OXON HILL, Md. — During a recent speech, President Donald Trump declared that no one has witnessed anything like his administration’s ambitious initiative to reduce the number of federal employees and cut down governmental size. He proudly stated that he has taken control of Washington, urging bureaucrats to leave their posts.
Speaking to a supportive audience at the Conservative Political Action Conference in the suburbs of Washington, Trump articulated a vision for “forging a new and lasting political majority” that could influence American politics for decades. He has been vocal in the early stages of his term, asserting that the electorate’s choice in November granted him the authority to enact significant changes within the federal government, tighten borders with Mexico, and extend the hallmark tax cuts from his previous term.
Trump seamlessly transitioned back into campaign rhetoric, predicting that the Republican Party will continue to succeed despite historical trends indicating that the party in power typically faces setbacks during midterm elections. He expressed confidence in the Republican base, stating, “I don’t think we’ve been at this level, maybe ever.”
Touching on an optimistic note, Trump likened his administration’s dynamic first month to enjoying a successful start in golf, suggesting a momentum that bolstered his confidence moving forward. He has enlisted Elon Musk in facilitating the significant personnel changes expected to occur within the federal government. Musk indicated that federal workers will soon receive an email inquiring about their recent accomplishments, with inaction viewed as a resignation.
Repeatedly emphasizing a stricter immigration policy, Trump acknowledged that these intentions have been overshadowed by the large-scale firings. He specifically mentioned the diminished size of the U.S. Agency for International Development, announcing that its Washington office would now be under the purview of Customs and Border Protection. “The agency’s name has been removed from its former building,” he noted.
Additionally, Trump reiterated his commitment to investigate the gold reserves at Fort Knox, inviting the audience to join him in an inquiry to verify the gold’s presence. He received cheerful applause in response. Throughout his address, Trump reflected on the previous presidential race, mocking former President Joe Biden and mispronouncing Vice President Kamala Harris’s name, celebrating, “I haven’t said that name in a while.”
He also took a swipe at Senator Elizabeth Warren, who was a presidential candidate in 2020. Addressing immigration issues under Biden, Trump expressed his frustration, stating, “I couldn’t stand it,” while warning himself against anger and using colorful language despite advice from evangelicals to refrain from such expressions.
On a contrasting note, Trump spoke fondly of Chinese President Xi Jinping, mentioning, “I happen to like” him, while highlighting grievances regarding unfair treatment from China and various nations. In interactions at the conference, Trump held talks with Polish President Andrzej Duda amidst escalating tensions in Europe due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, commending Duda as a “fantastic man and a great friend.” He also praised Argentine President Javier Milei for his similar political stance.
As a remarkable shift in U.S. foreign policy, Trump recently initiated direct communications with Russian officials regarding the Ukraine situation, a move that has raised concerns among American allies due to the exclusion of Ukrainian and European representatives. Following his discussions with Duda, Trump is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer soon.
The President has also entered a public dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, designating him as a “dictator” and suggesting Ukraine’s responsibility for the initiation of the conflict before conceding that Russia initiated aggression. Touching on the discord in Ukraine, Trump remarked, “It affects Europe. It doesn’t really affect us,” dismissing potential repercussions for American interests.
Zelenskyy has since remarked that Trump is entrenched in a “disinformation space” created by Russia. Under the Biden administration, a commitment had been made that any significant decisions regarding the war would involve Ukraine directly, a principle that Trump’s administration appears to be neglecting as it seeks a potential resolution to the ongoing crisis.
