On Thursday, President Donald Trump informed his cabinet members that they, not Elon Musk, hold the final authority on staffing and policy decisions within their agencies. Trump emphasized that Musk, the CEO of Tesla, and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would serve in an advisory capacity only.
Musk reportedly expressed his support for Trump’s plan during the meeting, which was convened in response to complaints about DOGE’s aggressive approach from agency heads and top White House officials, including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
The White House Office of Legislative Affairs has been inundated with calls from frustrated Republican members of Congress, who have faced backlash from constituents. When asked if Musk had moved too quickly with DOGE, Trump defended Musk, stating that he was teaching everyone how to cut costs effectively.
“I want the numbers, but I also want to keep the good people,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
This marks Trump’s first significant public effort to rein in Musk, who has wielded unprecedented authority in implementing mass firings, canceling billions of dollars in contracts and programs, and gaining access to sensitive computer systems.
Trump shared details of the cabinet meeting on Truth Social, highlighting the importance of reducing staffing levels while retaining the best and most productive employees. “We say the ‘scalpel’ rather than the ‘hatchet’,” Trump wrote.
Premier League