In a highly anticipated cabinet meeting, former President Donald Trump, alongside high-profile adviser Elon Musk, addressed a series of bold proposals and contentious issues. The meeting took place amidst a backdrop of international tensions and domestic policy shifts, with Musk, donning a black "Make America Great Again" cap, being one of the first advisers to speak. This event marked a significant moment as Trump acknowledged potential challenges in delivering on his promise to restore peace in Ukraine. The meeting further included discussions on tariffs, immigration, and the restructuring of federal departments.
Elon Musk stirred the room with his unorthodox approach to government efficiency, suggesting that federal employees should respond to a weekly email listing their accomplishments to avoid termination. This sparked a wave of speculation about the status of the government workforce. Musk humorously questioned whether non-responsive employees might not even be alive, raising eyebrows across the room.
"Do you have a pulse and two neurons? If you have a pulse and two neurons, you can reply to an email." – Elon Musk
Trump's agenda also included economic policies that could reshape North American trade relations. He threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico but later postponed the deadline to April 2. This move aimed to pressurize both nations to demonstrate their commitment to fair trade.
"They have to prove to the president that they’ve satisfied him to that regard," – Howard Lutnick
In a surprising twist, Trump proposed that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States. He argued that this would eliminate trade barriers and provide military protection for Canada, given its relatively small defense forces.
"I say Canada should be our 51st state. There’s no tariffs, no nothing. And I say that we give them military protection. They have a very small military," – Donald Trump
On the international front, Trump reaffirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would visit the White House on Friday to finalize a deal involving rare earth minerals. This meeting is considered a crucial step in strengthening U.S.-Ukraine relations amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Domestically, Trump suggested sweeping changes in immigration policy by introducing an alternative to green cards for talented foreign workers. He envisioned top tech companies financing these "gold cards," likening them to signing bonuses for athletes.
"It’s sort of a green card plus, and it’s a path to citizenship," – Donald Trump
Furthering his vision for economic reform, Trump applauded Musk's efforts and reiterated his controversial stance on slashing or eliminating the Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency. According to Trump, such measures are necessary to prevent national bankruptcy.
"If we don’t do this, America will go bankrupt. That’s why it has to be done," – Donald Trump
The meeting also touched on a provocative geopolitical suggestion where Trump proposed that the U.S. could "take over" Gaza, permanently displacing its Palestinian residents — a statement likely to attract international scrutiny.
In an unexpected turn of events, 21 employees from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) resigned en masse, citing concerns over data security risks associated with the department's current operations.
"What we are trying to get to the bottom of is: We think there are a number of people on the government payroll who are dead, which is probably why they can’t respond, and some people who are not real people," – Elon Musk
Musk closed his segment with a reminder of the federal email policy's leniency, stating that employees would have another chance before termination if they failed to respond initially.
"Subject to the discretion of the President, they [federal employees] will be given another chance. Failure to respond a second time will result in termination." – Elon Musk
