Trump and Musk Reshape Government with Sweeping Overhaul

Trump and Musk Reshape Government with Sweeping Overhaul \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Trump administration, with Elon Musk’s influence, is rapidly overhauling federal agencies, implementing drastic cuts, layoffs, and new oversight rules that critics say threaten the stability of government operations. Decisions revealed Friday show that the EPA, TSA, VA, IRS, and Social Security Administration are all facing major changes, with Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) exerting control over agency budgets. Lawmakers and legal experts raise concerns over Musk’s role, while protests and lawsuits mount against what some call an unconstitutional power grab.

Trump and Musk’s Government Overhaul: Quick Looks

• Musk’s Influence Over Agencies – Trump grants Musk sweeping budget oversight.
• EPA Now Requires DOGE Approval – Contracts over $50,000 must be approved by Musk’s team.
• Pentagon Workers Cut Off from Travel – Government credit cards limited to $1 for civilian employees.
• TSA Union Contract Canceled – Potential prelude to layoffs or privatization.
• Massive Layoffs in Progress – Plans to slash 80,000 VA jobs, cut IRS and SSA workforces in half.
• Legal Challenges & Protests Grow – Critics call Musk’s role unconstitutional as lawsuits escalate.

Deep Look

Trump and Musk’s Radical Overhaul of the Federal Government

The Trump administration’s government restructuring has thrown federal agencies into turmoil, as revealed by a series of decisions announced Friday.

With billionaire Elon Musk leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the White House is tightening control over federal spending, forcing massive budget cuts, layoffs, and policy changes that are reshaping how government operates.

“We are moving faster than any startup I’ve been part of.” – David Sacks, Trump Adviser

While Trump and Musk frame the changes as necessary cost-cutting, critics warn of chaos, unconstitutional overreach, and political interference in government agencies.

Musk’s Expanding Influence Over Federal Agencies

Despite not holding an official, Senate-confirmed position, Musk has gained sweeping authority over budget decisions, personnel cuts, and agency policies.

• EPA contracts over $50,000 now require approval from DOGE.
• Pentagon employees’ government travel credit cards reduced to a $1 limit.
• TSA union contract for 47,000 workers abruptly canceled.
• Social Security policies altered without congressional oversight.

These moves signal an unprecedented effort to centralize control over federal spending in ways that could permanently alter government functions.

“Science, healthcare, veterans’ benefits, and Social Security are all in Musk’s crosshairs.” – Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Veterans, IRS, and Social Security Agencies Face Deep Cuts

The Trump administration is preparing for mass layoffs across several key government agencies.

• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) could lose 80,000 employees.
• The IRS and Social Security Administration may cut their workforces in half.
• SSA briefly revoked automatic Social Security numbers for newborns in Maine, later reversing course.

While Trump has promised not to cut Social Security benefits, Democrats argue that gutting the SSA workforce would slow payments to 72.5 million recipients, including retirees and children.

“Trump’s budget cuts don’t just shrink government; they break it.” – Critics of the administration’s plan

Social Security Controversy: Politics and Backpedaling

One of the most controversial policy changes came when the Trump administration blocked newborns in Maine from automatically receiving Social Security numbers—a move critics said was a politically motivated attack on Democratic Gov. Janet Mills.

Following immediate backlash, acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek reversed the decision Friday:

“I realize that ending these contracts created an undue burden on the people of Maine, which was not the intent. As a leader, I will admit my mistakes and make them right.” – Leland Dudek

The rapid backpedaling suggests internal confusion within the administration, with policies being announced, reversed, and rewritten on the fly.

Legal Challenges Mount Against Musk’s Role

Musk’s unprecedented authority over government agencies has sparked concerns about legality and constitutional overreach.

• Norm Eisen, chair of the State Democracy Defenders Fund, has sued the administration over Musk’s role, arguing that his decision-making power is unconstitutional.
• Republican lawmakers are privately expressing frustration, worried that Musk is acting recklessly without fully understanding legal constraints.

“He has plunged ahead without necessarily knowing what he legally has to do.” – Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich.

Even some within Trump’s Cabinet are reportedly at odds with Musk’s influence, particularly Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Trump, however, dismissed rumors of internal conflict:

“Elon gets along great with Marco.” – President Donald Trump

Protests and Public Backlash Grow

The sweeping government shakeup has sparked protests, particularly in states hit hardest by budget cuts.

• Federal workers and activists protested outside Rep. Huizenga’s office in Michigan, demanding answers about Musk’s role.
• Demonstrations have erupted in Washington, D.C., and other major cities, with government employees calling for job security and oversight.
• Union leaders warn that TSA’s collective bargaining elimination is the first step toward layoffs or privatization.

“I would like to ask why Musk can go in and simply blow up agencies without knowing what he’s doing.” – Linda Visscher, Michigan protester

Trump’s Executive Orders Are Reshaping Government Operations

Many of the most dramatic changes have come via Trump’s executive orders, bypassing Congress:

• Mandating DOGE oversight on all agency spending.
• Ordering reductions in federal workforce levels.
• Restricting union protections for federal employees.

One of the most impactful executive orders, issued last week, requires agencies to justify payments and spending under DOGE’s scrutiny.

This move effectively gives Musk the power to approve or reject major federal funding decisions.

“Trump’s executive orders have ignited a firestorm of change, and the consequences will last far beyond his administration.” – Legal analysts

What Happens Next?

1. More Lawsuits Against Trump and Musk – Legal experts expect constitutional challenges over Musk’s outsized influence.
2. Further Layoffs and Budget Cuts – Agencies are preparing for deeper staff reductions in the coming months.
3. Congressional Inquiries and Potential Investigations – Lawmakers could push back on Trump’s executive orders.
4. More Public Protests – Federal employees, unions, and activists plan further demonstrations.

Conclusion

The Trump-Musk overhaul of federal agencies is reshaping the U.S. government in real time.

• Sweeping budget cuts and layoffs are already hitting key agencies.
• Musk’s role remains legally questionable but politically powerful.
• Workers, unions, and legal experts are pushing back against the changes.

As the administration moves forward with its radical restructuring, the battle over government transparency, worker protections, and constitutional authority is just beginning.

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