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A federal judge has temporarily blocked key parts of Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to penalize the law firm Perkins Coie, citing national security concerns as a pretext for political retaliation. The ruling, issued Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, criticized the order, calling it “chilling” and comparing it to a bill of attainder, which the U.S. Constitution explicitly forbids.
Trump’s executive order, issued last week, imposed several severe restrictions on Perkins Coie:
✅ Revoked security clearances for the firm’s attorneys.
✅ Terminated all federal contracts with the firm.
✅ Banned government employees from engaging with its lawyers or allowing them into federal buildings.
The justification? Trump claimed Perkins Coie posed a national security threat due to its 2016 work for the Clinton campaign, when it hired Fusion GPS to produce the now-infamous dossier containing discredited claims about Trump’s ties to Russia.
However, Judge Howell ruled against these claims, issuing a temporary restraining order (TRO) that halted most of the executive order. The only exception was the revocation of security clearances, as Perkins Coie had not contested that provision.
Howell strongly denounced Trump’s executive order, warning that it set a dangerous precedent.
🗨 “It sends little chills down my spine,” Howell remarked, highlighting the constitutional violation of using presidential powers to punish a specific entity without trial.
The Justice Department defended Trump’s decision, arguing that:
🔹 No direct harm had been caused to Perkins Coie yet.
🔹 Client losses were speculative, as businesses change firms for many reasons.
🔹 Presidents have unilateral authority to revoke security clearances and declare entities national security threats.
Howell disagreed, citing a 20-page declaration from a Perkins Coie partner, which included evidence that:
✔ A Justice Department lawyer refused to meet with him due to the executive order.
✔ Some clients explicitly cited the order as the reason for dropping Perkins Coie.
She also made an exception to the usual rule that financial loss does not qualify as irreparable harm, ruling that the firm’s reliance on federal government cases made client losses an existential threat.
Howell further questioned whether Trump’s order was politically motivated, noting that:
🔸 The lawyers involved in the Clinton campaign left Perkins Coie years ago.
🔸 Trump had previously sued Perkins Coie personally, but his lawsuit was dismissed entirely.
🔸 The executive order resembled an act of political retaliation, with taxpayer funds being used for a personal vendetta.
🗨 "This ground is a personal grievance that President Trump has already attempted to pursue in a personal lawsuit," Howell stated.
She further added:
🗨 "To the extent that this executive order appears to be an instance of President Trump using taxpayer dollars and government resources to pursue what is a wholly personal vendetta, advancing such political payback is not something in which the government has a cognizable interest."
Perkins Coie enlisted Williams & Connolly, a top-tier law firm known for challenging government overreach, to represent them in this case.
Initially, they reached out to Quinn Emanuel, a high-profile firm that has represented figures in Trump’s orbit, including:
However, Quinn Emanuel declined, fearing that taking the case could make them political targets just as they were growing in influence in Washington, D.C.
Other law firms have since considered filing amicus briefs to support Perkins Coie, reflecting broader industry concerns about executive overreach.
The temporary restraining order prevents most of Trump’s executive order from taking effect, but the Justice Department is expected to appeal. A more permanent ruling in the coming months will determine whether the order is struck down entirely.
RELATED: Can Trump Legally Ban Law Firms From Government Work?
This case could set a major precedent on executive power, political retaliation, and the rule of law—with far-reaching consequences for law firms, government contractors, and future administrations.
Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to consider a ceasefire in Ukraine, but only if stringent conditions are met, raising concerns among Ukraine and its Western allies. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump is pushing to broker a peace deal, creating further tension with both Moscow and Kyiv.
In a surprising move, Trump has signaled a shift in U.S. foreign policy, moving closer to Moscow while placing increased pressure on Ukraine to negotiate. "We’re doing very well with Russia," Trump stated from the Oval Office on Friday. "I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine."
This shift has raised eyebrows in the international community, as Trump, typically a critic of Russia, appears to be pivoting toward Putin. According to reports from the Kremlin, Russia is open to a temporary cessation of hostilities, but only under certain conditions, including the establishment of a concrete framework for a final peace agreement and a carefully selected list of countries for a peacekeeping mission.
These conditions have sparked concerns in Ukraine and its Western allies, who fear that any ceasefire deal may ultimately favor Moscow. The potential inclusion of specific countries in a peacekeeping mission has raised red flags, as it could shift the balance of power in Russia’s favor.
