Trump showered with 'glowing tributes' in his first Cabinet meeting
An unusual 'tribute session' was witnessed at the first meeting of President Donald Trump's full Cabinet, as heads of his executive branch agencies showered praises on the first five months of Trump's administration, while the President basked in the pouring admiration.
Usually, a Cabinet meeting begins with short remarks from the President before detailed talks behind closed doors, but Trump opened with a lengthy statement about his own work before having each of his Cabinet secretary provide their own assessment of the administration's progress so far.
President Trump met with his Cabinet today and asked each of them to introduce themselves https://t.co/9YLDxVSzAo https://t.co/skVrdim63T
— CNN (@CNN) June 12, 2017
Vice President Mike Pence was the first to speak: "This is the greatest privilege of my life is to serve as vice president to a president who's keeping his word to the American people."
Next was Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who interestingly came under Trump's radar for his recusal from Russia-related matters: "It's an honor to be able to serve you in that regard and to send the exact right message, and the response is fabulous around the country."
"I want to thank you for getting this country moving again, and working again," said Elaine Chao, the secretary of Transportation.
"It's a new day at the United Nations. We now have a very strong voice. People know what the United States is for. They know what we're against. They see us leading across the board," said Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN.
"Mr. President, what an incredible honor it is to lead the Department of Health and Human Services at this time under your leadership," said the agency's head Tom Price.
"On behalf of the entire senior staff around you, Mr. President, we thank you for the opportunity and the blessing that you've given us to serve your agenda and the American people," Chief of staff Reince Priebus said.
Trump then proceeded to blame the Democrats for their resistance in rolling back the Affordable Care Act, which was the signature legislative achievement of President Barack Obama, reports CNN.
"If we had the greatest bill in the history of the world on health care, we wouldn't get one vote from the Democrats, because they're obstructionists. That's what they want to do, that's the game, they think that's their best political gain. They're looking to '18." Trump said.
-ANI
First published: 13 June 2017, 10:36 IST