Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed media reports that suggested friction between Elon Musk and US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 'No clash, I was there, you're just a troublemaker,' Trump remarked to a reporter at the White House, emphasizing that Musk and Rubio maintain a solid working relationship and are both performing exceptionally in their roles.
According to Anadolu Agency, The New York Times reported that a recent meeting between Musk and top government officials revealed significant tensions over Musk's aggressive strategies for reducing government staff. Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reportedly clashed with Cabinet members such as Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy over his methods of executing federal job cuts.
The meeting underscored disagreements regarding Musk's 'hacksaw' techniques, with some officials expressing concerns about the lack of coordination and potential ramifications. Rubio challenged Musk on his focus on downsizing the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and questioned his assertion that the State Department is not pursuing staff reductions, pointing to early retirement buyouts as evidence.
Musk responded to Rubio's concerns by dismissing them, suggesting that while Rubio performs well on television, he is less effective in practice. Trump observed the exchanges before stepping in to support Rubio, highlighting his effectiveness and underscoring the importance of collaboration.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed worries about the potential layoff of air traffic controllers, reportedly questioning the feasibility of such actions amid ongoing responsibilities. However, Duffy later described the meeting as 'productive' and praised Musk's leadership on social media.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins also raised alarms, cautioning that cuts could alienate a vital constituency for Trump. In light of these concerns, Trump indicated a shift towards a more strategic approach, advocating for the use of a 'scalpel' rather than a 'hatchet,' with Cabinet secretaries assuming more direct control and Musk's team serving in an advisory capacity.
Musk defended his methods, citing his track record of building billion-dollar companies and his expertise in efficiency. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt and State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce both described the meeting as 'productive,' while a Veterans Affairs spokesman highlighted the need to balance efficiency with employee retention. Musk reiterated that the discussions were 'very productive,' despite the controversies surrounding his approach to government streamlining. Critics argue that Musk's private-sector strategies may not be suitable for public administration, with concerns about the criteria for widespread layoffs.