President Donald Trump convened his Cabinet on March 6, 2025, to clarify the authority of Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), in federal staffing and policy decisions. Trump emphasized that while Musk and DOGE can make recommendations, final decisions rest with Cabinet secretaries.
This meeting followed widespread concerns over mass terminations across federal agencies, actions that have faced legal challenges and bipartisan criticism. Trump’s directive positions DOGE in an advisory capacity, with implementation authority resting with individual departments.
Musk acknowledged previous missteps and expressed alignment with the clarified guidance. Trump underscored the importance of retaining competent federal employees, advocating for a targeted approach to workforce reductions.
The administration has committed to biweekly meetings to ensure precise and effective implementation of efficiency measures. Trump took to social media after the meeting, sharing the more guided and precise approach to government terminations.
“As the Secretaries learn about, and understand, the people working for the various Departments, they can be very precise as to who will remain, and who will go,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “We say the ‘scalpel’ rather than the ‘hatchet.’ The combination of them, Elon, DOGE, and other great people will be able to do things at a historic level.”
