s no trip where you can’t deliver influencer-level style. From slimming swimsuits to viral ring lights, we compiled a helpful list of travel essentials influencers always travel with. This list is stocked with influencer-level essentials that are sure to have people asking for your social media handles. Get ready to set social media on fire after you check out this list of our top picks.
Influencer Fashion Essentials
1. Our Absolute Favorite: Get ready to be the talk of the beach. This one-piece bathing suit features a flirty cut-out and comes in so many different styles. Best of all? It has slimming tummy control.
2. Walking on Sunshine: These cloud-like slippers will become a reoccurring piece to your vacay footwear collection. You can wear them as shower shoes or rock them when you’re going for a dip in the pool!
3. Gleaming Accessories: Make a subtle statement in this viral pendant necklace. It comes courtesy of an affordable jewelry brand loved by A-listers like Taylor Swift and Gwyneth Paltrow!
4. Bestseller Babe: Whether you’re rocking a swimsuit cover-up or styling an airy dress, you’ll feel ultra-comfy pairing these bestselling sandals with them!
5. Celeb-Loved Style: Platform espadrilles are always a good look on warm and sunny vacations. These open-toe platforms are a great pick when you need to dress up a bit!
19 Flattering Rich Mom Pieces for Women in Their 40s — Starting at Just $10
6. Terrific Tote: If serving influencer-level style is on your agenda on your next vacation, you can’t carry just any kind of beach bag. This stylish mesh tote is a trendy style that fits the bill!
7. Designer Lookalike: Don’t want to splurge on luxury brands? These $34 sandals look just like a name-brand pair that costs $800!
8. Travel Day Slay: Being uncomfortable during a tiring travel day is the last thing any of Us want. This colorful two-piece set delivers a roomy fit so that you’ll feel comfortable while trying to make it airport security!
9. Multipurpose Set: You’ll get so much wear out of this two-piece short set. It features light, airy fabric that layers well over swimsuits. However, it’s versatile enough that you can style it for your midday lunch plans!
10. Crochet Cutie: Get ready. Your followers will spam your comments with questions about where you scored this crochet set!
11. Popular Sunnies: Sunglasses on spring vacations are an absolute must. These bestselling sunnies have been purchased more than 10,000 times in the past month!
Influencer Tech and Travel Essentials
12. Luxe Find for Less: Ready to replace your old beat-up luggage? Influencers and celebrities are notorious for snagging Samsonite suitcases. You can snag one of the brand’s carry-on suitcases for 30% off!
13. Lights, Camera, Action: Wonder how your favorite influencers keep their pictures so well lit? Take a page out of Alix Earle‘s book and snag this viral LED light!
14. Perfectly Packed: Keep your suitcase organized, courtesy of this eight-piece packing cube set!
15. Charged Up: Are you notorious for having a dead cellphone battery when you’re away? This wireless charging dock is a helpful way to keep your devices charged and ready to go!
16. Comfort First: Tired of waking up to neck pain during flights or road trips? This adjustable neck pillow eliminates neck tension and subsequent discomfort!
17. Photo Ready: Do you want to pose for viral-worthy pictures without asking strangers for help? This influencer-loved tripod is the way to go!
18. On-the-Go Footage: Capture on-the-go content with the DJI Osmo Pocket Camera. More than just a camera, it features built-in stabilization and object tracking for film crisp, clean shots!
19. Skincare Essential: Are you serious about your skin and body care routine? This 18-piece silicone travel container set is a helpful way to bring your favorite products on the go!
20. Biggest Splurge: For more professional-looking footage, influencers often opt for pricier cameras like the Nikon Z50II!
21. Last but Not Least: Some airplanes aren’t equipped with devices that allow you to watch movies and other forms of entertainment. This phone mount is the perfect to indulge in hands-free fun regardless of in-flight entertainment!
16 Neutral Fashion Essentials That Seamlessly Transition From Winter to Spring
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© Photo by Getty Images
Michelle Trachtenberg Fielded Question About Blake Lively 1 Month Before Death
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Michelle Trachtenberg was not interested in wading into the legal waters surrounding her Gossip Girl costar Blake Lively in the weeks before her death.
