//Trump Asserts Control Over Cabinet Amid Musk's Expanding Influence"If They Don't Cut, Elon Will Do the Cutting," Trump Warns His Cabinet//
President Donald Trump reinforced his authority over his administration in a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, telling his department heads that they—not Elon Musk—are in charge of their respective agencies, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussion.
Despite Musk’s rising influence in Washington, Trump sought to draw clear boundaries, reminding top officials that while Musk’s role is advisory, he does not have the final say on policy or staffing decisions. The high-profile meeting took place with Musk present, underscoring his prominence in Trump's administration.
Musk later described the meeting as "very productive" in a post on X (formerly Twitter), though sources indicate that it was driven by growing tensions within the administration over his influence.
Musk’s Expanding Role Creates Friction
Musk, despite holding no official Cabinet position, has played a major role in Trump's second administration as the overseer of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to streamline federal operations and reduce costs. This outsized role has led to frustration among Cabinet secretaries, some of whom have privately complained about his aggressive mandates.
White House Senior Advisor to the President and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk departs the U.S. Capitol, Mar. 5, 2025, in Washington.
The friction was amplified last month when Musk announced—without prior notice to key officials—that all federal employees would receive an email demanding detailed accounts of their work from the past week. The unexpected directive caused confusion across the federal workforce, with some agency leaders advising their staff to hold off on responding until they could clarify the situation.
Through DOGE, Musk has led extensive efforts to cut government expenditures, boasting savings of $105 billion. However, the figure remains disputed, with experts questioning the actual impact of the cuts.
Trump Reasserts Cabinet Authority
During the meeting, Trump made it clear that while he values Musk's input, Cabinet members must lead the decision-making process within their agencies. He emphasized the importance of reducing government "bloat," directing agency heads to take the initiative in cutting unnecessary positions.
"Keep all the people you want, everybody that you need, and it would be better if they were there for two years instead of two weeks, because in two years they'll know the people better," Trump stated. "But I want them to do the best job they can. When we have good people ... that's precious, that's very important. And we want them to keep the good people."
However, Trump issued a stern warning: if agency heads fail to make necessary cuts, Musk and DOGE would step in to enforce reductions.
"We're going to be watching them, and Elon and the group, we're going to be watching them," Trump said. "And if they can cut, it's better. And if they don't cut, then Elon will do the cutting."
Musk’s Influence on Policy and Staffing
Musk's influence extends beyond budget cuts. As a trusted adviser, he has been vocal about policy changes, workforce efficiency, and government restructuring. His participation in Trump's first Cabinet meeting further highlighted his evolving role, often overshadowing traditional policymakers.
His direct involvement in personnel decisions has led to concerns that he is operating outside the normal chain of command. Some officials worry that Musk’s reach could diminish their own authority, creating confusion about the federal government's decision-making process.
Political and Economic Implications
The developments surrounding Musk's involvement come at a critical time, as Trump seeks to navigate economic uncertainty, trade tensions, and government restructuring. The president's directive to his Cabinet aims to reaffirm their authority while addressing concerns over external influence in key policy decisions.
Trump’s remarks also followed his announcement of a temporary pause on tariffs against Canada and Mexico, a move aimed at stabilizing markets after a volatile reaction to his initial trade measures. The pause has already led to speculation about whether further adjustments will be made to trade policy.
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