Adding to the uncertainty, reports indicate that the Trump administration has been quietly considering ways to ease economic sanctions against Russia. This includes the possibility of revisiting the cap on Russian oil sales, a move that has caused alarm among European allies. The U.S. has already imposed over 6,400 sanctions on Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with other countries contributing to a total of nearly 22,000 sanctions worldwide.
Despite this, Trump has hinted at imposing large-scale sanctions and tariffs on Russia, warning Moscow via his Truth Social platform that he is "strongly considering" such measures until a ceasefire and final peace agreement are reached. This announcement comes at a time when Russia continues its relentless missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Trump's approach contrasts sharply with the policies of President Joe Biden, who has maintained a hardline stance on Russia and increased support for Ukraine. While the Biden administration imposed significant sanctions on Russia, Trump’s rhetoric has been softer, with reports indicating a potential desire to lift sanctions, which could embolden Russia.
A former spokesperson for the National Security Council under Biden, Sean Savett, criticized Trump’s position, saying, "Not only did he clearly get it wrong when he claimed repeatedly that Putin wants peace, but his actions squeezing Ukraine have made peace less attainable by strengthening Putin's hand instead of Ukraine’s."
Trump’s shifting stance has also led to tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine. After a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House last week, Trump announced a temporary suspension of military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv. This decision has added to the instability, as Russian forces continue to bombard Ukraine's key cities.
Despite the challenges, Zelensky remains resolute in his stance. In a recent address, he stated, “The Kremlin has to be forced into peace,” emphasizing Ukraine’s determination to resist Russia’s demands for territorial concessions.
Putin's terms for a ceasefire remain firm. According to sources close to the Russian government, Moscow will reject any ceasefire proposal that involves NATO troops on Ukrainian soil. This stance effectively rules out the possibility of a Franco-British initiative that would deploy a "coalition of the willing" to monitor and enforce a truce.
Putin’s insistence on securing long-term, durable peace with "guarantees for the Russian Federation and its citizens" reflects his desire to solidify Russia's territorial gains. Speaking at his annual press conference in December, Putin emphasized that "We don’t need a truce – we need peace."
Trump’s position has sent shockwaves through European capitals, where officials are concerned that a premature peace deal could embolden Russian aggression. An unnamed European diplomat warned, "The risk of rewarding Putin's invasion is very real. Lifting sanctions now could set a dangerous precedent."
As the conflict drags on and Russia prepares for a potential spring offensive, the international community remains divided on how best to approach the situation. Trump’s growing influence in shaping U.S. policy on Russia and Ukraine continues to raise alarms, both in Europe and within Ukraine itself.
The road to peace in Ukraine remains fraught with complexity. While Putin's willingness to discuss a ceasefire may present an opportunity, the strict conditions tied to such a proposal, combined with Trump’s evolving stance, make any resolution uncertain. As Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russian aggression, the diplomatic landscape remains volatile, and the future of the conflict depends on how key players, including Trump, Putin, and Zelensky, navigate these complex negotiations.
The U.S. economy added just 151,000 jobs in February 2025, falling short of the expected 170,000 job increase. This marks the first full month of job growth under President Donald Trump's administration. Despite this, the unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.1%, a historically low figure.
The fresh jobs data comes during a turbulent period for the U.S. economy. The job creation figure was below expectations, but the overall unemployment rate remained relatively low. This reflects ongoing stability, although economic challenges continue to emerge.
Related: Ben Crump Slams Trump’s Rollback of DEI Programs: A Threat to Equality
This report also coincides with a volatile period for U.S. stock markets, which have been impacted by trade tariffs issued by the Trump administration. Despite temporary tariff relief on Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 425 points (around 1%), while the S&P 500 fell by 1.7% and the Nasdaq dropped 2.6%.
The stock market is grappling with the effects of the administration’s recent tariff policies, which have caused continued uncertainty. Investors remain on edge as the fallout from these policies has affected market confidence.
Inflation has continued to rise, extending a trend that started in the final months of the Biden administration. In January, consumer prices jumped by 3% compared to the same month last year. This figure exceeds the Federal Reserve's 2% target.
Notably, egg prices skyrocketed by 53% in January due to bird flu disrupting the supply. The price increase for such everyday items reflects the broader challenges facing consumers.
Consumer confidence has also been shaken. February saw the largest drop in consumer confidence since August 2021. According to data from the Conference Board, the percentage of consumers expecting a recession in the next year surged to its highest level in nine months.
