President Trump at CPAC: Accomplishments and Controversies
Following his first month in office, President Donald Trump addressed a gathering of conservatives at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland.
Accomplishments
In a rousing speech, Trump highlighted his achievements since January 20, including:
- Deep cuts to the federal bureaucracy
- Tariffs on imports from allies
- Increased defense spending by NATO allies
- Progress towards a revenue-sharing agreement with Ukraine
Controversies
Trump's presidency has also been marked by controversies, including:
- Appointing billionaire Elon Musk to lead a federal bureaucracy reduction effort
- Threatening to run for a third term, which would require a constitutional amendment
- Tension with allies over defense spending and dealing with the Ukraine war
Elon Musk's Role
Musk's appointment drew both praise and criticism. Trump lauded his performance, while critics accused him of overstepping his authority.
Public Support
A straw poll conducted at CPAC showed continued strong support for Trump, with:
- 99% approval rating
- 61% support for JD Vance as the 2028 Republican nominee
Third Term Speculation
Trump has hinted at the possibility of a third term, which would require a change to the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution.
Upcoming Negotiations
Trump announced that national security adviser Mike Waltz would be working over the weekend to finalize a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
