US President Donald Trump hosts his first cabinet meeting on February 26 [Brian Snyder/Reuters]
Key Takeaways from Trump’s First Cabinet Meeting with Elon Musk
On February 26, 2025, President Donald Trump held his first cabinet meeting of his second term, with billionaire Elon Musk as a notable guest. Musk, wearing a “tech support” T-shirt, defended his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), while Trump discussed Ukraine peace, tariffs, and federal workforce cuts.
Musk downplayed DOGE’s role, calling it a tech support team focused on updating government systems. However, he also highlighted its controversial functions: laying off workers, cutting federal spending, and analyzing government data. Earlier in the week, 21 DOGE employees resigned, warning of risks to data security and public services. Musk argued these cuts were necessary to reduce the deficit, claiming DOGE could save a trillion dollars.
Trump praised Musk’s efforts and reiterated plans to slash or eliminate agencies like the Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency. He mentioned cutting 65% of staff from the EPA, calling some employees “obstructionists.”
Musk admitted DOGE made mistakes, like briefly canceling Ebola prevention programs, but promised quick fixes. Meanwhile, Trump stated Russia would need to make concessions for peace in Ukraine.
The meeting was not without controversy. Key media outlets, including The Associated Press, were barred from attending, raising concerns about press freedom.
In summary, the meeting highlighted Trump’s aggressive cost-cutting agenda, Musk’s controversial DOGE reforms, and ongoing tensions with the press.
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