Trump has effectively handed over control of the state apparatus to Musk – Forbes
12 February 19:47
US President Donald Trump has signed a decree granting Elon Musk’s team from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) expanded powers to manage federal personnel decisions. This was reported by Komersant ukrainskyi with reference to Forbes.
According to the decree, federal agencies are required to cooperate with Musk’s team in matters of job cuts and hiring restrictions. Each agency must develop a plan for significant staff reductions, limiting hiring to only “essential positions.”
The decree also imposes strict hiring restrictions, requiring agencies to hire one new employee for every four layoffs, except in key sectors such as national security and immigration enforcement.
Elon Musk, who was present during the signing of the executive order, emphasized the need to cut federal spending, saying that bureaucracy has more power than elected representatives. He also acknowledged the mistakes in aggressive budget cuts aimed at reducing inefficient spending and promised to correct them quickly.
However, DOGE’s actions have raised concerns among federal employees and union leaders, who argue that they are causing fear and uncertainty among workers. Critics, including Senator Patty Murray, believe that the reforms threaten essential services and demoralize employees.
In addition, Musk has faced criticism and possible conflicts of interest due to his involvement in the government, despite his multimillion-dollar contracts with various federal agencies. Some of the cuts already approved are facing court challenges that temporarily prevent their implementation.
The creation of DOGE and its subsequent actions have been the subject of numerous protests and lawsuits. Legal experts have noted numerous clear violations of federal law regarding access to personal and private information. DOGE’s actions to “remove” agencies and withdraw funds authorized by Congress have been characterized as a violation of Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution and creating a potential “constitutional crisis.” Members of the Democratic Party have said that DOGE has no authority for its actions, which they describe as a “seizure,” “freeze,” or “coup.” The White House and members of the Republican Party have defended DOGE and Musk, saying they are fully compliant with federal law.
DOGE has an office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and has about 20 employees, with other teams embedded in federal agencies.
