Trump Publicly Reins in Musk Over Federal Job Cuts

The U.S. President calls for precision in downsizing, urging Musk to prioritize retaining top talent while addressing criticism of mass layoffs.

President Donald Trump has urged Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to adopt a more measured approach to federal job cuts, advocating for a 'scalpel' over an 'axe' approach.
Trump emphasized the importance of retaining the most skilled and productive staff while eliminating inefficiencies within federal agencies.
The DOGE-led cost-cutting measures have already resulted in over 100,000 layoffs, with plans to eliminate 45,000 positions at the IRS, 80,000 at the Veterans Affairs Department, and potentially abolish the Department of Education entirely.
Criticism of Musk's aggressive downsizing has emerged from both Democrats and some Republicans, with legal challenges and public backlash growing.
During a cabinet meeting, Trump clarified that final authority over personnel decisions rests with agency leaders, not Musk, who acknowledged prior missteps in DOGE's execution.