President Donald Trump’s second term is unfolding with a business-driven approach to government, heavily influenced by top adviser Elon Musk. The administration has moved aggressively to cut spending, lay off federal employees, and restructure agencies in an effort to increase efficiency. While Trump’s supporters applaud the strategy as a necessary reform, critics argue that the rapid changes are creating chaos and uncertainty.
Musk and Trump Push for Government Efficiency
Trump’s administration has prioritized running the government like a business, an approach that resonates with many of his supporters. With Musk at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the White House has:
- Fired thousands of federal workers to reduce the size of the government.
- Cut spending on projects that do not align with Trump’s vision.
- Restructured or eliminated agencies, including dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
- Issued corporate-style mandates, such as requiring employees to return to the office and submit weekly progress reports.
Musk’s actions mirror his takeover of X (formerly Twitter), where he swiftly slashed jobs and eliminated what he deemed unnecessary programs. This approach has sparked legal challenges, with unions advising federal workers to reject buyout offers amid questions about their legality.
Resistance Within the Administration
Not all Trump officials support Musk’s tactics. In a rare display of internal resistance, several Trump-appointed Cabinet members instructed their employees to ignore Musk’s directive requiring them to submit weekly accomplishment reports. This pushback has highlighted tensions within the administration, as some officials seek to maintain control over their agencies rather than cede authority to DOGE.
Despite this, Trump remains fully supportive of Musk’s efforts. He has praised Musk’s strategies, even calling the email requiring employees to list five accomplishments “genius.” Some of Trump’s allies, however, have privately expressed concerns about the long-term impact of such aggressive changes.
Impact on Workers and the Economy
The administration’s rapid downsizing has already left thousands of government employees without jobs. The effects are particularly severe in states like Virginia and Maryland, which rely heavily on federal employment. Additionally, communities that depended on USAID’s services are now facing uncertainty about access to critical resources.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a Republican and former businessman, acknowledged the economic impact but defended the need for change. “Any CEO who steps into a position where there is an organization with deep financial challenges is going to have to make changes,” he said.
Public Reaction: Divided Opinions on Workforce Cuts
Polls show mixed reactions to Trump’s early actions:
- A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 42% of respondents support Musk’s spending cuts, while 53% oppose them.
- The same poll revealed that 62% of Americans reject the idea that the president can fire any federal worker who disagrees with them.
- A Washington Post/Ipsos survey found that nearly 60% of respondents opposed mass layoffs of federal employees.
- However, a Harvard CAPS/Harris poll showed Trump’s approval rating at 52%, higher than much of his first term.
Many Republican donors and business leaders continue to support Trump’s approach. Dan Eberhart, a GOP donor and CEO of Canary LLC, defended the president’s strategy:
“Trump’s approach might ruffle some feathers, but if it saves money and reduces bureaucracy, voters aren’t going to worry about the details. His approach may be more ‘bull in a china shop’ than surgical, but they don’t care. Voters are ready to break some things.”
Macron’s Diplomatic Strategy with Trump
As Trump’s administration shifts its foreign policy, world leaders are adapting their approach. French President Emmanuel Macron, known for his past “bromance” with Trump, is using a mix of flattery and diplomacy to influence U.S. policy.
During Trump’s recent visit, Macron:
- Publicly embraced Trump, referring to him as “dear Donald.”
- Praised Trump’s leadership on Fox News.
- Defended Trump’s decision to re-engage with Russia.
However, Macron also pushed back on Trump’s stance on Ukraine, correcting him when he claimed European aid was a loan and emphasizing the need for safeguards to prevent future Russian aggression. Macron’s approach suggests that foreign leaders are adjusting their strategies to navigate Trump’s unpredictable policies.
