EditTrump’s cabinet poised to reassert control as Musk scales back DOGE role
The cabinet’s push for control comes amid broader tensions
President Donald Trump’s cabinet is preparing to curb the influence of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and reclaim authority over budgets and staffing as Elon Musk reduces his involvement, according to two government sources with direct knowledge.
DOGE, established by executive order on Trump’s inauguration day and led by billionaire Musk, has driven aggressive efforts to shrink the federal workforce and reduce the deficit through mass layoffs, contract terminations, and service cuts across agencies. However, Musk’s announcement on 22 April to limit his DOGE commitment to one or two days a week to focus on Tesla has raised questions about the agency’s future trajectory.
Musk, a key Trump ally and CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, has been the ideological force behind DOGE’s overhaul, embedding loyalists in agencies to enforce deep staff reductions. His initiatives, including a federal hiring freeze and weekly performance reports for workers, sparked tensions with cabinet secretaries. During a March 2025 cabinet meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Musk of undermining USAID, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized proposed air traffic controller layoffs amid aviation safety concerns, sources said. These clashes reflect growing frustration with Musk’s sweeping cuts, which some secretaries argued disrupted critical operations.
White House spokesman Harrison Fields dismissed claims that Musk’s reduced role signals a shift in DOGE’s influence, stating, “The cabinet already has autonomy over spending cuts. DOGE is running effortlessly, almost on cruise control, executing the President’s agenda.” Nick Bednar, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, noted that DOGE’s cuts are likely to persist due to Trump’s executive orders and cabinet alignment with his agenda. “Agencies have internalized DOGE’s framework, and it’s unlikely they’ll reverse course,” Bednar said.
The cabinet’s push for control comes amid broader tensions. POLITICO reported on 2 April that Trump informed his inner circle Musk would step back soon, citing his political liability after a Wisconsin Supreme Court election loss where Musk’s funding failed to secure a conservative victory. Some administration officials criticized Musk’s lack of coordination, with one source telling POLITICO his unpredictable X posts caused internal chaos. A federal judge’s February 2025 ruling also restricted DOGE’s access to Treasury payment systems, citing risks of data breaches, further curbing Musk’s reach.
Musk’s defenders argue his 130-day tenure as a special government employee, set to end in late May 2025, has achieved significant restructuring. Musk claimed on 22 April that “the bulk of DOGE’s work to get the financial house in order is mostly done.” However, cabinet secretaries are now poised to shift toward targeted cuts, prioritizing precision over Musk’s broad reductions. NPR reported on 7 March that Trump explicitly told cabinet members they, not Musk, hold final authority, signaling a pivot to empower agency heads.
The transition also raises questions about DOGE’s young engineers, many from Musk’s companies, whose qualifications face scrutiny. One source noted their influence may wane as cabinet secretaries reassert control. Despite Musk’s reduced role, his informal advisory presence is expected to persist, with a senior official telling POLITICO he will remain “an occasional face” in the White House.
This shift reflects Trump’s balancing act: maintaining his downsizing agenda while addressing cabinet unrest and legal challenges to DOGE’s actions. As Musk steps back, the cabinet’s increased authority could reshape federal operations, potentially stabilizing agencies rattled by DOGE’s aggressive cuts. However, the long-term impact on government efficiency and public services remains uncertain as Trump navigates his administration’s internal dynamics.
The controversy surrounding Musk’s role as head of DOGE stems from his status as the world’s richest man and CEO of multiple companies (Tesla, SpaceX, X) with extensive business interests. Critics argue this creates a conflict of interest, as Musk’s influence over federal budget cuts, regulatory changes, and agency restructuring could benefit his companies. For instance, SpaceX’s NASA contracts, Tesla’s environmental regulations, and X’s content moderation policies could be impacted by DOGE’s actions, raising concerns about favoritism. A February 2025 federal ruling limiting DOGE’s access to Treasury systems cited risks tied to Musk’s dual roles, amplifying scrutiny. Supporters claim his business acumen drives efficiency, but critics see his wealth and corporate ties as undermining impartial governance.
Sources: Reuters, POLITICO, NPR, The New York Times.
Updated: April 28, 2025 - 05:08