Consumers are increasingly pessimistic about the job market and stock market performance, with concerns about rising interest rates also contributing to their negative outlook.
Despite concerns over inflation and economic uncertainty, some areas show improvement. Consumer sentiment about the housing market has been more optimistic, as mortgage rates have dropped for seven consecutive weeks. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is now at 6.63%, the lowest it has been since December 2024.
This decline in mortgage rates is seen as a positive sign for prospective homebuyers, helping to sustain a recovery in the housing sector.
The February jobs report presents a mixed picture for the U.S. economy. Job growth fell short of expectations, while unemployment remains low. At the same time, the economy faces challenges from inflation, stock market volatility, and the ongoing effects of the Trump administration’s trade tariffs.
Despite these concerns, the housing market continues to show signs of resilience, and there are areas of optimism within consumer sentiment, particularly in housing and mortgage rates. How these factors evolve will be critical as the year progresses.
NEW YORK – Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, known for his high-profile cases representing victims of police brutality and civil rights violations, has condemned the Trump administration’s recent decision to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies. This controversial move has ignited a national debate, with many seeing it as a significant setback in the ongoing fight for racial and social justice.
Crump, who has represented families of victims like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, expressed his deep frustration and disbelief in an interview with Eyewitness News. Reflecting on the rollback, Crump said:
“I never thought we’d be debating whether diversity is a good thing or not. It’s shocking.”
He pointed out that DEI programs, which were introduced as part of the 1960s civil rights movement, had become vital in advancing fairness and representation. Crump also noted the stark contrast between President Trump’s inauguration speech, where he promised to “forge a society that’s colorblind and merit-based,” and the reality faced by marginalized communities today.
One of Crump’s primary concerns is the disproportionate effect the elimination of DEI programs will have on communities of color. However, he also acknowledged that other groups, including white women, Hispanic men and women, and Asian Americans, have also benefitted from these initiatives.
“When you look at who benefited the most from the initiatives, Black people were last on the list,” Crump said, highlighting the complexities of DEI programs that aim to level the playing field for historically marginalized groups.
These programs have been crucial in creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, but Crump's statement reflects the ongoing struggle for equity, especially for Black Americans.
While Crump’s viewpoint centers on social justice, Alison Taylor, a professor at New York University who specializes in corporate responsibility, offered a more academic perspective on DEI. Taylor acknowledged that the intent behind DEI programs is to address historic injustices but pointed out the complexity of implementing these programs in real-world settings.
“It’s very tricky,” Taylor explained. “Current corporations aren’t necessarily meritocracies, and while correcting for historic unfairness is difficult, the solution isn’t simple.”
Taylor also addressed concerns voiced by DEI critics, who argue that promoting diversity may sometimes sacrifice performance and financial success. This idea raises questions about the balance between diversity goals and maintaining merit-based systems in both business and education.
The Trump administration’s rollback of DEI programs has sparked widespread reactions across multiple sectors. Schools and universities are now facing a deadline to dismantle their DEI initiatives or risk losing federal funding. On the corporate front, some companies that once embraced DEI principles have begun to reverse course, likely influenced by the shifting political landscape.
Taylor observed:
“It now seems that companies were responding to the political environment and legal pressure rather than genuine commitment to diversity.”
In response to these changes, civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, have urged Black consumers to leverage their purchasing power to support companies that remain committed to DEI initiatives. Companies like Walmart, Target, Meta, and Starbucks are seen as champions of diversity, and activists are calling for increased support for these brands.
Ben Crump’s message is clear: The progress made in the fight for racial and social justice is under attack. Crump called on Americans to defend the constitutional values of equality, saying:
“This is not just an attack on DEI; it’s an attack on Black history and the fight for equal rights.”
His passionate plea for continued activism and legal challenges highlights the ongoing battle for equality and justice, underscoring the importance of protecting policies that promote fairness and inclusion for all.
The ongoing debate over the rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs reveals deep divisions in American society. On one side, many view DEI initiatives as essential tools in addressing systemic inequality. On the other side, critics argue that these programs undermine merit-based systems.
As the conversation continues to evolve, Ben Crump’s remarks serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of defending civil rights and ensuring fairness and inclusion in all areas of society. The future of DEI programs is uncertain, but Crump’s call to action highlights the need for continued advocacy to preserve progress in the fight for equality.
