Trump’s 1st Cabinet Meeting of 2nd Term Joined by Musk: Takeaways/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump’s first Cabinet meeting of his second term focused on sweeping federal reforms, foreign policy shifts, and economic deals. Up to one million federal workers could face layoffs as part of workforce reduction plans, spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed at eliminating inactive or nonexistent employees. Trump confirmed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the White House Friday to sign a minerals and reconstruction deal, granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources. While tariffs on Canada and Mexico are set to begin in April, they could be postponed based on progress on fentanyl and border security. Trump promised not to cut Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security, focusing instead on reducing fraud. On foreign policy, Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin must make concessions to end the Ukraine war but refused to specify details or clarify the U.S. stance on defending Taiwan.
Trump’s First 2025 Cabinet Meeting: Key Highlights; Quick Look
- Federal Layoffs: Up to 1 million federal workers could face layoffs as agencies submit workforce reduction plans by March 13.
- Elon Musk’s Role: Musk defended DOGE’s mass firings, citing efforts to eliminate fake and inactive employees.
- Ukraine Deal: Zelenskyy to visit Friday to sign a minerals and reconstruction agreement, granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources.
- Tariffs: Canada and Mexico tariffs may be delayed if progress is made on fentanyl and border issues.
- Entitlements: Trump promised not to cut Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security, focusing instead on anti-fraud measures.
- Foreign Policy:
- Putin must make concessions in Ukraine talks, Trump said, without specifics.
- Trump refused to clarify U.S. defense commitment to Taiwan.
- Trump criticized the European Union for “screwing” the U.S. economy.
Bottom line: Trump’s administration is pushing aggressive federal reforms, economic deals, and shifting foreign policies with significant global implications.
Trump’s 1st Cabinet Meeting of 2nd Term Joined by Musk: Key Takeaways
Deep Look:
Federal Workforce Cuts Looming
President Trump’s administration is moving forward with large-scale layoffs across federal agencies. A newly released memo from the Office of Management and Budget instructs agencies to submit reduction plans by March 13. The goal: cut “bloated” staff and eliminate unnecessary positions.
“It’s possible a lot of those people will be fired. And if that happens, that’s OK,” Trump said.
Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), emphasized the importance of trimming the federal payroll, saying fake and deceased employees were still receiving checks—a claim not substantiated by evidence.
“We’re literally trying to figure out: are these people real?” Musk said.
Ukraine Deal Confirmed
Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the White House on Friday to sign a minerals and reconstruction agreement. The deal grants the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, with Trump touting it as a way to recoup wartime aid.
“We get our money back, and we’ll get a lot more in the future,” Trump said.
Despite the economic agreement, Trump stated the U.S. would not offer major security guarantees to Ukraine, placing the responsibility on Europe.
“Europe is their next-door neighbor,” he remarked.
Tariffs and Trade
Trump reiterated plans for 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports to begin April 2. However, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested that if those countries show progress on fentanyl prevention and border security, the tariffs could be postponed.
“It’s going to be hard to satisfy,” Trump said, acknowledging high expectations.
Trump also took aim at Europe, claiming:
“The European Union was formed to screw the United States.”
Entitlements and Budget Plans
Trump pledged not to cut Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security, despite Republican-backed budget proposals suggesting otherwise. He instead focused on rooting out fraud, alleging—without evidence—that people aged 200 years old are receiving benefits.
“Read my lips: we’re not going to touch it,” Trump insisted.
Musk’s Expanding Influence
Though not an official Cabinet member, Musk played a central role at the meeting. Wearing a “TECH SUPPORT” t-shirt, he likened DOGE’s work to “fixing government computer systems” but acknowledged accidental layoffs of key roles, including those in Ebola prevention—a move later reversed.
“This is literally the best Cabinet the country has ever had,” Musk said.
Foreign Policy and Security
- Ukraine: Trump insists Putin must make concessions but offered no specifics.
- Taiwan: Trump refused to confirm if the U.S. would prevent a Chinese invasion.
- China Relations: Trump emphasized welcoming Chinese investment in the U.S. despite geopolitical tensions.
“We want them to invest. That’s good,” Trump said.
