Trump's Big Moves: Schools, Energy, and Layoffs

The former president, Donald Trump, made some significant announcements recently. He signed an executive order that stops federal funding for schools and universities that require students to get vaccinated against Covid-19. This move was done to push back against vaccine mandates, which have been a hot topic in the US. The order was signed in the Oval Office, and the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, also announced another order. This one is about setting up an “Energy Dominance Council. ” The council will be led by the interior secretary, Doug Burgum, and energy secretary, Chris Wright. This council is supposed to help the US become more dominant in the energy sector. Meanwhile, a federal judge has extended a temporary order. This order stops Elon Musk’s “department of government efficiency” from accessing sensitive personal data. The data includes social security and bank account numbers for millions of Americans. The judge's decision came after hearing arguments in a case filed by New York attorney general Letitia James and 18 other state attorneys general. The case alleges that the Trump administration allowed Musk’s team access to the treasury department’s central payment system. This system handles a lot of important stuff, like tax refunds, social security benefits, and veterans’ benefits. It sends out trillions of dollars every year and contains a lot of personal and financial data. The newly formed “department of government efficiency” also made a mistake. They published classified information on their website. The website includes statistics from most government departments, but it also includes data from the National Reconnaissance Office. This office operates spy satellites, including hundreds built by Musk’s SpaceX company. The office’s budgets and head counts are classified. The Department of Agriculture is also making changes. Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters that they’ve canceled almost 1, 000 trainings that were focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. They’ve also started canceling a significant number of contracts. Rollins said the department is implementing Trump’s mandate to make “government agencies more efficient and aligned with his vision. ” The Department of Health and Human Services is also facing layoffs. According to an internal memo, the department is in the process of firing about 5, 200 health workers. The news comes just hours after the AP reported that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will lose about 10% of its employees. This is following a Trump administration order to fire all hires still in their probationary periods. The veterans affairs department is also facing layoffs. The new veterans affairs secretary, Doug Collins, announced plans to lay off at least 1, 000 employees. He promised the layoffs won’t affect veteran care or benefits. However, the firings include disabled veterans, military spouses, and medical researchers. Donald Trump and Elon Musk will jointly appear on Fox News next week with host Sean Hannity. This will be the pair’s first televised interview together. In recent months, Trump has formed a close relationship with Musk, resulting in his appointment to lead the newly formed, so-called “department of government efficiency. ” The IRS is also planning to cut thousands of jobs amid the tax season. The firings are in line with orders from the Office of Personnel Management. The layoffs come as Americans file returns ahead of the 15 April deadline. The layoffs seem to contradict comments from Treasury secretary Scott Bessent last week, who said any layoffs at the IRS would come after that deadline. Trump also gave the green light for the first new export of liquified natural gas since Joe Biden paused approvals. The decision allows Louisiana’s Commonwealth LNG to export gas to markets in Asia and Europe. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump also said 600m acres of offshore waters controlled by the federal government will reopen to oil and gas drilling, reversing a ban imposed by Biden. Trump also revealed that he had spoken to Keir Starmer, and that they may meet in the next few weeks. The call came as a surprise to the British prime minister and his aides.