Trump Orders Major Federal Workforce Cuts with Musk Leading the Charge

Washington/Panjab Post
President Donald Trump has directed U.S. agencies to collaborate with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk on an initiative to reduce the size of the federal workforce. The executive order, signed on Tuesday, calls for identifying government employees who can be dismissed and assessing functions that could be eliminated altogether. Standing alongside Trump in the Oval Office, Musk—accompanied by his 4-year-old son—spoke to reporters, emphasizing his commitment to streamlining government operations at the president’s request. Wearing a “Make America Great Again” cap, Musk defended his role in leading this effort despite being an unelected official, arguing that an unchecked federal bureaucracy wields excessive power.
“You can’t have a government that operates independently of the people’s will,” Musk stated, describing the bureaucratic structure as an unofficial “fourth branch” of power that often supersedes elected representatives. Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has faced criticism for operating with little transparency, offering few details on its personnel, locations, and specific actions within federal agencies. While DOGE claims to have made significant cost-cutting moves, it has largely provided only financial figures rather than detailed reports.
“I fully expect intense scrutiny—essentially a daily proctology exam,” Musk said, dismissing accusations that he is executing a covert takeover of government functions. He pushed back against critics, particularly Democrats, who argue that his influence is expanding without proper oversight. The initiative signals a major shift in the administration’s approach to federal governance, with Musk playing an unprecedented role in reshaping government efficiency.