Trump Asserts Control Over Cabinet, Clarifies Musk's Role in Government Efficiency
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): US President Donald Trump held an in-person cabinet meeting on Thursday to clarify to his administration that the cabinet secretaries, and not Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are in charge of their respective departments. The 90-minute meeting, which included Musk’s presence, aimed to provide clarity over Musk’s role in the government, especially as concerns about his influence over staffing and policy decisions have been raised.
Trump emphasized that while Musk could make recommendations, he would not have the authority to unilaterally decide on staffing or policy changes. The timing of this meeting coincided with rising frustrations over Musk’s involvement in the firing of federal officials and comments from Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), who argued that cabinet secretaries should retain full control over hiring and firing decisions.
The meeting also marked the first formal effort by Trump to limit Musk’s power, as he reassured his cabinet that they could retain the staff they needed. Trump stated, “Keep all the people you want, everybody that you need,” stressing the importance of maintaining good employees.
Musk, who has faced criticism for his involvement in federal job cuts, supported Trump’s decision. He acknowledged some mistakes in his department's actions and clarified that, while he may make recommendations for cuts, the ultimate responsibility for firing decisions lies with the individual agencies.
This clarification is seen as an attempt to ease concerns among judges and lawmakers who had been critical of the lack of clear leadership regarding job and program cuts within the administration. Just a week prior, Musk, in his role as DOGE chief, had given federal workers a 48-hour deadline to justify their work, which led to confusion and resistance from some departments.
Moving forward, similar cabinet meetings are expected every two weeks, allowing Trump to maintain oversight and control over his administration’s efficiency efforts while keeping Musk's role as an advisor.