In a significant legal ruling, U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras has determined that President Donald Trump’s removal of Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Chairman Cathy Harris was unlawful. The decision reinforces long-standing legal protections for independent agency officials and sets the stage for a potential Supreme Court battle.
Judge Contreras found that Trump’s decision to fire Harris violated Supreme Court precedent, specifically Humphrey’s Executor v. United States (1935), which limits the president’s authority to remove independent agency officials without just cause.
“The president thus lacks the power to remove Harris from office at will,” said Contreras, an Obama-appointed judge. “Because the president did not indicate that he sought to remove Harris for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office, his attempt to terminate her was unlawful and exceeded the scope of his authority.”
Harris was dismissed on February 10 via a brief two-sentence email with no explanation. She sued the following day, and on February 18, Judge Contreras issued a temporary restraining order preventing her removal. In his final 35-page ruling, he confirmed that Harris must be reinstated.
The MSPB was established to uphold federal civil service protections and prevent political coercion, discrimination, and whistleblower retaliation. Contreras emphasized the need for the board’s independence, warning that direct political control over the MSPB would undermine the Civil Service Reform Act.
“Direct political control over the MSPB would have limited effect on the president’s implementation of his policy agenda,” Contreras wrote. “It would instead neuter the Civil Service Reform Act’s statutory scheme by allowing high-ranking government officials to engage in prohibited practices then pressure the MSPB into inaction.”
The government argued that the board wielded “significant executive power,” making its members subject to at-will presidential removal. However, Contreras firmly rejected that claim.
Harris was two years into her seven-year term, which was set to expire in 2028. She was appointed in 2022 by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate. In March 2024, she was named chairman of the board.
Following the attempted termination, the Trump administration announced that Henry Kerner, a Republican Biden appointee, would serve as acting chair. After fellow Democrat and Biden appointee Raymond Limon retired, Kerner is now the only remaining board member.
The case is part of a larger legal battle over Trump’s removals of independent agency officials. Other terminations being challenged include:
Judge Amy Berman Jackson recently ruled that Dellinger’s firing was also illegal, preventing his removal without just cause. The Trump administration has already appealed her ruling to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. A three-judge panel is expected to uphold her decision.
Legal experts anticipate that these cases will reach the Supreme Court, where justices could either reaffirm Humphrey’s Executor or reconsider the limits on presidential removal power.
Trump has also terminated 17 inspectors general from various federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, State, Education, Labor, and Agriculture. Eight of them have filed a lawsuit, which will be heard by U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes on March 11.
The outcome of these cases could have far-reaching implications for the balance of power between the presidency and independent government agencies.
Judge Contreras’ ruling is a major blow to Trump’s efforts to exert control over independent agencies. If upheld, it will preserve protections for civil service officials and limit future presidents’ ability to remove them without cause. However, with multiple appeals in progress, the final decision may ultimately rest with the Supreme Court.
Stay tuned for updates as this legal battle unfolds.
In an emotional moment during his speech to Congress, President Donald Trump honored 13-year-old DJ Daniels, a boy battling brain cancer, by making him an honorary Secret Service agent.
DJ Daniels has always dreamed of becoming a law enforcement officer. Diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018, doctors initially gave him just five months to live. Now, more than six years later, DJ continues to defy the odds.
During his speech, Trump shared DJ’s inspiring journey:
"He has always dreamed of becoming a police officer. But in 2018, DJ was diagnosed with brain cancer. The doctors gave him five months at most to live. That was more than six years ago. Since that time, DJ and his dad have been on a quest to make his dream come true."
To help fulfill that dream, Trump announced that DJ would be officially sworn in as a Secret Service agent. The touching moment saw DJ, held up by his father, receive his badge from Secret Service Director Sean Curran. As the crowd watched, House Republicans chanted “DJ” in support.
Trump makes 13-year-old DJ Daniel's dream come true in address to Congress
While many in the room celebrated the young boy’s courage, the moment also highlighted political tensions. As Trump transitioned to discussing his health policies, Democrats largely remained silent. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) held up a whiteboard reading, “You cut cancer research,” signaling her criticism of Trump’s policies.
Despite this, the focus remained on DJ’s resilience. By the age of 12, he had undergone 13 surgeries while battling a rare, incurable brain and spine cancer. He and his family have since dedicated themselves to raising awareness about his condition, seeking to have him sworn into as many law enforcement agencies as possible.
