**Trump Tightens Reins on Musk's Advisory Role Amid Cabinet Tensions**

**The latest developments reveal President Trump is curbing Elon Musk's expanding power in government efficiency efforts following a contentious cabinet session where Musk openly challenged key secretaries.**

US President Donald Trump held a tense cabinet meeting on Thursday, signaling a shift in his administration's approach to Elon Musk's initiatives aimed at cutting government costs. Reports indicate that the session escalated into a heated exchange, particularly between Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was accused of not implementing sufficient staff reductions within the State Department, according to the New York Times.

During the meeting, Musk reportedly bypassed praise for Rubio’s diplomatic efforts and criticized Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy over claims that Musk's task force, the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), sought to eliminate roles, including air traffic controllers, at a time when they are critically short. These interactions reflect growing scrutiny within the Trump administration regarding the balance of authority and responsibilities between cabinet members and Musk's ambitious cost-cutting agenda.

In light of the friction, Trump reportedly reiterated his support for Musk's efforts but stated that cabinet members would maintain ultimate control moving forward, relegating Musk’s team to an advisory role. A spokesperson for Rubio characterized the cabinet meeting as "open and productive."

This gathering underscores the president's intention to rein in Musk’s influence, which has been characterized as expansive and aggressive. Previously, Musk had utilized dramatic visuals, such as wielding a chainsaw at a conservative conference, to symbolize his cost-cutting agenda, garnering both attention and criticism.

Compounding the situation, Musk's office sent mass emails to federal employees urging them to accept advance payments for resignations, leading to confusion and pushback from various government agencies. There are ongoing legal challenges concerning Musk's authority, as he is not bound by the same confirmation processes as cabinet members, raising eyebrows among federal judges.

Despite the recent tensions, Trump appeared to downplay any conflicts during an Oval Office event, asserting that the discussions were cooperative. Furthermore, Trump's social media posts suggest he is granting more autonomy to department heads, allowing them to counter Musk's suggestions more effectively.

The dynamic relationship between Musk and Trump, both influential figures in their respective spheres, remains under close observation as speculation mounts regarding the durability of their partnership. Following the cabinet meeting, Musk was seen traveling with Trump, indicating that while conflicts may surface, their alliance persists.

In an unpredictable political landscape, the cabinet session marks a pivotal moment in evaluating how efficiently Musk operates within the Trump administration, poised between cooperation and tension.