Washington: As head of the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Donald Trump’s second term as US President, Elon Musk seems to be going at a breakneck speed in trying to change existing system.
So much so that many have started questioning Musk’s role and Trump’s wisdom behind giving him so much power. There have been legal challenges as well, with some groups asking a court to declare that Musk doesn’t have the authority to dismiss federal employees, arguing that his position violates the Constitution’s separation of powers.
Perhaps taking note of the resentment against Musk, Trump has delivered a message to the tech billionaire.
In a high-stakes cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump made it clear that it’s the heads of departments, and not Musk-helmed DOGE, who will take the final call on hirings and firings.
Drawing the line for Musk, Trump said that DOGE was only there to play an advisory role.
Musk’s aggressive approach has worried a large section of Americans. His directive to federal employees to justify their work or risk termination has sparked alarm within the administration.
During the meeting, Trump reassured his top officials that Musk may recommend job cuts, but he cannot make unilateral decisions.
Musk was present at the meeting when Trump delivered this message, two government officials told The Politico, an American political digital newspaper company.
Having ruffled feathers, Musk admitted that DOGE had made some missteps, and described the discussion as “very productive.” ABC News reported.
Trump later took to his social media platform Truth Social.
“We just had a meeting with most of the Secretaries, Elon, and others, and it was a very positive one. It’s very important that we cut levels down to where they should be, but it’s also important to keep the best and most productive people. As the Secretaries learn about, and understand, the people working for the various Departments, they can be very precise as to who will remain, and who will go. We say the scalpel rather than the hatchet,” the President wrote.
