Two senior officials with direct knowledge say that if Elon Musk steps away from DOGE, Donald Trump’s cabinet could act swiftly. They are ready to curb the agency’s internal influence and regain control over budgets and staffing.
DOGE — short for the Department of Government Efficiency — was launched through an executive order on Trump’s first day in office. Musk was placed in charge. The department gained attention for laying off large numbers of federal workers, canceling contracts, and scaling back services to shrink government and cut the federal deficit.
Musk Plans Weekly Commitment to Government Role
On Tuesday, Musk confirmed he will reduce his time at DOGE to just one or two days each week. He wants to focus on Tesla, which is currently facing serious challenges. His role as a special government employee is likely to end by late May. 
Musk provided political backing for Trump. Meanwhile, DOGE pushed controversial cost-cutting policies. This made the agency unpopular with many long-serving federal staff. Cabinet secretaries accused DOGE of interfering with their hiring powers. Some officials refused to follow its orders entirely.
Cabinet Disputes Emerge Over Musk’s Authority
Tensions have been rising inside the administration. In March, Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed with Musk during a cabinet meeting. Rubio accused him of damaging USAID. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy opposed Musk’s call to cut air traffic control jobs, citing flight safety concerns.
According to sources, cabinet members want more say over spending decisions. Without Musk’s high-profile presence, they may face fewer hurdles. That could make targeted spending cuts — rather than sweeping ones — easier to achieve. These insiders requested anonymity since they are not allowed to speak publicly.
A Shift Toward Cabinet Decision-Making
Musk’s reduced involvement could empower cabinet officials. Agency heads will likely take over as the final decision-makers for all federal cost-saving initiatives.
One insider explained, “The cabinet will now have more independence. They won’t need Elon Musk’s approval every time.”
DOGE Engineers Could Lose Influence
DOGE’s internal structure may also be reshaped. Young engineers hired by Musk will likely face more oversight. Their roles and authority could be scaled back.
These engineers were handpicked by Musk. Many lacked government experience. Now, their qualifications and decision-making power may be questioned.
White House: No Strategic Shift
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields dismissed the idea that Musk’s exit marks a shift in DOGE’s direction.
“DOGE was always designed to give the cabinet freedom to cut costs,” Fields said. “It’s just one agency among many. Nothing is changing.”
He added, “DOGE is running smoothly. It’s practically on cruise control. The agency is still fully executing the president’s plan.”
Budget Cuts Likely to Continue
Academics, watchdog groups, and agency insiders agree: budget reductions will likely continue. The executive order behind DOGE remains active. Trump’s cabinet still supports its mission.
Nick Bednar, a law professor at the University of Minnesota, has studied DOGE’s layoffs. He believes most federal agencies have already adopted DOGE’s reforms.
“The train has left the station,” he said. “It’s very hard to stop now.”
Musk Says “Mission Largely Complete”
Musk has been one of Trump’s top supporters since the 2024 election. He chairs SpaceX, Tesla, and X Labs. He helped shape the ideology behind federal reform. Musk placed senior aides inside government agencies. He also brought in ex-employees from his companies to enforce layoffs.
He had a hand in several White House initiatives. These included hiring freezes, buyout plans, and agency downsizing strategies. He required employees to send weekly reports via email. At first, most cabinet secretaries followed the rule. But over time, the practice faded.
On Tuesday, Musk said, “Building the DOGE team and streamlining government operations was hard work. But it’s now largely complete.”
Search Begins for New Leadership
With Musk stepping back, DOGE needs new leadership. One possibility is Amy Gleason. She was appointed acting administrator in February. In a legal filing from March, she claimed Musk was no longer involved in DOGE. Trump disagreed and has repeatedly insisted that Musk remains in charge.
Still, Musk’s daily responsibilities remain unclear. Before he fully departs, officials say that needs to be clarified.
Musk’s Departure Might Help DOGE Thrive
Tom Schatz, president of Citizens Against Government Waste, thinks DOGE may actually function better without Musk.
“Musk is a lightning rod,” Schatz said. “He draws attention no matter what.” With him in a smaller role, “maybe that’s a good thing. Less attention could mean better results.”
