Takeaways From Trump’s First Cabinet Meeting, Musk Shows Influence

President Donald Trump held his second administration’s first cabinet meeting, answering questions for roughly an hour. 

The Details: Trump spoke a majority of the meeting addressing concerns around the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) efforts to cut government spending, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to visit the U.S., tariffs, and the potential of the U.S. offering “Gold Cards” to wealthy immigrants. Outside of Trump, Elon Musk spoke three times as long as anyone else during the meeting, even though he is not technically part of the cabinet. Musk sat off to the side of the circle between two aides, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sat next to Trump.

How The Media Covered It: A CNN (Lean Left bias) piece largely focused on Musk’s appearance during the meeting, including where Musk sat, what he wore, and Trump’s remarks on Musk’s popularity. CNN added that “Elon Musk, the billionaire tasked with reforming the government, is now without question Trump’s most powerful adviser.” The Hill (Center) also highlighted that Musk stole the spotlight. The Hill also included the discussion around federal cuts, Ukraine, trade, and comments from Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. A piece in The Washington Examiner (Lean Right) also reported “a stark display of Musk’s influence” and that he “looms large over the administration.” The Examiner provided a labeled photo of where everyone was positioned in the room and mentioned Trump “is serious” about establishing “Gold Cards.” It added that the newest additions to the press pool, Newsmax (Right) and The Blaze (Right) made their marks with questions aimed at Trump and Musk.