### Trump Reasserts Control Over Federal Staffing Amid Musk's Controversial Role In a recent cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump clarified the authority of his cabinet members regarding staffing decisions, particularly in light of the controversial role played by Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Tensions have been rising due to Musk's aggressive cost-cutting measures, which have drawn criticism from various lawmakers and agency heads. Trump emphasized that while Musk can provide recommendations, the final decisions rest with the cabinet secretaries, aiming to quell backlash and ensure a more measured approach to federal job cuts [https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/trump-limits-musk-role-federal-staffing-decisions-cant-fire-doge-cabinet-125030700116_1.html][https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/03/06/trump-musk-cabinet-federal-worker-cuts]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background of the Situation** - Overview of Musk's role in the Trump administration and the establishment of DOGE. - Description of the backlash from lawmakers and agency heads regarding staffing cuts. 2. **Trump's Directive to Cabinet Members** - Details of Trump's statement that cabinet members are in charge of their departments. - Clarification that Musk's role is strictly advisory and does not include the authority to fire federal workers. 3. **Reactions and Implications** - Summary of reactions from Musk and cabinet members during the meeting. - Discussion of the potential impact on federal staffing and policy decisions moving forward. 4. **Conclusion and Future Outlook** - Recap of the importance of maintaining a balance between efficiency and oversight in federal staffing. - Speculation on how this directive may influence future interactions between Musk and the Trump administration. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Musk's Role and DOGE's Impact**: Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has been criticized for its blunt approach to cost-cutting, leading to significant layoffs and unrest among federal employees [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3288482-update-3-trump-tells-cabinet-secretaries-they-not-musk-are-in-charge-of-staff-cuts]. - **Trump's Clarification**: During the cabinet meeting, Trump stated, "If they don't cut, Elon will do the cutting," emphasizing the need for cabinet secretaries to take the lead in staffing decisions [https://abc7ny.com/post/trump-tells-cabinet-members-charge-not-musk-sources/15985415]. - **Reactions from Cabinet Members**: Reports indicate that Musk agreed with Trump's directive, suggesting a willingness to adapt to the administration's structure [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3288502-update-3-trump-tells-cabinet-secretaries-they-not-musk-are-in-charge-of-staff-cuts]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Background**: President Trump has faced mounting criticism regarding Musk's role in federal staffing cuts, prompting a need for clarification on authority. 2. **Directive**: Trump has instructed cabinet members that they hold the final say on staffing and policy, limiting Musk's influence to an advisory capacity. 3. **Reactions**: Musk's agreement with Trump's directive indicates a potential shift in how DOGE will operate within the federal framework. 4. **Future Outlook**: This move aims to restore order and accountability in federal staffing decisions, balancing efficiency with necessary oversight [https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-tells-cabinet-secretaries-they-not-musk-are-in-charge-staff-cuts-2025-03-06].