Us Weekly confirmed on Wednesday, February 26, that Trachtenberg was found dead inside her Midtown West Side apartment. She was 39 years old.
On January 16, Trachtenberg posted a picture of herself via Instagram wearing sunglasses and posing with her arms crossed. “It takes a lot of strength to see through all the b*llshit. And some dark sunglasses. #newyork,” the actress captioned the photo.
In the comments, an Instagram account called xoxoposhipgirl — a celebrity fashion and style source run by a woman named Audrey Long — posed a request to Trachtenberg.
Stars React to Michelle Trachtenberg’s Death at Age 39
“Would love to see you release a statement on the Blake drama Or idk if this is a direct statement? Hahaha you’re so fabulous,” the comment read.
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Trachtenberg responded, “@xoxoposhipgirl gosh. Im busy worrying about real world news and families who have no home anymore from the LA fires. But you do you. .”
Long was attempting to coax a statement from Trachtenberg about the ongoing legal feud between Lively, 37, and Justin Baldoni. Lively and Baldoni, 41, have exchanged a myriad of lawsuits back-and-forth, all stemming from their work together on the 2024 film It Ends With Us.
Trachtenberg’s post came on the same day Baldoni sued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation. Lively’s lawyers called the lawsuit “desperate,” which came weeks after Lively filed her own lawsuit against Baldoni on December 20, 2024, accusing him of “disturbing” and “unprofessional” behavior on the set of It Ends With Us. Baldoni denied the allegations.
Lively and Trachtenberg starred as Serena van der Woodsen and Georgina Sparks, respectively, on Gossip Girl, which ran on The CW for 6 seasons from 2007 to 2012.
Trachtenberg’s death was confirmed on Wednesday by a representative of the late actress.
“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Tractenberg has passed away,” the statement read, which was obtained by Us. “The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”
Michelle Trachtenberg Had a Liver Transplant Before Death: Sources
Police sources told Us that Trachtenberg’s cause of death is “not yet apparent,” but the incident is not believed to be suspicious.
Trachtenberg’s former Gossip Girl costar Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass, posted about the actress’ passing via his Instagram Story.
“So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg,” Westwick, 37, wrote on Wednesday alongside a photo of Trachtenberg from the series. “Sending prayers.”
In addition to her work on Gossip Girl, Trachtenberg was known for her roles on TV’s Buffy, the Vampire Slayer and in movies like 1996’s Harriet the Spy, 2004’s Eurotrip and 2005’s Ice Princess.
Inside Michelle Trachtenberg’s Last Public Appearance at Star-Studded Bash
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Michelle Trachtenberg made what would be her final public appearance over a year before her death — celebrating designer Christian Siriano at his star-studded 15th-anniversary party in L.A.
Held at Nic’s On Beverly, Trachtenberg, feted Siriano, 39, alongside fellow stars like Ashlee Simpson, Leslie Jones, Krysten Ritter and Alicia Silverstone.
Nearly everyone dressed the part in various Chirstian Siriano creations, including Trachtenberg who wore the designer’s mid-length little black cocktail dress with delicate ruffled details, which she coupled with a Heidi Daus statement necklace strung with a door knocker lion pendant at the center.
Instead of heels, Trachtenberg opted for Tory Burch Esme flats with rhinestone-embellished bows. In photos from the event, she looked relaxed and happy, as she celebrated Siriano’s career milestone.
‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Buffy’ Star Michelle Trachtenberg Dead at Age 39
At the time, Trachtenberg captioned the selfie: “About last night…” as she posed in front of the oil painting, mere moments before she would be “heading off to celebrate my friend @csiriano at his 15th anniversary book party! Thank you Jay and Chris and Christian! More photos to come.”
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She captioned another pic with Simpson, 40, “Cheeky ,” showing the lighthearted mood of the evening.
The day after the party, Trachtenberg posted the Instagram photo in front of the “beautiful custom painted art piece,” which she noted was a birthday gift from her “love” Jay Cohen, whom she said commissioned the piece from “the amazing artist” Chris Rivers — a self-taught English drummer-turned-painter known for bold, abstract displays of brilliant color.
Trachtenberg rose to fame from a young age, memorably playing the lead in the 1996 movie Harriet the Spy at age 10, then later starring in three seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer before she turned 18.
Michelle Trachtenberg Through the Years: Her Life and Career in Photos
In 2009, she was cast in season two of Gossip Girl as the self-serving Upper East Side socialite Georgina Sparks, a part that she would ultimately become known for. More than 10 years later, she reprised her character in the Gossip Girl reboot for a multi-episode arc in October 2022.
Fans were delighted with her surprise cameo and continue to reference Georgina Sparks’ style on Pinterest boards and throwback Instagram photos. Trachtenberg’s final public appearance and acting performance show the deep level at which she valued her personal relationships and artistic pursuits and how she could always captivate an audience.
The star’s rep confirmed her death to Us Weekly on Wednesday, February 26; Trachtenberg, who was 39, passed away in her NYC apartment, although the cause of her death is still unknown.
Adidas’ Viral Leopard Sneakers Are Sold Out — 14 Pairs to Shop Instead
Animal print might not seem timeless in the classic sense of the term (e.g., little black dresses, neutral-wash jeans and tweed blazers), but if you think about it, it’s always fashionable in some way, shape or form. Currently, the print is peaking yet again, popping up on just about every article of clothing — skirts, coats, pants, accessories, etc. Even sneakers are embracing the bold design, with Adidas recently dropping statement-making leopard Sambas.
The patterned pick quickly went viral, which means finding your size now seems next to impossible. Thankfully, the brand isn’t the only one who makes leopard print kicks. We found tons of animal print trainers that are on par with the Adidas pair, including options from our favorite brands like Sam Edelman, Dolce Vita, and Keds. Better yet, you don’t have to spend a chunk of money to score them, since prices start at just $22. It’s time to take a walk on the wild side!
17 Rich Mom-Style Shoe Deals You'd Never Believe Aren't Designer — Up to 58% Off!
14 Pairs of Leopard Print Sneakers
Animal All Over
1. Not-So-Classic Keds: These platformed, patterned Keds are an upgrade from the typical white pair. The black trim lends an edginess that’s uncharacteristic of the brand. (We’re obsessed!)
2. Cheeky Cheetah: Between the metallic silver accents, graphic shoelaces and cheetah-print fabric, these are some serious statement sneakers. Add them to a neutral outfit for low-effort flair.
3. Sam Edelman Sneaks: Constantly rushing out the door? Consider these stunners from one of our go-to shoe brands. The velcro closures mean they’re quick to slip on as you grab your keys and wallet.
4. A Chucks Lookalike: If Converse are still your kicks of choice, you’ll adore these animal-print low-tops, which have the same slim silhouette and thick rubber soles.
5. Cushionaire Cuties: No trainers on this list are quite as animal-printed as this pair from Cushionaire. Even the tan shoelaces are camouflaged amid the black-spotted canvas.
6. Dolce Vita Vibes: The calf-hair exterior and genuine leather embellishments of the Notice Stitch Sneakers give them such an elevated feel. So worth the splurge!
7. Bejeweled Beauties: The ever-fabulous Betsey Johnson is best known for her eclectic style, and this pair of rhinestone sneakers from the brand she founded is no exception. We’re all about the bling.
8. Matisse Trainers: When it comes to this low-profile pair of shoes, the busyness of the leopard base is offset by tasteful pops of white. They’d look so pretty with a midi skirt.
Low-Key Leopard
9. Starry Stunner: The shiny stars on the side of Steve Madden’s color-blocked sneakers channel the Golden Goose aesthetic — except they’re a fraction of the cost.
10. Patterned and Platformed: These chunky shoes prove neutrals needn’t be boring. We love the mix of beige and white tones, thick soles, fashion stitching and, of course, the leopard print.
11. Nike Copycats: Inspired by the iconic brand’s Dunks, these eye-catching sneakers take the classic shoe a few steps further with glitter, rhinestones and animal-print accents.
12. Cutesy Trainers: It’s impossible not to have a pep in your step when you’re sporting these platform sneakers. Not only are they ultra comfy, but they also cost just $37!
