Trump vs Musk? Federal Workers Unconvinced He'll Take Action: 'If They Don't Cut, Elon will, Comments Show Who's Really In Charge'

Bibhu Pattnaik

March 08, 2025

President Donald Trump has reportedly limited the authority of his billionaire advisor, Elon Musk, to dismiss federal employees. This development has stirred skepticism among the workforce and political circles.

What Happened: According to a report, Trump privately communicated to his Cabinet that they have the power over their departments, not Musk. This potential shift could mark a significant change in the Trump-Musk alliance.

However, the federal workforce remains uncertain due to weeks of inconsistent and contradictory directives, reports the Politico.

David Casserly, an employee at the Department of Labor, voiced his skepticism, saying, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” The news of the Cabinet meeting has spurred widespread speculation about Trump’s real intentions, particularly in the face of increasing legal and political scrutiny.

Some have interpreted Trump’s comments as an attempt at “damage control” after he announced that Musk is the “head” of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during his joint address to Congress.

Also Read: Elon Musk Claims Rival Billionaire Wants to ‘Destroy’ Trump To Suppress Jeffrey Epstein Client List

This statement could potentially lead to legal complications, as the White House had previously argued in court that Musk was not the DOGE leader and had no authority to make distinct policy decisions, reports the outlet.

Despite the skepticism, Trump’s comments have ignited hope among Democratic lawmakers, who are eager to see Musk’s influence curtailed and the drastic cuts to the federal workforce reversed.

A State Department official told the outlet. "I don't think it's real. The ';if they don't cut, Elon will' comments show who's really in charge."

Why It Matters: The recent development is a stark contrast to the earlier alliance between Trump and Musk. The move to limit Musk’s authority over federal employees could potentially alter the dynamics within the Trump administration.

The skepticism among the workforce and political circles underscores the uncertainty surrounding this decision. The potential legal implications of Trump’s previous statements about Musk’s role in the DOGE further complicate the situation.

As the story unfolds, the impact of this decision on the federal workforce and the political landscape remains to be seen.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

Make This Move Before Nvidia's Critical Update (Unique Play) - Ad

What It's Really Like To Work With Elon... - Ad

WASHINGTON (AP) — President keeps saying that Republicans' mega legislation will eliminate taxes on federal benefits.

Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez Get Married In A $50 Million Wedding In Venice: From Foam Party On His $500 Million Yatch To Goodie Bags, Here's What We Know

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's extravagant $50 million wedding in Venice included a foam party on his $500 million yacht.

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling?

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

Jeff Brown - the legend who called Tesla and Nvidia early - says Elon is about to launch a $25T AI revolution. This isn't another chatbot. It's real-world AI that could 14X the impact of ChatGPT. But after July 23rd, it may be too late.

Bernie Sanders Shares First Thing He Would Do As President — And It Could Be A Jab At Elon Musk

Bernie Sanders lost the 2016 and 2020 presidential races. In a recent interview, Sanders shared what he would do first if he were president.

BigBear.ai (BBAI) Stock Soars 21%: What's Going On?

Shares of BigBear.ai are trading sharply higher Tuesday afternoon. The rally comes without any new company-specific announcements.

Elon's New Device Could Launch Biggest IPO of the Decade

Elon's New Device Could Launch Biggest IPO of the Decade - Ad

Elon Musk's new device is being called a "game-changer"-and even the White House is using this tech. Jeff Brown says it could launch Musk's next trillion-dollar company and make early investors rich. You can claim a stake now for as little as $500.

FDA requires updated warning about rare heart risk with COVID shots

WASHINGTON (AP) — said Wednesday it has expanded existing warnings on the two leading COVID-19 vaccines about a rare heart side effect mainly seen in young men.

Goldman Just Launched Two New Bond ETFs; Here's Why Investors Should Pay Attention

Goldman Sachs Asset Management debuts two new actively managed fixed income ETFs in response to rising demand for active strategies in a volatile rate landscape.

A Historic Gold Announcement Is About to Rock Wall Street

A Historic Gold Announcement Is About to Rock Wall Street - Ad

The greatest investor of all time is about to validate what Garrett Goggin has been saying for months: Gold is entering a once-in-a-generation mania. Front-running Buffett has never been more urgent - and four tiny miners could be your ticket to 100X gains.

