In Video: Trump sets new limits on Musk’s downsizing of federal workforce

Trump’s Shift in Approach: From "Cutting the Red Tape" to a More Measured Approach

Two weeks after Elon Musk waved the chainsaw symbolizing the Department of Government Efficiency’s plans to shred federal spending, President Trump has announced a change of heart. In a sudden shift of approach, the President has declared he wants a more measured approach, with no massive cuts to the federal government. Instead, he is willing to work with his cabinet members to pinpoint areas of inefficiency and eliminate them with precision, using a "scalpel" rather than a "chainsaw."

A New Path for the Department of Education

One area that may be affected by this new approach is the Department of Education. The President has expressed a desire to eliminate the department, citing the fact that education is already largely run by state and local governments, with only 8% of funding coming from the federal government. He believes that abolishing the department would allow for greater control and say over education at the state level, potentially leading to better results. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley has expressed support for this idea, stating that his state would welcome more control and say over education.

However, not everyone is convinced. High school teacher Heather Stau from rural Ohio is worried about the potential harm that eliminating federal funds could cause to low-income families, relying on those funds to support their children’s education. "Any loss of federal funds would put those students and teachers at risk," she says.

Tensions Rise on Capitol Hill

The shift in the President’s approach has not gone unnoticed on Capitol Hill. Tensions are rising as Democrats and some Republicans express concerns about the President’s plans. The House of Representatives has even voted to censure Texas Democrat Al Green for heckling the President during his address, a move noteworthy for its partisanship. The White House is gearing up for a showdown with lawmakers as the President prepares to unveil his 2024 budget proposal.

Breaking News: Ukraine Rises to the Forefront

As the White House grapples with domestic issues, the global stage is witnessing new developments. A Russian missile has struck a hotel in Ukraine, killing four people, and the country’s President, Zelensky, has announced plans to meet with US officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss a framework for a ceasefire. In a dramatic turn, Ukrainian President Zelensky has declared his intent to take action following the confrontation with Trump at the White House last week.

Stay updated on breaking news and top stories on the NBC News app or follow us on social media for the latest developments.

You may also like:

In Video: Trump responds to confusion over Musk directives to federal bureaucracy In Video: Trump says Ukraine will be involved in peace talks to end war In Video: Trump meets British Prime Minister as peace talks over Ukraine kick off In Video: Federal workers face Monday night deadline to justify their jobs