GOP Lawmakers Frustrated with Elon Musk’s Govt Cuts and Policies/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ House Republicans voiced growing frustration with Elon Musk’s management of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during a closed-door meeting, citing poor communication and controversial tactics. Lawmakers support cutting government waste but criticized Musk’s approach, including a mass email demanding federal employee productivity reports. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Austin Scott condemned Musk’s remarks about federal workers and his proposed DOGE dividend payouts to Americans.
Musk and GOP Tensions Quick Looks
- House Republicans express frustration with Musk’s DOGE leadership and communication gaps
- Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) warns lawmakers are being “fed to the wolves” amid DOGE backlash
- Musk’s federal worker email demands face bipartisan criticism for being disrespectful
- DOGE dividend proposal using federal savings draws GOP criticism as “childish”
- Sen. Lisa Murkowski calls for dignity and respect for public workers
- Speaker Mike Johnson backs Musk, emphasizing government efficiency goals
- Constituent backlash grows as protests over federal layoffs intensify
GOP Lawmakers Frustrated with Elon Musk’s Govt Cuts and Policies
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — Growing frustrations among House Republicans toward Elon Musk’s role in government restructuring erupted during a closed-door GOP meeting Tuesday. Lawmakers raised concerns over poor communication, controversial methods, and public backlash stemming from Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives.
Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) voiced the strongest criticism, warning colleagues they were being “fed to the wolves” while Musk remained active on social media instead of providing clear communication.
“We need better coordination between DOGE, the president, and Congress,” Scott said. “Federal employees deserve respect, not surprise mandates.”
Email Directive Sparks Outrage
Musk’s recent mass email to federal employees, demanding they list five work accomplishments or face potential termination, triggered nationwide protests and strong reactions from lawmakers.
“It’s not how most responsible employers handle layoffs,” one House Republican said.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) publicly rebuked the tactic, posting:
“Our public workforce deserves to be treated with dignity. The absurd weekend email wasn’t it.”
Divided GOP: Backing Efficiency, Questioning Tactics
While many GOP lawmakers support DOGE’s mission to curb government spending, they questioned Musk’s tone and execution.
“Words matter,” another Republican said. “We need accuracy, not viral memes.”
Lawmakers also criticized Musk’s DOGE dividend proposal, which suggested giving Americans $5,000 payouts from savings generated by cutting federal waste.
“It’s childish,” said one Republican. “We should reduce the national debt or fund critical programs, not hand out checks.”
White House Coordination Concerns
Several lawmakers echoed Rep. Scott’s call for better alignment with the White House and President Trump’s administration. Musk’s social media activity and surprise initiatives have left many in Congress blindsided.
“Measure twice, cut once,” Scott urged, cautioning against hasty decisions affecting federal workers.
DOGE Layoffs and Public Pushback
DOGE’s aggressive cost-cutting campaign has sparked protests in lawmakers’ districts. Progressive groups facilitated demonstrations after thousands of federal workers received layoff warnings.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), however, defended Musk’s actions:
“Americans want a more efficient government. DOGE is delivering that.”
Elon Musk’s Response
Musk remained defiant, tweeting Monday:
“Government accountability isn’t optional. If you’re collecting a paycheck, you should show what you’ve done.”
The White House and DOGE representatives declined to comment further.
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