On April 30, 2025, President Donald Trump addressed business leaders and the press in the East Room, framing his administration’s “Investing in America” initiative as central to driving economic growth and job creation amidst a slight economic contraction. He highlighted a $5 billion domestic investment pledge from Pratt Industries, projected to create 5,000 manufacturing jobs nationwide, and touted streamlined regulatory processes for companies investing over $1 billion in U.S. operations. He reiterated his “America First” economic agenda—reducing bureaucratic barriers, accelerating infrastructure development, and reaffirming U.S. leadership in advanced technologies like AI.

Economic Context

Q1 Contraction

The Department of Commerce reported that U.S. GDP shrank at an annualized 0.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025, marking the first contraction since late 2023. This slowdown fueled concerns in both parties about the trajectory of the post-pandemic recovery and set the stage for Trump’s pitch to private capital.

Political Criticism

Democratic leaders seized on the contraction to critique Trump’s policies. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for changes in economic leadership and policy direction, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned of a looming recession borne from “reckless tariff and spending decisions.” These rebukes underscored the contentious atmosphere surrounding the event.

Key Announcements

Pratt Industries’ $5 B Investment

Anthony Pratt, executive chairman of Pratt Industries, pledged a $5 billion commitment to expand recycled-paper and corrugated-box manufacturing across key states including Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona—creating an estimated 5,000 jobs Trump credited this deal to his “pro-business, low-tax, deregulatory” environment. 

Regulatory and Infrastructure Measures

The President announced executive actions to expedite federal approvals for investments exceeding $1 billion, aiming to slash lead times on infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing projects.  He also directed the Department of Transportation to prioritize grant applications for public-private partnerships that leverage private funding for roads, bridges, and broadband expansion. 

Technology and National Security

Highlighting U.S. leadership in emerging technologies, Trump praised the recently appointed AI & Crypto “Czar,” David Sacks, for cutting red tape in artificial-intelligence research.  He further instructed the FAA to release findings on recent New Jersey drone incidents, underscoring a commitment to both innovation and safety. 

Reactions and Impact

Business Community

CEOs from major firms such as Nvidia, Johnson & Johnson, and Eli Lilly attended or tuned in virtually, many endorsing the administration’s push for “Made in America” supply chains. Industry groups praised the regulatory clarity but cautioned that true long-term growth would require sustained stability beyond campaign events.

Opposition Response

Democrats labeled the summit “photo-op politics,” arguing that one-off pledges do not offset broader issues like rising interest rates and global trade tensions. Progressive activists called for stronger labor and environmental safeguards in any investment deal. 

Conclusion

President Trump closed by declaring, “We’re just getting started—America’s best days are ahead,” framing “Investing in America” as a long-term movement to revitalize U.S. industry and safeguard national security. His remarks underscored the administration’s reliance on private capital to spearhead economic renewal—a hallmark of his “America First” doctrine.

 Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s Remarks to New Media Members, April 30, 2025

On April 30, 2025, I convened a special briefing for new media representatives in the Brady Press Briefing Room. My goal was to ensure that every platform—traditional outlets, podcasters, bloggers, and social-media influencers alike—has direct access to ask questions and share information with the White House. Over the course of more than two hours, I underscored our administration’s commitment—under President Trump’s leadership—to transparency, accessibility, and America’s sustained growth on every front, from economic strength and national security to cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and drone oversight.

Opening Remarks and Objectives

I opened by reminding attendees that President Trump is “the most transparent and accessible president in U.S. history,” and reaffirmed our pledge to engage with all media voices, whether analog or digital. Expanding our roster of invited press—adding dedicated “new media” seats beside the traditional press corps—advances our “New Media” strategy, allowing the White House to tell its story directly to millions across social platforms.

Key Messages

1. Unprecedented Transparency & Access

   • We have created new “new-media” spots right next to the podium so independent creators can pose questions live on camera and via livestream.

   • Our mantra: “Every voice, every platform has a seat at the table.”

2. Record-Speed Action & Achievements

   • In his first 100 hours, the President signed over 300 executive orders—a historic pace.

   • We will sustain that momentum, relentlessly tackling economic challenges and global threats.

3. Technology Leadership & National Security

   • On AI: This administration has issued directives to reduce bureaucratic barriers and reaffirm U.S. leadership in AI, including appointing David Sacks as the first AI & Crypto Czar.

