Trump Signs Orders on IVF, Transparency, and Spending Cuts \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump signed executive orders on IVF expansion, government transparency, and spending cuts, reinforcing his hardline economic policies. The orders aim to increase IVF access, require detailed reporting on government waste, and expand oversight by the Office of Management and Budget. Trump also defended Elon Musk’s role in federal cost-cutting through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Later, he attended a conservative awards event at Mar-a-Lago, featuring Russell Brand, Ted Nugent, and Mike Tyson.
Trump Signs Executive Orders on IVF: Quick Look
- IVF Expansion Order: Trump signed an executive order aimed at reducing costs and expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- Government Transparency Directive: A presidential memorandum calls for “radical transparency requirements” to expose wasteful spending.
- Budget Oversight Order: Another executive order clarifies the oversight functions of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
- Elon Musk’s Role in Cost-Cutting: Trump defended Musk, calling him a “patriot” amid criticism of DOGE’s aggressive spending cuts.
- Ukraine War Comments: Trump claimed Ukraine should have prevented the war and rejected reports of U.S.-Russia negotiations without Ukraine.
- Mar-a-Lago Awards Event: Trump hosted a conservative awards program, attended by Russell Brand, Ted Nugent, Mike Tyson, and Mike Flynn.
- Fox News Interview with Musk: Trump’s first joint interview with Musk aired in prime time on Fox News.
Deep Look
Trump Moves to Expand IVF Access Amid Political Fallout
At Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to and reducing costs of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The move follows Trump’s campaign promise for universal IVF coverage, made after his Supreme Court nominees helped overturn Roe v. Wade. The ruling led to state-level abortion restrictions, with some Republican-led states considering defining life at conception, raising concerns that IVF could be legally jeopardized.
Trump defended his IVF initiative, calling it an important step for “women and families, husbands” seeking fertility treatments.
“The biggest barriers for people to building their families are the out-of-pocket costs, the lack of insurance coverage for this care,” said Barbara Collura, president and CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, calling the executive order “promising.”
However, critics argue that the order lacks real substance. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) dismissed it as “doing nothing” to truly expand IVF access:
“Donald Trump’s executive order does nothing to expand access to IVF. In fact, he’s the reason IVF is at risk in the first place.”
Duckworth challenged Trump to support legislation requiring insurance coverage for IVF, rather than issuing an executive order with no clear funding plan.
Government Transparency Order Targets ‘Waste, Fraud, and Abuse’
Alongside the IVF order, Trump issued a presidential memorandum demanding increased transparency in government spending. The directive requires detailed reporting on “waste, fraud, and abuse”, as part of an effort led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—an office overseen by Elon Musk.
However, DOGE has been criticized for its lack of transparency. Musk has taken only one press inquiry since assuming his role and has refused to disclose staff identities, claiming it is “illegal” to do so.
Trump defended Musk’s controversial approach, stating:
“You could call him an employee, you could call him a consultant, you could call him whatever you want. But he’s a patriot.”
Trump’s Economic Plan: Spending Cuts and Import Tariffs
Trump’s government cost-cutting efforts have included:
- Reducing foreign aid programs, including voter outreach in India and social programs in Mali.
- Proposing reciprocal tariffs—raising U.S. import taxes to match foreign rates.
- Delaying 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods until March 4.
Trump highlighted budget inefficiencies in a speech, reading from a list of global spending programs that he described as wasteful.
Trump Comments on Ukraine War, Shifts Blame
During the press conference, Trump addressed Russia’s war in Ukraine, claiming he had a “good chance” to end the conflict. However, he dismissed concerns that the U.S. and Russia were negotiating peace talks without Ukraine’s involvement.
“Today I heard, ‘Well, we weren’t invited.’ Well, you’ve been there for three years,” Trump said of Ukraine’s leaders. “You should have never started it.”
His suggestion that Ukraine was responsible for the war—despite Russia’s 2022 invasion—drew sharp criticism.
Fox News Interview with Musk and Mar-a-Lago Event
Trump’s first joint TV interview with Musk aired Tuesday night on Fox News, focusing on:
- DOGE’s cost-cutting measures and federal spending reductions.
- Musk’s role in shaping Trump’s economic strategy.
- The 2024 presidential campaign and U.S. trade policy.
Earlier in the evening, Mar-a-Lago hosted a conservative awards event organized by America’s Future, a group led by Mike Flynn, Trump’s former national security adviser.
The event, celebrating “American exceptionalism,” featured:
- A poolside reception and musical performances.
- A dinner honoring military service members from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Space Force.
- Special guests including Russell Brand, Ted Nugent, and Mike Tyson.
Trump appeared at the event alongside Flynn, Nugent, and Tyson, telling attendees:
“This is very, very friendly territory.”
Trump Praises Mike Flynn, Hints at White House Role
During his speech at the event, Trump praised Mike Flynn, calling him “the real deal” and hinting at a potential return to his administration:
“Anytime you want to come in, you know that, Mike, OK?”
Flynn, who resigned less than a month into Trump’s first term, was later charged with lying to the FBI about contacts with Russian officials. He pleaded guilty twice before Trump pardoned him in 2020.
What’s Next?
- DOGE will begin releasing transparency reports under Trump’s new executive order.
- IVF expansion efforts will be scrutinized, as critics demand clearer funding commitments.
- Trump’s tariff policies may escalate as the March 4 deadline for Canadian and Mexican import taxes approaches.
- Flynn’s potential White House role could emerge as Trump finalizes his administration picks.
Trump Signs Orders
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