President Donald Trump delivered remarks from the Oval Office on Friday following the release of the first full jobs report under his second administration. The report revealed a modest rebound in employment growth, with the U.S. economy adding 151,000 jobs in February. This increase marks the worst month for federal government hiring since June 2022. The Trump administration aims to recalibrate government expenditure by curbing wasteful jobs and enhancing manufacturing opportunities.
In addition, the administration has temporarily halted Ukraine's access to commercial satellite imagery purchased through Maxar. This decision aligns with the administration's cautious stance on military aid to Ukraine, as the U.S. seeks to avoid being perceived as directly aiding Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. President Trump also announced potential new sanctions on Russia, targeting its banking sector, following Moscow's continued aggressive actions against Ukraine.
The Social Security Administration recently reversed its decision to cancel a program facilitating the registration of newborns for Social Security numbers and cards at hospitals in at least one state. This move follows feedback from affected states that were not given adequate time to adjust to the abrupt change.
Moreover, the State Department informed Congress last month of plans to close ten diplomatic outposts across Europe and Brazil, reflecting a broader strategy of resource optimization under President Trump's leadership. As part of his economic strategy, Trump has criticized Canadian tariffs on U.S. dairy and lumber exports, hinting at the possibility of imposing reciprocal tariffs as early as this week.
On the technological front, President Trump is hosting the first White House crypto summit on Friday. In anticipation of this event, he issued an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a stockpile of other digital assets, signifying a proactive approach to emerging financial technologies.
“I think it’s a fantastic report. It’s showing exactly what President Trump intends to do. He intends to reduce government spending to get rid of wasteful government jobs and to create manufacturing jobs, and that’s what you see,” – Kevin Hassett
Despite global tensions, Russia currently has no meetings scheduled in Saudi Arabia next week, as confirmed by a Kremlin spokesperson. Meanwhile, Naftogaz reported that Friday saw the 17th combined missile and drone attack on its facilities, underscoring the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
President Trump also addressed international trade issues, expressing his intent to impose reciprocal tariffs on Canada due to longstanding grievances over Canadian tariffs on U.S. exports.
“Canada has been ripping us off for years on tariffs for lumber and for dairy products– 250%, nobody ever talks about that, 250% tariff, which is taking advantage of our farmers,” – President Donald Trump
“We’re going to be– they’ll be met with the exact same tariff unless they drop it– and that’s what reciprocal means– and we may do it as early as today, or we’ll wait till Monday or Tuesday, but that’s what we’re going to do,” – President Donald Trump
On the geopolitical front, President Trump urged both Russia and Ukraine to engage in peace talks amidst escalating military actions.
“To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!” – President Donald Trump
