- Trump Advises Musk to Use Scalpel Not Hatchet in Government Cuts Trump emphasizes careful targeting in cost reductions.
- Musk lacks authority to make unilateral decisions on staffing cuts.
- Cabinet secretaries are responsible for final staffing decisions.
- DOGE’s cost-cutting efforts face legal challenges and bipartisan criticism.
President Donald Trump has responded to growing criticism over unprecedented cuts to the US government overseen by his billionaire advisor Elon Musk, saying they should be carefully targeted.
“We say the ‘scalpel’ rather than the ‘hatchet,'”
Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social. This message represents the first move to rein in the power accorded to Musk, as his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) works toward gutting federal staffing and spending.
The president’s message comes amid increasing resistance to DOGE’s cost-cutting campaign, including court rulings and pressure from lawmakers.
Despite this, Trump praised DOGE’s efforts, stating it has been an incredible success. He instructed his Cabinet members to collaborate with DOGE on cost-cutting strategies and staffing decisions, emphasizing that they, not Musk, are in charge of their departments.
Trump says he just had a meeting with Elon Musk and most of his Cabinet and that they plan to meet every two weeks, in part about staffing levels. “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… pic.twitter.com/0QZsK9Iven
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) March 6, 2025
Trump confirmed reports that he convened his cabinet in person to deliver the message that they, not Musk, were in charge of their departments. Musk attended the meeting and agreed to prioritize agency officials for staffing decisions. The president emphasized the importance of retaining productive employees while reducing staff levels to where they should be.
The Trump administration has faced scrutiny for trying to distance Musk from the government’s actions, even as the president has publicly claimed otherwise. Musk’s role in federal budget cuts has been central, but his authority has been questioned, leading to legal challenges and bipartisan concerns.
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Last Updated on March 7, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
