Donald Trump's Latest Moves: Gold Cards, Ukraine Deal, and Staff Resignations
Image credits: Instagram/@realdonaldtrump
Donald Trump has made several significant announcements in recent days, including the introduction of $5 million "gold cards" for foreigners seeking a pathway to citizenship in the United States. The cards, which Trump likened to a US green card "but at a higher level of sophistication," will offer holders green card privileges-plus, according to the President. Trump expects the initiative to launch in the next two weeks and predicts that the government will sell over a million cards, helping to bring down the national debt. A million cards would be worth $5 trillion, and if 10 million cards are sold, that would total $50 trillion, which is significantly more than the current national debt of $35 trillion.
In other news, Trump has announced a minerals deal with Ukraine, which could be signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington on Friday. The deal would see the US jointly develop Ukraine's mineral wealth, with revenues going to a newly created fund that would be "joint for Ukraine and America." This move is part of a dramatic shift in policy that includes reaching out to Russia, and Trump has demanded that Ukraine give access to its rare earth minerals to compensate for the billions of dollars of wartime aid it received under former US President Joe Biden. The deal has been met with skepticism, and many are questioning the implications of such an agreement, including the potential for corruption and the impact on the environment.
Meanwhile, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has faced a significant setback, with 21 civil service employees resigning in protest of the department's actions. The employees, including engineers, data scientists, and product managers, issued a joint letter stating that they refuse to jeopardize American's data or "dismantle critical public services." This move has been seen as a significant blow to the department, which has been at the center of controversy in recent weeks. The resignations have also raised questions about the accountability of government agencies and the impact of political decisions on the lives of citizens.
In related news, US comedian Jon Stewart has made headlines after cutting his hand on a mug in anger at former President Joe Biden during a monologue on his talk show. Stewart was discussing federal subsidies to pharmaceutical companies and became enraged, smashing the mug on his desk and slicing open his hand. The incident has been widely reported and has sparked a conversation about the state of politics in the US. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has also been in the news, pushing for Australia's exemption from Donald Trump's sweeping 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports in Washington DC. Chalmers spoke to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett in a "really productive and positive meeting" and stated that he doesn't expect a resolution following the meeting.
Some of the key events and announcements in US politics include:
- Donald Trump announces $5 million gold cards for foreigners
- Ukraine deal could be signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington on Friday
- 21 civil service employees resign from the Department of Government Efficiency
- Jon Stewart cuts his hand on a mug in anger at former President Joe Biden
- Treasurer Jim Chalmers pushes for Australia's exemption from Donald Trump's tariffs
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