President Donald Trump convened his first Cabinet meeting with his secretaries on Wednesday, featuring Tesla and SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk. The tech billionaire’s presence highlighted his growing influence over the administration’s policies, especially in relation to identifying waste, fraud, and inefficiency across federal agencies. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that Musk has been working closely with Cabinet members to drive improvements in governmental operations, reinforcing his role as a central advisor.
The meeting came just one day after House Republicans passed a crucial budget blueprint, a significant step toward advancing Trump’s economic agenda. The proposed $4.5 trillion tax cuts and $2 trillion in spending reductions are part of Trump’s broader effort to overhaul fiscal policy. However, the plan has encountered fierce opposition from Democrats, while some Republicans have expressed discomfort with certain aspects of the bill.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues its efforts to streamline government operations. A new memo issued by the administration calls for a reduction in the federal workforce, prompting agencies to submit plans by March 13 to eliminate positions. This move is part of Trump’s ongoing push to downsize what he has described as a bloated government, and it could lead to extensive changes within the federal workforce, particularly affecting career employees protected by civil service laws.
Musk, who has been working with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to oversee the audit of federal agencies, plays a key role in reshaping federal operations. His influence, combined with Trump’s push for more efficient governance, is likely to lead to significant restructuring within the federal government, potentially impacting thousands of federal workers.
(With AP Inputs)