13. Stylish Slip-Ons: This pair of pull-ons is a funky addition to any closet, thanks to the hodgepodge of fabrics. Many of the styles feature an animal-print canvas in some capacity.
14. Multicolored Magic: Calling all maximalists! These wild lace-up sneakers feature chunky soles, a rainbow of colors, metallic details and dual-tone shoelaces. There’s so much to love about them.
17 Extremely Comfy Luxe Sneakers to Wear When Traveling
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
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Latest Tech News from CNBC
- Meta apologizes after Instagram users flag flood of graphic and violent content
Meta apologizes after Instagram users flag flood of graphic and violent content
Canada, Mexico tariffs still on track for next week despite Cabinet confusion
The White House still plans to implement 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico next week, at least for now — despite comments from President Trump on Wednesday that raised hopes of another delay.
Why it matters: The Trump administration has announced a slew of tariffs that could take effect on their respective deadline, or ultimately be pushed off — a prime backdrop for confusion.
The intrigue: That confusion was on full display in the immediate whipsaw in financial markets.
- The prospect of another delay for the 25% tariffs outlined in a White House executive order earlier this month — which had already been paused for 30 days — sent the U.S. dollar sharply lower against the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso, before recovering.
Catch up quick: Trump told reporters on Wednesday that the 25% tariff on imports from North American allies would take effect on April 2.
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick quickly added that the "big transaction" would be April 2, but the "fentanyl-related" tariffs would be re-evaluated at the end of the 30-day pause on March 4.
Context: April 2 is the deadline for reciprocal tariffs that Trump previously announced, a senior White House official clarified to Axios.
- That official added that the 25% tariffs specific to Canada and Mexico were still on pause until next week, as originally thought. The administration has not made a decision whether to extend that pause or not.
- Lutnick told reporters that the Canadian and Mexican officials had to "prove to the president" that they had made progress on tighter border controls.
What to watch: The Commerce Department was previously ordered to draw up plans to impose tariffs on nations that the administration decides has unfair trading practices, a report due on April 1.
- That would allow Trump to put any tariffs in place the following day. Canada and Mexico could get hit in this order, too.
That is separate from another order that raises tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports to 25%, set to take effect on March 12.
- Trump said Tuesday that the Commerce Department would investigate whether to slap tariffs on copper imports.
- Trump on Wednesday told reporters that the administration was also looking into tariffs on European imports, particularly autos — though it was unclear if that was a new announcement or would come with the pending Commerce study.
- He's also hinted at future tariffs on semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, cars and lumber, but without setting any dates.
The bottom line: So far the Trump administration has implemented, not just announced, tariffs of 10% on all imports from China.
- If the administration makes good on some or all of its other tariff threats, keeping up with Trump trade policy might get that much harder.
BBC Komla Dumor Award 2025 launched
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Latest News
- Federal workers react to Trump administration's new plan for restructuring, staff cuts: 'They'll have to fire me.'
Federal workers react to Trump administration's new plan for restructuring, staff cuts: 'They'll have to fire me.'
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Kevin Lamarque/REUTERS
- In a Wednesday memo, Trump administration officials advanced a plan for federal staff reductions.
- The memo said departments across agencies should prepare to cut staff and reorganize by March 13.
- Federal workers told BI they're frustrated, but not surprised, by the planned restructuring.
President Donald Trump's administration officially announced its plan for federal staff reductions in a Wednesday memo, telling agencies to prepare to cut staff and reorganize their departments by March 13.
Federal workers who spoke to Business Insider after the memo was announced said the move was "crazy and illogical." Still, some were determined to continue working until they were removed from office.
The memo, sent by the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management, did not identify specific targets for cutbacks, which they described as advancing the White House DOGE office efficiency initiatives. However, during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump suggested as an example that as much as 65% of staff at the Environmental Protection Agency could be cut.
Representatives for the White House, OPM, and OMB did not immediately respond to requests for comment from BI.
"I think what is going on is unfair to us. I have been told my job is exempt, but I truly don't believe it," an employee from the Department of Veterans Affairs said. "I know that we are shorthanded but also don't trust the government or my supervisors here. I have seen nothing in writing. That scares me also."
