Trump Reins in Musk After Cabinet Showdown

US President Donald Trump has seemingly reined in Elon Musk's influence after a heated cabinet meeting. The meeting, which took place on Thursday, was called to discuss Musk's efforts to slash government spending and personnel numbers through his Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) task force.¹

Musk clashed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during the meeting. He accused Rubio of not cutting enough staff at the State Department, and criticized Duffy's department for not laying off air traffic controllers.

However, after the meeting, Trump intervened, making it clear that he still supported Doge, but that cabinet secretaries would be in charge, with Musk's team only advising. Trump also instructed his secretaries to work with Doge on "cost-cutting measures," using a "scalpel" rather than a "hatchet".

This development may indicate that Trump is attempting to curtail Musk's sweeping power and influence within the administration. Musk's efforts to slash government spending have been met with resistance from Democrats and some officials within the Trump administration.

Despite this, Trump has continued to express support for Musk's broader efforts and goals. Musk was seen boarding Air Force One with Trump on Friday, heading to Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Florida for the weekend.