Trump's inner circle poised for power resurgence as Musk reportedly steps aside, according to sources
Rewritten Article:
Elon Musk, billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, may soon decrease his involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), sparking potential changes in the department's dynamic. Two government insiders have shared this info.
Created during President Donald Trump's tenure via executive order, DOGE has been spearheading initiatives to downsize the federal workforce, reduce the deficit, and streamline government services. Musk's dedication to the department has been instrumental, with the billionaire's influence extending to key federal agencies through his handpicked lieutenants and former X and SpaceX staffers.
However, on Tuesday, Musk unveiled plans to cut back his government involvement to one or two days a week so he can focus on reviving Tesla. With Musk's status as a special government employee nearing the lifespan of the original executive order, these changes are being examined closely.
Musk's backing has granted political cover for DOGE's notable cost-cutting measures, which have proven controversial among veteran federal staffers. Some cabinet secretaries have expressed resentment over DOGE encroaching on their traditional hiring and firing powers.
Recent tensions between Musk and cabinet members, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, have intensified debates regarding DOGE's authority.
As Musk scales back, cabinet secretaries may have new opportunities to assert greater control over budget decisions and staffing, limiting obstacles in their path to targeted spending cuts rather than widespread reductions.
Increased autonomy for the cabinet will also mean fewer approvals required from Musk. This could lead to a revamp of the engineers initially hired by Musk to staff DOGE, with their influence possibly decreasing under increased scrutiny of their qualifications and government experience.
White House spokesman Harrison Fields disputes that Musk's reduced role signals a shift in DOGE's course. He asserts that the cabinet has always retained autonomy over spending cuts, and finds it unnecessary to make changes to the department's modus operandi.
Critics and supporters of DOGE's mission predict that budget slashing initiatives will continue, despite Musk's reduced time commitment. They highlight executive orders already integrated into various agencies, as well as Trump cabinet officials aligned with his agenda, as potential drivers of continued change.
Nick Bednar, an associate professor of law at the University of Minnesota Law School, is among those who believe that once the momentum is set, it will be difficult for agencies to reverse the cuts initiated by DOGE.
In the face of Musk's reduced involvement and the need for a new DOGE head, Amy Gleason, recently appointed acting administrator by the White House, could be a possible replacement. However, the full impact of Musk's transition remains to be seen, with clarity required regarding his ongoing role and responsibilities.
Pro-DOGE advocate Tom Schatz sees potential benefits in Musk's reduced presence, suggesting that with less attention, the department could become more effective. The upheaval in the department, while significant, may usher in a new era of government efficiency.
- The departure of Elon Musk's significant involvement from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could potentially lead to a shift in business policies and legislation, as Musk's influence has been key in implementing cost-cutting measures and streamlining government services.
- The general news surrounding Musk's reduced role in the DOGE might indicate changes in the dynamics of politics, as cabinet secretaries could assert more control over budget decisions and staffing, which could impact the overall direction and effectiveness of policy-and-legislation execution within the department.