Trump used this moment to highlight his administration’s commitment to childhood health issues. He emphasized the importance of reducing childhood cancer rates and increasing research into autism. He also pledged that his health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would prioritize removing toxins from food and the environment.
“Our goal is to get toxins out of our environment, poisons out of our food supply, and keep our children healthy and strong,” Trump stated.
Pediatric cancer remains rare in the U.S., with about 15,000 children diagnosed annually. While cases have risen in recent years, advancements in treatment have led to a decline in fatalities.
DJ’s recognition on a national stage was a powerful tribute to his strength and determination. His journey continues to inspire many, bringing attention to the challenges of pediatric cancer and the need for further research and support.
Trump’s gesture of making DJ an honorary Secret Service agent will remain a lasting symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of dreams—even in the face of adversity.
During his first two weeks in office, President Donald Trump signed nearly 40 executive orders, covering a wide range of policy areas from immigration to public education. Many of these orders were immediately challenged in court, raising concerns about their constitutionality and impact.
But how much power does an executive order actually hold? Can a president implement sweeping policy changes through executive orders alone? Below, we break down what executive orders are, their legal limits, and how they have been used throughout history.
An executive order is a written directive signed by the president, instructing government agencies on how to execute existing laws. These orders are derived from Article II of the U.S. Constitution, which grants the president executive power and the duty to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.”
However, executive orders cannot override federal laws passed by Congress. They are not new statutes, nor can they impose policies that contradict existing legislation.
For example, while Congress can make a drug legal or illegal, the president can use an executive order to prioritize or de-prioritize enforcement of drug laws through the Department of Justice.
A president can issue executive orders that:
✅ Direct federal agencies on how to enforce laws
✅ Establish policy priorities within the executive branch
✅ Instruct agencies to create reports or regulations
But a president cannot:
❌ Create new laws—only Congress has that power
❌ Violate the Constitution or override federal laws
❌ Take powers from other branches, such as Congress’ control over taxation and spending
The checks and balances system ensures that executive orders do not bypass constitutional limits. If an executive order oversteps legal authority, it can be challenged in court or overturned by Congress.
Some executive orders go into effect immediately after being signed. However, many require further action from government agencies, such as:
These processes can take months or even years, depending on the complexity of the order.
There are three main ways an executive order can be stopped:
Every U.S. president—from George Washington to Donald Trump—has issued executive orders. Some have been landmark decisions, while others have been highly controversial.
✅ Positive examples of executive orders:
❌ Controversial examples of executive orders:
People have argued that Trump’s use of executive orders—especially those rolling back civil rights protections—undermines constitutional protections and harms vulnerable communities.
While some executive orders remain lawful, they can still have harmful consequences. Trump’s order rescinding civil rights protections for federal contractors did not overturn any federal laws, but it weakened enforcement and signaled a lower commitment to equal protection in employment.
Executive orders are a powerful tool that can shape government policy without congressional approval. However, they must align with the Constitution and cannot create new laws.
With Trump’s executive orders already facing legal challenges, organizations like the ACLU continue to monitor and fight policies that threaten civil liberties and constitutional rights.
Would you like to see a breakdown of specific Trump executive orders and their legal challenges? Let us know in the comments!
A Norwegian fuel company, Haltbakk Bunkers, has announced it will immediately stop supplying fuel to US military vessels in Norwegian ports. This move follows a tense exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump during Zelenskyy's recent visit to the White House, where the two leaders had a heated discussion on the US’s stance regarding Ukraine.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Haltbakk Bunkers condemned the televised exchange, calling it the "biggest s***show ever presented live on TV."
The company expressed its support for Zelenskyy, praising his restraint during the confrontation, and strongly criticized the US’s treatment of Ukraine. Haltbakk Bunkers declared, “No Fuel to Americans!” and encouraged other Norwegian and European fuel providers to join in halting fuel supplies to the US military.
Gunnar Gran, the owner of Haltbakk Bunkers, elaborated on the decision in an interview with Norwegian maritime news outlet Kystens Næringsliv.
Gran clarified that no fuel would be supplied to US forces “until Trump is finished,” emphasizing that the decision was rooted in a moral stance. He also pointed out that his company had previously ceased fuel sales to Russian entities after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Although the company’s fuel supply to the US military vessels was relatively small—around three million liters in 2024—Gran’s decision reflects his commitment to the company’s values.