After Diddy's conviction, here's where his business ventures stand

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs has been in his federal sex trafficking trial, but that doesn't mean the once-celebrated music mogul will see his business empire restored.

How to manage ADHD at work and turn it into a strength

NEW YORK (AP) — Jeremy Didier had taken her son to a psychologist for a when she spotted an article about women with the condition. As she read it in the waiting room, she thought to herself: They're describing me.

Trump's Exec Order #14154 Could Be a "Millionaire-Maker"

Trump's Exec Order #14154 Could Be a "Millionaire-Maker" - Ad

Trump's next move could cement his legacy--and trigger a historic wealth boom. Ex-presidential advisor Jim Rickards reveals how it could hand millions a shot at true financial freedom. Watch the urgent interview while it's still free.

Netflix's Squid Game Finale Takes Over Seoul With Massive Parade, Star-Studded Fan Event

Netflix celebrated the finale of Squid Game with a parade and fan event in Seoul, featuring characters and emotional reflections from cast.

Trump vents online about service provider after conference call marred by glitch

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Monday afternoon, the president of the United States was just another person complaining online about his service provider.

Buffett's Favorite Chart Just Hit 209% - Here's What That Means For Gold

Buffett's Favorite Chart Just Hit 209% - Here's What That Means For Gold - Ad

Buffett's favorite market signal just hit its highest level in history-stocks are more overvalued than 1929. He's sitting on $325B in cash... and may be about to buy one overlooked gold miner. I've identified it-plus 4 others with up to 100X potential.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Slide Even As Q2 Turns Profitable For Crypto: Analyst Warns About Decline In BTC If The Apex Coin Doesn't Close Above This Level

Leading cryptocurrencies fell on Monday amid speculation that the Trump administration may have a “shadow Fed" before the term of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell ends.

Canadian Prime Minister Carney says trade talks with US resume after Canada rescinded tech tax

TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said late Sunday trade talks with U.S. have resumed after Canada rescinded its plan to tax U.S. technology firms.

How to Hack a $1.3T Market

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Forget concrete. The new foundation for real estate success is digital, and Pacaso leads the way. Their tech unlocks a $1.3T real estate market. They've already earned $110M+ in gross profits in their operating history and reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

Japan launches a climate change monitoring satellite on mainstay H2A rocket's last flight

TOKYO (AP) — Japan on Sunday launched a satellite to monitor greenhouse gas emissions using its mainstay rocket, which made its final flight before it is replaced by a new flagship designed to be more cost competitive in the global space market.

A hard-right lawmaker is sworn in as Greece's migration minister

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A hard-right lawmaker was sworn in Monday as Greece’s migration minister, replacing a fellow right-wing political heavyweight who resigned following

Copper's Spiking - And This Junior Has the Grades to Match

Copper's Spiking - And This Junior Has the Grades to Match - Ad

Copper is climbing again - and this time, it looks tariff-proof. A $31M junior just posted nearly 1B lbs of copper equivalent. With insiders and institutions piling in, this could be the next breakout.

Business News Digest

AP Business Digest

What's in the latest version of Trump's big bill moving through the Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are inching closer to getting their tax and spending cut bill through Congress with a final Senate vote likely late Monday or early Tuesday.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

While headlines scream "Tesla is doomed"...Jeff Brown has uncovered a revolutionary AI breakthrough buried inside Tesla's labs. One that is helping AI escape from our computer screens and manifest itself here in the real world all while creating a 25,000% growth market explosion starting as early as July 23rd.

LOCALIZE IT: Tariffs could impact next year's fireworks displays and sales; see state consumer laws

EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS:

Ex-Amazon VP Says Working For A Bad Manager Is Worse Than Worrying About Moving Up The Career Ladder: 'One Of My Biggest Regrets…'

Former Amazon VP warns against working for bad boss. Work for someone who supports growth. Title obsession and poor leadership hurt career.

