Elon Musk’s Government Overhaul Frustrates Some White House Officials
Elon Musk, the billionaire tech leader, is making big changes across many U.S. government agencies, but some top aides to President Donald Trump are getting frustrated. According to Reuters, these officials want better communication and coordination from Musk’s team as he cuts jobs and shakes up how the government works.
Musk’s group, called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is firing thousands of federal workers and accessing sensitive government data. This has caused tension with Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, and her team, who feel left out of the loop. Reuters reports that Wiles recently spoke to Musk, asking him to keep her team informed about his plans.
Despite the friction, President Trump continues to praise Musk publicly, calling him “fantastic” and his team “super geniuses.” Musk, who helped fund Trump’s election campaign, has been given unprecedented power to reform the government. However, his secretive approach and lack of transparency have raised concerns among some White House staff.
For example, DOGE operates with little public information about its actions or employees. It has sent teams into at least 15 government agencies, surprising federal workers and accessing sensitive data. Reuters notes that Musk’s team has also sent emails to federal employees offering financial incentives to quit, which Wiles and her team did not approve beforehand.
While some Trump allies support Musk’s bold style, others are uncomfortable with his methods. One source told Reuters that Wiles isn’t against Musk’s goals but wants him to work in a more organized way. Another source said White House staff sometimes learn about Musk’s plans through his social media posts before being officially informed.
Musk, known for his love of the spotlight, often shares updates on his social media platform, X, and works long hours. He even brought his young son to a recent press conference at the White House, which surprised some officials.
Reuters highlights that while Musk and Trump appear united in their goal to shrink the government, the tension behind the scenes shows the challenges of balancing Musk’s aggressive approach with the need for clear communication and teamwork in the White House.
(Credit: This report is based on information from Reuters.)