Trump to Hold First Cabinet Meeting with Elon Musk and Controversial Figures in Attendance

President Donald Trump is preparing to host his first Cabinet meeting since reclaiming office last month, with plans to advance his administration’s agenda now that most of his cabinet nominees have been confirmed by Congress.

Among the notable attendees will be billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, Trump’s top donor in the 2024 campaign. Musk, who heads the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), will play a pivotal role in the meeting.

Though he lacks an official ministerial role, Musk holds the title of “special government employee” and “senior adviser to the president.” His department has already sparked backlash with its ambitious plan to significantly reduce the federal workforce, including the firing of thousands of employees.

Musk’s presence is not the only cause for controversy. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his vocal opposition to vaccines, will be in attendance, as will Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, whose conspiracy-laden rhetoric has drawn widespread criticism.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host with allegations of sexual assault hanging over him, is also expected to participate.

Despite criticism, Trump’s Cabinet picks have largely passed the Senate, with the Republican majority ensuring confirmations.

However, certain appointments have raised alarms, especially Kennedy’s, due to his history of promoting vaccine misinformation. Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was the lone Republican dissenting on Kennedy’s confirmation.

Some positions, such as Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Small Business Administration head Linda McMahon, are still awaiting Senate approval.

Meanwhile, Musk’s leadership of DOGE has been marred by internal turmoil. His controversial email to the federal workforce, instructing two million government employees to justify their roles or face dismissal, prompted a mass resignation of one-third of his staff.

Many government departments have advised employees to ignore the directive. Since Trump’s return to office, thousands of probationary workers have already been let go, signaling a dramatic shift in federal employment practices under the new administration.