In Washington, as President Donald Trump marked the 100 days of his second term with a lengthy Cabinet meeting, his top officials heaped lavish praise on him. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the administration’s success in repatriating 47 wrongfully detained Americans since Trump began his second tenure. “Forty-seven for the 47th president in the first 100 days,” Rubio remarked, attributing the success entirely to Trump’s leadership.
Vice President JD Vance reflected that many past presidents depicted in the Oval Office, such as Ronald Reagan, James Madison, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln, were simply “placeholders” lacking the decisiveness attributed to Trump. Moreover, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum lauded Trump for his courage and fearlessness in tackling issues that prior leaders wouldn’t dare address, stating that his bold approach allows the Cabinet to act swiftly.
Usually one to promote his own achievements, Trump, this time, allowed his Cabinet to take the reins in a two-hour televised meeting filled with effusive compliments. As a part of marking the milestone, each Cabinet member received a “Gulf of America” hat, a nod to Trump’s controversial renaming of the Gulf of Mexico—a change that holds weight solely within U.S. borders. The president began the session by asserting the amazement of current events, which he asserted were factual rather than boastful claims.
Attorney General Pam Bondi claimed that Trump’s leadership in combating drug trafficking had saved “258 million lives” by removing significant amounts of fentanyl from the streets. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised Trump’s visionary leadership, attributing an unparalleled level of activity to his administration. While Rubio spotlighted the Americans brought back, the details of who they were or the situations of their detentions were not disclosed.
In a note of gratitude, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin, a military veteran, expressed appreciation for what he termed as the “greatest national security team” in his extensive experience. However, despite the celebratory atmosphere, the meeting sidestepped pressing issues facing the early days of Trump’s return, such as economic downturns and mishandled sensitive information by senior officials.
Noteworthy voices on Trump’s side, like conservative commentator Ann Coulter, questioned the overwhelming display of loyalty, drawing a parallel to the excessive adulation seen in North Korea’s regime. Burgum, amidst his own praise, also recognized the caliber of the Cabinet members and concluded by acknowledging Trump’s role in bringing together such a distinguished team.
The meeting highlighted a strong show of support for the president, even as it avoided addressing the contentious topics facing his administration.