Elon Musk’s growing influence over U.S. federal agencies is causing friction within the Trump administration, with some officials seeking better coordination, according to sources.
Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, and her team have voiced concerns about being left out of key decisions as Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) moves aggressively to slash federal jobs and access sensitive data. Wiles recently urged Musk to keep her team informed, but tensions remain over his independent approach.
Despite this, Trump continues to praise Musk and has expanded his authority. A new executive order mandates federal agencies to work with DOGE to downsize government operations. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed reports of discord, calling them false.
Musk, speaking alongside Trump at the White House, defended his role, stating that his efforts align with public demand for government reform. However, DOGE operates with minimal transparency, keeping its workforce and actions largely secret. Federal employees have been caught off guard as DOGE embeds staff in at least 15 agencies.
A major point of contention is a January 28 email from Musk’s team offering financial incentives for two million federal employees to quit. Wiles’ team did not approve all such communications, leading to further frustration.
Musk, who invested heavily in Trump’s reelection, has become a close advisor, spending significant time with the president. While many in Trump’s circle admire Musk’s disruptive style, others worry about his unchecked power.
Trump’s camp remains divided—some embrace Musk’s aggressive tactics, while others push for greater oversight.
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