Layoff dispute between Trump administration and Elon Musk: Tense moments at cabinet meeting

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It has been alleged that U.S. President Donald Trump's cabinet members and billionaire businessman Elon Musk had a 'serious argument.' Musk was advocating for mass layoffs to make changes to the state structure. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reacted to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Musk, attempting to lay off numerous federal employees. It was also claimed that 'very young and inexperienced staff' working at DOGE were trying to fire air traffic controllers after plane accidents increased. According to reports in the U.S. press, while Musk denied the allegations during the meeting, Trump supported Rubio and tried to 'keep a tight rein' on Musk.

A heated argument took place between Rubio and Musk during the meeting. Rubio criticized Musk for shutting down an agency under the State Department and for his personnel reduction policies. Musk retorted to Rubio by saying, 'You haven't fired anyone.'

According to a report by The New York Times (NYT), Musk responded to Rubio's claims with a 'sarcastic attitude,' stating that the only person he had fired was likely an employee from his own team. Rubio reminded Musk that he had forced more than 1,500 State Department employees into early retirement, asking whether these individuals should be considered laid off.

Trump intervened as the argument dragged on, defending Rubio. Trump emphasized that Rubio has a busy schedule and that everyone needs to work together. According to the NYT's interpretation, the meeting revealed the tension between cabinet members and Musk early in Trump's second term.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio

'SCALPEL INSTEAD OF AXE' APPROACH

During the meeting, Musk's efforts to reduce waste and bureaucracy in the government were discussed. While cabinet members expressed support for Musk's goals, they stated they were frustrated by the 'chainsaw' approach being applied and the lack of coordination. Trump praised Musk's efforts but noted that a more measured approach should be adopted.

DOGE, which Musk was appointed to head, was named the Department of Government Efficiency despite not being a cabinet department. While conducting audits of federal government agencies, DOGE was attempting to lay off employees, claiming that most were 'unnecessary.' Trump stated that cabinet secretaries would be responsible moving forward, and that Musk's team would take on an advisory role. 

Following the meeting, Trump announced in a social media post that the plan to reduce the federal workforce would be carried out with a 'scalpel' instead of an 'axe.' This statement was interpreted as a reference to Musk's aggressive reform strategy.

'WE MUST GET RID OF THE BAD ONES'

A dispute also occurred between Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Musk during the meeting. Duffy claimed that Musk's team was trying to fire air traffic controllers. Musk denied this claim and asked Duffy to name names, while Duffy stated that he had blocked such attempts.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins also pointed out that Musk's cuts would affect thousands of veterans. Collins emphasized that a strategic approach should be adopted. Trump supported Collins, saying, 'We must keep the smart ones and get rid of the bad ones.'

According to the NYT, the meeting exposed the tension between cabinet members and Musk. The harsh criticisms Musk directed specifically at Rubio and Duffy surprised other cabinet members as well. Following the meeting, conflicts between high-level officials in cabinet agencies spread rapidly.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the meeting was 'great and productive,' and that they were working to fulfill Trump's promise to make the government more efficient. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce noted that Rubio evaluated the meeting as an 'open and productive discussion.'

In a social media post after the meeting, Musk reminded cabinet members that he had built multi-billion dollar companies from scratch and was experienced in hiring good people. Musk claimed the meeting went “very productively.”

News Source: 12punto