Tensions rose during a cabinet meeting as President Trump emphasized the need for his secretaries to firmly lead, restricting Elon Musk's role in cost reduction efforts.
Trump Adjusts Musk's Influence After Tense Cabinet Meeting
Trump Adjusts Musk's Influence After Tense Cabinet Meeting
President Trump reportedly curtails Elon Musk's power following a heated discussion with cabinet members over cost-cutting measures.
In a notable cabinet meeting on Thursday, President Donald Trump confronted tensions surrounding Elon Musk's influence and strategies for cutting government expenses. Musky's confrontational style was on display, especially with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom he accused of not sufficiently reducing the state department's workforce, as reported by the New York Times. Musk's interactions extended to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, raising eyebrows over claims that Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) intended to lay off critically needed air traffic controllers.
After a series of intense exchanges, President Trump intervened to reaffirm his support for Doge, but clarified that cabinet secretaries would take the lead moving forward, allowing Musk's team a more advisory role. A representative from the state department described the meeting as “open and productive,” suggesting some level of consensus, despite the charged atmosphere.
This assembly seemingly marks a pivotal moment wherein Trump may seek to limit Musk's expansive authority within the administration. In a post on his platform Truth Social, Trump instructed his secretaries to collaborate with Doge in identifying essential personnel, emphasizing a precise and measured approach to staff reductions.
Previously, Musk had become a highly polarizing figure within government circles, notably appearing with a chainsaw at a conservative event as a metaphor for aggressive budget cuts, leading to backlash from Democrats and inner turmoil among certain administration officials. His team had also controversially reached out to federal employees, pressuring them to resign in exchange for advance payments, thus raising alarms about the implications on essential roles.
Despite the emerging friction, the partnership between Trump and Musk, which combines political and financial clout, remains a topic of speculation. Recent reports of Musk boarding Air Force One with Trump hinted at a continuation of their collaboration, suggesting that while there may be strife, Trump's support for Musk’s broader initiatives appears intact, albeit preferring a more tactful approach to governance in the future.
After a series of intense exchanges, President Trump intervened to reaffirm his support for Doge, but clarified that cabinet secretaries would take the lead moving forward, allowing Musk's team a more advisory role. A representative from the state department described the meeting as “open and productive,” suggesting some level of consensus, despite the charged atmosphere.
This assembly seemingly marks a pivotal moment wherein Trump may seek to limit Musk's expansive authority within the administration. In a post on his platform Truth Social, Trump instructed his secretaries to collaborate with Doge in identifying essential personnel, emphasizing a precise and measured approach to staff reductions.
Previously, Musk had become a highly polarizing figure within government circles, notably appearing with a chainsaw at a conservative event as a metaphor for aggressive budget cuts, leading to backlash from Democrats and inner turmoil among certain administration officials. His team had also controversially reached out to federal employees, pressuring them to resign in exchange for advance payments, thus raising alarms about the implications on essential roles.
Despite the emerging friction, the partnership between Trump and Musk, which combines political and financial clout, remains a topic of speculation. Recent reports of Musk boarding Air Force One with Trump hinted at a continuation of their collaboration, suggesting that while there may be strife, Trump's support for Musk’s broader initiatives appears intact, albeit preferring a more tactful approach to governance in the future.
