Elon Musk’s growing influence over U.S. federal agencies has sparked frustration among top Trump aides, particularly Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Her team wants better coordination as Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) slashes federal jobs and disrupts operations, sources say.
Wiles recently urged Musk to improve communication, emphasizing the need for messaging and transparency. Despite tensions, Trump continues to praise Musk, who speaks to the president daily. An official downplayed the friction, saying “operational hiccups” have been resolved, with Musk now providing daily updates.
On Tuesday, Trump issued an executive order granting DOGE oversight of agency hiring and workforce reductions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced Musk’s authority, stating he “serves at the pleasure of the president.” At a press briefing, Musk defended his role, claiming his work aligns with public demand for reform.
Despite these assurances, DOGE operates in secrecy, withholding employment details while accessing sensitive government data. Concerns have also arisen over unapproved emails offering federal workers financial incentives to quit, blindsiding Wiles’ team. Some aides are learning about DOGE’s actions from Musk’s social media platform, X, before official vetting.
While many Trump allies admire Musk’s aggressive approach, internal disagreements persist. Musk, who contributed over $250 million to Trump’s campaign, now wields significant influence in Washington. Wiles, a disciplined strategist, seeks more structured cooperation, contrasting with Musk’s impulsive style.
As DOGE accelerates government downsizing, balancing Musk’s unchecked power with White House oversight remains a challenge.
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