Elon Musk is informing Republican lawmakers in private meetings that he is not responsible for the widespread firings of federal workers that have sparked outrage nationwide. Meanwhile, Donald Trump reportedly told his cabinet secretaries on Thursday that they are in charge of hiring and firing at their agencies, not billionaire Musk.

Both powerful figures are seemingly trying to separate Musk from the recent drastic job cuts he has advocated for, despite his public statements and actions that suggest otherwise. Musk has been facing legal challenges and skepticism from experts over his role in the job reductions.

Despite evidence to the contrary, Congressman Richard Hudson, who leads the House Republicans’ campaign arm, stated that Musk does not have the authority to fire people and that the president has empowered Musk only to gather information. Trump also emphasized that Musk’s authority lies in making recommendations to departments about staffing, not making unilateral decisions.

The Trump administration created and expanded the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” and put Musk in charge of it, despite concerns about a growing US oligarchy. Musk’s vast power and influence have made him a revered and feared figure in the Trump administration.

Trump instructed department secretaries to work with the Department of Government Efficiency but to be precise about which workers will stay or go, using a “scalpel rather than an ax.” He also expressed his reluctance to see a large number of good people let go.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/06/elon-musk-republicans-federal-workers-firings