Letter to Delegates: Trump s Cabinet Welcome to your first meeting as Cabinet members for President Donald Trump! As Chairs we would like to welcome you to this committee. The aim of this guide is to provide you with information on the issues currently prevalent in the United States. You may notice that the description of your character has been kept to the basics of their duties. This has been done to allow you the chance to respond to these issues as you would like; you do not have to base your actions on those of your real-life person. As well, the inclusion of the President in the talks (as he is not traditionally a part of the cabinet) has been done to generate an interesting dialogue between delegates. We encourage you to use both your knowledge and creativity and hope you enjoy your first meeting as cabinet members. Sincerely, Emily Skinner and Karissa Butt Introduction: It is May of 2018 and members of the President Donald Trump s cabinet are meeting for to discuss matters of concern for the American people. The Trump administration has been one filled with controversy since he took office in January 2017. With controversies spanning from questions of Trump s personal actions, through relations with Russia and various women s, to concerns about the administration's actions in regards to nuclear threats and treaty withdrawals, there are many causes for concern for American citizens. The cabinet is now looking to address many of these concerns at their meeting. The three topics looking to be addressed include nuclear proliferation and a response to North Korea, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiations and Arms control within states. Each member has their own concern that they would like to see addressed but only one will be guaranteed a resolution by the end of their daylong meeting. Issues looking to be discussed include: Nuclear Proliferation Currently there are nine states that obtain Weapons of Mass Destruction. Alarmingly, these WMDs are back in the news and the threat of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons hangs over the planet. Despite numerous treaties issuing the cease of the nuclear proliferation of these countries, many have not followed through with their promises and commitments. On top of this, the dangers of non-state actors possessing these WMD s is on the rise as well.
North Korea continues to pose an increasing threat to the United States by ensuring their identification as a state containing Nuclear Weapons is kept. In November, 2017 officials announced the missile testing of a super-large heavy warhead capable of striking the US mainland, Washington DC. The United States had once agreed to diminish their arsenal of nuclear weapons when negotiating the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty, however, given the current threats this view towards nuclear weapons may change for the United states. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) This agreement exists between the United States, Canada and Mexico, known as a trilateral bloc for free trade in goods and services, with oversight of an independent dispute-settlement process. NAFTA has been applied between member countries since January 1 1994. In light of major changes in the global economy, recent developments in multilateral negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda (DDA), the proliferation of regional and bilateral free trade agreements, and the rise of economic nationalism many have called for the modernization of the 23-year-old trade agreement. On 18 May 2017, the United States Trump Administration provided a required 90-day notification to the United States Congress of its intent to launch formal talks. United States President Donald Trump, United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, Mexico s Secretary of the Economy Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal have agreed to renegotiate certain aspects of the NAFTA. Negotiations began on 16 August 2017 and have consisted of major tensions between the three countries to be able to get what they want while keeping the treaty. Arms Control On February 15, 2018 Nikolas Cruz took the lives of seventeen people in Florida. News stories similar to this are not uncommon in the United States. Another tragedy took place on December 14, 2012 known as the Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting. On April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School in Colorado two students (Harris and Klebold) ended their own lives after murdering thirteen people and injuring many others using firearms and homemade bombs. The exact contributing factors that could have predicted the two teenagers aggressive attacks of criminality on students and a teacher are unknown, however, are contentious amongst scholars. These shootings have prompted a renewed debate about gun control in the United States, including proposals for making the background-check system universal, and for a new federal and state gun legislation banning the sale and manufacture of certain types of semi-automatic firearms.
Participants: Cabinet Members: President Donald Trump The President is not a member of the cabinet; however, the cabinet is in place to provide him with information regarding issues concerning the United States. Therefore, he will be present at these discussions to hear what members believe are the important issues to address and the ways they wish to do so. As well, the president has been very vocal on the three issues regarding nuclear proliferation, NAFTA and gun control, and will be wanting to see these issues addressed according to his views. Vice President Mike Pence The Vice President wants to ensure the views of the current Trump administration are kept in mind when addressing the three main issues. Pence in particular has been said to be even more right wing then the president and other administration members. This view will impact how the Vice President will want to see the three issues addressed at the meeting. Secretary of State The Secretary of State is regarded as the highest-ranking member in the cabinet. They are responsible for addressing and advising the President on matters of foreign policy. They also ensure congress and citizens on matters of foreign policy. The secretary visits many countries while operating in their role and would therefore know the tensions existing around the world in regards to the possibility of nuclear war between North Korea and the United States. Matters regarding nuclear policy would be something the secretary of state would like to address in order to reassure the American public and the international community of their safety. Secretary of the Treasury The Secretary of the Treasury is concerned with the financial matters of United States policy and actions and is the economic advisor to the president. The recommends financial policy related to international and domestic funding as well as taxes. The secretary, along with the treasurer sign reserve notes in order for them to become legal tender. The secretary will be concerned with any policies decided upon that address nuclear proliferation and the funding it will need. Secretary of Defense The secretary of defense is in charge of the United States department of defense. As set out in the constitution the secretary is in charge of all military authority. Discussion of
