Elon Musk tells Republicans he isn’t to blame for mass firings of federal workers

Trump and Musk appear to make parallel efforts to distance tech billionaire from radical job slashing in government

Elon Musk is telling Republican lawmakers in private meetings that he is not to blame for the mass firings of federal workers that are causing uproar across the country, while Donald Trump reportedly told his cabinet secretaries on Thursday that they are ultimately in charge of hiring and firings at their agencies – not billionaire aide Musk.

The two powerful figures appeared to be making parallel efforts to distance Musk from radical job slashing made over the last two months. This is despite the tech entrepreneur boasting about cuts, recommending the US “delete entire agencies” and taking questions on the issue alongside the US president, then wielding a chainsaw at an event to symbolize his efforts – all amid legal challenges and skepticism from experts.

Topics

Fired Federal Workers Face a Sluggish Job Market

Unemployment is low, but there isn’t much room to move around — especially for those with highly government-specific skills.
The New York Times - 1d
DOGE Has Deployed Its GSAi Custom Chatbot for 1,500 Federal Workers

Elon Musk’s DOGE team is automating tasks as it continues its purge of the federal workforce.
Wired - 1d
Tesla facilities face wave of attacks as Elon Musk delves into politics

As Elon Musk attempts to drastically cut the federal workforce and delves further into the corridors of American power, the Tesla CEO's electric carmaker facilities have come under fire — literally.
NBC News - 5h
Trump downplays infighting between Elon Musk, Marco Rubio, other officials

President Trump is backing a House Republican plan to avert a government shutdown next week. He also played down reports of in-fighting in his Cabinet with advisor Elon Musk. Nikole Killion has the ...
CBS News - 4h
Elon Musk Is Making Republicans Sweat and Giving Democrats a New Target

His unusual governing arrangement with President Trump is opening Republicans up to being yoked politically to Mr. Musk, who polls show is broadly unpopular.
The New York Times - 18h
Fired Federal Workers See Family Members Pile on After the DOGE Axe Falls

The abrupt loss of their livelihoods was tough enough. Now many laid-off government workers report their relatives and friends are celebrating their turmoil.
Inc. - 1d
How Elon Musk Uses Internet Slang to Marshal His Army of Online Fans

Mr. Musk uses online slang to marshal his 200 million social media followers in support of his efforts to gut the federal government. But he might be reaching his limits.
The New York Times - 2d
Elon Musk's Starlink has a growing footprint in the federal government

The use of Starlink has been adopted by at least one additional federal agency since Donald Trump began his second presidential term.
NBC News - 1d
Senate Republicans tell Musk to send his cuts to Congress

The DOGE chief was told that legislative action could enshrine his slashing.
Politico - 3d
Trump denies reports of infighting between Cabinet, Elon Musk

President Trump is pushing back against reports of infighting between his Cabinet and Elon Musk. He also appears to be reversing course on tariffs again, with new threats against Canada.
CBS News - 13h

More from The Guardian

Russia launches devastating attack on Ukraine after Trump’s defence of Putin

Latest attacks came hours after Donald Trump said Vladimir Putin was ‘doing what anybody would do’. Russia launched a devastating attack on Ukraine on Saturday, killing at least 14 people and ...
The Guardian - 13h
Impeached South Korean president released from prison ahead of insurrection trial

Both supporters of Yoon Suk Yeol and those who backed his impeachment rallied in Seoul ahead of his release. South Korea’s impeached conservative president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been released from ...
The Guardian - 2h
More than 1,000 people killed in two days of clashes in Syria, war monitor says

About 745 civilians among those killed in fighting in Latakia province between security forces and fighters loyal to former president Assad. More than 1,000 people, including 745 civilians, were ...
The Guardian - 3h
‘It’s very unpredictable’: divided Greenland prepares to vote amid Trump-inspired existential crisis

After the US president’s vow to take over the Arctic island, pro-independent voices are growing louder but some want to work with Washington. When it comes to the issues on the table – schools, ...
The Guardian - 15h
Revealed: second Kremlin spy ring targeting Russian dissidents discovered in UK

After the spying convictions of six Bulgarians, police have warned of further Russian operations against opponents. A second Kremlin spy operation has been discovered targeting Russian dissidents ...
The Guardian - 11h

More in World

Trump administration briefing: US backs Russia ahead of G7, Republican spending bill boosts defense

US has reportedly rejected Canadian proposal to tackle Russian ‘shadow fleet’, Republican bill trims everything aside from defense – key US politics stories from Saturday at a glance. The US has ...
The Guardian - 57m
Japan’s Ski Slopes Have Too Much of a Good Thing: Snow

While the country is having a banner ski season, exceptionally heavy snowfall has created challenges for resort workers.
The New York Times - 2h
Businesses bemoan Indian ‘tax terrorism’ and red tape

Officials vow to cut bureaucracy and fiscal burden amid fears they could hurt investment
Financial Times - 2h
Impeached South Korean president released from prison ahead of insurrection trial

Both supporters of Yoon Suk Yeol and those who backed his impeachment rallied in Seoul ahead of his release. South Korea’s impeached conservative president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been released from ...
The Guardian - 2h
Lucky loser Van de Zandschulp stuns struggling Djokovic at Indian Wells

Five-time champion loses 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in second round Jack Draper sails to 6-4, 6-0 win despite tough draw Novak Djokovic’s difficult start to the season continued on the North American hard ...
The Guardian - 3h