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.

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

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

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - 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.

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.

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.

These are the celebs who are attending Jeff Bezos’ Venice wedding

VENICE, Italy (AP) — arrived in Venice on Thursday, leading a star-studded guest list of celebrities descending on the lagoon city for the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez.

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.

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.

Putting Your Name on This List Could Hand You $1,270 on Friday

Putting Your Name on This List Could Hand You $1,270 on Friday - Ad

URGENT: On Tuesday, a simple set of instructions will be sent out to an elite group of investors. The folks in this group will have the opportunity to place a 10-minute trade that could double their money by Friday. Consider this your invitation to join them. The next trade is just days away.

Trump's Tariffs, Boeing's Blowout, Tesla's Robotaxi, BYD's European Triumph And GM's Massive Recall: This Week In Mobility

This week's business and finance highlights include Japan's rejection of Trump's auto tariffs, Boeing's scrutiny over a mid-air incident, Tesla's Robotaxi launch, BYD's dominance in Europe, and GM's massive vehicle recall.

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.

Have You Seen this Strange Elon Musk Device?

Have You Seen this Strange Elon Musk Device? - Ad

Tech legend Jeff Brown predicts this "space technology" will be Elon Musk's next trillion-dollar business, and it will make a lot of people rich. This could be the biggest internet innovation since the first web browser Netscape kicked off the internet boom in the late 1990s.

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 ramps up attacks on the Federal Reserve but Powell sticks to 'wait and see' stance

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday stuck to that the central bank will keep its key rate on hold while it waits to see how President Donald Trump's effect the economy, despite the from the White House, which wants lower borrowing costs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau dismisses $95M overdraft case vs. Navy Federal Credit Union

NEW YORK (AP) — Navy Federal Credit Union will no longer have to refund $80 million to servicemen and women for illegally charging them overdraft fees on their accounts, after the President Donald Trump-led Consumer Financial Protection Bureau moved to dismiss the case.

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

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.

Trump's Crypto Ventures, Draper And Cathie Wood's Bitcoin Predictions, MSTR Estimates, And More: This Week In Crypto

The past week in the world of cryptocurrency was nothing short of eventful. From legislative moves aimed at curbing alleged corruption in cryptocurrency ventures to bold predictions about Bitcoin’s dominance, the week was filled with intriguing developments. Here’s a quick recap of the top stories that made headlines.

Iran’s president orders country to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog IAEA

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s president on Wednesday ordered the country to suspend its cooperation with after American and Israeli airstrikes hit its most-important nuclear facilities, likely further limiting inspectors' ability to track Tehran's program that had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels.

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.

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.

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.

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

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple has the potential to surpass Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, but notes the company's slow progress in this market could delay its dominance.

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

WASHINGTON (AP) — The working under Health Secretary recently of two COVID-19 vaccines, disregarding recommendations from government scientists, according to federal documents released Wednesday.

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.

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

Space industry companies have made a plea to Congress, seeking to safeguard the funding for the Office of Space Commerce (OSC).

Amazon Hits 1 Million Robots, Should Human Workers Be Worried?: Company Says 'Creating New Career Opportunities'

If Amazon has one million robot workers, should human workers be worried? Not yet, the company says.

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

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

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.

Dan Ives Urges Apple 'To Make A Move,' Saying That Perplexity Acquisition Is 'A No-Brainer': 'It's A Matter Of When And Not If'

Tech bull Daniel Ives has urged Tim Cook's Apple to make quick moves and acquire Perplexity AI for its search engine.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

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.

US Credit Rating Would Fall If Trump's Big Beautiful Bill Is Approved, Says Thomas Massie: Here's What It Means For Americans

Thomas Massie has warned that the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' could tank the U.S. credit rating to BBB, a level that signals financial distress.

Putting Your Name on This List Could Hand You $1,270 on Friday

Putting Your Name on This List Could Hand You $1,270 on Friday - Ad

Raoul Pal Says Robinhood Letting Users Trade OpenAI, SpaceX Through Blockchain Is 'Democratization Of Finance' — End Of Public Vs Private Markets Has Begun

Macro strategist Raoul Pal commended Robinhood Markets' decision to launch tokenized stock offerings on Monday, June 30, describing it as "democratization of finance."

Trending Now

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Dave Ramsey Has Blunt Advice On How Much To Spend To Keep A Pet Dog Alive: 'I've Seen People Spend Tens Of Thousands Of Dollars…'

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

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

US Stocks Likely To Open Higher, Continuing Record-Setting Advances: June Has Never Seen An All-Time High Since 1950, Highlights Expert

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

Putting Your Name on This List Could Hand You $1,270 on Friday - Ad

Shooting Stars: Rocket Lab Breaks Records (And Stock Up 640% In Past Year), AST SpaceMobile Impresses Defense, Kuiper Grows

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

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

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Lisa Murkowski Defends Alaska Carveouts As Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders And Rand Paul Condemn Trump's 'Big Beautiful' Bill: 'Not Good Enough For The Rest Of Our Nation'