Trump and Zelensky's Secret Deal: Minerals, Layoffs, and a Possible DC Takeover?

2025-02-28 17:48:48.194

President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, with plans to sign a deal exchanging US access to Ukraine's mineral resources for investment and security guarantees for Kyiv. This occurred amidst a backdrop of mass layoffs within the Trump administration, particularly affecting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with around 800 employees facing termination. A federal judge ruled these firings likely unlawful. Adding to the complexity, US intelligence suggests Russia and China are actively recruiting recently fired federal employees with security clearances, exploiting their vulnerability. Trump also surprisingly mused about taking over the government of Washington, D.C. Zelensky, after meeting with a bipartisan US Senate delegation, described the meeting with Trump as focusing on military assistance, legislative initiatives, and achieving a just and lasting peace. The minerals deal, while potentially beneficial for both countries, faces skepticism due to the unclear extent of Ukraine's mineral wealth and the challenges of extraction during wartime. The deal's value, initially touted as half a trillion dollars by Trump, is now less certain. Meanwhile, Democratic super PACs launched ads criticizing Republican plans for Medicaid cuts, showcasing Elon Musk wielding a chainsaw to symbolize these cuts. Trump also signed an executive order designating English as the official US language, a move criticized by Democrats. Republican leaders face challenges in funding federal agencies targeted for dismantling by Trump and Musk, leading to uncertainty surrounding a potential government shutdown. Senator Jeanne Shaheen accused Putin of manipulating Trump, while expressing cautious optimism about the minerals deal. Finally, the article highlights the evolving relationship between Trump and Zelensky, noting Trump's shifting tone towards Zelensky, from calling him a dictator to welcoming him to the White House for the minerals agreement. The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is becoming a key battleground as federal workers fight Trump's layoffs, with the board facing an avalanche of cases and political maneuvering.