The Trump administration sets the stage for large-scale federal worker layoffs in a new memo

Donald Trump held his inaugural cabinet meeting at the White House on Wednesday, transforming the event into an extended question-and-answer session that lasted over an hour. Joined by his cabinet and billionaire Elon Musk—sporting a "tech support" T-shirt—Trump addressed a variety of topics, including efforts to reduce government spending, immigration, the economy, and the war in Ukraine. Below are six key takeaways from the meeting:

### 1) **Trump Praises Rubio and Musk**

When asked which government departments were most resistant to his policy changes, Trump expressed satisfaction with all his cabinet choices, though he noted that some groups were easier to work with than others. He specifically praised Elon Musk, who is not a formal cabinet member, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump emphasized the administration's focus on reducing government size, aiming for a balanced budget within the next one to two years.

### 2) **Addressing Potential Cabinet Tensions**

Trump publicly supported Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), tasked with cutting government spending and the federal workforce. He downplayed any tensions between Musk and other team members, stating that while some may disagree slightly, most are thrilled with Musk’s contributions. When asked if any cabinet members had issues with Musk, Trump turned to the room for feedback but received no response.

Musk defended Doge, describing it as a "support function" aimed at eliminating fraud within government agencies. He acknowledged potential mistakes, citing an instance where Ebola prevention efforts were accidentally canceled but quickly reinstated, promising swift corrections for future errors.

### 3) **A Warning to Federal Workers**

Trump endorsed Musk's email directive to federal employees, requiring them to list five tasks completed in the past week or risk job loss. He speculated, without evidence, that some unresponsive federal workers might not exist, suggesting they could be eliminated. Trump encouraged cabinet members to implement similar efficiency measures within their respective agencies, hinting that the Environmental Protection Agency, led by Lee Zeldin, could see up to a 65% reduction in its workforce.

### 4) **Memo Instructs Further Staff Reductions**

Later that day, a memo was distributed to federal agencies mandating plans for significant staff reductions by March 13. Agencies were instructed to identify non-essential employees and limit future hiring to one position for every four layoffs. These cuts would supplement those already executed by Doge, primarily targeting probationary workers. Reports indicate nearly 10,000 federal employees were recently let go, in addition to 75,000 who accepted voluntary exit offers last autumn. The memo exempts law enforcement, border security, immigration enforcement, and military positions from these reductions.

### 5) **Trump Confirms Zelensky Visit**

Trump confirmed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's upcoming visit to the White House on Friday, during which the U.S. and Ukraine are expected to sign a comprehensive minerals deal. Trump suggested this agreement would recoup U.S. financial assistance provided to Ukraine since Russia's invasion three years ago. He argued that taxpayers should not bear the full cost and claimed the details have been finalized. However, Zelensky described the deal as preliminary, seeking additional agreements including U.S. security guarantees against renewed Russian aggression. Trump stated that the U.S. would not offer such guarantees, asserting Europe should shoulder this responsibility.

### 6) **EU Tariffs Coming 'Very Soon'**

Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on goods from the European Union, saying, "We'll be announcing it very soon." He criticized the EU for exploiting U.S. trade advantages, pointing out restrictions on American cars and farm products. Despite recent reductions in illegal migrant detentions at the southern border and Canada's enhanced border protection measures, Trump reaffirmed his intention to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting April 2. He predicted these actions would yield remarkable results.

This cabinet meeting highlighted Trump's ongoing efforts to reshape government operations, address international relations, and enforce economic policies through trade measures.

P resident Donald Trump's administration introduced a five-part plan Wednesday to combat surging egg prices but cautioned that it may take time before consumers notice lower prices at the checkout counter.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the plan includes a $500 million investment to strengthen biosecurity measures for farmers, $400 million in aid for those affected by avian flu, and $100 million for research into vaccines and therapeutics for U.S. chicken flocks. It also proposes reviewing and potentially rolling back certain state-level animal welfare regulations the administration considers restrictive.

Additionally, the administration is negotiating to import 70 million to 100 million eggs from other countries in the coming months, Rollins said.

She warned that egg prices could continue rising as the Easter holiday approaches, a period of historically high demand.

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday directed federal agencies to prepare for more large-scale layoffs that would further thin the ranks of the U.S. civil service.

The memo calls for a "significant reduction" in headcount, but does not specify how many workers should be laid off, beyond the 100,000 who have already taken a buyout or been fired.

Agencies would have to submit plans by March 13, a day before current government funding is due to expire, according to the memo signed by Russell Vought, the White House budget director, and Charles Ezell, acting head of the Office of Personnel Management.

The memo came shortly before Trump convened his first cabinet meeting with billionaireElon Musk,who is leading a radical downsizing effort that aims to cut $1 trillion from the $6.7 trillion federal budget. Musk attended the meeting, wearing a black baseball cap, but did not sit at the table with Trump and cabinet officials.

At the same time, Trump is pressing Congress to pass tax cuts that would reduce government revenues by trillions of dollars, a move that independent experts say would worsen the nation's heavy debt load.

Late on Tuesday, Republicans advanced a plan with a 217-215 vote in the House of Representatives that would cut taxes by $4.5 trillion and reduce spending by up to $2 trillion. They now are considering cuts to health and food aid for the poor, though specifics have yet to emerge.

Musk's efforts to slash spending have plunged the government into chaos, upending construction projects and freezing scientific research across the country.

Trump said that he would allow the paused tariffs on Canada and Mexico to move forward.

"I'm not stopping the tariffs," he said, pointing to how people have died due to fentanyl crossing the border.

"The damage has been done," he said.

Trump said that many tariffs would be implemented on April 2.

Musk said "we're going to send another email," referring to the one the Office of Personnel Management sent asking federal employees to respond with five accomplishments in the last week. Musk had said people who do not respond would be terminated, though the office later said responses were voluntary.

"We want to give people every opportunity to send an email," he added.