President Donald Trump convened his first second-term Cabinet meeting Wednesday amid escalating scrutiny of Elon Musk's aggressive federal workforce reforms. The Tesla CEO-turned-Department of Government Efficiency adviser has drawn legal challenges and bipartisan criticism for his abrupt email ultimatum requiring federal employees to justify their roles.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Musk's pivotal role in the proceedings, stating:
The entire administration will address DOGE's efforts to eliminate waste while supporting Cabinet-led agency reviews.
The meeting follows Musk's unauthorized weekend directive via X platform, which caused panic across federal agencies. Multiple department heads instructed staff to delay responses until receiving formal guidance, exposing rifts within Trump's inner circle.
Key developments shaping the crisis:
- DOGE pushes 30% federal workforce reduction by 2025
- 18 Trump nominees confirmed vs. Biden's 10 at same 2021 mark
- Controversial picks like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed despite misconduct allegations
Senate Democrats have blasted the administration's personnel strategy, with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer recently parodying Trump's 2017 Cabinet flattery sessions. Meanwhile, Trump claims his current team surpasses his first-term roster: We're implementing common-sense solutions as one unified team.
Analysts suggest Musk's growing influence reflects Trump's prioritization of private-sector disruption over traditional governance. The billionaire's direct communication with federal employees bypassed standard protocols, catching multiple agency leaders unprepared according to ABC News sources.
As the administration accelerates workforce cuts, legal experts warn of impending court battles over Musk's authority. Former OPM director Jeff Pon notes: No modern presidential adviser has ever wielded this level of operational control without Senate confirmation.