   • On New Jersey drone incidents: The FAA has been ordered to accelerate investigation and publicly release findings—to ensure safe, transparent drone operations.

4. Welcoming the Online Creator Community

   • I encouraged every content creator—on TikTok, YouTube, podcast platforms—to apply for White House press credentials at WhiteHouse.gov/NewMedia.

   • The vetting process is fully transparent, ensuring security standards while protecting the right to information.

Conclusion

The April 30 briefing embodies the White House’s “New Media” vision: open, transparent, and attuned to the digital age. As the youngest press secretary in history, I am proud to lead this initiative, strengthening direct connections between the Trump Administration and both legacy journalists and tomorrow’s content creators.

Sources

1. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the New Media, Apr. 30, 2025 (The White House)

2. Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Jan. 2025 (The White House)

3. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs New Media (YouTube)

4. White House Hosts New Media Briefing, Apr. 29, 2025 (C-SPAN)

5. Roll Call: Karoline Leavitt’s April 28, 2025 Press Briefing

6. WhiteHouse.gov/NewMedia Credentialing Page

7. FAA Statement on New Jersey Drone Investigation, Apr. 2025

8. Executive Orders Summary: First 100 Hours of the Trump Administration

9. Appointment Announcement: David Sacks as AI & Crypto Czar

10. White House Social Media Announcement, Apr. 30, 2025

 President Donald Trump convened his full Cabinet on April 30, 2025, to celebrate the first 100 days of his second term and to reaffirm his administration’s key priorities. Cabinet members wore distinctive red-and-navy “Gulf of America” caps as a symbol of solidarity under Trump’s leadership.

Amidst a backdrop of patriotic imagery, Trump addressed the recent 0.3% contraction in first-quarter GDP, attributing the dip to economic headwinds inherited from the prior administration and emphasizing his determination to “reset” unfavourable trade deals. He defended his tariff strategy as a necessary measure to secure fairer terms for American workers, downplaying concerns about broader market disruptions.

The session also highlighted diplomatic achievements, including the release of dozens of Americans previously detained abroad—an outcome the administration credited to Trump’s direct intervention. Cabinet officials from Attorney General Pam Bondi to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivered effusive praise for the president’s hands-on approach, while Vice President J.D. Vance quipped that former leaders were mere “placeholders” compared to Trump’s “fearless” governance.

Not all voices were in unison. Conservative pundits warned that overt displays of loyalty risked evoking parallels with authoritarian regimes, and some Republican lawmakers publicly questioned whether aggressive tariffs might slow economic growth over the long term. Meanwhile, trade-war skeptics pointed out that higher consumer costs could be an unwelcome by-product of Trump’s tough stance on imports.

Photographs from the meeting show Trump at the Resolute Desk flanked by key cabinet figures—including EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—underscoring the broad attendance. A White House livestream of the event attracted over two million viewers, reflecting intense public interest in the administration’s agenda as it enters its second full year in office.

Sources:

http://tranganhnam.xyz/ . “AP PHOTOS: Trump holds Cabinet meeting after weak GDP report.” April 30, 2025.

AP News. “Lovefest or Cabinet meeting? For Donald Trump, it’s both.” April 30, 2025.

http://hocdethi.tranganhnam.xyz/ . “Trump says US kids may get ‘2 dolls instead of 30,’ but China will suffer more in a trade war.” April 30, 2025.

The Guardian. “Trump’s loyal footsoldiers doff their Maga caps at cabinet love-in.” April 30, 2025.

Deseret News. “Trump’s Cabinet counters attacks on first administration’s first 100 days.” April 30, 2025.

WSFA. “Pres. Trump blames Joe Biden for economic woes.” April 30, 2025.

Spectrum Local News. “In Cabinet meeting, Trump blames Biden for GDP report, signals U.S. may feel trade war with China.” April 30, 2025.

The Washington Post. “Live updates: Trump welcomes business leaders to the White House for event highlighting investment in America.” April 30, 2025.

ABC News. “Trump admin live updates: Trump says Americans may have less because of trade war.” April 30, 2025.

The White House. “President Trump Participates in a Cabinet Meeting, Apr. 30, 2025.” April 30, 2025.