Make This Move Before Nvidia's Critical Update (Unique Play)

Make This Move Before Nvidia's Critical Update (Unique Play) - Ad

Nvidia's CEO is about to say five simple words that could ignite the next explosive phase of the AI boom. It's not about tariffs or China--but it could change everything. This moment could define the biggest profit wave yet.

Julian McMahon, Actor Who Played Doctor Doom In Fantastic Four Dies At 56

Julian McMahon, known for his roles in Fantastic Four and series like Charmed and Nip/Tuck, has passed away at 56 after battling cancer.

Republicans hit major setback in their effort to ease regulations on gun silencers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican efforts to loosen regulations on and short-barreled rifles and shotguns have been dealt a big setback with the Senate parliamentarian advising that the proposal would need to clear a 60-vote threshold if included in their big tax and immigration bill.

What It's Really Like To Work With Elon...

What It's Really Like To Work With Elon... - Ad

A business partner of mine recently told me how one morning, Elon's "DOGE Agents" simply showed up. The whole departments were merged. Dozens of tasks and contracts were reassigned. Several projects were permanently shut down and replaced. That's when he called me, and I realized what was happening.

Boeing Rises 2.8% After Key Trading Signal

A significant trading signal occurred for Boeing stock, as it demonstrated a power inflow at $209.02, after which BA rose up to 2.8%.

How a GOP rift over tech regulation doomed a ban on state AI laws in Trump's tax bill

NEW YORK (AP) — A controversial bid to deter states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade seemed on its way to passing as the championed by worked its way through the U.S. Senate.

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling?

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

Inside The Trump Family's $620 Million Crypto Empire

Since retaking the White House, Donald Trump's reported net worth has remained broadly stable, around $6.5 billion on Election Day to roughly $6.4 billion today.

Bye Bye Birdie: Twitter Blue Bird Logo Blown Up To Promote Online Marketplace Company

Elon Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion and rebranded it to X, auctioning off old memorabilia like the iconic blue bird logo. Ditchit, the buyer of the logo, recently blew it up in a promotional stunt.

Elon's New Device Could Launch Biggest IPO of the Decade

Elon's New Device Could Launch Biggest IPO of the Decade - Ad

Polymarket Bettors See 50% Chance Of Fed September Rate Cuts As Trump Turns Up Heat On Powell

Cryptocurrency bettors now estimate a 50% possibility that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates for the first time in 2025 during its September meeting.

Investors snap up growing share of US homes as traditional buyers struggle to afford one

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Real estate investors are snapping up a bigger share of U.S. homes on the market as rising prices and stubbornly high borrowing costs freeze out many other would-be homebuyers.

A Historic Gold Announcement Is About to Rock Wall Street

A Historic Gold Announcement Is About to Rock Wall Street - Ad

Apple Sues Ex-Engineer Over Alleged Theft Of Vision Pro Secrets As Snap Prepares AR Glasses Launch

Apple files lawsuit accusing former senior design engineer of stealing confidential information before leaving to work at Snap.

Trending Now

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

UnitedHealthcare Group, Gryphon Digital Mining, AMC Entertainment, Centene, And Tesla: Why These 5 Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

Meta, KKR, Lululemon And An Industrial Stock On CNBC's 'Final Trades'

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

Apple Has the Potential To Crush Meta's Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, Says Ming-Chi Kuo, But The Tech Giant Has Been 'Surprisingly Slow'

FDA vaccine official restricted COVID vaccine approvals against the advice of agency staff

A Historic Gold Announcement Is About to Rock Wall Street - Ad

Steve Jobs Took Secrecy To Fight Club Levels For This Critical Mission At Apple — 'People Thought They Knew…But Nobody Knew'

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Climb As Trump Labels Growing BTC Adoption As 'Great Thing': Sell Pressure On Largest Crypto May Be Fading Away, Says Analyst

Trump's Exec Order #14154 Could Be a "Millionaire-Maker" - Ad

Over 400 Space Companies Plead Congress To Maintain Office Of Space Commerce Funding: Report

Larry Page Rejected Steve Jobs' 'Do One Thing' Well Advice, Built Everything Instead: Palo Alto CEO Nikesh Arora Recalls Google's 'Product-Obsessed' Roots