Trump Asserts Cabinet Control Over Staffing Decisions, Clarifies Musk’s Advisory Role

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed his cabinet members, clarifying that they, rather than Elon Musk, would have the final authority on staffing and policy decisions within their respective agencies, according to a source familiar with the meeting. While Musk, the CEO of Tesla, and his Department of Government Efficiency will serve in an advisory capacity, Trump emphasized that the cabinet would retain control over these matters. The source noted that Musk was present during the meeting and expressed his alignment with Trump’s approach.
The meeting came in response to concerns from agency leaders regarding the aggressive methods employed by Musk’s department, which had been communicated to senior White House officials, including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Recently, the White House Office of Legislative Affairs received several calls from Republican lawmakers, many of whom were dealing with concerns from constituents.
When asked whether Musk had moved too quickly in his approach, Trump said he did not believe so, praising Musk for his efforts in identifying cost-saving measures. Following the meeting, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, “While I want to achieve cost reductions, I also want to retain our most talented and dedicated people.”
This statement marked Trump’s first public attempt to establish clearer boundaries for Musk, who has taken bold actions, including large-scale layoffs, contract cancellations, and access to sensitive systems.
Trump later shared a post on Truth Social about the cabinet meeting, emphasizing the importance of streamlining operations and retaining key talent. “It is crucial to reduce levels to appropriate levels, but equally important to ensure we keep the best and most productive individuals,” Trump wrote. “We prefer using a ‘scalpel’ approach rather than a ‘hatchet.’” At last month’s Conservative Political Action Conference, Musk had symbolically carried a chainsaw, representing his commitment to reducing government size and expenditure.