The memo outlines a timeline for most agencies — with exemptions for federal law enforcement, military, border security, and US Postal Service employees — to prepare and execute a layoff and reorganization strategy. Agencies must submit their restructuring plans by March 13 and "outline a positive vision for more productive, efficient agency operations" by April 14, with an implementation deadline in September.
It also requires field office operations to be consolidated or closed, which one employee of the Social Security Administration said would impact frontline offices that handle claims and issue Social Security cards, as well as disability hearing offices that handle appeals of unfavorable decisions in disability cases.
"So, the people who complain about long wait times and nobody answering the phone are talking about those entities, maybe there are a lot of layers of bureaucracy above us, but those exist to provide support for us frontline people," the Social Security Administration employee told BI. "This is crazy and illogical, motivated by a blind, stupid hatred of the Public Sector as a whole."
An Internal Revenue Service employee told BI that "it will take years, if not decades, to fully recover" from the federal government cuts.
"Americans are going to feel this very deeply," they said. "Services are going to be nonexistent."
An employee from the Department of Housing and Urban Development said they're prepared to be moved to a different department after a meeting with their supervisor about the memo.
"There's so much confusion — respond to the productivity email, don't respond, and now being told to get ready to move departments — I see how this Elon tactic can mentally drain you because this week was so hard to log in and be productive," the HUD worker told BI.
The restructuring memo comes just days after the White House DOGE office sent a weekend email asking all federal employees to list what work tasks they had accomplished last week, prompting confusing among some employees about how and whether to reply outside their chain of command.
While the confusion created by the emails and subsequent conflicting guidance from department heads has caused some federal workers who previously spoke to BI to reconsider their work in the government, others say they're resolved to stick it out.
"I've never seen morale so low in my 18 years of service," an employee from the Bureau of Reclamation told BI, adding that they "believe we are witnessing the final days" of their agency.
Still, they said they see their department's work protecting water resources as essential for the country and have no plans of stopping unless they're forced out of public service.
"They'll have to fire me," they said.
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Latest News
- Nvidia CEO says AI innovations like China's Deepseek show how 'software finds a way' amid US export controls
Nvidia CEO says AI innovations like China's Deepseek show how 'software finds a way' amid US export controls
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I-hwa Cheng/Getty
- The US imposed sweeping export controls on China around high-end chips in 2022.
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said China revenue-percentage was double what it is now pre-export controls.
- The CEO told CNBC "it's hard to tell" if export controls are effective regarding innovation.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is unsure if export controls against China are effective national security measures for the US amid the artificial intelligence race. However, they've certainly hurt the chipmaker's business abroad.
"It's hard to tell whether export control is effective," Huang said in a CNBC interview on Wednesday. The CEO was responding to a question about whether the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek and its latest model showed there are workarounds against the US-imposed sanctions on semiconductors.
"Our percentage revenues in China before export controls was twice as high as it is now," the CEO said, adding that competition from China remains stiff with companies like Huawei and that software will continue to innovate.
"I think that ultimately, software finds a way. Maybe that's the easiest way of thinking about it," he said. "Whether you're developing software for a supercomputer, or software for a personal computer, or software for a phone, or software for a game console — you ultimately make that software work on whatever system that you're targeting and you create great software."
Since the US implemented export controls on semiconductors in 2022 — and tightened those restrictions in 2023 — Nvidia's revenue from China has taken a significant hit.
For the fiscal year ending in January 2023, Nvidia's China business made up 21% of the company's total revenue. For the same fiscal year ending in January 2025, revenue from China made up about 13% of Nvidia's overall revenue.
An Nvidia spokesperson declined to comment.
Despite the export restrictions and a brief shock to the chipmaker's stock after DeepSeek unveiled its R1 reasoning model, Nvidia reported another strong quarter on Wednesday, growing total revenue to $39.3 billion — 78% year-over-year increase from $22.1 billion.
Nvidia saw a short sell-off following the DeepSeek release in January. In a single day, it erased nearly $600 billion of its market cap, putting the company's valuation at about $2.4 trillion.
The company has since recovered its market-cap loss, currently standing at a $3.22 trillion valuation.
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