Trump Convenes First Cabinet Meeting With Elon Musk

Trump to Hold First Cabinet Meeting, Elon Musk to Participate

United States President Donald Trump is set to convene his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday since reclaiming office last month. This significant gathering aims to advance his administration’s agenda, with most of his cabinet nominees now approved by Congress.

Among the key attendees will be billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, a prominent Trump supporter and advisor. Musk has been appointed as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a newly established agency focused on streamlining government operations by reducing the federal workforce.

Elon Musk’s Role in the Trump Administration

Although Musk does not hold a traditional ministerial position, the White House has designated him as a “special government employee” and “senior adviser to the president” due to his leadership at DOGE. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Musk’s advisory role is pivotal in achieving Trump’s government restructuring goals.

Musk was one of Trump’s most influential donors during the 2024 presidential election, cementing his place as a key figure in the administration. However, his involvement is not without controversy, given DOGE’s aggressive approach to workforce reductions, which has already led to widespread resignations and layoffs.

Controversial Figures in Trump’s Cabinet

Musk is not the only contentious figure in Trump’s administration. The cabinet lineup includes:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – Health and Human Services Secretary and a vocal vaccine skeptic, raising concerns within the medical community.
Tulsi Gabbard – Director of National Intelligence, known for endorsing conspiracy theories.
Pete Hegseth – Defense Secretary and former Fox News host, who has faced allegations of sexual misconduct.

Despite opposition from Democrats, Trump’s cabinet nominees have secured Senate approval, underscoring his firm control over the Republican Party. With the GOP holding a slim Senate majority, dissent within the party has been minimal, with notable exceptions like former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who opposed Kennedy’s appointment due to concerns over vaccine misinformation.

Unresolved Cabinet Confirmations

A few of Trump’s appointees are still awaiting Senate confirmation, including:

Lori Chavez-DeRemer – Nominee for Secretary of Labor and former congresswoman.
Linda McMahon – Set to lead the Small Business Administration, a role she previously held in Trump’s first term.

Musk’s Turbulent Start at DOGE

Since taking charge of DOGE, Musk has faced internal resistance. On Tuesday, a third of his staff resigned in protest following his directive to federal employees to justify their roles or risk termination. The controversial email, sent to over two million government workers, was largely dismissed by government departments, which advised employees to ignore it.

The administration has already terminated thousands of probationary employees—those newly hired, promoted, or recently reassigned—since Trump’s inauguration, marking a significant shift in federal employment policy.

As Trump’s cabinet solidifies, the impact of his policies, including Musk’s radical efficiency drive, will become clearer in the coming months.