Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative sparked immediate chaos after the billionaire demanded federal employees justify their work via mass email last Saturday. Senior White House officials learned about the directive through Musk’s X post rather than official channels, creating confusion that rippled across agencies. We’re focused on solutions, not bureaucracy, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later declared, though sources confirm simmering tensions between Musk loyalists and critics.
The federal workforce overhaul faced pushback within hours. Cabinet members instructed staff to delay responses until receiving clarity, while the Office of Personnel Management exempted White House teams under the Presidential Records Act. This disarray highlights growing divides in Trump’s circle:
- Stephen Miller and key advisers endorse Musk’s rapid reforms
- Senior officials criticize lack of coordination
- 1 million+ employees complied despite confusion
Musk’s unorthodox tactics – including installing sleep pods for staff and bypassing traditional hierarchies – mirror his corporate playbook.
He’s either part of the solution or part of the problem,a White House official stated, defending the $18 billion contractor’s role in streamlining operations.
While critics question potential conflicts with Musk’s SpaceX and Tesla contracts, the billionaire dismissed these concerns during a recent press briefing. With Musk’s temporary government contract expiring this year, insiders remain split: some anticipate his departure, while others believe his influence through X and policy networks will persist.