President Donald Trump will have his first Cabinet meeting since taking office again. Most of his nominees have been confirmed by Congress, so he’s ready to push his plans forward.
Elon Musk, a billionaire who supports Trump, will be there. He oversees the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to reduce the federal workforce significantly. While Musk doesn’t have a formal position like a cabinet member, he’s considered a “special government employee” and a “senior advisor” due to his role at DOGE, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Musk isn’t the only controversial figure in attendance. Other notable names include Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who questions vaccine safety; Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, known for discussing conspiracy theories; and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host facing serious allegations.
All of Trump’s cabinet choices have been approved by the Senate. Democrats have voiced concerns about their qualifications and past actions. Trump’s party has a slim majority, leading to few dissenting voices among the Republicans. Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was the only Republican to oppose Kennedy’s health appointment, raising alarms due to Kennedy’s stance on vaccines and plans regarding infectious disease research.
Some cabinet positions are still waiting for Senate confirmation. This includes Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the Secretary of Labor, and Linda McMahon, who previously led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term.
Meanwhile, Musk is facing challenges at DOGE. Recently, a third of his staff resigned after he sent a controversial email instructing federal workers to justify their roles or risk termination. Many departments advised employees to ignore Musk’s message or downplayed its importance.
Since Trump took office, thousands of mainly new employees have lost their jobs, highlighting the administration’s push for a leaner government.
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Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Pete Hegseth, Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell, National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard