Musk’s Role in DOGE Ignites Layoff Wave, Controversy

Elon Musk, in his role as de facto head of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has continued his controversial role in aggressively pursuing federal workforce reductions, which have already impacted tens of thousands of federal workers in layoffs and buyout offers.

The Trump administration has escalated these efforts, ordering federal agencies to submit plans for "large-scale reductions in force" by mid-March, as well continuing its return to office mandates for federal workers.

Musk's leadership style, which includes demanding productivity justifications from employees via email, has drawn criticism. At a recent Cabinet meeting, Trump hinted at further dismissals for those who fail to respond to Musk's directives.

These actions have raised concerns and sparked legal challenges about the impact on public services. Critics argue that many of Musk has too much power in the administration and questioned his authority to make these decisions. Musk has been classed as a “special government employee” in his role in the administration.

 

Actor Gene Hackman, Wife Betsy Arakawa Die Under Suspicious Circumstances

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe, NM home this week. Their bodies, along with their deceased dog, were discovered during a welfare check on Wednesday. While authorities initially stated no foul play was suspected, a search revealed suspicious details. 

Hackman's body was found in an entryway, while Arakawa was in the bathroom near a space heater. The unlocked door, scattered pills, and signs of decomposition have prompted a thorough investigation into the Hollywood legend’s death.

 

Tense Trump/Zelensky Meeting Ends Without Deal

Tensions flared during a high-stakes meeting at the White House Friday amongst President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an Oval Office meeting in front of the press. The discussion, meant to serve as precursor to a press conference later in the afternoon, started out positively before devolving into a near shouting match among the three leaders.

After discussing the potential mineral rights deal during the meeting, Zelensky expressed concerns about trusting Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of any potential deal to end hostilities, which both Trump and Vance pushed back against. Vance accused Zelensky of being ungrateful for the military and economic aid provided by the US during the war. Trump also pushed back against Zelensky’s assertion that Putin would not honor a peace deal, though he declined to lay out specific consequences should Putin not honor the terms of any peace deal that is signed.

After the meeting, Trump asked Zelensky and the Ukrainian delegation to leave the White House, canceling the planned lunch and press conference. In a subsequent Truth Social post, Trump accused Zelensky of disrespecting the United State, saying he would only he would only work with Zelensky again when Zelensky “is ready for Peace.”

In an interview with Bret Baier on Fox News, Zelensky said the argument at the White House was “no good,” but continued to praise the US for its partnership. Zelensky also responded that he did not feel like he owed Trump an apology while also defending his earlier statements about distrusting Putin as a partner in diplomatic talks.