Despite the boycott, Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik assured that the US military would continue to receive logistical support from Norway. "The US and Norway maintain a close and strong defense cooperation," Sandvik stated, reaffirming that the US military would continue to receive necessary supplies for its operations in Norway.
The move by Haltbakk Bunkers is also reflective of broader concerns in Norway, a NATO member, over Russia’s military activities near its borders.
With a shared Arctic border with Russia, Norway faces heightened security threats, particularly in light of Russia’s growing military presence and modernization efforts in the region. Norway has long been an integral part of NATO’s defense strategy but has been cautious of escalating tensions with Russia.
The fuel boycott comes after a tense meeting between President Trump and President Zelenskyy, in which Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly criticized Zelenskyy for not showing enough gratitude for US aid to Ukraine. Trump warned Zelenskyy, "You’re gambling with millions of people... You’re gambling with World War III."
While the exchange raised concerns in Ukraine and was welcomed by Moscow, Zelenskyy later expressed appreciation for the American people and leadership. On social media, Zelenskyy posted, "Our relationship with the American President is more than just two leaders: It’s a historic and solid bond between our peoples."
Though symbolic, Haltbakk Bunkers' decision underscores growing frustration in Europe with the US’s policies on Ukraine under Trump’s administration. The fuel boycott highlights the mounting tension in US-European relations regarding Ukraine, adding another layer of complexity to the geopolitical situation.
The White House has yet to respond to Haltbakk Bunkers’ decision, but the company’s stance reflects the increasing dissatisfaction with the US’s approach to the ongoing conflict.
A tense White House meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has caused a stir on social media. What was supposed to be a diplomatic discussion on U.S. access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals and potential security assurances amid the Russia-Ukraine war escalated into an open confrontation.
Trump and Vance chastised Zelensky for his perceived lack of gratitude for American support in the ongoing conflict, a moment that has drawn significant attention both in the U.S. and internationally. The encounter has triggered polarized reactions, with some Trump supporters praising his stance, others expressing concern, and global leaders, including Democrats, voicing their support for Zelensky.
The meeting on Friday was initially expected to focus on critical diplomatic issues, including securing U.S. access to Ukraine's valuable minerals. However, tensions quickly flared as Trump and Vance confronted Zelensky, criticizing him for what they saw as ingratitude toward U.S. aid.
Trump, known for his controversial foreign policy views, raised his voice during the exchange, warning Zelensky that he was "gambling with the lives of millions of people" and risking "World War III." Trump also made it clear that he wanted a deal that would secure U.S. interests in Ukraine's mineral resources and push for a diplomatic resolution to the war on his terms.
Vance added to the tension, telling Zelensky, "Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media."
Zelensky attempted to respond, but the meeting ended abruptly when he left the White House early, with no deal reached. The confrontation has drawn attention to Trump’s ongoing criticism of Ukraine and his often favorable rhetoric towards Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Author Stephen King, 77, an outspoken critic of Trump, took to social media to condemn the heated meeting. On Saturday, King posted on X , accusing Trump and Vance of “throwing Zelenskyy under the bus” to please their base. King compared their tactics to an old pro wrestling trick, designed to "fire up the crowd."
Trump and Vance threw Zelenskyy under the bus because people are angry about Musk’s crazy cutting spree, and Trump kissing Putin’s ass. Tossed the base some red meat (I’m looking at you, Lindsey Graham). Old pro wrestling trick. Fire up the crowd.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) March 1, 2025
The tweet quickly went viral, amassing 1.9 million views and over 74,000 likes by Sunday afternoon. King's remarks reflect widespread disapproval of the meeting among Trump critics, with many taking issue with the U.S. President’s approach to foreign policy.
Despite the backlash, Trump’s allies, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have defended the President’s actions. Graham, a prominent figure in the "Make America Great Again" movement, went so far as to suggest that Zelensky should apologize to Trump and the U.S. for the exchange.
Appearing on Fox News on Friday, Graham said, “This was a missed opportunity… If Zelensky does not apologize, then Ukraine should consider replacing him.”
In addition to Graham, Elon Musk also voiced support for Trump’s position. Musk, who has made headlines for his leadership of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), wrote on X, “Zelensky destroyed himself in the eyes of the American people.” His comments, along with those from other Trump supporters, signal a growing divide over U.S. foreign policy in Ukraine.
