Trump Delegates Staffing Responsibilities to Cabinet Amid Criticism of Musk

March 7, 2025 - 12:53

One week after Elon Musk held court before the cameras during President Donald Trump’s first Cabinet meeting, many of the Senate-confirmed leaders of government departments and agencies reconvened in the Cabinet Room on Thursday for a different kind of discussion. In a significant shift, Trump emphasized to his Cabinet members that they would be responsible for staffing decisions within their respective departments. This directive comes amid growing concerns from business leaders and Republican lawmakers regarding Musk's influence and actions.

The Cabinet meeting highlighted the administration's focus on ensuring that each agency is adequately staffed with qualified personnel. Trump’s push for Cabinet members to take charge of their staffing reflects an effort to streamline operations and address the complaints from various sectors about the current state of appointments. As tensions rise over Musk's public persona and its potential impact on the administration's agenda, the Cabinet's new staffing autonomy could play a crucial role in navigating these challenges.