President Donald Trump’s cabinet is taking more control of budget and staffing decisions as Elon Musk steps back from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk, who has led the agency since it was formed, plans to focus more on Tesla. Two government officials confirmed that this shift will allow cabinet members to regain authority over hiring and policy decisions.
Cabinet regains control over efficiency plans
Musk confirmed on Tuesday that he will now work only one or two days a week at DOGE. His special role in government is expected to end in May.
DOGE was created through an executive order by Trump on his first day in office. Under Musk’s leadership, the agency cut many federal jobs, ended contracts, and reduced public services to lower government spending.
Now that Musk is stepping back, agency heads will have the final say on decisions. One official said the cabinet will no longer need Musk’s approval to move forward with plans.
Growing tension within the administration
DOGE’s work has created friction inside the government. At a cabinet meeting in March, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy argued with Musk. Rubio was concerned about the impact on foreign aid, and Duffy raised issues about safety due to layoffs of air traffic controllers.
These events showed that some cabinet members were uncomfortable with Musk’s level of influence.
DOGE may shift its focus
The change in leadership will also affect the young engineers Musk hired to run DOGE. Many of them do not have government experience. One source said their roles will be reviewed more closely, and their influence may decrease.
The White House, however, says the mission remains unchanged. Spokesperson Harrison Fields said the cabinet already had the power to make decisions, and DOGE simply supported the process. He described DOGE as running smoothly and continuing the president’s plans.
Musk’s mark on the federal government
Musk played a major role in Trump’s efforts to reshape government. He sent workers from Tesla, SpaceX, and X to key agencies. These employees helped enforce hiring freezes and pushed departments to cut staff and restructure.
At one point, federal employees had to write weekly reports to explain what they had done. These reports are now used less often, but the changes Musk started have had lasting effects.
Experts expect the cuts to continue
Nick Bednar, a law professor at the University of Minnesota, said the work started by DOGE will likely continue. He explained that many government agencies have already adopted DOGE’s ideas, and it would be hard to reverse them now.
Tom Schatz from Citizens Against Government Waste believes Musk stepping back could help the agency. With less public attention on Musk, he said the agency might operate more effectively.
Possible new leader for DOGE
Amy Gleason may become the next head of DOGE. She is the current acting administrator. In a court filing, she said Musk does not work for the agency. However, President Trump has said several times that Musk is still in charge.
There is still confusion over Musk’s exact role. This will become more important as he steps back to focus on Tesla and his other companies.
On Tuesday, Musk said that the hardest part of building the agency was already done. He believes DOGE is now in a strong position to continue without him.
What comes next for DOGE
Elon Musk stepping away marks a new chapter for the Department of Government Efficiency. Cabinet members will now take a stronger leadership role. DOGE may change its approach, but the goal of reducing government waste remains.
With support from Trump’s cabinet and policies already in motion, the agency’s cost-cutting efforts are expected to continue.