Musk’s remarks about Zelensky were made in the context of his broader political agenda. As the leader of DOGE, Musk has advocated for drastic cuts to federal spending, which has sparked both support and criticism. Proponents believe these cuts will reduce the national debt, while critics worry that the changes could harm access to important government services.
Trump later addressed the meeting on Truth Social, where he claimed that the emotional exchange led him to conclude that Zelensky "is not ready for peace if America is involved." He argued that Zelensky felt U.S. support gave him an advantage in negotiations and criticized him for disrespecting the United States in the Oval Office.
Trump also made it clear that he was seeking peace, not an advantage, stating, “I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE.”
The meeting between Trump, Vance, and Zelensky has sparked intense debate and highlighted the growing divide over U.S. foreign policy towards Ukraine. While Trump’s critics, including Stephen King, have condemned the confrontation, his supporters, like Lindsey Graham and Elon Musk, have rallied behind him.
As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to shape global politics, this tense exchange is likely to be remembered as a key moment in the ongoing debate about America’s role in the conflict.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has instructed nearly 950,000 civilian Pentagon employees to respond to a directive from Elon Musk, reinforcing a controversial ultimatum set by President Donald Trump.
In a video posted on Musk’s social media platform, X, Hegseth explained that employees must reply to an email detailing five tasks they accomplished last week and CC their immediate supervisors.
Hegseth’s announcement follows Musk’s initial email, which was described as a simple "pulse check" to confirm whether employees were actively engaged in their roles. Initially, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) had stated that responding was voluntary, but Trump contradicted this, warning that those who failed to reply could be fired—or "semi-fired."
During Trump’s first cabinet meeting last week, Musk was given the first speaking slot while most cabinet members remained silent. Trump justified the email check by questioning whether non-responders had left their jobs or were simply inactive, stating:
“Maybe they’re going to be gone, maybe they’re not around, maybe they have other jobs, maybe they moved and they’re not where they’re supposed to be. A lot of things could have happened.”
Hegseth clarified that Pentagon employees would soon receive detailed instructions on how to comply, emphasizing the simplicity of the task:
“The directive to civilian employees will be clear: reply to the email, CC your supervisor, provide—without any classified or sensitive information—basic topics of what you did last week.”
While Hegseth framed the move as routine, his statement hinted at broader implications, stating that responses would help "streamline our workforce" while ensuring the military remains “the strongest, most viable fighting force in the world.”
Much appreciated @SecDef Hegseth!
🫡 🇺🇸
pic.twitter.com/Ll3ctnoLlx— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 2, 2025
The email directive comes amid widespread layoffs across federal agencies, with Musk reportedly pushing for deeper workforce reductions. Agencies have already begun eliminating thousands of positions, with one internal memo last week outlining an even larger Reduction in Force (RIF).
At the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the latest round of mass layoffs left employees in tears on the sidewalk after they were given just 15 minutes to clear their desks.
There is growing speculation that Musk’s AI engineers—whom Trump has praised as "geniuses"—may use artificial intelligence to analyze employee responses instead of manually reviewing millions of emails.
Meanwhile, an internal HR email sent Friday instructed federal employees to prepare a similar weekly response going forward.
The latest cuts hit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency responsible for tracking climate patterns and deadline storms increasingly impacting the U.S. coast.
The situation has sparked political backlash, with Texas Rep. Keith Self facing angry constituents at a recent town hall meeting.
Meanwhile, Musk—who was mocked on Saturday Night Live as Trump’s "boss"—reposted Hegseth’s video, thanking him with a saluting emoji and an American flag: “Much appreciated @SecDef Hegseth! 🇺🇸”
Much appreciated @SecDef Hegseth!
🫡 🇺🇸
pic.twitter.com/Ll3ctnoLlx— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 2, 2025
With massive federal layoffs already underway and the administration signaling further workforce cuts, the real impact of Musk’s "pulse check" remains to be seen.
Will non-responders really be fired? Will AI determine the future of federal employment?
As federal employees scramble to comply, the Pentagon’s next moves will likely set a precedent for how the government workforce is reshaped under Trump and Musk’s leadership.
For further reading on DOGE and how it has 'Gained Access to Confidential Housing & Medical Records—Including Domestic Violence Cases', consult this piece from Lawyer Monthly: DOGE Gains Access to Confidential Housing & Medical Records—Including Domestic Violence Cases.
These additional resources from Lawyer Monthly provide deeper insights into the legal aspects surrounding the Pentagon's recent workforce directives.
