In a week marked by political intrigue and unexpected alliances, US President Donald Trump called a cabinet meeting on Thursday to address Elon Musk's controversial cost-cutting measures within the government. The meeting, held in the historic cabinet room, unfolded with heated exchanges among the secretaries. Nevertheless, Trump continues to support Musk's overarching goals and efforts. This development comes amid growing speculation about the sustainability of their partnership.
According to a state department spokeswoman, Senator Marco Rubio described the meeting as "an open and productive discussion." However, the atmosphere was charged with tension, particularly when Musk reportedly praised Rubio's television presence while conspicuously omitting praise for his diplomatic achievements. Despite these undercurrents, Trump remains firmly in Musk's corner, indicating strong support for his partnership with Doge, the tech mogul's government-affiliated company.
In an unusual move, federal workers received instructions to report their weekly accomplishments or face termination. Some agencies advised employees to disregard these directives. This action coincided with Doge's decision to dismiss numerous newly hired government employees who lacked full civil service protections due to their probationary status. Such measures have led to significant unrest within the federal workforce and sparked legal challenges from several quarters.
The stakes were further raised when reports emerged that Musk's team had sent emails from official government accounts to millions of federal workers. The emails urged them to accept several months of advance pay in exchange for voluntary resignation. This aggressive strategy reflects Musk's commitment to reducing government expenditure and streamlining operations.
During an Oval Office event on Friday, Trump addressed questions about the cabinet meeting and its contentious exchanges. He acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence that his secretaries would collaborate effectively with Doge on cost-cutting measures. Notably, he praised both Rubio and Musk, emphasizing that the two "get along great," despite the apparent discord during the meeting.
Adding to the intrigue, Musk was seen boarding Air Force One with President Trump on Friday night. The pair traveled to Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for the weekend, sparking further speculation about their alliance and ongoing cooperation.
Several federal judges overseeing related cases have voiced concerns regarding Musk's authority in this context. These concerns have been amplified by Trump's recent remarks during his address to Congress, where he referred to Musk as "the man in charge of Doge." Such statements have fueled debates about Musk's influence over government operations and his alignment with Trump's agenda.
Meanwhile, Duffy's department has come under scrutiny following two US airline crashes since Trump assumed office. The increased focus on safety and accountability adds another layer of complexity to the administration's dealings with Musk and Doge.
The cabinet meeting's substance was initially disclosed through after-the-fact media reports, followed by Trump's social media post on Truth Social. In it, he commented on Thursday's discussions, underscoring his commitment to Musk's objectives.
Washington has been rife with speculation for months regarding whether Trump's partnership with Musk could withstand internal pressures and external criticisms. The recent cabinet dust-up may signify the first visible crack in their alliance; however, Trump's continued support suggests that the relationship remains intact for now.