Fri Feb 28 17:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Trump Berates Zelensky in Fractious White House Meeting; Mass Federal Worker Firings Deemed Illegal

**Washington, D.C.** – President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance engaged in a highly contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday, sharply criticizing Zelensky for insufficient gratitude towards U.S. aid and resistance to U.S. demands for a peace deal with Russia. The Oval Office meeting, unusually held in front of cameras, showcased a dramatic deterioration in U.S.-Ukraine relations under the Trump administration.

Trump accused Zelensky of being in a “very bad position,” implicitly blaming Ukraine for the ongoing conflict, and warned him against “gambling with World War III.” Vance added that Zelensky’s public appeal in the Oval Office was “disrespectful.” Trump issued an ultimatum: “You either make a deal or we are out.” This stark contrast to previous administrations’ support for Ukraine underscores Trump’s apparent alignment with Russia.

Meanwhile, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to retract directives authorizing the firing of an estimated 200,000 federal probationary workers, ruling the directives illegal. While not halting the firings outright, the ruling further complicates the situation for affected employees. The judge expressed concern over reports of imminent Pentagon layoffs.

Adding to the turmoil, five former defense secretaries – from both Democratic and Republican administrations – penned a letter to Congress urging immediate hearings to investigate the national security implications of Trump’s recent dismissal of top military leaders. They cited concerns about the politicization of the military.

Despite the tense meeting, a mineral resource agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine, granting the U.S. a share of Ukraine’s future revenue from natural resources, is expected to be signed. While some senators praised the deal as economically beneficial, others expressed reservations about Ukraine essentially paying for its own defense. The agreement’s long-term viability depends on continued U.S. support, which remains uncertain given Trump’s stance.

Further complicating matters, the Trump administration has drastically cut funding for Ebola response efforts in Uganda, leading to concerns about the spread of the virus. The cancellation of contracts and the placing of key personnel on leave have severely hampered the response, despite a recent death of a 4-year-old boy from the Ebola virus.

The Trump administration’s actions have been met with widespread criticism. Labor unions are challenging the mass firings of federal workers, and experts warn that the rapid dismantling of federal agencies risks jeopardizing crucial services and national security. The firings are concentrated on probationary employees and those in diversity, equity and inclusion roles, further fueling controversy. The planned relocation of FBI agents and cuts to NOAA, considered a target of the Trump administration, raise concerns about the weakening of vital services and the erosion of national security. These widespread firings add to the instability and uncertainty impacting all federal workers and citizens.

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