Trump and Musk Reshape Federal Government, Sparking Legal and Ethical Concerns

President Trump and Elon Musk are centralizing power, dismantling federal institutions, and purging career officials in unprecedented moves.

Elon Musk, empowered by President Trump, is leading an aggressive effort to restructure federal agencies, including shutting down USAID and sidelining civil servants through questionable administrative leave practices.
The Department of Justice and FBI are undergoing major purges, with prosecutors and agents involved in January 6 cases and Trump investigations being fired or pressured to resign.
Corporations like Meta and Paramount are reportedly settling lawsuits with Trump, raising concerns about political payback and the erosion of corporate independence.
Trump's administration is accused of bypassing legal and institutional norms to centralize power within the presidency and weaken the professional federal workforce.
Observers warn of potential legal challenges and public backlash, but the scope and consequences of these actions remain uncertain.