US President Donald Trump convened his first Cabinet meeting since returning to office on Wednesday, amidst controversy surrounding his administration’s key figures.
The meeting, attended by billionaire supporter and advisor Elon Musk, aimed to discuss various issues, including the federal budget, healthcare, and national security. Musk, who oversees the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been at the center of controversy after engineering a mass email to federal workers, ordering them to justify their work or risk being fired.
One-third of Musk’s staff at DOGE resigned in protest over the email, which has sparked concerns about the impact on the federal workforce. Thousands of mainly probationary workers have been terminated since Trump’s inauguration, raising questions about the administration’s approach to governance.
Other contentious members of the Trump administration, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, were also in attendance. Kennedy has faced criticism for his views on vaccines, while Hegseth has been accused of sexual assault.
The US Senate has approved all of Trump’s cabinet picks so far, despite outcry from Democrats over their track records and lack of experience. Trump’s Republican Party holds a narrow majority in the Senate, which has enabled the president to push through his nominations.
The Cabinet meeting has sparked further controversy, with many questioning the inclusion of Musk and other contentious figures. Critics argue that the meeting is a clear indication of Trump’s intention to push through his agenda, regardless of opposition.
As the meeting concluded, Trump tweeted that it was “very productive” and that his team was “working hard to make America great again.” However, the controversy surrounding his administration’s key figures is likely to continue, with many calling for greater scrutiny of the president’s policies and appointments.
