Elon Musk is reassuring Republican legislators that he isn’t responsible for the termination of numerous federal employees, including veterans, amidst efforts to streamline government operations. This stance was shared in private conversations this week, attributing responsibility for these decisions to individual federal agencies.
While Republicans publicly endorse Musk’s initiatives against government inefficiency, waste, and fraud in the Department of Government Efficiency, they privately voice concerns as the effects of staff reductions impact communities nationwide. “Elon doesn’t fire people,” noted Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., following a gathering with Musk. Hudson clarified that Musk’s role was strictly to uncover operational inefficiencies, not to exercise hiring or firing capabilities.
This perspective marks a subtle pivot away from Musk, traditionally seen as an assertive figure in the Trump administration. President Donald Trump weighed in after a Cabinet meeting, instructing department leaders to collaborate with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cautiously on workforce reductions. “I don’t want to see a big cut where a lot of good people are cut,” Trump stated, urging a careful approach.
Trump indicated that while agency heads would lead the efforts, Musk might step in if necessary cuts weren’t executed. Following this, Musk and agency heads plan to convene bi-weekly to progress their financial trimming objectives.
Amid ongoing legal battles, critics question Musk’s attempt to manage the federal workforce, traditionally under Congressional budgetary control. For instance, the Office of Personnel Management instructed agencies to dismiss probationary employees lacking full civil service defenses. This led to significant layoffs, later partially reversed for roles in critical programs like nuclear weapons.
A San Francisco judge voiced concerns about the legality of these dismissals, forcing the administration to assert that decisions rested with individual agencies, not Musk or the Office of Personnel Management. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., referenced Musk’s clarification that agencies, not he, were behind certain misguided firings.
Musk’s influence extends within and across agencies as he and his team delve into operational data, unsettling long-serving personnel. Key officials, including those from the Social Security Administration, resigned rather than comply with Musk’s demands.
Despite ongoing challenges, Musk remains optimistic about their endeavors, reporting progress during a Capitol visit. Known for high-stakes ventures like SpaceX and Tesla, Musk’s venture into government reform is testing his political resilience amidst pushback over rapid workforce reductions.
During a Senate luncheon, Musk distanced himself from the layoff decisions, insisting these were agency-driven. “It’s not coming from DOGE, it’s individual agencies,” Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., reported Musk’s defense. Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky further emphasized Musk’s dissatisfaction with mismanaged agency actions.
Consequently, many employees are being reinstated across federal agencies. Recently, 180 staff members at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were instructed to return in an urgent communiqué.
Invited to Capitol Hill for further discussions, Musk’s presence aimed to provide clarity to GOP lawmakers amidst town hall backlash. House Speaker Mike Johnson advised constituent meetings in alternative settings due to public frustration.
Musk offered his mobile number to senators and established a dedicated communication line for Congressional inquiries regarding his policies, actions on employment, and agency preservation decisions.
Democratic leaders, meanwhile, warn of the repercussions these cutbacks have on Americans. They criticized the job reductions, with 141 House Democrats urging the Office of Personnel Management to rehire all wrongfully terminated probationary workers.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries challenged potential agency dissolutions, such as the Department of Education, urging a legislative approach. “Bring the bill to Congress. We welcome that fight,” Jeffries declared, committing to defend government services against Musk-influenced cuts. Jeffries vowed to support the American populace over Musk’s initiatives.
