Mr. Trump narrows the power of billionaire Elon Musk

US President Donald Trump summoned his cabinet to convey the message: ‘You are in charge of your department, not Elon Musk’.

Mr. Elon Musk raised his hand to greet everyone. Photo: Politico

Politico quoted two administration officials as saying that on March 6, Trump told senior members of the administration that although the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Elon Musk is empowered to make recommendations to ministries, he cannot make unilateral decisions on personnel and policy.

When the above statement was made, Mr. Musk was also present and expressed support for President Donald Trump’s directive. According to several sources familiar with the meeting, Mr. Musk admitted that DOGE made some mistakes.

The cabinet meeting comes after a series of major layoffs in federal agencies. DOGE’s moves, headed by Elon Musk, have faced fierce opposition in court and criticism from Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans.

Musk’s involvement in government affairs has sparked protests and lawsuits, with some accusing the billionaire’s influence on policy decisions to be unconstitutional.

President Donald Trump’s message on March 6 represents the first significant move to narrow Musk’s power. According to the guidance of the head of the United States, DOGE and its employees should act as advisors, and cabinet ministers will be the final decision-makers on personnel, policy, and speed of implementation.

However, President Trump added, Mr. Musk is still a key figure in efforts to improve the efficiency of the administration.