- Elon Musk’s influence over U.S. federal agencies grows, causing frustration among Trump aides.
- Chief of staff Susie Wiles calls for better coordination with Musk’s team.
- Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aims to slash federal workforce.
- Wiles and Trump’s team feel left out, especially after Musk’s public communications.
- Tensions are escalating due to secretive operations and emails sent to federal workers.
Frustration is rising among top aides to former President Donald Trump. They are unhappy with Elon Musk’s increasing influence in the U.S. government. Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) now handles streamlining federal agencies. Key figures, like Trump’s Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, are urging better coordination.
Trump granted Musk extraordinary authority, including overseeing major workforce cuts in federal agencies. An executive order gives Musk and DOGE control over hiring decisions in the federal bureaucracy. However, some White House officials feel concerned. They believe Musk’s team is not sharing enough information.
Musk’s Oversight Raises Concerns
Musk’s involvement in overseeing federal workforce cuts and agency restructuring has sparked controversy. Under an executive order from Trump, DOGE must assign a “team lead” to each government agency. This person is responsible for all hiring and firing decisions. The goal is to reduce government size and increase efficiency.
In a recent statement, Musk defended his role. He said the public voted for government reform, and his team was fulfilling this mandate. Musk also mentioned their actions were “maximally transparent,” but DOGE’s operations remain largely secret. While he touts financial savings, little is known about which agencies are being impacted.
Behind the scenes, frustration is growing despite Musk’s claims of transparency. Sources say Susie Wiles and her team feel excluded from the process. An insider revealed that they recently met with Musk to voice their concerns. Wiles and her aides reportedly said, “We need to message all this. We need to be looped in.”
This frustration stems from a lack of coordination. For example, Wiles and her team weren’t informed about emails Musk’s associates sent to federal workers in late January. These emails offered financial incentives for workers to quit their jobs. Wiles was especially upset that these plans were leaked on Musk’s platform, X, before senior White House staff had reviewed them.
Musk’s Approach: Uncompromising and Public
Musk’s management style is intense and unpredictable. He thrives on controversy and often makes headlines with his bold approach. For example, Musk frequently posts updates on X and engages with his followers. He also works over the weekend to meet deadlines, showing his commitment to the job.
This approach clashes with the Trump administration’s more controlled style. Musk argues that his work serves the public interest. However, some White House aides believe his strategies don’t align with the need for careful messaging and coordination.
Tension Between Trump and Musk
The friction between Trump’s re-election campaign and Musk’s team is evident. Wiles, praised for managing Trump’s 2024 campaign, wants a unified message. She believes Musk’s erratic communication undermines this. As both sides navigate this partnership, the future of Musk’s relationship with the White House remains uncertain.
Trump, however, continues to speak highly of Musk. He admires Musk’s unconventional style and the impact of his work. The president calls Musk a “fantastic” figure and praises the DOGE team, calling them “super geniuses.”
Musk’s push to reform the U.S. government adds to the tensions. His ambitious plans may align with Trump’s goals, but the lack of coordination could create complications. As Musk’s influence grows, the coming months will show whether both sides can find common ground. Communication and coordination will be key in the run-up to the 2024 elections.