February 5, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

More than two million civilian federal workers across the country are facing a deadline. They can either accept an offer from the Trump administration to resign and keep pay and benefits through September, or they can pass on the offer and take a gamble that they may be laid off soon. Lisa Desjardins reports on the latest and discusses the legality of the offer with attorney Michelle Bercovici.

Fusing cooking, chemistry and comedy, Alton Brown has made a name for himself as a TV host and Food Network fixture. His creative eye and quick wit captivated audiences of "Good Eats," "Cutthroat Kitchen” and “Iron Chef America.” Now, he brings that same humor to the page in his new book, “Food for Thought.” Geoff Bennett sat down with Brown to discuss more.

The Trump administration is continuing to dismantle USAID, placing personnel on administrative leave globally. A post on the agency's website claims that travel back to the U.S. for staff stationed in other countries will be arranged and ends with a “thank you for your service.” Amna Nawaz discussed more with Andrew Natsios, the administrator for USAID during the George W. Bush administration.

The Trump administration is targeting agencies and slashing the federal workforce and one man is orchestrating it all, Elon Musk. The richest man in the world has been given access to critical systems across the federal government. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee attempted to subpoena Musk but were blocked by Republicans. Laura Barrón-López reports.

President Trump took his first meeting at the White House with a Democratic foe, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, with federal aid for wildfire-stricken communities hanging in the balance. And with more executive actions, Trump took steps to restrict transgender rights in sports. Amna Nawaz reports.