President Trump emphasized to his Cabinet members their responsibility for staff reductions, clarifying that Elon Musk does not have the authority in this matter. In a closed-door meeting with most secretaries, Trump urged them to retain competent staff while letting go of underperforming or unreliable individuals. He stated that if the Cabinet members fail to make necessary cuts, Elon Musk would step in to implement reductions.

Elon Musk is a key figure in the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce federal spending and staffing through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite Musk’s prominent role, the White House clarified that he is not the administrator of DOGE but serves as a special government employee advising the president without policymaking authority.

The ambiguity surrounding DOGE’s leadership and Musk’s influence has led to criticisms and legal challenges, especially regarding the mass firings at various agencies. Trump’s recent public remarks reining in Musk represent a departure from the norm, as lawmakers from both parties have advocated for Cabinet secretaries to have ultimate decision-making power on hiring and firing.

Looking ahead, the Trump administration plans additional workforce reductions across federal agencies, aiming for precision in retaining the most effective employees while trimming excess staff. Trump emphasized the importance of strategic cuts to align personnel levels with organizational needs, advocating for a surgical approach over drastic measures.