Here’s what happened during President Donald Trump’s 6th week in office

Diplomatic Fallout: Trump Administration’s Peace Efforts with Ukraine Hit a Snag

The Trump administration’s latest attempt to mediate a peace negotiation to end the war in Ukraine took an unexpected turn on Friday, as a tense meeting between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ended in disarray. The encounter, which was meant to advance diplomatic efforts, quickly spiraled into a heated exchange, culminating in the cancellation of a press conference, Trump asking Zelenskyy to leave the White House, and the failure to sign a rare-earth minerals deal between the two nations. The agreement would have granted the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, a significant geopolitical and economic opportunity.

Tensions flared in the Oval Office when Zelenskyy challenged Vance, who proposed diplomacy as the path forward. Zelenskyy expressed skepticism, referencing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s history of breaking past agreements. "What kind of diplomacy, JD, are you speaking about?" Zelenskyy questioned, to which Vance responded, "I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country." Vance further admonished Zelenskyy, saying, "Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media." Vance also criticized Ukraine’s conscription efforts, suggesting Zelenskyy should be grateful for Trump’s involvement. Trump, too, snapped at Zelenskyy, warning that Ukraine was in "big trouble" and "gambling with World War III."

In the aftermath of the failed meeting, Trump announced a pause in peace negotiations, stating that Zelenskyy could return to the White House only when he was "ready for peace." Zelenskyy departed without signing the minerals deal, a missed opportunity for both nations. Despite the fallout, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the U.S. for its support in a social media post, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to achieving "just and lasting peace." While acknowledging the strained relationship, Zelenskyy remained optimistic, telling Fox News’ Bret Baier that the U.S.-Ukraine relationship could still be salvaged.

White House Orders Large-Scale Workforce Reductions

In addition to the diplomatic drama, the Trump administration made another significant move this week, ordering federal agencies to prepare for "large-scale reductions in force." The White House’s Office of Management and Budget and Office of Personnel Management issued a memo on Wednesday, instructing agencies to develop plans for staff cuts and reorganization by mid-March. The memo criticized the federal government as "costly, inefficient, and deeply in debt," arguing that it is not delivering results for the American public. Certain roles, such as those related to law enforcement, border security, national security, immigration enforcement, or public safety, are exempt from the order.

This move reflects Trump’s broader agenda to shrink the size and scope of the federal government, a theme consistent with his rhetoric during his presidential campaign. The memo signals a significant shift in how the administration plans to operate, prioritizing efficiency and cost-cutting over maintaining the current workforce. While the full impact of these reductions remains to be seen, critics warn that such moves could undermine the government’s ability to provide essential services and address critical challenges.

First Cabinet Meeting: Major Cuts to EPA and Retrieving Military Equipment

On Wednesday, Trump held his first Cabinet meeting since taking office, outlining two major priorities: drastically reducing the size of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and retrieving military equipment left behind in Afghanistan. During the meeting, Trump revealed that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is planning to cut approximately 65% of the agency’s federal employees. Trump justified this move by claiming that many EPA staffers were "obstructionists" and "weren’t doing their job." He also expressed frustration over the billions of dollars worth of military equipment left in Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal in August 2021.

Trump emphasized his desire to retrieve this equipment, though he did not provide a clear plan for how this would be accomplished. The Taliban seized most of the equipment, valued at over $7 billion, according to a 2022 Department of Defense report. Trump’s focus on this issue highlights his continued criticism of the withdrawal and his broader push to reassert American strength on the global stage. However, retrieving the equipment presents significant logistical and diplomatic challenges, and it remains unclear whether such an effort is feasible.

Trump Signs Executive Order Making English the Official Language of the U.S.

In another significant move, Trump signed an executive order on Friday declaring English as the official language of the United States. This order reverses a 2000 mandate by President Bill Clinton, which required federal agencies and recipients of federal funding to provide language assistance to individuals who do not speak English. Under Trump’s order, each federal agency will now determine whether to offer services in languages other than English. A White House official noted that the U.S. is one of the few countries without an official language, with approximately 180 out of 195 nations worldwide having one.

The move has sparked debate, with supporters arguing that it promotes national unity and opponents claiming it marginalizes non-English speakers. The order reflects Trump’s broader emphasis on cultural and national identity, themes that have been central to his political messaging. However, its practical impact on federal services and accessibility remains to be seen, as agencies will now have discretion to decide how to implement the order.

Global Reactions to Trump’s Spat with Zelenskyy

The tense exchange between Trump, Vance, and Zelenskyy has drawn international attention, with world leaders weighing in on the fallout. While some have expressed concern over the potential consequences for Ukraine’s position in the ongoing conflict with Russia, others have rallied behind Zelenskyy. The incident underscores the delicate nature of international diplomacy and the high stakes involved in negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. As the situation continues to unfold, the global community will be closely watching how the U.S. and Ukraine navigate this critical moment in their relationship.

In summary, this week at the White House has been marked by significant developments on multiple fronts, from diplomatic tensions with Ukraine to major policy shifts within the federal government. Trump’s administration is making bold moves to reshape the government and assert its priorities, both domestically and on the global stage.