Elon Musk: From Tech Support to the center of the meeting
ABC News reported that the cabinet meeting was attended by billionaire Elon Musk - who, although not holding an official position, has a strong influence in the government.
Elon Musk was the first to speak after President Donald Trump's inauguration. Dressing in a Tech Support T-shirt and wearing a MAGA hat, Elon Musk emphasized the goal of cutting government spending to avoid the risk of US failure in practice.
However, the decision to force federal employees to report work weekly or face the risk of being fired proposed by Mr. Musk has caused great controversy.
When asked if any members of the cabinet were unhappy, President Trump humorously replied: If anyone doesnt like Elon, we will kick him out of here, making the entire meeting room laugh and applaud.
1 million federal employees are "in danger"
President Trump insists those who do not respond to Elon Musk's emails are "on the brink of being fired". He even questioned whether many of them gedorexistent.
Ukraine does not receive security commitments
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Mr. Trump said that the US will not provide "too much" to ensure security and will let Europe take care of it.
Instead, he said a Mineral Exploitation Agreement between the US and Ukraine would be an automatic security guarantee because Washington would invest in the country, leaving Russia cautious.
Notably, Mr. Trump also hinted for the first time that President Putin may have to make a concession in peace negotiations. When asked for details, he did not specify, only affirming that Ukraine "can forget" about joining NATO.
No social security cuts, but will " fight fraud"
When asked whether the Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security programs will be affected by the $2,000 billion budget cut, Trump said he would not touch them, but focus on anti-fraud.
Taxing EU, Mexico and Canada awaits verdict
Mr. Trump continues to affirm that he will impose a 25% tax on cars and goods from the European Union (EU), accusing the EU of being set up to "play bad" on the US.
He also said that tariffs on Mexico and Canada will take effect on April 2, unless the two countries prove they have done a good job of controlling fentanyl and the border.
