US President Donald Trump instructed his Cabinet members to oversee staffing decisions within their agencies. His directive came amid growing concerns over Elon Musk’s role in government restructuring.
During a closed-door meeting, Trump emphasised that agency heads, not Musk, would make final staffing decisions. “Keep all the people you want, everybody that you need,” Trump said in the Oval Office.
The president’s remarks aimed to clarify the power structure after Musk led aggressive cost-cutting measures across federal agencies. Trump assured his team that efficiency remains a priority but without indiscriminate reductions.
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Musk’s Role in Government Restructuring
Musk has played a central role in reshaping the federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His approach has drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers and business leaders.
Trump confirmed Musk would continue advising on budget reductions. “We’re going to be watching them, and Elon and the group are going to be watching them,” Trump stated. He added that if agencies fail to cut costs adequately, Musk will step in.
The president, however, insisted that Cabinet members retain ultimate decision-making authority. This move signals an effort to balance fiscal efficiency with maintaining operational stability in government departments.
Cabinet Members Express Concerns Over Staffing
Staffing has been a key issue for agency heads, some of whom raised concerns about Musk’s directives. A previous order required federal employees to detail their workweeks or face termination. Several department leaders advised their teams to delay compliance until further clarification.
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A subsequent communication came directly from individual agencies, giving them more control over workforce evaluations. This adjustment reflected the administration’s shift from broad directives to a more measured approach.
Internal Discussions on Government Downsizing
The recent Cabinet meeting followed Trump’s address to Congress, where he outlined his administration’s achievements over six weeks. The discussions also covered national security and other priorities.
The meeting highlighted divisions within the administration regarding Musk’s approach to government downsizing. Some officials welcomed his cost-cutting strategies, while others questioned their long-term impact.
Six Cabinet members were absent due to official travel, but those present engaged in detailed discussions about the administration’s direction.
Republican Leaders Weigh In on Musk’s Influence
Senate Majority Leader John Thune voiced support for Cabinet members leading hiring and firing decisions. “They are going to be better attuned to the individual programs,” Thune told CNN.
Several Republican senators have expressed concerns about Musk’s influence. They noted that his role, while significant, should not overshadow department heads’ responsibilities.
Musk attended back-to-back meetings with members of the House and Senate to address these concerns. He assured lawmakers that department heads were responsible for executing cost-cutting measures.
White House Addresses Growing Concerns
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has been monitoring Republican and business leaders’ concerns regarding Musk. Wiles has maintained a professional relationship with Musk and advised him to engage more with Congress.
During a lunch with Senate Republicans, Wiles explained the administration’s internal structure. “Musk is working directly with the president, and the president then works with the Cabinet secretaries,” she stated.
A day later, 22 Republican senators met with Musk at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. He elaborated on the planned reductions and posed for a photograph with attendees.
Lawmakers Seek More Clarity on Cost-Cutting Measures
Republican Senator Mike Rounds raised questions about oversight on cost reductions. “In a lot of cases, where they are carte blanche making significant cuts, how do we go about making sure that that message gets back and it gets corrected as quickly as possible?” Rounds asked.
Wiles offered to serve as the point of contact for addressing these concerns. However, lawmakers called for a more structured process to ensure accountability.
Musk Responds to Republican Concerns
Musk distanced himself from mass layoffs within the federal government, attributing those decisions to department heads. “He just said that they trusted the departments to, you know, instead of using a cudgel to use a scalpel to get rid of people that are unproductive,” Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden said.
Despite offering his personal phone number to some senators, Musk directed House members to use the DOGE website for inquiries. Representative Carlos Gimenez remarked, “How can I get ahold of you? He said there’s a web site for that. No, he didn’t give us his number.”
Ongoing Power Dynamics in Washington
The evolving relationship between Trump, Musk, and agency heads continues to shape the administration’s policies. The next Cabinet meeting, scheduled in two weeks, is expected to further define roles and responsibilities.
Trump’s directive reaffirms his commitment to fiscal responsibility while addressing concerns about Musk’s influence. The administration remains focused on balancing efficiency with the need to retain skilled personnel within federal agencies.