the possibility of nuclear war would be something the secretary of defense would want to be a part of; in either a preventative or reactive capacity. Attorney General The Attorney General is head of the department of justice. They are also the top law enforcement officer and lawyer for the government. They would be interested in the possibility of a change in gun laws and how the laws would be implemented and promoted. Secretary of the Interior The Secretary of the Interior is in charge of land management for the United States (ex. National parks). This person would be interested in the discussion on Nuclear proliferation and the impacts it could have on the American environment. Secretary of Agriculture The secretary oversees the farming industry. They help farmers by providing subsidies and also inspect food to ensure it is safe for the American public. This person would be interested in the NAFTA renegotiations as agriculture is an important aspect of the talks. Secretary of Commerce The main job of the secretary of commerce is to create jobs and encourage development to improve the living standards of those in the U.S. They also promote various businesses and industries to enhance foreign and domestic commerce. This person would be interested NAFTA and its potential for job creation. Secretary of Labor The secretary of labor enforces or suggests laws involving unions, the workplace and other business issues. This person would be interested in the NAFTA renegotiations and its potential impact on the laws needed to regulate the workforce. Secretary of Health and Human Services The secretary is concerned with the human condition in the United States. They advise the president on wealth, healthcare and income security. They would be concerned with NAFTA renegotiations and the potential impact it could have on income and jobs in the country. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development The secretary of Housing and Urban Development is concerned with housing needs. They look to ensure people have equal access to housing and look to improve and
develop communities in the nation. This person would not be impacted by the three scenarios in their position however they can still discuss the issue based on their views. Secretary of Transportation The secretary of transportation looks to develop policies to provide a productive transportation system. While doing so they look for need, at the environment and at national defense. This person would be concerned with NAFTA and the effects of trade on transportation. Secretary of Energy The secretary of energy looks at better and more efficient energy sources and energy education. They also look at radioactive waste and the maintenance of the quality environment. They would be concerned with nuclear proliferation and the relationship of nuclear reactors and the environment. Secretary of Education The secretary of education advises the president on policies and issues relating to education. Given the most recent school shooting in Florida this person may be interested in arms control. Secretary of Veterans Affairs The Secretary of Veterans Affairs would advocate for veterans benefits, health care, and national veterans memorials and cemeteries. This individual would be concerned with veteran s mental health and wellbeing in terms of those returning from combat. They would be interested in the effects of the Arms Control and Nuclear Proliferation. Secretary of Homeland Security This individual is head of the US Department of Homeland Security. The individual is concerned with the protection and safety of the citizens. This position was created after the September 11, 2001 attacks. The Secretary of Homeland Security would be interested in all three of the issues described above. Cabinet Level Officials: White House Chief of Staff The White House Chief of Staff is a high-ranking employee of the White House. The individual holds the role of a modern successor to the earlier role of the President s private secretary. The role of this individual varies greatly from President to the next however, they typically oversee the actions of the White House staff, manage the President's schedule, and decides who is allowed to meet with the President. This
individual is also referred to as the Gatekeeper. This person would advocate for any of the three issues at stake; Nuclear Proliferation, NAFTA renegotiations or the Arms Control. United States Trade Representative The United States Trade Representative s role is to advise the President of the United States (Donald Trump) on the development and recommendation of specific trade negotiations at the bilateral and multilateral levels. Their role also consists of coordinating trade policy within the government through the interagency Trade Policy Staff Committee(TPSC) and Trade Policy Review Group (TPRG). The interests of this role could pertain to the NAFTA renegotiations or the Nuclear Proliferation; in terms of communicating with China to pressure non-nuclear Proliferation in North Korea. Director of National Intelligence The role of this individual is to uphold the security of the state. The Director of National Intelligence serves as the head of the United Nations Intelligence Community, serves as an advisor about intelligence matters related to national security. This individual would have an interest in all three of the crisis issues, especially Nuclear Proliferation and Arms Control. Ambassador to the United Nations The Ambassador to the United Nations entails being a permanent representative of the United States of America to the United Nations. They also engage in the General Assembly meetings. The individual would have a great interest in Nuclear Proliferation, NAFTA and Arms Control. Director of the Office of Management and Budget The objective of the Office of Management and Budget is to ensure the oversight of the Executive Branch in terms of implementing the President's vision. This person is to regulate the President s policy, budget and management the objectives to meet the statutory responsibilities. The individual s role would be looking to address either of the three scenarios. Director of the Central Intelligence Agency The central task of the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency position involves ensuring national security. The individual is tasked with gathering, and analyzing national security information from and around the world, primarily in terms of human intelligence. This individual would likely be interested in the Nuclear Proliferation threat as well as the Arms Control debate.
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency The role of the Administer of the Environmental Protection Agency is to ensure the nation s Clean Air, Clean Water acts and other environmental statues are being met. This officials interest involves the tragic environmental effects of Nuclear Proliferation on the livelihood of people's daily life and the world as we know it due to issues of air quality etcetera. Administrator of the Small Business Administration The position of the Small Business Administration entails maintaining and strengthening the nation s economy by enabling the establishment and viability of small businesses and by assisting in the economic recovery of communities after disasters. The official may have an interest in the outcomes of NAFTA on jobs and for business owners.