Trump and Musk Announce Major Federal Workforce Cuts \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump and Elon Musk appeared together in the Oval Office on Tuesday as Trump signed an executive order to further reduce the federal workforce. The move advances Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative, which aims to cut spending and restructure agencies. Under the plan, agencies must cut staff and limit new hires, with some facing elimination or mergers. Many federal employees fear for their jobs, with over 65,000 already accepting a deferred resignation buyout program. Meanwhile, critics warn that Musk’s unchecked influence over federal agencies is causing widespread anxiety among government workers.
Trump and Musk’s Workforce Overhaul: Quick Looks
- Executive Order Signed: Trump’s order advances Musk’s plan to reduce federal workers.
- Massive Job Cuts Planned: Agencies must limit hiring and consolidate or eliminate certain offices.
- Buyout Program Under Review: Over 65,000 workers have taken buyouts, but legality is in question.
- Musk’s Growing Influence: The billionaire defends his role but faces criticism over transparency.
- Workers Fear Retaliation: Federal employees report monitoring concerns and workplace uncertainty.
- Congress Pushes Back: Lawmakers warn cuts could disrupt essential government services.
Deep Look: Trump and Musk’s Federal Workforce Shake-Up
In a rare joint appearance, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk stood together in the Oval Office on Tuesday, unveiling a major step in their effort to downsize the federal workforce. The executive order Trump signed accelerates agency restructuring, aligning with Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative. The move, however, has sparked fear and uncertainty among federal employees, with critics calling Musk’s expanding influence over the government unprecedented and unaccountable.
Musk Takes Center Stage in Government Restructuring
Tuesday’s event marked Musk’s first time answering questions from reporters since he was appointed as a special government employee with broad authority over federal agencies. The billionaire and owner of X (formerly Twitter) defended his approach, stating that while some government employees do important work, the bureaucracy is bloated and needs drastic reform.
“The people voted for major government reform, and that’s what they’re going to get,” Musk said. “That’s what democracy is all about.”
Despite concerns that he is amassing unchecked power, Musk dismissed the scrutiny, joking that his role in the government feels like a “daily proctology exam.”
Key Provisions of Trump’s Executive Order
The White House released a fact sheet outlining how the executive order will reshape the federal workforce:
- Federal agencies must conduct large-scale job reductions and evaluate whether certain offices should be eliminated or merged.
- New hiring restrictions: Agencies can only hire one new employee for every four departures, except in immigration, law enforcement, and public safety.
- Buyout program in limbo: A deferred resignation initiative, which offers employees incentives to quit, is currently under judicial review but has already led to 65,000 resignations.
The controversial buyout program, which Musk and Trump hope will accelerate workforce reductions, allows federal employees to resign while continuing to receive pay until September 30. However, it has faced legal challenges over concerns that it violates federal employment laws.
Federal Workers React With Fear and Frustration
As news of the executive order spread, federal workers expressed growing anxiety over their future.
Across the street from the U.S. Capitol, hundreds of federal employees gathered for a rally to protest the buyout program and looming job cuts.
Janet Connelly, a graphic designer for the Department of Energy, shared her frustration with being pressured to resign.
“From the get-go, I didn’t trust it,” she said. “It’s too easy to vilify us.”
Many employees fear their offices are being monitored, with one government lawyer speaking anonymously due to concerns about retaliation.
“People are worried about their jobs. They’re worried about their families. They’re also worried about their work and the communities they serve.”
A single mother working in federal law said her family is urging her to leave her job for the private sector. She remains skeptical of the buyout program, warning that employees forfeit their right to sue if they aren’t paid what they were promised.
“The idea is insane,” she said.
Lawmakers Push Back Against Trump and Musk’s Workforce Overhaul
At a press conference hosted by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), congressional Democrats slammed the administration’s approach to workforce reductions.
“We actually need these people to stay in their jobs, or things are going to start breaking,” Murray warned.
Helen Bottcher, a union leader and former EPA employee, echoed concerns that Musk and Trump are pushing public servants out the door at any cost.
“They’re treating federal workers like an obstacle, not an asset,” Bottcher said.
Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress have largely supported the initiative, arguing that government bloat must be addressed.
Musk’s Expanding Role in the Trump Administration
As the world’s richest person and owner of X, Musk wields unparalleled influence in the Trump administration. His oversight of federal agencies, combined with his private control of a major social media platform, has drawn comparisons to a shadow government official.
Critics argue that his role lacks transparency and that his business interests could present major conflicts of interest. However, Musk remains unapologetic about his mission to shrink government bureaucracy.
Despite court challenges to the workforce reduction plan, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency continues to shape federal policy.
What Happens Next?
- Court Rulings Awaited: The legality of the deferred resignation program remains in question, with a judge reviewing challenges from federal employee unions.
- Agency Cuts Begin: Federal agencies must submit plans for layoffs and consolidations in the coming weeks.
- Congressional Showdown Looms: Democrats are preparing legislative challenges to block the most severe cuts.
- Federal Employee Exodus Expected: With thousands of resignations already processed, agencies may struggle to maintain essential services.
For now, Trump and Musk’s push to remake the federal workforce is in full motion, leaving government employees uncertain about their future.
Trump and Musk Announce Trump and Musk Announce
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